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383YE Winter Solstice winds of war

2020-03-06T21:18:37Z

Cheer Police: /* The Game */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:383YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]
==Overview==
The Winds of War blow across the Empire, and beyond. Since the Autumn Equinox, Imperial armies have fought to protect their borders - and in some cases to expand them. Here we learn about the results of those campaigns. Not necessarily their resolutions, because it is rare for such things to have an ending. Rather, the state of the tide. Advancing or falling back, taken at the flood, or ebbing away.

The [[#Fire and Hemlock|Heirs of Terunael]] strike at the Empire from within, igniting a fire of chaos and ruin in [[Hercynia|the north]], [[Therunin|the east]], and [[Liathaven|the west]]. Heroes of the Empire have risen to meet that fire, to brave the poison these treacherous [[briar|briars]] seek to spread with the aid of their [[Yaw'nagrah|unnatural allies]]. In the north and the east, their schemes are rent to tatters; in the west however they have achieved their goals, and the myriad spawn of the [[vallorn]] spread from the tainted heart to devour steadings, slaughter stridings, and threaten [[orc]] and human alike.

In the far south-west, [[the Brass Coast]] is wracked by war... and by peace. The tide [[#The Game|rises and recedes]]. In [[Segura]] the Empire is victorious, slowly driving the [[Jotun|Lasambrian Jotun]] back toward their barbarian hills. In [[Feroz]], the Empire recedes, withdrawing from land traded to the [[Grendel]] invaders in [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE|return for peace]]. A high price, perhaps, for a people who pride themselves on known the value of everything and insisting on a fair trade.

<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fire and Helmlock.png|caption=The Heirs of Terunael have turned the vallorn lose in Hercynia, Therunin, and Liathaven.|align=left|width=600}}</div>
==Fire and Hemlock==
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Hercynia</p>
It has been many years since the [[Hercynia#The_Vallorn_of_Hercynia|vallorn of Hercynia]] last stirred, but now the so-called [[Rise of Terunael|Heirs of Terunael]] have roused it to wakefulness. As in the past, when its slumber is disturbed, it strikes out with unmatched viciousness. The [[ettercap|ettercaps]] and vallornspawn of its dark heart seek out opportunities for bloodshed and slaughter to a degree not seen among the creatures that surround the other fallen Terunael cities.
<div style='float:right; width: 450px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;'><table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Andred Rion</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arlen Collier</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bertrand</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bors De Carsenere</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Calbyrn Winterwise</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dreacon Mannicuss</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eamon</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Enchantress Olivia Sepulchre</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ethan Scolish</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Guy Grimbold the Elder</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Johan Leyward</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leohnar</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Logan Olivia De Havelland of house Cordraco</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lord Armand Remys</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lord Edmund the Enchanter of House Torawyr</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mal` Lassal Scethos</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maryc</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maximilian Plowman</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Melek GreatHart</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mordred Smith</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Nineve</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ren Tanner</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Roger de Scavilare</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ruse</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Silas Falconer</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solomon Locke</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Taliesin Carter</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tey'Woren Fulren</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tierian Spirits</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tor Forester</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Torag Du Soleil</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristram</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urien Novarion</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>illantris</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ames the Amiable</td><td>Highguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Balian</td><td>Highguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jaylus</td><td>Highguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kerioth</td><td>Highguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Septus</td><td>Highguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aukka</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gaterender Brik</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td></tr>
<tr><td> Ieuan Fallow Deer</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td> Lleu Tarw</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aeron Eerielight</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aneira Exiles End</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arkann Shatterhorn</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ash Honeyforge</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Baldrum</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Blaidd</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brennos Brackensong</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brodi Brackensong</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bryn Iron Hill</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Clarissa</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Danza Pathfinder</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eirian Embercast</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Farenthar</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Farren Silver Streams</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fia</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gaius Ashborn</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gerallt Two Feet</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kale</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Keelia Scorched Pine</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kenneth</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lugh</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Matteo</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Meilyr</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Nook</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pew</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhisiart Dancewalker</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhoswen</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhyffyllann Longest Path</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Scota</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Seamus Chainbreaker</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Stony</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Taliesian</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vic</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>merlin feyerd</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>David, Jademist, Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Miel I Gurrea</td><td>The Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arrabella Di Sarvos</td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jonathan Thresher of Alderly</td><td>The Marches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Calgacus Apulian</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>drassus</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alderei the Fair</td><td>Varushka</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alexsei Grigoryevich Strascovich</td><td>Varushka</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vuk The Wolfeater</td><td>Varushka</td></tr>
<tr><td>Baldric Altti</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bordan Auber</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ceann Cait</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eldred Olsen</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Elfred</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Harkon</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Helgunn Chargebringer</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Horst Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kaspar Kreftinaring</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kelnor</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Theoderic Ulfarsson</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tylian</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ursus Cenasson</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wulfric</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
</table></div>

What began with a few [[Rise_of_Terunael#Hercynia|scattered encounters]] around the borders of [[Hercynia#Deer.27s_Folly|Deer's Folly]] soon threatens to become a full-fledged disaster. The heart of the vallorn touches each of the other four regions of Hercynia, and the creatures that teem and multiply in its depths are able to strike at steadings and stridings across the territory. Even the [[Hercynia#Northpines|Northpines]] are not entirely free from danger - although the threat to the [[Navarr]] dwelling in the western peaks arises not from the dreadful creatures of the vallorn, but from sympathisers and agents of the Heirs of Terunael.

As abominations spill out of Deer's Folly, the traitors hiding in plain sight unleash more subtle weapons. They seek to use betrayal, sabotage, assassination, and deception to weaken the defenders and smooth the path for vallornspawn. Nor are all of these agents of Navarr birth; the Silent Bell were able to identify two groups of [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Cabalists|cabalists]] aiding the Heirs, and there are rumours of folk from even farther afield turning on their hosts and seeking to unleash the power of [[Yaw'nagrah]] against them. Yet the vigilance of the Synod, and of the Silent Bell, have provided the people of Hercynia with crucial advance warning of the Heirs of Terunael and their schemes - and provided opportunities to counter them.
<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Fenella of Fellorich Striding, Heirs of Terunael">We have lived in fear of the vallorn for too long, but now I say to you. The vallorn does not bring death, but life. It does not harm, but heals. It's vast, vibrant power is not to be opposed, but to be embraced.</quote></div>
Even before the attacks began in earnest, these allies of Yaw'nagrah, these self-proclaimed scions of ancient Terunael, bring the corrosive power of [[Spring magic]] to bear against the people of Hercynia. Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, the waters of Hercynia began to show signs that they had been infested with the [[interdiction|illegal]] power of [[Rivers Run Red]], bringing the threat of infection and sickness to add to the dangers posed by the vallornspawn and ettercaps. The [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates|vates]] of Navarr are quick to respond - the Voice of the Quiet Forest rally their allies and draw on the more positive aspects of the Spring realm to counter the curse of pestilence the Heirs have raised. Yet the attempted tainting of the waters is only the most obvious of the Heir's schemes. Rituals of [[Spring_magic#Venom|sickness]], [[Spring_magic#Savegry|savagery]], and [[Spring_magic#Ruin|ruin]] are brought to bear across the territory, striking at the walls of steadings, infesting food supplies with flies and maggors, sowing chaos among the defenders of town and striding alike.

The protectors of Hercynia employ magic of their own as well. As the vallorn spews forth its unnatural hordes, so that magic settles across Hercynia. It is as if the entire territory resists the incursion from its heart; magical fortresses twine and twist from the woodlands of the Glen of Shadows, from Old Ranging, and from Summersend as the Voice of the Quiet Forest continue to weave Spring magic in defence of the people of Hercynia. At the same time, a mighty castle of white stone and black ice rises in the foothills of North Pines, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadel]] drawn from the demesne of [[Cathan Canae]] by the Eternal Family. With the forest and the mountain aiding the defenders, the vallornspawn are contained.

Magic alone will not win the day, however. That task falls to the hundred or so [[military unit|independant captains]] who answer the call to action with their friends and allies. The majority of these are Navarr and [[Dawn|Dawnish]], bolstered by significant numbers of Winterfolk, and every imperial nation is represented among the heroes that come to Hercynia. Some fight the vallorn and its spawn directly; others track down the hidden threat of the Heirs of Terunael and seek to stymie their treacherous plans. Each individual battle, each confrontation, serves to further undermine the plans of the Heirs and their allies. Even with advance warning, the unbound power of vallornspawn, and ettercap, and corrupt magic, the threat of assassins' knives, poisoned wells, and burning brands, and the sheer madness of the Heirs' cause might have been sufficient to overwhelm the defenders of Hercynia.
<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Roman Andrevich, Cabal of the Green Mother">The Mother has given us gifts, and now she calls our account due. A green tide shall wash over the Empire, and we are chosen to be its harbingers.</quote></div>
As it is, the battle is very close. Despite best efforts, a tide of chitinous ettercaps is able to reach the storied steading of [[Hercynia#Treji|Treji]], just in time for conjured vines to tear great holds in the defences. Lives are lost - but the defenders manage to stand against the howling horde of insect-horrors and turn them back before they can overwhelm the settlement. Without the magical defenders provided by forest and mountain, without the courage of the heroes and soldiers of the Empire, Treji would have fallen.

The attack against the [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] is more subtle but no less potentially disastrous for all that. A band of Varushkan cabalists calling themselves the "Cabal of the Green Mother" seek to burn the weirwood forest to the ground, supported by abominable heralds of Yaw'nagrah. The vigilance of the defenders stymies their effort, but it is only the strength of the Imperial response to the call for heroes that prevents serious damage to the forests. The ferocity of the cabalists attack continues to raise questions about precisely what the relationship between weirwood and the vallorn might be.
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Therunin</p>
<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">We the Highborn again go to Therunin to fight cultest threatening the Empire. With Virtue we the Valient Pegasus will scour this threat from the area. With the Virtues guiding us.</quote></div>
In the north, the Heirs of Terunael are faced by magic, and by heroes. In the south, they face the might of the military council. The Valiant Pegasus has come to Therunin, where they serve as the backbone of the defence against the might of the vallorn. Their numbers are bolstered by some five thousand soldiers belonging to independent captains from Highguard, Navarr, and the Imperial Orcs. A further thirty or more captains - predominantly Navarr with a smattering of Dawnish knights - bring their warbands to the territory to fight the Heirs directly without the cumbersome protection of an army.

As in Hercynia, Imperial magicians have drawn down the power of the realms to bolster the defence. The Voice of the Quiet Forest rouses the wholesome woodlands of [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]], weaving a [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|wooden fastness]] there to shelter those fighting the incursion of the vallorn. The Sussivari Frost Coven from far-away Wintermark weaves their own magic over the marshes of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]], crafting a [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen|pall of living mist]] that conceals the valiant guardians and confounds the senses of both treacherous [[briar]] and ravening vallornspawn alike.
<div style='float:right; width: 450px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;'><table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Agravain</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Avren Leosten</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Baddon Red Oaks</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Baedd</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beax</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caedan Feather</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Clive</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Corrin Ashwood</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cybi Farkas</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dafydd Steelford</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dalthios Stormbroke</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gaeorg Brokenbough</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Geraint Broad-Backed</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gwill Fenwarden</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hen Was Silverthorn</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>J'zarr</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jaramir</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Karrow Strangers Song</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lorcan Ashenwolf</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Nyle</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Powell Hoarfrost</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raelyn Holdfast</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raven</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reaghan Emberedgrove</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rowan</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sedanta</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Theowyn Blackhawk</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tomarn</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Toreth</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Torri</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Travid Longest Path</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vaan</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>kylar</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
</table></div>

The Silent Bell reported fewer Heirs in the marshy woodlands of Therunin than in cold Hercynia, but the vallorn here is considerably larger and while it may be less vicious it is none-the-less a cunning and malignant opponent. Here, the Heirs rouse the ettercaps and the vallornspawn, but they also seek to foster madness among the great insects that roam the warm forests, and to raise the ire of the [[marshwalkers]] against the people of Therunin. Their numbers may be few but they are bolstered by Urizeni magicians and sentinels of Greenfountain Spire in Peregro - traitors who bring powerful magic to bear in pursuit of their crazed desire to overrun the eastern Navarr territory with the abominations of [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]].

Yet the Navarr too have allies they can call on. The [[Great Forest Orcs]] have built their settlements in the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Tarn Valley]], but their people are scattered across the territory trading and hunting. They may have questions for their Navarr hosts about the wisdom of [[Fall_of_Brocéliande#The_Gardens_of_Eleri|treating with the Druj]], but they are not slow to come to the aid of their neighbours. When the Heirs sought to wrap Therunin in a [[Rivers Run Red|curse of sickness]], the orcs quickly marshalled their forces to remove that curse. The Spears of the Pine, fresh from fighting the Heirs in [[Brocéliande]], return to the Tarn Valley to protect their homes, and the building site of the Holt of the Oak. They are quick to coordinate with the defenders of [[Therunin#Peakedge_Song|Peakedge Song]], and with the brands of steadings across Therunin.
<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Agrippina of Greenfountain">The tide is rising, and the time has come to once again cover the land in trees. Beneath the cool shadow of the oaks, beneath the spreading boughs of the elm, we will meditate upon the revelations of the Green Mother. The vallorn is a tool with which we shall remake the world.</quote></div>
While there are a multitude of monstrous foes in Therunin, as in Hercynia the threat comes as much from treachery as from beasts and hearlds of Yaw'Nagrah. If not for the courage of the defenders, the Docks at Feverwater would have been crippled by a trio of abnormally large [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]] rising from the deep waters, drawn by the siren songs of the Heirs of Terunael. If not for the vigilance of the Highborn, a scheme to poison the orcs labouring to complete the Holt of the Oak might have been successful, leaving them defenceless against the swarm of spore-crazed dire beetles pouring out of Greenheart. Without the dogged determination of the Imperial Orcs patrolling near Peakedge Stead, a plan to tear open the gates with ritual magic might have come to fruition allowing a river of vallornspawn to flood past the defences and butcher the physicks and herbalists at work in the hospital there.
<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Clevorn of Greenstride Steading, Heirs of Terunael">The Empire sees the mark of Spring within us as a taint, a mark that we are not to be trusted. They are afraid that we will learn the truth; that it is the Empire that is corrupt. It is old, and sick, and full of complexity and two-faced double-dealers. By embracing the green song of the vallorn, we will learn to stand free of that corruption and grow at last unfettered by the rule of cowards.</quote></div>
There are also significant battles in Therunin, make no mistake. Violence spreads across the entire territory. While the walls of Peakedge Stead are preserved, the vallornspawn still come to smash themselves against them. While the hydra are diverted from the Feverwater Docks, they are only the harbingers of a force of terrible beasts that emerge from the marshes of the Mallum and from the vallorn heart to attack steadings across East Ashes and East Ring. The fiercest fighting takes place in the peaceful woodlands surrounding the Thimble - a major force of ettercaps and heralds lead by not one but three immense, twisted marshwalkers attempt to destroy not only the settlement there but also the trees themselves. Indeed, it seems as if the entire force of Greenfountain Spire - the Urizen traitors - is focused around somehow undoing the weirwood forest there in an echo of the attack against the Heartwood of the Great Vale in Hercynia. They are turned back, but at great cost to the defenders.
Not one steading or striding in Therunin is untouched by the treachery of the Heirs of Terunael, but as the Winter approaches it is clear that the defenders have been sufficient to prevent widespread loss of life. While the beasts of the vallorn, and the giant insects, and the marshwalkers are dangerous they are still beasts - and without the direction of the Heirs their attacks falter and their numbers dwindle. For all their malice, the numbers of Heirs and Urizen directing these forces are limited and each victory, each traitor brought to justice, reduces the ability of the enemy to weave their magic and direct their servants. The attacks lessen, but the worry remains. How many of the briars still living in Therunin can be trusted? How many are merely sleeping tools of the conspiracy arrayed against the Navarr?

For now though, the battle is done. The Heirs are in retreat, and while there has been some loss of life, the damage to the people and the steadings is limited.
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Liathaven</p>
While conflict engulfs across Hercynia and Therunin, there is little news from Liathaven. It seems that the Heirs of Terunael are unchallenged there, their schemes unfold without the intervention of the heroes of the Empire.

There are few enough Imperial people still in Liathaven of course. Years of violence have seen to that. While the vallorn's hold over the territory has been [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Blood_for_Poppies|greatly reduced]], the woodlands are still dominated by the Jotun. There are [[Feni]] settlers in the northern forest, it is true, but the Empire has little contact with them and little reason to imagine that they are especially friendly to Imperial citizens. There is a [[spy network|network of scouts]] in Liathaven of course, but they have not reported the specifics of the Heirs' operations here Perhaps the Jotun have contained them. Perhaps not.

The [[Wither the Seed|withering curse]] of [[Winter magic]] still lies across Liathaven, that much is clear. If Yaw'Nagrah possesses the power to remove that curse, the [[eternal]] seems unwilling - or unable - to do so. Those few Navarr left in the territory have no doubt suffered at the claws of the vallornspawn and the heralds of Yaw'nagrah - as a territory outside the aegis of the [[Imperial Conclave]] it is likely that the spawn of the Green Mother have had unfettered access to the forests here. What few reports have filtered out say that the damage to the remaining steadings here has been extensive, bordering on the catastrophic. While there is no danger of the vallorn itself spreading, there are reportedly dangerous pockets of vallorn-tainted creatures in all the remaining regions of the territory that will need to be dealt with in the event the Empire returns to liberate the beleaguered territory.

They may also need to deal with the Heirs of Terunael. In the absence of concrete information it is dangerous to speculate, but it seems likely that whatever goals the treacherous briars were pursuing in Liathaven, they have likely achieved. It remains to be seen what that will mean for the south-western Empire.
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars</p>
There is one other battlefield where the Heirs of Terunael are active; the hearts and souls of those with briar [[lineage]].

As in [[Brocéliande]] [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#|last season]], a more subtle force than traitors and vallornspawn is at play in Hercynia, Therunin, and Liathaven. Many of the defenders are unaware of it, but those with the [[briar]] [[lineage]] across these territories experience strange dreams whenever they try to sleep. Their nights are full of images of pristine wilderness untouched by human hands, where they are free to live as they wish among others who share their appreciation for a quiet, rewarding life where everything makes sense. These dreams offer a stark contrast to the barrage of complexities that surround life in the Empire. Some experience dreams of acceptance and comradeship - something many of them have never really known given the attitudes of many Imperial citizens to those with Spring magic in their veins. The details of the dreams differ from person to person but at their heart all contain the same unsettling image; a beautiful figure draped in flowers, arms outstretched to them calling them home.

As the dreams become more intense, some of those briars fighting in Therunin and Hercynia begin to experience an unsettling physical change. Unnatural flowers begin to sprout from patches of bark, and in their hair. This prompts further suspicion - there are wild rumours that these flowers presage some inevitable shift within the heart of the briars, causing them to abandon their fellows and welcome the twisted embrace of Yaw'nagrah or of the vallorn. Some briars remove them as soon as they appear, but that does not prevent rumour and scaremongering spreading the news of their appearance among the defenders. The Navarr are suspicious of briars at the best of time, and these flowers do nothing to dampen this suspicion - whatever the priests of the Synod may say.

The dreams are not, apparently, restricted to the heroes who have come to defend Hercynia and Therunin. There are not many briars in the Navarr nations, but from steading and striding alike come tales of briars acting oddly, experiencing strange dreams, and blossoming with unnatural flowers. Given that the unifying trait of the Heirs of Terunael is that they are all briars - some of whom have struck against their neighbours with surprising treachery it is perhaps unsurprising that suspicion of those with the Spring lineage is escalating in the Navarr nation.

===Game Information : Hercynia, Therunin, and Liathaven===
The campaign is very close, but in the end the Empire is able to keep the Heirs of Terunael from inflicting significant damage in Hercynia. Lives are still lost, and many steadings and stridings damaged, but the vallorn are turned back and the schemes of the Heirs of Terunael are defeated. Whatever plans the Heirs of Terunael had for Hercynia have been ruined by the actions of Imperial heroes, and the power of Imperial magicians. Likewise, Whatever schemes the Heirs of Terunael and their Urizen allies may have had in Therunin have likewise been stymied by a combination of vigilant soldiers, clever ritual magic, and the courage of heroic military captains. They are in disarray, and their endeavours in Therunin have suffered significant setbacks such that they will not be in a position to threaten the territory again for at least a year.

In both territories, several of their leaders and many of their footsoldiers have been slain or exposed. The civil service confirm that there will be an opportunity to attempt to capture or kill some of the ringleaders of these unprovoked attacks during the coming Solstice. Further details will be provided in Winds of Fortune.

That is not to say that the Navarr territories have escaped completely unscathed, however. In Therunin, the [[Thimble]] has been preserved, but its production has been halved for the coming season. It will not require any additional repairs however. At the same time every [[forest]], [[farm]], [[herb garden]], [[business]], [[congregation]], [[mine]], and [[mana site]] in the territory has suffered a 1 rank reduction to their production but this penalty will have run its course by the end of the Winter Solstice, restoring production to normal going forward.

The situation in Liathaven is significantly worse. Following the unfettered chaos of the vallornspawn in the territory, a further 10 Thrones each season will be diverted from the Imperial Treasury to support those Imperial citizens still in Liathaven. Every forest, farm, herb garden, business, congregation, mine, and mana site in the territory will suffer a 1 rank penalty for the next ''year''. Worse, vallornspawn have infested the territory and will represent a significant threat to any military force that enters the territory until they are dealt with.

===Participation : Hercynia and Therunin===
Military units (and forests) that took the '''Protect Hercynia''' or '''Protect Therunin''' actions will suffer damage as [[Rise_of_Terunael#Fighting_the_Heirs|described in the wind of fortune]]. Each such military unit suffers a reduction to their effective fighting strength for the next six months, representing soldiers lost or crippled in the fight against the savage vallornspawn. This penalty will be applied to the character rather than the resource; paying to change personal resource to a different resource will not clear this penalty. In the event that a character uses a ritual such as [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]] to turn a different personal resource into a military unit, the penalty will still apply and will persist when the resource turns back - the essence of the resource has been depleted by the damage caused from fighting in the vallorn miasma.

The captain of such a military units will also receive rewards pledged by the people of Therunin and Hercynia. In Hercynia, this amounts to five random ingots of metal while in Therunin it is five random herbs, with an additional ingot or herb (as appropriate) for each rank of [[Military_unit#Upgrades|upgrade]] or [[enchantment]].

Military units attached to the Valiant Pegasus do ''not'' suffer damage, but neither do they receive any special rewards - the assumption among the people of Therunin is that they will be recompensed by the Military Council as normal. The Valiant Pegasus ''has'' suffered casualties; these casualties will be mitigated by orders as usual.

Every character whose military unit participated in the '''Protect Hercynia''' or '''Protect Therunin''' actions (either directly, by supporting the Valiant Pegasus, or by being the general of the Valiant Pegasus) may have suffered a lingering injury. Such players may e-mail [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] to request a lingering traumatic wound. If you are not the general, and your military unit did ''not'' support the campaign here, please do ''not'' e-mail in. This opportunity to be horribly injured is available ''only'' to players who participated in the action. The traumatic wounds will be a mix of injuries sustained from ettercaps, vallorn influence, and potentially lingering curses from the Heirs of Terunael and their allies.
===Participation: Briars===
Any character with the briar lineage whose military unit supported the '''Protect Hercynia''' or '''Protect Therunin''' actions, or whose personal resource is in either of the effected territories or in Liathaven, will have experienced the peculiar dreams mentioned above. Furthermore, as with those briars who fought in Brocéliande during the previous season, they may have begun to manifest peculiar flowers that grow out of their bark or in their hair. Further details of exactly what this means will be included in the Winds of Fortune, but you have the option to acquire some flower phys-reps to add to your more usual lineage trappings. Flowers are not normally a permitted trapping for briars, this effect is an exception to the normal rules for those briars whose military units were in Brocéliande for this event.

In addition, all briars in the affected territories have experienced strange dreams that held out the offer of a simpler life. A better life, perhaps, for those who would create it. If you are playing a briar who would be sympathetic to this offer, and would like your character to have sought out the Heirs of Terunael to see what support you might offer them then you can email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] before the 10<sup>th</sup>April. We will provide you with an additional briefing sheet in your pack at the event, with the scant information your initial contact with the Heirs has revealed and telling you what you can do to help them. This is ''only'' available to characters with the briar lineage whose personal resource is in one of the three effected territories, or whose military unit supported the Valiant Pegasus, the Protect Hercynia, or the Protect Therunin actions. While other briars may have been in the area they have not had an opportunity to pursue contact with the Heirs of Terunael at this time.

If you are interested in finding out what the Heirs of Terunael are up to so that you can oppose them, we strongly recommend against emailing us. It is vastly more fun to be vigiliant and seek out corruption in the Empire at the event when roleplaying your character, then to have your character already have found it all out in downtime by emailing Profound Decisions.
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Game.png|caption=You win some, lose some.|align=left|width=600}}</div>

==The Game==
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Segura</p>
Last season, three [[The Marches|Marcher]] armies formed a wall of steel across the south-western plains against an army of [[orc|orcs]] that did not come. Shortly after the Autumn Equinox, those Marcher armies break camp and depart for the north - to where the [[Jotun]] continue their attempted conquest of Bregasland. In their stead come the Black Thorns, the Winter Sun, and the Red Wind Corsairs. [[Navarr]], [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]], and [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] soldiers move together on the south-western plains, but rather than taking defensive positions they prepare to drive the invaders out of the Brass Coast.

After a hot Summer, a dry Autumn. Away from the rivers and the wells the grasslands are dry as kindling and brushfires a constant threat. Even at the best of times, fresh water is precious in [[Segura]], and the armies must marshal barrels and skins carefully to combat thirst. Yet what water there is is infused with [[Spring magic]], with potent [[Rivers of Life|healing energies]] that ensure a swift recovery for the injured - all save those with mortal wounds, or those executed by their foes. Yet as with most Spring magic, the ritual power brought to bear on Segura heals the enemy orcs as effectively as it heals the Imperial soldiers.
<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Vrael i Sol-Devorador i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs">Corsairs, it is a high price we have paid to the Grendel though the time to make good on the time Feroz has bought us is now. We need wealth to win wars, and we need to know our enemy. Push deep into Segura, find their captains. It is high time we met these Lasambrain fools.</quote></div>

While the Empire prepares to advance, the [[Jotun|Lasambrian Jotun]] remain on the defensive. The Corazón, the Hierro, and the Escuta seek to hold the territory they have claimed rather than further press their claim to Segura. The Empire, however, is not content to allow them to keep the land they have conquered. With some six thousand additional troops provided by Imperial captains, primarily supporting the Winter Sun, Imperial forces push west through Anozserei. The orcs fight ferociously but step by step they are forced to fall back. Even with more than a thousand rough-and-ready orcs fighting under the banner of the Barren Hills, the Lasambrian Jotun cannot resist the Empire - all they can do is slow their progress a little. As Winter begins to approach, the barbarians lose their precarious foothold in Anozserei and are forced to fall back toward into Anduzjasse.

Here, the three orc armies rally their forces, and face the Imperial advance. Operating from a fortified camp in the ruins of Old Anduz in the south-east, they harry the Imperials as best they can, their anger and frustration at their inability to maintain their grip on their ancestral lands, much less to reclaim Segura from the human "invaders", increasingly apparent in their desperate tactics. With the Winter Solstice on the horizon, the Empire is well on the way to driving the Lasambrian Jotun out of Segura.
<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Morgor, General of the Winter Sun">Soldiers of the Winter Sun, we have spent a season chasing ghosts but now we charge to the defence of the Brass Coast. Sweep into Segura in a steady conquest and crush whatever stands against us. Our sisters and brothers of the coast have paid a heavy price so let us stand with them and respect their sacrifice.</quote></div>
Yet while the barbarian invaders seem prepared to make their stand at Anduz, not every force of Lasambrian Jotun soldiers has come to the defence of the town. As the Winter Solstice draws near, Navarr scouts report a sizable force of orcs in the hills south of [[Segura#Yellow_Chase|Yellow Chase]] not far from the border with Reinos. Numbers are inconclusive - the scouts were spotted by orc sentries and barely half their number made it back to Imperial lines to deliver their report. It seems that an armed camp made up primarily of Escuta and Corazón, have taken up defensive positions near the Caída - an old battleground that dates back to the formation of the Empire and lies in a depression amid the Western hills. The scouts were unable to get close, but reported that the orcs were excavating the dry soil there and seemed very keen to prevent Imperial eyes seeing what they were doing. Indeed, they have reportedly raised a makeshift stockade around their digsite.

This might have been dismissed as merely another example of the Lasambrian orcs inexplicable fascination with digging things out of the ground in Segra if not for two further discoveries.

Firstly, when the Red Wind Corsairs intercepted a caravan heading south from the Caida toward Anduz they discovered that some of the covered wagons contained what seemed to be early Imperial weapons and armour alongside less recognisable artifacts of barbarian orc manufacture. Orcs captured alongside the artifacts and [[Army_qualities#Daring|held for ransom]] would say little about what was taking place at the site but did confirm the presence in the Caida of powerful orc shaman named Junda the Grim. Junda is a favored lieutenant of Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta (the army who were once the Deep Bloods before their embrace of the Lasambrian cause). Junda is said to have a profound awareness of the ancestors of the "fourth tribe" - the tribe that once lived alongside the Hierro, Corazon, and Naguerro in Segura and Feroz if the Lasambrian orcs are to be believed.
<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Lleu Tarw, General of the Black Thorns">The Valiant Pegasus and our National Captains defend our homes whilst we march west from Feroz and begin a steady conquest with the Winter Sun and Redwind Corsairs to drive the Lasambrian Jotun scum back into Reinos. We march through winter, make them pay winter's price. Drive them to the Abyss.</quote></div>
The Lasambrian Orcs are diverting resources to support this dig, resources that they sorely need for the defence of Anduz against the inevitable Imperial push. Whatever is happening there is important to them. Indeed, the civil service have reported that a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] has been identified that seems to lead to the northern part of the Caida, not far from the excavation. Yet nobody can seem to find out ''why'' they are risking so much to support what looks on the surface to be little more than grave robbing. Or perhaps not ''quite'' nobody; according to the prognosticators they have received a letter from a Freeborn hermit by the name of Assio i Tambur i Gerra - a former custodian of [[Ghita's Veils]] - who claims to have further information about just why the Escuta and the Corazón are so interested in the Caida - information they intend to provide to the [[Imperial Necromancer]] and to nobody else.

The Lasambrian Jotun still maintain their control of the Western border, of the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#Kabalai_Palace|Kabalai palace]], of the southernmost Towers of Anduz, and of the trading town itself, but it seems likely that unless they receive significant reinforcement, and if the Empire continues its advance, they will be driven out of the Brass Coast entirely by the start of the new year. Surely one old battlefield cannot provide the barbarians with the kind of advantage they would need to slow the Imperial advance? Surely...
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Feroz</p>
While the Empire is reclaiming land claimed by the Jotun in the west, it is ceding land to the Grendel in the east. With the ink on the [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE|Grendel peace treaty]] barely dry,the Iron Gulls move forcefully into Afarjasse and Morajasse, claiming both regions for their own. The Grendel also take custody of the newly completed [[fortification]] of [[Feroz#Mora.27s_Rock|Moras Rock]], with the captain of the garrison surrendering the castle to the smirking general of the Iron Gulls before retreating with all her soldiers across the northern borders into Madruga. The Grendel seem to take special pleasure in setting up residence in the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz|Spice Gardens]] of Afarjasse, and stories are already circulating that the new Grendel governor - the grizzled old veteran ''Lord Rahab'' - takes pains to ensure every meal he eats is supplemented by spices from the famous Freeborn gardens. Needless to say, those spices are gathered now by slaves - orc slaves brought across from the Broken Shore for the moment but it seems unlikely that state of affairs will continue.

As the Winter Solstice approaches, the Salt Lords formally announce that Lord Rahab has been appointed to oversee the entire territory. Following quickly on the heels of that announcement come reassurances from the new governor that, as stipulated in the peace treaty, those Imperial citizens currently in Afarjasse and Morajasse have until the start of the Summer Solstice to relocate. After that time, any who remain will be subject to the rule of the orcs of Attar and further evacuation will not be permitted. In keeping with the agreement they have made with the [[Imperial Fleet Master]], the orc armies make no effort to prevent Imperial citizens from leaving the newly conquered lands. This same largesse does not extend to Freeborn citizens in [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]], [[Feroz#Fortargenta|Fortargenta]] or the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]]; they remain slaves of the Grendel conquerors to all intents and purposes. Vigilant orc sentinels patrol the borders between the conquered regions and the newly ceded territory with harsh penalties applied to any who attempt to flee north or west.

Rahab offers unexpected assurances however; any Freeborn who are prepared to bow their heads to their new orc masters need not fear chains or whips. Those who accept their new status will be free to continue much as they have before - albeit with certain restrictions on their ability to move between Feroz and the rest of the Empire. Those who resist, or offer succour to rebels or insurrectionists, will be harshly punished however. For each Grendel so much as injured by a former Imperial, a dozen Freeborn will be selected at random and shipped back to Attar to live out their lives in the salt mines of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Tathar|Tathar]] and [[Bay_of_Catazar#Ayereed|Ayereed]]. There are already rumours of Grendel offering significant rewards to any Freeborn prepared to inform on any of their countryfolk who are planning to flee, or to act against their Grendel overlords.

While the Freeeborn of Feroz may be in bondage, the Grendel seem to be taking a much more friendly approach to other humans. Representatives of the Asavean Archipelago in particular have been reported meeting with Lord Rahab at Oran. The Grendel governor is apparently keen to re-open Oran as a trading port - one that will offer berths not only to Asavean and Sarcophan vessels, but also to Imperial merchants should they wish to trade with the orcs of the Broken Shore... and should their consciences support such behaviour.

===Game Information : Segura and Feroz===
The Lasambrian Jotun have been driven out of Anozserai, and the Empire is around halfway towards driving them out of Segura entirely. The civil service confirms the presence of a major conjunction in Segura during the Winter Solstice that will allow the heroes of the Empire to reach the Caida and the Lasambrian Jotun digsite there.

The entire territory of Feroz is now in the hands of the Grendel. However, given Lord Rahab's interpretation of the peace treaty, the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory penalty]] will not be applied until the start of the Summer Solstice. For the moment, it is still possible for Freeborn citizens to go about their business in these two regions with minimal interference from the occupation forces. This largess does not extend to the rest of the territory, needless to say, only to the two regions ceded by the peace treaty.

Any Freeborn character whose personal resource is in Feroz is free to take advantage of this situation to evacuate the territory and [[Resource#Changing_Resources|gain a new rank one personal resource in another territory]] without the usual 2 crowns payment for changing a [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]].

The Empire no longer pays the upkeep for Mora's Rock, but at the same time they have lost control of the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz|Spice Gardens of Feroz]]. While the title still exists, it provides no income or other benefits until such time as the [[sinecure]] is again in Imperial hands.

383YE Autumn Equinox Synod judgements

2019-09-23T15:22:28Z

Cheer Police: /* Judgement 139 */

[[Category: Synod]] [[Category:Synod Results]] [[Category: Synod Judgements]] [[Category: 383YE Autumn]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Autumn Synod 383YE.jpg|caption=The sword scholars judge each mandate in turn.|align=right|width=400}}
==Overview==
During the Autumn Equinox 383YE Summit, the [[Imperial Synod]] raised 140 [[judgement|judgements]].
==Change of doctrine==
No [[change of doctrine]] was proposed during the Autumn Equinox summit.

==Veto==
The [[veto]] was not sought during the Autumn Equinox 383YE.

==Statement of principle==
The following [[statement of principle|statements of principle]] were presented to the assemblies of the Imperial Synod. X of these statements achieved a [[Judgement#Greater_Majority|Greater Majority]], meaning they will be distributed to appropriate assemblies.
__TOC__
===Judgement 4===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Rafael Barossa di Tasato
* '''Judgement:''' The Virtuous apply what they have learned: the Sword Scholars undermine this with their ruthless and indiscriminate opposition to the expressed will of the Synod. Their founder. Sulemaine i Taziel, taught them to browbeat, silence, and murder any who raised a dissenting voice. They would rather strike down a soul seeking the right question than face an unwelcome truth. We should stand against such narrow minded and dogmatic behaviour. Those of scholarly inclination should look to the Exemplars Kala Windward and Avigliana di Sarvos, not to Sulemaine i Taziel. Above all, we should not let the will of the Synod be stymied by followers of a lawless sect whose philosophy promotes silence, shame, and inaction.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (1535 - 321)
===Judgement 9===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawn National
* '''Raised By:''' Chauntecleer Words
* '''Judgement:''' The telling of tales within Dawn is one of our cherished traditions for instruction of the virtues. Dawn thanks all those who took part in the Summer contest of words for continuing this; in particular Claude Cutter, Roland Singer, and Tristaine Tiller for their joint entry that won the contest by the acclaim of our children.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (206 - 0)
===Judgement 11===
* '''Assembly:''' League National
* '''Raised By:''' Aureliana di Sarvos
* '''Judgement:''' We are one Empire and should act as such, particularly in light of the provenance of the curse on Holberg. The Memorial Orchard is a symbol of the Loyalty of the Marchers and should be recognised and celebrated as such.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (255 - 0)
===Judgement 18===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Erasmo di Tassato
* '''Judgement:''' We know from a past life vision that Unveiling is a practice of Hatred, known as Purity. With love, we seek out the poison in our neighbour's fields. We call on Highguard not to be complacent, to root out this blasphemous remnant of the past from their culture, and eradicate the seed of corruption growing in their nation.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1407 - 351)
===Judgement 19===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard National
* '''Raised By:''' Sister Tabitha of the Shattered Tower
* '''Judgement:''' The General Assembly has agreed that human souls may be reincarnated into trees. Being unable to move, trees are unable to perform virtuous deeds, leaving these souls trapped in a state of inaction that is through its passive nature unvirtous and preventing their progression through the Labyrinth. It is an affront to the teachings of the Way and an impediment to human destiny to leave these souls trapped, and action should be taken to free them.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (207 - 186)
===Judgement 20===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard National
* '''Raised By:''' Elkiah
* '''Judgement:''' As so eloquently put by Tabitha in Summer 383, it is time for the Highborn nation to show our Prosperity to the world. We call on the Highborn people to consider how best to repurpose the structure of Britta's Tomb into a memorial of the virtous dead, those who gave their lives for our destiny, but could not be brought home and properly buried. Many brothers and sisters have been lost abroad, beyond proper burial rites, and a structure would exalt the virtue of memorialized and pilgrim both. This is a better memorial to Brittas memory than a forgotten, disused tomb.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (546 - 12)
===Judgement 21===
* '''Assembly:''' Brass Coast National
* '''Raised By:''' Comus i Zemress
* '''Judgement:''' The Freeborn assembly invites the people of Urizen and their sword scholars to consider our shared tradition of questioning the Way. To this goal we invite the Urizen to celebrate the Broken Wheel with us this summit, and to hold it in their hearts for the following year. Through vigilant questioning, the Way remains true.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (214 - 0)
===Judgement 22===
* '''Assembly:''' Brass Coast National
* '''Raised By:''' Finna i Fijadoz i Guerra
* '''Judgement:''' When the Grendel tried to raise the restless spirits of the Isle of Osseini, they were thwarted by Justicars. With the loss of Feroz, many of these priests have been killed or enslaved, and their unique knowledge and expertise in exorcism is in danger of being lost. We call upon the Freeborn to support the remaining Justicars to gather to rebuild and expand them into a force dedicated to laying the unquiet dead to rest.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (282 - 0)
===Judgement 25===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Octavia
* '''Judgement:''' In these times of hardship, we must look to our future prosperity. We call upon the ambitious architects of Urizen to submit proposals for the improvement of the city of Cargo, that we might cement its place as a jewel of the Empire and a hub of international diplomacy and commerce.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (157 - 0); Primacy
===Judgement 26===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Hastatus of Risen Sun
* '''Judgement:''' The Highguard national assembly has invited priests from across the Empire to share how the Way is followed in other nations. We call upon the rational and virtuous scholars of Urizen to accept this invitation. Let us demonstrate to the world that only through free debate and rational enquiry can we truly perfect our understanding of virtue.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (132 - 0); Primacy
===Judgement 27===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade
* '''Judgement:''' The assembly commends Galene Netherwatch for her excellent work as convenor of the national assembly. We do not intend to create the position as an Imperial title, as this would be incompatible with her existing duties but do not want her Virtue to go unrecognised.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (126 - 0); Primacy

===Judgement 28===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark National
* '''Raised By:''' Saavi Araasdottir
* '''Judgement:''' Heroism and stories of heroism are a key part of Wintermark culture. We, the WIntermark Assembly, encourage our scops and scholars to meet and share stories in our oral tradition. A hero has a name and their stories should not be forgotten.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (307 - 0)
===Judgement 34===
* '''Assembly:''' Pride Virtue
* '''Raised By:''' Mael Donjeon of House Remys
* '''Judgement:''' ''And though the foe may beat you down / And crush with fist a-clenched / Beneath the stars, that heavenly net / May your light shine unquenched.'' We laud the armies of the League and Highguard for their unyielding loyalty, but our Pride swells greater that Urizen itself chose to be part of this Empire. They have borne the tearing apart of their elegant spires and ancient libraries by barbarian paws with grace and poise, never ceasing to stand resolute against a tide of terror. Names like Tanwyn Ankarien, Achilles of Damakan's Forge, and Nicassia of Phoenix Reach should be sung down the generations.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (294 - 0); Closed early
===Judgement 35===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard National
* '''Raised By:''' Brother Vashti of the Shattered Tower
* '''Judgement:''' We recognise the importance of the Sign of Tamar in Reikos and the need to preserve and research it. We call upon any citizens who can aid with this to do so.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (573 - 42)
===Judgement 36===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr National
* '''Raised By:''' Harwyn Hollowatcher
* '''Judgement:''' Actions have consequences; those who made allies of the Druj must face the repercussions for their actions. We urge those responsible for securing this alliance to deliver themselves for judgement by the Synod, and we ask the Conclave to condemn the alliance between the eternal Arhallogen and the orcs of the Mallum. They have made themselves known to the Navarr assembly and welcome inquisition.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (183 - 0)

===Judgement 46===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark National
* '''Raised By:''' Vauraus Korppitkotka
* '''Judgement:''' A strong Wintermark goes hand in hand with a strong Empire. For Loyalty, for Prosperity, the citizens of Wintermark should make use of all of the goods we have available. We call upon the citizens of Wintermark to build a trading hall in Valashal, Hahnmark and then for all Wintermark citizesn, and traders from across the Empire, to bring their white granite and ilium for trade so that Wintermark and the Empire can prosper.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (330 - 0)

===Judgement 47===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark National
* '''Raised By:''' Rafe
* '''Judgement:''' Very soon those that have been in bondage to the Thule will be coming home. We must be ready to welcome them back to Wintermark. We must be ready to feed and shelter them so they can find work and build new lives amongst the Winterfolk.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld witha a Greater Majority (290 - 0)

===Judgement 48===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr National
* '''Raised By:''' Raewyn Eternal
* '''Judgement:''' We, the Navarr National Assembly, denounce any who seek to work to the interests of the eternal Yaw'nagrah. Their words and actions have been to spread the wicked soul-trapping vallorn, and to have any part in this is the religious crimes of idolatry and heresy. None may call themselves Navarr who assist in Yaw'nagrah's intent. Those who do are to be pursued and persecuted; they are to be rooted out and brought before the magistrates.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (160 - 0)
===Judgement 51===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition Virtue
* '''Raised By:''' Ranae de Rondell
* '''Judgement:''' ''Do you see the star? / It's the light of Ambition / And it shines for all.'' The bracelet - Arete's Promise - was crafted by Nicassia of Urizen for Adelmar the Lion as a mark of his Ambition and so it stands. And as Ambition seeks to raise all about it, so shall its regalia. In order to facilitate this, we support the passing of Arete's Promise from one chosen holder to another to better share Ambition's flame. Each holder should then take the opportunity to use this honour to exalt and inspire other citizens, as Adelmar did with the creation of the Academy of Arms.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (124 - 0)
===Judgement 52===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Josephine of Adina's Charge
* '''Judgement:''' "Pride inspires others, it does not demean them." People all over the Empire judge and demean briars for what they are rather than what they do. This is a massive failing of Pride and we encourage everyone to challenge any who would demean or condemn Briars based on lineage alone. (There are solutions found and being worked on for historical issues. For more details see the extra sheet).
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (1555 - 222)
===Judgement 56===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr National
* '''Raised By:''' Ranulf Farkas
* '''Judgement:''' After a historical research request we the Navarr National Assembly as a matter of national Pride ask for citizens who have information regarding the Abraxus Stone known as "The Vate's Shelter". This was worn by a vate known as Roswen Doublestep and was lost during the reign of Brannan.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (180 - 0)

===Judgement 57===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer
* '''Judgement:''' The House of the Wanderer encourage all sword scholars to act within Imperial law in the prosecution of their virtuous challenged. With our increased responsibilities comes increased obligation to virtue.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (168 - 0)
===Judgement 58===
* '''Assembly:''' Brass Coast National
* '''Raised By:''' Luca i Taziel i Riqueza
* '''Judgement:''' Feroz is not lost. It is waiting.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (204 - 16)
===Judgement 63===
* '''Assembly:''' League National
* '''Raised By:''' Irada von Temeschwar
* '''Judgement:''' The Melfort should be a place of pilgrimage for those who are burdened by sorrow and prevented from virtuous action by that sorrow. The aura there is neither virtuous nor unvirtuous but can aid those who need it by helping them put their sorrow aside.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (202 - 22)
===Judgement 64===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc National
* '''Raised By:''' Chainbreaker Snark
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperial orcs are soldiers with a greater cause. We urge them to look towards the same inspiration that Highguard have, and take their matters of warfare with utmost virtue. With Pride we wish to become a new Imperial crusading storm. It shall strike awe into the hearts of the unvirtuous.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (53 - 27)

===Judgement 65===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Palladius
* '''Judgement:''' The Druj are the greatest threat to Urizen, and should be driven from Zenith.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (130 - 0)

===Judgement 66===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc National
* '''Raised By:''' Bloodcrow Udoo
* '''Judgement:''' We, the Imperial Orcs, declare our ambition to claim the Barrens. With vigilance we know when to strike and as such we shall not abandon our allies within the Empire! Upon every battlefield, no matter the cause, and with every action we commit ourselves to in service to the Empire we do mark our intent, reaffirm our Loyalty, and fortify our Ambition to claim the Barrens.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (100 - 0)

===Judgement 68===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra
* '''Judgement:''' The greatest achivement of Empress Lisabetta is her bureaucratic reform of the Empire. The systems she put in place for greater communication between bodies of state and circulation of information have instituted a system of operation very much underpinned by the principles of Wisdom and Vigilance. Other notable projects worthy of Pride such as the fortification of the Empire, constitutional changes, and the Liberty Pact could not have occurred without the foundations she laid down. I hereby name her Lisabetta the Bureaucrat.
* '''Outcome:''' No Upheld; Withdrawn by Tribune at the request of the Priest (630 - 203)
===Judgement 70===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard National
* '''Raised By:''' Ruth of the Cenotaph
* '''Judgement:''' We are sad to hear of renowned architect Frederick di Sarvos' intention to renounce Imperial citizenship. We feel his loss keenly. The Highborn chapter of the Cenotaph and Empress's Guild the House of Seven Mirrors petition him to reconsider his decision. In her will, Empress Lisabetta desired for a beautiful and useful structure "such that lessons of the past may be remembered by those who are yet to come." As a pilgrim of Wisdom, the Twentieth Empress was much taken with Frederick di Sarvos' plans for the Garden of Atun. We ask him to apply his inspiration and vision to her memorial so that it may stand equal to the tombs of the other august individuals who have held the Imperial Throne. If Frederick di Sarvos wishes to speak to the Cenotaph and the House of Seven Mirrors in Anvil, he would be most welcome. His costs and (??) would be recompensed in accordance with the rarity of his great skills.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (339 - 16)
===Judgement 72===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushka National
* '''Raised By:''' Belakov, Wolf of Echofell
* '''Judgement:''' We the national assembly of Varushka call for all Varushkan look to their vigilance and wisdom in remembering the Ways of the Nation's Hearth, from wolves to wards. And that like the Mora, all are not as they seem. Look to the roads, wards, and hospitality of their own hearth, this message must be spread to all Varushkans in the new territory of Ossium.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (154 - 0); Primacy

===Judgement 73===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushka National
* '''Raised By:''' Witold Petrous
* '''Judgement:''' We the national assembly call for the Wagon Raiders of Varushka to come and protect Varushkans and foreigners in Ossium and hunt the Druj in the territory.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (198 - 0); Primacy
===Judgement 74===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc National
* '''Raised By:''' Irontide Lok
* '''Judgement:''' Imperial orcs be vigilant. No evidence of reincarnation has ever been presented for our kind. Orcs have but one life. To think otherwise will invite apathy and the Howling Abyss. Stay vigilant in our ways. Guide those orcs new to our nation in our ways.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (63 - 18)
===Judgement 75===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushka National
* '''Raised By:''' Anastasiya Volkov
* '''Judgement:''' The virtuous build up their fellows, not tear them down. Varushka has a Preceptor who leads the national assembly. This is a gruelling and difficult task that Yeraushka does well and we the national assembly intend to provide her a new sinecure of their own as per the current opportunity. The rold of Tender of the Hearth is not that person, Instead they train the next generation of priests in the use of liao ceremonies and how to use their power as members of the National, Virtues, and General assemblies.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (196 - 0); Primacy
===Judgement 76===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark National
* '''Raised By:''' Edythe Dunne
* '''Judgement:''' Wintermark is three people one nation. It is our ability to work together to build strength for all of Witnermark and the Empire. Look at our example for how we bring Wintermark together. Tyr Brenna, Lumi Warmthbringer, Bron of Hyrst Hall, have all worked for the good of Wintermark. We urge all Wintermarkers to work together so that Wintermarkers and the Empire can be more prosperous.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (383 - 0)
===Judgement 77===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawn National
* '''Raised By:''' The Earl of Fools
* '''Judgement:''' Dawn's Champions of Virtue, Love and Glory; Viligance - Lord Corvyn Coerdefeur; Prosperity - Lord Bors de Carsenare; Amibiton - Knight-errant Tilly Thorn; Loyalty - Ser Armand Remys; Pride - Enchantress Vivienne d'Acrev;Courage - Lord Thomas Aurelius; Wisdom - Knight-errant Claud Dutter; the Way - Kay Griffonsbane; Love - Ladies Catalina and Clarice Novarion; Glory - enchantress Morien Carsenere.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (108 - 0)
===Judgement 78===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawn National
* '''Raised By:''' Iaqua
* '''Judgement:''' In the interests of the Prosperity of Dawn, the Dawnish national assembly supports the construction of Applefel market in Weirwater with funds supplied by the Glory purse.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (58 - 8)
===Judgement 79===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark National
* '''Raised By:''' Alfmund Fordwinsson
* '''Judgement:''' The notion of honour is a Jotun one, It is not heroic, and it is not virtuous. Ambition teaches us that no price is too great to achieve our goals, and adhering to the Jotun idea of honour stands as an obstacle to the path of heroism. Reject honour and embrace our hearth magic.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (178 - 50)
===Judgement 81===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition Virtue
* '''Raised By:''' Arna von Lecke
* '''Judgement:''' The Melfort contains an aura from pre-Imperial times. I believe this aura is ambitious in nature. This subtle but virtuous aura allows those burdened with grief, loss, betrayed by the power to grieve and come to terms healthy and then strive for their goals that they were held back from. This place should be made a place of pilgrimage.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (62 - 0)
===Judgement 83===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark National
* '''Raised By:''' Ursa
* '''Judgement:''' The priests of Wintermark encourage ex-thralls of the Jotun to return to the nation and re-affirm their bond with Sulkavaris. We assure them that Wintermark has not forgotten them and that for those who feel that their skein has frayed, there will be a stormcrow waiting to guide them back to the way of Virtue and heroism.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (201 - 0)
===Judgement 84===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard National
* '''Raised By:''' Lilith of the Chantry
* '''Judgement:''' When the empire's heroes pass through the Sentinel Gate they represent their nation, Empire, and the Way itself. We must show those humans enslaved by our enemies that the Empire offers them the possibility of a virtuous life, and make every effort to save them, body and soul.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (486 - 0)
===Judgement 85===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Kerem of the Chantry
* '''Judgement:''' To contribute virtuously to the reckoning between Highguard and the League, the Holberg Suite will be performed in various locations around the Empire. To balance the books is a virtuous act. This undertaking will be led by the Chantry of the Silver Skull.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1280 - 52)
===Judgement 86===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity Virtue
* '''Raised By:''' Gilah of the Chantry
* '''Judgement:''' Prosperity seeks a fair reward for fair work. A requirement to work without fair pay and without the right to withdraw labour is akin to slavery. The prosperity assembly supports the Grand Militia Officers Union in seeking fair pay and the right to strike.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (257 - 14)
===Judgement 87===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Elvar Vulfson
* '''Judgement:''' That Thane Raknar Ravenstorm of Stormspire shall have his name added to the Book of Heroes for this pivotal role in warden of the raid of Ikka's Tears, calling upon the aid of the other nations and achieving great success against the Jotun and moving forward the war to regain sermersuaq.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (210 - 0); Closed early
===Judgement 88===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark National
* '''Raised By:''' Pahkina
* '''Judgement:''' Asny of Storm Spire, the head healer of the Mark, does great work supporting our warriors and keeping them alive, but there are not enough herbs to go with all of our warriors. We recognise this good work that she is doing and call on all of the Wintermark, but especially those who live in the lush green marshes of Kallavesa, to gather all the herbs they can, to harvest from the hidden herb groves, to be able to provide more herbs to the head healer so that they can save more lives.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (223 - 0)
===Judgement 89===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawn National
* '''Raised By:''' Yvaine Vexille
* '''Judgement:''' The Dawnish national assembly celebrates the victory of the knights of Dawn and encourages them to continue the virtuous fight against the vallorn.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (68 - 0)
===Judgement 90===
* '''Assembly:''' Varushka national
* '''Raised By:''' Irina Vasillova Dukov
* '''Judgement:''' We the Varushkan national assembly recognise the Ambition of Yevanshka, our preceptor, to transform the Varushkan national assembly into an example of unity and effectiveness and the courage to see it through to fruition. Yevanshka's vigilance saw that the national assembly was failing their congregations and used Wisdom to work decisively to stir the Loyalty of the national assembly to give focus to their duty. They encourage the Prosperity if their assembled priests to go out and share their skills and knowledge to take action to ensure that Varushkans follow the path of virtue. Yevanshka is the Pride of our assembly and the devotion to their duty has made the national assembly the pride of Varushka and an example to the Empire.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (156 - 0)
===Judgement 93===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Menander Seaspire
* '''Judgement:''' People of the Urizen, the Citadel Army is starving at the current rate of decline we can only expect to lose more spires and territories, to this end, I urge you all to search your stores for supplies to provide the army with.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (170 - 0)
===Judgement 95===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard National
* '''Raised By:''' Tabris, Son of Armisael
* '''Judgement:''' From their earliest days Highborn children are taught that those who bear the touch of the realms are to be considered lesser and that those who carry lineage are to pitied. The virtuous build up their fellows, they do not tear them down. The virtuous inspire others to greatness, the do not demean them. This mistreatment tends to self-hatred among many of our people. Challenge yourself to consider actions you may consider second nature, or whether they can prevent others from becoming truly virtuous.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (260 - 31)
===Judgement 96===
* '''Assembly:''' Dawn National
* '''Raised By:''' Pelleas Montrose
* '''Judgement:''' We embrace our history as those who left Asavea to forge our future and go on to adopt the Way. Let us exalt those houses who open their doors to Asavean followers of the Way who are inspired by our great deeds.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (100 - 0)
===Judgement 97===
* '''Assembly:''' Brass Coast National
* '''Raised By:''' Soratio Seseet i del Torro i Riqueza
* '''Judgement:''' The scholars of the Brass Coast should visit the newly built seminary of Zemress, and work to translate, transcrive, and organise the texts provided by the Sumaah republic.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (156 - 0)
===Judgement 98===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance National
* '''Raised By:''' Lochias
* '''Judgement:''' Vigilance teaches us to guard against known threats as much as to seek them out. The spire of Oblivion's Edge was built to watch over the Black Plateau, but has fallen into ruin. The threat of the plateau has strengthened and so must our defence we the vigilance assembly support efforts to rebuild the spire.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (139 - 0)
===Judgement 99===
* '''Assembly:''' Wintermark National
* '''Raised By:''' Arhan of Ashenhall
* '''Judgement:''' With Iron Osric in the military council and as general of the Greenshields, we held out against the greatest enemy force to have invaded the Empire since Britta's Death. With Iron Osric as field marshal, we scored the fastest major victory ever recorded - a decisive defeat of the Jotun in Atalaq. Wintermark stands resolutely with Osric inspired to match this exemplary courage and Loyalty as we strive to reclaim Sermersuaq for the Empire.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (256 - 0)
===Judgement 101===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc National
* '''Raised By:''' Skywise Tulva
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperial Orc assembly accepts the invitation of Varushka. We encourage Imperial Orc preachers to seek out the orcs of Ossium to help in teaching them the way of Virtue.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (54 - 0)
===Judgement 102===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr National
* '''Raised By:''' Neala Blackhawk
* '''Judgement:''' Eirwen Brackensong single handedly cast; Merciless Wrath of the Reaver for over 140 times during the last 3 seasons. in defence of Brocéliande she personally set the equivalent 4,260 troops to fight the vallorn. The Navarr national assembly recognises her tireless efforts on behalf of the Empire which shows extreme Loyalty and Pride in her nation.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (124 - 0)
===Judgement 103===
* '''Assembly:''' Marches National
* '''Raised By:''' Mel Bleak
* '''Judgement:''' The magic of Spring is a strength to be yoked by Marchers, Landskeepers harness it in farming rituals - and Marcher briars use it every day of their lives. Ambition despises pettiness; prosperity despises waste. To leave briar strength unwanted is to give in to the false virtue of hatred which despises only for difference. The Marcher assembly calls for the nation to lift up our briar neighbours in Pride; to encourage greatness in their works. And to stop being dickheads to 'em.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (92 - 0)
===Judgement 104===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Leah of the Shattered Tower
* '''Judgement:''' Given that the Temple of the Black Bull is not under our control, and our building in Asavea is in disrepair, it would be in the interests of the Empire to not renew, and to destroy (in a controlled manner) both buildings given our commitment tobuilding stronger relations with non-slaving nations.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (266 - 10)
===Judgement 106===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Lev Unbound
* '''Judgement:''' Our territories were cursed this summit and last summit. This was done by the League as part of their reckoning for the tragedy in Sarvos and Holberg. Debts must be paid by our nation and we must endure this curse. Remember, we are an example to the rest of the Empire, in hardship we can shine brighter in virtue.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with Greater Majority (257 - 0)
===Judgement 108===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Faber Aerarius
* '''Judgement:''' The spires, temples and citadels of Urizen commend the soldiers of the citadel guard for their service and offer those disbanded from the army to join the house of the wanderer, and any other temples, spires or citadels in lieu of their lost homes.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a greater majority (155 - 0)
===Judgement 109===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Cato Hypation
* '''Judgement:''' The title "Paragon of Blades" is exactly that, a title. The Synod does not currently recognise Sulemaine i Taziel as a paragon of virtue. The Urizen assembly do not contest this.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (124 - 0)
===Judgement 110===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Alcuin Shatterspire
* '''Judgement:''' Both poise and arete are Aesh and Zorech combined - the power of unstoppable passion guided by the calm hand of reason. We in Urizen celebrate the arete of those whose skills and persuits involve the evocation of passion.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (109 - 76)
===Judgement 111===
* '''Assembly:''' General
* '''Raised By:''' Amris
* '''Judgement:''' The Synod have repeatedly raised judgements condemning slavery and idolatry. Despite this, some citizens are still foolishly aiding and assisting those who promote these crimes. All nations should hunt these fools down and harshly chastise them in order to bring them back to virtue.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (954 - 178)
===Judgement 112===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc National
* '''Raised By:''' Skywise Fal
* '''Judgement:''' We the preachers of Skarsind welcome the former subjugated tribes of the Druj residing in Ossium to travel to Skarsind to begin new lives in the legions as Imperial citizens.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a greater majority (55 - 0)
===Judgement 113===
* '''Assembly:''' Imperial Orc National
* '''Raised By:''' Skywise Gralka
* '''Judgement:''' Reavers long have you shown your worth in supplying our legions but now your preachers come to you with a plea, those orcs in Axos who have gained their freedom own little and are restricted greatly. Supply them where you can when you visit this foreign nation show your prosperity but if they wish to leave Axos show them the way to our Empire.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (54 - 0)
===Judgement 114===
* '''Assembly:''' Ambition Virtue
* '''Raised By:''' Lady Eve Orzel
* '''Judgement:''' We intend to sanctify with true liao the first Academy of Arms in order to remind all citizens that regardless of their situation they are capable of great things and should work realise their ambition as Adelmar did.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (86 - 0)
===Judgement 115===
* '''Assembly:''' Wisdom Virtue
* '''Raised By:''' Illya Nikovitch Volkov
* '''Judgement:''' All virtuous citizens of the Empire are encouraged to make pilgrimage to the shrine of Zoria at Zoria's Maze in Miekarova. There to share stories of Zoria so that all can benefit from Zoria's wisdom.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (200 - 18)
===Judgement 117===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance Virtue
* '''Raised By:''' Severi Jarlmarison
* '''Judgement:''' We, the Vigilance assembly, recognise that Volfe Stormhaser has completed their penance through heroism and sacrifice in battle against the vallorn.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (71 - 80)
===Judgement 118===
* '''Assembly:''' General Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Friar Jack Reed
* '''Judgement:''' Recent targeting against briars and lineaged folk has seen some citizens regard them as non-humans. Since lineaged folk are able to experience true-liao visions reincarnate this is false and spreading such teachings contradicts Doctrine, technically heresy and our congregations must be reminded of this.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1117 - 80)
===Judgement 119===
* '''Assembly:''' General Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Kaspar Yakovitch von Holberg
* '''Judgement:''' The greatest achievement of Empress Lisabetta was her ambitious reform and rebuilding of the mechanisms of state, ensuring that the decisions of the great councils were taken in wisdom. The systems she put in place for the greater communication between bodies of state and circulation of information laid the foundations for other notable projects such as the fortification of the Empire, constitutional changes, and the Liberty pact. It was her ability to inspire citizens of the Empire to act and create that raised the entire Empire up. I hereby name her Lisabetta the Patron.
* '''Outcome:''' Withdrawn by request (517 - 106)
===Judgement 121===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Cesare Enzo di Trivento
* '''Judgement:''' The children and orphans of Urizen require their chance to become Prosperous. The Little Mother spent her life teaching orphans the Way of virtue. The Church of the Little Mother calls for a school to be built in the nation specifically to aid the oprhans of the recent fighting in the region.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (239 - 0)
===Judgement 122===
* '''Assembly:''' General Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Lysimachus
* '''Judgement:''' The virtue fund is for the virtue of the Empire, as such every donation helps, even a single ring, if any citizen can spare a ring, it would aid the fund.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (734 - 115)
===Judgement 126===
* '''Assembly:''' Assembly of Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Onan of the Chantry
* '''Judgement:''' The Nine call upon the people of the Empire to show their Prosperity by helping the Asavean refugees who have reached our shores. Open your hearts to those who have escaped from the cruelties of the Plenum, who would make them slaves and force them to bow down before false gods. help them to learn of the Way so that they may go forward in virtue.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (8 - 0); Primacy
===Judgement 127===
* '''Assembly:''' Assembly of Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Clarice Novarion
* '''Judgement:''' Debate is necessary and laudable, but obstructing the Synod's capacity to act and guide our citizens on the Way is not. if the sword scholars truly wish to improve and influence the quality of Imperial thinking let them do so by participating in the business and processes of the Imperial Synod, not by obstructing its ability to act.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (8 - 0); Primacy

===Judgement 128===
* '''Assembly:''' Assembly of Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Hywel Summer Crow
* '''Judgement:''' The Synod has a responsibility to guide each individual to grow in greater virtue. It also has a responsibility to preserve and nurture the Empire as an enduring cradle of the Way that our individual future lives may be guided in virtue in their turn. Success requires both of them. If we neglect either one, we have failed in both.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (8 - 0); Primacy

===Judgement 129===
* '''Assembly:''' Assembly of Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Astrid Rezia di Tassato
* '''Judgement:''' The greatest achievement of Empress Lisabetta was the systems she put in place for the greater communication between bodies of state and circulation of information, which ensured the decisions of the Great Councils were taken in Wisdom. These laid the foundation for other notable projects such as the fortification of the Empire, and the Liberty Pact. it was her ability to inspire citizens of the Empire to act and create that raised the entire Empire up. I hereby name her Lisabetta the Patron.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (8 - 0); Primacy

===Judgement 130===
* '''Assembly:''' Assembly of the Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Viviane de Coeurdefer
* '''Judgement:''' Feroz is not lost. It is waiting. Spiral is not lost. The spires are eternal. Sermersuaq is not lost. The storm will survive. We support the ceasefire with the Grendel, and know we pay Ambition's price for this our Empire and all our Nations. We will come back.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (8 - 0); Primacy

===Judgement 131===
* '''Assembly:''' Brass Coast National
* '''Raised By:''' Sagremar i Zayden
* '''Judgement:''' Remember Kethry. It is a viruous act when conquered to hold proudly to your traditions and faith. It is an act of virtue to face your foe and refuse to cede your identity or culture. Remember Kethry. the waves erode the strongest rock, and no force can stop the tides turning.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (236 - 0)
===Judgement 132===
* '''Assembly:''' Brass Coast National
* '''Raised By:''' Rocia i Fijadoz i Guerra
* '''Judgement:''' We have been presented with a terrible choice. However, the National Assembly acknowledge that ceding Feroz to the Grendel to buy two years of peace is the less terrible option. We recognise the Courage of the senators and generals in making the unpleasant choice. But! We commit to hold our senators and generals accountable to ensure that this time is spent Prosperously in preparation and not squandered in order that the day after the treaty expires we will have armies ready to march into Feroz and take back our home!
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (242 - 0); Primacy

===Judgement 133===
* '''Assembly:''' Brass Coast National
* '''Raised By:''' Efenia i Maristella i Riqueza
* '''Judgement:''' If the treaty with the Grendel does not pass Senate, we call upon the rallied corsairs to attack the shipyard at Drake Island and destroy their ships and docks. If however the treaty with the Grendel does pass in Senate, we urge the corsairs to focus their efforts on aiding the evacuation of the citizens of Feroz during the agreed season of evacuation as stated in the treaty.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (246 - 0)
===Judgement 134===
* '''Assembly:''' Brass Coast National
* '''Raised By:''' Dayanara i Cabeza i Erigo
* '''Judgement:''' The Brass Coast strive to be vigilant, eyes open to the best deal, the fairest wind and the low sitting hull of a ship full of cargo to raid. We call upon these virtuous Freeborn to use their vigilance to identify those who would seek to avoid paying Imperial Tariff - the price for slaving - and who would question our Pride in our ability to uphold Imperial law, by identifying and exposing, dishonest smugglers for what they are. Life is short - never let it be dull.
* '''Outcome:''' Uphold with a Greater Majority (256 - 0)

===Judgement 135===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr National
* '''Raised By:''' Enis Splinterspear
* '''Judgement:''' We of the Navarr assembly urge everyone to remain vigilant for any briar with new trappings and flowers and get them to seek medical aid urgently.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater majority (166 - 0); Primacy
===Judgement 137===
* '''Assembly:''' Marches National
* '''Raised By:''' Brother Hugh
* '''Judgement:''' We urge Marchers to take up arms and take advantage of Will Talbot's Imperial Levy to defend Marcher lands. Only a fool cuts hay in a burning field.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (142 - 0); Primacy
===Judgement 138===
* '''Assembly:''' Marches National
* '''Raised By:''' Friar John of the Mourn
* '''Judgement:''' We, the Marcher National assembly, recognise the virtues shown by those Marchers who have put aside their farms and trades to take up arms in defence of Bregasland. We call upon those who remain on their lands to defend the Prosperity of the Marches. We ask that they spare their labour to help maintain the farms, the farms of their neighbours, who leave to fight for defence of our nation. In conclusion bearin mind what example has begun. What today you do you in kind has power for everyone.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with Greater Majority (122-0); Primacy
===Judgement 139===
* '''Assembly:''' Marches National
* '''Raised By:''' Sister Elspeth
* '''Judgement:''' Jotun are on Marcher land in the Bregas swamps, so we're gonna fuck them up. Jotun are scaredycats who don't like water and are afeared of boats and suchlike, so why were they in Bregasland anyhow? We can privateer just as well as any Freeborn. Marchers with boats raid the crap out of the Jotun make them fear the sea.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (122 - 0)

===Judgement 140===
* '''Assembly:''' Marches National
* '''Raised By:''' Will Oswinson
* '''Judgement:''' The warbands that raided the Singing Caves in the summer are still at large in the Marches, they may look like Feni by they are (??) monsters in service to dark forces. We ask workers to be vigilant to danger, reporting relating rumours, sightings, and strange goings on. If these (??) come for your village the (??) assailants can be stopped by removing the head or destroying the brain.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (122 - 0); Primacy

==Mandate==
The following [[mandate|mandates]] were passed during the Autumn Equinox. Where there are [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing mandates]], the one that passes with the largest margin is successful and all other competing mandates are considered to have failed.

Some mandates were upheld by their respective assemblies but failed due to the [[Mercy is weakness|intervention]] of the Wisdom assembly and the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]]. [[#Judgement_7|Judgement 7]] (encourage Imperial citizens to find opportunities for cooperation with the [[eternal|eternals]]), [[#Judgement_17|Judgement 17]] (encourage citizens to travel to [[Zenith]] and offer aid there), and [[#Judgement_53|Judgement 52]] (encourage Marcher pilgrims to make a pilgrimage to Holberg) were all ineffective as a consequence.
===Judgement 3===
* '''Assembly:''' General Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Genoveva Barossa di Tassato
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send Genoveva Barossa di Tassato with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to commit themselves to a pilgrimage of devotion and revelation found in the mandates endorsed by the Synod.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (1624 - 310). '''''Enacted'''''. It will be easier for the Synod to pass mandates following the Winter Solstice.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Crowned_in_rose_and_heather#The_Journey_of_the_Soul|here]].

===Judgement 7===
* '''Assembly:''' General Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Galene Netherwatch
* '''Judgement:''' We must not subsume our will to inhuman forces, but nor should we fear to act where cooperation with an eternal can support a virtuous endeavour. We send Galene Netherwatch with 100 doses of liao to reassure the people of the Empire that working with an eternal to achieve virtuous end is not idolatry.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (1367 - 151). '''''Not Enacted'''''. No liao was provided to enact this mandate. It would have encouraged citizens across the Empire to seek out opportunities to cooperate with eternals toward virtuous ends. Even if the liao had been provided, however, as the mandate did not achieve a greater majority, the Wisdom assembly and the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] would have [[Mercy is weakness|prevented it being enacted]].
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Something_must_break#Toward_Virtuous_Ends|here]].

===Judgement 10===
* '''Assembly:''' Navarr Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Corey Wayfarer
* '''Judgement:''' The people of Brocéliande stand guard against the vallorn, but they should not sacrifice their future to do so. The curse can be removed, but it will require a great working of magic to do so. We send Corey Wayfarer with 50 liao to urge all the people of the nation to identify ways that we might raise the magical might we need.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (190 - 0). '''''Enacted'''''. This mandate encourages Navarr citizens to seek out ways to help remove [[Wither the Seed]] from [[Brocéliande]].
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Desolation_of_Yoorn#Withered_Broc.C3.A9liande|here]].

===Judgement 12===
* '''Assembly:''' Prosperity Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Bartimaeus of the Shattered Tower
* '''Judgement:''' The Prosperity assembly believes that it is vital that not only the Sand Fishers but all who deal with them respect the first tenet of Prosperity. We send Bartimaeus with 50 doses of liao to urge both foreign orc and Imperial citizen to set prosperous prices and trade fairly so that all may claim the just rewards of their labours
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (271 - 0). '''''Enacted'''''. This mandate encourages not only the Sand Fishers but those Imperial citizens dealing with them to engage in "fair" trading practices.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[The_blessing_way#A_Dream_of_Prosperity|here]].

===Judgement 13===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Lina of Felix's Watch
* '''Judgement:''' We the League National Assembly will not allow this stain to mar the beauty of Holberg, as such we send Lina of Felix's Watch with 25 doses of liao to convince business owners of Holberg to support the efforts to clean the waters of Holmauer
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (748 - 32). '''''Enacted'''''. Every [[business]] in each territory of Highguard will see a penalty equivalent to one rank in the following season, but the fouled waters of Holberg will be purified.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[In_the_garden_of_defiance#The_Foul_Waters_of_Regret|here]].

===Judgement 15===
* '''Assembly:''' General Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Severin Teyhard von Holberg
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send Severin von Holberg with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to devote themselves to a pilgrimage of investigation and study to discover what we can about the Howling Abyss.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (981-676). Margin 305. '''Not enacted'''. This is a ''pilgrimage of the mind'', in competition with [[#Judgement 82|Judgement 82]], which received a greater margin. The mandate would have encouraged people to pursue insight into the Howling Abyss.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Crowned_in_rose_and_heather#The_Journey_of_the_Mind|here]].
===Judgement 16===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower
* '''Judgement:''' The vallorn of Brocéliande remains a threat, as do the Vallorn that lay throughout the Empire. The Highborn National assembly applauds the Courage of our Pilgrims and calls upon all the faithful to redouble our efforts to destroy the greatest spiritual threat faced by the Empire. We send Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower with 50 doses of liao to encourage the priests of Highguard to continue aiding in the fight against the vallorn..
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (752 - 0). '''Enacted'''. This mandate encourages Highborn congregations to continue supporting the efforts against the vallorn.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Fall_of_Brocéliande#The_Blade_of_the_Pilgrims|here]].
===Judgement 17===
* '''Assembly:''' General Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Cimeies of Felix's Watch
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send Cimeies of Felix's Watch with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to devote themselves to a pilgrimage of travel and exploration following the trods to Zenith.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (813 - 442). '''Not enacted'''. No liao provided. This mandate would have encouraged Imperial citizens to make pilgrimage to Zenith. Even had liao been provided, the intervention of the Wisdom assembly and the sword scholars would have [[Mercy is weakness|prevented it having effect]].
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Crowned_in_rose_and_heather#The_Journey_of_the_Body|here]].

===Judgement 24===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Maximillian
* '''Judgement:''' We must not subsume our will to inhuman forces, but nor should we fear to act where cooperation with an eternal can support a virtuous endeavour. We send Maximillian with 50 doses of liao to reassure all the people of Urizen that working with an eternal to achieve a virtuous end is not idolatry..
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (122 - 20). Margin 371. '''Enacted'''. This mandate encourages citizens of Urizen to seek out opportunities for virtuous cooperation with eternals.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Something_must_break#Toward_Virtuous_Ends|here]].
===Judgement 40===
* '''Assembly:''' Vigilance Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Aneira Exiles End
* '''Judgement:''' Vigilance teaches us to seek out the poison in our neighbour’s fields, lest your own crops be blighted. We send Aneira Exiles End with 50 liao to urge every vigilant citizen to remain alert for signs of idolatrous worship of Yaw'nagrah, or reverence of the monstrous vallorn and bring their suspicions to the attention of their priests.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (241- 0). '''Enacted'''. This mandate encourages virtuous citizens to actively seek out followers of Yaw'nagrah or those they suspect might have connections to the Heirs of Terunael.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Rise_of_Terunael#Further_Vigilance|here]].
===Judgement 41===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Able the Taller
* '''Judgement:''' The empire is our manifest destiny. We send Able of the Shattered Tower with 75 doses of liao to urge every citizen serving in the Highborn armies to be filled with the zeal to virtuously drive the enemy before them
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (610- 14). Margin 596, in competition to [[#Judgement 43|Judgement 43]]. '''Enacted'''. This mandate gives the Highborn armies the [[Three_soldiers#Crusade|Crusading Storm]] special order.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Three_soldiers#Crusade|here]].
===Judgement 43===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Jada
* '''Judgement:''' The Druj are motivated only by their own vile wickedness. We send Jada with 75 doses of liao to urge every citizen serving in the Highborn armies to be filled with the zeal to put these barbarians to the sword
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (391- 217). Margin 174, in competition to [[#Judgement 41|Judgement 41]]. '''Not enacted'''. This mandate would have given the Highborn armies the [[Three_soldiers#Punishment|Put them to the sword]] special order.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Three_soldiers#Punishment|here]].
===Judgement 53===
* '''Assembly:''' Marches Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Landon of Longridge
* '''Judgement:''' The miraculous preservation of the Memorial Garden and the Apple Grove are a testament to the {virtue} of General Flowers. We send Landon with 25 doses of liao to encourage Marchers to undertake a pilgrimage to Holberg to view this wonder for themselves.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (94 - 74). '''Not enacted'''. No liao provided. This mandate would have encouraged a Marcher pilgrimage to Holberg, but it was [[Mercy is weakness|rendered ineffective]] by the intervention of the Wisdom assembly and the sword scholars.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[In_the_garden_of_defiance#Trees_and_Flowers|here]].

===Judgement 61===
* '''Assembly:''' Highguard Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Yarona of the Chantry
* '''Judgement:''' All laudable human qualities have their roots in the seven Virtues. We send Yarona of the Chantry with 50 doses of liao to show people that love and glory are to be celebrated for the ways in which they drive the faithful to greater acts of Virtue.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (522 - 42). '''Enacted'''. This mandate immediately removes the penalty affecting Dawnish congregations; Grants one additional liao and two additional votes to Highborn and Dawnish congregations for the next two seasons; for the next year the priests of both nations may gain the chance to support, oppose, or otherwise react to statements and mandates of importance to the other nation.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Love_and_rockets#Virtue|here]].

===Judgement 69===
* '''Assembly:''' League Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato
* '''Judgement:''' The people of Whittle are not evil, they are misguided. Their hatred of orcs is founded on decades of fighting the Jotun and not just their faith. Their embrace of hatred is no more problematic for civilised folk than the false idols of the Asaveans. As such the League assembly sends Ophelia Sanguineao Rezia di Tassato with 50 doses of liao to offer the Whittle folk sanctuary in Tassato, in the Little Mournwold district that they helped to found. While the people of Tassato accept orcs as citizens of the Empire, there are no orcs vying to become citizens of the League and so the Whittle folk may live peacefully in Tassato Mestra without compromising their beliefs - as long as they accept that preaching the false virtue of Hatred will not be tolerated.
* '''Outcome:''' Not upheld (114 - 142). '''Not Upheld'''.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[All_the_news_from_Twin_Town#Little_Mournwold|here]].
===Judgement 82===
* '''Assembly:''' General Assembly
* '''Raised By:''' Veikko Bondforger
* '''Judgement:''' The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send Veikko Bondforger with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to commit themselves to a pilgrimage of dreaming, to reveal the truths found in their own soul and beyond.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld (719 - 342). Margin 377. '''Not Enacted'''. No liao provided. This is a ''pilgrimage of the mind'' was in competition with [[#Judgement 15|Judgement 15]], but received a greater margin. It would have encouraged pilgrims to seek out inspiration in magical dreams.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Crowned_in_rose_and_heather#The_Journey_of_the_Mind|here]].

===Judgement 100===
* '''Assembly:''' Urizen National
* '''Raised By:''' Aurum of the Nightingale Temple
* '''Judgement:''' The Paragon of Blades is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit - pure calculating reason unhindered by emotion or pity. We send Aurum of the Nightingale Temple with 50 doses of liao to encourage every Urizeni to embrace her teachings. Let us bring strength against weakness and victory will be ours.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (154 - 65). '''Enacted'''. This mandate further solidifies support for the sword scholars. It will create the opportunity for the Empire to fund the creation of more sword scholar temples across Morrow. In addition their implacable opposition to the influence of the Imperial Synod would make it harder for statements of principle passed by the Assembly of the Nine or the General Assembly to affect Urizen. It would not be impossible - but the impact of any statements would be attenuated.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[Mercy_is_weakness#The_Soul_Is_A_Blade|here]].

===Judgement 124===
* '''Assembly:''' Assembly of Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Sariel
* '''Judgement:''' In Wisdom the Synod judges liao trade with the Axos to be an acceptable activity that is neither virtuous nor unvirtuous. We send Sariel of the Shattered Tower with 25 liao to reassure the citizens of the Empire that selling or trading liao with the people of Axos is as virtuous and Prosperous as any other trade.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (8 - 0). Primacy. '''Enacted'''. This mandate makes it clear it is acceptable to sell liao to the Axou.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[A_mountain_of_vipers#The_Liao_Trade|here]].

===Judgement 125===
* '''Assembly:''' Assembly of Nine
* '''Raised By:''' Ser Ancél Watcher
* '''Judgement:''' The practice of Hatred in the Mournwold cannot be tolerated any longer. We send Sister Meredith Stellamaris with 25 doses of liao to lead the Silent Bell in tracking down those whose heart has turned to Hate with the aid of the Grey Pilgrims.
* '''Outcome:''' Upheld with a Greater Majority (7 - 1). Primacy. '''Enacted'''. This mandate sends the Silent Bell to look into the Whittle situation and report their findings.
* '''Notes:''' The opportunity is detailed [[In_the_flat_field#Vigilance_Thwarts_Malice|here]].

==Evaluation==
The Synod made the following judgements of [[excommunication]], [[inquisition]], [[revocation]], and [[sanction]].

==Recognition==
There were no judgements of [[recognition]] during the Autumn Equinox.

==Appointment==
At the Summit, the following [[appointment|appointments]] were proposed by the Assemblies of the Synod. You can find the names of citizens who currently hold Imperial titles in the Synod [[Current Imperial titles|here]].

==Rewarding==
The following judgements of [[rewarding]] were proposed during the Autumn Equinox.

==The Virtue Fund==
The following represents the Virtue Fund of the Synod:
{|
| ''Starting Value'' || Nil ||
|-
| ''Income'' || 1 Ring || Donation by Lysimachus.
|-
| ''Income'' || 1 Crown || Donation by John of Meade.
|-
| ''Income '' || 70 Thrones || The price paid in the Bourse Auction for the dose of True Liao.
|-
| ''Rewarding'' || 7 Thrones || Rewarding to Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun following Judgement 105 being automatically upheld.
|-
| ''Rewarding'' || 5 Thrones || Rewarding to Livia Cascade following Judgement 107 being automatically upheld.
|-
| ''Rewarding'' || 10 Thrones || Rewarding to Franco i Erigo following Judgement 33 being upheld.
|-
| ''Rewarding'' || 4 Thrones || Rewarding to Meredith Nighthaven following Judgement 39 being upheld.
|-
| ''Income'' || 1 Crown || Donation by Tarquinius Ankarien.
|-
| ''Rewarding'' || 5 Thrones || Rewarding to Aureliana Perpetua Nicasia Saverio di Sarvos following Judgement 136 being automatically upheld.
|-
| ''Closing Value'' || 39 Thrones, 2 Crowns, 1 Ring ||
|}

==Doses of True Liao==

Four doses of [[Liao#True Liao|True Liao]] were disbursed this summit:

* One dose to Nessetta Constanta by purchase in the [[Public auction|Public Auction]]
* One dose to Viviane de Coeurdefer by decision of the [[Gatekeeper|Gatekeepers]]
* One dose to Tarquinius Ankarien by decision of the [[Gatekeeper|Gatekeepers]]
* One dose to Asher Holt by decision of the [[Gatekeeper|Gatekeepers]]

==Assembly Strength==

[[Category: Synod]]
[[Category:Synod Results]]
[[Category: Synod Judgements]]
[[Category: 383YE]]

383YE Autumn Equinox Synod judgements

2019-09-23T12:06:21Z

Cheer Police: /* Judgement 65 */

In the flat field

2019-09-09T19:16:13Z

Cheer Police: /* The Ineluctable Law */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
Hap tore off a piece of the bread and passed it to Sharp Jack. He'd built up a fire, while the archer skinned the rabbits he'd shot. Now they were sharing bread while they waited for the meat to cook. The smell was growing increasingly delicious.

"What use is a basket made out of bread anyway?" he asked his companion.

"T'int that sort of basket." the Marcher corrected him with a laugh. "It's grain stores and the like. Everyone puts spare grain and the like into the store. That way there's enough to make sure no-one goes short."

"And now they're sharing it out? Why they doing that then?" The Marchers fascinated Hap, they were almost as hard-working as orcs. Sometimes he could almost imagine they ''were'' orcs. Then just as he got used to thinking of them as proper people they'd do something he couldn't understand at all.

"It's to make sure there's enuff for the wassail festivals - and t'encourage everyone to come together and share what they've got. If it happens, you'll probably get an invite. It's all part of trying to get you all to become proper Marchers."

"I thought you said we couldn't be Marchers even if we wanted to, because the Empire doesn't believe orcs can reincarnate?"

"That's what I heard." said Jack. He sounded somewhat apologetic. "It's in the doctrine see - only humans can reincarnate - orcs aren't allowed to. You'll be breaking the rules if you do. Then they'll have to eximmunicate you and that's proper bad. You can't reincarnate if you're eximmunicated."

Hap stared at Sharp Jack. The fellow was deadly with that bow - that's why he hired him - but sometimes he thought the fellow might be dangling him over the Abyss. "So we're not allowed to reincarnate... but the Synod says it's ok for you to come back as trees?"

"Yup! My grandfather is planted near here you know. Did I ever tell you that - it's just up the way - past Bogs Hill. There's a lovely orchard up there. My Grandfather, his second wife, and two of his brothers are up there."

Sharp Jack rambled on, but Hap was staring into the fire and not really listening. He was imagining himself tasting fresh cooked rabbit - and that made a lot more sense than his friend did.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lily Guildenstern.jpg|caption=Lily Guildernstern has made the breadbasket available to all the folk of the Marches in support of a grand Wassail.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
The Marchers have continued to press forward with their plans to bring the Jotun thralls living in the Mournwold into their nation. At the Summer Equinox, Lily Guildenstern made the breadbasket available to the folk of the Marches with the express intent that it be used to encourage both peoples to come together to celebrate the Autumn Wassail. Their actions were endorsed by an important statement passed in the Assembly urging people to share what they have. If backed with a mandate it would be effective in helping to bridge the gap between the thralls and those Marchers who still see them as the enemy. At least it would help with those Marchers who are prepared to consider the idea - there is one group of folk living in the Mournwold who are not remotely prepared to countenance celebrating the Wassail with the hated Jotun.

The village of [[Mournwold#Whittle|Whittle]] in the [[Mournwold]] has played a role in recent events that it out of all proportion to it's size. The inhabitants resisted the conquest of the [[Jotun]] for thirty years, driven by their [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hatred|Hatred]] of the invaders. Their priest was condemned by the [[Imperial Synod]] for his faith and executed, but still the Whittlefolk refused to abandon their beliefs. Perhaps it is something about Hatred itself - the more Synod priests tried to persuade them to put aside their beliefs, the more fiercely they clung to them. Eventually the settlement was over-run by the advancing Jotun armies and the Whittle folk were finally forced to admit defeat. Beaten, but not broken, those that survived fled to [[Tassato]], while the remainder fought alongside the Imperial armies.

When the Mourn was liberated the majority of the Whittlefolk soon returned to their homes to resume their old lives and their old practices. They are always careful not to be seen openly preaching hatred, but it is clear to anyone who spends a few hours in their company that their views of [[orc|orcs]] and of the Jotun have not softened one iota. As the Empire wrestled with the problem of what to do with the large population of Jotun former thralls living in the Morunwold, Whittle became the focus for those who shared their view that the orcs must be driven off or killed.

When the prognosticators office was asked to [[Heart_of_gold|assess what could be done to assimilate the former thralls]], their analysis was uncompromising. If the Marches accepted the Jotun thralls into the nation without first dealing with Whittle then violence would surely follow. There were few good ideas on how to deal with them - even though the area is known to be a hotbed of Hatred, the law as it stands at present only allows the Imperial Synod to condemn people ''by name''. People cannot be tried and executed simply on suspicion of being hateful.

The obvious first step was for the Marcher Synod to speak plainly on the matter with an appropriate mandate. With few other palatable alternatives, that process was begun at the Summer Solstice - all that remains now is to decide how best to finish the matter.
{{SOP|statement=Judgement: Lily Guildenstern is making the breadbasket available to all those wishing to celebrate Marcher traditions and beliefs at fayre or fete or upcoming wassail. Use this bounty to draw Marcher and Mournwold Orc from near and far, to bring our community together, so none is left a stranger, and all can benefit from closer ties between market town and households.|assembly=Marcher Assembly|by=Anna Perrin|vote=Upheld (114-0) Greater Majority|when=Summer Solstice 383YE}}

==The Autumn Wassail==
The [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Wassail|Wassail is a traditional Marcher festival]] to celebrate the collection of the harvest at the end of summer. Wassailing varies from place to place but typically involves parading through the village singing and drinking to the health of the fields and orchards. Food and drink produced during the year are consumed or left as an offering. It is a time for the community to come together and share what they have. As folk go from house to house they share food and drink with their community and receive in return a taste of the food that each household has in excess from their own harvests.

Even the [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Water|situation in Bregasland]] does not dampen the spirits of the Marcher people - for some celebrating the harvest in the face of the Jotun conquest demonstrates their defiance of the Jotun invaders. Indeed, it is the spirit of wassail engendered by Lily's statement that has gone some way toward creating the circumstances that would bring the people of the Marches - orc and human alike - together to fight the invaders in the event the Military Council chooses to fight at [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Game_Information_:_Bregasland|Bill Sabbey]].

The Jotun thralls also celebrate the Autumn harvest, although they do so in a very different way. Each household keeps a shrine to the ancestors - either a single favoured ancestor (usually Raðljóst or Ulven), or else one that celebrates all the faðir in the Jotun pantheon. Members of the household leave offerings at the shrine through the Equinox hoping to attract the blessings and protection of the ancestors for them and their household. In some ways it is little different to Marcher traditions of harvest offerings - ale used to toast a barley field or a pat of butter buried in a dairy pasture. Yet more common ground between the two peoples.

To ensure the effective use of the breadbasket, the Marcher Assembly could endorse the following mandate.
{{Mandate|mandate=The breadbasket reflects the bounty of the Marchers, the fruits of our hard work. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge every Marcher to share this bounty with all their neighbours. Let us invite the thralls of the Mournwold to feast together with us, so none is left a stranger.|assembly=Marcher National Assembly}}
If this mandate is passed, then Marcher households across the Mournwold and - perhaps more importantly - beyond will share the largesse of the breadbasket with their neighbours. It will help to forge closer ties between market town and households, as well as with the thralls of the Mournwold. Invitations will be issued to the orcs to visit Upwold, Mitwold, and beleaguered Bregasland as guests for the harvest festival. There may be problems - some people will be meeting the thralls for the first time and that will bring difficulties. But these difficulties are unavoidable if the Marchers are really committed to going down this line. The open mandate that would allow the Marcher egregore to bond the Mournwold thralls will remain an option, but the amount of liao needed to complete it will be reduced by 25 doses.
{{SOP|statement=Judgement: Many years ago, the Marchers made the decision to join the Empire and follow Imperial doctrine. The victors of the Cousin's War lived with the seven virtues in their hearts. The Whittle folk must now decide whether they wish to stand with their fellow Marchers and reject Hate as a virtue, or choose to be declared heretics. The law must apply equally to all Marchers, but in respect of their past deeds against the Jotun, the Assembly wishes to give them that choice.|assembly=Marcher Assembly|by=Sister Meredith|when=Summer 383YE|vote=Upheld (106-0) Greater Majority}}
Sadly the appeal of the priests will fall on deaf ears in some parts of the Mournwold. The Whittle folk will not be inviting the orcs to share their repast.
==The Last Die==
The Marcher Assembly passed a statement of principle that offered the Whittle folk one last chance to recant their heretical views.

It is a vain hope - the Whittle folk have repeatedly refused to denounce Hatred - they are clear that it was only the enduring power of their faith that gave them the strength to resist the Jotun for so long. Why should they abandon their faith now, simply because it is inconvenient for the Synod? But it is clear to everyone that the Marcher Assembly is acting with a heavy heart - nobody wishes to see the Whittle folk pay the ultimate price - but if that is the sacrifice needed to resolve the matter of the Jotun thralls then so be it.

The response is as predictable as it is unfortunate. Mel of the Mourn receives a note from the Whittle folk that says simply this:

<ic>Our faith is a sword to defend everything we hold dear. It was sharp enough to see off the Jotun, reckon it'll be sharp enough to see off the Synod too. What's needed in tha Mourn is a drop more Courage. It's that as teaches folk to cleave to the truth through thick and thin. There's enough Courage in Whittle that we'll not give up the virtues for you. If our neighbours over the border had a dram more Courage than they wouldn't be for changing our ways to take in the Jotun. But they're too frit to see this war through to the end, so they're full of talk for taking in Jotun as if the orcs had been raised in the same village all of a sudden. We'll have none of that round here. We remember what it means to be Marcher - we take Pride in that - even if everyone has forgotten.

Sally Thatcher - Whittle</ic>

On the surface the inescapable reality appears to be that nothing is going to persuade the Whittle folk to abandon their faith - nothing. They cling to their faith as strongly as the most devout [[Highguard|Highborn]] initiate. It defines them - and they will not give it up. Not for the Empire, not for the Marcher Assembly, not for anyone.

In practice, most priests who have spoken with the Whittle folk believe that there are probably little more than a score of ringleaders that keep the community together. Without their leadership, Whittle would probably collapse. Some of those who were left behind - those less committed to their ideals - would take up an offer to [[All_the_news_from_Twin_Town#Little_Mournwold|rejoin their brethren in Tassato]] if one were forthcoming. The problem of Whittle could be dealt with - provided that the Synod can lay hands on the people in charge and try them for their crimes.

That will not be easy - but there are two clear options.

==The Ineluctable Law==
* '''The Imperial Senate could instruct the magistrates to investigate Whittle and identify the ringleaders'''
It is not possible for the militia to arrest any citizen for [[religious crime|religious crimes]] unless they have ''first'' been condemned by the Imperial Synod. But the [[Imperial Senate]] could pass a [[Senate motion]] instructing the [[magistrates]] to carry out a thorough investigation of Whittle, with a view to identifying and naming any resident who they identify as a follower of Hatred.

That would take a season to carry out - and clearly the folk in Whittle would be aware of it happening. At the next summit, the magistrate would present the Synod with a list of suspects they had identified and the Synod could then pass judgement on them. The magistrates could then send the militia to arrest anyone condemned by the Synod - they would be tried and those found guilty would executed.

This is not a fast process - and it has the obvious disadvantage that the Whittle folk would be completely aware of what was taking place. They might choose to flee, or they might attempt to put up a fight. In the view of those who have dealt with them, the latter option seems more likely - and certainly more likely than the idea that they will cooperate.

But once complete, the Empire would be done with the matter. Whittle would probably be abandoned, and there would still be some lingering remnants of Hatred in the Mournwold, but any public resistance to the integration of the Jotun thralls, or opposition to the Marcher Synod, would be gone. This method would identify and potentially eliminate all the most public, most committed devotees of Hatred in Whittle.
{{SOP|statement=Vigilance teaches us to seek out the blight in our neighbour's field lest our own be blighted. Whittle is a festering plague that needs action. '''My''' assembly make it clear with these words, if the Marchers are unable to cure it, then my assembly will do so. Vigilance thwarts malice.|when=Summer 383YE|assembly=Vigilance Assembly|by=Ser Ancél Watcher|vote=180-10}}

==Vigilance Thwarts Malice==
* '''The Silent Bell, potentially with the assistance of the Grey Pilgrims, could thoroughly investigate the presence of Hate in the Mournwold'''
The Vigilance Assembly have made clear that if the Marcher Assembly will not take the neccessary steps to deal with Whittle, then they will. At the recent summit they passed a judgement stating that if the Marchers did not deal with the blight in their field, then the Vigilance Assembly would do it for them.

This is no empty threat. The [[No_evil_shall_escape_our_sight#Ringing_the_Bell|Silent Bell]] is a small but deeply committed sodality dedicated to gathering information about internal threats to the Empire. They operate a loose, but extensive, network of informants throughout the Vigilance sects in the Empire. By drawing on that network, they can potentially track down information about specific threats. Mournwolders who are members of the Silent Bell (and there are more than a few) could be tasked to spy on their neighbours in Whittle to try and discover who amongst them was the most influential.

However the Silent Bell could be even more effective, if they were tasked to work with the [[Grey Pilgrim|Grey Pilgrims]] walking the Mournwold trods. By using the Grey Pilgrims as their eyes and ears, the Silent Bell could attempt to hunt down any hateful figures currently active in the territory. To do this the Assenbly of Nine would need to pass an appropriate mandate.

{{Mandate|assembly=Assembly of Nine|mandate=The practice of Hatred in the Mournwold cannot be tolerated any longer. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to lead the Silent Bell in tracking down those whose heart has turned to Hate with the aid of the Grey Pilgrims.}}
Like using the law, this is not a fast process - but it would have the clear advantage that the Whittle folk would not be aware of what was happening unless someone tipped them off with a winged message. The Synod would be able to identify the heretics involved and pass judgement without the Whittle folk being aware of what was taking place.

The Silent Bell do not have any legal powers to arrest lawbreakers, but like the militia they could provide the Imperial Synod with a list of those responsible. If the Synod chose to condemn those named, then the militia could then deal with them the following season. Again, this would deal with the matter of Whittle once and for all, but it would also potentially root out any vestiges of Hate in the Mournwold. This method would attempt to identify and potentially eliminate all the most influential and important devotees of Hatred the territory.

==The Fateful Step==
* '''The Empire could force the Whittle folk to play their hand'''
The third option is to force the Whittle folk to play their hand and reveal themselves. The Empire could just press ahead with their plans to bring the thralls into the Empire and ignore the opposition of Whittle and those who share their hatred of the Jotun. If that happens, then Whittle will rise up in armed opposition, but that will render issues of the law moot, and the Imperial armies can be sent in to deal with them.

This would be a much faster process - and provided the army orders are clear then everyone involved would be captured or dead. While this seems a somewhat brutal option - it may come to putting down an insurrection with an army anyway if the Empire are not careful. This approach at least has the advantage that it will be the decision of the Whittle folk to take the fateful step and not the Empire.

==The Tassato Option==
* '''There is a proposal that the Whittle folk join their brethren in Tassato. You can learn more about it [[All_the_news_from_Twin_Town#Little_Mournwold|here]]'''
Some of the Whittle folk never left [[Tassato]] after the Jotun were driven from their lands. They continue to live in Little Mournwold - an enclave of Marchers in the heart of [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Mestra]]. Merchant-Prince Mariana of the Wildriver Crossing Guild has proposed that the problem in the Mournwold could be solved by offering the Whittle folk sanctuary in Tassato, far away from the former thralls - at least for the immediate future. Her [[All_the_news_from_Twin_Town#Little_Mournwold|proposal]] is being discussed by the bishops of the League, and it will be up to them how to proceed.

Many Marchers fear that while the Tassato option may offer some resolution to the immediate problem, it does nothing to address the wider issue of the Whittle folk's acceptance of the malign spiritual power of Hatred.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Bloodcrow Udoo, Mandate, Imperial Orc Assembly, Summer 383YE, 72-0">Every orc who hears the ancestors' call to battle and feels themselves ready to face the challenge of the Abyss has a place in the Imperial Orcs. We send Bloodcrow Udoo with 50 liao to make them aware that a life in the Imperial Orcs will help them to cross the Howling Abyss.</quote></div>

==A Place to Fight==
* '''Those orc former-thralls who wish to embrace the life of the warrior have been offered a place among the Imperial Orcs'''
The former thralls do not fight - this is what makes them thralls in Jotun society. But some of their children are not interested in a life of back-breaking toil in the farms and mines of the Mournwold. They hear the roar of their ancestors in their blood, and wish to seize their one chance to cross the Howling Abyss. During the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Orc assembly sent Bloodcrow Udoo and a handful of [[preachers]] to the Mournwold to speak to the thralls, to those youths considering their options, and to the Marchers who know the former thralls best. In the process, they made it clear that any young orc who wished to fight and win the favour of their ancestors could do so among the Imperial orcs.

The immediate effects are likely to be minimal; there are not ''that'' many young orcs coming of age in the Mournwold who wish to fight. Those who do will become Imperial Orcs - there are no restrictions about the former thralls joining the nation. They will not hear the voices of the Imperial Orc ancestors of course - they will hear their own Jotun ancestors - but as they grow up and start families, their descendants will hear both the Imperial Orc ''and'' the Jotun ancestors.
==Further Reading==
You can learn more about the Mournwold thralls [[Mournwold thralls|here]]. The page also includes a list of previous Winds of Fortune dealing with the Mournwold situation, and links to other useful pages.

Recognise Sand Fishers as foreigners

2019-05-07T18:48:00Z

Cheer Police: /* Overview */

{{stub}}
<ic>The Senate declares those of the Sand Fishers in Ossium that wish to remain part of their tribe to be foreigners.<br>''Proposed by Miekarova, seconded by Therunin.''</ic>
==Overview==
* The [[Chilled_to_the_bone#The_Sand_Fishers|Sand Fishers]] tribe of [[orc|orcs]] of [[Ossium]] have until recently been subjects of the [[Druj]].
* Passed

==Date==
* Winter 382YE
==Cost==
==Campaign Outcome==
* The Sand Fishers are now foreigners; they receive the protection of Imperial law as long as they abide by it.
* Further implications are uncertain.
{{Senate Motion}}

Cantina El Burrito

2019-04-19T21:52:32Z

Cheer Police: /* Mexican Chilli Con Carne/Veg £6 */

__NOTOC__
==Overview==
The [https://www.cantina-elburrito.co.uk/ Cantina El Burrito] provide a range of delicious mexican dishes from their stand in the out-of-character area near GOD.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px;" clear: right;>{{CaptionedImage|file=Mex_breakfast_menu.jpg|width=100%}}</div>

===Classic 10" Burrito £7 / Big Beast 12" Burrito £9===
Chilli/fajita chicken/spicy beef/bean chilli - sweet potato & bean, rice, beans, guac, sour cream, cheese, salsa, jalapenos, iceburg, red cabbage

===Sweet Potato Bean Tinga £7===
Pan fried smokey sweet potato & black bean, beans, cheese, sour cream, salsa, jalepenos, sauces, wrap or rice

===Loaded Nachos £6===
Nachos loaded with chilli con carne/veggie chilli, cheese sauce, guac, sour cream, salsa, coriander, jalapenos, sauces

===Dirty Mexican Fries £5===
Spicy fries loaded with chilli con carne/veggie and cheese & sauces

===Mexican Chilli Con Carne/Veg £6===
Rice chilli con carne/veggie chilli, cheese sauce, guac, sour cream, salsa, coriander, jalapenos and sauces, nachos on side

===Cheesy Nachos/Mex Fries £4===
Loaded with nacho cheese, sour cream, salsa, sauces

382YE Winter Solstice winds of fortune

2018-09-25T11:59:26Z

Cheer Police: /* Mandates */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Interlude2.jpg|align=left|width=500}}
==Interlude==
Downtime is now open, so that players can process their character's downtime choices. Usually this is straightforward, but there are a few things to bear in mind while deciding what to do. The Winter Solstice winds of fortune will come out shortly before the next event (which is 26th April to 28th April). However, there are a number of significant events happening in the wake of the Summer Equinox that may affect some players' Downtime actions - primarily effects on personal resources.

As a temporary measure we'll be outlining, and offering some context for, these various effects on this page. In each case, there will be further information in the Winter Solstice Winds of Fortune - once they're ready, they'll replace this content. As always, these are quick OOC summaries to explain effects such as large-scale enchantments and curses. We'll cover all these and more when we start to present the Winds of Fortune for next event.

Downtime is due to close at midnight on Sunday the 7th October.
==Warfare==
Any players whose character controls a [[military unit]] can choose from a number of downtime options. Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to [[military unit#Paid Work|paid work]] guaranteeing an income of herbs, ingots or measures, money, or mana crystal. Otherwise, they may log into the downtime system and choose to support an army or fortification, or assign to a special project such as a spy network. By browsing the available army options, the player can read the orders issued by the general of each before making their decision.
===Imperial Guerdon===
The Imperial Guerdon is a bursary set up by the Imperial Senate primarily to reward military units that support Imperial armies, spy networks, and fortifications. The value of the Imperial Guerdon is divided between each military unit and fleet that supports an army in proportion to their effective strength. The Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies has the power to exclude any or all Imperial armies and navies, fortifications, or special projects (such as spy networks) from the Guerdon. If they do so, then a character who supports such a army, fortification, or special project will receive nothing for doing so.

This season, the Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies has announced that shares of the Guerdon will ''not be paid'' to captains supporting Imperial forces.

The Guerdon stands at 175 Thrones.

===Attack the Slavers and Raid the Salt Mines===
An opportunity has arisen for the [[fleet|fleet captains]] and [[military unit|small unit commanders]] to take the fight to the Grendel. An epic raid into the Broken Shore requiring both ships and fighting folk. You can learn more about the details [[This_might_be_your_battle#Attack_the_Grendel.2C_Raid_the_Salt_Mine|here]]. If you are a fleet captain who wishes to contribute you should select "''Attack the Slavers''" from the privateering drop-down. If you are a military captain who wishes to get involved, you should select "''Raid the Grendel''" from the paid work drop-down.

As I am unaware of any announcement by the Imperial Fleet Captain at this time, the raid will be going as far as it can go - aiming for Dubhtraig if it can gather sufficient force (although if insufficient fleets are involved, the raid will be against a less prestigious target). Payment will depend entirely on what is achieved, based on your rank for doing privateering or paid work.

===Slow the Vallorn===
The vallorn is beginning a slow expansion in [[Brocéliande]]. Warriors can help the steadings there to slow the green tide, and prevent it taking any land for the next season at least. Any miitary captain who wishes to support this action should select "Slow the Vallorn" from the paid-work drop-down menu. Payment is normal for the rank of your military unit, but will always be in herbs. You can learn more about the situation [[The_scars_from_tomorrow#Holding_back_the_tide|here]].

===Suppress Asavean Uprising===
Two satrapies in the Asavean Archipelago are in revolt against their government. The Nemorians are calling for Imperial mercenaries to help suppress the rebellion. Anyone with a military unit should beable to find the action "Suppress Asavean Uprising" in the paid work dropdown, You can learn more about this opportunity here.

Note that the 11 crowns (and additional 52 rings per rank of upgrade or enchantment) is in place of the random rewards for paid work, not in addition to them.

With the passage of a recent mandate by the Synod, the names of all the captains who support Asavea will be collected and given to the Cardinal of Vigilance and the Throne. Getting wind of this, a last minute communication from the Asaveans reassure Imperial law makers that they will be employing Imperial mercenaries only in defensive positions to protect Asavean possessions from rebel raids. They will seek to negotiate a more permanent solution to the Empire's problems during the Winter Summit.

==Significant Effects==
A number of large-scale effects might alter what your personal resource produces; we try to summarize those effects here. Only major things are summarized, and will usually be updated in more detail once Winds of Fortune are published. These are by no means the only things happening in the Empire this season.
===Grendel Pirates===
* '''During the coming season all fleets from [[Tassato]], [[Sarvos]], [[the Brass Coast]], [[Highguard]], or [[Urizen]] will suffer a 1 rank penalty to production if they engage in trade.'''
* '''The [[Broken Shore Bounty]] and Glass Point Cove gain no production this downtime.'''
If you are a [[fleet]] captain trading out of the Bay of Catazaar territories, the Grendel pirates continue to attempt to raid your ships. The magic that has been protecting the fleet faded with the start of the Autumn Equinox - its not clear at this time if it has been replenished or if traders are at the mercy of orc pirates.

Furthermore, raids against key locations by elite orc privateers during the Autumn Equinox have meant that neither the [[Broken Shore Bounty]] nor the [[Custodian_of_Glass_Point_Cove|Glass Point Cover]] mana [[sinecure]] will produce any materials this coming season.

===Trading with Asavea and Jarm===
* Fleets trading with Vezak receive one additional crystal mana
* However fleets trading with Vezak or Kavor receive two fewer crystal mana due to a still-active Synod mandate
* Fleets trading with Nemoria receive an additional orichalcum and an additional iridescent gloaming to reflect excellent trade ties secured by temples.

Fleets trading with Nemoria, Vezak, and Kavor experience odd production because of ongoing game effects. It is also worth noting that the port of Rigia in eastern Jarm remains closed, as does the port of Zemeh in the Sumaah Republic. Finally, Nemoria is still providing money - representing luxury goods - rather than herbs.
===The Pilgrim's Path===
During the Summer Solstice, the Highborn Assembly upheld a mandate encouraging radical pilgrimage. As Lilith of the Chantry begins to spread the mandate, people from all walks of life begin to put their affairs in order and take up a new role - grand pilgrimages across the Empire along the trods. As much about faith as about harming the vallorn, a fundamental change is sweeping through the nation of Highguard.

Every Highguard [[business]] and [[farm]] is suffering a two rank penalty to production, and every [[military unit]] is suffering a commensurate penalty to its fighting strength. The [[Assembly#The National Assemblies|National Assemblies]] of many nations have chosen to enact [[mandate|mandates]] to help ease the burden on the Highborn people of their new pilgrimage, but how effective this will be remains to be seen.

===Mournwold and Hercynia===
For the last several months, the Marchers and the Winterfolk have been having problems with reclusive human barbarians known as the Feni. This Autumn, some concessions were discussed and agreements reached (or not reached). As a consequence, the southern Feni are in the process of moving out of the Mournwold, while the northern Feni have likewise moved... into Hercynia.

Pending the resolution of the [[treaty]] signed with the Empire the southern Feni have stopped raiing. The northeren Feni are still making limited raids... but not in Hahnmark. They have moved over the border into Hercynia, and it is now that Navarr territory where very business and farm is losing 18 rings of production this downtime, and every herb garden is losing one herb (selected at random).
===Cursed Urizen===
The ritual curse [[Naeve's Twisting Blight ]] has been cast on the [[Urizen]] territories of [[Morrow]] and [[Redoubt]] and on the Druj territory of [[Zenith]]. This means that in addition to other penalties, all [[farm|farms]] in one of these territories will have their production halved.

==Mandates==
Fifteen mandates were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod. You can find the details of all the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements|here]]. As always, these mandates only have an effect if the named priest provides the appropriate amount of liao and emails Profound Decisions.

Some of these mandates will have an effect this downtime; we'll update this page and adjust the Facebook and forum posts to reflect this once we have confirmation a mandate is happening.

{|
| '''Assembly''' || '''[[Mandate]]''' || '''Priest''' || '''Outcome''' || '''WoF'''
|-
|Wintermark||The war against the Vallorn demands all the support of all of us. We send Rane Sherarding with 50 liao to urge every Wintermark citizen to offer food, shelter, and protection to the pilgrims as they travel through our lands and beyond. We will shoulder this burden together.||Rane Sheraring|| With 50 liao, spreads Highborn burden to Wintermark.|| [[A_blessing_in_disguise#Mitigation|here]].
|-
|General||The cruelty of slavery has brought the Asavean Archipelago to the brink of open rebellion. We send Franco i Erigo with 25 liao to call on all slaves to break their chains and take up weapons to fight with the people of Maracoss and Empheor to achieve freedom.||Franco i Erigo|| With 25 liao, encourages slaves to join rebellion in Asavea.|| [[Wages_of_sin#Courage|here]].
|-
|Navarr||The war against the Vallorn demands all the support of all of us. We send Corey Wayfarer with 25 liao to urge every Navarri citizen to offer food, shelter, and protection to the pilgrims as they travel through our lands and beyond. We will shoulder this burden together.||Corey Wayfarer|| With 25 liao, spreads Highborn burden to Navarr.|| [[A_blessing_in_disguise#Mitigation|here]].
|-
|League||The war against the Vallorn demands all the support of all of us. We send Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato with 50 liao to urge every League citizen to offer food, shelter, and protection to the pilgrims as they travel through our lands and beyond. We will shoulder this burden together.||Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato|| With 25 liao, Spreads Highborn burden to League.|| [[A_blessing_in_disguise#Mitigation|here]].
|-
|Dawn||The war against the Vallorn demands all the support of all of us. We send Romande Remys with 50 liao to urge every League citizen to offer food, shelter, and protection to the pilgrims as they travel through our lands and beyond. We will shoulder this burden together.||Romande Remys|| With 50 liao, Spreads Highborn burden to Dawn.|| [[A_blessing_in_disguise#Mitigation|here]].
|-
|Dawn||We, the Troubadours of Dawn, recognise that True Love and True Glory arise from the paths of virtue. Only the truly virtuous can know love, or achieve glory. Where we find a noble who truly embodies Love or Glory we shall name them alongside the champions of the Seven Virtues, and they shall be pre-eminent in their company as inspirations to all who follow Pilgrim's Path. We send the Earl of Fools with 50 doses of liao to spread these words, and the names of Sir Isidore Ossienne and Lord Colwyn de Rondel to all the people of Dawn.||The Earl of Fools||With 50 liao urges the people of Dawn to embrace the champions of Love and Glory. ||[[The_only_reason_that_I_sing#Love_and_Glory|here]].
|-
|Brass Coast||The war against the Vallorn demands all the support of all of us. We send Immeloar i Ezmara i Erigo with 50 liao to urge every Freeborn citizen to offer food, shelter, and protection to the pilgrims as they travel through our lands and beyond. We will shoulder this burden together.||Immeloar i Ezmara i Erigo|| With 50 liao, Spreads Highborn burden to Brass Coast.|| [[A_blessing_in_disguise#Mitigation|here]].
|-
|Vigilance||The Assembly of Nine have made the only virtuous response to Asavea abundantly clear. We send Sepharad with 50 liao to urge every vigilant Pilgrim to take notice of those citizens whose virtue is lacking let us provide the Cardinal of Vigilance and the Imperatrix with the names of every citizen who chose to turn aside from the Way.||Sepharad|| With 50 liao, vigilant citizens begin to compile lists of everyone who goes to fight in Asavea.||[[Wages_of_sin#Vigilance|here]].
|-
|Imperial Orcs||The war against the Vallorn demands all the support of all of us. We send Skywise Tulva with 50 liao to urge every Imperial Orc citizen to offer food, shelter, and protection to the pilgrims as they travel through our lands and beyond. We will shoulder this burden together.||Skywise Tulva|| With 50 liao, Spreads Highborn burden to Imperial Orcs.|| [[A_blessing_in_disguise#Mitigation|here]].
|-
|Wintermark||The heroes of Wintermark do not seek to make war more brutal than it already is. Slaying healers and poisoning their blood steals from our foes the opportunity for a good death, inflicting cruelty more fitting of the Druj than any Impeiral hero or their ally. The Wintermark assembly condemns such tactics as strongly as they condemn looting, wholesale slaugher, and cruel torture. We send Gunnbrand Ironwill with 25 liao to remind our people that we do not strike against any opponent but vallorn with envenomed blades.||Gunnbrand Ironwill||With 25 liao Wintermark armies will oppose cunning and venomous tactics by their allies.|| [[Put_on_your_war_paint#Cold_Cannot_Compromise|here]]
|-
|Varushka||The war against the Vallorn demands all the support of all of us. We send Father Drakov with 50 liao to urge every Varushkan citizen to offer food, shelter, and protection to the pilgrims as they travel through our lands and beyond. We will shoulder this burden together.||Father Drakov|| With 50 liao, Spreads Highborn burden to Varushka.|| [[A_blessing_in_disguise#Mitigation|here]].
|-
|Marches||The war against the Vallorn demands all the support of all of us. We send Hrodin with 50 liao to urge every Marchere citizen to offer food, shelter, and protection to the pilgrims as they travel through our lands and beyond. We will shoulder this burden together.||Sister Meredith|| With 50 liao, Spreads Highborn burden to Marches.|| [[A_blessing_in_disguise#Mitigation|here]].
|-
|Dawn||The people of Dawn applaud the great triumphs that our generals and our armies have wrought. Now let us embrace glory, claim victory, an seize the prize. We send Pelleas Thorne with 50 doses of liao to urge every Dawnish soldier to commit themselves body and soul to glory in the service of Dawn.||Pelleas Thorne||With 50 liao, Dawnish armies will look to their heritage for opportunities to refine their strategies.||[[Put_on_your_war_paint#Glorious_in_Victory.2C_Proud_in_Defeat|here]]
|-
|Navarr||The Navarr nation has a great wealth of herbs that we should share with our friends in other nations. We send Brat Umbral Path with 50 doses of liao to urge every Navarr striding and steading to send what seeds and cuttings they can spare to the new constructed wayhouse in Upwold.||Brat Umbral Path|| With 50 liao, Navarr herbalists will support the newly commissioned Upwold Wayhouse.|| [[Blood_and_gold#Upwold_Wayhouse|here]]
|-
|Marches|| We are Marchers. Our blood and bone are in the soil, and we neither forget nor forgive. We are not murderers, but we will fight to defend what is our, and we will fight to protect our friends. We send Friar John of the Mourn with 50 doses of liao to remind our people of the Marches of their deep roots, and to urge our yeoman to find new ways to fight that neither scorn our history nor threaten our future.||Friar John of the Mourn|| With 50 liao 50, Marcher yeomen will look for ways to adapt the strategies of the Marcher armies to reflect their heritage.|| [[Put_on_your_war_paint#Deep_Roots_and_Long_Memories|here]]
|-
|}

==Imperial Lore==
Three rituals are being entered into Imperial lore, presuming the money to distribute them across the Empire is forthcoming.
* [[Why Sulemain Walked Away From The Baker]] raised by Simargl
* [[Find The Best Path]] by Marcus
* [[Amalgamation of Silver and Gold]] by Ifan
Once payment has been made, these rituals will be available to be mastered by Imperial magicians.

File:HouseRak.jpg

2018-09-09T09:25:50Z

Cheer Police: House Heraldry of House Rakshasa

House Heraldry of House Rakshasa

Fit and proper

2018-07-18T15:27:24Z

Cheer Police: /* Overview */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: Summer Solstice 382YE]]
<ic>
Krasimir gripped his staff firmly keeping it between him and the creature as he pushed the wide brim of his hat back, The twisted upyr grinned at him, revealing a mouth filled with pointed teeth. It was a short ugly creature, and not particularly dangerous... provided he didn't take his eyes off it.

"Begone from here creature - or I will shatter the bones in your feeble body". In legends Volhov usually tricked or defeated a rusalka or a sovereign though a mix of cunning and clever magic. The reality for a working volhov travelling the roads was that most of the work he took on involved malicious boggarts - where one or two stout blows to the head with an iron-shod cudgel was the quickest and safest answer. This upyr was a lot more dangerous than a boggart but he was confident all the same. As the wise one used to say - ''"there's nothing in this world that isn't hurt by a stout cudgel blow to the head"''.

The upyr grinned again and then attempted to look obsequious which was even more disturbing. "Great and powerful Volhov, we mean you no harm. I am sent to fetch you is all - my master, The Whisperer, simply wishes to converse."

Clearly there was more going on here than meets the eye. It ought not be possible for a servant of the Whisperer to be abroad in Livardz like this. Somebody must have called this creature into the world. "I have no business with your master. Now tell me who called you here - it is forbidden to deal with your kind." He tried to make it sound like an order, hoping that the hearth magic of a commanding voice might compel the spirit.

The upyr only grinned again it's voice dropping to a low rasp so that he had to focus to make out the words "Surely a mighty magician such as yourself, so powerful and wise, is not chained by such laws? Who gave them the power to tell you what to do? How can the weak have dominion over the strong?" The creature's long clawed fingers spread out in a gesture that perhaps it thought was inviting and friendly. "If you are bold enough to put aside such feeble restrictions then my master has a proposal for you - something that could be greatly to your advantage..."
</ic>
==Overview==
[[Interdiction]] is the power of the [[Imperial Conclave]] to censor specific rituals, items, or materials that represent a significant magical danger to the Empire. It has always been a crude tool, but in theory it is does forbid the casting of a ritual anywhere in the Empire - provided that people take notice of what the Conclave has said and observe the prohibition.

Sadly, in recent years, interdictions have been more notable for the number of times they were ignored rather than the times anyone observed them. Shortly after the death of [[Empress Britta|Britta]] the Conclave voted to interdict the harvesting or use of [[Vallorn]] seeds. Perhaps it was the failure of the Conclave to be specific about what such seeds looked like but in the years that followed a number of Imperial magicians - and even [[Strange_harvest#Opportunity|mundane farmers]] - harvested and used seeds from Vallorn areas infused with Spring magic, and did so utterly without consequence.

Nor is this the only example of mixed messages. In the Winter of 380YE, no less a figure than the [[grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] '''Catalina''' raised a declaration to encourage then [[sorcery|sorcerer]] Ancel Watcher to collaborate with the [[Whisper Gallery]] under the auspices of the [[archmage]] of Night - despite all the [[Amend_Crime_of_Sorcery_II|prohibitions]] against sorcerers interacting with any [[eternals]] at all, never mind a group currently under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]] of the Conclave. "''The Conclave understands that this is neither treason nor sorcery,''" the declaration said... despite the act being seen by many magicians as ''clearly'' both treason and sorcery.

This gradual erosion of the Conclave's authority turned into a rout at the recent Spring Equinox. There was a [[Before_the_sunrise#The_Waters_of_Therunin|perceived need]] to perform the interdicted ritual [[Rivers Run Red]], so a request was made to [[Interdiction#Declaration_of_Reconciliation|reconcile]] the ritual at the Friday [[Conclave session]]. The request was rejected - the Conclave clearly decided to keep the interdiction in place, and instead to take a different approach. At the following session - on the Saturday the Conclave passed two highly significant declarations.

<quote by="Alejandra i Erigo, Spring Equinox 382YE, Declaration of Concord, Passed">Conclave re-affirms the right of virtuous magicians to use curses as they see fit.</quote>

The seems innocuous enough at first, thought it could easily be read as a subtle nod of support for the use of the Rivers Run Red [[curse]] by the [[Navarr]] magicians in [[Therunin]] - in open defiance of the Conclave. But such is the way of things in Anvil where clever politicians hide their true meaning to pass what measures they can. But immediately following that, the Conclave then passed an explicit instruction to ignore their own ruling.

<quote by="Saeros Splitroot, Spring Equinox 382YE, Declaration of Concord, Passed">That the Voice of the Quiet Forest should cast Rivers Run Red on Therunin this season.</quote>

It is not unknown for individual magicians to act in ways that undermine the authority of the Conclave - at such times they usually face the punishment of the magistrates for their crimes. It is much rarer for the Conclave to openly instruct members to risk execution by violating the edicts it has imposed. Clearly the members of the Conclave's [[conclave order|orders]] were satisfied with the outcome, but the actions have frustrated many of the countless magicians who do not attend Anvil regularly but are never-the-less forced to comply with the Conclave's edicts.

==Moral Authority==
Most magicians assume that these decisions made sense to those who were attending Conclave at the time, and the common interpretation is that the Conclave intended to keep the ritual interdicted but permit this specific casting, despite the fact that such an arrangement is not supported by the law. The problem is that combined with the first declaration that virtuous magicians should use curses as they see fit, the inference that is being taken by many is that magicians should simply ignore interdiction and use ritual magic as they see fit - provided it is virtuous.

Indeed, some priests even support an interpretation arguing that [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] exists because the moral right of a citizen to act virtuously trumps the law. But many magicians, including a number of [[Landskeeper|landskeepers]], [[The_Marches_magical_traditions#Sorcery_and_the_Threshers|threshers]], [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates|vates]], [[magister|magisters]], and [[hakima]] who view ensuring the appropriate use of magic as part of their responsibilities look aghast at that. In their mind it is the responsibility of the Conclave to ensure the virtuous use of magic - it's not a decision every Tom, Dick, or Harry should be making. All magicians should use magic responsibly and virtuously they argue - the whole ''point'' of interdiction is to place a ritual beyond such considerations.

Ultimately their concern is that these actions serve to undermine the moral authority of the Conclave. The Conclave is charged by the [[Imperial Constitution]] to ensure the fit and proper use of magic in the service of the Empire. How are people - whose only contact with the Conclave is the news of what declarations have passed - to take interdiction seriously if the Conclave gives the impression that it does not? The recent problems caused by the chaotic and destructive use of magic by the House de Lusignan illustrates the potential risks of what happens if magicians across the Empire take it on themselves to start actively ignoring the Conclave.
<quote by="The Imperial Constitution">The Conclave shall ensure the fit and proper use of magic in the service of the Empire</quote>

==Proposal==
Normally such complaints would soon pass - but [[Camila i Erigo]], an ageing Freeborn magician from the hills of [[Kahraman]] has used the recent incident to try to gather support for a proposal to change the law governing interdiction. Her proposal is for the [[Imperial Senate]] to create a new declaration - a ''Declaration of Endorsement'' - that would grant approval by the Conclave for a magician to perform an interdicted ritual or to use an interdicted item. Had the Conclave had such a power last summit, then the potent curse could have been kept interdicted but the Voice of the Quiet Forest could have had a single casting of the ritual endorsed.

Critics of Camila's idea argue that her proposal achieves nothing other than to formalise what has already happened, but for Camilia that is the whole point. At present the common view of interdiction is that the Conclave specify that the ritual can never be used safely. It is their own action - unlawful action - in instructing magicians to counter their own declarations that weakens their moral authority and undermines confidence in the authority of magistrates and the law at the same time. Her view is that the magistrates will find it easier to uphold the decisions of the Conclave once a clear mechanism exists for them to provide legal endorsement of a ritual. She claims that if her proposals were adopted, magicians who continue to flout the Conclave will risk much more serious punishment then they received in this most recent case.

Camila claims that if the law were adopted then the view of interdiction would change. Rather than being seen as placing a ritual beyond the pale such that it cannot be cast - instead it would be seen as simply dangerous and thus requiring the approval of the Conclave. When the Conclave endorsed the use of an interdicted ritual that would bolster their authority rather than undermine it - since it would be clear that they had judiciously considered the matter and given their approval. In Camila's eyes this would better reflect the spirit of the Imperial Constitution - requiring that the Conclave ensure the fit and proper use of magic. At present the Conclave are unable to take account of the specific situations in which a magic might be employed when making that assessment - which seems neither [[Wisdom|Wise]] nor [[Vigilance|Vigilant]].

Camila warns that were her proposal adopted, then she anticipates that the number of rituals that were interdicted would be likely to increase significantly - indeed there would be little point to the change if that didn't happen. More of the Conclave's time would thus be taken up having to consider Declarations of Endorsement for each circumstance where a magician felt it was warranted. While it is possible that every [[curse]] might be interdicted - to prevent any possibility of abuse - Camila's supporters claim that eventually the Conclave will find the right balance.

==Constitutional Court==
Camila has written to the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] to request [[scrutiny]] of her proposal. Their response makes clear that they cannot give a definite answer unless they have a clearly worded [[Senate motion]] to consider. However in principle they see no reason why it would be unconstitutional to change the law in such a way provided it were done as part of a well written motion.

They advise that if any [[senator]] does wish to take up the matter, then they must consider a number of key points. Would the Declaration of Endorsment require a named target for the interdicted ritual? Would it require the ritual to be performed at a set time? Will a single named coven or magician be endorsed or can anyone benefit from the endorsement? How would this new declaration interact with rituals that are proscribed because they draw power from, or involve communion with, an [[eternals|eternal]] under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]]?

There are a lot of details which are not covered by Camila's rather general proposal that would ideally be defined so that that magistrates and civil servants could interpret the Senate's will correctly.

They are clear that the constitutional court would '''not''' permit a law which simply endorsed one or more individuals to perform interdicted rituals at will. For example it would not be constitutional to interdict Rivers of Gold - and then endorse a single coven in the League to perform the ritual. That would fall foul of the Constitutional's goal to provide freedom and prosperity to Imperial citizens.

Fit and proper

2018-07-18T14:20:25Z

Cheer Police: /* Overview */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: Summer Solstice 382YE]]
<ic>
Krasimir gripped his staff firmly keeping it between him and the creature as he pushed the wide brim of his hat back, The twisted upyr grinned at him, revealing a mouth filled with pointed teeth. It was a short ugly creature, and not particularly dangerous... provided he didn't take his eyes off it.

"Begone from here creature - or I will shatter the bones in your feeble body". In legends Volhov usually tricked or defeated a rusalka or a sovereign though a mix of cunning and clever magic. The reality for a working volhov travelling the roads was that most of the work he took on involved malicious boggarts - where one or two stout blows to the head with an iron-shod cudgel was the quickest and safest answer. This upyr was a lot more dangerous than a boggart but he was confident all the same. As the wise one used to say - ''"there's nothing in this world that isn't hurt by a stout cudgel blow to the head"''.

The upyr grinned again and then attempted to look obsequious which was even more disturbing. "Great and powerful Volhov, we mean you no harm. I am sent to fetch you is all - my master, The Whisperer, simply wishes to converse."

Clearly there was more going on here than meets the eye. It ought not be possible for a servant of the Whisperer to be abroad in Livardz like this. Somebody must have called this creature into the world. "I have no business with your master. Now tell me who called you here - it is forbidden to deal with your kind." He tried to make it sound like an order, hoping that the hearth magic of a commanding voice might compel the spirit.

The upyr only grinned again it's voice dropping to a low rasp so that he had to focus to make out the words "Surely a mighty magician such as yourself, so powerful and wise, is not chained by such laws? Who gave them the power to tell you what to do? How can the weak have dominion over the strong?" The creature's long clawed fingers spread out in a gesture that perhaps it thought was inviting and friendly. "If you are bold enough to put aside such feeble restrictions then my master has a proposal for you - something that could be greatly to your advantage..."
</ic>
==Overview==
[[Interdiction]] is the power of the [[Imperial Conclave]] to censor specific rituals, items, or materials that represent a significant magical danger to the Empire. It has always been a crude tool, but in theory it is does forbid the casting of a ritual anywhere in the Empire - provided that people take notice of what the Conclave has said and observe the prohibition.

Sadly, in recent years, interdictions have been more notable for the number of times they were ignored rather than the times anyone observed them. Shortly after the death of [[Empress Britta|Britta]] the Conclave voted to interdict the harvesting or use of [[Vallorn]] seeds. Perhaps it was the failure of the Conclave to be specific about what such seeds looked like but in the years that followed a number of Imperial magicians - and even [[Strange_harvest#Opportunity|mundane farmers]] - harvested and used seeds from Vallorn areas infused with Spring magic, and did so utterly without consequence.

Nor is this the only example of mixed messages. In the WInter of 380YE, no less a figure than the [[grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] '''Catalina''' raised a declaration to encourage then [[sorcery|sorcerer]] Ancel Watcher to collaborate with the [[Whisper Gallery]] under the auspices of the [[archmage]] of Night - despite all the [[Amend_Crime_of_Sorcery_II|prohibitions]] against sorcerers interacting with any [[eternals]] at all, never mind a group currently under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]] of the Conclave. "''The Conclave understands that this is neither treason nor sorcery,''" the declaration said... despite the act being seen by many magicians as ''clearly'' both treason and sorcery.

This gradual erosion of the Conclave's authority turned into a rout at the recent Spring Equinox. There was a [[Before_the_sunrise#The_Waters_of_Therunin|perceived need]] to perform the interdicted ritual [[Rivers Run Red]], so a request was made to [[Interdiction#Declaration_of_Reconciliation|reconcile]] the ritual at the Friday [[Conclave session]]. The request was rejected - the Conclave clearly decided to keep the interdiction in place, and instead to take a different approach. At the following session - on the Saturday the Conclave passed two highly significant declarations.

<quote by="Alejandra i Erigo, Spring Equinox 382YE, Declaration of Concord, Passed">Conclave re-affirms the right of virtuous magicians to use curses as they see fit.</quote>

The seems innocuous enough at first, thought it could easily be read as a subtle nod of support for the use of the Rivers Run Red [[curse]] by the [[Navarr]] magicians in [[Therunin]] - in open defiance of the Conclave. But such is the way of things in Anvil where clever politicians hide their true meaning to pass what measures they can. But immediately following that, the Conclave then passed an explicit instruction to ignore their own ruling.

<quote by="Saeros Splitroot, Spring Equinox 382YE, Declaration of Concord, Passed">That the Voice of the Quiet Forest should cast Rivers Run Red on Therunin this season.</quote>

It is not unknown for individual magicians to act in ways that undermine the authority of the Conclave - at such times they usually face the punishment of the magistrates for their crimes. It is much rarer for the Conclave to openly instruct members to risk execution by violating the edicts it has imposed. Clearly the members of the Conclave's [[conclave order|orders]] were satisfied with the outcome, but the actions have frustrated many of the countless magicians who do not attend Anvil regularly but are never-the-less forced to comply with the Conclave's edicts.

==Moral Authority==
Most magicians assume that these decisions made sense to those who were attending Conclave at the time, and the common interpretation is that the Conclave intended to keep the ritual interdicted but permit this specific casting, despite the fact that such an arrangement is not supported by the law. The problem is that combined with the first declaration that virtuous magicians should use curses as they see fit, the inference that is being taken by many is that magicians should simply ignore interdiction and use ritual magic as they see fit - provided it is virtuous.

Indeed, some priests even support an interpretation arguing that [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] exists because the moral right of a citizen to act virtuously trumps the law. But many magicians, including a number of [[Landskeeper|landskeepers]], [[The_Marches_magical_traditions#Sorcery_and_the_Threshers|threshers]], [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates|vates]], [[magister|magisters]], and [[hakima]] who view ensuring the appropriate use of magic as part of their responsibilities look aghast at that. In their mind it is the responsibility of the Conclave to ensure the virtuous use of magic - it's not a decision every Tom, Dick, or Harry should be making. All magicians should use magic responsibly and virtuously they argue - the whole ''point'' of interdiction is to place a ritual beyond such considerations.

Ultimately their concern is that these actions serve to undermine the moral authority of the Conclave. The Conclave is charged by the [[Imperial Constitution]] to ensure the fit and proper use of magic in the service of the Empire. How are people - whose only contact with the Conclave is the news of what declarations have passed - to take interdiction seriously if the Conclave gives the impression that it does not? The recent problems caused by the chaotic and destructive use of magic by the House de Lusignan illustrates the potential risks of what happens if magicians across the Empire take it on themselves to start actively ignoring the Conclave.
<quote by="The Imperial Constitution">The Conclave shall ensure the fit and proper use of magic in the service of the Empire</quote>

==Proposal==
Normally such complaints would soon pass - but [[Camila i Erigo]], an ageing Freeborn magician from the hills of [[Kahraman]] has used the recent incident to try to gather support for a proposal to change the law governing interdiction. Her proposal is for the [[Imperial Senate]] to create a new declaration - a ''Declaration of Endorsement'' - that would grant approval by the Conclave for a magician to perform an interdicted ritual or to use an interdicted item. Had the Conclave had such a power last summit, then the potent curse could have been kept interdicted but the Voice of the Quiet Forest could have had a single casting of the ritual endorsed.

Critics of Camila's idea argue that her proposal achieves nothing other than to formalise what has already happened, but for Camilia that is the whole point. At present the common view of interdiction is that the Conclave specify that the ritual can never be used safely. It is their own action - unlawful action - in instructing magicians to counter their own declarations that weakens their moral authority and undermines confidence in the authority of magistrates and the law at the same time. Her view is that the magistrates will find it easier to uphold the decisions of the Conclave once a clear mechanism exists for them to provide legal endorsement of a ritual. She claims that if her proposals were adopted, magicians who continue to flout the Conclave will risk much more serious punishment then they received in this most recent case.

Camila claims that if the law were adopted then the view of interdiction would change. Rather than being seen as placing a ritual beyond the pale such that it cannot be cast - instead it would be seen as simply dangerous and thus requiring the approval of the Conclave. When the Conclave endorsed the use of an interdicted ritual that would bolster their authority rather than undermine it - since it would be clear that they had judiciously considered the matter and given their approval. In Camila's eyes this would better reflect the spirit of the Imperial Constitution - requiring that the Conclave ensure the fit and proper use of magic. At present the Conclave are unable to take account of the specific situations in which a magic might be employed when making that assessment - which seems neither [[Wisdom|Wise]] nor [[Vigilance|Vigilant]].

Camila warns that were her proposal adopted, then she anticipates that the number of rituals that were interdicted would be likely to increase significantly - indeed there would be little point to the change if that didn't happen. More of the Conclave's time would thus be taken up having to consider Declarations of Endorsement for each circumstance where a magician felt it was warranted. While it is possible that every [[curse]] might be interdicted - to prevent any possibility of abuse - Camila's supporters claim that eventually the Conclave will find the right balance.

==Constitutional Court==
Camila has written to the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] to request [[scrutiny]] of her proposal. Their response makes clear that they cannot give a definite answer unless they have a clearly worded [[Senate motion]] to consider. However in principle they see no reason why it would be unconstitutional to change the law in such a way provided it were done as part of a well written motion.

They advise that if any [[senator]] does wish to take up the matter, then they must consider a number of key points. Would the Declaration of Endorsment require a named target for the interdicted ritual? Would it require the ritual to be performed at a set time? Will a single named coven or magician be endorsed or can anyone benefit from the endorsement? How would this new declaration interact with rituals that are proscribed because they draw power from, or involve communion with, an [[eternals|eternal]] under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]]?

There are a lot of details which are not covered by Camila's rather general proposal that would ideally be defined so that that magistrates and civil servants could interpret the Senate's will correctly.

They are clear that the constitutional court would '''not''' permit a law which simply endorsed one or more individuals to perform interdicted rituals at will. For example it would not be constitutional to interdict Rivers of Gold - and then endorse a single coven in the League to perform the ritual. That would fall foul of the Constitutional's goal to provide freedom and prosperity to Imperial citizens.

Civil tongue

2018-07-16T21:56:11Z

Cheer Police: /* Overview */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: Summer Solstice 382YE]][[Category:Trade Winds]]
<ic>"My father once told me that there is no greater evil than ignorance."

"Your father sounds like he was a wise man." Alemenus of Kantor finished cutting his pomegranate in half. Using his knife to score the skin, he rapped it firmly with the haft and sent a cascade of crimson seeds into the silver bowl. Once, twice. He pushed the bowl toward the middle of the low table, and carefully selected a few of the seeds between finger and thumb.

Gulls called overhead, twisting and diving in the mid afternoon light, raucous and unruly. They were neither neat nor orderly, and that quite irrationally irritated him.

Zana followed his gaze and smiled a little sadly.

"It's the storms," she said. "They come further and further inland to avoid them, following the river. In some places there is a belief that the environment can influence a creature's form, or habits. If the storms continue to ravage the southern coast, the gull may become a permanent fixture here."

She sipped her cool fruit juice, and watched him eat his pomegranate seeds, together in companionable silence.

"Creating a map is like translating a voice that speaks in a language you don't understand, who tells you to go to a place you've never been. It's a riddle, or a mystery. By comprehending the riddle, by unraveling the mystery, slowly we make the word more understandable. That is what my father said, anyway."

"He had a way with words, then, your father."

Zana nodded again. She took out a scroll, unrolled it, laid it on the table and secured the corners with her cup, his cup, his knife, and - to his irritation - the bowl of pomegranate seeds. She traced the line of the mountains, of eastern Urizen, with her finger.

"No passes that I can see, not on any of the maps. Not from poor Zenith, not from poor Spiral. Perhaps a proper map would help to find them, what do you think."

Alemenus of Kantor stopped being annoyed that she had moved his bowl, and leaned forward to look at the map.

"It is the same on our side, I understand. Studying the space between, we might find more about the edges. About the borders of your Empire, and our land. It is a worthy endeavour, I think."

"Maybe," said Zana carefully. "But you can see why there are questions. The Empire has prepared this opportunity to explore the Mountains of the Moon. We paid for it, we secured the weirwood, the funds. Axos may be keen to help, but the Empire does not in point of fact ''need'' your help."

The Axos ambassador spluttered, and made a negative gesture with his hand. Before he could construct a coherent sentence, Zana removed the weights and let the scroll roll closed.

"It is not my decision to make, however. Nor yours. The Military Council, or the Senate, will decide if they will permit Axos to send their scouts. The Ambassador will advise, I am sure."

"And who will advise the Ambassador?" snapped Alemenus. "If not you?"

Zana smiled sadly.

"We will, of course, advise the mabassador. But we will give the same advice, the right advice, regardless of all ''this''." she gestured vaguely to take in the apartment, the bowl of pomegrante seeds, the bottle of wine. "The Empire does not ''need'' your aid - but that does not mean they will not ''want'' it."</ic>

==Overview==
There are six great powers in the known world; the Empire is one of them of course. The other five lie many weeks away across the seas. The [[Asavean Archipelago]] and the [[Sumaah Republic]] to the west; the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] to the east; and the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - the Empire's closest neighbours - to the south. Relations between the six are often fraught. They have their own politics, and their own agendas. Yet each must engage in international diplomacy with the others - the other nations are simply too powerful and influential to ignore. At any given point, the best one can do is take a snapshot of a few days in time - and say "this is the current state of affairs; be careful because it might change at any moment.

There are other nations of note on the same continent as the Empire - [[Faraden]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] in the south-west, and [[Axos]] to the far east are all relatively well known. Because these foreign nations are so much closer it is a little easier for the Empire to influence them, but their ability to directly impact the Empire is significant despite their smaller size.

==Sumaah Republic==
* '''The Sumaah Republic remains at war with the Empire.'''
* '''The port of Zemeh remains closed.'''
During the Winter Solstice, an envoy of the House of the People in Sumaah visited the Empire. Envoy ''Azcan'' was hosted by the former ambassador '''Vera Runova Helgerod''' in her camp. By all accounts the pair engaged in a long discussion of Imperial-Republic relations culminating in proposals for a peace treaty between the two nations. Shortly after receiving a copy of the proposed peace treaty between the two nations, however, Envoy Azcan and his companions abruptly left their rooms at an inn on the outskirts of Anvil. They then returned to Sumaah, without further discussion with Imperial authorities.

Three months later, Envoy Azcan is back, accompanied by Tipoa the Insightful (perhaps best known for their work around the changes to Doctrine related to the Imprial Orcs). They have sent a request to the new [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]], Accalon of Felix's Watch, for a formal reception at the Senate building at half-past-six on Friday night, shortly after the official beginning of the summit. The request makes it absolutely clear that if the Ambassador does ''not'' receive them in the Senate as befits a serious political delegation from a powerful nation, they will return home without further discussion.

Peculiarly, there is also a request that '''Tarquinius of Ankarien''', the current [[Ambassador to Axos]], also be present. The civil servant Secretary to the Diplomatic Corps, John Cooper of Upwold, double-checks the detail, but the Sumaah say there has been no mistake. The presence of Tarquinius of Ankarien is requested by Envoy Azcan.

==Asavean Archipelago==
* '''Every Imperial Fleet trading with Nemoria receives an additional measure of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and an additional ingot of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]]'''
* '''Imperial fleets no longer receive herbs from Asavea; a standard fleet trading with Nemoria will receive 36 rings rather than 2 Cerulean Mazzarine.'''
* '''Two Asavean provinces are in violent revolt against the Plenum; Nemoria calls for Imperial mercenaries.''' You can learn more ([[Toil and weep|here]])
* '''Questions around ordaining Asavean priests of the way have arisen.''' You can learn more ([[Judged by their company|here]]).
Relations with Asavea remain warm. Imperial captains trading with the Asavean Archipelago continue to receive preferential treatment and Asavan merchants are, in turn, an increasingly common site in the Brass Coast and across Sarvos. The [[Feroz#The_Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull|Temple of Balo and the Black Bull]] in [[Feroz]] continues to prosper. Reports from the [[Liaison_to_the_Temple_in_Nemoria#The_Temple_of_the_Way_in_Nemoria|Temple of the Seven Virtues]] in [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] are broadly positive, although there is some uncertainty about what to do about [[Judged by their company|Asaveans seeking ordination as priests]]. More pressingly perhaps, the outbreak of war between the Plenum and two rebellious satrapies has seen Asaveans keen to [[Toil and weep|recruit mercenaries]] to help them suppress armed insurrection. With the [[inquisition]] of the [[Asavean Architect Almodin Ostikis]], and the questions around [[382YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#In_Flagrante_.28Spiral.29|Leri Tarquinius]] and his white granite, there any number of threats to the stability of Asavean-Imperial relations have come to the fore this Summer Solstice.

Regardless, at the moment the Asaveans are keen to trade with the Empire. A consequence of the presence of so many merchants from the island republic has been an increase in the amount of [[materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] passing through the public auction. At the moment these merchants are very interested in securing healing herbs, especially [[bladeroot]] and [[marrowort]] - they are taking steps to secure supplies of these herbs wherever possible. Consequently the amount of these herbs being sent to Anvil has significantly declined. It remains to be seen if this enthusiasm for Imperial herbs continues.

==Principalities of Jarm==
* '''The southern port of Vezak will supply an additional crystal mana to each visiting ship.'''
* '''The eastern port of Rigia is closed to Imperial shipping.'''
* '''The mandate of the Imperial synod means Imperial fleet captains trading with Vezak or Kavor receive two fewer mana crystals.'''
The far western nation of Jarm continues to welcome Imperial captains - ironic in a way as Imperial captains are increasingly reticent to visit the Principalities and risk the censure of the Imperial Synod. Even more ironic, perhaps, is the news that the port of Rigia - the one the Synod sought to encourage virtuous captains to favour - remains closed. The news from the eastern alliance is that the damage to the docks was more significant than was initially believed, and it has simply proved impossible to reopen the quayside this season. Perhaps after the Autumn Equinox the repairs will be completed.

A new embassy has been established in Vezak, with the aid of Lord-Magister Anton Threscher of the Hidden Hook.

('''Note:''' Even though the port at Rigia is currently closed, the Synod mandate [[Better_world#The_Synod|discouraging trade with Vezak and Kavor]] still stands. Imperial captains trading with either of these ports receive two fewer crystal mana than they might normally expect.)
===Jarmish Jewels===
During the Winter Solstice, a representative of Magician-Prince Matvei Kobarid [[Poor_boy#From_the_Stars|visited Anvil]] to explore the possibility of selling enchanted jewelry to Imperial magicians. Kobarid is well-known among the Principalities for its fine jewelry - in particular they are known for crafting the ''glazamy neba''. These "star jewels" are talismans keyed to the [[astronomancy|constellations]] used by skilled Jarmish magicians to [[spellcasting|wield incantations]] more frequently, often on the battlefield. Such magic jewelry is not cheap, and even in Jarm the secrets of their manufacture are closely guarded. Their representative having clearly enjoyed the hospitality of Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato, the Kobarid have decided to pursue further opportunities with the Empire. As such, they have approached the civil service for advice on how to proceed.
<div style="display:inline-block; float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Price</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Jewel</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Power</td></tr>
<tr><td>450 rings</td><td>Firebird Jewel</td><td>cast heal</td></tr>
<tr><td>450 rings</td><td>Jewel of the White Palm</td><td>cast purify</td></tr>
<tr><td>450 rings</td><td>Jewel of the Cup</td><td>cast empower</td></tr>
<tr><td>450 rings</td><td>Mountain Jewel</td><td>cast repel</td></tr>
<tr><td>900 rings</td><td>Jewel of the Red Queen</td><td>swift cast heal</td></tr>
<tr><td>900 rings</td><td>Fate's Jewel</td><td>cast shatter</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
The Kobarid are proposing a fortified exchange patterned after the famous [[Steward_of_the_Tassato_Mana_Exchange#Tassato_Mana_Exchange|Mana Exchange]] in [[Tassato]]. Such a structure would require 8 wains of white granite and 4 wains of mithril (to secure the vault), and 24 crowns in labour. It would also require a senate motion, and count against the seasonal limit of commissions. It would take three months to complete and once it was finished someone would need to be appointed to serve as liason to the Kobarid. While the Jarmish would sell their jewelry directly to those who could afford it, the liason would have the ability to purchase up to three pieces of their rare magical jewelry each season at a bargain price. The liason could be appointed by any number of means but the most likely would be open auction on the Imperial Bourse, or appointment by [[declaration]] of the Conclave.

The enchanted jewelry is not cheap, but is unique in the Empire - Imperial artisans have nothing comparable to offer - so in theory it represents a unique opportunity to make a profit. The Kobarid also know how to create other star jewels, and might be prepared to offer one that aligns with a specific spell for sale if requested by their liason. There might also in theory be a possibility of allowing Imperial artisans to learn how to make some of the lesser jewels - but this would require at least a year of profitable business with the Empire.

The Imperial Ambassador to Jarm, Oswi Twiceburned, may have more information about the Kobarid and their offer. The Jarmish magicians have placed a hard deadline on their offer of the end of the Autumn Equinox - if the Empire is not interested they will look elsewhere for a chance to secure a new market for both their magical and mundane jewelry.
<box>'''''Star Jewels'''''<br>Each star jewel is a [[talisman]] that allows the character who is bonded to it to cast (or in some cases swift cast) a specific spell three times each day without expending any mana. The character must already know the appropriate spell to be able to use the jewel - although in theory it could be combined with an item such as an [[Acolyte's Mercy]] that grants the ability to cast a specific spell as if you knew it. Each takes the form of a piece of jewelry, usually worn in the wrist or hand, in a Jarmish style set with several carefully selected pieces of tempest jade.</box>

==Faraden==
* '''The completion of the south-west road network brings increased prosperity to Segura territory.'''
* '''The number of Faraden merchants visiting the Empire continues to rise.'''
The completion of the [[Construct_south_west_road_network|new road network]] in [[Segura]], linking Anduz to Tassato via Siroc in [[Madruga]] has seen a further increase in the number of Faraden merchants visiting the Empire. The new roads have brought prosperity to Segura, and the new influx of merchants has in turn brought more wealth into Madruga. The road network connects with the Blood Red Roads at Madruga, but an additional road connection Siroc to Calvos that cuts across the territory, rather than following the coast, has also been constructed for the use of the notoriously sea-averse Faraden.

The Faraden are now exploring the trade opportunities offered by every corner of the Empire. They remain enthusiastic about trade enclaves similar to [[Upwold#Moonwater_Hall|Moonwater Hall]] built in in [[Volodmartz]] (Triosk most likely), and central [[Astolat]] (Laroc and Oldheart would be ideal) allowing them easy access to Varushkan timber and ore, and to Dawnish luxuries. So far, there has been no movement on these enclaves - the newly appointed Ambassador to Faraden is likely to know more once they are appointed and receive their briefing from the Secretary to the Diplomatic Corps.

The presence of so many Faraden traders, especially in the western Empire, continues to increase the amount of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]] and [[Materials#Weltslver|weltsilver]] on the public auction. There also seems to be continuing interest in auctioning mithril to Imperial citizens, organised through the Bourse. The decimation of the iridescent butterfly in Faraden means they continue to be very interested in purchasing large amounts of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|Iridescent Gloaming]], reducing the amount available through the public auction.

==Citadels of Axos==
* '''Axos remains friendly to the Empire.'''
Relations with the eastern nation of Axos remain positive. Imperial captains visiting the Towers of Kantor continue to receive a warm welcome. Indeed there are so ''many'' Imperial captains in Axos at the moment it has begun to become a source of humour - that there are more Imperial sailors in Axos than there are in the Empire. Not every Axou citadel welcomes the Empire of course - the citizens of the Chambers of Ussyk continue to ascribe sinister motives to the Imperial captains visiting Kantor. Very few Axou are listening to them however.

Imperial captains also comment on an increasing number of Commonwealth ships, and merchants from the Sarcophan Delves, on the docks at Kantor. There is even talk of a new dock exclusively for the use of Sarcophan vessels, given that the existing quayside simply cannot cope with the demand from foreign vessels wishing to make a berth there. It is likely that the Ambassador to Axos '''Tarquinius of Ankarien''' may know more.

The Axou are keen to see a land route between their Citadels and the spires of eastern Urizen. The [[spy network]] that the Empire has recently completed in the Mountains of the Moon is of particular interest to them. Axos has offered to dispatch five hundred Agema and Toxatai scouts to support Imperial efforts to map the territory, but the matter is somewhat sensitive. If the Axou are allowed to support the spy network, they will share the intelligence gathered with the Empire but Imperial scouts will in turn share information with them.

As such, it will require a vote by the [[Imperial Military Council]] or the [[Imperial Senate]] to grant permission to the Axou to send their troops to assist the Imperial scouts in the Mountains of the Moon. In the absence of such an invitation, they will not be permitted to support the spy network. Such collaboration should make it easier to map the territory but of course it also means that they will also gain the same maps that the Empire receives.

==Iron Confederacy==
* '''The port of Robec remains open to the Empire'''
The troops belonging to the Duke of [[Bay of Catazar#Kalino|Kalino]] have returned south across the border out of [[Feroz]], now that the slave rebellion has been decisively crushed. Almost immediately, however, further demands come from the Suranni. They are deeply concerned that Imperial [[liao]] is being smuggled through Feroz into the Iron Confederacy - a substance that is quite illegal within the borders of the nation. There is also extensive concern about Imperial ships spying on the Confederacy - the recent effort to [[Map the Bay]] has ruffled feathers all along the Iron Conferedacy's western coast.

As regards the former, the Suranni are demanding that the Empire shut this operation down or face the consequences. There is also talk of reparations for the invasion of Confederacy coastal waters. The Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy '''Zadkiel de Coeurdefer''' will have received more information in his briefing from the civil service, as the demands have come directly through his office rather than from the Duke of Kalino.

==Commonwealth==
* '''Trade with [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29|Leerdam]] and [[Commonwealth_ports#Volkavaar_.28Western_Commonwealth.29|Volkavaar]] remains stable.'''
Relations with the Commonwealth have not deteriorated, but neither have they improved particularly. There is one ray of light however - the Commonwealth is aware of plans to arrange a summit to discuss an international effort against nations that embrace slavery, and is keen to send representatives to attend. They anticipate that the Autumn Eqinox would likely be an excellent time for such a summit, and are prepared to use whatever influence they have to get both Sumaah Republic and Sarcophan Delves to participate, should the Empire decide to go ahead.

==Sarcophan Delves==
* '''Situation continues normal'''
The completion of the [[Construct_Kruidenkenner_warehouse|warehouses]] in [[Necropolis]] have seen more Sarcophan merchants in Highguard particularly. Representatives of a powerful guild of herbalists and apothecaries in the Delves, the Kruidenkenner are keen to explore the new markets for their product that have opened to them with the construction of their trading enclave in Highguard.

Discontent continues with regard to the agreement between the Sarcophan and the Grendel, but with the current magics protecting Imperial ships that discontent is muted. The Sacrophan appear quite interested in how the Empire has secured such a powerful, and valuable, effect and are certain to be making enquiries of the Ambassaor to the Sarcophan Delves, '''Thanmir Hrafnar'''.

The Kuidenkenner have expressed an interest in selling some of their merchandise through the public auction in Anvil, during the coming summit. Several shipments of premium [[Imperial Roseweald]] have been secured with the Bourse already.

==Situation in Cargo==
* '''Three nations have an interest in aiding in the defence of Cargo'''
The Empire chose to take advantage of all three offers made by foreign nations to assist in the fortification of Cargo. The town, site of three embassies, is under immediate threat of Druj invasion. Using designs prepared by the Axos, and white granite imported from Sarcophan, and with the support of Jarmish ritual magic, the fortification there is already half completed. In another three months - assuming the remaining materials are sourced - the town will be positioned to put up a significant fight against any invading Druj force.

==Demand for Liao==
* '''Demand remains constant, mantaining the price once again to 18 rings a dose'''
Only two nations - the Empire and the Sumaah Republic - produce [[liao]] in any great quantity, and the Sumaah are loathe to allow too much of it to fall into the hands of heathens and heretics. There is a significant demand for the spiritual substance in a numbere of places, however. The [[Construct_Temple_of_the_Way_in_Nemoria|temple of the Seven Virtues]] in [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] means that the novelty-seeking Asaveans are even more interested in acquiring the drug than usual. Several nations make use of the liao in their own spiritual rites - the Faraden and the Axou in particular. Others look to exploit the mild narcotic properties of liao, or to trade on its exotic reputation - merchants from the Sarcophan Delves in particular are keen to buy crates of the purple substance to sell to select markets abroad.

Yet the Empire's stock of liao is carefully regulated, distributed to [[congregation|congregations]] based on their size. With a few exceptions, the liao that is so much in demand must be purchased directly from Imperial priests. At the moment, any Imperial citizen who leads a congregation can sell their liao for 18 rings each dose, either to entrepreneurial Imperial traders or directly to foreign merchants.

Archive:382YE Spring Equinox Imperial titles

2018-07-14T22:48:57Z

Cheer Police: /* Vigilance */

==The [[Imperial Senate]]==

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

===The senators of [[The Brass Coast]]===
* Senator for [[Feroz]]: Chiara i Zayden i Riqueza
* Senator for [[Kahraman]]: Qusay i Kalamar i Guerra
* Senator for [[Madruga]]: Adan i Del-Toro i Riquezza
* Senator for [[Segura]]: Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra

===The senators of [[Dawn]]===
* Senator for [[Astolat]]: Bohemond de Rondell
* Senator for [[Semmerholm]] Lady Ailliena Devereux
* Senator for [[Weirwater]]: Lady Eve Orzel

===The senators of [[Highguard]]===
* Senator for [[Bastion]]: Sammual, of the Cohort of the Winter Bear
* Senator for [[Casinea]]: Nira, of Cantiarch's Hold
* Senator for [[Necropolis]]: Jeconiah, of Raven's Watch
* Senator for [[Reikos]]: Cadeus, of the Shattered Tower

===The senators of [[The League]]===
* Senator for [[Holberg]]: Caerwyn von Holberg of the Feasting Crow
* Senator for [[Sarvos]]: Magdelena Alagna di Sarvos
* Senator for [[Tassato]]: Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato
* Senator for [[Temeschwar]]: vacant

===The senators of [[The Marches]]===
* Senator for [[Bregasland]], the Dour Fens: Orrick Bolholt
* Senator for [[Mitwold]], Pride of the Marches: William Guildenstern
* Senator for [[Upwold]], The Silver Chase: Henry Ward
* Senator for [[Mournwold]], The Mourn: Robert Dunlain

===The senators of the [[Navarr]]===
* Senator for [[Hercynia]]: Rhisiart Dancewalker
* Senator for [[Miaren]]: Llewellyn Leafstalker
* Senator for [[Therunin]]: Cybi Farkas

===The senators of [[Urizen]]===
* Senator for [[Morrow]]: Ariadne of Auric Horizon
* Senator for [[Redoubt]]: Andronikos
* Senator for [[Spiral]]: Tanwyn Ankarien

===The senators of [[Varushka]]===
* Senator for [[Karsk]]: Maarit
* Senator for [[Karov]]: Pipski Bearonovitch Strascovich of the Vor'azi
* Senator for [[Miekarova]]: Father Nikolovich Drakov
* Senator for [[Volodmartz]]: Alexei Volostra

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

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

===Other [[Imperial Senate]] positions===
* The [[Advisor on orc affairs]] is Bloodcrow Yargol
* The [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] is Siân Eternal
* The [[Ambassador to Asavea]] is Jarrigk Wegwandelaar
* The [[Ambassador to Axos]] is Tarquinius of Ankarien
* The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] is vacant
* The [[Ambassador to Faraden]] is vacant
* The [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] is Zadkiel de Coeurdefer
* The [[Ambassador to Jarm]] is Oswi Twice-burned
* The [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] is Yevgeni Katzev
* The [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] is Thanmir Hrafnar
* The [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]] is Accalon of Felix's Watch
* The [[Captain of the Senate Guard]] is Keelin Foxden
* The [[Conscience of the Senate]] is Mel Greenhill of Mourn
* The [[Dean of the Academy]] is vacant
* The [[Imperial Consul]] is Aureliana Perpetua Nicasia Saverio di Sarvos
* The [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] is Rowan Merrick
* The [[Minister_of_Historical_Research|Minister of Historical Research]] is Ioseph of Phoenix Reach
* The [[Trade envoy]] to Asavea is '''TBC'''
* The [[Trade envoy]] to the Commonwealth is '''TBC'''
* The [[Trade envoy]] to Faraden is '''TBC'''
* The [[Trade envoy]] to Jarm is '''TBC'''
* The [[Trade envoy]] to the Sarcophan Delves is vacant
* The [[Trade envoy]] to the Suumah Republic is '''TBC'''

===[[Commission|Commissioners]] appointed by senators===

* The [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] is vacant
* The [[Imperial Master of Works|Imperial Master of Works]] is vacant

===[[sinecure|Sinecures]] and [[ministry|Ministries]] appointed by senators===
* The sinecure of [[Broken Shield Guardian]] is Redhand Gezzar
* The sinecure of [[Caretaker of New Dunhall]] is Brigantia Dunning
* The sinecure of [[Custodian of Glass Point Cove]] is Dalibor Marek
* The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Claw]] is held by Valeria of Phoenix Reach
* The sinecure of [[Dean of Pilgrims]] is vacant
* The sinecure of [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]] is Eleri of Bronwen's Rest
* The sinecure of [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] is Tanwen Snowstep
* The sinecure of [[Fallsheart Guardian]] is Breeta Dunning
* The sinecure of [[Gatekeeper of Falling Snow]] is Pendraed the Maker
* The sinecure of [[Granger of the Golden Orchard]] is Merel Pathfinder
* The sinecure of [[Grim Gardener]] is Maegruth Bearonovitch Strascovitch
* The sinecure of [[Guardian of the Cairn]] is held by Tarqeq Icetongue
* The sinecure of [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] is Kai Dunning of Wintermark
* The sinecure of [[Healer of Dawn]] is Isabella de Rondell
* The sinecure of [[Herbalist of the Hearth]] is Brienne-Walda Stormborn
* The sinecure of [[Jade Custodian]] is Giacomo Corvinoscuro
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of Aurelie's Garden]] is Katrina Gardner, of Dawn
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of Berislav's Rest]] is Goran Berislavin Kovacevic
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Crystal Vale]] is Torunn Volcarona
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] is Bill of Middleton
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Glorious Fountain]] is Tatiana of Auric Horizon
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] is Thomas of Hay
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Memorial Gardens of Treji]] is held by Ceinwen
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] is held by Domitila Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] is held by Reina i Shartha i Riquez
* The sinecure of [[Magic Butcher]] is Lisabeth von Temeschwar of the Pledge
* The sinecure of [[Master Apothecary]] is vacant
* The sinecure of [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] is Naomi of Felix's Watch
* The sinecure of [[Mayor of Caricomare]] is held by Aria Notturno di Sarvos
* The sinecure of [[Preceptor of the Skarsind College of Warcasting]] is vacant
* The sinecure of [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] is Redhand Luga
* The sinecure of [[Signori d'Argento Vine Tender]] is Markus Devere
* The sinecure of [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is held by Rafa'eet i Contra i Guerra
* The sinecure of [[Storm Shaman]] is Ashborn Rauur
* The sinecure of [[Weigher of Worth]] is Skywise Taal

* The ministry of [[Celesti Lighthouse Keeper]] is Bakar i Erigo
* The ministry of [[High Herbalist of Sybella]] is Tolame of the Scions of Ravensfell
* The ministry of [[Master of the Clearing House]] is Wilhelmina Aurora Sanguineo
* The ministry of [[Steward of the Sarvos Mana Exchange]] is vacant
* The ministry of [[Steward of the Tassato Mana Exchange]] is Edwin Sanguineo di Tassato

==[[Imperial Military Council|The Military Council]]==
===The Generals of [[The Brass Coast]]===
* General Estana i Mestiere i Guerra of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Red Wind Corsairs|Red Wind Corsairs]]
* General Marciel i Riqueza of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Fire of the South|Fire of the South]]

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

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

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

===The Generals of [[The League]]===
* General Michelangelo Garcian de Sarvos of the [[The League military concerns#The Wolves of War|Wolves of War]]
* General Natalia Barossa of the [[The League military concerns#The Towerjacks|Towerjacks]]

===The Generals of [[The Marches]]===
* General Marius Woodville-Talbot of [[The Marches military concerns#The Tusks|The Tusks]]
* General Will Talbot of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Drakes|The Drakes]]
* General Jack Flint of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Strong Reeds|Strong Reeds]]
* General Black Jack of the [[The Marches military concerns#Bounders|Bounders]]

===The Generals of [[Navarr]]===
* General Eira Pridestalker of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns|Black Thorns]]
* General Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the League of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Quiet Step|Quiet Step]]. The Throne used her power of [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire|Defender of the Empire]].

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

===The Generals of [[Varushka]]===
* General Akstis Eigulys of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Northern Eagle|Army of the Northern Eagle]]
* General Belakov Zakharovich Prochnost of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Golden Axe|Army of the Golden Axe]]
* General Magnus Prochnost of the [[Varushka_military_concerns#The_Army_of_the_Iron_Helms|Army of the Iron Helms]]

===The Generals of [[Wintermark]]===
* General Iron Osric of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Green Shield Army|Green Shield Army]]
* General Theoderic Ulfarsson of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Fist of the Mountain|Fist of the Mountain]]
* General for [[Wintermark_military_concerns#The_Bloodcloaks|The Bloodcloaks]] is Llofyn Bloodcloak

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

==The [[Imperial Synod]]==
===[[Ambition]]===
* Cardinal Viviane de Coeurdefer of Dawn
* Gatekeeper is Corey Wayfarer of Navarr
* Virtue Inquisitor Ranae de Rondell of Dawn

===[[Courage]]===
* Cardinal Jorma Steelhail of Wintermark
* Gatekeeper Nina of Cantiarch's Hold, of Highguard
* Virtue Inquisitor Lucifer, Son of Cyrus of Highguard

===[[Loyalty]]===
* Cardinal Veikko, of Wintermark
* Gatekeeper Tess of the Marches
* Virtue Inquisitor Corwin Leafstalker of Navarr

===[[Pride]]===
* Cardinal Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato of The League
* Gatekeeper Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra of The Brass Coast
* Virtue Inquisitor Rane Jorunsdottir of Wintermark

===[[Prosperity]]===
* Cardinal Cesaro Enzo di Trivento
* Gatekeeper Morgan Leafstalker of Navarr
* Virtue Inquisitor Yarona of the Chantry of the Silver Skull of Highguard

===[[Vigilance]]===
* Cardinal Irada von Temeschwar, The League
* Gatekeeper is Sela of Suns of Couros of Highguard
* Virtue Inquisitor is Ser Ancél Watcher of Dawn

===[[Wisdom]]===
* Cardinal Abaddon De Rondell of Dawn
* Gatekeeper: Amris of Varushka
* Virtue Inquisitor Galene Netherwatch of Urizen

===[[The Way]]===
* Cardinal Atla of the Imperial Orcs
* Conscience of the Senate Mel Greenhill of the Mourn of the Marches
* Virtue Inquisitor Yarrick Ursan of Wintermark

===Other Synod positions===
* The post of [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] is Vauraus Korppitkotka of Wintermark
* The post of [[High Bard of the Empire]] is held by Irina Akulinovna Kotor, of Varushka
* The post of [[High Exorcist]] is held by Solas of the Waxing Sun, of Urizen
* The post of [[Imperial Chaplain Consular]] is held by Chainbreaker Snark of the Imperial Orcs
* The post of [[Imperial Inquisitor]] is held by Martin Orchard, of the Marches
* The post of [[Seer of the Gateway]] is held by Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade, of Urizen

====Sinecures and Ministries appointed by the Synod====
* The post of [[Castellan of the Silent Sentinel]] is held by Rhesa of the Scions of Ravenfell
* The post of [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] is held by Nils Bardstrom of Wintermark
* The post of [[Claviger of the Basilica of Cora Holdfast]] is held by Jared of the Suns of Couros
* The post of [[Curator of the Printer's Guild Museum]] is held by Taddea Ginori
* The post of [[Curator of the White City Museum]] is held by Apollos of Highguard
* The post of [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] is vacant
* The post of [[Dean of Laroc Cathedral]] is held by Odelina de Rondell of Dawn
* The post of [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] is held by Albert Fugglestone-Copperhill
* The post of [[Guardian of Giselle's Tomb]] is held by Casimir Marcellino di Sarvos of the League
* The post of [[Liaison to the Temple in Nemoria]] is held by Franco i Erigo
* The post of [[Limitu Principality House of the Way|Coordinator of the Limitu Principality House of the Way]] is vacant
* The post of [[Quaymaster of the Black Sails]] is vacant
* The post of [[Voice of Barbs]] is held by Meredith Nighthaven of Navarr
* The post of [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] is held by Gunnbrand Ironwill of Wintermark

==The [[Imperial Conclave]]==
===[[Archmage|Archmagi]]===
* The [[Archmage]] of Spring is Fabian of Vexille
* The [[Archmage]] of Summer is Solomon
* The [[Archmage]] of Autumn is Marcus of Endsmeet
* The [[Archmage]] of Winter is Emilia
* The [[Archmage]] of Day is Gancius della Notte di Sarvos
* The [[Archmage]] of Night is Elyssiathain of Endsmeet

===[[Grandmaster|Grandmasters of the Orders]]===
* Grandmaster of the [[Celestial Arch|Order of the Celestial Arch]] Reichard Callan Remidos von Holmaur
* Grandmaster of the [[Golden Pyramid|Order of the Golden Pyramid]] Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato
* Grandmaster of the [[Rod and Shield|Order of the Rod and Shield]] is vacant
* Grandmaster of the [[Sevenfold Path|Order of the Sevenfold Path]] Zephaniah of [[Highguard]]
* Grandmaster of the [[Shuttered Lantern|Order of the Shuttered Lantern]] Gregor
* Grandmaster of the [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]] is vacant
* Grandmaster of the [[Silver Chalice|Order of the Silver Chalice]] Raewynn Farkas

===Other [[Conclave|Imperial Conclave]] Positions===
* Simargl, "the Empty One" of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash of [[Varushka]] serves as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]
* Abel of Reikos' Renown of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]
* Pavel, of [[Varushka]] serves as [[Imperial Magus]]
* Finn Finnson serves as the [[Imperial_Seer|Imperial Seer]]
* Vitore Van Temeschwar serves as the [[Arcane_Architect|Arcane Architect]]
* Brother Luke of the Shattered Tower of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Master of Ice and Darkness]]
* Ingar serves as the [[Imperial Censor]]
* Asenath, of Highguard, serves as [[Penumbral Watcher]]
* The position of [[Gloaming Sentinel]] is vacant

==The [[Imperial Bourse]]==
===[[Imperial Bourse#Imperial Bourse Positions|Imperial Bourse Positions]]===
* The [[Arratan Gamble]] is held by Liora of the Silver Chantry (300 Thrones)
* The [[Brilliant Shore]] is vacant
* The [[Brilliant Star]] is held by Tobias Shanks (350 Thrones)
* The [[Canterspire Circle]] is held by Bron Mordssen (280 Thrones)
* The [[Custodian of the Concordium Dock]] is held by Dranthus of Enlightment Spire (5 Thrones)
* The [[Damation Cliffs]] are held by Vieri Allori (355 Thrones)
* The [[Fortress of Salt]] is held by Caleb of the Cenotaph (375 Thrones)
* The [[Golden Trees of Seren]] are held by Watkin (280 Thrones)
* The [[Great Forest at Reikos]] is held by Issachar (200 Thrones)
* The [[Great Mine of Briante]] is held by Jonah Farkas (370 Thrones)
* The [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]] is held by Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich (370 Thrones)
* The [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] is held by Matilda Reaper (275 Thrones)
* The [[Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] is held by Raknar Dunning (320 Thrones Thrones)
* The [[Night Quarry]] is held by Thalia of Netherwatch (306 Thrones)
* The [[Scorrero Nets]] are vacant
* The [[Sutton Stone Quarries]] are held by Peter Carter (287 Thrones & 4 Crowns)
* The [[Syrene's Wisdom]] is held by Misha Kemi (120 Thrones)
* The [[Weirwater Vales]] are held by Rada (280 Thrones)

===[[Imperial Bourse#National Bourse Positions|National Bourse Positions]]===
* The [[Broken Shore Bounty]] ([[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]) is held by Jeziah i Mestiere i Guerra
* The [[Eternal Shafts of Time]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Tomasz
* The [[Gift of the Dwindling Star]] ([[Varushka]]) is held by Jarek the Peaceful
* The [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Vitaly Grigorovich Dukov
* The [[Legacy]] ([[Urizen]]) is vacant
* The [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] ([[The League|League]]) is Lieselotte van Holberg (25 Thrones)
* The [[Overseer of the Cavabianca Dock]] ([[The League|League]]) is Lukash Biessek von Temeschwar
* The [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]] ([[Wintermark]]) is held by Algar of Ashenhall
* The [[Regario Dossier]] ([[The League|League]]) is held by Rodrigo Barrosa (40 Thrones)
* The [[Singing Caves]] ([[The Marches|Marches]]) is vacant
* The [[Steel Fist]] ([[Imperial Orcs]]) is held by Bloodcrow Losak
* The [[Thimble]] ([[Navarr]]) is held by Idris Eternal
* The [[Vigilant Swan]] ([[Highguard]]) is held by Bartimaeus of the Shattered Tower

* The [[Stonefield Ice Caves]] ([[Wintermark]]) are held by the [[Thule]]

===Other Bourse Titles===
These titles are appointed through the Bourse, but do not give the holder a Seat on the Imperial Bourse.
* Errol is [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]]
* Demitrio Taziel i Riqueza is the [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]]
* Safya i Kalamar i Guerra is [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]]
* Johan van den Berghe is the [[Custodian of the Assayer's Guild]]
* Esteban i Ezmara i Erigo is the [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel|Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]]
* Mord Thorntarry of the Spire of Auric Horizon is [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]
* Maryc is the [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]]
* Irontide Flax is the [[Foreman of the Mines of Gulhule]]
* Irontide Krag is the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]]
* Tristan Brackensong is the [[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]]
* The [[Northbound Trademaster]] is vacant
* Borys Vardovich Straskovich is the [[Overseer of the Westward Road]]
* Tobyrtan is the [[Delver of the Depths]]
* Palerictus Tog is the [[Four Seasons' Boneweaver]]
* Gemma Brightsmith is the [[Seer of the Spiral Sword]]

====Imperial Wayleaves====
The Imperial Senate auctioned three [[Bearer_of_an_Imperial_Wayleave|Imperial wayleaves]] during the Winter Solstice. Each title holder serves for one season.
* Lorenzo 'La Volpe' von Temeschwar (12 thrones)
* Jorgan Brenna (21 thrones)
* Selenius of the Crystal Spire (60 thrones)

==Miscellaneous==
* The [[Miaren#Brock.27s_Toll|Operator of Brock's Toll]] is vacant
* The [[Keeper of the Imperial Menagerie]] is Kay Griffinsbain

[[Category: 382YE]]

Dawn culture and customs

2018-05-22T14:34:04Z

Cheer Police: /* The Night of Flowers */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Glory.jpg|width=475|align=left|caption=The Test of Mettle proves the worth of a noble of Dawn.|title=Passing a noble house's test makes the applicant a part of that house.}}
==The Test of Mettle==
The Imperial citizenship tests were created by the Dawnish but the Test of Mettle remains unique to Dawn. The test exists to judge who is glorious enough to join the ranks of the nobility. Passing a [[Noble house|noble house's]] test makes the applicant part of that house. Consequently it is almost impossible to pass the test unless the noble house that is judging you is amenable to your success. Dawn legends are full of tales of heroic individuals passing the tests against such odds but the reality is usually more prosaic.

Any Imperial Citizen is eligible to attempt the Test of Mettle and most scions of noble houses attempt it. In theory any [[Yeomen of Dawn|yeoman]] child can take the test, a fact of which the Dawnish are inordinately proud. In practice, while the rewards for success are high, the tests are difficult to pass without the support that an upbringing in a noble house provides. The tests are difficult even for noble children and groups of them will often work together to help each other pass their test.

Ignominy befalls those who attempt the test and fail, whether yeoman or noble born, and the test is difficult to pass and often dangerous, not least because many Dawn children take the view that you should pass the test or die trying. For this reason most tests are deliberately open-ended, giving the aspirant as much time as is needed to prove their worth. Those attempting to pass their Test of Mettle are formerly called [[knights-errant]] and are often accorded some of the privileges of nobility.

==The Test of Resolve==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Angry.jpg|align=right|width=400|caption=Disputes are settled by a Test of Resolve.|title=The loser of a Test of Resolve faces the judgement of the Earl.}}
When a dispute arises between members of a noble house, it falls to the Earl to settle the matter. Usually the [[Earl]] sets a challenge to resolve the matter - a Test of Resolve. Choosing one side or the other risks favouritism. It is much more in the Dawnish spirit for the matter to be settled with a challenge. The loser faces the judgement of the Earl, which can be anything up to expulsion from the house. The penalty is announced before the test begins, which has lead to several tragic incidents. Refusing to comply with or enforce an agreed penalty causes a great loss of renown for all involved.

A fair test is one that plays equally to both parties' strengths; if two knights are arguing then an Earl might order a bout of arms to settle their dispute. If a knight and a troubadour disagree, an Earl is much more likely to set them a challenge that does not favour either of their particular skills. It is possible for either party to employ a champion from their house to compete in their stead. Champions are rare however for they share the fate of the noble whose cause they championed if they lose.

Tests of Resolve are often offered to citizens of other nations who bring complaints against individual nobles. They are not always accepted; however facing such a challenge is a simple way for a foreigner to impress, especially if they can win, or at least lose graciously.

A Test of Resolve between members of a noble house is the only way for a noble to be ejected from the house. Such tests are rare for the challenger risks the same fate as the person they challenge; the loser is stripped of their nobility and reduced to the status of yeoman. Such a fate is almost irreversible; it is exceptionally rare for another house to allow a former noble to join. They must take a second Test of Mettle to prove themselves and such tests are fatally difficult; it must be clear to everyone who witnesses the test that it was difficult enough to erase the stain of previous failure.

==The Test of Ardour==
Marriage brings yet another challenge for the Dawn nobility. The suitor must put their troth to the house of their intended. The Earl of the house must set the suitor a test of their choosing, called a Test of Ardour. A request for marriage, like a request for a Test of Mettle, may not be refused. If the suitor succeeds then they marry their intended and become a member of their spouse's house.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Yeomanchild.jpg|align=left|width=225|title=Despite roots in a dark practice from pre-Imperial days, fostering is common in modern Dawn as a way to strengthen a Noble House with new blood.|caption=Children passed over at birth are raised as full <br/> members of the [[noble house]] that adopts them}}
In theory such a troth can be put to a house without the understanding of the man or woman that the suitor seeks to wed. In practice such behaviour is more the stuff of legend than reality. A Test of Ardour that appears fatally difficult is a sure sign of an unwanted affection. More commonly noble lovers conspire to decide whose Earl can be persuaded to set the easier test.

The Test of Ardour is just one of the many complex social rules surrounding [[marriage in Dawn]].

== Fostering and adoption ==
Before Imperial rule forbade war between the houses, it was commonplace for a defeated noble to swear oaths of fealty or good intention. To ensure these oaths were kept, all the noble's children would be taken as hostages. To avoid this fate, a noble would send every second child to be raised in the houses of friends and allies. Over time it became increasingly common for powerful nobles to adopt talented children into their own family.

This custom continued after the Empire brought peace to Dawn so that now children passed over at birth are raised as full members of the noble house that adopts them. Such children have the same rights and responsibilities as their siblings who are born into the house; the Dawn ideal is that an Earl should treat all the members of their house as if they were of the same blood. Tawdry tales of Earls who fall short of this ideal are common, but it is not unusual for an adopted noble to become Earl of a house.

It is possible, though rare, for yeoman children to be adopted by a noble family. Occasionally it occurs because a child catches the eye of a noble, impressing them with their potential, but usually this is done as an act of gratitude towards a parent by a powerful noble. A common tale in Dawn concerns a noble whose loyal [[retainer]] does them a great service, and the noble rewards them by adopting their child - after all, there is little advantage in adoption of an aged retainer to either party.
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==Heraldry==
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnishSplendor.jpg|align=right|width=300|title=A noble wears the heraldry of their House, or their personal heraldry|caption=Heraldry helps define identity in Dawn.}}
Every Noble House has its own unique heraldry. On the field, in camp and decorating every castle and manor house in Dawn is their distinctive and glowing heraldry, woven and embellished by the witches of the weaver cabals. Any noble of the House is entitled to bear its arms on their surcote and shield, and when the House marches to war they do so under their banner. Yeomanry require a noble house's permission to bear their arms, but most nobles prefer their retainers to be dressed in their colours, the better to emphasize the [[glory]] and majesty of their house.

Although [[knights-errant]] are not technically noble, they are permitted to carry the majestic royal blue national banner, displaying a blazing golden sun, and to display the device on their arms. For this reason, nobles who wish to conceal their identity, or house affiliations, sometimes choose to present themselves using Dawn's heraldry rather than their own.

Dawnish heraldry favours bold colours, high contrast stripes and chevrons and [[Legendary beasts|fantastical beasts]] as devices. Very complex heraldry with multiple divisions and colours is generally avoided as confusing and less splendid then a simpler but more striking design.

On the rare occasions when a noble is stripped of rank and exiled from their House, they are usually publically stripped of their heraldry, their shield is defaced and their name struck from the House's records. In some Houses they are given a cloak or surcote in dull brown undyed cloth as a mark of shame before they are driven out.

==The Night of Flowers==
At the Spring Equinox the people of Dawn celebrate their Night of Flowers. Although similar in some respect to the [[Urizen]] Festival of Flowers that takes place at the same time, this is a celebration of emotion and openness - although not necessarily of Virtue. Participants are encouraged to "wear their hearts on their sleeves", and it is customarily a time where romantic relationships begin or are renewed. The festival is an important part of Dawnish culture, as it encourages a period of relatively consequence-free communication between the noble houses of Dawn.

During the festivities, the Dawnish make gifts of flowers to those toward whom they have strong feelings. While it is common to celebrate romantic feelings, flowers may also be given to make feelings of respect, hatred, filial affection, or any number of other emotional ties. As befits a time of new beginnings, the Night of Flowers often sees the formation of new bonds of love, friendship, and respect, or the beginning of fresh rivalries between those who compete for [[glory]].

Every house has their own codes of what flowers mean. Although red flowers are almost universally seen as a symbol of love or affection, part of the festivities revolve around deciphering the meaning of any flowers that have been received.

As part of the celebration, one member of the nation is chosen to be the Knight of Flowers; a [[Dawn_magical_traditions#Guisers|guised]] figure who can be prevailed upon to carry favours and flowers on behalf of any noble or yeoman to their intended recipient. The Knight of Flowers is important to the celebration as it is their role to ensure flowers are shared and to help decipher meanings while ensuring that the festivities match the Dawnish spirit. It is seen as an honour to be [[Dawn_hearth_magic#Girding|girded]] as the Knight of Flowers and (unsurprisingly for Dawn) competition for the right to bear the mantle can be intense.

Those who choose not to partake in the ceremony are encouraged to wear a black sash to display their choice and it is not appropriate to give flowers to these people.

== Funerals and births ==
Funerals are sombre occasions in Dawn, accompanied by a period of public mourning for friends and relatives. A Dawnish funeral often represents a display of grief, an outpouring of passionate despair that a loved one has departed the mortal world. After the funeral itself, the friends and relatives of the departed celebrate the return of the soul to the wheel, and tell great tales of the dead to persuade the hand of destiny to speed the hero’s return, but they do so in the knowledge that the parting of death is something tragic, not something commonplace.

After death, the body is normally interred in a grave, usually marked by flowering plants or trees. Where several people die at once, such as in the aftermath of a battle, a barrow mound may be raised. Graves in Dawn are generally well tended by surviving relatives, and as memory fades they are slowly forgotten. The graves of heroes, however, often become sites of pilgrimage for those inspired by their tales, who also ensure that the site is tended. Several great heroes are interred in the marble tombs of the [[Necropolis]] in [[Highguard]], but this is not commonplace. In a nation of glorious heroes, it requires something special for the priests to request that a body be interred in the necropolis to serve as an inspiration to the entire Empire.

There is a tradition of visiting expectant mothers and telling tales of great heroes, to awaken the heroism of the unborn baby’s past lives. There is a folk belief that an unborn child has a close connection to the Labyrinth that may persist for up to a year after birth, and if a baby consistently seems to "react" to certain tales, it is taken as a sign that the child may be a reincarnation of one of the characters in that tale. The Imperial Synod does not endorse this belief, but it does not prevent the tradition remaining popular.

[[Category:Dawn]]
[[Category:Nations]]

File:D'acier Heraldry.png

2017-09-29T12:02:29Z

Cheer Police: Heraldry of House D'Acier in Dawn

Heraldry of House D'Acier in Dawn

File:Tamerlaine coat of arms.jpg

2017-07-17T09:48:26Z

Cheer Police: House Tamerlaine heraldry

House Tamerlaine heraldry

File:House Devereux Heraldry.jpg

2017-07-14T12:22:24Z

Cheer Police: Heraldry of House Devereux

Heraldry of House Devereux

File:House du Soleil.jpg

2017-07-14T12:18:01Z

Cheer Police: Heraldry of House Du Soleil

Heraldry of House Du Soleil

File:House Coeurdefer.png

2017-07-14T11:50:41Z

Cheer Police: Heraldry of House Coeurdefer

Heraldry of House Coeurdefer

File:House Ossienne Heraldry.png

2017-07-14T11:13:26Z

Cheer Police: Heraldry of...um..well..House Ossienne

Heraldry of...um..well..House Ossienne

File:VexilleHeraldry.jpg

2017-07-13T10:11:44Z

Cheer Police: Heraldry of House Vexille

Heraldry of House Vexille

File:House de Celeste.jpg

2017-07-13T09:15:05Z

Cheer Police: Heraldry of House De Celeste

Heraldry of House De Celeste

File:House Gauvain Heraldry.jpg

2017-07-13T08:56:02Z

Cheer Police: Heraldry Of House Gauvain In Dawn

Heraldry Of House Gauvain In Dawn