https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Delvy 2026-04-06T13:22:13Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.39.6 https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Mournwold&diff=74814 2019-07-01T14:37:53Z

<p>Delvy: /* Farstrider&#039;s Watch */</p> <hr /> <div>{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMournwold.png|title=The wind blows mournfully through the trees and across the craggy hills|caption=Regions of Mournwold|align=left|width=600}}<br /> ==The Mourn==<br /> This desolate land was known as ''the Mourn'' long before it fell to the barbarian [[Jotun]] in 349YE. The name originally referred to the sound of the wind in the trees and across the craggy hills. Now it seems an even more fitting name; the Mournwold has become synonymous with loss and sorrow for many Marchers. <br /> <br /> Whereas [[Upwold]] and [[Mitwold]] in particular are known for their sprawling [[farm|farms]], the rugged Mournwold is better known for its [[mine|mines]]. The hills are riddled with rich veins of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], and with mine workings dedicated to extracting that ore. Prior to the invasion of the [[Jotun]], there had been a growing tide of dissatisfaction among professional miners that all political power was vested in the hands of those who owned farms. There were regular complaints that mine owners, like farmers and [[steward|stewards]], owned and worked land - the only difference was that the crops they raised were ore and stone rather than fruit, grain or vegetables. Some of this dissatisfaction had its roots in the sharp business practices by some of the lowland stewards, especially those of the [[#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]], who set high prices for the food sold to the miners.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Shadow and Flame.jpg|caption=The Mournwold has been savaged by war.|align=right|width=300}}<br /> <br /> ==Recent History==<br /> Thirty years ago, the Mournwold fell to the Jotun [[orc|orcs]]. The barbarian forces that eventually defeated the Marchers amassed for months in [[Liathaven]]. Imperial forces fought long and hard, but they were outnumbered and outmatched. The Marcher generals of the time blamed [[The Throne]], [[Emperor Hugh]], for the loss, claiming that they had supported the Dawnish emperor specifically to prevent this kind of disastrous military defeat. When the Mourn fell, its last [[Senator]], Thomas Overton, entered the [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#The_wicker_man|wicker man]] in an attempt to heal the breach between Marches and Empire. Despite his sacrifice, the resentment of the Marchers simmered for much of the next three decades as the generals became more focused on the recovery of the Mourn. Thomas' sacrifice was later echoed by that of Nedry Galest, General of the Tusks, who chose to enter the wicker man after the disastrous events of Spring 381YE.<br /> <br /> After the dust settled, only the [[#Greensward|Greensward]] remained in Imperial hands. A portion of the population of the Mournwold fled when the territory fell. Most took refuge in the north, but a number of miners and hill folk from the south found sanctuary in [[Tassato]] to the east, eventually being subsumed into [[the League]]. Those who remained were given the Jotun ''choice'' - take up arms and fight for the [[orc|orcs]] as Jotun, or lay down their weapons and become thralls. The majority of Marchers who refused to flee chose to become thralls, working their farms and providing food to their barbarian overlords. The situation changed little over the next thirty years; a few border skirmishes but no serious invasion attempt. Even [[Empress Britta]] made no immediate move to liberate the Mournwold; the first Imperial attempt to drive the Jotun out and reconquer the territory would not take place until after her death, and the [[Accept_Lasambrian_treaty|collapse]] of the temporary [[Accept_Jotun_ceasefire|Jotun ceasefire]] of 377YE - 379YE.<br /> <br /> The liberation began after the [[379YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Mourning_Wind|Autumn Equinox 379YE]]. The [[The_Marches_military_concerns#The_Tusks|Tusks]] and the [[The_Marches_military_concerns#The_Bounders|Bounders]] were joined by both [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] armies and the [[Highguard|Highborn]] of the [[Highguard_military_concerns#The_Seventh_Wave|Seventh Wave]] at [[Mournwold#Overton|Overton]]. The initial attack saw the liberation of [[#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]], and parts of [[#Freemoor|Freemoor]], but also exposed the Empire for the first time to the knowledge that the Jotun had human soldiers fighting alongside them - mostly young men and women who had grown up under the occupation.<br /> <br /> The Imperial advance [[380YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#This_Far.2C_No_Further|quickly faltered]] in the face of the rage of the Jotun. Angered by the broken treaty between themselves and the Empire, the Jotun reinforced their positions in the Mournwold and brought the Empire's armies to a standstill. Three thousand Imperial soldiers died, and perhaps twice that many Jotun - a bloody cost that would set the stage for the bloodshed to follow. The [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Heralds_of_Mourning|Jotun counterattack]] drove the Empire back out of Ore Hills and Freemoor - leaving the partially completed fortification there to be claimed by the orcs. The Tribute was quickly claimed by the Jotun, and became a key part of their defence of the territory in coming months. Indeed, the force of the Jotun push was sufficient to drive the Imperial forces back to Overton, nearly costing them the Greenward. By the start of the Autumn Equinox 380YE, the Jotun had [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Loyalty_to_Great_Things|taken Overton]] as well, claiming complete uncontested control of the Mournwold for the first time. Their victory was short-lived - Imperial heroes managed to recapture Orchard's Watch and Overton during the Autumn Equinox, but at great cost.<br /> <br /> After the Winter Solstice 380YE, the Greensward in southern Mourn was the site of [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Let_That_Be_Your_Last_Battlefield_.28Mournwold.29|some of the most terrible battles]] in recent Imperial history, when the Imperial host laid a trap for the Jotun armies. With powerful magical support, immense number of humans and orcs lost their lives and most of the structures in the Greensward were leveled including the town of [[#Overton|Overton]], and the castle of [[#Orchard's Watch|Orchard's Watch]]. At the same time, Spring plague and Winter magic accounted for perhaps a sixth of the remaining population, and half the people still living in the Greensward. The Jotun and the people of the Mourn alike were [[Watered with fears|unprepared for the ferocity]] of the Imperial assault.<br /> <br /> The repercussions of these battles cannot be understated. The Jotun morale was broken, but so was that of the people of the Mourn. The Summer solstice saw the Empire [[381YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#You_Can.27t_Go_Home_Again_.28Mournwold.29|make significant gains]] in the Mournwold, but for all that they were gaining territory, they had [[All_along_the_watchtower|lost the support]] of the people who lived there. The Jotun retreated west into Liathaven, leaving token forces to defend the Tribute and the castle at Hillstop. They evacuated as many thralls - humans as well as orcs - as they could, but they put up little opposition to the Imperial troops. Indeed during the Autumn Equinox 381YE, the Jotun destroyed Hillstop rather than allow it to fall into Imperial hands.<br /> <br /> While the Mournwold was officially imperial again by the start of the [[381YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Times_Like_These_.28Mournwold.29|Autumn Equinox 381YE]], the people of the Mournwold - including for the time being a great many [[Mournwold thralls|orc thralls]] - were not shy about [[An_apple_that_falls|expressing their unhappiness]] to the rest of the Empire.<br /> <br /> ==Points of Interest==<br /> ===Farstrider's Watch===<br /> Completed shortly before the Winter Solstice 382YE, Farstrider's Watch was funded by [[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]]. It was one of the first [[fortification|fortifications]] completed with the [[Sing_your_name#Securing_the_borders|aid of the virtuous]], in the wake of the [[consecration]] of the [[Casinea#The_Silent_Sentinel|Silent Sentinel]] in [[Casinea]]. The castle was partially built in answer to [[An_apple_that_falls#Willing_To_Die_For_It|calls from the citizens of the Mournwold]] to ensure they were protected from [[Jotun]] retaliation.<br /> {{anchor|Overton}}<br /> <br /> ===The ruins of Overton ===<br /> Once a sheep-farming town and market set on a hill, Overton was ruined early on in the great Battle for the Greensward. The majority of the defenders were killed refusing to leave their posts. Pilgrims visit the ruins of Overton to lay tokens at the graves of the fallen. North of the ruins, the Jotun raised a massive grass-covered burial mound, beneath which lie both the bodies of countless Imperial soldiers and the Jotun who fell fighting them. Apple trees grow at the crest - it is not clear whether the orcs planted them in deference to Marcher burial customs, or whether they are the work of the surviving monks of Greensward Abbey. When the Empire liberated Greensward shortly before the Autumn Equinox 381YE there was some talk of disinterring the mound, but the Marcher soldiers were adamant they be left to rest undisturbed - the soil may have been soured, but it is still the soil they died fighting for, whether they were Marchers or not.<br /> <br /> Not far from the ruins stands [[Friar_of_Honour%27s_Rest#Honour.27s_Rest|Honour's Rest]], a small shrine and orchard tended by friars who watch over the ruins and the barrow mounds.<br /> {{anchor|Orchard's Watch}}<br /> <br /> ===Ruins of Orchard's Watch===<br /> [[Commission|Commissioned]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] in Autumn 378YE, the [[Fortify_Overton|fortification of Overton]] largely took place during the Jotun ceasefire. Work was overseen by Bridget Eastville, senator for Mitwold, and took place under the watchful gaze of Jotun scouts. The [[fortification]] consisted of solid walls around most of the town, with a central keep. A number of buildings damaged by Jotun raids were cleared, and apple trees planted in their place - a memorial to those Marchers who had died fighting for the Empire. The keep incorporated the old fortified manor house that served as a stop-gap defence - a base of operation for scouts gathering information about Jotun activity in the territory.<br /> <br /> During the great Jotun offensive after the Winter Solstice 380YE, following several seasons of concerted attacks, the castle was levelled by orc siege engines. The memorial apple orchard burned during the fall of Overton - it is not known which side set the fire that consumed it.<br /> <br /> === The [[Singing Caves]]===<br /> &lt;!--- If you edit this section, please make sure to also edit the companion section on the Imperial Bourse page ---&gt;<br /> <br /> The Singing Caves are a Bourse resource located on the [[#Greensward|Greensward]] near [[#Overton|Overton]]. Custodianship of the Caves is an [[Imperial Title]] that brings with it a Seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]. It produces 28 Imperial wains of mithril every season. Control is allocated to any Imperial citizen by open auction during the Autumn Equinox.<br /> ===Whittle===<br /> A village in [[#Freemoor|Freemoor]], at the base of Whittle Hill, well known for its rich green iron mine. The inhabitants resisted the Jotun for thirty years - after an initial short-lived occupation by the Jotun they took back their village and the territory around it, dug in, and waited for help to come. Specifically, their survival hinged on an agreement with the local Jotun to let everything go to a fight-to-the-death between forces yearly rather than just be crushed. The Jotun agreed to this arrangement thinking they'd surely not hold on for more than a season or two. Instead, they held out for thirty years. In time, facing the Whittle folk in battle became a rite of passage for young Jotun in the Mournwold.<br /> <br /> Unable to contact the outside world, lacking magical or mundane means to get word out that they were alive, they waited. While initially [[Up on Whittle Hill|welcomed]] by their fellow Marchers when contact was re-established in Spring 380YE, it [[Will_to_survive|soon became clear]] that they had embraced the malign spiritual power of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hatred|hatred]] - a power that they claimed gave them the will and the strength to resist the orcs and which they offered to share with the rest of the Marches. The Marcher assembly categorically refused their offer, encouraging the rest of the Marches to [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Shunning|shun]] them. <br /> <br /> When the Jotun reconquered Freemoor, the majority of the population [[City_folk_and_country_folk|moved to Tassato]] where they built a small enclave with the assistance of the city's Chamber of Commerce. Many Whittle folk died during the fall of Overton, fighting the Jotun in defence of the Mourn- a fact that has endeared them to many of the remaining Mournwolders.<br /> <br /> ==Regions==<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Wild Man Of The Mourn.jpg|caption=The forest of Alderly is very old, and has no welcome for trespassers.|width=500|align=right}}<br /> ===Alderly===<br /> '''Quality:''' Forest&lt;br&gt;<br /> A forest of old oak and sycamore. Marcher faerie tales tell of diminutive creatures who hide beneath the trees and prey on unruly children - references to a hidden [[Feni]] enclave deep in the woods. The Feni of Alderly occasionally raid into [[#Green March|Green March]], [[#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]], and [[Mitwold#Golden Downs|Golden Downs]], but for the most part they keep to themselves. During the [[Jotun]] occupation, the deep woods were conquered only in theory - the Jotun controlled the grasslands beyond the forest, and the edges of the woodlands, but they did not go too deep. Likewise, when the Empire liberated the region in 381YE, they faced opposition from the Feni and settled for driving the Jotun out and claiming the lighter woodlands and the fields, rather than risk pushing too far into dangerous territory in the deeper woods.<br /> <br /> The Marchers who live in the forest have always been considered peculiar, and three decades of isolation has intensified their strangeness. Insular and uncommunicative, the hamlets and small villages of charcoal burners and woodcutters have more than a little Feni blood, and there is some question whether the Alderly folk are even truly Marchers anymore. Regardless, however, they are still Mournwolders.<br /> <br /> ===Chalkdowns===<br /> A land of rolling chalk downland with close-cropped turf and dry valleys, the people of the Chalkdowns are perhaps the closest to what an outsider thinks of when they imagine Marchers. They have their own peculiarities, however. The yeomen practice a particularly Mourn form of agriculture, combining raising corn and raising sheep, whose droppings help to fertilise the cornfields when they are not grazing on the springy Mournwold turf. <br /> <br /> Due to their emphasis on farming, the yeomen of the Chalkdowns had a somewhat disproportionate level of influence over the Mournwold, and involvement in the politics of the Marches and the Empire alike. Perhaps as many as a half of all senators for the Mournwold were picked by [[steward|stewards]] from Chalkdowns in the years that the Mournwold was part of the Empire. This made the Chalkdowns prosperous, and the yeomanry wealthy, but it also lead to a simmering resentment from the miners of [[#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]] and [[#Southmoor|Southmoor]]. During the Jotun occupation the taxes claimed by their [[orc]] overlords impoverished even the richest, most stubborn farmers. With the Imperial liberation, it is likely that some of the yeomen who fled north (or their children) will want to return. What they will make of their new neighbours - orcs, and human thralls who endured the Jotun occupation - remains to be seen.<br /> <br /> ===Freemoor===<br /> The wildest part of the Mournwold, Freemoor is split roughly between scrubby farmland in the west and wooded valleys in the east. The folk here had a reputation for being stand-offish on par with the people of [[Bregasland]], especially those who preferred the gentle hills and woodlands of the west. Most of the farms here were never especially wealthy, but the stewards and yeomen were renowned for their stubborn refusal to go anywhere else. More Freemoor people than any other part of the Mournwold refused to leave when the Jotun came, and remained as thralls - albeit bitter, stubborn, intractable thralls.<br /> <br /> There are two well-known landmarks in Freemoor: ''Old Pig'', an aptly named chalk figure carved into the hills of the wold; and ''The Whittle Hill'', the largest hillock in the western Mournwold. The village of [[#Whittle|Whittle]] stands at the base of Whittle Hill, although most of its residents now live in [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Tassato Mestra]].<br /> <br /> ===Green March===<br /> Green March was always a little odd - isolated from the rest of the Mournwold by [[#Alderly|Alderly]], the yeomanry often felt they had more in common with the farmers of [[Mitwold]] than their distant neighbours in [[#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] and [[#Southmoor|Southmoor]]. The first region of Mournwold to fall to the Jotun, the site of the first engagement between the Imperial armies and the Jotun is still marked by a series of Jotun burial mounds that surround the ruins of the village of Kineton - half of them containing the bodies of soldiers who fell in a futile attempt to slow the orc advance. <br /> <br /> Many of the citizens of Green March fled north to the [[Mitwold#Golden Downs|Golden Downs]]; unlike many of the Mournwold refugees the majority of them show little interest in returning to reclaim the land they lost three decades ago. <br /> <br /> Near the border with [[Bregasland]] stands an odd monument called '''High Courage'''. Looking down across the moors towards [[Liathaven]], it is a large statue of a stag with broken antlers, ascribed to the people of Terunael. On a stone block at the base of the statue Imperial letters simply read “High Courage” but it is clear that they are more recent than the statue itself.<br /> <br /> ===Greensward===<br /> '''Quality:''' Haunted, Ruins&lt;br&gt;<br /> The Greensward remains the last holdout of Imperial presence in the Mourn. The refugees and survivors who set up camp at [[#Overton|Overton]] are gone along with the town, the offices of the [[Sheriff of Overton]], and the castle of [[#Ruins of Orchard's Watch|Orchard's Watch]]. Greensward Monastery, the abbey that once served to keep the morale of the defenders high, is now a burnt out shell amid the foothills of [[Kahraman]]. The soil itself is said to have become sodden with the sheer amount of human and orc blood shed during the battles over the grasslands. Tens of thousands of humans and orcs died fighting in the Greensward, and these deaths have soured the earth here.<br /> <br /> The fields of the Greensward - the same fields that once made the stewards here rich from sales to Tassato in the east - are largely fallow. The yeomen who might have worked them fled south to Kahraman, or east to Tassato. Others chose to go west with the Jotun, turning their backs on the Empire forever. The humans who remain are primarily [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Monks_and_Friars|monks and friars]], tending to the dead, and seeking to offer some comfort to the ghosts that now haunt the Greensward.<br /> <br /> ===Ore Hills===<br /> '''Quality:''' Hills&lt;br&gt;<br /> The ore hills (sometimes rendered, unsurprisingly, as &quot;''our hills''&quot; in the drawling dialect favoured by the natives) are riddled with mine workings and quarries. The hills throughout the territory are rich in veins of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], but the Ore Hills are site of some of the most prosperous mines in the Mourn - as befits the legendary birthplace of Marcher folk hero [[#Jonah Gold|Jonah Gold]]. Before the Jotun came, Ore Hills was the centre of dissatisfaction with the political realities of life in the Marches. In 326YE a poor harvest finally ignited the long drawn out conflict between the miners and the [[#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] farmers. In late Autumn a violent mob descended on the lowland farms and raided cattle and grain in a manner reminiscent of a Feni attack. The magistrates were quick to respond, arresting the ringleaders and in some cases executing the worst of them. The people of the Ore Hills still sing sad songs about this great &quot;injustice&quot; - much to the chagrin of the farmers of Chalkdowns and Freemoor.<br /> <br /> Some of the older mines here have a bad reputation, and feature regularly in Marcher ghost-stories and cautionary tales. According to these stories ''unnatural things'' are occasionally sighted in the deepest parts of the oldest mines. Details are never clear and many sensible people dismiss them as either fantasy brought on by too much time without sunlight, or else ascribe the sightings to [[trogoni]] or perhaps even the ghost of old Jonah Gold.<br /> <br /> ===Southmoor===<br /> '''Quality:''' Hills&lt;br&gt;<br /> The last region to fall to the Jotun during their invasion, Southmoor is the location of '''Sarcombe''', a prosperous mining town, rich off the back of trade in green iron to the Navarr in Liathaven, ruined during the last months of the orc invasion. The Jotun built a [[fortification|castle]] over the ruins - Hillstop - and it served as their main base of operations for their occupation of the Mournwold until the Autumn Equinox 381YE. The Jotun used it to keep a careful eye eastward to the Greensward - and beyond to Tassato.<br /> <br /> The people of Southmoor before the invasion were considered more pragmatic than their neighbours in [[#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]], at least as far as politics went. Sarcombe was a rich [[market town]], and the [[The_Marches_economic_interests|aldermen]] made little secret of the fact that they used their wealth to influence the politics of the Mournwold when they felt the need. As such there was residual bad blood between the miners in the east, and those in the west, that was occasionally exploited by the [[Senator|senators]] of the Mourn. Today, the rich aldermen are gone. Indeed, most of the remaining residents appear to be orc thralls with the human residents long since fled or displaced.<br /> <br /> ==OOC Note==<br /> * As of the start of the Winter Solstice 381YE, the Marchers and thus the Empire control the entire territory.<br /> * Unlike the rest of the Marches, the Mournwold does not currently benefit directly from the [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Granaries and Storehouses - the Imperial Breadbasket|Imperial Breadbasket]] [[great work]].<br /> * [[#Far Strider's Watch|Far Strider's Watch]] is a rank one [[fortification]].<br /> * There is a significant population of orcs in the Mournwold. They represent Jotun thralls left behind by the retreating barbarian armies. For the most part, they are not hostile - being culturally forbidden to wield weapons or fight. The question of what to do with these orcs is still under discussion as of the Autumn Equinox 381YE.<br /> * The campaign to recapture the Mournwold is recounted in the [[Recent_history|Winds of War]] starting with [[379YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Mourning_Wind|Winter Solstice 379YE]]. There are also several Winds of Fortune detailing the problems following the liberation of the Mourn, including [[Watered with fears]] (Spring 381YE), [[All along the watchtower]] (Summer 381YE), and [[An apple that falls]] (Autumn 381YE).<br /> * Some of the prominent [[Marcher_household|households]] of Mournwold are detailed [[Prominent_households#Households_of_Mournwold|here]].<br /> {{anchor|Jonah Gold}}<br /> &lt;box&gt;===&lt;div id=&quot;Jonah Gold&quot;&gt;Jonah Gold&lt;/div&gt;===<br /> Jonah Gold is a possibly-legendary figure whose story dates from the time of the [[The Marches history#Joining the Empire|Cousins' War]]. Jonah is said to to have been born in the [[#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]] long before the Mournwold was part of the Marches proper; in some versions he is the son of a [[Tassato|Tassatan]] immigrant and a Marcher sheep herder. Stories say that Jonah was a miner who quarried out metal of such quality that his weapons turned the tide of war for his household during the short-lived Marcher civil war. A jealous friend betrayed him to the enemy, and for a heavy purse of coin staged a mining accident that trapped him behind a rockfall where he presumably perished. Over the centuries, a number of legends and stories have been attributed to Jonah - if the man had participated in all the stories attributed to him he would have been so busy moving around the Marches, southern Wintermark. and northern Brass Coast he would never have had time to do any actual mining!<br /> <br /> His stories do not end with his death. His ghost is said to haunt the mines of the Marches, especially the green iron mines of the Mournwold. Superstitious miners say that to see Jonah Gold presages disaster - whether his appearance causes a catastrophe reminiscent of the collapse that killed him, or if he simply warns against them varies from legend to legend and place to place. There are even a few stories of sightings of what sounds a lot like Jonah Gold in the hills of [[Kahraman]], and the old mines north of Tassato.<br /> <br /> Some scholars who have taken the time to study the stories of his ghostly appearance disagree with the accepted wisdom that Jonah Gold is a ghost. While there is plenty of precedence for so-called &quot;warning ghosts&quot;, these scholars argue that the sightings are actually of an [[Astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Tulpas|tulpa]] rather than a restless spirit - but their argument is undermined by an inability to agree on which constellation the tulpa represents.<br /> <br /> Jonah's name has also been given to a variety of apple commonly grown in the Mournwold. Heavy, green and sweet, with a sharp bite, the &quot;Jonah Gold&quot; variety is used extensively in cooking sweet pies and apple sauce, and traditionally is buried with miners from the Mourn, particularly those who quarry green iron.<br /> <br /> His story is immortalized in the [[Jonah Gold|popular song that bears his name]].&lt;/box&gt;<br /> [[Category:The Marches]]<br /> [[Category:Gazetteer]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Highguard_egregore&diff=66002 2018-07-10T17:33:16Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>==Escon==<br /> Escon is the Highguard [[egregores|Egregore]]. Escon has three primary interests; to embody the [[The_Way|Imperial Faith]] and commitment to Virtue, to promote the [[Highguard_military_concerns|martial spirit]] of the Highborn, and to expand the knowledge of the Nation. The spirit encourages competition, but as a means to the end of promoting and encouraging Highborn in the pursuit of excellence, rather than as an end in itself. Most of all, Escon encourages the Highborn to embrace their [[Highguard_history|history]] and pursue Virtue with every part of their being.<br /> <br /> Escon always tries to help people make up their own minds and come to their own conclusions, through careful questioning and encouragement to examine motivations, actions and beliefs. This is not done to demonstrate intellectual superiority, but rather to encourage the Highborn to develop their own powers of deductive reasoning. Escon is quite capable of making definitive statements when the situation demands it.<br /> <br /> ===Current Hosts===<br /> <br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=36863467_10103903558990269_6127229666215329792_n.jpg|align=right|width=250|caption=Escon who was Eden}}<br /> ====Eden, Daughter of Eve of Tamar's Rest====<br /> In YE380 as Reikos burst into Spring and a crown sat upon the head of a new Empress the spirit of Escon called to her, seeking her out in dreams and waking visions to quietly ask if she would take up the mantle and become a host, which as a loyal servant of Highguard and the Empire and following her virtuous path she did. <br /> <br /> Before she became host to Escon, Eden was based in Necropolis as a low ranking steward of the dead with her chapter Tamar's Rest. When she was young she served for several years with one of the Highborn armies, The Granite Pillar, weilding virtuous blessings and powerful winter magic to aid on the battlefields of the Empire until she retired from active service. <br /> <br /> Now she travels the Empire collecting and sharing the tales of Imperial citizens and offering counsel to those that might seek it.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ====Micah, Child of Dinah, of Accolade's Fall====<br /> As Zenith fell to the Druj in spring 382YE, the armies of Highguard attempted to stem the Druj tide and allow the safe retreat of Urizeni refugees. Fighting with the Seventh Wave was Micah of Accolade’s Fall, an unconquered from a chapter based in Greatwood. <br /> <br /> Cut off as they tried to evacuate a refugee camp and stranded behind enemy lines, Micah became host to Escon as they used all their skill and training to escape back to Imperial held territory, arriving in Anvil in Summer 382YE.<br /> <br /> Escon who was Micah is in Anvil to inspire action and virtuous deeds amongst the Highborn and is keen to fight alongside the heroes of the Empire.<br /> <br /> <br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Egregore Highguard Matt 2.jpg|align=left|width=250|caption=Escon who was Ehud}}<br /> ====Ehud, Son of Leah, of Reumah's Redoubt====<br /> One of the current host is Ehud, Son of Leah, of Reumah's Redoubt. Formerly having served in Reikos during and after its fall as an [[Unconquered]] before injury caused him to retire to [[Bastion]]. There he take up the role of an artisan within the Redoubt, specialising in stained glass works of art when he was not producing shields for his [[Chapter]] and the frontlines of battle. <br /> <br /> Wearing a gold circlet at summits, as during the season, he moves from Chapter to Chapter listening to his people's conversations, asking questions for them to ask of themselves and playing games of skill.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Egregores]]<br /> [[Category:Highguard]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=File:36863467_10103903558990269_6127229666215329792_n.jpg&diff=66001 2018-07-10T17:31:07Z

<p>Delvy: Escon, who was Eden, of Tamar&#039;s Rest. By Beth Dooner</p> <hr /> <div>Escon, who was Eden, of Tamar's Rest.<br /> <br /> By Beth Dooner</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Archive:379YE_Winter_Solstice_Imperial_titles&diff=46718 2016-08-11T18:23:37Z

<p>Delvy: /* The senators of Highguard */</p> <hr /> <div>==The [[Imperial Senate]]==<br /> ===The Freeborn senators of [[The Brass Coast]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Feroz]]: Liythos i Purjo i Guerra<br /> * Senator for [[Kahraman]]: Maher i Zaydan i Riqueza<br /> * Senator for [[Madruga]]: Anwar i Del-Toro i Riquezza<br /> * Senator for [[Segura]]: Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Dawn]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Astolat]]: Bohemond de Rondell<br /> * Senator for [[Semmerholm]] Escalade Carsenere<br /> * Senator for [[Weirwater]]: Valentin Ivarovich Orzel<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Highguard]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Bastion]]: Solomon, of the Shattered Tower<br /> * Senator for [[Casinea]]: Zephram, of Cantiarch’s Hold<br /> * Senator for [[Necropolis]]: Ianthe, of Raven's Watch<br /> * Senator for [[Reikos]]: Gideon, of the Suns of Couros<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[The League]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Holberg]]: Rossalyn Jordan <br /> * Senator for [[Sarvos]]: Mirislav<br /> * Senator for [[Tassato]]: Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato <br /> * Senator for [[Temeschwar]]: Gant Archama<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[The Marches]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Bregasland]], the Dour Fens: Orrick<br /> * Senator for [[Mitwold]], Pride of the Marches: Bridget Eastville<br /> * Senator for [[Upwold]], The Silver Chase: Silas<br /> <br /> ===The senators of the [[Navarr]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Hercynia]]: Ranulf Pridestalker<br /> * Senator for [[Miaren]]: Llewellyn Leafstalker<br /> * Senator for [[Therunin]]: Caerwyn Summer Crow<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Urizen]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Morrow]]: Ariadne<br /> * Senator for [[Redoubt]]: Probus of Shattered Spire<br /> * Senator for [[Zenith]]: Tanwyn Ankarien<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Varushka]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Karsk]]: Radomir <br /> * Senator for [[Karov]]: Maximov Strascovich<br /> * Senator for [[Miekarova]]: Dušan Otecovna Zlata<br /> * Senator for [[Volodmartz]]: Juha the Cave Spider<br /> ''Senator Dušan was revoked by the Imperial Synod but then re-elected to the post; he cannot be revoked again until after the next time the Senatorship would be elected normally.''<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Wintermark]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Hahnmark]]: Hengest Dun<br /> * Senator for [[Kallavesa]]: Olle Markusson<br /> * Senator for [[Sermersuaq]]: Atte<br /> <br /> ===The senator of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Skarsind]]: Irontide Vio<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Imperial Senate]] positions===<br /> * The [[Conscience of the Senate]] is Rawk<br /> * The [[Advisor on orc affairs]] is Bloodcrow Ergot<br /> * The [[Imperial Master of Works|Imperial Master of Works]] is vacant<br /> * The [[Minister_of_Historical_Research|Minister of Historical Research]] is vacant<br /> * The [[Bursar of the Imperial Academy]] is Titus Hopkirk<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Asavea]] is Camilia di Traviciana di Sarvos<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Jarm]] is Owsi Twice-burned <br /> * The [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] is Lukash Biessek von Temeschwar<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Faraden]] is Ricardo di Tassato<br /> * The [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] is Neb<br /> * The [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] is held by Tiberius Echostorm<br /> * The [[Imperial Consul]] is Kellua Itsepainen of Wintermark<br /> <br /> ===[[sinecure|Sinecures]] selected by senators===<br /> * The sinecure of [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is held by Rafa'eet i Contra i Guerra <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] is held by Reina i Shartha i Riquez <br /> * The sinecure of [[Guardian of Britta's Shrine]] is held by Ruth of the Cenotaph in Highguard<br /> * The sinecure of [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]] is vacant<br /> * The sinecure of the [[Dean of Pilgrims]] is held by Nina of Cantiarch's Hold<br /> * The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Starlight Drift]] is held by Vulpes of Endsmeet <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Memorial Gardens of Treji]] is held by Ceinwen <br /> * The sinecure of [[Guardian of the Cairn]] is held by Tarqeq Icetongue <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] is held by Domitila Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Glorious Fountain]] is held by Tatiana of Auric Horizon <br /> * The [[Mayor of Caricomare]] is Aria di Notturno di Sarvos<br /> * The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Claw]] is held by Kaylan<br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] is held by Elyssiathain<br /> * The [[Gatekeeper of Falling Snow]] is Pendraed the Maker<br /> * The [[Master Apothecary]] is Freya Kreftinar<br /> <br /> ==Senate [[Imperial_title#Ceremonial_titles|Ceremonial Titles]]==<br /> * The [[Imperial Fleet Master|Admiral]] is Vacant<br /> * The [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] is Nadezhda Darva<br /> * The [[Captain of the Senate Guard]] is Vacant<br /> <br /> ==[[Imperial Military Council|The Military Council]]==<br /> ===The Generals of [[The Brass Coast]]===<br /> * General Estana I Mestiere I Guerra of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Red Wind Corsairs|Red Wind Corsairs]]<br /> * General Elias i Lemora i Erigo of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Fire of the South|Fire of the South]]<br /> * Admiral Edgardo i Ruiloba i Guerra of [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#The_Freeborn_Storm|The Freeborn Storm]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Dawn]]===<br /> * General Tancred de Rondell of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Hounds of Glory|Hounds of Glory]]<br /> * General Starac Sijed Orzel of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Golden Sun|Golden Sun]]<br /> * General Richard Vandale of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Eastern Sky|Eastern Sky]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Highguard]]===<br /> * General Cuth of the [[Highguard military concerns#Seventh Wave|Seventh Wave]]<br /> * General Mathayus of the [[Highguard military concerns#Granite Pillar|Granite Pillar]]<br /> * General Jericho of [[Highguard military concerns#The Valiant Pegasus|The Valiant Pegasus]] <br /> <br /> ===The Generals of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===<br /> * General Morgur Bloodcrow of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Winter Sun|Winter Sun]]<br /> * General Irontide Skar of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Summer Storm|Summer Storm]]<br /> <br /> ===The General of [[The League]]===<br /> * General Gabriel Barossa of the [[The League military concerns#The Wolves of War|Wolves of War]]<br /> * General Andrea von Holdberg of the [[The League military concerns#TowerJacks|TowerJacks]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[The Marches]]===<br /> * General Nedry of The Cullachs of [[The Marches military concerns#The Tusks|The Tusks]]<br /> * General Richard Talbot of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Drakes|The Drakes]]<br /> * General Jack Flint of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Strong Reeds|Strong Reeds]]<br /> * General Alusair Farstrider of the [[The Marches military concerns#Bounders|bounders]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Navarr]]===<br /> * General Carr Foxden of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns|Black Thorns]]<br /> * General Merryn Farkas of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Quiet Step|Quiet step]]<br /> <br /> ===The General of [[Urizen]]===<br /> * General Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach of the [[Urizen military concerns#Citadel Guard|Citadel Guard]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Varushka]]===<br /> * General Valentin Brossa of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Northern Eagle|Army of the Northern Eagle]]<br /> * General Ash of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Golden Axe|Army of the Golden Axe]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Wintermark]]===<br /> * General Volk of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Green Shield Army|Green Shield Army]]<br /> * General Horsa Tyrshalt of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Fist of the Mountain|Fist of the Mountain]]<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Military Council]] Positions===<br /> * The [[Warmage]] is Vaan of Auric Horizon<br /> * The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] is Brendan Brackensong<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Synod]]==<br /> ===[[Ambition]]===<br /> * Cardinal Olek La Maschera Sorridente de Temeshwar of the League <br /> * Gatekeeper Silent John of the Marches<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Serrusto Caeli Rezia di Tassato of the League<br /> <br /> ===[[Courage]]===<br /> * Cardinal Asher of Felix's Watch in Highguard<br /> * Gatekeeper Agnieszka Katrinova Prochnost of Varushka<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Lady Eleanor de Rondell of Dawn<br /> <br /> ===[[Loyalty]]=== <br /> * Cardinal Jared of the Suns of Couros, Highguard<br /> * Gatekeeper Anna-Valeria Cascade of Urizen<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Julius Cavita of the League<br /> <br /> ===[[Pride]]===<br /> * Cardinal Ozren de Orzel of Dawn<br /> * Gatekeeper Lady Josephine Novarion of Dawn <br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Ephreal of Highguard<br /> <br /> ===[[Prosperity]]===<br /> * Cardinal Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato<br /> * Gatekeeper: The Civil Service is awaiting confirmation of the appointment of Gatekeeper from the new Cardinal. Currently held by Wilhemina Maryenkovich Poltova of [[Varushka]].<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor: The Civil Service is awaiting confirmation of the appointment of Virtue Inquisitor from the new Cardinal. Currently held by Vauraus Korppitkotka of [[Wintermark]].<br /> <br /> ===[[Vigilance]]===<br /> * Cardinal Silas of the Suns of Couros, Highguard <br /> * Gatekeeper Aarne Ceorling of Wintermark<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Irada von Temeschwar of the League<br /> <br /> ===[[Wisdom]]===<br /> * Cardinal Agnetha De Rondell of Dawn<br /> * Gatekeeper is vacant<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Ana-Marina Ferreira da Mestra of the League<br /> <br /> ===[[The Way]]===<br /> * Cardinal Atla<br /> * [[Conscience of the Senate]] - Rawk<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Yarrick Ursan of Wintermark<br /> <br /> ===Other Synod positions===<br /> <br /> * The post of [[High Exorcist]] is held by Solas of Urizen<br /> * The post of [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] is held by Sargon of Felix's Watch, Highguard <br /> * The post of [[Imperial Inquisitor]] is held by Severin Teyhard von Holberg of the League<br /> * The post of [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] is held by Ira of Felix's Watch, Highguard<br /> * The post of [[Imperial Chaplain Consular]] is held by Hywel Summercrow of Navarr<br /> * The post of [[Seer of the Gateway]] is held by Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade<br /> * The post of [[Voice of Barbs]] is held by Corey Brackensong<br /> * The post of [[Curator of the Printer's Guild Museum]] is held by Taddea Ginori<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Conclave]]==<br /> ===[[Archmage|Archmagi]]===<br /> * Alcuin Shatterspire is [[Archmage]] of Spring<br /> * Andreas Gremani is [[Archmage]] of Summer<br /> * Maurice de Gauvain is [[Archmage]] of Autumn<br /> * Syrus Skybreaker is [[Archmage]] of Winter<br /> * Mari Linkforge is [[Archmage]] of Day<br /> * Pavel is [[Archmage]] of Night<br /> <br /> ===[[Grandmaster|Grandmasters of the Orders]]===<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Celestial Arch|Order of the Celestial Arch]] Catalina i Erigo, of House Du Rondel<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Golden Pyramid|Order of the Golden Pyramid]] Faustus <br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Rod and Shield|Order of the Rod and Shield]] Raewynn Stormwise<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Sevenfold Path|Order of the Sevenfold Path]] Jessica of [[Highguard]] <br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Shuttered Lantern|Order of the Shuttered Lantern]] Gregor<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]] Kyra of Halcyon Spire<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Conclave|Imperial Conclave]] Positions===<br /> * Simargl, &quot;the Empty One&quot; of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash of [[Varushka]] serves as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]<br /> * Iago Melfizzi of the League serves as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]<br /> * Cyrus, son of Felix of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Imperial Magus]] <br /> * Solsetar Fjellrevening serves as the [[Imperial_Seer|Imperial Seer]]<br /> * Vitore Van Temeschwar serves as the [[Arcane_Architect|Arcane Architect]]<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Bourse]]==<br /> <br /> ===[[Imperial Bourse#Imperial Bourse Positions|Imperial Bourse Positions]]===<br /> * The [[Arratan Gamble]] is held by Erwillian Mann (400 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Brilliant Star]] is held by Giacomo Corvinoscuro (451 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Canterspire Circle]] is held by Tybalt von Ungeist (385 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Damation Cliffs]] are held by Jeremiah of the Cenotaph (405 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Fortress of Salt]] is held by Tobias Shanks (495 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Golden Trees of Seren]] are held by Thalia of Netherwatch (350 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Great Mine of Briante]] is held by Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich (355 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] is held by Landon of Longridge (375 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] is held by Dagon of Shattered Tower (200 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Night Quarry]] is held by Guillermo di Sarvos (370 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Scorrero Nets]] are held by Douggie the Wood <br /> * The [[Singing Caves]] are held by Alessandra Vedova del Macellaio (500 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Sutton Stone Quarries]] are held by Silvio de Tassato (345 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Syrene's Wisdom]] is held by Kendrick Tyke <br /> * The [[Weirwater Vales]] are held by Soren il Signo (400 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]] are currently in the process of being [[Repair Great Pits of Ennerlund|repaired]] and are expected to produce their first load of mithril shortly after the Summer Solstice 380YE<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> * The [[Great Forest at Reikos]] is back within Imperial control and ready to be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|Allocated]] by the Senate<br /> * The [[Legacy]] is held by the [[Grendel]] and will need to be allocated when [[Spiral]] is once again an Imperial Territory<br /> <br /> ===[[Imperial Bourse#National Bourse Positions|National Bourse Positions]]===<br /> <br /> * The [[Broken Shore Bounty]] ([[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]) is held by Karlos i Shartha i Riqueza<br /> * The [[Regario Dossier]] ([[The League|League]]) is held by Rodrigo Barrosa <br /> * The [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] ([[The League|League]]) is Duke Fererro <br /> * The [[Thimble]] ([[Navarr]]) is held by Idris Eternal<br /> * The [[Steel Fist]] ([[Imperial Orcs]]) is held by Irontide Kul <br /> * The [[Eternal Shafts of Time]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Tomasz<br /> * The [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Zlatimir Prochnost<br /> * The [[Stonefield Ice Caves]] ([[Wintermark]]) is held by the [[Thule]]<br /> * The [[Brilliant Shore]] ([[Wintermark]]) is held by J. Sussivari<br /> * The [[Vigilant Swan]] ([[Highguard]]) is held by Asael of Cantiarch's Hold<br /> <br /> ===Minor Bourse Titles===<br /> * Errol is [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]]<br /> * Galleo i Tazriel i Riqueza is [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]]<br /> * Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra is [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]]<br /> * Dieter Angelovic is the [[Custodian of the Assayer's Guild]] <br /> * Bayan Zayden Riqueza is the [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel|Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]]<br /> * Octavius of Auric Horizon is [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]<br /> * Damian is the [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]]<br /> <br /> ===Bourse [[Imperial_title#Ceremonial_titles|Ceremonial Titles]]===<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Principalities of Jarm]] is Owsi Twice-burned<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to [[Faraden]] is Roberto Murdochi di Sarvos<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Asavean Archipelago]] is Adrianna Donati di Sarvos<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Commonwealth]] is Jonah Yakovitch<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Sumaah Republic]] is Aedred apMagor of Wintermark.<br /> * [[Appoint_Envoy_to_Axos|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Axos]] is Valimar Clarev Parakgoosier Bashnya.<br /> * [[Create title of Trade Envoy to the Sarcophan Delves|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Sarcophan Delves]] is Vacant<br /> <br /> ==Miscellaneous==<br /> * The [[Miaren#Brock.27s_Toll|Operator of Brock's Toll]] is Robert Shanks of [[The Marches]]<br /> <br /> [[Category: 379YE]]<br /> [[Category:Imperial Titles]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Archive:380YE_Spring_Equinox_Imperial_titles&diff=46717 2016-08-11T18:22:46Z

<p>Delvy: /* The senators of Highguard */</p> <hr /> <div>==The [[Imperial Senate]]==<br /> <br /> ===The Throne===<br /> * [[The Throne|The Empress]] : Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the League<br /> <br /> ===The Freeborn senators of [[The Brass Coast]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Feroz]]: Pedro i Taziel I Riquezz <br /> * Senator for [[Kahraman]]: Maher i Zaydan i Riqueza<br /> * Senator for [[Madruga]]: Anwar i Del-Toro i Riquezza<br /> * Senator for [[Segura]]: Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Dawn]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Astolat]]: Bohemond de Rondell<br /> * Senator for [[Semmerholm]] Escalade Carsenere<br /> * Senator for [[Weirwater]]: Valentin Ivarovich Orzel<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Highguard]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Bastion]]: Solomon, of the Shattered Tower<br /> * Senator for [[Casinea]]: Zephram, of Cantiarch’s Hold<br /> * Senator for [[Necropolis]]: Ianthe, of Raven's Watch<br /> * Senator for [[Reikos]]: Balthasar, of the Suns of Couros<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[The League]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Holberg]]: Stern<br /> * Senator for [[Sarvos]]: Mirislav<br /> * Senator for [[Tassato]]: Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato <br /> * Senator for [[Temeschwar]]: Gant Archama<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[The Marches]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Bregasland]], the Dour Fens: Orrick<br /> * Senator for [[Mitwold]], Pride of the Marches: Bridget Eastville<br /> * Senator for [[Upwold]], The Silver Chase: Silas<br /> <br /> ===The senators of the [[Navarr]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Hercynia]]: Ranulf Pridestalker<br /> * Senator for [[Miaren]]: Llewellyn Leafstalker<br /> * Senator for [[Therunin]]: Caerwyn Summer Crow<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Urizen]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Morrow]]: Ariadne<br /> * Senator for [[Redoubt]]: Probus of Shattered Spire<br /> * Senator for [[Zenith]]: Tanwyn Ankarien<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Varushka]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Karsk]]: Maarit<br /> * Senator for [[Karov]]: Maximov Strascovich<br /> * Senator for [[Miekarova]]: Dušan Otecovna Zlata<br /> * Senator for [[Volodmartz]]: Juha the Cave Spider<br /> ''Senator Dušan was revoked by the Imperial Synod but then re-elected to the post; he cannot be revoked again until after the next time the Senatorship would be elected normally.''<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Wintermark]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Hahnmark]]: Hengest Dun<br /> * Senator for [[Kallavesa]]: Olle Markusson<br /> * Senator for [[Sermersuaq]]: Atte<br /> <br /> ===The senator of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Skarsind]]: Irontide Vio<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Imperial Senate]] positions===<br /> * The [[Conscience of the Senate]] is Rawk<br /> * The [[Advisor on orc affairs]] is Bloodcrow Ergot<br /> * The [[Minister_of_Historical_Research|Minister of Historical Research]] is Ioseph of Phoenix Reach<br /> * The [[Bursar of the Imperial Academy]] is Titus Hopkirk<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Asavea]] is Camilia di Traviciana di Sarvos<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Jarm]] is Owsi Twice-burned <br /> * The [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] is Lukash Biessek von Temeschwar<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Faraden]] is Ricardo di Tassato<br /> * The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]]: Beatrix Amalia Novarion Zu Holberg<br /> * The [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]]: Vera Runova Helgrod<br /> * The [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] is Siân Eternal <br /> * The [[Imperial Consul]] is Kellua Itsepainen of Wintermark<br /> <br /> ===[[Commission|Commissioners]] appointed by senators===<br /> * The [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] is held by Tiberius Echostorm<br /> * The [[Imperial Master of Works|Imperial Master of Works]] is Richard Lancaster<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of The Brass Coast is Carlos I Guerra<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Dawn is Morien Stewart<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of The Marches is Henry Ward<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of The Imperial Orcs is Bloodcrow Yargol<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of The League is Lorenzo La Volpe of the Bloody Butchers<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Highguard is Rhesa of the Scions of Ravensfell<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Navarr is Bron Foxden<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Urizen is vacant<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Varushka is Nadya Gremani<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Wintermark is vacant<br /> <br /> ===[[sinecure|Sinecures]] selected by senators===<br /> * The sinecure of [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is held by Rafa'eet i Contra i Guerra <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] is held by Reina i Shartha i Riquez <br /> * The sinecure of [[Guardian of Britta's Shrine]] is held by Ruth of the Cenotaph in Highguard<br /> * The sinecure of [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]] is Brennyn of Bronwyn's Rest<br /> * The sinecure of the [[Dean of Pilgrims]] is vacant<br /> * The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Starlight Drift]] is held by Vulpes of Endsmeet <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Memorial Gardens of Treji]] is held by Ceinwen <br /> * The sinecure of [[Guardian of the Cairn]] is held by Tarqeq Icetongue <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] is held by Domitila Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Glorious Fountain]] is held by Tatiana of Auric Horizon <br /> * The [[Mayor of Caricomare]] is Aria di Notturno di Sarvos<br /> * The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Claw]] is held by Kaylan<br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] is held by Elyssiathain<br /> * The [[Gatekeeper of Falling Snow]] is Pendraed the Maker<br /> * The [[Master Apothecary]] is Freya Kreftinar<br /> * The [[Custodian of the Storm Vault]] is Xanthius Echostorm<br /> <br /> ==[[Imperial Military Council|The Military Council]]==<br /> ===The Generals of [[The Brass Coast]]===<br /> * General Estana I Mestiere I Guerra of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Red Wind Corsairs|Red Wind Corsairs]]<br /> * General Elias i Lemora i Erigo of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Fire of the South|Fire of the South]]<br /> * Admiral Edgardo i Ruiloba i Guerra of [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#The_Freeborn_Storm|The Freeborn Storm]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Dawn]]===<br /> * General Tancred de Rondell of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Hounds of Glory|Hounds of Glory]]<br /> * General Starac Sijed Orzel of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Golden Sun|Golden Sun]]<br /> * General Lady Clarice Novarion of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Eastern Sky|Eastern Sky]]<br /> * General Soldier Akella of the [[Dawn_military_concerns#The_Gryphon.27s_Pride|Gryphon's Pride]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Highguard]]===<br /> * General Cuth of the [[Highguard military concerns#Seventh Wave|Seventh Wave]]<br /> * General Mathayus of the [[Highguard military concerns#Granite Pillar|Granite Pillar]]<br /> * General Jericho of [[Highguard military concerns#The Valiant Pegasus|The Valiant Pegasus]] <br /> <br /> ===The Generals of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===<br /> * General Morgur Bloodcrow of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Winter Sun|Winter Sun]]<br /> * General Irontide Skar of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Summer Storm|Summer Storm]]<br /> <br /> ===The General of [[The League]]===<br /> * General Gabriel Barossa of the [[The League military concerns#The Wolves of War|Wolves of War]]<br /> * General Andrea von Holdberg of the [[The League military concerns#TowerJacks|TowerJacks]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[The Marches]]===<br /> * General Nedry of The Cullachs of [[The Marches military concerns#The Tusks|The Tusks]]<br /> * General Will Talbot of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Drakes|The Drakes]]<br /> * General Jack Flint of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Strong Reeds|Strong Reeds]]<br /> * General Alusair Farstrider of the [[The Marches military concerns#Bounders|Bounders]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Navarr]]===<br /> * General Ulric Y'Basden of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns|Black Thorns]]<br /> * General Brennos Brackensong of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Quiet Step|Quiet step]]<br /> <br /> ===The General of [[Urizen]]===<br /> * General Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach of the [[Urizen military concerns#Citadel Guard|Citadel Guard]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Varushka]]===<br /> * General Valentin Brossa of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Northern Eagle|Army of the Northern Eagle]]<br /> * General Magnus Anatolyvich Prochnost of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Golden Axe|Army of the Golden Axe]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Wintermark]]===<br /> * General Volk of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Green Shield Army|Green Shield Army]]<br /> * General Erkenbrand of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Fist of the Mountain|Fist of the Mountain]]<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Military Council]] Positions===<br /> * The [[Warmage]] is Vaan of Auric Horizon<br /> * The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] is Brendan Brackensong<br /> * The [[Imperial Fleet Master]] is vacant<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Synod]]==<br /> ===[[Ambition]]===<br /> * Cardinal Serrusto Caeli Rezia di Tassato of the League <br /> * Gatekeeper Viviane de Coeurdefer<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Robin of Swindale<br /> <br /> ===[[Courage]]===<br /> * Cardinal Nina of Cantiarch's Hold in Highguard<br /> * Gatekeeper Jorma Steelhail of Wintermark<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Lady Eleanor de Rondell of Dawn<br /> <br /> ===[[Loyalty]]=== <br /> * Cardinal Jared of the Suns of Couros, Highguard<br /> * Gatekeeper Anna-Valeria Cascade of Urizen<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Julius Cavita of the League<br /> <br /> ===[[Pride]]===<br /> * Cardinal Ozren de Orzel of Dawn<br /> * Gatekeeper Lady Josephine Novarion of Dawn <br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Ephreal of Highguard<br /> <br /> ===[[Prosperity]]===<br /> * Cardinal Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato<br /> * Gatekeeper Wilhemina Maryenkovich Poltova<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Vauraus Korppitkotka<br /> <br /> ===[[Vigilance]]===<br /> * Cardinal Irada von Temeschwar, The League <br /> * Gatekeeper Alys of Highguard<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Martin Orchard<br /> <br /> ===[[Wisdom]]===<br /> * Cardinal Agnetha De Rondell of Dawn<br /> * Gatekeeper is Githwynn Frythsdottir Tokling<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Sariel of Highguard<br /> <br /> ===[[The Way]]===<br /> * Cardinal Atla of the Imperial Orcs<br /> * [[Conscience of the Senate]] – Rawk of the Imperial Orcs<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Yarrick Ursan of Wintermark<br /> <br /> ===Other Synod positions===<br /> <br /> * The post of [[High Exorcist]] is held by Solas of Urizen<br /> * The post of [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] is held by Sargon of Felix's Watch, Highguard <br /> * The post of [[Imperial Inquisitor]] is held by Severin Teyhard von Holberg of the League<br /> * The post of [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] is held by Ira of Felix's Watch, Highguard<br /> * The post of [[Imperial Chaplain Consular]] is held by Hywel Summercrow of Navarr<br /> * The post of [[Seer of the Gateway]] is held by Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade<br /> * The post of [[Voice of Barbs]] is held by Corey Brackensong<br /> * The post of [[Curator of the Printer's Guild Museum]] is held by Taddea Ginori<br /> * The post of [[Curator of the White City Museum]] is held by Apollos of Highguard<br /> * The post of [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] is held by Eldeen Wulfssdottir of Wintermark<br /> * The co-ordinator of the [[Limitu Principality House of the Way]] is Lord Marcus Drummond<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Conclave]]==<br /> ===[[Archmage|Archmagi]]===<br /> * Alcuin Shatterspire is [[Archmage]] of Spring<br /> * Andreas Gremani is [[Archmage]] of Summer<br /> * Maurice de Gauvain is [[Archmage]] of Autumn<br /> * Syrus Skybreaker is [[Archmage]] of Winter<br /> * Mord of Auric Horizon is [[Archmage]] of Day<br /> * Pavel is [[Archmage]] of Night<br /> <br /> ===[[Grandmaster|Grandmasters of the Orders]]===<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Celestial Arch|Order of the Celestial Arch]] Catalina i Erigo, of House de Rondell<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Golden Pyramid|Order of the Golden Pyramid]] Faustus <br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Rod and Shield|Order of the Rod and Shield]] Raewynn Stormwise<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Sevenfold Path|Order of the Sevenfold Path]] Zephaniah of [[Highguard]] <br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Shuttered Lantern|Order of the Shuttered Lantern]] Gregor<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]] Kyra of Halcyon Spire<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Conclave|Imperial Conclave]] Positions===<br /> * Simargl, &quot;the Empty One&quot; of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash of [[Varushka]] serves as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]<br /> * Iago Melfizzi of the League serves as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]<br /> * Cyrus, son of Felix of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Imperial Magus]] <br /> * Sólsetur Fjellrevening serves as the [[Imperial_Seer|Imperial Seer]]<br /> * Vitore Van Temeschwar serves as the [[Arcane_Architect|Arcane Architect]]<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Bourse]]==<br /> <br /> ===[[Imperial Bourse#Imperial Bourse Positions|Imperial Bourse Positions]]===<br /> * The [[Arratan Gamble]] is held by Erwillian Mann (400 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Brilliant Star]] is held by Giacomo Corvinoscuro (451 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Canterspire Circle]] is held by Tybalt von Ungeist (385 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Damation Cliffs]] are held by Jeremiah of the Cenotaph (405 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Fortress of Salt]] is held by Tobias Shanks (495 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Golden Trees of Seren]] are held by Thalia of Netherwatch (350 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Great Mine of Briante]] is held by Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich (355 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] is held by Landon of Longridge (375 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] is held by Dagon of Shattered Tower (200 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Night Quarry]] is held by Guillermo di Sarvos (370 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Scorrero Nets]] are held by Kali of the Saker (130 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Singing Caves]] are held by Alessandra Vedova del Macellaio (500 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Sutton Stone Quarries]] are held by Silvio de Tassato (345 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Syrene's Wisdom]] is held by Falko of the Bloody Butchers of Temeschwar ( 155 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Weirwater Vales]] are held by Soren il Signo (400 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]] are currently in the process of being [[Repair Great Pits of Ennerlund|repaired]] and are expected to produce their first load of mithril shortly after the Summer Solstice 380YE<br /> * The [[Great Forest at Reikos]] is due to be auctioned for a reduced term at the Summer Solstice.<br /> <br /> * The [[Legacy]] is held by the [[Grendel]] and will need to be allocated when [[Spiral]] is once again an Imperial Territory<br /> <br /> ===[[Imperial Bourse#National Bourse Positions|National Bourse Positions]]===<br /> <br /> * The [[Broken Shore Bounty]] ([[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]) is held by Karlos i Shartha i Riqueza<br /> * The [[Regario Dossier]] ([[The League|League]]) is held by Rodrigo Barrosa <br /> * The [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] ([[The League|League]]) is Duke Fererro <br /> * The [[Thimble]] ([[Navarr]]) is held by Idris Eternal<br /> * The [[Steel Fist]] ([[Imperial Orcs]]) is held by Irontide Wesk <br /> * The [[Eternal Shafts of Time]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Tomasz<br /> * The [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Zlatimir Prochnost<br /> * The [[Brilliant Shore]] ([[Wintermark]]) is held by J. Sussivari<br /> * The [[Vigilant Swan]] ([[Highguard]]) is held by Asael of Cantiarch's Hold<br /> <br /> * The [[Stonefield Ice Caves]] ([[Wintermark]]) is held by the [[Thule]]<br /> <br /> ===Other Bourse Titles===<br /> These titles are appointed through the Bourse, but do not give the holder a Seat on the Imperial Bourse.<br /> * Errol is [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]]<br /> * Galleo i Tazriel i Riqueza is [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]]<br /> * Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra is [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]]<br /> * Marat Jaroslav is the [[Custodian of the Assayer's Guild]] <br /> * Etseban Izmara I Erigo is the [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel|Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]]<br /> * Octavius of Auric Horizon is [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]<br /> * Damian is the [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]]<br /> * Flax is the [[Foreman of the Mines of Gulhule]]<br /> * Krag is the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]]<br /> <br /> ==Miscellaneous==<br /> * The [[Miaren#Brock.27s_Toll|Operator of Brock's Toll]] is Robert Shanks of [[The Marches]]<br /> <br /> [[Category: 380YE]]<br /> [[Category:Imperial Titles]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Archive:380YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_titles&diff=46716 2016-08-11T18:21:34Z

<p>Delvy: /* The senators of Highguard */</p> <hr /> <div>==The [[Imperial Senate]]==<br /> <br /> ===The Throne===<br /> * [[The Throne|The Empress]] : Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the League<br /> <br /> ===The Freeborn senators of [[The Brass Coast]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Feroz]]: Oria <br /> * Senator for [[Kahraman]]: Maher i Zaydan i Riqueza<br /> * Senator for [[Madruga]]: Anwar i Del-Toro i Riquezza<br /> * Senator for [[Segura]]: Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Dawn]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Astolat]]: Bohemond de Rondell<br /> * Senator for [[Semmerholm]] Escalade Carsenere<br /> * Senator for [[Weirwater]]: Valentin Ivarovich Orzel<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Highguard]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Bastion]]: Ibrahim, the South Paw, of the Cohort of the Winter Bear<br /> * Senator for [[Casinea]]: Zephram, of Cantiarch’s Hold<br /> * Senator for [[Necropolis]]: Ianthe, of Raven's Watch<br /> * Senator for [[Reikos]]: Balthasar, of the Suns of Couros<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[The League]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Holberg]]: Stern<br /> * Senator for [[Sarvos]]: Alessandra Serafini<br /> * Senator for [[Tassato]]: Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato <br /> * Senator for [[Temeschwar]]: Gant Archama<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[The Marches]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Bregasland]], the Dour Fens: Orrick<br /> * Senator for [[Mitwold]], Pride of the Marches: Bridget Eastville<br /> * Senator for [[Upwold]], The Silver Chase: Silas<br /> <br /> ===The senators of the [[Navarr]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Hercynia]]: Ranulf Pridestalker<br /> * Senator for [[Miaren]]: Llewellyn Leafstalker<br /> * Senator for [[Therunin]]: Caerwyn Summer Crow<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Urizen]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Morrow]]: Ariadne<br /> * Senator for [[Redoubt]]: Probus of Shattered Spire<br /> * Senator for [[Zenith]]: Edmundo of Endsmeet<br /> * Senator for [[Spiral]]: Tanwyn Ankarien<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Varushka]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Karsk]]: Maarit<br /> * Senator for [[Karov]]: Irena Arkady<br /> * Senator for [[Miekarova]]: Dušan Otecovna Zlata<br /> * Senator for [[Volodmartz]]: Juha the Cave Spider<br /> ''Senator Dušan was revoked by the Imperial Synod but then re-elected to the post; he cannot be revoked again until after the next time the Senatorship would be elected normally.''<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Wintermark]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Hahnmark]]: Hengest Dun<br /> * Senator for [[Kallavesa]]: Olle Markusson<br /> * Senator for [[Sermersuaq]]: Atte<br /> <br /> ===The senator of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Skarsind]]: Irontide Vio<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Imperial Senate]] positions===<br /> * The [[Conscience of the Senate]] is Maximillian of Urizen<br /> * The [[Dean of the Academy]] is Faustina Notturno Di Sarvos<br /> * The [[Advisor on orc affairs]] is Bloodcrow Ergot<br /> * The [[Minister_of_Historical_Research|Minister of Historical Research]] is Ioseph of Phoenix Reach<br /> * The [[Bursar of the Imperial Academy]] is Titus Hopkirk<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Asavea]] is Camilia di Traviciana di Sarvos<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Jarm]] is Owsi Twice-burned <br /> * The [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] is Starac Sijed Orzel<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Faraden]] is Ricardo di Tassato<br /> * The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]]: Beatrix Amalia Novarion Zu Holberg<br /> * The [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]]: Vera Runova Helgrod<br /> * The [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] is Siân Eternal <br /> * The [[Imperial Consul]] is Aureliana Perpetua Nicasia Saverio di Sarvos<br /> <br /> ===[[Commission|Commissioners]] appointed by senators===<br /> * The [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] is held by Tiberius Echostorm<br /> * The [[Imperial Master of Works|Imperial Master of Works]] is Richard Lancaster<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of The Brass Coast is Carlos I Guerra<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Dawn is Morien Stewart<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of The Marches is Henry Ward<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of The Imperial Orcs is Bloodcrow Yargol<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of The League is Lorenzo La Volpe of the Bloody Butchers<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Highguard is Rhesa of the Scions of Ravensfell<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Navarr is Bron Foxden<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Urizen is Juliana of Phoenix Reach<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Varushka is Nadya Gremani<br /> * The [[Civilian Commissioner]] of Wintermark is Thanmir Whiteraven<br /> <br /> ===[[sinecure|Sinecures]] selected by senators===<br /> * The sinecure of [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is held by Rafa'eet i Contra i Guerra <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] is held by Reina i Shartha i Riquez <br /> * The sinecure of [[Guardian of Britta's Shrine]] is held by Ruth of the Cenotaph in Highguard<br /> * The sinecure of [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]] is Brennyn of Bronwyn's Rest<br /> * The sinecure of the [[Dean of Pilgrims]] is vacant<br /> * The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Starlight Drift]] is held by Vulpes of Endsmeet <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Memorial Gardens of Treji]] is held by Ceinwen <br /> * The sinecure of [[Guardian of the Cairn]] is held by Tarqeq Icetongue <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] is held by Domitila Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Glorious Fountain]] is held by Tatiana of Auric Horizon <br /> * The sinecure of [[Mayor of Caricomare]] is held by Aria di Notturno di Sarvos<br /> * The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Claw]] is held by Kaylan<br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] is held by Elyssiathain<br /> * The sinecure of [[Gatekeeper of Falling Snow]] is Pendraed the Maker<br /> * The sinecure of [[Master Apothecary]] is Freya Kreftinar<br /> * The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Storm Vault]] is Xanthius Echostorm<br /> * The sinecure of [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] is vacant<br /> * The sinecure of [[Healer of Dawn]] is Isabella de Rondell<br /> * The sinecure of [[Master of the Clearing House]] is Wilhemina Rezia<br /> * The sinecure of [[Steward of the Tassato Mana Exchange]] is Beatriz Sanguineo Rezia<br /> * The sinecure of [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] is vacant<br /> * The sinecure of [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] is Kirrik of the Sunhammers<br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of Aurelie's Garden]] is vacant<br /> <br /> ==[[Imperial Military Council|The Military Council]]==<br /> ===The Generals of [[The Brass Coast]]===<br /> * General Estana I Mestiere I Guerra of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Red Wind Corsairs|Red Wind Corsairs]]<br /> * General Elias i Lemora i Erigo of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Fire of the South|Fire of the South]]<br /> * Admiral Edgardo i Ruiloba i Guerra of [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#The_Freeborn_Storm|The Freeborn Storm]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Dawn]]===<br /> * General Tancred de Rondell of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Hounds of Glory|Hounds of Glory]]<br /> * General Zoran Orzel of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Golden Sun|Golden Sun]]<br /> * General Lady Clarice Novarion of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Eastern Sky|Eastern Sky]]<br /> * General Soldier Akella of the [[Dawn_military_concerns#The_Gryphon.27s_Pride|Gryphon's Pride]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Highguard]]===<br /> * General Cuth of the [[Highguard military concerns#Seventh Wave|Seventh Wave]]<br /> * General Mathayus of the [[Highguard military concerns#Granite Pillar|Granite Pillar]]<br /> * General Jericho of [[Highguard military concerns#The Valiant Pegasus|The Valiant Pegasus]] <br /> <br /> ===The Generals of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===<br /> * General Morgur Bloodcrow of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Winter Sun|Winter Sun]]<br /> * General Irontide Skar of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Summer Storm|Summer Storm]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[The League]]===<br /> * General Gabriel Barossa of the [[The League military concerns#The Wolves of War|Wolves of War]]<br /> * General Dietrich Nieschteri Rezia von Temeschwar of the [[The League military concerns#TowerJacks|TowerJacks]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[The Marches]]===<br /> * General Nedry of The Cullachs of [[The Marches military concerns#The Tusks|The Tusks]]<br /> * General Will Talbot of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Drakes|The Drakes]]<br /> * General Jack Flint of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Strong Reeds|Strong Reeds]]<br /> * General Alusair Farstrider of the [[The Marches military concerns#Bounders|Bounders]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Navarr]]===<br /> * General Ulric Y'Basden of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns|Black Thorns]]<br /> * General Brennos Brackensong of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Quiet Step|Quiet step]]<br /> <br /> ===The General of [[Urizen]]===<br /> * General Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach of the [[Urizen military concerns#Citadel Guard|Citadel Guard]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Varushka]]===<br /> * General Sullik of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Northern Eagle|Army of the Northern Eagle]]<br /> * General Magnus Anatolyvich Prochnost of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Golden Axe|Army of the Golden Axe]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Wintermark]]===<br /> * General Volk of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Green Shield Army|Green Shield Army]]<br /> * General Erkenbrand of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Fist of the Mountain|Fist of the Mountain]]<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Military Council]] Positions===<br /> * The [[Warmage]] is Barthol de Rondell<br /> * The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] is Brendan Brackensong<br /> * The [[Imperial Fleet Master]] is Zanferr i Ezmara i Erigo<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Synod]]==<br /> ===[[Ambition]]===<br /> * Cardinal Serrusto Caeli Rezia di Tassato of the League <br /> * Gatekeeper Viviane de Coeurdefer<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Robin of Swindale<br /> <br /> ===[[Courage]]===<br /> * Cardinal Levitia of Endsmeet from Urizen<br /> * Gatekeeper Jorma Steelhail of Wintermark<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Lady Eleanor de Rondell of Dawn<br /> <br /> ===[[Loyalty]]=== <br /> * Cardinal Jared of the Suns of Couros, Highguard<br /> * Gatekeeper Anna-Valeria Cascade of Urizen<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Julius Cavita of the League<br /> <br /> ===[[Pride]]===<br /> * Cardinal Ozren de Orzel of Dawn<br /> * Gatekeeper Lady Josephine Novarion of Dawn <br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Ephreal of Highguard<br /> <br /> ===[[Prosperity]]===<br /> * Cardinal Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato<br /> * Gatekeeper Wilhemina Maryenkovich Poltova<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Vauraus Korppitkotka<br /> <br /> ===[[Vigilance]]===<br /> * Cardinal Irada von Temeschwar, The League <br /> * Gatekeeper Alys of Highguard<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Martin Orchard<br /> <br /> ===[[Wisdom]]===<br /> * Cardinal Agnetha De Rondell of Dawn<br /> * Gatekeeper Githwynn Frythsdottir Tokling<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Sariel of Highguard<br /> <br /> ===[[The Way]]===<br /> * Cardinal Atla of the Imperial Orcs<br /> * Conscience of the Senate Maximillian of Urizen<br /> * Virtue Inquisitor Yarrick Ursan of Wintermark<br /> <br /> ===Other Synod positions===<br /> <br /> * The post of [[High Exorcist]] is held by Solas of Urizen<br /> * The post of [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] is held by Sargon of Felix's Watch, Highguard <br /> * The post of [[Imperial Inquisitor]] is held by Ephron of Adina’s Charge, Highguard<br /> * The post of [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] is held by Ira of Felix's Watch, Highguard<br /> * The post of [[Imperial Chaplain Consular]] is held by Hywel Summercrow of Navarr<br /> * The post of [[Seer of the Gateway]] is held by Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade<br /> * The post of [[Voice of Barbs]] is held by Corey Brackensong<br /> * The post of [[Curator of the Printer's Guild Museum]] is held by Taddea Ginori<br /> * The post of [[Curator of the White City Museum]] is held by Apollos of Highguard<br /> * The post of [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] is held by Eldeen Wulfssdottir of Wintermark<br /> * The coordinator of the [[Limitu Principality House of the Way]] is Lord Marcus Drummond<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Conclave]]==<br /> ===[[Archmage|Archmagi]]===<br /> * Alcuin Shatterspire is [[Archmage]] of Spring<br /> * Solomon is [[Archmage]] of Summer<br /> * Maurice de Gauvain is [[Archmage]] of Autumn<br /> * Syrus Skybreaker is [[Archmage]] of Winter<br /> * Mord of Auric Horizon is [[Archmage]] of Day<br /> * Pavel is [[Archmage]] of Night<br /> <br /> ===[[Grandmaster|Grandmasters of the Orders]]===<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Celestial Arch|Order of the Celestial Arch]] Catalina i Erigo, of House de Rondell<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Golden Pyramid|Order of the Golden Pyramid]] Faustus <br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Rod and Shield|Order of the Rod and Shield]] Raewynn Stormwise<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Sevenfold Path|Order of the Sevenfold Path]] Zephaniah of [[Highguard]] <br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Shuttered Lantern|Order of the Shuttered Lantern]] Gregor<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]] Kyra of Halcyon Spire<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Conclave|Imperial Conclave]] Positions===<br /> * Simargl, &quot;the Empty One&quot; of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash of [[Varushka]] serves as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]<br /> * Iago Melfizzi of the League serves as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]<br /> * Cyrus, son of Felix of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Imperial Magus]] <br /> * Finn Finnson serves as the [[Imperial_Seer|Imperial Seer]]<br /> * Vitore Van Temeschwar serves as the [[Arcane_Architect|Arcane Architect]]<br /> * Brother Luke of the Shattered Tower of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Master of Ice and Darkness]]<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Bourse]]==<br /> <br /> ===[[Imperial Bourse#Imperial Bourse Positions|Imperial Bourse Positions]]===<br /> * The [[Arratan Gamble]] is held by Issebel Vittoria Barossa di Tassato Regario (325 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Brilliant Star]] is held by Giacomo Corvinoscuro (451 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Canterspire Circle]] is held by Tybalt von Ungeist (385 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Fortress of Salt]] is held by Tobias Shanks (495 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Golden Trees of Seren]] are held by Thalia of Netherwatch (350 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Great Forest at Reikos]] is held by Azazel of Ravensfell (150 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Great Mine of Briante]] is held by Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich (355 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]] are currently in the process of being [[Repair Great Pits of Ennerlund|repaired]] and are expected to produce their first load of mithril shortly after the Summer Solstice 380YE<br /> * The [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] is held by Landon of Longridge (375 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] is held by Dagon of Shattered Tower (200 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Night Quarry]] is held by Meric Freysson (406 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Scorrero Nets]] are held by Kali of the Saker (130 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Singing Caves]] are held by Alessandra Vedova del Macellaio (500 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Sutton Stone Quarries]] are held by Silvio de Tassato (345 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Syrene's Wisdom]] is held by Falko of the Bloody Butchers of Temeschwar ( 155 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Weirwater Vales]] are held by Soren il Signo (400 Thrones)<br /> <br /> * The [[Damation Cliffs]] are held by the [[Jotun]]<br /> <br /> ===[[Imperial Bourse#National Bourse Positions|National Bourse Positions]]===<br /> <br /> * The [[Broken Shore Bounty]] ([[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]) is held by Karlos i Shartha i Riqueza<br /> * The [[Regario Dossier]] ([[The League|League]]) is held by Rodrigo Barrosa <br /> * The [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] ([[The League|League]]) is Duke Fererro <br /> * The [[Thimble]] ([[Navarr]]) is held by Idris Eternal<br /> * The [[Steel Fist]] ([[Imperial Orcs]]) is held by Irontide Wesk <br /> * The [[Eternal Shafts of Time]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Tomasz<br /> * The [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Vitaly Grigorovich Dukov<br /> * The [[Brilliant Shore]] ([[Imperial Orcs]]) is held by Gaterender Brik<br /> * The [[Vigilant Swan]] ([[Highguard]]) is held by Azeal of Cantiarch's Hold<br /> * The [[Legacy]] ([[Urizen]]) is vacant<br /> <br /> * The [[Stonefield Ice Caves]] ([[Wintermark]]) are held by the [[Thule]]<br /> <br /> ===Other Bourse Titles===<br /> These titles are appointed through the Bourse, but do not give the holder a Seat on the Imperial Bourse.<br /> * Errol is [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]]<br /> * Galleo i Tazriel i Riqueza is [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]]<br /> * Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra is [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]]<br /> * Marat Jaroslav is the [[Custodian of the Assayer's Guild]] <br /> * Etseban Izmara I Erigo is the [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel|Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]]<br /> * Octavius of Auric Horizon is [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]<br /> * Damian is the [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]]<br /> * Flax is the [[Foreman of the Mines of Gulhule]]<br /> * Krag is the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]]<br /> * Wyl Brackensong is the [[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]]<br /> * Jan Von Schmied de Temeschwar is the [[Northbound Trademaster]]<br /> * Thomas Astwich is the [[Sheriff of Overton]]<br /> <br /> ==Miscellaneous==<br /> * The [[Miaren#Brock.27s_Toll|Operator of Brock's Toll]] is Robert Shanks of [[The Marches]]<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category: 380YE]]<br /> [[Category:Imperial Titles]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Sumaah_Republic&diff=44763 2016-06-03T20:56:15Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>==Overview==<br /> Before the Empire, missionaries of the nascent Way came to the jungles of Sumaah and called it 'the ends of the earth.' They found a corrupt, diseased kingdom ruled by despotic kings supported by a selfish and idolatrous religion. Yet they also found embers of their own faith, hidden in old stories and legends. They fanned those embers, and without warning ignited a revolution. A people sickened by the excesses of their leaders, hungry for a philosophy of truth, took the teachings of [[the Way]] and forged a sword with which they swept away the corrupt and the greedy and built something new, and better.<br /> <br /> For nearly a century, emissaries and diplomats travelled the vast distances between Sumaah and the Empire. Few pilgrims managed to make the arduous journey to [[Highguard]], but those who did were increasingly dissatisfied with what they found - compromise, expediency and tolerance were poisoning the roots of the shared faith. The Sumaah had no interest in joining the Empire, and so were denied a place in the [[Imperial Synod]]; indeed, they saw little in the Imperial Synod that was relevant to them - the virtues of [[Ambition]] and [[Pride]] made it clear to these fervent converts that to look to an outside source for guidance would be wicked.<br /> <br /> Eventually the Sumaah had had enough. In 118 YE, during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Republic broke with the [[Imperial Synod]] and technically excommunicated not only the Empress but all the priests of the Empire. The Empire was technically at war with the Sumaah Republic for the next two hundred years, but the vast distances involved meant that military conflict was all but impossible, All trade between the Republic and the Empire ceased, however, and it was not until 326 YE that the trade-routes were re-opened.<br /> <br /> Today. the Sumaah are a great power. Their ambition is limitless; they regularly engage in wars of conquest with their neighbours. converting them to the faith by sword and spear. Those who will not convert are given a simple choice to leave, or die. They burn with the fire of the zealot, and those who live near them look with some concern towards their borders. Still, they are far away and while some priests of the Synod insist on debating what they call the Sumaah problem, for most of the Empire they are little more than another exotic foreign nation, far away, that just happens to have a faith in common with the Empire.<br /> <br /> Of particular interest to Imperial citizens outside of the Synod are the [[Sumaah Republic ports|Sumaah ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire. Unfortunately, due to increasingly frosty relations between the Republic and the Empire, Sumaah ports are currently closed to Imperial captains.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah7.jpg|title=The jungles of Sumaah|align=right|width=617|height=270}}<br /> <br /> ==Terrain==<br /> The Sumaah Republic far lies to the south-west of the Empire on the northern shores of a continent that is almost entirely unknown to the Empire. It is much warmer than even the Brass Coast. While the common image of Sumaah is that of a land is dominated by great swathes of tropical and sub-tropical jungle, dotted with sprawling pyramid-cities and overlooked by a spine of cloud-scraping mountains, in actuality most of the people make their homes in fertile coastal areas; the heart of the jungle is as impenetrable to the Sumaah as it is to anyone else. <br /> <br /> This misperception persists because the majority of the Sumaah Republic is unknown to Imperial travelers. Foreigners are not welcome outside the port-city of [[Sumaah Republic ports|Zemeh]], and are forcibly returned there - or even exiled from the nation forever - if they are discovered elsewhere. The cities are undeniably wonderful; Sumaah architecture tends towards the creation of great stone buildings with most public structures being pyramids or many-stepped ziggurats riddled with passages and chambers. A family of urban Sumaah is more likely to occupy a series of apartments in a squat three-storey building shared with other families than to have a private structure of their own; only the wealthiest or largest families have entirely private residences.<br /> <br /> Almost every city or large town is built on the banks of one of the wide, slow-moving rivers that run down through the jungle to the sea. The majority are built at the mouths of the rivers, while those cities built in-land tend to be smaller and often dedicated to the exploitation of specific valuable resources. Boats and ships are vital to the nation, due to the difficulty of constructing roads in the fast-growing jungles - the few roads that do exist are wide, straight constructions that cut through the teeming jungle and require constant maintenance.<br /> <br /> This tendency to build along the coast lead to the second-century [[Dawn|Dawnish]] diplomat Bernice de Clevau dubbing the nation &quot;''One of those long, thin countries such as you see nowhere else - a bit like a giant comb built of stone, wood and water.''&quot; <br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah5.jpg|title=The southern city of Cuslo|align=left|width=352|height=196}}<br /> ==People==<br /> The Sumaah are first and foremost devout, and the philosophy of [[the Way]] permeates all aspects of their life. Families engage in regular communal acts of discussion and readings from books and scrolls that discuss the Way and its teachings. Almost all art serves a religious function, from the statues of the Paragons that decorate the façades of many public buildings, to the instructional rhymes the children sing.<br /> <br /> All citizens of the Sumaah Republic are human. [[orc|Orcs]] and [[daeva]] are viewed as subhuman, fit only to be slaves; when the Sumaah encounter an orc tribe, they exterminate it. The Sumaah do not keep slaves - doing so is seen as being an offence against the very fundamentals of [[Prosperity]]. It is also one of their many points of contention with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] - although it is a minor point compared to the many other reasons the Sumaah have to despise that northern nation of idolators.<br /> <br /> The lineaged are viewed with a little suspicion by urban Sumaah, and there is some social pressure for them to remain celibate. This stems less from concerns about their souls and more from the fact that they were invariably the priests of the corrupt idol-based religion the Sumaah followed in the distant past. Rural Sumaah tend to be much more tolerant of and accepting of the lineaged. For its part the ''Präster'' (a Sumaah term for priest, pronounced roughly as &quot;''pressed-AIR''&quot;; singular Präst, used by both men and women) teach that while the lineaged must master the influences of their blood, as long as they accept that challenge they are due the same rights as any other citizen of the Republic.<br /> <br /> The Way encourages humans to seek new knowledge and put it to practical use. The Sumaah are at least as technically adept as the people of the Empire, although some inventions (such as the crossbow or the printing press) have not proved popular. Only in the area of philosophy do the Präster exert overt control, and while there may be many natural scientists in Sumaah there are very few philosophers.<br /> <br /> The jungles are home to many creatures considered marvellous by Imperial travellers. A number of species of massive drakes are known to be native to the Sumaah jungles, including several breeds that have been domesticated as watch-beasts, companions and beasts of burden. Indeed, the burly workdrake is used where the Empire might use oxen. The forests and jungles are also home to a profusion of brightly-coloured birds and big-cats, as well as uncountable breeds of insect many unknown in colder climates. The shores teem with giant turtles, and immense panthers move like oiled juggernauts through the deeper jungles preying on great drakes and humans alike.<br /> ==Politics==<br /> The citizens of the Republic democratically elect representatives to sit in the ''House of the People'' which meets in the city of Timoj somewhere in the southern heartlands. These representatives rule on behalf of the people, raising taxes, initiating public works, and ensuring that the populace prosper. In practice, however, Sumaah is a theocracy in all but name. The Präster of the Way have an unlimited ability to veto the decisions of the representatives in the name of Virtue. The day-to-day running of the nation is accomplished by the Virtue assemblies, and law is enforced by the religiously appointed Censors who interpret the laws passed by the republic. For the most part, however, the Assemblies do not interfere in the business of the House of the People as long as they remain virtuous and lawful.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah4.jpg|title=The Assembly of Courage controls all armed forces|align=right|width=404|height=540}}<br /> Individual Präster have greater political power than their counterparts in the Empire, but they are also more carefully monitored by their peers. The individual Virtue assemblies wield sweeping powers over the people. For example, the Assembly of Vigilance maintains the Censors, responsible for enforcing and ensuring all laws are respected, while the Assembly of Courage effectively controls all military forces within the nation. The Assembly of Wisdom is responsible for education and for ensuring all written works are truthful, while the Assembly of Loyalty ensures all elections are scrupulously honest and that all representatives are truly reflecting the wishes of their constituents.<br /> <br /> There are no nobles in Sumaah; everyone is a citizen. Individual wealth goes some way towards creating a simple class-structure, but the wealthy are expected to spend appropriate amounts of their wealth in celebration of their [[prosperity]]. Every individual is equally worthy of protection before the law, and the Assembly of Ambition works tirelessly to help citizens achieve their greatest potential in the service of the nation.<br /> <br /> Under the auspices of the Assembly of Pride, the Sumaah engage in wars of conquest against their neighbours. These crusades are fought carefully and methodically, targeting the nations most offensive to the Sumaah first and wherever possible integrating them into the Republic through diplomacy and forced conversion. Imperial scholars estimate that the Sumaah have destroyed five other smaller nations in the last 400 years, completely absorbing their lands and their people. The one nation they have had no luck destroying is the one they would most like to - the [[Asavean Archipelago]] offends the Sumaah to the core, but they have had only limited success spreading the fire of crusade to the northern nation, partly due to the distances involved.<br /> <br /> It would be easy to dismiss Sumaah as a totalitarian theocratic dictatorship, but it would also be slightly unfair. The majority of Präster appear to genuinely believe they are upholding the greater good. Präst who become corrupt or self-serving is stripped of authority and usually executed. The Assemblies repeatedly speak of using their veto to prevent the representatives making mistakes, rather than out of any desire to control or dominate the secular authorities. Before wielding their power, the Assemblies often debate the pros and cons of action and inaction for days on end before reaching a decision. As Bernice de Clevau wryly commented in her final letter to the Senate in 118YE &quot;''The garden of tyranny is laid out with the best of intentions.''&quot;<br /> ==Magic==<br /> Many magicians in Sumaah are also Präster, and the virtue assemblies are known to maintain cadres of ritualists who specialise in specific areas of magic. For example, there are many covens within the Assembly of Prosperity who specialise in magical effects similar to [[Rivers of Gold]] or [[The Lure of Distant Shores]] while the Assembly of Vigilance has covens who make good use of divinations such as [[Signs and Portents]].<br /> <br /> On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[Eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and and water are both used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah6.jpg|title=An old shrine to forgotten spirits|align=left|width=384|height=240}}<br /> The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully monitored. Any magical effect that creates a lingering aura of any sort (OOC: ''roleplaying effect''.) is strictly monitored. Rituals such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] and [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]] are considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals are usually prosecuted.<br /> <br /> Interaction with [[Eternals]] is carefully monitored, and magicians who interact with an Eternal outside of the presence of a Präst are usually censured or viewed with suspicion. The Sumaah know a number of Eternals unknown to the Empire - the only ones both nations are known to regularly interact with are [[Leviathan]] and [[Yaw'nagrah]]. The Night Eternal [[Sadogua]] is considered an enemy of the Republic; its heralds are destroyed on sight, and magicians who interact with it are usually tried for idolatry.<br /> <br /> Partially due to this level of control, and partially due to the emphasis on less supernatural means of resolving problems, the Sumaah republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen [[Principalities of Jarm]]. It makes up for this by having more ''organized'' magical traditions than any other nation with the possible exception of the [[Commonwealth]].<br /> <br /> Many citizens of the Republic prefer to avoid magic altogether; they would rather receive the blessings of the faith in the form of [[Religious skills#Anointing|anointing]] or [[Religious skills#Hallow|hallows]] that the magical effects of a ritual.<br /> ==Religion==<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah2.jpg|title=A Sumah Präst of Prosperity|align=right|width=274|height=375}}<br /> The Way is the only philosophy tolerated in Sumaah. The Präster of the Republic share the same [[The Way#Overview|core values]] as the Imperial Synod; they recognise the same virtues and agree broadly in the guidance they offer in pursuing those virtues. Their symbols remain broadly the same, although the labyrinth image used in Sumaah is often rendered in three-dimensions rather than two, often resembling a circular or heptagonal pyramid.<br /> <br /> Where they differ greatly from the Empire is in their absolute adherence to dogma. Having accepted that the Way is correct, they have come to the conclusion that all other philosophies must logically be incorrect. Given that the greatest good lies in ensuring that human souls pass quickly through the labyrinth, it follows that any action that impedes that progress must be evil. Left to their own devices, people may choose easy paths that lead to evil - in the same way that a child may stick their hand in a fire. It falls to the wise to prevent the ignorant from making evil choices, just as it falls to a parent to prevent their child harming themselves. Several popular treatises in Sumaah claim that [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|anarchy]] is the most wicked of the malign spiritual presences because it claims that the freedom to do evil, the freedom to make catastrophic mistakes. is a virtue.<br /> <br /> As a result the Präster of the Republic are committed to enforcing the teachings of the Way, even on those who might choose other paths. Where heretics and blasphemers may be prosecuted in the Empire, they are persecuted in the Republic. There is a scale of punishments available to the Präster, and they do their best to ensure that deeds are punished over words and intent is punished offer accident but at the end of the day their tolerance extends only so far. Heretics and blasphemers are hanged, while idolators are hanged until they lose consciousness then burnt alive on slow-burning pyres. An honest repudiation of heresy or blasphemy can earn a reprieve from the gallows. but the slightest backsliding is likely to result in death. While the Sumaah accept that a heretic can turn their life around, if they judge the heretic incapable of doing so it is better that they enter the labyrinth now and begin preparing for their next life. The harshest punishments are reserved for those who teach heretical or blasphemous doctrine; the next harshest are reserved for Präster who abuse their position. In Sumaah the ceremony of [[Religious skills#Excommunication|excommunication]] is invariably a prelude to execution.<br /> <br /> The Präster are divided into the same Virtue Assemblies as the Empire, including the Assembly of the Way. In theory, there is also a General Assembly but in practice the kind of powers that would be wielded by the General Assembly in the Empire are wielded by the Assembly of the Way, which is without doubt the most powerful of the eight Assemblies. The Council of Eight is made up of the seven Cardinals of the virtue assemblies and two Cardinals from the Assembly of the Way. No National assemblies exist; rather there are Local assemblies made up of all the Präster in a village or city ward who meet to pass judgements, hear criminal cases, and the like.<br /> <br /> The Republic produces large amounts of [[liao]] - great plantations controlled by the Assembly of the Way are dedicated to the cultivation of plants used to create their own version of this precious substance. They sell their surplus to merchants from the Empire and the [[Commonwealth]], and while the 'recipe' may differ, the results are the same - some Imperial priests claim it has a 'smoky' quality. It is often prepared in the form of incense that is burnt and inhaled - indeed, incense is one of the most common luxury goods found in Sumaah and it is a common feature in both public places and private homes.<br /> <br /> Before they embraced the Way, the people of Sumaah were literal idolators, making offerings of valuables and good to a small pantheon of spirits combining idealised animal qualities with elemental powers. The religion was utterly dominated by the secular powers who used the greed and corruption of the heathen priests to control the masses. In the wake of the reforms that created the modern Republic, the idols were cast down. Imperial scholars are quick to point out, however, that several of the Paragons embraced by the practitioners of the Way in Sumaah bear a striking resemblance to the idols their ancestors worshipped. ''Vena the Great-heated'' Paragon of [[Courage]] shares many attributes and stories with ''Fire-Lion'' while depictions of the Paragon of Wisdom that the Sumaah call [[Zoria]] have more in common with the idol called ''Cloud Eagle'' than with the Ushkan sorceress.<br /> ===Shared Paragons and Exemplars===<br /> Despite the schisms, the Sumaah share certain paragons and exemplars with the faithful of the Empire. They acknowledge the Paragons [[Tian]], [[Korl]], and [[Atun]] as well as the Exemplar [[Zemress]]. They also recognise a Paragon they call ''The Builder'' who seems to be the same Paragon that the Empire knows as [[The Sentinel]].<br /> <br /> Other than this, the Sumaah and the Empire maintain separate lists of Exemplars and Paragons. One interesting note made by an Imperial scholar who spent many years in Zemeh is that the Exemplar of Courage they call ''Amma the Wanderer'' bears a resemblance to [[Adelmar the Lion]], and that the historical provenance for the character (who appears in Sumaah stories starting around 80YE) supports this contention. No proof either way has been gathered to date.<br /> <br /> ==Look and Feel==<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah12.jpg|title=Basic Sumaah costume|align=right|width=435|height=450}}<br /> The Sumaah Republic is inspired by the Mayan and South American native cultures. Loose garments in single bright colours are common, as is brightly coloured jewelry. In their normal climate, a short tunic or even a skirt or woollen kilt is sufficient coverage to protect against the elements. Those travelling to cooler climates may add a loose robe cinched at the waist or even a long poncho likewise tied at the middle with a decorated belt. The costume may be slightly more 'classical' in feel - long tunics are common, for example - representing the influence of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] in the prehistory of the Sumaah.<br /> <br /> Tattoos and piercings are common, and jewelry is selected for its aesthetic value before its material worth. Orichalcum alloys (gold and red-gold metals) are common. Feathers and semi-precious stones are a common feature of their national costume; when at home, brightly coloured jungle flowers are regularly used as temporary decorations for the person or the home. Animal products are common in costume and decoration - the hides of jungle cats, leather made from drakehide, and polished turtle shell are all common components.<br /> <br /> While they may use animal products, the Sumaah avoid using animal imagery in their costumes or decorations - unlike real-world Aztec or Native American costumes animal head-dresses for example would be considered heretical by the Sumaah. The [[Varushka|Varushkan]] animal icons, for example, would be blasphemous to the Sumaah.<br /> <br /> Almost everyone in Sumaah has a religious symbol of some sort that they wear or carry at all times. This might be a tattoo, but is most commonly a piece of jewelry or a belt that can be worn with many different suits of clothing. <br /> <br /> Sumaah is not as iron-rich as the Empire. Spears and axes (which serve double-duty as tools for hunting or crafting as well as weapon) are common as are bows. Daggers are usually a sign of some wealth or status, and swords are reserved for professional soldiers or the very wealthy. Armour is often of hide or thick leather, with only professional soldiers or the most wealthy owning suits of metal armour which are often passed down from generation to generation.<br /> <br /> To Imperial eyes. the Sumaah are even more exotic and strange than the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] or the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]]. Of course the dour colours and restrictive styles of the Imperials are just as jarring to the Sumaah eye.<br /> ==Languages==<br /> The Sumaah speak a number of languages which, according to their histories, are the languages spoken by their distant ancestral tribes. The dominant languages are represented by those of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavian_languages north germanic] or Scandinavian language group, especially Swedish, Norwegian and Danish. The three languages are used interchangeably, and many Präster are fluent in all of them (and often several rarer dialects, commonly spoken by the people of conquered nations). No one language dominates, and when people talk about the Sumaah language they could be referring to any one or all of them.<br /> ==The Sumaah Republic in Play==<br /> The Sumaah appear exotic, and are made all the more exotic by their adherence to a faith that they share with the Empire. They have the fervour of the convert - the Empire tolerates insults to its faith that would have the average Sumaah reaching for a noose. They can appear dour, but it is important to understand that they generally celebrate their religion; the Way liberated them from centuries of despotic rule by cruel overlords. It exalts the human spirit, and tells every one of them that they are important and that they have ultimate control of their own destiny.<br /> <br /> While the Präster are totalitarian, arguably fascistic, to outsiders they are in the main motivated by a genuine concern for the spiritual wellbeing of their people. They simply believe that they alone know what is best for their people. Most Sumaah look at the Empire and see a nation of cowardly backsliders who lack the courage of their convictions, who would rather talk than act, and who would rather let someone die that risk some incomprehensible notion of egalitarian freedom.<br /> <br /> It is entirely appropriate to play a Sumaah character who has left the Republic in search of freedom, or to avoid persecution or execution for heretical or blasphemous beliefs that the Empire would take in its stride. Likewise, a character who is a magician or whose parents were magicians might have left Sumaah to avoid the restrictive way the practice of magic is controlled by the Präster. It is also worth noting that to the Republic 'not believing' is the same as being a heretic - characters who might in the real world be considered agnostics or atheists have good reason to leave Sumaah behind. For that matter, a Sumaah missionary Präst here to try and convince the Imperials to adopt a less liberal interpretation of the faith might also make for a fun character concept.<br /> <br /> For all that this description of the Republic goes into some depth, Sumaah is also an enigma to the Empire. For everything they know about it there are a dozen unanswered questions, and the Sumaah like it that way. Backgrounds that involve extensive exploration in Sumaah, or contacts outside Zemeh, are unlikely to be approved.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Foreign Nations]]<br /> [[Category:The World]]<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Foreigners]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs&diff=42788 2016-03-18T11:47:29Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornSutannir.jpg|align=right|width=400|title=Sutannir Karim I Hazana I Guerra of the House Hazana sect in a rare thoughtful moment.|caption= Freeborn religious beliefs emphasis celebration rather than sermonizing.}}<br /> The Freeborn believe their people are shaped from the elements of dust, flame and glass. The eternal wind-blown dust of the plains is their history, the loyalty for family and continuity of their people. The ferocity of flame is their burning passion for life and their bright and unquenchable spirit. The purity of glass is their soul, the reflection of their transparancy and once broken can never again be mended. Dishonesty and wickedness shatter your soul and pieces of it are lost with each act of deception.<br /> <br /> This belief underpins a very personal relationship with matters of faith and the spirit, one that is rarely articulated directly outside of poetry or song. From the outside the Freeborn seem impious and disrespectful. However the Freeborn have great respect for the Paragons and [[The Way|the Way of Virtue]], but they have little time for the priests and [[The Synod|Synod]] that exist to mediate – or dilute - their message. The Synod, with its Doctrines and Heresies, is often seen as being full of pomposity and self-importance, whereas a truly faithful person understands what is true and what is false in their soul. There is a Freeborn Assembly, but it generally has no formal structure outside of the Synod, being more a collection of individuals. The Freeborn Assembly only tends to come together when there is a matter serious enough to warrant the use of its powers.<br /> <br /> As a result Freeborn religious ceremonies tend to place their emphasis on celebration rather than sermons. They celebrate sacred festivals with entertainment, feasting, parties and dancing. Many families include a devout priest or spiritual family member who can be relied on to oversee these indulgences, but for the largest and most important festivities the Freeborn seek out the services of a [[Sutannir|sutannir]].<br /> <br /> A cross between a professional priest and a party organizer, sutannir conduct important ceremonies such as the coming of age or a wedding, and see to the spiritual needs of the Freeborn as a whole. Before the ceremony many paint their face and limbs with stylised flames in bright colours and dress in flamboyant costumes. A good sutannir will keep their words short and evocative, knowing audiences prefer to be inspired to virtue rather than lectured. When not speaking they manage the entertainments to make sure that everyone attending is drawn into the celebrations. While it may be the festivity that the Freeborn remember rather than the ceremony, the best sutannir are able to provide religious instruction and support without labouring their point.<br /> <br /> Coal-walking, fire breathing, fire dancing and other symbolic performances that represent the Freeborn passion for life are always popular at Freeborn religious celebrations. Lone sutannir will hire sufficient entertainers and artisans skilled at these activities to fill the night's entertainment, concentrating on managing their performances to ensure the best overall impact. Sutannir groups usually include numerous talented performers in their ranks who can cover most of the skills most commonly in demand.<br /> <br /> Sutannir also perform [[The Brass Coast culture and customs#Funerals|funeral ceremonies]].<br /> <br /> ==Feast of the Broken Wheel==<br /> The only festival the sutannir do not perform is the Feast of the Broken Wheel, known by many as Fool's Day. On this day, the Freeborn turn virtue on its head and celebrate the contrary. The festival takes place on the second day of the Autumn Equinox, and starts at sunset and lasts until midnight. The proud become humble, ties of loyalty may be ignored, the prosperous become ascetic and the wise act as fools. It is a time of foolishness, pranks and trickery that begins with a symbolic chase, where seven effigies of the Paragons are chased from the camp in a gleeful and chaotic parade. Everyone is encouraged to try harmless skills like juggling and music – the more terrible the performance the more it is applauded. The festival usually ends in a drunken stupor. On Fool's Day, even the most moral Freeborn try their hand at telling untruths and lies - often with comical degrees of success. <br /> <br /> The festival is considered blasphemous by some in the Imperial Synod but, to date, the Freeborn Assembly has done little to discourage it, or penalise those involved. Some have argued that, by permitting it, it helps the Freeborn embrace The Way more readily for the rest of the year.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=BrokenWheel.jpg|width=900|title=This whimsical effigy of Aldones de Sarvos simultaneously pokes fun at that paragon of Ambition, and at Varushkan traditions, but is all meant in good humour.|caption=The Feast of the Broken Wheel is as exuberant as it is irreverent.|align=center}}<br /> &lt;ic&gt;<br /> Last night, Ramak invited me to what he said was a religious ceremony. This morning, my head is pounding and I will never eat again. We did not talk about Courage, but we danced on fire. We did not contemplate Prosperity, but we enjoyed the finest things from many lands. We did not read about Pride, but sang the songs of our homelands till our throats were hoarse. I can attest the Freeborn care deeply about the fate of their souls – but they just do not speak of it as we do. <br /> <br /> &lt;em&gt;Elina the Wayfarer taken from Epistles to the Winds of Virtue, 24BE&lt;/em&gt;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:The Brass Coast]]<br /> [[Category:Nations]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Egregores&diff=42785 2016-03-18T11:38:18Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>==Egregores==<br /> * '''Are the first point of contact for players in each nation'''<br /> * '''A source of plot in the nation'''<br /> * '''Get players involved in the plot and in the politics of the nation'''<br /> * '''Encourage the players to maintain the visual and thematic identity of each nation'''<br /> * '''Are the radio operator in each camp'''<br /> <br /> Each nation has a single Egregore spirit, created through ritual magic to represents the personification of the nation. The spirit may be present in more than one host body at any time. The ritual was created by the Brass Coast to ensure that the nations of the Empire retained their independent character and culture. In the game they act to encourage the players to maintain the visual and thematic identity of their nation. <br /> <br /> The egregores are an effective channel for plot writers to deliver plot &quot;news&quot; to the players about what is going on in their nation. They work particularly closely with the player support team to try to help players get involved in the plot and also involved in the politics of the nation. <br /> <br /> They are a point of contact for PD crew for players in a nation and will have a covert radio. This radio is for emergency situations, for example, needing to contact first aid.<br /> <br /> Some of the egregores, are able to referee bindings and rituals. You can check with your egregore if they are able to do this. If you wish to approach your egregore for non-urgent OOC business, please respect their roleplay and the roleplay of the people they are interacting with. Do not interrupt people who are roleplaying with the egregore with an OOC question unless it is urgent. Obviously, for a genuine emergency, you should get their attention as quickly as possible.<br /> <br /> Egregores are not there to make decisions for the nation or provide leadership or direction. They may take a role in their nation's elections - they may even vote, but their role is to support the nation, not to lead it.<br /> <br /> Although any magican can open the sentinal gate, to take an entire nation through requires an egregore to use their link to the nation to take them all through.<br /> <br /> Being an egregore requires some charisma and personal presence. The egregores do not have any real power in the nation so their influence primarily derives from what they can achieve through roleplaying. They need to be in touch with the politics of their nation to be able to get new players involved in it. <br /> <br /> ===Current Egregores===<br /> &lt;table&gt;<br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;color: white; background-color: LightGray;&quot;&gt;Nation&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;color: white; background-color: LightGray;&quot;&gt;Egregore Name&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;color: white; background-color: LightGray;&quot;&gt;OOC names&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt;<br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Brass Coast&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;[[Brass_Coast_Egregore|Dust, Flame and Glass]]&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Linette Withers, James Fishwick&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt;<br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Dawn&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;[[Dawn_Egregore|The Knight of Roses]]&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Keeley Knight&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt;<br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Highguard&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;[[Highguard_Egregore|Escon]]&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Matt Heath&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt; <br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Imperial Orcs&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;[[Imperial_Orc_Egregore|Grud The Unshackled]] &lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Rich Aidley&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt; <br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;The League&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;[[League_Egregore|Guise]]&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Rick Jackson, Charlotte Barratt, Justin Bird&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt; <br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;The Marches&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;[[Marches_Egregore|Jack-of-the-Marches]]&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Jenna Milligan&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt; <br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Navarr&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;[[Navarr_Egregore|Liaven]]&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;David Young, Liz Duggan&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt;<br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Urizen&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;[[Urizen_Egregore|Menos]]&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Toni Badnall&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt;<br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Varushka&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt; [[Varushka_Egregore|Mother Varushka]] &lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Dave Kibblewhite&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt;<br /> &lt;tr&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Wintermark&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt; [[Wintermark_Egregore|Sulkavaris, Knower of Names]] &lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Andrew Dudgeon, Harry Morris &amp; Al Bevan&lt;/td&gt;<br /> &lt;/tr&gt;<br /> &lt;/table&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;row-fluid&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=EgregoreBrassCoast.jpg |align=left|caption=Brass Coast: Linette Withers}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnEgregore.jpg|align=left|caption=Dawn: Keeley Knight}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=CM-140526-7702.jpg|align=left|caption=Highguard: Matt Heath}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;/row-fluid&gt;<br /> &lt;row-fluid&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=DaveYoung.jpg|align=left|caption=Navarr: David Young}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=CM-140526-7869.jpg|align=left|caption=Urizen: Toni Badnall}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=CM-140418-6032.jpg|align=left|caption=Varushka: Dave Kibblewhite}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;/row-fluid&gt;<br /> &lt;row-fluid&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=AndyDudgeon.jpg|align=left|caption=Wintermark: Andrew Dudgeon}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=AlBevan.jpg|align=left|caption=Wintermark: Al Bevan}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;span4&gt;{{CaptionedImage|file=Navarr_Egregore_Liz_Duggan.jpg|align=left|caption=Navarr: Liz Duggan}}&lt;/span4&gt;<br /> &lt;/row-fluid&gt;<br /> <br /> {{Crew Links}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Egregores]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Brass_Coast_egregore&diff=42784 2016-03-18T11:36:49Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>{{CaptionedImage|file=EgregoreBrassCoast.jpg|align=right|width=300}}<br /> ==Dust, Flame and Glass==<br /> The [[egregores|Egregore]] of the Brass Coast carries three names, Dust, Glass, or Flame. Which it answers to seems to depend on the mood of the host, the whims of the Egregore, or the needs of the nation.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> * Dust dresses comfortably and luxuriantly and talks on the importance of family and plain honest speaking.<br /> * Glass is a quiet philosopher, dressing practically, and likes to talk about the soul and what it means to be Freeborn. Glass also occasionally appears dressed as a [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns|kohan]].<br /> * Flame prefers the exuberant styling of a [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs|sutannir]], encouraging parties and celebrations, and to inspire those going to war.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> All three are fond of dancing and sharing tales and life.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> === Current Host ===<br /> Marcela I Erigo is one of the current hosts, Marcela hails from the coast. She grew up amongst the traders and corsairs who berthed their ships there, bringing all that was best in the Nation, and dealing with travelers from within and without the Empire. She speaks very little of her life before becoming the Egregore preferring instead to focus on listening and encouraging the stories of others. What is known is that she has an extensive family, including a younger brother of about 11, and many Aunts and Uncles, that she was a corsair or sailor for her family and is no stranger to fighting (but has suffered a war wound that occasionally flares up) and that she has visited or dealt with [[Sumaah_Republic|Suumah]] sufficiently to speak the language for trade purposes.<br /> <br /> As per Freeborn tradition, when she became Egregore, she put aside her family name, taking the nation as family.<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Egregores]]<br /> [[Category:The Brass Coast]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Brass_Coast_egregore&diff=42783 2016-03-18T11:36:32Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>{{CaptionedImage|file=EgregoreBrassCoast.jpg|align=right|width=300}}<br /> ==Dust, Fire and Glass==<br /> The [[egregores|Egregore]] of the Brass Coast carries three names, Dust, Glass, or Flame. Which it answers to seems to depend on the mood of the host, the whims of the Egregore, or the needs of the nation.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> * Dust dresses comfortably and luxuriantly and talks on the importance of family and plain honest speaking.<br /> * Glass is a quiet philosopher, dressing practically, and likes to talk about the soul and what it means to be Freeborn. Glass also occasionally appears dressed as a [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns|kohan]].<br /> * Flame prefers the exuberant styling of a [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs|sutannir]], encouraging parties and celebrations, and to inspire those going to war.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> All three are fond of dancing and sharing tales and life.&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> === Current Host ===<br /> Marcela I Erigo is one of the current hosts, Marcela hails from the coast. She grew up amongst the traders and corsairs who berthed their ships there, bringing all that was best in the Nation, and dealing with travelers from within and without the Empire. She speaks very little of her life before becoming the Egregore preferring instead to focus on listening and encouraging the stories of others. What is known is that she has an extensive family, including a younger brother of about 11, and many Aunts and Uncles, that she was a corsair or sailor for her family and is no stranger to fighting (but has suffered a war wound that occasionally flares up) and that she has visited or dealt with [[Sumaah_Republic|Suumah]] sufficiently to speak the language for trade purposes.<br /> <br /> As per Freeborn tradition, when she became Egregore, she put aside her family name, taking the nation as family.<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Egregores]]<br /> [[Category:The Brass Coast]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Necropolis&diff=37456 2015-08-09T13:24:50Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofNecropolis.png|title=If Bastion is the heart of the nation, then Necropolis is where it's spirit lies|caption=Regions of Necropolis|align=left|width=500}}<br /> <br /> ==Overview==<br /> Necropolis is a land of sorrow, first and foremost. Poets wax lyrical about the sad grandeur of the landscape, but even the least sensitive sometimes have to suppress a cold realisation of their own mortality. Yet the sorrow of Necropolis is tempered with the knowledge that ''all'' things pass - that sorrows teach valuable lessons, and that loss is part of life. Even the most bustling chapterhouse in Necropolis will contain some ''mmento mori'', some little touch that people ignore consciously but that subconsciously reminds them every day that man is mortal. <br /> <br /> The first Highborn settled along the coast of the Bay of Catazarr here, and some of the oldest post-Terunael human-built structures are found here. In some ways, it is the spiritual centre of the Highguard nation and - to a degree - of the Empire.<br /> <br /> When the Highborn first came here, they called the territory Pharos, and built a great city here to serve as their capital. The city of Pharos was burnt to the ground during the time of turmoil, the civil war between the patricians and the chapters. Yet Pharos was not the only victim of the war - a number of towns and early chapters were destroyed by one side or the other; many were never rebuilt, serving as permanent memorials to, and warnings against, the most tragic period in the history of Highguard. Following the war, many citizens chose to establish chapters in [[Casinea]] and [[Baston]], beginning new lives and putting the memories of a vicious internal conflict behind them. As a result, Necropolis had the lowest population of all the Highborn territories - at least until the recent invasion of [[Reikos]] by the Druj.<br /> <br /> When the Highborn arrived, the entire region was controlled by tribes of [[orc|orcs]]. As they established themselves, the newly arrived humans drove the orcs north and east - eventually eliminating the majority of the tribes and forcing the rest to flee towards [[the Mallum]]. Fragmentary records of the time talk to the conflict this created with the [[Navarr]] and the [[Urizen]] as the spreading Highborn kingdom drove angry orcs to attack [[Therunin]] and [[Redoubt]]. The early diplomatic incidents this created soured relations with the two &quot;native&quot; human cultures for several decades.<br /> <br /> ==Recent History==<br /> The most significant event in the last hundred years was most likely the problems with [[Grendel]] raids in the early 300s. These petered out during the reign of [[Empress Deanne]], and largely ceased by the end of her reign. Since then, Necropolis has been at peace.<br /> <br /> == Major Features ==<br /> === The Necropolis ===<br /> At the mouth of the river Couros lies Bastion’s shadowed twin, a mausoleum in black marble. The Black City is a mirror of the White City to the north, but where Bastion is full of life and a symbol of the pride and future of the Highborn, Necropolis is a silent, sombre memorial to the past. Built in the ruins of Pharos after it's destruction during the civil war, the tombs have spread to encompass almost all the old ruins. Scattered throughout the ruins are mausoleums built to house the Highborn dead. To many Highborn it is as if the city itself has been entombed, its memory preserved in the house of the dead.<br /> <br /> The Necropolis holds the bodies of the Empire’s heroes, along with the Imperial Histories, guarded eternally by the [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Stewards_of_the_dead|Stewards of the dead]]. The legendary mausoleum has become the final resting place of almost every Emperor and Empress. In death, all Highborn desire to be lain to rest here, amongst the heroes of the past, where the Stewards watch eternally over their silent graves. It is a tremendous honour for heroes of other Imperial Nations to be offered a final resting place alongside them. Those who would be heroes know that granite – and the words placed upon it – will endure long after their flesh has faded.<br /> <br /> Preserved and maintained by several chapters with strong connections to the Stewards, the permanent population of Necropolis is tiny compared to the area it covers. Some of these chapters are dedicated to preserving a single tomb, or the tombs of all the dead from a specific era or nation. Even for Highborn chapters, these chapters have a reputation for being dour, grim and restrained. &quot;Only the dead live in Necropolis&quot; is a common, if somewhat disrespectful, saying about the Black City. <br /> <br /> There are a great many point of interest in Necropolis but the majority are tombs or memorials to the dead. One of the best known memorials, outside the tombs of the emperors and empresses, are '''the Silent Obelisks''', scattered here and there throughout the city. Each is roughly the same - an obelisk of black granite surrounded by a small memorial garden - and each bears the names of every known Imperial soldier who has laid down their life in a significant conflict against the enemies of the Empire. In each case, a small shrine is maintained by a dedicated Steward of the Dead that serves in the role of a museum - decorated with plaques and friezes that chronicle the conflict, and containing carefully chosen relics of the past war. The Obelisks sometimes attract criticism, especially from the Urizen, as they record history with a [[Highguard_history#Archivists|distinctly Highborn flavour]] that favours inspiring lessons over strict adherence to facts. Not every conflict the Empire has ever fought is recorded here - which has in the past been a source of additional criticism. A small number of the obelisks have suffered damage over the centuries, but only one has ever been damaged through malice. In 228YE a cabal of heretics lead by a false [[Mikkal]] marred one of the oldest obelisks - the obelisk memorialising those slain in the war against [[Alderei the Fair]]. While the obelisk was partially restored, roughly a third of the names were lost beyond recovery.<br /> <br /> While it is a respected repository of historical knowledge, Necropolis survived the rampage of [[Emperor Nicovar]] largely unscathed. While he was merciless in regard to the libraries and centres of learning elsewhere in the Empire, he spared the memorial shrines of Necropolis. That is not to say that he did not come here; his forces destroyed the '''Hall of Chronicles''', a library dedicated primarily to the biographies of the dead. A surprising number of the actual documents survived this attempted purge however. In addition to those texts smuggled out when it was clear that an attack was imminent, magical means were used to preserve a number of the most valuable books. Even while the building was being burnt a dedicated coven of [[magister|magisters]] evoked powerful Winter magic to place protective enchantments against fire on many of the texts. While the magicians themselves perished in the blaze, the books survived unschathed. Unfortunately, their magic had not gone unnoticed. After the destruction, Nicovar's forces searched the rubble for three days and found many of the undamaged texts and tore them apart. Still, not everyone was as committed to the destruction of the library as the mad Emperor - and as a result, fragments and individual pages - as well as entire books - occasionally turn up in the possession of descendants of these soldiers.<br /> <br /> Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Necropolis is one of the most haunted locations in the Empire. The Stewards maintain careful vigilance for hauntings, and for the rare occasions where an unliving creature emerges from one of the tombs. The traditional approach is to make cautious contact and discover the purpose of the haunting. Ghosts invariably are brought back by some unfinished business, or terrible wrong that needs writing, and the Stewards are experts at working out how to do this. Violence and the [[Religious skills#Exorcism|exorcism]] are seen as a last resort: better to help a poor soul into the Labyrinth than to risk destroying it.<br /> <br /> ===The Litharge===<br /> This single-storey building sprawls across a cemetary in northern Necropolis, and is the premiere imperial college specifically devoted to the study of death. Priests come here to study the funeral rites not only of the Empire, but of the entire world. Obviously, they have large stores of lore related to Imperial funeral ceremonies, but they also have extensive information about the rites of the [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]], [[Asavean Archipelago]], [[Sarcophan Delves]], [[Sumaah]], and [[Jarm]]. They are known to have a great deal of interest in the death ceremonies of the [[Axos]] but to date have only managed to secure sketchy information - and a great deal of fanciful hearsay. Several covens of magisters proficient in the magic of Winter study here, and often support the priests in their work. <br /> <br /> It is customary to speak only in whispers in Litharge, out of respect for the dead, and even lectures are given quietly. The priests who study here maintain several shrines of [[Pride]], [[Ambition]], and [[Vigilance]], but the college is hardly a place of pilgrimage.<br /> <br /> ===First Sentinel===<br /> [[#Highrod|Highrod]] contains one of the oldest human-built structures in Highguard - and perhaps the Empire. The ''first'' First Sentinel was a fortification built in the first days after the Highborn arrived on these shores. Constructed to help secure the northern borders of the first Highborn kingdom against the orc tribes in [[Bastion]]. Later, when the Highborn began to expand, it was from the First Sentinel that the armies went forth. While the structure looks tiny compared to modern fortifications, the ruins still show all the expertise of the Highborn siege engineers, using the same effective techniques that they have honed over centuries and still employ today.<br /> <br /> The castle endured until the civil war, during which it was severely damaged during a bitter conflict between an occupying force loyal to the patricians, and three chapters of grim-faced cataphracts. The castle was repurposed as a military academy, training generations of Highborn commanders. In 77YE, the structure was gutted by a fire that raged out of control for three days; historians are divided as to the cause. Most claim that the fire started when a candle was knocked over in one of the cellars, but a few point to fragmentary accounts about the fire that suggest the involvement of supernatural forces - perhaps even an eternal such as [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Surut]]. After it's destruction, the ruins were troubled by the ghosts of the dead soldiers, and a team of exorcists worked year-round to lay them each to rest while also trying to piece together the story of the fire. In the end, the shell of the structure was partially reconstructed, but repurposed again as a place of pilgrimage and shrine dedicated to the [[Ambition]], [[Pride]] and [[Courage]] of not only those Highborn who died in the fire, but those who defended their people or marched to war to build a better future. <br /> <br /> Some Highborn point to First Sentinel as an metaphor for Highguard; while they can adapt to the times, their core identity endures, and remains unchanged. A popular heresy, however, suggests that First Sentinel is not simply a metaphor for the state of Highguard but in some ways a spiritual or magical &quot;barometer&quot; of it's fortunes. They point to so-called significant events such as the multiple expansions during the initial conquest of what is today Highguard; or certain incidents during the civil war. They claim that it's destruction by fire and return as a spiritual place of pilgrimage reflected the Highguard finding their new identity within the Empire. These ''Seers of the First Sentinel'' claim to be able to predict future events by studying the structure and the lands around it; when they are caught in the vicinity of First Sentinel, they are invariably moved on and in some cases have faced charges of heresy and blasphemy.<br /> <br /> === The Shrine of Britta ===<br /> A recent construction in [[#the Necropolis|the Necropolis]], this beautiful white granite shrine honours the [[Empress Britta]]. While the body of the Empress was interred in the swamps of [[Kallavesa]], her accouterments were placed in the shrine. An eternal flame burns in a paved courtyard in front of the memorial, which serves as a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to pay their respects or meditate on the lessons of Britta's reign and death. The [[Guardian of Britta's Shrine]] watches over the memorial, and receives a portion of [[liao]] as well as voting power in the [[Imperial Synod]].<br /> <br /> ==Regions==<br /> ===Coursmouth===<br /> Where the river Couros empties out into the Bay of Catazarr. The [[#The Necropolis|Necropolis]] is built around the mouth of the river, in the ruins of Pharos (the first Highborn city). Outside the Black City, most of this region is open parkland with a few scattered [[farm|farms]] generally overseen by chapters based in the city itself.&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Keywords:''' The presence of the Necropolis gives the entire region the ''haunted'' keyword; there are more ghosts here than anywhere else in the Empire with the possible exception of [[Kallavesa#The Sovevann|the Sovevann]] in [[Kallavesa]].<br /> <br /> ===Fishguard===<br /> In northern Necropolis, The open plains of Fishguard are crisscrossed with roads and scattered liberally with chapter houses. Trade caravans constantly move across Fishguard. The roads here connect merchants from [[the Brass Coast]] and [[Sarvos]], as well as numerous [[the Marches|Marcher]] grain wagons to customers in [[Bastion]], [[Urizen]], and [[Therunin]]. Many chapters maintain hostelries, and there are several very old Navarri [[wayhouse|wayhouses]] established here during early contact with the Highborn newcomers. Perhaps the best known is '''Myfanwy's Rest'''; legend claims that when the First Empress was on her way to [[Casinea#Anvil|Anvil]], she and her companions paused here for two days to prepare themselves for the final leg of their journey. The wayhouse was built in 1YE by members of Myfanwy's striding - partially to commemorate the story, but primarily because its position at the point where the three major roads diverge both makes it a healthy business, and gives the Navarr access to a great many people potentially in need of their aid.<br /> <br /> ===Hedrossan===<br /> The river Couros is navigable for much of its length. The trading port of '''Hedra''' is a fair distance inland, but is the favoured destination of ships from the [[The League |League]] and [[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]. Vessels from as far afield as the [[The Marches|Marches]] and even [[Wintermark]] prefer to bypass the archaic docks at Crown's Quay and do their trading here. A great deal of grain and other foodstuffs are sold to merchants destined for the peaks of [[Urizen]], despite (or perhaps causing) a great deal of economic rivalry with the port of [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] in [[Redoubt]].<br /> <br /> ===Highrod===<br /> Highrod is rolling, gently-forested plain known for bounteous lemon crops. According to Highborn historians, the common refreshing drink of lemonade was invented here in the early days after the Highborn arrived. This claim has been contested, but the fact remains that the best lemons in the Empire come from Highrod, generated perhaps by the unusually hot summers and cold winters that the local Chapterhouses endure with pride.<br /> <br /> It is also known for containing one of the oldest human-built structures in Highguard - and perhaps the Empire - stands in Highrod. The remains of the '''First Sentinel''', a fortification built in the first days after the Highborn arrived on these shores. Constructed to help secure the northern borders of the first Highborn kingdom against the orc tribes in [[Bastion]]. Later, when the Highborn began to expand, it was from the First Sentinel that the armies went forth. After the civil war - during which itwas severely damaged - the castle was repurposed as a military academy, training generations of Highborn commanders. In 197YE, the structure was gutted by a fire that raged out of control for three days; historians are divided as to the cause. Most claim that the fire started when a candle was knocked over in one of the cellars, but a few point to fragmentary accounts about the fire that suggest the involvement of supernatural forces - perhaps even an eternal such as [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Surut]]. After it's destruction, the ruins were troubled by the ghosts of the dead soldiers, and a team of exorcists worked year-round to lay them each to rest while also trying to piece together the story of the fire. In the end, the shell of the structure was partially reconstructed, but repurposed again as a place of pilgrimage and shrine dedicated to the [[Ambition]], [[Pride]] and [[Courage]] of not only those Highborn who died in the fire, but those who defended their people or marched to war to build a better future. Some Highborn point to First Sentinel as an metaphor for Highguard; while they can adapt to the times, their core identity endures, and remains unchanged.&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Keywords:''' Forest.<br /> <br /> ===Longbeach===<br /> Today Longbeach is best known for the port-town of '''Crown's Quay'''. Once a small fishing village called Westport, Crown’s Quay became notable as the preferred port for those wishing to travel to Anvil, and its docks were rebuilt by the [[Imperial Military Council|military council]] in the early days of Empire. Legend also says that it was the place the Three Sisters, the founders of the Brass Coast, took ship. Despite it's age and fame, it has never been especially prosperous as a trade port - although several attempts have been made to built lighthouses and to upgrade the quayside they have rarely amounted to significant change.&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Keywords:''' Coastal<br /> <br /> ===Sanctuary Sand===<br /> This is where the Highborn ships first made landfall. The town of '''Sanctuary''' claims it is built on the very spot where Atun's ship first came to rest on the sands of the new world. Since the establishment of Necropolis, this is where funeral boats land their cargo of the dead. From all over Empire, great heroes take their final journey to Sanctuary and then are carried along the steep cliffside trail to their final resting place. <br /> ==OOC Notes==<br /> * The Highborn, and thus the Empire, control all the regions of Neropolis making it a firmly Imperial territory.<br /> [[Category:Highguard]]<br /> [[Category:Gazetteer]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Archive:379YE_Spring_Equinox_Imperial_titles:&diff=35992 2015-05-31T14:17:17Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>==Overview==<br /> This information represents the outcome of the assorted elections and appointments of [[imperial title|Imperial titles]] at the 379YE Spring Equinox.<br /> *&lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt; = an election was held and this is the new citizen holding the position<br /> *&lt;label type=&quot;success&quot;&gt;Incumbent&lt;/label&gt; = an election was held and the current title holder remains in post<br /> *&lt;label type=&quot;info&quot;&gt;Revoked&lt;/label&gt; = due to actions taken by the [[Synod]] the title holder was removed from their position<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Senate]]==<br /> ===The Freeborn senators of [[The Brass Coast]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Feroz]]: Kattalin i Hazama i Guerra <br /> * Senator for [[Kahraman]]: Zamira i Covas i Erigo<br /> * Senator for [[Madruga]]: Anwar i Del-Toro i Riquezza<br /> * Senator for [[Segura]]: Arisena i Ezmara i Guerra<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Dawn]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Astolat]]: Hector de Rondell<br /> * Senator for [[Semmerholm]] Escalados deCarsenere<br /> * Senator for [[Weirwater]]: Valentin Ivarovich Orzel<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Highguard]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Bastion]]: Jada of Ravensfell<br /> * Senator for [[Casinea]]: Zephram of Cantiarch’s Hold<br /> * Senator for [[Necropolis]]: Adamah of the Silent Tide<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[The League]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Holberg]]: Rossalyn Jordan &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * Senator for [[Sarvos]]: Mirislav <br /> * Senator for [[Tassato]]: Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato <br /> * Senator for [[Temeschwar]]: Gant Archama<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[The Marches]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Bregasland]], the Dour Fens: Orrick<br /> * Senator for [[Mitwold]], Pride of the Marches: Bridget Eastville<br /> * Senator for [[Upwold]], The Silver Chase: Henry Ward<br /> <br /> ===The senators of the [[Navarr]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Hercynia]]: Rhain<br /> * Senator for [[Miaren]]: Syn Nighthaven<br /> * Senator for [[Therunin]]: Caerwyn Summer Crow<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Urizen]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Morrow]]: Ariadne<br /> * Senator for [[Redoubt]]: Marissa Shatterspire<br /> * Senator for [[Zenith]]: Cato<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Varushka]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Karsk]]: Radomir &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * Senator for [[Karov]]: Constantin<br /> * Senator for [[Miekarova]]: Dušan Otecovna Zlata<br /> * Senator for [[Volodmartz]]: Irina Kardaova Arkady<br /> <br /> ===The senators of [[Wintermark]]===<br /> * Senator for [[Hahnmark]]: Hengest Dun<br /> * Senator for [[Kallavesa]]: Uskolli<br /> * Senator for [[Sermersuaq]]: Atte <br /> * Senator for [[Skarsind]]: Thanmir Hrafn &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Imperial Senate]] positions===<br /> * The [[Conscience of the Senate]] is Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg<br /> * The [[Advisor on orc affairs]] is Irontide Bruc &lt;label type=&quot;info&quot;&gt;Revoked then re-elected&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The [[Imperial Master of Works|Imperial Master of Works]] is Richard Tunstall<br /> * The [[Bursar of the Imperial Academy]] is Titus Hopkirk<br /> * The [[Admiral]] is Sendero i Hazana i Guerra<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Asavea]] is Camilia di Traviciana di Sarvos<br /> * The [[Ambassador to Jarm]] is Owsi Twice-burned &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] is Neb<br /> * The Wisest Senator is Syn Nighthaven (NB: Not an Imperial Title, but is included for completeness.)<br /> <br /> ===[[sinecure|Sinecures]] selected by senators===<br /> * The sinecure of [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is held by Rafa'eet i Contra i Guerra <br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] is held by Reina i Shartha i Riquez <br /> * The sinecure of [[Guardian of Britta's Shrine]] is held by Ruth of the Cenotaph in Highguard<br /> * The sinecure of [[The Dredgemaster of Feverwater]], is held by Corey Brackensong<br /> * [[Construct_Academy_Religious_Studies_sinecure|Custodian of the Academy Religious Studies]] (exact title to be TBA)<br /> * The sinecure of [[Construct_Starlight_Drift_of_Shimmering_Snow|Custodian of The Starlight Drift of Shimmering Snow]] is held by Vulpes&lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * [[Construct_herb_gardens_at_Treji|Keeper of The Memorial Gardens of Treji]] is held by Ceinwen &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The sinecure of [[Construct_Sylvihrafn_Crystal_Henge|Guardian of the Cairn]] is held by Tarqeq &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] is held by Domitila Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The sinecure of Keeper of the Glorious Fountain of Dust and Dawn is held by Tatiana of Auric Horizon&lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The sinecure of Crystal Architect of the Spires held by Tiberius Echostorm &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ==[[Imperial Military Council|The Military Council]]==<br /> ===The Generals of [[The Brass Coast]]===<br /> * General Estana I Mestiere I Guerra of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Red Wind Corsairs|Red Wind Corsairs]]<br /> * General Zanterr i Ezmara i Erego of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Fire of the South|Fire of the South]] &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Dawn]]===<br /> * General Tancred de Rondell of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Hounds of Glory|Hounds of Glory]]<br /> * General Starac Sijed Orzel of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Golden Sun|Golden Sun]]<br /> * General Frederick Novarion of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Eastern Sky|Eastern Sky]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Highguard]]===<br /> * General Cuth of the [[Highguard military concerns#Seventh Wave|Seventh Wave]]<br /> * General Mathayus of the [[Highguard military concerns#Granite Pillar|Granite Pillar]]<br /> * General Jericho of [[Highguard military concerns#The Valiant Pegasus|The Valiant Pegasus]] &lt;label type=&quot;success&quot;&gt;Incumbent&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===<br /> * General Morgur Bloodcrow of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Winter Sun|Winter Sun]]<br /> * General Ska of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Summer Storm|Summer Storm]] &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===The General of [[The League]]===<br /> * General Gabriel Barossa of the [[The League military concerns#The Wolves of War|Wolves of War]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[The Marches]]===<br /> * General Furious Fin of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Drakes|The Drakes]]<br /> * General Jack Flint of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Strong Reeds|Strong Reeds]]<br /> * General Brianna of [[Upwold#King's Stoke|King's Stoke]] of the [[The Marches military concerns#Bounders|bounders]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Navarr]]===<br /> * General Carr Foxden of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns|Black Thorns]]<br /> * General Merryn Farkas of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Quiet Step|Quiet step]]<br /> <br /> ===The General of [[Urizen]]===<br /> * General Tanwyn Ankarien of the [[Urizen military concerns#The Army of the Citadel|Army of the Citadel]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Varushka]]===<br /> * General Hallvard of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Northern Eagle|Army of the Northern Eagle]] <br /> * General Magnus of Ivarsgard of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Golden Axe|Army of the Golden Axe]]<br /> <br /> ===The Generals of [[Wintermark]]===<br /> * General Marius Fjellrevening of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Green Shield Army|Green Shield Army]]<br /> * General Erkenbrand of Tyrsholm of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Fist of the Mountain|Fist of the Mountain]]<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Military Council]] Positions===<br /> * The [[Warmage]] is Vaan of Auric Horizon<br /> * The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] is Irontide Rad<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Synod]]==<br /> ===[[Ambition]]===<br /> * Cardinal Olek La Maschera Sorridente de Temeshwar of the League &lt;label type=&quot;success&quot;&gt;Incumbent&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * Gatekeeper Seraiah Armand of the Suns of Couros, Highguard &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Courage]]===<br /> * Cardinal Asher of Felix's Watch in Highguard<br /> * Gatekeeper Agnieszka Katrinova Prochnost of Varushka<br /> <br /> ===[[Loyalty]]=== <br /> * Cardinal Jared of the Suns of Couros, Highguard<br /> * Gatekeeper Oberon Caeli Rezia di Tassato of the League<br /> <br /> ===[[Pride]]===<br /> * Cardinal Elka Nadyanova Gremani of Varushka<br /> * Gatekeeper Lady Josephine Novarion of Dawn &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Prosperity]]===<br /> * Cardinal Edythe Dunne of Wintermark &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * Gatekeeper Wilhemina Maryenkovich Poltova of Varushka &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Vigilance]]===<br /> * Cardinal Silas of the Suns of Couros, Highguard &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * Gatekeeper Nikolovich Drakov of Varushka &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===[[Wisdom]]===<br /> * Cardinal Agnetha De Rondell of Dawn <br /> * Gatekeeper Livia Cascade of Urizen <br /> <br /> ===[[The Way]]===<br /> * Bishop Beodun Snowlock of Wintermark <br /> * [[Conscience of the Senate]] - Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the League<br /> <br /> ===Other Synod positions===<br /> <br /> * The post of [[High Exorcist]] is held by Solas of Urizen<br /> * The post of [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] is held by Sargon of Felix's Watch, Highguard &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The post of [[Imperial Inquisitor]] is held by Severin Teyhard von Holberg of the League &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The post of [[Construct_memorial_at_Anvil|Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] is held by Ira of Felix's Watch, Highguard<br /> * The post of Chaplain Consular is held by Hywel Summercrow of Navarr &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Conclave]]==<br /> ===[[Archmage|Archmagi]]===<br /> * Iulian Shatterspire is [[Archmage]] of Spring<br /> * Corvus of Auric Horizon is [[Archmage]] of Summer<br /> * Maurice de Gauvain is [[Archmage]] of Autumn<br /> * Cyrus Skybreaker is [[Archmage]] of Winter<br /> * Mari Linkforge is [[Archmage]] of Day<br /> * Pavel is [[Archmage]] of Night<br /> <br /> ===[[Grandmaster|Grandmasters of the Orders]]===<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Celestial Arch|Order of the Celestial Arch]] Marius Auricspire<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Golden Pyramid|Order of the Golden Pyramid]] Faustus &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Rod and Shield|Order of the Rod and Shield]] Raewynn Stormwise<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Sevenfold Path|Order of the Sevenfold Path]] Jessica of [[Highguard]] <br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Shuttered Lantern|Order of the Shuttered Lantern]] Dimitri Ivanovich Ionescu of [[Varushka]]<br /> * Grandmaster of the [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]] Palaphon of the Ankarian Magisitrum<br /> <br /> ===Other [[Conclave|Imperial Conclave]] Positions===<br /> * Eudaemon of Halcyon serves as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]<br /> * Iago Melfizzi of the League serves as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]<br /> * Cyrus, son of Felix of Highguard serves as [[Imperial Magus|Imperial Magus, Liason to the Senate]] &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ==The [[Imperial Bourse]]==<br /> <br /> ===[[Imperial Bourse#Imperial Bourse Positions|Imperial Bourse Positions]]===<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Arratan Gamble|Arratan Gamble]] is held by Tomas Talbot (165 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Brilliant Star|Brilliant Star]] is held by Tobias Shanks (240 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Canterspire Circle|Canterspire Circle]] is held by Falko of the Butchers Bank (265 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Damation Cliffs|Damation Cliffs]] are held by Griacomo Carvinoscurro (170 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Fortress of Salt|Fortress of Salt]] is held by Lorenzo “La Volpe” Macelliao von Temeschwar (305 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Golden Trees of Seren|Golden Trees of Seren]] are held by Reznik von Temeshwar (303 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Great Mine of Briante|Great Mine of Briante]] is held by Feran (215 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Heartwood of the Great Vale|Heartwood of the Great Vale]] is held by Horsa Tyrshalt (310 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Hunt of Alderei the Fair|Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] is held by Asael of Cantiarch's Hold (200 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Night Quarry|Night Quarry]] is held by Lukash Biessek von Temeshwar (170 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Scorrero Nets|Scorrero Nets]] are held by Douggie the Wood &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Singing Caves|Singing Caves]] are held by Ricardo di Tasato (400 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#Sutton Stone Quarries|Sutton Stone Quarries]] are held by Eanwyn Dunning (155 Thrones)<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#Syrene's Wisdom|Syrene's Wisdom]] is held by Kendrick Tyke &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Weirwater Vales|Weirwater Vales]] are held by Landon of Longridge (280 Thrones)<br /> <br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Great Forest at Reikos|Great Forest at Reikos]] is held by the [[Druj]] and will not be auctioned until [[Reikos]] is one again an Imperial territory<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Great Pits of Ennerlund|Great Pits of Ennerlund]] were held by the [[Druj]] but require repairing before allocation now [[Holberg]] is once again an Imperial territory.<br /> <br /> ===[[Imperial Bourse#National Bourse Positions|National Bourse Positions]]===<br /> <br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#Broken Shore Bounty|The Broken Shore Bounty]] ([[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]) is held by Karlos i Shartha i Riqueza<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Regario Dossier|Regario Dossier]] ([[The League|League]]) is held by Rodrigo Barrosa &lt;label type=&quot;success&quot;&gt;Incumbant&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Master of The Imperial Mint|Master of the Imperial Mint]] ([[The League|League]]) is Fererro &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Thimble|Thimble]] ([[Navarr]]) is held by Idris Eternal<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Steel Fist|Steel Fist]] ([[Imperial Orcs]]) is held by Irontide Kul &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Legacy|Legacy]] ([[Urizen]]) is held by Sibella<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Eternal Shafts of Time|Eternal Shafts of Time]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Tomasz Strascovich<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Granites of Veltsgorsk|Granites of Veltsgorsk]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Zlatimir Prochnost<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#Stonefield Ice Caves|The Stonefield Ice Caves]] ([[Wintermark]]) is held by Ogmundr Kaldrheim &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * The [[Imperial Bourse#The Brilliant Shore|Brilliant Shore]] ([[Wintermark]]) is held by Aelfric Kereftinar<br /> <br /> ===Mercantile Investments===<br /> * Hamnett of Gallowdale is [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]]<br /> * Jaoquin i Shartha i i Riqueza is [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]]<br /> * Paloma i Taziel i Riquez is [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]]<br /> * Dieter Angelovic is the [[Imperial Bourse#Custodian of the Assayers Guild |Custodian of the Assayers Guild]] &lt;label type=&quot;success&quot;&gt;Incumbant&lt;/label&gt;<br /> * Bayan Zayden Riqueza is the [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel|Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]] &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt; &lt;label type=&quot;success&quot;&gt;Incumbant&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Other Bourse Positions===<br /> * Octavius of Auric Horizon is [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Principalities of Jarm]] is currently vacant &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to [[Faraden]] is Roberto Murdochi di Sarvos<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Asavean Archipelago]] is Adrianna Donati di Sarvos<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Commonwealth]] is Jonah Yakovitch<br /> * [[Create_title_of_trade_envoy|Foreign Trade Envoy]] to the [[Sumaah Republic]] is Aedred apMagor of Wintermark.<br /> <br /> ==Miscellaneous==<br /> <br /> * The [[Miaren#Brock.27s_Toll|Operator of Brock's Toll]] is Robert Shanks<br /> * The [[Mayor_of_Caricomare|Mayor of Caricomare]] is Aria di Notturno di Sarvos &lt;label type=&quot;important&quot;&gt;New&lt;/label&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Further Reading==<br /> * [[Recent history]]<br /> * [[Permanent titles]]<br /> <br /> [[Category: 379YE]]<br /> [[Category:Imperial History]]<br /> [[Category:Imperial Titles]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Imperial_Roll_of_Honour&diff=35671 2015-05-14T18:52:26Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>==Overview==<br /> The Imperial Roll of Honour is a list of [[military unit|military units]] that have supported the Empire's [[Imperial army|armies]] each season. The lists are compiled by civil servants following [[Commission_roll_of_honour|a motion]] passed by the [[Imperial Senate]].<br /> ===Autumn Equinox 378YE===<br /> {{:Imperial Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 378YE|hide}}<br /> <br /> ===Summer Solstice 378YE===<br /> {{:Imperial Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 378YE|hide}}<br /> <br /> ===Spring Equinox 378YE===<br /> {{:Imperial Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 378YE|hide}}<br /> <br /> ===Winter Solstice 377YE===<br /> {{:Imperial Roll of Honour Winter Solstice 377YE|hide}}<br /> <br /> ===Autumn Equinox 377YE===<br /> {{:Imperial Roll of Honour Autumn Equinox 377YE|hide}}<br /> <br /> ===Summer Solstice 377YE===<br /> {{:Imperial Roll of Honour Summer Solstice 377YE|hide}}<br /> <br /> ===Spring Equinox 377YE===<br /> {{:Imperial Roll of Honour Spring Equinox 377YE|hide}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Military Council]]<br /> __NOTOC__</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Barien&diff=35667 2015-05-14T17:51:32Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>==Eternal of Summer==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Barien is called the ''Iron Duke''. <br /> <br /> He is sometimes called the ''Seneschal of the Road'', the ''Lord of the Crossroads'', ''Knight of the Long Road'', the ''Host of Hosts'' or the ''Traveller''. He is the ''Master of Challenges'', the ''Keeper of the Revels'' and the ''Reeve of the Summer Lands''. A common name among the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], the [[Jotun]] and the people of the [[Commonwealth]] is ''Barien Dragonforge'', referring to his hidden forge rather than his role as master of challenges - he accepts this title with mild good humour. The [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] alike both call him ''Iron-Staff''. <br /> <br /> It is unwise to call him the ''Lame'', ''Half-hand'' or ''Maimed Lord'' but never to his face.<br /> ===Appearance===<br /> The Iron Duke appears as a man of average height and build. His ears are pointed and his skin is covered with coiling silver and grey marks. The Duke is lame - he favours his right leg, and sometimes leans on his iron-bound staff for support. He makes no secret of the fact that his lameness is a &quot;natural&quot; condition, rather than the result of any injury.<br /> <br /> In contrast to many of the other Summer eternals, he dresses conservatively; favours dark, subdued colours; and eschews jewelry save for a circlet of polished [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] that surmounts his brow. When dealing with the Empire his attire is often influenced by the fashions of [[Dawn]] or the [[The Marches|Marches]], but from time to time he favours clothing more appropriate to a [[Wintermark]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Runesmiths|Runesmith]].<br /> <br /> The Knight of the Crossroads is an artisan, and at any given moment is likely to have several wondrous items about his person which he may call upon if he feels the need to defend himself - and lend or gift to someone he considers worthy. On the rare occasions he has chosen to fight, he wields his iron staff with devastating skill.<br /> <br /> When Barien is encountered as part of group, he may be accompanied by members of his own household, or by those seeking his favour. The former tend to be skilled individuals who serve as seneschals, heralds, messengers and artisans. The latter are eternals of Summer who are paying a debt to Barien, or seeking his favour. They are often knights or entertainers, and may be heralds in their own right in service to other eternals.<br /> <br /> The most common figure accompanying Barien is his [[#Castellan|Castellan]], an eternal whose power is comparable to that of the Iron Duke and who is his most trusted lieutenant.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Barien exemplifies meeting. setting and overcoming challenges. He regularly sets challenges for those who seek to prove their worth, but also ensures that great successes - or even brave failures - are recognised and celebrated. He favours not only heroes and champions, but also the [[Troubadour|troubadours]], [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Art_and_history|scops]] and storytellers who celebrate their deeds.<br /> <br /> He is scrupulously neutral in the rivalries and alliances of the Summer Realm. His role means he regularly oversees tournaments and presents challenges to the other eternals. he is a regular guest at the courts of [[Eleonaris]] and [[Cathan Canae]] in particular. He has no realm of his own, but his household travels freely from place to place, and his court is based in a great pavilion camp or outdoors under the open sky. It is not unknown for his heralds to pitch their tents in strong Summer [[regio]] from time to time, offering hospitality to travelers and engaging them in contests of strength, wit and will. A common task set by Barien to those who seek his favour is to set their tent up at a crossroads and challenge all travelers to appropriate contests of arms or wit.<br /> <br /> In personality Barien is much more restrained than many of the other eternals of Summer. He is absolutely confident in himself, his abilities and the abilities of his court. He is polite - friendly even - to those who treat him and his people with respect, but those who presume too much or who assume too great a level of familiarity find him cold and condescending. Anyone who tries his patience will be given one opportunity to apologise and if they do not they will be ejected from his presence. <br /> <br /> He admires self confidence, while disdaining overconfidence and arrogance. People who actively seek out ways to test themselves and hone their abilities find it easier to attract his favour. He enjoys helping others solve their problems almost as much as he loves seeing an underdog overcome the obstacles life has placed in their way. Woe betide the individual who asks Barien for help they do not need, however. He is much more likely to offer advice or suggest allies the petitioner might seek out than he is to involve himself directly. Despite this there are several stories of individuals who asked Barien for advice, triumphed over their challenges, and then received some minor gift of Barien's favour in recognition of their accomplishments.<br /> <br /> Barien does not favour any particular form of challenge - strength of arms, cunning, wits and subtlety are all equally important to him. He appears to prefer challenges that pit people against each other if only because it means every challenge will produce a victor, but he celebrates victory over nature or the self with almost as much enthusiasm. The mountaineer who conquers a mountain nobody else has ever scaled receives just as warm a welcome from the Master of Revels as the warrior who saves a village from [[ogre|ogres]].<br /> <br /> The Master of Revels takes hospitality extremely seriously. Anyone who eats or drinks under his roof and treats him with the cordial respect he is due is treated as part of his household, and he expects the same in return for his heralds and agents. He may ask an unwelcome guest to leave, but when he does so the guest will be assured of safety until they reach the mortal world again - but they should be very cautious about returning to his court.<br /> <br /> He has no patience for those who demand what is not due to them - those who expect respect without earning it, or who express feelings of entitlement. Those who take their position, possessions or friends for granted or who assume they are 'owed a living' by the universe irritate him, and he has little time for them. The complacent and the content also annoy him, but he is more likely to try and challenge their complacency or contentment than to eject them from his court.<br /> <br /> He absolutely despises both cheats and those who claim deeds or glory they have not earned. On the rare occasions such individuals have been exposed before him, he has lain terrible [[curse|curses]] on them that have robbed them of their strength and will, and occasionally seen them waste away and die.<br /> <br /> The Iron Duke is known to look on the Empire with approval as a place where merit often determines success; where personal glory is recognised and celebrated; and where commitment to ideals and goals is encouraged. While he predictably favours people of [[Dawn]], he is also known to appreciate the [[Wintermark]] willingness to test themselves and the stubborness of the [[The Marches|Marchers]]. He is also said to have a soft spot for the [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial orcs]] and is believed to greatly admire their commitment to their [[Imperial_Orcs_territories#The_Plan|plan]].<br /> <br /> He is also known to approve of the [[Jotun]] orcs, however, and this has occasionally resulted in short periods where he has been the subject to the [[Amity_and_emnity#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Imperial Conclave]]. <br /> <br /> In [[Wintermark]] he is strongly associated with [[Jotra]], rune of challenges and [[Tykonus]], rune of victory.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> The most common boon offered by the Iron Duke is a challenge - an opportunity to face dangerous odds and either triumph or fail. The ritual [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] is specifically designed to allow mortal magicians to find those worthy of the Duke's time. He has been known to offer covens who favour this ritual boons that make the ritual easier to perform, or that allow the coven to help arrange the challenge more easily.<br /> <br /> Barien is an artisan, and he makes many of the rewards he offers to victorious challengers himself. He also collects items of ''worth'' - and in this regard his definition of 'worth' is very similar to that of the [[Imperial Orcs]]. Specifically, he likes to acquire items associated with heroes and champions which he then uses as the basis for the magical items he crafts to reward the victorious. When questioned about it, he explains that his purpose is two-fold. First, he honours the champion who bore the worthy item; second, he finds it easier to make a potent artifact from a worthy relic. Magical items crafted by Barien often [[Roleplaying effects|encourage]] personal pride, strength of will and the drive to seek out and overcome obstacles in their bearers.<br /> <br /> The Master of Revels knows how to prepare a magical brew that restores bodily strength and integrity, removing supernatural afflictions such as the [[Curse of Gangrenous Flesh]] or the [[Curse of Decrepitude]] and similar effects. Gaining a flask of this strong elixir always requires someone to complete a difficult quest on Barien's behalf.<br /> <br /> He has some ability to help smooth the path of those seeking a personal challenge. He might identify someone who knows the location of an object a questor seeks, or suggest ways to overcome a certain problem presented by a difficult quest. This aid never removes the danger from a challenge or quest; instead it helps make the quest or challenge attemptable. For example, when the [[Knight-errant]] Trisant sought aid in defeating the terrible ''Azerdack'' it was Barien who told him about the [[Kallavesi]] mystic who could prepare a defensive elixir to let them penetrate the fetid glen where it dwelt - although this meant Trisant and his companions had to face three challenges from a Jotun warlord in order to secure the rare flowers that formed the basis of the elixir.<br /> <br /> While he is largely disinterested in trade, he is said to value [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and [[ilium]], and favours those who offer him gifts of these materials - although any suggestion that these gifts are bribes or payment is likely to annoy him.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;It's a tired metaphor, but those who face challenges are ''forged'' in a way that those who live an easy life are not. I don't think I need to belabour my point any further?&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Castellan==<br /> This eternal is a woman with two swords and mithril armour who serves as Barien's champion, body-guard and primary agent. She never uses any other name than Castellan, and is his trusted lieutenant. She bears the same silvery designs on her skin as her Lord. She is an extremely practical creature, who speaks in terse sentences, and unlike Barien she is much less tolerant of fools and time-wasters.<br /> <br /> She is rarely encountered apart from Barien but on the very rare occasions that she is alone she is generally pursuing her personal interest in the challenges that face those who fancy themselves in love. Occasionally, she intentionally places obstacles in their way to test the strength of their commitment to each other.<br /> <br /> She is described in the writings of Lydia de Courland as &quot;''one of the least romantic patrons of star-crossed lovers one could hope to meet; her advice is direct, her support uncompromising and her patience for fools almost entirely non-existant.''&quot; <br /> <br /> ==Known Heralds==<br /> The following are known heralds of Barien:<br /> * There is speculation that Barien is served (knowingly or perhaps otherwise) by a herald or heralds called [[Aben-Nuath]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Amity_and_enmity&diff=35665 2015-05-14T17:44:38Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>The [[Imperial Conclave]] has the ability to [[Conclave_session#Declarations|declare]] amity or enmity towards an [[Eternals|eternal]].<br /> <br /> Amity or Enmity towards an eternal is considered to apply to all that eternal's heralds. The Conclave may also occasionally extend amity or enmity towards a specific herald without changing the designation of other heralds or the patron eternal.<br /> <br /> ==Amity==<br /> An eternal (and associated heralds) under Declaration of Amity gains the following rights:<br /> * They receive protection under [[Imperial_Law_Overview|Imperial Law]]<br /> * They can attend conclave meetings<br /> * They may be nominated to speak before the conclave, although they cannot vote.<br /> * They can place an Address or Declaration onto the conclave agenda under the normal rules as if they were Imperial citizens (the civil service does not accept realm-specific mana as payment). <br /> * They can make [[Conclave_vault#Bequests|bequests]] to the [[Conclave vault|vault]] of a specific order or to the Conclave as a whole.<br /> <br /> The declaration also has a magical effect. Eternals and their heralds find it easier to manifest in the Hall of Worlds and to move into Anvil.<br /> <br /> ===Eternals with Amity===<br /> As of 376YE, no eternals were in a position of amity following the disastrous intervention of [[Emperor Walter]]. <br /> <br /> Over the course of 377 YE, declarations of Amity were passed by the Conclave for the eternal [[Sadogua]], the eternal [[Basileus Kade]] and Carolinus Kade, the herald of [[Basileus Kade]]. <br /> <br /> Over the course of 378 YE, declarations of Amity were passed by the Conclave for the eternal [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Skathe|Skathe]], the eternal [[Meraud]] and the eternal [[Ylenrith]].<br /> <br /> ==Enmity==<br /> An eternal (and associated heralds) under Declaration of Enmity suffers the following penalties:<br /> * Eternals and heralds under enmity count as barbarians for [[Imperial_Law_Overview#Individuals_and_the_law|legal purposes]].<br /> * Trading or dealing with an eternal under enmity is illegal and will be investigated as [[List_of_Criminal_Offences|treason]].<br /> * Any ritual that deals directly with an eternal subject to the declaration of enmity (such as [[Ephisis' Scale]] for [[Ephisis]], [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]] for [[Kaela]] or [[Missive for Sadogua]] for [[Sadogua]] and so on) is automatically considered to be [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction|interdicted]]; magistrates may seek the assistance of the [[archmage|archmagi]] to clarify which rituals this effects, unless there is a separate [[Conclave session#Declaration of Interdiction|declaration of interdiction]] against specific rituals.<br /> <br /> The declaration also has magical effects. Eternals find it much harder to enter the Hall of Worlds. Heralds cannot use the portal in the Hall of Worlds to travel to Anvil without ritual assistance from an Imperial citizen. <br /> <br /> ===Eternals with enmity===<br /> <br /> This is the position as it stands prior to the Autumn Equinox 378 YE:<br /> <br /> The [[Wendigo]], a Winter eternal that promotes unspeakable acts and cannibalistic feasts was made subject to this declaration in the 306 YE Winter Solstice session of the Conclave following exposure of his involvement in no less than three cannibalistic cults dedicated to blasphemy, idolatry and heresy.<br /> <br /> The Winter eternal [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Surut]] was made subject to this declaration in the 378 YE Spring Equinox session of the Conclave. Be aware that this means that casting the ritual [[Tribute_to_the_Thrice-Cursed_Court|Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]] is illegal and will be investigated as [[List_of_Criminal_Offences|treason]].<br /> <br /> The Summer eternal [[Eleonaris]] was made subject to this declaration in the 378 YE Summer Solstice session of the Conclave. Be aware that this means that casting the ritual [[Knights_of_Glory|Knights of Glory]] to call upon Eleonaris is illegal and will be investigated as [[List_of_Criminal_Offences|treason]].<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Conclave]]<br /> [[Category:The Law]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Eternal&diff=35662 2015-05-14T17:37:50Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>&lt;!--- Explanation of what eternals are - powerful but not godlike inhabitants of the realms with stuff to offer the Empire. They're characters not mechanics.<br /> <br /> Explanation of what heralds are and what makes them special<br /> <br /> Communication with eternals, audiences and the spaces in between<br /> <br /> Killing eternals<br /> <br /> Design Goal<br /> ---&gt;<br /> == Overview ==<br /> [[The World|The world]] of Empire is known to touch six other [[Realms|planes of existence]]. These are home to magical entities called eternals, some of whom are interested in the human world. Players - especially magicians - can meet and negotiate with the eternals. The eternals are not gods but posses magical powers that players will find useful. They have their own motivations and personalities, and characters will be able to bargain with them to advance their own agendas.<br /> <br /> ===Eternals Interested in the Empire===<br /> This list of eternals is not exhaustive; rather it lists some of those beings who have shown a special interest in the Empire since it's formation.<br /> <br /> {|<br /> |'''Eternals of Spring''' || '''Known Interests'''<br /> |-<br /> |[[Yaw'nagrah]] || Fertility, diversity<br /> |-<br /> |[[Arhallogen]] || Survival, adaptation, poison, arachnids<br /> |-<br /> |[[Llofir]] || Fungus, rot, decay, collapse<br /> |-<br /> |[[Irra Harah]] || Youth, struggle, the weak<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> The creature known as Capradan, the Horned Hunter, is a being of the Spring realm whose true nature is unclear. It is either a very potent herald or a lesser eternal concerned with primitive concepts of hunting and killing for sustenance.<br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Summer'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Eleonaris]], Queen of the Fields of Glory<br /> |Majesty, nobility, battle, victory<br /> |-<br /> |[[Eleonaris#Jaheris|Jaheris]]<br /> |Rivalry, betrayal, consort of Eleonaris<br /> |-<br /> |[[Hayaak]], the Gryphon King<br /> |Wrath, vengeance, ferocity<br /> |-<br /> |[[Cathan Canae]], Queen of Ice and Darkness<br /> |Might, winter, strength, durability<br /> |-<br /> |[[Barien]], the Iron Duke<br /> |Challenges, worth, tests<br /> |-<br /> |[[Meraud]], the Golden Magician<br /> |Magic, enchantment<br /> |<br /> |}<br /> The creature known in the Empire as [[Aben-Nuath]] is believed to be a powerful herald, but it is not clear to whose &quot;court&quot; they belong, if any. They are usually described as &quot;independent&quot; in lists of such beings although there is much speculation. <br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Autumn'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |The [[Lictors]]<br /> |Binding, imprisonment, punishment, contracts<br /> |-<br /> |[[Estavus]]<br /> |Crafting, building, artisans<br /> |-<br /> |[[Callidus]], Prince of the Argent Tontine<br /> |Greed<br /> |-<br /> |[[Prospero]]<br /> |Influence, favours, grudges<br /> |-<br /> |[[Ephisis]]<br /> |Trade, mutually beneficial exchanges<br /> |-<br /> |[[Basileus Kade]]<br /> |Intrigue, Espionage, Power<br /> |-<br /> |[[Mazen]] of the Many Faces<br /> |Manipulation, Deception<br /> |<br /> |}<br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Winter'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Sorin]], the Tomb King<br /> |Privation, strength from weakness<br /> |-<br /> |[[Kaela]]<br /> |Entropy, despair, endings<br /> |-<br /> |[[The Thrice-cursed Court]]<br /> |Curses, power at a price, spite<br /> |-<br /> |[[Wise Rangara]]<br /> |Wisdom, tradition, <br /> |-<br /> |Agramant the [[Wendigo]]<br /> |Hunger, cannibalism, madness, dread<br /> |<br /> |}<br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Day'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Leviathan]]<br /> |History, foundations, causation<br /> |-<br /> |[[Phaleron]], the Great Library<br /> |Knowledge, preservation<br /> |-<br /> |[[Sinokenon]], the Turning Mirror<br /> |Hierarchy, connections, religion<br /> |-<br /> |[[Kimus]] of the Thousand Eyes<br /> |Light, scrying, observation<br /> |-<br /> |[[Ylenrith]], the Swan<br /> |Purity, mathematics, music<br /> |-<br /> |[[Roshanwe]], the Navigator<br /> |Discovery, wisdom, truth<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Zakalwe]], the Strategist<br /> |Conflict, logistics, strategy<br /> |<br /> |}<br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Night'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Janon]] the Shadowed Fire<br /> |Passion, freedom<br /> |-<br /> |[[Lashonar]]<br /> |Stories, confusion, speech that moves, oratory<br /> |-<br /> |[[Murit]] the Shaper<br /> |Crafting, material transformation, the whole is different to the parts<br /> |-<br /> |[[Sadogua]], Brother of Wizards<br /> |Magicians, magic, power, manipulation<br /> |-<br /> |[[Soghter]], Changer of the Ways<br /> |Transitions, learning through experience<br /> |-<br /> |[[Sung]], the Rainbow Serpent<br /> |Mysteries and enigmas<br /> |-<br /> |The [[Whisper Gallery]]<br /> |Secrets, rumour, art<br /> |}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]<br /> [[Category:The World]]<br /> [[Category:Magic]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Eternal&diff=35661 2015-05-14T17:36:04Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>&lt;!--- Explanation of what eternals are - powerful but not godlike inhabitants of the realms with stuff to offer the Empire. They're characters not mechanics.<br /> <br /> Explanation of what Heralds are and what makes them special<br /> <br /> Communication with eternals, audiences and the spaces in between<br /> <br /> Killing Eternals<br /> <br /> Design Goal<br /> ---&gt;<br /> == Overview ==<br /> [[The World|The world]] of Empire is known to touch six other [[Realms|planes of existence]]. These are home to magical entities called eternals, some of whom are interested in the human world. Players - especially magicians - can meet and negotiate with the eternals. The eternals are not gods but posses magical powers that players will find useful. They have their own motivations and personalities, and characters will be able to bargain with them to advance their own agendas.<br /> <br /> ===Eternals Interested in the Empire===<br /> This list of eternals is not exhaustive; rather it lists some of those beings who have shown a special interest in the Empire since it's formation.<br /> <br /> {|<br /> |'''Eternals of Spring''' || '''Known Interests'''<br /> |-<br /> |[[Yaw'nagrah]] || Fertility, diversity<br /> |-<br /> |[[Arhallogen]] || Survival, adaptation, poison, arachnids<br /> |-<br /> |[[Llofir]] || Fungus, rot, decay, collapse<br /> |-<br /> |[[Irra Harah]] || Youth, struggle, the weak<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> The creature known as Capradan, the Horned Hunter, is a being of the Spring realm whose true nature is unclear. It is either a very potent Herald or a lesser eternal concerned with primitive concepts of hunting and killing for sustenance.<br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Summer'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Eleonaris]], Queen of the Fields of Glory<br /> |Majesty, nobility, battle, victory<br /> |-<br /> |[[Eleonaris#Jaheris|Jaheris]]<br /> |Rivalry, betrayal, consort of Eleonaris<br /> |-<br /> |[[Hayaak]], the Gryphon King<br /> |Wrath, vengeance, ferocity<br /> |-<br /> |[[Cathan Canae]], Queen of Ice and Darkness<br /> |Might, winter, strength, durability<br /> |-<br /> |[[Barien]], the Iron Duke<br /> |Challenges, worth, tests<br /> |-<br /> |[[Meraud]], the Golden Magician<br /> |Magic, enchantment<br /> |<br /> |}<br /> The creature known in the Empire as [[Aben-Nuath]] is believed to be a powerful herald, but it is not clear to whose &quot;court&quot; they belong, if any. They are usually described as &quot;independent&quot; in lists of such beings although there is much speculation. <br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Autumn'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |The [[Lictors]]<br /> |Binding, imprisonment, punishment, contracts<br /> |-<br /> |[[Estavus]]<br /> |Crafting, building, artisans<br /> |-<br /> |[[Callidus]], Prince of the Argent Tontine<br /> |Greed<br /> |-<br /> |[[Prospero]]<br /> |Influence, favours, grudges<br /> |-<br /> |[[Ephisis]]<br /> |Trade, mutually beneficial exchanges<br /> |-<br /> |[[Basileus Kade]]<br /> |Intrigue, Espionage, Power<br /> |-<br /> |[[Mazen]] of the Many Faces<br /> |Manipulation, Deception<br /> |<br /> |}<br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Winter'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Sorin]], the Tomb King<br /> |Privation, strength from weakness<br /> |-<br /> |[[Kaela]]<br /> |Entropy, despair, endings<br /> |-<br /> |[[The Thrice-cursed Court]]<br /> |Curses, power at a price, spite<br /> |-<br /> |[[Wise Rangara]]<br /> |Wisdom, tradition, <br /> |-<br /> |Agramant the [[Wendigo]]<br /> |Hunger, cannibalism, madness, dread<br /> |<br /> |}<br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Day'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Leviathan]]<br /> |History, foundations, causation<br /> |-<br /> |[[Phaleron]], the Great Library<br /> |Knowledge, preservation<br /> |-<br /> |[[Sinokenon]], the Turning Mirror<br /> |Hierarchy, connections, religion<br /> |-<br /> |[[Kimus]] of the Thousand Eyes<br /> |Light, scrying, observation<br /> |-<br /> |[[Ylenrith]], the Swan<br /> |Purity, mathematics, music<br /> |-<br /> |[[Roshanwe]], the Navigator<br /> |Discovery, wisdom, truth<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Zakalwe]], the Strategist<br /> |Conflict, logistics, strategy<br /> |<br /> |}<br /> {|<br /> |-<br /> |'''Eternals of Night'''<br /> |<br /> |-<br /> |[[Janon]] the Shadowed Fire<br /> |Passion, freedom<br /> |-<br /> |[[Lashonar]]<br /> |Stories, confusion, speech that moves, oratory<br /> |-<br /> |[[Murit]] the Shaper<br /> |Crafting, material transformation, the whole is different to the parts<br /> |-<br /> |[[Sadogua]], Brother of Wizards<br /> |Magicians, magic, power, manipulation<br /> |-<br /> |[[Soghter]], Changer of the Ways<br /> |Transitions, learning through experience<br /> |-<br /> |[[Sung]], the Rainbow Serpent<br /> |Mysteries and enigmas<br /> |-<br /> |The [[Whisper Gallery]]<br /> |Secrets, rumour, art<br /> |}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]<br /> [[Category:The World]]<br /> [[Category:Magic]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Nation_FAQ&diff=34285 2015-03-05T10:39:40Z

<p>Delvy: /* What if my nationality or archetype is disputed? */</p> <hr /> <div>==Introduction==<br /> {{FAQ}}<br /> <br /> This section of the FAQ contains questions about [[Nation_overview|nations]]. For questions about other parts of the game, please see the more general [[Frequently Asked Questions|FAQ]].<br /> <br /> ==Can I play a mixed-nation character?==<br /> All players must choose a single nation for their character. Although a character may have changed nation, the nature of the setting means that they should use the culture, costume and characterization of the nation they are a member of now. This page about [[nationality]] gives more information about why characters in Empire are from a single nation.<br /> <br /> ==Can we play a mixed-nation group?==<br /> At the event, the main field will be split into ten distinct camping areas, one for each of the nations and one for the Imperial Orcs. Nation is your primary source of identity and the key route into all the politics of the game, so any Marcher character that spends their time hanging around in the Dawnish camp is likely to be cut out of a significant portion of the game. For this reason alone we are actively discouraging mixed-nation groups and asking players to focus on creating a group that draws from one nation.<br /> <br /> There are significant rules penalties for mixed-nation groups. Characters take the battlefield by nation, so you cannot take the battlefield and fight together as a group. You can't be part of the same sect and gain any religious benefits and you can't be part of the same coven and work together to perform rituals. In addition you cannot participate in the politics together as the politics of Empire is segregated on national lines.<br /> <br /> All of these elements of the game have been deliberately designed to discourage players from playing in mixed nation groups, because we believe it is much more likely that players in mixed nations groups will have a very bad time. In addition to the significant rules penalties described above, you may be ostracized by your fellow players. If that happens you risk being cut out of the roleplaying of the camp, along with your inability to participate in the battles, rituals and politics of the Empire.<br /> <br /> It is important to point out that the nations are all part of a single Empire - they might have political differences on many issues but they are fundamentally on the same side. As such it is perfectly reasonable to begin the game having existing alliances and contacts with groups in other nations. If half your friends want to come from Varushka and half want to play Winterfolk then we would advise you make two groups - one from each nation - and put links between them in your respective backgrounds. It's normal to have close friends and allies from other nations.<br /> <br /> ==Can I play an Imperial Orc in the Marches?==<br /> Imperial orcs are the equivalent of a nation - they have their own camp, their own armies, their own generals and so on. Anyone planning to play an Imperial Orc should be based out of the Imperial Orc camp.<br /> <br /> ==Can I be a Dawnish knight without being Dawnish?==<br /> No. To be knighted is to be a member of a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[noble house]] - which means being a member of a Dawnish group - for which you must be Dawnish.<br /> <br /> ==Can I be more than one archetype?==<br /> When you create your character you can choose a single character archetype from those described for the nation on the wiki. Archetypes are completely optional, you don't have to have one but it tells us a lot about what you consider to be the main role of your character, and we use them when writing '''some''' plots. For instance, if we are going to write some plot involving combat in Urizen - then we might aim that plot at players who have told us they are playing a [[Urizen_military_concerns#Sentinels|Sentinel]]. If we're writing plot involving ritual magic in Dawn then we'll look at who is playing an [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]].<br /> <br /> It is difficult for a character to fulfill more than one role at once, though not impossible. At character creation we ask you to pick the archetype that is ''most'' relevant for your character. We ''may'' then use that information when looking for characters to involve in new plot we are writing. However archetypes are also about the setting and your characterisation, there are no game rules for them, it is simply a shorthand for how you present your character and what you tell the world about yourself. A [[Wintermark political leadership|Wintermark Thane]] might also be a [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Grimnir|Grimnir]]. However the social role, the vows involved, or simply the time required will often make it difficult to fully portray, or even be accepted, as more than one archetype at once.<br /> <br /> ==What if my nationality or archetype is disputed?==<br /> Only members of a nation may vote in that nations senatorial elections - and in some cases only members of certain archetypes or characters with elevated social status may vote. For instance in Dawn, only nobles who have passed the Test of Mettle may participate in the senatorial tourney. In most cases who is or is not a Dawnish noble is obvious to everyone present - and the assumption is that all characters will react accordingly. If however there is some genuine doubt, then characters present may dispute an individuals nationality or status.<br /> <br /> If that happens, then the civil service will look to the nation's egregore to make a ruling on the matter. An egregore is best placed to know if a character is genuinely or who they claim to be. The election will be halted while the egregore talks privately to the character in question. If the character is able to convince the egregore that they are who they claim to be then they will be allowed to participate in the election. If the ''player'' is uncertain, perhaps because they are new to the game, then the egregore will take the time to help them to understand what is involved and work out what the correct answer is.<br /> <br /> [[Category:FAQ]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Nation_FAQ&diff=34284 2015-03-05T10:39:22Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div>==Introduction==<br /> {{FAQ}}<br /> <br /> This section of the FAQ contains questions about [[Nation_overview|nations]]. For questions about other parts of the game, please see the more general [[Frequently Asked Questions|FAQ]].<br /> <br /> ==Can I play a mixed-nation character?==<br /> All players must choose a single nation for their character. Although a character may have changed nation, the nature of the setting means that they should use the culture, costume and characterization of the nation they are a member of now. This page about [[nationality]] gives more information about why characters in Empire are from a single nation.<br /> <br /> ==Can we play a mixed-nation group?==<br /> At the event, the main field will be split into ten distinct camping areas, one for each of the nations and one for the Imperial Orcs. Nation is your primary source of identity and the key route into all the politics of the game, so any Marcher character that spends their time hanging around in the Dawnish camp is likely to be cut out of a significant portion of the game. For this reason alone we are actively discouraging mixed-nation groups and asking players to focus on creating a group that draws from one nation.<br /> <br /> There are significant rules penalties for mixed-nation groups. Characters take the battlefield by nation, so you cannot take the battlefield and fight together as a group. You can't be part of the same sect and gain any religious benefits and you can't be part of the same coven and work together to perform rituals. In addition you cannot participate in the politics together as the politics of Empire is segregated on national lines.<br /> <br /> All of these elements of the game have been deliberately designed to discourage players from playing in mixed nation groups, because we believe it is much more likely that players in mixed nations groups will have a very bad time. In addition to the significant rules penalties described above, you may be ostracized by your fellow players. If that happens you risk being cut out of the roleplaying of the camp, along with your inability to participate in the battles, rituals and politics of the Empire.<br /> <br /> It is important to point out that the nations are all part of a single Empire - they might have political differences on many issues but they are fundamentally on the same side. As such it is perfectly reasonable to begin the game having existing alliances and contacts with groups in other nations. If half your friends want to come from Varushka and half want to play Winterfolk then we would advise you make two groups - one from each nation - and put links between them in your respective backgrounds. It's normal to have close friends and allies from other nations.<br /> <br /> ==Can I play an Imperial Orc in the Marches?==<br /> Imperial orcs are the equivalent of a nation - they have their own camp, their own armies, their own generals and so on. Anyone planning to play an Imperial Orc should be based out of the Imperial Orc camp.<br /> <br /> ==Can I be a Dawnish knight without being Dawnish?==<br /> No. To be knighted is to be a member of a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[noble house]] - which means being a member of a Dawnish group - for which you must be Dawnish.<br /> <br /> ==Can I be more than one archetype?==<br /> When you create your character you can choose a single character archetype from those described for the nation on the wiki. Archetypes are completely optional, you don't have to have one but it tells us a lot about what you consider to be the main role of your character, and we use them when writing '''some''' plots. For instance, if we are going to write some plot involving combat in Urizen - then we might aim that plot at players who have told us they are playing a [[Urizen_military_concerns#Sentinels|Sentinel]]. If we're writing plot involving ritual magic in Dawn then we'll look at who is playing an [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]].<br /> <br /> It is difficult for a character to fulfill more than one role at once, though not impossible. At character creation we ask you to pick the archetype that is ''most'' relevant for your character. We ''may'' then use that information when looking for characters to involve in new plot we are writing. However archetypes are also about the setting and your characterisation, there are no game rules for them, it is simply a shorthand for how you present your character and what you tell the world about yourself. A [[Wintermark political leadership|Wintermark Thane]] might also be a [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Grimnir|Grimnir]]. However the social role, the vows involved, or simply the time required will often make it difficult to fully portray, or even be accepted, as more than one archetype at once.<br /> <br /> ==What if my nationality or archetype is disputed?==<br /> Only members of a nation may vote in that nations senatorial elections - and in some cases only members of certain archetypes or characters with elevated social status may vote. For instance in Dawn, only nobles who have passed the Test of Mettle may participate in the senatorial tourney. In most cases who is or is not a Dawnish noble is obvious to everyone present - and the assumption is that all characters will react accordingly. If however there is some genuine doubt, then characters present may dispute an individuals nationality or status.<br /> <br /> If that happens, then the civil service will look to the nation's egregore to make a ruling on the matter. An egregore is best placed to know if a character is genuinely or who they claim to be. The election will be halted while the egregore talks privately to the character in question. If the character is able to convince the egregore that they are who they claim to be then they will be allowed to participate in the election. If the ''player'' is uncertain, perhaps because they are kew to the game, then the egregore will take the time to help them to understand what is involved and work out what the correct answer is.<br /> <br /> [[Category:FAQ]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Whisper_Gallery&diff=26108 2014-05-13T10:45:55Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Night==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> The Whisper Gallery are also known as the ''Shadow Courtiers''; the two terms are used interchangeably.<br /> <br /> Specific shadow courtiers (assuming such a concept is relevant) claim to have their own names and demonstrate individual personalities and quirks. However, observers note that these names and personalities seem to lack stability - more than one magician has come away convinced that the courtier she has just spoken to is the same being as a courtier they interacted with on a previous occasion, now with a different name and apparent personality.<br /> <br /> The [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]] Warwick de Alyons made a study of the Whisper Gallery and identified five distinct 'flavours' of courtier (see [[#Members of the Court|below]]). Modern magicians have found his notes relatively reliable. The enchanter himself disappeared one night from his locked bedchamber less than a month after he first presented his findings to the Conclave; his sleeping husband was undisturbed by whatever happened to him but later enacted a [[Declaration#Declaration of Enmity|declaration of enmity]] against the Courtiers, blaming them for the disappearance of his husband. The declaration stood for ten years before being overturned, allegedly in return for information leading to the recovery of tomes of Night magic believed lost during the purges of [[Emperor Nicovar]].<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> The Whisper Gallery claim to be serpents (that is, their true form is that of winged snakes as distinct from the wyrm-form Night Eternals who are more draconic). No magician has ever seen one assume their 'true form' however. Rather, they invariably appear as robed figures wearing full-face masks and gloves. Every part of their body is covered; some scholars have speculated that the shadow courtiers are composed entirely of living shadow inhabiting their garments rather than being physical beings. Some scholars have proposed that the Whisper Gallery as a whole might be a single entity, taking multiple forms; there does seem to be an odd continuity of knowledge among them, although this could be explained by a supernaturally developed method of communication or preternatural levels of intuition.<br /> <br /> Also unlike other Night Eternals, the Whisper Gallery do not noticably shift their shape - their appearance as robed, masked figures is constant. This supports supposition that the Whisper Gallery may not actually be Eternals at all, but the constructs of another Eternal using them as a mask. On more than one occasion both [[Sadogua]] and [[Lashonar]] have made comments that have been interpreted to suggest that they 'created' the whisper gallery in some fashion. If there is any truth behind this hints, it is clear that the Gallery has achieved independence from their creator, and on rare occasions where courtiers have been in the company of agents of these two Eternals observers have claimed that they seemed ambivalent toward them - if not downright hostile. A similar hostility exists between the Eternals of the Gallery and the ''Lady of Mysteries'' [[Sung]], whose fascination with the preservation of enigmas they appear to consider self-indulgent and the expression of a weak mind.<br /> <br /> They are rarely encountered individually; a meeting with the Whisper Gallery usually involves at least two of them and a [[#Members of the Court|Sommelier]]. When they gather together, they create an [[auras|aura]] that encourages mystery, circumspection and secrecy in the mortals they meet with which can make audiences a less than straightforward affair.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> The Whisper Gallery are obsessed with secrets. Unlike some other Night Eternals, they are equally concerned with learning secrets and with ensuring that secrets ''remain'' secrets. They have also evidenced some interest in the way that the things individuals know (or believe they know) about each other influence their interactions and desires.<br /> <br /> The gallery collects secrets. While the courtiers themselves have referred to their &quot;collection&quot; the details of what form it takes seem to be fluid. They also act to preserve secrets - in the past agents of the Whisper Gallery have acted to destroy rare books containing esoteric knowledge, and even (allegedly) to assassinate scholars who have been probing into hidden lore.<br /> <br /> The Shadow Courtiers love to interact with mortals, discussing their hopes and dreams and their innermost secrets. Individual courtiers appear to have specific interests (see [[#|Courtiers]] below).<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> On a mundane level, the Whisper Gallery are privy to an astonishing range of secrets. Before they will share something, however, they must usually be 'paid' with a secret of equal or greater value. They are known to employ mortal agents to uncover specific pieces of lore, or to protect those pieces of lore from being uncovered.<br /> <br /> The Shadow Courtiers are closely connected to the ritual [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]], and often evoked when it is cast - they have been known to offer boons that allow this ritual to be performed more effectively, as well as mysterious boons that allow individuals to add specific pieces of information to the 'pool' of secrets the magic draws on. <br /> <br /> The Whisper Gallery are also known to offer boons that enhance the ability to conceal people, places or things whether through ritual such as [[Masque of the Blinded Weaver]] or [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]]; permanently remove memories with effects such as [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]]; or invoke [[enchantment|enchantments]] or even [[curse|curses]] that preserve secrecy such as [[Secrets of the Empty Heart]].<br /> <br /> They are also known to have an interest in, and the ability to offer enhancements to, the [[Night Pouch]] spell (and by extension the ritual [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]]). Some magicians have reported that they can be prevailed upon to deliver messages or even small items to anyone, anywhere in the world provided there is an area of shadow or darkness near the target.<br /> <br /> Finally, they are known to be fascinated by and perhaps even dimly aware of the many shapes that future events might take. They enjoy hearing the results of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]], and occasionally are known to speak prophecy - although in such vague and mysterious terms that their pronouncements are invariably incomprehensible until after the event they describe has come to pass.<br /> <br /> ===Members of the Court===<br /> Warwick de Alyons' wrote a short treatise on the Whisper Gallery called 'The Book of Whispering Shadows' in which he identified five specific 'flavours' of Shadow Courtier. Four of the courtiers are identified by the colour of their robe and their general interest - and by the fact that there are never two matching these descriptions in the same group. The courtiers do not answer to these names, nor are they names they give themselves; rather these are viewed as being titles that have more weight than whatever name the courtier is claiming at the time. <br /> <br /> The fifth courtier (the Sommelier) seems to be a special case, and may actually be the form taken by the Courtiers' Heralds.<br /> <br /> '''The Lover Clad in Crimson Robes''': This courtier appears the most pleasant and engaging of the Shadow Courtiers. It is usually dressed in red, although Warwick mentions that sometimes the courtier appears in black or white robe but always with some scarlet element. It is fascinated by concepts of passionate romance, and by what motivates heroic (or villainous) deeds, especially those done in the name of love. In character it seems 'flighty' or impulsive, easily distracted, and apparently responds well to gifts of painting or sculpture.<br /> <br /> '''The Vizier Arrayed in the Raiment of Dawn''': This courtier often takes the lead in situations where they are encountered as a group. It is usually dressed in yellow silk or gold, and with a mask to match. It encourages ambition, and is interested in the inner lives of leaders (especially but not restricted to senators; generals; cardinals and gatekeepers; archmagi and grandmasters) and reformers. In character it seems easily angered, and occasionally flies into uncontrollable rages that subside as rapidly as they arose into gloomy introspection. It appreciates deference, politeness and being treated with respect.<br /> <br /> '''The Emerald Scholar in Sable Ribbons''': This courtier is always wrapped in green and black, and seems the most cerebral and introverted of the identified courtiers. It often presents a scholarly or even priestly appearance, and seems fascinated by educated discussion and philosophical debate. It consides itself a poet, and is said to appreciate gifts of poetry or song; it favours tragedy over all other themes however. It collects secrets that lead to, or have resulted from, tragic failure or internal flaws. It is especially interested in those who are motivated by jealousy or anger, but never seems entirely satisfied with the results its agents achieve.<br /> <br /> '''The Incarnadine Minister''': This courtier is usually in blue, and is often arrayed like a magician. It appreciates riddles, and is often the most reserved and distant of the identifiable courtiers. It is fascinated with magic, but never seems to perform any itself. It often answers questions with questions, and appears averse to making statements. It is known to consistently encourage those it meets to perform actions, without any concern for that the outcome might be (and often appears to offer material support although such rarely materialises). It is fascinated by secret lore, especially that of the distant past, or secrets that contradict widely-held belief. It is said to hoard such dangerous secrets in the same way a dragon hoards gold<br /> <br /> '''The Sommelier''': The fifth identifiable courtier never speaks, and is usually dressed in white. While it wears mask and gloves like the other courtiers, it rarely wears a robe. More commonly it appears as a servant or retainer, often in a [[League]] or [[Dawn|Dawnish]] style. It attends the other courtiers and their guests, bringing food and drink, arranging chairs and the like. It delivers payment, and is probably a Herald rather than a true Eternal. Also unlike the other Courtiers, flashes of skin may occasionally be seen beneath its clothing. When the Courtiers send out a Herald it is a Sommelier, often bearing a letter or small gift on a silver tray.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Sung&diff=26107 2014-05-13T10:45:31Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Night==<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Sung001b.JPG |title=Pitcture from Steph Morris|caption=Sung is a winged serpent, with feathers of iridescent hue|align=left|width=341|height=450}}<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Sung is the '''Rainbow Serpent'''. This Eternal appears equally at home in male or female guises - as a shapeshifter Sung can take on whatever form it considers appropriate. It is usually considered to be female, however, and often identifies itself as such - regardless of the gender (if any) of the form it has taken.<br /> <br /> Sung collects neither titles nor sobriquets, but acquires them nonetheless. In some places she is called the ''Whispering Wind'', while [[Kallavesi]] mystics refer to her as the ''Feather on the Breeze''. She is both ''Lady of Mysteries'' and ''Lord of Illusions'', as well as the ''Spiral Dancer'' in the [[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]. In [[Urizen]] several Spires celebrate her as the ''Everflowing River'' and hang brightly coloured streamers on their battlements that dance and sway in the wind. <br /> <br /> In [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] she is called ''Neznámy Otázka'' which means 'unknown question' while in the [[Commonwealth]] she is referred to by a name that roughly translates as &quot;the one who hides the truth under it's wings&quot;.<br /> <br /> It is well known that Sung claims that her name both is and is not ''actually'' Sung. Before his unexpected disappearance while investigating the [[Whisper Gallery]] the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]] Warwick de Alyons put forward a theory suggesting that Sung's real name may actually be expressed as music rather than words - in that this would mean it was not &quot;Sung&quot; but was still 'sung' (rather than spoken). The Eternal did not confirm or deny, but did allegedly favour the clever Dawnishman with a special boon of which he never spoke.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Sung admits freely that it is a ''serpent'' - that her true form is that of a limbless snake with feathered wings (as distinct from a ''wyrm'' , the Night Eternals whose true form is that of a wingless lizard). As with other serpents, this tends to mean that Sung is more cerebral and philosophical than the earthy, practical Eternals such as [[Sadogua]]; she is concerned with subtle, esoteric matters. Unlike her fellow serpents such as [[Soghter]], however, Sung appears to be somewhat grounded and less prone to the kind of extremes that lead scholars to dub an Eternal 'mad'.<br /> <br /> Her most common appearance is as a [[naga]] dressed in layers of loose multicoloured robes. Regardless of their precise cut, they always include flowing sleeves that suggest wings. She usually wears a head-dress of brightly coloured feathers, similar to those favoured by many [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. This head-dress often holds in place a veil, similar to those popular in parts of [[Highguard]].<br /> <br /> Sung is soft spoken, with a gentle and pleasant temperament, but given to teasing and asking impossible or leading questions. She rarely raises it's voice and appears to genuinely enjoy pleasant conversation. She especially enjoys the discussion of mysteries, enigmas and riddles - not so much the attempt to answer them, but the joy that comes from sharing theory and speculation with like-minded individuals.<br /> <br /> This Eternal is usually encountered alone - she often seems quite solitary in her nature. Her heralds usually wear multicoloured garb, and share her desire to discuss enigmas and inexplicable events. They tend to express a deep personal affection for their patron - and almost alone of the Heralds of the Night Eternals there are none do not identify themselves as her children. <br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Sung is closely associated with the rune [[Wyr]]. She adores mysteries, as distinct from secrets; she loves to explore, expound on, discuss and study the things that ''nobody'' knows the truth about. It is mostly disinterested in discovering the solution or answer to a mystery - unless that solution or answer itself raises more mysteries. &quot;''It is the mystery which endures.''&quot; says Sung. &quot;''The light of truth kills the mystery, and leaves the seeker desolate.''&quot; That isn't to say that she will not help those who seek to fathom out a mystery, but the greater the enigma the more tangential or esoteric her aid is likely to be.<br /> <br /> Like may Night Eternals she loves art - especially music, spoken poetry and stories, drama and dance - but prefers them improvised rather than technical. She also appears to take endless delight in well-done misdirection, sleight of hand ad the skills of mundane magicians. It is known to have little appreciation of sculpture, painting or literature unless those art forms are full of allegory and multi-layered metaphor. Unsurprisingly, she loves mystery stories - but one of the few things known to anger her is the explanation that so often comes at the end of a mystery story or play. It is wise, when performing for Sung, to leave the resolution of the mystery unstated and instead engage in speculation about how the story might have developed.<br /> <br /> There are certain mysteries that Sung returns to time and again. They include the purpose of death; where life comes from; the existence of the soul; the meaning of existence; the identity of the Creator; the nature of love; the meaning of faith; the point of suffering, and why living beings have the capacity to appreciate beauty. She is fascinated by the priests of [[The Way|Way]], but apparently loves to tease them by presenting heretical or blasphemous viewpoints.<br /> <br /> Lesser mysteries and enigmas intrigue her, but are quickly discarded. She is sometimes prepared to offer aid in seeking an explanation for such lesser mysteries that are actually secrets - situations where some people already know the answer but are keeping that information to themselves. Examples might include investigations into mysterious murders, or for seemingly inexplicable events that are actually the work of mortals.<br /> <br /> Sung has little time for the Eternals of Day - she makes little effort to conceal her distaste for their focused nature and their common drive to banish all illusion and understand everything. She clearly believes that &quot;''nothing sane can survive for long in conditions of absolute truth.''&quot; This dislike often manifests in an abrupt or unwelcoming attitude to any [[merrow]] who come before her. She is also known to dislike the Eternals of the [[Whisper Gallery]], considering their fascination with secrets to be 'vulgar'.<br /> <br /> Sung rarely lies, but she never tells the entire truth as she knows it. She enjoys misleading and obfuscating, hiding the &quot;facts&quot; in layers of doubt designed to allow people to come to their own conclusions. Speaking about direct facts or trying to cut through to the heart of a situation is a surefire way to annoy this subtle Eternal.<br /> <br /> Unsurprisingly, Sung is known to favour Imperial citizens who reflect something of her own nature. She enjoys verbal sparring with magicians from the [[The League|League]] and esoteric speculation with Kallavesi mystics and Urizen stargazers alike. She is also known to have a special affection for the people of [[Dawn]], especially the [[Weaver cabal|Weaver cabals]] and [[Troubadour|troubadours]], but with a soft spot for anyone who embraces the romanticism that lurks at the heart of many Dawnish quests.<br /> <br /> The Rainbow Serpent encourages imagination, optimism and speculation. She inspires mortals to embrace the wonder of their world, and to question tradition and easy solutions to problems. She is also a romantic - not just in a carnal sense, but in the sense of a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Sung enjoys communicating with mortals. She loves novelty, the inexplicable and the wondrous.<br /> <br /> She enjoys weaving illusions, and is known to offer boons to magicians who seek to obfuscate or conceal with shadows, mists or false images (such as the magical disguise created with [[The Twilight Masquerade]].) Magic used to preserve uncertainty or mystery may also gain her favour.<br /> <br /> When she wishes to offer a minor boon to someone, she may give them one of her feathers - when dissolved in wine or spirits they may create effects similar to those caused by the [[Infusions of Feathers]], or enhance the effect of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]] or [[Sift the Dreamscape's Sands]] - Sung is said to be the only creature who knows the truth about the ruined city visited by mortal magicians who invoke that ritual, but refuses to share her knowledge. In her darker moments she inspires curses and maledictions that cause confusion or hallucinatory madness.<br /> <br /> She somtimes engages in trades with magicians, and is known to greatly desire cloth dyed with [[Materials#Iridescent gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and jewellry that incorporates [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] - especially if these items are enchanted.<br /> <br /> While Sung does not wish to see mysteries solved (or &quot;destroyed&quot; as she might put it), she encourages inquisitive spirits who rely on intuition and leaps of logic. The ritual [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] goes some way towards explaining her attitude - the ritual does not provide facts or resolve a situation - it allows the magician to find the clues that will help them work out their own conclusion. More than anything else, this is how Sung prefers to see the world; a multitude of people, places, things and events that can be understood only through the exercise of intuition and imagination.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Soghter&diff=26106 2014-05-13T10:45:06Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Night==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> The most common sobriquet for Soghter is ''Changer of the Ways''.<br /> <br /> In the [[Principalities of Jarm]], Soghter is called ''The Intrepid Dragon of Infallible Reason'', and seems to enjoy this name prompting magicians around the world to start using it. Soghter appears to share the tendency of many Night Eternals for enjoying flattery, while being largely unmoved by it. Soghter is also known as ''oroborous'' and the serpent-eating-it's-own-tail is a symbol often associated with the creature and it's fascination by cyclic behaviour.<br /> <br /> In some parts of the world Soghter is referred to as the ''Snake-Spawner'' or ''Mother/Father of Serpents''. According to those who use this epithet, those who deal with it have a dramatically inceased incidence of [[naga]] blood in their offspring. Soghter has never admitted any link, and it is difficult to prove one way or another.<br /> <br /> Along with [[Murit]], Soghter is sometimes called the ''Azoth'' after a theoretical alchemical compound that enacts miraculous transformations - magicians performing rituals such as [[The Eight-spoked Wheel]], [[The Retrograde Wheel]] and [[Distill the Serpent's Stone]] sometimes evoke the name during their transformations (although Soghter is better suited to rituals that transform the individual, such as [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]]. Some scholars suggest that Soghter and Murit are lovers or siblings; others maintain that they are actually different facets of the same entity. A few alchemical treatises contain images of the two serpents wrapped around each other as illustrations of the way disparate substances can be combined together to create new materials. Neither Eternal seems inclined to discuss their relationship, if any.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> In its true form (inasmuch as the Night Eternals have true forms), Soghter has a black-scaled serpentine body with wings of brilliant white and eyes that shift kaleidoscopically. Evidence for this appearance seems entirely anecdotal, based on descriptions by Heralds; no Imperial magician has reported actually encountering Soghter in this form. As with all Night Eternals, Soghter is a shapeshifter and more than most it appears to revel in assuming unique appearances whenever it is encountered. It may appear to be male or female (as with most Night Eternals gender appears to have little meaning to it), but its forms almost invariably include strong elements of either black or white. They also often include images of catterpillars and butterflies or moths, as well as other creatures that undergo profound physical changes as they mature.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Soghter's primary interest is the way that living beings change naturally over time. It is fascinated by the way that a creature transforms from being young and inexperienced to being old and wise. It adores the &quot;ceremonies of life&quot; - the way mortals mark the transition from one life-stage to another, both for the effect they have on the individual undergoing the change and the way they affect other mortals. The change from child to youth to adult to elder to death is endlessly absorbing for Soghter.<br /> <br /> It emphasizes the idea that only personal experience is relevant, and disdains the relevance of instruction whether by another person or via books. To have value, Soghter believes every lesson must include practical hands-on experience, and that creature learn most profoundly by ''doing'' rather than my ''listening''. It encourages people, especially young people, to take risks and seek our new experiences regardless of the concerns of their elders or peers and for this reason exposure of the young to Soghter must be carefully monitored.<br /> <br /> The Eternal itself appears to be a creature of cycles, progressing from one state to another and then returning to the start again. Some scholars have commented that Soghter shifts in personality in a predictable sequence from child-like wonder to passionate sensate to enigmatic riddler to seeker-of-mysteries, and then back to the beginning again. It denies this cycle exists, claiming that it lives in the moment and it is ''always'' the way it is at the moment. Some magicians claim Soghter is completely insane by human standards.<br /> <br /> Soghter is fascinated by death, seeing it as a profound transformation from one state to another rather than an end. Indeed, as a Night Eternal Soghter appears unable to accept the idea of something coming to an end. Several times it has asked to observe someone passing from life into death, and is said to find the experience profoundly moving - as being in the presence of the most absolute enigma in existence. <br /> <br /> Change is fundamental to Soghter, but it is primarily interested in the way living creatures change. It loves the moment of enlightenment that comes when someone understands a riddle, the way the heart quickens when a creature realises it is in love and the way that mortal beings change completely between one meeting and the next.<br /> <br /> All the Night Eternals have an affection for those with [[naga]] blood, but Soghter seems to extend this affection to beings of all lineages.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Soghter offers boons of transformation, whether temporary or permanent. One of its sought-after boons is the ''shedding of skin'', a gift it offers to those who wish to completely re-invent themselves. The recipient tears away their own skin, revealing a new being underneath. Often this being has the [[naga]] lineage, but depending on the transformation they seek any or all other details of their life may have been entirely changed - memories, skills, goals, personality, curses, illness, injury ... anything.<br /> <br /> Its aid is not always useful. Soghter is a champion of the idea that any obstacle can be overcome by changing oneself, and this is sometimes frustrating. It may suggest that a village threatened by bandits move. ... or transform into sparrows, or become bandits themselves, rather than that they take action against the bandits. In one story, Soghter 'helped' a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] vale survive a flood by turning everyone in the village into salmon. <br /> <br /> It has several times offered 'help' to those who have become trapped in stasis or stagnation - one memorable story speaks of an occasion when a [[The Marches magical traditions#Threshers|Thresher]] lured an immortal sorcerer into Soghter's domain and without pause it 'released' the wicked magician from the trap of its immortality by transforming her into a cloud of butterflies.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Sadogua&diff=26105 2014-05-13T10:44:23Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Night==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Sadogua is most commonly known as the ''Brother of Wizards''; the Eternal claims to be male, although this does not prevent him from taking on female guises when the mood strikes.<br /> <br /> Sadogua likes grand titles, and collects them. He clearly enjoys being flattered, especially when the flattery is amusing. Common sobriquets include the ''Toad King'', the ''Black Beast'', ''Wyrm-King'' or the ''Father of Bats''. He is sometimes referred to as the ''Glutton'', the ''Lazy'' or the ''Black Sloth'' - names that he appears to find amusing rather than offensive. His associations with the rune [[Diras]] occasionally lead to him being called ''Shuttered Lantern'' (although this can cause confusion with all the other meanings for that phrase). The [[Hakima]] Isobella i Javos i Guerra dubbed him ''Eater of Secrets'' due to his observed habit of consuming written secrets and mysteries.<br /> <br /> In the [[Sumaah Republic]] he is called &quot;''Forfører''&quot; which translates roughly as 'seducer', while the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] call him &quot;''Patrícia preto''&quot; which seems to mean 'the black patrician'. In [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] they often call him &quot;''Wujek Sadogua''&quot; which means 'uncle Sadogua'.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Sadogua makes no bones about the fact that he is a ''wyrm'' (that is, his true form is that of a wingless lizard as distinct from the serpent-form Night Eternals who possess feathered wings). As with other wyrms, this tends to mean that the Brother of Wizards is more earthy and concerned with practical matters than the more cerebral and philosophical serpents such as [[Soghter]]. It is extremely rare to meet Sadogua in anything approaching his 'true form' however - as with most Night Eternals he loves to change his shape.<br /> <br /> His most common appearance is as a rotund, jolly humanoid, sometimes with [[naga]] features. He often incorporates elements of toad, bear or bat into his form and on more than one occasion has appeared with orc-like characteristics. The only constant is a golden chain, which may be worn around the neck, wrist, waist or ankle and seems to shift it's appearance as readily as it's master does. He almost always has a [[Magic overview#Implements|wand, staff or rod]] to hand and regularly consults divinatory devices such as crystal spheres or runes.<br /> <br /> While Sadogua generally appears lazy, self-indulgent, lustful, avaricious and gluttonous it is dangerous to underestimate him. Several magicians have warned that this genial appearance is almost certainly a mask to conceal deeper and darker motivations. Ultimately, he seems committed to the supremacy of magicians. While it is unlikely his every action is motivated by a desire to advance the status of magicians, it is certainly his overriding goal.<br /> <br /> Sadogua is almost never encountered alone; he is gregarious and affable, and usually has at least two Heralds - which he refers to as his Children. Questions about where these Children come from are always deflected. Some scholars have pointed out that a number of them bear naga features. These Children reflect the personality of Sadogua - they tend to be curious, friendly and prone to self-indulgence. Most also possess magical abilities.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Sadogua likes secrets, but does not obsessively collect them like some Eternals of the Realm of Night; he appears to view them as useful tools in games of intrigue and manipulation rather than things that have value in themselves. He is often openly contemptuous of the [[Whisper Gallery]] and other beings who value secrets as discrete items. Many magicians have reported that he ''eats'' secrets - the more scandalous they are, the more flavoursome he finds them. It is not clear if this is a metaphor or if the Eternal gains sustenance from doing so. <br /> <br /> He is usually eating - and is said to offer additional favour to anyone who shares food or drink with him or his Children. He is likewise known to enjoy pleasant company, verbal interplay, gossip and romance. He enjoys games of skill and chance, but more for the pleasure of playing (and, allegedly, the chance to learn about his opponents) than from any drive to win. Few things make him angry - denigration of magicians appears to be one of the few things likely to raise his ire; blatant disrespect annoys him; and anything that forces him to waste energy or tire himself out can make him exceptionally irritable.<br /> <br /> He loves to serve as a patron of the arts, especially musicians and poets. He is also known to be an especial fan of the culinary arts, and the arts of the brewer. While he is gluttonous and avaricious, he is not selfish - artists and chefs are likely to receive the benefit of his largesse in the form of small boons in recognition of their skill.<br /> <br /> He is known to dislike priests of [[The Way|Way]], with the exception of the priests of [[Prosperity]]. During the reign of [[Empress Teleri]] he was the subject of a [[Conclave session#Declaration of Enmity|Declaration of Enmity]] that was not repealed until 132YE. The foundation of this Enmity is unclear, and he will not speak of it, but it is assumed to have involved magicians from the [[Sevenfold Path]]. Since that time, he has presented a more appealing face to those magicians who follow the Way, although his sincerity is very much in question. On rare occasions when he has expressed an opinion,he has dismissed the Way - and indeed most forms of religion - as 'unnecessary restraints'. He is known to be more tolerant toward the heterodox faith of the [[Asavean Archipelago]].<br /> <br /> At the end of the day, Sadogua appears to firmly believe that magic and magicians should be promoted at all times. Magic allows the individual to change the world. and magicians wield that power. Mundane humans are parochial, limited, restricted and ultimately boring. Anything that restricts magic or the freedom of magicians is anathema to Sadogua, and should be swept aside. Magicians are the only people fit to lead their fellow humans, and magic is the only tool that anyone need ever master. It has unlimited versatility, and in time it can solve almost any problem - and the problems it cannot solve are inconsequential. While he favours the Lore of Night over the other Lores, he is a rare Eternal who sees value in mastery of any form of magic, and actively encourages magicians to seek out their own path to power.<br /> <br /> Sadogua is prone to complicated enmities, and another uncommon quality is his awareness of and keen interest in Eternals of other realms. He is known to dislike the Eternals [[Meraud]], [[Kimus]], [[Basileus Kade]] and [[Wise Rangara]] and appears to view them as 'rivals' for the affection of the Empire's magicians. For unknown reasons he appears to be deathly afraid of the [[Leviathan]], and will do nothing that might incur that Eternals wrath. Other Eternals tend to be viewed with a measure of amused contempt.<br /> <br /> The [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[Magister]] Zenobia daughter of Jocasta warned that Sadogua not only lies constantly, but that he actively encouraged [[Religious Crimes#idolatry|idolatry]] and [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|anarchy]]. These claims have been repeated by numerous critics down through the ages. Sadogua and his allies rarely bother to respond to such claims. The [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] naga [[The Brass Coast religious beliefs|sutannir]] Daniego i Casiddia i Riqueza pointed out in response to Zenobia's claims that what Sadogua definitely does is encourage [[Pride]] and [[Ambition]] in the Empire's magicians, as well as being a staunch supporter of the virtue of [[Prosperity]] (for all that he encourages magicians to find easy ways to solve their problems).<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Sadogua may be greedy, but he is not selfish. He appears to enjoy giving small tokens of his approval to those who entertain or assist him. These tokens are usually physical in nature, and commonly take the form of exotic flavours of mana, potions and other consumables, and trinkets that aid with or duplicate the effectiveness of magical spells of all sorts. Those who advance his agenda or assist him in some significant way receive more lasting gifts, but again he would rather give someone an object than invest them with any portion of his power.<br /> <br /> He appears to be a master of the Lore of Night, with wide-randing abilities to enhance or empower the performance of almost any ritual. He has a special fondness for both the [[Spell list#Night Pouch|night pouch]] incantation and the [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]] ritual - things that conceal treasured items, rather than magic that conceals or reveals secrets, seem to be especially dear to him.<br /> <br /> He often engages in trades with magicians, and is known to have an insatiable desire for [[Materials#Iridescent gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] - often quite literally eating measures and ingots of these materials with every sign of gusto.<br /> <br /> He loves to promote magic. Rituals such as [[Missive for Sadogua]] draw on his power directly - he is slightly more likely than other Eternals to bind himself to a ritual promise if he can be convinced that doing so will offer assistance to many magicians without requiring too much actual activity from the lazy Eternal.<br /> <br /> Several magicians have mentioned that Sadogua is comparatively easy to manipulate, not least because he enjoys giving gifts and receiving praise. He rarely becomes angry if he is tricked, seeming to take it in good part and praise the cleverness of an opponent who has bested him in some way. Magicians are not advised to take his good nature for granted, however, and occasional he treasures gained from Sadogua have proved to possess unpleasant curses or side-effects.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Murit&diff=26104 2014-05-13T10:43:50Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Night==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most often Murit is known as the &quot;''Shaper''&quot; thanks to its frequent association with artisans. <br /> <br /> It is also commonly known as the &quot;''Dragonsmith''&quot;, partly due to its common appearance and partly due to its propensity for constructing powerful creatures in the same way it apparently constructs objects. In parts of [[Wintermark]] and [[The Marches]] it is known as the &quot;''Night-forge''&quot;, although that name is used interchangeably to refer to the domain that Murit claims in the Realm of Night. Some [[Kallavesi]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Mystics|mystics]] and [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] know it as the ''Silver Kettle'' and invoke its name when mixing complex potions. It is also sometimes called the ''All-consuming-fire'' in reference to the way the changes it fosters and the miracles it creates can be as destructive as they can be inspiring.<br /> <br /> Along with [[Soghter]], Murit is known as the ''Azoth'' after a theoretical alchemical compound that enacts miraculous transformations - magicians performing rituals such as [[The Eight-spoked Wheel]], [[The Retrograde Wheel]] and [[Distill the Serpent's Stone]] often evoke the name during their transformations. Some scholars suggest that Murit and Soghter are lovers or siblings; others maintain that they are actually different facets of the same entity. Neither Eternal seems inclined to discuss their relationship, if any, but a few alchemical treatises contain images of the two serpents wrapped around each other as illustrations of the way disparate substances can be combined together to create new materials.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Murit is believed to be a winged serpent, with scales of gold and sapphire and feathered wings resembling beautifully coloured glass. Evidence for this appearance seems entirely anecdotal, based on descriptions by Heralds; no Imperial magician has reported actually encountering Murit in this form. As with all Night Eternals, Murit is a consummate shapeshifter and it most often appears as a saurian humanoid with backwards sweeping horns and feathers, usually clad in a long skirt or kilt and carrying an item emblematic of its interest in crafting - usually either a large smith's hammer, or a pestle-and-mortar. It may appear to be male or female, and as with many Night Eternals gender appears to have little meaning to this shapeshifting crafter.<br /> <br /> Humanoid Heralds of Murit often appear as strongly-lineaged Naga. Murit is also known to create artefacts that seem to possess many of the qualities of a Herald - odd magical powers, a personality and specific agendas. These 'living artefacts' are often released into the world, where they can cause great disruption - some form symbiotic relationships with mortal wielders, while others are said to entirely dominate weak willed wielders. Murit seems to view these items as its children, and is known to take a dim view of those who destroy them.<br /> <br /> Murit is also known to create unique one-of-a-kind creatures. It seems to see little distinction between creating a great emerald dragon that vomits gouts of vitriol and a delicate songbird that sings in the voice of a harp. While Murit is occasionally accused of creating creatures such as the [[Legendary beasts#Mandowla|mandowla]], its refusal to revisit earlier works means that these entities invariably remain one-of-a-kind rather than spawning entire species. Unfortunately, they also tend to be naturally immortal unless killed and in the past this has caused problems when they have slipped into the mortal realm. Murit seems to feel little responsibility for their actions.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> The dragonsmith is fascinated by the way that two things can be combined to create a new thing, greater than the sum of the parts. It is especially interested in miraculous transformations that result from the union of mundane substances or situations. The arts of the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]] and the [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] are of especial interest to Murit, as is the magical pursuit of mortal alchemy. It is also endlessly fascinated by the changes that can occur when individuals come together, and the way meetings between people can cascade to create profound transformations in the world for good or ill.<br /> <br /> Murit's fascination with change and transformation is entirely devoid of a moral component; it sees no difference between a great change that slaughters hundreds and one that exalts them. It often seems to be the magnitude of the change that it finds fascinating, not the implications for those changes. <br /> <br /> Like many Night Eternals, Murit adores art and artists. A timeless piece of art can transform those who look on it, inspiring them to creation of their own. It is a little less interested in the artists themselves, believing that the work itself and the way others perceive it is more interesting than the intent or design of the artist. To Murit, a heartfelt song in a faltering voice that brings a tear to the eye is more 'beautiful' than a technically brilliant sculpture.<br /> <br /> Murit is known to despise trade, and those who sell the fruits of their labour are disdained by this enigmatic Eternal. The creations of artifice, magic and apothecary should be regarded as an end result in themselves, or freely given with no expectations to assist allies, to destroy enemies, or simply for the unfettered joy of seeing the changes that they enact on the world as they move through it. Obviously this can make it difficult to gain a boon from Murit as it will rarely name a simple payment for a task.<br /> <br /> The night-forge is a being driven by novelty; all of its creations are unique. Murit has no interest in recreating a past creation, and is offended by requests that it does so. It considers itself an artist, and believes that no true artist should repeat its work. <br /> <br /> While most Eternals have little interest in the inhabitants of other Realms, Murit is known to actively oppose many of the powers of the Autumn Realm. It has several times worked directly against the schemes of Eternals such as [[Basileus Kade]], [[Callidus]] and [[Ephisis]] but reserves special distaste for the forgemistress [[Estavus]] which it seems to view as the epitome of small-minded industry. Unable to directly oppose their aims, it is forced to work through proxies. Some magicians have enlisted Murit intentionally with stories of the plans of these Eternals, and Murit revels in the opportunity to disrupt their designs.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> The most common boons Murit grants are those that make it easier to transform elements and materials, or assist in the practice of alchemy, artisan or apothecary. Its gifts often bring with them a burning drive to create new things, and there are stories of artisans who have literally worked themselves to death in pursuit of a new masterwork.<br /> <br /> Murit also likes to introduce new creatures and individuals to each other and observe their reactions. In this vein, it is also known to entrust some of its artefact-Heralds to mortals, on the understanding they will protect them and introduce them to new situations.<br /> <br /> The Empire is fascinating to Murit; the way a powerful structure has arisen from a foundation of different nations and people. However, the Empire has been in existence for nearly four centuries now and some [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stagazers]] have suggested that Murit may be becoming bored with the relative stability of Imperial life. While Murit is not malignant, they allege that the ''all-consuming-fire'' has begun questing around for interesting 'new elements' to introduce to the Empire in a quest to see what happens. These same magicians suggest that Murit has set in motion several strategems aimed at undermining the [[Imperial Bourse]], although they are unwilling or unable to provide specifics.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Lashonar&diff=26103 2014-05-13T10:43:27Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Night==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Lashonar is most commonly called ''Gibbering Lashonar'' or ''Lashonar the Loquacious''.<br /> <br /> It has a number of other names, and seems to make titles up for itself whenever the fancy takes it. Previous examples include ''Guardian of the Southern Skies'', ''Keeper of the Gates of Wisdom'', ''Eater-of-Silence'', ''Speaker in Dreams'' and ''Conscience-of-Kings''.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Lashonar.jpg|title=Picture from Beth Nichol|caption=Lashonar loves pictures of itself|align=right|width=336|height=450}}<br /> Lashonar is a serpent - a sinuous body with great feathered wings who seems at home in the air or on the ground. It is very rare indeed to encounter Lashonar in this shape. Like all Eternals of Night it is a clever shapeshifter and takes on other forms as the mood takes it. The two most common appearances are as a colourfully-dressed bird-like man or woman usually clad in the style of [[The League]] or [[The Brass Coast]], or as a wall of shifting colours that speaks with several voices.<br /> <br /> To say Lashonar is talkative would be an understatement of epic proportions. It is almost constantly speaking, humming, whistling or making some other quiet noise. It flicks from subject to subject erratically, and appears to have a very short attention span - but is capable of suddenly circling back round to surprise those it is talking to with sudden insights or queries.<br /> <br /> When meeting with Lashonar a magician is warned to be careful to avoid direct questions, especially questions to which the only appropriate answers are 'yes' and 'no'. Lashonar reacts unpredictably to questioning; general queries such as &quot;''How are you?''&quot; or those relating to opinion or supposition such as &quot;''Why do you think that is?''&quot; are usually safe. Specific questions are dangerous - one [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] was struck with a malediction that forced them to verbalise their innermost thoughts as a consequence of asking Lashonar exactly why it was interested in a certain bard.<br /> <br /> Heralds of Lashonar often have a bird-like appearance, and many have a reputation for being petty thieves. They are generally as loquacious as the Conscience-of-Kings, and tend to view visits to the mortal Realm as an amusing holiday rather than a serious duty..<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Lashonar exists to communicate, and is quite capable of conversing with itself if it has nobody to talk to. Indeed Lashonar has been observed arguing both sides of a question with equal vigour, and occasionally creates duplicates that appear to house variant personalities, simply for the joy of being able to engage in multiple conversations at once. Lashonar is often characterised as insane, but this is unfair - rather its mind operates very differently from that of a human and it is simply trying to vocalise the many insights that assail it every moment.<br /> <br /> All forms of active communication are important to Lashonar. It is largely disinterested in written communications with the exception of letters (especially love letters) which it is believed to eat after it has read them. It adores singing, poetry, storytelling and drama; furious debates; gossip and rumour; and the solving of mysteries. It loves to hear secrets, but often finds itself at odds with the [[Whisper Gallery]]; where that group of Eternals hoard secrets, Lashonar effectively destroys them by sharing them with all and sundry.<br /> <br /> The Eater-of-Silence loves innuendo, subtle references, double-meanings and clever speakers. It has little time for demagogues, unless they are entertaining, and becomes restive when exposed to monologues. It much prefers the give-and-take of conversation to passive listening. It has an endless capacity for gossip, the more salacious and entertaining the better.<br /> <br /> As with all the winged-serpents, there is a more complex side to Lashonar that is easy to overlook. It encourages others to communicate because it is endlessly fascinated by the ways mortals use words to influence each other, especially how they change the feelings and emotions of others. It loves to hear stories of how people change the attitudes of others, or effect actual changes through speech.<br /> <br /> It actively opposes efforts to restrict communication; its supporters have several times attempted to overturn laws of heresy and blasphemy that restrict speech. The Eternal also dislikes things that restrict free movement - the ability to go to strange places and talk to strange people is a fundamental right of all thinking beings as far as it is concerned. It encourages the creation of embassies, the use of diplomats rather than armies, and the removal of barriers to travel. It's interests in this regard often align with those of the Eternal [[Janon]], who opposes anything that restricts mortal ability to follow their passions; the two are believed to be occasional allies.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Boons from Lashonar almost always include speech, communication or movement. It has been known to grant enchantments that empower inspirational speech, and curses that do everything from encouraging the target to lie constantly to removing their ability to speak above a whisper - or below a shout. Lashonar is also known to possess magical drinks made from fruit and honey that can remove curses or empower orators to gather great congregations.<br /> <br /> It can also grant abilities to travel, and seems to have an affinity for the use of portals matched by few other Eternals.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Janon&diff=26102 2014-05-13T10:42:52Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Night==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Janon is most commonly known as the ''Shadowed Fire''. This ephithet refers to the strong symbolic connection between the Eternal and the rune [[Zorech]], but also to the idea of a fire that warms the body, but provides only a limited amount of light. Some stories credit Janon with the ability to peer out fires that burn low in the presence of lovers, for example, while poets often claim that the shadowed fire is a metaphor for the mortal spirit, whence comes all passion.<br /> <br /> Like many Night Eternals, Janon collects names to itself. Some artists call it the ''Muse of Fire'' and claim the inspiration it brings can come at the price of health or sanity. It is variously called ''Firebrand'' and ''Torchbearer'' - it encourages anyone with strong philosophical, political or social stances to express their causes without fear of censure.<br /> <br /> The Faraden call it the ''Night Sword'' and claim that it sometimes offers boons to those who give up everything in the name of vengeance (indeed, there is said to be a ritual specifically designed to sever a Faraden vengeance-seeker for their past that involves burning symbols and mementos of the life they leave behind in pursuit of justice). <br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Javon appears proud of the fact that it is a ''wyrm'' (that is, it's true form is that of a wingless lizard as distinct from the serpent-form Night Eternals who possess feathered wings such as [[Sung]]). As with other wyrms, this tends to mean that the Shadowed Fire is more earthy and concerned with practical matters than the more cerebral and philosophical serpents such as [[Soghter]]. Janon is rarely encountered in anything approaching it's 'true form' however - as with most Night Eternals it loves to change it's shape. Old stories suggest it's true form is that of a ruby-red lizard with patches of golden scales, who glows like the embers of a banked fire.<br /> <br /> The Shadowed Fire puts on bodies in the way a human might put on a suit of clothes. It is known to claim that a body, like a sword or a harp, is nothing more than a tool. It should be honed, of course, but the body is not the person - the person is the burning spirit shaped by passion, that hides inside. Since the [[Imperial Orcs]] became part of the Empire, Janon has increasingly been seen adopting the form of an orc.<br /> <br /> The Heralds of Janon usually refer to themselves as members of it's band - as it's companions. The only constant among them is that they tend to be easy-going, open with their emotions and passions, and capable of reckless action at the drop of a hat.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Janon burns with passion, and encourages others to be like it is. Inevitably, this passion sometimes takes the form of carnal pursuits - Janon is known to be prone to regular infatuations with mortals from all walks of life. However, it would be foolish - perhaps even dangerous - to assume that Janon is a dissolute rake. It encourages all passions equally - it is as likely to help someone take vengeance on a hated enemy as to help a general rouse her shattered troops before a battle, or encourage an uncertain senator to make a landmark speech about a contentious topic.<br /> <br /> It is known to have a love-hate relationship with followers of [[The Way|Way]]. It encourages mortals to embrace their passions, and several times it has worked through allies in the [[Sevenfold Path]] [[Conclave order]] to give support and inspiration to the priests of [[Ambition]], [[Courage]], [[Loyalty]] and [[Pride]]. Unfortunately, it has also offered succour to cults of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Anarchy|Anarchy]] and [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|Vengeance]]. At various points, it's involvement with such blasphemous or heretical cults has lead to a (usually short-lived) [[Declaration#Declaration_of_Enmity|Declaration of Emnity]]. <br /> <br /> Worse, Janon is known to offer it's aid to the [[Jotun]] barbarians on occasion. It makes little effort to conceal this fact, but as near as agents of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] can tell, it's aid is limited to evocation in a few rituals - the Jotun favour [[Category:Summer_Ritual|more direct magics]] in their battles against the Empire.<br /> <br /> Even when it is not patronizing heretical cults or barbarian enemies of the Empire, Janon is unequivocal in it's belief that passion must be followed despite the constraints of society. Laws that exist to censor, or restrict freedom of expression, are anathema to it. It is said to work occasionally with [[Lashonar]] to encourage mortals to rebel against repressive tyrannies. It's support of individual freedoms is not unilateral - on rare occasions where someone has used the defence of their own freedom as a way to take it away from others, Janon has been known to whip itself into a devastating fury with unfortunate consequences. <br /> <br /> Janon enjoys the company of artists, but also warriors such as the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Kohan|kohan]], political individuals committed to a cause, and anyone with an interesting obsession<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Janon encourages people to follow their passions. It is said to have the capacity to recognise people with [[Heroic_skills#Hero_Points|reserves of inner strength]]; it is known to be able to revitalise those reserves, stoke their power and even occasionally give boons that let mortals use their heroic passions in different or more effective ways in pursuit of their driving ambitions. Consequently, it is often evoked during rituals such as [[Embrace the Living Flame]] or [[Still Waters, Running Deep]].<br /> <br /> The touch of the Eternal is known to create powerful enchantments similar to [[Freedom of the Soul]], [[Secrets of the Empty Heart]] or [[Unfettered Anarchy]] as it deems appropriate. It also has some ability to free individuals from the imposition of unwanted passions or obsessions, especially those that come from curses.<br /> <br /> Janon apparently loves [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], and those seeking it's aid sometimes offer gifts crafted from these materials.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Ylenwe&diff=26101 2014-05-13T10:41:54Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Day==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Ylenrith (sometimes ''Ylenrath'') is called the ''Swan''.<br /> <br /> Unlike many other Eternals, Ylenrith does not have many other common names; the only one used with any regularity is ''the Pure'' but the Eternal is known to dislike the use of this term. It is also occasionally known as the ''Eternal Flame'' and the ''Pure Morning'' and responds more positively to these sobriquets.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Ylenrith (''Il-LEN-rith'') appears as a humanoid, often with strong [[merrow]] characteristics. It is neither female nor male, although it's physical form may suggest elements of either or both genders. It is usually dressed simply in a single pale colour, often white, light green or soft pastel blues. It usually wears a cloak of white feathers, and a belt of silver scales. It always speaks quietly, never raising it's voice except to sing.<br /> <br /> As with [[Roshanwe]] the Eternal is said to make it's home at the point where they ocean of the Realm of Day rises to touch the sky. Also like Roshanwe, it expressed emotions such as bittersweet joy and quiet sadness in a way that is comprehensible to humans. While it is clearly a creature with great emotional depth, it rarely expresses those emotions - and when it does it does so through the medium of song.<br /> <br /> Ylenrith claims that it never lies - that lying creates unnecessary dissonance - but this claim is difficult to substantiate.<br /> <br /> The Swan is often accompanied by one or two Heralds; they are generally either musicians or mathematicians and some observers have suggested that they treat Ylenrith with a kind of restrained awe or worship that can be slightly unsettling.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Ylenrith is strongly associated with concepts of purity and harmony. Focus, clarity calm and reason are all powerful touchstones as far as Ylenrith is concerned, and all suffering is caused by moving away from these principles. Lies, sickness, ignorance, drugs, passion, desire, fear and anger are all the same thing - impure, dangerous things that weigh down the spirits of living beings and lead them to harm themselves and others.<br /> <br /> It is a consummate musician, and regularly expounds the idea that true communication takes place only through music (and occasionally through dance). The Swan appears to believe that spoken and written language impedes, rather than promotes, communication and suggests that it might be a dead end that encourages division rather than harmony. When individuals make music together their spirits briefly move into alignment with each other and with the greater scheme of things - they become a metaphor for the power of unity without sacrificing individual identity. <br /> <br /> Emotions and passions expressed through music are 'harnessed' to the will of the musicians, and allow for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharsis catharsis] without which they can overwhelm the good sense of an individual and cause them harm. Ylenrith teaches that it is not wrong to feel things strongly, but that unless powerful emotions are carefully controlled they can lead to suffering and dissonance. By expressing them through music, they can be experienced in a contained and ordered way and provide strength and spiritual communion, rather than encouraging selfishness and disharmony.<br /> <br /> Ylenrith encourages magicians to practice their magic with music - even the passionate dancing of the [[The Brass Coast magical traditions|hakima]] - and especially favours magicians who employ the [[Music of the spheres]] in their rituals.<br /> <br /> Finally, music is also used as the gateway to Ylenrith's only true passion; mathematics. She firmly believes that the study of mathematics is the only 'pure' discipline, and that through it every truth of existence can be expressed in an elegant, simple and above-all truthful way. Mortals who study mathematics as more than &quot;''the physics of bottlecaps''&quot; are of great interest to Ylenrith.<br /> <br /> This Eternal is also fascinated by medicine. Through understanding how mortal beings are built, one can restore harmony, purity and wholeness to them. It encourages healers to explore and embrace advances in medical sciences, moving away from superstition and tradition towards a true understanding not only of how living things are formed and operate, but from there to a greater undestanding of the world around them.<br /> <br /> She is closely associated with the rune [[Cavul]]. She is strongly associated with pure water and a form of magical fire - which she calls ''the true flame'' - that can consume almost anything without producing smoke or soot, or leaving ashes behind.<br /> <br /> Ylenrith is viewed with some suspicion by followers of the [[The Way|Way]]. She makes no effort to conceal her disdain for the auras created through [[Religious skills#Consecration|consecrate]], [[Religious skills#Hallow|hallowing]] and [[Religious skills#Anointing|anointing]]. Some religious magicians further point to the way that her Heralds seem to encourage worship of Ylenrith, and warn that her philosophy and boons may represent an attempt to spread [[Religious_Crimes#Idolatry|idolatrous]] worship of an Eternal to the Empire. They also point to the tranquility she seeks to promulgates as being no different to the malign spiritual presence of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Peace|peace]] which ultimately robs humanity of it's drive to strive and leads to stagnation and death.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Ylenrith can remove almost any strong passion, alleviate pain, and grant [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul|clarity and clear-thinking]], especially though the [[The Solace of Chimes|use of music]]. In the same way she can help purify a mind, she can purify physical things, [[Distillation of Diverse Parts|separating potions into their component parts]], turning wine into water and fruit juice, [[Ascetic Star of Atun| cleansing infection and disease]] and similar effects. While most of her boons focus on the small scale, she has also been known to offer aid in purifying tainted water sources up to the size of large lakes or entire rivers. <br /> <br /> In the past Ylenrith has also demonstrated the ability to permanently remove [[lineage]] from an individual, although the process is apparently extremely painful and on at least one occasion has proved fatal.<br /> <br /> She can also sometimes be prevailed on to grant boons related to the ''true flame'' with which she is associated. The fire can consume anything found in the mortal world except [[Materials#Ilium|ilium]] (and [[artefacts|things made with ilium]]) which do not even become warm when exposed to it. This represents one of the dangers of receiving the boons of Ylenrith - the act of purification can sometimes prove more damaging than allowing corruption to run it's course. <br /> <br /> On one occasion, Ylenrith was asked to help remove a curse from an area of forest that was causing [[Mundane_beasts#Iridescent Butterfly|iridescent butterflies]] to poduce horribly tainted [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. With some reluctance she agreed. She instructed the magicians involved to set fire to the trees at the heart of the forest, and the ensuring conflagration consumed every living and unliving thing within five miles of the central point, without producing a thimbleful of smoke. The curse was alleviated, but to this day no plant larger than tall grass will grow in the area.<br /> <br /> She sometimes offers her boons through consumable items (usually clear water) or enchanted musical instruments.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Kimus&diff=26100 2014-05-13T10:41:07Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Day==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> The most common name for Kimus is the ''Unblinking Eye'', a name of which the Eternal apparently approves.<br /> <br /> As with many Eternals, especially those of the Realm of Day, Kimus has no true gender. It is often referred to as female, but concepts such as this seem to have minimal relevance for this being. It is sometimes called ''The Celestial Eye'', ''She Who Watches'', the ''Thousand Eyes of the Sun and Moon'', the ''Glass of the Heavens'', and the ''Seer Clad in Veils of Light'' <br /> <br /> In Asavea, it is often called &quot;''del sátrapa de la aurora''&quot;, or 'the satrap of dawn.' Some texts refer to Kimus as the ''High Mandarin'', the ''First Minister'' or the ''Grand Vizier'' and suggest that it is a subject or agent of [[Sinokenon]]. These texts usually reference a very old [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] scroll called ''''A chave e o portão''&quot; which claims to detail secrets of the Eternals of the Realm of Day. There is little evidence for the claim that Kimus is in any way subservient to Sinokenon, and modern scholars largely discount these claims - although all such claims are made in texts that reference ''A chave e o portão'' - no copies of the original scroll are known to exist outside the archipelago. .<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Kimus is usually perceived as a statuesque figure wrapped in white and lemon-yellow veils. It is invariably blindfolded, or it's face concealed by a featureless mask. Rather than being blind, Kimus sees through it's thousand eyes - globes of glass, crystal or fire that burn with an unequenchable light and can move independently of their mistress. Whenever it is encountered, it is always surrounded by an aura of piercing white light that can damage the eyes of the unwary, or those who look directly at it.<br /> <br /> Kimus rarely moves; the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanters|Enchanter]] Rasiyon de Tiron suggested that it may simply be a construct or image created by the floating eyes that are the true form of Kimus. It's voice is described as calm, clear and piercing. The only emotions it seems to manifest are anger and curiosity - magicians who have interacted with it claim that it tends to speak in statements, as if describing how the world was, is or will be if the one it is speaking to does as it is instructed.<br /> <br /> As with many of the Eternals of the Realm of Day, Kimus has a number of Heralds and attendants who are usually referred to as [[#Viziers|viziers]]. When they visit the mortal realm they are invariably accompanied by a scrying device through which Kimus can observe their surroundings. When encountered in the Realm of Day, audiences with these Viziers will invariably be observed by one or more eyes of Kimus.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> <br /> Kimus proposes a two-fold philosophy. First, only those things which are directly observed can be proven to have occurred, but that the act of observation changes both the events observed and the observer itself. Second, it claims that that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solipsism only the existence of the self] (in this case, Kimus) is sure - the existence of all other things is unsure. It does not attempt to conceal this philosophy, and encourages mortals to think about, explore and challenge the implications of it's belief.<br /> <br /> The thousand eyes (the exact number is unknown) allow Kimus to observe multiple events simultaneously, and from multiple viewpoints. It has an insatiable desire to observe events, especially events of significance (although how Kimus defines significance has yet to be determined), but it also sees value in 'experiencing' individuals who have perceived such events - through audiences and discussions. Second-hand information is much less interesting to Kimus; only personal, first-hand accounts truly interest this powerful Eternal.<br /> <br /> According to the [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer|stargazer]] Ilitan of Mirrorfalls, Kimus repeatedly demonstrates the ability to perceive events before they happen - in his treatise ''The Moving Moment'' he claimed that Kimus does not see existence the same way other beings do, and simultaneously perceives a short distance into both the past and the present. She tried to explain this perception in more detail, but her treatise is considered entirely incomprehensible apart from some references to the idea that it is easier to observe something when one is apart from it, rather than within it. Other scholars suggest Kimus' uncanny ability to predict important events stems more from a it's ability to perform thousands of calculations simultaneously, extrapolating potential future scenarios from present conditions with superhuman capacity. <br /> <br /> Of further interest to Kimus is the way that individuals (which may or may not be extensions of Kimus' own mind) are changed by or react to the events they observe - or do not observe. An individual who sees a loved one killed and hunts down the killers fascinates Kimus, but so does one who does not directly witness the events and acts on second-hand knowledge.<br /> <br /> This Eternal is also fascinated by the idea of understanding. By observing, studying, experimenting with and thinking about something, an individual can understand that thing - and gain power over it. An individual that understands the whole of creation can set itself ultimately apart from and above creation, assuming a new order of being. Kimus claims that the first step to understanding is perception - that an individual can only ever hope to gain true understanding of (and thus wield true power over) something they can perceive clearly.<br /> <br /> Both the Empire and the [[Commonwealth]] are of special interest to Kimus because they actively aspire to understand the truths of creation. Older nations, such as Asavea or the [[Principalities of Jarm]] tend to try and find shortcuts to true undersatnding - they seek power for it's own sake, or accept received wisdom, rather than striving for true understanding.<br /> <br /> Ultimately, Kimus' deep concern with ideas of perception and understanding, and fostering them in others, means that it often serves as a patroness of magicians, especially the more restrained members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] [[Conclave order|order]]. It is known to have little patience for the [[Shuttered Lantern]] order; in the past it has expressed frustration at their tendency to pursue 'knowledge rather than understanding' and 'power rather than clarity'. <br /> <br /> Unlike many Eternals, Kimus has an interest in practitioners of the [[The Way|Way]], especially those who meditate on the virtues of [[Wisdom]] and [[Vigilance]]. Rasiyon de Tion suggested that ultimately Kimus wishes to understand the nature of the soul as much as any pilgrim of the way, and that it forms a key piece in this Eternal's wider scheme to understand and encompas the whole of existence.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Kimus is a powerful diviner. It can perform potent acts of scrying, observing distant events as they are happening. It often has first-hand knowledge of significant events from all over the world. It has little interest in the future or the past, except as they are extensions of the present. It can provide boons that empower divination; most commonly in the form of a sphere or ball of glass or crystal which focus the mind and allow the performance of rituals such as [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] or [[The Eye of the High Places]]. Boons from Kimus can also enhance understanding - rituals such as [[Clear Lens of the Eternal River]] and [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] allow magicians to observe and gain information using senses normally denied to mortals and Kimus may occasionally grant boons associated with them or with similar powers.<br /> <br /> Divination is not the only concern of Kimus however; it is closely tied to concepts of light and force, and claims to have great understanding of the physical forces that make up creation. As a consequence, it is capable of directing large amounts of focused magical energy to harm or protect. It can cause blindness, for example, as well as removing that condition. It can [[Magic_overview#REPEL|repel]] or [[Magic_overview#PARALYSIS|paralyse]] mortals - indeed, the ritual [[Kimus' Glaring Eye]] makes good use of this ability, and it's name is sometimes evoked when casting [[Revelatory Light of the Empyrean Spheres]]. The ability to focus the revelatory light has also been used several times to perform an extremely potent version of [[Piercing Light of Revelation]] - Kimus is said to despise glamours, obfuscation and illusion, burning them away with the irresistible light of it's gaze. <br /> <br /> The crystalline spheres that Kimus lends to magicians might actually be a form of it's thousand eyes. On the few occasions when one of the spheres was broken or shattered there was often an explosion of magical energy that threw those nearby to the ground, stunned them or blinded them. <br /> <br /> Very occasionally Kimus will grant a crystalline rod or staff to one of it's agents that grants mastery of violent energy such as that used in the [[Spell list#Repel|repel]] incantation. Such [[Magic_overview#Implements|implements]] are considered powerful boons and are often given only in return for a significant gift of [[Materials#weltsilver|weltsilver]], a substance which Kimus appears to value very highly.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;Rasiyon de Tiron recorded in his journals the experience of 'focusing' the light of Kimus during a battle against the [[Druj]] in the Malum. <br /> <br /> In his account, Kimus agreed to help remove a shroud of madness and nightmares woven by the monstrous Ghulai Tithuman but requied Rasiyon to seve as an &quot;anchor&quot; for it's power. At a key moment. the Dawnish enchanter evoked Kimus' name through a rune carved into his forehead, and a shaft of blinding light struck the magician and every living thing nearby, blinding them and tearing assunder the potent ritual Ghulai Tithuman had created. According to Rasiyon, he lost consciousness and did not recover for three weeks during which time he apparently suffered inexpessible visions of alien vistas. His Druj opponent was apparently likewise stricken, even though he was half a mile from the battlefield. The stargazer Ilitan of Mirrorfalls made a study of the area fifty years later and discovered lingering (though slowly fading) effects that would make it exceptionally difficult for any magician to work certain forms of [[Shroud_of_Mist_and_Shadow|Night magic]] in the area for decades to come.&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Viziers==<br /> There is a strict hierarchy among the viziers of Kimus. The most powerful are minor Eternals in their own right, and do not leave the Realm of Day. The least powerful are actually Heralds, and these are the entities that serve as Kimus' eyes and ears - and hands - in the material world.<br /> <br /> Viziers often appear with many of the trappings of the [[merrow]], although their skin colouration tends to be paler - often bone white, ivory or lemon-yellow. They are almost always dressed in sumptuous pale-coloued robes, and invariably carry a crystal sphere, orb, staff or rod. Most are competent magicians, and often possess magical abilities related to scrying, detection and the release of crushing force. They are always marked in some fashion with a symbol associated with Kimus - the rune [[Ophis]], the unblinking eye or the constellation of [[The Key and The Lock#The Key|the key]] are most common.<br /> <br /> Both Rasiyon de Timon and Ilitan of Mirrorfalls agreed that Kimus is aware of everything that it's Viziers are aware of, although they disagreed on the specifics. Rassiyon claimed that Kimus knew only generally what was going on with her viziers, while Ilitan claimed the Eternal had complete understanding of everything the Vizier perceived or experienced.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;O, man of Dawn, how I admire you. <br /> <br /> &quot;You perceive barely one fraction of one fraction of what happens in a limited arc to the front of your head. Your hound knows more of the world than you do; it's nose is keener; it's ears keener; every moment it senses a hundred things you cannot imagine; it knows the world around it in a way that would utterly overwhelm you, leave you crying, begging for it to stop.<br /> <br /> &quot;The birds that soar in your skies sense the currents of the wind; they can see a mouse creep through the grass from where they hang amid the clouds; they encompass the invisible threads of your world so profoundly that you do not have the language to understand even if I were capable of expressing it.<br /> <br /> &quot;The spider ... the tree ... the fish ... you are surpassed in every sense by creatures you consider barely aware ... and yet you aspire to master the lore of the heavens, strive to enfold yourself with true understanding of the nature of your existence. <br /> <br /> &quot;O, man of Dawn, you are truly a wonder of creation.&quot;&lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Sinokenon&diff=26099 2014-05-13T10:40:47Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Day==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> According to the Eternals, Sinokenon is a word in an extinct language meaning 'Unity'; some texts refer to Sinokenon as &quot;''Unity''&quot; in another language. <br /> <br /> It is the ''Apex'' and ''The Turning Mirror''; sometimes it is called ''Throne of the Sun'' and at other times ''The Wheel of Light''.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> As with [[Leviathan]], few mortals have actually seen Sinokenon directly. It is most usually encountered as a blinding light and a clear voice, sometimes male and sometimes female. Occasionally magicians have described encounters with a great turning mirror, a shimmering sphere or mass of rings that are in constant motion. Some even speak about encountering a metallic construct or a stern but calm man or woman, usually in the garb of [[Highguard]], [[Urizen]] or [[Navarr]], but most scholars believe these are encounters with mandarins acting on Sinokenon's behalf.<br /> <br /> Most audiences are with the mandarins of Sinokenon, lesser Eternals in their own right who are part of Sinokenon's hierarchical ministry. They often pursue their own agendas, and may send out their own Heralds to deal with mortals.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> <br /> Sinokenon has two main concerns; the creation and operation of hierarchies, and the concept of predictable change. It encourages others to band together, usually into hierarchical societies but not always. While Sinokenon likes defined hierarchies (and clearly believes they are the best social model), it encourages individuals to form communities and create something greater than the sum of the parts.<br /> <br /> Loyalty fascinates it, and it believes that power and responsibility flow in both directions between individuals. The ideal hierarchy has leaders who are responsible to those they lead and those who in turn lead them. The ideal laws are those that encourage behaviour that supports society and shape behaviour, and that promote the good of the many over the needs of the few, or the one.<br /> <br /> It also believes in slow change, the idea that things can approach an ideal state through steady progress. It promotes the idea that sudden change or change for it's own sake is as damaging as stagnation. Perfection is a state that transcends stagnation - something that is ideal no longer needs to change, because it has reached its apex. Sinokenon is known to be fascinated by the Imperial faith and the idea of individual (and thus presumably societal) perfection through multiple reincarnations. <br /> <br /> Sinokenon also encourages the idea that the future can be extrapolated from current or past events. By studying the way events unfold, it is possible to learn to predict what will happen in response to certain other events.<br /> <br /> The Empire is of interest to Sinokenon because it sees in it an aspiration to create an ideal society. It is also known to be fascinated by several foreign nations, especially [[The Commonwealth]] and [[The Sumaah Republic]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> <br /> Sinokenon is adept at creating bonds between individuals, and has special interest in [[Groups#Covens|covens]], [[Groups#Banners|banners]] and other form of [[Groups#Bands|band]]. It seems to dislike temporary co-operation and instead prefers individuals to form groups of increasing size and complexity. It is known to be fascinated by the egregores, which serve as foci to help unite a large group of people. The ''Apex'' is also known to be able to slow or reverse transformations, but also to encourage changes that it considers help an individual move towards their ideal state. <br /> <br /> On a more mundane level, Sinokenon has a great many agents and servitors that form part of it's hierarchy. The mandarins are powerful in their own right, but it is also the Day Eternal most likely to offer the assistance of Eternal troops. It has access to a great deal of information as well, especially about societies, political structures and large-scale events. If it has a weakness it is that it is better at suggesting developments and outcomes in the future than discussing the causes and subtleties of events.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Phaleron&diff=26098 2014-05-13T10:40:07Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Day==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Phaleron is a location, and perhaps also an Eternal. It is usually called ''The Great Library''. <br /> <br /> Occasionally it is called the ''Vault of Phaleron'', ''The Archives of Silence'' or ''The Coral Library''. Parts of the Library are built on the great floating islands that hang in the sky of the Realm of Day, and the entire structure is said to be lit with a sourceless effulgence, both of which have earned it the epithet ''The Celestial Library''.<br /> <br /> The Eternals and Heralds that serve there are universally called the ''Attendants''; they are quick to correct someone who refers to them as ''Librarians''; they attend Phaleron, so they are attendants. <br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> The library is said to be an immense structure built across hundreds of islands of coral and white marble. Stairs and bridges connect the lower levels to the higher levels, and some of the levels are underwater. Parts of the library are isolated entirely from others, reached through shimmering white-coral archways filled with coiling silver mist that transport an attendant across vast distances in the blink of an eye. Some scholars theorize that parts of the Great Library may be in the material Realm itself, and some [[Earl|enchanters]] who have visited the [[regio]] of Day say they have found chambers that appeared to be of white coral, full of scribes or row upon row of scrolls and books.<br /> <br /> The attendants refer to the library as if it is alive, and most scholars agree that Phaleron appears to be an Eternal although how it can be both an Eternal and a building is not clear. Sometimes the context is different; some attendants seem to have implied that Phaleron is the name for the knowledge stored in the library, rather than the building itself, although this is even harder to understand. When asked directly, the attendants tend to shrug, and say that Phaleron is what it is and that it's nature is impossible to encompass in language (which seems to be an evasion, rather than an answer, and leaves some magicians very suspicious indeed).<br /> <br /> Those attendants who deal directly with mortals tend to appear as [[merrow]] in robes, usually with a book chained to their wrist or a series of scrolls sealed and locked to the waist. These books and scrolls apparently record the books and other works and the parts of the library that the attendant is permitted to access. Chains and locks are a common element of the costume or regalia of the attendants and the Heralds that the library sends out into the mortal world.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> <br /> The goal of the Great Library of Phaleron is simple; it seeks to record and contain all knowledge in Creation. At the point where everything is known, everything will be understood. When this happens, the Library will open it's doors and all creatures will be free to partake of the perfect knowledge it contains. Unfortunately, this goal does not seem to be any closer than it was when mortals first encountered the attendants. Some of them appear to recognise this, others appear to live in complete denial, confident that soon their work will be done.<br /> <br /> The Library is not especially interested in ''sharing'' this knowledge, at least not until it is complete. A partial archive would be misleading, some attendants claim. Others mutter darkly about the dangers of letting incomplete knowledge fall into the wrong hands, or the danger posed by thieves or those who wish to exploit knowledge for their own ends. Consequently, the library is very much a place where knowledge is stored, not where it is used or shared.<br /> <br /> The library places greater value on works of fact than works of fiction, but is known to collect both. The ritual [[The Celestial Library]] is a common method for magicians to give a tome or scroll to the Library, but Heralds and Attendants alike are always on the look-out for new works that will expand the sum-total of knowledge held in the achive.<br /> <br /> On occasion, items have been stolen from the Great Library. The Attendants wish to see thieves hunted down and annihilated, and will offer favours for the return of any work stolen from them, no matter how trivial. They are said to be entirely implacable in their pursuit; once something is part of the Library, it is part of the Libary forever.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> <br /> Occasionally, the Attendants will allow a mortal access to information held in the library. If it has been written down in a book, scroll or pamphlet there is a good chance the attendants will either have that information or know where it may be found. In addition to scrolls and books they have great stores of historical records, letters, journals and the like. Gaining access to that information can prove tricky, however. The attendants can be persuaded to copy information from the library, but once a tome has been submitted it is ''never'' available to outsiders to read at their leisure; there will be plenty of time for that when the collection is complete. <br /> <br /> The price to gain information from the library varies, and is very hard to predict. An attendant once required a small fortune in [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] to allow a [[Troubadour]] access to a copy of a love-poem written by [[Dawn history#Joining the Empire|Cien]], while another traded an annotated copy of the [[Revelatory Light of the Empyrean Spheres]] ritual variant devised to [[Emperor Nicovar]] in return for a mathematical treatise by an obscure [[The League|League]] philosopher. Once the price is set it is non-negotiable.<br /> <br /> Rarely an Attendant offers a favour; these favours are usually written on a thin sheet of ivory, and entitle the bearer to request a single piece of written information from any work to which the Attendant has access. Any attendant will honour one of these favours, and no additional price can be charged.<br /> <br /> As well as written works, the attendants at the library seem to desire [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] and [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] for some reason. In addition to information, they can also provide tokens or incantations that support rituals of Day, especially those that deal with divination, protection or immobility.<br /> <br /> ==The Chief Attendants==<br /> There are five Attendants who have especial interest in the Empire and it's works. They have been encountered on numerous occasions, and are regarded as representatives of the Library. Each has a different area of specific concern. Briefly, they are: <br /> <br /> * '''Elioe''' (interested in poetry, stories and legends; a special interest in [[Dawn]] and the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]])<br /> * '''Lioc''' (interested in historical records of the Empire and it's nations; a special interest in the [[Navarr]])<br /> * '''Pollaman''' (interested in religion; has a special interest in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] and the [[Imperial Orcs]])<br /> * '''Arannia''' (interested in astronomy, mathematics and philosophy; has a special interest in [[The League]])<br /> * '''Melchiore''' (interested in magic; has a special interest in the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] and people of [[Varushka]])<br /> <br /> As with the other attendants, they tend to appear as high-lineage merrow, and when meeting with magicians are known to adopt the dress of scholars from the nations that interest them.<br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Leviathan&diff=26097 2014-05-13T10:39:42Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Day==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Leviathan is, by all accounts, one of the most ancient of the Eternals of the Realm of Day. <br /> <br /> Many of its titles refer to its home in the very deepest parts of the Realm-ocean. it is sometimes called ''The Deepest One'' or ''The Foundation''; it may be called ''The Dweller in the Depths'' or ''The Abyssal Lord''. <br /> <br /> It is also said to be a being that exists to observe events and explore how they happen, and how they spawn other events - in this guise it is also called ''The Watcher Beneath the Waters''. The [[Faraden]] are known to refer to it by the slightly poetical name of ''She-Who-Counts-The-Ripples'', in reference to its fascination with the root cause of events (and also ''The Unspeakable One Who Lies Beneath The Eternal Ocean'' in reference to their fear of the sea).<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> No mortal has ever seen Leviathan. According to its Heralds and the other Eternals of Day, it is a creature of such titanic size that it cannot be seen all in one go. It is said to have the aspect of a gargantuan whale and a serpent of colossal size, with immense faintly glowing eyes and thousands of sail-like fins that extend across its tremendous frame. It dwells at the point where the light of the Upper Realm fades to twilight, but the Realm is never truly dark; Leviathan's scales, fins and hides are said to be colourful, almost hypnotically so. <br /> <br /> Its voice is usually described as a rumbling, faintly amused whisper by those who have heard it - while it has never been seen there are those who have spoken to it through one of the hollow glass spheres said to serve as conduits to the part of the Realm it calls its home. In all recorded history, there are no known incidents of Leviathan being anything other than calm, reasonable and pleasant regardless of who or what it is talking to. It is much more likely to terminate an interview than to become angry.<br /> <br /> The Heralds of Leviathan appear very much like extremely high-lineage [[merrow]]. These creatures, like their patron, are almost insanely calm at all times. They also claim to be quite 'young' - the Heralds of Leviathan apparently continue to grow larger and larger throughout their existences until they become &quot;''too big to fit through the doors''&quot;, in the words of one Herald. It is unclear whether it was joking.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> <br /> Leviathan is concerned with two philosophical areas: the past, and the way it serves as the foundation of the present and future; and the way that actions have consequences both here and now, and in other places and times. <br /> <br /> It is fascinated with the way that events spawn other events, and the way they can be traced further and further back; it is known to be engrossed by the question of whether any event can truly be said to have a &quot;root cause&quot; or whether everything is simply a development of something else. If the smallest decision can have repercussions that effect the fate of Empires, can any decision or any event, no matter how minor, really be said to be insignificant?<br /> <br /> The Deepest One claims to have been pondering these questions since it first achieved awareness ''a very long time ago'' and has not yet reached any conclusions, or even built a durable thesis. It has said many times that it expects the questions that fascinate it to be unanswerable until after creation ends, assuming it ever does.<br /> <br /> If Leviathan has a blind-spot it is that clever as it is, it cannot entirely understand motivations. It can observe actions, but sometimes those actions make no sense and cannot be predicted. Leviathan and its agents can only perceive events, they cannot look inside the minds of others no matter how much they desire to do so, so in the end they can only make (extremely) educated guesses about ''why'' people do the things they do. This is one of the reasons Leviathan loves to speak to mortals, or send its Heralds to do so; it finds the endless motivations for mortal action fascinating, if slightly incomprehensible.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> <br /> Magicians consort with Leviathan and its Heralds for two main reasons. It is fascinated by the past, and so has access to unspeakably detailed, inimaginably vast archives of information about past events; it is fascinated by the philosophy of cause-and-effect, and the question of whether free will can truly be said to exist, and finds discussions about these questions endlessly entertaining. It can grant boons that enhance the ability of diviners and seers to gather information about the present, as well as providing access to the great vaults of artefacts and trinkets that have been given to it in return for its assistance over the centuries. It is known to desire ownership of physical items that were present at, or the cause of, important events. <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, Leviathan is very careful about sharing what it knows because the act of sharing information can have vastly unforseen repercussions. But then, as it sometimes observes with a wry tone, so can the act of ''not'' sharing information. Those who can convince Leviathan that sharing information will have more (or less) profound impact than not sharing it can learn all sorts of fascinating facts about the past.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Agramant&diff=26096 2014-05-13T10:38:45Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Winter==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> The Wendigo goes by a number of names. It is usually identified as male, and is referred to as ''Agramant'' in many older texts - although what that name means is anyone's guess. He is most commonly called ''The Howler'' or ''The Hunter in the Wastes''.<br /> <br /> Wedigo is also known as the ''Devourer of the Fallen'', and ''The Voice of the Pines''. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Suaq]] call him ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' and the [[Kallavesi]] call him ''The Dream of Famine''. In some old [[Varushka|Varushkan]] tales he is referred to as ''The Whisperer'' or ''The Wastewalker''; these stories focus on the belief that he tries to encourage the hungry and the lost to atrocious acts in the name of survival, or how he lures the greedy to acts of self-debasement and madness until they finally snap and become literal or figurative monsters.. <br /> <br /> In [[Highguard]] the [[Magister|magisters]] call him ''The Abominable One'' and many count him the worst of the [[Eternals]]. In [[The Brass Coast]] and parts of [[Dawn]] he is sometimes called ''The Horned Manticore'', and there are several stories that suggest the [[Legendary beasts#Sphinxes and Manticores|beasts of the same name]] are his children. In [[The Marches]] he is often mentioned as ''The Harvester of Graves'' and the superstitious spit when they mention him by any of his epithets - there are old stories that suggest that food eaten or drink drunk will cause a stomach upset while you still have the same saliva in your mouth that spoke his name.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Wendigo is sometimes depicted as a massive, hairy monster with razor-sharp claws and wide, staring eyes. He is usually shown possessing a massive mouth of shark-like teeth, and is generally pale in colour and spattered with blood. In some cases he appears as a brutish and thuggish [[Orc|orc]] wielding a club made from the legbone of a great beast.<br /> <br /> [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|Stargazers]], [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl|enchanters]] and [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] who have experience of dealing with Agramant claim that his most common form is that of a sturdy [[draughir]]-like being wrapped in flayed hides, usually those of a bear or stag, still dripping with blood and gore. He often wears the head of a great beast as a helmet, or crown. They say that his razor-sharp teeth and tearing-claws are quite real, however.<br /> <br /> Wendigo is almost always encountered alone.<br /> <br /> Agramant the Wendigo has claimed numerous times to be the source of the [[draughir]], and in some places they are called wendigo as a consequence. There is absolutely no evidence of this claim; those dealing with Wendigo would do well to remember that he ''lies'' and he lies ''often''.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Agramant - or Wendigo - teaches that ultimately everyone is alone. That survival is all that matters - another breath is the only truly precious thing in creation. His twisted philosophy appears to include ideas such as the expendibility of all those who are weak, and the need for the strong to prey on and devour the weak. He expresses the idea that only those with the will to power are truly aware of their place in the cosmos, and that those bound by rules, laws and the expectations of society or concern for others are little more than sheep, who deserve to be slaughtered by those with superior souls. <br /> <br /> This Eternal, like [[Sorin]] is associated with hunger, but for Wendigo it is the hunger that leads to unnatural acts of murder and cannibalism. He is the only Winter Eternal who seems to actively approve of wanton acts and the consumption of the flesh of other thinking creatures for its own sake, rather than as a desperate act brought on by circumstance. He is known to use Heralds and gifts to actively encourage cults and bands of murderers to perform cannibalistic feasts in his name, and in the name of proving their own superiority over the herd.<br /> <br /> Wendigo is the only Eternal currently considered to be an enemy of the Empire, due to the [[Declaration#Declaration of Emnity|declaration of enmity]] of the [[Imperial Conclave]] in 306 YE following exposure of his involvement in no less than three cannibalistic cults dedicated to blasphemy, idolatory and heresy. It is thus illegal to deal with him or his Heralds.<br /> <br /> The [[Wendigo's Bargain]] is a magical staff. The term also means a bargain where both parties are weakened or harmed, but one of the parties is capable of enduring or mastering the pain or debilitation to the detriment of the other party.<br /> <br /> Some thoughtful scholars suggest that Agramant is not entirely what he appears to be. There is wisdom in him, they claim. All he does is point out to his followers that they ''could'' do unspeakable things - he never coerces them. He encourages them to become monsters, but they could just as easily choose to ignore his inducements. Wendigo, they say, drives his cults until they self-destruct, demonstrating the foolishness of his professed philosophy and reminding others that there are monsters in their midst who look ''just like they do''. Wendigo himself laughs at this, apparently, and changes the subject.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Agramant the Wendigo offers strength to those who undertake his ''Unspeakable Feast'' - usually a ritual involving the consumption of the fresh meat of a thinking being such as a human or [[Orc|orc]]. He is also believed to be especially keen to encourage the [[draughir]] to embrace their facility to gain sustenance from rotten flesh. He may provide powers associated with physical weakness, most often through the evocation of his terrible howl - the same howl that can send mortals stumbling away in terror. <br /> <br /> He is also said to be a consummate hunter; that he can hunt not only in the Winter Realm, but can somehow hunt in the dreams of others, finding anyone who has ever known hunger or desperation. Wendigo can deliver or empower many curses, and by hunting in the dreams of an enemy he can drive them slowly insane, twisting them until they turn against their neighbours attacking and slaughtering without warning; such unfortunates often believe that they have transformed into bloodthirsty beasts, free of the constraints their human scruples place on them.<br /> <br /> He rarely uses his powers or grants them as boons unless he receives some sort of tribute in return - usually a savage murder or act of cannibalism.<br /> <br /> &lt;quote by=&quot;''Beware the Wendigo'', Valshok Juerdann&quot;&gt;Beware the Wendigo, my child, &lt;br&gt;<br /> When the moon is fat and the sky is clear;&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Beware his grinning maw and gentle voice, &lt;br&gt;<br /> His joysome tales of warm, red meats.&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Beware the Wendigo, my child, &lt;br&gt;<br /> When the wind is cold and home not near;&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Beware his grasping claw and whisper'd choice'&lt;br&gt;<br /> His gleesome talk of soft, dark treats.&lt;br&gt;<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> Beware the Wendigo, my child&lt;br&gt;<br /> When the moon is fat and the sky is clear.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/quote&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Wise_Rangara&diff=26095 2014-05-13T10:37:58Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Winter==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, Rangara is called &quot;''The Wise''.&quot; <br /> <br /> She is also known as ''The Ancient One'', ''Eldest'' or ''Grandmother Winter'' and ''Kind Rangara'', all epithets intended to flatter her and show the respect she considers so important. Some [[Kallavesi]] use the name ''Pale Raven'' when speaking of her, while the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka religious beliefs|wise ones]] use the old Ushka name ''Clever Spider''. Regardless of the name used, Rangara herself demands respect and finds flattery entertaining - the more florid the greetings she is given, the more amused she becomes.<br /> <br /> Outside her hearing she is sometimes called ''the Cruel Lady'', or the ''Crone'', but woe betide someone who refers to her as such within her hearing - such individuals will be ejected from her presence and may well receive a curse for their insolence.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> One of the oldest known Eternals, Rangara appears as an extremely old woman with snow-pale skin. She is believed to be blind, although this does not seem to effect her ability to perceive visitors and should never be mistaken for weakness - indeed most scholars agree she has a supernatural ability to penetrate disguises and transformations in those who come before her. She wears a cloak of black feathers, and either a dark cowl or more often a ritual mask made from the bones of a great bird, likewise covered in feathers. .<br /> <br /> Wise Rangara may be encountered alone, but is often assisted by dark figures that combine elements of birds with humanoid form. Sometimes she is accompanied by a human child, often expessing a strong [[draughir]] [[lineage]] who she refers to as her apprentice.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> The exemplifies the strength that comes from old age and tradition. She possesses great stores of knowledge, and often has a keen insight into difficult situations. She expects respect and politeness from those who meet her, and insolence or disrespect may be answered with expulsion from her presence and sometimes a curse. She prefers the company of older humans, those with hard-won experience gained over a long life. She believes that wisdom is gained by experience, but that it can be passed to other people. She is disdainful of books and schools, however, and expresses the belief that wisdom is only really passed down from one person to another person - anything else is just ''knowledge'', which is not the same.<br /> <br /> She has limited patience with the young - she always prefers the company of older folk to younger folk. The exception is her love of children. This appreciation of the young is double-edged; while she often indulges their foolish behaviour, she is also known to send her Heralds to lure clever children into her Realm to serve as her apprentice. She is known to take an extremely dim view of those who harm or kill the very old or the very young without good reason.<br /> <br /> Wise Rangara served as a patroness to the Ushka people, and she maintains a soft spot for their descendants the [[Varushka|Varushkans]]. She is always interested in the doings of the Varushkan people. She also has a long tradition of good relations with the [[Kallavesi]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Mystics|mystics]], and is usually happy to welcome one to her presence. By contrast she is known to have had conflicts in the past with both [[Suaq]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] and [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] and those who identify themselves as such often receive a chilly reception.<br /> <br /> Wise Rangara does not appear to be able to read. While she is blind, her illiteracy seems to have little to do with her lack of sight - she has demonstrated the ability to easily identify colours and fine details by handing objects, for example. On the few occasions that someone has quizzed her about this or offered to help her she has claimed that she is too ''set in her ways'' to learn to read. Her apprentice reads anything presented to her - she has several times said that she finds children to be best suited to read documents as their lack of preconception often allows unexpected insight into the words or their writer. <br /> <br /> In [[Wintermark]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Irremais]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> The most important thing to understand about Rangara is that she never gives anything of value away without exacting an appropriate price. She warns those who bargain with her that nothing of value is every gained without price. She rarely barters with those she is dealing with; she states a price, and if it is not appropriate she rarely agrees to a counter-offer. The prices she exacts are often painful, and often involve an effort to teach the bargainer a lesson of some sort. If the bargain appears too good to be true, scholars warn, be ''very'' careful as there is likely to be a hidden catch. <br /> <br /> The Eldest is a mistress of herbs, and can brew any potion. She can also combine herbs in such a way as to create unique elixirs, salves and infusions beyond the ability of mortal apothecaries. Often these potions require a strange or symbolic element in addition to the normal herbs - the blood of a warrior or a tear from a boyar, for example. She is known to request difficult quests from those who ask her for potions, usually involving gathering a unique ingredient some of which goes into the potion and some of which she takes as payment. According to stories she can brew a draught that renders the one who drinks it immortal - they will continue to age, but they will not die except by violence.<br /> <br /> Her cauldron is believed to be an especially potent artefact, and she sometimes lends or gives magical cauldrons to those who gain her favour. These items may duplicate the effects of talismans such as the [[Escharotic Cauldron]], while others have offered benefits to cabals of apothecaries or ritualists as a form of [[paraphernalia]]. The ''Sisters of the Silver Goblet'' in [[Dawn]], for example, received a cauldron that allowed their coven to use herbs in their rituals, renewed each year in return for unknown service.<br /> <br /> Rangara possesses great stores of both wisdom and knowledge gathered over her long existence. She can often identify objects by handling them, sometimes having special insight into their nature or purpose. Likewise she can examine and understand any [[enchantment]] or [[curse]] simply by examining it, and can often remove supernatural curses especially those that involve nightmares or compulsions.<br /> <br /> She has a great interest in dreams, and sometimes trades small trinkets in return for stories of strange dreams, especially those that later prove to be prophetic in some way. She sometimes trades with mortals for the ability to dream their dreams - those who accept find their sleep wracked with terrible nightmares for the duration of the exchange. On occasion Rangara has repaid this boon with knowledge gleaned from these dreams, sometimes even that which has to do with past lives.<br /> <br /> Rangara can deliver horrible curses, but she rarely offers this ability to others. Her curses are often tailored to ironically punish their victim, and despite the fact they tend to be less debilitating than ritual curses, are often surprisingly difficult to remove. On rare occasions in the past some winter [[Archmage|archmagi]] have brought criminals before her and asked her to judge them. She is known to be a ruthless judge who often interrogates a guilty person to see what ''else'' they are guilty of. The reason behind her judgements is not always obvious -she has been known to pardon criminals who acted for the good of their families while punishing those whose trangressions appeared minor. Needless to say Imperial Magistrates do not consider Rangara to be an Imperial authority - something her allies have occasionally tried to rectify.<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;You are a hero of your Empire, not a spoiled child to demand a treat for sweeping the step. <br /> <br /> &quot;What you come by too easily, you value too little. If you were to sweat, and bleed, and strive for six months to possess a smooth stone from the beach, just a simple stone, I would say that you would value that little stone more than any amount of silver.<br /> <br /> &quot;As to the parents of the little boy ... either they will kill you and realise that their son was threatened and learn to protect him better; or you will bring the boy to me and they will learn the lessons that loss teaches. In time they will come to me to bargain for his return, or they will realise they did not truly love him after all and he will abide with me until he is of age. <br /> <br /> &quot;Either way, the boy will be safer and his parents will have learnt a lesson.&quot;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> ===Rangara's Apprentice===<br /> {{stub}}<br /> Rangara has a special interest in children; her ''apprentice'' is always a human child, and rarely of any lineage other than draughir. Children who approach Rangara politely and offer her assistance may be allowed to spend time with her in her Realm. Those who do must be exceptionally careful to specify the duration of their apprenticeship - there are stories of unwise children who have failed to do so and end up serving the Cruel Lady for years until a family member is able to bargain with Rangara for their release. A child who spends time with Rangara usually receives a gift from the Eternal when they return to the mortal Realm. Children who spend time with Rangara are very likely to return marked by the draughir lineage, and in later life often follow the path of the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physician]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. The Eternal only ever has one apprentice at a time; before she will accept another she must be persuaded to release her current apprentice. There are several stories of families who have rescued foolish children from her by exchanging one child for another, sometimes through trickery sometimes by provided Rangara with an apprentice she considers &quot;superior.&quot; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Rangara's Apprentice in Play:''' A player-character child may become Rangara's apprentice for a time, usually for one season. In such cases Heralds may collect the child at the end of an event. The young person is always delivered back to their parents by the start of the next event. Children are only likely to be stolen away for a longer period with appropriate permission. <br /> <br /> While an apprentice is ''more likely'' to become a draughir, or an apothecary, there's no requirement for this to be the case.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=The_Thrice-cursed_Court&diff=26094 2014-05-13T10:36:56Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Winter==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, the Court are called &quot;''The Three''&quot; or sometimes &quot;''The Bound''.&quot; <br /> <br /> Individually, the three known members of the Thrice-cursed Court are [[#Tharim|Tharim]], [[#Skathe|Skathe]] and [[#Surut|Surut]].<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> The Thrice-cursed court are rarely encountered individually - when they are found alone it is usually because they are conspiring in some way against the other two.<br /> <br /> Servitors of the Thrice-cursed Court are often tormented and tortured, flesh mortified or scarred, and are usually in constant pain. Even their favoured courtiers are broken or twisted in some fashion, either in body or mind.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> As a whole, the Thrice-cursed Court strongly exemplify the ideas that power comes at a price, and that spite and malice can be dangerous forces. They deal in curses more than any other Eternal, crafting specific curses for angry sorcerers and helping petitioners to lay curses over those they hate.<br /> <br /> More than many other Eternals, the Thrice-cursed consider themselves bound by their word. While they may seek to frame agreements in such a way as to place the other party at a disadvantage, once the agreement is struck they stick to the word and the spirit. Woe betide someone who does not keep to their side of the agreement - the Thrice-cursed view treachery as an unforgivable act that can only be repaid by a lifetime of suffering and torture.<br /> <br /> The Thrice-cursed generally hate beauty and purity. They are suspicious of anyone who appears to have no personal agenda, and expect everyone to be as conniving, ruthless and ambitious as they are. They are known to actively oppose unselfish, altruistic people and groups preferring that everyone looks after themselves and the people who 'belong' to them.<br /> <br /> According to stories, the Thrice-cursed Court are themselves accursed. Each labours under a powerful malediction that twists their body and mind. Scholars agree that the Court wish to share their curses with others. It is believed that if enough people simultaneously share the curse of one of the Thrice-cursed then that Eternal is freed from the curse and restored to their 'true power' - whatever that might be. The Thrice-cursed themselves have often claimed to have once been Summer Eternals until they ran afoul of a dark curse. Some scholars say this is impossible, and warn that more than many other Eternals the Thrice-cursed Court ''lie'' about their history and their motivations.<br /> <br /> There are also stories that [[Sorin]] was once part of the Thrice-cursed Court. According to these rumours, Sorin was cursed with an unsatable hunger but managed to escape the curse, and the Court, by passing his curse onto the [[draughir]] [[lineage]]. Modern scholars point out that this is actually nothing more than anti-draughir propaganda, and makes no sense. Sorin himself refuses to comment on it, and the Thrice-cursed Court give inconsistent replies when questioned about it.<br /> <br /> Nobody really agrees on who cursed the Thrice-cursed Court. They have appeared in their current forms since they were first encountered by the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] Mellisande de Cullwich a century before the formation of the Empire. There is some evidence that they have been known in other parts of the world much longer than this,especially in the [[Sarcophan Delves]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> The Thrice-cursed Court are experts at the creation of curses and magically binding oaths. They can place such themselves, or empower those who wish to do so. Oaths bound by the Thrice-cursed Court usually bring down awful retribution on those who break them.<br /> <br /> They can also offer power, especially magical power, to those who bargain with them. The price for such boons is usually that the bargainer take on a fraction of one of the Thrice-cursed's maledictions. So someone who bargains with [[#Tharim|Tharim]] may find it difficult to move quickly or with surety; someone who bargains with [[#Surut|Surut]] is likely to experience constant pain and burning wounds, while someone who bargains with [[#Skathe|Skathe]] may find themselves becoming twisted, hateful and ugly in the eyes of others.<br /> <br /> In the past they have been shown to be eager to help in the creation of winter [[regio]], although the prices they demand are usually very steep and the regio themselves tend to be tainted with the curses of the Court.<br /> <br /> They are said to be able to destroy anything that is brought before them, and to be able to kill anything that has ever been alive. Between the cruel intellect of [[#Tharim|Tharim]], the malicious knowledge of [[#Skathe|Skathe]] and the irresistible strength of [[#Surut|Surut]] it is said that nothing can resist their efforts to bring it to it's ending. They are known to take great pleasure in destroying beautiful or precious things, and one of the few boons they will offer for free is the absolute destruction of something irreplaceable.<br /> <br /> The Court are considered relatively easy to manipulate, as long as one is cautious of their fractured personalities. They are known to be especially jealous of other Winter Eternals, and seem to take great glee in thwarting them and rewarding those who steal from or confound their Eternal peers.<br /> <br /> ==Tharim==<br /> '''The Bound King'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Appearance''': The Bound King is a pale, corpse-like humanoid with inhuman features wearing fine blue robes and a tarnished silver crown. Tharim is usually seated, and is always wrapped in chains. He is immobile - he can speak, and turn his head a little, and can move the fingers of one hand a little, buut that is all.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Concerns''': Like all the Thrice-cursed, Tharim is believed to desire freedom from his curse. He is described as being arrogant beyond belief, and utterly cold-blooded. He can demand unspeakable acts with icy detachment, and even his fury is cold and measured. According to some scholars, Tharim's true curse is that he has no empathy for other creatures - it is his heart that is bound, not his body.<br /> <br /> While he is immobile he is not without power. He can speak words of such cold clarity that they drive those who hear them to their knees, as well as paralyse or cause unspeakable agony. While he cannot move personally he is said to be able to travel magically between thrones in many places, solely through the effort of his cold will.<br /> <br /> Tharim makes little effort to disguise the contempt he feels for the other member of the Thrice-cursed Court.<br /> <br /> '''Boons:''' In addition to the boons offered by the Court as a whole, Tharim can offer physical [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] and [[Combat skills#Fortitude|fortitude]] to bargainers, but as with the ritual [[Pallid Flesh of the Dead King]], such physical strength usually comes with additional weakness. The Bound King is also said to be an expert in binding and constraining supernatural creatures such as [[Varushka monsters#Sovereigns|sovereigns]].<br /> <br /> <br /> ==Skathe==<br /> '''The Hag Queen'''&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Appearance''': The Hag Queen is a monstrous, corpse-like humanoid with inhuman features. She wears tattered finery and wields a sceptre-like rod. She is very ugly indeed, and the nature of her curse means that her appearance changes constantly. Even more than her outer appearance, she is spiritually ugly - she is malicious, hateful, spiteful, envious and unnecessarily cruel.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Concerns:''' Like all the Thrice-cursed, Skathe is believed to desire freedom from her curse. She is described as manipulative, deceptive and wicked, and more than any of the others she despises beauty and purity. She cannot resist malicious behaviour, and sometimes undermines her own plans with her drive to exact petty revenge on those she dislikes. According to some scholars, Skathe's true curse is that her outer form reflects her soul - that were she able abandon her malice and spite she would be revealled as a great beauty.<br /> <br /> Skathe carefully conceals the contempt she feels for the other member so the Thrice-cursed Court, and often plays [[#Tharim|Tharim]] and [[#Surut|Surut]] against one another.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Boons:''' In addition to the boons offered by the Court as a whole, Skathe offers enchanted items as gifts. These gifts almost always involve a double-edged curse of some sort - for example she once gifted a [[The League|League]] magician with a mirror that helped him to spy on his rivals but which slowly drove him mad by encouraging him to dwell on the inevitable advance of old age and death.<br /> <br /> Skathe is also the magician of the Court, and knows horrible rituals and dark spells that delve into the darkest parts of the Winter realm. She is known to be extremely jealous of [[Wise Rangara]] and often demands that a petitioner steal something from that Eternal before she will offer her own magical assistance.<br /> <br /> ==Surut==<br /> '''The Charred Prince''', ''The Ashen Knight'', ''The Burnt Steward''&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Appearance:''' Surut is a warrior in heavy armour, usually with a two-handed sword or axe. He is hideously scarred, burnt from head to foot. Sections of his skin are missing, and he appears to be in constant pain. As with Skathe his appearance shifts over time, as new injuries appear. Likewise his armour varies from encounter to encounter - most often in recent times he appears as a [[The Marches|Marcher]] [[steward]]. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Concerns:''' Like all the Thrice-cursed, Suut is believed to desire freedom from his curse. He is described as consumed with anger, hateful of those with whole bodies and souls, and bloodthirsty in the extreme. He is likely to suggest frontal-assaults against anything that gets in his way, and encourages both warriors and politicians alike to be utterly ruthless in pursuit of their goals.<br /> <br /> Despite generally being given a lower station that [[#Tharim|Tharim]] or [[#Skathe|Skathe]], Surut seems to hold equal rank within the Court while at the same time choosing to act as their strong arm and enforcer. The Charred Prince seems the most conflicted of the Court, sometimes descending into maudlin self-pity. It is in such moods that he is at his most dangerous - while he may agree to deals he might otherwise dismiss, his mood may shift to bloodthirsty slaughter at a moment's notice.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;<br /> '''Boons:''' In addition to the boons offered by the Court as a whole, Surut can offer martial prowess and sometimes loans one of his enchanted weapons or suits of armour to a bargainer. He is also known to possess a box into which he can seal another person's empathy and conscience for a time, which he tends to view as a boon rather than the horrible curse it generally proves to be.<br /> <br /> According to some scholars, Surut can wield or offer deadly powers of unleashed destruction against fortifications and even enemy armies but rarely chooses to do so. On at least one occasion, stories tell of Surut providing aid to the [[Varushkan magical traditions#Cabalists|cabalists]] of a beleaguered vale; they gained the power to burn undead husks to ashes with their staves, but at the cost of permanent burning wounds.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Kaela&diff=26093 2014-05-13T10:35:03Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Winter==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, Kaela is called the ''Lady of the Grim Host'' after the army of undying warriors she commands. <br /> <br /> She is also known as the ''Sorrowful One'', sometimes as ''End-of-Strength'', sometimes as ''The Lady of Oblivion''. among the [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|Icewalkers]] of [[Wintermark]] she is called ''the Cold-Hearted''; the [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] refer to her as ''Dark-Between-The-Stars'' and say she despises and fears the [[Urizen culture and customs#The Net of the Heavens|Net of the Heavens]]; the [[Navarr]] call her ''Queen of Silence'' and say that she despises music and dance; and in [[The Marches]] she is called ''The Black Dog'' or (in whispers) ''The Black Bitch''.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> This Winter Eternal appears either as a pale-skinned woman dressed in black armour, usually with a helmet crowned with the antlers of an elk and bearing a greataxe, or as an ancient crone dressed in dark-green and black with jewelry made from finger-bones. Traditionally she has appeared dressed as a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] wise-one or boyar, but in recent decades she has taken to attire reminiscent of [[The Brass Coast]] or [[The League]].<br /> <br /> Kaela is never encountered alone; she is always accompanied by the warriors of her grim legion and by her undying attendants.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Kaela exemplifies weakness, despair, old-age, senility and desperation. She takes no joy in these things, but presents them as simple, unquestionable facts. Everything fails. Everything dies. Everything falls apart. In the end, entropy wins. <br /> <br /> It is not a matter of whether things will collapse, merely a matter of when. She respects those who strive to hold back the end ... as long as they accept that the end is inevitable, that there is no hope. Likewise she appreciates those who work to open the eyes of others to the essential futility of existence ... as long as they accept that their own actions are largely meaningless as well, in the long term. Optimists and priests alike tend to incur her cold wrath.<br /> <br /> In [[Wintermark]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Kyrop]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Kaela's gifts are sorrow, despair and weakness; very few people want them for themselves. She can also offer wisdom, but always at a price - usually blindness or crippling infirmity. Some scholars say this is proof that she is connected to [[The Thrice-cursed Court]]; others point out that what she offers is ''wisdom'', not ''power'' and that while the two appear similar, in the Winter Realm they are poles apart.<br /> <br /> Her greatest boon, and the one she is most often approached to provide, is release from the fear of death (for at least as long as Creation endures). She can take someone who is not dead, even if they hover on the very brink of death, and bring them to her hopeless Realm to live on for eternity as one of her undying warriors. Sometimes she allows magicians to [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust|invoke her grim legion]] to fight alongside living warriors, but this return to the mortal Realm is always short-lived, and is a cruel reminder of the light, life, colour and joy that can never be experienced in the domain of Kaela. <br /> <br /> Kaela prefers to take warriors over civillians, but anyone who has fought and striven in life who wishes to avoid death at any cost may find a place in her sorrowful court. Very rarely, she will bring forth a specific member of her legions to speak to mortals, provided they can be invoked by name and is among the legion. It is entirely at her whim if she chooses to do so. She can even be prevailed upon to allow one of her legion to die, but she will certainly charge a high price for this 'gift'.<br /> <br /> Many priests despise Kaela; they fear that she is trapping human souls, removing them from the cycle of reincarnation. The [[Imperial Synod]] has prevailed on the [[Imperial Conclave]] several times to declare her an enemy of the Empire. Some theologians speculate that the undying legions do not have souls at all; that the human dies, and their soul moves on to the Labyrinth, and that the grim warriors are merely memories of themselves, little more than husks animated by a particularly strong animus. Speculation is likely to continue, as Kaela herself has no interest in answering questions about souls; she is generally dismissive when challenged. <br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;By all means enjoy your life,<br /> <br /> &quot;But never forget that it is fleeting. <br /> <br /> &quot;Even if you manage to avoid violence, accident, pestilence ... even then you will age; you will decline; you will grow weak and infirm; your vision will dim, you will begin to forget; and then you will die. So will everyone you know and so will all your children down through all the ages until Creation itself gutters ... and goes out like a candle.<br /> <br /> &quot;So by all means, return to your home and raise your family, and strive to build a better world, and fight terrible wars for what you know is right and true; it gives one real hope for the whole future of Creation ... except, of course, we '''both''' know it has none.&quot;<br /> &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Sorin&diff=26092 2014-05-13T10:34:21Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Winter==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, Sorin is called the ''Hungry Wolf''. <br /> <br /> He is also known as the ''Tomb King'', the ''Empty One'' and sometimes as ''Devourer-of-Hope''. among the [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|Icewalkers]] of [[Wintermark]] he is called ''the Hunger-Crow''. <br /> <br /> He is occasionally called ''Father of Draughir'' or ''Master of Whelps'' although these names have more to do with his association with cruel strength and mastery over suffering than with any biological connection to the Draughir.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=Sorin1.JPG |title=Devourer-of-Hope|align=left|width=267|height=360}}<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> This Winter Eternal appears as a deathly pale, emaciated man dressed in tattered funereal finery, often with a furred mantle. His palace is said to be choked with sand. <br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Sorin is an Eternal of hunger and thirst. He represents physical lack of sustenance, but is much more interested in the way that privation and suffering build cool strength. He is cruel, but not needlessly so - he does not encourage others to be cruel for the sake of it, but to allow them to survive and gain strength. He is cruel, because the world is cruel.<br /> <br /> He is strongly associated with the rune [[Naeve]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> The hungry wolf fosters and encourages strength, but only the strength that comes from abandoning weakness. He encourages the ambitious to embrace expediency in pursuit of their goals. <br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;You cannot eat hope, nor drink it, nor shelter in it from the gaze of the noonday sun, nor warm yourself with it when the night is dark and the snow falls. You cannot strangle a murderer with pride, nor free yourself from shackles of despair with love, nor defend your walls with mercy, nor find your way across the wasteland with compassion.&quot;&lt;/ic&gt; <br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Callidus&diff=26091 2014-05-13T10:30:01Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Autumn==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Known as the ''Prince of the Argent Tontine'', Callidus is most concerned with greed.<br /> <br /> He is also called ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'', a fanciful reference to the many deals and agreements he has made - as far as anyone knows he does not rule an actual city at all (despite rumours that he owns a portable citadel of iron and white basalt), preferring to remain a peripatetic instigator.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Callidus is a potent horned male with fine clothing. He is rarely encountered without a ledger or two, and never without the ability to create a contract. <br /> <br /> He is usually accompanied by one or more of his [[#The Secretaries of the Argent Tontine|secretaries]] - clever Eternals in their own right who serve as his proxies and advisors. His massive appointment tome, the Iron Ledger, is kept by his meticulous Heralds, who often appear as [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[cambion|cambions.]] Scrupulous and precise, Callidus sometimes sends Heralds to offer bargains, or to follow-up on bargains made by others.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Callidus seeks to control everything through greed and desire. He exemplifies the idea that everyone wants something, and that by identifying their desires and being able to supply their needs, an individual can wield immense power. He also sees greed itself as the primary motivating force of living things, and supports and extols philosophies that highlight the influence of avarice and wealth.<br /> <br /> While all Autumn Eternals enjoy bargains, Callidus revels in them. He invariably creates a contract to cover any agreement he makes, and is the Autumn Eternal most likely to invoke the [[Lictors]] to witness an important agreement. He invariably sticks to the letter of a contract, and some bargainers have met unfortunate fates due to not reading their agreement carefully enough. He can and has been bested in his bargains, and tales are told of heroes who dealt with the Silver Prince and came away rich, but his nature is such that a bargain that seems fair at first often grows more constrictive and dangerous as time goes by.... Callidus is quite pragmatic; he does not hold those who best him in contempt; he often tries to arrange an audience with them to discuss how they bested his contract, so that he can avoid the same mistakes another time. However, he is absolutely ruthless in hunting down anyone who breaks a bargain they have made with him.<br /> <br /> Callidus's has no single home within the Autumn realm, but instead cultivates an ability to be in the right place at the right time. While his movements seem random, through synchroicity he often finds himself in the right place at the right time to offer someone what they desperately want. His secretaries share this ability to some degree, but for some reason they are limited to appearing a crossroads; literal crossroads as well as figurative crossroads, however.<br /> <br /> While the massive amount of business engaged in by his army of scribes and secretaries would necessitate a palace of bureaucracy, instead all such paperwork is contained within the single Iron Ledger. The Ledger itself seems to operate on much the same principles as Callidus himself; simply by inserting his hand he seems to be able to pull out the document he is seeking.<br /> <br /> Callidus must surely have an enormous collection of religious items, after centuries of buying such things from mortals, but where he keeps this vault is unknown. Fanciful tales claim that his immense wealth is stored by the [[Lictors]], while others say that his Ledger can be &quot;unfolded&quot; to reveal a massive citadel of iron and white basalt that is his true domain.<br /> <br /> While undoubtedly the equal in power of any of the rulers of the cities of Autumn, Callidus does not compete with them directly. Rather he acts as a broker for such beings, supplying their desires, acting as a notary and occasionally offering advice. Beings of such scope are too clever to deal with Callidus lightly, and only utilise his services when completely necessary. However, by long standing tradition Callidus is generally free to meet and bargain with any of their underlings, and thus passes across the Labyrinth unmolested.<br /> <br /> Traditionally Callidus uses a Fleur-de-Lys type symbol as his seal, the three points symbolising the three Secretaries that he is currently using. Competition to remain at such a level is fierce, and his underlings constantly scheme to advance themselves.<br /> <br /> The Prince of the Argent Tontine is fascinated with mortal religions. Callidus undestands that faith is a powerful force, but one that is extremely ephemeral. One of his personal desires is to understand the value of faith, and the need it satisfies in the faithful, the better to manipulate others using their beliefs. An extremely patient Eternal, he has been studying mortal religion for centuries, and often appears to tempt or bargain mortals away from their faith. Over this time he has amassed a great trove of lore on faith, and is said to possess several relics of the Imperial religion. His knowledge is best described as being 'technical' - he understands the politics of religion much better than he does individual faith.<br /> <br /> Callidus is associated with both the rune [[Lann]], and the rune [[Queros]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Bargains themselves fascinate Callidus, and he has several supernatural powers relating to creating and sealing them. He is known to possess many favours with other Eternals, and to draw on them to fulfill bargains on his behalf. He is particularly keen of getting bargainers into his debt, and reinforcing his ability to call those debts due with curses. His bargains are more likely to involve the bargainer doing or not doing something in return for a favour or service - it is less likely to involve mere payment with materials.<br /> <br /> His most potent abilities deal with the manipulation of desire and greed, and guiding serendipity to increase wealth. He also possesses several abilities that deal with bonds, especially bonded items, and is said to be able to locate highly desired items in the material world with sufficient inducement, especially those that are unique or exotic. <br /> <br /> Some priests are interested in the religious artefacts Callidus has gathered, but they tend to be very leery about entering into a bargain with the Eternal. Callidus appears to take particular delight in challenging and testing priests and other strongly religious characters who come to deal with him.<br /> <br /> ==The Secretaries of the Argent Tontine==<br /> Unlike Eternals such as [[Basileus Kade]], Callidus runs a tight ship. The Eternals who serve him do so out of a belief in his creed and a desire to increase their own wealth and service their own needs. There are few stories of incidents where one of them attempts to overthrow or betray Callidus, and many scholars theorise that all the Eternals of the Argent Tontine are bound with oaths and contracts that keep them loyal.<br /> <br /> The Secretaries - literally ''secret keepers'' - who serve Callidus are lesser Eternals rather than Heralds. They sometimes deal with the Empire directly. either pursuing their own agenda or operating as proxies for Callidus. They may arrange audiences in the [[Hall of Worlds]], or send Heralds on their own business. The three best known of Callidus' secretaries, who have dealt with the Empire in the past, are Numis, Malleas and Zand.<br /> <br /> ===Numis===<br /> A female Eternal who is fascinated by the role of coins and hard currency in agreements. She occasionally likes to take credit for inventing the idea of currency, or spreading it across the mortal realm - it is not clear if she expects this claim to be taken literally. She is the longest serving of Callidus' secretaries and is acknowledged as the entity who designed the iron coins used in many parts of the Autumn realm.<br /> <br /> ===Malleas===<br /> A male Eternal who favours gamblers and wagerers. He is known to send Heralds to arrange wagers on important events, and often creates bargains that involve gambles or risky ventures - he is also known to lend money but demand extortionate rates of interest for the repayment of the debt with dire consequences for forfeiture. He has been Callidus' secretary for the shortest time (barely longer than a century or so) and is known to favour both gaudy displays of wealth and allowing others to make a pitch as to why he should invest some of it in them. He often seems to lose out on deals, but never seems to grow any less wealthy.<br /> <br /> ===Zand===<br /> A lawyer, and usually dresses in the style of a wealthy [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[The Brass Coast economic interests#Scriveners|scrivener]], but in colours few Freeborn would choose. His robes and tagelmust are the dull metallic colours of well-handled coinage, and the deep black of oxidised silver. Scrupulous and precise, he is fascinated by the way contracts are created and used to regulate behaviour. He effects the air of a stereotypical bureaucrat – obsequious to Callidus, polite to those he wants something from, and relatively rude to those he has no use for. He is the Eternal most frequently sent forth to make deals with mortals at present, but this is subject to change at Callidus' whim. <br /> <br /> One or more of the secretaries tends to attend Callidus when he deals with mortals, and may make their own bargains at the same time.<br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Estavus&diff=26090 2014-05-13T10:29:36Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternals of Autumn==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, she is known as ''The Forgemistress''. <br /> <br /> She may also be called ''The Prince of Shikal'' and ''The Bronze Artisan''.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Estavus is a powerfully built female with bronze skin and curling steel horns. Her left arm appears to be made of metal, and she is usually clad in a metal breastplate wielding a two-handed hammer. She is often marked with soot either from her infernal volcanic home or from her work at her forge.<br /> <br /> The Forgemistress is often accompanied by lesser Eternals and Heralds who serve her as guards or assistants, but she is often found with magical metal constructs such as brass minotaurs; warriors crafted of living [[Materials#materials|dragonbone]]; or bejeweled courtiers of ivory and porcelain who converse in gentle, soothing terms and appear quite intelligent.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> The Prince of Shikal dwells in a great city that occupies an active volcano of immense size. The Forge of Shikal holds the immense workshop of Estavus, suspended above the living magma of the volcanic caldera. Her city is inhabited by artisans and labourers, and riddled with deep delves that drop down far below the surface of the Realm into great mines.<br /> <br /> Estavus is driven to build, construct and create. Her ambition is to reshape entire worlds; she seeks to encourage others to do the same by mastering nature and building great cities and fortresses. If she had her way, the wilderness wound be tamed with roads and cities, and natural things would be found only in parks. She is especially driven to create artificially living things that mimic natural plants and beasts.<br /> <br /> She constantly desires raw materials from the mortal Realm; while she has access to strange metals from the mines around her domain, she has no ready source of the magical materials found in the mortal Realm.<br /> <br /> While she is somewhat singleminded, she is still an Eternal of Autumn. She is fascinated by, and well versed in, the ways that crafters can exert power. Being able to make something for someone else is potentially an incredible source of influence. The rarer the things a crafter can craft, the more power they wield. She supports and encourages the formation of artisan guilds that create monopolies to protect their interests and influence their fellows, and she is known to have a special interest in [[The League|League]] [[carta]], [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[weaver cabal|weaver cabals]], and both [[The Marches|Marcher]] and [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] smiths. She is said to have a great deal of interest in the guilds of the [[Sarcophan Delves]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Estavus has made numerous bargains with mortal ritualists and offers her power diectly to rituals such as [[The Anvil of Estavus]] and [[Before the Thone of Estavus]] and indirectly to [[Timeless Hammer Rhythm]] or [[Smooth Hands Shape The World]]. She can offer several boons related to [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] skill. She may be called on to provide any of these boons, or to craft unique weapons and armour in her forge as well as larger structures such as castles, bridges or roads.<br /> <br /> She is also known to lend her constructs to mortals for a short time, sometimes as additional troops and sometimes in a more personal capacity. She can even create unique constructs, and several heroes have replaced lost limbs with enchanted metal equivalents that possessed potent magical powers.<br /> <br /> What she can create she can also destroy - she can reduce anything created by crafters or artisans to its component parts. Likewise she can destroy constructs, and offer assistance in the form of [[Combat#SHATTER|shattering]] blows or weapons. <br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Lictors&diff=26089 2014-05-13T10:28:11Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternals of Autumn==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, Lictors are referred to as ''The Punishers'' or ''The Hunters''. <br /> <br /> They may also be known as ''The Chainbound'', ''The Binders'', the ''Brass Magistrates'' and occasionally ''The Furious Ones''. In [[The League]] they are sometimes called ''The Reckoners''. Individual lictors bear names such as 'Implacable', 'Inescapable', 'Treacherhound' and 'Wordbinder'.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> The Lictors are hooded figures and cloaked, armoured wrapped in heavy iron and [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] chains, with razor-sharp brass claws and horns, and iron face-masks. Armed with scourges, whips, flails, ropes and nets they stalk the dark places of the Autumn Realm, looking for miscreants. Their voices are said to be very quiet, except when they are pursuing their prey when they are said to give voice to deafening metallic cries that chill the blood and may even paralyse a weak-willed target.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> The Lictors hunt oath-breakers, and those who refuse to honour agreements, contracts or obligations. In the Autumn Realm they are viewed with some suspicion or fear, and even deadly political rivals think twice before breaking sworn agreements. They can be invoked, apparently, by any of the other [[Eternals]] of Autumn to officiate over agreements or oaths. Those who break such oaths are mercilessly hunted and either destroyed or carried back to the green iron citadel that the Lictors use as a prison. The Lictors are individually quite potent, but in a group they are almost irresistable, even by the powerful Eternal lords of Autumn. Some Eternals will simply invoke their name when making a promise, indicating that they consider themselves bound, although to what degree this is actually binding, mortals are uncertain.<br /> <br /> Magicians who have studied the lictors disagree as to whether they are an order of Eternals, possibly lead by a single powerful figure, or some sort of product of the Autumn Realm itself, an expression of the role that agreements, favours and grudges play in a realm so thematically linked to deception and manipulation.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> The Lictors are rarely encountered by mortals, but there are said to be rituals that can summon them to the Mortal Realm as well as [[Regio#Portals and Regio|chambers]] where they can be encountered, or where the outskirts of their green iron citadel can be visited. They can be persuaded to offer boons that deal with binding and holding prisoners, especially oathbreakers and those who have debts to pay. They can oversee mortal covenants, oaths, promises and contracts, placing powerful curses that may fall on those who break their agreements - or even calling down the ire of the Lictors themselves.<br /> <br /> They may sometimes accept prisoners; how they transport a mortal prisoner to the Autumn Realm is unclear, and it may be that they simply kill them. They can also allow access to some of those creatures and beings imprisoned in their citadel. They appear to value [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] especially, although they have never explained why and simply ignore questions - it is theorized that they may use it to expand their citadel, or even to craft new Lictors.<br /> <br /> They also very occasionally offer bounties - although what someone would have to do to come to the attention of the lictors is unclear and has lead to much nightmarish speculation.<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Meraud&diff=26088 2014-05-13T10:27:47Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Summer==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Meraud is sometimes called ''The Summer Enchanter''.<br /> <br /> In addition Meraud is sometimes called ''The Golden Magician'' or ''The Lord of Summer Stars''. In [[Varushka]] he is called ''The Fire Mage'' and characterised as a particularly meddlesome [[Varushka magical traditions#Volhov|volhov]]. He is sometimes called ''The Lord of the Lake'' in reference to his tower, which is apparently built on a great shrouded lake in the Summer Realm.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Meraud appears as a magician with golden skin and a leonine mane. His body is often marked with spiral designs that shift and change over time - he claims that each spiral represents the skein of a mortal life that he is observing. He bears either a bandolier of wands, a pair of rods or a single staff. In all cases, these implements bear enchantments that help Meraud in his role of the master of Summer magics. <br /> <br /> Traditionally he appears in a flowing robe, with a pointed hat similar to those favoured by itinerant [[Varushka magical traditions#Volhov|volhov]]. He also commonly appears as a resplendent [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[hakima]] in red and gold with a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagelmust tagelmust], and as a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka magical traditions#Volhoc|volhov]] with a glowing staff. His seal, which often appears on a banner or as part of his costume, is a lion with a staff in it's mouth.<br /> <br /> Sometimes Meraud likes to appear incognito, disguising himself with simple enchantments. When he does so, he is always marked out by his apparent strong [[changeling]] [[lineage]], by his manner and by the fact that he cannot refuse to answer to his name if he is challenged.<br /> <br /> If there is a danger to dealing with Meraud it is that he is extremely mercurial even by the standards of the Summer Eternals. He is prone to sudden enthusiasms and obsessions and unexpected outbursts of wrathful temper. He is said to have a poor memory, and finds it difficult to focus on the past or the future, always being more concerned about the here-and-now.<br /> <br /> Meraud is often accompanied by apprentices and journeymen. Usually these are Heralds or Eternals, sometimes they are mortal youths who study magic with Meraud. According to these apprentices, Meraud's tower is a great castle that stands in the centre of an enchanted lake and serves as an academy of magical study. The few mortal children who have spent a season as a guest of Meraud have reported that it is an impossibly magical place full of golden fire, strange adventures and majestic fantastical beasts. <br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> The Golden Magician loves magic. He loves the power that it gives an individual, and the way that it can achieve acts of unparalleled potence. He is capable of performing magic himself, and most commonly performs powerful [[enchantment|enchantments]] or potent acts of destruction or creation. He is something of a paradox - he regards the process of ''becoming'' powerful as less important than the act of ''being'' powerful. He approves as much of the magician who uses his [[Spell list#Heal|heal]] spell to support his allies as he does of the coven that masters a powerful ritual. It is ''using'' magic that is important, not hoarding it.<br /> <br /> He is always pleased to hear stories of mortals using their magic to overcome challenges and obstacles, and is known to enjoy setting such challenges himself on occasion. His enthusiasm is not always a positive thing - he sometimes creates obstacles and challenges without telling anyone what he is doing, disrupting and endangering mortal lives in the process.<br /> <br /> He is especially prone to offer patronage to the [[Rod and Shield]] [[Conclave order|order]] and the [[Celestial Arch]], but also has a soft-spot for the [[Unfettered Mind]], finding their enthusiasm and inventiveness endlessly exciting. Those magicians who consistently develop new rituals, especially in the Summer Realm, or find impressive ways to use existing magic to overcome challenges, often attract his attention.<br /> <br /> In [[Wintermark]] he is associated with the runes [[Verys]] and [[Tykonus]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Meraud offers boons to magicians, enhancing and empowering their mastery of Summer lore. More than many other magically-inclined Eternals, Meraud also favours those who specialise in raw spellcasting especially those who use [[Spell list#Empower|empower]] and the various other offensive incantations.<br /> <br /> He is known to have little interest in most crafted items, but to be endlessly fascinated by the items mortals craft to increase and use their magical power - robes, implements, mage armour and ritual paraphernalia especially. He is said to be capable of creating several unique magical staffs, and may do so for the correct inducements.<br /> <br /> On occasion Meraud may be prevailed upon to help perform an impossible act - a powerful magical creation or destruction. In the past he has helped to call down a star to devastate an enemy fortification, created an unquenchable forest fire, and carved a great citadel out of the side of a mountain. He demands a high price for such assistance, and it usually involves a small fortune in crystalised mana.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Cathan_Canae&diff=26087 2014-05-13T10:27:13Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Summer==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Cathan Canae is called the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' or the ''Lady of the Frost''. <br /> <br /> She is sometimes called called ''The Breath of Winter'' (perhaps confusingly, given she is an Eternal of Summer), ''Mistress of Blizzards'' and ''The Immovable One''.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> This Summer Eternal appears either as a tall, muscular woman dressed in heavy chain in the style of a [[Wintermark]] warrior-heroine, bearing a vicious hooked pole-arm called ''Ironwind''. On her brow is a tall crown of ice set with three blue jewels. She usually wears a mantle of white bear-fur, which stories say was made for her by the [[Suaq]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalker|icewalker]]-hero Fainomaiken from the hide of the titanic Devilbear that haunted the wastes of [[Sermersuaq]] centuries before the [[Steinr]] came and the people of Wintermark became one. <br /> <br /> On the rare occasions that she is presenting a more peaceful mien, she dresses in the manner of a rich [[Steinr]] [[Wintermark political leadership|thane]], or wealthy [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka leadership|boyar]], usually with her white mantle over the top and her regal crown. She is by turns imperious; mighty; cold as the glacier; furious as the blizzard.<br /> <br /> Cathan Canae is rarely encountered alone; she is usually accompanied by warriors or occasionally [[ogre]]-like giants or savage supernatural beasts. She rules a great swathe of territory in the Summer realm from her immense frozen citadel. Her realm is composed of awe-inspiring mountains, frozen waterfalls, glaciers and trackless snow-covered plains, haunted by legendary monsters and bands of savage warriors. Her armies regularly engage in skirmishes and battles with those of [[Eleonaris]] on the Fields of Glory and [[Hayaak]] for mastery of the Forest of Arden.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Cathan Canae exemplifies and glories in physical strength; she is the awesome strength of the glacier, the might of the howling blizzard, the irresistable majesty of the mountain, the implacable force of the avalanche. She reaches for the strength that none can stand against, and that cannot be overcome - both the irresistible force and the immovable object. She is extremely stubborn, and respects only two things; might and resilience. She is extremely proud, and those who disrespect her earn her unending ire.<br /> <br /> In many stories it is Cathan Canae who sends blizzards and avalanches down from the mountains, or south from the frigid wastes, to batter Wintermark and Varushka. She does not do this from wickedness, but because it is in her nature to test others. Those who endure the onslaught of winter, or who fight with courage against the armies of their enemies, become ever stronger, ever more capable of resisting whatever the world throws at them. <br /> <br /> In [[Wintermark]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Verys]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> Cathan Canae can give boons of strengh, martial prowess and supernatural [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude|fortitude]]. She almost always demands that those who would receive her boons prove their strength bu defeating one of her champions or enduring a challenge of their resilience, constitution or will. According to stories the hero Fainomaiken endured twelve impossible tasks during his fabled courtship of this proud queen, including holding back the glacier Immanoviel for a year-and-a-day and enduring seven days and seven nights naked beneath the frozen waterfall called Unending Frost. Modern heroes are likely to receive slightly less dramatic challenges, but those who fail are often left broken or maimed. Cathan Canae has neither mercy nor respect for those who fail to live up to her high standards of excellence.<br /> <br /> On rare occasions she will lend a weapon, shield or piece of armour from her extensive collection to a mortal to wield for a time. Her artisans are some of the most skilled in the Summer realm, and work with all manner of exotic materials including living ice, water, wind and starlight. Even other Eternals of Summer seek the aid of her crafters.<br /> <br /> Sometimes she will offer the services of her giant warriors, massive Eternal humanoids often reaching seven or eight feet in height and possessed of unspeakable strength. She may likewise send some of the legendary beasts and savage hunters of her realm to bedevil mortals. or be prevailed upon to raise a blizzard or avalanche, or aid mortal ritualists in doing the same.<br /> <br /> Some mortal ritualsts are able to prevail on ancient pacts to [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canea|call forth a frozen fortification]] from her realm, and she can make this process easier or harder.<br /> <br /> A very few men and women have wooed Cathan Canae; those who impress her with their strength, courage and fortitude may spend one night as her consort. Should they survive this honour it is said that ever after they are inured to the cold of winter- they can walk naked through the mightiest blizzard without difficulty, or swim the frozen floes of [[Tsirku]] without fear.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Hayaak&diff=26086 2014-05-13T10:26:42Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Summer==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Hayaak is called the ''[[Legendary beasts#Gryphon|Gryphon]]-King''. <br /> <br /> He is also known variously as the ''Brother of Lions'' and the ''Hawk Lord''. <br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Hayaak is a heavy-set masculine figure with a feathered brow. When he is in a warlike mood he wears a helm shaped like the head of an eagle, armour made from the thick hide of some monstrous lion, and gauntlets with clawed fingers; when he is calm, he wears fine gold and brown clothing in the style of a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl]] with a golden crown. He is rarely without his warhorn and his great two-handed axe. <br /> <br /> He is usually encountered in the wilds; while he apparently owns a great castle, he is most often found hunting in the vast expanse of the Forest of Arden, which surrounds his domain and the dominion of which he contests with several other Summer Eternals. Those who meet Hayaak are left in no doubt that this is a being with a quick temper; he has an aura that warns them of the danger of attracting his ire. Weak-willed individuals cannot meet his gaze, and must fight to stay in his presence if they think they have offended him.<br /> <br /> The Gryphon-king has a well-known weakness; he enjoys and savours tales of romance, especially those that involve treachery and retribution. Some bards and [[Troubadour|troubadours]] have performed before Hayaak and received valuable gifts or boons when their work has pleased him, and occasionally painful curses when their work has bored or offended him.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Hayaak exemplifies the wrath that lies at the heart of the Summer Realm. When he is in a good mood, he is gregarious, regal and welcoming. His mood can shift quickly in response to a real or imagined slight, and while it is rare for him to become angry when he does he seeks to annihilate whatever has drawn his ire. He is often involved in conflicts with other Summer Eternals.<br /> <br /> Relatively straightforward and bluff, Hayaak is passionate about questions of honour and revenge. He encourages those who consider themselves wronged to seek redress, but seems to lack a sense of justice. One [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazer]] described him as being &quot;''wildly disproportionate in his retribution; tread mud through his home and he will burn down your town to settle the score.''&quot; <br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> This moody Eternal is known for his ''Lion-bound horn'' that drives foes before it, and the one-handed spear ''Retribution'' that shatters the shields of his enemies and inflicts deadly wounds on their bodies - only a knight in full harness can hope to stand against Hayaak in battle - and he will sometimes offer a fraction of these powers to mortals. He can also fan the flames of wrath or vengeance in a mortal heart, helping to harden them for the retribution they feel they must take.<br /> <br /> Many of Hayaak's court are knights and warriors, and he is known to lend their aid to mortal endeavors from time to time, especially in pursuit of vengeance.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Eleonaris&diff=26085 2014-05-13T10:24:26Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Summer==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Eleonaris has many titles; she is the ''Queen of the Fields of Glory'', the ''Lady of Pennants'', the ''Commander of the Golden Armies'', the ''Soverign in Scarlet and Gold'' and ''The Lion of Summer''. <br /> <br /> She has many other names besides; bards and [[Troubadours]] in her court and beyond compete to glorify her name with flattering titles. She smiles indulgently, but their adoration rarely turns her head.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> The ''Queen of the Fields of Glory''.appears as a powerful woman in gold and red. She has a golden mane reminiscent of a lion, and her skin is marked with swirling patterns that are said to spiral outwards from her heart. When she is calm these markings are golden, but when she is in a wrathful aspect or going to war, they are deep crimson.<br /> <br /> She may be attired in a flowing gown or clad head-to-toe in plate harness. Usually she appears in clothing and armour reminiscent of [[The Brass Coast]], although sometimes she appears as a resplendent [[Dawn|Dawnish]] noble. Very occasionally she may appear in garb that echoes the leaders or nobles of other warrior societies.<br /> <br /> Eleonaris is almost never alone; she is generally accompanied by nights, nobles, courtiers, soldiers and servants. Some of these are lesser Eternals, others seem to be more akin to magical creatures in the form of men. Like their mistress, they tend to be fierce and proud. Most bear banners, pennants, tabards or surcotes bearing some sort of image of a golden lion on a red background.<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> <br /> Eleonaris seems to be the ruler of a great swathe of the Summer Realm called the Fields of Glory. She also claims parts of the Forest of Arden, and is known to contend with other Eternals for dominance of other territories. She is said to have a number of lesser Eternals who serve her as vassals - lords and ladies and knights of her court, each of which is responsible for a demesne within her greater Realm. Whether this is 'real' or not is never clear - it is possible that these Eternals simply play at being a feudal court for their own amusement, but if so they take their game so seriously that ignoring it can have serious repercussions.<br /> <br /> The ''Commander in Crimson and Gold'' exemplifies ideas of nobility, civility, and, conquest. Her armies, resplendent in gold-and-red, fight beneath her leonine pennant in great tourneys, and in open warfare with the armies of other Summer Eternals. She seems to have a great deal of time for those who have earnt the respect they are given through war or politics.<br /> <br /> She is strongly associated with the runes [[Feresh]] and [[Tykonus]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> <br /> Magicians consort with Eleonaris because she is an exemplar of the ideas of war and leadership. She can offer some of her warriors to fight in mortal battles, as well as giving boons that relate to command, majesty and the arts of war. She has a great love of banners, pennants, heraldry, livery and the like and her weavers are known to spin enchanted threads and dyes that can help a mortal [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] or [[Weaver cabal|weaver]] create magical standards of great potence. She is known to love both [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]] and [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], and gifts made with these materials are sure to get her attention.<br /> <br /> Eleonaris offers boons related to battle, leadership and nobility; she does not appreciate the idea of raiding, or of small bands that fight for their own glory. Those who seek those kinds of boons would be better seeking the court of cold [[Cathan Canea]], the Queen of Ice.<br /> <br /> ==Jaheris==<br /> A figure often associated with Eleonaris is her consort-brother-son-father Jaheris. He is usually clad in blue-and-silver, and appears with the horns of a stag. His device is a silver unicorn on a blue background. <br /> <br /> He is sometimes her rival, and sometimes her ally. In some stories he is her father who she overthrew to claim her throne, in others he is her son who strives to usurp his mothers' seat. Sometimes it seems he is her beloved consort, but he always plots against her and is cast down. Sometimes he is her brother, who seeks to take her throne by force. In contrast to Eleonaris, he appears to be an Eternal magician rather than a knight or warrior - he is known to offer magical trifles to those who aid him in his schemes. <br /> <br /> Their armies and courtiers clash in open conflict - there is comparatively little scheming or plotting between them. Rather their relationship seems to exemplify the clash of kings, the thrill of ambition, and the striving between powerful individuals to claim dominance over one-another and the world. <br /> <br /> He sometimes seeks to draw others into his schemes against Eleonaris, but it is perhaps worth remembering that (as the [[Earl|enchanter]] Lydia de Courland said in one of her studies of the Eternals of Summer) &quot;''Jaheris is treachery and ambition incarnate, but this is the Summer realm, not the Autumn realm; his schemes never succeed, and it may be that they never can. The only way he can ever usurp Eleonaris would be to become mightier, more noble, more powerful than she - and were that to happen I truly believe the only result would be that the two of them would swap roles. He would become the regal king of the Fields of Glory, and she would become the bitter rival scheming to steal his throne. In fact, I would not be surprised to discover that exactly that had happened before, perhaps many times. Indeed, it could well be that they are not two Eternals at all, but one powerful magical spirit in two bodies.''&quot;<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Llofir&diff=26084 2014-05-13T10:24:01Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> <br /> ==Eternal of Spring==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, Llofir is sometimes ''The Quiet One'' or sometimes simply as ''Ruin''. <br /> <br /> Like many Spring Eternals, Llofir appears to have no true discernable gender as mortals understand it; some may call it the ''Rotlord'' while others refer to it as the ''Lady of Spores.'' Occasionally it is referred to as ''The Great Fungus'' but seems almost entirely unconcerned with what names mortals give it, and appears immune to flattery.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> As with Eternals such as [[Yaw'nagrah]], Llofir is believed to be truly massive - an entire ecosystem with a single consciousness behind it. Where Llofir differs from other Spring Eternals is that its body is composed of fungus and molds - sometimes on an epic scale. It is known to 'bud' smaller, humanoid forms that are in some way vessels for its consciousness with which it can speak to mortals; many of these strange creatures serve as its heralds, guards and courtiers. They range in size from a few feet tall through dangerous animalistic creatures to massive, shambling horrors that move like a tide of animate matter. <br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> The Quiet One is usually described as calm, placid and extremely long-sighted. Where other Spring Eternals live in the moment, Llofir seems utterly disconnected from concerns of past and future. It in some way exemplifies ideas of natural rot, corruption, decomposition and decay - the way things tend to break down into simpler forms, from which new things arise. It is also fascinated with disease and sickness, and the way they cause healthy organisms to fall apart or become weak.<br /> <br /> Some magicians believe that Llofir's interest in rot and decay extends beyond the physical, literal manifestation of decomposition and include the philosophical idea that complex structures such as societies and Empire also need to be periodically killed and broken down so that new societies can grow from the 'mulch' they leave behind. This would be a very sophisticated position for a Spring Eternal to take, but not entirely inconsistent with the 'long view' that Llofir appears to take. <br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> The Great Fungus has a few boons of interest to magicians; some have to do with encouraging decay and collapse, or the destruction of crafted goods or structures. Others have to do with the hallucinogenic or poisonous properties of many fungi, while some magicians have successfully bartered for the Quiet One's support in the form of the loan of his fungal servitors.<br /> <br /> One boon he is usually happy to give is substances that help in the performance of rituals such as [[Rot's Rightful Claim]], [[Turns the Circle]] and similar effects that either encourage decomposition, or destroy undead and unliving corpses. Llofir is widely believed to have an uncharacteristic hatred for things which inhabit dead flesh and prevent it rotting. <br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Arhallogen&diff=26083 2014-05-13T10:23:13Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Spring==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, Arhallogen is called the ''Spider King'' (although gender has little meaning for this powerful creature, it is usually addressed by male honorifics). <br /> <br /> It is also occasionally referred to by other Eternals by a name that sounds like a sequence of quick clicking noises - noises commonly produced by Arhallogen, its heralds and its spawn.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> A swarm of poisonous insects and arachnids that speak with a single whispering voice; a monstrous spider-like, scorpion-like horror, all pincers and deadly stingers; or sometimes an insect-like vaguely-humanoid shape in cobweb robes and an iron crown, bearing a poisoned glaive. <br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> Arhallogen is an inhabitant of the Spring Realm, and part of the family of Eternals that are the most alien to humanity. It seems to be fascinated by the ways living things prey on and compete with each other, especially the adaptations and natural qualities that let them hunt, kill and consume prey - or that let the prey fight off their predators. <br /> <br /> Unsurprisingly, the Spider King rates venom as one of the most potent tools that any living creature can employ, and is delighted to encounter new poisons.<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> This dark Eternal encourages competition between living things, not so much out of a desire to see death or conflict but apparently from an urge to see living things survive and prosper. It offers a number of boons, many of them violent, and often involved with crushing weaker prey or poisoning stronger creatures to make them weak.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Yaw%27nagrah&diff=26082 2014-05-13T10:22:30Z

<p>Delvy: Removed stub</p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==Eternal of Spring==<br /> ===Sobriquets===<br /> Most commonly, Yaw'nagrah is called the ''Green Mother'' or the ''Queen of the Forest''. <br /> <br /> She is occasionally called ''Mother of Briars'' or ''Barkspawner'' and some stories tentatively link her with the foundation of the [[Briar]] lineage. Her handmaidens have never offered conclusive proof one way or another, and according to many magicians appear not to understand the question - although it cannot be denied that Yaw'nagrah and her handmaidens respond much more favourably to briars than to other mortals, even for a Spring Eternal.<br /> <br /> ===Appearance===<br /> Like [[Llofir]], Yaw'nagrah is immense. She appears to be a primevil forest of immense size that spreads across an area of the Spring Realm roughly the size of [[Varushka]], although it is possible that this estimation is out by several magnitudes. She rarely speaks directly to magicians, but spawns ''handmaidens'' from her body that take the form of human-shaped tree creatures who work to make her guests more at home. <br /> <br /> Some magicians describe these handmaidens as being comely humanoids, often with briar trappings, rather than animate tree creatures but it is not clear if these are a different kind of creature (possibly heralds), or the result of some exposure to hallucinogenic pollen or spores<br /> <br /> ===Concerns===<br /> <br /> Yaw'nagrah is concerned with life, in infinite diversity and infinite combinations. Her forest is fecund, but she is a creature without compassion; she favours no form of life over any other. Discussions with her handmaidens have suggested that she may consider all forms of life other than plants and perhaps insects to be an aberration, a temporary infestation on the mortal world that will eventually disappear.<br /> {{CaptionedImage|file=SpringEternal1.JPG|title=A Handmaiden of Yaw'nagrah|align=left|width=325|height=480}}<br /> While she is not malicious, she is also entirely without mercy. Her interests in the Empire appear to be limited, beyond her somewhat detached interest in all living things. Some magicians have noted, however, that she appears to look favourably on those who bring her gifts of plants she has not encountered before, or who bring children into the presence of her handmaidens.<br /> <br /> She is strongly associated with the rune [[Bravash]].<br /> <br /> ===Boons===<br /> <br /> Magicians seek out Yaw'nagrah because she has powerful abilities related to fertility, in all forms. She has been known to allow barren females to conceive; to cause female creatures to become with child without a partner. She is said to be able to provide offspring to childless couples, although these offspring are not always entirely human. She is also able to help magicians to restore fertility to blighted crops or beasts, as well as to encourage fecundity over large areas, potentially to a dangerous degree. <br /> <br /> Some tales suggest that the fertility she offers is tainted in some way by her fascination with diversity; that while barren soil may become capable of supporting crops, it is impossible to predict what ''else'' may grow from the things she has touched ... <br /> <br /> [[Category:Eternals]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Empress_Aenea&diff=26055 2014-05-10T21:14:58Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> ===Reign: 103 YE - 120 YE ===<br /> <br /> ===Called: The Builder===<br /> <br /> ====Early Life and Election====<br /> Born and raised in [[Highguard]], the girl who would become Empress Aenea was a student of architecture, who helped build and design everything from mausoleums to castles.<br /> <br /> ====Reign====<br /> Aenea's attention was heavily focussed on the systems and apparatus of the Empire, with modifications to the roads, the infrastructure of the Civil Service, the organisation of the Bourse, and the [[Imperial Senate]] and [[Imperial Law]] in search of refinement. She largely ignored the [[Imperial Synod]], which continued to exercise its political powers in pursuit of the spiritual well-being of the Empire - only when the priests interfered with Aenea's projects for expanding and consolidating the infrastructure did she pay much attention to them. <br /> <br /> She was also responsible for building the [[Madruga#The Lyceum|Lyceum]] in the Bay of Catazarr east of [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]], and establishing the position of the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] to help the [[Imperial Conclave]] perform magical research in the service of the Empire, free of political control. When asked why she did not have the Lyceum built in [[Urizen]], she is reported to have simply shrugged and said &quot;''The Urizen sometimes need to be reminded that while they may consider themselves foremost among the magicians of the Empire, their peers elsewhere do not think that considering something is the same as proving it.''&quot; She refused to answer other questions, but was very careful to underline that while the Lyceum had been built in the sea near [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] territories it was to be overseen by the [[Imperial Conclave]] and not the Senator of [[Madruga]]. <br /> <br /> Historians point to this (among other incidents) as a foremost example of her abrasive personality; according to her contemporaries she lacked many social graces. Her brilliance lay in her ability to identify problems and find practical resolutions to them. She saw it as her role to build, reinforce and strengthen the Empire with the same direct and pragmatic approach she might take to building, reinforcing and strengthening a castle wall.<br /> <br /> One of Aenea's failings was that she left foreign affairs, including military matters, entirely to the Senate and the Military Council without oversight; she was interested only in the Empire itself.<br /> <br /> The Senators and the Generals took this as an opportunity to expand the borders of the Empire, and their perceived aggression disquieted nearby foreign nations. Several border wars occurred during Aenea's tenure on the throne, and at various points the Empire was at war with [[Faraden]], [[The Iron Confederacy]], [[Axos]] and [[Skoura]].<br /> <br /> In 118 YE, the [[Sumaah Republic]] officially broke with the Imperial Synod and technically excommunicated not only the Empress but all the priests of the Empire. Historians to this day disagree as to whether the Empress might have been able to head-off this international incident had she been more interested in foreign policy; several scholars point to key points at which the intervention of the Empress might have defused the increasingly tense situation.<br /> <br /> The Empire was technically at war with the Sumaah Republic for the next two hundred years, but the vast distances involved meant that military conflict was all but impossible, All trade between the Republic and the Empire ceased, however, and it was not until 326 YE that the trade-routes were re-opened.<br /> <br /> ====Death and Legacy====<br /> Aenea died. Parrallels are occasionally drawn with the later [[Emperor Nicovar]], but as the historian Senator Luca de Tassato said &quot;''A ruthless attention to detail is not the same as being obsessed with details.''&quot;<br /> <br /> After her death the Throne remained empty until the ascension of [[Empress Varkula]] in 125YE. During this time, the Senate became increasingly fractious and factionalised, creating the environment that allowed the ruthless Varushkan to sieze power.<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- Need some IC text --&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;ic&gt;&quot;&quot;By enabling free education in the magical arts, access to the title of Conclave Mage has also become free. Being free it has lost value, and it is important to the wellbeing of this Empire that the Conclave be comprised of mages who know the value of the work they do.&quot; &lt;/ic&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Category:History]]<br /> [[Category:The Throne]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Imperial_history&diff=26054 2014-05-10T21:14:19Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> Imperial historians date from the foundation of the Empire. Events that happened after the Empire is created are recored as '''YE''' for &quot;Year of the Empire&quot; and '''BE''' for &quot;Before the Empire.&quot; Most nations had their own calendars before the foundation of the Empire so historical documents that predate the Empire use different systems. A very few Highguard historians stubbornly cling to the numbering '''SL''' for &quot;Since Landfall&quot; dating from the point at which they first set foot on these shores, but this is a largely discredited system.<br /> r<br /> ==The distant past== <br /> According to historians among the [[Navarr]], [[Urizen]] and [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], the orcs occupied land that had once belonged to early human kingdoms. What is known is that there were some powerful human kingdoms at this time, but that they were ultimately defeated and overthrown by the orcs.<br /> <br /> When the first waves of human colonization began, most of the initial inhabitants were in retreat - the Navarr to their forests, the Urizen to their mountains, the [[Suaq]] and the [[Kallavesi]] to the inhospitable north, the [[Varushka History|Ushka]] huddled around their camp fires, and the [[Feni]] lurking in their wilderness. There were also humans living among the orcs, largely as chattel, slaves or subjects. Where these humans were freed from orc oppression, they were usually assimilated by the conquerors leaving no records of their own culture.<br /> <br /> ==Formation of the nations==<br /> Three waves of colonization brought people that founded new human nations. The [[Highguard|Highborn]] are generally held to be the first, landing in the south, the forebears of [[Dawn]] and [[The Marches]] landed in the east and the [[Steinr]] and Vard appeared in the north leading to the creation of Wintermark and Varushka respectively.<br /> <br /> These nations grew in size and power through constant warfare with their neighbours, particularly the barbarian orcs who claimed the land as their own. While the nations were successful, life was hard and brutal for the initial settlers and historians believe that it was only a matter of time before these new human nations would have been overrun and subjugated, like their predecessors.<br /> <br /> ==Foundation of the Empire==<br /> ===Year Zero===<br /> With an eye to the conflict between the human nations and the risks posed by the orcs, the First Empress began her crusade in Highguard. She gathered around a small group of like-minded individuals from various nations and with their assistance, and with the aid of the Navarr, she brought together the leaders of humanity to discuss the barbarian threat. Her vision and charisma - and the hard work of her allies - convinced many of them to recognise the value of an Empire. The people of [[Urizen]] declined to join, but sufficient folk from [[The Brass Coast]], [[Dawn]], [[Highguard]], [[The League]], [[The Marches]], [[Navarr]], [[Varushka]] and [[Wintermark]] accepted the proposal to allow them to form the Empire.<br /> <br /> ====(1 YE - 5 YE) Internal conflict====<br /> In the early years the Empire concentrated on consolidating its position. The creation of the Empire led to a brief but bloody civil war in the Marches and the first of many battles with the orcs. During this time the first egregores were created through a ritual created by the [[Hakima]] of [[The Brass Coast]] to ensure that the various nations are able to maintain their distinct cultural identity.<br /> <br /> The most significant conflict was in Varushka where the Imperial forces engaged those of the corrupt boyar [[Alderei the Fair]] who threatened to conquer Varushka and create his own corrupt Empire. With the magical aid of the [[Volodny]] magicians, his armies proved to be a match for the Imperial forces. The efforts of powerful magicians ultimately neutralised the Volodny and the tyrant boyar was defeated by the Marcher general Tom Drake, although his body was never recovered.<br /> <br /> ====(6 YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====<br /> The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.<br /> <br /> ====(22 YE) Death of the First Empress ====<br /> The First Empress led her troops from the front, rallying and inspiring them in their campaigns against their enemies. She died on campaign in battle against an orc barbarian tribe on the Brass Coast who were subsequently wiped out. She was interred in the [[Necropolis]] at Highguard, creating the tradition for many dead Emperors and Empresses that followed.<br /> <br /> The last known [[Horses|horse]], the mount of the First Empress, died at this time. Highguard tales described the pair's final battle, but Urizen records of army logistics from this period suggest that the horse died before the Empress. Although the first Empress is always shown on a horse, there were no more horses after this time.<br /> <br /> ===(22 YE - 34 YE) Reign of Emperor Giovanni the Peacemaker===<br /> After the death of the First Empress, Emperor Giovanni of [[Tassato]] was chosen by the Senate to replace her. An advisor to the late Empress, Giovanni was a statesman and politician rather than a military leader like his predecessor. He set about ensuring the Empire had the infrastructure required to help it prosper. His first act was to initiate a tradition of meeting once every three months at the site of the first meeting where the Empire was formed. A Senate building was built on the site, and it was declared Imperial Territory. <br /> <br /> Giovanni approached the people of [[Urizen]] with an invitation to join the Empire, and this time they accepted. In return they offered their expertise as scholars and mages. Urizen scholarship slowly helped to raise levels of education and literacy across the Empire. Harnessing the power of Urizen divination with the manpower of the civil service helped Giovanni to transform the Imperial Civil Service into its current form. <br /> <br /> The Urizen worked with the Empire to create the [[Imperial Conclave]], inspired by experiences during the war with Alderei the Fair in Varushka. The divided magicians of the Empire, each jealously guarding their own secrets, were barely able to neutralise the much smaller force of the Volodya, and the Senate was keen to ensure that this does not happen again.<br /> <br /> Giovanni also laid the foundations of the [[Imperial Bourse]], and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. During his reign he establisheed a single currency based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, based in Tassato under the ultimate control of the Civil Service. Giovanni died in 34 YE but his legacy was at least as durable as that of his predecessor. His relentless commitment to civilisation earned Giovanni the epithet &quot;Peacemaker&quot;.<br /> <br /> ==Consolidation of the Empire==<br /> ===(36 YE - 69 YE) Reign of Empress Richilde, the Sun Queen===<br /> Following the reign of Emperor Giovanni, there is a brief period during which the Throne is unoccupied. The next Empress is [[Empress Richilde]] of [[Dawn]]. Senator for [[Astolat]], this accomplished Dawnish noble parlayed her cleverness and charisma into political influence. She instituted the Imperial bards, served as a patroness of the arts, accompanied the Imperial armies on campaign as an inspirational symbol of the Throne, and worked extensively to encourage both national and Imperial pride. After her death, she was recognised as an [[Paragons and Exemplars|Exemplar]] and later a Paragon of [[Pride]].<br /> <br /> ====(46 YE) Karsk captured====<br /> Imperial armies from Wintermark and Dawn supported the Varushkan force's conquest of [[Karsk]]. The war was long and did not produce tales of heroism or glory.<br /> <br /> ====(52 YE) Semmerholm defeated====<br /> An unusual alliance between Marcher and Dawnish forces caused the destruction of a major orc tribe in the territory now known as <br /> [[Semmerholm]]. <br /> <br /> ====(54 YE) Scouring of Redoubt====<br /> A combined Imperial force assisted the seers of Urizen in systematically removing the majority of orc occupants from the territory of [[Redoubt]]. Urizen control of the territory expanded allowing it to be represented in the Senate.<br /> <br /> ====(56 YE) Reikos gained====<br /> Highborn forces finally succeeded in conquering the [[Reikos]] on the borders of the Great Forest of Peytaht. The territory was accepted as part of the Empire although it took over a year to return the first senator for the territory.<br /> <br /> ===71 YE - 91 YE Reign of Empress Teleri the Pious===<br /> This [[Navarr]] [[Empress Teleri|Empress]] was deeply involved in the business of the Synod, and it was during her reign that they first began to exert the political powers they possessed. During her reign, the Synod gained increasing influence over all other parts of Imperial life, especially the Imperial Senate. <br /> <br /> ====(74 YE) Westward expansion====<br /> A campaign to secure the western flank of the Empire took the Mourn from orcs and secured Mitwold to the sea, giving the Empire a western coastline.<br /> <br /> ====(88 YE) Invasion of Kahraman====<br /> Freeborn and Marcher armies concluded a successful pincer invasion of the mountainous territory of [[Kahraman]]. The occupants were split in two by the invasion and forced out of the territory in the following years.<br /> <br /> ===92 YE - 102 YE The First Interregnum===<br /> Following the reign of Empress Teleri there is a period known as the ''First Interregnum'' during which there was nobody seated on the Throne. This period is marked by close co-operation between the Conclave, Bourse, Senate and Military Council with the Imperial Synod serving a vital role as supporters and intermediaries. As the interregnum progresses, however, there is increasing dissatisfaction with the dominance of the Synod.<br /> <br /> ===103 YE - 120 YE Reign of Empress Aenea the Builder===<br /> The [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[Empress Aenea]] spent most of her reign improving the infrastructure of the Empire. Several border wars occurred during Aenea's time on the throne, and at various points the Empire was at war with [[Faraden]], [[The Iron Confederacy]], [[Axos]], [[Skoura]] and even (technically) the [[Sumaah Republic]].<br /> <br /> ===125 YE to 167 YE Reign of Empress Varkula, called 'The Undying'===<br /> Taking advantage of a weakened and divided senate the ruthless [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Empress Varkula]] manipulated (and in some cases, allegedly extorted) her way to the throne. She then set about dramatically increasing the military strength of the Empire. Her reign saw the Empire's borders expand, and also saw a reduction in the powers of the Synod that had expanded in the reigns of more pious Emperors and Empresses.<br /> <br /> ====(125 YE) Assimilation of Zenith====<br /> The seers of Urizen completed the assimilation of [[Zenith]] after a lengthy campaign involving Highborn and League forces and a long sequence of powerful rituals.<br /> <br /> ====(136 YE) Fall of Holberg====<br /> Imperial armies from Dawn conquered the territory of [[Holberg]]. The city of Holberg was convinced to join the Empire by League diplomats, leading to a political coup in the Senate that resulted in the territory being assigned to the League.<br /> <br /> ====(154 YE) Skarsind pacified====<br /> Although it proved impossible to drive the barbarian orcs from [[Skarsind]], enough of the territory was conquered and fortified for it to be declared an Imperial territory.<br /> <br /> ====(167 YE) Domination of Miekarova====<br /> Steady expansion by the Varushkan boyars over the preceding century led to the inclusion of [[Miekarova]] within the Empire.<br /> <br /> ===(180 to 198 YE) Reign of Emperor Barabbas===<br /> The [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[Emperor Barabbas]] was driven by the desire to expand the Empire to control the entire Bay of Catazar. He was only marginally successful, managing primarily to alienate the people of [[Surann]] and [[Skoura]] and ultimately seeing his ''Barabbine fleet'' sink in a terrible storm that would have left the Imperial Navy crippled if not for the foresight of his [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] allies.<br /> <br /> ====(183) Expansion into Segura====<br /> A united front by the Hakima of the Guerra and Riqueza led to the Brass Coast expansion into [[Segura]].<br /> <br /> ==Stability==<br /> <br /> ===(200 YE - 209 YE) Reign of Emperor Nicovar &quot;the Mad&quot;===<br /> The first reversals in the Empire's fortune occurred during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Initially a brilliant administrator, Nicovar expanded the role of the civil service in support of the Empire. However, a decade of attempting to micromanage every element of the Empire, as well as a reliance on the magic of Day to gather and interpret ever greater amounts of information, eventually caused him to descend into madness.<br /> <br /> The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] and the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.<br /> <br /> Things came to a head in 209 when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility, and was convicted as a traitor, while simultaneously being lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty and a hero of the Empire.<br /> <br /> The destruction of the libraries left a big hole in the history of the Empire - thousands of books and scrolls are lost. While records still existed, there were many gaps and those that remained were fragmentary. Since then scholars have attempted to recreate the books and records they had lost, but with mixed success.<br /> <br /> ==(204 YE - 259 YE) Years of turmoil==<br /> This period was characterized by a sequence of military defeats as earlier conquests were lost to resurgent barbarian forces beginning with Segura in the Brass Coast in 204 and ending with the war in Karsk in 259. Most of the defeats were eventually reversed, with the borders moving back and forth. By the end of the years of turmoil, the Empire actually controled slightly more land than at the beginning, but the period is still regarded as a low point in Imperial history.<br /> <br /> ===(212 YE - 234 YE) Reign of Empress Mariika===<br /> After three years without an Emperor or Empress, the [[Suaq]] [[Empress Mariika]] ascended the Throne. The Empire was on the verge of financial collapse, and Mariika's reign is remembered for her ruthless and efficient reorganisation of the Imperial Economy. She disbanded two entire armies, slashed funding to the Military Council, gave the Bourse control of a number of raw material surpluses, recognised several informal positions as Imperial offices, and generally took steps to ensure the Empire avoided economic disaster. <br /> <br /> ===(239 YE - 248 YE) Reign of Emperor Guntherm===<br /> The [[Steinr]] [[Emperor Guntherm]] ascended the Throne after a series of successful campaigns against the [[Jotun]] barbarians. He was committed to expanding the reach of the Empire, and chafed under the economic restrictions placed by his predecessor. The early part of his reign is committed to strengthening the borders of the Empire, and a number of castles and fortresses were built during his reign. The latter part of his reign is known for some of the bloodiest battles in Imperial history.<br /> <br /> ===(249 YE - 257 YE) Reign of Empress Brannan===<br /> The [[Navarr|Navarri]] [[Empress Brannan]] followed Guntherm to the throne, and was another military-minded ruler dedicated to smashing the orcs and expanding the borders of the Empire. Ultimately, her abusive attitude to the powers of the Throne, and allegations of improper relations with certain [[Eternals]] resulted in her being the only Emperor or Empress to be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Imperial Synod]]. Despite her failings, some of the most glorious battles in Imperial history take place during her reign, she showed what the Empire was capable of when sufficient resources were given to it's armies, and with her support the Navarr made great advances in their fight to destroy the [[vallorn]] and reclaim their lost cities.<br /> <br /> ===(257 YE - 281 YE) Reign of Emperor James===<br /> The [[Marcher]] [[Emperor James]] took the throne as a peacemaker - not to make peace with the barbarians, but to make peace within the Empire. He was responsible for fixing the borders of the Empire.. <br /> <br /> ====(265 YE) Fixing the borders====<br /> The Senate decreed that the Empire was now large enough and argued that further expansion was counterproductive, despite vociferous argument from the Synod and the Military Council. Trade routes with various foreigners were established, and peace treaties were signed with various barbarians,ushering in an era of economic growth and prosperity.<br /> <br /> Some barbarians continued to threaten the borders, but the armies shifted to a more defensive role.<br /> <br /> ===(281 YE - 300 YE) The Second Interregnum===<br /> After James' reign, a period of relative peace settled on the Empire. The borders were reinforced, relationships between the Senate, the Synod and the Military Council achieved a degree of status quo, and both the Conclave and the Bourse focused on their own interests. Modern scholars suggest that this was a period of increasing complacency and introspection for the Empire, but others point to the high quality of life for most citizens, the various advances in magic, the arts and technology, and consider it a golden age built on the solid foundations laid by Emperor James' reign.<br /> <br /> ====(322 YE - 324 YE) The Orc Rebellion====<br /> Prior to 322 YE, many orcs that were defeated in battle were enslaved. Orcs had no rights in the Empire before this time, as they were not considered people in the eyes of the Constitution. There were slave populations in Dawn, Wintermark and Highguard and especially in Varushka and The League.<br /> <br /> During this period an orc hero arose among his people, leading them in [[The Orc Rebellion|armed revolt]] that saw them occupy parts of Varushka, the League, Dawn and the Marches. The Freeborn Emperor Ahraz arranged a deal with the orcs, and a motion to recognise them as people was brought before the Senate. The motion passed by a tiny margin, making the Imperial Orcs citizens of the Empire.<br /> <br /> ===(324 YE - 329 YE) Reign of Emperor Ahraz &quot;the Liberator&quot;===<br /> The only [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] Emperor to date, [[Emperor Ahraz|Ahraz]] came to the throne with promises to end the Orc Rebellion. He did so by bringing the slaves into the Empire, and by recognising the right of orcs to be citizens. His reign was marked with turmoil, and he abdicated in 329 YE a broken man.<br /> <br /> ====(324 YE - 328 YE) The Freedom Heresy====<br /> A briar priest preaching the heretical virtue of freedom ultimately inspired an [[Freedom Heresy|attempt to secede from the Empire]]. When the rebellion was defeated by Imperial forces, the priest led her followers into [[The Barrens]] where they attempted to found a rogue state; the kingdom of Mountane. In 328 YE the heretics were destroyed by barbarian orcs, and in 329 YE the ringleaders of the heresy were tried and executed for heresy and blasphemy.<br /> <br /> ==Decline==<br /> ===(331 YE) The Decline begins===<br /> In 331YE the territory of [[Spiral]] was lost to [[Urizen]]. This marked the start of the current period called the decline. A greedy and corrupt Senate, more concerned with internal political manoeuvring than the strength of the Empire, supported two weak occupants of The Throne ([[Empress Giselle]] de Sarvos and [[Emperor Hugh]] the Fat of House Rousillon) and a third catastrophically incompetent Emperor (the weak and self-indulgent naga-lineaged [[Emperor Walter]] Upwold who did not enter the Senate once during his two year reign). <br /> <br /> The Synod was mostly concerned with dogmatic disputes and began to lose sight of its mission.<br /> <br /> In 346 YE the territory of [[Holberg]] was lost to the barbarians. This triggered a defensive mindset and a period of recriminations. More territories were lost, leading to further defensiveness and less inter-nation cooperation. The generals of the Military Council found it impossible to collaborate effectively during this period. The addition of the first [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] generals in 351 YE simple made the matter worse.<br /> <br /> Several more territories on the edges of the Empire were [[Lost Territories|lost]] during this time.<br /> <br /> ===(331 - 346 YE) Reign of Empress Giselle 'the unwise'===<br /> [[Empress Giselle]] de [[Sarvos]] of the [[The League|League]] takes the throne following the loss of [[Spiral]] in 331 YE and despite some early efforts entirely failed to re-take that territory. Her reign is marked with a period of political upheaval largely caused by the Empress herself whose blatant favouritism towards the League splits the Senate and the Synod, and causes problems among the generals and the archmagi. Her reign ends with her death during the battle for [[Holberg]] which sees that territory lost to the Empire.<br /> <br /> ===(348 - 368 YE) Reign of Emperor Hugh, called 'the fat'===<br /> After the death of Empress Giselle de Sarvos, [[Emperor Hugh|Hugh de Rousillon]] of [[Dawn]] takes the crown. Nephew of the Dawnish general Leon de Rousillon, and a noble of a politically and militarily powerful Dawn [[Noble house|noble house]], Hugh was a personable, enthusiastic and idealistic knight with extensive battlefield experience. Unfortunately, he was an absolutely abyssmal administrator, incapable of delegation, torn between the realities of political life and his personal idealism. His reign is marked by a dizzying number of feasts, banquets and tourneys during which he desperately tried to woo an increasingly jaded [[Imperial Senate]], as well as a sequence of crushing military defeats as Generals began to compete with each other over dwindling resources. <br /> <br /> By the end of his reign, the Emperor was almost unrecognisable as the energetic young man he had been when the took the Throne. Decades of feasting had left him corpulent and unhealthy, barely able to fit into his harness. Trying to stay ahead of the manipulations and machinations of the Senate had left him exhausted and despondent. According to those who saw him in the fateful battle for Karsk that spelled the end of his reign and ultimately his life, he was a broken man who embraced the peace offered by death.<br /> <br /> ===(371 - 373 YE) Reign of Emperor Walter, the ham-fisted===<br /> [[Emperor Walter]] [[Upwold]] was a [[The Marches|Marcher]] [[naga]] who took the throne under dubious circumstances and was widely considered to be a disaster for the Empire. Under his 'reign' the Senate fell even further into open bickering and factionalism. He choked to death on an olive pit in 373YE during a state dinner with a group of [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] and [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmite]] diplomats.<br /> <br /> ===(374 YE) Coronation of Empress Britta===<br /> A Steinr woman named [[Empress Britta|Britta]] became the nineteenth Empress. In the wake of the disastrous Emperor Walter (who was already being termed &quot;the Ham Fisted&quot;) she took up the sword and shield and challenged the corruption of the Senate and Synod. She surrounded herself with competent generals, and began to formulate and prosecute a campaign to recover lost territories and drive the barbarians back.<br /> <br /> A popular and charismatic figure, she united the people of the Empire behind her and dealt ruthlessly with her enemies. She had the wisdom to select competent advisors. People began to call her the Young Empress, and hailed her as the reincarnation of the First Empress, come to protect the Empire in its time of need.<br /> <br /> ====(376 YE) Death of the Young Empress====<br /> The Empress Britta was killed on campaign. The first event in the game took places four weeks after her death was confirmed.<br /> <br /> [[Category:History]]<br /> [[Category:The Empire]]</div>

Delvy https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/index.php?title=Empress_Teleri&diff=26053 2014-05-10T21:10:32Z

<p>Delvy: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> ===Reign: 77 YE to 91 YE ===<br /> <br /> ===Called: ''the Pious''===<br /> <br /> ====Early life and Election====<br /> Teleri of the Summerdance [[Striding]] spent most of her life as a successful [[Navarr economic interests#Broker|broker]], negotiating trades between [[Steadings]] and later between nations. She became a Senator in 74 YE and used her natural aptitude for brokering trades between nations to build a solid base of support within the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]]. She was elected by a small majority in 77 YE. <br /> <br /> ====Reign====<br /> Once Empress, Teleri used her influence to partake of the [[Liao#True, or Imperial, Liao|Imperial liao]]. She was guided on her vision by Simon Kingstoke, Cardinal of the Way. There is no record of the vision she saw, as neither the [[The Marches|Marcher]] Cardinal nor Teleri ever spoke of it. However, from that day, the Empress used her skills and influence toward increasing the remit of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] to care for the spiritual well-being of the Empire. Together they worked to institute the position of the [[Assembly of Nine#Appointment of the conscience|conscience]]to participate in the Senate, and ensured that the rights of clemency, sanctuary and witness were treated with the appropriate respect.<br /> <br /> It is during her reign that the Synod first begins to find a role for itself in Imperial politics, using their political, rather than simply spiritual, powers to full effect. The role Assembly of the Way as a facilitator and enhancer of the other assemblies is cemented during this time, as well as the right of the [[The Throne|throne]] to claim the first potion of Imperial Liao for it's own use, or the use of a favoured individual. Using that right, Teleri would go on to utilise the visionary substance several more times, but no record of any of the visions remains.<br /> <br /> Under Teleri, the Synod first used the power of [[National Assembly#Revocation of office|revocation]]; the Marcher general Hereford holds the dubious honour of being the first to be removed from his Imperial office for gross offences against [[Prosperity]] and [[Ambition]]. This caused quite a stir, and the Senate immediately moved to try and block the revocation, only for the Empress and the entire Imperial Synod to descend on the Senate chamber en masse. The Assembly of Nine indicated that the [[General Assembly]] was in righteous accord - not only would any attempt to reverse their decision be unconstitutional, they would immediately employ their [[General Assembly#Power of veto|power of veto]] to block the Senate. <br /> <br /> Tense negotiations ensued, during which the constitutional right of the Synod to actually ''use'' the powers it possessed was explained in detail. The Senate took some time to get used to the idea that the Synod was not merely a ceremonial body, but a house of their peers who absolutely intended to use their powers in pursuit of their remit. Over the next few years a major 'house-cleaning' took place in the Senate and among the Generals, as a commitment to Virtue (or an appearance of the same) was finally accepted as an important requirement for high office in the Empire.<br /> <br /> Outside of her role in support of the Synod, Empress Teleri’s reign is generally regarded as unexceptional although the Synod did push for a short-lived border war with the [[Faraden]] which involved a lot of saber-rattling on both sides but comparatively little actual fighting.<br /> <br /> ====Death and Legacy====<br /> Empress Teleri stepped down from the Throne voluntarily in 91 YE as the rigours of age began to catch up with her. She made a final pilgrimage to the [[Necropolis]] and passed away peacefully in her sleep. She is interred in a beautiful tomb set at the centre of a sprawling garden laid out in the pattern of the sevenfold labyrinth.<br /> <br /> Towards the end of Teleri's reign, the Senate granted the [[Cardinal|Cardinals]] of the Synod a vote each in the Senate. While there were challenges on constitutional grounds, the civil service at the time ruled that the virtue assemblies could be said to have similar weight as representing the will of the citizens of the Empire as the territories did. Initially, the Cardinals abstained from voting on motions that did not directly relate to matters of virtue, but in the years following Teleri's reign (a period known as the [[Imperial History#92 YE - 102 YE The First Interregnum|First Interregnum]] they increasingly flexed their political muscle. They would continue to do so until the reign of [[Empress Varkula]]. While the Cardinals potentially wielded a powerful 'block vote' of eight votes in the senate, they were rarely united in their voting - except most notably when the Senate attempted to remove their votes during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]].<br /> <br /> Over the next few centuries, the power of the Synod would wax and wane, but it was under Empress Teleri that they first found the strength to assert their power.<br /> [[Category:History]]<br /> [[Category:The Throne]]</div>

Delvy