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387YE Winter Solstice winds of fortune

2026-03-30T17:52:21Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Milestones.jpg|align=left|caption=Winter ends one year and begins the next.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[We are the storm]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/10/24"| 24/10 || Imperial address
|-
| [[Opening ceremonies]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/10/28"| 28/10 || Imperial arena
|-
| [[Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/03/04"| 04/03 || Llofir
|-
| [[Mermaids in the basement]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/02/24"| 24/02 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Cold war]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/02/24"| 24/02 || Jarm and Commonwealth
|-
| [[My friends are my estate]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/02/27"| 27/02 || Appraisal
|-
| [[The truth but tell it slant]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/03/11"| 11/03 || Appraisal
|-
| [[The tune without the words]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/03/18"| 18/03 || Magic
|-
| [[The circle game]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2026/03/20"| 20/03 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Forever is composed of nows]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2026/03/23"| 23/03 || Appraisals
|-
| [[Ourselves and immortality]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2026/03/23"| 23/03 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[In the ground]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2026/03/30"| 30/03 || Marches and Adamant
|}

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

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

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

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===We are the storm (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, celebrating Imperial victories over the [[Druj]], and calling on the heroes of the Empire to turn their attention to the [[Jotun]] - especially those in [[Bregasland]].

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[We are the storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Opening Ceremonies===
* '''Imperial citizens; warriors and gladiators; Archmage of Summer; Imperial Apothecaries' Guild; others still to be revealed'''
* '''Last updated 28/10/2025'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
A new structure nestles on the outskirt of Anvil, drawn from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] with the aid of ''[[Adamant|King Stone's]]'' industrious ''koboldi''. Celebrating the friendship between the monarchs of Summer and the people of the Empire, the ''[[Barien|Lord of the Crossroads]]'' called the ''Drottningbjotha'' for the Winter Solstice - a challenge of arms between ten nations to delight Imperial citizen and [[Inhabitants of the realms|herald]] alike.

You can learn about the new Anvil Arena, and about most of what the ''Drottningbjotha'' involves, in the '''[[Opening ceremonies]]''' wind of fortune.
===Mushroom, Mushroom, Mushroom===
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LlofirArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''Navarr; Advisor on the Vallorn; Spring magicians; Imperial Conclave; People who dislike the Druj; Highguard, Urizen, and the League'''
* '''Last updated 04/03/2026'''
The [[Conclave]] appear to have [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Llofir,_Neutrality|declared neutrality]] with the [[eternal]] [[Llofir]]. Relations between the ''Rotlord'' and the Empire have been strained for several years, and the removal of [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] represents a significant step by Imperial magicians. Llofir's heralds can now move freely about the Empire, which is a potential matter for concern, but it can't wield its power freely, as it could if it were granted [[Alignment#Amity|amity]]. The compromise this represents has prompted a response from the ''End of Empires'', whose servants have made it clear that it has not yet forgiven the Empire for the destruction of its garden, but it seems that there is cautious optimism for the future.

You can learn about boons offered by Llofir to Imperial magicians, and to the Navarr in particular, in the '''[[Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom]]''' wind of fortune.

===Mermaids in the Basement (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; Brass Coast; Red Wind Corsairs and Burning Falcon; Urizen'''
The Imperial [[Senate]] has [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Bridges_in_Brass_Coast|called]] for an [[appraisal]] looking into the potential for constructing a bridge between the mainlands and the islands of [[the Brass Coast]]. ''[[Appraisal#Lutomysla_Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]]'' ws called on to investigate the possibilities, and has since delivered her findings which include some discussion of things that seem impossible, and some things that are at least achievable if not neccessarily in the way the Senate has proposed.

You can find out about the appraisal, and how the islands may be reconnected to the mainland, in the '''[[Mermaids in the basement]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cold Sun Art.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Cold War===
* '''Imperial Senate, Military Council, Conclave orders; Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Military unit captains; Generals of the Burning Falcon, Gryphon's Pride, Granite Pillar, Valiant Pegasus, Summer Storm, Autumn Hammers, Bounders, Drakes, Strong Reeds, Black Thorns, Quiet Step, Northern Eagle, Green Shield, Bloodcloaks'''
"''The Cold Sun has risen, and Lantir is condemned to history.''" These were the words of [[Leviathan]] spoken to the ''Wings of the Skywise'' at the end of the Autumn Equinox. Both the [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]], and the [[Ambassador to Jarm]], reached out to their opposite numbers following this news, offering Imperial aid if it were needed. Exact details are thin on the ground, but it appears that the power of ''[[Cold Sun|Oblivion]]'' has all but annihilated the capital city of Lantir and is spreading throughout that tiny nation far to the east. Given that Lantir is positioned between the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and the [[Commonwealth]], and is ostensibly the reason for their current ongoing war, the fate of that little kingdom might portend something even more disastrous.

You can read about the rise of Cold Sun in the east, and what it means for international politics, in the '''[[Cold war]]''' wind of fortune.
===My Friends Are My Estate (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; League and Urizen citizens of Spiral, especially military unit, fleet, and business owners; League and Urizen assemblies; Oblivion Sentinel; Architect of the Crucible; the Legacy Bourse Seat; Dawnish questors'''
The second appraisal commissioned by the Senate during the Autumn Equinox concerned [[Spiral]]. For centuries [[Urizen]] heartland, now part of [[the League]], there has been significant conflict between the two nations in the recent past. Where the two sides have managed to cooperate, however, the results have been impressive. The [[Senator]] for Spiral, '''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''', proposed a timely appraisal to build on these successes by looking "for ways to draw on the best of League innovation and Urizen wisdom to bolster Spiral's prosperity." The Senate agreed, and as requested [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] was dispatched to explore [[opportunity|opportunities]] in the south-eastern Empire. She has now submitted her findings for the perusal of Imperial citizens.

You can find out what Naomi has proposed, and how that might change the situation in Spiral, in the '''[[My friends are my estate]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Truth But Tell It Slant (Appraisal)===
* '''Printers' Guild of Tassato, Imperial publishers, Vigilance assembly, Chair of the Wolf'''
During the Equinox, the [[The_League_groups#Printers'_Guild|Printers' Guild]] of [[Tassato]] secured the right to serve as [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|patrons of the Beurteilung]]. They asked the [[Commonwealth]] academics to explore ways to expand the [[Technology#Printing_Press|printing]] empire of the Guild, especially to find ways to communicate their message to others outside the Empire's borders. After an enjoyable three months in the Twin City, Professor Gelberg and his associates have presented their findings, some of which have come a little from left field.

You can read about the proposals for the Printers' Guild, and some larger scale suggestions with regard to Imperial printing, in the '''[[The truth but tell it slant]]''' wind of fortune.

===The Tune Without the Words (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Urizen magicians; residents of Feroz, Madruga, and Sarvos; Bregasland, Mitwold, Kallavesa, or people who have touched the Gullet'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
Magic comes in many forms; from the workings of wizards, from the skies above, from the depths of the earth. It changes what it touches, often in ways that are difficult to predict - especially when it is worked on a grand scale. Whether it is a confluence of [[Spring magic|Spring]] and [[Night magic|Night]] in [[the Brass Coast]], strange dreams in [[Wintermark]] and [[the Marches]], or rituals spread through [[Urizen]] by arcane means, magic is all around.

You can find out about strange magic of mortal origin, or whose provenance is mysterious in some way, in the '''[[The tune without the words]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Circle Game (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; Grandmasters, Ambassadors, Northern Trade Network; Cinderpath Custodian, Bargainer at the Iron Tower, Mistress of the Dust Parador, Reeve of Boar's Market, Broker of the Invisible Cord, Talon of Kauppahall; Bursar of the Conclave, Bursar of the House of Spirits, Kruidenkenner Trademaster, Master of Root and Stem, Apothercary of Orieb, Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market; League and Marcher assemblies; and assorted other folk with an interest in the Imperial economy'''
For the last six months, [[Appraisal#Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] of the [[Appraisal#The Prognosticators Office|Prognosticators Office]] has been engaged in an appraisal put forward by '''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''', the [[senator]] for [[Sermersuaq]]. Instructed to examine the [[ministry|ministries]] of the Empire, and in spite of her expertise, she has been forced to admit that there are precious few options that will fulfil the thrust of the appraisal. Frustrated, the prognosticator has tried to take a broader view and look at what she has ''guessed'', is the more fundamental problem - declining revenues for the Imperial treasury, using the time available to study the problem as thoroughly as possible. She has included the findings of that investigation as part of the overall appraisal.

You can learn about Graciana's work to locate alternate ministry opportunities, as well as her wider take on the Imperial economy, in the '''[[The circle game]]''' wind of fortune.
===Forever is Composed of Nows===
* '''Imperial Senate; the Throne; potential sodalities; Imperial Master of Works; Master of the Imperial Mint, Conscience of the Senate, Imperial Magus, Advisor on Orc Affairs, Imperial Consul; Patron of the Beurteilung'''
One of the powerful tools available to the [[Senate]] is the ability to commission an [[appraisal]]. There are limits to what the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office]] can achieve however, and competition for their resources is often fierce. In recent months these resources have become a little stretched with retirements, in-depth long-term projects, and at least one sabbatical/disappearance. With that in mind, several opportunities have been discussed in those parts of the civil service responsible for establishing, evaluating, and presenting valuable [[opportunity|opportunities]] to the Empire.

You can read about some of the suggestions that have arisen from these discussions, and a few changes to the civil service, in the '''[[Forever is composed of nows]]''' wind of fortune.
===Ourselves and Immortality (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial magicians; Archmages; Conclave; Claudia Varkulova Remislav, william Guildenstern; warriors of all kinds; High Bard of the Empire; Grandmaster Fausta of the Silver Chalice, Senator Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian, Rafael Barossa d'Apulian, Mikael Reskovich (again), Morgan Waystone Path; Imperial Senate; Master of the Koboldi, Legion Engineer, Master of Rings, Chair of the Wolf; Imperial Master of Works; Joseph of the Ashen Flame'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Autumn Equinox, the eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. In a move that is almost unprecedented in recent years, ''seven'' of them have arranged some kind of parley during the Winter Solstice...

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Ourselves and immortality]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBMarches.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===In the Ground===
* '''Marches, especially smiths, landskeepers, and mummers; Stone Smith and Keeper of the Golden Fields; Marches Assembly; Imperial Senate'''
[[The Marches]] are rarely numbered among the great magical powers of the Empire, but they are by no means deficient in that regard. Their [[landskeeper|landskeepers]] see to the wellbeing of the [[farm|farms]] and the [[Marcher household|households]], while [[mummer|mummers]] bring a little magic into the lives of villages and labourers, and the newly re-established [[smith]] tradition settles back into their old role of parley with the [[eternal|eternals]]. Since the Autumn Equinox, three kings of the [[realms|eternal realms]] have reached out to magicians of the Marches. [[Adamant|King under the Mountain]] responds to a message from the [[Stone Smith]] by sending one of his servants to speak with the smiths. [[Tharim|King in Chains]] sends his [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]] to offer gifts to the landskeepers he believes help him achieve rough justice for the murder of his lieutenant. And [[Sadogua|King of Wyrms]] celebrates his friendship with the Marches by offering particular support to the performing arts.

You can learn about the boons of these three kings, both for the magicians of the Marches and more mundane folks, in the '''[[In the ground]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
Here we round up things that are significant, but for whatever reason don't require a full wind of fortune.
===Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial===
* '''The civil service has been alerted to the fact they missed fully amending a title'''
* '''The ''Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial'' will be up for election at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
* '''Going forward, the title will be elected yearly at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The current title holder is ''Sarah of the Suns of Couros'''''
The Senate voted to [[Amend title of Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial|amend]] the title of [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] during the Summer Solstice 381YE. The election method was confirmed as being by appointment of the Highborn Assembly, but the change to yearly appointment from tenure was missed. The title has now been changed to a yearly appointment, and the title will be elected at the Spring Equinox 388YE.

===Rumour Control===
* '''Some misconceptions have been corrected by the civil service'''
* '''There are Druj remnants in the Barrens, but they are only a skirmish-level threat'''
* '''Calvary’s End is a small settlement in the Barrens. It is an outlier, and is not a widespread problem'''
The Empire is wide and complicated. It's easy for a rumour to get out of control and become potentially damaging misinformation. If a misunderstanding spreads far and wide enough, there is a chance that it might provoke mistakes at the highest level. To avoid that, the civil service steps in to correct these misconceptions when they become aware of them. Since the Autumn Equinox, there have been two rumours in particular that have begun to circulate in terms that are increasingly misleading.

The first concerns the number of Druj in [[the Barrens]]. There are several small groups of Mallum orcs remaining in the wildest areas of the Barrens. This is also the case in [[Brocéliande]], [[Ossium]], [[Zenith]], and other territories that have had Druj incursions in the last few years. In fact, every territory in the Empire faces threats of this kind, whether it be brigands in the wilds of [[Tassato]], Druj partisans in Zenith or remnants of Cold Sun's forces in [[Hahnmark]]. These groups are not capable of capturing and holding territory, but they can threaten settlements and commissions. When that happens, it requires Imperial heroes passing through the Sentinel Gate to deal with them, or a similar force acting between summits.

The other rumour concerns the status of Calvary’s End, a small settlement in the Barrens. In terms of access to food, comfort, and overall competence of nobles, Calvary’s End is an outlier in the Barrens and the wider Empire. Under normal circumstances, almost every settlement in the Empire has access to sufficient food, schooling, and other things necessary to live a life of relative comfort under [[Imperial law]] following the principles laid out in the [[Imperial Constitution]]. Where this is not the case, the civil service draws attention to those situations and presents [[Opportunity|opportunities]] for the Senate, Conclave, and Synod to deal with them. Here, it seems that extraordinary circumstances, including the isolation of the settlement, allowed things to deteriorate to a worrying degree. That situation has now been fully rectified by Imperial heroes, with the inhabitants of the town finding new homes across Dawn.

'''OOC Note:''' We don't feel the need to step in to correct misconceptions or misinformation very often, and we make a concerted effort to try to do so only when it would be obvious to people in the world that something is incorrect. Here, the presence of Druj in the territory is useful for plot - be that at Profound Decisions events or as part of a sanctioned event - in order to threaten sinecures and other commissions - there is no secret army in the Barrens. Likewise, the assumption should be that every Imperial citizen enjoys “Dignity, Freedom, and Prosperity” in their day-to-day life. Where this is not the case, such as with the [[March on their belly|terrible harvests]] in the Marches, or more recently, the ongoing [[No_Peace#Stay_alive_(Conjunction)|support]] of the Greywaters in Bregasland, it is an active plot and not a change to the status quo.

==Trade Summary==
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Autumn Equinox_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Autumn Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Autumn Equinox, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, Grey Fens, ''Leakey Moss'']]</td><td>Intervene for the Strong Reeds</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[So_our_path_is_laid#Battle_Opportunity_%3A_How_Will_They_Rise_Up%3F|How Will They Rise Up?]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Amberlain P. Black''' of [[the Marches]]; ''Eisa Winterborn'' was killed and orders claimed; ''Ghodi Melker'' was killed and orders claimed; ''Seeker Alma'' survived</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Whisperwood, ''Uklead Groves'']]</td><td>Claim Whisperwood</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Even_darkness_must_pass#Battle_Opportunity_:_To_Deal_Out_Death_in_Judgement|To Deal Out Death in Judgement]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; miasma pillars destroyed and Whisperwood claimed.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Redoubt|Redoubt, Naris, ''Tilphussian Approach'']]</td><td>Protect the Tower of Light and Shadow</td><td>Grendel & Winter Husks</td><td>[[To_ruin#Battle_Opportunity_:_All_That_is_Gold|All That is Gold]]</td><td>Not taken; shroud over Tower of Light and Shadow pierced and the tower destroyed; Winter spirits uncontrolled; ''Pinnacle'' remains in Grendel hands; fate of ''Muirgheal Cuindlis'' unknown; Tassatan gravegoods claimed by Grendel.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Therunin|Therunin, Peakdge Song, ''Thorngroves'']]</td><td>Disrupt the Ettercap Nest</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Songs_like_trees#Battle_Opportunity_:_With_Doom_We_Come|With Doom We Come]]</td><td>Not taken; vallorn continue to advance; ettercap hive unharmed</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Schogsfestward || [[Quartermaster General]] || [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Time_to_be_Gone_(Liathaven)|Rescue the defenders of Schogsfestnir]] || Jotun defeated and most defenders rescued
|-
| 2 || Mitwold, Meade March, New Old Sports Field || [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] || [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#The_Reconquest_Cup_(Mitwold)|Take part in an exhibition match]] || The Reconquest Cup was won by Mournwold and the Old Pigs 5-4. The corpse of [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_159|Alf Alwen]] was later identified.
|-
| 3 || Kahraman, Gambit, Golden Copse || '''Iñez i Azul-Mar i Riqueza''' || [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Forging_of_a_Hammer_(Kahraman)|Kill Jarl Gorm Gillasbairn]] || ''Jarl Gorm Gillasbairn'' killed
|-
| 4 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Iron Crossroads || [[Woundbinder of the Mark]] || [[Volumes_of_forgotten_lore#A_Highway_Robbery_(Sermersuaq)|Help the wounded merchants]] || Wounded merchants saved
|-
| 5 || Therunin, Sweetglades, Fluttering Canopy || [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|Guild Leader of the Imperial Apothecaries]] || [[Songs_like_trees#Surprises|Investigate the nest]] || Nest investigated and treatment identified
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Untrod Groves, The Red Hall || Nobles of [[Dawn]] (but it's complicated) || [[Best_beware_my_sting#The_Red_Feast|Attend a feast]] || The feast was attended. Nobles of Dawn might know more
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Tanikipari, Plains of Cyneswith || '''Corrin Arrowsbane''' || [[Stand_amid_the_roar#Strengthening_Storm|Kill the Voice of Tanikipari and destroy the pillar]] || Voice of Tanikipari was killed and the pillar destroyed
|-
| 8 || Hahnmark, Northspires, Greyhearth Woods || '''Eanwyn Dunning''' || [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#An_Unlooked_for_Prize_(Hahnmark)|Bring ''Thurwolf'' to justice]] || ''Thurwolf'' was brought back through Sentinel Gate and executed by magistrates
|-
| 9 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Wulfhere's Meadow || [[Sun Chamber|Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Stand_amid_the_roar#Growing_Threat|Kill the Voice of the Wastes and destroy the pillar]] || Voice of the Wastes was killed and the pillar destroyed
|-
| 10 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Fount, Icelveld || [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] || [[Stand_amid_the_roar#Gathering_Darkness|Kill the Voice of the Fount and destroy the pillar]] || Pillar was destroyed but Voice of the Fount survived
|-
| 11 || Brocéliande, Vale's Lament, The Singing Circle || '''Nathair Autumngale''' || [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#A_Peculiar_Opportunity_(Lashonar)|Visit the Circle]] || The Circle was visited, and an arcane projection was performed by several Navarri
|-
| 12 || Therunin, Sweetglades, Squamous Woods || [[Vallornguard#Speaker_of_the_Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Songs_like_trees#Cluster_of_Rosebuds|Disrupt the nest]] || Nest was successfully poisoned
|-
| 13 || Therunin, Sweetglades, Twitching Grove || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Songs_like_trees#In_the_Night|Disrupt the nest]] || Imperials were repulsed before nest could be destroyed
|-
| 14 || Semmerholm, Axmure, Grove of the Thousand || Victors of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] || [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#A_Challenging_Finale_%28Barien%29|Complete the challenge]] || Wintermark were victorious in the grand challenge
|-
| 15 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Haunted Copse || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Even_darkness_must_pass#Traps|Destroy the tortured souls]] || Roughly half the tortured souls were exorcised. Imperial retreat
|-
| 16 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Grothnel Holt || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Even_darkness_must_pass#Something_Flickers|End ''Flavia of the Guiding Lights'']] || ''Flavia of the Guiding Lights'' was not exorcised. Imperial retreat
|-
| 17 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Coppice of Despair || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Even_darkness_must_pass#What_Wise_Ones_Know|End ''Dmitriy Innokentievich'']] || ''Dmitriy Innokentievich'' was not exorcised. Imperial retreat
|-
| 18 || Sarvos, Riposi, Circle of Savagery || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Blazing_Beacon_(Sarvos)|Stop the wreckers]] || [[Thunderous Deluge]] was unleashed on [[Sarvos]]
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Lamorak's Rest || [[Lions of Adelmar|General of the Lions of Adelmar]] || [[Even_darkness_must_pass#Two_Captains|Treat the wounded]] || Wounded successfully treated
|-
| 20 || Necropolis, Longbeach, Abigal's Orchard || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Fan_of_Colours_(Necropolis)|Stop the wreckers]] || Wreckers were stopped from completing ritual
|-
| 21 || Skarsind, Solvhill, Broken Forest || [[Broken Shield Guardian]] || [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#What_Oaths_Can_Do_(Skarsind)|Defeat the rampaging husks]] || Husks defeated
|-
| 22 || Madruga, Calvos Sound, Mawrig's Point || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Talk_of_Debts_(Madruga)|Stop the wreckers]] || Wreckers were stopped from completing ritual. Imperial retreat
|-
| 23 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Ormgore's Spinney || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[Even_darkness_must_pass#Whirlpools_of_Colour|Treat the wounded]] || Wounded successfully treated
|-
| 24 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Three Stones || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Volumes_of_forgotten_lore#In_Three_Stones_(Therunin)|Visit the Three Stones]] || Three Stones visited; [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] performed; Archmage of Spring should know more
|}

New player schedule

2026-03-25T13:13:48Z

Castaras: /* Friday */

{{CaptionedImage|file=D-72.jpg|align=right|width=450}}
==Overview==
At event we run a series of sessions designed to provide support for players new to the game or new to different areas of the game or after a refresher on an area. All of these sessions with two exceptions are open to all players who wish to attend. The New Player Meeting in the Hub and the New Player Skirmish on the Skirmish Field are available only to players at their first or second games.

These sessions are run by members of crew or volunteers from the player base who have experience in the area of the game.

Because of the number of different sessions available and time available some of the sessions clash with their timings, You are welcome to attend sessions at different events as you choose.

==Thursday==
OOC Social - meet and greet and general chat (in the Senate building): 8pm onwards

This is an informal session where members of the Player Support Team are in the Senate to chat about the game with anyone new or newish who would like to chat. It’s a good opportunity to meet other new players and ask questions.

==Friday==

* '''Midday – Hall of Worlds – LGBTQ+ New Players Meeting Brief'''
** '''12:00pm – 12:30pm''' – New players only, discussion and questions on roleplaying in a world that is blind to gender identity and sexuality. Examples of representation.
** '''12:30pm – 13:30pm''' – Wider invite to PD’s LGBTQ+ community. A place to meet others in the community, celebrate highlights from previous years and find a support network. Please bring along any snacks and refreshments to give a bit of a social ‘fuddle’ atmosphere. A good place for people to show off their pronoun badges!

* '''Midday – Hub – New Player Meeting''' – This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!

* '''1pm – Skirmish Field – Combat Brief''' – This session introduce the basics of LARP combat and combat at Empire. These sessions will include a brief rundown of the combat rules, how battles work, safety in combat, cinematic roleplay in combat, and some pointers on how to fight safely and enjoyably.
* '''1pm – Military Council Tent – Public Speaking Class''' – this is a session providing useful advice and tips on improving your confidence and skill speaking to groups and crowds of people.

* '''1:30pm – Hall of Worlds – PoC Player Meeting''' – An open, welcoming place for PoC players new and old to make friends, talk about experiences on and off the field, and find a sense of community with others who may share in the same culture. A social event with opportunity for discussion, questions and player advice and support.

* '''2pm – Hub – New Player Meeting''' – This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!

* '''3pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to the Synod''' – This session will be talk (with Q&A) explaining synod works, legal powers of priests, how to vote and raise judgements, inquisitions and the priest skills.
* '''3pm – Skirmish Field – Archery brief''' – This session will cover the basics of shooting a LARP bow, how to pick your target, shooting into melee, how to check an arrow, and what is acceptable use on the battlefield. Again, this is aimed at new players, those taking Marksman as a skill, and those who may fancy a refresh. It will also give you the chance to ask questions of players who use a bow regularly.
* '''3pm – Skirmish Field – Combat Brief''' – This session introduce the basics of LARP combat and combat at Empire. These sessions will include a brief rundown of the combat rules, how battles work, safety in combat, cinematic roleplay in combat, and some pointers on how to fight safely and enjoyably.
*'''3pm – Senate Building – How to work game levers''' – This session introduces the basics of LARP politics at Empire, explaining how to make change in the world, how the powers of the Great Houses of State can help, how to advocate for your plans.

* '''4pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to Apothecary''' – During this session, you can learn about, Common Imperial Herbs - Effects, Rules, Phys-Reps, Potions & Poisons - Effects, Rules & Phys-Reps, Brewing & Identifying Potions & Poisons, Apothecary Skill, Chirurgeon Skill, Physick Skill Appropriate Roleplaying Plus brief primers on Imperial lore & censure, uncommon herbs & mysterious potions!
* ''' 4pm – Skirmish Field – New Player Skirmish''' – This is an opportunity to try out your weapons and costume in a series of small skirmishes run by a number of crew and players in a controlled environment. It’s an opportunity to try the rules in action, learn what suits you, hit and get hit to judge your levels of comfort in a space where your character isn’t at risk and with the intention of helping you learn in a low pressure situation!

* ''' 5pm – Hub – New Player Meeting''' – This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!
* ''' 5pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to Magic''' – this is a session to talk about combat magic, ritual magic and the Conclave.

* ''' 6pm – Time in!'''

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:53:25Z

Castaras: /* Hoods */

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/clothing-guide-women/ Company of Saint George Women's Clothing Guide]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/costume-guide/ Company of Saint George Men's Costume Guide]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[https://sites.google.com/view/sthubertsrangers/ St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Surcote.jpg|width=250}}

A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf Houppelande drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/4459) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/8609 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; for the cloak trim, you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/3425 McCall's M4491]. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/2073 Simplicity 5925]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf Drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh313-medieval-irish-moy-gown Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/12654 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/31076 Simplicity 2573]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

How to make your own circlets: http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:53:09Z

Castaras: /* Cloaks */ both links dead :(

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/clothing-guide-women/ Company of Saint George Women's Clothing Guide]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/costume-guide/ Company of Saint George Men's Costume Guide]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[https://sites.google.com/view/sthubertsrangers/ St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Surcote.jpg|width=250}}

A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Boromir.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf Houppelande drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/4459) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/8609 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; for the cloak trim, you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/3425 McCall's M4491]. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/2073 Simplicity 5925]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf Drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh313-medieval-irish-moy-gown Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/12654 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/31076 Simplicity 2573]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

How to make your own circlets: http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:52:41Z

Castaras: /* Hats, crowns and headdresses */

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/clothing-guide-women/ Company of Saint George Women's Clothing Guide]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/costume-guide/ Company of Saint George Men's Costume Guide]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[https://sites.google.com/view/sthubertsrangers/ St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Surcote.jpg|width=250}}

A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf Houppelande drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/4459) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/8609 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; for the cloak trim, you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/3425 McCall's M4491]. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/2073 Simplicity 5925]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf Drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh313-medieval-irish-moy-gown Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/12654 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/31076 Simplicity 2573]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

How to make your own circlets: http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:52:11Z

Castaras: /* Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote */

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/clothing-guide-women/ Company of Saint George Women's Clothing Guide]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/costume-guide/ Company of Saint George Men's Costume Guide]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[https://sites.google.com/view/sthubertsrangers/ St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Surcote.jpg|width=250}}

A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf Houppelande drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/4459) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/8609 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; for the cloak trim, you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/3425 McCall's M4491]. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/2073 Simplicity 5925]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf Drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh313-medieval-irish-moy-gown Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/12654 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/31076 Simplicity 2573]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/costumeoldsite/history/100pages/chaperons.htm
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

Beautiful living-history standard crowns:http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=33

How to make your own:http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:49:32Z

Castaras: /* Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns */

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/clothing-guide-women/ Company of Saint George Women's Clothing Guide]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/costume-guide/ Company of Saint George Men's Costume Guide]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[https://sites.google.com/view/sthubertsrangers/ St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Surcote.jpg|width=250}}

A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Uther.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Jamie.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf Houppelande drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/4459) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/8609 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; for the cloak trim, you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/3425 McCall's M4491]. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/2073 Simplicity 5925]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf Drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/articles/irish-articles/the-moy-gown-an-irish-medieval-gown.html Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4827-products-6120.php?page_id=385 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-1532-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2573]
*[http://www.mathildegirlgenius.com/FittingAndConstruction.htm How to make a cotehardie]
*[http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm How to make a heraldic sideless surcote]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/costumeoldsite/history/100pages/chaperons.htm
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

Beautiful living-history standard crowns:http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=33

How to make your own:http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:45:39Z

Castaras: /* Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns */

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/clothing-guide-women/ Company of Saint George Women's Clothing Guide]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/costume-guide/ Company of Saint George Men's Costume Guide]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[https://sites.google.com/view/sthubertsrangers/ St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Surcote.jpg|width=250}}

A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf Houppelande drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/4459) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/8609 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; for the cloak trim, you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is [https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/3425 McCall's M4491]. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp26.html Period Patterns 26]
*[http://www.chezirene.com/articles/drafthoup.html How to draft a Houppelande pattern]
*[http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html Houppelande drafting]
*[http://www.caitlinsclothing.com/houppelande.html More drafting instructions]
*Simplicity 5925
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH005.html Reconstructing History 005]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*Simplicity 9058
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH007.html Reconstructing History 007]
*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf More drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/articles/irish-articles/the-moy-gown-an-irish-medieval-gown.html Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4827-products-6120.php?page_id=385 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-1532-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2573]
*[http://www.mathildegirlgenius.com/FittingAndConstruction.htm How to make a cotehardie]
*[http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm How to make a heraldic sideless surcote]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/costumeoldsite/history/100pages/chaperons.htm
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

Beautiful living-history standard crowns:http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=33

How to make your own:http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:42:01Z

Castaras: /* The Houppelande */

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/clothing-guide-women/ Company of Saint George Women's Clothing Guide]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/costume-guide/ Company of Saint George Men's Costume Guide]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[https://sites.google.com/view/sthubertsrangers/ St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

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A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf Houppelande drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (http://www.simplicity.com/p-2201-costumes.aspx) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4377-products-5145.php?page_id=385 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. eBay is a great source of trim - for some really splendid beaded trim at very reasonable prices I use [http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Heritage-Trading/Sewing-Trims-/_i.html?_fsub=2&_sid=47896792&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 this] eBay shop. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; they also sell shaped pieces designed to go on the necklines of dresses. For the cloak trim, the same ebay shop is good, or you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is McCall's 4491. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp26.html Period Patterns 26]
*[http://www.chezirene.com/articles/drafthoup.html How to draft a Houppelande pattern]
*[http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html Houppelande drafting]
*[http://www.caitlinsclothing.com/houppelande.html More drafting instructions]
*Simplicity 5925
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH005.html Reconstructing History 005]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*Simplicity 9058
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH007.html Reconstructing History 007]
*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf More drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/articles/irish-articles/the-moy-gown-an-irish-medieval-gown.html Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4827-products-6120.php?page_id=385 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-1532-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2573]
*[http://www.mathildegirlgenius.com/FittingAndConstruction.htm How to make a cotehardie]
*[http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm How to make a heraldic sideless surcote]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/costumeoldsite/history/100pages/chaperons.htm
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

Beautiful living-history standard crowns:http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=33

How to make your own:http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:40:50Z

Castaras: /* Reenactment groups */ hooray for one link having a redirect to bookmark

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/clothing-guide-women/ Company of Saint George Women's Clothing Guide]
*[https://companie-of-st-george.ch/publications/costume-guide/ Company of Saint George Men's Costume Guide]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[https://sites.google.com/view/sthubertsrangers/ St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Surcote.jpg|width=250}}

A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawn6.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (http://www.simplicity.com/p-2201-costumes.aspx) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4377-products-5145.php?page_id=385 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. eBay is a great source of trim - for some really splendid beaded trim at very reasonable prices I use [http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Heritage-Trading/Sewing-Trims-/_i.html?_fsub=2&_sid=47896792&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 this] eBay shop. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; they also sell shaped pieces designed to go on the necklines of dresses. For the cloak trim, the same ebay shop is good, or you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is McCall's 4491. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp26.html Period Patterns 26]
*[http://www.chezirene.com/articles/drafthoup.html How to draft a Houppelande pattern]
*[http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html Houppelande drafting]
*[http://www.caitlinsclothing.com/houppelande.html More drafting instructions]
*Simplicity 5925
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH005.html Reconstructing History 005]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*Simplicity 9058
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH007.html Reconstructing History 007]
*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf More drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/articles/irish-articles/the-moy-gown-an-irish-medieval-gown.html Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4827-products-6120.php?page_id=385 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-1532-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2573]
*[http://www.mathildegirlgenius.com/FittingAndConstruction.htm How to make a cotehardie]
*[http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm How to make a heraldic sideless surcote]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/costumeoldsite/history/100pages/chaperons.htm
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

Beautiful living-history standard crowns:http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=33

How to make your own:http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:39:01Z

Castaras: /* The Houppelande */ this one was a bit of a massacre

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[http://www.saint-sebastian.org.uk/kit.htm Company of Saint Sebastian]
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[http://www.companie-of-st-george.ch/cms/?q=en%2FCostume_Guide Company of Saint George]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[http://hawken1911.wixsite.com/sthubertsrangers St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Surcote.jpg|width=250}}

A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[https://www.caitlinsclothing.com/Docs/1410ADHouppelande.pdf drafting instructions]
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/47222 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (http://www.simplicity.com/p-2201-costumes.aspx) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4377-products-5145.php?page_id=385 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. eBay is a great source of trim - for some really splendid beaded trim at very reasonable prices I use [http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Heritage-Trading/Sewing-Trims-/_i.html?_fsub=2&_sid=47896792&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 this] eBay shop. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; they also sell shaped pieces designed to go on the necklines of dresses. For the cloak trim, the same ebay shop is good, or you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is McCall's 4491. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp26.html Period Patterns 26]
*[http://www.chezirene.com/articles/drafthoup.html How to draft a Houppelande pattern]
*[http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html Houppelande drafting]
*[http://www.caitlinsclothing.com/houppelande.html More drafting instructions]
*Simplicity 5925
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH005.html Reconstructing History 005]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*Simplicity 9058
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH007.html Reconstructing History 007]
*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf More drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/articles/irish-articles/the-moy-gown-an-irish-medieval-gown.html Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4827-products-6120.php?page_id=385 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-1532-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2573]
*[http://www.mathildegirlgenius.com/FittingAndConstruction.htm How to make a cotehardie]
*[http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm How to make a heraldic sideless surcote]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/costumeoldsite/history/100pages/chaperons.htm
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

Beautiful living-history standard crowns:http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=33

How to make your own:http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:35:05Z

Castaras: /* Robes, gowns and cotehardies */ some links fixed, others gone

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
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==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[http://www.saint-sebastian.org.uk/kit.htm Company of Saint Sebastian]
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[http://www.companie-of-st-george.ch/cms/?q=en%2FCostume_Guide Company of Saint George]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[http://hawken1911.wixsite.com/sthubertsrangers St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

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A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[https://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/3227 Butterick 6844]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4942 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m4745 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[https://reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp26.html Period Patterns 26]
*[http://www.chezirene.com/articles/drafthoup.html How to draft a Houppelande pattern]
*[http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html Houppelande drafting]
*[http://www.caitlinsclothing.com/houppelande.html More drafting instructions]
*[http://butterick.mccall.com/b5626-products-13767.php?page_id=874 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (http://www.simplicity.com/p-2201-costumes.aspx) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4377-products-5145.php?page_id=385 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. eBay is a great source of trim - for some really splendid beaded trim at very reasonable prices I use [http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Heritage-Trading/Sewing-Trims-/_i.html?_fsub=2&_sid=47896792&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 this] eBay shop. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; they also sell shaped pieces designed to go on the necklines of dresses. For the cloak trim, the same ebay shop is good, or you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is McCall's 4491. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp26.html Period Patterns 26]
*[http://www.chezirene.com/articles/drafthoup.html How to draft a Houppelande pattern]
*[http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html Houppelande drafting]
*[http://www.caitlinsclothing.com/houppelande.html More drafting instructions]
*Simplicity 5925
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH005.html Reconstructing History 005]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*Simplicity 9058
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH007.html Reconstructing History 007]
*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf More drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/articles/irish-articles/the-moy-gown-an-irish-medieval-gown.html Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4827-products-6120.php?page_id=385 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-1532-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2573]
*[http://www.mathildegirlgenius.com/FittingAndConstruction.htm How to make a cotehardie]
*[http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm How to make a heraldic sideless surcote]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/costumeoldsite/history/100pages/chaperons.htm
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

Beautiful living-history standard crowns:http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=33

How to make your own:http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Dawn costumes

2026-02-05T17:28:45Z

Castaras: /* Bliaut and Surcote */ goodbye broken link

{{Costume Advice|[[Dawn look and feel]]}}

==Overview==
''"Dawn is the land of valour; the classical images of gleaming plate, of brightly coloured banners and traditional heraldic devices provide the imagery for the nation. Where the Marches is gritty and down to earth, Dawn is the opposite in glowing primary colours. There is a sumptuous nature to the materials and tones used, idealistic in design instead of practical. Arthurian, pre-raphaelite and the neo-medievalism movements all provide strong themes and forms to the nation."''

Clothing in Dawn draws inspiration from the clothing of 12th-15th Century England and France, Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Edmund Blair Leighton, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John William Waterhouse, and fantasies such as Lord of the Rings, Merlin and Game of Thrones. On the battlefield, the Dawnish are a pageant of glittering armour, blazing heraldry and exquisite banners; at peace, they wear elegant and well cut tunics, houpellandes, surcotes or gowns, usually with a long, smooth silhouette, full skirts and either tight sleeves to the wrist, or flowing trumpet or bell sleeves that fall in folds from the elbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=accolade.jpg|width=350}}

==Fabrics==
Dawn is a nation where you can really go wild with your fabrics and indulge yourself. For high status characters, rich wools, intensely coloured silks, fine linens and velvets are all a wonderful choice. Don't automatically assume that they're more expensive - like every fabric, there's a range, and if you shop carefully you can pick up some superb bargains. Ebay is always good. Try to stick to natural fabrics or natural/synthetic blends - pure synthetics are uncomfortable and wear badly, with very few exceptions.

You might like to take inspiration from history and consider body linens - a soft white linen shift or shirt against your skin. This is a good idea not only because it's comfortable, but also because it protects your outer garments from sweat and stains. If you'd prefer not to use linen for reasons of expense or weight, a soft cotton muslin works beautifully for this. For outer garments, try fine wools, brocades, velvets and silks; for cloaks, cotton velvet and wool melton are ideal.

==Similar nations==
===The Marches===
Parts of the Marches were once Dawnish, so it should come as no surprise that there are significant similarities in the costume. Both draw their inspiration from medieval north-western europe, so the bulk of the difference is in the materials used. The Marches tend towards a palette of natural colours in wools and linens, less lavish designs and simpler construction. The Dawnish, by contrast, favour bright, heraldic colours, contrasting trims and fabrics and more flowing garments using more material. Accessories play a big part in making an outfit look Dawnish - a colourful long belt, a jewelled dagger sheath, an ornate leather purse or a crown can all make relatively simple and understated costume look regal.

===Wintermark===
Wintermark shares some basic similiarities in terms of garments and cut with Dawn, but it should be even less bright and less lavish than that Marches. Some very high status Steinr might wear something to the Senate that Dawnish yeofolk would wear in the fields - if you have a beautiful, simple tunic in drab colours, try accessorising it with a good belt, fine jewellery or a hood or mantle in a contrasting colour and suddenly it will look a lot more Dawnish.

===The League===
Though robes, houppelandes and surcotes should be fairly distinct, gowns, especially the Burgundian, can be similar in Dawn and the League. To keep the looks distinct, keep the lines of Dawnish costume clean and elegant, omitting any pinking or slashing, avoiding sleeve puffs and the very Italianate-looking Borgia-style gowns. As always a hat or headdress will help in keeping the look Dawnish.

==Research==
Re-enactment costume from the 12th-15th centuries is ideal, but imaginative use of historical costume with a fantasy flair is even better. Whatever look you go for, from the wide choices presented, make sure it's bright, glorious and fun to wear.

===Movie Costume Research===
* [http://www.costumersguide.com/ancient.shtml Movie costume guide]
* [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr Lord of the Rings research]

===Historical Costume Research===
There's an enormous wealth of information on the web aimed at re-enactors, larpers and SCA enthusiasts. Google searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

===Reenactment groups===
Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
*[http://www.saint-sebastian.org.uk/kit.htm Company of Saint Sebastian]
*[https://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
*[http://www.companie-of-st-george.ch/cms/?q=en%2FCostume_Guide Company of Saint George]
*[https://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/ The Medieval Siege Society]
*[http://hawken1911.wixsite.com/sthubertsrangers St Hubert's Rangers]

==Men==
For male costume, there are a wealth of historical and fantasy looks to form the basics of your costume. The look should be dynamic, dramatic and exude power. As always, try to avoid flimsy fabrics and drab colours if you can as these will take to evoke other nations - Dawnish clothes should demonstrate the wearer's exquisite taste, rank and nobility.

===Bliaut and Surcote===

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A bliaut is a 12th century tunic, worn often with a sleeveless overtunic in heraldic or house colours. It's an easy look to achieve, either from off-the-peg reenactment kit or through making your own, and with a hood and cloak can look really splendid.

When worn over armour, a surcote is a great alternative to a tabard - unlike a flimsy cotton tabard a fitted surcote won't ride up, twist round your neck or tangle in your leg armour, and can look a lot more flash and substantial for relatively little extra work.

* [[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote]]
* [http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html A good hood article]

===Robes, gowns and cotehardies===
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On men, a gown is a reasonably close fitting robe, usually buttoning down the front, with long close fitting sleeves to the wrist. It persists to this day as the cassock and in the clothes of choristers and some very traditional public school uniforms, all of which means both patterns and off-the-peg versions are fairly readily available.

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It's a very adaptable look - a fantasy treatment could take the basic silhouette and standing collar, and shorten the overall length, either with full length or half length sleeves, as worn by Boromir, Uther Pendragon and Jaime Lannister for a "warrior's coat". It looks good worn open over chainmail. A close-fitting variant of this is the cotehardie which usually has lots of closely spaced buttons down the front and the sleeves - try googling "cotehardie". It can be a tough look to pull off, but well worth it!

Patterns:
*[http://butterick.mccall.com/b6844-products-3815.php?page_id=874 Butterick 6844]
*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-2235-men-teen-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2235]
*[http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/4697 Simplicity 4697 (unfortunately out of print but you might get it on ebay)]
*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-2089-men-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2089(this one would need a little adapting - closed sleeves rather than open, but would do a nice over-robe like Boromir's if you make a sleevless version)]
*[http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m4745-products-7030.php?page_id=493 McCall 4745] This is actually a civil war uniform, but if you make up the blue version with an asymmetric closure it's very close to Jaime Lannister's coat above. Warning - the pattern runs a little large, so unless you're planning on wearing it over mail consider going down a size.
*[http://store.reconstructinghistory.com/rh022-14th-century-mans-cotehardie.html Reconstructing history man's cotehardie]

===The Houppelande===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnextra28.jpg|width=250}}

This is a loose robe-like garment which can be knee or ankle length, with a variety of sleeves and necklines, which can be worn belted or loose. It's different from the style above as the waist isn't fitted - a great choice to show off lots and lots of thick and heavy fabric. It has the major advantage that you can just throw it over anything at all underneath and not worry about your under-kit being revealed. However, it really needs to be in fairly heavy cloth to look right, ideally wool, and can get a bit stuffy in hot weather. Team it with a chaperon hat for a really resplendent look!

*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp26.html Period Patterns 26]
*[http://www.chezirene.com/articles/drafthoup.html How to draft a Houppelande pattern]
*[http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html Houppelande drafting]
*[http://www.caitlinsclothing.com/houppelande.html More drafting instructions]
*[http://butterick.mccall.com/b5626-products-13767.php?page_id=874 Butterick 5626 (you could make a really fun houppelande out of this!)]

==Women==
There is absolutely nothing to stop women wearing any of the styles above - the Empire doesn't require long skirts to be worn for modesty any more than it requires your hair to be covered. However, there's fun to be had in resplendent gowns - and you can be as historically inspired as you like without needing to choose an "authentic" but unflattering style.

===Fantasy and "historically inspired" gowns===

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The blue dress is made of two contrasting fabrics - a gold brocade and a blue fabric which you could replicate with a richly coloured fine wool, silk or linen. Use Simplicity Pattern 4940 (http://www.simplicity.com/p-2201-costumes.aspx) view C (without the corselet/vest), and cut your centre front piece and lower sleeves out of the brocade to contrast with the blue. The pattern will give you a slightly thicker band of brocade at the neck, which you could easily trim down, and will sit on your shoulders rather than off (which is much more practical for active wearing). I'd suggest replacing the zip down the back with lacing - it's just as easy and lacing never jams or breaks in a field.

For the cream dress and the blue cloak, you could use [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4377-products-5145.php?page_id=385 Butterick 4377], and sew it in a soft silk velvet or a good synthetic stretch velvet. If you use a decent heavy stretch velvet, you could omit the lacing down the back and just wear it as a pullover dress. For a different look you could use silk, lightweight wool or linen - just choose a lush, rich colour. For the neckline, you could cut a piece of brocade to match the curve of your neckline and carefully sew it on by hand, or you could get some fancy trim or ribbon. For the belt, try looking for a charity shop chain link belt, or make one out of a strip of silk and an old buckle, or use some fancy trim. eBay is a great source of trim - for some really splendid beaded trim at very reasonable prices I use [http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Heritage-Trading/Sewing-Trims-/_i.html?_fsub=2&_sid=47896792&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 this] eBay shop. About 2m would do a great jewelled belt; they also sell shaped pieces designed to go on the necklines of dresses. For the cloak trim, the same ebay shop is good, or you could try searching for damask trim or brocade trim.
{{CaptionedImage|file=eowyn2.jpg|width=187}}

Lord of the Rings is a great source of inspiration for women's dresses. Simplicity 4940 is a good place to start, as is McCall's 4491. [http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr alleycatscratch.com] breaks down every costume in the movie, and is a fantastic resource for choosing the right pattern, fabrics, trim and accessories - even if you don't want to exactly duplicate a LotR costume, it's full of useful information. A word of warning - while many of Arwen's gowns are ideal for Dawn, avoid the more East Asian looking ones as they are probably better suited to Urizen. Eowyn's White Gown, Coronation Gown, Green Gown and Victory Gown are all ideal, but many of the others belong in Wintermark or the Marches.

===Houppelandes and Burgundian gowns ===
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Houppelandes are great on women, too. It's not the easiest look in the book, but it's very striking. The one in the leftmost picture is velvet lined in fur, which gives it tremendous bulk and body - an alternative would be to line most of it in thick blanket wool, saving your fur or fake fur for the edges.

*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp26.html Period Patterns 26]
*[http://www.chezirene.com/articles/drafthoup.html How to draft a Houppelande pattern]
*[http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html Houppelande drafting]
*[http://www.caitlinsclothing.com/houppelande.html More drafting instructions]
*Simplicity 5925
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH005.html Reconstructing History 005]
*[http://sevenstarwheel.wordpress.com/burgundian-gown-pattern-pieces/ Fantastic resource on 15th Century dresses and headgear, with patterns]

The Burgundian gown is a later development of the Houpellande, usually closer-fitting with a deep v neck and a broad belt just under the bust. Stick to the heavy draped versions; later Italianate ones in lighter silk with close fitting sleeves are more suitable for the League.

*Simplicity 9058
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH007.html Reconstructing History 007]
*[http://www.james-gang.org/greydove/docs/houpburg.pdf More drafting instructions]

===Cotehardie and Sideless Surcote===

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The cotehardie is a close fitting supportive gown, also known as the gothic fitted dress, usually buttoning down the front and the sleeves, and worn with a leather or metal belt around the hips. It's simple in construction, though needs a little fitting. One lovely historical example is the [http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/articles/irish-articles/the-moy-gown-an-irish-medieval-gown.html Moy Gown], which has a unique construction pattern for the sleeves, and makes a lovely intermediate to advanced project. You can easily fake the look of a cotehardie with a [http://butterick.mccall.com/b4827-products-6120.php?page_id=385 modern princess seamed dress.] Here's a How To to give you some ideas: [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]

For formal occasions, a great way to dress up a cotehardie is by putting a sideless surcote over the top, ideally in house colours and bearing your heraldry. Make a full length version of the pattern above, either adding lacing down the sides or cutting a little more away to reveal the gown underneath. Usually the belt goes over the cotehardie, under the surcote.

*[http://www.simplicity.com/p-1532-costumes.aspx Simplicity 2573]
*[http://www.mathildegirlgenius.com/FittingAndConstruction.htm How to make a cotehardie]
*[http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm How to make a heraldic sideless surcote]

==Hats, outerwear and accessories==
===Hats, crowns and headdresses===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawnx14.jpg|align=right|width=240|caption=Costume by [http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/ Kats Hats]}}

Although not a required part of costume, a headdress, crown or hat can be the finishing touch that pushes a costume from good to fantastic. A crown, either metal or a good substitute, can look fabulously regal on a noble or earl. A less formal look which still adds stature and majesty is the Chaperon, which was initially a hood worn sideways on the head and gradually developed into a more structured hat. Hoods are also good, particularly for yeoman characters, with particolouring, dagging and buttons helping to keep the look from sliding towards the Marches.

For historical women's headgear, looks are virtually limitless. Historical inspiration can be drawn from royalty of the 11th century (crown and veil), through the ever changing noble fashion of Templars, padded roll and veil, through to the elaborate steeple hennins of 15th century France, and the English butterfly headdresses of the same time. Even a simple padded roll, ren-fest style, can look good with a lower status costume.

Unsuitable hats - Try to avoid any historical looks from the Tudor period and later, as they can look a bit incongruous with medieval fantasy costume. And remember, headwear is for display and not for modesty, so consider rich, bright colours and sparkling whites, and leave the dull linen coifs to the Marches.

* http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml
* http://medievalmilliner.blogspot.co.uk/
* http://thecostumersmanifesto.com/costumeoldsite/history/100pages/chaperons.htm
* http://www.virtue.to/articles/reticulated.html

Beautiful living-history standard crowns:http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=33

How to make your own:http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Tips/MakingCirclets.htm

===Cloaks===

A cloak is a near-essential part of your costume, and a great opportunity to give your kit a finishing touch and keep you cosy. For light fabrics, you can make a gathered-neck cloak with a drawstring for ease of construction- with heavy wools and velvet, a semicircular or circular mantle works best to reduce bulk at the neck and drapes beautifully. Try edging or lining your cloak in good fake fur for a really regal look, or adding a pelt around the shoulders (charity shops often won't sell fur coats up front, but store them in their back room and will allow you to make a donation in exchange for taking them away. If they don't have any, leave your details and get them to call you if any are handed in.)

http://garbindex.com/cloak/patterns.html
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/patterns.htm

{{CaptionedImage|file=Hood3.jpg|width=400|caption=Costume by [http://www.flickr.com/people/nereida_ballet/ Nereida]}}

===Hoods===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
*[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
*[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/hoodlum.html Various hood patterns]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - Multiple head wear items]
*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]

===Accessories===
A long medieval belt makes a fantastic accessory. These are the cheapest I've found, and they're lovely and come in lots of colours.

http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/shop/index.php?productID=252

These ones are rather more expensive, but gorgeous
http://www.jelldragon.com/belts.htm

==Armour==
Plate armour is the ideal look for Dawn, but can be expensive. Re-enactment suppliers and ebay are a good place to look.

Plate armour:
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/

Chain mail supplies and finished items:
http://www.theringlord.com
http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/chainmail.htm

Lightweight polyurethane replicas:
http://www.nortonarmouries.com/

Medieval plate style Leather armour:
[https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.

[[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Make your own:
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/hardened-leather-armour Here's a tutorial on how to make moulded leather armour]
[http://tutorials.abbott.me.uk/home/wonderflex-armour And here's one on how to make plate out of wonderflex]

==Weapons==
The classic Dawnish weapons of long sword and heater shield are fortunately widely available from LRP weapons makers. For swords, a classic cruciform shape is ideal, and detailing on the hilt can look as superb as the clean lines of unadorned quillions. If you're not fortunate enough to be commissioning a custom shield painted with your heraldry, consider making a cloth cover for your shield and appliquéing or painting your heraldic device onto it.

http://www.skianmhor.co.uk
http://www.saxonviolence.com/index.php
http://www.tallowsfx.com/

==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnArthurKnights.jpg|title=TV Series: Merlin|width=590}}
Heraldry is a huge part of Dawnish identity, and any member of a noble house or weaver cabal should define their group and personal heraldry, and consider working it into their costume. Even if a house isn't dressed identically, there's no doubt that using their heraldic colours in part of each member's kit makes a strong unified statement on and off the battlefield, and looks damn amazing too.

Here's [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Civil_Service_Look_and_Feel a project] showing you how to work a heraldic device into your costume:
See also [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/How_To_-_Make_a_Surcote how to make a surcote].

* [http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges.

==Bibliography==
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patterns-Theatrical-Costumes-Garments-Accessories/dp/0896761258/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030431&sr=1-12 Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer] Gives scalable patterns.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Costume-England-France-Centuries/dp/0486290603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030509&sr=1-1 Medieval Costume in England and France] - no patterns, but great for ideas on silhouette and style. Mostly black and white.
*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Fashion-Pattern-1066-1930/dp/0713458186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344030581&sr=1-1 The Evolution of Fashion] Sadly out of print. A great introduction to how dress changes through the middle ages and up to the present day.

==Costume sellers==
*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrave-Designs/368641524223 Angrave Designs] Custom costume production and embroidery
*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
*[http://www.kats-hats.co.uk/index.shtml Kats Hats]Stunning medieval hats as well as beautiful pouches and gloves
*[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
*[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
*[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]

[[Category:Costume]]
{{Dawn Links}}

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:18:51Z

Castaras: /* Seeking Here and There (Kimus) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
"I'm Crown of the Waning Circle - I've got a letter for Bella di Sarvos!" The herald beamed down at the two people manning the desk.

Jack stared back at the excitable-looking herald, arm outstretched holding a handful of papers. It had been a long night of celebration with his fiance and while the Dawnish wine wasn't a match for a good beer, it had still left him badly in need of a hair of the dog this morning. He stared at the herald, desperately trying to work out how to get it to calm down, or at least quiet down. "Right." he said at last. "What do you want me to do with that?"

The herald's face fell, his mouth agape. Jack desperately tried not to laugh, but it reminded him too much of when his sister caught their five-year-old with his hand in the biscuit jar. He clutched his head at the pain.

"This is the desk where you take messages for the archmages?" asked the herald quizically, as if they didn't quite understand the question.

"Right..." said Jack. "And is Bella di Sarvos an archmage?" he said, sounding each word slowly, like he was talking to his sister's offspring.

"She could be!" responded Crown, eagerly, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm in the rhetorical question. "She's very smart!" he assured the Marcher.

Jack bit back a sarcastic retort, just in time to avoid getting one of Sibby's infamously sharp elbows to the ribs. She was a typical bloody Dawnish yeofolk, she made it very plain on multiple occasions that she took her job very seriously, and she most definitely did not approve of any disrespect for your betters.

"Look, just give it here," he said, snatching the letter, "I'll make sure she gets it."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Paul Gustave Dore Raven.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Six [[Realms|realms of magic]] align with the mortal world whose [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the [[eternal|eternals]] through the powers of the [[Archmage|Archmages]] and the [[Imperial Conclave]], but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of [[alignment]] allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of [[Alignment#amity|amity]], some revel in the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne ]]''' wind of fortune.

Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, '''[[From my books surcease of sorrow]]'''. There is also '''[[The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune specifically related to matters of stars, [[astronomancy]], and [[arcane projection|arcane projections]], and details of this seasons [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] options is included in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune. This wind also includes some discussion of things happening in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]] which were first mentioned in the '''[[Songs like trees]]''' and '''[[Even darkness must pass]]''' winds of war.

==Autumn==
{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Relics of the Past (Callidus)===
* '''Callidus is offering to help the Empire try to recover relics of the founders of the Brass Coast for a heavy price'''
* ''' A herald of Prince of the Argent Tontine will be arriving at the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday'''
High noon on a day when the clouds are dark and the rain pours, a gold-faced [[herald]] appears out of the regio, clad in robes made from immortalised letters written on cloth. The rain falls and weather seems to worsen in the short distance from regio to hub, but the herald seems unbothered. They arrive at the entrance to the hub, rainwater dripping off their horns, and approach a desk to deliver a message. Before leaving, they make sure to mention how personally disappointed they are to be back to nutrality when their master is being rather indulgent of the empire of late.

Last summit, the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains'' sent two heralds to the [[Guildmaster_of_the_Artisans|artisans' guild]] to ask about things the empire wanted. Apparently, Callidus found the list humerous; there was definitely some eye-opening items on the list. It has certainly piqued the interest of the City of chains, for the moment at least.

This summit, ''Multitudo'', a herald of the ''Golden Bargainer'', comes to offer [[the Brass Coast]], the [[Magpies]] and anyone interested in the [[tribe|founders]] of the Brass Coast, an [[opportunity]]. The City of Chains is prepared to track down [[Erigo|Erigo's]] gold-and-ruby chain circlet and [[Guerra|Guerra's]] crimson sash. There is a letter for Xanthius which contains details of the City's offer, interested parties should discuss the matter with him.

The ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'' has connections all over the world and the Autumn realm. He is always interested in helping people acquire items they thirst for, provided they are willing to meet the price. Relics are some of the most expensive items that could be found, but Callidus could help the Empire locate similar items or schema to make them if they wished. Of course obtaining such an item would always be more than it costs to make, since people won't part with precious items for a pittance, but such is the price of desire. The Golden Bargainer has not interested in items that don't command a high price.

Multitudo will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 7pm on Friday, to negotiate a price and inform citizens on how to forward the funds. If anyone is keen to do business, Multitudo is more than happy to relocate to a better location once he has met with those present.
{{CaptionedImage|file=City_of_Locks.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Knife Creeps Closer (Basileia)===
* '''The City of Locks has sent ambiguous instructions of what is needed to progress the plan to assassinate Salt Lord Seonag'''
* '''It is implied that this may relations wtih the Sarcophan Delves in some way'''
* '''Interested parties should seek out Irontide Rus for further details'''
* '''Overseer Hook has offered some intelligence about Salt Lord Seonag for reasons that remain unclear'''
Earlier this year the Guild of Accountants of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] were contracted to seek out opportunities for the Empire to [[Fair_play_is_turnabout#Blood_On_Account|assassinate Salt Lord Seonag]], the chair of the Council of Salt Lords. An upfront payment was delivered, but it was made clear that successful fulfilment of the contract would require supplementary actions to be taken. This season, it seems, the first of those actions has come due.

...Or at least it would, if anyone would explain what was actually needed. The Five Pillars have already established a pattern of working via a small group of untitled Imperial citizens - 'people who know what they did', as one wag in the civil service has taken to calling them - and this season is no exception. Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants has indicated that the details of what is required and why have been sent to one '''Irontide Rus''' of the Unshackled. When pressed for more details the messenger, a cold-eyed Herald called Mister Latch, grudgingly admits that this task will require no bloodshed - only a minor risk to the Empire's relationship with the [[Sarcophan Delves]] if people do not keep their mouths shut. He refuses to answer any of the blizzard of questions that follow, and leaves as quickly as he arrived. It is likely that the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], who is due to be elected at the first Senate session of this season, will want to follow up on this matter.

One more message arrives before the summit begins. A mild-mannered Herald carrying a theodolite briefly blends in with a maintenance crew checking over Anvil's drainage ditches before discreetly passing a note to the civil service. The message from Overseer Hook offers a gift of information about Salt Lord Seonag. The [[Burning|destruction of Rachensgrab]] sent a seismic shift through the international slave trade, and has emboldened those who speak out against the practice for whatever reason. Hook's note states that a number of orcs of the [[Broken Shore]] have begun claiming that slavery is a relic of a barbaric past, more suited to shark-worshipping pirates than civilised Grendel, and that abolition is the only way to advance their Ambitions on the global stage. Salt Lord Seonag has apparently entertained representatives of these groups at one of her fortified mansions, although what was discussed remains a secret. Whatever her own views, just being in the same room as these people is a significant gesture for one so powerful. The note offers no further information, nor any notion as to why it was sent. It is for the Empire to do with this information as they please.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Unlocked Gems (Ephisis)===
*'''Ticketed entry to a vault of the City of Gold and Lead is once again being auctioned'''
*'''Posters naming the owner of the vault will be provided at the Hub and the Hall of Worlds'''
*'''The auction will take place at 8:00pm in the Hall of Worlds using crystal mana'''
*'''Purchasable slots in the vault will be between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox.'''
Once again, flyers and posters being appearing on any surface close to an Autumn Regio in the days leading up to the Autumn Equinox. Another defaulted payment means another room in the vault to be opened up to the Empire's bidders, and another bounty of mana for the heralds of Ephisis who seem to be have a lucrative project on their hands. The posters are more cagey this time, and give little indication of who might have owned this particular vault, or what might be inside.

As before, they will leave posters in the Hall of Worlds and the Hub announcing the name of the owner of the vault. At 20:00 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice, they will then hold an auction of crystal mana for two-minute-long slots within the vault. The auction will take place within the Hall of Worlds.

Each slot allows four people entry into the vault. Whilst in the vault, visitors may conduct business as they wish, and will be provided with a receptacle which may be filled with items found within that the visitors wish to take home with them. Any objects which do not fit in the receptacle must be returned to the vault.

The adverts warn that those purchasing a later slot in the vault should be aware of the risk that there is nothing of value left within for them to take. However such visitors should still enjoy witnessing a unique spot within the City of Gold and Lead. Bidders should also be aware that access to the vault requires access to the Hall of Worlds, and any appropriate arrangements to reach the space are the responsibility of the ticket-holder, and not the Lady of the Counting House or any of her intermediaries.

Bidders are reminded that the only accepted currency for the auction will be crystal mana. Keel also advises those interested in coming along that slots to visit the vault will only be available between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice - so bidders should be sure of their availability before committing.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=240}}
==Day==
===Seeking Here and There (Kimus)===
* '''Kimus is offering the Magpies the ability to work with her servants to uncover a lost item'''
* '''The Civil Service have arranged a formal session for the sodality in the Senate at 15:30pm on Saturday'''
The [[Kimus|Seer Clad in Gold]] offered a [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|boon]] to the Empire last season, one that could be claimed by the [[Magpies]]. For various reasons, the boon was not claimed. The ''Seeker of Skies'' offered the services of her heralds to those the [[Imperial Senate]] had charged with finding lost things, and it was to be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of three specific objects the Archmage had mentioned would be sought out.

The Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of three requested antiquities.

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|title=Magpies|align=right|width=200}}
During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Sodality has a chance to ask for help finding one of these items. Apparently, thanks to some matter of Senate procedure, they were legally unable to claim the boon during the Summer Solstice. The ''Prismatic Sphere'' is patient on such matters, and does not wish the Magpies to suffer "because of paperwork". The Civil Service have arranged a formal session of the sodality, to be held in the Senate at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, to enable them to take a vote on the matter if they wish to do so.

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has an excellent knowledge of the religion she professes, [[the Way]] of [[Virtue]], but rarely has opportunity to see it practiced by humans. She is no stranger to the power of rites and liturgies to incite and inspire, so is asking priests and adherants to perform their most dramatic or moving ceremonies for her edification.

So reports the long-suffering civil servant ''Jorgen'', who claims he found the message on an arrow fired into the frame of his front door. It did begin with an apology: apparently the messenger herald was very busy on some adventure into the unknown, and this method saved time.

Herads of the ''Finder of the Path'' intend to come to Anvil library, with the citizens' permission, at '''22:00 on Friday'''. They would like to speak to interested members of the Assembly of the Way and the order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] to explain the proposition and choose some organisers. The [[Archmage of Day]], or someone sent by her, would also be particularly welcome.

==Night==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon001a.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Affection and Animosity (Janon)===
* '''A group of Janon heralds wish to hear stories from beloved rivals'''
* '''They will also bring a reward for the Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* '''They intend to attend the Hall of Worlds at 11:15 on the morning of Saturday'''
The [[Janon|Night Sword]] is a creature of rising and falling passions, always invested in something, but not always something that the citizens of the Empire know or care about. This season, it has made an approach to the Empire. Currently the interest of the ''Blazing Blade'' is focused on the thin line that separates love and hate, and the ways that these passions can become blurred. ''The Muse Of Fire'' intends to send a small group of her heralds to Anvil to speak with those who have personal experience of this.

Specifically, they would like to speak with beloved rivals. Beloved rivals, of course, are people who find themselves set in implacable opposition to one another, but who recognise that through their fighting and feuding they have become closer than mere enemies. Beloved rivals raise one another up through their conflict. Beloved rivals know and care more about one another than their dearest friends. Beloved rivals may even fall in love with one another in more conventional ways - provided, of course, that they never forget the strife that must always be there between them.

''The Tempestuous Heart'' would be obliged if the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] or a representative thereof would meet the Heralds at 11:15 and escort them to a place where said Rivals could be gathered to tell their tales - in fact, perhaps the Torchbearer (or their representative) could help to organise who shows up and speaks? Then they can collect their reward. Last season the ''Song Of Joy And Rage'' [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#Vicious_Little_Pearls|requested]] the gathering of awful black pearls so that they might be destroyed. That was done, and so a reward is due. It will put the gift in the hands of the heralds, and see it handed out as is appropriate.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===A Peculiar Opportunity (Lashonar)===
* '''A conjunction is due to open to a strong Night regio in Broceliande at 22:00 on Friday'''
* '''Heralds of Lashonar have suggested casting a specific arcane projection which they say is in the hands of Nathair Autumngale'''
* '''This conjunction is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
Some weeks before the Autumn equinox, the prognosticator's department identify a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[Brocéliande]]. Specifically, the gate will open to The Singing Circle in [[Brocéliande#Vale's_Lament|Vale's Lament]], a strong Night regio, at 22:00 on Friday. The patterns of the [[Sentinel Gate]] are hard to discern, but this conjunction is especially puzzling. There seems to be little significant about this regio.

Or at least it would if not for the [[Lashonar]] heralds. Chatty squawking bird creatures have been making occasional appearances around [[Anvil]] for much of the season since the response to the Archmage's [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] was delivered. They mostly do nothing but echo bits of other people's conversations and blurt out random scraps of poetry or fragments of songs. This season they appear fascinated by the Gate's schedule and after a certain amount of excited babbling, they are convinced to slow down long enough to explain themselves. This conjunction, they inform the baffled civil servant, is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant, magnificent opportunity! The Singing Circle is a place of great interest to Lashonar for reasons that are not important right now, and Lashonar would be happy to see it put to use for the casting of a most splendid ritual, An Ode To Blood And Sacrifice!

This causes some confusion. There is not, as far as the civil service know, any such ritual in [[Imperial Lore]], nor can they find any reference to it in the civil service archives. After some hurried consultation the heralds clarify that it is not a ritual as such. Instead it is an incredible [[arcane projection]], which they believe to have been developed by '''Nathair Autumngale'''. It was not a gift from Lashonar either, but a product of human ingenuity and the desire to see a performance communicated to as many people as possible! The ''Caller Of The Chorus'' would be overjoyed to see this most potent work of magic cast.

If such an arcane projection were to exist, then it could indeed be cast via this regio. There would be some minimal level of risk due to the presence of [[vallorn miasma]], which would need to be treated upon the ritualists' return to Anvil, but there do not seem to be any husks or other vallornspawn in the area. So long as the ritualists and whatever entourage they bring with them don't suddenly assault one another, all should be well.

==Spring==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===A Swift Farewell (Ossegrahn)===
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where Peakedge Stead once stood'''
As detailed in the '''[[Songs_like_trees#In_the_Bitter_Rain|Songs like trees]]''' wind of war, the eternal [[Ossegrahn]] has turned away from the Empire. Their protection of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] failed, and the ancient hospital has been destroyed by the [[Druj]]. Those who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]].

Ossegrahn has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced.

The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] woven in some fashion with [[Spring magic]] rather than [[Winter magic]]. A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.
{{CaptionedImage|file=IrrahHurrah002a.png|align=right|width=240}}

===A Thousand Foes (Ira Harrah)===
* '''Ira Harrah supports the rebellious septs in the Mallum
* '''He has thrown his weight behind those who are claiming the Neustak forest
* '''He asks the Imperial Conclave to make their position on this matter clear with a suitable Declaration
* '''If the Empire attacks the rebels, Ira Harrah will turn on the Empire
Imperial forces continue to battle the [[Druj]] in [[Sarangrave]], but there has been an unlooked-for development in the [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]]. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicans has empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind rebelious slaves who have claimed the [[territory#regions|region]] for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|the Bloodwater Spears]], [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|the Water Walkers]], and an unknown sept have taken the [[opportunity]] to [[Even darkness must pass|overthrow the Druj]], butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

It is impossible to take any more of the Neustak Forest without fighting and killing the rebel orcs. The would be illegal currently, since the Senate recently [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Water_Walkers_as_Foreigners|recognised one of the rebel septs, the Water Walkers, as foreigners]]. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. The night before the Equinox, a lone herald approaches the hub with a message from ''Papa Otec''. As they hopefully communicated during the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Summer parley]], the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' would see the Mallum liberated from the Druj and the folk who have laboured under their tyranny freed to pursue their own destiny. Right now that means that if the Empire choose to kill the rebel septs, or try to drive them out of the Neustak Forest, then it will confirm all ''Shackle Breaker's'' suspicions and he will turn on the Empire.

The herald is keen to make the civil servants understand that unlike the weak [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], hamstrung by alien philosophies of altruism and cooperation, Ira Harrah will simply declare war on the Empire and do everything within his power to destroy it. The herald suggests that the [[Imperial Conclave]] could save a lot of time by making their opinion of the Sarangrave rebels clear - perhaps a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] urging Imperial magicians to work with the slaves of the Mallum to free themselves. Or a Declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|Enmity]] to make it obvious where they stand on the matter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Centipede General.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen)===
* '''Arhallogen offers to help the Empire sort out its Neustak Forest problem
* '''A suitably worded Declaration will encourage the Centipede General to assault the Neustak Forest rebels
* '''Doing so would impress the eternal
It is interesting to note that Ira Harrah's messenger arrives at the Hub the day ''after'' a significantly more unsettling herald arrives bearing word from the [[Arhallogen|Centipede General]]. It's an open secret that Arhallogen supports the Druj - but it also supports the [[Navarr]]. Neustak Forest lies on the borders of [[Therunin]] as well as [[the Barrens]], and it seems the ''Scorpion Queen'' has its own interest in events unfolding there. The offer of Arhallogen is straightforward. It can remove, or at least greatly weaken, the septs in the Neustak Forest, if the Conclave wishes.

Specifically, if the Conclave uses a Declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] to call on the ''Shadow-Hunter'' for aid in Sarangrave, it will mobilise those loyal to it to assault the Neustak Forest and slaughter the rebels. While it's unlikely they will be wiped out - they have experience fighting the Druj after all - but they hold on the region will be weakened. The main impediments to wiping them all out are the support of ''[[Irra Harah|Little Prey]]'', and the fact that the Imperial Senate has declared one of the septs there to have Imperial protection. If the Conclave can convince the Senate to remove that protection, and the rebel septs receive no further aid from the rival eternal, the followers of ''Web of Blades'' should be able to murder their leadership and scatter their forces leaving the Empire free to seize the region at their convenience.

Obviously, accepting Arhallogen's offer will anger Ira Harrah, but the advantage is that the herald stresses that no Imperial citizens will be involved. The orcs of the Mallum will have no reason to link this assault to the Empire or the Conclave. The hatred the ''King of Spiders'' bears for the ''Wet Crunch'' is well known even among the subjects of the Druj. The herald refuses to be drawn on exactly how the murders will take place, apart from to reassure the civil service that no Imperial citizens will be in danger as long as they are sensible. As a parting note, the herald mentions that taking this step would significantly improve their master's opinion of the Conclave, and increase the likelihood it would be interested in dealing with them rather than just its allies among the Navarr next time a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|Plenipotentiary]] missive comes its way.

==Summer==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[file:CathCane001b.webp|align=right|width=200]]</div>
===Don't Sit Down (Cathan Canae)===
* '''In Spring the archmage met with a lietenant of Cathan Canae to agree to new terms on the Empire ceding regions'''
* '''The Empire has a year to conquer a new territory for each region ceded to prevent war'''
* '''Bregasland, Liathaven, Madruga, and Therunin do not count as new territories'''
''Volstann, Eater of Boars'', favoured lieutenant of the [[Cathan Canae|Lady of the Frost]], met with several Imperial dignitaries during the Spring Equinox. Foremost among the matters discussed during the meeting was the Empire's ongoing access to the Mistress of Blizzard's [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]]. An agreement was reached with Volstann on the necessity of ceding land to focus on conquest elsewhere: the ''Crown of Black Ice'' will not limit the Empire's access to her citadels if it cedes a ''[[Territory#Regions|region]]'', provided that the Empire proceeds to use the time gained to conquer a new ''[[territory]]'' before a year has passed. [[Bregasland]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], and the recently recovered [[Madruga]] do not count as new territories. Each of those four was once claimed by the Empire, and the ''Immovable One'' wishes to see the Empire expand.

Following the Summer Solstice, Volstann has reached out to the Summer Archmage with a reminder. The [[cession]] of [[Mierada]] to the Thule is a clear example of the kind of thing his mistress has been angered by in the past. If the Empire does not conquer a new territory by the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' will make her displeasure known. On the plus side, says Volstan, the Empire is ''very'' close to claiming [[Sarangrave]] from the hated Druj so that should be alright?

He's also able to clarify that there is no problem with recognising that others keep the land they already hold - while the ''Immovable One'' has no particular affection for [[Commander Gallum]] or the [[Grendel]] in general, recognising the ''Protectorate of Mareave'' - or indeed the city state of [[Beoraidh]] - is not a problem. Not least because the Empire can always conquer the in the future.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris)===
* '''Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
* '''The Sarangrave armies under this enchantment this season can no longer use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
In the reign of [[Empress Brannan]] there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.

It's been noted that the enchantment is starting to have a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most notably in [[Sarangrave]]. This may be because of the [[Druj miasma|oppressive aura of fear]] coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]].

As noted in the '''[[Even_darkness_must_pass#Game_Information|Even darkness must pass]]''' wind of war, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season ([[Eastern Sky]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], [[Lions of Adelmar]], [[Granite Pillar]], [[Fire of the South]], [[Citadel Guard]], [[Golden Axe]], and [[Northern Eagle]]) cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an ''entire year'' without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment. It's come to light that the [[Burning Falcon]] over in the western theatre is ''also'' experiencing this effect but it is significantly less notable since that army cannot undertake those orders anyway thanks to the enduring passion of the soldiers and [[kohan]] who comprise the Freeborn army.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively ''doing''. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually ''doing'' anything to make this happen.

However it also appears that Eleonaris herself is well pleased with the Empire's progress in the Sarangrave. Like the majority of the Summer eternals she despises the Druj, and has let it be known that she looks favourably on those armies that bring her knights to fight alongside them against the forces of the Mallum. She is particularly impressed with the '''Voices of the Unbound Storm''' of [[Wintermark]] who performed the lion's share of the enchantments at the Summer Solstice. As such she has offered a boon to Imperial magicians who want to draw on her warriors.

During the Autumn Equinox, and Imperial coven performing [[Knights of Glory]] gains an additional benefit from the use of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]]. In addition to their normal effect - providing three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual - the apple also provides one member of the coven with a bonus rank of Summer lore, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. A given magician can gain this benefit only once each time they cast a ritual, no matter how many apples are used. Even if the mana is split between multiple contributors only one of them benefits from this additional rank.

The [[Unfettered Mind]] and the [[Rod and Shield]] express a little caution here. The impact Knights of Glory had in the time of Empress Brannan swiftly spread through the entire Military Council. It is quite possible that indiscriminate use of the ritual might see the entire Empire losing the ability to take specifically cautious orders as their soldiers increasingly fall under the influence of the Summer realm.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Hayaak001b.png|align=right|width=240}}

===College of Magic (Hayaak)===
* '''Hayaak has become patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. [[Jaheris]] was displaced by [[Hayaak]], and the heralds of the former have quit the [[college of magic]] while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|herald]] of the ''Hawk Lord'' goes by the name of ''Ernreik'' and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the ''Peregrine Knight'' himself, allow the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] to [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Patronage_of_the_Peregrine_Knight|more swiftly]] research any [[enchantment]] that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

[[A_challenging_time|One year ago]], the ''[[Barien|Iron Duke]]'' brought those from the nations of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of [[heroism]] or [[glory]]. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit, up to 50 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

Vales across [[Varushka]] have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and [[the League]], have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, ''Klarent, Clad in Blades'' and ''Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', two heralds of [[Jaheris]] who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the ''Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'' (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from [[Miekarova]] across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Ossium]], [[The Barrens]], [[Karov]], [[Volodmartz]] and [[Holberg]] - as well as '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of summer''' and '''Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake''' - to meet them at the ''Plot and Plunder'' bar in [[the League]] camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.
==Winter==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Smile (Skathe)===
* '''Skathe has offered to allow Catena of the Concordium of Pallas to codify a single curse of any realm and magnitude'''
* '''The offer requires the Archmage of Winter to use the power of plenipotentiary to accept the boon'''
* '''The curse will require one season of work for every twenty-five levels of magnitude'''
* '''The process will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under emnity at any time while the curse is being codified'''
* '''Codificication will require Catena to work with the eternal and her heralds in the Bleak Oubliette'''
{{SOP|statement=Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.|size=small|by=Catena, Urizeni Assembly|vote= {{GM}} 196-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the ''[[Skathe|High Enchantress of Grievances]]'' claimed that the ''Lady of Laments'' would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than ''Queen of Hags'' said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the ''Mistress of Misery'', gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the ''Painted Mirror'' smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the ''Giver of Gifts'', and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the ''Friend to Foes'' will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the ''Looking Glass'' expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the ''Hexenkönigin''' expectations... well that will ''surely work out just fine''. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, [[Winter magic]] is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the [[Archmage_of_Winter|Winter Archmage]] will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags ''personally'' supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] while the work is underway. A [[conjunction]] is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Smoulder (Surut)===
* '''Knights of Surut have appeared to defend Necropolis'''
Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory of [[Necropolis]]. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed [[Quickening Cold Meat]] against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that [[Empress Varkula]] has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#soldiers|soldiers]] of the [[Reals#Winter|Wasteland]]. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Burned Prince]].

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]] who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the [[Highguard|Highborn]]. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] and [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]], watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, ''Mistress-General Kanesta''. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are ''Surut's Brand'' and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the [[Archmage of Winter]] and the [[Senator]], brokered via the [[Tharim|Bound One]].

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Redoubt]], but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, ''Mistress-General Kanesta'' seeks out a small group of [[magister|magisters]] who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the ''Prince in Waiting''. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the ''Knight of Ashes'' is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, ''Surut's Brand'' will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the [[Archmage of Winter]] or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] is for.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Scour (Tharim)===
* '''The Knights of Tharim have scoured Upwold for the killers of Obligatus and a number of Marcher magicians
* '''Their unsubtle search has left significant damage to farms and businesses across the territory
* '''At the Winter Solstice every Upwold business and farm will produce 36 fewer rings but will receive compensation
* '''The followers of Agramant in Upwold have been rooted out and destroyed
Following the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|formal parley]] during Summer, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''' proposed a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] that [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Support_Tharim's_Hunt|provided permission]] to the Knights of the [[Tharim|Bound King]] to scour Upwold. The [[Imperial Conclave]] agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for ''Obligatus'', the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the [[Bounders]], cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Declaration of Acceptance, Imperial Conclave, Summer 387YE">The Imperial Conclave stands steadfast as always with our members and colleagues in the Marches. We call upon the smiths, landskeepers, and threshers to render all appropriate and lawful aid to the magistrates and representatives of the Bound King in finding the sorceror-murderers responsible for the deaths of Obligatus and many a loyal Marcher, such that they face the consequences of their actions. May they be found swiftly with the unblinking eye of the scarecrow</quote></div>
Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season ''two'' covens clearly working with [[Agramant]] are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the ''Circle of Stone'', they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the ''Wastewalker''. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension [[Endorsement|endorsed]] this attack, and that the followers of ''Feaster-of-Sorrows'' are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of [[magic items]] and [[ritual texts]] were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of [[Vis#Heart's blood|Heart's blood]] from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave ''not'' wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to [[endowment|endow]] as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.
==Further Reading==
* [[Realm|Realms]]
* [[Eternal|Eternals]]
* [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|Eternals and rituals]]
* [[Inhabitants of the realms]]
* [[Regio]]
* [[Fane]]

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:18:25Z

Castaras: /* A Peculiar Opportunity (Lashonar) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
"I'm Crown of the Waning Circle - I've got a letter for Bella di Sarvos!" The herald beamed down at the two people manning the desk.

Jack stared back at the excitable-looking herald, arm outstretched holding a handful of papers. It had been a long night of celebration with his fiance and while the Dawnish wine wasn't a match for a good beer, it had still left him badly in need of a hair of the dog this morning. He stared at the herald, desperately trying to work out how to get it to calm down, or at least quiet down. "Right." he said at last. "What do you want me to do with that?"

The herald's face fell, his mouth agape. Jack desperately tried not to laugh, but it reminded him too much of when his sister caught their five-year-old with his hand in the biscuit jar. He clutched his head at the pain.

"This is the desk where you take messages for the archmages?" asked the herald quizically, as if they didn't quite understand the question.

"Right..." said Jack. "And is Bella di Sarvos an archmage?" he said, sounding each word slowly, like he was talking to his sister's offspring.

"She could be!" responded Crown, eagerly, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm in the rhetorical question. "She's very smart!" he assured the Marcher.

Jack bit back a sarcastic retort, just in time to avoid getting one of Sibby's infamously sharp elbows to the ribs. She was a typical bloody Dawnish yeofolk, she made it very plain on multiple occasions that she took her job very seriously, and she most definitely did not approve of any disrespect for your betters.

"Look, just give it here," he said, snatching the letter, "I'll make sure she gets it."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Paul Gustave Dore Raven.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Six [[Realms|realms of magic]] align with the mortal world whose [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the [[eternal|eternals]] through the powers of the [[Archmage|Archmages]] and the [[Imperial Conclave]], but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of [[alignment]] allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of [[Alignment#amity|amity]], some revel in the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne ]]''' wind of fortune.

Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, '''[[From my books surcease of sorrow]]'''. There is also '''[[The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune specifically related to matters of stars, [[astronomancy]], and [[arcane projection|arcane projections]], and details of this seasons [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] options is included in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune. This wind also includes some discussion of things happening in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]] which were first mentioned in the '''[[Songs like trees]]''' and '''[[Even darkness must pass]]''' winds of war.

==Autumn==
{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Relics of the Past (Callidus)===
* '''Callidus is offering to help the Empire try to recover relics of the founders of the Brass Coast for a heavy price'''
* ''' A herald of Prince of the Argent Tontine will be arriving at the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday'''
High noon on a day when the clouds are dark and the rain pours, a gold-faced [[herald]] appears out of the regio, clad in robes made from immortalised letters written on cloth. The rain falls and weather seems to worsen in the short distance from regio to hub, but the herald seems unbothered. They arrive at the entrance to the hub, rainwater dripping off their horns, and approach a desk to deliver a message. Before leaving, they make sure to mention how personally disappointed they are to be back to nutrality when their master is being rather indulgent of the empire of late.

Last summit, the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains'' sent two heralds to the [[Guildmaster_of_the_Artisans|artisans' guild]] to ask about things the empire wanted. Apparently, Callidus found the list humerous; there was definitely some eye-opening items on the list. It has certainly piqued the interest of the City of chains, for the moment at least.

This summit, ''Multitudo'', a herald of the ''Golden Bargainer'', comes to offer [[the Brass Coast]], the [[Magpies]] and anyone interested in the [[tribe|founders]] of the Brass Coast, an [[opportunity]]. The City of Chains is prepared to track down [[Erigo|Erigo's]] gold-and-ruby chain circlet and [[Guerra|Guerra's]] crimson sash. There is a letter for Xanthius which contains details of the City's offer, interested parties should discuss the matter with him.

The ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'' has connections all over the world and the Autumn realm. He is always interested in helping people acquire items they thirst for, provided they are willing to meet the price. Relics are some of the most expensive items that could be found, but Callidus could help the Empire locate similar items or schema to make them if they wished. Of course obtaining such an item would always be more than it costs to make, since people won't part with precious items for a pittance, but such is the price of desire. The Golden Bargainer has not interested in items that don't command a high price.

Multitudo will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 7pm on Friday, to negotiate a price and inform citizens on how to forward the funds. If anyone is keen to do business, Multitudo is more than happy to relocate to a better location once he has met with those present.
{{CaptionedImage|file=City_of_Locks.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Knife Creeps Closer (Basileia)===
* '''The City of Locks has sent ambiguous instructions of what is needed to progress the plan to assassinate Salt Lord Seonag'''
* '''It is implied that this may relations wtih the Sarcophan Delves in some way'''
* '''Interested parties should seek out Irontide Rus for further details'''
* '''Overseer Hook has offered some intelligence about Salt Lord Seonag for reasons that remain unclear'''
Earlier this year the Guild of Accountants of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] were contracted to seek out opportunities for the Empire to [[Fair_play_is_turnabout#Blood_On_Account|assassinate Salt Lord Seonag]], the chair of the Council of Salt Lords. An upfront payment was delivered, but it was made clear that successful fulfilment of the contract would require supplementary actions to be taken. This season, it seems, the first of those actions has come due.

...Or at least it would, if anyone would explain what was actually needed. The Five Pillars have already established a pattern of working via a small group of untitled Imperial citizens - 'people who know what they did', as one wag in the civil service has taken to calling them - and this season is no exception. Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants has indicated that the details of what is required and why have been sent to one '''Irontide Rus''' of the Unshackled. When pressed for more details the messenger, a cold-eyed Herald called Mister Latch, grudgingly admits that this task will require no bloodshed - only a minor risk to the Empire's relationship with the [[Sarcophan Delves]] if people do not keep their mouths shut. He refuses to answer any of the blizzard of questions that follow, and leaves as quickly as he arrived. It is likely that the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], who is due to be elected at the first Senate session of this season, will want to follow up on this matter.

One more message arrives before the summit begins. A mild-mannered Herald carrying a theodolite briefly blends in with a maintenance crew checking over Anvil's drainage ditches before discreetly passing a note to the civil service. The message from Overseer Hook offers a gift of information about Salt Lord Seonag. The [[Burning|destruction of Rachensgrab]] sent a seismic shift through the international slave trade, and has emboldened those who speak out against the practice for whatever reason. Hook's note states that a number of orcs of the [[Broken Shore]] have begun claiming that slavery is a relic of a barbaric past, more suited to shark-worshipping pirates than civilised Grendel, and that abolition is the only way to advance their Ambitions on the global stage. Salt Lord Seonag has apparently entertained representatives of these groups at one of her fortified mansions, although what was discussed remains a secret. Whatever her own views, just being in the same room as these people is a significant gesture for one so powerful. The note offers no further information, nor any notion as to why it was sent. It is for the Empire to do with this information as they please.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Unlocked Gems (Ephisis)===
*'''Ticketed entry to a vault of the City of Gold and Lead is once again being auctioned'''
*'''Posters naming the owner of the vault will be provided at the Hub and the Hall of Worlds'''
*'''The auction will take place at 8:00pm in the Hall of Worlds using crystal mana'''
*'''Purchasable slots in the vault will be between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox.'''
Once again, flyers and posters being appearing on any surface close to an Autumn Regio in the days leading up to the Autumn Equinox. Another defaulted payment means another room in the vault to be opened up to the Empire's bidders, and another bounty of mana for the heralds of Ephisis who seem to be have a lucrative project on their hands. The posters are more cagey this time, and give little indication of who might have owned this particular vault, or what might be inside.

As before, they will leave posters in the Hall of Worlds and the Hub announcing the name of the owner of the vault. At 20:00 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice, they will then hold an auction of crystal mana for two-minute-long slots within the vault. The auction will take place within the Hall of Worlds.

Each slot allows four people entry into the vault. Whilst in the vault, visitors may conduct business as they wish, and will be provided with a receptacle which may be filled with items found within that the visitors wish to take home with them. Any objects which do not fit in the receptacle must be returned to the vault.

The adverts warn that those purchasing a later slot in the vault should be aware of the risk that there is nothing of value left within for them to take. However such visitors should still enjoy witnessing a unique spot within the City of Gold and Lead. Bidders should also be aware that access to the vault requires access to the Hall of Worlds, and any appropriate arrangements to reach the space are the responsibility of the ticket-holder, and not the Lady of the Counting House or any of her intermediaries.

Bidders are reminded that the only accepted currency for the auction will be crystal mana. Keel also advises those interested in coming along that slots to visit the vault will only be available between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice - so bidders should be sure of their availability before committing.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=240}}
==Day==
===Seeking Here and There (Kimus)===
* '''Kimus is offering the Magpies the ability to work with her servants to uncover a lost item'''
* '''The Civil Service have arranged a formal session for the sodality in the Senate at 15:30pm on Saturday'''
The [[Kimus|Seer Clad in Gold]] offered a [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|boon]] to the Empire last season, one that could be claimed by the [[Magpies]]. For various reasons, the boon was not claimed. The ''Seeker of Skies'' offered the services of her heralds to those the [[Imperial Senate]] had charged with finding lost things, and it was to be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of three specific objects the Archmage had mentioned would be sought out.

The Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of three requested antiquities.

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|title=Magpies|align=right|width=200}}
During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Sodality has a chance to ask for help finding one of these items. Apparently, thanks to some matter of Senate procedure, they were legally unable to claim the boon during the Summer Solstice. The ''Prismatic Sphere'' is patient on such matters, and does not wish the Magpies to suffer "because of paperwork". The Civil Service have arranged a formal session of the sodality, to be held in the Senate at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, to enable them to take a vote on the matter if they wish to do so.

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archamge#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has an excellent knowledge of the religion she professes, [[the Way]] of [[Virtue]], but rarely has opportunity to see it practiced by humans. She is no stranger to the power of rites and liturgies to incite and inspire, so is asking priests and adherants to perform their most dramatic or moving ceremonies for her edification.

So reports the long-suffering civil servant ''Jorgen'', who claims he found the message on an arrow fired into the frame of his front door. It did begin with an apology: apparently the messenger herald was very busy on some adventure into the unknown, and this method saved time.

Herads of the ''Finder of the Path'' intend to come to Anvil library, with the citizens' permission, at '''22:00 on Friday'''. They would like to speak to interested members of the Assembly of the Way and the order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] to explain the proposition and choose some organisers. The [[Archmage of Day]], or someone sent by her, would also be particularly welcome.

==Night==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon001a.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Affection and Animosity (Janon)===
* '''A group of Janon heralds wish to hear stories from beloved rivals'''
* '''They will also bring a reward for the Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* '''They intend to attend the Hall of Worlds at 11:15 on the morning of Saturday'''
The [[Janon|Night Sword]] is a creature of rising and falling passions, always invested in something, but not always something that the citizens of the Empire know or care about. This season, it has made an approach to the Empire. Currently the interest of the ''Blazing Blade'' is focused on the thin line that separates love and hate, and the ways that these passions can become blurred. ''The Muse Of Fire'' intends to send a small group of her heralds to Anvil to speak with those who have personal experience of this.

Specifically, they would like to speak with beloved rivals. Beloved rivals, of course, are people who find themselves set in implacable opposition to one another, but who recognise that through their fighting and feuding they have become closer than mere enemies. Beloved rivals raise one another up through their conflict. Beloved rivals know and care more about one another than their dearest friends. Beloved rivals may even fall in love with one another in more conventional ways - provided, of course, that they never forget the strife that must always be there between them.

''The Tempestuous Heart'' would be obliged if the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] or a representative thereof would meet the Heralds at 11:15 and escort them to a place where said Rivals could be gathered to tell their tales - in fact, perhaps the Torchbearer (or their representative) could help to organise who shows up and speaks? Then they can collect their reward. Last season the ''Song Of Joy And Rage'' [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#Vicious_Little_Pearls|requested]] the gathering of awful black pearls so that they might be destroyed. That was done, and so a reward is due. It will put the gift in the hands of the heralds, and see it handed out as is appropriate.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===A Peculiar Opportunity (Lashonar)===
* '''A conjunction is due to open to a strong Night regio in Broceliande at 22:00 on Friday'''
* '''Heralds of Lashonar have suggested casting a specific arcane projection which they say is in the hands of Nathair Autumngale'''
* '''This conjunction is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
Some weeks before the Autumn equinox, the prognosticator's department identify a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[Brocéliande]]. Specifically, the gate will open to The Singing Circle in [[Brocéliande#Vale's_Lament|Vale's Lament]], a strong Night regio, at 22:00 on Friday. The patterns of the [[Sentinel Gate]] are hard to discern, but this conjunction is especially puzzling. There seems to be little significant about this regio.

Or at least it would if not for the [[Lashonar]] heralds. Chatty squawking bird creatures have been making occasional appearances around [[Anvil]] for much of the season since the response to the Archmage's [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] was delivered. They mostly do nothing but echo bits of other people's conversations and blurt out random scraps of poetry or fragments of songs. This season they appear fascinated by the Gate's schedule and after a certain amount of excited babbling, they are convinced to slow down long enough to explain themselves. This conjunction, they inform the baffled civil servant, is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant, magnificent opportunity! The Singing Circle is a place of great interest to Lashonar for reasons that are not important right now, and Lashonar would be happy to see it put to use for the casting of a most splendid ritual, An Ode To Blood And Sacrifice!

This causes some confusion. There is not, as far as the civil service know, any such ritual in [[Imperial Lore]], nor can they find any reference to it in the civil service archives. After some hurried consultation the heralds clarify that it is not a ritual as such. Instead it is an incredible [[arcane projection]], which they believe to have been developed by '''Nathair Autumngale'''. It was not a gift from Lashonar either, but a product of human ingenuity and the desire to see a performance communicated to as many people as possible! The ''Caller Of The Chorus'' would be overjoyed to see this most potent work of magic cast.

If such an arcane projection were to exist, then it could indeed be cast via this regio. There would be some minimal level of risk due to the presence of [[vallorn miasma]], which would need to be treated upon the ritualists' return to Anvil, but there do not seem to be any husks or other vallornspawn in the area. So long as the ritualists and whatever entourage they bring with them don't suddenly assault one another, all should be well.

==Spring==
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===A Swift Farewell (Ossegrahn)===
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where Peakedge Stead once stood'''
As detailed in the '''[[Songs_like_trees#In_the_Bitter_Rain|Songs like trees]]''' wind of war, the eternal [[Ossegrahn]] has turned away from the Empire. Their protection of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] failed, and the ancient hospital has been destroyed by the [[Druj]]. Those who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]].

Ossegrahn has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced.

The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] woven in some fashion with [[Spring magic]] rather than [[Winter magic]]. A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.
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===A Thousand Foes (Ira Harrah)===
* '''Ira Harrah supports the rebellious septs in the Mallum
* '''He has thrown his weight behind those who are claiming the Neustak forest
* '''He asks the Imperial Conclave to make their position on this matter clear with a suitable Declaration
* '''If the Empire attacks the rebels, Ira Harrah will turn on the Empire
Imperial forces continue to battle the [[Druj]] in [[Sarangrave]], but there has been an unlooked-for development in the [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]]. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicans has empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind rebelious slaves who have claimed the [[territory#regions|region]] for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|the Bloodwater Spears]], [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|the Water Walkers]], and an unknown sept have taken the [[opportunity]] to [[Even darkness must pass|overthrow the Druj]], butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

It is impossible to take any more of the Neustak Forest without fighting and killing the rebel orcs. The would be illegal currently, since the Senate recently [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Water_Walkers_as_Foreigners|recognised one of the rebel septs, the Water Walkers, as foreigners]]. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. The night before the Equinox, a lone herald approaches the hub with a message from ''Papa Otec''. As they hopefully communicated during the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Summer parley]], the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' would see the Mallum liberated from the Druj and the folk who have laboured under their tyranny freed to pursue their own destiny. Right now that means that if the Empire choose to kill the rebel septs, or try to drive them out of the Neustak Forest, then it will confirm all ''Shackle Breaker's'' suspicions and he will turn on the Empire.

The herald is keen to make the civil servants understand that unlike the weak [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], hamstrung by alien philosophies of altruism and cooperation, Ira Harrah will simply declare war on the Empire and do everything within his power to destroy it. The herald suggests that the [[Imperial Conclave]] could save a lot of time by making their opinion of the Sarangrave rebels clear - perhaps a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] urging Imperial magicians to work with the slaves of the Mallum to free themselves. Or a Declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|Enmity]] to make it obvious where they stand on the matter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Centipede General.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen)===
* '''Arhallogen offers to help the Empire sort out its Neustak Forest problem
* '''A suitably worded Declaration will encourage the Centipede General to assault the Neustak Forest rebels
* '''Doing so would impress the eternal
It is interesting to note that Ira Harrah's messenger arrives at the Hub the day ''after'' a significantly more unsettling herald arrives bearing word from the [[Arhallogen|Centipede General]]. It's an open secret that Arhallogen supports the Druj - but it also supports the [[Navarr]]. Neustak Forest lies on the borders of [[Therunin]] as well as [[the Barrens]], and it seems the ''Scorpion Queen'' has its own interest in events unfolding there. The offer of Arhallogen is straightforward. It can remove, or at least greatly weaken, the septs in the Neustak Forest, if the Conclave wishes.

Specifically, if the Conclave uses a Declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] to call on the ''Shadow-Hunter'' for aid in Sarangrave, it will mobilise those loyal to it to assault the Neustak Forest and slaughter the rebels. While it's unlikely they will be wiped out - they have experience fighting the Druj after all - but they hold on the region will be weakened. The main impediments to wiping them all out are the support of ''[[Irra Harah|Little Prey]]'', and the fact that the Imperial Senate has declared one of the septs there to have Imperial protection. If the Conclave can convince the Senate to remove that protection, and the rebel septs receive no further aid from the rival eternal, the followers of ''Web of Blades'' should be able to murder their leadership and scatter their forces leaving the Empire free to seize the region at their convenience.

Obviously, accepting Arhallogen's offer will anger Ira Harrah, but the advantage is that the herald stresses that no Imperial citizens will be involved. The orcs of the Mallum will have no reason to link this assault to the Empire or the Conclave. The hatred the ''King of Spiders'' bears for the ''Wet Crunch'' is well known even among the subjects of the Druj. The herald refuses to be drawn on exactly how the murders will take place, apart from to reassure the civil service that no Imperial citizens will be in danger as long as they are sensible. As a parting note, the herald mentions that taking this step would significantly improve their master's opinion of the Conclave, and increase the likelihood it would be interested in dealing with them rather than just its allies among the Navarr next time a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|Plenipotentiary]] missive comes its way.

==Summer==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[file:CathCane001b.webp|align=right|width=200]]</div>
===Don't Sit Down (Cathan Canae)===
* '''In Spring the archmage met with a lietenant of Cathan Canae to agree to new terms on the Empire ceding regions'''
* '''The Empire has a year to conquer a new territory for each region ceded to prevent war'''
* '''Bregasland, Liathaven, Madruga, and Therunin do not count as new territories'''
''Volstann, Eater of Boars'', favoured lieutenant of the [[Cathan Canae|Lady of the Frost]], met with several Imperial dignitaries during the Spring Equinox. Foremost among the matters discussed during the meeting was the Empire's ongoing access to the Mistress of Blizzard's [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]]. An agreement was reached with Volstann on the necessity of ceding land to focus on conquest elsewhere: the ''Crown of Black Ice'' will not limit the Empire's access to her citadels if it cedes a ''[[Territory#Regions|region]]'', provided that the Empire proceeds to use the time gained to conquer a new ''[[territory]]'' before a year has passed. [[Bregasland]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], and the recently recovered [[Madruga]] do not count as new territories. Each of those four was once claimed by the Empire, and the ''Immovable One'' wishes to see the Empire expand.

Following the Summer Solstice, Volstann has reached out to the Summer Archmage with a reminder. The [[cession]] of [[Mierada]] to the Thule is a clear example of the kind of thing his mistress has been angered by in the past. If the Empire does not conquer a new territory by the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' will make her displeasure known. On the plus side, says Volstan, the Empire is ''very'' close to claiming [[Sarangrave]] from the hated Druj so that should be alright?

He's also able to clarify that there is no problem with recognising that others keep the land they already hold - while the ''Immovable One'' has no particular affection for [[Commander Gallum]] or the [[Grendel]] in general, recognising the ''Protectorate of Mareave'' - or indeed the city state of [[Beoraidh]] - is not a problem. Not least because the Empire can always conquer the in the future.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris)===
* '''Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
* '''The Sarangrave armies under this enchantment this season can no longer use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
In the reign of [[Empress Brannan]] there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.

It's been noted that the enchantment is starting to have a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most notably in [[Sarangrave]]. This may be because of the [[Druj miasma|oppressive aura of fear]] coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]].

As noted in the '''[[Even_darkness_must_pass#Game_Information|Even darkness must pass]]''' wind of war, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season ([[Eastern Sky]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], [[Lions of Adelmar]], [[Granite Pillar]], [[Fire of the South]], [[Citadel Guard]], [[Golden Axe]], and [[Northern Eagle]]) cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an ''entire year'' without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment. It's come to light that the [[Burning Falcon]] over in the western theatre is ''also'' experiencing this effect but it is significantly less notable since that army cannot undertake those orders anyway thanks to the enduring passion of the soldiers and [[kohan]] who comprise the Freeborn army.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively ''doing''. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually ''doing'' anything to make this happen.

However it also appears that Eleonaris herself is well pleased with the Empire's progress in the Sarangrave. Like the majority of the Summer eternals she despises the Druj, and has let it be known that she looks favourably on those armies that bring her knights to fight alongside them against the forces of the Mallum. She is particularly impressed with the '''Voices of the Unbound Storm''' of [[Wintermark]] who performed the lion's share of the enchantments at the Summer Solstice. As such she has offered a boon to Imperial magicians who want to draw on her warriors.

During the Autumn Equinox, and Imperial coven performing [[Knights of Glory]] gains an additional benefit from the use of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]]. In addition to their normal effect - providing three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual - the apple also provides one member of the coven with a bonus rank of Summer lore, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. A given magician can gain this benefit only once each time they cast a ritual, no matter how many apples are used. Even if the mana is split between multiple contributors only one of them benefits from this additional rank.

The [[Unfettered Mind]] and the [[Rod and Shield]] express a little caution here. The impact Knights of Glory had in the time of Empress Brannan swiftly spread through the entire Military Council. It is quite possible that indiscriminate use of the ritual might see the entire Empire losing the ability to take specifically cautious orders as their soldiers increasingly fall under the influence of the Summer realm.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.
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===College of Magic (Hayaak)===
* '''Hayaak has become patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. [[Jaheris]] was displaced by [[Hayaak]], and the heralds of the former have quit the [[college of magic]] while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|herald]] of the ''Hawk Lord'' goes by the name of ''Ernreik'' and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the ''Peregrine Knight'' himself, allow the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] to [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Patronage_of_the_Peregrine_Knight|more swiftly]] research any [[enchantment]] that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
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===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

[[A_challenging_time|One year ago]], the ''[[Barien|Iron Duke]]'' brought those from the nations of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of [[heroism]] or [[glory]]. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit, up to 50 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

Vales across [[Varushka]] have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and [[the League]], have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, ''Klarent, Clad in Blades'' and ''Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', two heralds of [[Jaheris]] who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the ''Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'' (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from [[Miekarova]] across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Ossium]], [[The Barrens]], [[Karov]], [[Volodmartz]] and [[Holberg]] - as well as '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of summer''' and '''Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake''' - to meet them at the ''Plot and Plunder'' bar in [[the League]] camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.
==Winter==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Smile (Skathe)===
* '''Skathe has offered to allow Catena of the Concordium of Pallas to codify a single curse of any realm and magnitude'''
* '''The offer requires the Archmage of Winter to use the power of plenipotentiary to accept the boon'''
* '''The curse will require one season of work for every twenty-five levels of magnitude'''
* '''The process will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under emnity at any time while the curse is being codified'''
* '''Codificication will require Catena to work with the eternal and her heralds in the Bleak Oubliette'''
{{SOP|statement=Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.|size=small|by=Catena, Urizeni Assembly|vote= {{GM}} 196-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the ''[[Skathe|High Enchantress of Grievances]]'' claimed that the ''Lady of Laments'' would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than ''Queen of Hags'' said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the ''Mistress of Misery'', gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the ''Painted Mirror'' smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the ''Giver of Gifts'', and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the ''Friend to Foes'' will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the ''Looking Glass'' expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the ''Hexenkönigin''' expectations... well that will ''surely work out just fine''. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, [[Winter magic]] is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the [[Archmage_of_Winter|Winter Archmage]] will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags ''personally'' supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] while the work is underway. A [[conjunction]] is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Smoulder (Surut)===
* '''Knights of Surut have appeared to defend Necropolis'''
Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory of [[Necropolis]]. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed [[Quickening Cold Meat]] against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that [[Empress Varkula]] has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#soldiers|soldiers]] of the [[Reals#Winter|Wasteland]]. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Burned Prince]].

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]] who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the [[Highguard|Highborn]]. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] and [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]], watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, ''Mistress-General Kanesta''. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are ''Surut's Brand'' and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the [[Archmage of Winter]] and the [[Senator]], brokered via the [[Tharim|Bound One]].

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Redoubt]], but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, ''Mistress-General Kanesta'' seeks out a small group of [[magister|magisters]] who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the ''Prince in Waiting''. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the ''Knight of Ashes'' is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, ''Surut's Brand'' will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the [[Archmage of Winter]] or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] is for.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Scour (Tharim)===
* '''The Knights of Tharim have scoured Upwold for the killers of Obligatus and a number of Marcher magicians
* '''Their unsubtle search has left significant damage to farms and businesses across the territory
* '''At the Winter Solstice every Upwold business and farm will produce 36 fewer rings but will receive compensation
* '''The followers of Agramant in Upwold have been rooted out and destroyed
Following the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|formal parley]] during Summer, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''' proposed a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] that [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Support_Tharim's_Hunt|provided permission]] to the Knights of the [[Tharim|Bound King]] to scour Upwold. The [[Imperial Conclave]] agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for ''Obligatus'', the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the [[Bounders]], cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Declaration of Acceptance, Imperial Conclave, Summer 387YE">The Imperial Conclave stands steadfast as always with our members and colleagues in the Marches. We call upon the smiths, landskeepers, and threshers to render all appropriate and lawful aid to the magistrates and representatives of the Bound King in finding the sorceror-murderers responsible for the deaths of Obligatus and many a loyal Marcher, such that they face the consequences of their actions. May they be found swiftly with the unblinking eye of the scarecrow</quote></div>
Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season ''two'' covens clearly working with [[Agramant]] are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the ''Circle of Stone'', they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the ''Wastewalker''. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension [[Endorsement|endorsed]] this attack, and that the followers of ''Feaster-of-Sorrows'' are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of [[magic items]] and [[ritual texts]] were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of [[Vis#Heart's blood|Heart's blood]] from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave ''not'' wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to [[endowment|endow]] as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.
==Further Reading==
* [[Realm|Realms]]
* [[Eternal|Eternals]]
* [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|Eternals and rituals]]
* [[Inhabitants of the realms]]
* [[Regio]]
* [[Fane]]

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:16:46Z

Castaras: /* Smile (Skathe) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
"I'm Crown of the Waning Circle - I've got a letter for Bella di Sarvos!" The herald beamed down at the two people manning the desk.

Jack stared back at the excitable-looking herald, arm outstretched holding a handful of papers. It had been a long night of celebration with his fiance and while the Dawnish wine wasn't a match for a good beer, it had still left him badly in need of a hair of the dog this morning. He stared at the herald, desperately trying to work out how to get it to calm down, or at least quiet down. "Right." he said at last. "What do you want me to do with that?"

The herald's face fell, his mouth agape. Jack desperately tried not to laugh, but it reminded him too much of when his sister caught their five-year-old with his hand in the biscuit jar. He clutched his head at the pain.

"This is the desk where you take messages for the archmages?" asked the herald quizically, as if they didn't quite understand the question.

"Right..." said Jack. "And is Bella di Sarvos an archmage?" he said, sounding each word slowly, like he was talking to his sister's offspring.

"She could be!" responded Crown, eagerly, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm in the rhetorical question. "She's very smart!" he assured the Marcher.

Jack bit back a sarcastic retort, just in time to avoid getting one of Sibby's infamously sharp elbows to the ribs. She was a typical bloody Dawnish yeofolk, she made it very plain on multiple occasions that she took her job very seriously, and she most definitely did not approve of any disrespect for your betters.

"Look, just give it here," he said, snatching the letter, "I'll make sure she gets it."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Paul Gustave Dore Raven.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Six [[Realms|realms of magic]] align with the mortal world whose [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the [[eternal|eternals]] through the powers of the [[Archmage|Archmages]] and the [[Imperial Conclave]], but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of [[alignment]] allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of [[Alignment#amity|amity]], some revel in the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne ]]''' wind of fortune.

Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, '''[[From my books surcease of sorrow]]'''. There is also '''[[The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune specifically related to matters of stars, [[astronomancy]], and [[arcane projection|arcane projections]], and details of this seasons [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] options is included in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune. This wind also includes some discussion of things happening in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]] which were first mentioned in the '''[[Songs like trees]]''' and '''[[Even darkness must pass]]''' winds of war.

==Autumn==
{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Relics of the Past (Callidus)===
* '''Callidus is offering to help the Empire try to recover relics of the founders of the Brass Coast for a heavy price'''
* ''' A herald of Prince of the Argent Tontine will be arriving at the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday'''
High noon on a day when the clouds are dark and the rain pours, a gold-faced [[herald]] appears out of the regio, clad in robes made from immortalised letters written on cloth. The rain falls and weather seems to worsen in the short distance from regio to hub, but the herald seems unbothered. They arrive at the entrance to the hub, rainwater dripping off their horns, and approach a desk to deliver a message. Before leaving, they make sure to mention how personally disappointed they are to be back to nutrality when their master is being rather indulgent of the empire of late.

Last summit, the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains'' sent two heralds to the [[Guildmaster_of_the_Artisans|artisans' guild]] to ask about things the empire wanted. Apparently, Callidus found the list humerous; there was definitely some eye-opening items on the list. It has certainly piqued the interest of the City of chains, for the moment at least.

This summit, ''Multitudo'', a herald of the ''Golden Bargainer'', comes to offer [[the Brass Coast]], the [[Magpies]] and anyone interested in the [[tribe|founders]] of the Brass Coast, an [[opportunity]]. The City of Chains is prepared to track down [[Erigo|Erigo's]] gold-and-ruby chain circlet and [[Guerra|Guerra's]] crimson sash. There is a letter for Xanthius which contains details of the City's offer, interested parties should discuss the matter with him.

The ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'' has connections all over the world and the Autumn realm. He is always interested in helping people acquire items they thirst for, provided they are willing to meet the price. Relics are some of the most expensive items that could be found, but Callidus could help the Empire locate similar items or schema to make them if they wished. Of course obtaining such an item would always be more than it costs to make, since people won't part with precious items for a pittance, but such is the price of desire. The Golden Bargainer has not interested in items that don't command a high price.

Multitudo will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 7pm on Friday, to negotiate a price and inform citizens on how to forward the funds. If anyone is keen to do business, Multitudo is more than happy to relocate to a better location once he has met with those present.
{{CaptionedImage|file=City_of_Locks.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Knife Creeps Closer (Basileia)===
* '''The City of Locks has sent ambiguous instructions of what is needed to progress the plan to assassinate Salt Lord Seonag'''
* '''It is implied that this may relations wtih the Sarcophan Delves in some way'''
* '''Interested parties should seek out Irontide Rus for further details'''
* '''Overseer Hook has offered some intelligence about Salt Lord Seonag for reasons that remain unclear'''
Earlier this year the Guild of Accountants of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] were contracted to seek out opportunities for the Empire to [[Fair_play_is_turnabout#Blood_On_Account|assassinate Salt Lord Seonag]], the chair of the Council of Salt Lords. An upfront payment was delivered, but it was made clear that successful fulfilment of the contract would require supplementary actions to be taken. This season, it seems, the first of those actions has come due.

...Or at least it would, if anyone would explain what was actually needed. The Five Pillars have already established a pattern of working via a small group of untitled Imperial citizens - 'people who know what they did', as one wag in the civil service has taken to calling them - and this season is no exception. Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants has indicated that the details of what is required and why have been sent to one '''Irontide Rus''' of the Unshackled. When pressed for more details the messenger, a cold-eyed Herald called Mister Latch, grudgingly admits that this task will require no bloodshed - only a minor risk to the Empire's relationship with the [[Sarcophan Delves]] if people do not keep their mouths shut. He refuses to answer any of the blizzard of questions that follow, and leaves as quickly as he arrived. It is likely that the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], who is due to be elected at the first Senate session of this season, will want to follow up on this matter.

One more message arrives before the summit begins. A mild-mannered Herald carrying a theodolite briefly blends in with a maintenance crew checking over Anvil's drainage ditches before discreetly passing a note to the civil service. The message from Overseer Hook offers a gift of information about Salt Lord Seonag. The [[Burning|destruction of Rachensgrab]] sent a seismic shift through the international slave trade, and has emboldened those who speak out against the practice for whatever reason. Hook's note states that a number of orcs of the [[Broken Shore]] have begun claiming that slavery is a relic of a barbaric past, more suited to shark-worshipping pirates than civilised Grendel, and that abolition is the only way to advance their Ambitions on the global stage. Salt Lord Seonag has apparently entertained representatives of these groups at one of her fortified mansions, although what was discussed remains a secret. Whatever her own views, just being in the same room as these people is a significant gesture for one so powerful. The note offers no further information, nor any notion as to why it was sent. It is for the Empire to do with this information as they please.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Unlocked Gems (Ephisis)===
*'''Ticketed entry to a vault of the City of Gold and Lead is once again being auctioned'''
*'''Posters naming the owner of the vault will be provided at the Hub and the Hall of Worlds'''
*'''The auction will take place at 8:00pm in the Hall of Worlds using crystal mana'''
*'''Purchasable slots in the vault will be between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox.'''
Once again, flyers and posters being appearing on any surface close to an Autumn Regio in the days leading up to the Autumn Equinox. Another defaulted payment means another room in the vault to be opened up to the Empire's bidders, and another bounty of mana for the heralds of Ephisis who seem to be have a lucrative project on their hands. The posters are more cagey this time, and give little indication of who might have owned this particular vault, or what might be inside.

As before, they will leave posters in the Hall of Worlds and the Hub announcing the name of the owner of the vault. At 20:00 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice, they will then hold an auction of crystal mana for two-minute-long slots within the vault. The auction will take place within the Hall of Worlds.

Each slot allows four people entry into the vault. Whilst in the vault, visitors may conduct business as they wish, and will be provided with a receptacle which may be filled with items found within that the visitors wish to take home with them. Any objects which do not fit in the receptacle must be returned to the vault.

The adverts warn that those purchasing a later slot in the vault should be aware of the risk that there is nothing of value left within for them to take. However such visitors should still enjoy witnessing a unique spot within the City of Gold and Lead. Bidders should also be aware that access to the vault requires access to the Hall of Worlds, and any appropriate arrangements to reach the space are the responsibility of the ticket-holder, and not the Lady of the Counting House or any of her intermediaries.

Bidders are reminded that the only accepted currency for the auction will be crystal mana. Keel also advises those interested in coming along that slots to visit the vault will only be available between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice - so bidders should be sure of their availability before committing.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=240}}
==Day==
===Seeking Here and There (Kimus)===
* '''Kimus is offering the Magpies the ability to work with her servants to uncover a lost item'''
* '''The Civil Service have arranged a formal session for the sodality in the Senate at 15:30pm on Saturday'''
The [[Kimus|Seer Clad in Gold]] offered a [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|boon]] to the Empire last season, one that could be claimed by the [[Magpies]]. For various reasons, the boon was not claimed. The ''Seeker of Skies'' offered the services of her heralds to those the [[Imperial Senate]] had charged with finding lost things, and it was to be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of three specific objects the Archmage had mentioned would be sought out.

The Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of three requested antiquities.

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|title=Magpies|align=right|width=200}}
During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Sodality has a chance to ask for help finding one of these items. Apparently, thanks to some matter of Senate procedure, they were legally unable to claim the boon during the Summer Solstice. The ''Prismatic Sphere'' is patient on such matters, and does not wish the Magpies to suffer "because of paperwork". The Civil Service have arranged a formal session of the sodality, to be held in the Senate at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, to enable them to take a vote on the matter if they wish to do so.

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archamge#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has an excellent knowledge of the religion she professes, [[the Way]] of [[Virtue]], but rarely has opportunity to see it practiced by humans. She is no stranger to the power of rites and liturgies to incite and inspire, so is asking priests and adherants to perform their most dramatic or moving ceremonies for her edification.

So reports the long-suffering civil servant ''Jorgen'', who claims he found the message on an arrow fired into the frame of his front door. It did begin with an apology: apparently the messenger herald was very busy on some adventure into the unknown, and this method saved time.

Herads of the ''Finder of the Path'' intend to come to Anvil library, with the citizens' permission, at '''22:00 on Friday'''. They would like to speak to interested members of the Assembly of the Way and the order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] to explain the proposition and choose some organisers. The [[Archmage of Day]], or someone sent by her, would also be particularly welcome.

==Night==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon001a.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Affection and Animosity (Janon)===
* '''A group of Janon heralds wish to hear stories from beloved rivals'''
* '''They will also bring a reward for the Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* '''They intend to attend the Hall of Worlds at 11:15 on the morning of Saturday'''
The [[Janon|Night Sword]] is a creature of rising and falling passions, always invested in something, but not always something that the citizens of the Empire know or care about. This season, it has made an approach to the Empire. Currently the interest of the ''Blazing Blade'' is focused on the thin line that separates love and hate, and the ways that these passions can become blurred. ''The Muse Of Fire'' intends to send a small group of her heralds to Anvil to speak with those who have personal experience of this.

Specifically, they would like to speak with beloved rivals. Beloved rivals, of course, are people who find themselves set in implacable opposition to one another, but who recognise that through their fighting and feuding they have become closer than mere enemies. Beloved rivals raise one another up through their conflict. Beloved rivals know and care more about one another than their dearest friends. Beloved rivals may even fall in love with one another in more conventional ways - provided, of course, that they never forget the strife that must always be there between them.

''The Tempestuous Heart'' would be obliged if the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] or a representative thereof would meet the Heralds at 11:15 and escort them to a place where said Rivals could be gathered to tell their tales - in fact, perhaps the Torchbearer (or their representative) could help to organise who shows up and speaks? Then they can collect their reward. Last season the ''Song Of Joy And Rage'' [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#Vicious_Little_Pearls|requested]] the gathering of awful black pearls so that they might be destroyed. That was done, and so a reward is due. It will put the gift in the hands of the heralds, and see it handed out as is appropriate.
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===A Peculiar Opportunity (Lashonar)===
* '''A conjunction is due to open to a strong Night regio in Broceliande at 22:00 on Friday'''
* '''Heralds of Lashonar have suggested casting a specific arcane projection which they say is in the hands of Nathair Autumngale'''
* '''This conjunction is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
Some weeks before the Autumn equinox, the prognosticator's department identify a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[Brocéliande]]. Specifically, the gate will open to The Singing Circle in [[Brocéliande#Vale's_Lament|Vale's Lament]], a strong Night regio, at 22:00 on Friday. The patterns of the [[Sentinel Gate]] are hard to discern, but this conjunction is especially puzzling. There seems to be little significant about this regio.

Or at least it would if not for the [[Lashonar]] heralds. Chatty squawking bird creatures have been making occasional appearances around [[Anvil]] for much of the season since the response to the Archmage's [[plenipotentiary]] was delivered. They mostly do nothing but echo bits of other people's conversations and blurt out random scraps of poetry or fragments of songs. This season they appear fascinated by the Gate's schedule and after a certain amount of excited babbling, they are convinced to slow down long enough to explain themselves. This conjunction, they inform the baffled civil servant, is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant, magnificent opportunity! The Singing Circle is a place of great interest to Lashonar for reasons that are not important right now, and Lashonar would be happy to see it put to use for the casting of a most splendid ritual, An Ode To Blood And Sacrifice!

This causes some confusion. There is not, as far as the civil service know, any such ritual in [[Imperial Lore]], nor can they find any reference to it in the civil service archives. After some hurried consultation the heralds clarify that it is not a ritual as such. Instead it is an incredible [[arcane projection]], which they believe to have been developed by '''Nathair Autumngale'''. It was not a gift from Lashonar either, but a product of human ingenuity and the desire to see a performance communicated to as many people as possible! The ''Caller Of The Chorus'' would be overjoyed to see this most potent work of magic cast.

If such an arcane projection were to exist, then it could indeed be cast via this regio. There would be some minimal level of risk due to the presence of [[vallorn miasma]], which would need to be treated upon the ritualists' return to Anvil, but there do not seem to be any husks or other vallornspawn in the area. So long as the ritualists and whatever entourage they bring with them don't suddenly assault one another, all should be well.

==Spring==
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===A Swift Farewell (Ossegrahn)===
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where Peakedge Stead once stood'''
As detailed in the '''[[Songs_like_trees#In_the_Bitter_Rain|Songs like trees]]''' wind of war, the eternal [[Ossegrahn]] has turned away from the Empire. Their protection of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] failed, and the ancient hospital has been destroyed by the [[Druj]]. Those who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]].

Ossegrahn has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced.

The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] woven in some fashion with [[Spring magic]] rather than [[Winter magic]]. A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.
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===A Thousand Foes (Ira Harrah)===
* '''Ira Harrah supports the rebellious septs in the Mallum
* '''He has thrown his weight behind those who are claiming the Neustak forest
* '''He asks the Imperial Conclave to make their position on this matter clear with a suitable Declaration
* '''If the Empire attacks the rebels, Ira Harrah will turn on the Empire
Imperial forces continue to battle the [[Druj]] in [[Sarangrave]], but there has been an unlooked-for development in the [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]]. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicans has empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind rebelious slaves who have claimed the [[territory#regions|region]] for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|the Bloodwater Spears]], [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|the Water Walkers]], and an unknown sept have taken the [[opportunity]] to [[Even darkness must pass|overthrow the Druj]], butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

It is impossible to take any more of the Neustak Forest without fighting and killing the rebel orcs. The would be illegal currently, since the Senate recently [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Water_Walkers_as_Foreigners|recognised one of the rebel septs, the Water Walkers, as foreigners]]. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. The night before the Equinox, a lone herald approaches the hub with a message from ''Papa Otec''. As they hopefully communicated during the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Summer parley]], the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' would see the Mallum liberated from the Druj and the folk who have laboured under their tyranny freed to pursue their own destiny. Right now that means that if the Empire choose to kill the rebel septs, or try to drive them out of the Neustak Forest, then it will confirm all ''Shackle Breaker's'' suspicions and he will turn on the Empire.

The herald is keen to make the civil servants understand that unlike the weak [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], hamstrung by alien philosophies of altruism and cooperation, Ira Harrah will simply declare war on the Empire and do everything within his power to destroy it. The herald suggests that the [[Imperial Conclave]] could save a lot of time by making their opinion of the Sarangrave rebels clear - perhaps a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] urging Imperial magicians to work with the slaves of the Mallum to free themselves. Or a Declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|Enmity]] to make it obvious where they stand on the matter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Centipede General.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen)===
* '''Arhallogen offers to help the Empire sort out its Neustak Forest problem
* '''A suitably worded Declaration will encourage the Centipede General to assault the Neustak Forest rebels
* '''Doing so would impress the eternal
It is interesting to note that Ira Harrah's messenger arrives at the Hub the day ''after'' a significantly more unsettling herald arrives bearing word from the [[Arhallogen|Centipede General]]. It's an open secret that Arhallogen supports the Druj - but it also supports the [[Navarr]]. Neustak Forest lies on the borders of [[Therunin]] as well as [[the Barrens]], and it seems the ''Scorpion Queen'' has its own interest in events unfolding there. The offer of Arhallogen is straightforward. It can remove, or at least greatly weaken, the septs in the Neustak Forest, if the Conclave wishes.

Specifically, if the Conclave uses a Declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] to call on the ''Shadow-Hunter'' for aid in Sarangrave, it will mobilise those loyal to it to assault the Neustak Forest and slaughter the rebels. While it's unlikely they will be wiped out - they have experience fighting the Druj after all - but they hold on the region will be weakened. The main impediments to wiping them all out are the support of ''[[Irra Harah|Little Prey]]'', and the fact that the Imperial Senate has declared one of the septs there to have Imperial protection. If the Conclave can convince the Senate to remove that protection, and the rebel septs receive no further aid from the rival eternal, the followers of ''Web of Blades'' should be able to murder their leadership and scatter their forces leaving the Empire free to seize the region at their convenience.

Obviously, accepting Arhallogen's offer will anger Ira Harrah, but the advantage is that the herald stresses that no Imperial citizens will be involved. The orcs of the Mallum will have no reason to link this assault to the Empire or the Conclave. The hatred the ''King of Spiders'' bears for the ''Wet Crunch'' is well known even among the subjects of the Druj. The herald refuses to be drawn on exactly how the murders will take place, apart from to reassure the civil service that no Imperial citizens will be in danger as long as they are sensible. As a parting note, the herald mentions that taking this step would significantly improve their master's opinion of the Conclave, and increase the likelihood it would be interested in dealing with them rather than just its allies among the Navarr next time a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|Plenipotentiary]] missive comes its way.

==Summer==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[file:CathCane001b.webp|align=right|width=200]]</div>
===Don't Sit Down (Cathan Canae)===
* '''In Spring the archmage met with a lietenant of Cathan Canae to agree to new terms on the Empire ceding regions'''
* '''The Empire has a year to conquer a new territory for each region ceded to prevent war'''
* '''Bregasland, Liathaven, Madruga, and Therunin do not count as new territories'''
''Volstann, Eater of Boars'', favoured lieutenant of the [[Cathan Canae|Lady of the Frost]], met with several Imperial dignitaries during the Spring Equinox. Foremost among the matters discussed during the meeting was the Empire's ongoing access to the Mistress of Blizzard's [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]]. An agreement was reached with Volstann on the necessity of ceding land to focus on conquest elsewhere: the ''Crown of Black Ice'' will not limit the Empire's access to her citadels if it cedes a ''[[Territory#Regions|region]]'', provided that the Empire proceeds to use the time gained to conquer a new ''[[territory]]'' before a year has passed. [[Bregasland]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], and the recently recovered [[Madruga]] do not count as new territories. Each of those four was once claimed by the Empire, and the ''Immovable One'' wishes to see the Empire expand.

Following the Summer Solstice, Volstann has reached out to the Summer Archmage with a reminder. The [[cession]] of [[Mierada]] to the Thule is a clear example of the kind of thing his mistress has been angered by in the past. If the Empire does not conquer a new territory by the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' will make her displeasure known. On the plus side, says Volstan, the Empire is ''very'' close to claiming [[Sarangrave]] from the hated Druj so that should be alright?

He's also able to clarify that there is no problem with recognising that others keep the land they already hold - while the ''Immovable One'' has no particular affection for [[Commander Gallum]] or the [[Grendel]] in general, recognising the ''Protectorate of Mareave'' - or indeed the city state of [[Beoraidh]] - is not a problem. Not least because the Empire can always conquer the in the future.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris)===
* '''Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
* '''The Sarangrave armies under this enchantment this season can no longer use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
In the reign of [[Empress Brannan]] there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.

It's been noted that the enchantment is starting to have a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most notably in [[Sarangrave]]. This may be because of the [[Druj miasma|oppressive aura of fear]] coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]].

As noted in the '''[[Even_darkness_must_pass#Game_Information|Even darkness must pass]]''' wind of war, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season ([[Eastern Sky]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], [[Lions of Adelmar]], [[Granite Pillar]], [[Fire of the South]], [[Citadel Guard]], [[Golden Axe]], and [[Northern Eagle]]) cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an ''entire year'' without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment. It's come to light that the [[Burning Falcon]] over in the western theatre is ''also'' experiencing this effect but it is significantly less notable since that army cannot undertake those orders anyway thanks to the enduring passion of the soldiers and [[kohan]] who comprise the Freeborn army.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively ''doing''. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually ''doing'' anything to make this happen.

However it also appears that Eleonaris herself is well pleased with the Empire's progress in the Sarangrave. Like the majority of the Summer eternals she despises the Druj, and has let it be known that she looks favourably on those armies that bring her knights to fight alongside them against the forces of the Mallum. She is particularly impressed with the '''Voices of the Unbound Storm''' of [[Wintermark]] who performed the lion's share of the enchantments at the Summer Solstice. As such she has offered a boon to Imperial magicians who want to draw on her warriors.

During the Autumn Equinox, and Imperial coven performing [[Knights of Glory]] gains an additional benefit from the use of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]]. In addition to their normal effect - providing three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual - the apple also provides one member of the coven with a bonus rank of Summer lore, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. A given magician can gain this benefit only once each time they cast a ritual, no matter how many apples are used. Even if the mana is split between multiple contributors only one of them benefits from this additional rank.

The [[Unfettered Mind]] and the [[Rod and Shield]] express a little caution here. The impact Knights of Glory had in the time of Empress Brannan swiftly spread through the entire Military Council. It is quite possible that indiscriminate use of the ritual might see the entire Empire losing the ability to take specifically cautious orders as their soldiers increasingly fall under the influence of the Summer realm.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Hayaak001b.png|align=right|width=240}}

===College of Magic (Hayaak)===
* '''Hayaak has become patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. [[Jaheris]] was displaced by [[Hayaak]], and the heralds of the former have quit the [[college of magic]] while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|herald]] of the ''Hawk Lord'' goes by the name of ''Ernreik'' and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the ''Peregrine Knight'' himself, allow the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] to [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Patronage_of_the_Peregrine_Knight|more swiftly]] research any [[enchantment]] that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
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===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

[[A_challenging_time|One year ago]], the ''[[Barien|Iron Duke]]'' brought those from the nations of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of [[heroism]] or [[glory]]. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit, up to 50 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

Vales across [[Varushka]] have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and [[the League]], have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, ''Klarent, Clad in Blades'' and ''Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', two heralds of [[Jaheris]] who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the ''Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'' (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from [[Miekarova]] across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Ossium]], [[The Barrens]], [[Karov]], [[Volodmartz]] and [[Holberg]] - as well as '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of summer''' and '''Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake''' - to meet them at the ''Plot and Plunder'' bar in [[the League]] camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.
==Winter==
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===Smile (Skathe)===
* '''Skathe has offered to allow Catena of the Concordium of Pallas to codify a single curse of any realm and magnitude'''
* '''The offer requires the Archmage of Winter to use the power of plenipotentiary to accept the boon'''
* '''The curse will require one season of work for every twenty-five levels of magnitude'''
* '''The process will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under emnity at any time while the curse is being codified'''
* '''Codificication will require Catena to work with the eternal and her heralds in the Bleak Oubliette'''
{{SOP|statement=Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.|size=small|by=Catena, Urizeni Assembly|vote= {{GM}} 196-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the ''[[Skathe|High Enchantress of Grievances]]'' claimed that the ''Lady of Laments'' would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than ''Queen of Hags'' said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the ''Mistress of Misery'', gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the ''Painted Mirror'' smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the ''Giver of Gifts'', and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the ''Friend to Foes'' will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the ''Looking Glass'' expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the ''Hexenkönigin''' expectations... well that will ''surely work out just fine''. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, [[Winter magic]] is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the [[Archmage_of_Winter|Winter Archmage]] will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags ''personally'' supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] while the work is underway. A [[conjunction]] is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Smoulder (Surut)===
* '''Knights of Surut have appeared to defend Necropolis'''
Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory of [[Necropolis]]. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed [[Quickening Cold Meat]] against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that [[Empress Varkula]] has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#soldiers|soldiers]] of the [[Reals#Winter|Wasteland]]. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Burned Prince]].

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]] who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the [[Highguard|Highborn]]. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] and [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]], watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, ''Mistress-General Kanesta''. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are ''Surut's Brand'' and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the [[Archmage of Winter]] and the [[Senator]], brokered via the [[Tharim|Bound One]].

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Redoubt]], but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, ''Mistress-General Kanesta'' seeks out a small group of [[magister|magisters]] who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the ''Prince in Waiting''. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the ''Knight of Ashes'' is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, ''Surut's Brand'' will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the [[Archmage of Winter]] or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] is for.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Scour (Tharim)===
* '''The Knights of Tharim have scoured Upwold for the killers of Obligatus and a number of Marcher magicians
* '''Their unsubtle search has left significant damage to farms and businesses across the territory
* '''At the Winter Solstice every Upwold business and farm will produce 36 fewer rings but will receive compensation
* '''The followers of Agramant in Upwold have been rooted out and destroyed
Following the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|formal parley]] during Summer, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''' proposed a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] that [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Support_Tharim's_Hunt|provided permission]] to the Knights of the [[Tharim|Bound King]] to scour Upwold. The [[Imperial Conclave]] agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for ''Obligatus'', the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the [[Bounders]], cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Declaration of Acceptance, Imperial Conclave, Summer 387YE">The Imperial Conclave stands steadfast as always with our members and colleagues in the Marches. We call upon the smiths, landskeepers, and threshers to render all appropriate and lawful aid to the magistrates and representatives of the Bound King in finding the sorceror-murderers responsible for the deaths of Obligatus and many a loyal Marcher, such that they face the consequences of their actions. May they be found swiftly with the unblinking eye of the scarecrow</quote></div>
Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season ''two'' covens clearly working with [[Agramant]] are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the ''Circle of Stone'', they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the ''Wastewalker''. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension [[Endorsement|endorsed]] this attack, and that the followers of ''Feaster-of-Sorrows'' are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of [[magic items]] and [[ritual texts]] were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of [[Vis#Heart's blood|Heart's blood]] from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave ''not'' wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to [[endowment|endow]] as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.
==Further Reading==
* [[Realm|Realms]]
* [[Eternal|Eternals]]
* [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|Eternals and rituals]]
* [[Inhabitants of the realms]]
* [[Regio]]
* [[Fane]]

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:15:51Z

Castaras: /* College of Magic (Hayaak) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
"I'm Crown of the Waning Circle - I've got a letter for Bella di Sarvos!" The herald beamed down at the two people manning the desk.

Jack stared back at the excitable-looking herald, arm outstretched holding a handful of papers. It had been a long night of celebration with his fiance and while the Dawnish wine wasn't a match for a good beer, it had still left him badly in need of a hair of the dog this morning. He stared at the herald, desperately trying to work out how to get it to calm down, or at least quiet down. "Right." he said at last. "What do you want me to do with that?"

The herald's face fell, his mouth agape. Jack desperately tried not to laugh, but it reminded him too much of when his sister caught their five-year-old with his hand in the biscuit jar. He clutched his head at the pain.

"This is the desk where you take messages for the archmages?" asked the herald quizically, as if they didn't quite understand the question.

"Right..." said Jack. "And is Bella di Sarvos an archmage?" he said, sounding each word slowly, like he was talking to his sister's offspring.

"She could be!" responded Crown, eagerly, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm in the rhetorical question. "She's very smart!" he assured the Marcher.

Jack bit back a sarcastic retort, just in time to avoid getting one of Sibby's infamously sharp elbows to the ribs. She was a typical bloody Dawnish yeofolk, she made it very plain on multiple occasions that she took her job very seriously, and she most definitely did not approve of any disrespect for your betters.

"Look, just give it here," he said, snatching the letter, "I'll make sure she gets it."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Paul Gustave Dore Raven.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Six [[Realms|realms of magic]] align with the mortal world whose [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the [[eternal|eternals]] through the powers of the [[Archmage|Archmages]] and the [[Imperial Conclave]], but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of [[alignment]] allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of [[Alignment#amity|amity]], some revel in the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne ]]''' wind of fortune.

Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, '''[[From my books surcease of sorrow]]'''. There is also '''[[The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune specifically related to matters of stars, [[astronomancy]], and [[arcane projection|arcane projections]], and details of this seasons [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] options is included in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune. This wind also includes some discussion of things happening in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]] which were first mentioned in the '''[[Songs like trees]]''' and '''[[Even darkness must pass]]''' winds of war.

==Autumn==
{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Relics of the Past (Callidus)===
* '''Callidus is offering to help the Empire try to recover relics of the founders of the Brass Coast for a heavy price'''
* ''' A herald of Prince of the Argent Tontine will be arriving at the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday'''
High noon on a day when the clouds are dark and the rain pours, a gold-faced [[herald]] appears out of the regio, clad in robes made from immortalised letters written on cloth. The rain falls and weather seems to worsen in the short distance from regio to hub, but the herald seems unbothered. They arrive at the entrance to the hub, rainwater dripping off their horns, and approach a desk to deliver a message. Before leaving, they make sure to mention how personally disappointed they are to be back to nutrality when their master is being rather indulgent of the empire of late.

Last summit, the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains'' sent two heralds to the [[Guildmaster_of_the_Artisans|artisans' guild]] to ask about things the empire wanted. Apparently, Callidus found the list humerous; there was definitely some eye-opening items on the list. It has certainly piqued the interest of the City of chains, for the moment at least.

This summit, ''Multitudo'', a herald of the ''Golden Bargainer'', comes to offer [[the Brass Coast]], the [[Magpies]] and anyone interested in the [[tribe|founders]] of the Brass Coast, an [[opportunity]]. The City of Chains is prepared to track down [[Erigo|Erigo's]] gold-and-ruby chain circlet and [[Guerra|Guerra's]] crimson sash. There is a letter for Xanthius which contains details of the City's offer, interested parties should discuss the matter with him.

The ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'' has connections all over the world and the Autumn realm. He is always interested in helping people acquire items they thirst for, provided they are willing to meet the price. Relics are some of the most expensive items that could be found, but Callidus could help the Empire locate similar items or schema to make them if they wished. Of course obtaining such an item would always be more than it costs to make, since people won't part with precious items for a pittance, but such is the price of desire. The Golden Bargainer has not interested in items that don't command a high price.

Multitudo will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 7pm on Friday, to negotiate a price and inform citizens on how to forward the funds. If anyone is keen to do business, Multitudo is more than happy to relocate to a better location once he has met with those present.
{{CaptionedImage|file=City_of_Locks.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Knife Creeps Closer (Basileia)===
* '''The City of Locks has sent ambiguous instructions of what is needed to progress the plan to assassinate Salt Lord Seonag'''
* '''It is implied that this may relations wtih the Sarcophan Delves in some way'''
* '''Interested parties should seek out Irontide Rus for further details'''
* '''Overseer Hook has offered some intelligence about Salt Lord Seonag for reasons that remain unclear'''
Earlier this year the Guild of Accountants of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] were contracted to seek out opportunities for the Empire to [[Fair_play_is_turnabout#Blood_On_Account|assassinate Salt Lord Seonag]], the chair of the Council of Salt Lords. An upfront payment was delivered, but it was made clear that successful fulfilment of the contract would require supplementary actions to be taken. This season, it seems, the first of those actions has come due.

...Or at least it would, if anyone would explain what was actually needed. The Five Pillars have already established a pattern of working via a small group of untitled Imperial citizens - 'people who know what they did', as one wag in the civil service has taken to calling them - and this season is no exception. Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants has indicated that the details of what is required and why have been sent to one '''Irontide Rus''' of the Unshackled. When pressed for more details the messenger, a cold-eyed Herald called Mister Latch, grudgingly admits that this task will require no bloodshed - only a minor risk to the Empire's relationship with the [[Sarcophan Delves]] if people do not keep their mouths shut. He refuses to answer any of the blizzard of questions that follow, and leaves as quickly as he arrived. It is likely that the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], who is due to be elected at the first Senate session of this season, will want to follow up on this matter.

One more message arrives before the summit begins. A mild-mannered Herald carrying a theodolite briefly blends in with a maintenance crew checking over Anvil's drainage ditches before discreetly passing a note to the civil service. The message from Overseer Hook offers a gift of information about Salt Lord Seonag. The [[Burning|destruction of Rachensgrab]] sent a seismic shift through the international slave trade, and has emboldened those who speak out against the practice for whatever reason. Hook's note states that a number of orcs of the [[Broken Shore]] have begun claiming that slavery is a relic of a barbaric past, more suited to shark-worshipping pirates than civilised Grendel, and that abolition is the only way to advance their Ambitions on the global stage. Salt Lord Seonag has apparently entertained representatives of these groups at one of her fortified mansions, although what was discussed remains a secret. Whatever her own views, just being in the same room as these people is a significant gesture for one so powerful. The note offers no further information, nor any notion as to why it was sent. It is for the Empire to do with this information as they please.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Unlocked Gems (Ephisis)===
*'''Ticketed entry to a vault of the City of Gold and Lead is once again being auctioned'''
*'''Posters naming the owner of the vault will be provided at the Hub and the Hall of Worlds'''
*'''The auction will take place at 8:00pm in the Hall of Worlds using crystal mana'''
*'''Purchasable slots in the vault will be between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox.'''
Once again, flyers and posters being appearing on any surface close to an Autumn Regio in the days leading up to the Autumn Equinox. Another defaulted payment means another room in the vault to be opened up to the Empire's bidders, and another bounty of mana for the heralds of Ephisis who seem to be have a lucrative project on their hands. The posters are more cagey this time, and give little indication of who might have owned this particular vault, or what might be inside.

As before, they will leave posters in the Hall of Worlds and the Hub announcing the name of the owner of the vault. At 20:00 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice, they will then hold an auction of crystal mana for two-minute-long slots within the vault. The auction will take place within the Hall of Worlds.

Each slot allows four people entry into the vault. Whilst in the vault, visitors may conduct business as they wish, and will be provided with a receptacle which may be filled with items found within that the visitors wish to take home with them. Any objects which do not fit in the receptacle must be returned to the vault.

The adverts warn that those purchasing a later slot in the vault should be aware of the risk that there is nothing of value left within for them to take. However such visitors should still enjoy witnessing a unique spot within the City of Gold and Lead. Bidders should also be aware that access to the vault requires access to the Hall of Worlds, and any appropriate arrangements to reach the space are the responsibility of the ticket-holder, and not the Lady of the Counting House or any of her intermediaries.

Bidders are reminded that the only accepted currency for the auction will be crystal mana. Keel also advises those interested in coming along that slots to visit the vault will only be available between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice - so bidders should be sure of their availability before committing.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=240}}
==Day==
===Seeking Here and There (Kimus)===
* '''Kimus is offering the Magpies the ability to work with her servants to uncover a lost item'''
* '''The Civil Service have arranged a formal session for the sodality in the Senate at 15:30pm on Saturday'''
The [[Kimus|Seer Clad in Gold]] offered a [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|boon]] to the Empire last season, one that could be claimed by the [[Magpies]]. For various reasons, the boon was not claimed. The ''Seeker of Skies'' offered the services of her heralds to those the [[Imperial Senate]] had charged with finding lost things, and it was to be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of three specific objects the Archmage had mentioned would be sought out.

The Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of three requested antiquities.

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|title=Magpies|align=right|width=200}}
During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Sodality has a chance to ask for help finding one of these items. Apparently, thanks to some matter of Senate procedure, they were legally unable to claim the boon during the Summer Solstice. The ''Prismatic Sphere'' is patient on such matters, and does not wish the Magpies to suffer "because of paperwork". The Civil Service have arranged a formal session of the sodality, to be held in the Senate at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, to enable them to take a vote on the matter if they wish to do so.

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archamge#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has an excellent knowledge of the religion she professes, [[the Way]] of [[Virtue]], but rarely has opportunity to see it practiced by humans. She is no stranger to the power of rites and liturgies to incite and inspire, so is asking priests and adherants to perform their most dramatic or moving ceremonies for her edification.

So reports the long-suffering civil servant ''Jorgen'', who claims he found the message on an arrow fired into the frame of his front door. It did begin with an apology: apparently the messenger herald was very busy on some adventure into the unknown, and this method saved time.

Herads of the ''Finder of the Path'' intend to come to Anvil library, with the citizens' permission, at '''22:00 on Friday'''. They would like to speak to interested members of the Assembly of the Way and the order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] to explain the proposition and choose some organisers. The [[Archmage of Day]], or someone sent by her, would also be particularly welcome.

==Night==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon001a.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Affection and Animosity (Janon)===
* '''A group of Janon heralds wish to hear stories from beloved rivals'''
* '''They will also bring a reward for the Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* '''They intend to attend the Hall of Worlds at 11:15 on the morning of Saturday'''
The [[Janon|Night Sword]] is a creature of rising and falling passions, always invested in something, but not always something that the citizens of the Empire know or care about. This season, it has made an approach to the Empire. Currently the interest of the ''Blazing Blade'' is focused on the thin line that separates love and hate, and the ways that these passions can become blurred. ''The Muse Of Fire'' intends to send a small group of her heralds to Anvil to speak with those who have personal experience of this.

Specifically, they would like to speak with beloved rivals. Beloved rivals, of course, are people who find themselves set in implacable opposition to one another, but who recognise that through their fighting and feuding they have become closer than mere enemies. Beloved rivals raise one another up through their conflict. Beloved rivals know and care more about one another than their dearest friends. Beloved rivals may even fall in love with one another in more conventional ways - provided, of course, that they never forget the strife that must always be there between them.

''The Tempestuous Heart'' would be obliged if the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] or a representative thereof would meet the Heralds at 11:15 and escort them to a place where said Rivals could be gathered to tell their tales - in fact, perhaps the Torchbearer (or their representative) could help to organise who shows up and speaks? Then they can collect their reward. Last season the ''Song Of Joy And Rage'' [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#Vicious_Little_Pearls|requested]] the gathering of awful black pearls so that they might be destroyed. That was done, and so a reward is due. It will put the gift in the hands of the heralds, and see it handed out as is appropriate.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===A Peculiar Opportunity (Lashonar)===
* '''A conjunction is due to open to a strong Night regio in Broceliande at 22:00 on Friday'''
* '''Heralds of Lashonar have suggested casting a specific arcane projection which they say is in the hands of Nathair Autumngale'''
* '''This conjunction is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
Some weeks before the Autumn equinox, the prognosticator's department identify a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[Brocéliande]]. Specifically, the gate will open to The Singing Circle in [[Brocéliande#Vale's_Lament|Vale's Lament]], a strong Night regio, at 22:00 on Friday. The patterns of the [[Sentinel Gate]] are hard to discern, but this conjunction is especially puzzling. There seems to be little significant about this regio.

Or at least it would if not for the [[Lashonar]] heralds. Chatty squawking bird creatures have been making occasional appearances around [[Anvil]] for much of the season since the response to the Archmage's [[plenipotentiary]] was delivered. They mostly do nothing but echo bits of other people's conversations and blurt out random scraps of poetry or fragments of songs. This season they appear fascinated by the Gate's schedule and after a certain amount of excited babbling, they are convinced to slow down long enough to explain themselves. This conjunction, they inform the baffled civil servant, is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant, magnificent opportunity! The Singing Circle is a place of great interest to Lashonar for reasons that are not important right now, and Lashonar would be happy to see it put to use for the casting of a most splendid ritual, An Ode To Blood And Sacrifice!

This causes some confusion. There is not, as far as the civil service know, any such ritual in [[Imperial Lore]], nor can they find any reference to it in the civil service archives. After some hurried consultation the heralds clarify that it is not a ritual as such. Instead it is an incredible [[arcane projection]], which they believe to have been developed by '''Nathair Autumngale'''. It was not a gift from Lashonar either, but a product of human ingenuity and the desire to see a performance communicated to as many people as possible! The ''Caller Of The Chorus'' would be overjoyed to see this most potent work of magic cast.

If such an arcane projection were to exist, then it could indeed be cast via this regio. There would be some minimal level of risk due to the presence of [[vallorn miasma]], which would need to be treated upon the ritualists' return to Anvil, but there do not seem to be any husks or other vallornspawn in the area. So long as the ritualists and whatever entourage they bring with them don't suddenly assault one another, all should be well.

==Spring==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===A Swift Farewell (Ossegrahn)===
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where Peakedge Stead once stood'''
As detailed in the '''[[Songs_like_trees#In_the_Bitter_Rain|Songs like trees]]''' wind of war, the eternal [[Ossegrahn]] has turned away from the Empire. Their protection of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] failed, and the ancient hospital has been destroyed by the [[Druj]]. Those who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]].

Ossegrahn has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced.

The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] woven in some fashion with [[Spring magic]] rather than [[Winter magic]]. A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.
{{CaptionedImage|file=IrrahHurrah002a.png|align=right|width=240}}

===A Thousand Foes (Ira Harrah)===
* '''Ira Harrah supports the rebellious septs in the Mallum
* '''He has thrown his weight behind those who are claiming the Neustak forest
* '''He asks the Imperial Conclave to make their position on this matter clear with a suitable Declaration
* '''If the Empire attacks the rebels, Ira Harrah will turn on the Empire
Imperial forces continue to battle the [[Druj]] in [[Sarangrave]], but there has been an unlooked-for development in the [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]]. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicans has empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind rebelious slaves who have claimed the [[territory#regions|region]] for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|the Bloodwater Spears]], [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|the Water Walkers]], and an unknown sept have taken the [[opportunity]] to [[Even darkness must pass|overthrow the Druj]], butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

It is impossible to take any more of the Neustak Forest without fighting and killing the rebel orcs. The would be illegal currently, since the Senate recently [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Water_Walkers_as_Foreigners|recognised one of the rebel septs, the Water Walkers, as foreigners]]. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. The night before the Equinox, a lone herald approaches the hub with a message from ''Papa Otec''. As they hopefully communicated during the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Summer parley]], the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' would see the Mallum liberated from the Druj and the folk who have laboured under their tyranny freed to pursue their own destiny. Right now that means that if the Empire choose to kill the rebel septs, or try to drive them out of the Neustak Forest, then it will confirm all ''Shackle Breaker's'' suspicions and he will turn on the Empire.

The herald is keen to make the civil servants understand that unlike the weak [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], hamstrung by alien philosophies of altruism and cooperation, Ira Harrah will simply declare war on the Empire and do everything within his power to destroy it. The herald suggests that the [[Imperial Conclave]] could save a lot of time by making their opinion of the Sarangrave rebels clear - perhaps a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] urging Imperial magicians to work with the slaves of the Mallum to free themselves. Or a Declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|Enmity]] to make it obvious where they stand on the matter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Centipede General.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen)===
* '''Arhallogen offers to help the Empire sort out its Neustak Forest problem
* '''A suitably worded Declaration will encourage the Centipede General to assault the Neustak Forest rebels
* '''Doing so would impress the eternal
It is interesting to note that Ira Harrah's messenger arrives at the Hub the day ''after'' a significantly more unsettling herald arrives bearing word from the [[Arhallogen|Centipede General]]. It's an open secret that Arhallogen supports the Druj - but it also supports the [[Navarr]]. Neustak Forest lies on the borders of [[Therunin]] as well as [[the Barrens]], and it seems the ''Scorpion Queen'' has its own interest in events unfolding there. The offer of Arhallogen is straightforward. It can remove, or at least greatly weaken, the septs in the Neustak Forest, if the Conclave wishes.

Specifically, if the Conclave uses a Declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] to call on the ''Shadow-Hunter'' for aid in Sarangrave, it will mobilise those loyal to it to assault the Neustak Forest and slaughter the rebels. While it's unlikely they will be wiped out - they have experience fighting the Druj after all - but they hold on the region will be weakened. The main impediments to wiping them all out are the support of ''[[Irra Harah|Little Prey]]'', and the fact that the Imperial Senate has declared one of the septs there to have Imperial protection. If the Conclave can convince the Senate to remove that protection, and the rebel septs receive no further aid from the rival eternal, the followers of ''Web of Blades'' should be able to murder their leadership and scatter their forces leaving the Empire free to seize the region at their convenience.

Obviously, accepting Arhallogen's offer will anger Ira Harrah, but the advantage is that the herald stresses that no Imperial citizens will be involved. The orcs of the Mallum will have no reason to link this assault to the Empire or the Conclave. The hatred the ''King of Spiders'' bears for the ''Wet Crunch'' is well known even among the subjects of the Druj. The herald refuses to be drawn on exactly how the murders will take place, apart from to reassure the civil service that no Imperial citizens will be in danger as long as they are sensible. As a parting note, the herald mentions that taking this step would significantly improve their master's opinion of the Conclave, and increase the likelihood it would be interested in dealing with them rather than just its allies among the Navarr next time a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|Plenipotentiary]] missive comes its way.

==Summer==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[file:CathCane001b.webp|align=right|width=200]]</div>
===Don't Sit Down (Cathan Canae)===
* '''In Spring the archmage met with a lietenant of Cathan Canae to agree to new terms on the Empire ceding regions'''
* '''The Empire has a year to conquer a new territory for each region ceded to prevent war'''
* '''Bregasland, Liathaven, Madruga, and Therunin do not count as new territories'''
''Volstann, Eater of Boars'', favoured lieutenant of the [[Cathan Canae|Lady of the Frost]], met with several Imperial dignitaries during the Spring Equinox. Foremost among the matters discussed during the meeting was the Empire's ongoing access to the Mistress of Blizzard's [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]]. An agreement was reached with Volstann on the necessity of ceding land to focus on conquest elsewhere: the ''Crown of Black Ice'' will not limit the Empire's access to her citadels if it cedes a ''[[Territory#Regions|region]]'', provided that the Empire proceeds to use the time gained to conquer a new ''[[territory]]'' before a year has passed. [[Bregasland]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], and the recently recovered [[Madruga]] do not count as new territories. Each of those four was once claimed by the Empire, and the ''Immovable One'' wishes to see the Empire expand.

Following the Summer Solstice, Volstann has reached out to the Summer Archmage with a reminder. The [[cession]] of [[Mierada]] to the Thule is a clear example of the kind of thing his mistress has been angered by in the past. If the Empire does not conquer a new territory by the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' will make her displeasure known. On the plus side, says Volstan, the Empire is ''very'' close to claiming [[Sarangrave]] from the hated Druj so that should be alright?

He's also able to clarify that there is no problem with recognising that others keep the land they already hold - while the ''Immovable One'' has no particular affection for [[Commander Gallum]] or the [[Grendel]] in general, recognising the ''Protectorate of Mareave'' - or indeed the city state of [[Beoraidh]] - is not a problem. Not least because the Empire can always conquer the in the future.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris)===
* '''Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
* '''The Sarangrave armies under this enchantment this season can no longer use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
In the reign of [[Empress Brannan]] there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.

It's been noted that the enchantment is starting to have a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most notably in [[Sarangrave]]. This may be because of the [[Druj miasma|oppressive aura of fear]] coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]].

As noted in the '''[[Even_darkness_must_pass#Game_Information|Even darkness must pass]]''' wind of war, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season ([[Eastern Sky]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], [[Lions of Adelmar]], [[Granite Pillar]], [[Fire of the South]], [[Citadel Guard]], [[Golden Axe]], and [[Northern Eagle]]) cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an ''entire year'' without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment. It's come to light that the [[Burning Falcon]] over in the western theatre is ''also'' experiencing this effect but it is significantly less notable since that army cannot undertake those orders anyway thanks to the enduring passion of the soldiers and [[kohan]] who comprise the Freeborn army.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively ''doing''. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually ''doing'' anything to make this happen.

However it also appears that Eleonaris herself is well pleased with the Empire's progress in the Sarangrave. Like the majority of the Summer eternals she despises the Druj, and has let it be known that she looks favourably on those armies that bring her knights to fight alongside them against the forces of the Mallum. She is particularly impressed with the '''Voices of the Unbound Storm''' of [[Wintermark]] who performed the lion's share of the enchantments at the Summer Solstice. As such she has offered a boon to Imperial magicians who want to draw on her warriors.

During the Autumn Equinox, and Imperial coven performing [[Knights of Glory]] gains an additional benefit from the use of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]]. In addition to their normal effect - providing three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual - the apple also provides one member of the coven with a bonus rank of Summer lore, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. A given magician can gain this benefit only once each time they cast a ritual, no matter how many apples are used. Even if the mana is split between multiple contributors only one of them benefits from this additional rank.

The [[Unfettered Mind]] and the [[Rod and Shield]] express a little caution here. The impact Knights of Glory had in the time of Empress Brannan swiftly spread through the entire Military Council. It is quite possible that indiscriminate use of the ritual might see the entire Empire losing the ability to take specifically cautious orders as their soldiers increasingly fall under the influence of the Summer realm.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Hayaak001b.png|align=right|width=240}}

===College of Magic (Hayaak)===
* '''Hayaak has become patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. [[Jaheris]] was displaced by [[Hayaak]], and the heralds of the former have quit the [[college of magic]] while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|herald]] of the ''Hawk Lord'' goes by the name of ''Ernreik'' and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the ''Peregrine Knight'' himself, allow the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] to [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Patronage_of_the_Peregrine_Knight|more swiftly]] research any [[enchantment]] that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

[[A_challenging_time|One year ago]], the ''[[Barien|Iron Duke]]'' brought those from the nations of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of [[heroism]] or [[glory]]. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit, up to 50 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

Vales across [[Varushka]] have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and [[the League]], have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, ''Klarent, Clad in Blades'' and ''Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', two heralds of [[Jaheris]] who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the ''Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'' (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from [[Miekarova]] across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Ossium]], [[The Barrens]], [[Karov]], [[Volodmartz]] and [[Holberg]] - as well as '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of summer''' and '''Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake''' - to meet them at the ''Plot and Plunder'' bar in [[the League]] camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.
==Winter==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Smile (Skathe)===
* '''Skathe has offered to allow Catena of the Concordium of Pallas to codify a single curse of any realm and magnitude'''
* '''The offer requires the Archmage of Winter to use the power of plenipotentiary to accept the boon'''
* '''The curse will require one season of work for every twenty-five levels of magnitude'''
* '''The process will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under emnity at any time while the curse is being codified'''
* '''Codificication will require Catena to work with the eternal and her heralds in the Bleak Oubliette'''
{{SOP|statement=Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.|size=small|by=Catena, Urizeni Assembly|vote= {{GM}} 196-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the ''[[Skathe|High Enchantress of Grievances]]'' claimed that the ''Lady of Laments'' would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than ''Queen of Hags'' said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the ''Mistress of Misery'', gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the ''Painted Mirror'' smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the ''Giver of Gifts'', and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the ''Friend to Foes'' will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the ''Looking Glass'' expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the ''Hexenkönigin''' expectations... well that will ''surely work out just fine''. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, [[Winter magic]] is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the [[Winter Archmage]] will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags ''personally'' supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] while the work is underway. A [[conjunction]] is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Smoulder (Surut)===
* '''Knights of Surut have appeared to defend Necropolis'''
Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory of [[Necropolis]]. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed [[Quickening Cold Meat]] against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that [[Empress Varkula]] has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#soldiers|soldiers]] of the [[Reals#Winter|Wasteland]]. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Burned Prince]].

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]] who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the [[Highguard|Highborn]]. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] and [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]], watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, ''Mistress-General Kanesta''. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are ''Surut's Brand'' and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the [[Archmage of Winter]] and the [[Senator]], brokered via the [[Tharim|Bound One]].

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Redoubt]], but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, ''Mistress-General Kanesta'' seeks out a small group of [[magister|magisters]] who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the ''Prince in Waiting''. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the ''Knight of Ashes'' is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, ''Surut's Brand'' will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the [[Archmage of Winter]] or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] is for.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Scour (Tharim)===
* '''The Knights of Tharim have scoured Upwold for the killers of Obligatus and a number of Marcher magicians
* '''Their unsubtle search has left significant damage to farms and businesses across the territory
* '''At the Winter Solstice every Upwold business and farm will produce 36 fewer rings but will receive compensation
* '''The followers of Agramant in Upwold have been rooted out and destroyed
Following the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|formal parley]] during Summer, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''' proposed a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] that [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Support_Tharim's_Hunt|provided permission]] to the Knights of the [[Tharim|Bound King]] to scour Upwold. The [[Imperial Conclave]] agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for ''Obligatus'', the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the [[Bounders]], cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Declaration of Acceptance, Imperial Conclave, Summer 387YE">The Imperial Conclave stands steadfast as always with our members and colleagues in the Marches. We call upon the smiths, landskeepers, and threshers to render all appropriate and lawful aid to the magistrates and representatives of the Bound King in finding the sorceror-murderers responsible for the deaths of Obligatus and many a loyal Marcher, such that they face the consequences of their actions. May they be found swiftly with the unblinking eye of the scarecrow</quote></div>
Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season ''two'' covens clearly working with [[Agramant]] are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the ''Circle of Stone'', they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the ''Wastewalker''. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension [[Endorsement|endorsed]] this attack, and that the followers of ''Feaster-of-Sorrows'' are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of [[magic items]] and [[ritual texts]] were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of [[Vis#Heart's blood|Heart's blood]] from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave ''not'' wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to [[endowment|endow]] as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.
==Further Reading==
* [[Realm|Realms]]
* [[Eternal|Eternals]]
* [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|Eternals and rituals]]
* [[Inhabitants of the realms]]
* [[Regio]]
* [[Fane]]

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:15:29Z

Castaras: /* Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
"I'm Crown of the Waning Circle - I've got a letter for Bella di Sarvos!" The herald beamed down at the two people manning the desk.

Jack stared back at the excitable-looking herald, arm outstretched holding a handful of papers. It had been a long night of celebration with his fiance and while the Dawnish wine wasn't a match for a good beer, it had still left him badly in need of a hair of the dog this morning. He stared at the herald, desperately trying to work out how to get it to calm down, or at least quiet down. "Right." he said at last. "What do you want me to do with that?"

The herald's face fell, his mouth agape. Jack desperately tried not to laugh, but it reminded him too much of when his sister caught their five-year-old with his hand in the biscuit jar. He clutched his head at the pain.

"This is the desk where you take messages for the archmages?" asked the herald quizically, as if they didn't quite understand the question.

"Right..." said Jack. "And is Bella di Sarvos an archmage?" he said, sounding each word slowly, like he was talking to his sister's offspring.

"She could be!" responded Crown, eagerly, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm in the rhetorical question. "She's very smart!" he assured the Marcher.

Jack bit back a sarcastic retort, just in time to avoid getting one of Sibby's infamously sharp elbows to the ribs. She was a typical bloody Dawnish yeofolk, she made it very plain on multiple occasions that she took her job very seriously, and she most definitely did not approve of any disrespect for your betters.

"Look, just give it here," he said, snatching the letter, "I'll make sure she gets it."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Paul Gustave Dore Raven.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Six [[Realms|realms of magic]] align with the mortal world whose [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the [[eternal|eternals]] through the powers of the [[Archmage|Archmages]] and the [[Imperial Conclave]], but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of [[alignment]] allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of [[Alignment#amity|amity]], some revel in the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne ]]''' wind of fortune.

Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, '''[[From my books surcease of sorrow]]'''. There is also '''[[The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune specifically related to matters of stars, [[astronomancy]], and [[arcane projection|arcane projections]], and details of this seasons [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] options is included in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune. This wind also includes some discussion of things happening in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]] which were first mentioned in the '''[[Songs like trees]]''' and '''[[Even darkness must pass]]''' winds of war.

==Autumn==
{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Relics of the Past (Callidus)===
* '''Callidus is offering to help the Empire try to recover relics of the founders of the Brass Coast for a heavy price'''
* ''' A herald of Prince of the Argent Tontine will be arriving at the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday'''
High noon on a day when the clouds are dark and the rain pours, a gold-faced [[herald]] appears out of the regio, clad in robes made from immortalised letters written on cloth. The rain falls and weather seems to worsen in the short distance from regio to hub, but the herald seems unbothered. They arrive at the entrance to the hub, rainwater dripping off their horns, and approach a desk to deliver a message. Before leaving, they make sure to mention how personally disappointed they are to be back to nutrality when their master is being rather indulgent of the empire of late.

Last summit, the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains'' sent two heralds to the [[Guildmaster_of_the_Artisans|artisans' guild]] to ask about things the empire wanted. Apparently, Callidus found the list humerous; there was definitely some eye-opening items on the list. It has certainly piqued the interest of the City of chains, for the moment at least.

This summit, ''Multitudo'', a herald of the ''Golden Bargainer'', comes to offer [[the Brass Coast]], the [[Magpies]] and anyone interested in the [[tribe|founders]] of the Brass Coast, an [[opportunity]]. The City of Chains is prepared to track down [[Erigo|Erigo's]] gold-and-ruby chain circlet and [[Guerra|Guerra's]] crimson sash. There is a letter for Xanthius which contains details of the City's offer, interested parties should discuss the matter with him.

The ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'' has connections all over the world and the Autumn realm. He is always interested in helping people acquire items they thirst for, provided they are willing to meet the price. Relics are some of the most expensive items that could be found, but Callidus could help the Empire locate similar items or schema to make them if they wished. Of course obtaining such an item would always be more than it costs to make, since people won't part with precious items for a pittance, but such is the price of desire. The Golden Bargainer has not interested in items that don't command a high price.

Multitudo will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 7pm on Friday, to negotiate a price and inform citizens on how to forward the funds. If anyone is keen to do business, Multitudo is more than happy to relocate to a better location once he has met with those present.
{{CaptionedImage|file=City_of_Locks.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Knife Creeps Closer (Basileia)===
* '''The City of Locks has sent ambiguous instructions of what is needed to progress the plan to assassinate Salt Lord Seonag'''
* '''It is implied that this may relations wtih the Sarcophan Delves in some way'''
* '''Interested parties should seek out Irontide Rus for further details'''
* '''Overseer Hook has offered some intelligence about Salt Lord Seonag for reasons that remain unclear'''
Earlier this year the Guild of Accountants of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] were contracted to seek out opportunities for the Empire to [[Fair_play_is_turnabout#Blood_On_Account|assassinate Salt Lord Seonag]], the chair of the Council of Salt Lords. An upfront payment was delivered, but it was made clear that successful fulfilment of the contract would require supplementary actions to be taken. This season, it seems, the first of those actions has come due.

...Or at least it would, if anyone would explain what was actually needed. The Five Pillars have already established a pattern of working via a small group of untitled Imperial citizens - 'people who know what they did', as one wag in the civil service has taken to calling them - and this season is no exception. Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants has indicated that the details of what is required and why have been sent to one '''Irontide Rus''' of the Unshackled. When pressed for more details the messenger, a cold-eyed Herald called Mister Latch, grudgingly admits that this task will require no bloodshed - only a minor risk to the Empire's relationship with the [[Sarcophan Delves]] if people do not keep their mouths shut. He refuses to answer any of the blizzard of questions that follow, and leaves as quickly as he arrived. It is likely that the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], who is due to be elected at the first Senate session of this season, will want to follow up on this matter.

One more message arrives before the summit begins. A mild-mannered Herald carrying a theodolite briefly blends in with a maintenance crew checking over Anvil's drainage ditches before discreetly passing a note to the civil service. The message from Overseer Hook offers a gift of information about Salt Lord Seonag. The [[Burning|destruction of Rachensgrab]] sent a seismic shift through the international slave trade, and has emboldened those who speak out against the practice for whatever reason. Hook's note states that a number of orcs of the [[Broken Shore]] have begun claiming that slavery is a relic of a barbaric past, more suited to shark-worshipping pirates than civilised Grendel, and that abolition is the only way to advance their Ambitions on the global stage. Salt Lord Seonag has apparently entertained representatives of these groups at one of her fortified mansions, although what was discussed remains a secret. Whatever her own views, just being in the same room as these people is a significant gesture for one so powerful. The note offers no further information, nor any notion as to why it was sent. It is for the Empire to do with this information as they please.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Unlocked Gems (Ephisis)===
*'''Ticketed entry to a vault of the City of Gold and Lead is once again being auctioned'''
*'''Posters naming the owner of the vault will be provided at the Hub and the Hall of Worlds'''
*'''The auction will take place at 8:00pm in the Hall of Worlds using crystal mana'''
*'''Purchasable slots in the vault will be between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox.'''
Once again, flyers and posters being appearing on any surface close to an Autumn Regio in the days leading up to the Autumn Equinox. Another defaulted payment means another room in the vault to be opened up to the Empire's bidders, and another bounty of mana for the heralds of Ephisis who seem to be have a lucrative project on their hands. The posters are more cagey this time, and give little indication of who might have owned this particular vault, or what might be inside.

As before, they will leave posters in the Hall of Worlds and the Hub announcing the name of the owner of the vault. At 20:00 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice, they will then hold an auction of crystal mana for two-minute-long slots within the vault. The auction will take place within the Hall of Worlds.

Each slot allows four people entry into the vault. Whilst in the vault, visitors may conduct business as they wish, and will be provided with a receptacle which may be filled with items found within that the visitors wish to take home with them. Any objects which do not fit in the receptacle must be returned to the vault.

The adverts warn that those purchasing a later slot in the vault should be aware of the risk that there is nothing of value left within for them to take. However such visitors should still enjoy witnessing a unique spot within the City of Gold and Lead. Bidders should also be aware that access to the vault requires access to the Hall of Worlds, and any appropriate arrangements to reach the space are the responsibility of the ticket-holder, and not the Lady of the Counting House or any of her intermediaries.

Bidders are reminded that the only accepted currency for the auction will be crystal mana. Keel also advises those interested in coming along that slots to visit the vault will only be available between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice - so bidders should be sure of their availability before committing.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=240}}
==Day==
===Seeking Here and There (Kimus)===
* '''Kimus is offering the Magpies the ability to work with her servants to uncover a lost item'''
* '''The Civil Service have arranged a formal session for the sodality in the Senate at 15:30pm on Saturday'''
The [[Kimus|Seer Clad in Gold]] offered a [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|boon]] to the Empire last season, one that could be claimed by the [[Magpies]]. For various reasons, the boon was not claimed. The ''Seeker of Skies'' offered the services of her heralds to those the [[Imperial Senate]] had charged with finding lost things, and it was to be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of three specific objects the Archmage had mentioned would be sought out.

The Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of three requested antiquities.

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|title=Magpies|align=right|width=200}}
During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Sodality has a chance to ask for help finding one of these items. Apparently, thanks to some matter of Senate procedure, they were legally unable to claim the boon during the Summer Solstice. The ''Prismatic Sphere'' is patient on such matters, and does not wish the Magpies to suffer "because of paperwork". The Civil Service have arranged a formal session of the sodality, to be held in the Senate at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, to enable them to take a vote on the matter if they wish to do so.

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archamge#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has an excellent knowledge of the religion she professes, [[the Way]] of [[Virtue]], but rarely has opportunity to see it practiced by humans. She is no stranger to the power of rites and liturgies to incite and inspire, so is asking priests and adherants to perform their most dramatic or moving ceremonies for her edification.

So reports the long-suffering civil servant ''Jorgen'', who claims he found the message on an arrow fired into the frame of his front door. It did begin with an apology: apparently the messenger herald was very busy on some adventure into the unknown, and this method saved time.

Herads of the ''Finder of the Path'' intend to come to Anvil library, with the citizens' permission, at '''22:00 on Friday'''. They would like to speak to interested members of the Assembly of the Way and the order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] to explain the proposition and choose some organisers. The [[Archmage of Day]], or someone sent by her, would also be particularly welcome.

==Night==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon001a.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Affection and Animosity (Janon)===
* '''A group of Janon heralds wish to hear stories from beloved rivals'''
* '''They will also bring a reward for the Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* '''They intend to attend the Hall of Worlds at 11:15 on the morning of Saturday'''
The [[Janon|Night Sword]] is a creature of rising and falling passions, always invested in something, but not always something that the citizens of the Empire know or care about. This season, it has made an approach to the Empire. Currently the interest of the ''Blazing Blade'' is focused on the thin line that separates love and hate, and the ways that these passions can become blurred. ''The Muse Of Fire'' intends to send a small group of her heralds to Anvil to speak with those who have personal experience of this.

Specifically, they would like to speak with beloved rivals. Beloved rivals, of course, are people who find themselves set in implacable opposition to one another, but who recognise that through their fighting and feuding they have become closer than mere enemies. Beloved rivals raise one another up through their conflict. Beloved rivals know and care more about one another than their dearest friends. Beloved rivals may even fall in love with one another in more conventional ways - provided, of course, that they never forget the strife that must always be there between them.

''The Tempestuous Heart'' would be obliged if the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] or a representative thereof would meet the Heralds at 11:15 and escort them to a place where said Rivals could be gathered to tell their tales - in fact, perhaps the Torchbearer (or their representative) could help to organise who shows up and speaks? Then they can collect their reward. Last season the ''Song Of Joy And Rage'' [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#Vicious_Little_Pearls|requested]] the gathering of awful black pearls so that they might be destroyed. That was done, and so a reward is due. It will put the gift in the hands of the heralds, and see it handed out as is appropriate.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===A Peculiar Opportunity (Lashonar)===
* '''A conjunction is due to open to a strong Night regio in Broceliande at 22:00 on Friday'''
* '''Heralds of Lashonar have suggested casting a specific arcane projection which they say is in the hands of Nathair Autumngale'''
* '''This conjunction is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
Some weeks before the Autumn equinox, the prognosticator's department identify a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[Brocéliande]]. Specifically, the gate will open to The Singing Circle in [[Brocéliande#Vale's_Lament|Vale's Lament]], a strong Night regio, at 22:00 on Friday. The patterns of the [[Sentinel Gate]] are hard to discern, but this conjunction is especially puzzling. There seems to be little significant about this regio.

Or at least it would if not for the [[Lashonar]] heralds. Chatty squawking bird creatures have been making occasional appearances around [[Anvil]] for much of the season since the response to the Archmage's [[plenipotentiary]] was delivered. They mostly do nothing but echo bits of other people's conversations and blurt out random scraps of poetry or fragments of songs. This season they appear fascinated by the Gate's schedule and after a certain amount of excited babbling, they are convinced to slow down long enough to explain themselves. This conjunction, they inform the baffled civil servant, is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant, magnificent opportunity! The Singing Circle is a place of great interest to Lashonar for reasons that are not important right now, and Lashonar would be happy to see it put to use for the casting of a most splendid ritual, An Ode To Blood And Sacrifice!

This causes some confusion. There is not, as far as the civil service know, any such ritual in [[Imperial Lore]], nor can they find any reference to it in the civil service archives. After some hurried consultation the heralds clarify that it is not a ritual as such. Instead it is an incredible [[arcane projection]], which they believe to have been developed by '''Nathair Autumngale'''. It was not a gift from Lashonar either, but a product of human ingenuity and the desire to see a performance communicated to as many people as possible! The ''Caller Of The Chorus'' would be overjoyed to see this most potent work of magic cast.

If such an arcane projection were to exist, then it could indeed be cast via this regio. There would be some minimal level of risk due to the presence of [[vallorn miasma]], which would need to be treated upon the ritualists' return to Anvil, but there do not seem to be any husks or other vallornspawn in the area. So long as the ritualists and whatever entourage they bring with them don't suddenly assault one another, all should be well.

==Spring==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===A Swift Farewell (Ossegrahn)===
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where Peakedge Stead once stood'''
As detailed in the '''[[Songs_like_trees#In_the_Bitter_Rain|Songs like trees]]''' wind of war, the eternal [[Ossegrahn]] has turned away from the Empire. Their protection of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] failed, and the ancient hospital has been destroyed by the [[Druj]]. Those who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]].

Ossegrahn has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced.

The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] woven in some fashion with [[Spring magic]] rather than [[Winter magic]]. A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.
{{CaptionedImage|file=IrrahHurrah002a.png|align=right|width=240}}

===A Thousand Foes (Ira Harrah)===
* '''Ira Harrah supports the rebellious septs in the Mallum
* '''He has thrown his weight behind those who are claiming the Neustak forest
* '''He asks the Imperial Conclave to make their position on this matter clear with a suitable Declaration
* '''If the Empire attacks the rebels, Ira Harrah will turn on the Empire
Imperial forces continue to battle the [[Druj]] in [[Sarangrave]], but there has been an unlooked-for development in the [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]]. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicans has empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind rebelious slaves who have claimed the [[territory#regions|region]] for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|the Bloodwater Spears]], [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|the Water Walkers]], and an unknown sept have taken the [[opportunity]] to [[Even darkness must pass|overthrow the Druj]], butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

It is impossible to take any more of the Neustak Forest without fighting and killing the rebel orcs. The would be illegal currently, since the Senate recently [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Water_Walkers_as_Foreigners|recognised one of the rebel septs, the Water Walkers, as foreigners]]. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. The night before the Equinox, a lone herald approaches the hub with a message from ''Papa Otec''. As they hopefully communicated during the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Summer parley]], the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' would see the Mallum liberated from the Druj and the folk who have laboured under their tyranny freed to pursue their own destiny. Right now that means that if the Empire choose to kill the rebel septs, or try to drive them out of the Neustak Forest, then it will confirm all ''Shackle Breaker's'' suspicions and he will turn on the Empire.

The herald is keen to make the civil servants understand that unlike the weak [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], hamstrung by alien philosophies of altruism and cooperation, Ira Harrah will simply declare war on the Empire and do everything within his power to destroy it. The herald suggests that the [[Imperial Conclave]] could save a lot of time by making their opinion of the Sarangrave rebels clear - perhaps a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] urging Imperial magicians to work with the slaves of the Mallum to free themselves. Or a Declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|Enmity]] to make it obvious where they stand on the matter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Centipede General.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen)===
* '''Arhallogen offers to help the Empire sort out its Neustak Forest problem
* '''A suitably worded Declaration will encourage the Centipede General to assault the Neustak Forest rebels
* '''Doing so would impress the eternal
It is interesting to note that Ira Harrah's messenger arrives at the Hub the day ''after'' a significantly more unsettling herald arrives bearing word from the [[Arhallogen|Centipede General]]. It's an open secret that Arhallogen supports the Druj - but it also supports the [[Navarr]]. Neustak Forest lies on the borders of [[Therunin]] as well as [[the Barrens]], and it seems the ''Scorpion Queen'' has its own interest in events unfolding there. The offer of Arhallogen is straightforward. It can remove, or at least greatly weaken, the septs in the Neustak Forest, if the Conclave wishes.

Specifically, if the Conclave uses a Declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] to call on the ''Shadow-Hunter'' for aid in Sarangrave, it will mobilise those loyal to it to assault the Neustak Forest and slaughter the rebels. While it's unlikely they will be wiped out - they have experience fighting the Druj after all - but they hold on the region will be weakened. The main impediments to wiping them all out are the support of ''[[Irra Harah|Little Prey]]'', and the fact that the Imperial Senate has declared one of the septs there to have Imperial protection. If the Conclave can convince the Senate to remove that protection, and the rebel septs receive no further aid from the rival eternal, the followers of ''Web of Blades'' should be able to murder their leadership and scatter their forces leaving the Empire free to seize the region at their convenience.

Obviously, accepting Arhallogen's offer will anger Ira Harrah, but the advantage is that the herald stresses that no Imperial citizens will be involved. The orcs of the Mallum will have no reason to link this assault to the Empire or the Conclave. The hatred the ''King of Spiders'' bears for the ''Wet Crunch'' is well known even among the subjects of the Druj. The herald refuses to be drawn on exactly how the murders will take place, apart from to reassure the civil service that no Imperial citizens will be in danger as long as they are sensible. As a parting note, the herald mentions that taking this step would significantly improve their master's opinion of the Conclave, and increase the likelihood it would be interested in dealing with them rather than just its allies among the Navarr next time a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|Plenipotentiary]] missive comes its way.

==Summer==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[file:CathCane001b.webp|align=right|width=200]]</div>
===Don't Sit Down (Cathan Canae)===
* '''In Spring the archmage met with a lietenant of Cathan Canae to agree to new terms on the Empire ceding regions'''
* '''The Empire has a year to conquer a new territory for each region ceded to prevent war'''
* '''Bregasland, Liathaven, Madruga, and Therunin do not count as new territories'''
''Volstann, Eater of Boars'', favoured lieutenant of the [[Cathan Canae|Lady of the Frost]], met with several Imperial dignitaries during the Spring Equinox. Foremost among the matters discussed during the meeting was the Empire's ongoing access to the Mistress of Blizzard's [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]]. An agreement was reached with Volstann on the necessity of ceding land to focus on conquest elsewhere: the ''Crown of Black Ice'' will not limit the Empire's access to her citadels if it cedes a ''[[Territory#Regions|region]]'', provided that the Empire proceeds to use the time gained to conquer a new ''[[territory]]'' before a year has passed. [[Bregasland]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], and the recently recovered [[Madruga]] do not count as new territories. Each of those four was once claimed by the Empire, and the ''Immovable One'' wishes to see the Empire expand.

Following the Summer Solstice, Volstann has reached out to the Summer Archmage with a reminder. The [[cession]] of [[Mierada]] to the Thule is a clear example of the kind of thing his mistress has been angered by in the past. If the Empire does not conquer a new territory by the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' will make her displeasure known. On the plus side, says Volstan, the Empire is ''very'' close to claiming [[Sarangrave]] from the hated Druj so that should be alright?

He's also able to clarify that there is no problem with recognising that others keep the land they already hold - while the ''Immovable One'' has no particular affection for [[Commander Gallum]] or the [[Grendel]] in general, recognising the ''Protectorate of Mareave'' - or indeed the city state of [[Beoraidh]] - is not a problem. Not least because the Empire can always conquer the in the future.
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===Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris)===
* '''Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
* '''The Sarangrave armies under this enchantment this season can no longer use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
In the reign of [[Empress Brannan]] there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.

It's been noted that the enchantment is starting to have a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most notably in [[Sarangrave]]. This may be because of the [[Druj miasma|oppressive aura of fear]] coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]].

As noted in the '''[[Even_darkness_must_pass#Game_Information|Even darkness must pass]]''' wind of war, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season ([[Eastern Sky]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], [[Lions of Adelmar]], [[Granite Pillar]], [[Fire of the South]], [[Citadel Guard]], [[Golden Axe]], and [[Northern Eagle]]) cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an ''entire year'' without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment. It's come to light that the [[Burning Falcon]] over in the western theatre is ''also'' experiencing this effect but it is significantly less notable since that army cannot undertake those orders anyway thanks to the enduring passion of the soldiers and [[kohan]] who comprise the Freeborn army.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively ''doing''. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually ''doing'' anything to make this happen.

However it also appears that Eleonaris herself is well pleased with the Empire's progress in the Sarangrave. Like the majority of the Summer eternals she despises the Druj, and has let it be known that she looks favourably on those armies that bring her knights to fight alongside them against the forces of the Mallum. She is particularly impressed with the '''Voices of the Unbound Storm''' of [[Wintermark]] who performed the lion's share of the enchantments at the Summer Solstice. As such she has offered a boon to Imperial magicians who want to draw on her warriors.

During the Autumn Equinox, and Imperial coven performing [[Knights of Glory]] gains an additional benefit from the use of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]]. In addition to their normal effect - providing three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual - the apple also provides one member of the coven with a bonus rank of Summer lore, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. A given magician can gain this benefit only once each time they cast a ritual, no matter how many apples are used. Even if the mana is split between multiple contributors only one of them benefits from this additional rank.

The [[Unfettered Mind]] and the [[Rod and Shield]] express a little caution here. The impact Knights of Glory had in the time of Empress Brannan swiftly spread through the entire Military Council. It is quite possible that indiscriminate use of the ritual might see the entire Empire losing the ability to take specifically cautious orders as their soldiers increasingly fall under the influence of the Summer realm.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Hayaak001b.png|align=right|width=240}}

===College of Magic (Hayaak)===
* '''Hayaak has become patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. [[Jaheris]] was displaced by [[Hayaak]], and the heralds of the former have quit the [[college of magic]] while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The [[inhabitants of the realm#heralds|herald]] of the ''Hawk Lord'' goes by the name of ''Ernreik'' and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the ''Peregrine Knight'' himself, allow the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] to [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Patronage_of_the_Peregrine_Knight|more swiftly]] research any [[enchantment]] that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
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===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

[[A_challenging_time|One year ago]], the ''[[Barien|Iron Duke]]'' brought those from the nations of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of [[heroism]] or [[glory]]. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit, up to 50 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

Vales across [[Varushka]] have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and [[the League]], have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, ''Klarent, Clad in Blades'' and ''Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', two heralds of [[Jaheris]] who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the ''Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'' (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from [[Miekarova]] across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Ossium]], [[The Barrens]], [[Karov]], [[Volodmartz]] and [[Holberg]] - as well as '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of summer''' and '''Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake''' - to meet them at the ''Plot and Plunder'' bar in [[the League]] camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.
==Winter==
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===Smile (Skathe)===
* '''Skathe has offered to allow Catena of the Concordium of Pallas to codify a single curse of any realm and magnitude'''
* '''The offer requires the Archmage of Winter to use the power of plenipotentiary to accept the boon'''
* '''The curse will require one season of work for every twenty-five levels of magnitude'''
* '''The process will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under emnity at any time while the curse is being codified'''
* '''Codificication will require Catena to work with the eternal and her heralds in the Bleak Oubliette'''
{{SOP|statement=Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.|size=small|by=Catena, Urizeni Assembly|vote= {{GM}} 196-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the ''[[Skathe|High Enchantress of Grievances]]'' claimed that the ''Lady of Laments'' would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than ''Queen of Hags'' said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the ''Mistress of Misery'', gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the ''Painted Mirror'' smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the ''Giver of Gifts'', and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the ''Friend to Foes'' will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the ''Looking Glass'' expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the ''Hexenkönigin''' expectations... well that will ''surely work out just fine''. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, [[Winter magic]] is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the [[Winter Archmage]] will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags ''personally'' supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] while the work is underway. A [[conjunction]] is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.
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===Smoulder (Surut)===
* '''Knights of Surut have appeared to defend Necropolis'''
Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory of [[Necropolis]]. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed [[Quickening Cold Meat]] against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that [[Empress Varkula]] has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#soldiers|soldiers]] of the [[Reals#Winter|Wasteland]]. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Burned Prince]].

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]] who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the [[Highguard|Highborn]]. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] and [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]], watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, ''Mistress-General Kanesta''. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are ''Surut's Brand'' and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the [[Archmage of Winter]] and the [[Senator]], brokered via the [[Tharim|Bound One]].

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Redoubt]], but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, ''Mistress-General Kanesta'' seeks out a small group of [[magister|magisters]] who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the ''Prince in Waiting''. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the ''Knight of Ashes'' is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, ''Surut's Brand'' will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the [[Archmage of Winter]] or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] is for.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Scour (Tharim)===
* '''The Knights of Tharim have scoured Upwold for the killers of Obligatus and a number of Marcher magicians
* '''Their unsubtle search has left significant damage to farms and businesses across the territory
* '''At the Winter Solstice every Upwold business and farm will produce 36 fewer rings but will receive compensation
* '''The followers of Agramant in Upwold have been rooted out and destroyed
Following the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|formal parley]] during Summer, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''' proposed a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] that [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Support_Tharim's_Hunt|provided permission]] to the Knights of the [[Tharim|Bound King]] to scour Upwold. The [[Imperial Conclave]] agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for ''Obligatus'', the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the [[Bounders]], cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Declaration of Acceptance, Imperial Conclave, Summer 387YE">The Imperial Conclave stands steadfast as always with our members and colleagues in the Marches. We call upon the smiths, landskeepers, and threshers to render all appropriate and lawful aid to the magistrates and representatives of the Bound King in finding the sorceror-murderers responsible for the deaths of Obligatus and many a loyal Marcher, such that they face the consequences of their actions. May they be found swiftly with the unblinking eye of the scarecrow</quote></div>
Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season ''two'' covens clearly working with [[Agramant]] are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the ''Circle of Stone'', they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the ''Wastewalker''. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension [[Endorsement|endorsed]] this attack, and that the followers of ''Feaster-of-Sorrows'' are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of [[magic items]] and [[ritual texts]] were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of [[Vis#Heart's blood|Heart's blood]] from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave ''not'' wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to [[endowment|endow]] as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.
==Further Reading==
* [[Realm|Realms]]
* [[Eternal|Eternals]]
* [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|Eternals and rituals]]
* [[Inhabitants of the realms]]
* [[Regio]]
* [[Fane]]

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:14:48Z

Castaras: /* College of Magic (Hayaak) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
"I'm Crown of the Waning Circle - I've got a letter for Bella di Sarvos!" The herald beamed down at the two people manning the desk.

Jack stared back at the excitable-looking herald, arm outstretched holding a handful of papers. It had been a long night of celebration with his fiance and while the Dawnish wine wasn't a match for a good beer, it had still left him badly in need of a hair of the dog this morning. He stared at the herald, desperately trying to work out how to get it to calm down, or at least quiet down. "Right." he said at last. "What do you want me to do with that?"

The herald's face fell, his mouth agape. Jack desperately tried not to laugh, but it reminded him too much of when his sister caught their five-year-old with his hand in the biscuit jar. He clutched his head at the pain.

"This is the desk where you take messages for the archmages?" asked the herald quizically, as if they didn't quite understand the question.

"Right..." said Jack. "And is Bella di Sarvos an archmage?" he said, sounding each word slowly, like he was talking to his sister's offspring.

"She could be!" responded Crown, eagerly, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm in the rhetorical question. "She's very smart!" he assured the Marcher.

Jack bit back a sarcastic retort, just in time to avoid getting one of Sibby's infamously sharp elbows to the ribs. She was a typical bloody Dawnish yeofolk, she made it very plain on multiple occasions that she took her job very seriously, and she most definitely did not approve of any disrespect for your betters.

"Look, just give it here," he said, snatching the letter, "I'll make sure she gets it."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Paul Gustave Dore Raven.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Six [[Realms|realms of magic]] align with the mortal world whose [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the [[eternal|eternals]] through the powers of the [[Archmage|Archmages]] and the [[Imperial Conclave]], but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of [[alignment]] allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of [[Alignment#amity|amity]], some revel in the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne ]]''' wind of fortune.

Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, '''[[From my books surcease of sorrow]]'''. There is also '''[[The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune specifically related to matters of stars, [[astronomancy]], and [[arcane projection|arcane projections]], and details of this seasons [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] options is included in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune. This wind also includes some discussion of things happening in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]] which were first mentioned in the '''[[Songs like trees]]''' and '''[[Even darkness must pass]]''' winds of war.

==Autumn==
{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Relics of the Past (Callidus)===
* '''Callidus is offering to help the Empire try to recover relics of the founders of the Brass Coast for a heavy price'''
* ''' A herald of Prince of the Argent Tontine will be arriving at the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday'''
High noon on a day when the clouds are dark and the rain pours, a gold-faced [[herald]] appears out of the regio, clad in robes made from immortalised letters written on cloth. The rain falls and weather seems to worsen in the short distance from regio to hub, but the herald seems unbothered. They arrive at the entrance to the hub, rainwater dripping off their horns, and approach a desk to deliver a message. Before leaving, they make sure to mention how personally disappointed they are to be back to nutrality when their master is being rather indulgent of the empire of late.

Last summit, the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains'' sent two heralds to the [[Guildmaster_of_the_Artisans|artisans' guild]] to ask about things the empire wanted. Apparently, Callidus found the list humerous; there was definitely some eye-opening items on the list. It has certainly piqued the interest of the City of chains, for the moment at least.

This summit, ''Multitudo'', a herald of the ''Golden Bargainer'', comes to offer [[the Brass Coast]], the [[Magpies]] and anyone interested in the [[tribe|founders]] of the Brass Coast, an [[opportunity]]. The City of Chains is prepared to track down [[Erigo|Erigo's]] gold-and-ruby chain circlet and [[Guerra|Guerra's]] crimson sash. There is a letter for Xanthius which contains details of the City's offer, interested parties should discuss the matter with him.

The ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'' has connections all over the world and the Autumn realm. He is always interested in helping people acquire items they thirst for, provided they are willing to meet the price. Relics are some of the most expensive items that could be found, but Callidus could help the Empire locate similar items or schema to make them if they wished. Of course obtaining such an item would always be more than it costs to make, since people won't part with precious items for a pittance, but such is the price of desire. The Golden Bargainer has not interested in items that don't command a high price.

Multitudo will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 7pm on Friday, to negotiate a price and inform citizens on how to forward the funds. If anyone is keen to do business, Multitudo is more than happy to relocate to a better location once he has met with those present.
{{CaptionedImage|file=City_of_Locks.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Knife Creeps Closer (Basileia)===
* '''The City of Locks has sent ambiguous instructions of what is needed to progress the plan to assassinate Salt Lord Seonag'''
* '''It is implied that this may relations wtih the Sarcophan Delves in some way'''
* '''Interested parties should seek out Irontide Rus for further details'''
* '''Overseer Hook has offered some intelligence about Salt Lord Seonag for reasons that remain unclear'''
Earlier this year the Guild of Accountants of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] were contracted to seek out opportunities for the Empire to [[Fair_play_is_turnabout#Blood_On_Account|assassinate Salt Lord Seonag]], the chair of the Council of Salt Lords. An upfront payment was delivered, but it was made clear that successful fulfilment of the contract would require supplementary actions to be taken. This season, it seems, the first of those actions has come due.

...Or at least it would, if anyone would explain what was actually needed. The Five Pillars have already established a pattern of working via a small group of untitled Imperial citizens - 'people who know what they did', as one wag in the civil service has taken to calling them - and this season is no exception. Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants has indicated that the details of what is required and why have been sent to one '''Irontide Rus''' of the Unshackled. When pressed for more details the messenger, a cold-eyed Herald called Mister Latch, grudgingly admits that this task will require no bloodshed - only a minor risk to the Empire's relationship with the [[Sarcophan Delves]] if people do not keep their mouths shut. He refuses to answer any of the blizzard of questions that follow, and leaves as quickly as he arrived. It is likely that the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], who is due to be elected at the first Senate session of this season, will want to follow up on this matter.

One more message arrives before the summit begins. A mild-mannered Herald carrying a theodolite briefly blends in with a maintenance crew checking over Anvil's drainage ditches before discreetly passing a note to the civil service. The message from Overseer Hook offers a gift of information about Salt Lord Seonag. The [[Burning|destruction of Rachensgrab]] sent a seismic shift through the international slave trade, and has emboldened those who speak out against the practice for whatever reason. Hook's note states that a number of orcs of the [[Broken Shore]] have begun claiming that slavery is a relic of a barbaric past, more suited to shark-worshipping pirates than civilised Grendel, and that abolition is the only way to advance their Ambitions on the global stage. Salt Lord Seonag has apparently entertained representatives of these groups at one of her fortified mansions, although what was discussed remains a secret. Whatever her own views, just being in the same room as these people is a significant gesture for one so powerful. The note offers no further information, nor any notion as to why it was sent. It is for the Empire to do with this information as they please.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Unlocked Gems (Ephisis)===
*'''Ticketed entry to a vault of the City of Gold and Lead is once again being auctioned'''
*'''Posters naming the owner of the vault will be provided at the Hub and the Hall of Worlds'''
*'''The auction will take place at 8:00pm in the Hall of Worlds using crystal mana'''
*'''Purchasable slots in the vault will be between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox.'''
Once again, flyers and posters being appearing on any surface close to an Autumn Regio in the days leading up to the Autumn Equinox. Another defaulted payment means another room in the vault to be opened up to the Empire's bidders, and another bounty of mana for the heralds of Ephisis who seem to be have a lucrative project on their hands. The posters are more cagey this time, and give little indication of who might have owned this particular vault, or what might be inside.

As before, they will leave posters in the Hall of Worlds and the Hub announcing the name of the owner of the vault. At 20:00 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice, they will then hold an auction of crystal mana for two-minute-long slots within the vault. The auction will take place within the Hall of Worlds.

Each slot allows four people entry into the vault. Whilst in the vault, visitors may conduct business as they wish, and will be provided with a receptacle which may be filled with items found within that the visitors wish to take home with them. Any objects which do not fit in the receptacle must be returned to the vault.

The adverts warn that those purchasing a later slot in the vault should be aware of the risk that there is nothing of value left within for them to take. However such visitors should still enjoy witnessing a unique spot within the City of Gold and Lead. Bidders should also be aware that access to the vault requires access to the Hall of Worlds, and any appropriate arrangements to reach the space are the responsibility of the ticket-holder, and not the Lady of the Counting House or any of her intermediaries.

Bidders are reminded that the only accepted currency for the auction will be crystal mana. Keel also advises those interested in coming along that slots to visit the vault will only be available between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice - so bidders should be sure of their availability before committing.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=240}}
==Day==
===Seeking Here and There (Kimus)===
* '''Kimus is offering the Magpies the ability to work with her servants to uncover a lost item'''
* '''The Civil Service have arranged a formal session for the sodality in the Senate at 15:30pm on Saturday'''
The [[Kimus|Seer Clad in Gold]] offered a [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|boon]] to the Empire last season, one that could be claimed by the [[Magpies]]. For various reasons, the boon was not claimed. The ''Seeker of Skies'' offered the services of her heralds to those the [[Imperial Senate]] had charged with finding lost things, and it was to be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of three specific objects the Archmage had mentioned would be sought out.

The Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of three requested antiquities.

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|title=Magpies|align=right|width=200}}
During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Sodality has a chance to ask for help finding one of these items. Apparently, thanks to some matter of Senate procedure, they were legally unable to claim the boon during the Summer Solstice. The ''Prismatic Sphere'' is patient on such matters, and does not wish the Magpies to suffer "because of paperwork". The Civil Service have arranged a formal session of the sodality, to be held in the Senate at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, to enable them to take a vote on the matter if they wish to do so.

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archamge#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has an excellent knowledge of the religion she professes, [[the Way]] of [[Virtue]], but rarely has opportunity to see it practiced by humans. She is no stranger to the power of rites and liturgies to incite and inspire, so is asking priests and adherants to perform their most dramatic or moving ceremonies for her edification.

So reports the long-suffering civil servant ''Jorgen'', who claims he found the message on an arrow fired into the frame of his front door. It did begin with an apology: apparently the messenger herald was very busy on some adventure into the unknown, and this method saved time.

Herads of the ''Finder of the Path'' intend to come to Anvil library, with the citizens' permission, at '''22:00 on Friday'''. They would like to speak to interested members of the Assembly of the Way and the order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] to explain the proposition and choose some organisers. The [[Archmage of Day]], or someone sent by her, would also be particularly welcome.

==Night==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon001a.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Affection and Animosity (Janon)===
* '''A group of Janon heralds wish to hear stories from beloved rivals'''
* '''They will also bring a reward for the Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* '''They intend to attend the Hall of Worlds at 11:15 on the morning of Saturday'''
The [[Janon|Night Sword]] is a creature of rising and falling passions, always invested in something, but not always something that the citizens of the Empire know or care about. This season, it has made an approach to the Empire. Currently the interest of the ''Blazing Blade'' is focused on the thin line that separates love and hate, and the ways that these passions can become blurred. ''The Muse Of Fire'' intends to send a small group of her heralds to Anvil to speak with those who have personal experience of this.

Specifically, they would like to speak with beloved rivals. Beloved rivals, of course, are people who find themselves set in implacable opposition to one another, but who recognise that through their fighting and feuding they have become closer than mere enemies. Beloved rivals raise one another up through their conflict. Beloved rivals know and care more about one another than their dearest friends. Beloved rivals may even fall in love with one another in more conventional ways - provided, of course, that they never forget the strife that must always be there between them.

''The Tempestuous Heart'' would be obliged if the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] or a representative thereof would meet the Heralds at 11:15 and escort them to a place where said Rivals could be gathered to tell their tales - in fact, perhaps the Torchbearer (or their representative) could help to organise who shows up and speaks? Then they can collect their reward. Last season the ''Song Of Joy And Rage'' [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#Vicious_Little_Pearls|requested]] the gathering of awful black pearls so that they might be destroyed. That was done, and so a reward is due. It will put the gift in the hands of the heralds, and see it handed out as is appropriate.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===A Peculiar Opportunity (Lashonar)===
* '''A conjunction is due to open to a strong Night regio in Broceliande at 22:00 on Friday'''
* '''Heralds of Lashonar have suggested casting a specific arcane projection which they say is in the hands of Nathair Autumngale'''
* '''This conjunction is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
Some weeks before the Autumn equinox, the prognosticator's department identify a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[Brocéliande]]. Specifically, the gate will open to The Singing Circle in [[Brocéliande#Vale's_Lament|Vale's Lament]], a strong Night regio, at 22:00 on Friday. The patterns of the [[Sentinel Gate]] are hard to discern, but this conjunction is especially puzzling. There seems to be little significant about this regio.

Or at least it would if not for the [[Lashonar]] heralds. Chatty squawking bird creatures have been making occasional appearances around [[Anvil]] for much of the season since the response to the Archmage's [[plenipotentiary]] was delivered. They mostly do nothing but echo bits of other people's conversations and blurt out random scraps of poetry or fragments of songs. This season they appear fascinated by the Gate's schedule and after a certain amount of excited babbling, they are convinced to slow down long enough to explain themselves. This conjunction, they inform the baffled civil servant, is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant, magnificent opportunity! The Singing Circle is a place of great interest to Lashonar for reasons that are not important right now, and Lashonar would be happy to see it put to use for the casting of a most splendid ritual, An Ode To Blood And Sacrifice!

This causes some confusion. There is not, as far as the civil service know, any such ritual in [[Imperial Lore]], nor can they find any reference to it in the civil service archives. After some hurried consultation the heralds clarify that it is not a ritual as such. Instead it is an incredible [[arcane projection]], which they believe to have been developed by '''Nathair Autumngale'''. It was not a gift from Lashonar either, but a product of human ingenuity and the desire to see a performance communicated to as many people as possible! The ''Caller Of The Chorus'' would be overjoyed to see this most potent work of magic cast.

If such an arcane projection were to exist, then it could indeed be cast via this regio. There would be some minimal level of risk due to the presence of [[vallorn miasma]], which would need to be treated upon the ritualists' return to Anvil, but there do not seem to be any husks or other vallornspawn in the area. So long as the ritualists and whatever entourage they bring with them don't suddenly assault one another, all should be well.

==Spring==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===A Swift Farewell (Ossegrahn)===
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where Peakedge Stead once stood'''
As detailed in the '''[[Songs_like_trees#In_the_Bitter_Rain|Songs like trees]]''' wind of war, the eternal [[Ossegrahn]] has turned away from the Empire. Their protection of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] failed, and the ancient hospital has been destroyed by the [[Druj]]. Those who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]].

Ossegrahn has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced.

The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] woven in some fashion with [[Spring magic]] rather than [[Winter magic]]. A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.
{{CaptionedImage|file=IrrahHurrah002a.png|align=right|width=240}}

===A Thousand Foes (Ira Harrah)===
* '''Ira Harrah supports the rebellious septs in the Mallum
* '''He has thrown his weight behind those who are claiming the Neustak forest
* '''He asks the Imperial Conclave to make their position on this matter clear with a suitable Declaration
* '''If the Empire attacks the rebels, Ira Harrah will turn on the Empire
Imperial forces continue to battle the [[Druj]] in [[Sarangrave]], but there has been an unlooked-for development in the [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]]. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicans has empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind rebelious slaves who have claimed the [[territory#regions|region]] for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|the Bloodwater Spears]], [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|the Water Walkers]], and an unknown sept have taken the [[opportunity]] to [[Even darkness must pass|overthrow the Druj]], butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

It is impossible to take any more of the Neustak Forest without fighting and killing the rebel orcs. The would be illegal currently, since the Senate recently [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Water_Walkers_as_Foreigners|recognised one of the rebel septs, the Water Walkers, as foreigners]]. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. The night before the Equinox, a lone herald approaches the hub with a message from ''Papa Otec''. As they hopefully communicated during the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Summer parley]], the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' would see the Mallum liberated from the Druj and the folk who have laboured under their tyranny freed to pursue their own destiny. Right now that means that if the Empire choose to kill the rebel septs, or try to drive them out of the Neustak Forest, then it will confirm all ''Shackle Breaker's'' suspicions and he will turn on the Empire.

The herald is keen to make the civil servants understand that unlike the weak [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], hamstrung by alien philosophies of altruism and cooperation, Ira Harrah will simply declare war on the Empire and do everything within his power to destroy it. The herald suggests that the [[Imperial Conclave]] could save a lot of time by making their opinion of the Sarangrave rebels clear - perhaps a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] urging Imperial magicians to work with the slaves of the Mallum to free themselves. Or a Declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|Enmity]] to make it obvious where they stand on the matter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Centipede General.png|align=right|width=240}}
===Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen)===
* '''Arhallogen offers to help the Empire sort out its Neustak Forest problem
* '''A suitably worded Declaration will encourage the Centipede General to assault the Neustak Forest rebels
* '''Doing so would impress the eternal
It is interesting to note that Ira Harrah's messenger arrives at the Hub the day ''after'' a significantly more unsettling herald arrives bearing word from the [[Arhallogen|Centipede General]]. It's an open secret that Arhallogen supports the Druj - but it also supports the [[Navarr]]. Neustak Forest lies on the borders of [[Therunin]] as well as [[the Barrens]], and it seems the ''Scorpion Queen'' has its own interest in events unfolding there. The offer of Arhallogen is straightforward. It can remove, or at least greatly weaken, the septs in the Neustak Forest, if the Conclave wishes.

Specifically, if the Conclave uses a Declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] to call on the ''Shadow-Hunter'' for aid in Sarangrave, it will mobilise those loyal to it to assault the Neustak Forest and slaughter the rebels. While it's unlikely they will be wiped out - they have experience fighting the Druj after all - but they hold on the region will be weakened. The main impediments to wiping them all out are the support of ''[[Irra Harah|Little Prey]]'', and the fact that the Imperial Senate has declared one of the septs there to have Imperial protection. If the Conclave can convince the Senate to remove that protection, and the rebel septs receive no further aid from the rival eternal, the followers of ''Web of Blades'' should be able to murder their leadership and scatter their forces leaving the Empire free to seize the region at their convenience.

Obviously, accepting Arhallogen's offer will anger Ira Harrah, but the advantage is that the herald stresses that no Imperial citizens will be involved. The orcs of the Mallum will have no reason to link this assault to the Empire or the Conclave. The hatred the ''King of Spiders'' bears for the ''Wet Crunch'' is well known even among the subjects of the Druj. The herald refuses to be drawn on exactly how the murders will take place, apart from to reassure the civil service that no Imperial citizens will be in danger as long as they are sensible. As a parting note, the herald mentions that taking this step would significantly improve their master's opinion of the Conclave, and increase the likelihood it would be interested in dealing with them rather than just its allies among the Navarr next time a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|Plenipotentiary]] missive comes its way.

==Summer==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[file:CathCane001b.webp|align=right|width=200]]</div>
===Don't Sit Down (Cathan Canae)===
* '''In Spring the archmage met with a lietenant of Cathan Canae to agree to new terms on the Empire ceding regions'''
* '''The Empire has a year to conquer a new territory for each region ceded to prevent war'''
* '''Bregasland, Liathaven, Madruga, and Therunin do not count as new territories'''
''Volstann, Eater of Boars'', favoured lieutenant of the [[Cathan Canae|Lady of the Frost]], met with several Imperial dignitaries during the Spring Equinox. Foremost among the matters discussed during the meeting was the Empire's ongoing access to the Mistress of Blizzard's [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]]. An agreement was reached with Volstann on the necessity of ceding land to focus on conquest elsewhere: the ''Crown of Black Ice'' will not limit the Empire's access to her citadels if it cedes a ''[[Territory#Regions|region]]'', provided that the Empire proceeds to use the time gained to conquer a new ''[[territory]]'' before a year has passed. [[Bregasland]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], and the recently recovered [[Madruga]] do not count as new territories. Each of those four was once claimed by the Empire, and the ''Immovable One'' wishes to see the Empire expand.

Following the Summer Solstice, Volstann has reached out to the Summer Archmage with a reminder. The [[cession]] of [[Mierada]] to the Thule is a clear example of the kind of thing his mistress has been angered by in the past. If the Empire does not conquer a new territory by the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' will make her displeasure known. On the plus side, says Volstan, the Empire is ''very'' close to claiming [[Sarangrave]] from the hated Druj so that should be alright?

He's also able to clarify that there is no problem with recognising that others keep the land they already hold - while the ''Immovable One'' has no particular affection for [[Commander Gallum]] or the [[Grendel]] in general, recognising the ''Protectorate of Mareave'' - or indeed the city state of [[Beoraidh]] - is not a problem. Not least because the Empire can always conquer the in the future.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris)===
* '''Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
* '''The Sarangrave armies under this enchantment this season can no longer use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
In the reign of [[Empress Brannan]] there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.

It's been noted that the enchantment is starting to have a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most notably in [[Sarnagrave]]. This may be because of the [[Druj miasma|oppressive aura of fear]] coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]].

As noted in the '''[[Even_darkness_must_pass#Game_Information|Even darkness must pass]]''' wind of war, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season ([[Eastern Sky]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], [[Lions of Adelmar]], [[Granite Pillar]], [[Fire of the South]], [[Citadel Guard]], [[Golden Axe]], and [[Northern Eagle]]) cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an ''entire year'' without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment. It's come to light that the [[Burning Falcon]] over in the western theatre is ''also'' experiencing this effect but it is significantly less notable since that army cannot undertake those orders anyway thanks to the enduring passion of the soldiers and [[kohan]] who comprise the Freeborn army.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively ''doing''. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually ''doing'' anything to make this happen.

However it also appears that Eleonaris herself is well pleased with the Empire's progress in the Sarangrave. Like the majority of the Summer eternals she despises the Druj, and has let it be known that she looks favourably on those armies that bring her knights to fight alongside them against the forces of the Mallum. She is particularly impressed with the '''Voices of the Unbound Storm''' of [[Wintermark]] who performed the lion's share of the enchantments at the Summer Solstice. As such she has offered a boon to Imperial magicians who want to draw on her warriors.

During the Autumn Equinox, and Imperial coven performing [[Knights of Glory]] gains an additional benefit from the use of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]]. In addition to their normal effect - providing three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual - the apple also provides one member of the coven with a bonus rank of Summer lore, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. A given magician can gain this benefit only once each time they cast a ritual, no matter how many apples are used. Even if the mana is split between multiple contributors only one of them benefits from this additional rank.

The [[Unfettered Mind]] and the [[Rod and Shield]] express a little caution here. The impact Knights of Glory had in the time of Empress Brannan swiftly spread through the entire Military Council. It is quite possible that indiscriminate use of the ritual might see the entire Empire losing the ability to take specifically cautious orders as their soldiers increasingly fall under the influence of the Summer realm.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Hayaak001b.png|align=right|width=240}}
===College of Magic (Hayaak)===
* '''Hayaak has become patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. [[Jaheris]] was displaced by [[Hayaak]], and the heralds of the former have quit the [[college of magic]] while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The [[inhabitants of the realm#heralds|herald]] of the ''Hawk Lord'' goes by the name of ''Ernreik'' and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the ''Peregrine Knight'' himself, allow the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] to [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Patronage_of_the_Peregrine_Knight|more swiftly]] research any [[enchantment]] that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 1:30pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

[[A_challenging_time|One year ago]], the ''[[Barien|Iron Duke]]'' brought those from the nations of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of [[heroism]] or [[glory]]. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 13:30 on the Saturday of the summit, up to 60 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

Vales across [[Varushka]] have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and [[the League]], have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, ''Klarent, Clad in Blades'' and ''Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', two heralds of [[Jaheris]] who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the ''Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'' (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from [[Miekarova]] across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Ossium]], [[The Barrens]], [[Karov]], [[Volodmartz]] and [[Holberg]] - as well as '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of summer''' and '''Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake''' - to meet them at the ''Plot and Plunder'' bar in [[the League]] camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.
==Winter==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Smile (Skathe)===
* '''Skathe has offered to allow Catena of the Concordium of Pallas to codify a single curse of any realm and magnitude'''
* '''The offer requires the Archmage of Winter to use the power of plenipotentiary to accept the boon'''
* '''The curse will require one season of work for every twenty-five levels of magnitude'''
* '''The process will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under emnity at any time while the curse is being codified'''
* '''Codificication will require Catena to work with the eternal and her heralds in the Bleak Oubliette'''
{{SOP|statement=Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.|size=small|by=Catena, Urizeni Assembly|vote= {{GM}} 196-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the ''[[Skathe|High Enchantress of Grievances]]'' claimed that the ''Lady of Laments'' would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than ''Queen of Hags'' said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the ''Mistress of Misery'', gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the ''Painted Mirror'' smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the ''Giver of Gifts'', and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the ''Friend to Foes'' will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the ''Looking Glass'' expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the ''Hexenkönigin''' expectations... well that will ''surely work out just fine''. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, [[Winter magic]] is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the [[Winter Archmage]] will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags ''personally'' supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] while the work is underway. A [[conjunction]] is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Smoulder (Surut)===
* '''Knights of Surut have appeared to defend Necropolis'''
Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory of [[Necropolis]]. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed [[Quickening Cold Meat]] against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that [[Empress Varkula]] has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#soldiers|soldiers]] of the [[Reals#Winter|Wasteland]]. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Burned Prince]].

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]] who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the [[Highguard|Highborn]]. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] and [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]], watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, ''Mistress-General Kanesta''. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are ''Surut's Brand'' and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the [[Archmage of Winter]] and the [[Senator]], brokered via the [[Tharim|Bound One]].

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Redoubt]], but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, ''Mistress-General Kanesta'' seeks out a small group of [[magister|magisters]] who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the ''Prince in Waiting''. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the ''Knight of Ashes'' is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, ''Surut's Brand'' will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the [[Archmage of Winter]] or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] is for.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Scour (Tharim)===
* '''The Knights of Tharim have scoured Upwold for the killers of Obligatus and a number of Marcher magicians
* '''Their unsubtle search has left significant damage to farms and businesses across the territory
* '''At the Winter Solstice every Upwold business and farm will produce 36 fewer rings but will receive compensation
* '''The followers of Agramant in Upwold have been rooted out and destroyed
Following the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|formal parley]] during Summer, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''' proposed a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] that [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Support_Tharim's_Hunt|provided permission]] to the Knights of the [[Tharim|Bound King]] to scour Upwold. The [[Imperial Conclave]] agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for ''Obligatus'', the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the [[Bounders]], cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Declaration of Acceptance, Imperial Conclave, Summer 387YE">The Imperial Conclave stands steadfast as always with our members and colleagues in the Marches. We call upon the smiths, landskeepers, and threshers to render all appropriate and lawful aid to the magistrates and representatives of the Bound King in finding the sorceror-murderers responsible for the deaths of Obligatus and many a loyal Marcher, such that they face the consequences of their actions. May they be found swiftly with the unblinking eye of the scarecrow</quote></div>
Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season ''two'' covens clearly working with [[Agramant]] are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the ''Circle of Stone'', they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the ''Wastewalker''. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension [[Endorsement|endorsed]] this attack, and that the followers of ''Feaster-of-Sorrows'' are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of [[magic items]] and [[ritual texts]] were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of [[Vis#Heart's blood|Heart's blood]] from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave ''not'' wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to [[endowment|endow]] as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.
==Further Reading==
* [[Realm|Realms]]
* [[Eternal|Eternals]]
* [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|Eternals and rituals]]
* [[Inhabitants of the realms]]
* [[Regio]]
* [[Fane]]

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:07:11Z

Castaras: /* Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>
"I'm Crown of the Waning Circle - I've got a letter for Bella di Sarvos!" The herald beamed down at the two people manning the desk.

Jack stared back at the excitable-looking herald, arm outstretched holding a handful of papers. It had been a long night of celebration with his fiance and while the Dawnish wine wasn't a match for a good beer, it had still left him badly in need of a hair of the dog this morning. He stared at the herald, desperately trying to work out how to get it to calm down, or at least quiet down. "Right." he said at last. "What do you want me to do with that?"

The herald's face fell, his mouth agape. Jack desperately tried not to laugh, but it reminded him too much of when his sister caught their five-year-old with his hand in the biscuit jar. He clutched his head at the pain.

"This is the desk where you take messages for the archmages?" asked the herald quizically, as if they didn't quite understand the question.

"Right..." said Jack. "And is Bella di Sarvos an archmage?" he said, sounding each word slowly, like he was talking to his sister's offspring.

"She could be!" responded Crown, eagerly, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm in the rhetorical question. "She's very smart!" he assured the Marcher.

Jack bit back a sarcastic retort, just in time to avoid getting one of Sibby's infamously sharp elbows to the ribs. She was a typical bloody Dawnish yeofolk, she made it very plain on multiple occasions that she took her job very seriously, and she most definitely did not approve of any disrespect for your betters.

"Look, just give it here," he said, snatching the letter, "I'll make sure she gets it."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Paul Gustave Dore Raven.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Six [[Realms|realms of magic]] align with the mortal world whose [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the [[eternal|eternals]] through the powers of the [[Archmage|Archmages]] and the [[Imperial Conclave]], but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of [[alignment]] allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of [[Alignment#amity|amity]], some revel in the [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne ]]''' wind of fortune.

Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, '''[[From my books surcease of sorrow]]'''. There is also '''[[The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune specifically related to matters of stars, [[astronomancy]], and [[arcane projection|arcane projections]], and details of this seasons [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] options is included in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune. This wind also includes some discussion of things happening in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]] which were first mentioned in the '''[[Songs like trees]]''' and '''[[Even darkness must pass]]''' winds of war.

==Autumn==
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===Relics of the Past (Callidus)===
* '''Callidus is offering to help the Empire try to recover relics of the founders of the Brass Coast for a heavy price'''
* ''' A herald of Prince of the Argent Tontine will be arriving at the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday'''
High noon on a day when the clouds are dark and the rain pours, a gold-faced [[herald]] appears out of the regio, clad in robes made from immortalised letters written on cloth. The rain falls and weather seems to worsen in the short distance from regio to hub, but the herald seems unbothered. They arrive at the entrance to the hub, rainwater dripping off their horns, and approach a desk to deliver a message. Before leaving, they make sure to mention how personally disappointed they are to be back to nutrality when their master is being rather indulgent of the empire of late.

Last summit, the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains'' sent two heralds to the [[Guildmaster_of_the_Artisans|artisans' guild]] to ask about things the empire wanted. Apparently, Callidus found the list humerous; there was definitely some eye-opening items on the list. It has certainly piqued the interest of the City of chains, for the moment at least.

This summit, ''Multitudo'', a herald of the ''Golden Bargainer'', comes to offer [[the Brass Coast]], the [[Magpies]] and anyone interested in the [[tribe|founders]] of the Brass Coast, an [[opportunity]]. The City of Chains is prepared to track down [[Erigo|Erigo's]] gold-and-ruby chain circlet and [[Guerra|Guerra's]] crimson sash. There is a letter for Xanthius which contains details of the City's offer, interested parties should discuss the matter with him.

The ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'' has connections all over the world and the Autumn realm. He is always interested in helping people acquire items they thirst for, provided they are willing to meet the price. Relics are some of the most expensive items that could be found, but Callidus could help the Empire locate similar items or schema to make them if they wished. Of course obtaining such an item would always be more than it costs to make, since people won't part with precious items for a pittance, but such is the price of desire. The Golden Bargainer has not interested in items that don't command a high price.

Multitudo will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 7pm on Friday, to negotiate a price and inform citizens on how to forward the funds. If anyone is keen to do business, Multitudo is more than happy to relocate to a better location once he has met with those present.
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===Knife Creeps Closer (Basileia)===
* '''The City of Locks has sent ambiguous instructions of what is needed to progress the plan to assassinate Salt Lord Seonag'''
* '''It is implied that this may relations wtih the Sarcophan Delves in some way'''
* '''Interested parties should seek out Irontide Rus for further details'''
* '''Overseer Hook has offered some intelligence about Salt Lord Seonag for reasons that remain unclear'''
Earlier this year the Guild of Accountants of the [[Basileia|City of Locks]] were contracted to seek out opportunities for the Empire to [[Fair_play_is_turnabout#Blood_On_Account|assassinate Salt Lord Seonag]], the chair of the Council of Salt Lords. An upfront payment was delivered, but it was made clear that successful fulfilment of the contract would require supplementary actions to be taken. This season, it seems, the first of those actions has come due.

...Or at least it would, if anyone would explain what was actually needed. The Five Pillars have already established a pattern of working via a small group of untitled Imperial citizens - 'people who know what they did', as one wag in the civil service has taken to calling them - and this season is no exception. Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants has indicated that the details of what is required and why have been sent to one '''Irontide Rus''' of the Unshackled. When pressed for more details the messenger, a cold-eyed Herald called Mister Latch, grudgingly admits that this task will require no bloodshed - only a minor risk to the Empire's relationship with the [[Sarcophan Delves]] if people do not keep their mouths shut. He refuses to answer any of the blizzard of questions that follow, and leaves as quickly as he arrived. It is likely that the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], who is due to be elected at the first Senate session of this season, will want to follow up on this matter.

One more message arrives before the summit begins. A mild-mannered Herald carrying a theodolite briefly blends in with a maintenance crew checking over Anvil's drainage ditches before discreetly passing a note to the civil service. The message from Overseer Hook offers a gift of information about Salt Lord Seonag. The [[Burning|destruction of Rachensgrab]] sent a seismic shift through the international slave trade, and has emboldened those who speak out against the practice for whatever reason. Hook's note states that a number of orcs of the [[Broken Shore]] have begun claiming that slavery is a relic of a barbaric past, more suited to shark-worshipping pirates than civilised Grendel, and that abolition is the only way to advance their Ambitions on the global stage. Salt Lord Seonag has apparently entertained representatives of these groups at one of her fortified mansions, although what was discussed remains a secret. Whatever her own views, just being in the same room as these people is a significant gesture for one so powerful. The note offers no further information, nor any notion as to why it was sent. It is for the Empire to do with this information as they please.
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===Unlocked Gems (Ephisis)===
*'''Ticketed entry to a vault of the City of Gold and Lead is once again being auctioned'''
*'''Posters naming the owner of the vault will be provided at the Hub and the Hall of Worlds'''
*'''The auction will take place at 8:00pm in the Hall of Worlds using crystal mana'''
*'''Purchasable slots in the vault will be between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox.'''
Once again, flyers and posters being appearing on any surface close to an Autumn Regio in the days leading up to the Autumn Equinox. Another defaulted payment means another room in the vault to be opened up to the Empire's bidders, and another bounty of mana for the heralds of Ephisis who seem to be have a lucrative project on their hands. The posters are more cagey this time, and give little indication of who might have owned this particular vault, or what might be inside.

As before, they will leave posters in the Hall of Worlds and the Hub announcing the name of the owner of the vault. At 20:00 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice, they will then hold an auction of crystal mana for two-minute-long slots within the vault. The auction will take place within the Hall of Worlds.

Each slot allows four people entry into the vault. Whilst in the vault, visitors may conduct business as they wish, and will be provided with a receptacle which may be filled with items found within that the visitors wish to take home with them. Any objects which do not fit in the receptacle must be returned to the vault.

The adverts warn that those purchasing a later slot in the vault should be aware of the risk that there is nothing of value left within for them to take. However such visitors should still enjoy witnessing a unique spot within the City of Gold and Lead. Bidders should also be aware that access to the vault requires access to the Hall of Worlds, and any appropriate arrangements to reach the space are the responsibility of the ticket-holder, and not the Lady of the Counting House or any of her intermediaries.

Bidders are reminded that the only accepted currency for the auction will be crystal mana. Keel also advises those interested in coming along that slots to visit the vault will only be available between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice - so bidders should be sure of their availability before committing.
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==Day==
===Seeking Here and There (Kimus)===
* '''Kimus is offering the Magpies the ability to work with her servants to uncover a lost item'''
* '''The Civil Service have arranged a formal session for the sodality in the Senate at 15:30pm on Saturday'''
The [[Kimus|Seer Clad in Gold]] offered a [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|boon]] to the Empire last season, one that could be claimed by the [[Magpies]]. For various reasons, the boon was not claimed. The ''Seeker of Skies'' offered the services of her heralds to those the [[Imperial Senate]] had charged with finding lost things, and it was to be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of three specific objects the Archmage had mentioned would be sought out.

The Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of three requested antiquities.

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|title=Magpies|align=right|width=200}}
During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Sodality has a chance to ask for help finding one of these items. Apparently, thanks to some matter of Senate procedure, they were legally unable to claim the boon during the Summer Solstice. The ''Prismatic Sphere'' is patient on such matters, and does not wish the Magpies to suffer "because of paperwork". The Civil Service have arranged a formal session of the sodality, to be held in the Senate at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, to enable them to take a vote on the matter if they wish to do so.

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archamge#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
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===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has an excellent knowledge of the religion she professes, [[the Way]] of [[Virtue]], but rarely has opportunity to see it practiced by humans. She is no stranger to the power of rites and liturgies to incite and inspire, so is asking priests and adherants to perform their most dramatic or moving ceremonies for her edification.

So reports the long-suffering civil servant ''Jorgen'', who claims he found the message on an arrow fired into the frame of his front door. It did begin with an apology: apparently the messenger herald was very busy on some adventure into the unknown, and this method saved time.

Herads of the ''Finder of the Path'' intend to come to Anvil library, with the citizens' permission, at '''22:00 on Friday'''. They would like to speak to interested members of the Assembly of the Way and the order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] to explain the proposition and choose some organisers. The [[Archmage of Day]], or someone sent by her, would also be particularly welcome.

==Night==
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===Affection and Animosity===
* '''A group of Janon heralds wish to hear stories from beloved rivals'''
* '''They will also bring a reward for the Shadowed Torchbearer'''
* '''They intend to attend the Hall of Worlds at 11:15 on the morning of Saturday'''
The [[Janon|Night Sword]] is a creature of rising and falling passions, always invested in something, but not always something that the citizens of the Empire know or care about. This season, it has made an approach to the Empire. Currently the interest of the ''Blazing Blade'' is focused on the thin line that separates love and hate, and the ways that these passions can become blurred. ''The Muse Of Fire'' intends to send a small group of her heralds to Anvil to speak with those who have personal experience of this.

Specifically, they would like to speak with beloved rivals. Beloved rivals, of course, are people who find themselves set in implacable opposition to one another, but who recognise that through their fighting and feuding they have become closer than mere enemies. Beloved rivals raise one another up through their conflict. Beloved rivals know and care more about one another than their dearest friends. Beloved rivals may even fall in love with one another in more conventional ways - provided, of course, that they never forget the strife that must always be there between them.

''The Tempestuous Heart'' would be obliged if the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] or a representative thereof would meet the Heralds at 11:15 and escort them to a place where said Rivals could be gathered to tell their tales - in fact, perhaps the Torchbearer (or their representative) could help to organise who shows up and speaks? Then they can collect their reward. Last season the ''Song Of Joy And Rage'' [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#Vicious_Little_Pearls|requested]] the gathering of awful black pearls so that they might be destroyed. That was done, and so a reward is due. It will put the gift in the hands of the heralds, and see it handed out as is appropriate.
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===A Peculiar Opportunity===
* '''A conjunction is due to open to a strong Night regio in Broceliande at 22:00 on Friday'''
* '''Heralds of Lashonar have suggested casting a specific arcane projection which they say is in the hands of Nathair Autumngale'''
* '''This conjunction is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
Some weeks before the Autumn equinox, the prognosticator's department identify a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[Brocéliande]]. Specifically, the gate will open to The Singing Circle in [[Brocéliande#Vale's_Lament|Vale's Lament]], a strong Night regio, at 22:00 on Friday. The patterns of the [[Sentinel Gate]] are hard to discern, but this conjunction is especially puzzling. There seems to be little significant about this regio.

Or at least it would if not for the [[Lashonar]] heralds. Chatty squawking bird creatures have been making occasional appearances around [[Anvil]] for much of the season since the response to the Archmage's [[plenipotentiary]] was delivered. They mostly do nothing but echo bits of other people's conversations and blurt out random scraps of poetry or fragments of songs. This season they appear fascinated by the Gate's schedule and after a certain amount of excited babbling, they are convinced to slow down long enough to explain themselves. This conjunction, they inform the baffled civil servant, is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant, magnificent opportunity! The Singing Circle is a place of great interest to Lashonar for reasons that are not important right now, and Lashonar would be happy to see it put to use for the casting of a most splendid ritual, An Ode To Blood And Sacrifice!

This causes some confusion. There is not, as far as the civil service know, any such ritual in [[Imperial Lore]], nor can they find any reference to it in the civil service archives. After some hurried consultation the heralds clarify that it is not a ritual as such. Instead it is an incredible [[arcane projection]], which they believe to have been developed by '''Nathair Autumngale'''. It was not a gift from Lashonar either, but a product of human ingenuity and the desire to see a performance communicated to as many people as possible! The ''Caller Of The Chorus'' would be overjoyed to see this most potent work of magic cast.

If such an arcane projection were to exist, then it could indeed be cast via this regio. There would be some minimal level of risk due to the presence of [[vallorn miasma]], which would need to be treated upon the ritualists' return to Anvil, but there do not seem to be any husks or other vallornspawn in the area. So long as the ritualists and whatever entourage they bring with them don't suddenly assault one another, all should be well.

==Spring==
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===A Swift Farewell (Ossegrahn)===
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where Peakedge Stead once stood'''
As detailed in the '''[[Songs_like_trees#In_the_Bitter_Rain|Songs like trees]]''' wind of war, the eternal [[Ossegrahn]] has turned away from the Empire. Their protection of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] failed, and the ancient hospital has been destroyed by the [[Druj]]. Those who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]]. They will not return.

The [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the [[Hand of the Healers]] has lost the ability to receive [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Offerings_of_Lord_Rain|gifts]] from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Gift_of_Rainfather|gift of the Rainfather]].

Ossegrahn has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the [[Greenwatcher]] has likewise lost access to the [[Greenwatcher#Implements of Willowbraid|Implements of Willowbraid]] and the [[Greenwatcher#Gift of Father Tarn|Gift of Father Tarn]] will not be replaced.

The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or [[arcane projection]] that bears his [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]], but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] woven in some fashion with [[Spring magic]] rather than [[Winter magic]]. A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.
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===A Thousand Foes (Ira Harrah)===
* '''Ira Harrah supports the rebellious septs in the Mallum
* '''He has thrown his weight behind those who are claiming the Neustak forest
* '''He asks the Imperial Conclave to make their position on this matter clear with a suitable Declaration
* '''If the Empire attacks the rebels, Ira Harrah will turn on the Empire
Imperial forces continue to battle the [[Druj]] in [[Sarangrave]], but there has been an unlooked-for development in the [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]]. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicans has empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind rebelious slaves who have claimed the [[territory#regions|region]] for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|the Bloodwater Spears]], [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|the Water Walkers]], and an unknown sept have taken the [[opportunity]] to [[Even darkness must pass|overthrow the Druj]], butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

It is impossible to take any more of the Neustak Forest without fighting and killing the rebel orcs. The would be illegal currently, since the Senate recently [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Water_Walkers_as_Foreigners|recognised one of the rebel septs, the Water Walkers, as foreigners]]. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. The night before the Equinox, a lone herald approaches the hub with a message from ''Papa Otec''. As they hopefully communicated during the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Summer parley]], the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' would see the Mallum liberated from the Druj and the folk who have laboured under their tyranny freed to pursue their own destiny. Right now that means that if the Empire choose to kill the rebel septs, or try to drive them out of the Neustak Forest, then it will confirm all ''Shackle Breaker's'' suspicions and he will turn on the Empire.

The herald is keen to make the civil servants understand that unlike the weak [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], hamstrung by alien philosophies of altruism and cooperation, Ira Harrah will simply declare war on the Empire and do everything within his power to destroy it. The herald suggests that the [[Imperial Conclave]] could save a lot of time by making their opinion of the Sarangrave rebels clear - perhaps a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] urging Imperial magicians to work with the slaves of the Mallum to free themselves. Or a Declaration of [[Alignment#Enmity|Enmity]] to make it obvious where they stand on the matter.
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===Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen)===
* '''Arhallogen offers to help the Empire sort out its Neustak Forest problem
* '''A suitably worded Declaration will encourage the Centipede General to assault the Neustak Forest rebels
* '''Doing so would impress the eternal
It is interesting to note that Ira Harrah's messenger arrives at the Hub the day ''after'' a significantly more unsettling herald arrives bearing word from the [[Arhallogen|Centipede General]]. It's an open secret that Arhallogen supports the Druj - but it also supports the [[Navarr]]. Neustak Forest lies on the borders of [[Therunin]] as well as [[the Barrens]], and it seems the ''Scorpion Queen'' has its own interest in events unfolding there. The offer of Arhallogen is straightforward. It can remove, or at least greatly weaken, the septs in the Neustak Forest, if the Conclave wishes.

Specifically, if the Conclave uses a Declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] to call on the ''Shadow-Hunter'' for aid in Sarangrave, it will mobilise those loyal to it to assault the Neustak Forest and slaughter the rebels. While it's unlikely they will be wiped out - they have experience fighting the Druj after all - but they hold on the region will be weakened. The main impediments to wiping them all out are the support of ''[[Irra Harah|Little Prey]]'', and the fact that the Imperial Senate has declared one of the septs there to have Imperial protection. If the Conclave can convince the Senate to remove that protection, and the rebel septs receive no further aid from the rival eternal, the followers of ''Web of Blades'' should be able to murder their leadership and scatter their forces leaving the Empire free to seize the region at their convenience.

Obviously, accepting Arhallogen's offer will anger Ira Harrah, but the advantage is that the herald stresses that no Imperial citizens will be involved. The orcs of the Mallum will have no reason to link this assault to the Empire or the Conclave. The hatred the ''King of Spiders'' bears for the ''Wet Crunch'' is well known even among the subjects of the Druj. The herald refuses to be drawn on exactly how the murders will take place, apart from to reassure the civil service that no Imperial citizens will be in danger as long as they are sensible. As a parting note, the herald mentions that taking this step would significantly improve their master's opinion of the Conclave, and increase the likelihood it would be interested in dealing with them rather than just its allies among the Navarr next time a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|Plenipotentiary]] missive comes its way.

==Summer==
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===Don't Sit Down (Cathan Canae)===
* '''In Spring the archmage met with a lietenant of Cathan Canae to agree to new terms on the Empire ceding regions'''
* '''The Empire has a year to conquer a new territory for each region ceded to prevent war'''
* '''Bregasland, Liathaven, Madruga, and Therunin do not count as new territories'''
''Volstann, Eater of Boars'', favoured lieutenant of the [[Cathan Canae|Lady of the Frost]], met with several Imperial dignitaries during the Spring Equinox. Foremost among the matters discussed during the meeting was the Empire's ongoing access to the Mistress of Blizzard's [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]]. An agreement was reached with Volstann on the necessity of ceding land to focus on conquest elsewhere: the ''Crown of Black Ice'' will not limit the Empire's access to her citadels if it cedes a ''[[Territory#Regions|region]]'', provided that the Empire proceeds to use the time gained to conquer a new ''[[territory]]'' before a year has passed. [[Bregasland]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], and the recently recovered [[Madruga]] do not count as new territories. Each of those four was once claimed by the Empire, and the ''Immovable One'' wishes to see the Empire expand.

Following the Summer Solstice, Volstann has reached out to the Summer Archmage with a reminder. The [[cession]] of [[Mierada]] to the Thule is a clear example of the kind of thing his mistress has been angered by in the past. If the Empire does not conquer a new territory by the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' will make her displeasure known. On the plus side, says Volstan, the Empire is ''very'' close to claiming [[Sarangrave]] from the hated Druj so that should be alright?

He's also able to clarify that there is no problem with recognising that others keep the land they already hold - while the ''Immovable One'' has no particular affection for [[Commander Gallum]] or the [[Grendel]] in general, recognising the ''Protectorate of Mareave'' - or indeed the city state of [[Beoraidh]] - is not a problem. Not least because the Empire can always conquer the in the future.
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===Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris)===
* '''Soldiers in armies enchanted with Knights of Glory this season are becoming more attuned to the Summer Realm
* '''The Sarangrave armies under this enchantment this season can no longer use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
In the reign of [[Empress Brannan]] there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.

It's been noted that the enchantment is starting to have a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most notably in [[Sarnagrave]]. This may be because of the [[Druj miasma|oppressive aura of fear]] coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]].

As noted in the '''[[Even_darkness_must_pass#Game_Information|Even darkness must pass]]''' wind of war, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season ([[Eastern Sky]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], [[Lions of Adelmar]], [[Granite Pillar]], [[Fire of the South]], [[Citadel Guard]], [[Golden Axe]], and [[Northern Eagle]]) cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders. If the [[general]] issues such an order it will default to [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|Balanced Attack]] or [[Army orders#Solid Defence|Solid Defence]] instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an ''entire year'' without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment. It's come to light that the [[Burning Falcon]] over in the western theatre is ''also'' experiencing this effect but it is significantly less notable since that army cannot undertake those orders anyway thanks to the enduring passion of the soldiers and [[kohan]] who comprise the Freeborn army.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively ''doing''. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually ''doing'' anything to make this happen.

However it also appears that Eleonaris herself is well pleased with the Empire's progress in the Sarangrave. Like the majority of the Summer eternals she despises the Druj, and has let it be known that she looks favourably on those armies that bring her knights to fight alongside them against the forces of the Mallum. She is particularly impressed with the '''Voices of the Unbound Storm''' of [[Wintermark]] who performed the lion's share of the enchantments at the Summer Solstice. As such she has offered a boon to Imperial magicians who want to draw on her warriors.

During the Autumn Equinox, and Imperial coven performing [[Knights of Glory]] gains an additional benefit from the use of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]]. In addition to their normal effect - providing three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual - the apple also provides one member of the coven with a bonus rank of Summer lore, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. A given magician can gain this benefit only once each time they cast a ritual, no matter how many apples are used. Even if the mana is split between multiple contributors only one of them benefits from this additional rank.

The [[Unfettered Mind]] and the [[Rod and Shield]] express a little caution here. The impact Knights of Glory had in the time of Empress Brannan swiftly spread through the entire Military Council. It is quite possible that indiscriminate use of the ritual might see the entire Empire losing the ability to take specifically cautious orders as their soldiers increasingly fall under the influence of the Summer realm.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.
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===College of Magic (Hayaak)===
* '''Hayaak has become patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the [[Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. [[Jaheris]] was displaced by [[Hayaak]], and the heralds of the former have quit the [[college of magic]] while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The [[inhabitants of the realm#heralds|herald]] of the ''Hawk Lord'' goes by the name of ''Ernreik'' and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the ''Peregrine Knight'' himself, allow the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] to [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Patronage_of_the_Peregrine_Knight|more swiftly]] research any [[enchantment]] that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 1:30pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

[[A_challenging_time|One year ago]], the ''[[Barien|Iron Duke]]'' brought those from the nations of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of [[heroism]] or [[glory]]. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 13:30 on the Saturday of the summit, up to 60 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

Vales across [[Varushka]] have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and [[the League]], have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, ''Klarent, Clad in Blades'' and ''Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', two heralds of [[Jaheris]] who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the ''Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'' (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from [[Miekarova]] across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Ossium]], [[The Barrens]], [[Karov]], [[Volodmartz]] and [[Holberg]] - as well as '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of summer''' and '''Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake''' - to meet them at the ''Plot and Plunder'' bar in [[the League]] camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.
==Winter==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Smile (Skathe)===
* '''Skathe has offered to allow Catena of the Concordium of Pallas to codify a single curse of any realm and magnitude'''
* '''The offer requires the Archmage of Winter to use the power of plenipotentiary to accept the boon'''
* '''The curse will require one season of work for every twenty-five levels of magnitude'''
* '''The process will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under emnity at any time while the curse is being codified'''
* '''Codificication will require Catena to work with the eternal and her heralds in the Bleak Oubliette'''
{{SOP|statement=Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.|size=small|by=Catena, Urizeni Assembly|vote= {{GM}} 196-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the ''[[Skathe|High Enchantress of Grievances]]'' claimed that the ''Lady of Laments'' would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than ''Queen of Hags'' said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the ''Mistress of Misery'', gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the ''Painted Mirror'' smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the ''Giver of Gifts'', and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the ''Friend to Foes'' will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the ''Looking Glass'' expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the ''Hexenkönigin''' expectations... well that will ''surely work out just fine''. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, [[Winter magic]] is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the [[Winter Archmage]] will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags ''personally'' supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] while the work is underway. A [[conjunction]] is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Smoulder (Surut)===
* '''Knights of Surut have appeared to defend Necropolis'''
Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory of [[Necropolis]]. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed [[Quickening Cold Meat]] against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that [[Empress Varkula]] has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#soldiers|soldiers]] of the [[Reals#Winter|Wasteland]]. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Burned Prince]].

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]] who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the [[Highguard|Highborn]]. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] and [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]], watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, ''Mistress-General Kanesta''. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are ''Surut's Brand'' and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the [[Archmage of Winter]] and the [[Senator]], brokered via the [[Tharim|Bound One]].

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Redoubt]], but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, ''Mistress-General Kanesta'' seeks out a small group of [[magister|magisters]] who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the ''Prince in Waiting''. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the ''Knight of Ashes'' is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, ''Surut's Brand'' will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the [[Archmage of Winter]] or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] is for.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Scour (Tharim)===
* '''The Knights of Tharim have scoured Upwold for the killers of Obligatus and a number of Marcher magicians
* '''Their unsubtle search has left significant damage to farms and businesses across the territory
* '''At the Winter Solstice every Upwold business and farm will produce 36 fewer rings but will receive compensation
* '''The followers of Agramant in Upwold have been rooted out and destroyed
Following the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|formal parley]] during Summer, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''' proposed a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] that [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Support_Tharim's_Hunt|provided permission]] to the Knights of the [[Tharim|Bound King]] to scour Upwold. The [[Imperial Conclave]] agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for ''Obligatus'', the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the [[Bounders]], cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Declaration of Acceptance, Imperial Conclave, Summer 387YE">The Imperial Conclave stands steadfast as always with our members and colleagues in the Marches. We call upon the smiths, landskeepers, and threshers to render all appropriate and lawful aid to the magistrates and representatives of the Bound King in finding the sorceror-murderers responsible for the deaths of Obligatus and many a loyal Marcher, such that they face the consequences of their actions. May they be found swiftly with the unblinking eye of the scarecrow</quote></div>
Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season ''two'' covens clearly working with [[Agramant]] are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the ''Circle of Stone'', they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the ''Wastewalker''. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension [[Endorsement|endorsed]] this attack, and that the followers of ''Feaster-of-Sorrows'' are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of [[magic items]] and [[ritual texts]] were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of [[Vis#Heart's blood|Heart's blood]] from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave ''not'' wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to [[endowment|endow]] as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.
==Further Reading==
* [[Realm|Realms]]
* [[Eternal|Eternals]]
* [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|Eternals and rituals]]
* [[Inhabitants of the realms]]
* [[Regio]]
* [[Fane]]

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-09-09T20:50:22Z

Castaras: /* Stand Amid The Roar */

{{stub}}
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Windsandclouds.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)|Has reared himself a throne]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/08/16"| 16/08 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)|Diadem on my brow]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/08/22"| 22/08 || Imperial address
|-
| [[#Troop of Echoes (Axos)|Troop of echoes]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Axos
|-
| [[#The Highest Calling|The highest calling]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Imperial Synod
|-
| [[#Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)|Any port in a storm]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)|Threats that are to come]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Die Beurteilung
|-
| [[#Kingdom By The Sea|Kingdom by the sea]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#A Dark And Stormy Night|A dark and stormy night]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)|An iron feast]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[#All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)|All the night-tide]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Sarcophan Delves
|-
| [[#Carved in Stone|Carved in stone]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Synod
|-
| [[#We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)|We give the future to the winds]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Faraden
|-
| [[#My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)|My passions from a common spring]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Jarm and Commonwealth
|-
| [[#Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)|Drowned in tears]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Asavea and Sumaah
|-
| [[#Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)|Climb every mountain]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Sword Scholars
|-
| [[#Bedight In Veils (Diplomacy)|Bedight in veils]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/09/09"| 09/09 || Diplomacy
|-
| [[#Born With Insight|Born with insight]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/09/08"| 08/09 || Synod
|-
|}

Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago]] || [[Drowned in tears#Asavea|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Troop of echoes]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh City State]] || [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Commonwealth|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[We give the future to the winds]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[Bedight in veils#Grendel|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Bedight in veils#Iron Confederacy|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Bedight in veils#Jotun|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[Bedight in veils#Grendel|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]] || [[Bedight_in_veils#The_Karass|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Princpalities of Jarm|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Feroz#Mora's_Rock|Protectorate of Morajasse]] || [[Bedight_in_veils#Protectorate of Morajasse|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Drowned in tears#Sumaah|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Thule]] || [[Bedight in veils#Otkodov|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Tsark]] || [[Bedight_in_veils#The_People_of_the_Moon|Bedight in veils]]
|-
|}
The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.

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

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Watcher of the Semmerlak; Imperial Military Council'''
Each season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]]. The eternals are bound to respond, although the exact nature of that response is up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, and as the Summer Solstice approaches, <s>five</s> six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Two have agreed to some kind of meeting; four have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received. One of those responses is... not quite like the others.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne]]''' wind of fortune.
===Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Empress Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, calling on the Empire to commit themselves to the defeat of the [[Druj]], and to the conquest and liberation of [[Sarangrave]], as well as to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Diadem on my brow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Troop of Echoes (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council; Voice of Liberty; Imperial Synod; Imperial Fleet Captains; Shuttered Lantern and Imperial Conclave; Singer of the Silence'''
To the east of the Empire lies the tiny nation of [[Axos]]. Following upheaval and scandal it appears to be settling down, and undergoing a period of renewal. Both the Imperial and Axou ambassadors have changed - perhaps this presages a bold new future of good relations between the Empire and the Citadels? Either way there are matters of concern to Imperial citizens, both on the diplomatic and day-to-day level that will surely be of interest to anyone who looks beyond the Empire's borders.

You can learn about the situation with Axos, along with a few sticky questions to address, in the '''[[Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Highest Calling===
* '''National assemblies (other than Wintermark, Varushka, and Urizen); Virtue assemblies'''
The [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] delivered a powerful sermon, one consequence of which was to give the General Assembly an [[opportunity]] to throw its moral weight behind a single virtuous endeavour. A [[greater majority]] in support of any one of these great causes would have united people in the service of a single goal; instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. Subsequently, they enacted a [[mandate]] calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what goal was most important to ''them''.

You can read about the consequences of that mandate, not only for the virtue and national assemblies but for the General Assembly itself, in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Varushka, especially the Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore and the Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak; Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves'''
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even ''more'' [[Prosperity|Prosperous]].

You can learn about the results of the [[appraisal]], and its potential impact on various different groups, in the '''[[Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)===
* '''The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Imperial Senate; The Marches potentially; Imperial Military Council; Ambassador to the Commonwealth'''
At the Summer Solstice, the '''Kleists''' and '''Cees van Holberg''', secured the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]]. This gave them the right to request that the visiting scholars of the [[Commonwealth]] investigate a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the Prognosticator's Office. ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' leads the group of adventurous [[Commonwealth]] academics whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. They requested a study of ways to secure the supply of food and water to [[Holberg]], with an eye both to enduring sieges and supporting large numbers of refugees should the need arise.

You can find out about the findings of [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]], and how it might impact the various peoples of Holberg, in the '''[[Threats that are to come]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Kingdom By The Sea===
* '''Fleet captains; Imperial Military Council'''
The captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos and his heralds]] to discuss the expedition and hope for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was wondering what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]].

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded his [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] to find adventure for the Empire's captains; Three of his favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and prepared three possible [[voyage|expeditions]] for the fleets of the Empire to consider.

You can learn about these three voyages, and what they entail, in the '''[[Kingdom by the sea]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=150}}
===A Dark And Stormy Night===
* '''Urizen and the League; Imperial Spymaster; Vigilance assembly; spies'''
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring there, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued]] ''Victo von Temeschwar''. At the same time, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt]] for enemies of the Empire. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. At the very last moment they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.

You can find out shadowing events in the south-east, and the ongoing war of spies, in the '''[[A dark and stormy night]]''' wind of fortune.

===An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox, he has offered two challenges; a challenge of stealth and speed and a challenge of creativity. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune.
===All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; the League; Imperial Apothecaries' Guild; Kruidenkenner Trademaster, Master of the Root and Stem; the Brass Coast; Wintermark Farmers; Imperial Consul; Minister for Historical Research; Imperial Conclave'''
Always striving for neutrality, the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] balance any number of interests in the pursuit of profit and security. They gave up the practice of slavery without regret, refused to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord, but recently took steps to combat the growth in piracy on [[the seven seas]]. The stand they have taken has benefitted the Empire, ending the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]]-sponsored attacks on ships trading with Imperial ports. Further to these achievements, they look for new opportunities to invest in the Empire for the mutual prosperity of all involved.

You can learn about proposed investments, and diplomatic relations with the Sarcophan Delves, in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Carved in Stone===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wisdom, Prosperity, and Vigilance Assemblies; Loyalty Assembly and Wintermark'''
* '''Last updated 06/06/2025'''
Oaths are a [[hearth magic|serious business]]. Case in point; the [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|oaths]] sworn by four members of the Assembly of Nine to bear [[aura|auras]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Some of those oaths have been broken, and with a certain inevitability, consequences follow on the anniversary of the oath-taking, at the point where the oath should have ended. At the same time, it is perhaps apposite that just as this moment looms large, the [[Wintermark]] Assembly and the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] take their own steps to recognise the importance of oaths, and the keeping thereof.

You can learn about unexpected consequences, and the hallowing of oaths, in the '''[[Carved in stone]]''' wind of fortune.

===We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)===
* '''Faraden Ambassador; Gatekeepers; Imperial Senate; Varushka, Dawn, the Marches'''
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire across the Lasambrian hills and on the other side of the [[Jotun]] domain. They are enthusiastic traders whose caravans have become increasingly common in Imperial territory over the last couple of years. In the past a cloud of resentment and frustration has hung over relations between Faraden and the Empire but recent relations have been increasingly positive. Of course there is always a nail in the haystack; in this case it is the meddling of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] among the families of the west.

You can learn about various opportunities, and the gentle threat of the Asaveans, in the '''[[We give the future to the winds]]''' wind of fortune.
===My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Imperial fleet captains; Voice of Liberty; Advisor on the Vallorn; Imperial Military Council'''
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. The Commonwealth are allies of the Empire through the [[Liberty Pact]], while relations with the Principalities have rarely been more strained. Yet there are diplomatic opportunities with both nations, and while Jarm and the Empire may be at odds they are not at war with each other.

You can learn about the situation in the east, and several opportunities related to it, in the '''[[My passions from a common spring]]''' wind of fortune.
===Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassadors to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Fleet Captains; the Brass Coast'''
[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] remains at war with both the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic]]. The latter, staunch adherents of the orthodox Way, continue to remain friendly with their Imperial allies, not only thanks to the [[Liberty Pact]] but in gratitude for recent aid offered in fighting off Asavean aggression in their home waters. For their part, Imperial priests remain committed to spreading the Way to Asavea, or to inspiring a bloody uprising against the Plenum that would see the nation fundamentally changed. The [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]] is a place of turmoil and conflict at the moment, beset with storms that show no sign of dying down any time soon.

You can learn about the situation in the west, and opportunities to both spread chaos and accord, in the '''[[Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Urizen.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)===
* '''Urizen Assembly; Imperial Senate'''
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered. Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - it's power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory. Those who refused to lay down their swords apparently retreated back into the mountains. Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.

You can find out about the conflict between Urizen and the Disciples of Sulemaine, and ways to address their potential threat, in the '''[[Climb every mountain]]''' wind of fortune.
===Bedight In Veils (Diplomacy)===
* '''Imperial Consul; Ambassadors to Otkodov, Suranni, and Grendel; Varushka; Tolvoli Butcher, Night Quarry seat, Guardian of the Maze of Zoria; Master of Ice and Darkness; Minister of Historical Research; Imperial Spymaster; Wintermark, Navarr, Dawn, the Brass Coast; assorted assemblies; Imperial Conclave; Imperial Senate'''
* '''Last updated 09/09/2025'''
The Empire is not alone in the world; there are nations great and small scattered across the known world. The smaller nations that cluster around Imperial borders in particular make demands of their Imperial neighbours time, and exert an influence that often belies their size. Each season there is a blizzard of letters, reports, and documents that sweeps back and forth around the embassies and the [[Imperial_Consul#Imperial_Consulate|Imperial consulate]]. Here are discussions with the [[Iron Confederacy]], the [[Thule]], the [[Jotun]] and the [[Grendel]], the orcs of [[the Barrens]], the [[Tsark|People of the Moon]], and the new Protecorate of Morajasse, all requiring the attention of Imperial citizens.

You can learn about the disparate events relating to nearby nations, both foreigners and barbarians, in the '''[[Bedight in veils]]''' wind of fortune.

===Born With Insight===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wintermark and Varushkan national assemblies; Wisdom and Vigilance virtue assemblies'''
Rather than encourage the faithful to engage with so-called [[Malign spiritual presences|false virtues]], the General Assembly of the Imperial Synod has moved decisively to counter the threat they pose. They have enacted a clear [[mandate]] that warns of the dangers of wicked spiritual powers and encourages everyone to be [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] against them. Some nations have taken their own steps to try to counter the influence of false virtues, and now there are opportunities to discuss how best to fight against the unvirtuous powers abroad in the Empire.

You can read about these opportunities, and some general discussion of the fight against malign spiritual presences, in the '''[[Born with insight]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Amid The Roar===
*
What started with simple animal attacks has gained momentum over the last several seasons. Representatives of a group, or perhaps of a person, called ''the Falconer'' came to Anvil, bringing words of strength, bloodshed, and a return to an imagined past. Blood began to be spilt. Citizens have taken action in the face of this creeping menace; the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] [[Sound_and_vision#Never_Get_Old_(Falconer)|revealed the truth]]. The cult was condemned. The Senate [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Criminalise_Cult_of_the_Falconer|declared]] the cult to be illegal. As [[the Claw]] burns balefully on the western horizon, concrete steps are being taken to put an end to this threat.

You can learn about the cult of the Falconer, and what can be done to thwart it, in the '''[[Stand amid the roar]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==

===The Hunt of Big Icebarn (Sermersuaq)===
* '''Big Icebarn has been hunting the monsters of Agramant in the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''If Big Icebarn hadn't received enough support, it would have retreated back to Sydanjaa'''
* '''The Artok was supported by more than twelve thousand strength from the military units of Wintermark'''
* '''Big Icebarn will remain another season if supported by at least thirteen thousand strength from military units of Wintermark'''
Three seasons ago, then [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Liv Tidgaring''', sent Big Icebarn into the [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Wastes|Suaq Wastes]] to hunt the monsters of [[Agramant|Blood-on-the-Snow]]. Those Winterfolk who were [[Venture#Hunt_the_Suaq_Wastes|hunting the monsters]] benefited from the Artok; the monstrous creatures couldn't help but be drawn to Big Icebarn.

There was worry that the Artok would be forced north, back into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa|Sydanjaa]], if insufficient Winterfolk joined them in the hunt. It was estimated that around six thousand heroes would need to take part in the hunt to prevent Big Icebarn from being battered by the monsters of the northern wastes. Fully twice that number took to the Suaq Wastes, hunting the beasts of the ''Siren-of-the-Wasteland'' whilst, admittedly, staying clear enough away from Artok as to not get in its way.

Big Icebarn will continue on its way, carving a path through the foul creatures of the [[Realm#Winter|Wasteland]], and if at least thirteen thousand strength in the military units of Wintermark support it, then it will draw the attention of a [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Guardians|guardian]] of Agramant, and with it an opportunity to slay it at the Winter Solstice.

===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 19:55 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 19:55 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Spring Heralds Volunteering===
* '''<big>It is no longer possible to volunteer for this opportunity</big>'''
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Spring heralds'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume: robes or tunics in white, green or earth tones'''
*'''The role will last around two hours, starting at 21:00 on Saturday'''
*'''The role will involve talking with player characters, some amount of walking and standing. There will be lighting but it could be dim'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Spring Herald Volunteer E4" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email before 18:00 on Saturday 6th September if you are interested in volunteering'''
*'''It is not possible to volunteer for this encounter if you play a character in Navarr'''
This is an opportunity to portray heralds of one of the Spring eternals known to the Empire. The eternal will not be made public before the encounter. This will be an encounter where heralds will be talking to large groups of player characters: conversing and giving gifts. It is not intended to be a combat encounter; however, it is possible that the player characters could attack you, so you would have to be comfortable with this possibility.

There will not be seating and some amount of walking and standing would be needed. The light will likely be dim but no reading is required.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

==Trade Summary==
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Summer Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Summer Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, The Rushes, ''Cinder Drove'']]</td><td>Kill the Guardian</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|Breaking Burhfæst]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; The Mountain Bulwark was destroyed; the Clakes were rescued; Sammy Clake was executed in Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Liathaven|Liathaven, West Ranging, ''Far Steading'']]</td><td>Destroy the Mechanism</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Tinker's_Tribute_(Battle_Opportunity)|Tinker's Tribute]]</td><td>Not taken; a fortification has been completed in West Ranging; the two injured Feni died; Forge's Aegis was lost</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Kroll, ''Palace Expanse'']]</td><td>Break the Enchantment</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|Shine a Light]]</td><td>Not taken; Palace of Sleepers has escaped; Het Trakaa remains alive; Krollthorned remain a threat</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zenith|Zenith, Proceris, ''Plantation of Tall Ferns'']]</td><td>Poison the Sac</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|A Sackful of Poison]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was ''' Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' of [[Urizen]]; Egg sac poisoned; ''Orbubus' Weepers'' survive </td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Warthill Woods || '''Jedediah Boon || [[Shovels_and_spades#A_Matter_of_Property_(Mournwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated and eight wains of [[mithril]] delivered to ''Jonah John'' in time for the Autumn Equinox
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Dunfrith || [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] || [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Blades_in_the_Mark_(Hahnmark)|Investigate the source of trouble]] || Murderer identified and escorted out of village. No report of trial from local magistrate.
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Greensward, Honour's Rest Fields || [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#On_Honour's_Fields|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 4 || Liathaven, West Ranging, Halbera's Stockade || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Bonds|Kill ''Halbera Strongarm'']] || ''Halbera Strongarm'' killed
|-
| 5 || Mournwold, Greensward, Farstrider Approach || [[Bailiff of the Downs]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#Raindrops|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 6 || Therunin, Eastring, Glimmerwater || ''Eanna Glimmerwater || [[When_I_met_you#Lights_in_the_Dark|Bask in the lantern]] || Lantern basked in
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Typhawn's Pen || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[The_prettiest_star#Snow_(Eleonaris)_(Conjunction)|Kill ''Typhawn'']] || ''Typhawn'' killed
|-
| 8 || Liathaven, Liath's Ring, Sigryn's Bawn || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#To_Surprise_Kings_and_Queens|Defeat the heralds]] || Construct and heralds of [[Eleonaris]] killed
|-
| 9 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Freydi's Meadow || [[Autumn Hammers|General of the Autumn Hammers]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Another_Plan|Recover the construct]] || Heralds of Eleonaris killed and construct recovered
|-
| 10 || Miaren, Serenael, Seren Temple Building Site || [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] || [[A_thousand_steps#A_Great_Dance_for_Seren_%28Conjunction%29|Ease the passing of the ghosts]] || Unclear, but '''Tanwen''', the Eternal Flame of Miaren, should know more
|-
| 11 || Skallahn, Fareskov, The Dark Woods || '''Eerikki Korpi || [[The_prettiest_star#A_Walk_in_Dark_Woods_(Sadogua)|Enter the dark woods of Fareskov on behalf of the Toad King]] || Unclear, but '''Eerikki Korpi''' should know more
|-
| 12 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, Broken Grove || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Plan_Succeeds_(Necropolis)|Kill the servants of the Red God]] || Servants of the Red God killed
|-
| 13 || Mareave, Icarion, The Courath's Hold || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Flags_(Mareave)|Defeat the ''Courath of Icarion'']] || ''Courath of Icarion'' defeated and Stormcaller recovered
|-
| 14 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Mjod’s Glen || [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Sense_of_Doubt_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the coral husks]] || All coral husks destroyed
|-
| 15 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Halkrin's Orchard || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Expectations_(Mareave)|Defeat the Grendel and claim the cache]] || Resources recovered
|-
| 16 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Picklers Marsh || [[The Academy|Cadet Commander]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Fascination_(Bregasland)|Rescue the magicians]] || Magician rescued and escorted back to Anvil
|-
| 17 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Untrod Wilds || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Willow_and_rain#Scent_of_Madness|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and resources recovered
|-
| 18 || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Darkened Glade || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Lose_the_Sun_(Brocéliande)|Kill the cult's leaders]] || Cult's leaders killed
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Ghulai's Rest || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Portion_of_Wisdom_(Sarangrave)|Claim ''Vate's Shelter'']] || ''Vate's Shelter'' recovered
|-
| 20 || Zenith, Lustri, Danwyn's Path || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Root_and_branch#Ideas_of_Importance_(Zenith)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated
|-
| 21 || Miekarova, Mieriada, Painted Clearing || [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Painted_(Miekarova)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 22 || Therunin, Eastring, Toxic Sward || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Willow_and_rain#A_Veil_Hides|Defeat the heralds and the Druj]] || Druj and heralds of [[Arhallogen]] defeated
|-
| 23 || Skarsind, Estermark, Mormyk Woods || [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Herding_(Skarsind)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 24 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle's Field || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Root_and_branch#Hummingbird's_Secret_(The_Barrens)|Kill the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen]] || Heralds of Arhallogen and Druj killed
|-
| 25 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, Dunhall Copse || [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Corpse_(Hahnmark)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 26 || Mareave, Beoraidh, Black Sand Tower || [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] || [[I_wish_you_would#Lord_Morath_(Conjunction)|Meet the visiting Grendel wind lord]] || Unclear, but '''Finna''', Ambassador to the Grendel, should know more
|-
|}

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-09-08T19:28:08Z

Castaras:

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[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Windsandclouds.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)|Has reared himself a throne]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/08/16"| 16/08 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)|Diadem on my brow]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/08/22"| 22/08 || Imperial address
|-
| [[#Troop of Echoes (Axos)|Troop of echoes]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Axos
|-
| [[#The Highest Calling|The highest calling]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Imperial Synod
|-
| [[#Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)|Any port in a storm]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)|Threats that are to come]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Die Beurteilung
|-
| [[#Kingdom By The Sea|Kingdom by the sea]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#A Dark And Stormy Night|A dark and stormy night]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)|An iron feast]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[#All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)|All the night-tide]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Sarcophan Delves
|-
| [[#Carved in Stone|Carved in stone]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Synod
|-
| [[#We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)|We give the future to the winds]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Faraden
|-
| [[#My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)|My passions from a common spring]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Jarm and Commonwealth
|-
| [[#Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)|Drowned in tears]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Asavea and Sumaah
|-
| [[#Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)|Climb every mountain]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Sword Scholars
|-
| [[#Bedight In Veils (Diplomacy)|Bedight in veils]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/09/08"| 08/09 || Diplomacy
|-
| [[#Born With Insight|Born with insight]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/09/08"| 08/09 || Synod
|-
|}

Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago]] || [[Drowned in tears#Asavea|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Troop of echoes]]
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh City State]] || [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Commonwealth|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[We give the future to the winds]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[Bedight in veils#Grendel|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Bedight in veils#Iron Confederacy|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Jotun]] || [[Bedight in veils#Jotun|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Grendel]] || [[Bedight in veils#Grendel|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]] || [[Bedight_in_veils#The_Karass|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Princpalities of Jarm|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Feroz#Mora's_Rock|Protectorate of Morajasse]] || [[Bedight_in_veils#Protectorate of Morajasse|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Drowned in tears#Sumaah|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Thule]] || [[Bedight in veils#Otkodov|Bedight in veils]]
|-
| [[Tsark]] || [[Bedight_in_veils#The_People_of_the_Moon|Bedight in veils]]
|-
|}
The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.

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

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Watcher of the Semmerlak; Imperial Military Council'''
Each season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]]. The eternals are bound to respond, although the exact nature of that response is up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, and as the Summer Solstice approaches, <s>five</s> six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Two have agreed to some kind of meeting; four have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received. One of those responses is... not quite like the others.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne]]''' wind of fortune.
===Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Empress Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, calling on the Empire to commit themselves to the defeat of the [[Druj]], and to the conquest and liberation of [[Sarangrave]], as well as to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Diadem on my brow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Troop of Echoes (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council; Voice of Liberty; Imperial Synod; Imperial Fleet Captains; Shuttered Lantern and Imperial Conclave; Singer of the Silence'''
To the east of the Empire lies the tiny nation of [[Axos]]. Following upheaval and scandal it appears to be settling down, and undergoing a period of renewal. Both the Imperial and Axou ambassadors have changed - perhaps this presages a bold new future of good relations between the Empire and the Citadels? Either way there are matters of concern to Imperial citizens, both on the diplomatic and day-to-day level that will surely be of interest to anyone who looks beyond the Empire's borders.

You can learn about the situation with Axos, along with a few sticky questions to address, in the '''[[Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Highest Calling===
* '''National assemblies (other than Wintermark, Varushka, and Urizen); Virtue assemblies'''
The [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] delivered a powerful sermon, one consequence of which was to give the General Assembly an [[opportunity]] to throw its moral weight behind a single virtuous endeavour. A [[greater majority]] in support of any one of these great causes would have united people in the service of a single goal; instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. Subsequently, they enacted a [[mandate]] calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what goal was most important to ''them''.

You can read about the consequences of that mandate, not only for the virtue and national assemblies but for the General Assembly itself, in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Varushka, especially the Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore and the Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak; Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves'''
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even ''more'' [[Prosperity|Prosperous]].

You can learn about the results of the [[appraisal]], and its potential impact on various different groups, in the '''[[Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)===
* '''The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Imperial Senate; The Marches potentially; Imperial Military Council; Ambassador to the Commonwealth'''
At the Summer Solstice, the '''Kleists''' and '''Cees van Holberg''', secured the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]]. This gave them the right to request that the visiting scholars of the [[Commonwealth]] investigate a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the Prognosticator's Office. ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' leads the group of adventurous [[Commonwealth]] academics whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. They requested a study of ways to secure the supply of food and water to [[Holberg]], with an eye both to enduring sieges and supporting large numbers of refugees should the need arise.

You can find out about the findings of [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]], and how it might impact the various peoples of Holberg, in the '''[[Threats that are to come]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Kingdom By The Sea===
* '''Fleet captains; Imperial Military Council'''
The captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos and his heralds]] to discuss the expedition and hope for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was wondering what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]].

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded his [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] to find adventure for the Empire's captains; Three of his favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and prepared three possible [[voyage|expeditions]] for the fleets of the Empire to consider.

You can learn about these three voyages, and what they entail, in the '''[[Kingdom by the sea]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=150}}
===A Dark And Stormy Night===
* '''Urizen and the League; Imperial Spymaster; Vigilance assembly; spies'''
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring there, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued]] ''Victo von Temeschwar''. At the same time, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt]] for enemies of the Empire. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. At the very last moment they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.

You can find out shadowing events in the south-east, and the ongoing war of spies, in the '''[[A dark and stormy night]]''' wind of fortune.

===An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox, he has offered two challenges; a challenge of stealth and speed and a challenge of creativity. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune.
===All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; the League; Imperial Apothecaries' Guild; Kruidenkenner Trademaster, Master of the Root and Stem; the Brass Coast; Wintermark Farmers; Imperial Consul; Minister for Historical Research; Imperial Conclave'''
Always striving for neutrality, the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] balance any number of interests in the pursuit of profit and security. They gave up the practice of slavery without regret, refused to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord, but recently took steps to combat the growth in piracy on [[the seven seas]]. The stand they have taken has benefitted the Empire, ending the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]]-sponsored attacks on ships trading with Imperial ports. Further to these achievements, they look for new opportunities to invest in the Empire for the mutual prosperity of all involved.

You can learn about proposed investments, and diplomatic relations with the Sarcophan Delves, in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Carved in Stone===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wisdom, Prosperity, and Vigilance Assemblies; Loyalty Assembly and Wintermark'''
* '''Last updated 06/06/2025'''
Oaths are a [[hearth magic|serious business]]. Case in point; the [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|oaths]] sworn by four members of the Assembly of Nine to bear [[aura|auras]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Some of those oaths have been broken, and with a certain inevitability, consequences follow on the anniversary of the oath-taking, at the point where the oath should have ended. At the same time, it is perhaps apposite that just as this moment looms large, the [[Wintermark]] Assembly and the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] take their own steps to recognise the importance of oaths, and the keeping thereof.

You can learn about unexpected consequences, and the hallowing of oaths, in the '''[[Carved in stone]]''' wind of fortune.

===We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)===
* '''Faraden Ambassador; Gatekeepers; Imperial Senate; Varushka, Dawn, the Marches'''
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire across the Lasambrian hills and on the other side of the [[Jotun]] domain. They are enthusiastic traders whose caravans have become increasingly common in Imperial territory over the last couple of years. In the past a cloud of resentment and frustration has hung over relations between Faraden and the Empire but recent relations have been increasingly positive. Of course there is always a nail in the haystack; in this case it is the meddling of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] among the families of the west.

You can learn about various opportunities, and the gentle threat of the Asaveans, in the '''[[We give the future to the winds]]''' wind of fortune.
===My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Imperial fleet captains; Voice of Liberty; Advisor on the Vallorn; Imperial Military Council'''
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. The Commonwealth are allies of the Empire through the [[Liberty Pact]], while relations with the Principalities have rarely been more strained. Yet there are diplomatic opportunities with both nations, and while Jarm and the Empire may be at odds they are not at war with each other.

You can learn about the situation in the east, and several opportunities related to it, in the '''[[My passions from a common spring]]''' wind of fortune.
===Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassadors to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Fleet Captains; the Brass Coast'''
[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] remains at war with both the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic]]. The latter, staunch adherents of the orthodox Way, continue to remain friendly with their Imperial allies, not only thanks to the [[Liberty Pact]] but in gratitude for recent aid offered in fighting off Asavean aggression in their home waters. For their part, Imperial priests remain committed to spreading the Way to Asavea, or to inspiring a bloody uprising against the Plenum that would see the nation fundamentally changed. The [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]] is a place of turmoil and conflict at the moment, beset with storms that show no sign of dying down any time soon.

You can learn about the situation in the west, and opportunities to both spread chaos and accord, in the '''[[Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Urizen.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)===
* '''Urizen Assembly; Imperial Senate'''
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered. Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - it's power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory. Those who refused to lay down their swords apparently retreated back into the mountains. Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.

You can find out about the conflict between Urizen and the Disciples of Sulemaine, and ways to address their potential threat, in the '''[[Climb every mountain]]''' wind of fortune.
===Bedight In Veils (Diplomacy)===
* '''Imperial Consul; Ambassadors to Otkodov, Suranni, and Grendel; Varushka; Tolvoli Butcher, Night Quarry seat, Guardian of the Maze of Zoria; Master of Ice and Darkness; Minister of Historical Research; Imperial Spymaster; Wintermark, Navarr, Dawn, the Brass Coast; assorted assemblies; Imperial Conclave; Imperial Senate'''
The Empire is not alone in the world; there are nations great and small scattered across the known world. The smaller nations that cluster around Imperial borders in particular make demands of their Imperial neighbours time, and exert an influence that often belies their size. Each season there is a blizzard of letters, reports, and documents that sweeps back and forth around the embassies and the [[Imperial_Consul#Imperial_Consulate|Imperial consulate]]. Here are discussions with the [[Iron Confederacy]], the [[Thule]], the [[Jotun]] and the [[Grendel]], the orcs of [[the Barrens]], the [[Tsark|People of the Moon]], and the new Protecorate of Morajasse, all requiring the attention of Imperial citizens.

You can learn about the disparate events relating to nearby nations, both foreigners and barbarians, in the '''[[Bedight in veils]]''' wind of fortune.
===Born With Insight===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wintermark and Varushkan national assemblies; Wisdom and Vigilance virtue assemblies'''
Rather than encourage the faithful to engage with so-called [[Malign spiritual presences|false virtues]], the General Assembly of the Imperial Synod has moved decisively to counter the threat they pose. They have enacted a clear [[mandate]] that warns of the dangers of wicked spiritual powers and encourages everyone to be [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] against them. Some nations have taken their own steps to try to counter the influence of false virtues, and now there are opportunities to discuss how best to fight against the unvirtuous powers abroad in the Empire.

You can read about these opportunities, and some general discussion of the fight against malign spiritual presences, in the '''[[Born with insight]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==

===The Hunt of Big Icebarn (Sermersuaq)===
* '''Big Icebarn has been hunting the monsters of Agramant in the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''If Big Icebarn hadn't received enough support, it would have retreated back to Sydanjaa'''
* '''The Artok was supported by more than twelve thousand strength from the military units of Wintermark'''
* '''Big Icebarn will remain another season if supported by at least thirteen thousand strength from military units of Wintermark'''
Three seasons ago, then [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Liv Tidgaring''', sent Big Icebarn into the [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Wastes|Suaq Wastes]] to hunt the monsters of [[Agramant|Blood-on-the-Snow]]. Those Winterfolk who were [[Venture#Hunt_the_Suaq_Wastes|hunting the monsters]] benefited from the Artok; the monstrous creatures couldn't help but be drawn to Big Icebarn.

There was worry that the Artok would be forced north, back into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa|Sydanjaa]], if insufficient Winterfolk joined them in the hunt. It was estimated that around six thousand heroes would need to take part in the hunt to prevent Big Icebarn from being battered by the monsters of the northern wastes. Fully twice that number took to the Suaq Wastes, hunting the beasts of the ''Siren-of-the-Wasteland'' whilst, admittedly, staying clear enough away from Artok as to not get in its way.

Big Icebarn will continue on its way, carving a path through the foul creatures of the [[Realm#Winter|Wasteland]], and if at least thirteen thousand strength in the military units of Wintermark support it, then it will draw the attention of a [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Guardians|guardian]] of Agramant, and with it an opportunity to slay it at the Winter Solstice.

===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 19:55 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 19:55 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Spring Heralds Volunteering===
* '''<big>It is no longer possible to volunteer for this opportunity</big>'''
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Spring heralds'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume: robes or tunics in white, green or earth tones'''
*'''The role will last around two hours, starting at 21:00 on Saturday'''
*'''The role will involve talking with player characters, some amount of walking and standing. There will be lighting but it could be dim'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Spring Herald Volunteer E4" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email before 18:00 on Saturday 6th September if you are interested in volunteering'''
*'''It is not possible to volunteer for this encounter if you play a character in Navarr'''
This is an opportunity to portray heralds of one of the Spring eternals known to the Empire. The eternal will not be made public before the encounter. This will be an encounter where heralds will be talking to large groups of player characters: conversing and giving gifts. It is not intended to be a combat encounter; however, it is possible that the player characters could attack you, so you would have to be comfortable with this possibility.

There will not be seating and some amount of walking and standing would be needed. The light will likely be dim but no reading is required.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

==Trade Summary==
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Summer Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Summer Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, The Rushes, ''Cinder Drove'']]</td><td>Kill the Guardian</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|Breaking Burhfæst]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; The Mountain Bulwark was destroyed; the Clakes were rescued; Sammy Clake was executed in Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Liathaven|Liathaven, West Ranging, ''Far Steading'']]</td><td>Destroy the Mechanism</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Tinker's_Tribute_(Battle_Opportunity)|Tinker's Tribute]]</td><td>Not taken; a fortification has been completed in West Ranging; the two injured Feni died; Forge's Aegis was lost</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Kroll, ''Palace Expanse'']]</td><td>Break the Enchantment</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|Shine a Light]]</td><td>Not taken; Palace of Sleepers has escaped; Het Trakaa remains alive; Krollthorned remain a threat</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zenith|Zenith, Proceris, ''Plantation of Tall Ferns'']]</td><td>Poison the Sac</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|A Sackful of Poison]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was ''' Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' of [[Urizen]]; Egg sac poisoned; ''Orbubus' Weepers'' survive </td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Warthill Woods || '''Jedediah Boon || [[Shovels_and_spades#A_Matter_of_Property_(Mournwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated and eight wains of [[mithril]] delivered to ''Jonah John'' in time for the Autumn Equinox
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Dunfrith || [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] || [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Blades_in_the_Mark_(Hahnmark)|Investigate the source of trouble]] || Murderer identified and escorted out of village. No report of trial from local magistrate.
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Greensward, Honour's Rest Fields || [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#On_Honour's_Fields|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 4 || Liathaven, West Ranging, Halbera's Stockade || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Bonds|Kill ''Halbera Strongarm'']] || ''Halbera Strongarm'' killed
|-
| 5 || Mournwold, Greensward, Farstrider Approach || [[Bailiff of the Downs]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#Raindrops|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 6 || Therunin, Eastring, Glimmerwater || ''Eanna Glimmerwater || [[When_I_met_you#Lights_in_the_Dark|Bask in the lantern]] || Lantern basked in
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Typhawn's Pen || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[The_prettiest_star#Snow_(Eleonaris)_(Conjunction)|Kill ''Typhawn'']] || ''Typhawn'' killed
|-
| 8 || Liathaven, Liath's Ring, Sigryn's Bawn || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#To_Surprise_Kings_and_Queens|Defeat the heralds]] || Construct and heralds of [[Eleonaris]] killed
|-
| 9 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Freydi's Meadow || [[Autumn Hammers|General of the Autumn Hammers]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Another_Plan|Recover the construct]] || Heralds of Eleonaris killed and construct recovered
|-
| 10 || Miaren, Serenael, Seren Temple Building Site || [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] || [[A_thousand_steps#A_Great_Dance_for_Seren_%28Conjunction%29|Ease the passing of the ghosts]] || Unclear, but '''Tanwen''', the Eternal Flame of Miaren, should know more
|-
| 11 || Skallahn, Fareskov, The Dark Woods || '''Eerikki Korpi || [[The_prettiest_star#A_Walk_in_Dark_Woods_(Sadogua)|Enter the dark woods of Fareskov on behalf of the Toad King]] || Unclear, but '''Eerikki Korpi''' should know more
|-
| 12 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, Broken Grove || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Plan_Succeeds_(Necropolis)|Kill the servants of the Red God]] || Servants of the Red God killed
|-
| 13 || Mareave, Icarion, The Courath's Hold || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Flags_(Mareave)|Defeat the ''Courath of Icarion'']] || ''Courath of Icarion'' defeated and Stormcaller recovered
|-
| 14 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Mjod’s Glen || [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Sense_of_Doubt_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the coral husks]] || All coral husks destroyed
|-
| 15 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Halkrin's Orchard || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Expectations_(Mareave)|Defeat the Grendel and claim the cache]] || Resources recovered
|-
| 16 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Picklers Marsh || [[The Academy|Cadet Commander]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Fascination_(Bregasland)|Rescue the magicians]] || Magician rescued and escorted back to Anvil
|-
| 17 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Untrod Wilds || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Willow_and_rain#Scent_of_Madness|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and resources recovered
|-
| 18 || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Darkened Glade || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Lose_the_Sun_(Brocéliande)|Kill the cult's leaders]] || Cult's leaders killed
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Ghulai's Rest || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Portion_of_Wisdom_(Sarangrave)|Claim ''Vate's Shelter'']] || ''Vate's Shelter'' recovered
|-
| 20 || Zenith, Lustri, Danwyn's Path || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Root_and_branch#Ideas_of_Importance_(Zenith)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated
|-
| 21 || Miekarova, Mieriada, Painted Clearing || [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Painted_(Miekarova)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 22 || Therunin, Eastring, Toxic Sward || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Willow_and_rain#A_Veil_Hides|Defeat the heralds and the Druj]] || Druj and heralds of [[Arhallogen]] defeated
|-
| 23 || Skarsind, Estermark, Mormyk Woods || [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Herding_(Skarsind)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 24 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle's Field || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Root_and_branch#Hummingbird's_Secret_(The_Barrens)|Kill the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen]] || Heralds of Arhallogen and Druj killed
|-
| 25 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, Dunhall Copse || [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Corpse_(Hahnmark)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 26 || Mareave, Beoraidh, Black Sand Tower || [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] || [[I_wish_you_would#Lord_Morath_(Conjunction)|Meet the visiting Grendel wind lord]] || Unclear, but '''Finna''', Ambassador to the Grendel, should know more
|-
|}

Soldiers of Suran

2025-09-08T18:03:46Z

Castaras: /* Songs in Arbonne */

[[Category:History]][[Category:Iron Confederacy]]
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Suran.PNG|align=left|caption=The [[Iron Confederacy|Suranni]] take their name from their goddess [[Suranni_pantheon#Suran,_the_Queen_of_Heaven|Suran]], the "Queen of Heaven".|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
During the Spring Equinox 387YE then [[Minister of Historical Research]], '''Silk Farkas''', [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Suranni_Military_History|commissioned an investigation]] into the military history of the [[Iron Confederacy]]. The research was partially inspired by an offer from visiting priests; [[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Mark Siwarsbairn]] would travel to the Confederacy, and stay as a quest of the ''Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore'' the Suranni ambassador to the Empire. The investigation is expected to take some time, given that it is being performed in a foreign nation - one that has a long history of being extremely touchy.

Marko delivered the first part of their research to the Minister at the Summer Solstice, via [[Call Winged Messenger|magical messenger]]. Developments following the Solstice may prevent the early completion of the research as touched on in the [[Bedight_in_veils#An_Imperial_Historian_in_the_Baronial_Court|Bedight in veils]] wind of fortune. For now though the first part of the report has been published by the [[Historical_research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><small>'''Multiple Ministers'''<br>While '''Silk Farkas''' commissioned the research, '''Walt Lambrook''' was appointed Minister at the Summer Solstice. In keeping with common practice, copies of Marko's research are delivered to both the citizen who commissioned the research ''and'' the current holder of the title.</small></box></div>

==Into the Iron Confederacy==
Greetings Minister. Or perhaps that should be ministers! I received the information that I was going to the Iron Confederacy for a sabbatical while I was in the middle of reading a fascinating treatise penned by ''Laskaris of the Ten-Spoked Wheel'', who was as you know obsessed with "strange auras". I'd hoped it might uncover something useful to the Heirs of Lepidus who I know are busy investigating paragons and exemplars for the [[Lepidean Librarian]]. Sadly the book is far too old and fragile to survive a journey to the distant south.
===Southbound===
At the advice of my peers, I decided that we should travel by land rather than by sea given all that is in upheaval in the [[Bay of Catazar|Bay]] at this time. We passed through [[Madruga]], and crossed the river by a raft poled by a certain cheerful [[merrow]] fellow who was droll company. From there we went south through benighted [[Feroz]], spending a night in [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]] and hearing the tale of how they fought off the [[Children of Wrecks|Wreckers]] with the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|aid of Grendel soldiers]]. From there, along the coastal road (such as remains of it) to [[Feroz#Bramar|Bramar]] where once Suranni merchants came to trade with the Empire in great numbers. That trade is much diminished, but it is slowly growing again in strength.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kavol.PNG|align=left|caption=Kavol is named the Veiled King by the Suranni, and seeks out those who would undermine the strength of the Iron Confederacy|width=300}}</div>
There we met our guide, ''Josse Argent'', that self-same priest who had [[Keep_talking#A_History_of_Strength|come to Anvil]] during the equinox to speak with Imperial priests on matters of history and faith. They are a priest of their [[Suranni_pantheon#Kavol,_the_Veiled_King|Veiled God]] whom mortals name Kavol, said to be the consort of their Sun Goddess Suran the founder of their nation. Before we departed, Josse spoke out a portentous blessing on our little group, calling on his god to veil us from the eyes of any foe that might seek to stay us on our passage. It made a couple of my companions uneasy, but I at least am made of sterner stuff. The Department teaches us to remain sanguine when foreign folk speak of their religions and beliefs, whatever we ourselves hold close to our hearts.
===Songs in Arbonne===
From there we went south still further, crossing out of Feroz into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)|Arbonne]], which the Lasambrian orcs called Kalino. It is a dry place, especially with Spring fading into Summer. A hilly place that reminded me at times of [[Kahraman]] but without the great mountain ranges. It is also a place that the Iron Confederacy have stamped their indelible mark upon. Villages and towns now dot the hills, and the land has been tamed and bound up with roads and paths. The Duke rules this place with an iron hand, and it is a place of order and binding laws.

We stayed one night as guests of the Duke. We were greeted by the Duke's court, but it was clear that our guide Josse was not quite as welcome as we were. As a personal priest to the Baroness Lavasse it was clear that the court of Arbonne saw him as a representative of a rival rather than a welcome countryman. The Duke was very attentive, and interested to learn as much as possible about how things lay in Feroz now that the [[Grendel]] had departed; whether Imperial ambitions in [[Reinos]] were to be realised any time soon; and how the Empire was dealing with the Children of Wrecks. Wherever possible I gave bland answers that provided him with little actual information – another thing I learned well at the Department!
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Arav.PNG|align=left|caption=Arav is named the Maiden of Silence, and his priests are called on to enforce the laws of the Confederacy.|width=300}}</div>
From Arbonne, we passed into and through [[Bay_of_Catazar#Shavronne|Shavronne]], the land claimed by the Druke Jaques duMoi who has earned himself the name “Iron Wolf”. He was less interested in meeting with us, and Josse Argent commented that it might be simple jealousy or bitterness. Once Jaques duMoi was responsible for diplomacy with the Empire but lost that position following the conquest of Arbonne. Not that we lacked for hospitality; there was a monastery of priests dedicated to their [[Suranni_pantheon#Arav_the_Judge,_Maiden_of_Silence|God of Judges]] (who they name Arav, Maiden of Silence). They were quite insistent that we spend time with them, and sought to engage us in conversation about the beliefs of the Way and the Virtues. It was clear they were as cautious and suspicious of our faith as we were of theirs. I used this opportunity to raise the matter of how the priests may work alongside the armies through the history of their wars. I fear both of us were disappointed in the outcome.

We travelled mostly inland, rather than along the coast. There was still much talk of the raid on Axiom Prison, which saw a large number of political prisoners released by the Children of Wrecks. The people here credited the destruction of that place to the sinister machinations of [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|Dumon]], but that was not the first time we encountered that name the Suranni find so fell. There is hardly a misfortune that befalls a citizen that is not traced back to the malice of the God of Lies. He is widely feared and hated by the common folk.

===Bound to the Fields===
On the subject of which, a matter that is a little more sensitive. We had been told that the Suranni had abandoned their practice of slavery and yet it certainly seemed to me as if they had large numbers of people who were all but enslaved. They worked tirelessly in the fields even as the sun waxed furnace-hot in the blue skies. They drove oxen, built walls, dug ditches, sweaty and dirty. They were not chained – we saw nary a hint of chains or whips – but there was nothing hopeful about them. They did not look up as we passed, keeping their eyes cast down whenever one of our guides had reason to talk to them. These “serfs” are no more free than the thralls of the [[Jotun]]. Perhaps even less so – for at least the thralls believe that if they take up arms they can become Jotun. I would not question the wisdom of those who know politics better than I. I am a simple person. But I am also askance at this acceptance of “serfdom” as materially different to “slavery”.

Josse Argent claimed that they were free, and that serfdom was a long tradition in the Confederacy. That they had done away with their slaves, and raised all of them to the rank of serf. They have legal protections that slaves did not, but he did not deny that they were still bound to the land where they live and work and constrained to the will of the one who owns that land whether that be the duke of a territory or the various barons who rule over specific parts of it. The difference as they see it, is that serfs may not be killed out of hand as slaves can, nor bought and sold. Although on that latter point their lives are bound to the land... so if the land is sold, whoever buys the land gains their service.

After that I did my best to keep my own counsel on this matter, but I am certain my guide was well aware of my unease.
===Into the West===
From Shavronne we travelled west into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne|Veroigne]]. By this point it was clear that we would get little done this season save travelling. It is notable that there are no [[trods]] in the Iron Confederacy – nor would they welcome them. All travel seems to take ten times as long – although I know that is foolish and that I am simply unused to having to bear each day's travails as a weary traveller without the trods to help.

Veroigne is much flatter than Arbonne or Shavronne, and more forested. It reminded me of [[Astolat]] or perhaps [[Weirwater]], but warmer. I will own that I was ill prepared for the heat, and our guide was openly amused as each morning I wore less and less of my traditional [[Winermark|Winterfolk]] garb. Josse Argent himself had likewise stripped down his travelling clothes, favouring an open-chested robe of light cotton with short sleeves, bound up with a thick belt. I considered adopting this more Suranni look, but in the end resisted. I compromised with a broad-brimmed Marcher hat, and my lightest tunic, and a short kilt of thin wool. Still, I sweated like an ox through the hours of the day.

Unsurprisingly as the Summer heat intensified we started travelling in two legs each day- from the first light of morning until the heat became too great to endure. During that time, we would erect light canopies and lean-tos to rest beneath, eating lightly and talking lazily until sleep claimed us. Once the heat broke, we would continue travelling until it was too dark to see and then camp for the night. It is notable that we would camp more often than we would spend time in an inn or tavern – they existed but Josse Argent was happier under the stars.

On several occasions I was aware that he and his companions were speaking prayers to the moon in the sky. They invited me to join them once or twice but I politely declined. It is not clear to me whether they believe that the moon is in some way ''physically'' Kavol, or whether it is simply a ceremonial way to practice their odd faith. But they were very sincere in my judgement; they genuinely believed that a god of the moon watched over them.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kobol.PNG|align=left|caption=Kobol is named the Maiden of Battles, and is said to be the most popular of the Suranni gods.|width=300}}</div>
===Our First Soldiers===
It was in Veroigne that we got our first look at the Suranni military itself; an [[Imperial army|army]] of Iron Confederacy soldiers camped out beneath banners showing a soaring white bird with its wings spread before a blazing sun. The tents entirely covered several acres of land, and reminded me a little of Anvil on the rare occasion I am able to visit during a summit. The soldiers seemed easily as disciplined as an Imperial force of similar size, and while we attracted some interest none of the soldiers spoke to us.

A captain or commander of the force joined us for a short time during our journey along the road, asking a number of penetrating questions about who we were and where we were going and who would vouch for us. Josse Argent fielded these questions and the commander seemed impressed that we were guests of the Baroness LaVasse. The whole time they were shadowed by a priest in red and green, a warrior in heavy armour with a full-face helm. They were apparently a servant of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle|Maiden of Battles]] and while they did not speak I could feel their attention focused on me with the force of a blade through the ribs.
===Through the Woods===
There is an immense forest in Veroigne, entirely encompassing some of the northern regions. Named the [[Bay of Catazar#Forest of Ylgourne|Great Forest of Ylgourne]], it has a poor reputation. The edges are tamed, and there are woodcutter settlements along them, but its depths are seen as dangerous and twisted. Somewhere among the dark trees are the ruins of the citadel of Fausseflammes, a hateful and terrible place where enemies of the gods once attempted to openly establish a temple of Dumon

I did not approach closely to it, but from everything the folk we spoke to said I could not help but ponder about the teachings of the Great Forest Orcs who speak of an ancient forest that once covered the entire landmass of what is now the Empire. I asked Josse Argent if there was weirwood within and he looked startled, then worried, then changed the subject. I realised then that he was concerned we might be spies, which was an odd experience given how open and honest we had been with him to that point.
===Our Destination===
Out of Veroigne there is a road that leads to the Duchy of Chaubrette, and the Tour Lavasse which is home to Baroness Katerine. Josse Argent was quite keen to impress on me that the Baroness rules over the whole of Meore – another lightly wooded “barony” (a [[territory#Regions|region]] in Imperial parlance) scattered with apparently prosperous villages and a few small towns. She is technically a “vassal” of the Duke of Chaubrette, who is currently the aging Duke Sephora duSylaire who is renowned for her cleverness and insight. In practice, Baroness Katerine holds much higher status than many of her peers because she reports directly to the Dukes as a whole and advises them on matters of international diplomacy. She has some interesting degree of leeway to use limited forms of magic in pursuit of her duties – but only under the supervision of a priest of Koval who will ensure she does not become corrupted thereby.

The Tour Lavasse is a beautiful round tower on a low hill overlooking a town with the same name. We met with the Baroness on the first night as her guests, and I found her a clever and entertaining host. Like many of her peers she has the blood of Night – the [[naga]] lineage – and that clearly expresses itself in the delight she takes in beautiful things and in diverting conversation. I was never doubted, though, that I was dealing with a canny politician who knew many secrets and was not averse to using either cleverness or knowledge in pursuit of her goals.

So here we now are, ensconced at the Tour Lavasse in Meore, in the Duchy of Chaubrette. One of the things my journey has told me is just how ''big'' the Iron Confederacy appears to be. There is no indication Chaubrette is the western-most of the Suranni territories. There is every indication that this is a nation larger than Dawn and the Marches put together but how large it is I cannot say. I'm hoping that further discussion with the historical scholars Baroness Katerine has brought together to work with us might be able to show me a map of the full extent of the Confederacy although I suspect that might result in a lot of subject changes.

The scholars we have met so far are a mixed bunch, and several of them are priests of one kind or another. They run the gamut from conservative stuffed-shirt academics who are deeply suspicious of us, and friendly faces who are almost certainly spies of some kind. All of them seem to know their business however, and our early discussions have been promising. It seems that, as befits a nation proud of its military might, they have extensive and depressingly dry histories of almost ever major fight and many minor fights they have been involved with.

I anticipate being here until at least the Autumn Equinox but once we have something solid to report I will do my best to ensure it reaches you. I suspect that it will take the better part of a season to get back to the Empire so I wouldn't expect me to be able to do any research until Winter at the earliest. Please give my regards to the Imperial Archivist and let him know that at least it's dry this time.

{{Suranni Links}}

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-09-08T16:41:58Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

{{stub}}
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Windsandclouds.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)|Has reared himself a throne]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/08/16"| 16/08 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)|Diadem on my brow]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/08/22"| 22/08 || Imperial address
|-
| [[#Troop of Echoes (Axos)|Troop of echoes]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Axos
|-
| [[#The Highest Calling|The highest calling]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Imperial Synod
|-
| [[#Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)|Any port in a storm]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)|Threats that are to come]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Die Beurteilung
|-
| [[#Kingdom By The Sea|Kingdom by the sea]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#A Dark And Stormy Night|A dark and stormy night]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)|An iron feast]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[#All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)|All the night-tide]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Sarcophan Delves
|-
| [[#Carved in Stone|Carved in stone]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Synod
|-
| [[#We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)|We give the future to the winds]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Faraden
|-
| [[#My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)|My passions from a common spring]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Jarm and Commonwealth
|-
| [[#Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)|Drowned in tears]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Asavea and Sumaah
|-
| [[#Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)|Climb every mountain]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Sword Scholars
|-
| [[#Bedight In Veils (Diplomacy)|Bedight in veils]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/09/08"| 08/09 || Diplomacy
|-
|}
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago]] || [[Drowned in tears#Asavea|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Troop of echoes|Troop of Echoes]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Commonwealth|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[We give the future to the winds]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Princpalities of Jarm|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Drowned in tears#Sumaah|Drowned in tears]]
|-
|}
As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Watcher of the Semmerlak; Imperial Military Council'''
Each season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]]. The eternals are bound to respond, although the exact nature of that response is up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, and as the Summer Solstice approaches, <s>five</s> six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Two have agreed to some kind of meeting; four have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received. One of those responses is... not quite like the others.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne]]''' wind of fortune.
===Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Empress Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, calling on the Empire to commit themselves to the defeat of the [[Druj]], and to the conquest and liberation of [[Sarangrave]], as well as to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Diadem on my brow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Troop of Echoes (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council; Voice of Liberty; Imperial Synod; Imperial Fleet Captains; Shuttered Lantern and Imperial Conclave; Singer of the Silence'''
To the east of the Empire lies the tiny nation of [[Axos]]. Following upheaval and scandal it appears to be settling down, and undergoing a period of renewal. Both the Imperial and Axou ambassadors have changed - perhaps this presages a bold new future of good relations between the Empire and the Citadels? Either way there are matters of concern to Imperial citizens, both on the diplomatic and day-to-day level that will surely be of interest to anyone who looks beyond the Empire's borders.

You can learn about the situation with Axos, along with a few sticky questions to address, in the '''[[Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Highest Calling===
* '''National assemblies (other than Wintermark, Varushka, and Urizen); Virtue assemblies'''
The [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] delivered a powerful sermon, one consequence of which was to give the General Assembly an [[opportunity]] to throw its moral weight behind a single virtuous endeavour. A [[greater majority]] in support of any one of these great causes would have united people in the service of a single goal; instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. Subsequently, they enacted a [[mandate]] calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what goal was most important to ''them''.

You can read about the consequences of that mandate, not only for the virtue and national assemblies but for the General Assembly itself, in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Varushka, especially the Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore and the Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak; Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves'''
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even ''more'' [[Prosperity|Prosperous]].

You can learn about the results of the [[appraisal]], and its potential impact on various different groups, in the '''[[Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)===
* '''The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Imperial Senate; The Marches potentially; Imperial Military Council; Ambassador to the Commonwealth'''
At the Summer Solstice, the '''Kleists''' and '''Cees van Holberg''', secured the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]]. This gave them the right to request that the visiting scholars of the [[Commonwealth]] investigate a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the Prognosticator's Office. ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' leads the group of adventurous [[Commonwealth]] academics whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. They requested a study of ways to secure the supply of food and water to [[Holberg]], with an eye both to enduring sieges and supporting large numbers of refugees should the need arise.

You can find out about the findings of [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]], and how it might impact the various peoples of Holberg, in the '''[[Threats that are to come]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Kingdom By The Sea===
* '''Fleet captains; Imperial Military Council'''
The captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos and his heralds]] to discuss the expedition and hope for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was wondering what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]].

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded his [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] to find adventure for the Empire's captains; Three of his favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and prepared three possible [[voyage|expeditions]] for the fleets of the Empire to consider.

You can learn about these three voyages, and what they entail, in the '''[[Kingdom by the sea]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=150}}
===A Dark And Stormy Night===
* '''Urizen and the League; Imperial Spymaster; Vigilance assembly; spies'''
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring there, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued]] ''Victo von Temeschwar''. At the same time, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt]] for enemies of the Empire. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. At the very last moment they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.

You can find out shadowing events in the south-east, and the ongoing war of spies, in the '''[[A dark and stormy night]]''' wind of fortune.

===An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox, he has offered two challenges; a challenge of stealth and speed and a challenge of creativity. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune.
===All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; the League; Imperial Apothecaries' Guild; Kruidenkenner Trademaster, Master of the Root and Stem; the Brass Coast; Wintermark Farmers; Imperial Consul; Minister for Historical Research; Imperial Conclave'''
Always striving for neutrality, the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] balance any number of interests in the pursuit of profit and security. They gave up the practice of slavery without regret, refused to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord, but recently took steps to combat the growth in piracy on [[the seven seas]]. The stand they have taken has benefitted the Empire, ending the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]]-sponsored attacks on ships trading with Imperial ports. Further to these achievements, they look for new opportunities to invest in the Empire for the mutual prosperity of all involved.

You can learn about proposed investments, and diplomatic relations with the Sarcophan Delves, in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Carved in Stone===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wisdom, Prosperity, and Vigilance Assemblies; Loyalty Assembly and Wintermark'''
* '''Last updated 06/06/2025'''
Oaths are a [[hearth magic|serious business]]. Case in point; the [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|oaths]] sworn by four members of the Assembly of Nine to bear [[aura|auras]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Some of those oaths have been broken, and with a certain inevitability, consequences follow on the anniversary of the oath-taking, at the point where the oath should have ended. At the same time, it is perhaps apposite that just as this moment looms large, the [[Wintermark]] Assembly and the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] take their own steps to recognise the importance of oaths, and the keeping thereof.

You can learn about unexpected consequences, and the hallowing of oaths, in the '''[[Carved in stone]]''' wind of fortune.

===We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)===
* '''Faraden Ambassador; Gatekeepers; Imperial Senate; Varushka, Dawn, the Marches'''
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire across the Lasambrian hills and on the other side of the [[Jotun]] domain. They are enthusiastic traders whose caravans have become increasingly common in Imperial territory over the last couple of years. In the past a cloud of resentment and frustration has hung over relations between Faraden and the Empire but recent relations have been increasingly positive. Of course there is always a nail in the haystack; in this case it is the meddling of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] among the families of the west.

You can learn about various opportunities, and the gentle threat of the Asaveans, in the '''[[We give the future to the winds]]''' wind of fortune.
===My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Imperial fleet captains; Voice of Liberty; Advisor on the Vallorn; Imperial Military Council'''
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. The Commonwealth are allies of the Empire through the [[Liberty Pact]], while relations with the Principalities have rarely been more strained. Yet there are diplomatic opportunities with both nations, and while Jarm and the Empire may be at odds they are not at war with each other.

You can learn about the situation in the east, and several opportunities related to it, in the '''[[My passions from a common spring]]''' wind of fortune.
===Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassadors to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Fleet Captains; the Brass Coast'''
[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] remains at war with both the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic]]. The latter, staunch adherents of the orthodox Way, continue to remain friendly with their Imperial allies, not only thanks to the [[Liberty Pact]] but in gratitude for recent aid offered in fighting off Asavean aggression in their home waters. For their part, Imperial priests remain committed to spreading the Way to Asavea, or to inspiring a bloody uprising against the Plenum that would see the nation fundamentally changed. The [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]] is a place of turmoil and conflict at the moment, beset with storms that show no sign of dying down any time soon.

You can learn about the situation in the west, and opportunities to both spread chaos and accord, in the '''[[Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Urizen.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)===
* '''Urizen Assembly; Imperial Senate'''
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered. Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - it's power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory. Those who refused to lay down their swords apparently retreated back into the mountains. Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.

You can find out about the conflict between Urizen and the Disciples of Sulemaine, and ways to address their potential threat, in the '''[[Climb every mountain]]''' wind of fortune.
===Bedight In Veils (Diplomacy)===
* '''Imperial Consul; Ambassadors to Otkodov, Suranni, and Grendel; Varushka; Tolvoli Butcher, Night Quarry seat, Guardian of the Maze of Zoria; Master of Ice and Darkness; Minister of Historical Research; Imperial Spymaster; Navarr, Dawn, the Brass Coast; assorted assemblies; Imperial Conclave; Imperial Senate'''
The Empire is not alone in the world; there are nations great and small scattered across the known world. The smaller nations that cluster around Imperial borders in particular make demands of their Imperial neighbours time, and exert an influence that often belies their size. Each season there is a blizzard of letters, reports, and documents that sweeps back and forth around the embassies and the [[Imperial_Consul#Imperial_Consulate|Imperial consulate]]. Here are discussions with the [[Iron Confederacy]], the [[Thule]], the [[Jotun]] and the [[Grendel]], the orcs of [[the Barrens]], the [[Tsark|People of the Moon]], and the new Protecorate of Morajasse, all requiring the attention of Imperial citizens.

You can learn about the disparate events relating to nearby nations, both foreigners and barbarians, in the '''[[Bedight in veils]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==

===The Hunt of Big Icebarn (Sermersuaq)===
* '''Big Icebarn has been hunting the monsters of Agramant in the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''If Big Icebarn hadn't received enough support, it would have retreated back to Sydanjaa'''
* '''The Artok was supported by more than twelve thousand strength from the military units of Wintermark'''
* '''Big Icebarn will remain another season if supported by at least thirteen thousand strength from military units of Wintermark'''
Three seasons ago, then [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]], '''Liv Tidgaring''', sent Big Icebarn into the [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Wastes|Suaq Wastes]] to hunt the monsters of [[Agramant|Blood-on-the-Snow]]. Those Winterfolk who were [[Venture#Hunt_the_Suaq_Wastes|hunting the monsters]] benefited from the Artok; the monstrous creatures couldn't help but be drawn to Big Icebarn.

There was worry that the Artok would be forced north, back into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa|Sydanjaa]], if insufficient Winterfolk joined them in the hunt. It was estimated that around six thousand heroes would need to take part in the hunt to prevent Big Icebarn from being battered by the monsters of the northern wastes. Fully twice that number took to the Suaq Wastes, hunting the beasts of the ''Siren-of-the-Wasteland'' whilst, admittedly, staying clear enough away from Artok as to not get in its way.

Big Icebarn will continue on its way, carving a path through the foul creatures of the [[Realm#Winter|Wasteland]], and if at least thirteen thousand strength in the military units of Wintermark support it, then it will draw the attention of a [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Guardians|guardian]] of Agramant, and with it an opportunity to slay it at the Winter Solstice.

===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 19:55 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 19:55 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Spring Heralds Volunteering===
* '''<big>It is no longer possible to volunteer for this opportunity</big>'''
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Spring heralds'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume: robes or tunics in white, green or earth tones'''
*'''The role will last around two hours, starting at 21:00 on Saturday'''
*'''The role will involve talking with player characters, some amount of walking and standing. There will be lighting but it could be dim'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Spring Herald Volunteer E4" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email before 18:00 on Saturday 6th September if you are interested in volunteering'''
*'''It is not possible to volunteer for this encounter if you play a character in Navarr'''
This is an opportunity to portray heralds of one of the Spring eternals known to the Empire. The eternal will not be made public before the encounter. This will be an encounter where heralds will be talking to large groups of player characters: conversing and giving gifts. It is not intended to be a combat encounter; however, it is possible that the player characters could attack you, so you would have to be comfortable with this possibility.

There will not be seating and some amount of walking and standing would be needed. The light will likely be dim but no reading is required.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

==Trade Summary==
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Summer Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Summer Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, The Rushes, ''Cinder Drove'']]</td><td>Kill the Guardian</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|Breaking Burhfæst]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; The Mountain Bulwark was destroyed; the Clakes were rescued; Sammy Clake was executed in Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Liathaven|Liathaven, West Ranging, ''Far Steading'']]</td><td>Destroy the Mechanism</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Tinker's_Tribute_(Battle_Opportunity)|Tinker's Tribute]]</td><td>Not taken; a fortification has been completed in West Ranging; the two injured Feni died; Forge's Aegis was lost</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Kroll, ''Palace Expanse'']]</td><td>Break the Enchantment</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|Shine a Light]]</td><td>Not taken; Palace of Sleepers has escaped; Het Trakaa remains alive; Krollthorned remain a threat</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zenith|Zenith, Proceris, ''Plantation of Tall Ferns'']]</td><td>Poison the Sac</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|A Sackful of Poison]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was ''' Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' of [[Urizen]]; Egg sac poisoned; ''Orbubus' Weepers'' survive </td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Warthill Woods || '''Jedediah Boon || [[Shovels_and_spades#A_Matter_of_Property_(Mournwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated and eight wains of [[mithril]] delivered to ''Jonah John'' in time for the Autumn Equinox
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Dunfrith || [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] || [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Blades_in_the_Mark_(Hahnmark)|Investigate the source of trouble]] || Murderer identified and escorted out of village. No report of trial from local magistrate.
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Greensward, Honour's Rest Fields || [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#On_Honour's_Fields|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 4 || Liathaven, West Ranging, Halbera's Stockade || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Bonds|Kill ''Halbera Strongarm'']] || ''Halbera Strongarm'' killed
|-
| 5 || Mournwold, Greensward, Farstrider Approach || [[Bailiff of the Downs]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#Raindrops|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 6 || Therunin, Eastring, Glimmerwater || ''Eanna Glimmerwater || [[When_I_met_you#Lights_in_the_Dark|Bask in the lantern]] || Lantern basked in
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Typhawn's Pen || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[The_prettiest_star#Snow_(Eleonaris)_(Conjunction)|Kill ''Typhawn'']] || ''Typhawn'' killed
|-
| 8 || Liathaven, Liath's Ring, Sigryn's Bawn || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#To_Surprise_Kings_and_Queens|Defeat the heralds]] || Construct and heralds of [[Eleonaris]] killed
|-
| 9 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Freydi's Meadow || [[Autumn Hammers|General of the Autumn Hammers]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Another_Plan|Recover the construct]] || Heralds of Eleonaris killed and construct recovered
|-
| 10 || Miaren, Serenael, Seren Temple Building Site || [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] || [[A_thousand_steps#A_Great_Dance_for_Seren_%28Conjunction%29|Ease the passing of the ghosts]] || Unclear, but '''Tanwen''', the Eternal Flame of Miaren, should know more
|-
| 11 || Skallahn, Fareskov, The Dark Woods || '''Eerikki Korpi || [[The_prettiest_star#A_Walk_in_Dark_Woods_(Sadogua)|Enter the dark woods of Fareskov on behalf of the Toad King]] || Unclear, but '''Eerikki Korpi''' should know more
|-
| 12 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, Broken Grove || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Plan_Succeeds_(Necropolis)|Kill the servants of the Red God]] || Servants of the Red God killed
|-
| 13 || Mareave, Icarion, The Courath's Hold || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Flags_(Mareave)|Defeat the ''Courath of Icarion'']] || ''Courath of Icarion'' defeated and Stormcaller recovered
|-
| 14 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Mjod’s Glen || [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Sense_of_Doubt_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the coral husks]] || All coral husks destroyed
|-
| 15 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Halkrin's Orchard || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Expectations_(Mareave)|Defeat the Grendel and claim the cache]] || Resources recovered
|-
| 16 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Picklers Marsh || [[The Academy|Cadet Commander]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Fascination_(Bregasland)|Rescue the magicians]] || Magician rescued and escorted back to Anvil
|-
| 17 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Untrod Wilds || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Willow_and_rain#Scent_of_Madness|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and resources recovered
|-
| 18 || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Darkened Glade || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Lose_the_Sun_(Brocéliande)|Kill the cult's leaders]] || Cult's leaders killed
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Ghulai's Rest || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Portion_of_Wisdom_(Sarangrave)|Claim ''Vate's Shelter'']] || ''Vate's Shelter'' recovered
|-
| 20 || Zenith, Lustri, Danwyn's Path || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Root_and_branch#Ideas_of_Importance_(Zenith)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated
|-
| 21 || Miekarova, Mieriada, Painted Clearing || [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Painted_(Miekarova)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 22 || Therunin, Eastring, Toxic Sward || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Willow_and_rain#A_Veil_Hides|Defeat the heralds and the Druj]] || Druj and heralds of [[Arhallogen]] defeated
|-
| 23 || Skarsind, Estermark, Mormyk Woods || [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Herding_(Skarsind)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 24 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle's Field || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Root_and_branch#Hummingbird's_Secret_(The_Barrens)|Kill the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen]] || Heralds of Arhallogen and Druj killed
|-
| 25 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, Dunhall Copse || [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Corpse_(Hahnmark)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 26 || Mareave, Beoraidh, Black Sand Tower || [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] || [[I_wish_you_would#Lord_Morath_(Conjunction)|Meet the visiting Grendel wind lord]] || Unclear, but '''Finna''', Ambassador to the Grendel, should know more
|-
|}

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-09-07T19:55:13Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

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[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Windsandclouds.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)|Has reared himself a throne]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/08/16"| 16/08 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)|Diadem on my brow]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/08/22"| 22/08 || Imperial address
|-
| [[#Troop of Echoes (Axos)|Troop of echoes]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Axos
|-
| [[#The Highest Calling|The highest calling]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Imperial Synod
|-
| [[#Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)|Any port in a storm]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)|Threats that are to come]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Die Beurteilung
|-
| [[#Kingdom By The Sea|Kingdom by the sea]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#A Dark And Stormy Night|A dark and stormy night]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)|An iron feast]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[#All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)|All the night-tide]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Sarcophan Delves
|-
| [[#Carved in Stone|Carved in stone]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Synod
|-
| [[#We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)|We give the future to the winds]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Faraden
|-
| [[#My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)|My passions from a common spring]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Jarm and Commonwealth
|-
| [[#Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)|Drowned in tears]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Asavea and Sumaah
|-
| [[#Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)|Climb every mountain]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Sword Scholars
|-
|}
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago]] || [[Drowned in tears#Asavea|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Troop of echoes|Troop of Echoes]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Commonwealth|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[We give the future to the winds]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Princpalities of Jarm|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Drowned in tears#Sumaah|Drowned in tears]]
|-
|}
As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
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==Winds of Fortune==
===Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Watcher of the Semmerlak; Imperial Military Council'''
Each season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]]. The eternals are bound to respond, although the exact nature of that response is up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, and as the Summer Solstice approaches, <s>five</s> six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Two have agreed to some kind of meeting; four have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received. One of those responses is... not quite like the others.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne]]''' wind of fortune.
===Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Empress Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, calling on the Empire to commit themselves to the defeat of the [[Druj]], and to the conquest and liberation of [[Sarangrave]], as well as to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Diadem on my brow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Troop of Echoes (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council; Voice of Liberty; Imperial Synod; Imperial Fleet Captains; Shuttered Lantern and Imperial Conclave; Singer of the Silence'''
To the east of the Empire lies the tiny nation of [[Axos]]. Following upheaval and scandal it appears to be settling down, and undergoing a period of renewal. Both the Imperial and Axou ambassadors have changed - perhaps this presages a bold new future of good relations between the Empire and the Citadels? Either way there are matters of concern to Imperial citizens, both on the diplomatic and day-to-day level that will surely be of interest to anyone who looks beyond the Empire's borders.

You can learn about the situation with Axos, along with a few sticky questions to address, in the '''[[Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Highest Calling===
* '''National assemblies (other than Wintermark, Varushka, and Urizen); Virtue assemblies'''
The [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] delivered a powerful sermon, one consequence of which was to give the General Assembly an [[opportunity]] to throw its moral weight behind a single virtuous endeavour. A [[greater majority]] in support of any one of these great causes would have united people in the service of a single goal; instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. Subsequently, they enacted a [[mandate]] calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what goal was most important to ''them''.

You can read about the consequences of that mandate, not only for the virtue and national assemblies but for the General Assembly itself, in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Varushka, especially the Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore and the Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak; Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves'''
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even ''more'' [[Prosperity|Prosperous]].

You can learn about the results of the [[appraisal]], and its potential impact on various different groups, in the '''[[Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)===
* '''The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Imperial Senate; The Marches potentially; Imperial Military Council; Ambassador to the Commonwealth'''
At the Summer Solstice, the '''Kleists''' and '''Cees van Holberg''', secured the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]]. This gave them the right to request that the visiting scholars of the [[Commonwealth]] investigate a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the Prognosticator's Office. ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' leads the group of adventurous [[Commonwealth]] academics whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. They requested a study of ways to secure the supply of food and water to [[Holberg]], with an eye both to enduring sieges and supporting large numbers of refugees should the need arise.

You can find out about the findings of [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]], and how it might impact the various peoples of Holberg, in the '''[[Threats that are to come]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Kingdom By The Sea===
* '''Fleet captains; Imperial Military Council'''
The captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos and his heralds]] to discuss the expedition and hope for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was wondering what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]].

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded his [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] to find adventure for the Empire's captains; Three of his favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and prepared three possible [[voyage|expeditions]] for the fleets of the Empire to consider.

You can learn about these three voyages, and what they entail, in the '''[[Kingdom by the sea]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=150}}
===A Dark And Stormy Night===
* '''Urizen and the League; Imperial Spymaster; Vigilance assembly; spies'''
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring there, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued]] ''Victo von Temeschwar''. At the same time, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt]] for enemies of the Empire. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. At the very last moment they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.

You can find out shadowing events in the south-east, and the ongoing war of spies, in the '''[[A dark and stormy night]]''' wind of fortune.

===An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox, he has offered two challenges; a challenge of stealth and speed and a challenge of creativity. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune.
===All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; the League; Imperial Apothecaries' Guild; Kruidenkenner Trademaster, Master of the Root and Stem; the Brass Coast; Wintermark Farmers; Imperial Consul; Minister for Historical Research; Imperial Conclave'''
Always striving for neutrality, the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] balance any number of interests in the pursuit of profit and security. They gave up the practice of slavery without regret, refused to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord, but recently took steps to combat the growth in piracy on [[the seven seas]]. The stand they have taken has benefitted the Empire, ending the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]]-sponsored attacks on ships trading with Imperial ports. Further to these achievements, they look for new opportunities to invest in the Empire for the mutual prosperity of all involved.

You can learn about proposed investments, and diplomatic relations with the Sarcophan Delves, in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Carved in Stone===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wisdom, Prosperity, and Vigilance Assemblies; Loyalty Assembly and Wintermark'''
* '''Last updated 06/06/2025'''
Oaths are a [[hearth magic|serious business]]. Case in point; the [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|oaths]] sworn by four members of the Assembly of Nine to bear [[aura|auras]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Some of those oaths have been broken, and with a certain inevitability, consequences follow on the anniversary of the oath-taking, at the point where the oath should have ended. At the same time, it is perhaps apposite that just as this moment looms large, the [[Wintermark]] Assembly and the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] take their own steps to recognise the importance of oaths, and the keeping thereof.

You can learn about unexpected consequences, and the hallowing of oaths, in the '''[[Carved in stone]]''' wind of fortune.

===We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)===
* '''Faraden Ambassador; Gatekeepers; Imperial Senate; Varushka, Dawn, the Marches'''
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire across the Lasambrian hills and on the other side of the [[Jotun]] domain. They are enthusiastic traders whose caravans have become increasingly common in Imperial territory over the last couple of years. In the past a cloud of resentment and frustration has hung over relations between Faraden and the Empire but recent relations have been increasingly positive. Of course there is always a nail in the haystack; in this case it is the meddling of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] among the families of the west.

You can learn about various opportunities, and the gentle threat of the Asaveans, in the '''[[We give the future to the winds]]''' wind of fortune.
===My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Imperial fleet captains; Voice of Liberty; Advisor on the Vallorn; Imperial Military Council'''
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. The Commonwealth are allies of the Empire through the [[Liberty Pact]], while relations with the Principalities have rarely been more strained. Yet there are diplomatic opportunities with both nations, and while Jarm and the Empire may be at odds they are not at war with each other.

You can learn about the situation in the east, and several opportunities related to it, in the '''[[My passions from a common spring]]''' wind of fortune.
===Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassadors to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Fleet Captains; the Brass Coast'''
[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] remains at war with both the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic]]. The latter, staunch adherents of the orthodox Way, continue to remain friendly with their Imperial allies, not only thanks to the [[Liberty Pact]] but in gratitude for recent aid offered in fighting off Asavean aggression in their home waters. For their part, Imperial priests remain committed to spreading the Way to Asavea, or to inspiring a bloody uprising against the Plenum that would see the nation fundamentally changed. The [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]] is a place of turmoil and conflict at the moment, beset with storms that show no sign of dying down any time soon.

You can learn about the situation in the west, and opportunities to both spread chaos and accord, in the '''[[Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Urizen.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)===
* '''Urizen Assembly; Imperial Senate'''
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered. Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - it's power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory. Those who refused to lay down their swords apparently retreated back into the mountains. Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.

You can find out about the conflict between Urizen and the Disciples of Sulemaine, and ways to address their potential threat, in the '''[[Climb every mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 19:55 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 19:55 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Spring Heralds Volunteering===
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Spring heralds'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume: robes or tunics in white, green or earth tones'''
*'''The role will last around two hours, starting at 21:00 on Saturday'''
*'''The role will involve talking with player characters, some amount of walking and standing. There will be lighting but it could be dim'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Spring Herald Volunteer E4" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email before 18:00 on Saturday 6th September if you are interested in volunteering'''
*'''It is not possible to volunteer for this encounter if you play a character in Navarr'''
This is an opportunity to portray heralds of one of the Spring eternals known to the Empire. The eternal will not be made public before the encounter. This will be an encounter where heralds will be talking to large groups of player characters: conversing and giving gifts. It is not intended to be a combat encounter; however, it is possible that the player characters could attack you, so you would have to be comfortable with this possibility.

There will not be seating and some amount of walking and standing would be needed. The light will likely be dim but no reading is required.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

==Trade Summary==
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Summer Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Summer Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, The Rushes, ''Cinder Drove'']]</td><td>Kill the Guardian</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|Breaking Burhfæst]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; The Mountain Bulwark was destroyed; the Clakes were rescued; Sammy Clake was executed in Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Liathaven|Liathaven, West Ranging, ''Far Steading'']]</td><td>Destroy the Mechanism</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Tinker's_Tribute_(Battle_Opportunity)|Tinker's Tribute]]</td><td>Not taken; a fortification has been completed in West Ranging; the two injured Feni died; Forge's Aegis was lost</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Kroll, ''Palace Expanse'']]</td><td>Break the Enchantment</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|Shine a Light]]</td><td>Not taken; Palace of Sleepers has escaped; Het Trakaa remains alive; Krollthorned remain a threat</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zenith|Zenith, Proceris, ''Plantation of Tall Ferns'']]</td><td>Poison the Sac</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|A Sackful of Poison]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was ''' Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' of [[Urizen]]; Egg sac poisoned; ''Orbubus' Weepers'' survive </td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Warthill Woods || '''Jedediah Boon || [[Shovels_and_spades#A_Matter_of_Property_(Mournwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated and eight wains of [[mithril]] delivered to ''Jonah John'' in time for the Autumn Equinox
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Dunfrith || [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] || [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Blades_in_the_Mark_(Hahnmark)|Investigate the source of trouble]] || Murderer identified and escorted out of village. No report of trial from local magistrate.
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Greensward, Honour's Rest Fields || [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#On_Honour's_Fields|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 4 || Liathaven, West Ranging, Halbera's Stockade || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Bonds|Kill ''Halbera Strongarm'']] || ''Halbera Strongarm'' killed
|-
| 5 || Mournwold, Greensward, Farstrider Approach || [[Bailiff of the Downs]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#Raindrops|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 6 || Therunin, Eastring, Glimmerwater || ''Eanna Glimmerwater || [[When_I_met_you#Lights_in_the_Dark|Bask in the lantern]] || Lantern basked in
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Typhawn's Pen || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[The_prettiest_star#Snow_(Eleonaris)_(Conjunction)|Kill ''Typhawn'']] || ''Typhawn'' killed
|-
| 8 || Liathaven, Liath's Ring, Sigryn's Bawn || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#To_Surprise_Kings_and_Queens|Defeat the heralds]] || Construct and heralds of [[Eleonaris]] killed
|-
| 9 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Freydi's Meadow || [[Autumn Hammers|General of the Autumn Hammers]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Another_Plan|Recover the construct]] || Heralds of Eleonaris killed and construct recovered
|-
| 10 || Miaren, Serenael, Seren Temple Building Site || [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] || [[A_thousand_steps#A_Great_Dance_for_Seren_%28Conjunction%29|Ease the passing of the ghosts]] || Unclear, but '''Tanwen''', the Eternal Flame of Miaren, should know more
|-
| 11 || Skallahn, Fareskov, The Dark Woods || '''Eerikki Korpi || [[The_prettiest_star#A_Walk_in_Dark_Woods_(Sadogua)|Enter the dark woods of Fareskov on behalf of the Toad King]] || Unclear, but '''Eerikki Korpi''' should know more
|-
| 12 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, Broken Grove || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Plan_Succeeds_(Necropolis)|Kill the servants of the Red God]] || Servants of the Red God killed
|-
| 13 || Mareave, Icarion, The Courath's Hold || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Flags_(Mareave)|Defeat the ''Courath of Icarion'']] || ''Courath of Icarion'' defeated and Stormcaller recovered
|-
| 14 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Mjod’s Glen || [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Sense_of_Doubt_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the coral husks]] || All coral husks destroyed
|-
| 15 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Halkrin's Orchard || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Expectations_(Mareave)|Defeat the Grendel and claim the cache]] || Resources recovered
|-
| 16 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Picklers Marsh || [[The Academy|Cadet Commander]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Fascination_(Bregasland)|Rescue the magicians]] || Magician rescued and escorted back to Anvil
|-
| 17 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Untrod Wilds || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Willow_and_rain#Scent_of_Madness|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and resources recovered
|-
| 18 || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Darkened Glade || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Lose_the_Sun_(Brocéliande)|Kill the cult's leaders]] || Cult's leaders killed
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Ghulai's Rest || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Portion_of_Wisdom_(Sarangrave)|Claim ''Vate's Shelter'']] || ''Vate's Shelter'' recovered
|-
| 20 || Zenith, Lustri, Danwyn's Path || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Root_and_branch#Ideas_of_Importance_(Zenith)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated
|-
| 21 || Miekarova, Mieriada, Painted Clearing || [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Painted_(Miekarova)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 22 || Therunin, Eastring, Toxic Sward || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Willow_and_rain#A_Veil_Hides|Defeat the heralds and the Druj]] || Druj and heralds of [[Arhallogen]] defeated
|-
| 23 || Skarsind, Estermark, Mormyk Woods || [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Herding_(Skarsind)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 24 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle's Field || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Root_and_branch#Hummingbird's_Secret_(The_Barrens)|Kill the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen]] || Heralds of Arhallogen and Druj killed
|-
| 25 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, Dunhall Copse || [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Corpse_(Hahnmark)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 26 || Mareave, Beoraidh, Black Sand Tower || [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] || [[I_wish_you_would#Lord_Morath_(Conjunction)|Meet the visiting Grendel wind lord]] || Unclear, but '''Finna''', Ambassador to the Grendel, should know more
|-
|}

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-09-07T19:53:18Z

Castaras: /* Overview */ eventually i'll remember to put in the full title including the bracketted bits

{{stub}}
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Windsandclouds.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)|Has Reared Himself a Throne]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/08/16"| 16/08 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)|Diadem on my Brow]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/08/22"| 22/08 || Imperial address
|-
| [[#Troop of Echoes (Axos)|Troop of Echoes]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Axos
|-
| [[#The Highest Calling|The Highest Calling]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Imperial Synod
|-
| [[#Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)|Any Port In A Storm]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)|Threats That Are To Come]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Die Beurteilung
|-
| [[#Kingdom By The Sea|Kingdom by the sea]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#A Dark And Stormy Night|A dark and stormy night]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)|An iron feast]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[#All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)|All the night-tide]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Sarcophan Delves
|-
| [[#Carved in Stone|Carved in stone]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Synod
|-
| [[#We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)|We give the future to the winds]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Faraden
|-
| [[#My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)|My passions from a common spring]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Jarm and Commonwealth
|-
| [[#Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)|Drowned in tears]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Asavea and Sumaah
|-
| [[#Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)|Climb every mountain]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Sword Scholars
|-
|}
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago]] || [[Drowned in tears#Asavea|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Troop of echoes|Troop of Echoes]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Commonwealth|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[We give the future to the winds]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Princpalities of Jarm|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Drowned in tears#Sumaah|Drowned in tears]]
|-
|}
As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Watcher of the Semmerlak; Imperial Military Council'''
Each season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]]. The eternals are bound to respond, although the exact nature of that response is up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, and as the Summer Solstice approaches, <s>five</s> six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Two have agreed to some kind of meeting; four have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received. One of those responses is... not quite like the others.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne]]''' wind of fortune.
===Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Empress Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, calling on the Empire to commit themselves to the defeat of the [[Druj]], and to the conquest and liberation of [[Sarangrave]], as well as to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Diadem on my brow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Troop of Echoes (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council; Voice of Liberty; Imperial Synod; Imperial Fleet Captains; Shuttered Lantern and Imperial Conclave; Singer of the Silence'''
To the east of the Empire lies the tiny nation of [[Axos]]. Following upheaval and scandal it appears to be settling down, and undergoing a period of renewal. Both the Imperial and Axou ambassadors have changed - perhaps this presages a bold new future of good relations between the Empire and the Citadels? Either way there are matters of concern to Imperial citizens, both on the diplomatic and day-to-day level that will surely be of interest to anyone who looks beyond the Empire's borders.

You can learn about the situation with Axos, along with a few sticky questions to address, in the '''[[Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Highest Calling===
* '''National assemblies (other than Wintermark, Varushka, and Urizen); Virtue assemblies'''
The [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] delivered a powerful sermon, one consequence of which was to give the General Assembly an [[opportunity]] to throw its moral weight behind a single virtuous endeavour. A [[greater majority]] in support of any one of these great causes would have united people in the service of a single goal; instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. Subsequently, they enacted a [[mandate]] calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what goal was most important to ''them''.

You can read about the consequences of that mandate, not only for the virtue and national assemblies but for the General Assembly itself, in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Varushka, especially the Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore and the Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak; Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves'''
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even ''more'' [[Prosperity|Prosperous]].

You can learn about the results of the [[appraisal]], and its potential impact on various different groups, in the '''[[Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)===
* '''The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Imperial Senate; The Marches potentially; Imperial Military Council; Ambassador to the Commonwealth'''
At the Summer Solstice, the '''Kleists''' and '''Cees van Holberg''', secured the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]]. This gave them the right to request that the visiting scholars of the [[Commonwealth]] investigate a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the Prognosticator's Office. ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' leads the group of adventurous [[Commonwealth]] academics whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. They requested a study of ways to secure the supply of food and water to [[Holberg]], with an eye both to enduring sieges and supporting large numbers of refugees should the need arise.

You can find out about the findings of [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]], and how it might impact the various peoples of Holberg, in the '''[[Threats that are to come]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Kingdom By The Sea===
* '''Fleet captains; Imperial Military Council'''
The captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos and his heralds]] to discuss the expedition and hope for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was wondering what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]].

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded his [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] to find adventure for the Empire's captains; Three of his favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and prepared three possible [[voyage|expeditions]] for the fleets of the Empire to consider.

You can learn about these three voyages, and what they entail, in the '''[[Kingdom by the sea]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=150}}
===A Dark And Stormy Night===
* '''Urizen and the League; Imperial Spymaster; Vigilance assembly; spies'''
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring there, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued]] ''Victo von Temeschwar''. At the same time, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt]] for enemies of the Empire. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. At the very last moment they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.

You can find out shadowing events in the south-east, and the ongoing war of spies, in the '''[[A dark and stormy night]]''' wind of fortune.

===An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox, he has offered two challenges; a challenge of stealth and speed and a challenge of creativity. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune.
===All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; the League; Imperial Apothecaries' Guild; Kruidenkenner Trademaster, Master of the Root and Stem; the Brass Coast; Wintermark Farmers; Imperial Consul; Minister for Historical Research; Imperial Conclave'''
Always striving for neutrality, the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] balance any number of interests in the pursuit of profit and security. They gave up the practice of slavery without regret, refused to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord, but recently took steps to combat the growth in piracy on [[the seven seas]]. The stand they have taken has benefitted the Empire, ending the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]]-sponsored attacks on ships trading with Imperial ports. Further to these achievements, they look for new opportunities to invest in the Empire for the mutual prosperity of all involved.

You can learn about proposed investments, and diplomatic relations with the Sarcophan Delves, in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Carved in Stone===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wisdom, Prosperity, and Vigilance Assemblies; Loyalty Assembly and Wintermark'''
* '''Last updated 06/06/2025'''
Oaths are a [[hearth magic|serious business]]. Case in point; the [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|oaths]] sworn by four members of the Assembly of Nine to bear [[aura|auras]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Some of those oaths have been broken, and with a certain inevitability, consequences follow on the anniversary of the oath-taking, at the point where the oath should have ended. At the same time, it is perhaps apposite that just as this moment looms large, the [[Wintermark]] Assembly and the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] take their own steps to recognise the importance of oaths, and the keeping thereof.

You can learn about unexpected consequences, and the hallowing of oaths, in the '''[[Carved in stone]]''' wind of fortune.

===We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)===
* '''Faraden Ambassador; Gatekeepers; Imperial Senate; Varushka, Dawn, the Marches'''
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire across the Lasambrian hills and on the other side of the [[Jotun]] domain. They are enthusiastic traders whose caravans have become increasingly common in Imperial territory over the last couple of years. In the past a cloud of resentment and frustration has hung over relations between Faraden and the Empire but recent relations have been increasingly positive. Of course there is always a nail in the haystack; in this case it is the meddling of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] among the families of the west.

You can learn about various opportunities, and the gentle threat of the Asaveans, in the '''[[We give the future to the winds]]''' wind of fortune.
===My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Imperial fleet captains; Voice of Liberty; Advisor on the Vallorn; Imperial Military Council'''
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. The Commonwealth are allies of the Empire through the [[Liberty Pact]], while relations with the Principalities have rarely been more strained. Yet there are diplomatic opportunities with both nations, and while Jarm and the Empire may be at odds they are not at war with each other.

You can learn about the situation in the east, and several opportunities related to it, in the '''[[My passions from a common spring]]''' wind of fortune.
===Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassadors to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Fleet Captains; the Brass Coast'''
[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] remains at war with both the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic]]. The latter, staunch adherents of the orthodox Way, continue to remain friendly with their Imperial allies, not only thanks to the [[Liberty Pact]] but in gratitude for recent aid offered in fighting off Asavean aggression in their home waters. For their part, Imperial priests remain committed to spreading the Way to Asavea, or to inspiring a bloody uprising against the Plenum that would see the nation fundamentally changed. The [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]] is a place of turmoil and conflict at the moment, beset with storms that show no sign of dying down any time soon.

You can learn about the situation in the west, and opportunities to both spread chaos and accord, in the '''[[Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Urizen.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)===
* '''Urizen Assembly; Imperial Senate'''
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered. Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - it's power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory. Those who refused to lay down their swords apparently retreated back into the mountains. Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.

You can find out about the conflict between Urizen and the Disciples of Sulemaine, and ways to address their potential threat, in the '''[[Climb every mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 19:55 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 19:55 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Spring Heralds Volunteering===
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Spring heralds'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume: robes or tunics in white, green or earth tones'''
*'''The role will last around two hours, starting at 21:00 on Saturday'''
*'''The role will involve talking with player characters, some amount of walking and standing. There will be lighting but it could be dim'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Spring Herald Volunteer E4" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email before 18:00 on Saturday 6th September if you are interested in volunteering'''
*'''It is not possible to volunteer for this encounter if you play a character in Navarr'''
This is an opportunity to portray heralds of one of the Spring eternals known to the Empire. The eternal will not be made public before the encounter. This will be an encounter where heralds will be talking to large groups of player characters: conversing and giving gifts. It is not intended to be a combat encounter; however, it is possible that the player characters could attack you, so you would have to be comfortable with this possibility.

There will not be seating and some amount of walking and standing would be needed. The light will likely be dim but no reading is required.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

==Trade Summary==
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Summer Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Summer Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, The Rushes, ''Cinder Drove'']]</td><td>Kill the Guardian</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|Breaking Burhfæst]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; The Mountain Bulwark was destroyed; the Clakes were rescued; Sammy Clake was executed in Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Liathaven|Liathaven, West Ranging, ''Far Steading'']]</td><td>Destroy the Mechanism</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Tinker's_Tribute_(Battle_Opportunity)|Tinker's Tribute]]</td><td>Not taken; a fortification has been completed in West Ranging; the two injured Feni died; Forge's Aegis was lost</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Kroll, ''Palace Expanse'']]</td><td>Break the Enchantment</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|Shine a Light]]</td><td>Not taken; Palace of Sleepers has escaped; Het Trakaa remains alive; Krollthorned remain a threat</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zenith|Zenith, Proceris, ''Plantation of Tall Ferns'']]</td><td>Poison the Sac</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|A Sackful of Poison]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was ''' Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' of [[Urizen]]; Egg sac poisoned; ''Orbubus' Weepers'' survive </td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Warthill Woods || '''Jedediah Boon || [[Shovels_and_spades#A_Matter_of_Property_(Mournwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated and eight wains of [[mithril]] delivered to ''Jonah John'' in time for the Autumn Equinox
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Dunfrith || [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] || [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Blades_in_the_Mark_(Hahnmark)|Investigate the source of trouble]] || Murderer identified and escorted out of village. No report of trial from local magistrate.
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Greensward, Honour's Rest Fields || [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#On_Honour's_Fields|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 4 || Liathaven, West Ranging, Halbera's Stockade || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Bonds|Kill ''Halbera Strongarm'']] || ''Halbera Strongarm'' killed
|-
| 5 || Mournwold, Greensward, Farstrider Approach || [[Bailiff of the Downs]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#Raindrops|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 6 || Therunin, Eastring, Glimmerwater || ''Eanna Glimmerwater || [[When_I_met_you#Lights_in_the_Dark|Bask in the lantern]] || Lantern basked in
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Typhawn's Pen || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[The_prettiest_star#Snow_(Eleonaris)_(Conjunction)|Kill ''Typhawn'']] || ''Typhawn'' killed
|-
| 8 || Liathaven, Liath's Ring, Sigryn's Bawn || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#To_Surprise_Kings_and_Queens|Defeat the heralds]] || Construct and heralds of [[Eleonaris]] killed
|-
| 9 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Freydi's Meadow || [[Autumn Hammers|General of the Autumn Hammers]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Another_Plan|Recover the construct]] || Heralds of Eleonaris killed and construct recovered
|-
| 10 || Miaren, Serenael, Seren Temple Building Site || [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] || [[A_thousand_steps#A_Great_Dance_for_Seren_%28Conjunction%29|Ease the passing of the ghosts]] || Unclear, but '''Tanwen''', the Eternal Flame of Miaren, should know more
|-
| 11 || Skallahn, Fareskov, The Dark Woods || '''Eerikki Korpi || [[The_prettiest_star#A_Walk_in_Dark_Woods_(Sadogua)|Enter the dark woods of Fareskov on behalf of the Toad King]] || Unclear, but '''Eerikki Korpi''' should know more
|-
| 12 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, Broken Grove || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Plan_Succeeds_(Necropolis)|Kill the servants of the Red God]] || Servants of the Red God killed
|-
| 13 || Mareave, Icarion, The Courath's Hold || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Flags_(Mareave)|Defeat the ''Courath of Icarion'']] || ''Courath of Icarion'' defeated and Stormcaller recovered
|-
| 14 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Mjod’s Glen || [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Sense_of_Doubt_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the coral husks]] || All coral husks destroyed
|-
| 15 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Halkrin's Orchard || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Expectations_(Mareave)|Defeat the Grendel and claim the cache]] || Resources recovered
|-
| 16 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Picklers Marsh || [[The Academy|Cadet Commander]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Fascination_(Bregasland)|Rescue the magicians]] || Magician rescued and escorted back to Anvil
|-
| 17 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Untrod Wilds || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Willow_and_rain#Scent_of_Madness|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and resources recovered
|-
| 18 || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Darkened Glade || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Lose_the_Sun_(Brocéliande)|Kill the cult's leaders]] || Cult's leaders killed
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Ghulai's Rest || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Portion_of_Wisdom_(Sarangrave)|Claim ''Vate's Shelter'']] || ''Vate's Shelter'' recovered
|-
| 20 || Zenith, Lustri, Danwyn's Path || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Root_and_branch#Ideas_of_Importance_(Zenith)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated
|-
| 21 || Miekarova, Mieriada, Painted Clearing || [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Painted_(Miekarova)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 22 || Therunin, Eastring, Toxic Sward || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Willow_and_rain#A_Veil_Hides|Defeat the heralds and the Druj]] || Druj and heralds of [[Arhallogen]] defeated
|-
| 23 || Skarsind, Estermark, Mormyk Woods || [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Herding_(Skarsind)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 24 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle's Field || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Root_and_branch#Hummingbird's_Secret_(The_Barrens)|Kill the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen]] || Heralds of Arhallogen and Druj killed
|-
| 25 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, Dunhall Copse || [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Corpse_(Hahnmark)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 26 || Mareave, Beoraidh, Black Sand Tower || [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] || [[I_wish_you_would#Lord_Morath_(Conjunction)|Meet the visiting Grendel wind lord]] || Unclear, but '''Finna''', Ambassador to the Grendel, should know more
|-
|}

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-09-07T19:51:29Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

{{stub}}
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Windsandclouds.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)|Has Reared Himself a Throne]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/08/16"| 16/08 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)|Diadem on my Brow]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/08/22"| 22/08 || Imperial address
|-
| [[#Troop of Echoes (Axos)|Troop of Echoes]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Axos
|-
| [[#The Highest Calling|The Highest Calling]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Imperial Synod
|-
| [[#Any Port In A Storm|Any Port In A Storm]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Threats That Are To Come|Threats That Are To Come]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Die Beurteilung
|-
| [[#Kingdom By The Sea|Kingdom by the sea]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#A Dark And Stormy Night|A dark and stormy night]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#An Iron Feast|An iron feast]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[#All the Night-Tide|All the night-tide]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Sarcophan Delves
|-
| [[#Carved in Stone|Carved in stone]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Synod
|-
| [[#We Give The Future To The Winds|We give the future to the winds]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Faraden
|-
| [[#My Passions From A Common Spring|My passions from a common spring]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Jarm and Commonwealth
|-
| [[#Drowned in Tears|Drowned in tears]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Asavea and Sumaah
|-
| [[#Climb Every Mountain|Climb every mountain]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/09/07"| 07/09 || Sword Scholars
|-
|}
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago]] || [[Drowned in tears#Asavea|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Troop of echoes|Troop of Echoes]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Commonwealth|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[We give the future to the winds]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Princpalities of Jarm|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Drowned in tears#Sumaah|Drowned in tears]]
|-
|}
As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Watcher of the Semmerlak; Imperial Military Council'''
Each season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]]. The eternals are bound to respond, although the exact nature of that response is up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, and as the Summer Solstice approaches, <s>five</s> six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Two have agreed to some kind of meeting; four have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received. One of those responses is... not quite like the others.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne]]''' wind of fortune.
===Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Empress Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, calling on the Empire to commit themselves to the defeat of the [[Druj]], and to the conquest and liberation of [[Sarangrave]], as well as to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Diadem on my brow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Troop of Echoes (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council; Voice of Liberty; Imperial Synod; Imperial Fleet Captains; Shuttered Lantern and Imperial Conclave; Singer of the Silence'''
To the east of the Empire lies the tiny nation of [[Axos]]. Following upheaval and scandal it appears to be settling down, and undergoing a period of renewal. Both the Imperial and Axou ambassadors have changed - perhaps this presages a bold new future of good relations between the Empire and the Citadels? Either way there are matters of concern to Imperial citizens, both on the diplomatic and day-to-day level that will surely be of interest to anyone who looks beyond the Empire's borders.

You can learn about the situation with Axos, along with a few sticky questions to address, in the '''[[Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Highest Calling===
* '''National assemblies (other than Wintermark, Varushka, and Urizen); Virtue assemblies'''
The [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] delivered a powerful sermon, one consequence of which was to give the General Assembly an [[opportunity]] to throw its moral weight behind a single virtuous endeavour. A [[greater majority]] in support of any one of these great causes would have united people in the service of a single goal; instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. Subsequently, they enacted a [[mandate]] calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what goal was most important to ''them''.

You can read about the consequences of that mandate, not only for the virtue and national assemblies but for the General Assembly itself, in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Varushka, especially the Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore and the Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak; Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves'''
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even ''more'' [[Prosperity|Prosperous]].

You can learn about the results of the [[appraisal]], and its potential impact on various different groups, in the '''[[Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)===
* '''The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Imperial Senate; The Marches potentially; Imperial Military Council; Ambassador to the Commonwealth'''
At the Summer Solstice, the '''Kleists''' and '''Cees van Holberg''', secured the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]]. This gave them the right to request that the visiting scholars of the [[Commonwealth]] investigate a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the Prognosticator's Office. ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' leads the group of adventurous [[Commonwealth]] academics whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. They requested a study of ways to secure the supply of food and water to [[Holberg]], with an eye both to enduring sieges and supporting large numbers of refugees should the need arise.

You can find out about the findings of [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]], and how it might impact the various peoples of Holberg, in the '''[[Threats that are to come]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Kingdom By The Sea===
* '''Fleet captains; Imperial Military Council'''
The captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos and his heralds]] to discuss the expedition and hope for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was wondering what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]].

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded his [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] to find adventure for the Empire's captains; Three of his favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and prepared three possible [[voyage|expeditions]] for the fleets of the Empire to consider.

You can learn about these three voyages, and what they entail, in the '''[[Kingdom by the sea]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=150}}
===A Dark And Stormy Night===
* '''Urizen and the League; Imperial Spymaster; Vigilance assembly; spies'''
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring there, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued]] ''Victo von Temeschwar''. At the same time, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt]] for enemies of the Empire. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. At the very last moment they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.

You can find out shadowing events in the south-east, and the ongoing war of spies, in the '''[[A dark and stormy night]]''' wind of fortune.

===An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox, he has offered two challenges; a challenge of stealth and speed and a challenge of creativity. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune.
===All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; the League; Imperial Apothecaries' Guild; Kruidenkenner Trademaster, Master of the Root and Stem; the Brass Coast; Wintermark Farmers; Imperial Consul; Minister for Historical Research; Imperial Conclave'''
Always striving for neutrality, the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] balance any number of interests in the pursuit of profit and security. They gave up the practice of slavery without regret, refused to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord, but recently took steps to combat the growth in piracy on [[the seven seas]]. The stand they have taken has benefitted the Empire, ending the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]]-sponsored attacks on ships trading with Imperial ports. Further to these achievements, they look for new opportunities to invest in the Empire for the mutual prosperity of all involved.

You can learn about proposed investments, and diplomatic relations with the Sarcophan Delves, in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Carved in Stone===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wisdom, Prosperity, and Vigilance Assemblies; Loyalty Assembly and Wintermark'''
* '''Last updated 06/06/2025'''
Oaths are a [[hearth magic|serious business]]. Case in point; the [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|oaths]] sworn by four members of the Assembly of Nine to bear [[aura|auras]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Some of those oaths have been broken, and with a certain inevitability, consequences follow on the anniversary of the oath-taking, at the point where the oath should have ended. At the same time, it is perhaps apposite that just as this moment looms large, the [[Wintermark]] Assembly and the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] take their own steps to recognise the importance of oaths, and the keeping thereof.

You can learn about unexpected consequences, and the hallowing of oaths, in the '''[[Carved in stone]]''' wind of fortune.

===We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)===
* '''Faraden Ambassador; Gatekeepers; Imperial Senate; Varushka, Dawn, the Marches'''
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire across the Lasambrian hills and on the other side of the [[Jotun]] domain. They are enthusiastic traders whose caravans have become increasingly common in Imperial territory over the last couple of years. In the past a cloud of resentment and frustration has hung over relations between Faraden and the Empire but recent relations have been increasingly positive. Of course there is always a nail in the haystack; in this case it is the meddling of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] among the families of the west.

You can learn about various opportunities, and the gentle threat of the Asaveans, in the '''[[We give the future to the winds]]''' wind of fortune.
===My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Imperial fleet captains; Voice of Liberty; Advisor on the Vallorn; Imperial Military Council'''
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. The Commonwealth are allies of the Empire through the [[Liberty Pact]], while relations with the Principalities have rarely been more strained. Yet there are diplomatic opportunities with both nations, and while Jarm and the Empire may be at odds they are not at war with each other.

You can learn about the situation in the east, and several opportunities related to it, in the '''[[My passions from a common spring]]''' wind of fortune.
===Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassadors to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Fleet Captains; the Brass Coast'''
[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] remains at war with both the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic]]. The latter, staunch adherents of the orthodox Way, continue to remain friendly with their Imperial allies, not only thanks to the [[Liberty Pact]] but in gratitude for recent aid offered in fighting off Asavean aggression in their home waters. For their part, Imperial priests remain committed to spreading the Way to Asavea, or to inspiring a bloody uprising against the Plenum that would see the nation fundamentally changed. The [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]] is a place of turmoil and conflict at the moment, beset with storms that show no sign of dying down any time soon.

You can learn about the situation in the west, and opportunities to both spread chaos and accord, in the '''[[Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Urizen.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)===
* '''Urizen Assembly; Imperial Senate'''
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered. Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - it's power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory. Those who refused to lay down their swords apparently retreated back into the mountains. Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.

You can find out about the conflict between Urizen and the Disciples of Sulemaine, and ways to address their potential threat, in the '''[[Climb every mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 19:55 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 19:55 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Spring Heralds Volunteering===
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Spring heralds'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume: robes or tunics in white, green or earth tones'''
*'''The role will last around two hours, starting at 21:00 on Saturday'''
*'''The role will involve talking with player characters, some amount of walking and standing. There will be lighting but it could be dim'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Spring Herald Volunteer E4" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email before 18:00 on Saturday 6th September if you are interested in volunteering'''
*'''It is not possible to volunteer for this encounter if you play a character in Navarr'''
This is an opportunity to portray heralds of one of the Spring eternals known to the Empire. The eternal will not be made public before the encounter. This will be an encounter where heralds will be talking to large groups of player characters: conversing and giving gifts. It is not intended to be a combat encounter; however, it is possible that the player characters could attack you, so you would have to be comfortable with this possibility.

There will not be seating and some amount of walking and standing would be needed. The light will likely be dim but no reading is required.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

==Trade Summary==
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Summer Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Summer Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, The Rushes, ''Cinder Drove'']]</td><td>Kill the Guardian</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|Breaking Burhfæst]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; The Mountain Bulwark was destroyed; the Clakes were rescued; Sammy Clake was executed in Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Liathaven|Liathaven, West Ranging, ''Far Steading'']]</td><td>Destroy the Mechanism</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Tinker's_Tribute_(Battle_Opportunity)|Tinker's Tribute]]</td><td>Not taken; a fortification has been completed in West Ranging; the two injured Feni died; Forge's Aegis was lost</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Kroll, ''Palace Expanse'']]</td><td>Break the Enchantment</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|Shine a Light]]</td><td>Not taken; Palace of Sleepers has escaped; Het Trakaa remains alive; Krollthorned remain a threat</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zenith|Zenith, Proceris, ''Plantation of Tall Ferns'']]</td><td>Poison the Sac</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|A Sackful of Poison]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was ''' Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' of [[Urizen]]; Egg sac poisoned; ''Orbubus' Weepers'' survive </td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Warthill Woods || '''Jedediah Boon || [[Shovels_and_spades#A_Matter_of_Property_(Mournwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated and eight wains of [[mithril]] delivered to ''Jonah John'' in time for the Autumn Equinox
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Dunfrith || [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] || [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Blades_in_the_Mark_(Hahnmark)|Investigate the source of trouble]] || Murderer identified and escorted out of village. No report of trial from local magistrate.
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Greensward, Honour's Rest Fields || [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#On_Honour's_Fields|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 4 || Liathaven, West Ranging, Halbera's Stockade || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Bonds|Kill ''Halbera Strongarm'']] || ''Halbera Strongarm'' killed
|-
| 5 || Mournwold, Greensward, Farstrider Approach || [[Bailiff of the Downs]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#Raindrops|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 6 || Therunin, Eastring, Glimmerwater || ''Eanna Glimmerwater || [[When_I_met_you#Lights_in_the_Dark|Bask in the lantern]] || Lantern basked in
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Typhawn's Pen || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[The_prettiest_star#Snow_(Eleonaris)_(Conjunction)|Kill ''Typhawn'']] || ''Typhawn'' killed
|-
| 8 || Liathaven, Liath's Ring, Sigryn's Bawn || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#To_Surprise_Kings_and_Queens|Defeat the heralds]] || Construct and heralds of [[Eleonaris]] killed
|-
| 9 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Freydi's Meadow || [[Autumn Hammers|General of the Autumn Hammers]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Another_Plan|Recover the construct]] || Heralds of Eleonaris killed and construct recovered
|-
| 10 || Miaren, Serenael, Seren Temple Building Site || [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] || [[A_thousand_steps#A_Great_Dance_for_Seren_%28Conjunction%29|Ease the passing of the ghosts]] || Unclear, but '''Tanwen''', the Eternal Flame of Miaren, should know more
|-
| 11 || Skallahn, Fareskov, The Dark Woods || '''Eerikki Korpi || [[The_prettiest_star#A_Walk_in_Dark_Woods_(Sadogua)|Enter the dark woods of Fareskov on behalf of the Toad King]] || Unclear, but '''Eerikki Korpi''' should know more
|-
| 12 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, Broken Grove || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Plan_Succeeds_(Necropolis)|Kill the servants of the Red God]] || Servants of the Red God killed
|-
| 13 || Mareave, Icarion, The Courath's Hold || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Flags_(Mareave)|Defeat the ''Courath of Icarion'']] || ''Courath of Icarion'' defeated and Stormcaller recovered
|-
| 14 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Mjod’s Glen || [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Sense_of_Doubt_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the coral husks]] || All coral husks destroyed
|-
| 15 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Halkrin's Orchard || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Expectations_(Mareave)|Defeat the Grendel and claim the cache]] || Resources recovered
|-
| 16 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Picklers Marsh || [[The Academy|Cadet Commander]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Fascination_(Bregasland)|Rescue the magicians]] || Magician rescued and escorted back to Anvil
|-
| 17 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Untrod Wilds || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Willow_and_rain#Scent_of_Madness|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and resources recovered
|-
| 18 || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Darkened Glade || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Lose_the_Sun_(Brocéliande)|Kill the cult's leaders]] || Cult's leaders killed
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Ghulai's Rest || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Portion_of_Wisdom_(Sarangrave)|Claim ''Vate's Shelter'']] || ''Vate's Shelter'' recovered
|-
| 20 || Zenith, Lustri, Danwyn's Path || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Root_and_branch#Ideas_of_Importance_(Zenith)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated
|-
| 21 || Miekarova, Mieriada, Painted Clearing || [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Painted_(Miekarova)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 22 || Therunin, Eastring, Toxic Sward || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Willow_and_rain#A_Veil_Hides|Defeat the heralds and the Druj]] || Druj and heralds of [[Arhallogen]] defeated
|-
| 23 || Skarsind, Estermark, Mormyk Woods || [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Herding_(Skarsind)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 24 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle's Field || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Root_and_branch#Hummingbird's_Secret_(The_Barrens)|Kill the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen]] || Heralds of Arhallogen and Druj killed
|-
| 25 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, Dunhall Copse || [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Corpse_(Hahnmark)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 26 || Mareave, Beoraidh, Black Sand Tower || [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] || [[I_wish_you_would#Lord_Morath_(Conjunction)|Meet the visiting Grendel wind lord]] || Unclear, but '''Finna''', Ambassador to the Grendel, should know more
|-
|}

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-09-07T19:48:36Z

Castaras: /* Overview */ slowly adding in entries to the order released table

{{stub}}
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Windsandclouds.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)|Has Reared Himself a Throne]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/08/16"| 16/08 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)|Diadem on my Brow]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/08/22"| 22/08 || Imperial address
|-
| [[#Troop of Echoes (Axos)|Troop of Echoes]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Axos
|-
| [[#The Highest Calling|The Highest Calling]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Imperial Synod
|-
| [[#Any Port In A Storm|Any Port In A Storm]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Threats That Are To Come|Threats That Are To Come]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Die Beurteilung
|-
| [[#Kingdom By The Sea|Kingdom by the sea]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#A Dark And Stormy Night|A dark and stormy night]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 ||
|-
| [[#An Iron Feast|An iron feast]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[#All the Night-Tide|All the night-tide]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/09/05"| 05/09 || Sarcophan Delves
|-
| [[#Carved in Stone|Carved in stone]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Synod
|-
| [[#We Give The Future To The Winds|We give the future to the winds]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/09/06"| 06/09 || Faraden
|-
|}
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago]] || [[Drowned in tears#Asavea|Drowned in tears]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Troop of echoes|Troop of Echoes]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Commonwealth|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[We give the future to the winds]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm]] || [[My passions from a common spring#Princpalities of Jarm|My passions from a common spring]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[All the night-tide]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic]] || [[Drowned in tears#Sumaah|Drowned in tears]]
|-
|}
As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Watcher of the Semmerlak; Imperial Military Council'''
Each season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]]. The eternals are bound to respond, although the exact nature of that response is up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, and as the Summer Solstice approaches, <s>five</s> six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Two have agreed to some kind of meeting; four have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received. One of those responses is... not quite like the others.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne]]''' wind of fortune.
===Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Empress Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, calling on the Empire to commit themselves to the defeat of the [[Druj]], and to the conquest and liberation of [[Sarangrave]], as well as to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Diadem on my brow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Troop of Echoes (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council; Voice of Liberty; Imperial Synod; Imperial Fleet Captains; Shuttered Lantern and Imperial Conclave; Singer of the Silence'''
To the east of the Empire lies the tiny nation of [[Axos]]. Following upheaval and scandal it appears to be settling down, and undergoing a period of renewal. Both the Imperial and Axou ambassadors have changed - perhaps this presages a bold new future of good relations between the Empire and the Citadels? Either way there are matters of concern to Imperial citizens, both on the diplomatic and day-to-day level that will surely be of interest to anyone who looks beyond the Empire's borders.

You can learn about the situation with Axos, along with a few sticky questions to address, in the '''[[Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Highest Calling===
* '''National assemblies (other than Wintermark, Varushka, and Urizen); Virtue assemblies'''
The [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] delivered a powerful sermon, one consequence of which was to give the General Assembly an [[opportunity]] to throw its moral weight behind a single virtuous endeavour. A [[greater majority]] in support of any one of these great causes would have united people in the service of a single goal; instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. Subsequently, they enacted a [[mandate]] calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what goal was most important to ''them''.

You can read about the consequences of that mandate, not only for the virtue and national assemblies but for the General Assembly itself, in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Varushka, especially the Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore and the Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak; Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves'''
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even ''more'' [[Prosperity|Prosperous]].

You can learn about the results of the [[appraisal]], and its potential impact on various different groups, in the '''[[Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)===
* '''The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Imperial Senate; The Marches potentially; Imperial Military Council; Ambassador to the Commonwealth'''
At the Summer Solstice, the '''Kleists''' and '''Cees van Holberg''', secured the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]]. This gave them the right to request that the visiting scholars of the [[Commonwealth]] investigate a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the Prognosticator's Office. ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' leads the group of adventurous [[Commonwealth]] academics whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. They requested a study of ways to secure the supply of food and water to [[Holberg]], with an eye both to enduring sieges and supporting large numbers of refugees should the need arise.

You can find out about the findings of [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]], and how it might impact the various peoples of Holberg, in the '''[[Threats that are to come]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Kingdom By The Sea===
* '''Fleet captains; Imperial Military Council'''
The captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos and his heralds]] to discuss the expedition and hope for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was wondering what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]].

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded his [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] to find adventure for the Empire's captains; Three of his favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and prepared three possible [[voyage|expeditions]] for the fleets of the Empire to consider.

You can learn about these three voyages, and what they entail, in the '''[[Kingdom by the sea]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Vigilance.png|align=right|width=150}}
===A Dark And Stormy Night===
* '''Urizen and the League; Imperial Spymaster; Vigilance assembly; spies'''
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring there, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued]] ''Victo von Temeschwar''. At the same time, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt]] for enemies of the Empire. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. At the very last moment they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.

You can find out shadowing events in the south-east, and the ongoing war of spies, in the '''[[A dark and stormy night]]''' wind of fortune.

===An Iron Feast (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
Each season the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Autumn Equinox, he has offered two challenges; a challenge of stealth and speed and a challenge of creativity. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the '''[[An iron feast]]''' wind of fortune.
===All the Night-Tide (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Highguard; Bishop of the Navigators; the League; Imperial Apothecaries' Guild; Kruidenkenner Trademaster, Master of the Root and Stem; the Brass Coast; Wintermark Farmers; Imperial Consul; Minister for Historical Research; Imperial Conclave'''
Always striving for neutrality, the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] balance any number of interests in the pursuit of profit and security. They gave up the practice of slavery without regret, refused to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord, but recently took steps to combat the growth in piracy on [[the seven seas]]. The stand they have taken has benefitted the Empire, ending the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]]-sponsored attacks on ships trading with Imperial ports. Further to these achievements, they look for new opportunities to invest in the Empire for the mutual prosperity of all involved.

You can learn about proposed investments, and diplomatic relations with the Sarcophan Delves, in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Carved in Stone===
* '''Imperial Synod; Wisdom, Prosperity, and Vigilance Assemblies; Loyalty Assembly and Wintermark'''
* '''Last updated 06/06/2025'''
Oaths are a [[hearth magic|serious business]]. Case in point; the [[Victory_and_unity#Problematic_Priest|oaths]] sworn by four members of the Assembly of Nine to bear [[aura|auras]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Some of those oaths have been broken, and with a certain inevitability, consequences follow on the anniversary of the oath-taking, at the point where the oath should have ended. At the same time, it is perhaps apposite that just as this moment looms large, the [[Wintermark]] Assembly and the Assembly of [[Loyalty]] take their own steps to recognise the importance of oaths, and the keeping thereof.

You can learn about unexpected consequences, and the hallowing of oaths, in the '''[[Carved in stone]]''' wind of fortune.

===We Give The Future To The Winds (Faraden)===
* '''Faraden Ambassador; Gatekeepers; Imperial Senate; Varushka, Dawn, the Marches'''
[[Faraden]] lies to the west of the Empire across the Lasambrian hills and on the other side of the [[Jotun]] domain. They are enthusiastic traders whose caravans have become increasingly common in Imperial territory over the last couple of years. In the past a cloud of resentment and frustration has hung over relations between Faraden and the Empire but recent relations have been increasingly positive. Of course there is always a nail in the haystack; in this case it is the meddling of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] among the families of the west.

You can learn about various opportunities, and the gentle threat of the Asaveans, in the '''[[We give the future to the winds]]''' wind of fortune.
===My Passions From A Common Spring (Jarm, Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Imperial fleet captains; Voice of Liberty; Advisor on the Vallorn; Imperial Military Council'''
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. The Commonwealth are allies of the Empire through the [[Liberty Pact]], while relations with the Principalities have rarely been more strained. Yet there are diplomatic opportunities with both nations, and while Jarm and the Empire may be at odds they are not at war with each other.

You can learn about the situation in the east, and several opportunities related to it, in the '''[[My passions from a common spring]]''' wind of fortune.
===Drowned in Tears (Asavea, Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassadors to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Fleet Captains; the Brass Coast'''
[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] remains at war with both the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic]]. The latter, staunch adherents of the orthodox Way, continue to remain friendly with their Imperial allies, not only thanks to the [[Liberty Pact]] but in gratitude for recent aid offered in fighting off Asavean aggression in their home waters. For their part, Imperial priests remain committed to spreading the Way to Asavea, or to inspiring a bloody uprising against the Plenum that would see the nation fundamentally changed. The [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]] is a place of turmoil and conflict at the moment, beset with storms that show no sign of dying down any time soon.

You can learn about the situation in the west, and opportunities to both spread chaos and accord, in the '''[[Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Urizen.png|width=150|align=right}}

===Climb Every Mountain (Sword Scholars)===
* '''Urizen Assembly; Imperial Senate'''
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered. Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - it's power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory. Those who refused to lay down their swords apparently retreated back into the mountains. Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.

You can find out about the conflict between Urizen and the Disciples of Sulemaine, and ways to address their potential threat, in the '''[[Climb every mountain]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 19:55 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 19:55 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Spring Heralds Volunteering===
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Spring heralds'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume: robes or tunics in white, green or earth tones'''
*'''The role will last around two hours, starting at 21:00 on Saturday'''
*'''The role will involve talking with player characters, some amount of walking and standing. There will be lighting but it could be dim'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Spring Herald Volunteer E4" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email before 18:00 on Saturday 6th September if you are interested in volunteering'''
*'''It is not possible to volunteer for this encounter if you play a character in Navarr'''
This is an opportunity to portray heralds of one of the Spring eternals known to the Empire. The eternal will not be made public before the encounter. This will be an encounter where heralds will be talking to large groups of player characters: conversing and giving gifts. It is not intended to be a combat encounter; however, it is possible that the player characters could attack you, so you would have to be comfortable with this possibility.

There will not be seating and some amount of walking and standing would be needed. The light will likely be dim but no reading is required.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

==Trade Summary==
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Summer Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Summer Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, The Rushes, ''Cinder Drove'']]</td><td>Kill the Guardian</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|Breaking Burhfæst]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; The Mountain Bulwark was destroyed; the Clakes were rescued; Sammy Clake was executed in Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Liathaven|Liathaven, West Ranging, ''Far Steading'']]</td><td>Destroy the Mechanism</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Tinker's_Tribute_(Battle_Opportunity)|Tinker's Tribute]]</td><td>Not taken; a fortification has been completed in West Ranging; the two injured Feni died; Forge's Aegis was lost</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Kroll, ''Palace Expanse'']]</td><td>Break the Enchantment</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|Shine a Light]]</td><td>Not taken; Palace of Sleepers has escaped; Het Trakaa remains alive; Krollthorned remain a threat</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zenith|Zenith, Proceris, ''Plantation of Tall Ferns'']]</td><td>Poison the Sac</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|A Sackful of Poison]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was ''' Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' of [[Urizen]]; Egg sac poisoned; ''Orbubus' Weepers'' survive </td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Warthill Woods || '''Jedediah Boon || [[Shovels_and_spades#A_Matter_of_Property_(Mournwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated and eight wains of [[mithril]] delivered to ''Jonah John'' in time for the Autumn Equinox
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Dunfrith || [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] || [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Blades_in_the_Mark_(Hahnmark)|Investigate the source of trouble]] || Murderer identified and escorted out of village. No report of trial from local magistrate.
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Greensward, Honour's Rest Fields || [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#On_Honour's_Fields|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 4 || Liathaven, West Ranging, Halbera's Stockade || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Bonds|Kill ''Halbera Strongarm'']] || ''Halbera Strongarm'' killed
|-
| 5 || Mournwold, Greensward, Farstrider Approach || [[Bailiff of the Downs]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#Raindrops|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 6 || Therunin, Eastring, Glimmerwater || ''Eanna Glimmerwater || [[When_I_met_you#Lights_in_the_Dark|Bask in the lantern]] || Lantern basked in
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Typhawn's Pen || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[The_prettiest_star#Snow_(Eleonaris)_(Conjunction)|Kill ''Typhawn'']] || ''Typhawn'' killed
|-
| 8 || Liathaven, Liath's Ring, Sigryn's Bawn || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#To_Surprise_Kings_and_Queens|Defeat the heralds]] || Construct and heralds of [[Eleonaris]] killed
|-
| 9 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Freydi's Meadow || [[Autumn Hammers|General of the Autumn Hammers]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Another_Plan|Recover the construct]] || Heralds of Eleonaris killed and construct recovered
|-
| 10 || Miaren, Serenael, Seren Temple Building Site || [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] || [[A_thousand_steps#A_Great_Dance_for_Seren_%28Conjunction%29|Ease the passing of the ghosts]] || Unclear, but '''Tanwen''', the Eternal Flame of Miaren, should know more
|-
| 11 || Skallahn, Fareskov, The Dark Woods || '''Eerikki Korpi || [[The_prettiest_star#A_Walk_in_Dark_Woods_(Sadogua)|Enter the dark woods of Fareskov on behalf of the Toad King]] || Unclear, but '''Eerikki Korpi''' should know more
|-
| 12 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, Broken Grove || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Plan_Succeeds_(Necropolis)|Kill the servants of the Red God]] || Servants of the Red God killed
|-
| 13 || Mareave, Icarion, The Courath's Hold || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Flags_(Mareave)|Defeat the ''Courath of Icarion'']] || ''Courath of Icarion'' defeated and Stormcaller recovered
|-
| 14 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Mjod’s Glen || [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Sense_of_Doubt_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the coral husks]] || All coral husks destroyed
|-
| 15 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Halkrin's Orchard || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Expectations_(Mareave)|Defeat the Grendel and claim the cache]] || Resources recovered
|-
| 16 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Picklers Marsh || [[The Academy|Cadet Commander]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Fascination_(Bregasland)|Rescue the magicians]] || Magician rescued and escorted back to Anvil
|-
| 17 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Untrod Wilds || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Willow_and_rain#Scent_of_Madness|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and resources recovered
|-
| 18 || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Darkened Glade || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Lose_the_Sun_(Brocéliande)|Kill the cult's leaders]] || Cult's leaders killed
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Ghulai's Rest || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Portion_of_Wisdom_(Sarangrave)|Claim ''Vate's Shelter'']] || ''Vate's Shelter'' recovered
|-
| 20 || Zenith, Lustri, Danwyn's Path || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Root_and_branch#Ideas_of_Importance_(Zenith)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated
|-
| 21 || Miekarova, Mieriada, Painted Clearing || [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Painted_(Miekarova)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 22 || Therunin, Eastring, Toxic Sward || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Willow_and_rain#A_Veil_Hides|Defeat the heralds and the Druj]] || Druj and heralds of [[Arhallogen]] defeated
|-
| 23 || Skarsind, Estermark, Mormyk Woods || [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Herding_(Skarsind)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 24 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle's Field || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Root_and_branch#Hummingbird's_Secret_(The_Barrens)|Kill the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen]] || Heralds of Arhallogen and Druj killed
|-
| 25 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, Dunhall Copse || [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Corpse_(Hahnmark)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 26 || Mareave, Beoraidh, Black Sand Tower || [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] || [[I_wish_you_would#Lord_Morath_(Conjunction)|Meet the visiting Grendel wind lord]] || Unclear, but '''Finna''', Ambassador to the Grendel, should know more
|-
|}

My passions from a common spring

2025-09-06T19:29:13Z

Castaras: /* On Diplomacy */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Sofia backed away, eyes darting left and right, her shield covering her body ready to shift to protect her legs at a moment. Her tempest-jade rod has bloodied in her hand but despite her exhaustion it did not waver. The two heavily armoured soldiers kept their own shields raised, advancing carefully. She and her coven had shown them the danger of underestimating their power. The moment one of them overextended, she could send them flying into the bitter sea and they all knew that the steel that so effectively protected them from blades and arrows was useless against her magic.

Of the rest of her unit, she could only see Rasmus. He lay on his back staring sightless up at the sky, two crossbow bolts nested in his chest. In his heart. She couldn't afford to look at him for too long, to take her eyes of the two soldiers for too long. The chaos of battle raged around them, ships burning and sinking, spells and steel clashing, voices shouting or crying, smoke and salt and blood mixing together in the attar of war.

She hoped the others were below decks, somehow. Securing the vessel, as they had been ordered. At any moment, perhaps, her comrades would erupt from below, put down these arrogant dogs, capture the ship. Surely all she had to do was keep them busy for a little longer. Surely.

"Come on then," she spat with a bravado she did not feel. "I do not have all day!"

She didn't speak a lot of their grating "Common Speech", only enough to threaten and brag. She didn't expect any of them to be speak a civilised tongue, so was startled when the one on the left spoke haltingly in the language of her home.

"You are beaten. Give up. You will not be hurt." The warrior's accent was atrocious, like they were speaking through a mouthful of mush. She couldn't see their face, hidden behind the same encasing steal that sheathed their body.

In response she spat a word she had learned was a terrible insult to the Commonwealth. The other soldier growled deep in their throat, and advanced half a step. A mistake, and a potentially fatal one. Sofia darted forward swinging her rod and speaking the words of power without thought, as she had been taught to do in battle. She flowed from one motion to the next and with a roar the soldier went sprawling backwards, over the rail, out of sight, into the welcoming embrace of the bloody water. She didn't see them fall - she was already spinning to strike their companion in the same movement, invoking the power of her implement, feeling the power of Summer erupt through her. The angle was wrong, though. They were hurled across the deck into the mast, hitting it with crushing force, held in place for a few precious moments by the power of her magic.

The sudden pain in her leg was excruciating. It robbed her of breath - too immediate and intense even to let her scream. She went down heavily, sprawling. Her knee was shattered. A snub, vicious little bolt buried almost to the fletching protruded from her mage armour. Tears of agony blurred her vision. She scrambled for her rod, and a second bolt took her in the shoulder tearing sinew and shattering bone. She cried out this time, tried to sit up, tried to bring her shield to bear but she couldn't seem to focus. Her limbs wouldn't obey her.

As her vision started to darken, she saw the third Commonwealth soldier walking slowly toward her across the deck, carefully loading the third and final bolt into their crossbow. She tried to find something defiant to snarl, but she couldn't seem to remember anything pithy for some reason.

"I hate you," she whispered at last, as her enemy raised the crossbow toward her.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tumultuous Ripples.jpg|align=left|caption=Tumultuous ripples spread out from the little land-locked nation of Lantir and risk swamping shores across the known world.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.
==War in the East==
* '''The war between the Commonwealth and the Principalities of Jarm continues in the east
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. ''Militärattache Schöningen'' indicates that the Commonwealth armies continue to make good use of some of the battlefield rituals shared with them by the [[Imperial Conclave]]. The Principalities of Jarm continue to appreciate the decision of the Empire not to become involved in a "boots on the ground" capacity. There is no indication that either side is going to declare victory any time soon - but likewise there is no indication that they plan to back down.

Both the Commonwealth and Jarm are Proud, stiff-necked nations, and this conflict isn't ''really'' about Lantir so much as it is a clash of ideology - for all that the Magician-Princes might claim otherwise. It is a bitter irony perhaps that both sides are motivated by the desire for liberty and freedom. The Commonwealth wishes to embrace the people of Lantir and the other border nations in their Common Good where all are able to achieve their potential in service to the wider picture. The Jarmish on the other hand are fighting for the right to self-determination, to live their lives and follow their traditions as they have for more centuries than the Commonwealth has even existed. Those traditions might be unpalatable to the members of the Liberty Pact, but there is more to it than a simplistic hatred of slavery. Or at least so Lord-Magister Anton Trescher insists. The Commonwealth, he argues, attempt to force everyone to believe and act as they instruct while the Principalities allow people to explore their own understanding of creation and make their own choices.

Regardless, the war continues. It's hard to say for sure but from some reports made by merchants visiting [[Foreign_ports#Leerdam|Leerdam]] and [[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]] it certainly ''seems'' as if the Commonwealth are slowly being pushed back - Jarmish battlefield magic is just too potent and effective against armies that even with donations from the Empire struggle to match the power of their enchantments. But it is far too early to say for sure how this war will eventually end.
==Commonwealth==
* '''The Commonwealth remains friendly to the Empire, and allied via the Liberty Pact'''
The [[Commonwealth]] are a militaristic nation committed to the idea of ensuring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. They are perhaps the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world. This is in no small part due to their membership of the [[Liberty Pact]], dedicated to destroying the abhorrent practice of slavery across the world. Both nations are dedicated to extending their influence over the whole world, and know that only one of them can fulfil their grand ambition, but for now their rivalry with the Empire remains amicable. The Empire shared their mastery of magic with the magicians of the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth soldiers fought and died alongside the Freeborn in the [[A beacon of smoke|fall of Siroc]].

Their ambassador to the Empire is ''Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen'', of die Stahlhalle in the port-city of Volkavaar, a veteran soldier who reports to the generals who hold the reins of political power in their nation. An old campaigner, they generally speak plainly and as honestly as any politician can when dealing with their Imperial counterpart.
{{Nation|nation=Commonwealth|status=Foreigner|port=[[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_(Eastern_Commonwealth)|Leerdam]] and [[Commonwealth_ports#Volkavaar_(Western_Commonwealth)|Volkavaar]]|ambassador=Finn Pridetalker of [[Wintermark]]}}
===War by Other Means===
* '''The Ambassador has provided a significant amount of crystal mana to the Commonwealth'''
* '''Another opportunity to trade large amounts of mana for Commonwealth goods is available'''
Militärattache Schöningen thanks Ambassador Pridetalker for the work they have done securing a significant investment of Imperial crystal mana into the Commonwealth war effort. As request [[Beat_of_your_drum#Power_and_Responsibility|last season]] for a significant amount of mana has been fulfilled, and Commonwealth merchants have delivered the agreed on payment in the form of Soldier's Booze, Bloodclay, Spice Paste, and Hero Stones. The mana is being put to good use, according to the Militärattache. On the matter of another shipment of mana, Die Stahlhalle concurs with the Ambassadors proposal. For 200 more mana, a shipment of forty Soldatentrunk, forty Würzpaste and twenty Blutlehm will be delivered to the (hopefully newly completed) embassy.

Unfortunately on the matter of the proposed [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisanry]] Die Stalhalle is less interested. It is not a lack of [[:Category:Paraphernalia|ritual paraphernalia]] that is afflicting the Commonwealth armies. The covenstones the Ambassador mentions are not unknown, but simply shift the economic burden from crystal mana to the materials that are desperately needed to equip soldiers with [[Magic items|magical weapons and armour]]. It is a fine idea but not one that Militärattache Schöningen feels is worth taking advantage of at this time.

As to the matter of the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] [[runesmith]], as far as Militärattache Schöningen knows the artisans of the Commonwealth do know how to create a number of magic items that their Imperial counterparts do not. However, these crafters balk at the very idea of passing their knowledge to the Empire simply because right now they have a monopoly on both the "Litte Iron Fists" and their more complex cousins. Selling that knowledge to the Empire at any price would ultimately be thieving from their future selves, their descendants, and their colleagues. It is selfish, but it is hard to argue that it is not also good sense.
===The Liberty Pact===
* '''The Commonwealth is not happy that Axos has called a meeting of the Liberty Pact
* '''They are interested in the Empire's intentions in this matter
Die Stahlhalle is a little surprised to receive a summons from the nation of [[Axos]] to attend a meeting of the [[Liberty Pact]] during the Winter Solstice. Obviously, as signatories to the Liberty Pact, Axos has every right to convene the Pact. The Commonwealth, however, are not entirely amused. Militärattache Schöningen asks directly if this has been done at the urging of the Empire. Obviously they will attend - and it is difficult to turn down a congress that takes place via the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]] given how easy it is to reach - but they are initially uncertain as to what is going on. When the Axou indicate their intention to call for the removal of the requirement that Pact members [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] the [[Principalities of Jarm]], the Commonwealth progresses from uncertainty to annoyance. Does the Imperial Voice of Liberty ''also'' intend to call a meeting of the Pact in Spring?

For their part, the Commonwealth indicate that they will again be presenting a motion to remove Axos from the Liberty Pact and restrict membership to the "Great Powers" rather than any number of smaller nations regardless of their attitude to slavery. They have little hope of it succeeding given they anticipate the Empire and the Axou will vote together again to defeat such a motion, but perhaps their Imperial allies are prepared to see sense on this matter.

They are also considering a motion before the Pact that is a little more delicate matter they are interested to hear from the Ambassador what the Empire's opinion on the other [[Voice_of_Liberty#Summer_384YE_Amendments|Summer Amendment]] - that requiring that signatory nations maintain [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] with other signatories. Frankly, the Commonwealth is beginning to feel the pinch of their ongoing war with the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Apart from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] they are broadly ''only'' trading with other members of the Pact and the lack of trade tariffs is beginning to make itself apparent. Fighting a war costs money and not being able to raise any taxes from mercantile activity is proving to be a significantly greater burden than they had initially expected.

Perhaps the Ambassador would be good enough to speak with '''Jarrigk Silktongue''', the [[Voice of Liberty]] about these matters and perhaps give their Commonwealth opposite number a "heads up" on the Empire's intentions for this meeting. Further information about the upcoming convention of the Liberty Pact can be found in the '''[[Troop_of_echoes#Liberty|Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.

===Questionable Confederacy===
* '''The Commonwealth is not entirely convinced that Suranni serfdom equates to abandonment of slavery
In response to the [[Beat_of_your_drum#Liberty_and_Liability|concerns expressed]] by the Commonwealth, Ambassador Pridetalker has offered reassurances that the [[Iron Confederacy]] has indeed abandoned the practice of slavery. They directly referenced the opinion of '''Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo''', [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]], who apparently believes "''their practices meet the minimum criteria laid out in the Liberty Pact''." While Militärattache Schöningen still expresses some skepticism, she reiterates that unless the Empire forces the issue by trying to get the Confederacy to become signatories to the Liberty Pact they remain broadly a matter for the Empire to deal with.

All that said, however, it is likely that the Commonwealth delegate will wish to discuss the matter with the [[Voice of Liberty]] at the upcoming meeting of the Liberty Pact - at least off the record.
===Diplomacy and Philosophy===
* '''The Commonwealth is pleased to hear that the Diplomatenschloss is nearing completion
* '''They suggest Highguard might employ ''die Beurteilung'' to see how closer ties might be established with the Commonwealth
* '''Professer Gelberg and his team remain available to perform an appraisal
Militärattache Schöningen is pleased to hear that the materials to finish the [[For_the_Common_Good#Fighting_Talk|Diplomatenschloss]] have been secured. There are of course still concerns about the risk of Jarmish and Commonwealth vessels in close proximity along the river, but she is reassured that the intervention of the Assembly of Vigilance may be a first step in ensuring no conflict occurrs in Imperial waters. What steps have been taken in this regard, she queries?

She is interested to hear that the [[Highguard|Highborn]] are interested in fostering good relations and open dialogues on military doctrine, trade, and philosophy but is a little uncertain as to how this might best be achieved. A trade enclave is possible certainly, once the Diplomatenschloss is completed, but obviously there is a war on and much of the Commonwealth attention is directed at the ongoing conflict. A symposium to discuss moral philosophy will likely interest the scholars and students of the universities, but for the moment must remain theoretical.

On the other hand, she points out, there is an entire delegation of Commonwealth scholars and philosophers in the Empire at the moment - Professor Gelberg and his team are just the kind of people to be able to rigorously discuss such matters. Several of the academics have military experience as well, of course. Perhaps the Highborn could make use of [[According_to_principle#die_Beurteilung|die Beurteilung]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] how they might secure stronger ties with the Commonwealth in matters of trade and such?

Speaking of the Professor, he and his team remain in the Empire. They have recently [[Threats_that_are_to_come|completed an examination]] relating to sieges in [[Holberg]] and their aid can once again be secured at the Autumn Equinox by anyone prepared to participate in the open auction for their services.
===Funerary Rites===
* '''The Militärattache has been asked about Commonwealth funerary practices and provides a short overview
Militärattache Schöningen is not an authority on Commonwealth funerary practices, and asks the Ambassador to make apologies in that regard to '''Stormcrow Cynerik''' of Grayholm Hall. Most funerals are quiet, discreet affairs. Details vary widely across the Commonwealth from simple burial, to ornate tombs, to funeral pyres. This should not be a surprise - the Commonwealth is made up of many different cultures just as the Empire is. The most common feature across the whole nation however is the creation and respect for memorials to the dead especially those who have died fighting for the Common Good. These often take the form of white granite obelisks, inlaid with the names of the dead. More rarely a statue of a soldier might be erected - not of any specific soldier of course because that level of individual aggrandisement is distasteful to many citizens of the Commonwealth - to commemorate a specific battle.

Unlike less developed nations, it is comparatively rare to see depictions of a martial nature in the Commonwealth. Most statues of people are dedicated to philosophers and scholars who have expanded understanding of the Common Good and helped spread its teachings. A common tradition in the Commonwealth is that the soldiers fight for the greatest good but it is the thinkers and teachers who help define precisely what that common good is. There is also a historic distaste for vain statues and the like due to its widespread practice in the time of the old monarchies, where funds would be fruitlessly frittered away on arrogant and expensive monuments to people whose only claim to significance lay in their "noble blood".
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption=Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn, has been hosting Professor Gelberg and colleagues at the Great Library of Hacynian|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A Sungold Tablet===
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn has set a price for the cracked tablet of Terunael lore recovered from the sinkhole'''
* '''The University of Volkavaar is more than prepared to meet that price'''
So far, die Beurteilung has been reasonably successful. The visiting scholars have been taking advantage of various invitations to visit with their fellow academics, including [[Beat_of_your_drum#Sun_and_Gold|a trip]] to the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] at the inviation of '''Nathair Autumngale''', the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. During their stay, they expressed a great deal of interest in a [[Report_on_Terunael_mineworkings|certain cracked tablet]], recovered from the depths of the [[Brightness long ago|northern sinkhole]], which details the practice of fashioning a particular form of sungold - an alloy of [[orichalcum]] and [[mithril]] that it seems has remarkable properties to store and transfer heat and warmth.

After making a cursory study of it, they were delighted by the techniques it presents. ''Doktor Lola Kunz'', a scholar of the material sciences, asked as to what circumstances might convince the Library to part with the tablet. The University of Volkavaar has backed up the Doktor's enquiry and confirmed that they are very interested in the lore it contains. The Advisor on the Vallorn has apparently set a price, and Ambassador Pridetalker has passed it along. It seems that it is quite acceptable to the University, and to Doktor Kunz.

As such, in return for allowing Lola to claim the tablet and bring it back to the University, the faculty at Volkavaar commits to offer their expertise to the Empire in the future in a specific capacity. When [[Therunin]] is liberated from the [[Druj]], they will offer their assistance to appraising how the territory might be restored. All that would be required is that the Ambassador to the Commonwealth request that the University makes good on its promise and they would dispatch experts to the Empire to explore ways to put their expertise at the disposal of the people of Therunin. In addition, they agree to make any material or applications that arise from a study of the tablet to the Empire before any other world power.

Professor Gelberg is by all accounts ''very'' put out by this development; the delegation is here to raise money for the war effort not to pursue personal interests. Doktor Kunz remains unrepentant, however.

('''OOC Note:''' After the Autumn Equinox, the Advisor on the Vallorn can email {{plot}} to let them know if they are allowing Doktor Kunz to take custody of the sungold tablet or not. If they do, it will be assumed to be taken back to the University of Volkavaar.)
===Die Akademie der Aufsteigendenwelle===
* '''The Commonwealth is not interested in attending Zemress Naval Academy
* '''They counter with an offer to study defensive naval combat at the Academy of the Cresting Wave
Ambassador Pridetalker has made a handsome offer to the Commonwealth, to allow them to attend the Zemress Naval Academy for a fee. Unfortunately, as Militärattache Schöningen points out, they have their ''own'' naval academies, and so there is not much appeal of visiting an Imperial one as anything other than guests. There is no intention to be insulting here - it is simply that the Commonwealth takes ''all'' the arts of war very seriously and so has made its own study of the maritime battlefield.

As a counteroffer, perhaps some of the Imperial admirals would be interested in visiting the Commonwealth? The generals would be prepared to offer the chance to study at ''Akademie der Aufsteigendenwelle'' (the Academy of the Cresting Wave) in Küstenstadt. This academy is particularly dedicated to the study of defensive maritime warfare, and has supplied admirals over the years to both the ''Unbreakable Prow'' and the ''Wings of Justice''. As near as the Civil Service can make out, a six-month semester of study here would allow the Empire to provide benefits related to [[navy orders|strategies and tactics]] designed to specifically reduce casualties in naval engagements for a suitably equipped and trained Imperial navy (that is, create a Navy with a specific defensive quality).

The generals propose that the Imperial Ambassador liase with the Military Council and determine whether or not they wish to take advantage of this offer. Obviously Commonwealth citizens attend the academy free of charge, but hopefully the Ambassador understands that there would be a small fee for Imperial students - 50 Thrones would cover the entire semester.
==Principalities of Jarm==
* '''The principalities of Jarm remain at peace with the Empire, but relations are frosty'''
One of the six great powers, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are no friends to the Empire. The ''magocracy'', ruled by the House of Princes resents what it claims are repeated attempts by Imperial citizens to interfere with its interests. Via the [[Liberty Pact]], the Empire is allied with Jarm's enemies, the [[Commonwealth]], and open war now rages between the two great nations. They may not be at war with the Empire, but they know that Imperial citizens and the Imperial Conclave in particular have provided significant assistance to their rivals. Communications tend to be brusque, bordering on the curt.

The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is ''Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook'', who attends at the House of Princes. A canny and influential politician who has served the House of Princes for over forty years, he represents the Jarmish to the Empire and vice-versa. A potent master of Autumn magic, he is known for his sarcasm and dry wit, and for his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities he serves.
{{Nation|nation=Jarm|status=Foreigner|port=[[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_(Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Kavor]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_(Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Vezak]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_(Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Rigia]] (all closed)|ambassador=Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
===On Diplomacy===
* '''Diplomatic overtures have been made to the Principalities but largely rejected'''
Lord Magister Anton Tescher thanks the Ambassador for their words, and appreciates the effort they are going to. However... there still appears to be a misapprehension. The Jarmish ambassador mentioned the Iron Confederacy as an illustration rather than anything else, of how shallow the Liberty Pact ultimately is. The House of Princes has absolutely no interest in "proving" anything to the Liberty Pact. The idea that ''any'' great power might need to "prove" anything to another is untenable.

Jarm has no interest in ''"presenting evidence"'' that Jarm no longer falls under the definition of slavery. Why would it? It is a sovereign nation and it has the fundamental right to do whatever it wishes within its own borders - just as the House of Princes respects the right of the Empire to do the same. So there will be no "''evidence of the social mobility within the slave caste''" and no "''evidence that could support the other points of the definition''" for the Ambassador to present to the Imperial Senate or to Imperial allies. To do so would be to accept the right of the Liberty Pact to stand in judgement of the Principalities of Jarm - it is that arrogance which is unacceptable to the Jarmish princes.

The idea that an "influx of trade this would create would more than make up for any income that is and would be lost in slave trade cessation" misunderstands the basic problem. Jarm will not be dictated to by outside powers. It is as simple as that. The Empire may by all means refuse to trade with Jarm, but the people of this elder nation will not sell their pride for a few merchant vessels today any more than it would in the time of Ambassador '''Oswi Twice-burned'''.

In a more mellow missive sent shortly after the more angry one, Lord-Magister Treschner explains that he does understand that Ambassador i Martan is doing their best to try and unpick a difficult situation. There are plenty of people in Jarm who would also very much like the two nations to be on better terms. But the fact remains that, with the best will in the world, that ambassador after ambassador has tried to change Imperial relations with Jarm by trying to change Jarm.

Imagine, the Lord-Magister adds, if Jarm were to inform the Empire that in order to keep trading with Jarm and it's allies, it must stop following the Way? How would the Empire respond to such a demand? Would they acknowledge Jarm's right to make such demands of them and look to see what compromises they could make? Surely their Pride would not allow such a response?

===Spice===
* '''The Ambassador has returned a spice grinder to the Magician-Prince of Vezakr from whom it was stolen by Imperial pirates '''
As to the matter of the Magician-Prince of Vezakr and their spice grinder... The response is a little mixed, according to Lord-Magister Anton. The grinder was indeed intended as a gift for the Prince, but it was stolen by Imperial pirates in early 372YE. The crafter ''Tamary Jasichim'' was killed during the raid. It was presumed lost along with the rest of the cargo - a shipment of ''Djana’s Perets'' and a significant amount of mundane spice. Now it has arrived in Vezakr, a decade and a half after it was pirated. The Prince it was intended for is now dead; her niece now holds the position. It is difficult to determine exactly what the Ambassador wants - the Prince of Vezakr thanks them for returning the stolen grinder but feels it would be inappropriate to deliver any kind of reward given that it was Imperial thieves that stole the item in the first place.

For his part Lord-Magister Treschner thanks the Ambassador for their good intentions. Honourable people should return stolen goods to those they have been taken from, after all.
===Free Ports And Free People===
* '''Prince Mila has persuaded the Jarmish Princes to encourage the port of Radosmo in Zemelslo to open to the Empire'''
* '''While this nation is independent, the decision to open up has clearly been directed by the Principalities of Jarm.'''
Nobody at the Imperial embassy to Jarm has ever heard of Zemelslo before. The fact that a port called Radosmo exists in this nation has never crossed their desks or their minds. The world is full of small nations whose influence extends no further than the continents on which they live, and whose Prosperity is tied inextricably to the larger nations who are their neighbours. Most of these minor nations are small enough that they rely on their nearest neighbour for protection. Zemelslo is no exception, it is by all accounts a defact protectorate of the Jarmish Principalities. Self-governed, by a concilium of magicians, it rules itself on paper at least. In practice it takes its marching orders from the Princes.

Initial research provides more information but little context. Membership of the Concilium is by examination, with power awarded to those who can demonstrate the most magical power. On the face of it, it appears to be an egalitarian structure, in practice it is riven by corruption, with individuals striving for the patronage of certain eternals, the better to advance their own position. There is little in the way of Virtue here, but there are constant undercurrents of Freedom and Anarchy, essential rights to which are enshrined in the islands laws. It is not a wealthy nation, and is largely dependent on Jarm for supplies of mana crystals mostly paid for with exports of salted fish and a strong sour beverage called Bidderskit, a alcoholic drink made from fermented goats milk which is then distilled. It is, to say the least, something of an acquired taste.

At the request of the House of Princes, the Concilium of Zemelslo have extended an offer to Imperial merchant ships to dock at Radosmo, effectively the capital, with a view to trade. While there is zero demand for Bidderskit in the Empire, Jarmish merchants dock there all the time, so Imperial merchants docking there would be welcome to trade with other visitors. That would give them access to the same kinds of products that are available in Jarm, but without needing to actually dock there.

Having investigated as best they can, the civil service have discovered that Prince Mila, the ruler of the Principality of the Violetinu Mishkas, is behind the push. This young prince is deeply involved with Jarm's foreign policy, and is not content to simply accept the status quo. As best anyone can surmise, this new port is intended to see if the Empire are genuine about wanting to trade with Jarm - and looking for a way to enable that - or whether they are simply hiding behind the terms of the Liberty Pact to support the Commonwealth's embargo without having to come out and actually say that. Exploiting this obvious loophole to trade with Jarm is likely to annoy the Commonwealth - a fact that only makes the whole thing more appealing to the young prince and his supporters.

As written, any competent [[advocate]] could make a persuasive argument that trade with Zemelslo, a sovereign nation, is not prohibited by the terms of the Liberty Pact. It's not actually part of Jarm - it's just a tiny nation on Jarm's borders that pretty much does whatever the House of Princes tells it to. Taking that approach risks annoying the Commonwealth - if they discover what is happening they're likely to immediately try to rewrite the terms of the Pact to prohibit trade with all Jarm's close allies (which defintely would include Zemelslo).

Given the complexity of the situation, the civil service have instructed the office of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative [[Senate motion]] at the Saturday evening [[Senate session]] to confirm that the Senate agrees that trade with Zemelslo is permitted under the terms of the Liberty Pact.
<table class="wikitable"><tr><th>Port</th><th>Material</th><th>1</th><th>2</th><th>3</th><th>4</th><th style='background-color: pink;'>5</th><th>6</th><th>7</th><th>8</th><th>9</th><th>10</th><th>11</th><th>12</th><th>13</th><th>14</th><th>15</th></tr>
<tr><td rowspan='5'>Radosmo (Zemelslo)</td><td>Ambergelt</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dragonbone</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>7</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td>Green Iron</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td>Imperial Roseweald</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mana Crystal</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr>
</table>
{{Commonwealth Links}}
{{Jarm Links}}

My passions from a common spring

2025-09-06T19:26:48Z

Castaras: /* The Liberty Pact */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Sofia backed away, eyes darting left and right, her shield covering her body ready to shift to protect her legs at a moment. Her tempest-jade rod has bloodied in her hand but despite her exhaustion it did not waver. The two heavily armoured soldiers kept their own shields raised, advancing carefully. She and her coven had shown them the danger of underestimating their power. The moment one of them overextended, she could send them flying into the bitter sea and they all knew that the steel that so effectively protected them from blades and arrows was useless against her magic.

Of the rest of her unit, she could only see Rasmus. He lay on his back staring sightless up at the sky, two crossbow bolts nested in his chest. In his heart. She couldn't afford to look at him for too long, to take her eyes of the two soldiers for too long. The chaos of battle raged around them, ships burning and sinking, spells and steel clashing, voices shouting or crying, smoke and salt and blood mixing together in the attar of war.

She hoped the others were below decks, somehow. Securing the vessel, as they had been ordered. At any moment, perhaps, her comrades would erupt from below, put down these arrogant dogs, capture the ship. Surely all she had to do was keep them busy for a little longer. Surely.

"Come on then," she spat with a bravado she did not feel. "I do not have all day!"

She didn't speak a lot of their grating "Common Speech", only enough to threaten and brag. She didn't expect any of them to be speak a civilised tongue, so was startled when the one on the left spoke haltingly in the language of her home.

"You are beaten. Give up. You will not be hurt." The warrior's accent was atrocious, like they were speaking through a mouthful of mush. She couldn't see their face, hidden behind the same encasing steal that sheathed their body.

In response she spat a word she had learned was a terrible insult to the Commonwealth. The other soldier growled deep in their throat, and advanced half a step. A mistake, and a potentially fatal one. Sofia darted forward swinging her rod and speaking the words of power without thought, as she had been taught to do in battle. She flowed from one motion to the next and with a roar the soldier went sprawling backwards, over the rail, out of sight, into the welcoming embrace of the bloody water. She didn't see them fall - she was already spinning to strike their companion in the same movement, invoking the power of her implement, feeling the power of Summer erupt through her. The angle was wrong, though. They were hurled across the deck into the mast, hitting it with crushing force, held in place for a few precious moments by the power of her magic.

The sudden pain in her leg was excruciating. It robbed her of breath - too immediate and intense even to let her scream. She went down heavily, sprawling. Her knee was shattered. A snub, vicious little bolt buried almost to the fletching protruded from her mage armour. Tears of agony blurred her vision. She scrambled for her rod, and a second bolt took her in the shoulder tearing sinew and shattering bone. She cried out this time, tried to sit up, tried to bring her shield to bear but she couldn't seem to focus. Her limbs wouldn't obey her.

As her vision started to darken, she saw the third Commonwealth soldier walking slowly toward her across the deck, carefully loading the third and final bolt into their crossbow. She tried to find something defiant to snarl, but she couldn't seem to remember anything pithy for some reason.

"I hate you," she whispered at last, as her enemy raised the crossbow toward her.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tumultuous Ripples.jpg|align=left|caption=Tumultuous ripples spread out from the little land-locked nation of Lantir and risk swamping shores across the known world.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.
==War in the East==
* '''The war between the Commonwealth and the Principalities of Jarm continues in the east
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues to rage between the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Diplomats from both sides appear confident that their nation has the upper hand, but reading between the lines it seems that neither is actually ''winning'' as such. ''Militärattache Schöningen'' indicates that the Commonwealth armies continue to make good use of some of the battlefield rituals shared with them by the [[Imperial Conclave]]. The Principalities of Jarm continue to appreciate the decision of the Empire not to become involved in a "boots on the ground" capacity. There is no indication that either side is going to declare victory any time soon - but likewise there is no indication that they plan to back down.

Both the Commonwealth and Jarm are Proud, stiff-necked nations, and this conflict isn't ''really'' about Lantir so much as it is a clash of ideology - for all that the Magician-Princes might claim otherwise. It is a bitter irony perhaps that both sides are motivated by the desire for liberty and freedom. The Commonwealth wishes to embrace the people of Lantir and the other border nations in their Common Good where all are able to achieve their potential in service to the wider picture. The Jarmish on the other hand are fighting for the right to self-determination, to live their lives and follow their traditions as they have for more centuries than the Commonwealth has even existed. Those traditions might be unpalatable to the members of the Liberty Pact, but there is more to it than a simplistic hatred of slavery. Or at least so Lord-Magister Anton Trescher insists. The Commonwealth, he argues, attempt to force everyone to believe and act as they instruct while the Principalities allow people to explore their own understanding of creation and make their own choices.

Regardless, the war continues. It's hard to say for sure but from some reports made by merchants visiting [[Foreign_ports#Leerdam|Leerdam]] and [[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]] it certainly ''seems'' as if the Commonwealth are slowly being pushed back - Jarmish battlefield magic is just too potent and effective against armies that even with donations from the Empire struggle to match the power of their enchantments. But it is far too early to say for sure how this war will eventually end.
==Commonwealth==
* '''The Commonwealth remains friendly to the Empire, and allied via the Liberty Pact'''
The [[Commonwealth]] are a militaristic nation committed to the idea of ensuring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. They are perhaps the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world. This is in no small part due to their membership of the [[Liberty Pact]], dedicated to destroying the abhorrent practice of slavery across the world. Both nations are dedicated to extending their influence over the whole world, and know that only one of them can fulfil their grand ambition, but for now their rivalry with the Empire remains amicable. The Empire shared their mastery of magic with the magicians of the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth soldiers fought and died alongside the Freeborn in the [[A beacon of smoke|fall of Siroc]].

Their ambassador to the Empire is ''Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen'', of die Stahlhalle in the port-city of Volkavaar, a veteran soldier who reports to the generals who hold the reins of political power in their nation. An old campaigner, they generally speak plainly and as honestly as any politician can when dealing with their Imperial counterpart.
{{Nation|nation=Commonwealth|status=Foreigner|port=[[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_(Eastern_Commonwealth)|Leerdam]] and [[Commonwealth_ports#Volkavaar_(Western_Commonwealth)|Volkavaar]]|ambassador=Finn Pridetalker of [[Wintermark]]}}
===War by Other Means===
* '''The Ambassador has provided a significant amount of crystal mana to the Commonwealth'''
* '''Another opportunity to trade large amounts of mana for Commonwealth goods is available'''
Militärattache Schöningen thanks Ambassador Pridetalker for the work they have done securing a significant investment of Imperial crystal mana into the Commonwealth war effort. As request [[Beat_of_your_drum#Power_and_Responsibility|last season]] for a significant amount of mana has been fulfilled, and Commonwealth merchants have delivered the agreed on payment in the form of Soldier's Booze, Bloodclay, Spice Paste, and Hero Stones. The mana is being put to good use, according to the Militärattache. On the matter of another shipment of mana, Die Stahlhalle concurs with the Ambassadors proposal. For 200 more mana, a shipment of forty Soldatentrunk, forty Würzpaste and twenty Blutlehm will be delivered to the (hopefully newly completed) embassy.

Unfortunately on the matter of the proposed [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisanry]] Die Stalhalle is less interested. It is not a lack of [[:Category:Paraphernalia|ritual paraphernalia]] that is afflicting the Commonwealth armies. The covenstones the Ambassador mentions are not unknown, but simply shift the economic burden from crystal mana to the materials that are desperately needed to equip soldiers with [[Magic items|magical weapons and armour]]. It is a fine idea but not one that Militärattache Schöningen feels is worth taking advantage of at this time.

As to the matter of the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] [[runesmith]], as far as Militärattache Schöningen knows the artisans of the Commonwealth do know how to create a number of magic items that their Imperial counterparts do not. However, these crafters balk at the very idea of passing their knowledge to the Empire simply because right now they have a monopoly on both the "Litte Iron Fists" and their more complex cousins. Selling that knowledge to the Empire at any price would ultimately be thieving from their future selves, their descendants, and their colleagues. It is selfish, but it is hard to argue that it is not also good sense.
===The Liberty Pact===
* '''The Commonwealth is not happy that Axos has called a meeting of the Liberty Pact
* '''They are interested in the Empire's intentions in this matter
Die Stahlhalle is a little surprised to receive a summons from the nation of [[Axos]] to attend a meeting of the [[Liberty Pact]] during the Winter Solstice. Obviously, as signatories to the Liberty Pact, Axos has every right to convene the Pact. The Commonwealth, however, are not entirely amused. Militärattache Schöningen asks directly if this has been done at the urging of the Empire. Obviously they will attend - and it is difficult to turn down a congress that takes place via the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]] given how easy it is to reach - but they are initially uncertain as to what is going on. When the Axou indicate their intention to call for the removal of the requirement that Pact members [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] the [[Principalities of Jarm]], the Commonwealth progresses from uncertainty to annoyance. Does the Imperial Voice of Liberty ''also'' intend to call a meeting of the Pact in Spring?

For their part, the Commonwealth indicate that they will again be presenting a motion to remove Axos from the Liberty Pact and restrict membership to the "Great Powers" rather than any number of smaller nations regardless of their attitude to slavery. They have little hope of it succeeding given they anticipate the Empire and the Axou will vote together again to defeat such a motion, but perhaps their Imperial allies are prepared to see sense on this matter.

They are also considering a motion before the Pact that is a little more delicate matter they are interested to hear from the Ambassador what the Empire's opinion on the other [[Voice_of_Liberty#Summer_384YE_Amendments|Summer Amendment]] - that requiring that signatory nations maintain [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] with other signatories. Frankly, the Commonwealth is beginning to feel the pinch of their ongoing war with the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Apart from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] they are broadly ''only'' trading with other members of the Pact and the lack of trade tariffs is beginning to make itself apparent. Fighting a war costs money and not being able to raise any taxes from mercantile activity is proving to be a significantly greater burden than they had initially expected.

Perhaps the Ambassador would be good enough to speak with '''Jarrigk Silktongue''', the [[Voice of Liberty]] about these matters and perhaps give their Commonwealth opposite number a "heads up" on the Empire's intentions for this meeting. Further information about the upcoming convention of the Liberty Pact can be found in the '''[[Troop_of_echoes#Liberty|Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.

===Questionable Confederacy===
* '''The Commonwealth is not entirely convinced that Suranni serfdom equates to abandonment of slavery
In response to the [[Beat_of_your_drum#Liberty_and_Liability|concerns expressed]] by the Commonwealth, Ambassador Pridetalker has offered reassurances that the [[Iron Confederacy]] has indeed abandoned the practice of slavery. They directly referenced the opinion of '''Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo''', [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]], who apparently believes "''their practices meet the minimum criteria laid out in the Liberty Pact''." While Militärattache Schöningen still expresses some skepticism, she reiterates that unless the Empire forces the issue by trying to get the Confederacy to become signatories to the Liberty Pact they remain broadly a matter for the Empire to deal with.

All that said, however, it is likely that the Commonwealth delegate will wish to discuss the matter with the [[Voice of Liberty]] at the upcoming meeting of the Liberty Pact - at least off the record.
===Diplomacy and Philosophy===
* '''The Commonwealth is pleased to hear that the Diplomatenschloss is nearing completion
* '''They suggest Highguard might employ ''die Beurteilung'' to see how closer ties might be established with the Commonwealth
* '''Professer Gelberg and his team remain available to perform an appraisal
Militärattache Schöningen is pleased to hear that the materials to finish the [[For_the_Common_Good#Fighting_Talk|Diplomatenschloss]] have been secured. There are of course still concerns about the risk of Jarmish and Commonwealth vessels in close proximity along the river, but she is reassured that the intervention of the Assembly of Vigilance may be a first step in ensuring no conflict occurrs in Imperial waters. What steps have been taken in this regard, she queries?

She is interested to hear that the [[Highguard|Highborn]] are interested in fostering good relations and open dialogues on military doctrine, trade, and philosophy but is a little uncertain as to how this might best be achieved. A trade enclave is possible certainly, once the Diplomatenschloss is completed, but obviously there is a war on and much of the Commonwealth attention is directed at the ongoing conflict. A symposium to discuss moral philosophy will likely interest the scholars and students of the universities, but for the moment must remain theoretical.

On the other hand, she points out, there is an entire delegation of Commonwealth scholars and philosophers in the Empire at the moment - Professor Gelberg and his team are just the kind of people to be able to rigorously discuss such matters. Several of the academics have military experience as well, of course. Perhaps the Highborn could make use of [[According_to_principle#die_Beurteilung|die Beurteilung]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] how they might secure stronger ties with the Commonwealth in matters of trade and such?

Speaking of the Professor, he and his team remain in the Empire. They have recently [[Threats_that_are_to_come|completed an examination]] relating to sieges in [[Holberg]] and their aid can once again be secured at the Autumn Equinox by anyone prepared to participate in the open auction for their services.
===Funerary Rites===
* '''The Militärattache has been asked about Commonwealth funerary practices and provides a short overview
Militärattache Schöningen is not an authority on Commonwealth funerary practices, and asks the Ambassador to make apologies in that regard to '''Stormcrow Cynerik''' of Grayholm Hall. Most funerals are quiet, discreet affairs. Details vary widely across the Commonwealth from simple burial, to ornate tombs, to funeral pyres. This should not be a surprise - the Commonwealth is made up of many different cultures just as the Empire is. The most common feature across the whole nation however is the creation and respect for memorials to the dead especially those who have died fighting for the Common Good. These often take the form of white granite obelisks, inlaid with the names of the dead. More rarely a statue of a soldier might be erected - not of any specific soldier of course because that level of individual aggrandisement is distasteful to many citizens of the Commonwealth - to commemorate a specific battle.

Unlike less developed nations, it is comparatively rare to see depictions of a martial nature in the Commonwealth. Most statues of people are dedicated to philosophers and scholars who have expanded understanding of the Common Good and helped spread its teachings. A common tradition in the Commonwealth is that the soldiers fight for the greatest good but it is the thinkers and teachers who help define precisely what that common good is. There is also a historic distaste for vain statues and the like due to its widespread practice in the time of the old monarchies, where funds would be fruitlessly frittered away on arrogant and expensive monuments to people whose only claim to significance lay in their "noble blood".
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption=Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn, has been hosting Professor Gelberg and colleagues at the Great Library of Hacynian|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A Sungold Tablet===
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn has set a price for the cracked tablet of Terunael lore recovered from the sinkhole'''
* '''The University of Volkavaar is more than prepared to meet that price'''
So far, die Beurteilung has been reasonably successful. The visiting scholars have been taking advantage of various invitations to visit with their fellow academics, including [[Beat_of_your_drum#Sun_and_Gold|a trip]] to the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] at the inviation of '''Nathair Autumngale''', the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. During their stay, they expressed a great deal of interest in a [[Report_on_Terunael_mineworkings|certain cracked tablet]], recovered from the depths of the [[Brightness long ago|northern sinkhole]], which details the practice of fashioning a particular form of sungold - an alloy of [[orichalcum]] and [[mithril]] that it seems has remarkable properties to store and transfer heat and warmth.

After making a cursory study of it, they were delighted by the techniques it presents. ''Doktor Lola Kunz'', a scholar of the material sciences, asked as to what circumstances might convince the Library to part with the tablet. The University of Volkavaar has backed up the Doktor's enquiry and confirmed that they are very interested in the lore it contains. The Advisor on the Vallorn has apparently set a price, and Ambassador Pridetalker has passed it along. It seems that it is quite acceptable to the University, and to Doktor Kunz.

As such, in return for allowing Lola to claim the tablet and bring it back to the University, the faculty at Volkavaar commits to offer their expertise to the Empire in the future in a specific capacity. When [[Therunin]] is liberated from the [[Druj]], they will offer their assistance to appraising how the territory might be restored. All that would be required is that the Ambassador to the Commonwealth request that the University makes good on its promise and they would dispatch experts to the Empire to explore ways to put their expertise at the disposal of the people of Therunin. In addition, they agree to make any material or applications that arise from a study of the tablet to the Empire before any other world power.

Professor Gelberg is by all accounts ''very'' put out by this development; the delegation is here to raise money for the war effort not to pursue personal interests. Doktor Kunz remains unrepentant, however.

('''OOC Note:''' After the Autumn Equinox, the Advisor on the Vallorn can email {{plot}} to let them know if they are allowing Doktor Kunz to take custody of the sungold tablet or not. If they do, it will be assumed to be taken back to the University of Volkavaar.)
===Die Akademie der Aufsteigendenwelle===
* '''The Commonwealth is not interested in attending Zemress Naval Academy
* '''They counter with an offer to study defensive naval combat at the Academy of the Cresting Wave
Ambassador Pridetalker has made a handsome offer to the Commonwealth, to allow them to attend the Zemress Naval Academy for a fee. Unfortunately, as Militärattache Schöningen points out, they have their ''own'' naval academies, and so there is not much appeal of visiting an Imperial one as anything other than guests. There is no intention to be insulting here - it is simply that the Commonwealth takes ''all'' the arts of war very seriously and so has made its own study of the maritime battlefield.

As a counteroffer, perhaps some of the Imperial admirals would be interested in visiting the Commonwealth? The generals would be prepared to offer the chance to study at ''Akademie der Aufsteigendenwelle'' (the Academy of the Cresting Wave) in Küstenstadt. This academy is particularly dedicated to the study of defensive maritime warfare, and has supplied admirals over the years to both the ''Unbreakable Prow'' and the ''Wings of Justice''. As near as the Civil Service can make out, a six-month semester of study here would allow the Empire to provide benefits related to [[navy orders|strategies and tactics]] designed to specifically reduce casualties in naval engagements for a suitably equipped and trained Imperial navy (that is, create a Navy with a specific defensive quality).

The generals propose that the Imperial Ambassador liase with the Military Council and determine whether or not they wish to take advantage of this offer. Obviously Commonwealth citizens attend the academy free of charge, but hopefully the Ambassador understands that there would be a small fee for Imperial students - 50 Thrones would cover the entire semester.
==Principalities of Jarm==
* '''The principalities of Jarm remain at peace with the Empire, but relations are frosty'''
One of the six great powers, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are no friends to the Empire. The ''magocracy'', ruled by the House of Princes resents what it claims are repeated attempts by Imperial citizens to interfere with its interests. Via the [[Liberty Pact]], the Empire is allied with Jarm's enemies, the [[Commonwealth]], and open war now rages between the two great nations. They may not be at war with the Empire, but they know that Imperial citizens and the Imperial Conclave in particular have provided significant assistance to their rivals. Communications tend to be brusque, bordering on the curt.

The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is ''Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook'', who attends at the House of Princes. A canny and influential politician who has served the House of Princes for over forty years, he represents the Jarmish to the Empire and vice-versa. A potent master of Autumn magic, he is known for his sarcasm and dry wit, and for his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities he serves.
{{Nation|nation=Jarm|status=Foreigner|port=[[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_(Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Kavor]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_(Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Vezak]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_(Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Rigia]] (all closed)|ambassador=Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
===On Diplomacy===
* '''Diplomatic overtures have been made to the Principalities but largely rejected'''
Lord Magister Anton Tescher thanks the Ambassador for their words, and appreciates the effort they are going to. However... there still appears to be a misapprehension. The Jarmish ambassador mentioned the Iron Confederacy as an illustration rather than anything else, of how shallow the Liberty Pact ultimately is. The House of Princes has absolutely no interest in "proving" anything to the Liberty Pact. The idea that ''any'' great power might need to "prove" anything to another is untenable.

Jarm has no interest in ''"presenting evidence"'' that Jarm no longer falls under the definition of slavery. Why would it? It is a sovereign nation and it has the fundamental right to do whatever it wishes within its own borders - just as the House of Princes respects the right of the Empire to do the same. So there will be no "''evidence of the social mobility within the slave caste''" and no "''evidence that could support the other points of the definition''" for the Ambassador to present to the Imperial Senate or to Imperial allies. To do so would be to accecpt the right of the Liberty Pact to stand in judgement of the Principalities of Jarm - it is that arrogance which is unacceptable to the Jarmish princes.

The idea that an "influx of trade this would create would more than make up for any income that is and would be lost in slave trade cessation" misunderstands the basic problem. Jarm will not be dictated to by outside powers. It is as simple as that. The Empire may by all means refuse to trade with Jarm, but the people of this elder nation will not sell their pride for a few merchant vessels today any more than it would in the time of Ambassador '''Oswi Twice-burned'''.

In a more mellow missive sent shortly after the more angry one, Lord-Magister Treschner explains that he does understand that Ambassador i Martan is doing their best to try and unpick a difficult situation. There are plenty of people in Jarm who would also very much like the two nations to be on better terms. But the fact remains that, with the best will in the world, that ambassador after ambassador has tried to change Imperial relations with Jarm by trying to change Jarm.

Imagine, the Lord-Magister adds, if Jarm were to inform the Empire that in order to keep trading with Jarm and it's allies, it must stop following the Way? How would the Empire respond to such a demand? Would they acknowledge Jarm's right to make such demands of them and look to see what compromises they could make? Surely their Pride would not allow such a response?
===Spice===
* '''The Ambassador has returned a spice grinder to the Magician-Prince of Vezakr from whom it was stolen by Imperial pirates '''
As to the matter of the Magician-Prince of Vezakr and their spice grinder... The response is a little mixed, according to Lord-Magister Anton. The grinder was indeed intended as a gift for the Prince, but it was stolen by Imperial pirates in early 372YE. The crafter ''Tamary Jasichim'' was killed during the raid. It was presumed lost along with the rest of the cargo - a shipment of ''Djana’s Perets'' and a significant amount of mundane spice. Now it has arrived in Vezakr, a decade and a half after it was pirated. The Prince it was intended for is now dead; her niece now holds the position. It is difficult to determine exactly what the Ambassador wants - the Prince of Vezakr thanks them for returning the stolen grinder but feels it would be inappropriate to deliver any kind of reward given that it was Imperial thieves that stole the item in the first place.

For his part Lord-Magister Treschner thanks the Ambassador for their good intentions. Honourable people should return stolen goods to those they have been taken from, after all.
===Free Ports And Free People===
* '''Prince Mila has persuaded the Jarmish Princes to encourage the port of Radosmo in Zemelslo to open to the Empire'''
* '''While this nation is independent, the decision to open up has clearly been directed by the Principalities of Jarm.'''
Nobody at the Imperial embassy to Jarm has ever heard of Zemelslo before. The fact that a port called Radosmo exists in this nation has never crossed their desks or their minds. The world is full of small nations whose influence extends no further than the continents on which they live, and whose Prosperity is tied inextricably to the larger nations who are their neighbours. Most of these minor nations are small enough that they rely on their nearest neighbour for protection. Zemelslo is no exception, it is by all accounts a defact protectorate of the Jarmish Principalities. Self-governed, by a concilium of magicians, it rules itself on paper at least. In practice it takes its marching orders from the Princes.

Initial research provides more information but little context. Membership of the Concilium is by examination, with power awarded to those who can demonstrate the most magical power. On the face of it, it appears to be an egalitarian structure, in practice it is riven by corruption, with individuals striving for the patronage of certain eternals, the better to advance their own position. There is little in the way of Virtue here, but there are constant undercurrents of Freedom and Anarchy, essential rights to which are enshrined in the islands laws. It is not a wealthy nation, and is largely dependent on Jarm for supplies of mana crystals mostly paid for with exports of salted fish and a strong sour beverage called Bidderskit, a alcoholic drink made from fermented goats milk which is then distilled. It is, to say the least, something of an acquired taste.

At the request of the House of Princes, the Concilium of Zemelslo have extended an offer to Imperial merchant ships to dock at Radosmo, effectively the capital, with a view to trade. While there is zero demand for Bidderskit in the Empire, Jarmish merchants dock there all the time, so Imperial merchants docking there would be welcome to trade with other visitors. That would give them access to the same kinds of products that are available in Jarm, but without needing to actually dock there.

Having investigated as best they can, the civil service have discovered that Prince Mila, the ruler of the Principality of the Violetinu Mishkas, is behind the push. This young prince is deeply involved with Jarm's foreign policy, and is not content to simply accept the status quo. As best anyone can surmise, this new port is intended to see if the Empire are genuine about wanting to trade with Jarm - and looking for a way to enable that - or whether they are simply hiding behind the terms of the Liberty Pact to support the Commonwealth's embargo without having to come out and actually say that. Exploiting this obvious loophole to trade with Jarm is likely to annoy the Commonwealth - a fact that only makes the whole thing more appealing to the young prince and his supporters.

As written, any competent [[advocate]] could make a persuasive argument that trade with Zemelslo, a sovereign nation, is not prohibited by the terms of the Liberty Pact. It's not actually part of Jarm - it's just a tiny nation on Jarm's borders that pretty much does whatever the House of Princes tells it to. Taking that approach risks annoying the Commonwealth - if they discover what is happening they're likely to immediately try to rewrite the terms of the Pact to prohibit trade with all Jarm's close allies (which defintely would include Zemelslo).

Given the complexity of the situation, the civil service have instructed the office of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative [[Senate motion]] at the Saturday evening [[Senate session]] to confirm that the Senate agrees that trade with Zemelslo is permitted under the terms of the Liberty Pact.
<table class="wikitable"><tr><th>Port</th><th>Material</th><th>1</th><th>2</th><th>3</th><th>4</th><th style='background-color: pink;'>5</th><th>6</th><th>7</th><th>8</th><th>9</th><th>10</th><th>11</th><th>12</th><th>13</th><th>14</th><th>15</th></tr>
<tr><td rowspan='5'>Radosmo (Zemelslo)</td><td>Ambergelt</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dragonbone</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>7</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td>Green Iron</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td>Imperial Roseweald</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mana Crystal</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr>
</table>
{{Commonwealth Links}}
{{Jarm Links}}

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-08-23T20:13:14Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-08-23T20:13:02Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

The highest calling

2025-08-23T16:24:06Z

Castaras: /* Build a Commission */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"We should destroy the Druj - the Throne said so - the Synod agrees. I'm not sure why it's even a choice." Iseult leaned back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest. She glared at the others as if daring them to disagree.

Lowen took the bait happily. "We're already doing that... we don't need the Synod to tell us to do the thing we're already doing. The ''point'' of the Synod is to ''point'' out things that need doing that nobody is bothering with." He held his arms up hands spread wide inviting the others to accept that the logic was irrefutable.

Bleydhik put his elbow on the table, arm up, hand cradling his chin. "You're both wrong," he said confidently. "What's needed is to work out what's most important - not what's needed right now - but what one thing is most important of all to us."

The other two looked at each other and grinned. Lowen shook his tankard to indicate it was empty, while Iseult drained hers. "I reckon you're right, Bleyd," said Lowen still grinning. "And what's most important of all to me... is filling my tankard... and Virtue says it's your round!"
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Synod_Summer_385YE.png|caption=The [[statement of principle]] allows an assembly to guide the people of the Empire.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Less than a year ago, the [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] Cathedral used a [[The_hard_way|powerful sermon]] to call for action against the [[vallorn]] explicitly naming it as the greatest threat facing the Empire - one that demanded sacrifices are made to defeat it. All while the Empire continues to [[Drumbeat_of_war#A_Fulcrum|strain every sinew to bring down]] the [[Asavean_Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] and replace the power of their corrupt priesthood with the Virtue of [[the Way]], even as they try to complete the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]].

Inspired by the Archbishop's sermon, the General Assembly had an [[opportunity]] to settle the matter by throwing its moral weight behind a single choice. A greater majority in support of any one of these great causes would have united people behind that Ambition, elevating it above all others. Instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. They passed a mandate by '''Brynn Tendfallen''' calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what Ambition was most important to them.

That mandate has a far-reaching impact; for now, the influence of the General Assembly has weakened, with people paying less attention to statements of principle that fall short of a greater majority. Instead they are focused on their own national and Virtue Assembly. If an assembly can clearly elucidate a single issue provided it is identified as something of singular importance. People are not going to respond to claims that an Ambition is the highest, if it is the second time they've heard that this year... But if the assembly used the power sparingly - picking and choosing when to emphasize that something was truly crucial - then it would be guaranteed to have an effect, just as a greater majority in the General Assembly does now.

==The Highest Calling==
* '''For the next year a specially worded statement of principle passed by certain national assemblies, and all virtue assemblies, will have additional impact provided it achieves a greater majority'''
* '''Any Virtue assembly or any national assembly except Urizen, Varushka and Wintermark are eligible'''
* '''Statements of principle that pass the General Assembly with a lesser majority in the next year will not create a response beyond Anvil'''
This decision has fundamentally weakened the authority of the General Assembly - at least for now. Statements of principle that get a [[greater majority]] will remain important to everyone in the Empire - as they demonstrate common purpose and unity. But statements of principle that do not get a greater majority will be ignored by folk beyond Anvil, whose attention will be on the words of their national and Virtue assembly.
{{SOP|statement=Aim high; pursue your dreams. We send Bryn Tendfallen to urge every citizen to find common cause with those pilgrims of the Way with whom they share bonds of nation and virtue. Trust your heart and follow that which commands its devotion.|by=Brynn Tendfallen, General Assembly|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|vote=1259-294}}
As a result, at any point during the next year, most other assemblies can use a single judgement to explicitly pick one agenda that they believe people should pursue above all others. The judgement would still need to achieve a greater majority, but assuming it does then it will be especially inspirational to the nation or those dedicated to the virtue. [[Wintermark]], [[Urizen]], and [[Varushka]] are '''''not''''' affected by this decision, since the people of those nations openly question the leadership of the Synod and this mandate did not get a greater majority, but any other nation and any of the Virtue assemblies could take advantage of this option.

To do so, the assembly must pass a [[statement of principle|statement]] that clearly names a single goal or agenda that they wish the faithful to pursue above all others. If that statement concludes with the words ''"This is the highest calling of our assembly."'' then it will have the same impact on the people of that nation, or the devotees of that Virtue, as if it had been passed by the General Assembly. It will be guaranteed to [[Statement_of_principle#Outcome|have an effect]] of some kind. As always, though, it is impossible to predict what that effect might be in advance.

<quote by="national or Virtue assembly">... ''This is the highest calling of our assembly.''</quote>

Each assembly can only pick one thing as their highest calling - once that decision is made any future attempts to pick a new highest calling will be ignored. If a single Assembly passes two statements of principle both of which name a highest calling, then the statement of principle with the greatest margin of support will be the one that is embraced by people.

This opportunity remains available for the next year. An assembly need not respond immediately - they could declare a goal to be the assembly's highest calling at any time until the end of the Spring Equinox 388YE. While it may seem most effective to embrace a cause quickly, those assemblies that chose to delay will be in a position to respond to events as they change in the coming year.

A choice like this will always carry heavy consequences. The assemblies of [[Highguard]], [[Navarr]] and [[the League]] have all been vocal in support of the goal of defeating the [[vallorn]], for example. Once an assembly declares an Ambition to be their highest calling, other opportunities are likely to fall away as people focus on the single most important task. Opportunities to pursue other challenges may be lost if they are not in keeping with an assembly's new "highest calling".

There is a price for such dedication of course - if the Assembly throws their weight behind a single cause in this dramatic fashion then people will put their shoulder to the wheel to support it. They will take the assembly at its word and assume that this goal transcends all others. Any further attempt to name some other issue as the highest calling of the assembly way will have no effect until a year has passed.

==Choices==
* '''The Civil Service has put together some general guidance regarding statements of principle'''
The seven eligible national assemblies and the eight virtue assemblies could all chose to throw their weight behind a single cause, or they could all chose very different options. There are no limits on what a statement of principle could say - the business of the Synod covers every part of the Imperial domain. There are some recurrent themes however, which are common with statements of principle, which the civil service can provide general guidance on.

===Defeat an enemy===
Any assembly could use their highest calling to seek the defeat of a threat or enemy of the Empire. This won't make [[Imperial army|Imperial armies]] or [[military unit|warbands]] any more effective in battle - the Empire's soldiers are already committed to the fight. Even when it is unified and able to speak with one voice, it is very difficult for the Synod to change the tide of war in this way. Statements like this are more likely to reduce the effectiveness of armies that don't follow the guidance provided by the Synod. If a nation assembly claims that fighting a named enemy is a nation's highest calling, then their armies are likely to be ''less'' willing to fight on other fronts.

Statements have been effective in the past at ''changing'' the way Imperial soldiers fight. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] assembly were able to encourage their armies to hold back in the conquest of the Barrens to try to win support for their cause. Urged on by their Synod, the Dawnish armies sacrificed military success for a better diplomatic outcome. As that conflict ultimately demonstrated, these strategies are rarely successful unless conducted with the support of a nation's generals.

===Destroy the Vallorn===
Any assembly could try to build on the success of Navarr and Imperial historians in [[A thousand years of longing|gathering together every source of information]] on the [[vallorn]] to confirm the findings in ''On the Nature of the Vallorn'' and reveal how the vallorn might finally be defeated. Ultimately the decision to tackle the vallorn is a political one, it is a question of priorities and political influence. Unless the nations that support fighting the vallorn have enough political support to push their agenda, other priorities will always be placed ahead of it.

Any of the eligible assemblies could declare the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling. The more focused such calls are - in terms of identifying what would help, the more change they will result in options to help the Empire prepare for the coming battle. Such options won't remove the need for resources to build armies and raise fortifications but they could provide other options which have the potential to make the political argument easier to win.

===Convert Nonbelievers===
Any assembly could name a group they wish to convert to [[the Way]]. The larger, the more powerful, more unified, and more distant a group is, the costlier such efforts will be. The initial outcome of a general statement seeking to begin the conversion of a new group, would most likely be an opportunity for members of that assembly to find out more about the target's existing religious beliefs. Where the Empire already possesses such intelligence, such as with the [[Asavea|Asaveans]], [[iron Confederacy|Suranni]], [[Faraden]], or [[Axos|Axou]], then statements that built on that information would be more effective - the more precise a statement is, the more likely it is to identify some course of action that isn't currently being prioritised. Actually converting a faction of the target group to the Way is unlikely to be possible without significant diplomatic consequences.

===Build a Commission===
An eligible Assembly could use a statement of principle to declare ''any'' commission to be their highest calling. That could be the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] or it could be an important [[fortification]] or any major [[commission]]. A [[runeforge]], [[college of magic]] or a [[great work]], could all benefit from the support of the Synod. Such a commission need not even be one in progress - people are perfectly capable of ''imagining'' a commission the Senate ''could'' approve - and putting their support behind it.

Such support wouldn't take the form of wains donated to support the commission - but it could provide benefits that help with the cost by finding ways to make the construction more achievable such as trading other resources for materials or helping to defray other costs. It could help a commission overcome specific shortcomings; a nation might find a way to [[Imperial_army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces|support more armies]] or overcome the limitations to allow them to build a college of magic or a runeforge. The most likely outcome would be options for the assembly to increase the costs of the commission to allow it to provide enhanced or additional benefits.

===Strengthen the Faithful===
Any eligible nation or Virtue assembly could make strengthening the faithful their highest calling. Ultimately the Empire is the sum of its parts - strengthening a nation can help to make the Empire more powerful, even as it advances the cause of that nation. It's not effective for a nation's assembly to call on members of the nation to simply work harder, but they could identify some novel goal that could strength the nation but which isn't currently being worked on. Or they could chose a different nation they think is in need of help and aim to support them.

Likewise, any virtue assembly could urge the faithful to support a nation as it tries to overcome the challenges it faces. However they could also look to improve their own position, looking to strengthen the faithful of that Virtue. As with any statement, the wording is crucial. A statement of principle can shift the focus of the faithful to a novel cause, but it won't persuade them to do things that run against their cultural traditions. For example, the Dawnish Assembly could call on magicians to support their armies, but urging the Dawnish nobility to focus on the nation's finances will be met with open opposition.

==Game Design==
Any [[statement of principle]] that passes an assembly with a greater majority could lead to an [[opportunity]] if the circumstances are right. In most circumstances, statements that urge members of an assembly to work harder, or strive to achieve something they are already pursuing have little or no effect. This is because the faithful are already working as hard as they can on these goals - they cannot do more no matter how hard the Synod urges them to do so. Statements that run contrary to the status quo, that are controversial or divisive are much more likely to create an opportunity for a mandate because they represent changes to the status quo. In that case, a wind of fortune can explore the implications of changes the Synod have called for - with opportunities to choose whether to proceed or not.

This wind of fortune presents a guaranteed opportunity for every nation and every virtue assembly to get a response to a single favoured statement of principle. That overrides the normal rules that would prevent an uncontroversial statement from having a significant impact, but it doesn't change the fundamental approach. Statements that would lead to a change of approach or outlook, statements that would breed controversy or conflict will ''always'' have a more dramatic effect than statements that simply urge people to knuckle down and support the status quo.

War is a common example of this. Exhorting Imperial soldiers to fight harder rarely provides any improvements in their fighting strength. All Imperial armies include priests in their ranks who tender to the spiritual needs of the soldiers, providing sermons on the Way to the faithful. They spread the teachings of the Synod and guide their congregations. Imperial soldiers are not fanatics but morale is high, buttressed by the belief that they will reincarnate quickly if they live a virtuous life.

As such, trying to use the Way to motivate soldiers to do more to kill the enemy or conquer territory faster has no little or no effect because these soldiers are already doing everything they can to achieve this goal. The Way can guide soldiers to enable them to accomplish other goals, impact their strategy, or reduce their willingness to fight in ''other'' conflicts but the devoted can't do more when they are already wholly committed to the fight.

We have previously run plots involving assemblies encouraging citizens to donate wains to support the construction of the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. Those plots have run their course and are not something we would run again. The leadership of the Synod can have a powerful effect on the campaign, changing the way people think and act, but it isn't a simple substitute for the wealth controlled by the Bourse. The citizens who attend Anvil are the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in the Empire - it is the player-characters who control the wains needed to build commissions - not the NPCs.

Any assembly could name a specific commission as their highest calling, but the resulting mandate wouldn't reduce the costs or pay for the commission. It might provide options for an Assembly to pay the costs in other ways, with other materials, or by paying a heavy political price instead - but it won't just produce wains to fund the commission. Those must be obtained on the field at Anvil.

The Synod can use statements of principle to encourage the devoted to reach out to a neighbouring power to try and convert them to the Way. As experience with the Lasambrians demonstrates, encouraging a group of people to embrace the Virtues or the Way does not make them allies of the Empire. If a group already has a reason to be grateful to the Empire, like the Sand Fishers who were freed from the Druj and given rich lands of their own to live on, then the Way can build on those links. Strengthening bonds of [[Loyalty]] and [[Prosperity]] can help to cement an ally's positive relationship with the Empire. But a group that is hostile to the Empire won't be won over, even if they are persuaded to embrace the Virtues or adopt the Way. Sharing a faith doesn't make them any more inclined to ''like'' the Empire. People who feel [[Ambition|Ambitious]] and [[Pride|Proud]] and filled with [[Courage]] are more likely to oppose the Empire, and fight all the harder for their own interests.
==Further Reading==
* [[The greatest plurality]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune relating to the attempt to guide the Imperial Synod
* [[The hard way]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune relating to grand ambitions

* [[Statement of principle]]
* [[Assembly]]

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-08-23T12:48:33Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

Strategos of Wintermark

2025-08-18T12:09:23Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

==Overview==
The [[Strategos]] of Wintermark was established by [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Create_titles_of_National_Strategos|a vote]] of the [[Imperial Senate]] during the Autumn Equinox 385YE. There are ten strategos in total - one for each of the Imperial nations.

==Responsibilities==
The Strategos of Wintermark is responsible for protecting the legal rights of the citizens within Wintermark who have been recognised by the Civil Service as being responsible for conjunctions through the Sentinel Gate; to work within the nation of Wintermark, and nominated citizens, and with the other strategos to maximise the odds of the Empire's success beyond the Sentinel Gate; to provide tactical, logistical, and personnel support to nominated citizens; to coordinate and provide material support in the form of [[herb|herbs]], [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|mana crystals]], [[potion|potions]], equipment, or other specialist items; and to serve as a point of contact for the fighters of their nation intending to take the battlefield. Whilst the strategos has a responsibility to coordinate and support those venturing through the Sentinel Gate there is no expectation that they themselves would need to.

==Powers==
===Bounty of Mana===
The Strategos of Wintermark has custodianship of the [[#Vale's Might|Vale's Might]] sinecure. They receive an income of 10 crystal mana each season.

==Appointment==
The Strategos of Wintermark is appointed during the Autumn Equinox each year. It is selected by unanimous decision of [[Wintermark]] [[general|generals]]. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title may be appointed by the [[Imperial Military Council]] instead.

The title can be held by any citizen of Wintermark. The Strategos serves until the next scheduled election. They can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the Wintermark [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]], and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{RecentElections|Strategos_of_Wintermark}}
==Vale's Might==
The great stone pillared entrance to Vales Might is flanked by two large stone and metal braziers, each with the [[Pallas|rune of Wealth]] carved upon it. These are lit during the winter months to guide hunters, traders and other lost folk back to a place of warmth and safety. Vale's Might stands near its sister sinecure the [[Herbalist_of_the_Hearth#The Valley of Pride|Valley of Pride]]. It is located in the foot of the nearby cliffs and high hills that stand just outside the village of Woodhall.

The Wintermark hall of Hendle Hearth can been seen from the entrance to Vales Might and is a mere few minutes’ walk away. [[Hahnmark#Southridge|Southridge]] and [[Hahnmark#Wood Heath|Wood Heath]] lie less than a days travel away in opposite directions from the impressive entrance to this sinecure. To gain access here you must first pass the huge doors that are designed to hold fast against all save the worst of winter storms, or all but the most ferocious and determined of attackers.

Once inside, a visitor must follow the twists and turns of the passage that snakes its way down level by level, deeper and deeper into the depths. At the bottom of the passage is a final mighty door, above which is engraved the message "''The ebb and flow of magic will forever match the ebb and flow of the Empire. Long live the Empire''.”

The door opens into a large cavern whose walls are studded with crystals. A pool of silvery water is spread thinly across the bottom of the cavern, and all of the crystals can be seen to have grown over the decades from the water.

[[Category: Title]]
[[Category: Military Council]]
[[Category:Wintermark]]

Strategos of Navarr

2025-08-18T12:08:48Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

==Overview==
The [[Strategos]] of Navarr was established by [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Create_titles_of_National_Strategos|a vote]] of the [[Imperial Senate]] during the Autumn Equinox 385YE. There are ten strategos in total - one for each of the Imperial nations.

==Responsibilities==
The Strategos of Navarr is responsible for protecting the legal rights of the citizens within Navarr who have been recognised by the Civil Service as being responsible for conjunctions through the Sentinel Gate; to work within the nation of Navarr, and nominated citizens, and with the other strategos to maximise the odds of the Empire's success beyond the Sentinel Gate; to provide tactical, logistical, and personnel support to nominated citizens; to coordinate and provide material support in the form of [[herb|herbs]], [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|mana crystals]], [[potion|potions]], equipment, or other specialist items; and to serve as a point of contact for the fighters of their nation intending to take the battlefield. Whilst the strategos has a responsibility to coordinate and support those venturing through the Sentinel Gate there is no expectation that they themselves would need to.
{{CaptionedImage|file=StrategosNavarr.jpg|caption='''Gryiff Embercast''', Strategos of Navarr|align=right|width=300}}
==Powers==
===Bounty of Mana===
The Strategos of Navarr has custodianship of the [[#Awstin's Rest|Awstin's Rest]] wayhouse. They receive an income of 12 crystal mana each season.

==Appointment==
The Strategos of Navarr is appointed during the Winter Solstice each year. It is selected by unanimous decision of [[Navarr]] [[general|generals]]. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title may be appointed by the [[Imperial Military Council]] instead.

The title can be held by any citizen of Navarr. The Strategos serves until the next scheduled election. They can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the Navarr [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]], and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].

{{RecentElections|Strategos_of_Navarr}}

[[Category: Title]]
[[Category: Military Council]]
[[Category:Navarr]]

The prime colour of the world

2025-08-16T12:25:46Z

Castaras: /* Problems with the Morass */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
Megan considered stepping over the thick patch of briar that was growing next to the trod. She was late, for the reunion with the other members of the Striding... but.. she had her duty. Sighing to herself she draw a long bladed heavy knife from a scabbard and began to cut the briar back.

Something was definitely up. The trods positively pulsed with powerful Spring magic at the moment - and she could feel the familiar benefits as she marched along. The price of all that magic was that the trods needed occasional maintenance to avoid them becoming overgrown. Usually she'd have to spend half an hour of her time no more than once a twice a day this way - but this was the third time today she had had to cut a fresh path through overgrown brambles and it was barely lunch. Maybe it was just her frustration at running late - but it definitely ''seemed'' like there was a lot more work to be done to keep the trods clear.

As she cut away the last of the brambles she noticed something, an unusual flower growing in the long grass, protected from heavy feet by the thorns. She examined it carefully - and then with long practiced skill began to expertly remove the plant. She painstakingly dug the plant out, excavating the soil all around the roots first to avoid damaging it. It was Realmsroot - very rare - and worth a fair few crowns. She might be late, but it appeared the day would not be a disaster after-all.

The work complete, she continued on her way, quickly leaving the remains of the bramble patch behind. As she sped off to rejoin her Striding, a slow trickle of water begin to appear in the hole where the rare root had been been.
</ic>
==Overview==
During the Spring Equinox, the Sherard Hunters of Wintermark took advantage of the potent [[380YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Tree_of_Ice_.28Conjunction.29|conjunction of the Fountain]] to weave the powerful Spring enchantment known as the [[Hallow of the Green World]]. Following extensive preparations, they were able to raise the magic to spread the fecund power of the Green World across the Empire.

In addition to dramatically increasing the amount of [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] available to be harvested in the Empire, the enchantment has also made animals, plants, and people significantly more fertile. The impact of this profligate fecundity is not immediately apparent - but the coming seasons will likely see a dramatic increase in the size of herds, and the quality of harvests, across the Empire.

At the same time, there are going to be a great many more healthy children born to Imperial citizens. There is a superstitious belief that the children conceived under the influence of the Hallow of the Green World will express the [[briar]] [[lineage]] in later life, but the way the briar lineage develops has made a definitive study extremely difficult.

The magic also serves to temporarily empower weak Spring [[regio]] across the Empire, and encouraging the heralds of Spring eternals to become more active, and more interested in the Empire, and the activities of Imperial citizens.

==Significance==
There are several enchantments (such as [[Wondrous Forests of the Night]] and [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths ]]) that work at such a level of power, but this is the first one lain across the Empire since before the reign of [[Emperor Hugh]] and seems to have been specially effective, possibly due to the influence of the [[Tree_of_ice_(conjunction)|potent conjunction]] under which it was performed.

===Cerulean Bounty===
Every herb garden in the Empire has produced an additional bounty of Cerulean Mazzarine over the last three months, cumulative with the effects of other enchantments such as [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]]. The Sherard Hunters chose Cerulean Mazzarine specifically, no doubt inspired by its use in several potions of particular value to the Empire.

===Briar Madness===
Any character with the briar lineage may choose to take advantage of the powerful Spring magic to strengthen the [[Briar#Iconic_trappings|trappings]] of their lineage.

Furthermore, the lingering effects of the enchantment mean that any briar can choose to strengthen the influence of their [[Briar#Roleplaying_briars|natural briar instincts]] for the duration of the Summer Solstice. In particular, many briars who are exposed to the Hallow of the Green World find themselves feeling vigorous, energetic, and enthusiastic - but conversely find it more difficult to resist lashing out physically at things that irritate or confuse them.

===The Waters of Life===
The [[Rivers of Life]] evoked in [[Kahraman]] has been particularly effective thanks to the Hallow. The extensive [[Snow_and_rain#A_Risk_of_Storms|floodwaters]] resulting from the dire winter weather have carried the power of that Spring curse down the river, and spread additional fertility along the length of the Scorrero. Every [[farm]] and [[herb garden]] in Kahraman, [[Segura]], and [[Madruga]] has benefited from even further enhanced production.

===Realmsroot===
This particularly fecund Spring season has seen a very rare plant called ''Realmsroot'' blooming in unprecedented quantities across [[Upwold]], [[Hahnmark]] and [[Miaren]]. Realmsroot is a naturally occurring plant that has a propensity for reacting to certain types of magic. It is occasionally found growing around strong [[regio]] or [[mana site|mana sites]] in the western Empire. Each individual plant flowers once every six years, and it is at this point that the herb is at its most potent. The properly infused roots can be ground into a paste that has a dramatic narcotic effect on the [[lineage|lineaged]].

Owners of herb gardens in Upwold, Hahnmark, and Miaren should find a dose or two of the prepared Realmsroot in their character packs.

===The Garden of Tiberius' Bequest===
'''This opportunity is no longer available.'''<br>
It is not just the personal herb gardens of Imperial citizens that have benefited from the Hallow of the Green World. Indeed, the revelation of hitherto unknown locations of Spring magic have provided a valuable opportunity for the [[sinecure|sinecures]] that produce herbs.

One particular [[opportunity]] is available to the newly constructed [[Healer of Dawn|Gardens of Tiberius' Bequest]] in [[Astolat#Laroc|Laroc]]. Obviously, the [[Civilian Commissioner]] of [[Dawn]] ensured that the [[commission|newly-commissioned]] sinecure was built in a fertile location, but to the surprise of many the chosen area turned out to have a Spring regio at the centre!

This unexpected benefit has resulted in a unique opportunity to take advantage of the current enchantment to increase the effectiveness of the garden. With a suitable announcement by the Dawnish commissioner or a successful motion through the Senate they could use 2 wains of mithril to create a series of carefully positioned mirrors that will capture and reflect the font of Spring magic welling at the centre to make the garden especially fertile. The work would cost 4 crowns for the labour.

If the expansion were carried out, the production of the gardens would improved dramatically, increasing production to twenty-four Cerulean Mazzarine each season instead of the current eighteen.

===Problems with the Morass===
The potent Hallow of the Green world has not been without its downsides, however. The spread of the [[Holberg#The Morass|Morass]] in [[Holberg]] has been a matter of some concern for some time now, and the powerful enchantment appears to have exacerbated the situation. In the absence of repairs and replacements to the dikes and dams that keep the southern marshes in check, large sections of [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]] have reverted to their original, sodden state.

As a result Rebeshof has been officially declared a marsh (it now has the marsh quality). This deleterious change has the immediate effect of permanently decreasing the production of farms in Holberg by 18 rings. If Ennerlund also succumbs to the marsh, the penalty will double.

Assuming nothing changes, [[Holberg#Ennerlund|Ennerlund]] will have become a marsh by the start of the Winter Solstice. Should any further powerful Spring enchantments be placed on Holberg - specifically [[Thunderous Deluge]], [[Rivers Run Red]], [[Rivers of Life]], [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]], or similar spontaneous magic - or should the [[Hallow of the Green World]] be cast on the Empire again, it will speed this reversion up dramatically and see Ennerlund swallowed by marshes at the end of the season in which the magic is evoked. If Ennerlund does become a marsh, the newly opened [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]] will need additional pumps and precautions, permanently increasing the upkeep of this important Bourse resource by 2 Thrones per season.

It is too late to prevent the marsh spreading into Rebeshof, but Ennerlund could still be protected. With the expenditure of 60 wains of weirwood, and 15 Thrones, new dikes could be built and some effort made to replace the paths and bridges the Druj have destroyed. This great work would add 75 random herbs to the production of herb gardens owned by League citizens in Holberg.

Alternatively, the Senate could abandon efforts to stop Ennerlund being swallowed by the marshes and instead try to make the best of the situation. The result would be a vast, teeming marsh partially tended by skilled herbalists and doctors that would nearly rival the Kallavesa marshes for valuable healing herbs. This would cost the same as the plan to prevent the spread of the marsh - 60 wains of weirwood and 15 thrones but would provide 100 random herbs each season to League herb gardens in Holberg. The downside is that both Rebeshof and Ennerlund would be marshes by the time the work was finished.
<quote by="Pedro Calderon de la barca">Green is the prime colour of the world, and that from which its loneliness arises</quote>

==Resolution==
The majority of the effects of this powerful [[enchantment]] have now faded. The rare [[#Realmsroot|realmsroot]] is no longer flowering and most of the plants have returned to their natural dormant state - although some of the herbs are still available here and there for purchase. The opportunity to improve [[#The Garden of Tiberius' Bequest|the Garden of Tiberius' Bequest]] has not been taken, and is now no longer available.

Without immediate effort to [[#Problems with the Morass|contain the spread]] of the [[Holberg#The Morass|Morass]], the situation has continued to develop. You can learn more about it [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#The_Creeping_Morass|here]].

User:Castaras

2025-08-13T21:05:08Z

Castaras:

i'm lizzie and i like wrangling code to do things it shouldn't. i go on hyperfixated deep dives into the wiki and ask awkward questions about minutiae i find on rarely visited pages.

sortable dates:

next to each date put data-sort-value="''date''"|

date must be formatted in either mm/dd/yyyy (cringe) or yyyy/mm/dd (based). haven't worked out a way to use dd/mm/yyyy

then sortable dates but displayed in format we want

mm/dd/yyyy
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:500px; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#That's Where My Heart Is (Imperial Address)|That's where my heart is]] || 1 ||data-sort-value="06/28/2025"| 28/06 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[#The Last Leg (Rhianos Race)|The last leg]] || 2 ||data-sort-value="07/14/2025"| 14/07|| Rhianos Race
|-
| [[#Hope and Fear (Appraisal)|Hope and fear]] || 3 ||data-sort-value="07/06/2025"| 06/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Two for Joy (Magpies)|Two for joy]] || 4 ||data-sort-value="07/14/2025"| 14/07 || Magpies
|}

yyyy/mm/dd
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:500px; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#That's Where My Heart Is (Imperial Address)|That's where my heart is]] || 1 ||data-sort-value="2025/06/28"| 28/06 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[#The Last Leg (Rhianos Race)|The last leg]] || 2 ||data-sort-value="2025/07/14"| 14/07|| Rhianos Race
|-
| [[#Hope and Fear (Appraisal)|Hope and fear]] || 3 ||data-sort-value="2025/07/06"| 06/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Two for Joy (Magpies)|Two for joy]] || 4 ||data-sort-value="2025/07/14"| 14/07 || Magpies
|}

dd/mm/yyyy
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:500px; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#That's Where My Heart Is (Imperial Address)|That's where my heart is]] || 1 ||data-sort-value="25/06/2025"| 28/06 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[#The Last Leg (Rhianos Race)|The last leg]] || 2 ||data-sort-value="14/07/2025"| 14/07|| Rhianos Race
|-
| [[#Hope and Fear (Appraisal)|Hope and fear]] || 3 ||data-sort-value="06/07/2025"| 06/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Two for Joy (Magpies)|Two for joy]] || 4 ||data-sort-value="14/07/2025"| 14/07 || Magpies
|}

works with time included for precision if needed

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:500px; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| made and never edited at 6pm || 1 ||data-sort-value="2025/06/28 18:00"| 28/06 || Imperial Address
|-
| edited 2pm || 2 ||data-sort-value="2025/07/14 14:00"| 14/07|| Rhianos Race
|-
| made and edited at midnight || 3 ||data-sort-value="2025/07/06 00:00"| 06/07 || Appraisal
|-
|edited 5pm || 4 ||data-sort-value="2025/07/14 17:00"| 14/07 || Magpies
|-
|edited 3pm || 5 ||data-sort-value="2025/07/14 15:00"| 14/07 || Magpies
|-
|edited on differnet day 3pm || 6 ||data-sort-value="2025/07/18 15:00"| 18/07 || Magpies
|}

Maude, and the nature of Hatred

2025-08-13T21:01:24Z

Castaras:

[[Category:History]]
==Overview==
The original document on which this report is based was prepared for Caleb of the Cenotaph [[Minister of Historical Research]]. It followed on from earlier work relating specifically to a reported past live vision experience of Adelina Barossa, prepared for their predecessor Ioseph of Phoenix's Reach. The investigation touched on matters of the [[Malign_spiritual_presences|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#hatred|Hate]], which is also called "Purity" in some documents.

In the months since the original work was done, additional research has cast further light on this topic, and on the role of Hatred in the early Empire. This more general discussion of Hatred, and a commentary on the history of Maude, Daughter of Esther, has been compiled by Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.

The original documents sent to the Minister for Historical Research are appended [[#Earlier Documents|at the end of the essay]].

==Foreword==
Investigation into the life of Maude, daughter of Esther, has proved to be a delicate undertaking. Some of those contacted during the compilation of this report - ''Amanda Scriber'', ''John Tallfellow'', and ''Ephas Canterspire'' in particular - found the whole matter distasteful. Even within the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department]] there are some topics which prove divisive, or require careful handling. Few scholars are comfortable with examining the role the malign spiritual presence of Hatred played in pre-Imperial history. That it ''did'' play a role - that it was very nearly included by the [[Imperial Synod]] alongside virtues such as [[Courage]] and [[Vigilance]] - is uncontested however. It's not the place of the Department to dwell over-much on the nature of the Virtues - at least not in this document - but it is difficult to separate Imperial attitudes to the spiritual force of Hatred from a discussion of Maude, Daughter of Esther.

Few documents dealing with Hatred, or with Maude, Daughter of Esther, survive to the current day. This is due not only to the legacy of [[Emperor Nicovar]] but also to the obvious fact that such writings dealt with topics of [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]] and have largely been destroyed. While the satirists of [[the League]] like to imagine a sinister [[Highguard|Highborn]] "dark library" full of "forbidden texts" the fact of the matter is much more prosaic. Documents dangerous to the spiritual welfare of Imperial citizens are invariably destroyed, not ferreted away by wicked [[archivist|archivists]] to some secret collection of "banned books."

What sources remain tend to be dry, academic in nature, and deal in generalities rather than specifics; and what is true of the nature of Hatred is just as true as those historical figures associated with the so-called "false virtue". The primary source for the life of Maude, Daughter of Esther, is probably the recent fifth volume of ''[[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2|Echoes of the Labyrinth]]'', in which a League citizen (now a citizen of Highguard) reportedly experienced the [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] vision recorded there. The Department tends not to view accounts of past lives as entirely reliable sources of information and always attempts to secure confirmation from contemporary historical documents. Visions are often subjective - even without considering the possibility that someone might simply lie or be mistaken about their experience.

==A biography of Maude daughter of Esther==
Some of the biographical information about Maude comes from Highborn archivist Bartholomew son of Idwin. A member of Josiah's Alarum [[chapter]] and an actual descendant of Maude, his report on the life of his ancestor unfortunately appears to be coloured by his respect for his lineage and his chapter. The basic details, however, appear to be uncontested. Maude, daughter of Esther, was born in 32 BE, at the chapter of Esau’s Choice in [[Bastion]]. Records show she died in 38YE, at the chapter of Josiah's Alarum, in [[Necropolis]]. A contemporary of the [[First Empress]], she was a prominent figure in the Assembly of the Virtuous, the Highborn precursor of the Imperial Synod. She is believed to have been heavily involved in the early discussions around the foundation of the Synod, and thus the modern [[the Way|Way]].

According to Bartholomew, she spent time in her early life as a [[wayfarer]]. There is a Maude daughter of Esther of Esau's Choice among a list of missionaries working in [[Tassato]] and [[the Marches]] during the years prior to the Marcher [[The Marches history#The Cousins' War|civil war]]. She returned to Esau's Choice shortly before the outbreak of the so-called Cousin's War where she is reported to have taken the role of preacher, spiritual advisor, and teacher to the people of her chapter.

Certainly a delegation from Esau’s Choice attended the first summit at [[Anvil]], and it is not difficult to imagine that an experienced wayfarer such as Maude would have been a leading member of that delegation. While Bartholomew paints Maude as a proponent of what would eventually become the [[Assembly]] of [[Loyalty]], much of this is unfortunately speculation on the part of the archivist and not supported by any documentation other than some old, partial records inherited from Esau's Choice now kept at Josiah's Alarum.

Bartholomew's account then goes on to talk about the "spectre of heresy" - painting Maude's association with the spiritual presence of Hatred as a heresy. This is unfortunately at odds with historical fact. It is generally accepted that at the founding of the Empire the spiritual force of Hatred - or the virtue of "Purity" as it was more commonly known in early Imperial documents - was a significant force recognised by the forerunners of the Imperial Synod. Indeed, it is common knowledge that it was nearly included as one of the Seven. It is easy to feel sympathetic to Bartholomew - it must be difficult to acknowledge that the dangerous teachings of Hatred were once as popular as those of Courage, [[Ambition]], or any of the other true Virtues. How much worse, then, to acknowledge that one's direct ancestor was a proponent of this wicked philosophy?

What I think we can be confident of is that Maude never held the rank of "Cardinal of Purity". While there were certainly priests recognised as being experts on the matters of the individual virtues, the title of [[Cardinal]] does not appear in any significant way in pre-Imperial religious documents. The first Cardinals are appointed as part of the work of the early Imperial priests in founding the Synod. While their inspiration is likely to be the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly|Speaker for the Assembly]] of Highguard, their role was established as part of the [[Imperial Constitution|constitutional]] mandate to "''establish assemblies that each may know their virtue and select the most virtuous amongst them to lead''". At best, we can assume that if Maude was a respected Highborn priest, and a proponent of so-called "Purity", she was recognised as one of the important voices arguing for the inclusion of Hate in the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven|Doctrine of Seven]], itself a product of the first years of debate among the priests of the first Imperial Synod.

Paradoxically of course, prior to the reign of [[Empress Teleri]] the original cardinals wielded political power more often through the [[Imperial Senate]] rather than the Synod. Possessing powers equivalent to those of a [[Senator]], they appear to have been much more concerned with secular matters and presented a potent, if often fractured, voting bloc. It is a sobering thought to imagine what might have happened if one of the eight original cardinals had been a proponent of this malignant spiritual power.

==The Practice of Hatred==
While it may once have been recognised by priests of the pre-Synod Way, Hatred is very clearly counted alongside the other dangerous spiritual powers such as [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]], [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|Anarchy]], and [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Vengeance]]. At the absolute outside, it might in theory be recognised as a spiritual power that does not hinder the passage of the spirit through the Labyrinth - as described in the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven|Doctrine of the Seven]] - but most theological scholars are very clear that it is antithetical to the existing Virtues and that embracing its power is variously, heresy, blasphemy, or both.

It is reassuring to imagine that the practitioners of Hatred were restricted to a limited number of heretical chapters in Highguard. While that may be comforting, it is unfortunately not borne out by the evidence. While Purity was never as dominant as familiar virtues such as [[Wisdom]] and [[Prosperity]], it was recognised as a power by the Highborn, and also among [[the Marches|the Marchers]], the people of [[Dawn]], and the [[Varushka|Varushkans]]. While its dangers are obvious to us today, in less enlightened time its message of closed-communities that protected their traditions and local practices against outsiders was not unappealing. On one level, the spiritual practices promoted by the followers of "Purity" relating to ideas of tainting or corrupting were easily entangled with entirely practical suspicion of malign magical forces or - perhaps ironically - wicked spiritual forces. By casting entities such as the [[vallorn]], or obviously questionable ideas such as foreign religions or actual [[Schisms_and_Heresies#Schisms_and_Heresies|heresies]] as "corruption" that must be "rooted out", the followers of "Purity" were often able to establish themselves not as abhorrent gatekeepers, but as heroic defenders of their communities. Such communities often proved quite resistant to outside change.

Even in pre-Imperial times, however, the practitioners of "Purity" were often looked at askance by their peers. There are some fragmentary records of early arguments between [[Lepidus]] and an orator called "Simon of Greatwood" in which the paragon repudiates a philosophy suggesting that the Highborn must not teach the Way to outsiders lest they open themselves to dangerous and unvirtuous influences in return. Conversely, dedicates of "Purity" in the Marches railed against those [[monk|monks]] who brought the Way to the [[Marcher household|households]], and some scholars point to the opposition of [[Sulemaine]] and her [[sword scholar|sword-scholars]] to Highborn wayfarers as a manifestation of this suspicious, hateful principle that loathes and fears "outside" ideas.

After the establishment of the Doctrine of the Seven, however, any uncertainty was dispelled. Preaching that "Purity", "Freedom", "Justice", or the rest were equal to the true virtues was clear heresy and treated as such. There are first-hand reports of direct action taken to put-down dangerous cults including several recalcitrant chapters in Newland (later [[Casinea#Casfall|Casfall]]) in [[Casinea]] at the same time the Empire was campaigning against [[Alderei the Fair]]. Indeed there are reputable reports that some of the warriors who fought under the tyrant-boyar's banner were openly inspired by the force of Hatred turning their zealous ire against all non-Varushkan soldiers intruding into their dark woodlands. In both cases, interestingly, the rune [[Cavul]] or the image of a war-like swan, were used by the cults - a symbology that recurs again and again through Imperial history. The murderer known as "the Swan" who terrorised the [[lineage|lineaged]] of [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Tassato Mestra]] in the late first century, for example, carved the rune into the flesh of their victims as a "calling card." That same connection was most recently seen fifty years ago when the "Fraternity of the Swan" openly decried the inclusion of the [[Imperial Orcs]] among the Imperial nations; while their organisation was swiftly dismantled, investigations by the magistrates conclusively pointed to [[aura|auras]] of Hatred being employed by the leaders of the movement.

Not everything is as cut-and-dried however. There are records of a [[knightly order]] known as the "Order of Golden Zeal" in Dawn in the 53YE. Associated with the [[Hounds of Glory]], these [[questing knight|questing knights]] were reported to be particularly zealous in fighting against the [[orc|orcs]] threatening the Empire's eastern borders. While their battlefield fury was often lauded at the time, their enthusiasm for butchering prisoners was considered uncomfortably extreme. The final reference to the Order is in 54YE, where [[Empress Richilde]] herself is believed to have taken steps to disband them although frustratingly no details have survived to the current day beyond a reference to a "House Silvertongue", a name that has been heard recently in the [[Judgement|Judgements]] of the Dawnish [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]]. Ser Thomas Aurelius, who raised [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements|that judgement]] and its [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_39|escalation]], might have known more, but the secret may have died with him.

These stories, and others like them, recur again and again and there is no doubt in the minds of most serious scholars that the heretical power of "Purity" is a stubborn weed, difficult to root out. To the lay person, it is sometimes difficult to separate the strangling vines of Hate from virtuous Vigilance or [[Pride]]. A healthy awareness of external and internal threats can sometimes be mistaken for a black-souled hatred of all that is different, and vice versa. Likewise, taking comfort in one's cherished traditions can sometimes be mistaken for a Hateful commitment to custom that opposes all influences from outside the community.

The ceremony of [[insight]] can be used to detect [[dedication|dedicates]] of Hate, but it is of limited use when dealing with the equally insidious problem of normal citizens who simply embrace its tenets. Especially given the rhetoric of the Imperial Synod itself; more than one theologian has pointed out the danger inherent in urging the people of the Empire to hate their enemies. Spiritual auras do not arise solely from the practice of [[Religious skills#liao ceremonies|liao ceremonies]] after all; enough people united by their hatred of outsiders can give rise to spontaneous hallows, consecrations, anointings, and even in very rare cases to dedications. The [[sect|sects]] of Hatred had to begin somewhere, after all.

==The Teachings of Hatred==
It is an unpleasant truth that Hatred is a source of spiritual power similar to the seven Virtues. Those who are [[dedication|dedicated]] to its teachings are capable of using [[liao]] to create [[aura|auras]] that draw upon this force just as a priest of one of the true Virtues might create a [[consecration]], [[hallow]] or [[anointing]]. The nature of these auras are not as well-documented as those of the true virtues for obvious reasons, but thanks to a combination of Highborn archivists and Varushkan scholars (who wish to remain anonymous), and to the vigilance of the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]], and the 383YE [[Tend to the Flame|investigation]] into the sect of Hate in [[Mournwold#Whittle|Whittle]], some details of the teachings of "Purity" have emerged.

At its root, Hatred represents the fundamental urge to regard the world in terms of "we who are pure" and "they who are corrupt". It is the distrust of the outsider, of the stranger. It is the contempt for the different and the strange. The hateful see tolerance as weakness, and strive to defend their way of life against any outside influence.

The sects are by no means united, but certain phrases recur over and over. These might be seen as similar to the tenets of the true Virtues and include phrases such as: "Your enemies do not deserve pity: their suffering is not your concern"; "trust the instinct that recoils from the unknown"; "tolerance is the crack in the foundation of a strong society"; "Hate is the purest form of active will, a sword to defend what we hold dear"; and "those who are not with us are against us; there is no other path". Those investigating the sects of Hatred would do well to remain alert for speeches or turns-of-phrase that declare sentiments such as these.

The [[Dedication#Dreams|dream]] of Hatred - as practiced by a dedicate of the malign spiritual force - is anecdotally said to have some similarities to that of Vigilance, bringing threats before the recipient's sleeping mind. Where the [[Auras_of_Vigilance#Dreams_of_Vigilance|dream of Vigilance]] draw upon the recipient’s own experience, the dream of Hatred tells them exactly what to hate: quite simply, anything that is not like they are.

The [[consecration]] of Hatred appears on the surface to be a positive, strengthening aura. It causes a place to feel special, good, clean; a place to be protected. At the same time, however, it urges those who partake of it to keep out any external influences, and to be prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep the place "safe".

The [[anointing|anointings]] of Hate follow this theme of uniting those who think the same way, and exiling or opposing those who have different ideas. It is easy to see why the spiritual force is dubbed "Purity" by its adherents. Some who have experienced anointing of Hate speak of being driven to suppress dissenting voices, and finding the idea of compromising with others to be nauseating. Others - including a respected agent of the Silent Bell involved in the Whittle investigation - spoke of a profound and empowering understanding of his own identity, coupled with a pernicious awareness of how others were different from him, and how those differences were unsettling and offensive.

Finally, several objects have been examined over the years that appear to bear [[hallow|hallows]] of Hate. It's possible that some of these are in fact spontaneous auras, but there are enough similarities to propose a short, and certainly not exhaustive, list. Such relics may encourage one to shun strangers; favour instinct over reason; defend traditions from any perceived slight; openly oppose voices that preach tolerance or understanding; unite one's people; and protect the innocent by eliminating influences one deems to be "unwholesome."

As the archivist Gabbatha of the Litharge wrote in 342YE "It is easy to see why the early Synod considered the inclusion of Purity alongside the true virtues. Some of the auras, taken at face value, appear to be of benefit to the virtuous. Yet when one looks closer, the cracks begin to show. Wielded injudiciously there is a very real chance these auras would tear the Empire apart, turning nation against nation, and neighbour against neighbour in pursuit of a single truth that must, as long as humans are mortal creatures, remain elusive."

==A Note on "Purity"==
In the 214YE book "Purity and Spite", Engus of Highguard quoted a statement of principle from the General Assembly, allegedly from the reign of Empress Richilde, warning the Synod to be alert to the dangers of tolerating hatred. The unknown priest reportedly wrote that "We call it Purity, but we know that it is hate. We must defend against our enemies for Vigilance's sake, because they are a threat to our people. If we urge our congregations to fight with hatred in our hearts, then we have lost the Way, no matter what words we might use to hide our endorsement of that malignant force." Engus expands on the topic in some detail, discussing the idea that neither Virtues nor the malign spiritual forces are concerned with semantics. "If we urge people to hate," he concludes, "then we are also urging them to Hate, and that way lies disaster."

==Earlier Documents==
These reports were provided to the Ministers of Historical Research following their initial requests.
===The Past Life of Adelina Barossa===
This document was prepared by Octavia of Stream's Source spire for Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, shortly before the Spring Equinox 382YE. It touches specifically on the life of Maude, daughter of Esther.
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Introduction</span><br>
It should be noted that - lacking any other details other than “the past life of Adelina Barossa” - this report would otherwise have been very short. Happily, Livia Cascade, the Seer of the Gateway, has recently published her account of Adelina’s vision - assuming this account’s accuracy, it seems that the historical figure to be investigated is “Maude, daughter of Esther, Cardinal of Purity at the beginning of the Empire”. As it relates to the early history of the Empire, I am the natural researcher to take on this task.

I will say that all my normal caveats about the perils of historiography - especially in the period of the founding of which so much is lost - apply here. I have been strongly asked by my superiors in the department to refrain from snippy comments about the scholarship (or otherwise!) of various nations and so I will not repeat them here. All that I am saying is that if there are holes in the following narrative, if things are lost to history, it is not hard to guess which scholarly tradition - or lack thereof! - might be to blame - probably the scholarly tradition most concerned with preserving so-called “Virtuous stories”. Anyway. Yes. I shall not be reprimanded again.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">The history of the Synod</span><br>
There is evidence that suggests that the form of the Synod evolved considerably over the reign of the First Empress. It is thought to have grown out of the old Highborn Assembly of the Way, whose existence began sometime between the Revelation and the founding of the Empire. It began as a way for individuals across Chapters to meet, discuss the Way, and celebrate it - there is some evidence that it began as a tradition of meeting once a year on some suitable anniversary of the Revelation. At some point, the custom arose to name individuals whose virtue was “cardinal” amongst their peers, and it is from here that the notion of a “Cardinal” arose.

The Assembly was not originally concerned with the finer points of doctrine, however - that was the preserve of the Tribunal - but over time the two became quite enmeshed. Sadly, the details of the Way in its pre-Imperial form are lost to history - however, there has always been some evidence that, for instance, there was some disagreement as to exactly which Virtues were True.

The nature of the chapters, however, meant that it was perfectly possible for one chapter to believe in seven virtues, rejecting, say, Loyalty in favour of the false virtue of Hatred, while another to believe in seven virtues, the seven that we know today are True. While the influence of the Tribunal worked to try and homogenise things, for whatever reason this did not successfully occur - suggesting, perhaps, that the Tribunal was just as riven on the issue or distracted by defending the Way from the differing philosophies that other nations shared.

On the foundation of the Empire, the Highborn Assembly of the Way became what we know of today as the Synod. The constitution as we know it today certainly suggests a Synod much like the modern form; but the constitution was always a statement of intent, of axioms, and there is some evidence from passing references in other texts that the transfer between the axioms laid out there and actual practice was not immediate but gradual, over time. It is only with the full codifying of Imperial Law under Emperor Giovanni that this transition ended. So, then, there was a continuum between the Highborn Assembly of the Way - a single assembly of Highborn, able to speak on all matters of Virtue, disinclined towards making statements of dogma or doctrine - to the pluralistic Synod which we ended up with. But it is lost to history exactly how this change occurred, or at what pace.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Hatred, or Purity</span><br>
It is a relatively well-known historical fact that Hatred was strongly considered by the early Synod before being rejected. There is some evidence - Adelina’s vision seems to directly confirm this - that it was once known as Purity. Adelina’s vision is clearly at a time when something much like an “Assembly of Purity” appears to exist, but it is unclear who exactly is a voting member, or what the title of “Cardinal” truly means here. It appears that Maude-who-would-be-Adelina was the “Cardinal of Purity”. Did the early Empire truly fully recognise Purity as a virtue; was there a Cardinal in the “Assembly of the Nine” - did such an Assembly exist at the time? We do not know, and perhaps may never know; this history is quite extensively lost, which I for one find highly suspicious.

I see various avenues which my research could progress further along:

I could investigate further the false virtue of Hatred itself, under its other name of Purity, and track what is known about its nature throughout history. This is likely to turn up evidence of theological interest but of perhaps little practical use.

I could investigate occurrences of actual support for Hatred and Purity throughout history. This would be likely to resolve the question as whether or not the Empire ever truly recognised a “Cardinal of Purity”, as well as tracing any known cults to the modern day.

I could spend more time looking specifically into the life of Maude, daughter of Esther, perhaps discovering what she did with her life after the events of the Past Life Vision. This might turn up something interesting, but perhaps not - it is hard to know how well she hid or, indeed, where she went.

I could spend some time investigating the pre-Imperial Way; records will surely exist somewhere. This moves away from the original focus of the research but, I suppose, might be of interest to theological historians.

I could spend some time investigating the very early history of the Synod and how it moved towards its modern form, perhaps with particular reference to the Constitution. The evidence here is very scant, but given time to focus on it, who knows what might be found?

A suitable announcement in the Senate will direct the Department in the usual fashion.</ic>
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===Maude, Daughter of Esther===
On investigating Maude daughter of Esther and whether there was ever a proper Cardinal of Purity, John Tallfellow Summer, 383YE. The Department of Historical Research has a note that this document, and the three that follow, might have gone to the previous Minister of Historical Research by mistake, and offers sincere apologies to Caleb of the Cenotaph.
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The lady I was looking into was part of a defunct chapter, Esau’s Choice. In the very early days of the Empire, when she’d have been in her early thirties, that chapter which had stood for a good couple of hundred years fell apart and dissolved, no reason given, and it was by far not alone. Compared to times before and since, if you know where to look - a really surprising number of chapters fell in the first decade of the Empire. Yes, there was a war on - but there is a war on today, and I didn't see half a dozen chapters going missing last year.

I've attached the kind of testimony that's all you'll get from those who will speak at all, and all I’ll commit to paper is that it is so full of Virtue there is room for nothing else. The Way as revealed by the Highborn contained seven Virtues, and claiming otherwise is one quick way that a citizen's tongue can blacken their eye. Mentioning people's ancestors in terms suggesting other than spotlessness of soul does not make you their
friend.

What I have learned in Highguard - that is, all that I have been told, and all that I have read - is this. Maude was a prominent priest, yes: a priest of Loyalty, and that's the end of it. Heresy certainly did not come from within Highguard, not now, not ever.

Bastion, the heart of the Faith, has stood as the firm foundation of all seven Virtues since the Revelation, has never been anything else, and that is that.

Purity? Never has a word narrowed eyes faster: and yes, quite a few people knew that word for what it was. Truly I tell you, I’d have been more politely received if I was asking where the local temple of Sadogua was. On this job I have had to reassure literally dozens of vigilant folk that I was on official orders, to the point that I took to wearing uniform and calling everyone Citizen even in the taproom of an evening, and still people had trouble taking the hint.

As a historian I can quite happily tell you that the most we know of the title Cardinal around the start of the Empire is that we don’t know. The word wouldn’t have been unknown, it’s attested in letters to people like the crown of Wintermark, it was supposedly mentioned in the papers of Aldones di Sarvos before those all got set on fire. The First Empress was said to be attended by people who were like cardinals, but if I list everything she was said to be then this letter will outweigh most books. As for whether it was an Imperial title with an official fancy hat, we’re less sure. Certainly by the time of [[Empress Teleri]] it was, because that’s when they were throwing their weight around for the first time and making waves in the histories: and by then, of course, Purity was a poisonous memory.

If you want my opinion, I would look at the modern sodalities for a model about how official Imperial Positions came to be. Take the Anvil Hospital, for example: some enterprising folk put up a tent, had a whip-round for herbs and tools and plied their trade without waiting for permission. The Library the same, someone saw a thing that needed doing and did it. The New Scions of Atun, were they not doing their thing for a long time before they went official? It’s my guess that ‘Cardinal of Virtue’ was a phrase long before there was any suggestion that it gave you official powers, ‘Assembly of Virtue’ was just literally people assembling to chat about virtue.

But of course there’s no evidence and never will be. The early Synod was concerned far more with getting Virtue straight and making sure that everyone knew it, than they were with keeping records of every time anyone was wrong. People who invite all and sundry to watch their sausages being made don't make decent sausages. And lastly let me just say this: reading between these lines I just wrote will be bad for your health. Speaking personally I have requested a transfer back to [[Upwold]], and the news has been around the department. Any further historical researchers sent to
poke around the possibility that early Highborn might have been heretics are likely to be Dawnish or Highborn, and Wisdom help us all in either case.

If you want more answers here, you want the Silent Bell, who are far more used to insulting people’s Pride for a living, or the Grey Pilgrims , who might want to set their own house in order before talking about someone else's. Or perhaps there are Eternals who might know more, like the Eternal of Purity her own self. The wizards might tell us that one has got nothing to do with hatred: but the question really is whether the heretics of old knew that.</ic></div>
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===Hate and the Formation of the Empire===
Upon the practice of the Heresy of Hatred around the Formation of the Empire, Ephas of Canterspire, Summer 383YE

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The heresy of Hatred, called Purity, has been a pernicious one for as long as heresy has been fought. As a malign spiritual presence arising from the Human Soul, as with Anarchy and Vengeance, it is not something that can ever be truly stamped out. No matter how much the weed is cut down, it will arise again, for it is easy to rediscover. Unlike Anarchy and Vengeance, Purity calls to history, craves it. The nature of hatred is divisive by its very nature, yes, but within a homogeneous group it is conservative: it drives a community to come together in rejection of the common enemy, and practitioners of Purity will often claim a great and storied history to justify their hatred. Is Whittle truly a survivor of pre-Imperial ‘old ways’? It is quite simply just as likely that their self-proclaimed priests heard rumours of such upon the wind and latched onto them to lend legitimacy to their grubby little nest.

It is a simple fact, I am sad to tell you, that very few of the agencies which investigate these heresies are fond of recording the sordid details of heresy rather than the signs by which they may be known. Also as always, the difficulty of a pre-Nicovarian investigation rears its ugly head. The paltry information I collect here comes mostly from records of military or Militia dispatches archived beneath the Castle of Thorns.

Dated shortly before the war with Alderei the Fair, our investigators found a mouldering dispatch from a small but significant military action that must have been coordinated by the nascent Civil Service. It called upon the heroes of the Empire to call their private banners to them, and descend upon a nest of ‘recusants and blasphemers’ that had taken over a series of chapter houses upon what would then have been lands bordering orcish territory in Newland, Casinea. The symbol that these heretics were using was simply the rune Cavul, ‘purity’, daubed in white on black.

Another correspondence from the early Imperial era, a dispatch from the Granite Pillar, details an engagement with the forces of ‘the fair Boyar’, almost certainly Alderei. It recounts the bloody ferocity with which the schlacta defended a place that they had only recently taken, and contains a testimony from a captain who experienced a malign aura within the schlacta’s camp. Whatever the intended effect of that aura, its effect upon the normally disciplined Highborn soldiers was to drive them to burn the camp with the prisoners inside. The animal used as a symbol for their shrine was the swan, red-beaked and angry and yet immaculate.

From first-century Tassato Mestra, we have a report from militia investigating a series of killings of Lineaged. Again, the calling-card of the murderers was the rune Cavul, here carved into the flesh of their victims, translated this time as ‘the Swan’.

Then again, around fifty years ago, an organisation named ‘the Fraternity of the Swan’ was active once more in the League. They preached hatred against orcs, decrying what they saw as the corruption of the Empire by inhuman influences, and again made bloody use of the rune of purity. While the militia of the time declared the organisation stamped out, they would have been under significant political pressure to do so, and one never
knows. Interestingly, a feature of this cult was Lineaged citizens of Tassato who had self-mutilated after the Highborn custom.

In Dawn, around the fifth decade YE, we have a series of fascinating dispatches from the Hounds of Glory detailing over several seasons the behaviour of an organisation known as the Order of Golden Zeal. The first two seasons’ worth of communiques refer to the glorious frenzy with which they led the charge against the orcish foes. The third describes in a somewhat less enthusiastic tone the way that they took to the task of eradicating the remaining barbarians with even greater zeal than they had shown on the battlefield, and then the fourth one is an outright plea to the general to rein them in before the line troops began to ape their brutality.
Apparently a song had become popular among the troops of the army, calling for the execution of orcish civilians rather than taking them as slaves: the author of this song was the Order’s principal troubadour, one Imelda Silvertongue. A later communication asks the General to convey their thanks to Empress Richilde ‘for her decisive intervention in our little discipline matter’, so presumably the issue was solved by the Paragon. One does note, however, that the name of a Silvertongue family has been heard recently in the Judgements of the Dawnish National Assembly. Perhaps Ser Thomas Aurelius, who raised that judgement, would know if it were the same family.

It is extremely unlikely that any of the above are isolated examples. While we need not pretend that the claims of the heretics are ultimate wisdom, neither can they be discounted entirely. They are highly unlikely to be everywhere, as their type has claimed since one human first ever lied to another: they might well, however, still be somewhere.

While on the subject of historical heresies, I should make mention of an organisation that my predecessor even half a century ago would not have needed to name. That name is the Tribunal of the Virtuous. While not themselves - as far as we know - a heretical organisation, this group had as a founding principle the idea that the Way of Virtue was perfected in the time of Empress Teleri. During my own apprenticeship, their name was somewhat of a bogeyman: have a care that your work does not draw too near to the foundations of the Way, I was taught, or some humourless and very well-educated Highborn will be having a quiet word. They were not heretics: emphatically not. They caught heretics, and scotched them.

But the Tribunal is today a spent force, if even it exists at all. The Young Empress had set herself against them after a series of ill-judged clashes during her electoral campaign, and those who crossed her had a very unfortunate way of finding themselves onto dangerous skirmishes and returning shoulder-high as safely dead heroes. Doubtless they are better off gone - but with them went all of the knowledge of last generation's self-appointed guardians of the Way, and that will have included details that nobody ever entrusted to paper.

Lastly, please, allow me to speculate. The speculation goes like this - a word that is used a great deal regarding the cults of Hatred in the early Empire is ‘recusant’: namely, one who refuses to submit to a religious edict. In other words, these were not people who had recently come to the heresy. These were people who had refused to abandon it, presumably upon the orders of the early Synod. In other words? It is inconceivable to me that Hatred was unknown to the Highborn before the formation of the Empire. It is inconceivable that alone among all nations the Highborn could recognise the folly of Hatred without the worked example of the Empire and the incalculable benefits of its cultural diversity. Therefore, I postulate that Hatred was practiced - probably as Purity - as part of the Way by the early Highborn. And then when it was discarded by the early Empire, the Highborn would have pulled together in their Pride and destroyed it as best they could, and burned out every last vestige of every piece of evidence that it had ever been part of their Way.

In short, reader, I should expect that historical Highguard was quite riddled with Purity. I should be far from surprised if Highguard were found to have been the place where its ideals were first codified as a Virtue, in the same fashion as Courage and Vigilance and the others. I postulate a long, quiet battle between the Virtuous and the recusant: and while the Virtuous have emerged the inevitable victors, I should not be at all surprised if there were survivors on the losing side.

In terms of further investigation, being Urizeni myself, I shall take it upon myself to suggest that one treat with Eternals. It is certain that the Eternal Ylenrith , the Swan, associated with the rune Cavul and the concept of purity, will have opinions upon the mortal use of the spiritual force people use that name for. In Vigilance, though, I must warn the reader that those opinions might be strong and not entirely helpful to us.

Roshanwe , whose domain is the search for truth, who is interested in the Way, might well have useful questions for a scholar who could draw her in discussion, but is unlikely to provide answers, for that is not the creature's nature. Leviathan would almost certainly have witnessed events that would have been of interest, but the difficulty with Leviathan is to formulate a request correctly. Personally I see no mystery here that might interest Sung , but your own seers might.

Among foreign humans, it might be the case that Sumaash priests of Vigilance might have information upon Hatred - but it might well be the case that they do not, or are unwilling to speak of it. More willing to speak, but possibly less capable of answering usefully, could be the Commonwealth. Intermediate between the two might well be the Axou: once upon a time, it was well known that Axos was where heretics fled if they could, and if there were a place where Hatred were practiced to this day, I might think of Axos. Less openly, but possibly more fervently, those who work towards the downfall of the religion and government of the Iron Confederacy might also be a reasonable place to find any of the false virtues.

I hesitate to recommend the Silent Bell, unless one can find a target for them more specific than ‘cultists in the Empire, mostly southern and western, although possibly also in the north or east’. The Vigilant are already looking out for cultists in the Empire in general. It is somewhat by way of being our way of life! But if something more specific than this has come to light, the stiletto of the Nine is every bit as sharp as ever it was.

I remain, Your devoted fellow in Vigilance,

Ephas of Canterspire
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===Auras and Teachings===
Upon the Malign Auras and the Teachings of Hatred, Ephas Canterspire, Summer 383YE
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I warn you, reader. What you see here will be familiar. It is a common theme when writing upon the subject of heresy: that of which we speak is a thing that strikes a chord in the human soul. Of course it does. If it did not, then the heretics would find no converts, would be unable to Dedicate, would have no use for liao. In Loyalty I say, do not worry when what I discuss is unpleasantly familiar to you: in Wisdom I say, do not consider this familiarity to be some kind of sign of enlightenment. And in Vigilance - take care as to how this knowledge is taught.

The dream of Hatred, or so we hear, is similar to that of Vigilance, bringing threats before the sleeping mind of the recipient. But where the dream of Vigilance draws upon the recipient’s own experience, the dream of Hatred tells them exactly what to hate: quite simply, anything that is not like they are.

The consecration of Hatred is apparently an innocent-feeling thing, on the surface of things: it makes somewhere feel special, good, clean, a place to be protected. But from what, one asks: from what? And Hatred has only one answer to that - the Other. Anything that is not like you.

The hallowings of Hatred, and the anointings as well, likewise should follow this theme, picking out individual notes within. Those that I have heard tell of, call upon individuals to call out the outsider in their midst, to cast them out, to bring together those who are like them, to despise those who are not. And importantly, to protect the innocent.

In short, reader: one can see immediately why this is called Purity by its adherents. And one can see immediately why it should not be so called by the followers of the true Way. Wash their hands as they like, the foulness of the adherents of Hatred comes solely from within.

If what I have written here feels dangerously familiar… why, this is not surprising. If I have learnt one thing on this foray into this particular recess of the human spirit, it is that when they say that vice is contagious and attractive, they are being quite literal.

This malign spiritual presence strikes a chord in my soul that disgusts me - in turn, I recoil, I reject it. Every right-thinking person, I feel, must despise it. I begin to think indeed that I should write no more lest the dangerous ideas of these outcasts escape my pen to corrupt the innocent, forsooth - If heresy were not so attractive, it would not be so pernicious. In Vigilance I enjoin you, reader. Watch for these things. But be careful how you teach
them. I remain,
Your devoted fellow in Vigilance,
Ephas of Canterspire</ic>
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===Adelina Barossa's Vision===
From ''Echoes of the Labyrinth, Volume 5'', as compiled by Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Union. This excerpt is included for the sake of completeness.
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Adelina Barossa di Tassato Regario (League)
Accompanied by Tancred de Rondell (Dawn)

Adelina was selected as a visionary by the winner of the Virtuous Auction. The visionary gave their permission for these notes to be made public. The testimony was presented by the visionary with some assistance from their guide.

The visionary awoke in front of an altar, with their right hand raised and their left hand down. On the altar was a bowl with antlers in. There were other tables around that had knives and horseshoes on them.

Kneeling in front of the visionary was a woman in white, with a black hood that had a short capelet and gold trim. The woman had pointed ears and cuts on her forehead where antlers would have been. (According to the visionary, she had a somewhat similar look to the late Vitoria Barossa.)

With that woman was another woman, this one with long red hair and wearing black, who had a washcloth and bowl of water and was washing the woman in white. The two of them were both dressed in Highborn clothing. The woman in white said she felt pure and cleansed, and that she felt better. She appeared to the visionary to be in shock; she seemed to be half laughing, half crying.

On the visionary's left was a Marcher man, wearing a red and blue quartered tunic. On the visionary's right was a Varushkan man wearing a fur brimmed hat. The two of them congratulated the visionary on finishing a ceremony for the virtue of Purity. (The guide noted that there didn't appear to be any liao around that might have been used in the ceremony.)

Another person, tall with floppy black hair and looking Highborn, came into the room. They initially said, "We've lost the vote", then picked up a white veil that was nearby and put it on, and continued, "We've lost, this is now Hatred."

The Marcher and the Varushkan asked the new person "how?", and the Marcher added, "How can I go back and tell my people this?" The Varushkan said, "You mean you didn't tell them the vote was happening?" to which the Marcher said, "No, because I thought we'd win".

The visionary asked how many votes they had lost by, and the person in the veil said, "a few". The visionary also asked who had voted against them, and the person said, "The usual people". From a little more conversation, the vote had apparently been in the Highborn assembly.

Then argument broke out about what they should do next. The Varushkan said they could go to the north of Varushka, as there was a fair boyar there who would take them in. (This was very likely Alderei the Fair.) The person in the veil said that they should go underground, explaining, "I'm an Unconquered, I know how to keep you safe. This is what we do."

The Marcher said he would give his congregation to his apprentice who was always more about Loyalty than Purity, and that he would fall on his sword and be shrived in the wicker man. There were then loud arguments between the Marcher and the Varushkan, and the visionary told them to stop arguing with each other and speak to each other respectfully.

Meanwhile, the Unconquered whispered in the visionary's ear that the boyar had an army massing that could do serious damage to the Empire, and that they couldn't afford another war. The Marcher, in his arguments, had mentioned the War of the Cousins (the civil war that had happened in the Marches when households disagreed whether or not they would join the Empire).

The visionary said that they would stay with the Empire, and keep the Empire strong. In response, the Varushkan yelled, "Typical Highborn", and the Marcher left, saying he was going to the wicker man. The Varushkan said, "If you think the Vigilance assembly won't catch us out, if you think that the Virtue assemblies are stupid", to which the visionary replied, "well, yes" somewhat dismissively. They discussed their traditions, and what they would do about them now, and the visionary said that a tradition was not a place, but that their chapter and their people kept the traditions.

The woman in white said to the visionary, "You're no longer Cardinal - how can you be so calm?" The visionary said, "I could get angry if that would help." The woman replied, "It would make me feel better", and then added, sounding frustrated, "sometimes I just want to fight them", and hurled the altar over. The vision ended shortly after this. Adelina had their soul examined by the rite of Insight before and after the vision. Before the vision, their soul had a dedication to Loyalty with the strength of a single priest, as well as two testimonies: "Devoted Prince" with the strength of three priests, and "Inquisitor's Ally" with the strength of one priest.

After the vision, the testimonies were still present, but their dedication to Loyalty had been replaced by a dedication to Hate with the strength of a single priest. They then had themself rededicated to Loyalty.

There was an aura on them that made them want to reject compromise and suppress dissenting voices, with the strength of four priests behind it. This was treated by replacing it with the anointing of Clarity of Wisdom, again with the strength of four priests.

Tancred also had his soul examined before and after the vision. Both before and after the vision, his soul bore a dedication to Loyalty with the strength of a single priest, as well as two testimonies: "Returning Soldier" with the strength of seven priests, and "Twice Sworn" with the strength of one priest.

The coven of the Spire of Auric Horizon also performed divination rituals on Adelina after the vision to gain information about their past life and corroborate what the vision indicated.

The Day divination ritual indicated that the visionary's past self was Maude, daughter of Esther, and was Cardinal of Purity at the beginning of the Empire. She wore white robes and had stumps under her veil, as a result of being Unveiled.

The Night divination ritual showed a set of scales with red human blood in the pans, and a chock stopping the scales from moving either way. It was not clear which way they would fall when the chock was removed, as there was a storm gathering around the scales, but whichever way they fell it would alter the course of the Empire.

For more information about these rituals, please ask Auric Horizon. The ritual included the visionary putting on a blank mask to symbolise taking on their past self's identity. It seemed to interact strongly with the League hearth magic of masks, causing Adelina to alternate between remembering they were Adelina and believing they were Maude, from when they had the ritual, for much of the evening.</ic></div><br>

Click to expand

==Further Reading==
* [[Malign spiritual presences#Hatred|Hatred]]
* [[Historical research]]

Skarsind

2025-08-09T12:37:26Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Skarsindregions2.png|title=A place of alpine slopes and valleys|caption=Regions of Skarsind|align=left|width=485}}
== Overview ==
Skarsind is a place of alpine slopes and valleys, pine forests and rising mists, set in what's known as the Great Vale, a bowl of mountains that holds both Skarsind and the forest of [[Hercynia]]. Summer is short, but Winter is long, and haunted by [[Sermersuaq#Northern lights|eerie lights]] in the sky. Gildenheim in the east was once the second largest settlement in Wintermark. The territory was once an important part of Wintermark; the folk of Skarsind were particularly noted for their fine rune work and many of the best [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] and [[Wintermark magical traditions#Runesmiths|runesmiths]] travelled here to study their craft.

Now, the people of Skarsind are the Imperial Orcs. There are still some Winterfolk here, but since the [[Falcon_in_winter|rise]] and [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Wolf_in_the_Fold_.28Skarsind.29|fall]] of the Wintermark rebel Dogri Thulebane, the number of humans living in the hills and forests of Skarsind has tailed away to little more than a [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Skarsind_Game_Information|scattered handful]]. The Imperial Orcs do nothing to make them unwelcome, but for many there is simply nothing left for them in Skarsind. Regretfully in many cases, they leave to start new lives in [[Hahnmark]], [[Kallavesa]], and [[Sermersuaq]].

The land has an ancient history - one that long predates the Empire or even humankind - and the remnants of older powers are everywhere. The largest settlement - [[#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]] - stands over the entrance to a frozen underworld cavern into the walls of which are carvings in a mysterious alphabet that are widely believed to be the source of the [[Runes|magical runes]] used throughout Wintermark. There are occasional troubles with yeti that live in the valleys above Skarsind, and the entire territory curves around the forests of [[Hercynia]] where an ancient [[vallorn]] still lurks. For many folk though the pressing danger remains the [[Thule]] that dwell on the far side of the mountains in [[Otkodov]] and who have long desired to possess this land.

Skarsind has always been riven by conflict; a saga called [[Lament for Skarsind]] is popular in some parts of Wintermark.

==Recent History==
In 373YE a savage blizzard swept down out of the mountains. The blizzard served as magical cover for an army of [[Thule]] barbarians who marched beneath it, using powerful Winter rituals to reinforce their armies with hordes of walking corpses created from battlefield dead. They attacked [[#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]] with the assistance of a dozen enslaved [[Wintermark Magical Traditions#Artok|Artok]], smashing great holes in the defences. Some small pockets of resistance remained - mostly based around the mines and halls to the north-east - but the situation looked increasingly desperate until 377YE, when Imperial forces were able to push into Skarsind and drive the Thule forces out of the territory and reclaim it for the Empire.

At the beginning of 379YE, the Wintermark people took the historic decision to bequeath the land to the Imperial Orcs. A [[Relinquish_Skarsind|motion]] was brought before the [[Imperial Senate]] to relinquish Skarsind so that it could be reassigned to the Imperial Orcs. The motion passed the Senate but could not be put into force without [[The_Throne#Ratification|ratification]] by [[The Throne]]. This hurdle too was crossed when the Imperial Orcs acquired the [[The_Throne#Imperial_Favour|Imperial favour]] of [[Empress Britta]] which granted the holder the ability to ratify a decision of the Imperial Senate. At that point Skarsind became an Imperial Orc territory.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Homeland to defend.jpg|align=right|title=Skywise and Irontide ready to fight for the Empire|caption=Orcs fight, and fight well; now they have a homeland of their own to fight for.|width=500}}
The move was not without its critics however; not only would the [[Brilliant Shore]] cease to be a Wintermark [[Imperial Bourse|Bourse seat]], but the Winterfolk residents of Skarsind would almost certainly need to relocate to [[Hahnmark]], [[Kallavesa]], or [[Sermersuaq]]. There were even some Orcs who disagreed with the decision (perhaps unwilling to see the people of Skarsind made homeless on their behalf).

Many existing residents of the [[territory]] resisted the urge to give up their ancestral homeland. Their protest found leadership under the influence of a charismatic Thane, Dogri Thulesbane, a Wintermark hero who had fought the Thule all his life. Dogri [[Falcon_in_winter|claimed]] the old, isolated fort of Crow's Keep in [[Skarsind#Crow.E2.80.99s_Ridge|the north]], an ideal position from which to watch both [[Otkodov]] and the Thule-dominated mountains of [[Sermersuaq#Silver_Peaks|Silver Peaks]] in [[Sermersuaq]]. After a year of arguments, the Empire were forced to act on news that Dogri [[The_widening_gyre|planned to raise an army]] to take the fight to the Thule in breach of the existing [[Accept_Thule_peace_treaty|peace treaty]]. Shortly before the Spring Equinox 381YE the [[Army_qualities#Cruel|cruel]] [[Varushka|Varushkan]] army, the Iron Helms, [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Wolf_in_the_Fold_.28Skarsind.29|conquered]] Crows Keep and captured Dogri. The Thulebane was taken to Anvil where he was tried and ultimately executed. His death broke the spirit of those Wintermarkers who had hoped to hang on in Skarsind and most left soon after.

Not all is doom and gloom, however. Skarsind has seen a wave of rebuilding and improvements since the Imperial Orcs took custody in 379YE. New settlements and structures have been [[commission|commissioned]] and constructed including the [[#Legion.27s_Rookery|Legion's Rookery]], the [[#The_Red_Blade_Memorial|Red Blade Memorial]], the [[Preceptor_of_the_Skarsind_College_of_Warcasting#Skarsind_College_of_Warcasting|Skarsind College of Warcasting]], the new settlement at [[Storm_Shaman#Whitelake_and_the_Storm_Pass|Whitelake]], the [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd#The Great Herd|Great Herd]], the [[Weigher_of_Worth#The_Halls_of_Worth|Halls of Worth]] overlooking Gildenheim, and even the peculiar [[#Krampushall|Krampusshall]] near [[Skarsind#Pakaanan.27s_Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]]. The [[Northern trade network]] has been established, centred in the prosperous town of [[#Southpine|Torfast]], while the valuable mineral wealth of the mountains and hills is harvested under the watchful eye of the [[Steward of the Mines of Gulhule]]. Skarsind has seen more development over the last few years than perhaps any other territory in the Empire.

==Major Features==
===Gildenheim===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Snows of Skarsind.jpg|caption=Much of Skarsind is still an alpine wilderness.|align=right|width=300}}
At its height, Gildenheim was the second largest settlement in Wintermark. Founded by Gilda Heimssdottir, it stands over the entrance to a frozen underworld cavern into the walls of which are carvings in a mysterious alphabet that are said to be the source of the magical runes used throughout Wintermark and the wider Empire. It fell to the barbarians in 373YE after a long siege. Inge Suvvisdottir, most recent of the bearers of the [[Wintermark_history|crown of Wintermark]], fell with it; the crown was lost when she fell and would not be recovered for many years. Despite the demands of Wintermark senators for resolute and overwhelming response, [[Emperor Walter]] dithered and did nothing to support the defence.

The Imperial Orcs have largely completed the work begun by the Winterfolk after the liberation, and the town again serves as a focal point for the territory. A number of civil servants are permanently posted here explicitly to help immigrant orcs settle into their new homes and emigrant Winterfolk to transition peacefully to the west, and there are extensive barracks and training grounds for use by the Imperial Orcs armies.

In the Autumn of 379YE, a [[the Marches|Marcher]] by the name of Peter of Hintown [[Forge_of_sorrows|discovered by chance]] what appears to be an ancient, collapsed [[Runeforge]] under Gildenheim. The ruins appear to hold particular interest for the [[Thule]] who have [[Spear_of_the_stars#Ambassador_to_the_Thule|expressed an interest]] in purchasing the ruins from the Imperial Orcs. A [[historical research]] project was commissioned in Autumn 379YE to explore the so-called [[Gildenheim runeforge]], revealing several intriguing mysteries. Ultimately, in 383YE, the remnants were painstakingly [[Conduit_to_destiny#The_Runed_Ruins|dismantled and trasnported to Runegrott]] in [[Hahnmark]] to be used as the basis for the creation of a new runeforge there.

The [[Ethengraw]] ''Black Forge'' stands in the hills near Gildenheim. The city is also home to significant numbers of [[Tamazi]] - much of the sept prefers the familiarity of a built-up area after generations in the citadels of [[Axos]].

===Legion's Rookery===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thrace Line.jpg|width=300|caption=Thrace, Exemplar of Ambition.|align=right}}</div>
One of the few structures left standing in Gildenheim after the Thule invasion was the Hall of the White Ravens. Many survivors saw this white granite hall as a symbol that Gildenheim could rise from the ashes, and reach even greater heights than before, but those dreams were abandoned when Skarsind was passed to the Imperial Orcs. In 381YE the Imperial Synod recognized the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith|Doctrines]] of [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Howling_Abyss|the Howling Abyss]] and [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Ancestors|the Ancestors]] which clarified and strengthened the place of those orc pilgrims who embraced the Way. As the implications of the changes to doctrine became clear, several well respected [[preachers]] called for a permanent site to serve as a focus for the faithful and to celebrate their newly defined status.

The Hall of White Ravens - by then the [[congregation]] of [[Cardinal]] Atla of the Assembly of the Way - was the obvious candidate to provide such a focus. The Hall was [[Construct_The_Legion's_Rookery|converted]] into the [[#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]], a great hall that could serve as a spiritual centre for the Imperial Orcs to explore their understanding of The Way. Work on the Rookery was completed shortly before the Summer Solstice 381YE, taking advantage of the [[opportunity]] that [[Seize_the_fire#A_home_for_the_faithful_.28Opportunity.29|presented]] itself to redesign and expanded the hall to serve as a school both to increase the understanding of the Way among the Imperial Orcs and as a place where new preachers could be trained.

As much as possible of the original structure was preserved - the [[worth]] of a building that had weathered two centuries and more without crumbling and even survived an occupation by the [[Thule]] was clear. Several of the white granite ravens that once adorned the front of the original structure were recovered and restored, and complemented by several new birds carved in an orcish style. The main structure is a great, simply decorated hall with a recessed [[Pit-fights|fighting pit]] in the centre surrounded by several newer buildings, including a library for works relating to orc spirituality and one for housing items of worth related to the Imperial orc legions. One late addition is a subterranean chamber where no light is permitted - the chamber of the Abyss. Completely silent, profoundly dark and cold, some preachers meditate here to seek a greater understanding of the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]] - and some have reported that once all external distractions are removed it can sometimes be a little easier to hear the voices of the ancestors.

Following the Spring Equinox 386YE, the Legion's Rookery has been [[Consecration|consecrated]] with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] by [[Cardinal of Ambition]] ''Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer'' of [[the League]] as the Imperial Synod recognised the [[The Ambition of Thrace|ambition of Thrace]]. Following the consecration, the nation was inspired to [[The_Ambition_of_Thrace#Building_a_Nation_(Skarsind)|build their nation]], which came in remarkably useful with regards to their work to build homes in distant [[Mareave]].

===The [[Brilliant Shore]]===
The Brilliant Shore is a Bourse resource located near [[#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]]. Custodianship of the Shore is an [[Imperial Title]] that brings with it a Seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]. It produces 26 Imperial wains of white granite every season. Custodianship of the Brilliant Shore is an Imperial position. Control is allocated during the Summer Solstice.
{{anchor|The Will of the Wintermark ("Hengesthal")}}
===Sorrowful Tunnels===
During Spring 386YE, the [[Golden Pyramid]] [[Conclave order]] worked with the Imperial Orcs to explore opportunities to increase the prosperity of Skarsind. In the process they [[Long_shadows#The_Sorrowful_Tunnels|rediscovered]] the Sorrowful Tunnels. A group of prospectors, guided by Golden Pryamid dowsers found a network of unusually large tunnels and caves in the mountains of [[#Gildermark|Gildermark]]. The "Sorrowful Tunnels" already had a poor reputation due to the dolorous aura that plagued anyone who tried to explore them. Causing powerful feelings of melancholy and sadness to descend on any who spent time in them, one that quickly becoming overpowering, meant that sensible people (both Winterfolk and Imperial Orcs) avoided the tunnels. A group of [[Varushka|Varushkan]] miners from [[Volodmartz]] theorised that the aura might be an omen of something valuable hidden in the depths of the mountains, and were prepared to take the risk of delving deep into the darkness under Gildermark. Their tenacity was ultimately rewarded by the discovery that the old passages contained not one but two treasures.

The first was the discover of [[runes]] carved into the walls of the tunnels suggesting that someone, or something, once dwelt here. All the signs pointed to a [[troll]], or perhaps more than one, once having been in residence - perhaps even the creature that oversaw the [[Gildenheim runeforge]]. In addition to the archaeological significance of the Tunnels, however, the Varushkan miners quickly located rich seams of glistering [[mithril]]. More than enough to create a lucrative seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]], once the immiserating aura that suffused the tunnels was dealt with.

During the Equinox, the [[Minister of Historical Research]] ''Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti'', asked [[Historical_research#Snowstorm_Henk|Snowstorm Henk]] of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]] to [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Sorrowful_Tunnels|investigate]] the newly uncovered Tunnels. They eventually compiled and delivered a report, which was eventually published as ''[[Snowstorm Henk and the Sorrowful Tunnels]]''.

===The Will===
''The Will of the Wintermark'' is a [[fortification]] constructed in [[#Skogei Glens|Skogei Glens]] to protect Skarsind from further Thule aggression. Built on a low hill surrounded by a fence of sharpened stakes, the sturdy walls of the Will of Wintermark are reinforced by white granite. The tall central keep is flanked by two shorter towers and topped with a great beacon to warn of invaders.

Work actually began on the castle during the campaign to drive the barbarians out, and was completed in early Autumn 378YE. The name is already being shortened to The Will in some places, and the local people have dubbed it ''Hengesthal'' or ''Hengest's House'' in praise of the Senator for Hahnmark who is widely regarded to have been the driving force behind the [[Fortify Skogei|project]]. The Imperial Orcs who now garrison the fortification have adopted these names, and few people in Skarsind now refer to the castle as anything other than "The Will".

===The Red Blade Memorial===
The [[Imperial_Orcs_economic_interests#Bonesetters|bonesetters]] of the Imperial Orcs have a lot of experience with desperate last-minute medicine on the battlefield, and know that they can never have enough herbs. In the past the Orc master physicks have been scattered across the Empire. Now they are together in one place, and working to adapt their strategies for cultivating herbs to the cold north. Yet there are many Orcs who will never see Skarsind. They died, often in battle, fighting for a homeland that they will never enter. Many have been laid to rest in far distant fields, the same fields they shed their blood to conquer or defend.

Taking inspiration from the [[Navarr]], and their [[Keeper_of_the_Memorial_Gardens_of_Treji|Memorial Gardens at Treji]], a group of older bonesetters called the ''Fellowship of the Red Blade'' [[The worth of a life|proposed]] that the Red Blade Memorial be built in [[#Gildermark|Gildermark]] in memory of all those Imperial Orcs who will never see it. They volunteered to oversee and maintain the memorial - and share the lore they have gathered from the masters of herb lore across the Empire. This is not simply a memorial to the dead, but honours their name by spreading the healing arts of the [[Surgical skills#Chirurgeon|chirurgeon]], [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]], and [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]] far and wide to help as many other prevent as many premature deaths as possible.

{{Anchor|Krampushall}}
===Krampushall (ruined)===
Until its [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#In_the_West|destruction by the Jotun]] following the Winter Solstice 383YE, the Krampushall stood in [[#Pakaanan's Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]] at the head of the [[Skarsind_spoils_of_war#The_Clattering_Gulley|Clattering Gulley]]. Technically an [[edifice]], it was an impressive yet foreboding construction built during the Winter of 380YE, using materials from [[Wintermark]] and with permission of Irontide Vio the Imperial Orc [[senator]]. It was supposedly the permanent residence of the Krampus - the Wintermark spirit associated with their [[Egregores|egregore]], built on the request of that creature following some uncharacteristic behaviour over the course of the year 380.

According to gossip, the plans were described by the Krampus itself, and it claimed that the site was the location of an identical building in pre-imperial times, which had subsequently fallen into ruin. The actual construction was carried out by [[Steinr]] [[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Runesmiths|runesmiths]] under the creature's direction. Some believed that the Krampus would accord some version of traditional Wintermark [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Hospitality|hospitality]] to visitors at its hall. Others warned that it was not wise to call in uninvited. It remains to be seen what its destruction portends for future relations with the peculiar wintertime spirit.

===The Mountain Passes===
[[Imperial army|Armies]] cannot pass freely through the mountains that surround Skarsind on three sides. There are only two passes large enough to permit free movement of troops between Skarsind and [[Sermersuaq]], for example. The first - '''Crow's Path''' - is in the north, and connects [[#Crow's Ridge|Crow's Ridge]] with the [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks|Silver Peaks]] in Sermersuaq. Both [[Territory#regions|regions]] are controlled by the [[Thule]] (and indeed, secured by Thule fortifications), so for an Imperial army to use the Path would require dealing with the northern orcs.

The second path through the mountains lay in the south, but following the Winter of 383YE a Jotun Yegarra force under the walrus banner of the human champion Eisa Winterborn [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Battle of Clattering Gulley|sealed the western end]] of [[#Pakaanan's Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]]. Unless the Pass is cleared, it is unusable by Imperial armies. For the time being Imperial (and for that matter Jotun) armies cannot move directly between Sermersuaq and Skarsind without permission from the Thule.

In the north-east, the mountains also make it difficult for armies to move between Skarsind and [[Varushka]], but here travel is significantly easier. The high peaks that overlook [[#Estermark|Estermark]] prevent armies moving through them into [[Miekarova]] (and vice versa). There is a single pass between the [[#Skogei Glens|Skogei Glens]] and [[Miekarova#Miechernya|Miechernya]], called '''Wulfric's Fall''' by the Winterfolk and '''Ustyma's Gate''' by the [[Varushka|Varushkans]]. As of the [[Ratify_treaty_with_Thule_Winter_383YE|treaty]] of Winter 383YE, the eastern end of the pass is controlled by the Thule. There is no such concern in the south - where the mountains are less vertiginous there are multiple routes between [[#Gildermark|Gildermark]] and [[#Southpine|Southpine]] and [[Karov]].

In the north there are two passes between Skarsind and [[Otkodov]]; both the '''Gate of Sorrows''' in Crow's Ridge and the '''Ice Road''' in Skogei Glens connect with the Thule region of Neeyukir in [[Otkodov#Urdur|Urdur]]. The western pass is obviously controlled by the Thule; the eastern is under Imperial Orc control (at least the southern end is). These passes see a fair amount of caravans through the six months or so of the year that they are easy to traverse; from late Autumn to early Spring they are often blocked by heavy snowfall, avalanches, and in the Winter of 352YE, an actual wall of ice.

All of these strategic considerations are only a matter for large armies; [[military unit|smaller groups of soldiers]] can still use the less-accessible paths across the borders of Skarsind, such as [[Storm_Shaman#Whitelake_and_the_Storm_Pass|White Lake]] which lies high in the mountains above Pakaanan's Pass.

==Regions==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skywise Orcs.jpg|align=right|caption=For the first time, the Imperial Orcs have a home to call their own.|width=500}}
===Crow’s Ridge===
* '''Qualities:''' Hills, [[Otkodov]]
The hills of Crow Ridge are desolate and cold. Following the [[Ratify Thule peace treaty|ratification]] of the Summer 382YE peace treaty with the Thule, the region has been ceded to the orcs of [[Otkodov]]. Imperial orcs are still welcome to visit, but the region is very much in control of the Thule.

Passes allow travellers to go north to [[Otkodov]], or west to the [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks|Silver Peaks]], and with the establishment of the [[Northern trade network]] growing numbers of cautious Imperial merchants and Thule traders are passing through this region. High in the hills stands the craggy stronghold of '''Crow's Keep''', a lookout tower and beacon built centuries ago by Wintermark siege engineers. Isolated, well-fortified, with a deep well and a single vertiginous approach, the keep weathered the Thule invasion and served as a base of operation for some of the Wintermark resistance. For a time after the Thule were defeated, Crow's Ridge was under the effective control of [[Falcon_in_winter|Dogri Thulebane]] and his Winterfolk supporters rather than the Imperial Orcs. The [[Varushka_military_concerns#The_Army_of_the_Iron_Helms|Iron Helms army]] [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Wolf_in_the_Fold_.28Skarsind.29|arrested Dogri]] shortly after the Winter Solstice 380YE. Almost immediately after they [[In_the_end_everything_collides#Crow.27s_Ridge|took control]], the Thule began rebuilding Crow's Keep into a full [[fortification]] to secure their presence here.

===Estermark===
* '''Qualities:''' Forest, Hills
The forested hills of Estermark are the site of two (formerly) wealthy settlements - Krysse and Gulhule. During the Thule occupation, Krysse became a bastion for the barbarians protecting their eastern flank. In happier days it had close ties with nearby [[Miekarova#Mormyk|Mormyk]] in the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] territory of [[Miekarova]] and was a local centre of trade between the two nations, hosting a [[Skarsind spoils of war#Four-Seasons Market|market]] at each turning of the seasons. With the liberation of Skarsind, the markets were restarted but one of the most prominent - the Four-Seasons Market - was destroyed in a catastrophic fire shortly after the Winter Solstice 380YE. A little less than a year later, the [[Four_Seasons'_Boneweaver#The_Weavers.27_Market|Weavers' Market]] was built on the ruins. Overseen by the [[Four Seasons' Boneweaver]], thanks to a spelling mistake the market is shared by two very distinct groups of people - [[Imperial_Orcs_economic_interests#Reavers|reavers]] with crystal mana to sell, and weavers trading in high quality clothing.

Gulhule is a valley settlement known for its runesmiths and well-crafted weaponry taken by the barbarians in 372YE. [[Empress Britta]] was instrumental in securing time for the people of Gulhule to escape the barbarian advance; many of the smiths escaped and founded forges elsewhere, scattered across the Halls of Wintermark. Others took refuge in mineworkings, such as the extensive [[Skarsind spoils of war#The Wells of Janon|Wells of Janon]] or the tunnels operated by the [[Skarsind spoils of war#Crimson Peak Mining|Crimson Peak miners]]. The [[Thule#Warriors_of_the_Thule|black maggots]] of the Thule stripped the area and many captured Winterfolk runesmiths were taken as slaves by the barbarians.

Today Estermark has a growing population of Imperial Orc lumberjacks and [[forest]] owners. The Imperial Orcs traditional distaste for mining means that while the orcs are eager for the ore beneath the hills, they have little interest in digging it out themselves. Consequently the region has a surprisingly large population of human miners, based in several bustling mining camps, operating under the watchful eyes of the [[Foreman of the Mines of Gulhule]].

===Gildermark===
* '''Quality:''' City, Ethengraw, Tamazi
This region is the site of the town of [[#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]], once the primary Winterfolk settlement in Skarsind. The town has been largely rebuilt by the Imperial Orcs, and serves as an administrative centre - a number of civil servants are permanently posted here explicitly to help immigrant orcs settle into their new homes and emigrant Winterfolk to transition peacefully to the west.

One of the more fertile regions of Skarsind, Gildermark has also seen the establishment of new Imperial Orcs farmsteads and farming villages, and along with [[#Solvihill|Solvihill]] and [[#Southpine|Southpine]] the region is one of the most populous in the new Orc homeland. The [[Ethengraw]] ''Black Forge'' was [[Construct_Ethengraw_Armoury|built]] near Gildermark, a series of massive smithies that provide the warrior sept with weapons and armour.

During the occupation, Gildermark was the central base of operation for the Thule. Their interest in the area was possibly fired by the presence of [[#The Brilliant Shore|the Brilliant Shore]] (one of the largest quarries of white granite in the Empire) but their shamans and warlocks seemed fascinated by the icy caverns beneath the town. The region has been almost entirely denuded of trees - first by the Winterfolk, and then by the rapacious Thule.

Gildermark is also the site of [[#The Red Blade Memorial|Red Blade Memorial]], which serves as a base of operations for the ''Fellowship of the Red Blade'', a group of older bonesetters dedicated to spreading medical knowledge among, and preserving the lives of, Imperial Orcs. In the mountains overlooking Gildenheim, one also finds the [[Weigher of Worth#The Halls of Worth|Halls of Worth]] where Imperial Orc [[Imperial_Orcs_magical_traditions#Oathwrights|oathwrights]] explore their [[Imperial_Orcs_magical_traditions|magical traditions]], and offer aid to those seeking objects of [[worth]].

The [[#Sorrowful_Tunnels|Sorrowful Tunnels]] are found in the mountains above Gildermark; a deep delve that predates the foundation of Wintermark which by all accounts was, or is, home to an ancient troll.

===Pakaanan's Pass===
* '''Quality:''' Hills
Pakaanan's Pass marks the easiest routes into northern [[Hahnmark]] and south-eastern [[Sermersuaq]]. Caravans once passed regularly in both directions, and with the rebuilding of Skarsind the passes are once again seeing merchants and traders keen to sell to their neighbours. This has done little to dispel the reputation for oddness that the hills here have, and settlements are scattered and generally built close to the roads and travellers are advised not to wander too far into the wilderness.

This reputation was only enhanced by the presence of Pakaanan’s tower, an enigmatic tower of [[Mundane beasts#Mammoths|mammoth]] bone that was said to be impossible to enter. During the occupation, the Thule magicians made several apparently unsuccessful attempts to breach its walls. Given it allegedly contained the notes, paraphernalia and failed experiments of the legendary [[Varushka magical traditions#Volhov|volhov]], it is unsurprising attempts to get inside proved so popular. No-one ever managed to enter it - or discover why Pakaanan spent so much time here in virtual exile from the forests of [[Miekarova]] where he was born. At some point shortly after the liberation, however, the entire tower vanished leaving behind a circular garden of dark purple heather that flourishes to this day, yet never expands beyond the area that was once encircled by the tower's walls.

The Pass used to provide access through the mountains to [[Wintermark]] in the west. While the southern route to Hahnmark is still accessible, following the Winter of 383YE a Jotun Yegarra force under the walrus banner of the human champion Eisa Winterborn [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Battle of Clattering Gulley|sealed the western end]] of the pass. Unless the Pass is cleared, it is unusable by Imperial armies. Smaller [[military unit|military units]] can still risk the higher and less accessible paths through the mountains, but for the time being Imperial (and for that matter Jotun) armies cannot move directly between Sermersuaq and Skarsind without permission from the Thule. The collapse also destroyed both the [[Skarsind spoils of war#The Clattering Gulley|Clattering Gulley]] - a winding rock crevasse used for generations by [[Steinr]] [[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Runesmiths|Runesmiths]] to collect mana crystals - and the peculiar [[#Krampushall|Krampushall]] that squatted balefully near the gulley.

=== Skogei Glens===
* '''Quality:''' Forest
The forests of Skogei Glens are the site of the settlement of '''Skogei'''. This region was the last to be brought into Empire, in 154YE, and its halls were first to fall during the invasion of Skarsind. In 371YE its wooden walls were burnt, and few can now be found who once lived there. Recaptured by the Empire relatively early during the big push of 377YE, it was quickly [[Fortify_Skogei|reinforced]] with makeshift defences. In early Autumn 378YE, work was completed on [[#The Will of the Wintermark ("Hengesthal")|The Will of the Wintermark]], a solid [[fortification]] capable of defending the whole of Skarsind.

With the liberation of Skarsind, the Empire regained control of the [[Skarsind spoils of war#Goeki Expanses|Goeki Expanses]], a large and previously very prosperous area rich in [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]]. During Autumn 378YE, construction began on [[Guardian of the Cairn#Sylvihrafn|Sylvihrafn]], a stone circle on the eastern border with Miekarova. Built near the Hold of Hrafnar, this magical site provides crystal mana to the Winterfolk [[Guardian of the Cairn]] each season.

===Solvihill===
* '''Qualities:''' Forest, Yerende
Forested Solvihill grows in prosperity as more Imperial Orcs settle here. Trade has invigorated the region - the Northern trade route from Kalapheim passes through Solvihill for example - and as one of the easiest to reach part of Skarsind it is also one of the most populous. The soil is not particularly rich here, but the forests are full of valuable hard and soft woods, herbs, and game animals. A number of new Imperial Orcs villages have begun to grow up scattered around the region, and the slow process of connecting them by roads has begun

During the occupation of the Thule the well-defended foresting town of '''Solvi''' served as a base of operations for the Imperial campaigns to drive the barbarians out. Once a foresting town providing Wintermark with wood, charcoal and beggarwood from the extensive [[Skarsind spoils of war#Solvihill Beggarwood Barrens|barrens]] above the town, it was adopted as the base of campaign for the Imperial forces led by General Dunstan Irontongue. The settlement was hard pressed, and he led an aggressive series of sorties to relieve the pressure. He fell on one of these raids early in 376YE alongside [[Empress Britta]]. His body was never recovered.

A memorial to Dunstan, and to all those who fell alongside the Empress, is maintained by the orcs of the [[Broken_Shield_Guardian#House_of_the_Broken_Shield|House of the Broken Shield]], which stands near the outskirts of Solvi and serves as the home of a disparate band of orcs no longer physically able to fight the enemies of the Empire who serve in different ways.

This region holds the ''Palace of Flowers'' of the [[Yerende]], [[Construct Palace of Flowers|built]] in early 385YE, and many of the sept still live in the vicinity.

=== Southpine ===
* '''Quality:''' Illarawm
There are forests here though they are not extensive, nor are there many hills, meaning Southpine is reasonably open - which is a rarity in the uneven terrain of Skarsind. Along with [[#Solvihill|Solvihill]] and [[#Gildermark|Gildermark]], it is one of the most settled regions of Skarsind and has seen the establishment of many of the new Imperial Orcs family-run [[farm|farmsteads]] that have begun to appear.

The settlement of '''Torfast''', in the heart of Southpine, represented the high watermark of the barbarian advance in 373YE. It was retaken by Wintermark, [[The League|League]] and Varushkan forces in 375YE, the first of the Skarsind settlements to be returned to the Empire. The town is now reasonably fortified, and bears the scars of many battles. It guards a major trade route from Skarsind’s forges down to the League city of [[Temeschwar]], which helped caravans operated by businesses such as [[Skarsind spoils of war#Southpine Southbound|Southpine Southbound]] to get valuable supplies to the resistance forces throughout the occupation. It is also the heart of the [[Northern trade network]], serving as a hub overseen by the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]].

The [[Construct_Ossuary_Temple|Ossuary temple]] of the Illarawm is found here, and many of the sept make their homes in the vicinity.

==Special Qualities==
* '''Part of Skarsind is controlled by the Thule rather than the Imperial Orcs'''
Crow's Ridge has the ''Otkodov'' quality because it is controlled by the Thule.

==Strategic Considerations==
{{Strategic Considerations|Skarsind}} The collapse of [[#Pakaanan's Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]] by the Jotun following the Winter Solstice 383YE prevents movement between Skarsind and [[Sermersuaq#East Floes|East Floes]]. The only remaining pass large enough to allow a campaign army to move between Skarsind and Sermersuaq lies between [[#Crow's Ridge|Crow's Ridge]] and the [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks|Silver Peaks]] and both regions are controlled by the [[Thule]] orcs rather than the Empire. The [[#The Mountain Passes|other passes]] likewise control how armies can move between Skarsind and Varushka to the east, or Otkodov to the north.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rasp10013.jpg||caption='''Bloodcrow Rasp''', Senator Skarsind|align=left|width=250}}
{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Skarsind|Territory=Skarsind|Season=Winter}}

==OOC Note==
* [[Skarsind#Crow.E2.80.99s_Ridge|Crow's Ridge]] has been ceded to the Thule. The remaining regions of Skarsind are in the hands of the Imperial Orcs (and by extension the Empire) making it an Imperial territory.
* Following the conclusion of the [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Wolf_in_the_Fold_.28Skarsind.29|Dogri Thulebane]] incident in 381YE, there is no remaining significant population of Winterfolk in Skarsind. There remain some player character halls, but they are isolated and exceptional and characters can assume that their numbers will slowly dwindle. It is no longer possible for new players to start with their resources in Skarsind unless they are Imperial Orcs.
* [[#The Will|The Will]] is a level one [[fortification]] in Skogei Glens.
* [[congregation|Congregations]] in the territory benefit from the [[#Legion's Rookery|Legion's Rookery]] and produce an extra 2 doses of [[liao]] each season.
* [[Herb garden|Herb gardens]] in the territory benefit from [[#The_Red_Blade_Memorial|Red Blade Memorial]] and produce an extra 6 drams of [[True Vervain|true vervain]] each season.
* A list of the [[spoils of war]], allocated by the [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] at the Winter Solstice 377YE can be found [[Skarsind spoils of war|here]].

{{Imperial Orcs Links}}
[[Category:Gazetteer]]
[[Category:Imperial Territory]]

Category:Plenipotentiary

2025-08-07T19:49:57Z

Castaras: /* Previous Plenipotentiaries */

==Previous Plenipotentiaries==
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><th>Season</th><th>Wind of Fortune</th><th>Eternals</th></tr>
<tr><td>387YE Summer</td><td>[[Can you hear me?]]</td><td>[[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Peregrine_Knight|Hayaak]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Queen_of_Locks|Basileia]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Marshal_of_Flame|Janon]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|Tharim]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|Kimus]], and [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Irra Harah]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Spring</td><td>[[Speak to me]]</td><td>[[Speak_to_me#Pale_Empress|Skathe]], [[Speak_to_me#Invisible_Hand|Ephisis]], [[Speak_to_me#Mistress_of_Ice_and_Darkness|Cathan Canae]], [[Speak_to_me#Father_of_Bats|Sadogua]], [[Speak_to_me#Zie_of_the_Morning|Ylenwe]], and [[Speak_to_me#Brother_Harvest|Lord Rain]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Winter</td><td>[[Secret meeting]]</td><td>[[Secret_meeting#Fire_Mage|Meraud]], [[Secret_meeting#Forest_Queen|Yaw'nagrah]], [[Secret_meeting#Empty_Throne|Sorin]], [[Secret_meeting#Endless_Ringing|Estavus]], [[Secret_meeting#Ceaseless_Struggle|Zakalwe]], and the [[Secret_meeting#Unseen_Curators|Whisper Gallery]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Autumn</td><td>[[Seven locks]]</td><td>[[Seven locks#The Veiled Ladies|Whisper Gallery]]?, [[Seven locks#Queen of Silence|Kaela]], [[Seven locks#City of Locks|Basileia]], [[Seven locks#King Under the Mountain|Adamant]], [[Seven locks#Centipede General|Arhallogen]], [[Seven locks#Navigator|Roshanwe]], [[Seven locks#Crucible|Azoth]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Summer</td><td>[[Famine and feast]]</td><td>[[Famine_and_feast#The_Lictors|The Lictors]], [[Famine_and_feast#Ossegrahn|Ossegrahn]], [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Famine_and_feast#Kimus|Kimus]], [[Famine_and_feast#Sung|Sung]], and [[Famine_and_feast#Founder_of_the_Feast|Agramant]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Spring</td><td>[[Dream to me]]</td><td>[[Dream to me#Siakha|Siakha]], [[Dream to me#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[Dream to me#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]], [[Dream to me#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Dream to me#Estavus|Estavus]], and [[Dream to me#Lashonar (Conjunction)|Lashonar]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Winter</td><td>[[Begins where it ends]]</td><td>[[Begins where it ends#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Surut|Surut]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Sadogua|Sadogua]] (and [[Begins_where_it_ends#The_Azoth|The Azoth]]), [[Begins_where_it_ends#Irra_Harah|Irra Harah]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Autumn</td><td>[[Back in town]]</td><td>[[Back in town#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Back in town#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]], [[Back in town#Prospero|Prospero]], [[Back in town#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Back in town#Janon|Janon]], [[Back in town#Arhallogen|Arhallogen]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Summer</td><td>[[Three and three]]</td><td>[[Three and three#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Three and three#Azoth|Azoth]], [[Three and three#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[Three and three#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]], [[Three and three#Siakha (Conjunction)|Siakha]], [[Three and three#Unknown|Cold Sun]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Spring</td><td>[[Have you seen me lately]]</td><td>[[Have you seen me lately#Sung|Sung]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Have you seen me lately#Kaela|Kaela]], [[Have you seen me lately#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ylenrith|Ylenrith]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ossegrahn|Ossegrahn]] (and see also [[Rain king]])</td>
<tr><td>384YE Winter</td><td>[[I knew you were trouble]]</td><td>[[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Whisper_Gallery|Whisper Gallery]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Prospero|Prospero]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Sorin|Sorin]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Kimus|Kimus]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Llofir|Llofir]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Autumn</td><td>[[Hopeless as a feather]]</td><td>[[Hopeless as a feather#Sadogua|Sadogua]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Callidus|Callidus]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Unknown|Wise Rangara on behalf of the "Silent Witness"]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Summer</td><td>[[Begin to speak]]</td><td>[[Begin to speak#Azoth|Azoth]], [[Begin to speak#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Begin to speak#Siakha|Siakha]], [[Begin to speak#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Begin to speak#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Begin to speak#Jaheris|Jaheris]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Spring</td><td>[[The bird and the child]]</td><td>[[The bird and the child#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[The bird and the child#Phaleron|Phaleron]], [[The bird and the child#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[The bird and the child#Prospero|Prospero]], [[The bird and the child#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]] and guest, [[The bird and the child#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[The bird and the child#Lashonar|Lashonar]]</td>
<tr><td>383YE Winter</td><td>[[Impossible landscapes]]</td><td>[[Impossible landscapes#Lord Rain|Lord Rain]], [[Impossible landscapes#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Impossible landscapes#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Impossible landscapes#Sung|Sung]], [[Impossible landscapes#Adamant|Adamant]], [[Impossible landscapes#Kaela|Kaela]]</td>
<tr><td>383YE Autumn</td><td>[[A pleasing and deceptive face]]</td><td>[[A pleasing and deceptive face#Caucus Forum|Caucus Forum]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Estavus|Estavus]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Kimus|Kimus]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Surut|Surut]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#An_Unexpected_Request|Ossegrahn]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>383YE Summer</td><td>[[Between the lines of ages]]</td><td>[[Between the lines of ages#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Between the lines of ages#Lictors|Lictors]], [[Between the lines of ages#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Between the lines of ages#Sadogua|Sadogua]], [[Between the lines of ages#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Between the lines of ages#Skathe|Skathe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>383YE Spring</td><td>[[Who benefits?]]</td><td>[[Who benefits?#Arhallogen|Arhallogen]], [[Who benefits?#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Who benefits?#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Who benefits?#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Who benefits?#Phlaeron|Phaleron]], [[Who benefits?#Sorin|Sorin]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Winter</td><td>[[Nowhere and everywhere]]</td><td>[[Nowhere and everywhere#Basileus Flint|Basileus Flint]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Phaleron|Phaleron]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]] </td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Autumn</td><td>[[We've been here forever]]</td><td>[[We've been here forever#Azoth|Azoth]], [[We've been here forever#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[We've been here forever#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[We've been here forever#Kaela|Kaela]], [[We've been here forever#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[We've been here forever#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Summer</td><td>[[Bury the hatchet]]</td><td>[[Bury the hatchet#Callidus|Callidus]], [[Bury the hatchet#Llofir|Llofir]], [[Bury the hatchet#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Bury the hatchet#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Bury the hatchet#Skathe|Skathe]], [[Bury the hatchet#Whisper Gallery|Whisper Gallery]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Spring</td><td>[[Hunter of stars]]</td><td>[[Hunter of stars#Adamant|Adamant]], [[Hunter of stars#Boar King|Boar King]], [[Hunter of stars#Capradan|Capradan]], [[Hunter of stars#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Hunter of stars#Sorin|Sorin]], [[Hunter of stars#Ylenrith|Ylenrith]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Winter</td><td>[[What did the deep say?]]</td><td>[[What did the deep say?#Barien|Barien]], [[What did the deep say?#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[What did the deep say?#Janon|Janon]], [[What did the deep say?#Siakha|Siakha]], [[What did the deep say?#Tharim|Tharim]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Autumn</td><td>[[Rabbits and snares]]</td><td>[[Rabbits and snares#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Rabbits and snares#The Lictors|The Lictors]], [[Rabbits and snares#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Summer</td><td>[[Under the red sky]]</td><td>[[Under the red sky#Barien|Barien]], [[Under the red sky#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Under the red sky#Llofir|Llofir]], [[Under the red sky#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Under the red sky#Tharim|Tharim]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Spring</td><td>[[Immortal hand]]</td><td>[[Immortal hand#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Immortal hand#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Immortal_hand#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Immortal_hand#The_Whisper_Gallery|The Whisper Gallery]], [[Immortal_hand#Yaw.27nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]]</td></tr>
</table>

The Courage of Ahraz

2025-08-05T15:38:28Z

Castaras: /* The Journey to the Throne */

<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hazelelponi.jpg|align=left|caption=Hazelelponi of the [[Highguard_groups#The_Shattered_Tower|Shattered Tower]] is the [[Lepidean Librarian]], who guides the research of the [[Lepidean_Librarian#Lepidean_University|Lepidean University]].|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
During the Autumn Equinox 386YE, Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Emperor_Ahraz|asked]] the researchers at the [[Lepidean_Librarian#Lepidean_University|Lepidean Library]] to investigate the life of the [[Emperor Ahraz]] and to ''"look further into the Auras and Courage surrounding Emperor Ahraz, so that knowledge gained may gird those who seek liberation, both tomorrow and in years to come"''. The request was linked to the ongoing attempts to liberate [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] and the need to ensure that future attempts to free people were not affected by unsavoury auras.

Emperor Ahraz sat on [[the Throne]] from 324YE to 329YE and much of his official life was already a matter of public record. He was declared an exemplar of Courage by Isaac di Sarvos in Summer 378YE but his personal life is less well known and there has been longstanding interest in the Empire's only Freeborn Emperor - from both the Brass Coast and the Imperial Orcs. In 384YE, Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, the [[Minister of Historical Research] at the time ordered research into the names and lives of the honour guard of ten orcs interred in Ahraz' tomb alongside the Emperor's remains.

==Birth on the Coast==
Emperor Ahraz, was born Ahraz i Tamerlin i Guerra, a poor child of one of the poorer families on [[the Brass Coast]]. There is little record of his early childhood which appears to have been largely unremarkable. He was taken as the apprentice of a scrivener, Marats i Casta i Guerra, who seems to have acted as something of a mentor to the young boy, teaching him to read, to write rather than encouraging him to attend the local school as others would.

His teacher appears to have had a huge influence on the young boy. Ahraz always spoke of Marats with great fondness his entire life. He is quoted saying of him that "while my peers had their minds drowned in a choking sea of tedious facts, Maratz taught me to sail a sea of infinite possibilities. He taught me that the people of the Coast are born free, and showed me how the world constantly clambers to take that freedom away. That we must fight for our Freedom with every breath we draw, or we will be lost."

Such rebelliousness was always likely to lead to trouble and so it proved. As he grew to be a youth, Ahraz had numerous run-ins with magistrates and the law. The Freeborn have always detested slavery, but by [[Imperial law]] it was legal at that time, and there were people who possessed orc slaves who would visit Freeborn ports on occasion. Ahraz was caught breaking the law, engineering the escape of slaves, on three separate occasions. He was considered a smart lad, quick witted, eloquent and sharp-tongued, so if he was caught three times they were likely not the only times he made the attempt.

At his third trial, he received a huge fine of 8 thrones for his actions. According to the court reports, the size of the fine was set high because he obstinately refused to plead [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] for his actions and proclaimed that there was nothing in [[the Way]] that absolved him of guilt. When the magistrate asked him if he would repeat the crime given the opportunity he is said to have brazenly boasted that he intended to free every slave in the world and that he would permit no law of any kind to stand in his way.

The fine was effectively a death sentence. His family might have hoped to raise a few crowns, maybe even a throne or two by borrowing from other families, but there was no way they could possibly raise such a princely sum. The young lad's story would have ended there were it not for what some claim is a miracle. According to the legends, someone placed an empty amphora in the market place with a sign above it that simply read "A night of guilt-free sleep - 1 ring". The next day they took the amphora to the magistrates and used it to pay the whole of Ahraz's fine with the rest distributed to the poor.

On the face of it, Ahraz appears to have learned his lesson after that, certainly he never got in trouble with the Imperial law again. In practice it is clear that his brush with death had simply made the young firebrand realise how much more he might achieve if he took the time to plan what he was doing. He said of this time "The magistrates didn't impart [[Wisdom]], but they did teach me the overwhelming importance of [[Ambition]]."

==The Journey to the Throne==
Ten years later Ahraz arrived in [[Anvil]] still burning with the passion of youth to change the world. He came alone at first, and took the Coast by storm. He was chosen as adjunct by one of the Freeborn generals by the end of his first summit, and by the end of the year he had rallied a large group of young, passionate, politically active Freeborn to his banner. Officially they ran a parador, called Freedom to Breathe, which became infamous for the extraordinary parties hosted by their [[Sutannir]], an entrancing musician called Elaine i Casta i Guerra.

Unofficially many people started referring to them as the "Firebrands". It was meant as an insult, but they took it as their unofficial moniker. The group were beyond passionate, driven and utterly committed to their cause, they were everywhere, and involved in everything. They were active in [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]], constantly pushing the Conclave to act. They raised controversial judgements in the Synod, and would work Anvil three times over until they found enough priests to vote for them. Ahraz later said of this time "We came to Anvil, determined that we would either save the Empire from itself or burn the entire rotten edifice to the ground. We thought we were gods. We believed there was nothing we could not achieve."

The Firebrands continued to grow in power, and there was talk that Ahraz or his [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Scriveners|scrivener]] might earn enough money to buy the senate seat for [[Madruga]]. Before that could happen however, the Orc Rebellion began. The rebellion had an electrifying effect on the Firebrands and transformed their political fortunes.

In response to the rebellion, the civil service presented briefings that described opportunities for the Empire to consider before each summit, offering a number of ways the Empire might respond to the growing crisis. At each turn the Firebrands argued passionately that the Empire should seek to make concessions with the orcs - they failed each and every vote. The Senate chose instead to tighten their grip on the situation, even sending armies to deal with the orcs. Each time the situation grew worse, and every time it did, political support for the Firebrands continued to spread.

By 324YE it was clear to everybody that the situation had become intolerable and that everything the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] had tried had failed. On Friday night, an amphora was placed in the clearing of the Freedom to Breathe parador with a sign that again read "A night of guilt-free sleep - 1 ring". The next day, Elaine i Casta i Guerra, was elected senator for Madruga. Her very first action as [[senator]] was to raise a motion calling for an election to the throne.

Nobody was surprised when Ahraz stood for the title, but they were surprised by his speech. There were three rival candidates, all of whom delivered obsequious speeches praising the Senate and talking of how important it was to be a voice for the Senate, to reflect it's wisdom.

Ahraz went last and chose a different path. He proclaimed the doom of the Empire and said that if it didn't change course it would be destroyed. He tore into the senators, lambasting them for every decision they had taken on the orc rebellion. He personally called them out by name, shaming them for the decisions they had taken, the crowd loved it, but it was very clear he was winning no friends where it counted.

Then at the crescendo of the speech he loudly proclaimed that if the Senate elected him to the Throne he would end the rebellion within a single year or stand down. The announcement thrilled the crowd even as it shocked them to silence. He dared the Senate to prove him wrong and claimed that if they didn't vote for him it was because they wanted to stop him from being proved right. Moments later Firebrands in the crowd began to shout his name. Stunned senators found themselves voting while surrounded by a crowd of hundreds all chanting for Ahraz.

It is well known that some of Ahraz most fervent opponents voted for him. The [[Varushka|Varushkan]] senator for [[Miekarova]], Ingra Colvaera, who detested Ahraz was explicit about it. She later told the Anvil press that she only voted for this callow youth because his arrogance demanded that he be given the rope he needed to hang himself.

Despite his triumph in the Senate, Ahraz came close to failing the second test. He narrowly survived a vote by the [[Imperial Synod]] to [[veto]] the [[Senate motion]] to appoint him. Senators who had been bounced into supporting him by the crowd turned their coats once the throngs had melted away. A rumour spread that Ahraz was a heretic, based on the fact that he was bonded to a rare Freeborn magical item called the Shackle of Freedom. This belt of chains boosted Ahraz's personal conviction and passion, allowing him to respond with a burst of passion to anything that might influence his feelings, (like a circlet of falling snow), but it had the unfortunate side effect that it concealed his aura from any attempt to read it, much like a [[Shackle of the Unvirtuous]].

A hasty [[inquisition]] was passed through the Synod and Ahraz was compelled to appear before the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]]. They demanded he removed the Shackle and allow them to examine his aura. A winter mage duly broke the bond with the item, and his aura was read and the Assembly confirmed he was dedicated to... [[Ambition]].

Unfazed by this unexpected result, one the cardinals demanded to know if Ahraz had ever been dedicated to any other virtue. Ahraz is reported to have responded calmly and said "I have been dedicated to many Virtues - the one constant in my life is my dedication to [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution|the Freedom, Prosperity, and Dignity]] of the inhabitants of the Empire." The rest of the inquisition passed without incident, the judgement to veto narrowly failed.

==The End of the Rebellion==
It was never officially confirmed, but is widely known that the Firebrands had already engaged in some diplomacy with the leaders of the Orc rebellion. Those who study the records believe it began when one of the Firebrands led a skirmish against a group of the rebels, shortly after the rebellion began. The group reported that the skirmish was a complete success and everyone assumed that all the orcs had been killed, but it is now widely assumed that the Firebrand in charge chose to talk to the orcs rather than kill them.

Contact between the Firebrands and the orcs increased significantly following his election. While most of these were between other Firebrands and the rebels, on two occasions, Ahraz himself was forced to miss a [[Senate session]] to take advantage of an opening of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to travel to an encounter with the rebel orcs. Rumours around Anvil were rife about what was happening, but his supporters pointed to the promise he made when he was elected and claimed that he was simply following through on his oath to end the rebellion personally. Armies led by generals sympathetic to Ahraz were in position to attack the rebels, but were on orders to defend.

After meeting with the rebels via the Sentinel Gate, Ahraz used [[The_Throne#Defender_of_the_Empire|defender of the Empire]] to seize control of the [[Granite Pillar]], the only army near the rebels that was not led by someone in his sphere of influence. He announced that the Pillar and those armies in theatre with them would confront the rebels that season and end the rebellion once and for all. In a boisterous final session of the Senate, Ahraz informed the assembled throng that this would be the final battle of the rebellion and that the war would be over when he returned to Anvil. He was widely heckled by his detractors, but left looking triumphant.

As news of the campaign spread across the Empire, it became clear that the forces loyal to the Emperor had not, in fact, attacked the orc rebels, but had instead struck a deal with them. Rather than do battle, Ahraz had given orders for the armies to march, with the rebels, on Anvil. There was widespread shock when this news was discovered and disseminated and there was much talk of the Emperor being revoked or tried for [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_of_Position|treason]].

Ahraz presented a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] negotiated with the rebels at the very first Senate session. The meeting turned violent, weapons were drawn, and the session was somewhat hastily curtailed. The Firebrands spread out across Anvil looking to build support, while Ahraz' enemies tried to do the same. The situation remained volatile and tense all weekend, there were rumours of assassins sent to kill the Emperor, but that proved to be all talk. In a dramatic final session of the Senate on the Sunday the treaty passed by a single vote following a dramatic personal speech by Ahraz.

A second miracle appears to have occurred almost immediately following the ratification of the treaty with the rebel orcs. Emperor Ahraz and every single member of the Firebrands manifested spontaneous personal auras which have since become a matter of public record. "You feel empowered to free the downtrodden and oppressed from all who would keep them in chains."

A second inquisition quickly followed. This time Ahraz refused to remove his Shackle of Freedom, insisting that his dedication was a personal matter between him and his sutanir. There were public accusations that Ahraz was dedicated to Freedom which he simply refused to respond to. Instead he gave a passionate speech, talking about the shame he had felt all his life that so much of the Empire he loved had been built on the back of slavery. He argued that every coin in the [[Imperial Treasury]] had been paid for with orc blood.

The culmination of his speech was a rousing defence of actions naming each of the seven virtues in turn and explicitly laying out why he believed his actions were Ambitious, [[Courage|Courageous]], [[Loyalty|Loyal]], [[Prosperity|Prosperous]], [[Vigilance|Vigilant]], Wise and filled him with [[Pride]]. He finished by reminding the [[cardinal|Cardinals]], once again, that the Empire was built on the Freedom, Prosperity and Dignity of its people and pointed out that the slaves they had personally kept... were still people of the Empire. He demanded they acknowledge that his actions in freeing them were in keeping with the founding virtues of the Empire.

The cardinals were unable to agree on a condemnation and the second inquisition collapsed without a verdict. Ahraz' enemies left the summit vowing to get even with the Emperor they believed had betrayed them, but [[the Throne]], the Firebrands and everyone who had supported them left in triumph, their long dream of freedom for everyone in the Empire was finally a reality.

==The Collapse==
Ahraz' triumph in making peace with the rebel orcs saw the creation of a new Imperial nation and two new [[army|Imperial armies]]. It ushered in a wave of optimism for some who believed the Emperor's claim that the [[Imperial Orcs]] would strengthen the nation. But it brought massive opposition from those factions that opposed the deal, most notably [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]] and [[Highguard]]. The Empire quickly fell victim to political infighting, with heated Senate politics and constant accusations of disloyalty and a lack of [[Virtue]]. It did not help that Ahraz took to attending Senate flanked by a pair of Imperial Orc bodyguards who could not legally enter the chamber, but would escourt him to and from the door.

Their Vigilance proved prescient and the young Emperor survived three assassination attempts from his political enemies in the years that followed. One of the attacks, a poisoning, failed to kill the Emperor but instead took the life of his beloved daughter, Liberty i Tamerlin i Guerra, who was only nine years old at the time. Ahraz was devastated by the loss and never fully recovered, but to the surprise of many, the Imperial Orcs were absolutely incandescent. It took the personal intervention of Ahraz to turn them back, after forty of them formed up fully intending to launch an utterly futile full frontal assault on the Varushkan camp where over two hundred shlacta were massing.

Ahraz struggled to reassert his control over the Senate and the Empire in the face of this hostility. If the years that followed had been quiet, it is possible that the Emperor might eventually have managed to do that in which case he could have gone on to reign for years and been one of the Empire's most Ambitious and daring thrones. Fate, however, was not kind and the years that followed would be anything but quiet.

The [[Freedom_Heresy|Freedom rebellion]] began during the second half of 324YE, when Crescencia i Marusa i Riqueza, a former ally of the Firebrands began to openly preach the [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|heresy of freedom]]. Taking advantage of the closing months of the [[The Orc Rebellion|orc rebellion]], she acquired several followers despite the overt opposition of the [[Synod]]. Her particular take on the false virtue of [[Freedom]] was that individuals should be free to do whatever they wanted without regard to the wishes of others.

She was shunned by the other Firebrands who loudly denounced her interpretation of Freedom. Despite this, the heresy attracted a large number of followers, many of whom were of the [[briar]] lineage. After several months the heretics began to openly call for the briar people to live apart from the rest of the Empire in their own state or nation.

While the Synod condemned Crescencia and her followers, Ahraz vetoed two distinct Senate motions to instruct the magistrates to round up the heretics, arguing that the Empire had just managed to free one people and that he would not allow them to enslave another group for their beliefs. Suffice to say that these actions did not endear him to the Senate or the Synod, but they were pivotal in preventing the Empire taking direct action to crush the heresy.

Within a year, Crescencia and her followers including a Dawnish general named Lord Geoffrey of House Casillon, seized control of several castles on either side of the eastern border between [[Semmerholm]] and [[The Barrens]]. They intended to use the castles to establish a briar free-state. Their coup was bloody, resulting in the deaths of many soldiers who refused to support the heretical cause.

The Senate raised a motion to declare war on the rebels, but to the astonishment of many it was voted down. Ingra Colvaera gave a long speech on the floor of the Senate insisting that the Empire must respond to this outrage but demanding that Emperor use the power of the Throne to declare war on the rebels. She claimed that he was secretly a supporter of Freedom and in league with the rebels and that the only way for him to prove his innocence would be to act to preserve the Empire he claimed to love.

Ahraz was unmoved and the session ended without a decision. At the next session, a united group of senators proceeded to publicly vote down every single motion, stating each time that the Senate would take no action until Ahraz had declared war. With no other choice, he did so at the last session of the summit. According to those present, he was said to have wept on the floor of the Senate as he did so.

The rebels were quickly driven out of Dawn and forced into the Barrens. There they established a tiny kingdom there called Montane and issued calls for briars, secessionists and "''lovers of freedom''" from across the Empire to join them. Ahraz was openly mocked to his face in Senate, by senators repeatedly asking him why he had not left Anvil to join them. Attempts by his allies to declare peace with this new kingdom of Montane were soundly voted down.

The inevitable Druj attack on Montane came in Winter 328YE and it was instantly clear that the briars would be unable to defend themselves. Desperate pleas were sent to Avil begging for aid against the Druj. Three times allies of Ahraz raised motions offering to declare peace with the rebels and urging Imperial generals to help them. Each time the motions were soundly defeated. The Emperor's powers to veto a motion was helpless in the face of an openly rebellious Senate filled with many people who personally despised the current occupant of the Throne.

In 329YE, Crescencia and several of her closest followers were caught fleeing from the Barrens into Dawn. Several prominent members of the Firebrands were among their numbers, including Elaine i Casta i Guerra, a sutannir who had once been one of the closest personal companions of the Emperor. Their trial and execution on charges of heresy and blasphemy, signalled the end of the Freedom Heresy, but it was the final straw for Emperor Ahraz. Faced with a Senate that had made it plain that they would never accept his rule, and forced to watch as some of his oldest supporters were executed for being followers of Freedom he broke down and wept for a second time.

In a dramatic evening sitting of the Senate, he resigned the Throne to the public mockery of many of the senators present. He was met at the door of the Senate by an honour guard of Freeborn corsairs and Imperial Orc legionaries. The Orcs insisted on bearing the former Emperor to the Imperial Orc camp before he was allowed to return to his own people. There were wild rumours that they were taking Ahraz to a meeting of warlords to discuss an attack on the Senate, but if so then nothing came of it. Instead, the supporters of the former Emperor made their way to the Imperial Orc camp and spent the night there with the orcs celebrating the short reign of the only Freeborn Emperor.

Ahraz never returned to Anvil, choosing to go into seclusion in mountains of [[Kahraman]]. He died a few years later, at the age of thirty-seven (not forty-seven as is widely reported elsewhere). On his deathbed he was said to have the appearance of a man twice his age. Critics claimed his spirit was born down by his failures, but his supporters claimed that the passion of life had burned twice as brightly in Ahraz, but the price he had paid for that was to live half as long as any normal mortal being.

Ahraz had few friends in [[Highguard]] at the time of his death, and his body was interred in the [[Necropolis]] in an understated black marble tower - where he would later be joined by [[The_Honour_Guard_of_Ahraz|an honour guard of ten Imperial Orcs]].

==Legacy==
Emperor Ahraz died in 331YE. He was mourned by few in the Empire outside the Imperial Orcs and the Freeborn. Even in the Brass Coast, feelings were mixed. Many were proud of their Emperor and those of the [[Guerra]] especially praised him for his passion and opposition to slavery. But many felt disappointed that his reign ended in infamy and blamed him for a political decline of the influence of the Brass Coast in the wider Empire.

Those who had backed him thinking that a Freeborn Empire would put the Freeborn first were bitterly disappointed. There were even some who commented that he should be seen as the first Imperial Orc Emperor as he seemed to care a lore more about the Orcs than he did about his own people.

In the years since, the view of Ahraz has slowly shifted. In hindsight, it appears that many of the things that the Emperor spoke of came true. Bringing the Imperial Orcs into the Empire did strengthen them, just as Ahraz had claimed it would. The Empire renounced slavery and though his actions were contentious at the time, history has largely sided with the Freeborn.

Rivers of Gold

2025-08-05T15:37:00Z

Castaras: /* Description */

==Rules==
{{Season|Autumn|12}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|2}} {{Target Resource|[[business]]}}

{{enchantment}}

===Effects===

The [[business]] provides an additional 180 rings over the next season, in addition to normal production.

{{Downtime buff}}

===Additional Targets===
This ritual can affect additional [[business|businesses]] in the same territory. Each additional business increases the magnitude by 8. The character who controls each business must be present throughout the ritual.

==Description==

As with [[Streams of Silver]], this [[enchantment]] subtly influences the flow of trade, gently warping the effects of chance and synchronicity to encourage people to visit, and spend money in, the target business. The magic may improve profits in many ways; a supplier might make a delivery on time, or the quality of their materials might be greater than expected, for example; shoplifters and petty thieves think twice before robbing the establishment; less errors are made in the accounts; new opportunities for making savings are spotted. A customer looking for a particular item will check your shop before she checks those of your competitors; a [[Sutannir|sutannir]] looking for someone to provide wine to a wedding will pick your services over someone else's; rumours that say your business is better than a rival's flourish, while those that speak negatively of you, your business, your goods or your services tend not to be passed on.

The effect of the ritual is difficult to spot without magical means, unless one knows it has been cast; every piece of individual good fortune appears entirely reasonable - it is only when they are all taken together over the course of a season that it begins to become apparent that something is shifting chance in the favour of the target. The Autumn realm is uniquely suited to this kind of subtle manipulation of events - even Night is hard pressed to create effects with such far-reaching implications and effectiveness.

The spell is not cheap in terms of crystal mana, but the more businesses it is used on the more economical the ritual becomes. Nine crowns for six crystal mana is one thing; eighteen crowns for ten crystal mana is another again. A number of covens, especially in [[The Brass Coast]] and [[The League]], are specialists in the use of this ritual and others like it. It is common practice for a [[troupe]] to encourage as many business-owners as possible from a territory to pay them to place this enchantment, and then combine all the casting's together into a single ritual (assuming they are proficient enough) to maximize their own profits.

==Common Elements==
This ritual moves wealth around, and the performance is often accompanied by coins and other precious items. In [[The Marches]] and [[The Brass Coast]], coins taken from the previous season's profit are often used as a way to 'prime' the enchantment and attract more wealth. The targets often share a goblet of wine among themselves, and the ritual often begins or ends with a symbolic (or literal) payment to the performing coven. The rune [[Pallas]] is often evoked, but so are subtle [[Queros|rune of plots]] and the serendipitous [[Ull|rune of chance]]. Symbols of [[Prosperity]] are also common, often with an invocation highlighting the rewards of hard work.

The [[magic items|magic item]] known as the [[Mercantilist's Mask]] can be used to make this ritual easier to perform.

<ic>The bell by the door hadn't stopped ringing all day long, and Valtus was run off his feet. It had seemed certain that every scrap of stock would be sold out by lunch, but as fate would have it two of his suppliers chose today to deliver early and he'd been able to continue on into early evening. Now, finally, his shelves were bare and his coin-safe was bulging. He mopped his brow with a silk handkerchief and treated himself to a small sherry, easing his groaning feet up onto a stool as he finally let himself relax after the day's unexpected windfall of custom.

The door bell jangled as a well-heeled young bravo dashed into the shop, brandishing a fistful of coins, "Sir! For reasons far too convoluted to go into, I find myself in dire and urgent need of some shelves such as the ones you have upon your walls. Would you allow me to press an <i>unreasonably</i> large sum of money upon you for their immediate removal?"
</ic>

[[Category:Autumn Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]
[[Category:Resource]]

The Courage of Ahraz

2025-08-05T15:35:54Z

Castaras: /* Overview */

==Overview==
During the Autumn Equinox 386YE, Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Emperor_Ahraz|asked]] the researchers at the [[Lepidean_Librarian#Lepidean_University|Lepidean Library]] to investigate the life of the [[Emperor Ahraz]] and to ''"look further into the Auras and Courage surrounding Emperor Ahraz, so that knowledge gained may gird those who seek liberation, both tomorrow and in years to come"''. The request was linked to the ongoing attempts to liberate [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] and the need to ensure that future attempts to free people were not affected by unsavoury auras.

Emperor Ahraz sat on [[the Throne]] from 324YE to 329YE and much of his official life was already a matter of public record. He was declared an exemplar of Courage by Isaac di Sarvos in Summer 378YE but his personal life is less well known and there has been longstanding interest in the Empire's only Freeborn Emperor - from both the Brass Coast and the Imperial Orcs. In 384YE, Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, the [[Minister of Historical Research]] at the time ordered research into the names and lives of the honour guard of ten orcs interred in Ahraz' tomb alongside the Emperor's remains.

==Birth on the Coast==
Emperor Ahraz, was born Ahraz i Tamerlin i Guerra, a poor child of one of the poorer families on [[the Brass Coast]]. There is little record of his early childhood which appears to have been largely unremarkable. He was taken as the apprentice of a scrivener, Marats i Casta i Guerra, who seems to have acted as something of a mentor to the young boy, teaching him to read, to write rather than encouraging him to attend the local school as others would.

His teacher appears to have had a huge influence on the young boy. Ahraz always spoke of Marats with great fondness his entire life. He is quoted saying of him that "while my peers had their minds drowned in a choking sea of tedious facts, Maratz taught me to sail a sea of infinite possibilities. He taught me that the people of the Coast are born free, and showed me how the world constantly clambers to take that freedom away. That we must fight for our Freedom with every breath we draw, or we will be lost."

Such rebelliousness was always likely to lead to trouble and so it proved. As he grew to be a youth, Ahraz had numerous run-ins with magistrates and the law. The Freeborn have always detested slavery, but by [[Imperial law]] it was legal at that time, and there were people who possessed orc slaves who would visit Freeborn ports on occasion. Ahraz was caught breaking the law, engineering the escape of slaves, on three separate occasions. He was considered a smart lad, quick witted, eloquent and sharp-tongued, so if he was caught three times they were likely not the only times he made the attempt.

At his third trial, he received a huge fine of 8 thrones for his actions. According to the court reports, the size of the fine was set high because he obstinately refused to plead [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] for his actions and proclaimed that there was nothing in [[the Way]] that absolved him of guilt. When the magistrate asked him if he would repeat the crime given the opportunity he is said to have brazenly boasted that he intended to free every slave in the world and that he would permit no law of any kind to stand in his way.

The fine was effectively a death sentence. His family might have hoped to raise a few crowns, maybe even a throne or two by borrowing from other families, but there was no way they could possibly raise such a princely sum. The young lad's story would have ended there were it not for what some claim is a miracle. According to the legends, someone placed an empty amphora in the market place with a sign above it that simply read "A night of guilt-free sleep - 1 ring". The next day they took the amphora to the magistrates and used it to pay the whole of Ahraz's fine with the rest distributed to the poor.

On the face of it, Ahraz appears to have learned his lesson after that, certainly he never got in trouble with the Imperial law again. In practice it is clear that his brush with death had simply made the young firebrand realise how much more he might achieve if he took the time to plan what he was doing. He said of this time "The magistrates didn't impart [[Wisdom]], but they did teach me the overwhelming importance of [[Ambition]]."

==The Journey to the Throne==
Ten years later Ahraz arrived in [[Anvil]] still burning with the passion of youth to change the world. He came alone at first, and took the Coast by storm. He was chosen as adjunct by one of the Freeborn generals by the end of his first summit, and by the end of the year he had rallied a large group of young, passionate, politically active Freeborn to his banner. Officially they ran a parador, called Freedom to Breathe, which became infamous for the extraordinary parties hosted by their [[sutanir]], an entrancing musician called Elaine i Casta i Guerra.

Unofficially many people started referring to them as the "Firebrands". It was meant as an insult, but they took it as their unofficial moniker. The group were beyond passionate, driven and utterly committed to their cause, they were everywhere, and involved in everything. They were active in [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]], constantly pushing the Conclave to act. They raised controversial judgements in the Synod, and would work Anvil three times over until they found enough priests to vote for them. Ahraz later said of this time "We came to Anvil, determined that we would either save the Empire from itself or burn the entire rotten edifice to the ground. We thought we were gods. We believed there was nothing we could not achieve."

The Firebrands continued to grow in power, and there was talk that Ahraz or his [[scrivenir]] might earn enough money to buy the senate seat for [[Madruga]]. Before that could happen however, the Orc Rebellion began. The rebellion had an electrifying effect on the Firebrands and transformed their political fortunes.

In response to the rebellion, the civil service presented briefings that described opportunities for the Empire to consider before each summit, offering a number of ways the Empire might respond to the growing crisis. At each turn the Firebrands argued passionately that the Empire should seek to make concessions with the orcs - they failed each and every vote. The Senate chose instead to tighten their grip on the situation, even sending armies to deal with the orcs. Each time the situation grew worse, and every time it did, political support for the Firebrands continued to spread.

By 324YE it was clear to everybody that the situation had become intolerable and that everything the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] had tried had failed. On Friday night, an amphora was placed in the clearing of the Freedom to Breathe parador with a sign that again read "A night of guilt-free sleep - 1 ring". The next day, Elaine i Casta i Guerra, was elected senator for Madruga. Her very first action as [[senator]] was to raise a motion calling for an election to the throne.

Nobody was surprised when Ahraz stood for the title, but they were surprised by his speech. There were three rival candidates, all of whom delivered obsequious speeches praising the Senate and talking of how important it was to be a voice for the Senate, to reflect it's wisdom.

Ahraz went last and chose a different path. He proclaimed the doom of the Empire and said that if it didn't change course it would be destroyed. He tore into the senators, lambasting them for every decision they had taken on the orc rebellion. He personally called them out by name, shaming them for the decisions they had taken, the crowd loved it, but it was very clear he was winning no friends where it counted.

Then at the crescendo of the speech he loudly proclaimed that if the Senate elected him to the Throne he would end the rebellion within a single year or stand down. The announcement thrilled the crowd even as it shocked them to silence. He dared the Senate to prove him wrong and claimed that if they didn't vote for him it was because they wanted to stop him from being proved right. Moments later Firebrands in the crowd began to shout his name. Stunned senators found themselves voting while surrounded by a crowd of hundreds all chanting for Ahraz.

It is well known that some of Ahraz most fervent opponents voted for him. The [[Varushka|Varushkan]] senator for [[Miekarova]], Ingra Colvaera, who detested Ahraz was explicit about it. She later told the Anvil press that she only voted for this callow youth because his arrogance demanded that he be given the rope he needed to hang himself.

Despite his triumph in the Senate, Ahraz came close to failing the second test. He narrowly survived a vote by the [[Imperial Synod]] to [[veto]] the [[Senate motion]] to appoint him. Senators who had been bounced into supporting him by the crowd turned their coats once the throngs had melted away. A rumour spread that Ahraz was a heretic, based on the fact that he was bonded to a rare Freeborn magical item called the Shackle of Freedom. This belt of chains boosted Ahraz's personal conviction and passion, allowing him to respond with a burst of passion to anything that might influence his feelings, (like a circlet of falling snow), but it had the unfortunate side effect that it concealed his aura from any attempt to read it, much like a [[Shackle of the Unvirtuous]].

A hasty [[inquisition]] was passed through the Synod and Ahraz was compelled to appear before the [[Assembly of Nine]]. They demanded he removed the Shackle and allow them to examine his aura. A winter mage duly broke the bond with the item, and his aura was read and the Assembly confirmed he was dedicated to... [[Ambition]].

Unfazed by this unexpected result, one the cardinals demanded to know if Ahraz had ever been dedicated to any other virtue. Ahraz is reported to have responded calmly and said "I have been dedicated to many Virtues - the one constant in my life is my dedication to [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution|the Freedom, Prosperity, and Dignity]] of the inhabitants of the Empire." The rest of the inquisition passed without incident, the judgement to veto narrowly failed.

==The End of the Rebellion==
It was never officially confirmed, but is widely known that the Firebrands had already engaged in some diplomacy with the leaders of the Orc rebellion. Those who study the records believe it began when one of the Firebrands led a skirmish against a group of the rebels, shortly after the rebellion began. The group reported that the skirmish was a complete success and everyone assumed that all the orcs had been killed, but it is now widely assumed that the Firebrand in charge chose to talk to the orcs rather than kill them.

Contact between the Firebrands and the orcs increased significantly following his election. While most of these were between other Firebrands and the rebels, on two occasions, Ahraz himself was forced to miss a [[Senate session]] to take advantage of an opening of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to travel to an encounter with the rebel orcs. Rumours around Anvil were rife about what was happening, but his supporters pointed to the promise he made when he was elected and claimed that he was simply following through on his oath to end the rebellion personally. Armies led by generals sympathetic to Ahraz were in position to attack the rebels, but were on orders to defend.

After meeting with the rebels via the Sentinel Gate, Ahraz used [[The_Throne#Defender_of_the_Empire|defender of the Empire]] to seize control of the [[Granite Pillar]], the only army near the rebels that was not led by someone in his sphere of influence. He announced that the Pillar and those armies in theatre with them would confront the rebels that season and end the rebellion once and for all. In a boisterous final session of the Senate, Ahraz informed the assembled throng that this would be the final battle of the rebellion and that the war would be over when he returned to Anvil. He was widely heckled by his detractors, but left looking triumphant.

As news of the campaign spread across the Empire, it became clear that the forces loyal to the Emperor had not, in fact, attacked the orc rebels, but had instead struck a deal with them. Rather than do battle, Ahraz had given orders for the armies to march, with the rebels, on Anvil. There was widespread shock when this news was discovered and disseminated and there was much talk of the Emperor being revoked or tried for [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_of_Position|treason]].

Ahraz presented a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] negotiated with the rebels at the very first Senate session. The meeting turned violent, weapons were drawn, and the session was somewhat hastily curtailed. The Firebrands spread out across Anvil looking to build support, while Ahraz' enemies tried to do the same. The situation remained volatile and tense all weekend, there were rumours of assassins sent to kill the Emperor, but that proved to be all talk. In a dramatic final session of the Senate on the Sunday the treaty passed by a single vote following a dramatic personal speech by Ahraz.

A second miracle appears to have occurred almost immediately following the ratification of the treaty with the rebel orcs. Emperor Ahraz and every single member of the Firebrands manifested spontaneous personal auras which have since become a matter of public record. "You feel empowered to free the downtrodden and oppressed from all who would keep them in chains."

A second inquisition quickly followed. This time Ahraz refused to remove his Shackle of Freedom, insisting that his dedication was a personal matter between him and his sutanir. There were public accusations that Ahraz was dedicated to Freedom which he simply refused to respond to. Instead he gave a passionate speech, talking about the shame he had felt all his life that so much of the Empire he loved had been built on the back of slavery. He argued that every coin in the [[Imperial Treasury]] had been paid for with orc blood.

The culmination of his speech was a rousing defence of actions naming each of the seven virtues in turn and explicitly laying out why he believed his actions were Ambitious, [[Courage|Courageous]], [[Loyalty|Loyal]], [[Prosperity|Prosperous]], [[Vigilance|Vigilant]], Wise and filled him with [[Pride]]. He finished by reminding the [[cardinal|Cardinals]], once again, that the Empire was built on the Freedom, Prosperity and Dignity of its people and pointed out that the slaves they had personally kept... were still people of the Empire. He demanded they acknowledge that his actions in freeing them were in keeping with the founding virtues of the Empire.

The cardinals were unable to agree on a condemnation and the second inquisition collapsed without a verdict. Ahraz' enemies left the summit vowing to get even with the Emperor they believed had betrayed them, but [[the Throne]], the Firebrands and everyone who had supported them left in triumph, their long dream of freedom for everyone in the Empire was finally a reality.

==The Collapse==
Ahraz' triumph in making peace with the rebel orcs saw the creation of a new Imperial nation and two new [[army|Imperial armies]]. It ushered in a wave of optimism for some who believed the Emperor's claim that the [[Imperial Orcs]] would strengthen the nation. But it brought massive opposition from those factions that opposed the deal, most notably [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]] and [[Highguard]]. The Empire quickly fell victim to political infighting, with heated Senate politics and constant accusations of disloyalty and a lack of [[Virtue]]. It did not help that Ahraz took to attending Senate flanked by a pair of Imperial Orc bodyguards who could not legally enter the chamber, but would escourt him to and from the door.

Their Vigilance proved prescient and the young Emperor survived three assassination attempts from his political enemies in the years that followed. One of the attacks, a poisoning, failed to kill the Emperor but instead took the life of his beloved daughter, Liberty i Tamerlin i Guerra, who was only nine years old at the time. Ahraz was devastated by the loss and never fully recovered, but to the surprise of many, the Imperial Orcs were absolutely incandescent. It took the personal intervention of Ahraz to turn them back, after forty of them formed up fully intending to launch an utterly futile full frontal assault on the Varushkan camp where over two hundred shlacta were massing.

Ahraz struggled to reassert his control over the Senate and the Empire in the face of this hostility. If the years that followed had been quiet, it is possible that the Emperor might eventually have managed to do that in which case he could have gone on to reign for years and been one of the Empire's most Ambitious and daring thrones. Fate, however, was not kind and the years that followed would be anything but quiet.

The [[Freedom_Heresy|Freedom rebellion]] began during the second half of 324YE, when Crescencia i Marusa i Riqueza, a former ally of the Firebrands began to openly preach the [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|heresy of freedom]]. Taking advantage of the closing months of the [[The Orc Rebellion|orc rebellion]], she acquired several followers despite the overt opposition of the [[Synod]]. Her particular take on the false virtue of [[Freedom]] was that individuals should be free to do whatever they wanted without regard to the wishes of others.

She was shunned by the other Firebrands who loudly denounced her interpretation of Freedom. Despite this, the heresy attracted a large number of followers, many of whom were of the [[briar]] lineage. After several months the heretics began to openly call for the briar people to live apart from the rest of the Empire in their own state or nation.

While the Synod condemned Crescencia and her followers, Ahraz vetoed two distinct Senate motions to instruct the magistrates to round up the heretics, arguing that the Empire had just managed to free one people and that he would not allow them to enslave another group for their beliefs. Suffice to say that these actions did not endear him to the Senate or the Synod, but they were pivotal in preventing the Empire taking direct action to crush the heresy.

Within a year, Crescencia and her followers including a Dawnish general named Lord Geoffrey of House Casillon, seized control of several castles on either side of the eastern border between [[Semmerholm]] and [[The Barrens]]. They intended to use the castles to establish a briar free-state. Their coup was bloody, resulting in the deaths of many soldiers who refused to support the heretical cause.

The Senate raised a motion to declare war on the rebels, but to the astonishment of many it was voted down. Ingra Colvaera gave a long speech on the floor of the Senate insisting that the Empire must respond to this outrage but demanding that Emperor use the power of the Throne to declare war on the rebels. She claimed that he was secretly a supporter of Freedom and in league with the rebels and that the only way for him to prove his innocence would be to act to preserve the Empire he claimed to love.

Ahraz was unmoved and the session ended without a decision. At the next session, a united group of senators proceeded to publicly vote down every single motion, stating each time that the Senate would take no action until Ahraz had declared war. With no other choice, he did so at the last session of the summit. According to those present, he was said to have wept on the floor of the Senate as he did so.

The rebels were quickly driven out of Dawn and forced into the Barrens. There they established a tiny kingdom there called Montane and issued calls for briars, secessionists and "''lovers of freedom''" from across the Empire to join them. Ahraz was openly mocked to his face in Senate, by senators repeatedly asking him why he had not left Anvil to join them. Attempts by his allies to declare peace with this new kingdom of Montane were soundly voted down.

The inevitable Druj attack on Montane came in Winter 328YE and it was instantly clear that the briars would be unable to defend themselves. Desperate pleas were sent to Avil begging for aid against the Druj. Three times allies of Ahraz raised motions offering to declare peace with the rebels and urging Imperial generals to help them. Each time the motions were soundly defeated. The Emperor's powers to veto a motion was helpless in the face of an openly rebellious Senate filled with many people who personally despised the current occupant of the Throne.

In 329YE, Crescencia and several of her closest followers were caught fleeing from the Barrens into Dawn. Several prominent members of the Firebrands were among their numbers, including Elaine i Casta i Guerra, a sutannir who had once been one of the closest personal companions of the Emperor. Their trial and execution on charges of heresy and blasphemy, signalled the end of the Freedom Heresy, but it was the final straw for Emperor Ahraz. Faced with a Senate that had made it plain that they would never accept his rule, and forced to watch as some of his oldest supporters were executed for being followers of Freedom he broke down and wept for a second time.

In a dramatic evening sitting of the Senate, he resigned the Throne to the public mockery of many of the senators present. He was met at the door of the Senate by an honour guard of Freeborn corsairs and Imperial Orc legionaries. The Orcs insisted on bearing the former Emperor to the Imperial Orc camp before he was allowed to return to his own people. There were wild rumours that they were taking Ahraz to a meeting of warlords to discuss an attack on the Senate, but if so then nothing came of it. Instead, the supporters of the former Emperor made their way to the Imperial Orc camp and spent the night there with the orcs celebrating the short reign of the only Freeborn Emperor.

Ahraz never returned to Anvil, choosing to go into seclusion in mountains of [[Kahraman]]. He died a few years later, at the age of thirty-seven (not forty-seven as is widely reported elsewhere). On his deathbed he was said to have the appearance of a man twice his age. Critics claimed his spirit was born down by his failures, but his supporters claimed that the passion of life had burned twice as brightly in Ahraz, but the price he had paid for that was to live half as long as any normal mortal being.

Ahraz had few friends in [[Highguard]] at the time of his death, and his body was interred in the [[Necropolis]] in an understated black marble tower - where he would later be joined by [[The_Honour_Guard_of_Ahraz|an honour guard of ten Imperial Orcs]].

==Legacy==
Emperor Ahraz died in 331YE. He was mourned by few in the Empire outside the Imperial Orcs and the Freeborn. Even in the Brass Coast, feelings were mixed. Many were proud of their Emperor and those of the [[Guerra]] especially praised him for his passion and opposition to slavery. But many felt disappointed that his reign ended in infamy and blamed him for a political decline of the influence of the Brass Coast in the wider Empire.

Those who had backed him thinking that a Freeborn Empire would put the Freeborn first were bitterly disappointed. There were even some who commented that he should be seen as the first Imperial Orc Emperor as he seemed to care a lore more about the Orcs than he did about his own people.

In the years since, the view of Ahraz has slowly shifted. In hindsight, it appears that many of the things that the Emperor spoke of came true. Bringing the Imperial Orcs into the Empire did strengthen them, just as Ahraz had claimed it would. The Empire renounced slavery and though his actions were contentious at the time, history has largely sided with the Freeborn.

Granite Pillar

2025-08-01T13:15:18Z

Castaras: /* Army Quality : Disciplined */

{{Army Page}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
===Overview===
The guardians of the [[Granite Pillar]] are usually arrayed in heavy armour with shield and sword, supported by cataphracts and martially inclined [[magister|magisters]]. They practice tactics designed to emphasise their [[Army qualities#Disciplined|discipline]], and are always accompanied by military chaplains who dedicate themselves to supporting and blessing the soldiers, helping them to remain focused on the battlefield and highlighting the virtues of [[Loyalty]], [[Courage]] and [[Pride]].

The first Highborn General leads the Granite Pillar army, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Summer solstice each year.

===History===
TBC
__TOC__
TBC
====Recent History====
TBC

===Traditions===
TBC

====Empire's Heart====
The General of the Granite Pillar bears ''Empire's Heart'', an artefact [[Banner of the Bold]]. It is the legal property of the title. If the general loses their position, then the item must be given to the new general with all appropriate haste. The general is encouraged to take all appropriate precautions to keep this item safe.

==Composition==
TBC
==Army Quality : Disciplined==
The Granite Pillar practice tactics that emphasise their [[Army qualities#Disciplined|discipline]], remaining focused on the battlefield and drawing strength from their commitment to [[the Way]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sychar of Ebon's Hall.jpg|caption='''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''', General of the Granite Pillar|align=left|width=300}}
{{RecentElections|General_of_the_Granite_Pillar|the title of [[General]] of the Granite Pillar}}
[[Category:Imperial Army]][[Category:Highguard]][[Category:Military Council]]

Cathan Canae

2025-08-01T09:34:42Z

Castaras: /* Boons */ currently no tsirku page, sermersuaq mentions it

{{CaptionedImage|file=CathanArt.jpg|title=The snow bear, a powerful arctic predator, is often displayed on the battle standards of the warriors of Cathan Canae - often by warriors who ride into battle astride great magical beasts that resemble dire bears with curving ram horns.|caption=Cathan Canae does not often display a heraldic device but when she does she favours<br>the visage, skull, or pelt of strong, powerful beasts.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Cathan Canae is called the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' or the ''Lady of the Frost''.

She is sometimes called ''The Breath of Winter'' (perhaps confusingly, given she is an eternal of Summer), ''Mistress of Blizzards'' and ''The Immovable One''.

===Appearance===
This Summer eternal often appears as a tall, muscular woman dressed in heavy chain in the style of a [[Wintermark]] warrior-heroine, bearing a vicious hooked polearm called ''Ironwind''. On her brow is a tall crown of ice set with three blue jewels. She usually wears a mantle of white bear fur, which stories say was made for her by the [[Suaq]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalker|icewalker]]-hero Fainomaiken from the hide of the titanic Devilbear that haunted the wastes of [[Sermersuaq]] centuries before the [[Steinr]] came and the people of Wintermark became one.

On the rare occasions that she is presenting a more peaceful mien, she dresses in the manner of a rich [[Steinr]] [[Wintermark political leadership|thane]], or wealthy [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka leadership|boyar]], usually with her white mantle over the top and her regal crown. She is by turns imperious; mighty; cold as the glacier; furious as the blizzard.

Cathan Canae is rarely encountered alone; she is usually accompanied by warriors or occasionally [[ogre]]-like giants or savage supernatural beasts. She rules a great swathe of territory in the Summer realm from her immense frozen citadel. Her realm is composed of awe-inspiring mountains, frozen waterfalls, glaciers and trackless snow-covered plains, haunted by legendary monsters and bands of savage warriors. Her armies regularly engage in skirmishes and battles with those of [[Eleonaris]] on the Fields of Glory.

===Concerns===
Cathan Canae exemplifies and glories in physical strength; she is the awesome strength of the glacier, the might of the howling blizzard, the irresistible majesty of the mountain, the implacable force of the avalanche. She reaches for the strength that none can stand against, and that cannot be overcome - both the irresistible force and the immovable object. She is extremely stubborn and respects only two things: might and resilience. She is extremely proud, and those who disrespect her earn her unending ire. As with many of the Summer eternals, she is known to occasionally call tourneys and formal challenges in which mortals compete for her favour - the [[Calling_the_Drottningbjotha|Drottningbjotha]] of Summer 379YE in which champions from across the Empire and beyond fought in a grand tourney in her honour is a recent example of this kind of competition.

In many stories, it is Cathan Canae who sends blizzards and avalanches down from the mountains, or south from the frigid wastes, to batter Wintermark and Varushka. She does not do this from wickedness but because it is in her nature to test others. Those who endure the onslaught of winter, or who fight with courage against the armies of their enemies, become ever stronger, ever more capable of resisting whatever the world throws at them.

The relationship of the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' with the [[Imperial Conclave]] has always been a little complicated. Among other things, her open support for the [[Jotun]] [[orc|orcs]] has proved to be a bone of contention with the Empire throughout Imperial history. For example, the eternal was under the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity of the conclave]] for most of the reigns of [[Emperor Guntherm]] and [[Empress Brannan]], apart from a brief period of neutrality during the two-year peace treaty towards the end of Guntherm's reign.

Of particular note is her patronage of the [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Skjaldir|Skjaldir]], [[elite Jotun troops]] who often number among them orcs specifically blessed by the eternal with supernatural strength and resilience. As with many eternals however, Cathan Canae seems to see no conflict between supporting both the Jotun and the Empire with her boons - something successive [[Archmage of Summer|Summer Archmages]] have been at pains to try and explain to their fellow magicians.

In [[Wintermark]] and among the [[Jotun]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Verys]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=HeraldOfIce.jpg|title=Most heralds of Cathan Canae do not look at all human - her servants tend to appear monstrous to mortal eyes.|caption=The heralds of Cathan Canae tend to be strong and taciturn.|align=right|width=300}}

===Boons===
Cathan Canae can give boons of strength, martial prowess and supernatural [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude|fortitude]]. She almost always demands that those who would receive her boons prove their strength by defeating one of her champions or enduring a challenge of their resilience, constitution or will. According to stories, the hero Fainomaiken endured twelve impossible tasks during his fabled courtship of this proud queen, including holding back the glacier Immanoviel for a year-and-a-day and enduring seven days and seven nights naked beneath the frozen waterfall called Unending Frost. Modern heroes are likely to receive slightly less dramatic challenges, but those who fail are often left broken or maimed. Cathan Canae has neither mercy nor respect for those who fail to live up to her high standards of excellence.

On rare occasions, she will lend a weapon, shield or piece of armour from her extensive collection to a mortal to wield for a time. Her artisans are some of the most skilled in the Summer realm and work with all manner of exotic materials, including living ice, water, wind and starlight. Even other eternals of Summer seek the aid of her crafters.

Sometimes, she will offer the services of her giant warriors, massive humanoids often reaching seven or eight feet in height and possessed of unspeakable strength. She may likewise send some of the legendary beasts and savage hunters of her realm to bedevil mortals. There are tales of her having been prevailed upon to raise an avalanche or blizzard, or aid mortal ritualists in doing the same.

Some mortal ritualists are able to prevail on ancient pacts to [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|call forth a frozen fortification]] from her realm, and she can make this process easier or harder.

Very few people have wooed Cathan Canae; those who impress her with their strength, courage, and fortitude may spend one night as her consort. Should they survive this honour, it is said that ever after they are inured to the cold of winter - they can walk naked through the mightiest blizzard without difficulty or swim the frozen floes of [[Sermersuaq|Tsirku]] without fear.

===Rituals that deal with Cathan Canae===
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Cathan Canae. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Hook of the Hoarfrost Guardian]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Cathan Canae]]</td><td>Grants four strikedowns a day with a pole-arm for a season</td><td>Summer</td><td>40</td>
<tr><td>[[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]]</td><td>[[Cathan Canae]]</td><td>Creates a temporary supernatural fortification in mountainous region in a territory</td><td>Summer</td><td>100</td>
</table>
[[Category:Eternals]]

Limits of magic

2025-07-31T19:22:04Z

Castaras: /* Imperial Citizenship */ fixing broken link

==Overview==
Magic has many fundamental limits that restrict what can be achieved. In the setting these limitations are well known - magicians have striven for centuries to find ways to overcome them. Some people have devoted their entire lives to researching these limits, but no-one has ever found a reliable way to overcome them. Having a good working knowledge of these limitations is one way you can represent your character being a skilled practitioner of ritual magic.

In the game, these are most of the absolute limits of magic that is possible within the rules for the game. While you might play a character that is striving to overcome one or more of these limitations, it is important to appreciate that that is not possible in the Empire game. Any arcane projection that attempts will automatically fail. For that reason, it is a good idea to check any arcane projection against these limits before you submit it.

==Restore Life==
The Spring realm is powerfully resonant with healing magic, but no Imperial magician has ever been able to create a ritual that restores life to the dead. Some Winter magics allow a magician to contact the recently departed, or even summon back a shade that can be questioned, but like the Spring realm it appears to be powerless to help those who have passed on. In Empire, once a person dies, they are dead for good.

Many magicians have spent their entire lifetime searching for ways to cheat death. None have ever found a way to restore the dead to life, but a few have found ways to cheat death, or at least postpone it for a while. Although there are no rituals of this kind in Imperial lore at this time, anything like this would definitely need to be cast on the target while they were still alive.

There are rituals that allow a magician to give a semblance of life to a corpse, the most famous of which is [[Quickening Cold Meat]]. However these rituals work by conjuring creatures from the realms, usually drudges, to inhabit the corpse and cause it to move. The Winter realm has a strong affinity for magic involving dead bodies, but rituals of this kind make use of the body to house a spirit of the realm, they do not restore the body to life in any way.

==Resist Effects==
It is possible to use the Winter realm to create wards that harm those who cross them, and Night magic can hide the true nature of something, but beyond this there are few if any rituals that can offer protection to a subject. No magician has ever been able to create a ritual that allows the subject to '''resist''' a magical effect such as that caused by the [[repel]] spell. Nor is it possible to use ritual magic to make a subject immune to the blows of swords, bows, or other weapons. There are many rituals that make a subject stronger, allowing them to suffer more such blows before they are defeated, but none that make it so that the subject can resist or otherwise ignore the effect.

==Mind Control and Silence==
Many rituals create powerful emotions, feelings, or sensations in those that experience the effects, either as a side effect of the magic or as the main purpose such as with the [[Chamber of Pallas]]. These rituals can have a powerful effect on those that encounter them, but all serious magicians agree that the nature of the target's response is fundamentally set by them, not by the magician who performed the ritual. Magic is simply not powerful enough to control the mind of another living being, forcing it to act as the ritualist desires.

Of course there are ways to use magic to control your enemies, using it to threaten, cajole, and coerce people. However these methods are not intrinsically more reliable or powerful than a threat of violence. Skilled magicians can use ritual magic very effectively to '''influence''' others, but they cannot control them.

In the same way, magic cannot compel someone to speak the truth, and it cannot read minds. This means that there is no effective "truth detection" magic in the Empire. It is possible to create an urge to be forthright or plain speaking, but it is not even possible to create a roleplaying effect that makes a character want to speak the truth. Nor is possible to remove the ability to speak from a person using ritual magic.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box><big>'''Conjured Coastal Citadels'''</big><br>
One topic that comes up regularly with the Day eternals is that of magically summoned fortifications similar to [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] but created in regions with the ''coastal'' quality. This matter is raised with some of [[Phaleron|Phaleron's]] heralds, and they provide the following explanation as to why it is not possible for magic to create such a thing. By its essential nature, a coastline is partway between one thing and another. It is a liminal space, neither land nor sea, and defies classification. A fortification or castle, by contrast, has an essential nature of resisting, standing strong, and being immovable and impregnable, which is absolutely at odds with the mutable nature of a coastal area. Ritual magic runs afoul of the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Essence|Law of Essence]], and so it will never be possible to create a ritual that conjures a magical fortification using the ''coastal'' quality.<br><small>From [[Hierarchs_of_sea_and_sky#The_Only_True_Treasure|Hierarchs of sea and sky]]</small></box></div>

==Conjuring and Summoning==
It is not possible to use ritual magic to force another being to appear before you, either a mortal or an inhabitant of the realms. There are Autumn rituals that allow you to send communications to another being, such as [[Call Winged Messenger]], but the target is free to respond as they choose. They are under no compulsion to respond and they would need to use methods of their own to appear if they were far distant at the time.

Likewise, there are rituals that allow you to contact certain named eternals, such as [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. Some of these rituals create an opportunity to meet with the being at a regio later. Almost always, the eternal will appear as requested, but it is well understood that the ritual itself does not compel the being to appear, rather it is the nature of the eternal that causes them to act in this way. Having long ago agreed to respond if called, they are bound to do so for all time by their nature, not by the ritual itself.

It is possible to create rituals that request or invite inhabitants of a realm to enter the mortal world - albeit only with their agreement - but it is not possible to summon them. Rituals like [[Knights of Glory]] work because Eleonaris has agreed to release her knights into the mortal world when called. Likewise, rituals that attempt to create, conjure, or summon fortifications, citadels, or other structures from another realm will not work without the agreement of an appropriate eternal. [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] works because Cathan Canae has many frozen citadels - which she sends to the mortal world in response to the ritual.

There are rituals that appear to breach these limits, such as [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] or [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] where the eternal in question was not recorded for many years. Knowledgeable magicians knew that there must be an eternal in question - such a ritual cannot work without the assistance or involvement of one - but for whatever inscrutable reasons their identity had remained secret. In recent history, the eternals sponsoring those two particular rituals were uncovered by [[Various_storms_and_saints#Fen_and_Fastness|scholars of the Unfettered Mind]].

==Teleportation==
It is possible for magicians and others to move from the mortal world to a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]], but they cannot travel on from there: they must return to the mortal world through the same door they entered by. It is not possible to move onwards from a chamber, nor to re-enter the mortal world in a different location. This limitation is a fundamental restriction of the magic of the realms - it cannot convey a magician from one place to another.

A ritual like Call Winged Messenger will convey a message to a target, but this ritual works by literally summoning a winged messenger from the Autumn realm to carry the message. It takes time for the message to reach the target; it does not travel instantly.

Interestingly, this limitation ''is'' violated by the power of the Sentinel Gate. The Gate is a magical item, and as such it is a thing of the mortal world only and does not draw on the power of the realms. Whether it is this that allows it to exceed the limits of ritual magic is unknown, but certainly all attempts to reproduce the power of the Gate using ritual magic have always failed.

==Invisibility==
Although Varushkan folklore is replete with stories of wolves that are invisible, undetectable to the mortal eye, most magicians consider these tales fit only for a child. There have been countless attempts to use Night magic to render an individual invisible, but none have ever succeeded. The Night realm can mask a thing, change its shape or appearance, but it always leaves something in its place. There is no realm that can be used to make something invisible.

Although Night magic resonates with glamours that change the physical appearance of something, as well as rituals designed to baffle divinations, it cannot hide itself. If an army is enchanted with a Night ritual to conceal it then a divination like [[the Eye of the High Places]] that is lower magnitude than the shroud will still reveal that there is a Night enchantment in place. Similarly, it is not possible to use Night magic to baffle a ritual divination so completely that it returns the wrong answer.

==Enchanting Bourse Resources==
Mithril, white granite, weirwood, and ilium are the most precious resources found anywhere in the Empire, so valuable that control of known deposits is closely regulated by the [[Imperial Bourse]]. Countless attempts have been made over the centuries to develop ritual magic that can increase the production of these resources, but all have failed. Even attempts to scry for unworked deposits have proved unsuccessful.

Urizen magicians who have studied the problem for many years have concluded that materials of this kind have a degree of raw magical power inherent in them. This power appears to be a fundamental part of the mortal world, rather than having any connection with the realms. When the materials are in their unworked state waiting to be harvested, they create an interference that confounds any attempts to use the magic of the realms to locate or gather it. Sadly this natural resistance to magic is largely lost when the materials are removed and refined or processed.

So potent is this natural effect, that it has on occasion proved useful. The deposits of white granite in the Brilliant Shore were discovered centuries ago by a young [[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Icewalkers|icewalker]] who took shelter in the area while the region was assailed by a magical storm conjured by the Thule. When the magician noticed that the storm passed over the cave where they were sheltering, they realised that something in the area must be weakening the curse. Further investigation of the cave discovered the white granite deposits, and provided the Wintermark people with a valuable resource.

==Supernatural Effects==
Magicians can use the magic of the realms to change the mortal world, but it has an inherent tendency to resist this change. The more unnatural the change, the greater the resistance. One way that a magician can create a completely unnatural effect is to bring some force or object from the realms into the mortal world. Powerful rituals like Quickening Cold Meat summon Winter spirits to inhabit corpses so that they follow the magicians' will. The fortress "created" by [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] is in fact one of the many that exists in the Summer realm and the ritual brings it into the mortal realm for a season.

Experienced magicians appreciate that the best approach is to create magical effects that work with the essential nature of the target rather than trying to create something unnatural. If a magician wishes to burn a forest down, it is infinitely easier to create a forest fire than it is to create a rain of fire.

==Armies and Battles==
It is possible to use magic that enhances the effectiveness of an army - either by requesting magical warriors from the realms to fight alongside them or by enhancing their strength, insight, or bonds. Cursing armies is possible, but is difficult and crucially requires a powerful arcane connection to the army in question - usually the general of the army or a similar figure.

It is '''not''' possible to curse an area or an army so as to impede army or navy movement in any way. Ritual magic cannot, for example, stop an army or navy moving into, out, or through a territory, nor restrict how far armies can move if they start in or move through that territory. It is not possible to use ritual magic to pin an army in place.

It is possible to use magic to affect a territory to increase or decrease the number of casualties that result in from any fighting. Rituals like [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Rivers of Life]] affect everyone in the territory in a way that makes them more or less likely to die. What is not possible is to use magic ''on a territory'' to directly affect the outcome of a three month long campaign in that territory. Strategic outcomes are too complex and too unpredictable to be influenced by magic in this way.

You can create magic that influences the fighting - you might fill an area with storms for a season - but that does not affect the outcome of the campaign, i.e. it does not affect the victory points assigned to either side. No matter how potent the magic on the territory, it will be indiscriminate, and that means it will create effects that both sides are able to take advantage of based on whatever actions they take.

You can create rituals that enchant or curse armies - to make them more or less effective. But any ritual that attempts to enchant or curse a territory with the goal of positively or negatively influencing the outcome of a military campaign that takes place there will fail.

==Economic Territory Effects==
It is not possible to use ritual magic to duplicate the effect of a [[great work]] - that is, to increase the production of all resources of a specific type in a territory.

==Seasonal Stacking==
The ritual enchantments [[Blessing of New Spring]], [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]], and [[Gathering the Harvest]] have a unique synergy that allows each to build on the other. It has proved impossible to duplicate this synergy with rituals intended to be cast on resources other than [[farm|farms]] - the rituals remain peculiar anomalies.

==Transmutation==
It is not possible to turn most personal resources into a military unit using magic without the direct aid of an eternal. To be transformed, a resource must have some kind of innate magical power, either a [[mana site]], a [[forest]], or a [[mine]]. You cannot transform businesses, congregations, farms, herb gardens, military units, or fleets.

==Imperial Citizenship==
It is not possible to use ritual magic to sever the connection between a person and an [[egregores|egregore]]. The connection seems to be protected by the [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Essence|Law of Essence]]. A person can voluntarily choose to give up their connection to an egregore, but this choice cannot be forced using magic.

==Sharing Ritual Lore==
While rituals such as [[Shared Mastery of the Magician's Guild]] allow a [[coven]] to share [[spellcasting]] knowledge between its members, it is not possible to do the same with [[Magical_skills#Mastery|ritual mastery]]. While ritual magic can remove mastery (as seen with [[Infant Starts with a Blank Slate]]), it can never grant someone mastery of a ritual.

==Meta Magic==
It is not possible to use ritual magic to affect other rituals. There is one ritual in Imperial lore, [[Sign of Aesh]], that can be used to reduce the magnitude of a later ritual, but that is deliberately restrictive and not something possible to replicate on a larger scale. It is also not possible to use a ritual to affect the casting time of a different ritual.

==Changing Qualities==
It is not possible to use ritual magic to change the qualities of something - whether that be the special quality of an army - or the unusual qualities of a region or territory. You can't use magic to make a region [[Region_qualities#Coastal|coastal]], or remove the [[Region_qualities#Haunted|haunted]] quality, or make an army [[Army_qualities#Cruel|cruel]].
{{Magic Links}}
[[Category:Magic Theory]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Rules]]

Template:Axos Links

2025-07-30T20:55:56Z

Castaras: /* Further Reading */

==Further Reading==
* [[Axos]]
* [[Axos religion]]
* [[Ambassador to Axos]]
* [[Axos ports]]
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: .6em 0 .3em 0;">Winds of Fortune</p>
* [[A better future]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune detailing the establishment of the Grand Council and the Unified Convocation
* [[What shall we do now?]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune regarding diplomatic relations with Axos
* [[It never happened]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune regarding diplomatic relations with Axos
* [[Victory and unity]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the political upheaval in Axos
* [[In the hills, the cities]] – 386YE Summer wind of fortune about Axou diplomacy
* [[A mountain of vipers]] - 383YE Autumn wind of fortune introducing numerous Axou opportunities
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: .6em 0 .3em 0;">Axos Related Titles</p>
* [[Quaymaster of the Black Sails]] 
* [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] 
* [[Quaymaster of the Elosian Docks]] 
* <s>[[Eastern Broker]]</s> 
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: .6em 0 .3em 0;">History</p>
* [[Terunael in Axos]] - A travelogue visiting Axos in pursuit of information about the Terunael
* [[Andretti of Phoenix Rising]] - Historical research regarding a controversial painter
</div>
<br>
Click ''Expand'' to see a summary of various pages related to Axos.
[[Category:Axos]]

387YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2025-07-22T20:34:54Z

Castaras:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Navarr Night-speak.jpg|align=left|caption=News spreads through word of mouth as fast as it does through broadsheets and posters, and is sometimes more reliable. Or at least, unreliable in more amusing ways...|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#That's Where My Heart Is (Imperial Address)|That's where my heart is]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/06/28"| 28/06 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[#The Last Leg (Rhianos Race)|The last leg]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/07/14"|14/07 || Rhianos Race
|-
| [[#Hope and Fear (Appraisal)|Hope and fear]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/07/06"|06/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Two for Joy (Magpies)|Two for joy]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/07/14"|14/07 || Magpies
|-
| [[#Eight for a Wish (Vallornguard)|Eight for a wish]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/07/18"|18/07 || Vallornguard
|-
| [[#An Old Sodality (Sun Chamber)|An old sodality]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2025/07/15"|15/07 || Sun Chamber
|-
| [[#Banners and Bells (Highguard and the Synod)|Banners and bells]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2025/07/20"|20/07 || Highguard and the Synod
|-
| [[#Bits and Bobs|Bits and bobs]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2025/07/15"|15/07 || Economics
|-
| [[#When I Met You (Visitors)|When I met you]] || 9 || data-sort-value="2025/07/15"|15/07 || Visitors
|-
| [[#Strangers When We Meet (Jarm)|Strangers when we meet]] || 10 || data-sort-value="2025/07/15"|15/07 || Jarm
|-
| [[#Beat of Your Drum (Commonwealth)|Beat of your drum]] || 11 || data-sort-value="2025/07/16"|16/07 || Commonwealth
|-
| [[#For Those In Peril On the Sea (Appraisal)|For those in peril on the sea]] || 12 || data-sort-value="2025/07/17"|17/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#A Better Future (Axos)|A better future]] || 13 || data-sort-value="2025/07/16"|16/07 || Axos
|-
| [[#Know Your Enemy (Synod)|Know your enemy]] || 14 || data-sort-value="2025/07/17"|17/07 || Synod and false virtues
|-
| [[#Here Comes the Night|Here comes the night]] || 15 || data-sort-value="2025/07/17"|17/07 || New Varushkan army
|-
| [[#A Thousand Steps|A thousand steps]] || 16 || data-sort-value="2025/07/18"|18/07 || Navarr and the war against the Vallorn
|-
| [[#Sing a Song|Sing a song]] || 17 || data-sort-value="2025/07/19"|19/07 || Great Library of Hacynian and the Singer of the Silence
|-
| [[#Can't Give Everything Away (Sarcophan)|Can't give everything away]] || 18 || data-sort-value="2025/07/19"|19/07 || Sarcophan
|-
| [[#Can You Hear Me? (Plenipotentiary)|Can you hear me?]] || 19 || data-sort-value="2025/07/20"|20/07 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#The Greatest Plurality|The greatest plurality]] || 20 || data-sort-value="2025/07/20"|20/07 || Synod
|-
| [[#Daybreak in Spiral|Daybreak in Spiral]] || 21 || data-sort-value="2025/07/20"|20/07 || Spiral
|-
| [[#Nightfall in Apulian|Nightfall in Apulian]] || 22 || data-sort-value="2025/07/21"|21/07 || Apulian
|-
| [[#Wild is the Wind (Faraden)|Wild is the wind]] || 23 || data-sort-value="2025/07/21"|21/07 || Faraden
|-
| [[#Talking to Friends (Asavea and Sumaah)|Talking to friends]] || 24 || data-sort-value="2025/07/21"|21/07 || Asavea and Sumaah
|-
| [[#Build It Up (Challenge the Iron Duke)|Build it up]] || 25 || data-sort-value="2025/07/22"|22/07 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[#Ice on the Snow|Ice on the snow]] || 26 || data-sort-value="2025/07/22"|22/07 || Icy Crag Tournament
|-
| [[#Smile Like You Mean It|Smile like you mean it]] || 27 || data-sort-value="2025/07/22"|22/07 || The Free Folk
|}
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war, which detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

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

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] || [[Talking_to_friends#Asavea|Talking to friends]]
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[A better future]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]]|| [[Beat of your drum]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Wild is the wind]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]]|| [[Strangers when we meet]]
|-
| [[Sarcophan Delves]] || [[Can't give everything away]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] || [[Talking_to_friends#Sumaah|Talking to friends]]
|-
|}

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

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.
__TOC__

==Winds of Fortune==
===That's Where My Heart Is (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
* '''Last updated 28/06/2025'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens relating to the [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Throw_of_the_Dice|assault]] into [[Sarangrave]], the [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7|decision]] of the General Assembly on False Virtues, and to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[That's where my heart is]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===The Last Leg (Rhianos Race)===
* '''Imperial Fleet captains; Archmage of Summer; musicians and entertainers'''
When the [[Rhianos|Regent of the Eternal Sea]] was asked to sponsor a race around the [[Bay of Catazar]], ''Sail Runner'' announced their [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Great Race]] - an impossible contest to travel to the four corners of the known world. The contest has taken ships all over the known world and beyond. Some turned aside from the race in [[Roaring_plenty#Widdershins_By_Riches|pursuit of riches]], some set sail [[Roaring_plenty#Deosil To Mystery|in search of discovery and excitement]], but some remained [[Roaring_plenty#Straight On For Glory|straight on for glory]], intent on little more than the joy of the adventure. They now claim their winner's laurels. This season, however, not only participants in the race have felt a touch of the splendor of the Summer realm - although that touch has taken an unexpectedly chill form...

You can read about the prizes won by those who competed in every leg of the great race, as well as discover what odd curio has fallen into the possession of other Imperial captains, in the '''[[The last leg]]''' wind of fortune.

===Hope and Fear (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Military Council; Imperial Senate'''
The [[Imperial Senate]] instructed the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office]] to prepare an [[appraisal]] of the [[Forest of Ulnak]] with a view to finding ways to disrupt [[Druj]] operations and supply. A complex commission, with significant strategic implications; as the senators opted not to assign a specific prognosticator to the task, Gerard La Salle decided to prevail on old [[Appraisal#Retired_Prognosticators|Mladen Escovitch]] - schlacta, strategist, and former [[general]] - to come out of retirement for one last job. The appraisal has been delivered, and Mladen has made it clear that this is definitely, definitely, ''definitely'' the last time.

You can learn about what Mladen has uncovered, and what his proposals are for his last ever appraisal, in the '''[[Hope and fear]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magpie Sodality.png|align=right|width=200}}
===Two for Joy (Magpies)===
* '''Magpies sodality; Imperial Senate; Minister of Historical Research, Golden Fleet Salvagemaster'''
Following the successful creation of the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Apothecaries Guild]] at the Winter Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] passed administrative [[Senate motion|Senate motions]] approving the establishment of two additional [[Imperial sodality|Imperial sodalities]], the [[Magpies]] and the [[Vallornguard]]. The Magpies are a sodality dedicated to the acquisition of historical artifacts, and to supporting historians and artefact hunters. Following the procedures developed for the Apothecaries Guild, the [[Imperial Civil Service|civil service]] have done what they can to make people across the Empire aware of the manifesto of the Magpies, so that citizens can consider if they wish to join. As is often the case, this has provoked interest from various corners. Intrigued by the new possibilities, disparate groups have come forward with agendas of their own.

You can learn more about the magpies, and what their manifesto means for the Empire, in the '''[[Two for joy]]''' wind of fortune.
===Eight for a Wish (Vallornguard)===
* '''Vallornguard sodality; Imperial Senate; Advisor on the Vallorn; Highguard, The League, Navarr, Varushka'''
* '''Last updated 18/07/2025'''
The second new [[Imperial Sodality]] established at the Spring Equinox is the [[Vallornguard]], charged with uniting the nations to fight the Doom of Terunael. The [[Imperial Civil Service]] have done what they can to make people across the Empire aware of their [[Vallornguard#The Manifesto|manifesto]] of the Vallornguard. The first task is for all the new members to be inducted; the next task is significantly more difficult in that it is "destroy the vallorn". There is also the thorny problem of the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] to consider, several powers the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] might devolve to the sodality, and opportunities for [[Highguard]], [[the League]], [[Navarr]], and [[Varushka]] - the nations that have shown the will to fight the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire - to offer their own assistance.

You can learn about the new sodality, and opportunities to support it, in the '''[[Eight for a wish]]''' wind of fortune.
===An Old Sodality (Sun Chamber)===
* '''Cadets and post-Academy young roleplayers; alumni of the Academy; scholars of all stripes'''
The [[Sun Chamber]] is a very old sodality that was set up during the time of [[Empress Richilde]] with the active support of [[the Throne]].
Working with a number of aspiring heroes to create the ''Sun Chamber'', she bequeathed it a clear goal to empower its members, to help them gain high office, and to wield power within the Empire. For many years, the sodality worked to empower those who are most often overlooked due to the lack of years and to advance its own interests and power. Its influence has waxed and waned over the years, but it suffered a dramatic loss of fortunes during the reign of [[Empress Britta|Britta]] when almost all the members attending [[Anvil]] were killed fighting alongside the young Empress. Following the recent work to restore the [[Rules_update_2025#Imperial_Sodalities|power and status of Imperial sodalities]], however, '''Luca and Zoria of the Zulgan Tash''' pushed the civil service to look into the status of the Sun Chamber. Having identified that the sodality's powers were never [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogated]], the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the Chamber is still a viable legal body with a number of important powers that it can now utilise.

You can learn about the Sun Chamber as an Imperial Sodality, and find some words discussing its purpose, on the '''[[An old sodality]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|width=150|align=right}}
===Banners and Bells (Highguard and the Synod)===
* '''Highguard; the Imperial Synod'''
The [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#You_Get_a_Banner|return of the grey pilgrims]] from their years-long march around the Empire has restored [[Highguard|Highguard's]] ability to raise a fourth [[Imperial army|army]]. To aid the formation of the new force, a proposal was put forward to create powerful regalia, a banner for each of the Highborn [[general|generals]], hallowed with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]]. The banners are now ready and the army is being raised. Soon it will be time for it to march to war, but not before the senator who raised it has determined what special quality the army should possess. Many priests in Highguard also turn their focus to the campaigns of the Highborn armies to see what opportunities there might be to bolster their efforts, even without the crusading storm. Finally the judgements of the Spring Equinox bring good tidings for a change - a celebration of the faith as the Synod works to create seven powerful hallowed bells to be borne by Virtuous citizens as they make a pilgrimage ground the Empire.

You can learn about these Highborn matters, and business of more interest to the virtuous as a whole, in the '''[[Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|width=150|align=right}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Prosperity.png|width=150|align=right}}
===Bits and Bobs===
* '''Imperial Senate; Master of the Mint; Imperial Bourse; folk with an interest in economic matters; everyone with a ministry, sinecure, or National bourse seat'''
The price of bourse seats appears to be dropping. During the Winter Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] voted to [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Set_the_Imperial_Guerdon|decrease the guerdon]]. Rumour suggests the price of [[mithril]], [[weirwood]] and [[white granite]] is dropping. Two seasons ago, large numbers of wains were sold to the Autumn realm, now they're [[A_box_for_a_sword#The_Waning_Circle|not buying either]]. Meanwhile the profiteers from [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] are "offering" to underpin the price at the unappealing rate of two thrones a wain. Fortunately, any suggestion that the Empire might be experiencing economic headwinds haven't dissuaded the Imperial Senate from commissioning five new armies in the last two seasons. to raise funds. A number of concerned League citizens, have written to the Constitutional Court to enquire about possible legal actions that could be taken to address what they see as the problem. And the Court has responded.

You can learn about some opportunities to increase information on economic matters, as well as some rather radical proposals for shoring up the [[Imperial treasury]], in the '''[[Bits and bobs]]''' wind of fortune.
===When I Met You (Visitors)===
* '''All sorts of people specifically including: folk who feel the calling to be merrow; Artisan's Guild; Marcher Mummers and possible Highborn Farmers; Vallorguard; Wintermark, Avisena i Kharizmi i Guerra, Iron Osric, Bill Hooke; Pride Assembly, Dawn, Mistress of the Proferred Hand; storytellers from Urizen, Dawn, Varushka and Navarr'''
* '''Last updated 15/07/2025'''
* <span style="color:#0000FF">'''In Progress - This Wind of Fortune will be updated in the run up to the event with additional content; we'll remove this marker when the last information goes on it.</span>
Four times a year the movers and shakers of the Empire come to [[Anvil]] to attend the summits. A tent-city springs up around the [[Imperial Senate]] and [[Anvil#The_Forge|the Forge]], attracting visitors from all over the known world, and occasionally beyond. Some are drawn by the promise of profit, some need help them resolve their dilemmas, some seek to influence those who wield true power in the Empire, while others come to simply join the celebrations. As with each solstice and equinox, this season sees a diverse roster of folk announcing their intentions to visit Anvil, but it is good to remember that not ''everyone'' visiting Anvil has made their movements apparent and while not all of them have sinister intent... some do.

You can learn about visitors to [[Anvil]], and perhaps some details of opportunities to ''leave'' Anvil, in the '''[[When I met you]]''' wind of fortune.
===Strangers When We Meet (Jarm)===
* '''Ambassador to Jarm; Imperial Conclave; Imperial traders; Imperial Senate; Synod; people interested in Jarm'''
Of the six great powers, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] have an especially tumultuous relationship with the Empire. The ''magocracy'' is ruled by the House of Princes, and thanks to the [[Liberty Pact]] and the [[Commonwealth]] in particular, trade with the nation is [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargoed]]. The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is ''Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook'', a canny and influential politician, a potent master of Autumn magic, and a man known for sarcasm, dry wit, and his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities. The correspondence coming from the office of the Lord-Magister this season has been... remarkably candid.

You can learn about diplomacy with the Principalities of Jarm, and some suggestions for improving relations, in the '''[[Strangers when we meet]]''' wind of fortune.
===Beat of Your Drum (Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Imperial Senate; Voice of Liberty; citizens keen to acquire an appraisal; Advisor on the Vallorn'''
The [[Commonwealth]] are a militaristic nation committed to the idea of ensuring the greatest good to the greatest number of people, and also perhaps the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world not least thanks to their membership of the [[Liberty Pact]]. Both nations are dedicated to extending their influence over the whole world, and know that only one of them can fulfil their grand ambition, but for now their rivalry remains amicable. The Commonwealth ambassador to the Empire is Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen, of die Stahlhalle in the port-city of Volkavaar, an old campaigner who generally speaks plainly and as honestly as any politician can. The correspondence coming from die Stahlhalle has a slight edge to it at the moment as the war with the Principalities of Jarm drags on.

You can learn about diplomacy with the Commonwealth, and some opportunities, in the '''[[Beat of your drum]]''' wind of fortune.
===For Those In Peril On the Sea (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; Celesti Lighthouse Keeper; People who like lighthouses'''
The [[Imperial Senate]] have asked ''[[Appraisal#Eilian Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]]'' of the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the restoration or recreation of the great lighthouses of the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Eilian, a former historian, has been very enthusiastic about the appraisal and quickly convened a symposium at [[Sarvos]] to discuss the matter with experts in the field and a surprise expert from outside the field as it were. The principles of lighthouses have been considered at length, and a proposal to refurbish the Celesti Lighthouse delivered, along with a request to go and look at a half dozen ''other'' lighthouses for the perusal of the Senate.

You can learn about the findings of Eilian's symposium, and what a lighthouse ''means'', in the '''[[For those in peril on the sea]]''' wind of fortune.
===A Better Future (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; fleet captains and traders; Imperial Conclave; General Barossa of the Towerjacks; Advisor on the Vallorn and Bursar of the House of the Spirits; Anvil Hospital and those with an interest in memory loss; friends of Evander Slak'''
The tiny nation of [[Axos]], just to the east of the Empire and south of the [[Sarangrave]], seems to be in a state of upheaval at the moment. Now, rocked by a scandal that could see it ejected from the [[Liberty Pact]], it seems that upheaval has extended to a degree of reorganisation and the departure of a previously well-connected civil servant. With things still volatile, however, it seems as if there might be a number of opportunities for Imperial citizens to take advantage of the disturbances.

You can learn about the changing situation with Axos, and several opportunities for profit, in the '''[[A better future]]''' wind of fortune.

===Know Your Enemy (Synod)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Synod, devotees of malign spiritual presences; Wintermark'''
The [[Imperial Synod]] have been placed in an unenviable position. Forced to [[The final cut|choose between two outcomes]] that were, for many, equally undesirable they chose to close the door on the [[malign spiritual presences]], sending former [[cardinal]] '''Viviane Barossa''' to spread a [[mandate]] across the Empire reminding people of the [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement 7|dangers of the wicked spiritual forces]] and encouraging them to remain [[Vigilance|vigilant]]. Yet the Synod also desires a way to find out more about these "false virtues", so they can arm themselves against their enemies. At the same time, the influence of the Imperial Synod continues to gently erode, as Wintermark joins Varushka and Urizen as nations that no longer accept merely the word of the General Assembly but will tolerate only mandates that achieve a [[greater majority]]. The crisis may be in abeyance, but is it truly over?

You can learn about the debate around malign spiritual forces, and developments in Wintermark, in the '''[[Know your enemy]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here Comes the Night===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBVarushka.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Varushka, especially Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad'''
The tale of how '''Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad''' and '''Myshki Marishka Letuchaya''' boldly persuaded the [[Imperial Senate]] to [[Raise Third Varushkan Army|muster a third army]] for [[Varushka]] is probably apocryphal, but nonetheless six months later that army is ready to march. Thanks to the [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]] and [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]]. Yet the essential [[Army qualities|quality]] of the [[Imperial army|army]] remains an open question. There's also the matter of a name, because names are important. Either way, several proposals have been made as to the character of this new army - and a number of them have not come from human beings.

You can learn a little more about the new army, and the potential qualities it might have, in the '''[[Here comes the night]]''' wind of fortune.

===A Thousand Steps===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
* '''Navarr; the Marches, Dawn, Varushka, WIntermark, Imperial Orcs; magicians able to cast Ephisis' Scale; Eternal Flame of Miaren'''
The [[Navarr]] have committed everything to fighting the [[vallorn]], calling the [[striding|stridings]] home and readying the nation for war. While some [[A thousand years of longing|argued the time was not yet right]], the decision has now been made. All that remains now is for the nation to find a way to make this work. Which, as it turns out, might be harder than it might have appeared. The single biggest problem remains the need to convince the rest of the Empire that this is the time to fight. The immediate battle the nation need to win, right now, is to find a way to fund their new army. It's time to pick up the pace, as they used to say on the stridings...

You can read some musings about long term strategy, and some possibilities for gaining aid in current projects, in the '''[[A thousand steps]]''' wind of fortune.
===Sing a Song===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|align=right|width=100}}
* '''Singer of the Silence; Wisdom Assembly; Imperial Conclave'''
In 386YE the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly of Wisdom]] [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_69|called for]] a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of the [[Advisor_on_the_Vallorn#The_Great_Library_of_Hacynian|Great Library of Hacynian]], seeking to create a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred#Sites|sacred site]] that would resonate with the Virtue of [[Wisdom]]. The site in [[Hercynia]] has a deep history stretching back centuries. Built in a peculiar [[regio]] that once cycled between [[Realms#Day|Day]] and [[Realms#Night|Night]] realms, the library was [[The_bones_of_what_you_believe#Yesterday_is_Tomorrow|dedicated to gathering knowledge]] about the [[vallorn]] in one place. In a philosophical sense the Great Library was already dedicated to Wisdom - now that it has been consecrated with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]], there is a powerful [[aura]] here that inspires all who visit. It also provides the [[Singer of the Silence]] with some unique abilities.

You can learn a little about the abilities and how they might be improved, as well as the potential for pilgrimage to the site, in the '''[[Sing a song]]''' wind of fortune.
===Can't Give Everything Away (Sarcophan)===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Hahnmark farmers; Highguard, especially Benefactors and Assembly; Bishop of the Navigators; people with black pearls; Holberg; Brass Coast; people interested in sea-themed eternals'''
The merchant-princes of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' - strive for neutrality. While they gave up the practice of slavery without regret, they refused to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord. Their primary focus in the greater political sphere has been to ensure the ports of the world remain open to their ships, and to a lesser degree that they also remain open to everyone else. To the surprise of almost everyone, the cheerful merchants of the Delves have just issued an ultimatum to the rest of the known world, and established the ''Pax Sarcophan'' over [[the seven seas]]. And a whole lot more besides.

You can learn about the ''Pax Sarcophan'', and a whole bunch of other deals and situations, in the '''[[Can't give everything away]]''' wind of fortune.

===Can You Hear Me? (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Generals; Shadowed Torchbearer, Rafael Barossa d'Apulian, Stonesworn Crix; Claudia Varkulova Remislav, the Marches; Astral Arcanist; General of the Gryphon's Pride, people who know who they are
There are six [[archmage|archmages]] and each season they are empowered to send a single [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their realm. The eternals are bound to respond, although it is their decision exactly ''how'' they respond. As the Spring Equinox approaches, six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Four have agreed to some kind of meeting; two have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their response, in the '''[[Can you hear me?]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Greatest Plurality===
* '''Imperial Synod, especially the General Assembly
The [[The_hard_way|inspiring sermon]] delivered by the [[Archbishop of Capodomus|Archibishop of the Capodomus]] Cathedral presented the [[General Assembly]] of the [[Imperial Synod]] with a unique opportunity to identify the greatest threat facing the Empire, the highest [[Ambition]] to which the Virtuous should ascribe. The only way the Synod could unite the Empire behind a single great Ambition is to persuade people to give up on their other plans. They could do that - people would unite behind the Synod if it spoke with a single voice. All it would take would be for the priests of the Synod to persuade ''each other'' to give up on their other plans. But perhaps there is another way?

You can learn about some developments with the Imperial Synod, including the [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]], in the '''[[The greatest plurality]]''' wind of fortune.
===Daybreak in Spiral===
* '''Imperial Senate; military unit commanders; Imperial Conclave; Spiral and the League'''
As part of the ongoing efforts to relieve the [[Region_qualities#Arid|aridity]] of the region of [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]] in [[Mareave]], there are serious plans to dam the [[Spiral#Apstrus|River Doubt in Apstrus]]. At the Spring Equinox, [[Damming_the_Doubt#Resolution|real progress]] was made towards addressing issues that had been raised with the proposal, and [[Alignment#Amity|Amity]] was granted to the [[Eternal]] [[Ylenwe]] to allow zir to profide zir own particular brand of aid. There are, however, a few things left to address before the dam can proceed.

You can find details about the progress of the dam, and a potentially thorny political point, in the '''[[Daybreak in Spiral]]''' wind of fortune.
===Nightfall in Apulian===
* '''Citizens of Spiral; Imperial Senate and Military Council; dramaturges; spies; Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian, Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato, Rafael Barossa d'Apulian'''
[[Daybreak in Spiral|Events in the mountains]] are not the only things of interest taking place in Spiral. Something is afoot in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. As the city goes dark, it comes alive with intrigue and mystery. The strange [[dramaturgy|dramaturgic]] confluence continues to manifest itself, while the [[Realms#Night|Night realm]] seeps up from the dusty streets to cosset the unwary with peculiar happenstance. Some blame [[Sung]] for this strange development. Others suggest that perhaps the architects of that plan might have sinister designs for the city that they have not yet revealed. All the while the Grendel continue to play their games. But with the successful infiltration of the Grendel espionage ring, there is a chance to play the players at their own game. The dealer is ready to draw cards, but should the Empire take their winnings or double-down?

You can learn about peculiar magical happenings in Apulian, and about the jewels of the Salt Lords, in the '''[[Nightfall in Apulian]]''' wind of fortune.
===Wild is the Wind (Faraden)===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Fleet captains; Imperial Conclave, Rod and Shield, Celestial Arch; the Marches, Varushka, Dawn; Ambassadors to Axos, Skoura, Otkodov; Price, Prosperity, Courage, and Loyalty assembly; Freeborn assembly'''
The lifeblood of [[Faraden]] is trade, and they take it very seriously indeed. At the moment the western country is caught between the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] and the Empire, and while they might favour their Imperial neighbours they cannot afford to incur the ire of the Plenum - not yet anyway. ''Mistress Singua Karadragha'', Faraden Ambassador, speaks on behalf of the Court of the Five Winds to foreign diplomats. Right now she is primarily interested in discussing trade, especially with regard to establishing a Faraden Quarter in Holberg, the Greatest City in the Empire.

You can learn about assorted trade and diplomatic matters, as well as the outcome of recent religious outreach, in the '''[[Wild is the wind]] ''' wind of fortune.
===Talking to Friends (Asavea and Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassador to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Synod'''
The [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]] lies far to the west. It is a sea of conflict; the [[Asavean Archipelago]] and [[Sumaah Republic]] are fundamentally divided by history and faith. The Empire has very different relationships with those two nations; it is at war with Asavea and bound up in the [[Liberty Pact]] with Sumaah. Yet even with enemies there is the chance for diplomacy; even with allies there is the chance of misunderstanding and harsh words.

You can learn about Imperial relations with Asavea and Sumaah, both good and bad, in the '''[[Talking to friends]]''' wind of fortune.
===Build It Up (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
The [[Barien|Lord of the Crossroads]], the ''Reeve of Summer'', presents two opportunities for those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Summer Solstice he has chosen to eschew combat challenges, preferring to test the mental acuity and stealthy prowess of the denizens of the Empire. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the '''[[Build it up]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tykonus.png|title=Rune: Tykonus|align=right|width=150}}

===Ice on the Snow===
* ''Icy Crag Tourney Challengers'''
[[Our_thumping_hearts|Three years ago]], the [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage|battle mages]] of the Empire came together to choose which [[eternal]] would be invited to be the patron of the Empire's premiere [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|college of Summer magic]]. The combatants fighting on behalf of [[Jaheris]] came out victorious. Now, the eternals of [[Summer]] have come together, and the time has come to find out if the ''Unicorn Prince'' will be invited to remain patron, or the Empire will choose another route. At the climax of the tourney, the winners will declare which eternal is invited to be patron of the college, although none may say ''who'' they are fighting for until the final dramatic moment.

You can learn about the details of the tourney, as well as some still remaining opportunities to take part, in the '''[[Ice on the snow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Smile Like You Mean It===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Imperial Synod, especially the Pride and Dawn assemblies; Lady of the Proffered Hand; General of the Lions of Adelmar'''
The Free Folk, former slaves from the [[Asavean Archipelago]], have been living quiet lives in [[Dawn]] since being accepted into the nation. Currently they are [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]], but a number are treading the path of the [[knight-errant]] as they work to prove their [[glory]]. On hearing of the death, and [[recognition]], of '''Lady Eleanor Novarion''' whose tireless work as [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]] they count as being a major factor in their current settled lives, a number of the Free Folk set off for [[Anvil]] hopefully to ensure that the new exemplar receives all the recognition they believe she is due.

You can learn a little about what the Free Folk have been up to in Dawn, along with their plans, in the '''[[Smile like you mean it]]''' wind of fortune

==Other Events==
===Complete Fabrication (Varushka)===
* '''The Great Hall of Fabric Arts in Delev has been completed'''
* '''The weavers of Delev have called for a competition at the Autumn Equinox 387YE'''
The [[Construct Great Hall of Fabric Arts|Great Hall of Fabric Arts]] is now complete. The focus of the Pride of [[Varushka]] stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the people of a nation heed the call of their assembly. The weavers of [[Karov#Delev|Delev]], led by ''Miryem Vitkova Vorotav'', have called on the Varushkan nation to take part in a competition during the [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#The_Winter_Market|Winter Market]] at the Autumn Equinox 387YE.

''Miryem Vitkova Vorotav'' suggests four categories for this competition of fabric art: '''Garment''', '''Varushkan History''', '''Virtue Animal''', and '''Open''' (or wildcard, as Miryem's daughter suggested). The weaver will send a prize to the egregores in time for the Autumn Equinox, and she hopes that other, prosperous citizens will also support such an endeavour.

'''OOC Note:''' We will update the [[Varushka culture and customs]] before the Autumn Equinox 387YE with an entry on embroidery and weaving.

===Words of Worth (Imperial Orcs)===
* '''The Library of Worth in Skarsind is now complete'''
* '''The Weigher of Worth can submit a symbol and corresponding word each summit'''
* '''If the Weigher of Worth is amended to remove tenure, it will receive a ten crowns a season income from visitors'''
The [[Construct_Library_of_Worth|Library of Worth]] is now complete. The focus of the Pride of the [[Imperial Orcs]] stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the people of a nation heed the call of their assembly. Now the time has come to begin to fill it with the words and symbols important to the nation. It is the opinion of the civil service that the choice of the [[Weigher of Worth]] is the most suitable method of selecting a symbol and word for the library each season.

The expectation is that the Weigher of Worth will welcome submissions from across the nation, and choose the symbol and word most important to the nation in that summit. Visitors to the Library will be more willing to provide donations if the title is amended to remove tenure, and people will also come from other Imperial nations. Amending the title to remove tenure would see the Weigher of Worth receive a seasonal income of ten crowns a season.

'''OOC Note:''' The Weigher of Worth can email {{plot}} after each event, before downtime closes, with their choice of symbol and corresponding word which will be added to the Weigher of Worth page.

===Regarding the Ketsov===
* '''The Ketsov family have withdrawn their support from the Burgher of Ketsov
As discussed in more detail in the '''[[Eight_for_a_wish#A_Two-bladed_Knife|Eight for a wish]]''' wind of fortune, the [[Burgher_of_Ketsov#The_Ketsov_Family|Ketsov]] family of [[Ossium]] have withdrawn their support for the [[Burgher of Ketsov]] title. The title is still available to be appointed, but it has no [[Burgher of Ketsov#Powers|powers]], only [[Burgher of Ketsov#Responsibilities|responsibilities]]. The family has proposed supporting the newly-established [[Vallornguard]] sodality, instead of being appointed by the [[Tally of the Votes]]. The first order of business for whoever gains this title, whether it is appointed by Varushka or the Vallornguard, will likely be to speak to the Ketsov either to find a way to resolve their unhappiness, or to discuss which items would be most useful to the sodality depending on where the dice land.

===Marcher Orcs Volunteering===
* '''<big>It is no longer possible to volunteer for this opportunity</big>'''
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Marcher Orcs being rescued'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume that can pass as the Marches, but we can provide an orc mask for the encounter'''
*'''The role would last between one and two hours from the very start of the event'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Marcher Orc Volunteer E3" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email in by 18:00 on Saturday 19th July if you are interested in volunteering for this'''
We have two skirmishes at the start of the event that would benefit from player volunteers portraying Marcher Orcs. As these skirmishes will happen close to time-in it will not be possible to play your character before this. Anyone wanting to volunteer for these encounters will also need to bring their own costume suitable for the Marches. We will provide orc masks if you do not have your own.

Volunteers will have the option of portraying a combatant orc or a pacifist orc, but in both cases, will still be involved in a skirmish, so this volunteering opportunity is sadly not suitable for someone who would need to use the [[Event_safety#Non-Contact|non contact gesture]].

The skirmishes will involve portraying Imperial citizens, and so there is a chance that you will return through the Sentinel Gate and spend an hour or so in Anvil - if rescued by the player characters, that is! This is entirely optional, and it is possible to not go back through the Sentinel Gate if preferred. If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

===Blades in the Mark (Hahnmark)===
* '''Dark deeds have been occurring in the village of Dunfrith'''
* '''This conjunction is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely or contained]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Guardian of Dunfrith'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for investigating the source of the trouble.'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
A small village has grown up around the glades of [[Construct Dunfrith|Dunfrith]] over the years. The residents tend the herbs growing there, work in the local logging camps or trade with nearby [[Caretaker_of_New_Dunhall#New_Dunhall| New Dunhall]]. Of late, strange and troublesome rumours have emerged from Dunfrith. Livestock has been going missing, property has been damaged and the residents have begun to fear for their safety. Then, just a few days before the solstice, people have started dying. Three have been killed so far, and the villagers fear that without aid they may soon all perish.

It is the responsibility of the [[Guardian of Dunfrith]], '''Kai Dunning of Dunhearth Hall''', to investigate the cause of this danger and, if possible, put an end to it. Several of the villagers will meet with the investigators at 18:35 on Friday so they may be interviewed about what has been going on. The civil service has identified a conjunction at that time for up to 6 people. Prognosticators do not believe there is any chance of violence from the locals.

==Trade Summary==

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Spring Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Spring Equinox , there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, Ottermire, ''Sal-Ott-Meet'']]</td><td>Block the path</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Glory_at_the_End_%28Battle_Opportunity%29|Glory at the End]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Amberlain P. Black''' of [[the Marches]]; Jotun advance was successfully stopped; Corazón pennants were claimed and presented to the Marcher egregore; Bounds were beaten and the [[Strong Reeds]] inspired</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Reinos|Reinos, Bastasor, ''Grismont Road'']]</td><td>Seize the township</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Follow_me_my_friend#Tame_Your_Fears_%28Battle_Opportunity%29|Tame Your Fears]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Velasco i Guerra''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Garrison of Grismont Township was not defeated; Pastor Ximena successfully captured and released safely; Nergui Enkhtseg killed during the battle; Less than a dozen Imperials signed up for the Balankas Rush</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Bendol, ''Mirereach'']]</td><td>Influence the vallorn</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Unlock_thy_hidden_gate#Miles_of_Tricks_and_Trials_%28Battle_Opportunity%29|Miles of Tricks and Trials]]</td><td>Not taken; Sarangrave remains unconnected to the trods</td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Spiral, Apulus, The Cellar Below || [[Voice of Virtue|Voice of Vigilance]] || [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|Meet with followers of Berechiah]] || Uncertain, but the Voice of Vigilance might know more
|-
| 2 || Therunin, Sweetglades, Broken Copse || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Tangles_(Therunin)|Kill the ''Lord of Thorns'']] || ''Lord of Thorns'' killed and the Sprig of Fecundity recovered
|-
| 3 || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Drowner's Dell || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[Is_there_anybody_out_there%3F#Drowning_Pools_(Bregasland)|Kill all the greenteeth]] || Greenteeth killed
|-
| 4 || Morrow, Altis, Canticulous Valley || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#The_Breaking_Storm_(Morrow)|Perform Ward of the Black Waste]] || [[Ward of the Black Waste]] successfully performed
|-
| 5 || Holberg, Misericorde, Sacrifice Point || [[Flaxen Pillars|Red-Eyed Reaper]] || [[Is_there_anybody_out_there%3F#Fishers_of_Folks_(Holberg)|Kill all the greenteeth]] || Uncertain, some greenteeth were killed but rest fled into [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]]
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Hope's Rest, Field of Triumph || [[High Exorcist]] || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Threads_(The_Barrens)|Exorcise the tortured souls]] || Imperial casualties suffered. No tortured souls were exorcised and have taken up around the [[A_glorious_victory#Here_We_Stand_(Conjunction)|Shrine of Hope]]
|-
| 7 || Skarsind, Pakaanan's Pass, Osweald|| [[Brilliant Shore|Custodian of the Brilliant Shore]] || [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#A_Quiet_Place_%28Kallavesa%29|Intercept the cult's vanguard]] || Cultists all killed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Catrin's Glade || [[Eastern Broker]] || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Changes_(Therunin)|Rescue the Axou warrior]] || ''Menoetius'' rescued
|-
| 9 || Sermersuaq, Stark, Njord Beach Hut || [[Unfettered Mind|Grandmaster of the Unfettered Mind]] || [[Stars_and_sigils#Unfettered_Vivisections_(Sermersuaq)|Investigate the body]] || Uncertain, but the Grandmaster of the Unfettered Mind should know more
|-
| 10 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Whittling Grove || [[Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#A_Quiet_Place_(Kallavesa)|Intercept the bandits]] || Bandits intercepted and killed
|-
| 11 || Therunin, Eastring, Tainted Meadow || '''Blaze Dunning''' || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Beginnings_(Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully destroyed
|-
| 12 || Segura, Burnish, Meadow of Dust and Glass || [[Curator of the Blood Red River]] || [[Is_there_anybody_out_there%3F#Celestial_Arcs_(Sung)|Draw and name constellations]] || Nine constellations were created and named, the Curator of the Blood Red River should know more
|-
| 13 || Segura, Burnish, Meadow of Dust and Glass || [[Azure Sutannir]] || [[Is_there_anybody_out_there%3F#Celestial_Arcs_(Sung)|Create lore and mythology for the constellations]] || Lore and mythology created for the nine constellations were created, the Azure Sutannir should know more
|-
| 14 || Skarsind, Pakaanan's Pass, Cave of Bones || '''Alistair de Vere''' || [[In_the_flesh#The_Little_Bones_of_Grandmother|Bargain with ''Tuki of the Little Bones'']] || Uncertain, but Alistair de Vere should know more
|-
| 15 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull Isle || [[Imperial Consul]] || [[Keep_talking#A_Meeting_Place|Meet with the godhi]] || Unclear, but a new [[Construct Meeting Place|Meeting Place]] was commissioned
|-
| 16 || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Makgore's Grove || [[Cabalist of the Hollow Stone]] || [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Stronger_Than_Law_(Ossium)|Defeat the wreckers]] || Wreckers defeated
|-
| 17 || Tassato, Madeiras, Lucrezia's Orchard || '''Tongs Barossa de Tassato Regario''' || [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#An Unwelcome Return (Tassato)|Kill the wreckers]] || Wreckers killed, including ''Maurizia Spada di Sarvos''
|-
| 18 || Zenith, Iteri, Lutum Woods || [[Warmage]] || [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#The Bargain (Zenith)|Retrieve the ilium]] || Wreckers defeated, ilium retrieved, and ''Tuomas of Pirenea'' killed
|-
| 19 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Smugglers Copse || Cadet Commander || [[The_Academy#Sat_Afternoon|Interrogate the Grendel captain]] || Unclear, but the cadets should know more
|-
| 20 || Mournwold, Alderly, Boar's Hall || '''Stanley of Chalkdown''' || [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Gathering_Clouds_(Mournwold)|Kill ''Einar the Cunning'']] || ''Einar the Cunning'' killed and Jotun defeated
|-
| 21 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Tournament Square || '''Enchanter Morien de Carsenere''' || [[In_the_flesh#The_Tournament_of_the_Groves|Attend the tournament of the Earl of the Groves]] || Unclear, but Enchanter Morien de Carsenere should know more
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Hufi's Glen || [[Woundbinder of the Mark]] || [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#A_Time_for_Iron_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated
|-
| 23 || Mitwold, Meade March, John's Holt || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#A_Peculiar_Calling_(Mitwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Imperial casualties, yegarra have withdrawn back to [[Bregasland]]
|-
| 24 || Bregasland, The Rushes, Sallow's Shallows || [[Strong Reeds|General of the Strong Reeds]] || [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Fog_of_War_(Bregasland)|Recover the plundered goods]] || Lasambrians successfully returned to Sallow
|-
| 25 || Reinos, Ribeira, Carmo's Sheepfold || [[Summer Storm|General of the Summer Storm]] || [[Follow_me_my_friend#Storm_of_Battle_(Reinos)|Kill ''Carmo Stoneblade'']] || ''Carmo Stoneblade'' killed, and warband defeated
|-
| 26 || Reinos, Pedreira, Getshold || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Follow_me_my_friend#The_Extra_Bit_(Reinos)|Recover ''Bulangiin Karadghra'']] || Unclear, but the Champion of Prosperity should know more
|}

Talking to friends

2025-07-21T20:25:09Z

Castaras: /* State of War */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>There was no need to count; the outcome was obvious. Still, the scribes did their duty and recorded the numbers anyway. Normally, when a vote was carried so overwhelmingly there would have been cheering and celebration. Today, the floor of the Plenum chamber was almost eerily silent. A few murmurs and mutters, a heavy sigh. The footsteps of the Mater Coriolani as she strode out of the chamber, her face a mask of fury.

"This is humiliating." Titus turned away from the gallery, fists clenched.

"Yes." Said Lavinia.

"This cannot stand! If this was the old days-" His daughter cut him off. If she had done this in public it would have meant censure but he encouraged her to speak her mind when they were alone, valued her counsel and the directness the Spring realm gave her.

"It isn't the old days, though, father."

Titus growled, collapsing onto one of the couches. He hitched up his toga, put his head in his hands and stared at nothing in particular.

"You sound like an Ilotari," he grumbled. But his anger had subsided a little.

"Ha!" There was no mirth in Lavinia's laugh. "Not even the Ilotari are pleased that it has come to this. They're reformists, not idiots."

"These last few years..." Titus trailed off. "Who are we, Lavinia? What happened to the heirs of Asav. The Sumaah; the Commonwealth and the Empire; now the damn ''tomb robbers'' have banded together - a pack of vultures picking at our corpse. Our only real allies are a bunch of magicians who think rituals are the answer to every problem. We're reduced to lending warships to pirates. Even a nation of ''farmers'' fought off the pride of the Asavean navy! Farmers!"

"Times change." Lavinia sat next to him, put her hand on his shoulder. "We have to change with them."

"Once upon a time we'd have sent a flotilla to burn their damn cities to the ground. Drag a tenth of their people off in chains. Burn their temples if they didn't surrender, install a governor if we needed to keep the peace..." His tone was nostalgic. Lavinia did not think it wise to remind him that nothing on that scale had happened in a century or more. Titus tone grew bitter. "And now they are doing it to us! To us, Lavinia! Sending their ships and their soldiers to burn our cities, pushing their faith, killing the Tarquinius, trying to replace the Plenum with what... elected Senators? Praster? Ridiculous! Unacceptable!"

Lavinia waited for his anger to blow itself out. She loved her father very much but he lived in the past. If Asavea was to survive, they would need to look to the future.

"We tried the old way," she said quietly. "And it made everyone feel better for a while, but what did it actually achieve?"

"So what do you think, daughter? We should just... accept it? Accept that we are a laughing stock, an irrelevancy?"

His daughter smiled, a severe, cold smile, and patted Titus' hand.

"Oh, no father. No. But as grandmother said; when war fails, you may put your sword away, but you ''keep fighting''. There's some people I'd like you to meet, Pater Familia. I think you'll find their ideas ''very'' interesting."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Across the Sea of Salt, two nations caught in eternal rivalry by a net of history and faith.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

==Asavea==
* '''The Asavean Archipelago is an empire scattered across a sprawling archipelago, far across the ocean to the west'''
* '''Traditional enemies of the Sumaah, they are at war with both them and the Empire'''
* '''The Empire is sending missionaries to the Archipelago and looking to overthrow the ruling Plenum'''

The Asavean Ambassador to the Empire is ''Lady Madrianna of the Blue Stones''. An important member of one of ruling families of Asavea, she advises the Plenum on diplomatic matters, especial relations with the Empire and their close neighbours. It is Lady Madrianna who has encouraged the Asaveans to make common cause with the Grendel and who is behind efforts to suborn the Faraden.
{{Nation|nation=[[Asavean Archipelago]]|status=Barbarian|port=[[Asavean_Archipelago_ports|Nemoria]] (closed)|ambassador=Mauriac of Eyrie of [[Dawn]]}}
===State of War===
* '''The Asavean Archipelago and the Empire are at war
* '''The Asaveans are supporting the Grendel, and attempting to convert the Faraden to their cause'''
* '''The ongoing attempt of missionaries to proselytize the Way continues to enrage the Asaveans'''
Imperial relations with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] could hardly be worse. The Asaveans declared war on the Empire some time ago - a response to the [[Mosaic|attack on Chalonsio]] by the combined forces of the [[Liberty Pact]]. Determined to exact revenge, they sent huge warships to Imperial waters, looking to sack an Imperial city in lex talionis for their own losses. Their [[Harvest of infamy|attack on Meade]] failed, but they were instrumental in helping the [[Grendel]] take [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] and then [[A beacon of smoke|burning that city to the ground]], to the dismay of their Grendel allies.

Much of their strategy in recent months has been focused on piracy - aiming to cripple Imperial trade on the high seas. These attempts have caused some trouble for the Imperial treasury, and created obstacles for the Empire's various trading partners. Now the Asaveans have been forced to abandon this strategy by the [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|intervention]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]], a humiliating climbdown for the notoriously proud Plenum. All this on top of the [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|defeat of the Asavean navies]] at Zemeh, where the Empire came to the aid of their Sumaah allies... it has likely put the Plenum on the back foot.

For their part the Empire responded to the fury of the Asaveans by [[Irreconcilable_differences|sending missionaries to the islands]] with members of the [[Sevenfold Path]] looking for [[One of us|ways to make contact with magicians in the islands]] who might be interested in [[the Way]]. The [[Loyalty]] Assembly has tried to make contact with [[Two suns in the sunset|groups who are looking to overthrow the Plenum]], the ruling council of the Asavean Archipelago, and ideally begin a fiery revolt against the corrupt ruling classes.

Into this febrile mix have come the communications from the Imperial Ambassador to Asavea, '''Mauriac of Eyrie'''. In recent times the Asaveans have largely ignored efforts by the Empire to communicate through official channels - but something about the tone of the ambassador's most recent missive appears to have inspired a change of tune. It would be dangerous to overstate what this means - the Asavean Plenum is never going to make peace with an Empire that is hellbent on destroying their nation by inciting rebellion and religious revolt. For as long as the missionaries continue to travel to Asavea, they are certain to remain implacably hostile to the Empire.

The door is not exactly open to diplomacy, but it is at least off the latch... for now.

===An Olive Branch===
* '''The Imperial ambassador's letter to Asavea has been well received by their Asavean counterpart'''
* '''The Asaveans are open to discussing terms to end the war, provided the Empire ceases sending missionaries to their shores'''
* '''If the Empire continue on their current course, the Asasveans will increase their military support for the Grendel'''
Lady Madriana has sent communications to their Imperial counterpart to let them know that the Plenum is open to the possibility of a cessation of the current conflict - either temporary or better still permanent. As far as the Plenum are concerned the outrageous attack on Chalonsio has been answered by the [[A beacon of smoke|destruction of Siroc]]. The senseless destruction of profitable businesses and the losses incurred when the city was looted have been accounted for by the damage inflicted on Imperial shipping. [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|Justice]] as the [[Faraden]] would put it - has been served. Both sides could find a way to end this pointless brutality ''before it escalates further...''

The Plenum have therefore decided to be magnanimous - and to offer the possibility of peaceful resolution to the current war. As a sign of their good intentions, says Lady Madriana, the Plenum has voted to remove the bounties placed on vessels trading with the Empire, so that this will not be an impediment to any negotiation.

If the Empire wishes to pursue the avenue of peace, then as a first ste, they must immediately cease all attempts to spread the Way to Asavea. There are no circumstances under which Asavea will negotiate with the Empire while they continue to threaten the authority of the Plenum in this way. Thus far the effects have been negligible, the Asavean Ambassador claims, but the heirs of Asav are not to be trifled with in this way.

Were a peaceful resolution possible, the Asaveans would be prepared to consider withdrawing their military support for the [[Grendel]] and perhaps even to look at reopening their ports to Imperial shipping.

Lady Madriana warns the Empire that the Plenum are prepared to continue their current war with the Empire for as long as neccessary, should they reject this generous offer. Now that their privateers and fleet captains are no longer engaged against Imperial shipping they are in a position to consider increasing their support for the Grendel - and they will not hesitate to do so if the Empire does not change course.

Of course, the ''truth'' is that the Asaveans have stopped attacking Imperial ships because of threats from the Sarcophan Delves - the ''Pax Sarcophan''. Even so, this communication represents a change in tone by the Asaveans, something in the ambassadors letter to Lady Madrianna has clearly struck a chord.

Whether that chord becomes part of a more harmonious melody remains to be seen. Mauriac's letter has done what it can, but unless the Empire changes their tune, the Asaveans are certain to redouble their efforts. Humiliated by the Sarcophan, they will want to demonstrate that they remain a great power to be taken seriously. If the Empire doesn't take this opportunity for peace, they can expect the Asaveans to increase their military support for the Grendel.

===The Factions Listen===
* '''The Empire knows of six factions willing to contribute to the overthrow of the Plenum'''
* '''The Regario Dossier assigned agents to investigate the Bells of Becephelas, the Lost Weepers, and the Mikanos'''
Last season, the Empire uncovered three more [[Asavean factions]] who would be willing to work with the Empire to spread the Way to Asavea and ultimately overthrow the Plenum. Three of these groups - the [[Asavean_factions#The_Bells_of_Becephelas|Bells of Becephelas]], the [[Asavean_factions#The_Cerularios|Cerularios]], and the [[Asavean_factions#The_Mikanos|Mikanos]] - are magicians that profess to be curious about the Way. All of them appear to be potential allies, but the Empire has been warned by the [[Whisper Gallery]] that one of them is lying - one of the three groups described below are double-agents who are actually loyal to the Plenum. The other three groups - the [[Asavean_factions#The_Children_of_Asav|Children of Asav]], the [[Asavean_factions#The_Lost_Weepers|Lost Weepers]], and the [[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Satrapy of Ibaria]] - are those who could be persuaded to take up arms against the Plenum, and uncovered by the Loyalty Assembly.

The [[Regario Dossier]], '''Albrecht von Holberg''', took the [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#The_Refined_Dossier|opportunity]] to redirect three agents to investigate and establish links with the Bells of Becephelas, the Lost Weepers, and the Mikanos. The work done by the agents of the Dossier and their handlers has borne early fruit; '''Albrecht von Holberg''' will receive names and locations for each of three groups suitable for use with [[Call Winged Messenger]] at the Summer Solstice. The information will spread after the summit, and anyone will be able to find out the names and locations. '''OOC Note:''' We will add the targets to the [[Asavean factions]] page.
==Sumaah==
* '''The Sumaah Republic is an empire devoted to an orthodox interpretation of the Way'''
* '''The Empire recently helped to fend off a major naval assault by the Asaveans seeking to burn a Sumaah city'''
The [[Sumaah Republic]] are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. As founding members of the [[Liberty Pact]], their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their own war with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world.

The Sumaah ambassador to the Empire is ''Oxtitocszin'', who holds the rank of Censor of wood, metal and stone and is a member of the High House of Pride (the Sumaah equivalent of the Pride Assembly, but with significantly more responsibility and leeway to pursue foreign diplomacy). They advise not just the Sumaah ''präster'', but the House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate). By all accounts they are an even-handed, level-headed individual, and a devout practitioner of the Way.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sumaah Republic]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]|ambassador=Accalon of [[Highguard]]}}
===Build Up Their Fellows===
* '''Relations with the Sumaah are currently stronger than ever'''
* '''The Empire now receives a dose of true liao each season from Sumaah in gratitude for aid against the Asavean armada'''
The Sumaah Republic are [[Guide_the_spirit#Virtuous_War|at war]] with Asavea and face the threat of invastion from their northern neighbours who once ruled much of Sumaah through the use of corrupt proxies. The war is unlikely to end decisively, the Asavean [[Imperial army|armies]] are no match for the disciplined soldiers martialled by the House of [[Courage]], but the Asavean navies [[Imperial navy|navies]] badly outnumber the Sumaah.

The Asaveans attempted to overcome the Sumaah defences at sea, hoping to expose the coastline so that they could carry out a lightning raid against a Sumaah city. The Asavean Plenum sought retribution for the Sumaah role in the [[Mosaic|attack on Chalonsio]]. They intend to raze a Sumaah city as they did to Siroc. Last season the Empire played a decisive role in disrupting the Asavean assault, sending hundreds of small [[fleet|fleets]] to help the Sumaah navy fight the Asaveans off. Scores of Asavean ships were sunk and the Imperial captains returned home triumphant.

The gratitude of the Sumaah is deep and heartfelt. In thanks for the Imperial aid, they have sent a dose of precious [[true liao]] to the Empire and indicated that they will now do so every season until the Plenum falls and the Way is spread to the Archipelago (something that would take many years if it were possible at all). Relations with the grateful Sumaah, which have been bumpy in the past, are now better than ever.

===The Ambassadors Letter===
* '''The Sumaah are non-plussed by the tone of the Ambassador's letter'''

The sharp tone of the Ambassador's most recent letter has surprised the Sumaah and left them uncertain of how best to respond. As the ambassador has spoken of a shared duty to the truth, they have tried to respond in kind.

They are pleased to hear that '''Eleri of Bronwen's Rest''' has had a vision that speaks to the Ascension of [[the Marked]] and that '''Coal Carefoot''' has had a vision that they once lived as Alina, royal guard of the Sumaah Crown. The Sumaah are always grateful to receive information of the [[Past life vision|past life visions]] that Imperial citizens have had, although they find the ''excellent'' [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2|Echoes of the Labyrinth]] published by the [[Seer of the Gateway]] more than meets their needs in this matter. It is unfortunate that the Senate has decided to [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Distribution_of_Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth|stop supporting the dissemination of these accounts]] around the world.

On the matter of the item provided by '''Ehud of Reumah's Redoubt''', they are grateful for an opportunity to examine the [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]] and will of course arrange for its return at the Autumn Equinox as requested. They have not mentioned recently, indeed they have sent few communications in recent months as they have been preoccupied by the threat of invasion from the Asaveans and the attendant risks.

===Anchoring the Way===
* '''The Sumaah are convinced that attempting to work together to anchor the Way is too risky'''
On the matter of anchoring the Way in Asavea, the Sumaah are adamant that it is best if the Empire and the Sumaah each proceed with their own plans. The Empire shares the Way with Sumaah, they are siblings in faith. But like two siblings dwelling in the same house, brother and sister can still argue, and the conflict between them can be the most terrible of all. The Sumaah disagree with the Empire on numerous articles of faith - the Sumaah are orthodox and traditionalists where the Empire have pursued a revisionist approach to the faith.

It is the view of the Sumaah that they currently enjoy excellent relations with the Empire precisely because the two nations have agreed to pursue the Way separately. Now that neither side feels compelled to correct the other on matters of faith, they can concentrate on what they have in common. Working together to create the Liberty Pact, to break the slave trade, to defeat the Asaveans at sea, these are all worthy goals around which the two nations can unite.

But converting the Asaveans to the Way would require the Empire and the Asaveans to work side by side for years. They would be like brother and sister forced to dwell together in their parents home. How would they agree on which version of the Way should be spread? Should it be the Imperial Way or the Sumaah Way? What happens, when two years into this great project, the Empire and the Sumaah discover some fundamental point of disagreement on which they cannot agree? Inevitably they will fall out about it, and when that happens then the entire scheme will likely collapse. There will be recriminations on both sides, and everyone the two sides have tried to support will probably end up dead. It is clear that the Sumaah take a pessimistic view of this suggestion to put it lightly.

Bluntly, the view of the Sumaah is that to suggest this shows a lack of careful consideration. The Empire have focused on all the benefits the two nations might gain by working together and given no thought at all to the countless way this could go wrong. While that might suit the confident optimism of the Empire, the Sumaah take a much more dismal view of the prospects of cooperation on this. They are focusing on all the many ways they can see in which it could go wrong and the risks that would entail - to relations between the Empire and Sumaah and more importantly to the hopes of salvation for the Asavean people.

In their mind attempting to work together to convert the Asaveans - after both nations had agreed to work separately on this great goal - is a failure of [[Wisdom]]. The fact that they've levelled this pointed insult, they feel illustrates their point perfectly. Merely discussing it is leading to friction...

They wish the Empire every success. They will genuinely be overjoyed in the Empire spreads the Imperial Way to Asavea. They won't support that effort becsuse they are busy with their own efforts to take the Sumaah Way to Asavea. These efforts will continue until every Asavean is brought to the Way, regardless of what the Empire attempt or achieve in this matter.

===Abrasion Oil===
* '''The Sumaah do not have the same view of excommunication as the Empire'''
On the matter of Abrasian oil, there are polite eyebrows raised. The Sumaah have noted in the past that there are parts of the Empire that believe things that are blatantly [[Religious crime#Heresy|heretical]], like the idea that people reincarnate as trees, or fish, or that their spirits dwell in swamps. These ideas are patently absurd and deeply offensive to any devout follower of the Way - but in recent times the Sumaah have tried to avoid pointing out how heterodox these far-flung parts of the Empire are, because trying to reconcile their two faiths was leading to difficulties.

But now the Imperial ambassador wants to discuss the creation of Abrasian oil, a rare substance developed by the Präster who live in Nyaerdivik, which is a hard-to-reach settlement on the very edge of the Sumaah Republic? The request has surprised Oxtitocszin, not least because he has no idea how the Empire even ''found'' Nyaerdivik, a location the majority of people living in Sumaah could not point to on a map.

However, since the Ambassador has insisted on answers, the Präster of Nyaerdivik are quite... unorthodox. They have something of an ''obsession'' with bread, which other Sumaah do find to be very odd. They don't worship bread, or anything blasphemous, but it plays a central role in their culture in a way that bemuses outsiders. However the House of the People have examined the beliefs of the Präster of Nyaerdivik on two seperate occasions and found them to be entirely compatible with the Way. Odd certainly, but Oxtitocszin once had an uncle who believed that a condor that lived near his home was mourning for its lost mate. People believe odd things, not all of them are at odds with the Way.

On the matter of [[excommunication]] and the power of Abrasian Oil, the ambassador is surprised to hear their counterpart express such radical views with such certainty. There are Präster in Sumaah who believe that excommunication makes a soul unable to pass onwards but they are far from the majority. The only thing that is known for certain is that it renders the soul unable to use [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]], and prevents dreaming, but nobody truly knows what happens to the soul of one who is excommunicated. Such things are ultimately a matter of philosophy and most importantly - faith. Does the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Labyrinth|Doctrine of the Labyrinth]] not say that ''the Labyrinth of Ages is a place of pure spirit and beyond the true comprehension of any but a paragon''?

The accepted view is that excommunication can be a just punishment that is merited in the most serious of cases where nothing less will suffice. There is a popular belief that it ''might'' assist passage. [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The Doctrine of the Seven|The Doctrine of Seven]] states that "Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and ''some may hinder it''." That last part is often taken to mean that unvirtuous acts hinder the soul's passage, indelibly marking the soul as unvirtuous, delaying rebirth. Excommunication of someone whose deeds are so terrible that they warrant this fate may disconnect the soul from the unvirtuous acts they have taken, allowing it to be reborn without the stain of an ill-spent past life dragging the soul down both in the Labyrinth and, potentially, in future lives.

Of course there are also some Präster that believe those who commit the most heinous acts need to spend time in the Labyrinth. Here the Präster tend to fall to arguments on the role of the Labyrinth and the spiritual value of punishment and its role in redemption and recidivism in a way that the Ambassador is not certain is a useful topic for diplomacy between two great nations, even if they do share the Way.

It ''may'' be true that excommunication severs a soul from the Labyrinth, though nobody can be sure. If that is the case, is it not appropriate that such people are excluded from the Labyrinthe? Is that not a fitting end for those who have proven themselves to be entirely without Virtue? Virtue is contagious, but so is vice. Wicked deeds spread, so the worst criminals are a danger to the future generations, so arguably it is ''better'' to stop their reincarnation, to save future generations from the influence of such an unvirtuous soul.

The Ambassador notes that they have exchanged letters with the Empire on the matter of excommunication before. The truth is that nobody knows what the ultimate effects of excommunication are, just as nobody can be certain they know what the ultimate effects of [[testimony]] or [[dedication]] are. These are, ultimately, matters of faith. Nobody should trifle with the human soul, that much is clear, but in the Republic, excommunication is often a prelude to execution - an indication that your deeds are beyond the pale. It's not something the Republic takes lightly. Oxtitocszin is not sure there is anything further to be said on this subject.
{{Asavean Links}}
{{Sumaah Links}}