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Region qualities

2026-05-29T13:05:45Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Rimebound */

==Overview==
Each region in a [[territory]] may have one or more qualities that describe key aspects or features, which may have important economic, strategic or magical considerations.

Some negative qualities have specific methods that the Empire can use to remove them. Without that, it is not possible to create, remove or change the quality of a region without an [[opportunity]] or an [[appraisal]] - they reflect the essential nature of the land.

==Geographic Qualities==
These qualities occur frequently and represent simple aspects of physical geography.

===Arid===
This region has little in the way of fresh water, with wells being valuable commodities. They are often also sparsely settled. Building permanent settlements in these regions is a challenge, as is establishing fortifications. All farms in a territory with at least one region that has the arid quality suffer a 1 rank penalty. The curses [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Rivers of Life]] are ineffective in a territory whilst any region is arid. At present, no Imperial regions have this quality

===Coastal===
A ''coastal'' region does not simply border the sea or other large body of water, but has a sufficiently accessible shoreline to allow the construction of a [[shipyard]]. Such regions are also, by consequence, vulnerable to attacks by [[navy|navies]]. Coastal regions can be found in places such as the sprawling islands of [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]], the smooth and fertile foothills of [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]], and the storm-riddled clay slurries of [[Bregasland#North_Fens|North Fens]].

===Forest===
A ''forested'' region features large amounts of distinctive, often dense woodland. Whether the great stands of ancient oaks in [[Miaren#Goldglades|Goldglades]], the dense pine forests of [[Skarsind#Solvihill|Solvihill]] or the once-tainted vegetation of [[Liathaven#Westwood|Westwood]], the presence of large forests allows for casting of rituals such as [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] and enables an Imperial [[Army_qualities#Guerrilla|guerrilla]] army to execute a ''hit and run'' order if the Empire controls the region.

===Hills===
A ''hills'' region is mountainous, home to sharp inclines, rough escarpments or similar forms of difficult terrain. Although this does not limit the ability of armies to traverse the territory, it has important implications for strategic magic such as [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]], and enables an Imperial [[Army_qualities#Guerrilla|guerrilla]] army to execute a ''hit and run'' order if the Empire controls the region. Examples include the cave-filled slopes of [[Morrow#Altis|Altis]], the magnificent peaks of [[Hahnmark#Kalpamark|Kalpamark]], and the rugged valleys of [[Kahraman#Braydon.27s_Jasse|Braydon's Jasse]].
===Islands===
An ''islands'' region is made up of large amounts of water and a number of discrete landmasses. It is commonly also coastal, for obvious reasons. A region of islands cannot be entered, left, moved through, or attacked by an [[army]], unless it is being transported by a [[navy]]. The most prominent examples are the coastal islands of [[the Brass Coast]] - the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]] and [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]].

===Marsh===
A ''marshy'' region might contain swamps, bogs, fens, or similar wetland, sufficient for the casting of rituals such as [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]], or for an Imperial [[Army_qualities#Guerrilla|guerrilla]] army to execute a ''hit and run'' order if the Empire controls it. These marshes can have tremendous diversity - compare the murky mangrove swamps of [[Therunin#East_Ashes|East Ashes]] to the misty bogs of [[Kallavesa#Rundhal_Marsh|Rundhal Marsh]] or the eerie grey meres of [[Bregasland#Grey_Fens|Grey Fens]].

Following the [[Light upon the water|supernatural storms]] of 384YE which turned [[Light_upon_the_water#Price_of_the_Marshes|large sections of the Empire's marshes into boggy swamps]], the labour costs of any commission built in a region with the ''marsh'' quality increase by one fifth.

==Historical Qualities==
These qualities reflect the history of a region; they are the by-product of human, orc or other creatures enacting their will upon the area.

===Abandoned===
The region has been abandoned by those who once lived there. As a result of the lack of people and the stubborn spirit amongst those who do still reside here, no mandate enacted by the Imperial Synod will affect a territory with an abandoned region. There are still people living in the region, but there are far fewer inhabitants remaining than once called this bustling territory their home. The one positive is that there are countless abandoned farms, mines, businesses and likewise scattered across the territory. As a result, any character of the correct nation who chooses to move their personal resource to a territory with a region that is abandoned does not have to pay the standard fee of two crowns. At present, Afarjasse, Cazar Straits, Fontargenta, Morajasse, and Oranseri of [[Feroz]] have this quality.

===Burnt===
Through a boon provided by the eternal [[Surut]], the forests of [[Liathaven#West_Ranging|West Ranging]] in [[Liathaven]] were consumed by an irresistible fire that left naught but grey ash in its wake.

===City===
The city quality denotes a large, established settlement, but it is more than just having a built-up population area or a large town. [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]] has the city quality due to the dead city of [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|the Necropolis]].

===Foreigners===
Some Imperial regions have large populations of foreigners living there.

===Haunted===
The sites of massacres and the sacred resting places of myriad heroes can develop a ''haunted'' atmosphere, where unquiet spirits restlessly stalk the land. These ghosts are not necessarily malign, but they often require specially trained individuals - such as the [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Stewards_of_the_dead|stewards of the dead]] in Highguard - to safely keep them restful.

===Ruined===
The cruel reality of war can leave a once-prosperous region with little but ''ruins''. Such regions often bear a melancholy air, with the echoes of past glories fading with the further passage of time. Despite this devastation, such regions can be crucial for the casting of rituals such as [[The Basalt Citadel]].

==Political Qualities==
These qualities reflect current political events in a region; the result of social and economic events in the area over time. They are less durable than other qualities, more likely to come and go as a result of the most recent actions in the area.

===Impoverished===
An impoverished region has seen much of its wealth and assets stripped and sold; the plundered wealth gone. Being impoverished does make it cheaper to build new civilian commissions here. People are desperate for paid work, anything that might earn them enough to feed themselves and their families. Any [[Commission#Civilian_Commissions|civilian commission]] that is built solely in a region or regions that have the impoverished quality cost only one crown per wain, rather than the usual three. At present, Cazar Straits, Fontargenta, Morajasse, and Oranseri of [[Feroz]] have this quality.

===Lawless===
Bandits are a ubiquitous problem across the Empire, but the magistrates deal with them where they can. As a result, they rarely grow to the point where they threaten an entire region. A lawless region is infested with large bandit groups. Lawlessness is a problem for everyone - the threat of banditry is a terrible danger for any law-abiding citizen in the territory who cannot defend themselves from the bandits' depredations. It also impacts the [[Imperial treasury]] - the taxation provided by a territory does not increase naturally while any region remains lawless. That reflects the impact thieves, bandits, and pirates have on local businesses and resources, as well as the tendency of more established criminal groups to attack tax collectors directly. At present, only Morajasse of [[Feroz]] has this quality.

===Uncooperative===
An ''uncooperative'' region has some reason to make life difficult for Imperial armies stationed in the territory. Any Imperial army stationed in a territory has its upkeep increased by a tenth for every region that has the quality, and as long as any region has that quality the territory cannot support an Imperial army. At present Fleisardh of [[Mareave]] have this quality.

===Under-developed===
''Under-developed'' regions lack critical infrastructure. There are few roads or bridges over important rivers, and those that do exist are in poor condition or completely ruined. While the area may have natural resources, little has been done to develop them and there are few prosperous farms or businesses in the region. The presence of each under-developed region adds one-fifth to the labour costs of any commission in the territory. At present, no Imperial region has this quality.

===Under Threat===
Regions that are ''under threat'' are threatened by insurgent forces that are hostile to the controlling power. These partisans engage in acts of sabotage or carry out attacks designed to undermine whoever rules the area. If the region is attacked by a force aligned with the partisans, then the attackers are considered to have a beachhead - that is they do not suffer the usual penalties for [[War#Supply_Lines|supply lines]]. 

===Underpopulated===
There are relatively few inhabitants in an ''underpopulated'' region. While hostile geography may limit the number of people who dwell in a mountainous or barren region, this quality reflects a history of depopulation in an area that means it sustains far fewer people than it otherwise might. Any region that is under-populated contributes '''nothing''' to support the armies of whichever nation controls the territory. At present, Afarjasse, the Cazar Straits, and Morajasse of [[Feroz]] have this quality

==Magic Qualities==
These qualities are the result of unique magical effects afflicting a region. They may be the result of some ongoing curse or enchantment, or else the lingering effects that remain after powerful has run its course somewhere.

===Accursèd===
The presence of [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|{{Black Plateau}}]] in [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]], [[Spiral]] has left the region ''accursèd''. The {{Black Plateau}} appears to feed on negative emotions and amplify them, burgeoning the mind with hallucinations and oppressive, malign thoughts causing people to dwell on past failures, insults, and suspicions. Since the {{Black Plateau}} was [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29|fully awakened]] shortly before the Spring Equinox 382YE, this quality has the following effects on Spiral:
* Every army fighting in the territory takes 25% additional casualties
* It is impossible to receive natural resupply in the territory
* Any army that spends the season in the territory will lose 5% of its maximum fighting strength over the course of that season even if it is not engaged
* Fleets, military units, businesses, and farms have their production reduced by a quarter
* The upkeep of Bourse resources is doubled
===Infested===
The [[vallorn]] exists in several states, ranging from full domination to pending threat. The ''infested'' quality means there is a significant presence of vallornspawn and [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]], but that the loathsome entity has not "dug in" the way it has in a region with the vallorn quality. At the moment the only Imperial nation with this quality is [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] in [[Therunin]]. Miasma hangs over its western and northern reaches, and there are numbers of vallornspawn in the region that will need to be dealt with. Unlike a region fully claimed by the vallorn it is not invulnerable to attack. Any [[army]] or armies trying to conquer the region will need to deal with the vallornspawn there; these function as a battalion with a strength of 4,000 that both defend the region and inflict casualties, similar to the effect of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. Claiming the region will disperse this force and remove the infested quality.

===Nightwoven===
The Druj have tainted the marshes of [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] in [[Zenith]] with Night magic. As a result, any casting of [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] will increase the victory points necessary to claim the region by fifteen, up from ten.

===Poisoned===
A region might become ''poisoned'' through the working of foul magics, tainting the land with venomous creatures, treacherous foliage and the like. Each Imperial campaign army that moves through, or fights in, such a region suffers 250 casualties during that season of campaigning. The ritual [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] protects an army from this effect, but orders have no effect to reduce these casualties.

Historically, the Druj have inflicted this quality on regions of [[Holberg]] and [[Carnival_of_rust#Ghostlight_.28Battle_Opportunity.29|attempted]] to do the same to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] in [[Zenith]]. The Druj managed to use the [[Ashes#Poison_and_Ashes_(Battle_Opportunity)|Sephals Cauldron]] in [[Therunin]] and as of the start of the [[Blood_and_mire#Game_Information:_Therunin|Autumn Equinox 386YE]] Lower Tarn Valley is poisoned. Druj armies are not entirely untouched by this quality, but suffer half the expected casualties.

===Rimebound===
Rimebound regions are touched by the influence of the Queen of Ice and Darkness, [[Cathan Canae]]. The weather in a Rimebound region is always ''intense'' - when it's hot elsewhere then it's baking hot here; when it rains the downpour is torrential; winds blow more strongly than anywhere else and gales are common. In winter the weather is even worse. Snowfall is heavy and lingers on the ground for weeks; winter blizzards are not unknown; and both lakes and rivers freeze over with ice thick enough to pull a caravan over it.

Any [[Summer magic|Summer ritual]] that makes the land harder to take would likely be more effective when cast on a rimebound region, rituals of other realms are unlikely to be affected. A [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] will have 3000 strength rather than 2000, while [[Golden Ramparts]] would increase the strength of a regular garrison in the region by 2250 rather than 1500. A fortification in the region that was targeted with [[Stalwart Stand on Solid Ground]] will not collapse until the ritual ends no matter how much damage it took.

===Vallorn===
The Spring-fuelled ''[[vallorn]]'', spawned from the disaster that ended the empire of Terunael, can infest regions with its rampant fecundity. Any such region falls out of Imperial control - it is not possible for civilisation as the Empire understands it to coexist with the overgrowth, miasma and strange monsters that the vallorn exudes.

===Watchful===
The [[The_Barrens#Heart_of_Peytaht|Heart of Peytaht]] in [[The Barrens]] has the ''watchful'' quality. Anyone who presses into the dense woodland feels uneasy, and reports the sense of being unwelcome and watched by an unseen force. Rumours abound that the forest is possessed by some sort of dark spirit, perhaps akin to the sovereigns of Varushka.

Attempts to explore the inside of the Heart of Peytaht have been met with failure. Any army moving through the region can expect to take significant casualties in doing so - it has been some time since a great force of Druj marched through it in 376YE, but corpses from it are still found hung by their entrails or huddled by the boles of massive trees, having died in great agony and terror.

Other monstrous geographies

2026-05-27T17:10:50Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Wall Like A Dam */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Monstrous Geographies.jpg|caption=Even without the Druj miasma there is plenty to fear in Sarangrave. The bottomless lakes and the creatures that dwell in their depths; the marshes and the woods that hide Druj assassins; and the shadow of the past that hangs over the entire wetland.|align=left|width=2000}}</div>
==The End of Winter==
The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the [[Sarangrave]]. [[Spring magic]] in the clouds, in the streams, the ponds, in the water-bottles of the soldiers. In the Feverwater, in unplumbed depths of the lake of [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]]. They bring with them the promise of life, of wounds that will swiftly heal. They bring a threat as well - the blood-sucking, stinging insects of the Druj-corrupted wetlands swarm and bite in unprecedented numbers. There is a balance of a kind, though, to this indiscriminate magic. Wounds are less likely to fester in the filthy marshes, at least. Sickness less likely to spread. The rains of life fall on the just and the corrupt, equally.

The Druj have kept their stronghold in the south. The massive [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] looms over the [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]]. The Marshlizard Clan remains the final sept of the Druj still holding out against Imperial armies. To the south of the titanic castle, the [[Axos|Axou]] of [[Axos#Gates_of_Ipotavo|Ipotavo]] continue their own assault. They batter the massive fortified gate from which the [[orc|orcs]] of [[the Mallum]] sent out their raiders to attack [[Axos#Axou Territories|Kabanja]]. The portal is firmly closed, at least for the moment.

Of the forces engaged with the Druj last season, only the [[Boyar's Hasta]], the [[Summer Storm]], and the [[Lions of Adelmar]] have remained. The [[Granite Pillar]] and the [[Golden Axe]] have pulled back to [[Dawn]], to recover perhaps from the horror of the Sarangrave. The [[Druj miasma]] still hangs heavily over the entire territory, of course, stronger and thicker than anywhere the Empire has encountered it before. It is no surprise that those who fight under such conditions need to fall back, to recover from wounds not just physical but spiritual as well.

In their place come the [[Eastern Sky]], [[Gryphon's Pride]], and [[Citadel Guard]] out of [[Semmerholm]], and the [[Navarr]] of the [[Quiet Step]] from [[Astolat]]. They pass swiftly through [[the Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]]; the Karass mark their passage silently their faces unreadable. From there, across the [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats|Turan Flats]] to the wreck of Thornfen.

Last season, the Druj [[Fire_and_the_flood#Jarangir's_Levy|broke Jarangir’s Levy]], unleashing a flood that scattered attackers and defenders alike. The waters have subsided now, for the moment at least, but they have washed away the few roads, as well as wrecking farms and smaller settlements across the northern region. It is in the wake of that flood that the Empire renews its assault against the Tower of the Skink.

==Wall Like A Dam==
The Tower has weathered the joint Imperial and Axou attack so far. Even with their [[Fire_and_the_flood#Shield_of_Our_Ancestors|martial "necromantia"]], the ability of the allies to work together is limited thanks the the massive castle that lies between them. Spectral messengers still flit back and forth through the impassable hills, bearing messages and allowing the separate forces to coordinate, but it is no substitute for actually fighting together. The Empire, likewise, makes use of magic to help the disparate forces [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|adapt their strategies]] to the ever-shifting battlefield, and the wicked cunning of the Druj.
The garrison of the Tower itself is massive, well-equipped with potions and blade venoms, supported by the desperate residents of the fortress and those who fled the town of Sephals to that uncertain sanctuary. Five armies of the Empire move to lay siege to the place.
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<quote by="Dame Aurum De Castellan, General of the Eastern Sky">Soldiers of the Eastern Sky, we stand now before the tower of the Skink. Our path is clear: A Glorious charge to bring an end to the taint of the Mallum. We will pay a heavy price but I will be there at your side and I will be the first over the walls and the last out. Fight with courage, gird yourself in pride and look to your loyalty. Glory to Dawn and Glory to the Empire.</quote>
<quote by="Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco, General of the Lions of Adelmar">Our Lions of Adelmar, for nine months we have pushed into the Mallum, stood proud against the venoms of the Druj and had the Courage to not only take on their most vicious cruelties, but to keep pushing and to keep winning. Resolve yourselves, our work amidst the Druj is still at hand. May your Swords turn to claws as you rip and rend the tower's stone. Even in their cruel desperation, let us show them what a lioness can do. May the knights of the Summer realm who join us repeat our tales. Now, hold your Virtues at heart and hand, and let them guide you back into war again.</quote>
<quote by="Stormsteel Skorr, General of the Summer Storm">Legionnaires, last season we did well repelling the Druj from Sanath and the Tower of the Skink. This season we keep pushing to take that tower. Be vigilant, we do not know where we will find Druj In the Swamp. Eyes up and open. We are after the slave masters and true Druj, leave the slaves be. Be careful, keep pushing and use pit fights to keep spirits up. We can do this.</quote>
<quote by="Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was, General of the Citadel Guard">My earliest memory is of the lightstone in my bedroom failing. I thought the Druj were coming for me. My cousin, a few years older than me, had told us stories she'd heard about the Druj. I'd asked my mother about them, and she told me as she thought I could bear. I had to get out of bed, feeling through the dark, and down two flights of stairs to find the light. I thought monsters with poison knives were chasing me the whole way. For years, people - Young and old, human and orc, Urizen and Dawnish and Highborn and sept - have woken up in the night and thought the Druj were coming for them - and been right. The fear they spread is anathema to virtue. There is no place for them in Utopia. We stand halfway up the mountain of their destruction and must only finish the climb. Sentinels. If you would bring light to their darkness. If you would save every child terrified of the night. If you will climb this mountain with me. Consider the Drowned Man.</quote>
<quote by="Neve Agra, General of the Quiet Step">Quiet Step, we advance into the Sarangrave and engage Druj forces. Support allied lines, protect the forest and drive the enemy out. Use the terrain to strike fast and act with ambition. Do whatever it takes to secure victory. Sarangrave must be clear of Druj forces. For us, for Urizen, for the Empire to grow and flourish. Listen for the Whispers of the forest and the trods will guide those who move with purpose. If the wind shifts, heed its warning. If the silence deepens, Prepare. You are Navarr. You are the storm in the leaves, the shadows between the branches and the voice that answers intrusion with fury. Go to the Sarangrave and ensure that when this war is over, the forest still stands and our enemies do not.</quote></div>

The Eastern Sky are in the fore, leading the way for a great host of warbands under the command of Imperial [[military unit|captains, champions, and heroes]]. They are inspired by the [[Army_qualities#Favoured|favour]] of [[Eleonaris]], the [[Summer magic|Summer]] [[enchantment]] flowing through and around them guided by a half dozen courtiers from the demesne of the ''Queen of the Pennants''. Utterly committed to victory, no matter what it might cost, they pay a heavy price for their zeal even with the healing power of the waters this season.

Fortunately these knights of Dawn do not fight alone. The Lions of Adelmar are at their side, their shield raised, ready to [[Army_qualities#Guardian|guard]] their fellows from the barbed arrows and envenomed spears of the Druj. The favour of Eleonaris is with the Lions, as well. Under the command of the stag-headed Ser Helvennan fight a cohort of warriors from the [[Knights of Glory|Fields of Glory]]. Resplendent in gold-and-scarlet chain, the warriors of the Fields of Glory, they inspire all who battle the Druj this season, their wroth waxing greater and greater each time they encounter another sign of the corruption of the Mallum. Love and Glory together, at the heart of the fray, the bright banners of Dawn undimmed by the mud and blood that surround them.

Dawn at the heart then, against a grand stronghold of the Druj (and if there is an echo of [[Cost|that terrible battle]] two years past when the [[Hounds of Glory]] paid their ultimate price, it is spoken of with Pride). The Unshackled and the Urizen move more [[Army orders#Steady Conquest|steadily]], refusing to risk the lives of their soldiers more than necessary. Trapped like this, desperate, the tyrants of the Mallum are at their most cruel. They remain alert to the wiles of the Druj ensuring the stealthy guerillas of the Sarangrave do not have leave to ravage the baggage trains or the flanks of the Imperial force.

The General of the Citadel Guard has invoked the stars, reminded the sentinels and war-magicians of the lesson of [[the Drowned Shepherd]]; that <i>things end</i>. That the Druj, ultimately will end - and if there are [[astronomancy|astronomancers]] who worry about the invocation of a [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] in such time they speak only in whispers with their heads close together. The constellation that many still remember was once called the Drowned Man is an omen of ending, and it is dangerous to assume one knows what ''exactly'' is going to end when it is invoked.

Finally, the Navarr of the Quiet Step. They are the storm in the leaves, fighting to ensure that the forest stands but the enemy does not. Where the Lions of Adelmar protect, the Navarr bring death. The cruel barbarity of the Druj is met with [[Army_qualities#Cunning|merciless cunning]], blow for blow. One cannot betray one’s enemies, after all. They exploit the forest and the marshes, not only in the Thornfen but in those other parts of Sarangrave where pockets of Druj assassins gather. A second war, quieter than the grand battle at the Tower of the Skink, is waged in the marshes this season.

The Tower alone would represent a significant threat to all the forces in the Sarangrave this season. It’s garrison however is also supplemented by three Druj armies - the corrupt witches of the [[Druj_armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]], the desperate guerrillas of the [[Druj_armies#Hidden Snake|Hidden Snake]], and the relentless malice of the [[Druj_armies#Poison Crane|Poison Crane]]. These armies, their septs scattered, have nowhere to go; they <i>must</i> resist the Empire or risk dissolution.

And resist they do.

==The Battle of Sephals==
Sephals is a ramshackle, spreading town. The floodwaters released by the broken levies have not been kind to it. The <i>Path of the Tail</i>, the road that runs down toward town and tower, has been partially washed away. Regardless, that is the route the Empire follows. The Druj, again, launch a [[Army orders#Solid Defence|desperate defence]] of Sephals; they have not entirely finished moving the supplies of rice and grain and smoked meat out of the warehouses into the cellars of the Tower. In the past, the Druj have shown themselves more comfortable striking and withdrawing to attack from a different angle, from stealth, while their enemies are distracted. Here they have no such luxury, they must stand, and fight. The Poison Crane at least is prepared for the reality of being utterly outnumbered and outclassed; the Hidden Snake are experts at using the terrain to their advantage; the garrison of the Tower of the Skink know these streets, these defences, like nobody else. But there is only so much they can do. Perhaps if the Tainted Basilisk had been here to bring their magic to bear? But they are conspicuous by their absence.

The fighting rages across Sephals for two days before the Druj break. Their withdrawal is disorganised, closer to a rout than a retreat. As a final spit in the face, the Poison Crane try to start a fire in one of the abandoned grain stores, packed with flour, knowing it will spread quickly.

But even here the Druj are stymied. It begins to rain, just as the fire begins to spread. A thunderous downpour that not only extinguishes the flames, but restores attackers and defenders alike as the Empire attempts to mop up. The rain, after all, is full of cursed healing magic.

“Even the weather hates the Druj!” The joke spreads quickly, even as tired soldiers deal with their wounds and gather their fallen. It is grim humour, almost Varushkan, and not everyone laughs. The astronomancers of Urizen, the witches of Dawn, the vates of the Quiet Step, the spiritweavers and the oathwrights are less certain. They look to the skies, and the muttering becomes a murmur. Does anyone remember when people started calling the Drowned Man by a different name? Can anyone else feel the magic in the rain, stronger than it has any right to be? Where is this going to end?

This concerns are not dismissed, but what can be done with them? There is a town - a small city really - that must be administered. Several thousand orcs, a few hundred humans. The majority certainly slaves of the Druj but <i>all</i> of them? Even among the Druj, “slave” has different meanings as the [[Ossium#Ketsov|Ketsov]] or the [[Not_to_conquer#Menrothat|Menrothat]] or the [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]] could tell you. There are surely Druj among these wretched folk, and they introduce all the risk that come with allowing assassins and saboteurs to move around behind ones lines. If the [[Iron Helms]] were here some of them might make an unhelpfully pragmatic suggestion as to how to deal with that problem.

The Axou have been very clear about their plans - once they claim Thornfen they will simply evict every orc living there without exception. For now, the Empire cannot safely simply let them go. A part of the town is set aside for the surviving folk of the Mallum, with Summer Storm soldiers doing their best to maintain order and ensure the Druj that are surely among them do no harm. They can do little to prevent scores being settled, and it is a rare morning that passes without a dead body found floating face down in a pond or an open sewer, arms spread as they drift lazily in the currents.

==The Defence of Nesustak==
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There are folk in Sarangrave who might be able to offer some aid to the Imperial forces in Sephals, but their attention is unfortunately elsewhere. While the bulk of the Druj forces are corralled in Thornfen, the tyrants of the Mallum are always unpredictable. Not long after the Winter Solstice, a significant force made up of Banded Snake sept survivors and members of the Thornwasp clan isolated from Thornfen by [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] and Imperial armies, attack the rebels of the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]. Reinforced by supplies smuggled south from the Salt Flats, these counter-insurgents are hell bent of slaughtering as many of the rebels as they can. This is not an unfamiliar strategy by the Druj; they hate those who escape their clutches even more than they hate the Empire. So many times they have sought to make an example of those who throw off their yoke, in [[the Barrens]], in [[Ossium]], even in [[Holberg]]. This assault is no exception. It seems likely that they assume the Empire’s attention will be focused entirely in the south-east, at Thornfen. Their attack is double-pronged like an assassin’s blade. On hastily constructed rafts, surviving members of the Thornwasp paddle across the wide expanse of the Feverwater. The Banded Snake gather in secret in western Turan Flats and cross the river under cover of a moonless night.
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<quote by="Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose, General of the Gryphon’s Pride">Soldiers of the Pride! Three years ago, I stood with you as we marched forth through the mud and blood of the Steel Causeway and fell in behind the Hounds of Glory to break a dark and terrible bastion. The Hounds' story ended there, but the tale they began there on the Plains of Teeth finishes its next chapter this Winter. Now, the Tower of the Skink will fall in turn. Another monument to wickedness will be laid low. In seasons to come, the pillars will fall as well. The pall of dread and despair that hangs over this land will fade. But that is not our foremost duty. Not this time. If the Druj strike out we will answer them. But there is only one thing the free peoples of Sarangrave have asked for, of our Empire, and they have asked it of us. Make for Nesustak. We will reach out to the Bloodwater Spears and aid them in raising watchtowers to defend themselves. We will show them that the Empire are not the monsters that they think we are. Only we can do this. We are called and so we come. A new dawn is breaking over the Sarangrave. We will make flowers grow here, too.</quote></div>
The rebels are not caught sleeping; they are vigilant for counterattack from the Druj. Indeed, they are in the midst of preparing their own defences. Barricades and palisades to protect their rickety settlements; watch towers against the threat to their borders; armed patrols to root out the remaining threats of the land they have claimed. They are supported in this by a few dozen [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[Irra Harah|Shacklebreaker]], whose swift feet and keen senses prove invaluable at keeping the loose alliance of survivors united. Their boons of health, healing, and [[Calls#Shatter|war]] are equally welcome. Unfortunately, with the Druj attackers comes a small host of heralds of the <i>[[Arhallogen|Centipede General]]</i>, the <i>King of All Spiders</i>. This stealthy assault, set on murder and mayhem, clearly suits the temperament of the <i>Scorpion Queen</i> - and it can barely resist an opportunity to strike against those <i>Ward of the Young</i> seeks to aid.
Unfortunately, as they have so many times before in this war for the Sarangrave, the Druj have miscalculated.

The Gryphon’s Pride came down through the Barrens with the other armies, but it did not accompany them to Thornfen. Instead, they struck camp in the western Turan Flats, and sent heralds of their own - mortal heralds - into Nesustak Forest. Under the quiet gaze of Irra Harrah’s childer, a cautious negotiation took place on the banks of the river. By all accounts, the Bloodwater Spears, one of the renegade septs of former Druj subjects, have reached out to the Dawnish army for support and the general has answered. Unfortunately, there are also many among the rebels who see the arrival of a Dawnish army on their borders as a thing of terror rather than reassurance.

They have heard the stories of the Druj, of events in the Barrens, of the destruction of the [[Not_to_conquer#Vendarri|Vendarri]], the slaughter of the [[Not_to_conquer#Montanians|Montainians]], the brutal murders of the [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|Black Wind]] and the attack by <i>this very army</i> against the rebel heroes under the old banner of Rahvin. They have been told over and over that everyone who ever trusted the Empire has paid the ultimate price for it. So they do not welcome five thousand armoured warriors, no matter if they come beneath a banner of parley or not. Some few yeofolk are allowed to cross into Nesustak, to offer their expertise in constructing defences, but no knight is invited to join them. It is arguably more than might be expected; the Empire is used to the hammer-blow of the Druj miasma but its presence and its constant subtle creeping fingers of suspicion and fear make it very difficult for people to trust one another. That these septs have been able to come together at all is little short of a miracle.

It would be easy for the Pride to crash across the river and force their will on the rebels of Nesustak, but their orders are clear. They are here to protect, not to conquer, and their presence in Turan will at least mean they are in position to intercept any attackers from the north.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GryphonPride_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
Then the Druj attack, and the Gryphon’s Pride acts. The Druj clearly expected the Dawnish to leave the rebels to their fate; the Banded Snake are taken by surprise when the knights and war-witches erupt into the forest to their rear. They are caught between the anvil of the defenders and the hammer of Glory, smashed and broken and left with little recourse but to flee.

The Thornwasp from the south are more of a problem. As the knights march through Nesustak Forest, some of the rebels sadly scatter or seek to intercept them as an invading force. Wherever possible, the Dawnish seek to minimize losses to the confused warriors, their fellow defenders, but these people are <i>frightened</i>. Even with the words of the Bloodwater Spears, there are accidents to be grieved. Yet these accidents cannot risk slowing the Dawnish response.

The septs do their best to fight off the Thornwasp but they are not well armed, not as used to fighting as the tyrants of the Mallum even in their scattered state. Conversely, these ambushers are in no position to face the fury of an entire Dawnish army. At first they press inland, with some minor victories, but even so their actual aim - to slaughter the rebels - proves difficult to achieve. The heralds of Irra Harrah are no match for those of Arhallogen, but they do not attempt to fight. Instead, they serve as guides, getting people to safety - or helping defenders into positions where they can fight back.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralGryphonsPride.png|caption='''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''' (centre), General of the Gryphon's Pride|align=right|width=400}}
When the Gryphon’s Pride reaches the shores of the Feverwater, the Druj who once claimed Bloodwater Marshes have nowhere to go. Those who take to their rafts are easy marks for archers - orc and human alike. Those who stand and fight are quickly slain. When the first heavy rains of Spring begin to fall, the shores of the Feverwater are choked with dead Druj, their blood staining the drowning waters muddy red.

After this, the rebels of Nesustak are more inclined to trust those who suggest the Pride is here to help not harm. Grudgingly, carefully, a detente is built. As the rains continue to beat down, the majority of the Dawnish forces withdraw back across the river to remain on watch but those who remain are, if not welcomed, at least tolerated. Few can deny that their aid has saved countless lives from the venom of the Druj, this time at least.

Yet there are also difficult questions asked. What does this mean in the long run? The Empire has conquered Sarangrave and given these lands to strangers from the south to be their domain. What does this mean for the people left in the marshes? How is this better than being the slaves of the Buruk-Tepel? These are orc lands, the homelands of the Bloodwater Spears and the rest. What happens if they do not accept this Imperial domination? Where will the Gryphon’s Spears be when it is the Empire’s warriors looking to kill the free orcs of the Sarangrave - of the Mallum? There are impassioned exchanges, arguments on both sides, but no resolution is reached. The forest is safe for now but what of the future?
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<quote by="Vasiliki Terricos, General of the Shield of Ipotavo">When Ipotavo was besieged, when Kaban was lost, the Druj took many of our beloved away as slaves and prisoners. Many assume them lost to the wicked wills of the Mallum. Yet the Sorcerer-Queen Ipotavo used to say: those who truly oppose the False Divinity with all their heart and all their soul and all their might are loyal even through hardship and misfortune. Though we know not whether our loved ones still dwell on this side of the abyssal dark of the Labyrinth, we fight as if they do. We will take the Tower, and every moment we fight to do so we will fight as if we will hold them, warm and living, in our arms once more: but between us and them are many Druj: they die, unmourned.</quote></div>
What of the future indeed…

==At the Gate of Despair==

Through curtains of rain the Imperial force marches south to the Tower. Few are prepared for the sheer size of the fortification; it spreads across the horizon occupying the space between the foothills connect the Mallum and the lands of Axos to the south. Its towers are immense, dwarfing those of the Spires of the Dusk in their immensity. This is a chaotic structure of stone and weirwood, and mithril spikes, and ironbound ramparts. This is the last true stronghold of the Druj in Sarangrave, shouting defiance of the forces of virtue to the heavens.

Not that it is easy to feel for its size through the sheets of rain falling all around. Its towers scrape the clouds, but to be fair the clouds are very low at the moment weighed down with water. The banners of the lizard and the snake hang limp and bedraggled, soaked through, cheap dyes running down the wall in streams of sickly green and bloody red.

The walls are defended three ranks deep with Druj archers, but the rain makes it difficult for them to dark the sky any more than it already is. The Eastern Sky has great covered rams to manoeuvre into position, to assault the gates, but even they are a little taken aback at the sheer ''size'' of the things. Not of wood, not even weirwood, but of white granite these doors must need a team of slaves straining on a net of ropes to open and close. The rams of the Empire will struggle to do more than dent them.
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{{CaptionedImage|file=Aurum8565.png||caption=Dame Aurum De Castellan, General of the Eastern Sky|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dame Katelyn.jpg|caption='''Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco''', General of the Lions of Adelmar|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Neve Agra.jpg|caption='''Neve Agra''', General of the Quiet Step|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was.jpg|caption='''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', General of the Citadel Guard|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=EasternSky Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=LionsAdelmar Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SummerStorm Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=QuietStep Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=CitadelGuard Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
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A long siege suits the Druj better than the Empire, of course. The longer the Imperial forces are held here in Thornfen, the more time there is for the armies of the Mallum to rally their strength and return to squeeze them against the walls of the Tower, as the Banded Snake in Nesustak are being squeezed against the Feverwater by the Gryphon’s Pride.

A triumphant charge can only take an army so far; to simply rush the Tower of the Skink would be to throw lives away pointlessly. A council is convened to discuss how best to assault the castle, to defeat the enemy sheltered within. A single ranking Axou, a <i>Toxatai</i> war-necromantia, cousin of the Grand Ilarch of Ipotavo, has come at great risk through the foothills to attend in person.

As the rain pounds the canvas above their heads, captains and commanders argue back and forth, seeking some solution to the walls and the gate. The opportunity to starve the defenders out is there, but there is no telling how well provisioned they are to withstand such a siege. The presence of two extra armies inside must be putting their supplies under pressure, but how much is difficult to say. There were many storehouses in Sephals and most were empty by the time the Druj were forced to abandon their position there. Worse, the healing power of the waters of life will help maintain the strength of the Druj just as it maintains the strength of the Empire.

The heavy rains help, but also hinders. While it protects from long-range attacks, if it continues for much longer the Imperial armies risk becoming bogged down. And it shows little sign of letting up. Indeed, runners from the forces left behind in Sephals warn that the streets of the town are already starting to flood as the waters released from Jarangir’s Levy are deepened by a week of unrelenting rain.

In the end, the decision is made to try and take the Tower while the opportunity still remains. A second heavy battering ram is constructed. Rather than being made of wood, it is formed from a white granite column ripped from a Druj palace in Sephals, carried south through the downpour by orcs of the Summer Storm, and shaped by Urizeni engineers. At the last moment, a contingent of Navarr arrive from elsewhere in Sarangrave with a quartet of [[Great Forest Orcs]] freed from the weirwood grove in Whisperwood. They set to work shaping a weirwood frame to carry the ram, with the aid of their Navarr friends. The Boyar's Hasta contributes an amount of looted mithril armour and weapons which, when swiftly melted down by Dawnish smiths, serve to bind and reinforce it with the snarling face of a great maned lion.

The morning of the attack, the waters are already lapping at the walls of the Tower in places. The <i>Tail of the Skink</i> holds the marshwaters at bay - where it approaches the walls it is raised up in a manner that puts some in mind of <i>Otterway</i> back in [[Bregasland]]. The Druj know that this is the key moment, that they will have to face this attack and stand against it. The defenders continue to loose arrows, but the main source of danger are the catapults positioned atop the ramparts. Massive rocks hail down, interspersed with filth, dead bodies, and effluent. Some are bound in iron, but its clear the Druj supplies of catapult stones are also waning slightly. A few barrels of pitch are launched, but the rain quickly extinguishes their threat.

With the Eastern Sky at the forefront, the massive battering ram is slowly maneuvered into position. The armoured covering protects those within from missiles thrown from the walls, but the pounding of rocks and arrows almost drowns out that of the rain - almost. Again and again the great fist smashes against the northern gates of the Tower of the Skink. The defenders are not content to simply sit and trust to the sturdiness of their door however.

The Druj are monstrous, but they are cunning. It becomes clear that they have created their own ways to get troops into and out of the Tower. Without warning, two thousand warriors erupt out of the marshes to the east and west of the <i>Tail of the Skink</i>. They fall on the Imperial forces on the flanks, fighting with bloodthirsty ruthlessness. It quickly becomes apparent that there are hidden tunnels under the walls that emerge nearly a quarter mile from the fortification itself and that for days now, the defenders have been carefully moving their troops into position.

With the garrison come another thousand or so guerrillas of the Hidden Snake, and five hundred Poison Crane. All are equipped for killing, with venoms and poison, many dosed up on the battle-drugs the Druj call [[Double-sided_Blade#Warming_Armour|warspice]] and [[Double-sided_Blade#Weakning_Sun|corpse skin]] that grant near supernatural vitality but overwhelm the common sense and survival instinct of those who use them. This is a suicide attack, one aimed at breaking through the Empire's line to destroy the great ram.

As the assault begins, the skies ''truly'' open. The wind rises, howling around the ramparts, driving the rain almost horizontal. Fighters struggle in the mud, their footing suddenly treacherous on the rainslick ground. Visibility plummets, a massive battle between Empire and Druj, between virtue and hate, reduced to a hundred scattered skirmishes by the walls of water. Thunder rumbles, barely audible over the pounding of the rain. Yet the deafening beat of the ram is louder still, ringing out across the battlefield like the heartbeat of some terrible beast of war. Orc and human, Druj and Imperial, alike fall in the sucking mud and the rising tides, eyes and lungs choking with earth and drowning with filthy water.

And then, with the storm at its height, the lion-faced battering ram of stone and mithril hits something within the solid stone of the gate. A point of weakness that had endured for hundreds of years, since the doors were first raised. A fracture line buried in the rock where only a mighty blow would uncover it. Perhaps the terrible rhythm of the blows, has weakened the gate. Perhaps it is something else. But whatever the reason, the hammering blow causes the stone first to crack and splinter, and then with a terrible roaring noise, to break.

Another blow, another, battering against that point of weakness, opening the hole, pounding through the feet-thick stone. The flaw exposed, the gate begins to fragment apart. A terrible cry of despair goes up from inside the Tower of the Skink. The door is falling! After centuries of defiance, one of the two great doors of the Tower of the Skink is falling!

The Lions of Adelmar are first through the breach, shields at the ready. Behind them, the soldiers of the Eastern Sky, and after them the rest of the Imperial forces pouring into the gatehouse of the Tower, as the waters of the flood poured over Jarangir’s Levy.

Outside and inside, bloody slaughter leaves waves of blood on the stone, that mix with the mud to create a grim quagmire. Another cry goes up, another cry of despair. The Quiet Step erupt from the forests of the east, Navarr spears tearing into the Druj attackers assailing the flanks of the army. With spell, and spear, and sword, and axe, and unbreakable shield, the Empire fights the Druj at the Tower of the Skink under the roaring heavens, amid the thundering rain.

The battle is not over simply because the gate has been breached. There are still two armies, and a garrison to match them, inside the castle who must be dealt with. There are screaming, fleeing orcs and humans in rags who will not fight. Sometimes the Druj use them to bait traps, or as shields of meat that cry and wail when forced toward the Empire’s soldiers. Even here there are traps, old and cunning, built into the stonework. Blades that snap from floor or ceiling if one moves the wrong way down a hall; walls that fall to allow defenders to attack from the side; chemicals that in a confined space blind or choke or assail the mind with terrible visions. All these and more the Druj have built into their home, driven by the fear that grips their own hearts. Fear of their enemies, of each other, making even their sanctuary a place where no-one is ever truly safe.

Then the Axou are there, fighting their own way through the defenders. A small, fast moving group has slipped through the halls and courtyards of the castle to take the southern gate. The guards slain, they have managed to throw it wide and let the blades of Ipotavo go to work on the tyrants of the Mallum.

Even here, the clarity granted by Day magic helps ensure that the attackers are able to mount the most efficient assault they can, preventing allies harming each other. For the better part of a day the fighting rages on and on, turning the Tower of the Skink into a charnel house. Whoever wins here, it will be Death that holds dominion when the day is done.

In the end, though, the day ''is'' done. The Tower of the Skink still stands, but the banners of the Empire, of Dawn and Navarr, Urizen and the Unshackled, are raised over its ramparts. The fighting is not over - there are still Druj here in the nooks and the crannies - but the battle is won. The Tower of the Skink has fallen to the Empire and their allies, and with it the Thornfen. And with that victory, the dominion of the Druj over the Sarangrave is brought to a conclusive end.

==Flight and Shadow==
The tower falls, the garrison scatters, but in the end the Poison Crane and the Hidden Widow are not entirely accounted for. They have taken significant losses, for sure, but the power of Spring magic protected them just as it did the Empire. When it is clear that the Tower is lost, many of the soldiers escape through the hidden tunnels beneath the fortification into the marshes. Scattered and hunted, they are forced to flee as best they can. They make their way north to the dubious safety of the Salt Flats, and they pay a heavy price for doing so. Easily another thousand Druj warriors fall as part of the rout, but in the end the armies manage to cross the border north through Kroll. It is a temporary sanctuary for the Druj; with the Sarangrave under the dominion of the Empire, they cannot help but begin to collapse. Soldiers will desert, no matter how much they fear the Buruk Tepel. The writing is on the wall for the armies of the Thornwasp, the Banded Snake, and the Marshlizard.

As in Sephals there is the question of what to do with the orcs and humans left behind in the Tower. The Axou do not want them; the Empire cannot trust them. Arguments break out almost immediately, as outside the rain begins to fall. Yet even these arguments take second place to a more pressing question.

Where are the magicians of the Tainted Basilisk?

==End of All Songs==
Last season the Druj [[Each_age_a_lens#The_Mallum|sent an ultimatum]] to the Empire from the city of Leen in the Salt Flats. Quit the Sarangrave, or the tainted Basilisk will release the [[vallorn]] of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]]. It seemed inconceivable to many that even the Druj would do such a thing. Others questioned whether even the Tainted Basilisk could achieve such a thing. What would it profit them to destroy the Sarangrave, their own people, likely themselves? What would it profit them indeed.

Those who hoped the ghulai of the Tainted Basilisk might not be equal to the task of rousing Béantal Dol clung to false hope. These foul corrupted wizards have shown themselves not only capable, but willing to unleash the uncontrollable horror of the vallorn in Therunin. They have been exploring, examining, studying the matter for years - a pattern of odd encounters and inexplicable events slowly starting to come together into a skein of secrets and atrocity. They are also more than capable of moving through the Sarangrave under the shadow of [[Night magic]], avoiding those who might seek the stop them, bypassing the defences set against them. And it seems that this is exactly what they have done.
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<quote by="Serafina Semenov, General of the Boyar’s Hasta">Hasta! You have worked like the bee at summers head, watched like the Spider watches it's web. Let's now use that vigilance to spy on the Druj, To see what Vallorn waking tactics they may use. But before the road calls us, raise a tankard high to our cousins in Ossium slaying peelers where they lie. With Hounds Hall, new forces ride along our own, and the best heckle from me earns a throne. With Courage, there is not a line that cannot break, there is not a thing the Druj hold that we cannot take.</quote></div>
When Sephals fell, they were already in motion. An army of Druj [[Night magic#Obfuscation|obfuscated]] beneath a shroud. The thunderous rain must have seemed a boon to them, making it even easier for them to move east from Thornfen to the edges of Bendol. To where the great ring of Terunael warding stones holds in the floodtide of this ancient terror. A vallorn with the full power of a [[Brocéliande]] or a [[Axos#Axos Territories|Visokumo]], packed into a single region of verdant ruins.

Unmarked, the Tainted Basilisk come to Bendol and as the gates of the Tower of the Skink begin to splinter, they begin their terrible work.

Unmarked? Oh no, not wholly unmarked. For while the Gryphon’s Pride fought in Nesustak Forest, and the armies of the Empire assailed the Tower of the Skink, the Varushkan army of the Boyar’s Hasta wove its own strategy in the Sarangrave. Where the Navarr of the Quiet Step hunted the Druj, Varushkan scouts helped them uncover their boltholes and hidden lairs. In Nesustak they helped the Dawnish root out the assassins of the Thornwasp and the Banded Snake. And as the armies moved south it was their scouts and spies who warned of the threat from the Poison Crane and the Hidden Widow in time to allow the Quiet Step to reach the battlefield.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BoyarsHasta_Colour.webp|align=right|width=200}}
But mostly what they have been doing is watching for the Tainted Basilisk. Watching the eaves of Bendol. Watching the pathetic Grynbor as they honoured the aberration at the heart of Sarangrave. When the ghulai make their move, the Varushkans are ready to oppose them at every turn.

Observation indicates that the Tainted Basilisk have splintered as they moved, still hidden under their Night magic shroud. They spread their forces around the outskirts of Bendol, at key positions about the circumference of the warning stones. Their shroud protects them only while they are moving; the longer they stay in one place the easier it is to see where they are, to see the mists that hide them from prying eyes gather. When their agents reach the outskirts of Turan, the Boyar’s Hasta strike. A sudden ambush, a vicious fight of scouts and [[Arkad#Vikari|vikari]] that leaves most of the Druj dead. Most, but not all. Some of the ghulai are taken alive, interrogated, forced to reveal their intent.

They plan to breach the warding stones, to undo what the Terunael did in those last days after the disastrous ritual that brought the vallorn into being. They will unleash Béantal Dol, and it will wash across the Sarangrave, devouring armies and rebels alike. A fitting retribution, laughs one half-mad sorcerer. The folly of ancient humans, killing and consuming their distant heirs.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Serafina Semenov.jpg|caption='''Serafina Semenov''', General of the Boyar's Hasta|align=right|width=200}}
Immediately the Hasta start to move - sending messengers and mobilizing their forces to scour the outskirts of Bendol for more groups of ghulai. A second encampment is intercepted in Thornfen with the aid of the Navarr, but they are much better defended. As the Empire consolidates its hold on the Tower of the Skink, another battle erupts on the outskirts of the vallorn. The magicians of the Druj hold nothing back; unleashing spell and ritual alike to try and drive the Varushkans and the Navarr away. They are supported by Dawnish and Urizeni from Sephals, and together they risk everything to disrupt that final desperate ritual of destruction. [[Spring magic]], aimed at rending the ancient standing stones apart with the power of [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]].

In the end though, despite this valiant effort, it is too late to stop the Tainted Basilisk from achieving their goal. There is simply too much ground to cover, and the Druj have laid their plans too well. Even as they retreated from the Imperial advance, they left their agents behind to prepare for this unlooked-for day. Ghulai, vikkari, warriors of every Arkad, left behind on the outskirts of the vallorn itself to facilitate one final strike against the Empire should the defence of the Sarangrave fail. And fail it has.

Three days before the Spring Equinox, the deluge that has fallen uninterrupted from the cloud-choked sky since the liberation of Sephals ends as suddenly as it began. In that instant, every head in Sarangrave, no matter where they are in the marshlands, turns to look toward the heart of the territory. Whether arguing with Mallum orcs in Sephals, scouring the Tower of the Skink for remaining Druj, discussing the matter of freedom and security in the Nesustak Forest, or fretting about the Drowned Shepherd and the wisdom of invoking constellations in times such as this, everyone feels it. Like the air changes before a storm breaks, but this comes at the end of the storm. For a moment it overpowers even the banal humdrum thrum of the Druj miasma. An awareness in a split second of a profound finality, of an ending that has been waiting for a thousand years to come to fruition.

The last great working of the Terunael has been broken. The vallorn of Béantal Dol rises, shaking off the remnant of its chains. Fattened by months of Spring-infused waters, it stretches, rousing itself in a way it has never, ever done before since it was first trapped.

And it begins to spread.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|caption=Sarangrave is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Game Information : Dominion==
* '''The region of Thornfen, and the Tower of the Skink, have fallen
* '''An administrative motion related to their disposition will be raised during the Spring Equinox
* '''The Hidden Widow and Poison Crane have fled the territory taking serious casualties
* '''The remaining garrison of the Tower of the Skink has scattered across southern and eastern Sarangrave
The Empire has captured the region of Thornfen, and with it the Tower of the Skink. The entire territory save for the Nesustak Forest and Bendol are Imperial now. They achieved their goal with the aid of the Axou army of Ipotavo, and while that contribution was valuable it was relatively minor next to the impact of the Empire. There is an existing treaty with the Axou, signed when they joined the war in the Sarangrave, that indicates the intent to not contest Axou claim to Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, and the settlement Sephals. During the Spring Equinox, the Civil Service will raise an administrative motion during Saturday afternoon Senate session to confirm that this is still their intent. This motion, if it passes, will be available for the Urizen assembly to [[veto]], as it effectively involves the concedence of a region under their control.

The Gryphon’s Pride spent the season defending, specifically offering aid to the rebels of the Nesustak Forest. Without their intervention, it is likely the rebels would have eventually repelled the attacking Druj but they would have suffered serious losses in the process. The Gryphon’s Pride ensured that the vicious Mallum septs were unable to enact their revenge, and while this has not lessened the rebels desire to see Sarangrave as a free land under their control it has helped to establish the Dawnish army as allies, albeit allies that many are still suspicious of.

The Boyar’s Hasta committed themselves to supporting the other armies, but specifically to watching for signs of the Tainted Basilisk. Thanks to their vigilance, the ghulai of the Druj magical army were only partially successful in their goal. Further details are discussed below.

The armies of the Hidden Widow and the Poison Crane were badly damaged during their defence of the Tower of the Skink, but not destroyed. They have managed to use the confusion to escape back to the Salt Flats of Sanath, but both armies took an additional 500 casualties each during their desperate retreat through Imperial-held Sarangrave, pursued and harried by the Empire. More troubling is the garrison of the Tower of the Skink. While the tower has fallen, and the garrison been seriously damaged, the orcs that make up the garrison have likewise managed to desert the sinking ship. As such Thornfen, Turan Flats, Kroll, and the Whisperwood have all gained the ‘’Outlaw Druj‘’ qualities. Until these outlaws are dealt with, any settlement of those regions are in danger. In addition, any commission built in the territory will have its labour costs increased by a fifth for each region under Imperial control with that quality.

==Game Information : Drowning==
* '''The Drowned Shepherd constellation has exerted unexpected influence in Sarangrave this season
* '''The name of the constellation has changed; nobody is sure where this change originates
This season, the influence of the [[The Drowned Shepherd|Drowned Shepherd]] constellation in Sarangrave has been unmistakable by those who know what to look for. It's unlikely that this is due to its invocation by the general of the Citadel Guard. More likely it is simply that events in the Sarangrave have foreshadowed a profound ending. The constellation is strongly associated with curses, and for all its perception as being generally helpful, [[Rivers of Life]] is still a [[curse]].

There are two elements to this influence that are worth noting. The first is that the constellation appears to have a new name; the Drowned Shepherd. Previously known as the Drowned Man, there has been a notable shift in awareness over the last few months. Much as with the way the understanding of the names of the stars has shifted over the last year or two, so too has awareness of its name shifted. It's up to individual characters how to respond to this. Some will continue to call it the Drowned Man, but this name will feel increasingly archaic and old fashioned. It won't impact magic to use either name, but the name of the wiki has been changed. Speculation about what the difference between a Drowned Man and a Drowned Shepherd symbolise is encouraged.

The other element is that the catastrophic rainstorm has caused water to rise all over the territory. In time that water may subside, but it has resulted in breached damns and ruined farms, herb gardens drowned, and even some structures collapsing. At the same time the unnatural vitality the Rivers of Life bring has been heightened - not only by preserving the lives of soldiers and civilians alike, but also resulting in an explosion in the population of creatures of the Sarangrave including bog octopuses, mosquitos, wasps, spiders, and other small fast-breeding creatures few of which are wholesome in their interactions with humans and orcs.

==Game Information : Béantal Dol==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Blood for Poppies.jpg|caption=The vallorn is the most monstrous of all geographies.|align=right|width=500}}
* '''The vallorn of Béantal Dol has been unleashed
* '''The Tainted Basilisk have been only partially successful and only two regions are seriously threatened
* '''There are opportunities to try and stem the flow of vallorn power in uptime and downtime following the event
* '''The warding stones that once surrounded Béantal Dol are gone
The ghulai of the Tainted Basilisk have breached the circle of warding stones that contains the vallorn of Béantal Dol. Thanks to the Boyar’s Hasta their efforts have been only partially successful. Unfortunately, where the vallorn is concerned “partially successful” is still a significant threat.

Two regions are directly threatened by the expanding vallorn - Nesustak Forest and Bloodwater Marsh. Had the wards simply collapsed, the Vallorn would have burst forth towards the nearby fortification, the Tower of the Skink. Sadly, this release is no accident. The magicians of the Tainted Basilisk have seized an [[opportunity]] to deliberately weaken the wards in such a way as to direct the threat against the Empire and the rebels and away from their allies. There is a single [[#Battle_Opportunities|narrow window]] to take action and save one region or the other from desolation.

The actions of the Boyar’s Hasta may still have saved the rest of the territory. They have managed to save most of the warding stones - not enough to hold the vallorn back, but enough to have a vital effect. The vallorn will wash over the stones, as it attempts to expand and in the process the magic that sustains them will be overwhelmed, and destroyed. By the start of the Summer Solstice, the warding stones will be no more - there is no way now to stop them being destroyed. However, they will serve to protect against the vallorn for one final time. In doing so they will absorb some of the devastating verdant power of the vallorn. By the start of the Summer Solstice, the vallorn of Béantal Dol will be to all intents and purposes a “normal” vallorn. It will still be disproportionately potent, but it will no longer present the threat of expanding to completely fill the Sarangrave that it previously did. That threat, like the warding stones, is ended.

What happens to Nesustak Forest and the Bloodwater Marshes, however, will depend on [[#Battle_Opportunities|what the Empire chooses to do]]…

==Participation : Power of the Druj==
* '''Any character whose military unit supported an army in Sarangrave this season will receive a lingering wound
Any character whose military unit supported an army fighting in the Sarangrave this season will receive a lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] in their pack. These wounds represent serious injuries or lingering [[curse|curses]] sustained during the fighting that the [[Rivers of Life]] have been unable to restore. Some of these wounds are potentially lethal if they are not treated before the end of the Spring Equinox, so those bearing them may wish to consult a [[surgical skills#Physick|Physick]].
In addition, however, every military unit that fought in the Sarangrave this season has been in a position to secure a small trove of [[herb|herbs]] and [[potion|potions]], and potentially other things as well. If your character would not have approved of your soldiers taking things from the defeated Druj, you can simply drop these additional items back at GOD when you pick up your pack.

==Battle Opportunities==
* '''Two major conjunctions to Sarangrave have been identified for the Spring Equinox but the Military Council can take advantage of only one of them
The prognosticators have identified two '''simultaneous''' opportunities in the Sarangrave during the Spring Equinox. The first will allow the Empire to intercede in Nesustak Forest and fight the vallorn here. The other will allow them to do the same, but in Bloodwater Marsh. If the Military Council choose this battle, they will be forced to pick <i>one</i> of these two conjunctions.

The vallorn of Béantal Dol can also be combatted following the Spring Equinox, but it will require a significant commitment of [[army|armies]] to prevent it consuming one or both of the threatened regions. Due to the long storing up of power, it will be attacking both regions separately with a strength of 30,000. To prevent it claiming the region and devouring almost everyone and everything in it, the Empire would need to ensure it did not get 10 victory points. Fewer than that and it is likely the region would still be left with a quality similar to [[region qualities#Infested|infested]].

The good news - and there is some good news - is that the brave actions of the Boyar's Hasta and the destruction of the remaining warding stones means that the vallorn will become quiescent again after this season, whatever happens. In addition, the explosive speed with which the vallorn is unfolding into the two regions means that any downtime fighting will ''not'' be taking place under the influence of the [[vallorn miasma]].

A peerless sacrifice

2026-05-27T15:35:48Z

GuiltyConscience: /* A Virtuous Benefaction */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Here's one. " said Portia, thumbing threw the lists. "Cilicia of Athiliah's Handiwork"

"Definitely a benefactor?" queried Marcus.

No thought Portia to herself, I've called their name out because they're a corsair from Madruga... "Yes, definitely a benefactor" she responded in a deliberately even voice. Going through the list of names of who was coming to Anvil was the second most boring job in the entire civil service. The first most boring job was doing it with Marcus.

She kept her cool and kept leafing through the lists. "Here's another. Ehud of Reumah's Redoubt."

Marcus wrote this one down without querying it, which felt like a trap. "You're not going to ask me if Ehud is ''definitely'' a benefactor?" said Portia warily.

"No need." said Marcus cheerfully. "Everyone knows Ehud is a benefactor, has been for years now. He used to be the egregore. He's notorious for overcommitting to things. Never has enough time to do all the things he wants to help with... So he's ''definitely'' a benefactor."

"Right, well in that case, here's another one. Abraham of the Constitutional Court."

"What? That can't be right. He's a magistrate. He can't be a benefactor." protested Marcus.

"That's what it ''definitely'' says on the list" said Portia, "So you'd better write it down, just in case he turns up."

"Pfft, no chance of that," replied Marcus laughing at the very idea. "He'll be far too busy."

"Well then that must mean he's ''definitely'' a benefactor then, isn't he?" said Portia smiling. Sometimes scoring cheap points was the only way to make the medicine go down.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Captain Overcommitted.png|caption=Highguard stands ready to support and protect its "younger siblings" in virtue, in war, and in building up the great Empire they helped create.|align=left|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17OxNu7X8DM}}
Over recent years, the [[Highguard|Highborn]] Assembly have sought ways to support their fellow nations in the Empire by expressing their peerless kinship. Originally part of [[Full of sacred sound|a sweep of opportunities]], that arose in response to the extraordinary achievements of recent years, it allowed the nation to reach out to others to seek ways to help and support them.

The original author ''Eli'', the custodian of [[Emperor Walter|Walter's Tomb]], has passed now, but he entered the Labyrinth content in the knowledge that Highguard had done all it could to strengthen the Empire, with efforts to [[Questions_of_virtue#Our_Freeborn_Cousins|help the Freeborn]] in [[Kahraman]]; aid the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Not to conquer|contact the factions]] in [[the Barrens]]; help the [[Imperial Orcs]] in [[Skarsind]] to [[Standing in the sun|better understand the Ossium septs]]; and [[the Marches]] [[Kith and kin|deal with threats]] in the [[Mournwold]].

The fervour to aid others is beginning to diminish, even as the nation prepares to the next great challenge, with the return of the [[grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] in readiness for war with the [[vallorn]]. Some were unwilling to let this window close, and called on the national assembly to remind the Highborn of the achievements won and the importance of the cause. Why let a good thing end they say? There was a grim acceptance that exerting their efforts to express peerless kinship has tested the resolve on the nation on more than one occasion. To stick to that course and embrace the power permanently, would inevitably need to sacrifice something of equal significance.

The Highborn Assembly are not the only group in Highguard who have consistently sought to do what they can to support Virtue across the nation and the Empire. The benefactors of Highguard, operate a wide range of entrepreneurial endeavours, but always with the intention to encourage Virtuous behaviour in those they deal with and support. Those benefactors who attend Anvil hold regular meetings, a Benefactors' Council to discuss matters. With so many Senate projects in need of support, the nation is looking to the Council to guide them on where they should place their support.

==A Clear Statement==
* '''The Highborn Assembly has overwhelmingly backed the call to retain Peerless Kinship'''
* '''The Assembly must chose between this power and crusade'''
{{SOP|statement=The Virtuous raise up their fellows. In Peerless Kinship, we have aided our sibling nations in Kahraman, the Barrens, Skarsind, the Mournwold, and, in the weeks to come, Therunin. This National Assembly wishes to continue to offer our nation's labours in Peerless Kinship, for however long there is need. Let all that is worthwhile be shared.|by=Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard, Highborn Assembly|vote={{GM}} 520-22|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}

Peerless kinship began in the Highborn Assembly with a mandate enacted by [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_79|Jared of the Sons of Couros]]. If the drive to promote Virtue across the Empire was to continue it was clear that it could not do so without the emphatic support of Highguard's priests.

The [[statement of principle]] submitted by '''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''' received overwhelming support from the Assembly, with only a pair of priests expressing reservations. Of course it is easy to feel something is worth the cost, before the bill comes due. Still, the Highborn have never been a nation to balk at sacrifice in pursuit of Virtue, and the search begins to see how this might best be done.

To the surprise of many it does not take long to find the solution; it is practically staring people in the face. In discussions with their congregations, priests confirm that many of their followers have welcomed the opportunity to support Highguard's efforts to strengthen Virtue across the Empire and stood ready to do so again. Even those who were expecting not to hear a plea for aid from the Highborn Assembly, are surprised there is no call to march to war from the Highborn generals. The Highborn armies are taking a much-needed rest this season, resupplying in Astolat and Upwold, so there has been no crusade - the result is that there has been no call to action and people have had a chance to relax for the first time in years.

The rest has been well received, but now there is work to be done, the truth is clear. People stand ready to support the Highborn Assembly in their call to show Peerless Kinship. They stand ready to support the Highborn generals in their call to battle. But they cannot do both, not indefinitely. To pursue both endeavours has exhausted even the people of Virtue. The nation must now make a choice - they can either continue to show peerless kinship towards the other nations in the Empire, or they can send the faithful to support the armies but it must be one or the other.
===A Renewed Kinship===
* '''Highguard could use a mandate to retain the power of peerless kinship'''
If the nation deems peerless kinship to be of greater value that crusade, they can use a [[mandate]] to summon the necessary conviction to make it persist. Those who argue in favour of this approach point to the flexibility that peerless kinship provides, allowing the nation to tackle a wide range of problems. They argue that [[Wisdom]] underpins peerless kinship because it allows the Highborn to ask the right questions rather than assuming they have the answers.
{{Mandate|mandate=Wisdom is finding the right question. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge Highguard to embrace the value of peerless kinship. The Virtuous apply what they have learned.|assembly=Highborn Assembly}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ten-ish Siblings.png|align=right|width=400}}
If this mandate is enacted, then Highborn armies will [[Full_of_sacred_sound#The_Sticking_Place|no longer automatically generate a mandate]] for the nation to consider. Instead the Highborn Assembly would be able to use a single statement of principle that identified an Imperial nation that they wished to support, just as they do to date with peerless kinship.

Throwing the support of the nation behind this choice would see some of the previous restrictions lifted. The Assembly would be able to choose any nation to help, provided they didn't chose the same nation two seasons running. Asking Highguard to find ways to help a fellow nation would be bound to fail if they had already identified all the ways they could help the season before. Other that this restriction, the Assembly could pick whichever nation they felt was most deserving of aid.

A guiding principle of peerless kinship is the idea that Highborn citizens would talk to the nation to find out what help would be most welcome. That remains true, but the Assembly could guide that conversation by indicating a single statement of principle or mandate passed that season or last by the peer nation's Assembly. Provided that statement ''passed'' the Assembly - indicating it had the support of the people of that nation, then attempts to provide peerless kinship would, where possible, focus on the issue identified in the statement or mandate.

===A New Crusade===
* '''Highguard could use a mandate to retain the power of crusade'''
If the nation deems crusade to be of greater value than peerless kinship, they will need to use a mandate to remind people of its importance. Those who argue in favour of this approach point to the many threats faced by the Empire - while crusade is not guaranteed to offer martial benefits it does offer that prospect more often than peerless kinship. Perhaps, when the day comes that all wars have ended the Highborn can put down their armies. Until then they argue that [[Ambition]] demands they do everything possible to defeat the Empire's enemies and set aside all other goals.
{{Mandate|mandate=Aim high and pursue your dreams. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge Highguard to continue to crusade all the last war is won. If we stand together then nothing is beyond our grasp.|assembly=Highborn Assembly}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=HighbornFour.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
If this mandate is enacted, then Highborn armies that engage in a military campaign will [[Full_of_sacred_sound#The_Sticking_Place|automatically generate a mandate]] for the nation to consider. In the near future, any opportunity would be likely to take the same form as the recent call for an [[Over_western_hills#Highguard|ongoing crusade against the Jotun]] rather than more short term responses.

The orders given by the generals will continue to be critical, with the precise wording of the order given by the general shaping any mandate. Wisdom is a Virtue of course. While it may be appealing to generals to submit their orders in the form of a sermon the reality is that the best orders are those that are concise and direct - that lay out in simple terms what the goal is and why. The longer the orders, the easier it becomes for people to misunderstand what is desired. ''"Let every word you speak carry meaning; do not use forty when four will do."''

The cost of this renewed focus on the actions of the Highborn armies would be the end of peerless kinship. It would no longer be possible to reach out to other nations to help them.

===Competing Mandates===
* '''Both these mandates are in competition with each other'''
These mandates are in [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competition]] with each other. If more than one is upheld - assuming any are - whichever judgement passed with the greatest margin is considered to be successful and the other mandate fails. If neither mandate passes, then ''neither'' power will be available going forwards, and Highguard will look for other ways to pursue Virtue in the future.

==A Virtuous Benefaction==
* '''The Council of Benefactors could redirect the stream of donations currently going to the Grand Inspiration of the Way'''
* '''The Council could choose to direct this support towards any single civilian commission'''
* '''The Council of Benefactors meets at 11am on Saturday and Sunday of the summit'''
* '''This summit the meetings are planned to be held in the main tent of the Shattered Tower'''

Since the death of [[Empress Britta|Britta]], the Council of [[Benefactor|Benefactors]] has played an important role in the nation, pooling the resources of some of the most wealthy Highborn citizens and providing backing to crucial projects that might otherwise have gone without. The goal of constructing the [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] shows what can be accomplished when Virtue comes before profit.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Known Benefactors'''</tr>
<tr><td>Abraham of the Constitutional Court</td></tr>
<tr><td>Acheron of the Silent Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arlen of the The Suns of Couros</td></tr>
<tr><td>Asael of the Reumah's Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cilicia of Athiliah's Handiwork</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dagon of the Shattered Tower</td></tr>
<tr><td>Edni Adomait</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ehud of Reumah's Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>Enoch Cobroc</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hannah Lleweuraidd of the Coven of Barabbas</td></tr>
<tr><td>Icarus of the Sepulchre of the Red Sun</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jacob of the The Flame Beneath The Earth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leah, born of Leah of Ebon's Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liora Daughter of Rebekah of the Chantry of the Silver Skull</td></tr>
<tr><td>Miriam Daughter of Esther of the Suns of Couros Sect</td></tr>
<tr><td>Naomi of Felix's Watch</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
The recent revelations about the nature of [[Vardas]] have shaken people's faith and that has caused many citizens to question the value of donating what wealth they can spare to support the Grand Inspiration. Only the Highborn have remained true to their word, consistently donating ten wains of white granite each season to ensure that the work can progress. At that rate the work will take many years to complete, but even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time.

But what of other grand ideals? The drive to [[One_of_us#Establishing_the_Way|anchor the Way in Asavea]] is in danger of foundering before it has even set sail. Is this not a better use of what funds Highguard can spare? Or the war against the vallorn, which the Assembly have repeatedly stressed is the Empire's ''highest'' calling. Should these wains not be dedicated to ''that'' goal?

And what of profit itself? Benefactors know that profit is not something to be reviled. Profits that are built virtuously, in partnership with others spread [[Prosperity]] and build Virtue. And they enable more investment in the future. Should the benefactors not be looking at those possibilities instead?

Under normal circumstances, the Highborn look to their Assembly for leadership, but on this issue, they recognise that their benefactors are those best placed to make this decision. Virtue is everything, but resources are limited, and no one person can do everything. The benefactors are the group best placed to decide what should happen to the donations the nation produces each season.

There are two formal meetings of the Benefactors' Council at each summit, at 11am on Saturday and Sunday morning. They are likely to be held in the main tent of the Shattered Tower. If the Council want to change where their nation's donations are going, then they must ensure that their egregore is present when they make the decision. The egregore will make a note of the decision and pass word on to the other benefactors in the nation.

The Council can choose to redirect the flow of donations currently going to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, towards any ''civilian'' commission. If there is some debate over the decision, then the egregore will expect a decision to be taken by a simple majority vote of those present who are well known for their role as benefactors. A list above contains all the eligible benefactors currently known to be attending Anvil.

Whatever commission is chosen, the people of Highguard will donate ten wains towards it, each season, until it is complete. They can only donate mithril, white granite or weirwood, but they will find the means to donate whichever of these is most needed to finish the work. They will continue to support the commission until the benefactors council nominate a new commission to receive the support of the nations' benefactors.

The commission can be ''any'' [[Commission#Civilian_Commissions|civilian commission]] - the benefactors of Highguard trust their council to identify the commission most deserving of their support, whether that be continuing to support the Grand Inspiration of the Way, a different prestigious monument to Virtue, essential new infrastructure, or just a great work that is needed to raise Prosperity.

==Resolution==
The Highborn Assembly voted to uphold [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_116|Judgement 116]], raised by '''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''', that saw '''Brother Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum''' urge citizens of Highguard to embrace peerless kinship. The Benefactors Council voted to continue supporting the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]].

==Further Reading==
* [[Highguard]]
* [[Benefactor]]

Highguard economic interests

2026-05-27T15:24:06Z

GuiltyConscience:

<quote>“The pursuit of wealth is the foundation of suffering.”</quote>
{{CaptionedImage|file=ProsperityCantiarch.png|title=Lyaconia of Cantiarch's Hold considers her next move.|caption=The Prosperous are not selfish; all that is worthwhile is shared with those who deserve it.|width=500|align=right}}
There is a deep-seated distrust of the pursuit of wealth for its own sake amongst the Highborn. Highguard is founded on the concept that only action can be virtuous, and their culture rewards assiduous effort and self-improvement. “Wealth” by itself is a passive force; usury – charging interest on a loan – is considered despicable because the lender has no active role in what transpires.

In place of the moneylenders common elsewhere, the Highborn are proud of their [[Benefactor|benefactors]]. Often older merchants, benefactors make their wealth work for themselves and others. They try to encourage virtue by acting as patrons to other merchants. They may help a young trader get established, or participate in a risky but ambitious venture that has potential benefits beyond purely economic ones. Rather than lending money and charging interest, benefactors invest in enterprises and in individuals, sharing the risk – and sharing the profits.

Gambling on games of chance is as dubious as usury, since there is no action the participants can take to improve their chances of winning other than to cheat. That said, the Highborn love to wager on contests of skill, whether they are participating or not. Professional book-keepers collect wagers and distribute winnings, taking a small percentage for their service; some specialise in organising contests and competitions specifically to encourage wagering.

Permanence is a civic virtue in Highguard and there is no doubt that the nation produces the best architects and masons in the Empire. The quarries of Casinea produce a breathtakingly beautiful marble that absorbs heat when it is warm and exudes it when cold, making it the ideal building material. Other crafts include the creation of decorative mosaics and fabrics with complex geometric patterns. The Highborn also produce fine quality paper and coloured inks, used extensively to record the histories and archives of the nation.

{{Highguard Links}}

Highguard history

2026-05-22T22:03:37Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Imperial History */

{{CaptionedImage|file=HighguardHistory.jpg|caption=Flight, civil war, and the standard of Virtue. The Highborn never forget where they came from.|width=500|align=left}}
===The Founding===
Seven centuries ago, the Highborn arrived on the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Seventeen great vessels carrying pure souls crossed the sea from the south looking for new lands. They [[Origins of the Highborn|left behind]] a land and people slowly being consumed by corruption and darkness. They were steered by the legendary navigators, a pair of visionary twins named [[Atuman]] and [[Atun]] who were later acknowledged as an Exemplar of [[Ambition]] and a Paragon of [[Wisdom]] respectively.

Upon landing, Atuman founded the city of [[Necropolis#The Necropolis|Pharos]] at the mouth of the river Couros. Atun – following a vision of her own – took the flagship, bade her brother farewell and set sail, never to be seen again. The navigators of the first vessels formed a Patrician Council to advise Atuman the Navigator. The Highborn armada was made up of seventeen ships, three were lost and one was navigated by Atun and Atuman, so the Council was made up of thirteen members.

Some scholars question whether the use of the word "ships" is correct at all - it is more likely that rather than individual vessels the term applies to a number of ships owned by an extended family and led by an individual that came to be called a "navigator". They point to the difficulties of imagining an entire nation coming into being from just thirteen ships' worth of people. Regardless of the questions around precisely how many vessels came to the Bay of Catazar, the number of people on the Patrician Council is not contested.

<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><box>'''The horses of Highguard'''<br>The Highborn fleet carried with them a great herd of [[horse|horses]]. These legendary beasts embodied noble virtues of loyalty, strength and dignity. Mounted on their mighty warhorses, the Highborn were unbeaten in battle and the creatures became the iconic symbol of the nation, reflecting the martial spirit of the people. The venal ways of the patricians caused the herds to dwindle until none remained and since the dawn of the Empire they have passed into legend. Highborn parents tell their children the tale of the loss of their horses to teach them never to take blessings for granted.</box></div>

==The Rule of the Patricians==
After Atuman's death his eldest daughter, Acenath, took the title of navigator and ruled in his place while the patricians also named heirs from amongst their offspring. The council ruled wisely for many years but as the generations passed the navigator and the patricians became increasingly focused on preserving their power and their bloodlines and their rule fell victim to self-interest and corruption.

Each patrician (and the navigator themselves) was responsible for appointing their own successor, usually one of their own children, almost invariably a close blood relative. Wealth and power in Highguard was primarily concentrated in the hands of the patrician councillors and their families. Those Highborn with a familial connection to a member of the Patrician Council could usually count on the Council's patronage and support bringing them benefits and privileges unavailable to others. These extended families are also referred to as patricians in many documents of the time, the term being used to refer both to the thirteen members of the Patrician Council who advised the navigator, and to the entire class of nobility descended from them. Some modern historians attempt to differentiate between the two by referring to the patrician councillors and the patrician class to avoid this confusion.

Beyond the ruling council and their immediate families, an entire class of patrician nobility grew up over time. These noble families were wealthy and well-connected but were essentially disenfranchised; in theory any of them might inherit a seat on the Patrician Council but in practice never did. Most members of these families vied for the favour of the Council, supporting them in the hope of gaining favour. Those who openly opposed the Council risked persecution, financial ruin or even arrest.

Throughout early Highborn history, the power of the Patrician Council waxed and waned. Sometimes the navigator was able to wield more power than the Council; at other times the councillors effectively ran Highguard. The last navigator, Permion, came at the end of an extended period of domination by the Patrician Council, perhaps giving some explanation as to why the Council's response was so extreme. By the end of the civil war, the majority of the councillors were dead and those who survived were either executed, exiled, or bound to dire oaths to set aside their claim to rule Highguard. The genealogies of the patricians were destroyed, and for several decades it was a mark of shame to claim to be able to trace one's line of descent back to a patrician family. Today, even the names of many patrician families have been lost.

==The Diaspora==
After establishing themselves in Pharos, the Highborn expanded west into [[Casinea]] and north into [[Bastion]]. The patricians claimed great swathes of land, using the protection they granted to the people who lived in these new frontiers to further cement their position as the rulers of Highguard. Wherever they encountered [[orc|orcs]], they drove them from their lands, put them to the sword, or enslaved them. Some pressed even further north into what is today [[Reikos]], but there the Highborn encountered a powerful and vicious orc nation, their numbers bolstered by the clans that had been driven from Pharos and Bastion, and northern expansion slowed and eventually stopped.

In theory the rule of the Patrician Council extended throughout Highguard, but in practice it was concentrated in Pharos - the city where the Council lived and met. The further from Pharos you travelled, the less concerned with its machinations and edicts people became. Those who were least in favour with the Council were often at the forefront of the nation's expansion, as they sought to establish themselves and prosper away from its corrupt rule. Two such disgruntled families, the Saravos and Tassata, led expeditions as far from Pharos as they could, establishing the towns that still bear their names, in [[Sarvos]], [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Mestra]], and [[Tassato#Tassato Regario|Regario]].

Later still, amid first stirrings of the political turmoil that would become the Highborn civil war, three influential patrician "sisters" - known today as [[Riqueza]], [[Erigo]], and [[Guerra]] - spoke out against the corruption of the age. They decided to leave Highguard entirely and gathered their households around them resolving to find a new home. In time they, and those who heard their offer of a new life free from the stifling traditions of Highguard, established themselves on the western shores of the [[Bay of Catazar]] and founded [[the Brass Coast]].

==The Revelation and the Civil War==
During this time, trade with the Navarr introduced the Highborn to vinum, a herb which was used medicinally and recreationally. However, the Scions of Atun, a group of ascetics and mystics, discovered a process of refining into a substance called liao. They used liao to experience visions, and in other ceremonies, that revealed the Labyrinth of Ages. This enlightenment, about the immortal nature of the human spirit and the power of virtue, sparked a period of time now referred to as the Revelation.

The Revelation stirred a spiritual yearning within the people and swept across the land, awakening many to a new and profound understanding of life. This awakening was further fuelled by widespread disillusionment with the venal ways of the patricians. The Scions and other groups born of the Revelation left Pharos, sickened by the corruption that riddled the city. Along the borders of the nation they built their own communities, called [[chapters]], each dedicated to teaching a profound way of living inspired by the Revelation and guarding against corruption.

As the chapters grew, the patricians became jealous of their influence and passed laws to try to control them. Things came to a head in the time of the Navigator [[Permion]], who later generations would call the Lawmaker – a navigator who strove to serve the people rather than his own interest. Permion sought to reach out to the leaders of the chapters, starting with the most influential, [[Lepidus]] of the Seven Stars. Lepidus is now acknowledged as a Paragon of Pride. He taught Permion about the greatness of the Highborn, what they had been and could be again, and helped him find the will to oppose the wickedness of the patricians.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Highguard.jpg|align=right|width=350}}
Permion the Lawmaker's judgements and actions brought the patricians into conflict with him and also with each other. Rather than allow the nation to fall into anarchy, Permion declared martial law and dissolved the Patrician Council. In its place, he invited the chapters to form an Assembly of the Virtuous to advise him.

The response of the Patrician Council was swift and bloody, and a bitter civil war ensued. Permion was assassinated, along with his wife and three of his four children. Various patricians tried to claim the title of navigator, and chaos reigned. Eventually the Assembly was forced to act. After mobilising the military strength of the chapter-houses it crushed the remaining patrician forces and assumed the governance of the nation, although in the process the city of Pharos - the scene of the final battle of the civil war - was burned to the ground. This tumultuous time in the history of Highguard is remembered in countless stories and songs, and gave the victorious Assembly of the Virtuous many of their new [[paragons and exemplars]] including Permion, Exemplar of [[Courage]]; Lepidus, Paragon of [[Pride]] and [[Ruth]], Exemplar (or perhaps Paragon) of [[Loyalty]].
==Rebuilding==
The Assembly of the Virtuous elected to turn the ruins of Pharos into [[Necropolis#The Necropolis|the Necropolis]], a great mausoleum to house the bodies of all those slain in the war. They also ordered the construction of [[Bastion#Bastion.2C_the_White_City|Bastion]], a new city which would serve as a civic and religious centre for the Highborn thereafter and vowed that no Highborn would ever war with other Highborn again.

Over the next few decades, the Assembly united the people of Highguard and reached out to the exiles in Sarvos, Tassato, and the Brass Coast. The city-dwellers had chosen to secede from Highguard during the civil war, claiming independence. To their surprise, a loose alliance of western émigrés banded together to resist Highborn attempts to bring them back under the aegis of the Assembly. In time, treaties were signed and peaceful trade established, but it would be many years before the Highborn finally accepted that the western nations would not see the wisdom of reuniting with their parents.

There were other conflicts; with the orcs to the north-east, with the enigmatic magicians of [[Urizen]] to the east, and with the people of [[Dawn]] who had established themselves on the shores of [[the Semmerlak]] far to the north. Many Highborn chafed at their inability to expand their nation further, to conquer their human neighbours and crush their orc opponents. In the end, however, the Assembly of the Virtuous achieved a different kind of victory as missionaries and [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Wayfarers|wayfarers]] slowly spread the true faith of the Way to the neighbouring nations.
==Imperial History==
The First Empress was Highborn, and the last to ride a legendary Highborn steed. After taking liao, she revealed that all human souls are reincarnated on the same wheel, regardless of whether they were Highborn. Therefore, to preserve the future of Highguard and enlighten all worthy human souls, it was essential to unite all of humanity under a single banner, such that Highborn reborn elsewhere would still come to know their heritage and the Way of Virtue. From Highborn faith, the Empire came into being, changing the face of the world forever.

As a consequence, many Highborn view the Empire as their child; a wilful child that often does not know what is best for it. They were instrumental in helping to establish and build the powers of the [[Synod]], most notably during the time of [[Empress Teleri]] where Highborn priests and [[Cardinal|cardinals]] worked alongside the Navarr [[the Throne|Throne]] to help define and exercise the powers of the faithful. They have worked hard over the centuries to keep the fragile alliance of nations together through the [[Senate]], and resolutely supported the expansion of its borders by the [[Military Council]]. Likewise, Highguard has worked hard to keep the [[Conclave]] focused on its role as protector of the Empire - in particular a significant number of prominent [[Grandmaster|grandmasters]] of the [[Sevenfold Path]] order, and [[Archmage|archmages]] of [[Winter magic|Winter]] have been Highborn. Perhaps the only place where their influence has been blunted is in the [[Bourse]]; the natural Highborn suspicion of economic factors has often left them frustrated that the ruthlessly pragmatic wealth-seeking nature of the Bourse does not perform more virtuously.

==Highborn on the Throne==
Aside from the First Empress herself, two other Highborn have occupied the [[The Throne|Imperial Throne]].

[[Empress Aenea]] was appointed in 103YE, and instituted a wide-scaled program of public works. Among other things, her reign saw the creation of the [[Madruga#The_Lyceum|Lyceum]] - the Empire's premier [[college of magic]]; the creation of many roads and highways still in use today; the construction of several [[fortification|fortifications]]; and a general overhauling and refinement of the [[Bourse]], the [[Senate]], and [[Imperial law]]. Her reign is also marked by conflict - she had little interest in [[Foreign_nations|foreign affairs]], being focused entirely on building and strengthening the Empire.

[[Emperor Barabbas]] took the throne in 180YE, and like his predecessor he focused on strengthening and expanding the Empire. Unlike Aenea, whose interests were very much in the land and its structures, he was fascinated by the sea. An ambitious and charismatic man, he had a vision of an Empire that dominated the entire Bay of Catazar. He is best known today for the manner of his [[Emperor_Barabbas#Death_and_Legacy|death]] - lost at sea during a terrible storm along with the great armada he had nearly bankrupted the Empire to create. While modern historians are not kind to Barabbas, the Highborn are often quick to point out that his reign was also a time of great Imperial [[Ambition]] and a period of expansion and improved emphasis on securing diplomatic relations with foreign powers.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Archivist1.jpg|title=Zephaniah of Felix's Watch carefully recording important events at the King's Stoke Wassail|width=600|align=right}}

==Archivists==
Highguard looks to the past to understand the present and predict the future. Its scholars, priests and wizards thirst for tomes and artefacts that reflect on the Empire. There is a roaring trade in books, scrolls and tablets, the more obscure the better. While relics of the holy prophets or antique magical articles are valuable in and of themselves, high prices are also paid for tangible evidence of past life experiences.

Archivists collect the histories of Highguard, and of the Empire. They see history as a story that exists not to record dead facts, but to inspire the living. As a consequence, facts that undermine the central truth of an event or the life of a historical character are actually dangerous. A new fact that suggests a wise historical judge never existed, or that a brave general was actually a coward, could do irreparable damage. It could destroy the faith of the living in the individual hero but also undermine the very idea of learning the lessons from history. Destroying or discrediting such lies is as important as revealing the facts that encourage and inspire the living.

This means the Highborn archivists are often at odds with their counterparts in other nations, especially the Urizen [[Urizen Magical Traditions#Seers|seers]] and [[Urizen Leadership#Torchbearers|torchbearers]]. In recording and publicising “facts”, without applying any moral judgement, Urizen historians deny the inspiration offered by history and its role in making the present and the future better. A common rumour suggests that Highborn archivists maintain hidden storehouses of knowledge deemed too dangerous for the common people. This rumour is baseless. If a piece of information uncovered is considered dangerous to the Empire, it is destroyed so that no future generation can be harmed by its rediscovery.

Archivists are romantic figures in Highguard. While the truth is that many of them are quiet scholars and scribes, the popular image is of them as active, energetic people who go to dangerous locations to retrieve valuable information or artefacts for the good of the nation and the Empire as a whole. They face danger frequently, and often have to work against those who want to foolishly spread dangerous information or unleash deadly magic.
==More Highguard History==
* [[Horse]] - Discussion of the Highborn horses.
* [[On the Doctrine of Human Destiny]] - Historical research relating to the origins of the Doctrine of Human Destiny that also discusses some Highborn history
* [[Origins of the Highborn]] - Document compiled by scholars visiting the [[Sarcophan Delves]] regarding the origins of the Highborn people.
{{Highguard Links}}

[[Category:Highguard]]
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Archetype]]

Empire overview

2026-05-22T22:01:54Z

GuiltyConscience:

{{CaptionedImage|file=Ten Nations.jpg|align=left|caption=Ten [[nation overview|nations]], united (more or less) in a single Empire.|width=600}}
Formed nearly four hundred years ago when the [[First Empress]] began her crusade to unite all humanity, the Empire has grown and prospered ever since despite being surrounded by barbarian enemies. Made up of ten great nations, the Empire is politically and legally unified. Everyone is an Imperial citizen but the Empire seeks to maintain the unique culture and customs of the different nations.

The Empire has a complex political system that shares power between a number of institutions. At its head is The [[Throne]], the seat of the Emperor or Empress and the most powerful political position in the Empire. The Throne is not hereditary; the occupant is chosen by the [[Senate]] (a council of representatives chosen from each nation) to oversee the running of the Empire. When the Throne is empty, most of its powers are held by the Senate.

The [[Synod]] exists to keep the Empire virtuous. This august body is formed from every priest in the Empire who has a recognised congregation. It has many powers defined in the Imperial Constitution, and is the only body able to dismiss an Imperial citizen from a position once they have been appointed. The prosecution of wars and the defence of the Empire is the responsibility of the generals appointed to the [[Military Council]], whilst the most powerful magicians in the Empire protect and support their own through the [[Conclave]]. The [[Bourse]] oversees matters of economics, helping to build the Empire and enrich its citizens.

The day-to-day operation of the Empire is attended to by the magistrates and functionaries of the [[Civil Service]]. These NPCs (non-player characters) ensure that the laws are upheld. They also ensure that the tedious business of logistics and administration is attended to without those who rule having to waste their time with such matters. They have an untarnished reputation for integrity and impartiality. The magistrates ensure that everyone has recourse to the law, while the functionaries see that armies are fed and transported where the Generals order and that workers are hired and paid for building projects that the Senate authorises.

What binds the Empire together is the [[The Way|Way of Virtue]], a single religion shared by every citizen which teaches that humans enjoy reincarnation after death and that adherence to the seven great Virtues will ensure a swift reincarnation. The Way recognises the legacy of the heroes of the past, while encouraging every citizen to work towards the triumph of humanity.

That triumph is not assured; the Empire has enemies on all sides, that look on the success of humanity with jealous eyes. They remember a time when they ruled this land and pounce on any opportunity to restore their own fortunes. The dream of the First Empress will not be complete until these barbarians are defeated once and for all.

==Five things to know about the Empire==
*'''It is an enlightened republic.''' The Empire belongs to its citizens and at its best it serves their interest. It does not keep slaves or discriminate between its citizens on grounds of age, gender, sexuality or lineage.
*'''It is unified by faith.''' The Way of Virtue is the official state religion based on philosophy and reincarnation. It is the only legal religion allowed in the Empire and is accepted in some form by almost all citizens.
*'''It does not tolerate murder.''' The Empire has a strong legal system that serves to identify and prosecute criminals especially murderers. Our NPC magistrates will use every possible in-character resource to punish those who break the law.
*'''It has many enemies.''' The Empire is surrounded by barbarians, the majority of whom are orcs. There has never been a year when the Empire was not at war with at least one of them.
*'''It is defended by its heroes.''' The Empire relies on its heroic citizens to defend it. Many elements of Imperial society works to encourage the citizenry to step up to this challenge. Children are taught to be the heroes of tomorrow.

==What the Empire is not==
*'''An aristocracy.''' The Senate appoints an Emperor or Empress and the senators are in turn chosen by the prominent inhabitants of the nations. This pattern is widespread throughout the Empire; it has no aristocratic or dynastic family lines and no tradition of inherited power or titles. Wealth may be inherited, but power is granted by your peers.

==Further reading==
The wiki contains a great deal of information about the Empire and the world in which it lies. Everyone is given explicit permission to know anything they find on this wiki in-character if it is appropriate to their characterisation.
* [[The Throne]]
* The [[Senate]]
* The [[Synod]]
** [[The_Way|Religion]]
* The [[Military Council]]
* The [[Conclave]]
* The [[Bourse]]
** [[Currency]]
* [[Imperial Law]]
* [[Imperial history]]

[[Category:The Empire]]

Citizens, priests, pilgrims and dedication

2026-05-22T22:00:17Z

GuiltyConscience:

For the average citizen of the Empire, it is simply enough to know of the [[The_Way#The_Paths_of_Virtue|seven Virtues]] and how they apply to their lives. There is no requirement to honour one above another for all seven are part of the Way and will guide their spirit through the Labyrinth of Ages.

Priests of the Way have made greater study of the mysteries and [[Imperial Theology|doctrines of the faith]]. They provide guidance to citizens about how to live virtuously and have learned ceremonies that enrich the lives of virtuous citizens and enhance an individual’s understanding of the Virtues.

The [[religious skills|liao ceremony]] of [[dedication]] allows a human to more sharply focus their spirit onto one particular Virtuous path. This focus enables a dedicated priest to perform other ceremonies that provide greater insight and illumination into the Virtue. Consequently, dedication is reasonably common amongst priests who wish to provide ministry and guidance relating to a specific Virtuous path, whilst other priests choose not to dedicate and so represent all seven Virtues equally.

Dedication is regarded as being of little benefit to the average citizen as it is not believed to aid reincarnation by itself. However, some layfolk do choose to become dedicated for their own reasons. Such individuals are called pilgrims and are said to walk in the path of the paragon. A few pilgrims even go on to be recognised by the Synod as exemplars of the Virtue, whose words and deeds are an inspiration to others.

Despite some claims to the contrary, the evidence is that whilst a pilgrim or dedicated priest may continue to respect all Virtues, a spirit can only be dedicated to one Virtue and attempts to dedicate to more than one results in a loss of focus and, consequently, dedication. The individual is then free to seek to dedicate themselves anew.

==The Paths of Virtue==
Imperial [[The Doctrines of the Faith|doctrine]] currently states that there are seven paths of Virtue that make up the Way. These are:
* [[Ambition]]
* [[Courage]]
* [[Loyalty]]
* [[Pride]]
* [[Prosperity]]
* [[Vigilance]]
* [[Wisdom]]

===Further Reading===
*[[The Way|The Way of Virtue]]
*[[Imperial Theology]]
*[[Synod]]
*[[Religious skills|Religious Skills]]
*[[Recent history|Recent History]]

[[Category:Religion]]

Judged by their company

2026-05-22T14:16:54Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Overview */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>The man beetled his dark brows and bared his teeth in an expression he obviously thought was a smile.

"Ambition, Courage, Fidélité, Fierté, Prospérité, Sagesse, et enfin Vigilance," he said triumphantly.

His five friends - who Ressia was unable to not think of as "the other soldiers from his unit" nodded and muttered their agreement. The Freeborn priest could not help but feel a little threatened. When they clustered close, these large, muscular people, he felt a little like he was standing at the bottom of a well. He had been in Nemoria for nearly nine months now, having arrived along with one of the shipments of white granite, and while he was no connoisseur of Asavean fashion he knew enough to recognise the knee-length togas his six guests were wearing as being exactly the kind of thing off-duty soldiers wore.

None of them had made much effort to hide the tattoos on their arms and legs - red and black curving marks. He'd been here long enough to recognise ''those'' as well. Campaign marks, drawn indelibly onto their bodies by the priests of their mysterious God of War. He couldn't identify their meaning but the fact they all more-or-less matched up one to another more or less confirmed that these were all soldiers from the same legion at least. Who had simultaneously all decided they wished to become ''initiés des Sept Vertus'' - initiates of the Seven Virtues.

They seemed to have only a very vague idea of what that would entail. He was at a bit of a loss. Something about this felt wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Dites-moi. Pourquoi voulez-vous. Devenir prêtre?" he asked. He was not adept at this particular branch of the Asavean tongue. It made him homesick for the Empire, where everyone spoke one language and most misunderstandings were down to wilful pig-headedness rather than people being literally unable to communicate with each other.

They looked at one another. One of the women rolled her eyes and made a comment about his atrocious accent.

In broken Imperial, one of the others spoke up.

"Je vais être honnête. We like the way you talk about Courage," he pronounced it strangely, Coo-radj. "And about Fidélité, and Fierté. We know that you can work magic with words and purple liao. That makes people strong, and helps them fight. Sans les cristaux. We would like to have that also?"

The leader nodded and spouted a stream of quick Asavean Français. His - probably his corporal, Ressia mused absently - translated.

"Also, we know that what you can call up you can also send away. We would like to be able to do that."

He moistened his lips, and chewed briefly on his moustache. He looked at his probably-sergeant, and then back at the short Freeborn priest in front of him.

"There is also a special sight that you have which lets you see other ''Pèlerins'', yes? We would like to have that sight."

All six were quiet for a moment.

"Pour trouver nos nouveaux frères et soeurs," said one of the others quickly. All six nodded once, in unison, in a way that was frankly unsettling.

"Nous avons de l’argent," said one, holding up a bag as demonstration. It chinked, It looked heavy. "Beaucoup d’argent."

They all stared at him again.

He took a deep breath, and put on his best smile, his sutannir's smile.

"C’est bien, mais malheureusement...."

He did his best to explain that while he oversaw the day-to-day running of the temple, ordaining Asavean priests was beyond his authority and he would need to ask for guidance from the Imperial Synod. The six definitely-soldiers left with unhappy expressions, after twice attempting to explain to him that he had clearly misunderstood. They had money, did he not see? Lots of money.

"Everything ''can'' have a price," he muttered to himself when he was alone. "But I'm glad it's not going to be up to me to work out what this particular price is going to be..."</ic>

==Overview==
Imperial relations with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] remain stable and reasonably positive. Far to the west, the ancient city of [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] stands as the jewel in the crown of Asavea. Here, the Plenum governs the many provinces, satrapies, and subject nations of the sprawling aristocratic state. Here, the great temples of the myriad Asavean gods send their priests out to minister to their people. Here, the slave-galleys of the richest captains bring the wealth and wonders of the known world for the amusement and prosperity of the Asavean oligarchs. Here, too, come Imperial and [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]], and even [[Grendel]] [[fleet|ship]] merchants, eager to buy fine luxuries, orichalcum, tempest jade, and iridescent gloaming.

Toward the tail-end of 382YE, a major construction project was completed in Nemoria, sponsored by the Plenum and paid for by the [[Senate]]. A grand [[Liaison_to_the_Temple_in_Nemoria#The_Temple_of_the_Way_in_Nemoria|temple of the seven virtues]] was raised, the counterpart to the [[Feroz#The_Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull|Asavean temple]] that stands on the shores of [[the Brass Coast]]. The first Imperial priests took residence at the temple shortly before the Winter Solstice last year, and '''Franco i Erigo''' was appointed as [[Liaison to the Temple in Nemoria|liaison]] to the Temple.

Over the course of the last six months the temple has received many visitors. Some are local pilgrims of [[the Way]], pleased at last to have a true temple where they may practice their faith and receive the services and comfort only true priests may provide them. Many more are interested sight-seers, enthused by the novelty of a new temple to a foreign faith, one that many have heard of but few know much about. There is a frisson of danger or transgression for many of these visitors, of course. In the minds of most Asaveans, the Way is indelibly linked to the zealots of the hated [[Sumaah Republic]], and the rebellious slaves that periodically seek to sow disruption and cause chaos for the benign Asavean oligarchy.

Note everyone has welcomed the temple, of course. Most of the opposition to the Temple seems to come from priests of smaller temples - perhaps feeling overshadowed by the striking new structure - and from Plenum families with a grudge against the Empire, or who are particularly rabid in their hatred of Sumaah. "''This temple is nothing more than a veil for insurrection,''" they warn. "''These Imperial priests will conspire with the Sumaah, and seek to overthrow the Plenum!''"

Still, these voices are subdued at the moment, drowned out by vocal support for the Imperial temple from the high priests of several of the major sects of the Asavean religion, especially those of Balo of the Foam, the Black Bull, Lord Isso Mãos, patron of fair handed trade, and from the influential priests of Aseus-who-Tamed-the-Wind, patroness of diplomats. To the surprise of some - given the Empire insisted on overturning Asavean tradition and building their temple with paid workers rather than sensible slave labour, the priests of Baddu the Builder have joined their voices to those of the others, keen to point out that the Empire is in fact at war with Sumaah over matters of heresy and perversion of their shared faith. The highly respected Almodin Oktístis recounts many stories of the many wondrous sights he has seen in the Empire, and of the good sense of the Imperial people.

For now, the voices in favour of the Temple are leading the discussion. Yet that same popularity, and willingness to find a place for the Way in the complex pantheon of Asavean faiths, is causing some trouble of its own.

==''Des Sept Seigneurs de la Vertu''==
At the moment, all the priests who currently serve at the Temple of the Seven Virtues in Nemoria are Imperial volunteers, Missionaries and [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Wayfarers|wayfarers]] primarily from [[the Brass Coast]], [[Highguard]], and [[the League]], they have been chosen for their solid common sense and progressive attitudes. In recent months, however, there have been an increasing number of requests from Asavean citizens eager to learn more about the secrets of the faith, and to become ordained as priests in their own right.

The majority of these applicants appear to be lower-ranking individuals looking to improve their social status by attaching themselves to the Temple. A handful are former slaves, inspired particularly by the virtue of [[Ambition]], while there is also a smattering of younger children of minor Plenum families no doubt seeing potential political advantage in associating themselves with the Empire whose star is on the ascendant in Asavean society.

According to ''Ressia i Afanera i Guerra'', the wise [[sutannir]] from [[Feroz]] who oversees the day-to-day running of the temple, however, there are several more problematic applicants. A dozen grim-faced folk of obvious military bearing were particularly insistent on their desire to learn more about the Way. They were especially keen to learn the intricacies of [[liao]] use, especially the ceremonies of [[excommunication]], and [[insight]]. While they had clearly studied the Way, and could recite the doctrines and the teachings of the virtues, Ressia was deeply concerned that they showed little understanding of what they had mastered by rote. He fears their request to become priests is not sincere. Given that several bore the crimson-and-black tattoos indicative of sworn-warriors of the Asavean God of War, he refused to teach them without first receiving permission from a higher authority.

At the same time, there have been discreet inquiries from a number of higher-ranking slaves, many bearing beautifully calligraphied letters of permission from their owners, petitioning for the right to learn the "unique priestly magics of the Seven Virtues". For the most part these slaves seem interested in the ceremonies that create virtuous [[aura|auras]], and as with the soldiers show little understanding of the philosophy of the Way.

Both these latter sets of petitioners offered monetary incentives to secure access to the skills they desire. There seems to be some mild confusion as to why the temple is not interested in taking on aspirant priests. Soldiers and slaves alike seemed surprised that their requests were not accepted. In some cases, another approach was made a few days later offering more money, and one minor noble sent several florid letters claiming a close friendship with a certain powerful Imperial citizen of the League who would vouch for the virtue of his slave.

Ressia i Afanera i Guerra is uncertain how to proceed, and seeks the guidance. While matters such as this might usually be dealt with by the Liaison, there are clearly serious questions about the purpose of the Temple of the Seven Virtues, and the intentions of the Synod toward Asavea, that must be carefully considered. As such, Ressia wishes to receive the guidance of the Imperial Synod rather than only that of his countryman Franco i Erigo.
===Permission and Forbiddance===
Training a cadre of new Asavean priests will require an investment of [[liao]], but that is not the real problem here. At the moment, as near as Ressia i Afanera i Guerra can tell all the priests of the Way in Nemoria are Imperial citizens. Ordaining Asavean citizens (or slaves) as priests is certainly possible, but at that point they would be able to teach their own disciples, and use the liao ceremonies free of Imperial oversight.

Who, if anyone, will be allowed to learn not only about the Way, but the [[Religious_skills|ceremonial skills]] that priests in the Empire take for granted.
<quote by="Synod Mandate, General Assembly">The Way unites humanity through the Seven Virtues. The ceremonial skills practiced by priests in support of the Way are only a small part of what drives the faith, and helps the souls of humankind pass through the Labyrinth. Virtuous use of liao requires a deep understanding of the Way unique at this time to Imperial priests. We send (named priest) with 10 doses of liao to explain the necessity for Wisdom to the people of Nemoria.</quote>
If this [[mandate]] is enacted by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|general assembly]], the Temple in Nemoria will not accept any aspiring priests and will not share the secrets of the liao ceremonies with the people of Asavea. This will ensure that the Temple of the Seven Virtues remains central to the spread of the Way in Nemoria, but it will also mean that the spread of the faith is significantly curtailed.

The civil service judges that the Asaveans will not be offended by this decision - far from it. Each sect of the Asavean religion has their own proprietary knowledge and the fact that the priests of the Seven Virtues wish to keep a monopoly on the use of liao will be seen as perfectly natural. Indeed it may quiet some of the dissenting voices in the Plenum - presenting a clear indication of commonality between the Seven Virtues and the temples of the Asavean gods, and mollifying those concerned that the Temple is the first stage of an attempt to convert the people of Nemoria away from the traditional worship of the gods.
<quote by="Synod Mandate, General Assembly">The Way unites humanity through the Seven Virtues. The people of Asavea will more readily accept the teachings of the Way from their own people; creating Asavean priests will help to spread the faith. Yet only those who show a true commitment to the doctrines of the faith should receive training in the use of liao. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to support the training of new priests from among those judged most sincere in their devotion to the Way.</quote>
The Synod could choose to allow the training of small number of Asaveans, carefully selected by the most [[Wisdom|Wise]] and [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] priests associated with the Temple. Explicitly, none of those attracted by novelty, none of the military individuals, and none of the slaves will be considered. Only a few priests will be trained in this manner, but they will be Asaveans and more able to reach out to citizens who might otherwise avoid contact with the Temple. The Way will spread more quickly, and more tenaciously, through Nemorian society.

This mandate is not without complications however; it reinforces the perception that there is something secretive and conspiratorial about the faith. The idea that only certain individuals are fit to learn the inner secrets runs counter to the traditions of the Asavean people - where money or influence are considered to be equally effective at opening closed doors as mere talent. Assumptions will be made about what qualities these Asaveans must have to have been permitted to learn the secret lore of the Way - that they are complicit in some Imperial agenda. This will increase opposition to the Temple slightly, and will do nothing to reduce fears that the Way is a religion of rebels and disruptive elements.

<quote by="Synod Mandate, General Assembly">The Way unites humanity through the Seven Virtues. Liao ceremonies are valuable tools in helping human souls to pass through the Labyrinth; they are not to be jealously guarded by shared with those who would make best use of them. Those with the Ambition to seek to better themselves, and embrace the Virtues, should be given the opportunity to do so. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to encourage Asavean citizens to aspire to mastery of the Way.</quote>
Alternatively, he Synod could choose to allow the training of any Asavean who wishes to apply, including minor nobles, soldiers, and higher-status slaves. Some discretion would still be applied - there are only so many priests capable of taking on so many students at any given time - but for at least the next year the focus of the temple will be on training Asavean citizens as priests of the Way capable of ministering to their own congregations. This bold move will speed the spread of the faith through Nemoria, bringing Asaveans from all walks of life to the Temple and helping to reduce the perception of the Way as a religion for slaves and rebels. It will also quickly allow the reach of the Temple to stretch beyond Nemoria itself, potentially allowing missionaries (Imperial and Asavean alike) to spread the Way to inhabitants of the provinces and satrapies that look to Nemoria for guidance.

Those with the wealth to do so will expect to pay for the privilege, and while some of that money will be used to purchase additional liao for use in the training, a portion will be contributed to the [[Rewarding|Virtue fund]]. The civil service estimate than 10 Thrones each season will be added to the Virtue fund for at least the next year (until the start of Summer 383YE), and perhaps even longer if the missionaries in Asavea prove successful in spreading the faith farther afield.

This mandate is not without potential complications however; the Temple in Nemoria will quickly lose any monopoly on the ceremonial skills used by priests. The majority of the new priests will be reasonably sincere, but it will mean that Asavean citizens with self-serving or nefarious reasons for wishing to learn the secrets of liao will be able to do so. While the new Asavean faithful will look to the Temple in Nemoria for guidance, it is inevitable that they will develop their own ideas about the virtues and the doctrines that may potentially end up conflicting with the orthodoxy of the Imperial Synod - although this may be an inevitable price of making the Way accessible to the people of Asavea.
===Conflict, Inaction, and Limited Opportunity===
As always, if multiple [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing mandates]] are raised successfully, the one that achieved the highest margin of success will be the one that is considered to have been enacted.

If the Imperial Synod chooses to ignore the situation in Asavea, it is likely that some of the aspirants will become disheartened by their inability to achieve their ambition. Others, however, are likely to become more vociferous and frustrated by the lack of a clear answer from the priests of the Temple. This will certainly contribute to the criticism of the Way in the Plenum, and among the lesser priesthoods.

Also as usual, these mandates are available only during the Summer Solstice 382YE. If the situation in Asavea continues to develop, it is likely that new mandates related to the ongoing situation, may become available. The Synod could guide those mandates by using [[statement of principle|statements of principle]] but this would run the risk that the situation would become more volatile, rendering such statements moot.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Synod Inquisition, Veikko, General Assembly, Upheld 1020-31">We request an audience for Inquisition for the Asavean Architect Almodin Oktístis so we can better understand the commission brief and nature of his buildings within the Empire, at the Summer Solstice Summit 382YE, three in the afternoon on Saturday, at the Hub.</quote></div>

==Closer to Home : Almodin Oktístis==
The "Asavean Architect" [[Those_who_worship#Almodin_Okt.C3.ADstis.2C_Priest_of_the_Builder|Almodin Oktístis]], priest of the Builder god, has been in the Empire for over a year now. He receives a regular stipend from the Imperial Senate and in return has overseen a number of commissions for the Senate: the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_Pallas_Docks#Pallas_Docks|Pallas Docks]], several [[great work|great works]], a [[fortification]] in [[Varushka]], a casino in Temeschwar, and even the newly completed [[runeforge]] near [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]].

Despite some recent controversy regarding the "defilement" of the Varushkan [[fortification]] he helped construct, he seemingly remains enthusiastic about embracing any opportunity to design large structures that the Empire offers. [[The_whole_world#Asavean_Architect|Last season]], he let it be known that he is having such a fine time in the Empire he is prepared to go further - to bring in additional Asaveans to oversee further commissions in return for allowing them to build a small temple to their builder god.

While there has been no word from the Senate as to whether his offer is being considered, the Imperial Synod has called him for [[Inquisition]]. The [[judgement]] of Veikko of Sigehold Hall was upheld by a sizeable majority of the General Assembly. Informed of this, Almodin Oktístis was reportedly initially somewhat concerned but once he was made to understand what an inquisition represents, he apparently became more sanguine. He has confirmed his intention to visit Anvil for the inquisition, and has asked that the Ambassador to Asavea, '''Jarrigk Wegwandelaar''', arrange an Imperial priest to accompany him who can answer his questions and provide any legal advice that may be necessary.

===The Iron Qanat===
The [[Free_to_live#Yellow_Grain|Iron Qanat]] was the name given by the Isle of Zemress refugees to an incredibly ambitious project to construct a [[great work]] that would carry irrigation waters to farms across the [[Segura#Sobral Grasses|Sobral Grasses]] in [[Segura]]. The land here is not fertile - but with the benefits of the Qanat it could be. The proposed system of reinforced irrigation ditches could transform the sandy soils of the Grasses into productive farmland that would rival the best the best farms in [[the Marches]]. By centring the design around a vast fortified tower that protects the workings that draw water from the river allowing it to defend not just the irrigation system and the surrounding farms but the entire region and territory.

Everyone in Segura is delighted that the [[Senate]] has opted to pass a motion ordering the [[commission]] of the Qanat. However there is one issue that is causing significant concern. The Senate have reportedly chosen [[Those_who_worship#Almodin_Okt.C3.ADstis.2C_Priest_of_the_Builder|Almodin Oktístis]] to design and construct the Qanat. The foreign architect is highly skilled, nobody disputes that, but his work has become increasingly controversial due to the incorporation of heretical designs in his work. The Asavean decorates everything he builds with symbols of his false gods, incorporating statues and symbols of his blasphemous deities into the very structure of the building.

While the Freeborn have recently demonstrated a very relaxed view to the presence of blasphemy across the Coast, accepting the construction of an [[Feroz#The_Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull|Asavean temple]] on their soil, the Zemress Islanders are clearly not used to such tolerance. They are deeply concerned that their new home is about to be despoiled by the presence of some monstrous effigy of the Asavean gods... a leaping bull, or a squid, or something similarly depraved.

Prominent members of the community have urgently pressed for a solemn assurance from the powers that be at Anvil that this time will be different. They are looking for a guarantee that this time the architect will not construct some wicked symbol of his debased gods. They are clear that they would rather struggle without the benefits that the Iron Qanat could bring rather then gain from the spoils of idolatry.

Thus far the civil service have tried, as politely as possible, to avoid providing any response. However everyone familiar with the Asavean's work knows that there is categorically no way he will proceed with the commission unless he is able to work the symbols of his faith into the very foundations of his designs.

==A Primer on the Asavean Gods==
Since the Spring Equinox, a popular pamphlet claiming to explain the Asavean religion has been circulating the southern cities of the Empire. While it is not clear where the original document came from, the cheaply printed pamphlet "''A Primer on the Asavean Gods''" has been traced to a printing house in Tassato Regario, the ''Honourable Press''. The pamphlet is of dubious provenance, but has quickly spread to whatever parts of the Empire the Blood Red Roads may reach. The ''Honourable Press'' have defended their production of the pamphlet by arguing that it does not attempt to claim the Asavean gods are real, but merely seeks to arm the faithful with knowledge so that they may better recognise and resist the wiles of their priests. The phrasing of much of the text suggests that it may originally have been taken from a document intended for children, but the printers refuse point blank to reveal who paid them to produce the pamphlet. They claim that to do so would ruin their professional reputation and thus be a crime against both [[Prosperity]] and [[Pride]].

Since the original print run - printed (badly) on poor-quality paper - several further copies have been made, many of them by hand. ('''OOC Note:''' Anyone who wishes can download and print out a copy of this pamphlet ([[File:Asavean_Religion_Pamphlet.pdf]]) - it has been recopied numerous times so there is consequently no standard appearance.)
{{Asavean Links}}

Talking to friends

2026-05-22T14:02:23Z

GuiltyConscience: /* The Ambassadors Letter */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>There was no need to count; the outcome was obvious. Still, the scribes did their duty and recorded the numbers anyway. Normally, when a vote was carried so overwhelmingly there would have been cheering and celebration. Today, the floor of the Plenum chamber was almost eerily silent. A few murmurs and mutters, a heavy sigh. The footsteps of the Mater Coriolani as she strode out of the chamber, her face a mask of fury.

"This is humiliating." Titus turned away from the gallery, fists clenched.

"Yes." Said Lavinia.

"This cannot stand! If this was the old days-" His daughter cut him off. If she had done this in public it would have meant censure but he encouraged her to speak her mind when they were alone, valued her counsel and the directness the Spring realm gave her.

"It isn't the old days, though, father."

Titus growled, collapsing onto one of the couches. He hitched up his toga, put his head in his hands and stared at nothing in particular.

"You sound like an Ilotari," he grumbled. But his anger had subsided a little.

"Ha!" There was no mirth in Lavinia's laugh. "Not even the Ilotari are pleased that it has come to this. They're reformists, not idiots."

"These last few years..." Titus trailed off. "Who are we, Lavinia? What happened to the heirs of Asav. The Sumaah; the Commonwealth and the Empire; now the damn ''tomb robbers'' have banded together - a pack of vultures picking at our corpse. Our only real allies are a bunch of magicians who think rituals are the answer to every problem. We're reduced to lending warships to pirates. Even a nation of ''farmers'' fought off the pride of the Asavean navy! Farmers!"

"Times change." Lavinia sat next to him, put her hand on his shoulder. "We have to change with them."

"Once upon a time we'd have sent a flotilla to burn their damn cities to the ground. Drag a tenth of their people off in chains. Burn their temples if they didn't surrender, install a governor if we needed to keep the peace..." His tone was nostalgic. Lavinia did not think it wise to remind him that nothing on that scale had happened in a century or more. Titus tone grew bitter. "And now they are doing it to us! To us, Lavinia! Sending their ships and their soldiers to burn our cities, pushing their faith, killing the Tarquinius, trying to replace the Plenum with what... elected Senators? Präster? Ridiculous! Unacceptable!"

Lavinia waited for his anger to blow itself out. She loved her father very much but he lived in the past. If Asavea was to survive, they would need to look to the future.

"We tried the old way," she said quietly. "And it made everyone feel better for a while, but what did it actually achieve?"

"So what do you think, daughter? We should just... accept it? Accept that we are a laughing stock, an irrelevancy?"

His daughter smiled, a severe, cold smile, and patted Titus' hand.

"Oh, no father. No. But as grandmother said; when war fails, you may put your sword away, but you ''keep fighting''. There's some people I'd like you to meet, Pater Familia. I think you'll find their ideas ''very'' interesting."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Across the Sea of Salt, two nations caught in eternal rivalry by a net of history and faith.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

==Asavea==
* '''The Asavean Archipelago is an empire scattered across a sprawling archipelago, far across the ocean to the west'''
* '''Traditional enemies of the Sumaah, they are at war with both them and the Empire'''
* '''The Empire is sending missionaries to the Archipelago and looking to overthrow the ruling Plenum'''
The Asavean Ambassador to the Empire is ''Lady Madrianna of the Blue Stones''. An important member of one of ruling families of Asavea, she advises the Plenum on diplomatic matters, especial relations with the Empire and their close neighbours. It is Lady Madrianna who has encouraged the Asaveans to make common cause with the Grendel and who is behind efforts to suborn the Faraden.
{{Nation|nation=[[Asavean Archipelago]]|status=Barbarian|port=[[Asavean_Archipelago_ports|Nemoria]] (closed)|ambassador=Vacant}}
===State of War===
* '''The Asavean Archipelago and the Empire are at war
* '''The Asaveans are supporting the Grendel, and attempting to convert the Faraden to their cause'''
* '''The ongoing attempt of missionaries to proselytise the Way continues to enrage the Asaveans'''
Imperial relations with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] could hardly be worse. The Asaveans declared war on the Empire some time ago - a response to the [[Mosaic|attack on Chalonsio]] by the combined forces of the [[Liberty Pact]]. Determined to exact revenge, they sent huge warships to Imperial waters, looking to sack an Imperial city in lex talionis for their own losses. Their [[Harvest of infamy|attack on Meade]] failed, but they were instrumental in helping the [[Grendel]] take [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] and then [[A beacon of smoke|burning that city to the ground]], to the dismay of their Grendel allies.

Much of their strategy in recent months has been focused on piracy - aiming to cripple Imperial trade on the high seas. These attempts have caused some trouble for the Imperial treasury, and created obstacles for the Empire's various trading partners. Now the Asaveans have been forced to abandon this strategy by the [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|intervention]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]], a humiliating climbdown for the notoriously proud Plenum. All this on top of the [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|defeat of the Asavean navies]] at Zemeh, where the Empire came to the aid of their Sumaah allies... it has likely put the Plenum on the back foot.

For their part the Empire responded to the fury of the Asaveans by [[Irreconcilable_differences|sending missionaries to the islands]] with members of the [[Sevenfold Path]] looking for [[One of us|ways to make contact with magicians in the islands]] who might be interested in [[the Way]]. The [[Loyalty]] Assembly has tried to make contact with [[Two suns in the sunset|groups who are looking to overthrow the Plenum]], the ruling council of the Asavean Archipelago, and ideally begin a fiery revolt against the corrupt ruling classes.

Into this febrile mix have come the communications from '''Mauriac of Eyrie'''. In recent times the Asaveans have largely ignored efforts by the Empire to communicate through official channels - but something about the tone of the missive appears to have inspired a change of tune. It would be dangerous to overstate what this means - the Asavean Plenum is never going to make peace with an Empire that is hellbent on destroying their nation by inciting rebellion and religious revolt. For as long as the missionaries continue to travel to Asavea, they are certain to remain implacably hostile to the Empire.

The door is not exactly open to diplomacy, but it is at least off the latch... for now.

===An Olive Branch===
* '''The wise letter sent to Asavea has been well received by the Plenum'''
* '''The Asaveans are open to discussing terms to end the war, provided the Empire ceases sending missionaries to their shores'''
* '''If the Empire continue on their current course, the Asaveans will increase their military support for the Grendel'''
Lady Madrianna has sent communications to their Imperial counterpart to let them know that the Plenum is open to the possibility of a cessation of the current conflict - either temporary, or better still, permanent. As far as the Plenum are concerned the outrageous attack on Chalonsio has been answered by the [[A beacon of smoke|destruction of Siroc]]. The senseless destruction of profitable businesses and the losses incurred when the city was looted have been accounted for by the damage inflicted on Imperial shipping. [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|Justice]] as the [[Faraden]] would put it - has been served. Both sides could find a way to end this pointless brutality ''before it escalates further...''

The Plenum have therefore decided to be magnanimous - and to offer the possibility of peaceful resolution to the current war. As a sign of their good intentions, says Lady Madrianna, the Plenum has voted to remove the bounties placed on vessels trading with the Empire, so that this will not be an impediment to any negotiation.

If the Empire wishes to pursue the avenue of peace, then as a first step, they must immediately cease all attempts to spread the Way to Asavea. There are no circumstances under which Asavea will negotiate with the Empire while they continue to threaten the authority of the Plenum in this way. Thus far the effects have been negligible, the Asavean Ambassador claims, but the heirs of Asav are not to be trifled with in this manner.

Were a peaceful resolution possible, the Asaveans would be prepared to consider withdrawing their military support for the [[Grendel]] and perhaps even to look at reopening their ports to Imperial shipping.

Lady Madrianna warns the Empire that the Plenum are prepared to continue their current war with the Empire for as long as necessary, should they reject this generous offer. Now that their privateers and fleet captains are no longer engaged against Imperial shipping they are in a position to consider increasing their support for the Grendel - and they will not hesitate to do so if the Empire does not change course.

Of course, the ''truth'' is that the Asaveans have stopped attacking Imperial ships because of threats from the Sarcophan Delves - the ''Pax Sarcophan''. Even so, this communication represents a change in tone by the Asaveans: something in the letter to Lady Madrianna has clearly struck a chord.

Whether that chord becomes part of a more harmonious melody remains to be seen. Mauriac's respectful letter has been well received by the Plenum and achieved as much as is possible with a letter. However unless the Empire changes their tune, the Asaveans are certain to redouble their efforts. Humiliated by the Sarcophan, they will want to demonstrate that they remain a great power to be taken seriously. If the Empire doesn't take this opportunity for peace, they can expect the Asaveans to increase their military support for the Grendel.

===The Factions Listen===
* '''The Empire knows of six factions willing to contribute to the overthrow of the Plenum'''
* '''The Regario Dossier assigned agents to investigate the Bells of Becephelas, the Lost Weepers, and the Mikanos'''
Last season, the Empire uncovered three more [[Asavean factions]] who would be willing to work with the Empire to spread the Way to Asavea and ultimately overthrow the Plenum. Three of these groups - the [[Asavean_factions#The_Bells_of_Becephelas|Bells of Becephelas]], the [[Asavean_factions#The_Cerularios|Cerularios]], and the [[Asavean_factions#The_Mikanos|Mikanos]] - are magicians that profess to be curious about the Way. All of them appear to be potential allies, but the Empire has been warned by the [[Whisper Gallery]] that one of them is lying - one of the three groups described below are double-agents who are actually loyal to the Plenum. The other three groups - the [[Asavean_factions#The_Children_of_Asav|Children of Asav]], the [[Asavean_factions#The_Lost_Weepers|Lost Weepers]], and the [[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Satrapy of Ibaria]] - are those who could be persuaded to take up arms against the Plenum, and uncovered by the Loyalty Assembly.

The [[Regario Dossier]], '''Albrecht von Holberg''', took the [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#The_Refined_Dossier|opportunity]] to redirect three agents to investigate and establish links with the Bells of Becephelas, the Lost Weepers, and the Mikanos. The work done by the agents of the Dossier and their handlers has borne early fruit; '''Albrecht von Holberg''' will receive names and locations for each of three groups suitable for use with [[Call Winged Messenger]] at the Summer Solstice. The information will spread after the summit, and anyone will be able to find out the names and locations. '''OOC Note:''' We will add the targets to the [[Asavean factions]] page.

==Sumaah==
* '''The Sumaah Republic is an empire devoted to an orthodox interpretation of the Way'''
* '''The Empire recently helped to fend off a major naval assault by the Asaveans seeking to burn a Sumaah city'''
The [[Sumaah Republic]] are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. As founding members of the [[Liberty Pact]], their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their own war with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world.

The Sumaah ambassador to the Empire is ''Oxtitocszin'', who holds the rank of Censor of wood, metal and stone and is a member of the High House of Pride (the Sumaah equivalent of the Pride Assembly, but with significantly more responsibility and leeway to pursue foreign diplomacy). They advise not just the Sumaah ''präster'', but the House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate). By all accounts they are an even-handed, level-headed individual, and a devout practitioner of the Way.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sumaah Republic]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]|ambassador=Accalon of [[Highguard]]}}
===Build Up Their Fellows===
* '''Relations with the Sumaah are currently stronger than ever'''
* '''The Empire now receives a dose of true liao each season from Sumaah in gratitude for aid against the Asavean armada'''
The Sumaah Republic are [[Guide_the_spirit#Virtuous_War|at war]] with Asavea and face the threat of invasion from their northern neighbours who once ruled much of Sumaah through the use of corrupt proxies. The war is unlikely to end decisively, the Asavean [[Army|armies]] are no match for the disciplined soldiers martialled by the House of [[Courage]], but the Asavean [[navy|navies]] badly outnumber the Sumaah.

The Asaveans attempted to overcome the Sumaash defences at sea, hoping to expose the coastline so that they could carry out a lightning raid against a Sumaash city. The Asavean Plenum sought retribution for Sumaah's role in the [[Mosaic|attack on Chalonsio]]. They intend to raze a Sumaash city as they did Siroc. Last season the Empire played a decisive role in disrupting the Asavean assault, sending hundreds of small [[fleet|fleets]] to help the Sumaash navy fight the Asaveans off. Scores of Asavean ships were sunk and the Imperial captains returned home triumphant.

The gratitude of the Sumaash is deep and heartfelt. In thanks for the Imperial aid, they have sent a dose of precious [[true liao]] to the Empire and indicated that they will now do so every season until the Plenum falls and the Way is spread to the Archipelago (something that would take many years if it were possible at all). Relations with the grateful Sumaash, which have been bumpy in the past, are now better than ever.

===The Ambassador's Letter===
* '''The Sumaash are non-plussed by the tone of the Ambassador's letter'''

The sharp tone of the Ambassador's most recent letter has surprised the Sumaash and left them uncertain of how best to respond. As the ambassador has spoken of a shared duty to the truth, they have tried to respond in kind.

They are pleased to hear that '''Eleri of Bronwen's Rest''' has had a vision that speaks to the Ascension of [[the Marked]] and that '''Coal Carefoot''' has had a vision that they once lived as Alina, royal guard of the Sumaash Crown. The Sumaash are always grateful to receive information of the [[Past life vision|past life visions]] that Imperial citizens have had, although they find the ''excellent'' [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2|Echoes of the Labyrinth]] published by the [[Seer of the Gateway]] more than meets their needs in this matter. It is unfortunate that the Senate has decided to [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Distribution_of_Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth|stop supporting the dissemination of these accounts]] around the world.

On the matter of the item provided by '''Ehud of Reumah's Redoubt''', they are grateful for an opportunity to examine the [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]] and will of course arrange for its return at the Autumn Equinox as requested. They have not mentioned recently, indeed they have sent few communications in recent months as they have been preoccupied by the threat of invasion from the Asaveans and the attendant risks.

===Anchoring the Way===
* '''The Sumaash are convinced that attempting to work together to anchor the Way is too risky'''
On the matter of anchoring the Way in Asavea, the Sumaash are adamant that it is best if the Empire and Sumaah each proceed with their own plans. The Empire shares the Way with Sumaah, they are siblings in faith. But like two siblings dwelling in the same house, brother and sister can still argue, and the conflict between them can be the most terrible of all. The Sumaash disagree with the Empire on numerous articles of faith - the Sumaash are orthodox and traditionalists where the Empire have pursued a revisionist approach to the faith.

It is the view of the Sumaash that they currently enjoy excellent relations with the Empire precisely because the two nations have agreed to pursue the Way separately. Now that neither side feels compelled to correct the other on matters of faith, they can concentrate on what they have in common. Working together to create the Liberty Pact, to break the slave trade, to defeat the Asaveans at sea, these are all worthy goals around which the two nations can unite.

But converting the Asaveans to the Way would require the Empire and Sumaah to work side by side for years. They would be like brother and sister forced to dwell together in their parents' home. How would they agree on which version of the Way should be spread? Should it be the Imperial Way or the Sumaash Way? What happens when, two years into this great project, the Empire and Sumaah discover some fundamental point of disagreement on which they cannot agree? Inevitably they will fall out about it, and when that happens then the entire scheme will likely collapse. There will be recriminations on both sides, and everyone the two sides have tried to support will probably end up dead. It is clear that the Sumaash take a pessimistic view of this suggestion, to put it lightly.

Bluntly, the view of the Sumaash is that to suggest this shows a lack of careful consideration. The Empire have focused on all the benefits the two nations might gain by working together and given no thought at all to the countless way this could go wrong. While that might suit the confident optimism of the Empire, the Sumaash take a much more dismal view of the prospects of cooperation on this. They are focusing on all the many ways they can see in which it could go wrong and the risks that would entail - to relations between the Empire and Sumaah and more importantly to the hopes of salvation for the Asavean people.

In their mind attempting to work together to convert the Asaveans - after both nations had agreed to work separately on this great goal - is a failure of [[Wisdom]]. The fact that they've levelled this pointed insult, they feel, illustrates their point perfectly. Merely discussing it is leading to friction...

They wish the Empire every success. They will genuinely be overjoyed in the Empire spreads the Imperial Way to Asavea. They won't support that effort because they are busy with their own efforts to take the Sumaash Way to Asavea. These efforts will continue until every Asavean is brought to the Way, regardless of what the Empire attempts or achieves in this matter.

===Abrasion Oil===
* '''The Sumaash do not have the same view of excommunication as the Empire'''
On the matter of Abrasian oil, there are polite eyebrows raised. The Sumaash have noted in the past that there are parts of the Empire that believe things that are blatantly [[Religious crime#Heresy|heretical]], like the idea that people reincarnate as trees, or fish, or that their spirits dwell in swamps. These ideas are patently absurd and deeply offensive to any devout follower of the Way - but in recent times the Sumaash have tried to avoid pointing out how heterodox these far-flung parts of the Empire are, because trying to reconcile their two faiths was leading to difficulties.

But now the Imperial ambassador wants to discuss the creation of Abrasian oil, a rare substance developed by the Präster who live in Nyaerdivik, which is a hard-to-reach settlement on the very edge of the Sumaah Republic? The request has surprised Oxtitocszin, not least because he has no idea how the Empire even ''found'' Nyaerdivik, a location the majority of people living in Sumaah could not point to on a map.

However, since the ambassador has insisted on answers, the Präster of Nyaerdivik are quite... unorthodox. They have something of an ''obsession'' with bread, which other Sumaah do find to be very odd. They don't worship bread, or anything blasphemous, but it plays a central role in their culture in a way that bemuses outsiders. However the House of the People have examined the beliefs of the Präster of Nyaerdivik on two separate occasions and found them to be entirely compatible with the Way. Odd certainly, but Oxtitocszin once had an uncle who believed that a condor that lived near his home was mourning for its lost mate. People believe odd things; not all of them are at odds with the Way.

On the matter of [[excommunication]] and the power of Abrasian Oil, the ambassador is surprised to hear their counterpart express such radical views with such certainty. There are Präster in Sumaah who believe that excommunication makes a soul unable to pass onwards but they are far from the majority. The only thing that is known for certain is that it renders the soul unable to use [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]], and prevents dreaming, but nobody truly knows what happens to the soul of one who is excommunicated. Such things are ultimately a matter of philosophy and most importantly - faith. Does the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Labyrinth|Doctrine of the Labyrinth]] not say that ''the Labyrinth of Ages is a place of pure spirit and beyond the true comprehension of any but a paragon''?

The accepted view is that excommunication can be a just punishment that is merited in the most serious of cases where nothing less will suffice. There is a popular belief that it ''might'' assist passage. [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The Doctrine of the Seven|The Doctrine of Seven]] states that "Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and ''some may hinder it''." That last part is often taken to mean that unvirtuous acts hinder the soul's passage, indelibly marking the soul as unvirtuous, delaying rebirth. Excommunication of someone whose deeds are so terrible that they warrant this fate may disconnect the soul from the unvirtuous acts they have taken, allowing it to be reborn without the stain of an ill-spent past life dragging the soul down both in the Labyrinth and, potentially, in future lives.

Of course there are also some Präster that believe those who commit the most heinous acts need to spend time in the Labyrinth. Here the Präster tend to fall to arguments on the role of the Labyrinth and the spiritual value of punishment and its role in redemption and recidivism in a way that the Ambassador is not certain is a useful topic for diplomacy between two great nations, even if they do share the Way.

It ''may'' be true that excommunication severs a soul from the Labyrinth, though nobody can be sure. If that is the case, is it not appropriate that such people are excluded from the Labyrinth? Is that not a fitting end for those who have proven themselves to be entirely without Virtue? Virtue is contagious, but so is vice. Wicked deeds spread, so the worst criminals are a danger to the future generations, so arguably it is ''better'' to stop their reincarnation, to save future generations from the influence of such an unvirtuous soul.

The Ambassador notes that they have exchanged letters with the Empire on the matter of excommunication before. The truth is that nobody knows what the ultimate effects of excommunication are, just as nobody can be certain they know what the ultimate effects of [[testimony]] or [[dedication]] are. These are, ultimately, matters of faith. Nobody should trifle with the human soul, that much is clear, but in the Republic, excommunication is often a prelude to execution - an indication that your deeds are beyond the pale. It's not something the Republic takes lightly. Oxtitocszin is not sure there is anything further to be said on this subject.
{{Asavean Links}}
{{Sumaah Links}}

Talking to friends

2026-05-22T14:01:25Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Build Up Their Fellows */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>There was no need to count; the outcome was obvious. Still, the scribes did their duty and recorded the numbers anyway. Normally, when a vote was carried so overwhelmingly there would have been cheering and celebration. Today, the floor of the Plenum chamber was almost eerily silent. A few murmurs and mutters, a heavy sigh. The footsteps of the Mater Coriolani as she strode out of the chamber, her face a mask of fury.

"This is humiliating." Titus turned away from the gallery, fists clenched.

"Yes." Said Lavinia.

"This cannot stand! If this was the old days-" His daughter cut him off. If she had done this in public it would have meant censure but he encouraged her to speak her mind when they were alone, valued her counsel and the directness the Spring realm gave her.

"It isn't the old days, though, father."

Titus growled, collapsing onto one of the couches. He hitched up his toga, put his head in his hands and stared at nothing in particular.

"You sound like an Ilotari," he grumbled. But his anger had subsided a little.

"Ha!" There was no mirth in Lavinia's laugh. "Not even the Ilotari are pleased that it has come to this. They're reformists, not idiots."

"These last few years..." Titus trailed off. "Who are we, Lavinia? What happened to the heirs of Asav. The Sumaah; the Commonwealth and the Empire; now the damn ''tomb robbers'' have banded together - a pack of vultures picking at our corpse. Our only real allies are a bunch of magicians who think rituals are the answer to every problem. We're reduced to lending warships to pirates. Even a nation of ''farmers'' fought off the pride of the Asavean navy! Farmers!"

"Times change." Lavinia sat next to him, put her hand on his shoulder. "We have to change with them."

"Once upon a time we'd have sent a flotilla to burn their damn cities to the ground. Drag a tenth of their people off in chains. Burn their temples if they didn't surrender, install a governor if we needed to keep the peace..." His tone was nostalgic. Lavinia did not think it wise to remind him that nothing on that scale had happened in a century or more. Titus tone grew bitter. "And now they are doing it to us! To us, Lavinia! Sending their ships and their soldiers to burn our cities, pushing their faith, killing the Tarquinius, trying to replace the Plenum with what... elected Senators? Präster? Ridiculous! Unacceptable!"

Lavinia waited for his anger to blow itself out. She loved her father very much but he lived in the past. If Asavea was to survive, they would need to look to the future.

"We tried the old way," she said quietly. "And it made everyone feel better for a while, but what did it actually achieve?"

"So what do you think, daughter? We should just... accept it? Accept that we are a laughing stock, an irrelevancy?"

His daughter smiled, a severe, cold smile, and patted Titus' hand.

"Oh, no father. No. But as grandmother said; when war fails, you may put your sword away, but you ''keep fighting''. There's some people I'd like you to meet, Pater Familia. I think you'll find their ideas ''very'' interesting."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Across the Sea of Salt, two nations caught in eternal rivalry by a net of history and faith.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

==Asavea==
* '''The Asavean Archipelago is an empire scattered across a sprawling archipelago, far across the ocean to the west'''
* '''Traditional enemies of the Sumaah, they are at war with both them and the Empire'''
* '''The Empire is sending missionaries to the Archipelago and looking to overthrow the ruling Plenum'''
The Asavean Ambassador to the Empire is ''Lady Madrianna of the Blue Stones''. An important member of one of ruling families of Asavea, she advises the Plenum on diplomatic matters, especial relations with the Empire and their close neighbours. It is Lady Madrianna who has encouraged the Asaveans to make common cause with the Grendel and who is behind efforts to suborn the Faraden.
{{Nation|nation=[[Asavean Archipelago]]|status=Barbarian|port=[[Asavean_Archipelago_ports|Nemoria]] (closed)|ambassador=Vacant}}
===State of War===
* '''The Asavean Archipelago and the Empire are at war
* '''The Asaveans are supporting the Grendel, and attempting to convert the Faraden to their cause'''
* '''The ongoing attempt of missionaries to proselytise the Way continues to enrage the Asaveans'''
Imperial relations with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] could hardly be worse. The Asaveans declared war on the Empire some time ago - a response to the [[Mosaic|attack on Chalonsio]] by the combined forces of the [[Liberty Pact]]. Determined to exact revenge, they sent huge warships to Imperial waters, looking to sack an Imperial city in lex talionis for their own losses. Their [[Harvest of infamy|attack on Meade]] failed, but they were instrumental in helping the [[Grendel]] take [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] and then [[A beacon of smoke|burning that city to the ground]], to the dismay of their Grendel allies.

Much of their strategy in recent months has been focused on piracy - aiming to cripple Imperial trade on the high seas. These attempts have caused some trouble for the Imperial treasury, and created obstacles for the Empire's various trading partners. Now the Asaveans have been forced to abandon this strategy by the [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|intervention]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]], a humiliating climbdown for the notoriously proud Plenum. All this on top of the [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|defeat of the Asavean navies]] at Zemeh, where the Empire came to the aid of their Sumaah allies... it has likely put the Plenum on the back foot.

For their part the Empire responded to the fury of the Asaveans by [[Irreconcilable_differences|sending missionaries to the islands]] with members of the [[Sevenfold Path]] looking for [[One of us|ways to make contact with magicians in the islands]] who might be interested in [[the Way]]. The [[Loyalty]] Assembly has tried to make contact with [[Two suns in the sunset|groups who are looking to overthrow the Plenum]], the ruling council of the Asavean Archipelago, and ideally begin a fiery revolt against the corrupt ruling classes.

Into this febrile mix have come the communications from '''Mauriac of Eyrie'''. In recent times the Asaveans have largely ignored efforts by the Empire to communicate through official channels - but something about the tone of the missive appears to have inspired a change of tune. It would be dangerous to overstate what this means - the Asavean Plenum is never going to make peace with an Empire that is hellbent on destroying their nation by inciting rebellion and religious revolt. For as long as the missionaries continue to travel to Asavea, they are certain to remain implacably hostile to the Empire.

The door is not exactly open to diplomacy, but it is at least off the latch... for now.

===An Olive Branch===
* '''The wise letter sent to Asavea has been well received by the Plenum'''
* '''The Asaveans are open to discussing terms to end the war, provided the Empire ceases sending missionaries to their shores'''
* '''If the Empire continue on their current course, the Asaveans will increase their military support for the Grendel'''
Lady Madrianna has sent communications to their Imperial counterpart to let them know that the Plenum is open to the possibility of a cessation of the current conflict - either temporary, or better still, permanent. As far as the Plenum are concerned the outrageous attack on Chalonsio has been answered by the [[A beacon of smoke|destruction of Siroc]]. The senseless destruction of profitable businesses and the losses incurred when the city was looted have been accounted for by the damage inflicted on Imperial shipping. [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|Justice]] as the [[Faraden]] would put it - has been served. Both sides could find a way to end this pointless brutality ''before it escalates further...''

The Plenum have therefore decided to be magnanimous - and to offer the possibility of peaceful resolution to the current war. As a sign of their good intentions, says Lady Madrianna, the Plenum has voted to remove the bounties placed on vessels trading with the Empire, so that this will not be an impediment to any negotiation.

If the Empire wishes to pursue the avenue of peace, then as a first step, they must immediately cease all attempts to spread the Way to Asavea. There are no circumstances under which Asavea will negotiate with the Empire while they continue to threaten the authority of the Plenum in this way. Thus far the effects have been negligible, the Asavean Ambassador claims, but the heirs of Asav are not to be trifled with in this manner.

Were a peaceful resolution possible, the Asaveans would be prepared to consider withdrawing their military support for the [[Grendel]] and perhaps even to look at reopening their ports to Imperial shipping.

Lady Madrianna warns the Empire that the Plenum are prepared to continue their current war with the Empire for as long as necessary, should they reject this generous offer. Now that their privateers and fleet captains are no longer engaged against Imperial shipping they are in a position to consider increasing their support for the Grendel - and they will not hesitate to do so if the Empire does not change course.

Of course, the ''truth'' is that the Asaveans have stopped attacking Imperial ships because of threats from the Sarcophan Delves - the ''Pax Sarcophan''. Even so, this communication represents a change in tone by the Asaveans: something in the letter to Lady Madrianna has clearly struck a chord.

Whether that chord becomes part of a more harmonious melody remains to be seen. Mauriac's respectful letter has been well received by the Plenum and achieved as much as is possible with a letter. However unless the Empire changes their tune, the Asaveans are certain to redouble their efforts. Humiliated by the Sarcophan, they will want to demonstrate that they remain a great power to be taken seriously. If the Empire doesn't take this opportunity for peace, they can expect the Asaveans to increase their military support for the Grendel.

===The Factions Listen===
* '''The Empire knows of six factions willing to contribute to the overthrow of the Plenum'''
* '''The Regario Dossier assigned agents to investigate the Bells of Becephelas, the Lost Weepers, and the Mikanos'''
Last season, the Empire uncovered three more [[Asavean factions]] who would be willing to work with the Empire to spread the Way to Asavea and ultimately overthrow the Plenum. Three of these groups - the [[Asavean_factions#The_Bells_of_Becephelas|Bells of Becephelas]], the [[Asavean_factions#The_Cerularios|Cerularios]], and the [[Asavean_factions#The_Mikanos|Mikanos]] - are magicians that profess to be curious about the Way. All of them appear to be potential allies, but the Empire has been warned by the [[Whisper Gallery]] that one of them is lying - one of the three groups described below are double-agents who are actually loyal to the Plenum. The other three groups - the [[Asavean_factions#The_Children_of_Asav|Children of Asav]], the [[Asavean_factions#The_Lost_Weepers|Lost Weepers]], and the [[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Satrapy of Ibaria]] - are those who could be persuaded to take up arms against the Plenum, and uncovered by the Loyalty Assembly.

The [[Regario Dossier]], '''Albrecht von Holberg''', took the [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#The_Refined_Dossier|opportunity]] to redirect three agents to investigate and establish links with the Bells of Becephelas, the Lost Weepers, and the Mikanos. The work done by the agents of the Dossier and their handlers has borne early fruit; '''Albrecht von Holberg''' will receive names and locations for each of three groups suitable for use with [[Call Winged Messenger]] at the Summer Solstice. The information will spread after the summit, and anyone will be able to find out the names and locations. '''OOC Note:''' We will add the targets to the [[Asavean factions]] page.

==Sumaah==
* '''The Sumaah Republic is an empire devoted to an orthodox interpretation of the Way'''
* '''The Empire recently helped to fend off a major naval assault by the Asaveans seeking to burn a Sumaah city'''
The [[Sumaah Republic]] are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. As founding members of the [[Liberty Pact]], their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their own war with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world.

The Sumaah ambassador to the Empire is ''Oxtitocszin'', who holds the rank of Censor of wood, metal and stone and is a member of the High House of Pride (the Sumaah equivalent of the Pride Assembly, but with significantly more responsibility and leeway to pursue foreign diplomacy). They advise not just the Sumaah ''präster'', but the House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate). By all accounts they are an even-handed, level-headed individual, and a devout practitioner of the Way.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sumaah Republic]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]|ambassador=Accalon of [[Highguard]]}}
===Build Up Their Fellows===
* '''Relations with the Sumaah are currently stronger than ever'''
* '''The Empire now receives a dose of true liao each season from Sumaah in gratitude for aid against the Asavean armada'''
The Sumaah Republic are [[Guide_the_spirit#Virtuous_War|at war]] with Asavea and face the threat of invasion from their northern neighbours who once ruled much of Sumaah through the use of corrupt proxies. The war is unlikely to end decisively, the Asavean [[Army|armies]] are no match for the disciplined soldiers martialled by the House of [[Courage]], but the Asavean [[navy|navies]] badly outnumber the Sumaah.

The Asaveans attempted to overcome the Sumaash defences at sea, hoping to expose the coastline so that they could carry out a lightning raid against a Sumaash city. The Asavean Plenum sought retribution for Sumaah's role in the [[Mosaic|attack on Chalonsio]]. They intend to raze a Sumaash city as they did Siroc. Last season the Empire played a decisive role in disrupting the Asavean assault, sending hundreds of small [[fleet|fleets]] to help the Sumaash navy fight the Asaveans off. Scores of Asavean ships were sunk and the Imperial captains returned home triumphant.

The gratitude of the Sumaash is deep and heartfelt. In thanks for the Imperial aid, they have sent a dose of precious [[true liao]] to the Empire and indicated that they will now do so every season until the Plenum falls and the Way is spread to the Archipelago (something that would take many years if it were possible at all). Relations with the grateful Sumaash, which have been bumpy in the past, are now better than ever.

===The Ambassadors Letter===
* '''The Sumaash are non-plussed by the tone of the Ambassador's letter'''

The sharp tone of the Ambassador's most recent letter has surprised the Sumaash and left them uncertain of how best to respond. As the ambassador has spoken of a shared duty to the truth, they have tried to respond in kind.

They are pleased to hear that '''Eleri of Bronwen's Rest''' has had a vision that speaks to the Ascension of [[the Marked]] and that '''Coal Carefoot''' has had a vision that they once lived as Alina, royal guard of the Sumaash Crown. The Sumaash are always grateful to receive information of the [[Past life vision|past life visions]] that Imperial citizens have had, although they find the ''excellent'' [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2|Echoes of the Labyrinth]] published by the [[Seer of the Gateway]] more than meets their needs in this matter. It is unfortunate that the Senate has decided to [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Distribution_of_Echoes_of_the_Labyrinth|stop supporting the dissemination of these accounts]] around the world.

On the matter of the item provided by '''Ehud of Reumah's Redoubt''', they are grateful for an opportunity to examine the [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]] and will of course arrange for its return at the Autumn Equinox as requested. They have not mentioned recently, indeed they have sent few communications in recent months as they have been preoccupied by the threat of invasion from the Asaveans and the attendant risks.

===Anchoring the Way===
* '''The Sumaash are convinced that attempting to work together to anchor the Way is too risky'''
On the matter of anchoring the Way in Asavea, the Sumaash are adamant that it is best if the Empire and Sumaah each proceed with their own plans. The Empire shares the Way with Sumaah, they are siblings in faith. But like two siblings dwelling in the same house, brother and sister can still argue, and the conflict between them can be the most terrible of all. The Sumaash disagree with the Empire on numerous articles of faith - the Sumaash are orthodox and traditionalists where the Empire have pursued a revisionist approach to the faith.

It is the view of the Sumaash that they currently enjoy excellent relations with the Empire precisely because the two nations have agreed to pursue the Way separately. Now that neither side feels compelled to correct the other on matters of faith, they can concentrate on what they have in common. Working together to create the Liberty Pact, to break the slave trade, to defeat the Asaveans at sea, these are all worthy goals around which the two nations can unite.

But converting the Asaveans to the Way would require the Empire and Sumaah to work side by side for years. They would be like brother and sister forced to dwell together in their parents' home. How would they agree on which version of the Way should be spread? Should it be the Imperial Way or the Sumaash Way? What happens when, two years into this great project, the Empire and Sumaah discover some fundamental point of disagreement on which they cannot agree? Inevitably they will fall out about it, and when that happens then the entire scheme will likely collapse. There will be recriminations on both sides, and everyone the two sides have tried to support will probably end up dead. It is clear that the Sumaash take a pessimistic view of this suggestion, to put it lightly.

Bluntly, the view of the Sumaash is that to suggest this shows a lack of careful consideration. The Empire have focused on all the benefits the two nations might gain by working together and given no thought at all to the countless way this could go wrong. While that might suit the confident optimism of the Empire, the Sumaash take a much more dismal view of the prospects of cooperation on this. They are focusing on all the many ways they can see in which it could go wrong and the risks that would entail - to relations between the Empire and Sumaah and more importantly to the hopes of salvation for the Asavean people.

In their mind attempting to work together to convert the Asaveans - after both nations had agreed to work separately on this great goal - is a failure of [[Wisdom]]. The fact that they've levelled this pointed insult, they feel, illustrates their point perfectly. Merely discussing it is leading to friction...

They wish the Empire every success. They will genuinely be overjoyed in the Empire spreads the Imperial Way to Asavea. They won't support that effort because they are busy with their own efforts to take the Sumaash Way to Asavea. These efforts will continue until every Asavean is brought to the Way, regardless of what the Empire attempts or achieves in this matter.

===Abrasion Oil===
* '''The Sumaash do not have the same view of excommunication as the Empire'''
On the matter of Abrasian oil, there are polite eyebrows raised. The Sumaash have noted in the past that there are parts of the Empire that believe things that are blatantly [[Religious crime#Heresy|heretical]], like the idea that people reincarnate as trees, or fish, or that their spirits dwell in swamps. These ideas are patently absurd and deeply offensive to any devout follower of the Way - but in recent times the Sumaash have tried to avoid pointing out how heterodox these far-flung parts of the Empire are, because trying to reconcile their two faiths was leading to difficulties.

But now the Imperial ambassador wants to discuss the creation of Abrasian oil, a rare substance developed by the Präster who live in Nyaerdivik, which is a hard-to-reach settlement on the very edge of the Sumaah Republic? The request has surprised Oxtitocszin, not least because he has no idea how the Empire even ''found'' Nyaerdivik, a location the majority of people living in Sumaah could not point to on a map.

However, since the ambassador has insisted on answers, the Präster of Nyaerdivik are quite... unorthodox. They have something of an ''obsession'' with bread, which other Sumaah do find to be very odd. They don't worship bread, or anything blasphemous, but it plays a central role in their culture in a way that bemuses outsiders. However the House of the People have examined the beliefs of the Präster of Nyaerdivik on two separate occasions and found them to be entirely compatible with the Way. Odd certainly, but Oxtitocszin once had an uncle who believed that a condor that lived near his home was mourning for its lost mate. People believe odd things; not all of them are at odds with the Way.

On the matter of [[excommunication]] and the power of Abrasian Oil, the ambassador is surprised to hear their counterpart express such radical views with such certainty. There are Präster in Sumaah who believe that excommunication makes a soul unable to pass onwards but they are far from the majority. The only thing that is known for certain is that it renders the soul unable to use [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]], and prevents dreaming, but nobody truly knows what happens to the soul of one who is excommunicated. Such things are ultimately a matter of philosophy and most importantly - faith. Does the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Labyrinth|Doctrine of the Labyrinth]] not say that ''the Labyrinth of Ages is a place of pure spirit and beyond the true comprehension of any but a paragon''?

The accepted view is that excommunication can be a just punishment that is merited in the most serious of cases where nothing less will suffice. There is a popular belief that it ''might'' assist passage. [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The Doctrine of the Seven|The Doctrine of Seven]] states that "Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and ''some may hinder it''." That last part is often taken to mean that unvirtuous acts hinder the soul's passage, indelibly marking the soul as unvirtuous, delaying rebirth. Excommunication of someone whose deeds are so terrible that they warrant this fate may disconnect the soul from the unvirtuous acts they have taken, allowing it to be reborn without the stain of an ill-spent past life dragging the soul down both in the Labyrinth and, potentially, in future lives.

Of course there are also some Präster that believe those who commit the most heinous acts need to spend time in the Labyrinth. Here the Präster tend to fall to arguments on the role of the Labyrinth and the spiritual value of punishment and its role in redemption and recidivism in a way that the Ambassador is not certain is a useful topic for diplomacy between two great nations, even if they do share the Way.

It ''may'' be true that excommunication severs a soul from the Labyrinth, though nobody can be sure. If that is the case, is it not appropriate that such people are excluded from the Labyrinth? Is that not a fitting end for those who have proven themselves to be entirely without Virtue? Virtue is contagious, but so is vice. Wicked deeds spread, so the worst criminals are a danger to the future generations, so arguably it is ''better'' to stop their reincarnation, to save future generations from the influence of such an unvirtuous soul.

The Ambassador notes that they have exchanged letters with the Empire on the matter of excommunication before. The truth is that nobody knows what the ultimate effects of excommunication are, just as nobody can be certain they know what the ultimate effects of [[testimony]] or [[dedication]] are. These are, ultimately, matters of faith. Nobody should trifle with the human soul, that much is clear, but in the Republic, excommunication is often a prelude to execution - an indication that your deeds are beyond the pale. It's not something the Republic takes lightly. Oxtitocszin is not sure there is anything further to be said on this subject.
{{Asavean Links}}
{{Sumaah Links}}

Region qualities

2026-05-22T13:43:07Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Infested */

==Overview==
Each region in a [[territory]] may have one or more qualities that describe key aspects or features, which may have important economic, strategic or magical considerations.

Some negative qualities have specific methods that the Empire can use to remove them. Without that, it is not possible to create, remove or change the quality of a region without an [[opportunity]] or an [[appraisal]] - they reflect the essential nature of the land.

==Geographic Qualities==
These qualities occur frequently and represent simple aspects of physical geography.

===Arid===
This region has little in the way of fresh water, with wells being valuable commodities. They are often also sparsely settled. Building permanent settlements in these regions is a challenge, as is establishing fortifications. All farms in a territory with at least one region that has the arid quality suffer a 1 rank penalty. The curses [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Rivers of Life]] are ineffective in a territory whilst any region is arid. At present, no Imperial regions have this quality

===Coastal===
A ''coastal'' region does not simply border the sea or other large body of water, but has a sufficiently accessible shoreline to allow the construction of a [[shipyard]]. Such regions are also, by consequence, vulnerable to attacks by [[navy|navies]]. Coastal regions can be found in places such as the sprawling islands of [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]], the smooth and fertile foothills of [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]], and the storm-riddled clay slurries of [[Bregasland#North_Fens|North Fens]].

===Forest===
A ''forested'' region features large amounts of distinctive, often dense woodland. Whether the great stands of ancient oaks in [[Miaren#Goldglades|Goldglades]], the dense pine forests of [[Skarsind#Solvihill|Solvihill]] or the once-tainted vegetation of [[Liathaven#Westwood|Westwood]], the presence of large forests allows for casting of rituals such as [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] and enables an Imperial [[Army_qualities#Guerrilla|guerrilla]] army to execute a ''hit and run'' order if the Empire controls the region.

===Hills===
A ''hills'' region is mountainous, home to sharp inclines, rough escarpments or similar forms of difficult terrain. Although this does not limit the ability of armies to traverse the territory, it has important implications for strategic magic such as [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]], and enables an Imperial [[Army_qualities#Guerrilla|guerrilla]] army to execute a ''hit and run'' order if the Empire controls the region. Examples include the cave-filled slopes of [[Morrow#Altis|Altis]], the magnificent peaks of [[Hahnmark#Kalpamark|Kalpamark]], and the rugged valleys of [[Kahraman#Braydon.27s_Jasse|Braydon's Jasse]].
===Islands===
An ''islands'' region is made up of large amounts of water and a number of discrete landmasses. It is commonly also coastal, for obvious reasons. A region of islands cannot be entered, left, moved through, or attacked by an [[army]], unless it is being transported by a [[navy]]. The most prominent examples are the coastal islands of [[the Brass Coast]] - the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]] and [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]].

===Marsh===
A ''marshy'' region might contain swamps, bogs, fens, or similar wetland, sufficient for the casting of rituals such as [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]], or for an Imperial [[Army_qualities#Guerrilla|guerrilla]] army to execute a ''hit and run'' order if the Empire controls it. These marshes can have tremendous diversity - compare the murky mangrove swamps of [[Therunin#East_Ashes|East Ashes]] to the misty bogs of [[Kallavesa#Rundhal_Marsh|Rundhal Marsh]] or the eerie grey meres of [[Bregasland#Grey_Fens|Grey Fens]].

Following the [[Light upon the water|supernatural storms]] of 384YE which turned [[Light_upon_the_water#Price_of_the_Marshes|large sections of the Empire's marshes into boggy swamps]], the labour costs of any commission built in a region with the ''marsh'' quality increase by one fifth.

==Historical Qualities==
These qualities reflect the history of a region; they are the by-product of human, orc or other creatures enacting their will upon the area.

===Abandoned===
The region has been abandoned by those who once lived there. As a result of the lack of people and the stubborn spirit amongst those who do still reside here, no mandate enacted by the Imperial Synod will affect a territory with an abandoned region. There are still people living in the region, but there are far fewer inhabitants remaining than once called this bustling territory their home. The one positive is that there are countless abandoned farms, mines, businesses and likewise scattered across the territory. As a result, any character of the correct nation who chooses to move their personal resource to a territory with a region that is abandoned does not have to pay the standard fee of two crowns. At present, Afarjasse, Cazar Straits, Fontargenta, Morajasse, and Oranseri of [[Feroz]] have this quality.

===Burnt===
Through a boon provided by the eternal [[Surut]], the forests of [[Liathaven#West_Ranging|West Ranging]] in [[Liathaven]] were consumed by an irresistible fire that left naught but grey ash in its wake.

===City===
The city quality denotes a large, established settlement, but it is more than just having a built-up population area or a large town. [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]] has the city quality due to the dead city of [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|the Necropolis]].

===Foreigners===
Some Imperial regions have large populations of foreigners living there.

===Haunted===
The sites of massacres and the sacred resting places of myriad heroes can develop a ''haunted'' atmosphere, where unquiet spirits restlessly stalk the land. These ghosts are not necessarily malign, but they often require specially trained individuals - such as the [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Stewards_of_the_dead|stewards of the dead]] in Highguard - to safely keep them restful.

===Ruined===
The cruel reality of war can leave a once-prosperous region with little but ''ruins''. Such regions often bear a melancholy air, with the echoes of past glories fading with the further passage of time. Despite this devastation, such regions can be crucial for the casting of rituals such as [[The Basalt Citadel]].

==Political Qualities==
These qualities reflect current political events in a region; the result of social and economic events in the area over time. They are less durable than other qualities, more likely to come and go as a result of the most recent actions in the area.

===Impoverished===
An impoverished region has seen much of its wealth and assets stripped and sold; the plundered wealth gone. Being impoverished does make it cheaper to build new civilian commissions here. People are desperate for paid work, anything that might earn them enough to feed themselves and their families. Any [[Commission#Civilian_Commissions|civilian commission]] that is built solely in a region or regions that have the impoverished quality cost only one crown per wain, rather than the usual three. At present, Cazar Straits, Fontargenta, Morajasse, and Oranseri of [[Feroz]] have this quality.

===Lawless===
Bandits are a ubiquitous problem across the Empire, but the magistrates deal with them where they can. As a result, they rarely grow to the point where they threaten an entire region. A lawless region is infested with large bandit groups. Lawlessness is a problem for everyone - the threat of banditry is a terrible danger for any law-abiding citizen in the territory who cannot defend themselves from the bandits' depredations. It also impacts the [[Imperial treasury]] - the taxation provided by a territory does not increase naturally while any region remains lawless. That reflects the impact thieves, bandits, and pirates have on local businesses and resources, as well as the tendency of more established criminal groups to attack tax collectors directly. At present, only Morajasse of [[Feroz]] has this quality.

===Uncooperative===
An ''uncooperative'' region has some reason to make life difficult for Imperial armies stationed in the territory. Any Imperial army stationed in a territory has its upkeep increased by a tenth for every region that has the quality, and as long as any region has that quality the territory cannot support an Imperial army. At present Fleisardh of [[Mareave]] have this quality.

===Under-developed===
''Under-developed'' regions lack critical infrastructure. There are few roads or bridges over important rivers, and those that do exist are in poor condition or completely ruined. While the area may have natural resources, little has been done to develop them and there are few prosperous farms or businesses in the region. The presence of each under-developed region adds one-fifth to the labour costs of any commission in the territory. At present, no Imperial region has this quality.

===Under Threat===
Regions that are ''under threat'' are threatened by insurgent forces that are hostile to the controlling power. These partisans engage in acts of sabotage or carry out attacks designed to undermine whoever rules the area. If the region is attacked by a force aligned with the partisans, then the attackers are considered to have a beachhead - that is they do not suffer the usual penalties for [[War#Supply_Lines|supply lines]]. 

===Underpopulated===
There are relatively few inhabitants in an ''underpopulated'' region. While hostile geography may limit the number of people who dwell in a mountainous or barren region, this quality reflects a history of depopulation in an area that means it sustains far fewer people than it otherwise might. Any region that is under-populated contributes '''nothing''' to support the armies of whichever nation controls the territory. At present, Afarjasse, the Cazar Straits, and Morajasse of [[Feroz]] have this quality

==Magic Qualities==
These qualities are the result of unique magical effects afflicting a region. They may be the result of some ongoing curse or enchantment, or else the lingering effects that remain after powerful has run its course somewhere.

===Accursèd===
The presence of [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|{{Black Plateau}}]] in [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]], [[Spiral]] has left the region ''accursèd''. The {{Black Plateau}} appears to feed on negative emotions and amplify them, burgeoning the mind with hallucinations and oppressive, malign thoughts causing people to dwell on past failures, insults, and suspicions. Since the {{Black Plateau}} was [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29|fully awakened]] shortly before the Spring Equinox 382YE, this quality has the following effects on Spiral:
* Every army fighting in the territory takes 25% additional casualties
* It is impossible to receive natural resupply in the territory
* Any army that spends the season in the territory will lose 5% of its maximum fighting strength over the course of that season even if it is not engaged
* Fleets, military units, businesses, and farms have their production reduced by a quarter
* The upkeep of Bourse resources is doubled
===Infested===
The [[vallorn]] exists in several states, ranging from full domination to pending threat. The ''infested'' quality means there is a significant presence of vallornspawn and [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]], but that the loathesome entity has not "dug in" the way it has in a region with the vallorn quality. At the moment the only Imperial nation with this quality is [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] in [[Therunin]]. Miasma hangs over its western and northern reaches, and there are numbers of vallornspawn in the region that will need to be dealt with. Unlike a region fully claimed by the vallorn it is not invulnerable to attack. Any [[army]] or armies trying to conquer the region will need to deal with the vallornspawn there; these function as a battalion with a strength of 4,000 that both defend the region and inflict casualties, similar to the effect of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. Claiming the region will disperse this force and remove the infested quality.

===Nightwoven===
The Druj have tainted the marshes of [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] in [[Zenith]] with Night magic. As a result, any casting of [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] will increase the victory points necessary to claim the region by fifteen, up from ten.

===Poisoned===
A region might become ''poisoned'' through the working of foul magics, tainting the land with venomous creatures, treacherous foliage and the like. Each Imperial campaign army that moves through, or fights in, such a region suffers 250 casualties during that season of campaigning. The ritual [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] protects an army from this effect, but orders have no effect to reduce these casualties.

Historically, the Druj have inflicted this quality on regions of [[Holberg]] and [[Carnival_of_rust#Ghostlight_.28Battle_Opportunity.29|attempted]] to do the same to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] in [[Zenith]]. The Druj managed to use the [[Ashes#Poison_and_Ashes_(Battle_Opportunity)|Sephals Cauldron]] in [[Therunin]] and as of the start of the [[Blood_and_mire#Game_Information:_Therunin|Autumn Equinox 386YE]] Lower Tarn Valley is poisoned. Druj armies are not entirely untouched by this quality, but suffer half the expected casualties.

===Vallorn===
The Spring-fuelled ''[[vallorn]]'', spawned from the disaster that ended the empire of Terunael, can infest regions with its rampant fecundity. Any such region falls out of Imperial control - it is not possible for civilisation as the Empire understands it to coexist with the overgrowth, miasma and strange monsters that the vallorn exudes.

===Watchful===
The [[The_Barrens#Heart_of_Peytaht|Heart of Peytaht]] in [[The Barrens]] has the ''watchful'' quality. Anyone who presses into the dense woodland feels uneasy, and reports the sense of being unwelcome and watched by an unseen force. Rumours abound that the forest is possessed by some sort of dark spirit, perhaps akin to the sovereigns of Varushka.

Attempts to explore the inside of the Heart of Peytaht have been met with failure. Any army moving through the region can expect to take significant casualties in doing so - it has been some time since a great force of Druj marched through it in 376YE, but corpses from it are still found hung by their entrails or huddled by the boles of massive trees, having died in great agony and terror.

A bright cerulean flame

2026-05-22T13:42:46Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Game Information */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pilgrim's Flame.jpg|align=right|caption=The pilgrims of Highguard march without fear into the heart of corruption.|width=500}}</div>
==On the Move==
The [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] are on the move. While their fellow Imperial soldiers [[Deep_blue_sea#Mountain_and_Shore|press south]] in [[Redoubt]], into the foothills and the mountains, they march east into [[Zenith]]. Through [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] and [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]], beneath the gaze of those [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|watchers]] which guard the pass into [[Morrow]]. Three great figures, stern-faced, mark their passage. Each represents one of the Highborn armies who fought to defend Urizen from the encroaching tide of Druj - the [[Valiant Pegasus]], the [[Seventh Wave]], and the [[Granite Pillar]]. They tower over the pass and the surrounding countryside, a permanent tribute memorialising for all time, the sacrifices the Highborn made in Zenith. The Pilgrim’s Defiance weren’t there - weren’t even thought of at that time. Yet it is nonetheless easy to allow [[Pride]] to blossom in the heart at the reminder of everything Highguard represents, here in the mountains of Urizen. Many soldiers seek out priests, in the shadow of greatness, and pledge themselves to the fight to come with [[liao]] donated by the [[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|congregations of Highguard]]. In the months to come, this decision will come to seem almost like prescience. As they continue east, the hills ring with the words of the ''[[Virtues Anthem|Virtue’s Anthem]]'' of five thousand pilgrims singing. “O come o come ye seven Virtues bright. And lead this soul from darkness into light.”
__TOC__
Thence to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]], where the rebound waters of the Golden Cascade flow once again, and from there to the dark forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. The ruins of the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork’s Gaze]], yet another scar on Zenith created by the cruelty of the Druj, are slowly being reclaimed by the woods. There is no time to visit the remnants, no time to explore the forest. The Pilgrim’s Defiance is an arrow in flight, a flaming bolt, arcing through the dark, aimed at the heart of the [[vallorn]].

For many Highborn soldiers, this is the culmination of a journey that began years ago when they first left their homes and [[chapter|chapters]] to take on the mantle of the [[Grey pilgrim]]. Despite all the politics that have unfolded since, these folk remain committed to the virtuous goal of ending the vallorn once and for all. Uprooting this abominable force, this titanic threat woven with the unconstrained [[Spring magic|magic of Spring]], that corrupts whatever it touches. A challenge unlike any the Highborn armies have faced in decades - in a century. Finally, the brand of virtue against the chaos of the wild.

With them, a force of nearly five-thousand soldiers led by the Empire’s [[military unit|captains]]. Overwhelmingly, almost, these soldiers are Navarr, but this is familiar ground for the Pilgrims. They walked the trods alongside these people, there is a camaraderie and a shared goal that binds them together. Along with the scattering of Highborn captains, and with the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|support of Highborn congregations]], they leave Zenith and come at last to [[Therunin]].

There is nothing to mark the border between the woods of Lustri and the woods of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] but it is hard to miss the transition between Urizen and what was once Navarr. The soil becomes damper, it’s true, and the great grey expanse of the Feverwater is unmissable, but there is something else. A texture of the air that becomes heavier and heavier with each step taken. There is something in the woods, something fearful. It is not the [[Druj miasma]], but it is an echo of it. Weaker, less intrusive, but also more subtle. It would be easy to see movement where nothing moves, to hear the crack of a twig in the dark where no foot treads, to begin to slip and slide into panic at nothing at all. Yet the shield of virtue is set against such wiles, both in the touch of the priests who march with the army, and in the spirit of those who let the Seven be their guide.

(And if the twelve stars of [[the Stork]] shine particularly brightly in the night sky as they march, if it reminds those who mark it of the ''Decision to be Virtuous'', of making the right choice for the right reason, then that is just another thing bolstering their Courage, their Ambition, their loyalty to their allies.)
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="Eli of the Cenotaph, General of the Pilgrim’s Defiance">Pilgrims remember Tian, Paragon of Ambition. Her actions brought benevolence to her people but forever burned her hands in the process. She did what was necessary, pushing Ever Forward in pursuit of her vision. We march armoured by faith into East Ashes, By seasons end its vallorn will force us back to the forests of Lustri. Three of every ten of us will fall. Our souls consigned to the Labyrinth to be reborn again. As Highborn, we are here to show Navarr that we will always work with them. Therunin will return to slumber and in this act the land of Therunin protected so that Navarr may one day reclaim dominion of their home. Remember this vision, this Ambition, no matter the horrors you face this season for it is the armour that will see it came to pass. Rest only in death pilgrims, for that is what Ambition demands.</quote></div>
==All is Ashes==
The [[Druj]] have been in [[Therunin#East_Ashes|East Ashes]] for a long time, now. There has been scattered news that they are ''doing something'' in south-eastern Therunin, hidden from Imperial eyes. It seems that what they have mostly been doing is digging in - preparing defences aimed at both the Empire to the south and the vallorn to the north-west. As of last season, they must also worry about the abominations that have overrun [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]]. It is understandable, then, that their attention is elsewhere as the Highborn begin their march along the edge of the great lake, stars glittering in its depths.

After the first few traps and deadfalls, Imperial soldiers begin to move a little more cautiously. Yet there is a lot of wood to traverse, and the Druj can only create so many pitfalls. Their traps are indiscriminate, they can only set up so many sharp spears, if they need to allow their own armies to move. They can anticipate likely routes of attack, but the best trap in the world cannot move to intercept a foe that walks even an inch beyond its trigger. [[Vigilance]] lights the way, and the aid of the Navarr is invaluable in moving through the Druj-fortified woodland.

Initial engagements against the Druj are decisive. The defenders here are no match for an entire Imperial army, even without the [[enchantment]] of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity and foresight]] that wraps around the soldiers like a mantle of light. The usual tactics of strike and retreat, seeking to lure the enemy into ambushes, into foolish pursuit, are ineffective against an army armoured in virtue, wise to their ways.

The army sweeps slowly north, but the Highborn are implacable. Their advance only slowed by the need to account for traps, and to ensure no major Druj force remains behind to attack the rear or harry the baggage train. At first there is no sign of the vallorn, though, and this causes a rumble of consternation. Have the Druj somehow contained it, as the vallorn of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Beantal Dol]] is contained?

Such concerns vanish when the first patrol is assailed by nearly a hundred vallornspawn husks, erupting from the wooded hills in the west. A mix of orcs and humans, many of them disturbingly fresh, smash headlong into the Highborn scouts. Their virtue is unwavering; armoured in faith they meet that charge and despite being outnumbered hold their position long enough for soldiers from the main body of the army to relieve them.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=Vallornspaw husks formed from fallen folk, infused with corruptoion.|align=right|width=300}}
That first engagement heralds the end of the slow advance. Barely six hours later, more vallornspawn are spotted - immense infested beetles covered in flowering thornvines that come scuttling out of the marshy woodlands intent on devouring all flesh before them. More vallornspawn husks - predominantly orc now, many with the signs and insignia of the Druj - follow close behind them. The air thickens further, the stink of the marshes intermingled with the sweet smell of death and corruption, as the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|miasma]] drifts in the wake of this vanguard of horror.

At the same time they are fighting the vallorn, the pilgrims must also deal with the remaining Druj. Yet day by day the number of encounters with the orcs of the Mallum declines, even as the vallorn come in greater and greater numbers. The presence of the army, marching toward [[Therunin#Mudlark's Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]], has drawn the vallorn, and day by day the sheer force of its flooding, inhuman might begins to beat against the resolve of the Highborn soldiers and their Navarr guides. As the vallorn overwhelms the Druj settlements, more and more vallornspawn husks are created. Abominations grow fat and bold from devouring fleeing orcs, and turn to feed on Highborn and Navarr with equal bloody enthusiasm. Where the miasma spreads, it warps and infests natural trees and beasts. In the space of weeks, the long hard work of the Navarr over centuries to reclaim this marshy haven from the vallorn, to build [[Prosperity]] and safety, are being undone.

Flowers bloom in unnatural colours; the air is heavy with their unnatural attar. The great insects of Therunin are warped and twisted, driven mad by the miasma, becoming engines of destruction. An infested [[marshwalker]] - a truly immense example of its kind - attacks an army encampment. If not for the Vigilance of the scouts the defenders would surely have overwhelmed it. Still, there is major loss of life before the thing can be driven off - and in its wake emerge a pair of maddened [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]] already showing the signs of corruption. They at least can be defeated, with sword and arrow and burning brand, but it seems there are always more to come.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Rough Beast==
When the first report of supernatural entities attacking the Druj are brought to the main body of the army, there is speculation as to whether it might be the work of the [[Llofir|Rot lord]] or perhaps the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]]. It turns out to be the someone else entirely.

The first encounter involves a squad of Pilgrims encountering a ring of vallornspawn husks nailed to trees. Obviously former Druj, once they have been dispatched a cursory examination suggests that they were living orcs when they were crucified, left to be consumed by the vallorn. The rune [[Naeve|of hunger]] is claw-carved into the treebark.

The next encounter is with a gang of a dozen or so hulking [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] who from a distance appear to be Navarr thorns. Indeed, the Highborn soldiers hail them, believing them to be members of an isolated steading. They are engaged in the enthusiastic butchery of a band of [[Arkad#Hupul|hupul]], and it is only when the pilgrims get closer that they see these creatures are not using blades, but their bare hands, to tear the Druj warriors apart. One is laughing and hooting while literally beating the hupul leader to death with their own severed arm. The yellow eyes of these marauders are not the eyes of [[draughir]]; their protruding fangs are a mouthful of tusks; their unarmoured hides crusty with dried blood under the fresh blood layered atop it. They take no pains to hide their allegiance - some of them are already crouched beside the dying, feasting on their still-living bodies.

“Best not to leave them for the vallorn,” bellows one cheerily when they spot the Highborn. “And there’s good eating on a hupul, if you fancy some? All the venom gives them a nice…”

Their greeting is cut off as one of the pilgrims shoots him between the eyes. There’s no doubt who these creatures answer to, and the Highborn response is almost instinctual. The heralds seem to welcome the chance to fight the Imperial soldiers, erupting in savage violence once it is clear there will be no parley and no mercy.

Servants of the [[Agramant]]. Without the [[Alignment#Enmity|dominion of the Conclave]] they can move freely in Therunin, as they can in [[the Mallum]]. In the past they have fought alongside the Druj; now it seems they have turned on them enthusiastically, killing and devouring and terrorizing those more used to being the source of fear than its victims.
The creatures make some attempt to talk to the Highborn and the Navarr, and they claim they have been sent here to “help the Navarr in Therunin.” The ''Howler in the Pines'' has [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|an interest]] in the marshy woodlands, having declared them “fair game.” They’re not interested in the vallorn, only in slaughtering the Druj.
The Pilgrims give them no mercy, of course. These are servants of darkness, inhuman horrors at least as dangerous as the vallorn. Enemies of the Empire, enemies of all sapient beings, and worthy of no quarter.

Fortunately there are not many of them - after the encounter with the hupul-eating heralds there are only a few other sightings and each one ends in the servants of ''Twigcrack'' being destroyed. They mostly avoid the army after that, and as the tide of the vallorn rises its pretty clear that the abominations do not distinguish between humans and orcs and heralds of the Agramant.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Eli of the Cenotaph.jpg|caption='''Eli of the Cenotaph''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance|align=left|width=300}}
==The Siege of Mudlark’s Haven==
The Pilgrim’s Defiance know they will not win here. Not because of the Druj, who are in all honesty no great threat. The orcs of the Mallum are scrambling to survive. As the tide of the vallorn rises, more and more of their outposts are consumed by a force they cannot trick or terrify. It is the vallorn that will ultimately triumph in East Ashes. The point, though, is to slow it, to contain it, to cut away the roots and branches that reach out across the marshes. The Pilgrims fight to keep it from consolidating its hold long enough for the uncoiling spring at its heart to wind down. Imperial heroes have prevented the [[Druj_lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] from reinvigorating it and this assault on the shores of the Feverwater is the last gasp of its year-long expansion. The Navarr are not alone, the Pilgrims will ensure that there is a Therunin to come home to. They will defy the enemy and show that mortal spirits can overcome any challenge even one as seemingly immense and unstoppable as the vallorn.

As the weeks run by like water - as the Pilgrims fight and fight in a seemingly endless nightmare of twisted flesh and constricting vines - the army comes at last to [[Therunin#Mudlark's_Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]]. The main body of the Druj occupation has fallen back here, to the docks of the Feverwater. Columns of thick black smoke point the way to the former steading. It is packed with orcs, caught in their own desperate battle against the abomination of the Sweetglades. They are besieged on two fronts - a flood of vallornspawn husks comes washing down from [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]], swallowed by the vallorn last season. There are great piles of smouldering corpses and broken trees surrounding the fortified Navarr town, signs of the battle that has been raging here for weeks ever since the presence of the Pilgrim’s Defiance attracted the attention of the vallorn.

East Ashes likely represents the last place in Therunin with any significant population. This is the last place with any meaningful number of inhabited settlements, and Mudlark’s Haven is the heart of it. It appears that while their twisted engineers were busy placing traps along the southern border, the Druj ghulai were taking steps to protect the main settlement. Obelisks of grey stone, carved with unsettling glyphs stand in a rough semicircle around Mudlark’s Haven. They might be mistaken for miasma pillars, but they serve a very different purpose. Clearly based on the design of the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] they seem to have been designed to hold the vallorn ''out'' in the same way those ancient Terunael monoliths hold the vallorn ''in''.

The problem is that these monoliths they have plainly spent months carving and placing and enchanting… do not work.

Perhaps they did at first, given that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the storm for this long. Now, it is clear that they have failed. Several have already been torn down, shattered chunks of rubble. Others are completely overgrown with brambles and ivy, creaking and groaning under the constriction of the insatiable flora that is in many ways the body of the vallorn. The inhabitants of Mudlark’s Haven are clearly fighting a losing battle, and they have nowhere to go. They could in theory escape by boat across the Feverwater but… where would they go? They will find no welcome in [[Sarangrave]], only Imperial steel or the spears of the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak rebels]]. They might try and escape up the river to the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], but to do that they would need to pass through a ''different'' vallorn and the awful beasts that throng its shores. Their own hubris has trapped them in Therunin, and now they are gathering the bitter fruit of their mistakes.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|GreenMother001.png|Yawnagrah002.png|caption=The handmaids of the Green Mother may present an appealing face, but it is a trick to lure in the unwise.}}</div>
They aren’t without allies. Forward scouts identify at least three large ''handmaids'' around the outskirts of Mudlark’s Haven. These massive [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] are the servants of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Rootwinder]]'', the ''Green Mother''. Yet it seems that they are here to observe, rather than participate in, the fight between the Druj and the vallorn. The vallornspawn ignore them, and they in turn seem content to watch as the orcs of the Mallum struggle against wave after wave of abominations and ettercaps and husks.

There’s some talk of the Pilgrims Defiance doing the same, but in the end the decision is made to attack rather than allow the vallorn to swell its numbers by claiming the Druj here. Fighting on multiple fronts, with nowhere to flee, the Mallum forces are utterly outmatched. If it were just Druj versus Empire, the outcome here would be unquestioned. The protectors of Mudlark’s Haven are in a defensive position but their numbers are depleted, their morale shattered, and their tactics ill-suited to fighting behind walls or facing the advancing Pilgrims in open combat.

What saves them, in the end, is the vallorn itself ironically enough. It is a known fact that vallornspawn are drawn towards concentrations of untainted folk, and the Pilgrims’ Defiance draw them like iron filings to a lodestone. The initial attack by the Highborn sees them tear down the ramshackle southern gate the Druj have erected in their [[weirwood]] palisade and push into the town. Before they can do much more, though, the marshes to the west and north erupt with thousands of vallornspawn. A great cloud of fog, tinged faintly green in places, washes east over Mudlark’s Haven instantly burning the blood of defender and attacker alike. A terrible ululating howl erupts from hundreds of unnatural throats, a wailing unlike anything even the Navarr here have ever heard.

Almost everyone here recognises the venomous stench of the vallornspawn miasma but there is something different here. The choking fumes and drifting spores kindle something akin to panic in the hearts of the mortals exposed to it, like being plunged into freezing water when the ice cracks, like that terrible heart-racing moment when one awakens sweat-soaked from an unspeakable nightmare. A rush of pure terror, pounding in the veins of the Highborn and their allies that threatens to overthrow reason and send even hardened veterans fleeing in disarray.

Fortunately, this is the Pilgrim’s Defiance and they are armoured in faith. Turning aside from Mudlark’s Haven they focus all their efforts on the foe they are here to fight. Those who have received anointing take to the fore, while their comrades fight to master the waves of fear that come with the miasma. The ululating wailing of the spawn is met by a ragged roar of fury and wroth from the Pilgrims of [[changeling]] [[lineage]] who in some cases must be held back from charging the advancing enemy single-handedly. Those who have fought down the rush of fear rally those whose spirits falter, and urge them to meet the charge of the abominations. As the Druj run in terror, even as their defences splinter and collapse, the Highborn stand.

Battle is joined, and it is terrible, like nothing else encountered in this campaign so far, like nothing else the Highborn pilgrims have encountered even with their experience of the vallorn. While the main body of the attacking force is composed of orc husks and furious ettercaps, there are a great many unique and terrible abominations here. Some of the largest seem more focused on breaking the walls of Mudlark’s Haven, fortunately, but the rest arrow in on the Highborn army.

Even as the battle rages, the magisters in the army struggle to understand the waves of fear and dread that are surging across the battlefield as the miasma ebbs and flows. While their fellows fight to prevent the inhuman horde overwhelming them, they scan the enemy force in conjunction with some of the Navarr vates. It seems an impossible task, to determine the source of this terror even as it beats against the walls of their spirits, but they are equal to the task.

In the midst of the chaos, in the heart of the vallorn force, there is a creature that does not quite belong. It bears qualities of tree, and beetle, and a misshapen mockery of humanoid form. It appears bloated, and twisted even for a vallornspawn abomination. Lurid pink and purple swellings distort its form, occasionally rupturing to release clouds of spores as thick as smoke. Buried in its back is a monolith of black stone.

A miasma pillar.

It makes little sense; there has never been any talk of anything like this in all the long centuries of fighting the orcs of the Mallum. A miasma pillar that moves? One that causes almost palpable waves of terror on the battlefield? Unprecedented. Yet there’ll be time to discuss and ponder after the immediate threat is dealt with. The thing needs to be destroyed… but it shows no sign of leaving its position deep within the enemy ranks. It almost seems to be unaware of its surroundings, simply shambling slowly from place to place as if in a daze.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Liberation For All.jpg |width=200|caption=The grey pilgrims march to free the souls captured by the vallorn.|align=left}}</div>
There’s no suggestion that the Pilgrims retreat before it, leaving its threat to fester. Vigilance demands that the virtuous seek out and expunge poison even in their neighbour’s field. Courage demands that the virtuous do what they know is right. This thing cannot be ignored, its challenge must be met. It is likely a suicide mission, to strike so deep into the enemy ranks, under the terrible weight of the sick miasma of the vallorn.

With the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity]] granted by [[Day magic]], everyone quickly learns what needs to be done. Two dozen volunteers step forward, without pause for thought. Their bodies armoured against the miasma with [[Vitality of Rushing Water|magic]] or [[Abraxus_Stone|precious talismans]], their spirits bolstered by Virtue, their resolve armoured with faith. This unit of Pilgrims accepts the task of bringing down the abomination and breaking the miasma pillar it surrounds. Horns blare, and the Pilgrim’s Defiance pushes against the foe, a spearhead designed to open as much distance toward the target as possible. As soon as the charge starts to falter, the volunteers erupt toward the abomination. Eight of them fall before they reach the beast. Six more die at the talons of the vallornspawn surrounding it. Four more, wrapped in mithril plate, bring the beast down before they themselves succumb to the venom it pumps out. The last two clamber desperately up onto the fallen creature even as their comrades fall to buy them time, and with great shattering blows smash the stone before they are overwhelmed.

Not one of the volunteers makes it back to the Highborn line, but there is no doubt that their passage through the Labyrinth will be swift.

With the unique abomination felled, the waves of panic weaken. The Druj rally, strengthening their defence of their steading. They ignore the Highborn outside their walls as they fight their own desperate battle for survival. Even with the fear broken, it is clear the Pilgrims need to retreat. The force of the vallorn does not ebb. When one is broken, another steps in to take its place. Worse, the miasma infests those who succumb to the fangs and claws of the spawn. There is little time to deal with the fallen before they are turned into living weapons against their former comrades. Pilgrims weep freely as they are forced to kill these mockeries of friend and ally, roused from the brink of death by the corrupting touch of the vallorn.

Defiant to the end, even as they retreat the Pilgrims fight. The last vision of Mudlark’s Haven is of the vallorn pressing against its walls, and the handmaids of Yaw’nagrah still immobile, still observing, not deigning to lift a branch to protect the Druj who die in droves around their skirts.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ambition_Banner.jpg|title=Consequences are the price of ambition.|align=right|width=400}}

==The Price of Ambition==
Everyone knew that the Empire would not win in Therunin. After Mudlark’s Haven, an orderly withdrawal south, along the shores of the Feverwater, back toward [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. Not a rout, but a fighting retreat. There are still vallornspawn to fight, swarming in the wake of the Defiance as they march. At first it would be easy to lose hope, to assume that the Highborn sacrifice was for nothing.

Yet as the days lengthen, as Spring unfurls in the marshes of Therunin, the fury of the vallorn begins to wane. Attacks become more sporadic. The miasma hangs heavy, but breaks apart in the morning sun and the wind off the lake. Twisted trees still reach out with coiling limbs, but they are increasingly sluggish. Ettercaps chitter their challenges, but fall back in the face of any concerted resistance.

The army is battered, but not broken. They reach the borders of Lustri, and make camp in the Night-haunted woodlands, keeping a watch to the north as they regroup and count the cost. One and a half thousand of the Pilgrims who marched east under the watchful gaze of the Three Soldiers are unaccounted for. Dead in the marshes, or worse than dead. Yet if any other army had fought the vallorn, the losses would have been catastrophic, perhaps even twice as many people would have been lost in pursuit of this victory.

And it is a victory, albeit a bitter one. The Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented the vallorn claiming East Ashes. Its unnatural lust for expansion has slackened and faltered. As Winter fades into Spring it is once again quiescent - or as quiescent as an awoken vallorn ever is. It has expanded into Eastring, but while there are parts of East Ashes that are now warped and twisted by its presence the land and the lake as a whole remain relatively untouched. In particular, it seems that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the attack of the vallorn, remaining in the hands of the Druj. The orcs of the Mallum still maintain a weak toehold in Therunin, scattered warbands isolated from their homeland by Imperial forces and the vallorn. Nominally, this is Druj territory. In reality it belongs to nobody except the insects and the beasts of the marsh.

The fighting in Therunin has also raised questions. What exactly was the cause of that strange abomination, that creature part vallorn and part pillar? The spores it released kindled terror, transforming the creeping threat of the miasma into something worse than even the Navarr had ever encountered. There is no chance this is an coincidence, that some vallornspawn “accidentally” grew around a miasma pillar. This is something that has been ''done'', something that has transformed an already twisted abomination into something else. The Druj [[Druj_lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] are masters of herb-lore, of twisting life to their own ends. Is it possible one of their number is in Mudlark’s Haven? That they have found a way to merge their own sick arts with the horror of the vallorn? And what role do the ''handmaids'' of Yaw’nagrah play in this - why were they content to simply watch rather than defend their "allies"?

Questions without answers. Perhaps the [[Wisdom|Wise]] will be able to tease some meaning out of this, glean some greater victory out of what the Pilgrim’s Defiance has managed here in East Ashes. For now, though, the army rests, girding itself for the battles to come, and mourning those whose sacrifice have saved Therunin.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|title=Regions of Therunin|align=right|width=400}}
==Game Information==
* '''The vallorn has failed to claim East Ashes, but the region now has the infested quality
* '''Highborn congregations can continue to support the Pilgrim's Defiance until Summer 389YE
* '''The Druj nominally control Therunin
The vallorn is seven-tenths of the way towards claiming the region of East Ashes, but the intervention of the Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented it claiming everything. The vallorn of Tharunind has now subsided into relative quiescence again - it is still "awake" but it will not attempt to spread further without another stimulus to do so. The threat the Druj unleashed has ended.

This first engagement against the vallorn by a Highborn army in recent years has proved inspirational to the people of Highguard. The opportunity for Highborn [[congregation|congregations]] to actively support the army, outlined in the '''[[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune, will now last until the Summer Solstice 389YE.

The region of East Ashes is now ''[[Region qualities#Infested|infested]]'' with vallorn. Miasma hangs over its western and northern reaches, and there are numbers of vallornspawn in the region that will need to be dealt with. Yet, unlike a region fully claimed by the vallorn it is not invulnerable to attack. The infested quality will mean that any Imperial army or armies that try to conquer the region will need to deal with the vallornspawn there; these function as a battalion with a strength of 4,000 that both defend the region and inflict casualties, similar to the effect of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. Claiming the region will disperse this force and remove the infested quality.

Nominally, Therunin remains a Druj territory. Realistically, they have little control over the marshes, being mostly isolated in captured steadings in the north and concentrated in Mudlark’s Landing in the south. They will present no obstacle to any Imperial force that seeks to reclaim the territory.

Obviously, the fact that Eastring has fallen to the vallorn creates challenges. It is not possible to travel from East Ashes to the Lower Tarn Valley without passing through the vallorn and suffering casualties in the process. The Lower Tarn Valley also still has the ''[[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]]'' quality.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=PilgrimsDefiance Colour.webp|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>

==Participation==
* '''The fighting in Therunin has been particularly fierce'''
* '''Anyone whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance may request a traumatic wound'''
* '''Anyone who requests a traumatic wound may request a durable anointing aura'''
* '''This opportunity is also available to Highborn congregations who took the ''Support the Pilgrim's Defiance'' lecture after the Winter Solstice'''
Between the Druj and the vallorn, the fighting in East Ashes was particularly fierce. Any character whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance this season, the general of that army, or any character who undertook the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|Support the Pilgrim's Defiance]] lecture and accompanied members of their congregation into Therunin, may have suffered a serious injury at the hands of the abominations. Those who did so were likely to be at the forefront of the battle in the [[#The Siege of Mudlark's Haven|siege of Mudlark's Haven]], and disproportionately likely to have received an [[anointing]] during the march east.

If you wish your character to have suffered such an injury, you can email {{plot}} before midnight on the 29th of May with your CID and we will place a suitable lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] in your pack. These wounds will require treatment, and it is possible that some of them will prove fatal if they are not addressed by a [[physick|physick]] before the end of the event. Anyone who does take a wound may also have received an anointing in the shadow of the Three Watchers, likely with liao donated by the congregations of Highguard. Unlike a normal anointing, which would have expired before the start of the Spring Equinox, these anointings prove somewhat - but not completely - [[Aura#Durable_Auras|durable]]. They are not permanent, but will instead expire just before the Winter Solstice 388YE. You can request the [[Auras_of_Loyalty#The_Seeds_of_Loyalty|Seeds of Loyalty]]; the [[Auras_of_Pride#The_Strength_of_Pride|Strength of Pride]], the [[Auras_of_Ambition#The_Calling_of_Ambition|Calling of Ambition]], or the [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Proof_of_Courage|Proof of Courage]]. Apart from the fact that they are somewhat durable, which can be determined by the [[insight]] ceremony, the auras are otherwise quite normal.

You can request the lingering traumatic wound without an anointing, but you cannot request the anointing without a lingering traumatic wound.
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lysimachus.jpg|caption='''Doctor Lysimachus''', Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Opportunity: Reikos Influx==
* '''Forces of Agramant have apparently “helped” a number of Imperial citizens trapped in Therunin by the Druj escape to High Chalcis in Reikos
* '''The hospital there is overwhelmed by the number of patients, both these newcomers and those already here following the evacuation of the territory
* '''The healers at High Chalcis have asked the Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite to assemble a team to assist them
* '''The current Medical Officer is Doctor Lysimachus of Highguard
* '''A conjunction of the sentinel gate has been identified at 18.15 on the Friday of the summit
* '''There is also an opportunity for player volunteers to participate in this encounter
Last season, [[Agramant]] declared to the Empire that he was [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|finished waiting]] to save those abandoned in Therunin. The outcome of this has been a steady stream of refugees escaping into [[Reikos]] over the last three months telling takes of nightmare-inducing monsters tearing into their hiding spots. Not to eat them as they immediately assumed, but to point them down the path through vallorn they had just cleared for them and let them escape. While there have been concerns over the legal consequences over taking advantage of this, most Navarri have little choice but to risk it to escape the horrors of the slow, painful deaths they would experience if captured by either the Druj or the vallorn.

One result of this is that the hospital at [[Reikos#High_Chalcis|High Chalcis]] is completely overwhelmed with patients, and has had to resort to simply filling nearby fields with ad hoc encampments of the injured. Many escaping Therunin have Green Lung or similar ailments that need time with a trained physick. They do not need to be taken back to Anvil, temporary accommodations are being arranged, but making sure these patients aren't going to die from their injuries in the meantime is the priority.

The hospital has asked the [[Medical_Officer_of_the_Pegasus_Respite|Medical Office of the Pegasus Respite]] to assemble a team of [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] to help them work through the sheer number of people that need treatment. There is a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that has been identified for 18:15 on the Friday of the coming Spring Equinox. The healers of High Chalcis suggest that the situation may need a broad range of skills and herbs and suggest that the Medical Officer consider recruiting among [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]], magical healers - perhaps from the [[Silver Chalice]] - and a few priests versed in [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]] in case there are any particularly pernicious conditions that need dealing with.
<box>'''Player Volunteers'''<br>
We would like to invite any player who would be interested, to play one of these Therunin refugees at the start of the coming event. You would need to be in basic [[Navarr_look_and_feel|Navarri kit]], ideally looking quite injured by use of bandages and fake blood, and report to monster for briefing at 17:45 on the Friday of the event. You can have any lineage trappings, for example those of your regular character to speed your return to the game. We expect you to be done and back at Anvil playing your normal character shortly after 19:00 (depending on how quickly you can change).

If you are interested in taking part in this, please email {{plot}} by midnight on the 28th of May to confirm your interest so we can give the conjunction itself the appropriate number of players.
</box>

A bright cerulean flame

2026-05-22T13:41:58Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Game Information */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pilgrim's Flame.jpg|align=right|caption=The pilgrims of Highguard march without fear into the heart of corruption.|width=500}}</div>
==On the Move==
The [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] are on the move. While their fellow Imperial soldiers [[Deep_blue_sea#Mountain_and_Shore|press south]] in [[Redoubt]], into the foothills and the mountains, they march east into [[Zenith]]. Through [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] and [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]], beneath the gaze of those [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|watchers]] which guard the pass into [[Morrow]]. Three great figures, stern-faced, mark their passage. Each represents one of the Highborn armies who fought to defend Urizen from the encroaching tide of Druj - the [[Valiant Pegasus]], the [[Seventh Wave]], and the [[Granite Pillar]]. They tower over the pass and the surrounding countryside, a permanent tribute memorialising for all time, the sacrifices the Highborn made in Zenith. The Pilgrim’s Defiance weren’t there - weren’t even thought of at that time. Yet it is nonetheless easy to allow [[Pride]] to blossom in the heart at the reminder of everything Highguard represents, here in the mountains of Urizen. Many soldiers seek out priests, in the shadow of greatness, and pledge themselves to the fight to come with [[liao]] donated by the [[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|congregations of Highguard]]. In the months to come, this decision will come to seem almost like prescience. As they continue east, the hills ring with the words of the ''[[Virtues Anthem|Virtue’s Anthem]]'' of five thousand pilgrims singing. “O come o come ye seven Virtues bright. And lead this soul from darkness into light.”
__TOC__
Thence to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]], where the rebound waters of the Golden Cascade flow once again, and from there to the dark forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. The ruins of the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork’s Gaze]], yet another scar on Zenith created by the cruelty of the Druj, are slowly being reclaimed by the woods. There is no time to visit the remnants, no time to explore the forest. The Pilgrim’s Defiance is an arrow in flight, a flaming bolt, arcing through the dark, aimed at the heart of the [[vallorn]].

For many Highborn soldiers, this is the culmination of a journey that began years ago when they first left their homes and [[chapter|chapters]] to take on the mantle of the [[Grey pilgrim]]. Despite all the politics that have unfolded since, these folk remain committed to the virtuous goal of ending the vallorn once and for all. Uprooting this abominable force, this titanic threat woven with the unconstrained [[Spring magic|magic of Spring]], that corrupts whatever it touches. A challenge unlike any the Highborn armies have faced in decades - in a century. Finally, the brand of virtue against the chaos of the wild.

With them, a force of nearly five-thousand soldiers led by the Empire’s [[military unit|captains]]. Overwhelmingly, almost, these soldiers are Navarr, but this is familiar ground for the Pilgrims. They walked the trods alongside these people, there is a camaraderie and a shared goal that binds them together. Along with the scattering of Highborn captains, and with the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|support of Highborn congregations]], they leave Zenith and come at last to [[Therunin]].

There is nothing to mark the border between the woods of Lustri and the woods of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] but it is hard to miss the transition between Urizen and what was once Navarr. The soil becomes damper, it’s true, and the great grey expanse of the Feverwater is unmissable, but there is something else. A texture of the air that becomes heavier and heavier with each step taken. There is something in the woods, something fearful. It is not the [[Druj miasma]], but it is an echo of it. Weaker, less intrusive, but also more subtle. It would be easy to see movement where nothing moves, to hear the crack of a twig in the dark where no foot treads, to begin to slip and slide into panic at nothing at all. Yet the shield of virtue is set against such wiles, both in the touch of the priests who march with the army, and in the spirit of those who let the Seven be their guide.

(And if the twelve stars of [[the Stork]] shine particularly brightly in the night sky as they march, if it reminds those who mark it of the ''Decision to be Virtuous'', of making the right choice for the right reason, then that is just another thing bolstering their Courage, their Ambition, their loyalty to their allies.)
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="Eli of the Cenotaph, General of the Pilgrim’s Defiance">Pilgrims remember Tian, Paragon of Ambition. Her actions brought benevolence to her people but forever burned her hands in the process. She did what was necessary, pushing Ever Forward in pursuit of her vision. We march armoured by faith into East Ashes, By seasons end its vallorn will force us back to the forests of Lustri. Three of every ten of us will fall. Our souls consigned to the Labyrinth to be reborn again. As Highborn, we are here to show Navarr that we will always work with them. Therunin will return to slumber and in this act the land of Therunin protected so that Navarr may one day reclaim dominion of their home. Remember this vision, this Ambition, no matter the horrors you face this season for it is the armour that will see it came to pass. Rest only in death pilgrims, for that is what Ambition demands.</quote></div>
==All is Ashes==
The [[Druj]] have been in [[Therunin#East_Ashes|East Ashes]] for a long time, now. There has been scattered news that they are ''doing something'' in south-eastern Therunin, hidden from Imperial eyes. It seems that what they have mostly been doing is digging in - preparing defences aimed at both the Empire to the south and the vallorn to the north-west. As of last season, they must also worry about the abominations that have overrun [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]]. It is understandable, then, that their attention is elsewhere as the Highborn begin their march along the edge of the great lake, stars glittering in its depths.

After the first few traps and deadfalls, Imperial soldiers begin to move a little more cautiously. Yet there is a lot of wood to traverse, and the Druj can only create so many pitfalls. Their traps are indiscriminate, they can only set up so many sharp spears, if they need to allow their own armies to move. They can anticipate likely routes of attack, but the best trap in the world cannot move to intercept a foe that walks even an inch beyond its trigger. [[Vigilance]] lights the way, and the aid of the Navarr is invaluable in moving through the Druj-fortified woodland.

Initial engagements against the Druj are decisive. The defenders here are no match for an entire Imperial army, even without the [[enchantment]] of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity and foresight]] that wraps around the soldiers like a mantle of light. The usual tactics of strike and retreat, seeking to lure the enemy into ambushes, into foolish pursuit, are ineffective against an army armoured in virtue, wise to their ways.

The army sweeps slowly north, but the Highborn are implacable. Their advance only slowed by the need to account for traps, and to ensure no major Druj force remains behind to attack the rear or harry the baggage train. At first there is no sign of the vallorn, though, and this causes a rumble of consternation. Have the Druj somehow contained it, as the vallorn of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Beantal Dol]] is contained?

Such concerns vanish when the first patrol is assailed by nearly a hundred vallornspawn husks, erupting from the wooded hills in the west. A mix of orcs and humans, many of them disturbingly fresh, smash headlong into the Highborn scouts. Their virtue is unwavering; armoured in faith they meet that charge and despite being outnumbered hold their position long enough for soldiers from the main body of the army to relieve them.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=Vallornspaw husks formed from fallen folk, infused with corruptoion.|align=right|width=300}}
That first engagement heralds the end of the slow advance. Barely six hours later, more vallornspawn are spotted - immense infested beetles covered in flowering thornvines that come scuttling out of the marshy woodlands intent on devouring all flesh before them. More vallornspawn husks - predominantly orc now, many with the signs and insignia of the Druj - follow close behind them. The air thickens further, the stink of the marshes intermingled with the sweet smell of death and corruption, as the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|miasma]] drifts in the wake of this vanguard of horror.

At the same time they are fighting the vallorn, the pilgrims must also deal with the remaining Druj. Yet day by day the number of encounters with the orcs of the Mallum declines, even as the vallorn come in greater and greater numbers. The presence of the army, marching toward [[Therunin#Mudlark's Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]], has drawn the vallorn, and day by day the sheer force of its flooding, inhuman might begins to beat against the resolve of the Highborn soldiers and their Navarr guides. As the vallorn overwhelms the Druj settlements, more and more vallornspawn husks are created. Abominations grow fat and bold from devouring fleeing orcs, and turn to feed on Highborn and Navarr with equal bloody enthusiasm. Where the miasma spreads, it warps and infests natural trees and beasts. In the space of weeks, the long hard work of the Navarr over centuries to reclaim this marshy haven from the vallorn, to build [[Prosperity]] and safety, are being undone.

Flowers bloom in unnatural colours; the air is heavy with their unnatural attar. The great insects of Therunin are warped and twisted, driven mad by the miasma, becoming engines of destruction. An infested [[marshwalker]] - a truly immense example of its kind - attacks an army encampment. If not for the Vigilance of the scouts the defenders would surely have overwhelmed it. Still, there is major loss of life before the thing can be driven off - and in its wake emerge a pair of maddened [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]] already showing the signs of corruption. They at least can be defeated, with sword and arrow and burning brand, but it seems there are always more to come.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Rough Beast==
When the first report of supernatural entities attacking the Druj are brought to the main body of the army, there is speculation as to whether it might be the work of the [[Llofir|Rot lord]] or perhaps the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]]. It turns out to be the someone else entirely.

The first encounter involves a squad of Pilgrims encountering a ring of vallornspawn husks nailed to trees. Obviously former Druj, once they have been dispatched a cursory examination suggests that they were living orcs when they were crucified, left to be consumed by the vallorn. The rune [[Naeve|of hunger]] is claw-carved into the treebark.

The next encounter is with a gang of a dozen or so hulking [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] who from a distance appear to be Navarr thorns. Indeed, the Highborn soldiers hail them, believing them to be members of an isolated steading. They are engaged in the enthusiastic butchery of a band of [[Arkad#Hupul|hupul]], and it is only when the pilgrims get closer that they see these creatures are not using blades, but their bare hands, to tear the Druj warriors apart. One is laughing and hooting while literally beating the hupul leader to death with their own severed arm. The yellow eyes of these marauders are not the eyes of [[draughir]]; their protruding fangs are a mouthful of tusks; their unarmoured hides crusty with dried blood under the fresh blood layered atop it. They take no pains to hide their allegiance - some of them are already crouched beside the dying, feasting on their still-living bodies.

“Best not to leave them for the vallorn,” bellows one cheerily when they spot the Highborn. “And there’s good eating on a hupul, if you fancy some? All the venom gives them a nice…”

Their greeting is cut off as one of the pilgrims shoots him between the eyes. There’s no doubt who these creatures answer to, and the Highborn response is almost instinctual. The heralds seem to welcome the chance to fight the Imperial soldiers, erupting in savage violence once it is clear there will be no parley and no mercy.

Servants of the [[Agramant]]. Without the [[Alignment#Enmity|dominion of the Conclave]] they can move freely in Therunin, as they can in [[the Mallum]]. In the past they have fought alongside the Druj; now it seems they have turned on them enthusiastically, killing and devouring and terrorizing those more used to being the source of fear than its victims.
The creatures make some attempt to talk to the Highborn and the Navarr, and they claim they have been sent here to “help the Navarr in Therunin.” The ''Howler in the Pines'' has [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|an interest]] in the marshy woodlands, having declared them “fair game.” They’re not interested in the vallorn, only in slaughtering the Druj.
The Pilgrims give them no mercy, of course. These are servants of darkness, inhuman horrors at least as dangerous as the vallorn. Enemies of the Empire, enemies of all sapient beings, and worthy of no quarter.

Fortunately there are not many of them - after the encounter with the hupul-eating heralds there are only a few other sightings and each one ends in the servants of ''Twigcrack'' being destroyed. They mostly avoid the army after that, and as the tide of the vallorn rises its pretty clear that the abominations do not distinguish between humans and orcs and heralds of the Agramant.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Eli of the Cenotaph.jpg|caption='''Eli of the Cenotaph''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance|align=left|width=300}}
==The Siege of Mudlark’s Haven==
The Pilgrim’s Defiance know they will not win here. Not because of the Druj, who are in all honesty no great threat. The orcs of the Mallum are scrambling to survive. As the tide of the vallorn rises, more and more of their outposts are consumed by a force they cannot trick or terrify. It is the vallorn that will ultimately triumph in East Ashes. The point, though, is to slow it, to contain it, to cut away the roots and branches that reach out across the marshes. The Pilgrims fight to keep it from consolidating its hold long enough for the uncoiling spring at its heart to wind down. Imperial heroes have prevented the [[Druj_lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] from reinvigorating it and this assault on the shores of the Feverwater is the last gasp of its year-long expansion. The Navarr are not alone, the Pilgrims will ensure that there is a Therunin to come home to. They will defy the enemy and show that mortal spirits can overcome any challenge even one as seemingly immense and unstoppable as the vallorn.

As the weeks run by like water - as the Pilgrims fight and fight in a seemingly endless nightmare of twisted flesh and constricting vines - the army comes at last to [[Therunin#Mudlark's_Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]]. The main body of the Druj occupation has fallen back here, to the docks of the Feverwater. Columns of thick black smoke point the way to the former steading. It is packed with orcs, caught in their own desperate battle against the abomination of the Sweetglades. They are besieged on two fronts - a flood of vallornspawn husks comes washing down from [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]], swallowed by the vallorn last season. There are great piles of smouldering corpses and broken trees surrounding the fortified Navarr town, signs of the battle that has been raging here for weeks ever since the presence of the Pilgrim’s Defiance attracted the attention of the vallorn.

East Ashes likely represents the last place in Therunin with any significant population. This is the last place with any meaningful number of inhabited settlements, and Mudlark’s Haven is the heart of it. It appears that while their twisted engineers were busy placing traps along the southern border, the Druj ghulai were taking steps to protect the main settlement. Obelisks of grey stone, carved with unsettling glyphs stand in a rough semicircle around Mudlark’s Haven. They might be mistaken for miasma pillars, but they serve a very different purpose. Clearly based on the design of the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] they seem to have been designed to hold the vallorn ''out'' in the same way those ancient Terunael monoliths hold the vallorn ''in''.

The problem is that these monoliths they have plainly spent months carving and placing and enchanting… do not work.

Perhaps they did at first, given that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the storm for this long. Now, it is clear that they have failed. Several have already been torn down, shattered chunks of rubble. Others are completely overgrown with brambles and ivy, creaking and groaning under the constriction of the insatiable flora that is in many ways the body of the vallorn. The inhabitants of Mudlark’s Haven are clearly fighting a losing battle, and they have nowhere to go. They could in theory escape by boat across the Feverwater but… where would they go? They will find no welcome in [[Sarangrave]], only Imperial steel or the spears of the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak rebels]]. They might try and escape up the river to the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], but to do that they would need to pass through a ''different'' vallorn and the awful beasts that throng its shores. Their own hubris has trapped them in Therunin, and now they are gathering the bitter fruit of their mistakes.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|GreenMother001.png|Yawnagrah002.png|caption=The handmaids of the Green Mother may present an appealing face, but it is a trick to lure in the unwise.}}</div>
They aren’t without allies. Forward scouts identify at least three large ''handmaids'' around the outskirts of Mudlark’s Haven. These massive [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] are the servants of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Rootwinder]]'', the ''Green Mother''. Yet it seems that they are here to observe, rather than participate in, the fight between the Druj and the vallorn. The vallornspawn ignore them, and they in turn seem content to watch as the orcs of the Mallum struggle against wave after wave of abominations and ettercaps and husks.

There’s some talk of the Pilgrims Defiance doing the same, but in the end the decision is made to attack rather than allow the vallorn to swell its numbers by claiming the Druj here. Fighting on multiple fronts, with nowhere to flee, the Mallum forces are utterly outmatched. If it were just Druj versus Empire, the outcome here would be unquestioned. The protectors of Mudlark’s Haven are in a defensive position but their numbers are depleted, their morale shattered, and their tactics ill-suited to fighting behind walls or facing the advancing Pilgrims in open combat.

What saves them, in the end, is the vallorn itself ironically enough. It is a known fact that vallornspawn are drawn towards concentrations of untainted folk, and the Pilgrims’ Defiance draw them like iron filings to a lodestone. The initial attack by the Highborn sees them tear down the ramshackle southern gate the Druj have erected in their [[weirwood]] palisade and push into the town. Before they can do much more, though, the marshes to the west and north erupt with thousands of vallornspawn. A great cloud of fog, tinged faintly green in places, washes east over Mudlark’s Haven instantly burning the blood of defender and attacker alike. A terrible ululating howl erupts from hundreds of unnatural throats, a wailing unlike anything even the Navarr here have ever heard.

Almost everyone here recognises the venomous stench of the vallornspawn miasma but there is something different here. The choking fumes and drifting spores kindle something akin to panic in the hearts of the mortals exposed to it, like being plunged into freezing water when the ice cracks, like that terrible heart-racing moment when one awakens sweat-soaked from an unspeakable nightmare. A rush of pure terror, pounding in the veins of the Highborn and their allies that threatens to overthrow reason and send even hardened veterans fleeing in disarray.

Fortunately, this is the Pilgrim’s Defiance and they are armoured in faith. Turning aside from Mudlark’s Haven they focus all their efforts on the foe they are here to fight. Those who have received anointing take to the fore, while their comrades fight to master the waves of fear that come with the miasma. The ululating wailing of the spawn is met by a ragged roar of fury and wroth from the Pilgrims of [[changeling]] [[lineage]] who in some cases must be held back from charging the advancing enemy single-handedly. Those who have fought down the rush of fear rally those whose spirits falter, and urge them to meet the charge of the abominations. As the Druj run in terror, even as their defences splinter and collapse, the Highborn stand.

Battle is joined, and it is terrible, like nothing else encountered in this campaign so far, like nothing else the Highborn pilgrims have encountered even with their experience of the vallorn. While the main body of the attacking force is composed of orc husks and furious ettercaps, there are a great many unique and terrible abominations here. Some of the largest seem more focused on breaking the walls of Mudlark’s Haven, fortunately, but the rest arrow in on the Highborn army.

Even as the battle rages, the magisters in the army struggle to understand the waves of fear and dread that are surging across the battlefield as the miasma ebbs and flows. While their fellows fight to prevent the inhuman horde overwhelming them, they scan the enemy force in conjunction with some of the Navarr vates. It seems an impossible task, to determine the source of this terror even as it beats against the walls of their spirits, but they are equal to the task.

In the midst of the chaos, in the heart of the vallorn force, there is a creature that does not quite belong. It bears qualities of tree, and beetle, and a misshapen mockery of humanoid form. It appears bloated, and twisted even for a vallornspawn abomination. Lurid pink and purple swellings distort its form, occasionally rupturing to release clouds of spores as thick as smoke. Buried in its back is a monolith of black stone.

A miasma pillar.

It makes little sense; there has never been any talk of anything like this in all the long centuries of fighting the orcs of the Mallum. A miasma pillar that moves? One that causes almost palpable waves of terror on the battlefield? Unprecedented. Yet there’ll be time to discuss and ponder after the immediate threat is dealt with. The thing needs to be destroyed… but it shows no sign of leaving its position deep within the enemy ranks. It almost seems to be unaware of its surroundings, simply shambling slowly from place to place as if in a daze.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Liberation For All.jpg |width=200|caption=The grey pilgrims march to free the souls captured by the vallorn.|align=left}}</div>
There’s no suggestion that the Pilgrims retreat before it, leaving its threat to fester. Vigilance demands that the virtuous seek out and expunge poison even in their neighbour’s field. Courage demands that the virtuous do what they know is right. This thing cannot be ignored, its challenge must be met. It is likely a suicide mission, to strike so deep into the enemy ranks, under the terrible weight of the sick miasma of the vallorn.

With the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity]] granted by [[Day magic]], everyone quickly learns what needs to be done. Two dozen volunteers step forward, without pause for thought. Their bodies armoured against the miasma with [[Vitality of Rushing Water|magic]] or [[Abraxus_Stone|precious talismans]], their spirits bolstered by Virtue, their resolve armoured with faith. This unit of Pilgrims accepts the task of bringing down the abomination and breaking the miasma pillar it surrounds. Horns blare, and the Pilgrim’s Defiance pushes against the foe, a spearhead designed to open as much distance toward the target as possible. As soon as the charge starts to falter, the volunteers erupt toward the abomination. Eight of them fall before they reach the beast. Six more die at the talons of the vallornspawn surrounding it. Four more, wrapped in mithril plate, bring the beast down before they themselves succumb to the venom it pumps out. The last two clamber desperately up onto the fallen creature even as their comrades fall to buy them time, and with great shattering blows smash the stone before they are overwhelmed.

Not one of the volunteers makes it back to the Highborn line, but there is no doubt that their passage through the Labyrinth will be swift.

With the unique abomination felled, the waves of panic weaken. The Druj rally, strengthening their defence of their steading. They ignore the Highborn outside their walls as they fight their own desperate battle for survival. Even with the fear broken, it is clear the Pilgrims need to retreat. The force of the vallorn does not ebb. When one is broken, another steps in to take its place. Worse, the miasma infests those who succumb to the fangs and claws of the spawn. There is little time to deal with the fallen before they are turned into living weapons against their former comrades. Pilgrims weep freely as they are forced to kill these mockeries of friend and ally, roused from the brink of death by the corrupting touch of the vallorn.

Defiant to the end, even as they retreat the Pilgrims fight. The last vision of Mudlark’s Haven is of the vallorn pressing against its walls, and the handmaids of Yaw’nagrah still immobile, still observing, not deigning to lift a branch to protect the Druj who die in droves around their skirts.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ambition_Banner.jpg|title=Consequences are the price of ambition.|align=right|width=400}}

==The Price of Ambition==
Everyone knew that the Empire would not win in Therunin. After Mudlark’s Haven, an orderly withdrawal south, along the shores of the Feverwater, back toward [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. Not a rout, but a fighting retreat. There are still vallornspawn to fight, swarming in the wake of the Defiance as they march. At first it would be easy to lose hope, to assume that the Highborn sacrifice was for nothing.

Yet as the days lengthen, as Spring unfurls in the marshes of Therunin, the fury of the vallorn begins to wane. Attacks become more sporadic. The miasma hangs heavy, but breaks apart in the morning sun and the wind off the lake. Twisted trees still reach out with coiling limbs, but they are increasingly sluggish. Ettercaps chitter their challenges, but fall back in the face of any concerted resistance.

The army is battered, but not broken. They reach the borders of Lustri, and make camp in the Night-haunted woodlands, keeping a watch to the north as they regroup and count the cost. One and a half thousand of the Pilgrims who marched east under the watchful gaze of the Three Soldiers are unaccounted for. Dead in the marshes, or worse than dead. Yet if any other army had fought the vallorn, the losses would have been catastrophic, perhaps even twice as many people would have been lost in pursuit of this victory.

And it is a victory, albeit a bitter one. The Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented the vallorn claiming East Ashes. Its unnatural lust for expansion has slackened and faltered. As Winter fades into Spring it is once again quiescent - or as quiescent as an awoken vallorn ever is. It has expanded into Eastring, but while there are parts of East Ashes that are now warped and twisted by its presence the land and the lake as a whole remain relatively untouched. In particular, it seems that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the attack of the vallorn, remaining in the hands of the Druj. The orcs of the Mallum still maintain a weak toehold in Therunin, scattered warbands isolated from their homeland by Imperial forces and the vallorn. Nominally, this is Druj territory. In reality it belongs to nobody except the insects and the beasts of the marsh.

The fighting in Therunin has also raised questions. What exactly was the cause of that strange abomination, that creature part vallorn and part pillar? The spores it released kindled terror, transforming the creeping threat of the miasma into something worse than even the Navarr had ever encountered. There is no chance this is an coincidence, that some vallornspawn “accidentally” grew around a miasma pillar. This is something that has been ''done'', something that has transformed an already twisted abomination into something else. The Druj [[Druj_lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] are masters of herb-lore, of twisting life to their own ends. Is it possible one of their number is in Mudlark’s Haven? That they have found a way to merge their own sick arts with the horror of the vallorn? And what role do the ''handmaids'' of Yaw’nagrah play in this - why were they content to simply watch rather than defend their "allies"?

Questions without answers. Perhaps the [[Wisdom|Wise]] will be able to tease some meaning out of this, glean some greater victory out of what the Pilgrim’s Defiance has managed here in East Ashes. For now, though, the army rests, girding itself for the battles to come, and mourning those whose sacrifice have saved Therunin.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|title=Regions of Therunin|align=right|width=400}}
==Game Information==
* '''The vallorn has failed to claim East Ashes, but the region now has the infested quality
* '''Highborn congregations can continue to support the Pilgrim's Defiance until Summer 389YE
* '''The Druj nominally control Therunin
The vallorn is seven-tenths of the way towards claiming the region of East Ashes, but the intervention of the Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented it claiming everything. The vallorn of Tharunind has now subsided into relative quiescence again - it is still "awake" but it will not attempt to spread further without another stimulus to do so. The threat the Druj unleashed has ended.

This first engagement against the vallorn by a Highborn army in recent years has proved inspirational to the people of Highguard. The opportunity for Highborn [[congregation|congregations]] to actively support the army, outlined in the '''[[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune, will now last until the Summer Solstice 389YE.

The region of East Ashes is now ''[[Region qualities#infested|infested]]'' with vallorn. Miasma hangs over its western and northern reaches, and there are numbers of vallornspawn in the region that will need to be dealt with. Yet, unlike a region fully claimed by the vallorn it is not invulnerable to attack. The infested quality will mean that any Imperial army or armies that try to conquer the region will need to deal with the vallornspawn there; these function as a battalion with a strength of 4,000 that both defend the region and inflict casualties, similar to the effect of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. Claiming the region will disperse this force and remove the infested quality.

Nominally, Therunin remains a Druj territory. Realistically, they have little control over the marshes, being mostly isolated in captured steadings in the north and concentrated in Mudlark’s Landing in the south. They will present no obstacle to any Imperial force that seeks to reclaim the territory.

Obviously, the fact that Eastring has fallen to the vallorn creates challenges. It is not possible to travel from East Ashes to the Lower Tarn Valley without passing through the vallorn and suffering casualties in the process. The Lower Tarn Valley also still has the ''[[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]]'' quality.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=PilgrimsDefiance Colour.webp|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>

==Participation==
* '''The fighting in Therunin has been particularly fierce'''
* '''Anyone whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance may request a traumatic wound'''
* '''Anyone who requests a traumatic wound may request a durable anointing aura'''
* '''This opportunity is also available to Highborn congregations who took the ''Support the Pilgrim's Defiance'' lecture after the Winter Solstice'''
Between the Druj and the vallorn, the fighting in East Ashes was particularly fierce. Any character whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance this season, the general of that army, or any character who undertook the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|Support the Pilgrim's Defiance]] lecture and accompanied members of their congregation into Therunin, may have suffered a serious injury at the hands of the abominations. Those who did so were likely to be at the forefront of the battle in the [[#The Siege of Mudlark's Haven|siege of Mudlark's Haven]], and disproportionately likely to have received an [[anointing]] during the march east.

If you wish your character to have suffered such an injury, you can email {{plot}} before midnight on the 29th of May with your CID and we will place a suitable lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] in your pack. These wounds will require treatment, and it is possible that some of them will prove fatal if they are not addressed by a [[physick|physick]] before the end of the event. Anyone who does take a wound may also have received an anointing in the shadow of the Three Watchers, likely with liao donated by the congregations of Highguard. Unlike a normal anointing, which would have expired before the start of the Spring Equinox, these anointings prove somewhat - but not completely - [[Aura#Durable_Auras|durable]]. They are not permanent, but will instead expire just before the Winter Solstice 388YE. You can request the [[Auras_of_Loyalty#The_Seeds_of_Loyalty|Seeds of Loyalty]]; the [[Auras_of_Pride#The_Strength_of_Pride|Strength of Pride]], the [[Auras_of_Ambition#The_Calling_of_Ambition|Calling of Ambition]], or the [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Proof_of_Courage|Proof of Courage]]. Apart from the fact that they are somewhat durable, which can be determined by the [[insight]] ceremony, the auras are otherwise quite normal.

You can request the lingering traumatic wound without an anointing, but you cannot request the anointing without a lingering traumatic wound.
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lysimachus.jpg|caption='''Doctor Lysimachus''', Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Opportunity: Reikos Influx==
* '''Forces of Agramant have apparently “helped” a number of Imperial citizens trapped in Therunin by the Druj escape to High Chalcis in Reikos
* '''The hospital there is overwhelmed by the number of patients, both these newcomers and those already here following the evacuation of the territory
* '''The healers at High Chalcis have asked the Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite to assemble a team to assist them
* '''The current Medical Officer is Doctor Lysimachus of Highguard
* '''A conjunction of the sentinel gate has been identified at 18.15 on the Friday of the summit
* '''There is also an opportunity for player volunteers to participate in this encounter
Last season, [[Agramant]] declared to the Empire that he was [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|finished waiting]] to save those abandoned in Therunin. The outcome of this has been a steady stream of refugees escaping into [[Reikos]] over the last three months telling takes of nightmare-inducing monsters tearing into their hiding spots. Not to eat them as they immediately assumed, but to point them down the path through vallorn they had just cleared for them and let them escape. While there have been concerns over the legal consequences over taking advantage of this, most Navarri have little choice but to risk it to escape the horrors of the slow, painful deaths they would experience if captured by either the Druj or the vallorn.

One result of this is that the hospital at [[Reikos#High_Chalcis|High Chalcis]] is completely overwhelmed with patients, and has had to resort to simply filling nearby fields with ad hoc encampments of the injured. Many escaping Therunin have Green Lung or similar ailments that need time with a trained physick. They do not need to be taken back to Anvil, temporary accommodations are being arranged, but making sure these patients aren't going to die from their injuries in the meantime is the priority.

The hospital has asked the [[Medical_Officer_of_the_Pegasus_Respite|Medical Office of the Pegasus Respite]] to assemble a team of [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] to help them work through the sheer number of people that need treatment. There is a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that has been identified for 18:15 on the Friday of the coming Spring Equinox. The healers of High Chalcis suggest that the situation may need a broad range of skills and herbs and suggest that the Medical Officer consider recruiting among [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]], magical healers - perhaps from the [[Silver Chalice]] - and a few priests versed in [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]] in case there are any particularly pernicious conditions that need dealing with.
<box>'''Player Volunteers'''<br>
We would like to invite any player who would be interested, to play one of these Therunin refugees at the start of the coming event. You would need to be in basic [[Navarr_look_and_feel|Navarri kit]], ideally looking quite injured by use of bandages and fake blood, and report to monster for briefing at 17:45 on the Friday of the event. You can have any lineage trappings, for example those of your regular character to speed your return to the game. We expect you to be done and back at Anvil playing your normal character shortly after 19:00 (depending on how quickly you can change).

If you are interested in taking part in this, please email {{plot}} by midnight on the 28th of May to confirm your interest so we can give the conjunction itself the appropriate number of players.
</box>

A bright cerulean flame

2026-05-22T13:40:05Z

GuiltyConscience: /* The Siege of Mudlark’s Haven */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pilgrim's Flame.jpg|align=right|caption=The pilgrims of Highguard march without fear into the heart of corruption.|width=500}}</div>
==On the Move==
The [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] are on the move. While their fellow Imperial soldiers [[Deep_blue_sea#Mountain_and_Shore|press south]] in [[Redoubt]], into the foothills and the mountains, they march east into [[Zenith]]. Through [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] and [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]], beneath the gaze of those [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|watchers]] which guard the pass into [[Morrow]]. Three great figures, stern-faced, mark their passage. Each represents one of the Highborn armies who fought to defend Urizen from the encroaching tide of Druj - the [[Valiant Pegasus]], the [[Seventh Wave]], and the [[Granite Pillar]]. They tower over the pass and the surrounding countryside, a permanent tribute memorialising for all time, the sacrifices the Highborn made in Zenith. The Pilgrim’s Defiance weren’t there - weren’t even thought of at that time. Yet it is nonetheless easy to allow [[Pride]] to blossom in the heart at the reminder of everything Highguard represents, here in the mountains of Urizen. Many soldiers seek out priests, in the shadow of greatness, and pledge themselves to the fight to come with [[liao]] donated by the [[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|congregations of Highguard]]. In the months to come, this decision will come to seem almost like prescience. As they continue east, the hills ring with the words of the ''[[Virtues Anthem|Virtue’s Anthem]]'' of five thousand pilgrims singing. “O come o come ye seven Virtues bright. And lead this soul from darkness into light.”
__TOC__
Thence to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]], where the rebound waters of the Golden Cascade flow once again, and from there to the dark forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. The ruins of the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork’s Gaze]], yet another scar on Zenith created by the cruelty of the Druj, are slowly being reclaimed by the woods. There is no time to visit the remnants, no time to explore the forest. The Pilgrim’s Defiance is an arrow in flight, a flaming bolt, arcing through the dark, aimed at the heart of the [[vallorn]].

For many Highborn soldiers, this is the culmination of a journey that began years ago when they first left their homes and [[chapter|chapters]] to take on the mantle of the [[Grey pilgrim]]. Despite all the politics that have unfolded since, these folk remain committed to the virtuous goal of ending the vallorn once and for all. Uprooting this abominable force, this titanic threat woven with the unconstrained [[Spring magic|magic of Spring]], that corrupts whatever it touches. A challenge unlike any the Highborn armies have faced in decades - in a century. Finally, the brand of virtue against the chaos of the wild.

With them, a force of nearly five-thousand soldiers led by the Empire’s [[military unit|captains]]. Overwhelmingly, almost, these soldiers are Navarr, but this is familiar ground for the Pilgrims. They walked the trods alongside these people, there is a camaraderie and a shared goal that binds them together. Along with the scattering of Highborn captains, and with the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|support of Highborn congregations]], they leave Zenith and come at last to [[Therunin]].

There is nothing to mark the border between the woods of Lustri and the woods of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] but it is hard to miss the transition between Urizen and what was once Navarr. The soil becomes damper, it’s true, and the great grey expanse of the Feverwater is unmissable, but there is something else. A texture of the air that becomes heavier and heavier with each step taken. There is something in the woods, something fearful. It is not the [[Druj miasma]], but it is an echo of it. Weaker, less intrusive, but also more subtle. It would be easy to see movement where nothing moves, to hear the crack of a twig in the dark where no foot treads, to begin to slip and slide into panic at nothing at all. Yet the shield of virtue is set against such wiles, both in the touch of the priests who march with the army, and in the spirit of those who let the Seven be their guide.

(And if the twelve stars of [[the Stork]] shine particularly brightly in the night sky as they march, if it reminds those who mark it of the ''Decision to be Virtuous'', of making the right choice for the right reason, then that is just another thing bolstering their Courage, their Ambition, their loyalty to their allies.)
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="Eli of the Cenotaph, General of the Pilgrim’s Defiance">Pilgrims remember Tian, Paragon of Ambition. Her actions brought benevolence to her people but forever burned her hands in the process. She did what was necessary, pushing Ever Forward in pursuit of her vision. We march armoured by faith into East Ashes, By seasons end its vallorn will force us back to the forests of Lustri. Three of every ten of us will fall. Our souls consigned to the Labyrinth to be reborn again. As Highborn, we are here to show Navarr that we will always work with them. Therunin will return to slumber and in this act the land of Therunin protected so that Navarr may one day reclaim dominion of their home. Remember this vision, this Ambition, no matter the horrors you face this season for it is the armour that will see it came to pass. Rest only in death pilgrims, for that is what Ambition demands.</quote></div>
==All is Ashes==
The [[Druj]] have been in [[Therunin#East_Ashes|East Ashes]] for a long time, now. There has been scattered news that they are ''doing something'' in south-eastern Therunin, hidden from Imperial eyes. It seems that what they have mostly been doing is digging in - preparing defences aimed at both the Empire to the south and the vallorn to the north-west. As of last season, they must also worry about the abominations that have overrun [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]]. It is understandable, then, that their attention is elsewhere as the Highborn begin their march along the edge of the great lake, stars glittering in its depths.

After the first few traps and deadfalls, Imperial soldiers begin to move a little more cautiously. Yet there is a lot of wood to traverse, and the Druj can only create so many pitfalls. Their traps are indiscriminate, they can only set up so many sharp spears, if they need to allow their own armies to move. They can anticipate likely routes of attack, but the best trap in the world cannot move to intercept a foe that walks even an inch beyond its trigger. [[Vigilance]] lights the way, and the aid of the Navarr is invaluable in moving through the Druj-fortified woodland.

Initial engagements against the Druj are decisive. The defenders here are no match for an entire Imperial army, even without the [[enchantment]] of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity and foresight]] that wraps around the soldiers like a mantle of light. The usual tactics of strike and retreat, seeking to lure the enemy into ambushes, into foolish pursuit, are ineffective against an army armoured in virtue, wise to their ways.

The army sweeps slowly north, but the Highborn are implacable. Their advance only slowed by the need to account for traps, and to ensure no major Druj force remains behind to attack the rear or harry the baggage train. At first there is no sign of the vallorn, though, and this causes a rumble of consternation. Have the Druj somehow contained it, as the vallorn of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Beantal Dol]] is contained?

Such concerns vanish when the first patrol is assailed by nearly a hundred vallornspawn husks, erupting from the wooded hills in the west. A mix of orcs and humans, many of them disturbingly fresh, smash headlong into the Highborn scouts. Their virtue is unwavering; armoured in faith they meet that charge and despite being outnumbered hold their position long enough for soldiers from the main body of the army to relieve them.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=Vallornspaw husks formed from fallen folk, infused with corruptoion.|align=right|width=300}}
That first engagement heralds the end of the slow advance. Barely six hours later, more vallornspawn are spotted - immense infested beetles covered in flowering thornvines that come scuttling out of the marshy woodlands intent on devouring all flesh before them. More vallornspawn husks - predominantly orc now, many with the signs and insignia of the Druj - follow close behind them. The air thickens further, the stink of the marshes intermingled with the sweet smell of death and corruption, as the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|miasma]] drifts in the wake of this vanguard of horror.

At the same time they are fighting the vallorn, the pilgrims must also deal with the remaining Druj. Yet day by day the number of encounters with the orcs of the Mallum declines, even as the vallorn come in greater and greater numbers. The presence of the army, marching toward [[Therunin#Mudlark's Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]], has drawn the vallorn, and day by day the sheer force of its flooding, inhuman might begins to beat against the resolve of the Highborn soldiers and their Navarr guides. As the vallorn overwhelms the Druj settlements, more and more vallornspawn husks are created. Abominations grow fat and bold from devouring fleeing orcs, and turn to feed on Highborn and Navarr with equal bloody enthusiasm. Where the miasma spreads, it warps and infests natural trees and beasts. In the space of weeks, the long hard work of the Navarr over centuries to reclaim this marshy haven from the vallorn, to build [[Prosperity]] and safety, are being undone.

Flowers bloom in unnatural colours; the air is heavy with their unnatural attar. The great insects of Therunin are warped and twisted, driven mad by the miasma, becoming engines of destruction. An infested [[marshwalker]] - a truly immense example of its kind - attacks an army encampment. If not for the Vigilance of the scouts the defenders would surely have overwhelmed it. Still, there is major loss of life before the thing can be driven off - and in its wake emerge a pair of maddened [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]] already showing the signs of corruption. They at least can be defeated, with sword and arrow and burning brand, but it seems there are always more to come.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Rough Beast==
When the first report of supernatural entities attacking the Druj are brought to the main body of the army, there is speculation as to whether it might be the work of the [[Llofir|Rot lord]] or perhaps the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]]. It turns out to be the someone else entirely.

The first encounter involves a squad of Pilgrims encountering a ring of vallornspawn husks nailed to trees. Obviously former Druj, once they have been dispatched a cursory examination suggests that they were living orcs when they were crucified, left to be consumed by the vallorn. The rune [[Naeve|of hunger]] is claw-carved into the treebark.

The next encounter is with a gang of a dozen or so hulking [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] who from a distance appear to be Navarr thorns. Indeed, the Highborn soldiers hail them, believing them to be members of an isolated steading. They are engaged in the enthusiastic butchery of a band of [[Arkad#Hupul|hupul]], and it is only when the pilgrims get closer that they see these creatures are not using blades, but their bare hands, to tear the Druj warriors apart. One is laughing and hooting while literally beating the hupul leader to death with their own severed arm. The yellow eyes of these marauders are not the eyes of [[draughir]]; their protruding fangs are a mouthful of tusks; their unarmoured hides crusty with dried blood under the fresh blood layered atop it. They take no pains to hide their allegiance - some of them are already crouched beside the dying, feasting on their still-living bodies.

“Best not to leave them for the vallorn,” bellows one cheerily when they spot the Highborn. “And there’s good eating on a hupul, if you fancy some? All the venom gives them a nice…”

Their greeting is cut off as one of the pilgrims shoots him between the eyes. There’s no doubt who these creatures answer to, and the Highborn response is almost instinctual. The heralds seem to welcome the chance to fight the Imperial soldiers, erupting in savage violence once it is clear there will be no parley and no mercy.

Servants of the [[Agramant]]. Without the [[Alignment#Enmity|dominion of the Conclave]] they can move freely in Therunin, as they can in [[the Mallum]]. In the past they have fought alongside the Druj; now it seems they have turned on them enthusiastically, killing and devouring and terrorizing those more used to being the source of fear than its victims.
The creatures make some attempt to talk to the Highborn and the Navarr, and they claim they have been sent here to “help the Navarr in Therunin.” The ''Howler in the Pines'' has [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|an interest]] in the marshy woodlands, having declared them “fair game.” They’re not interested in the vallorn, only in slaughtering the Druj.
The Pilgrims give them no mercy, of course. These are servants of darkness, inhuman horrors at least as dangerous as the vallorn. Enemies of the Empire, enemies of all sapient beings, and worthy of no quarter.

Fortunately there are not many of them - after the encounter with the hupul-eating heralds there are only a few other sightings and each one ends in the servants of ''Twigcrack'' being destroyed. They mostly avoid the army after that, and as the tide of the vallorn rises its pretty clear that the abominations do not distinguish between humans and orcs and heralds of the Agramant.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Eli of the Cenotaph.jpg|caption='''Eli of the Cenotaph''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance|align=left|width=300}}
==The Siege of Mudlark’s Haven==
The Pilgrim’s Defiance know they will not win here. Not because of the Druj, who are in all honesty no great threat. The orcs of the Mallum are scrambling to survive. As the tide of the vallorn rises, more and more of their outposts are consumed by a force they cannot trick or terrify. It is the vallorn that will ultimately triumph in East Ashes. The point, though, is to slow it, to contain it, to cut away the roots and branches that reach out across the marshes. The Pilgrims fight to keep it from consolidating its hold long enough for the uncoiling spring at its heart to wind down. Imperial heroes have prevented the [[Druj_lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] from reinvigorating it and this assault on the shores of the Feverwater is the last gasp of its year-long expansion. The Navarr are not alone, the Pilgrims will ensure that there is a Therunin to come home to. They will defy the enemy and show that mortal spirits can overcome any challenge even one as seemingly immense and unstoppable as the vallorn.

As the weeks run by like water - as the Pilgrims fight and fight in a seemingly endless nightmare of twisted flesh and constricting vines - the army comes at last to [[Therunin#Mudlark's_Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]]. The main body of the Druj occupation has fallen back here, to the docks of the Feverwater. Columns of thick black smoke point the way to the former steading. It is packed with orcs, caught in their own desperate battle against the abomination of the Sweetglades. They are besieged on two fronts - a flood of vallornspawn husks comes washing down from [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]], swallowed by the vallorn last season. There are great piles of smouldering corpses and broken trees surrounding the fortified Navarr town, signs of the battle that has been raging here for weeks ever since the presence of the Pilgrim’s Defiance attracted the attention of the vallorn.

East Ashes likely represents the last place in Therunin with any significant population. This is the last place with any meaningful number of inhabited settlements, and Mudlark’s Haven is the heart of it. It appears that while their twisted engineers were busy placing traps along the southern border, the Druj ghulai were taking steps to protect the main settlement. Obelisks of grey stone, carved with unsettling glyphs stand in a rough semicircle around Mudlark’s Haven. They might be mistaken for miasma pillars, but they serve a very different purpose. Clearly based on the design of the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] they seem to have been designed to hold the vallorn ''out'' in the same way those ancient Terunael monoliths hold the vallorn ''in''.

The problem is that these monoliths they have plainly spent months carving and placing and enchanting… do not work.

Perhaps they did at first, given that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the storm for this long. Now, it is clear that they have failed. Several have already been torn down, shattered chunks of rubble. Others are completely overgrown with brambles and ivy, creaking and groaning under the constriction of the insatiable flora that is in many ways the body of the vallorn. The inhabitants of Mudlark’s Haven are clearly fighting a losing battle, and they have nowhere to go. They could in theory escape by boat across the Feverwater but… where would they go? They will find no welcome in [[Sarangrave]], only Imperial steel or the spears of the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak rebels]]. They might try and escape up the river to the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], but to do that they would need to pass through a ''different'' vallorn and the awful beasts that throng its shores. Their own hubris has trapped them in Therunin, and now they are gathering the bitter fruit of their mistakes.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|GreenMother001.png|Yawnagrah002.png|caption=The handmaids of the Green Mother may present an appealing face, but it is a trick to lure in the unwise.}}</div>
They aren’t without allies. Forward scouts identify at least three large ''handmaids'' around the outskirts of Mudlark’s Haven. These massive [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] are the servants of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Rootwinder]]'', the ''Green Mother''. Yet it seems that they are here to observe, rather than participate in, the fight between the Druj and the vallorn. The vallornspawn ignore them, and they in turn seem content to watch as the orcs of the Mallum struggle against wave after wave of abominations and ettercaps and husks.

There’s some talk of the Pilgrims Defiance doing the same, but in the end the decision is made to attack rather than allow the vallorn to swell its numbers by claiming the Druj here. Fighting on multiple fronts, with nowhere to flee, the Mallum forces are utterly outmatched. If it were just Druj versus Empire, the outcome here would be unquestioned. The protectors of Mudlark’s Haven are in a defensive position but their numbers are depleted, their morale shattered, and their tactics ill-suited to fighting behind walls or facing the advancing Pilgrims in open combat.

What saves them, in the end, is the vallorn itself ironically enough. It is a known fact that vallornspawn are drawn towards concentrations of untainted folk, and the Pilgrims’ Defiance draw them like iron filings to a lodestone. The initial attack by the Highborn sees them tear down the ramshackle southern gate the Druj have erected in their [[weirwood]] palisade and push into the town. Before they can do much more, though, the marshes to the west and north erupt with thousands of vallornspawn. A great cloud of fog, tinged faintly green in places, washes east over Mudlark’s Haven instantly burning the blood of defender and attacker alike. A terrible ululating howl erupts from hundreds of unnatural throats, a wailing unlike anything even the Navarr here have ever heard.

Almost everyone here recognises the venomous stench of the vallornspawn miasma but there is something different here. The choking fumes and drifting spores kindle something akin to panic in the hearts of the mortals exposed to it, like being plunged into freezing water when the ice cracks, like that terrible heart-racing moment when one awakens sweat-soaked from an unspeakable nightmare. A rush of pure terror, pounding in the veins of the Highborn and their allies that threatens to overthrow reason and send even hardened veterans fleeing in disarray.

Fortunately, this is the Pilgrim’s Defiance and they are armoured in faith. Turning aside from Mudlark’s Haven they focus all their efforts on the foe they are here to fight. Those who have received anointing take to the fore, while their comrades fight to master the waves of fear that come with the miasma. The ululating wailing of the spawn is met by a ragged roar of fury and wroth from the Pilgrims of [[changeling]] [[lineage]] who in some cases must be held back from charging the advancing enemy single-handedly. Those who have fought down the rush of fear rally those whose spirits falter, and urge them to meet the charge of the abominations. As the Druj run in terror, even as their defences splinter and collapse, the Highborn stand.

Battle is joined, and it is terrible, like nothing else encountered in this campaign so far, like nothing else the Highborn pilgrims have encountered even with their experience of the vallorn. While the main body of the attacking force is composed of orc husks and furious ettercaps, there are a great many unique and terrible abominations here. Some of the largest seem more focused on breaking the walls of Mudlark’s Haven, fortunately, but the rest arrow in on the Highborn army.

Even as the battle rages, the magisters in the army struggle to understand the waves of fear and dread that are surging across the battlefield as the miasma ebbs and flows. While their fellows fight to prevent the inhuman horde overwhelming them, they scan the enemy force in conjunction with some of the Navarr vates. It seems an impossible task, to determine the source of this terror even as it beats against the walls of their spirits, but they are equal to the task.

In the midst of the chaos, in the heart of the vallorn force, there is a creature that does not quite belong. It bears qualities of tree, and beetle, and a misshapen mockery of humanoid form. It appears bloated, and twisted even for a vallornspawn abomination. Lurid pink and purple swellings distort its form, occasionally rupturing to release clouds of spores as thick as smoke. Buried in its back is a monolith of black stone.

A miasma pillar.

It makes little sense; there has never been any talk of anything like this in all the long centuries of fighting the orcs of the Mallum. A miasma pillar that moves? One that causes almost palpable waves of terror on the battlefield? Unprecedented. Yet there’ll be time to discuss and ponder after the immediate threat is dealt with. The thing needs to be destroyed… but it shows no sign of leaving its position deep within the enemy ranks. It almost seems to be unaware of its surroundings, simply shambling slowly from place to place as if in a daze.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Liberation For All.jpg |width=200|caption=The grey pilgrims march to free the souls captured by the vallorn.|align=left}}</div>
There’s no suggestion that the Pilgrims retreat before it, leaving its threat to fester. Vigilance demands that the virtuous seek out and expunge poison even in their neighbour’s field. Courage demands that the virtuous do what they know is right. This thing cannot be ignored, its challenge must be met. It is likely a suicide mission, to strike so deep into the enemy ranks, under the terrible weight of the sick miasma of the vallorn.

With the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity]] granted by [[Day magic]], everyone quickly learns what needs to be done. Two dozen volunteers step forward, without pause for thought. Their bodies armoured against the miasma with [[Vitality of Rushing Water|magic]] or [[Abraxus_Stone|precious talismans]], their spirits bolstered by Virtue, their resolve armoured with faith. This unit of Pilgrims accepts the task of bringing down the abomination and breaking the miasma pillar it surrounds. Horns blare, and the Pilgrim’s Defiance pushes against the foe, a spearhead designed to open as much distance toward the target as possible. As soon as the charge starts to falter, the volunteers erupt toward the abomination. Eight of them fall before they reach the beast. Six more die at the talons of the vallornspawn surrounding it. Four more, wrapped in mithril plate, bring the beast down before they themselves succumb to the venom it pumps out. The last two clamber desperately up onto the fallen creature even as their comrades fall to buy them time, and with great shattering blows smash the stone before they are overwhelmed.

Not one of the volunteers makes it back to the Highborn line, but there is no doubt that their passage through the Labyrinth will be swift.

With the unique abomination felled, the waves of panic weaken. The Druj rally, strengthening their defence of their steading. They ignore the Highborn outside their walls as they fight their own desperate battle for survival. Even with the fear broken, it is clear the Pilgrims need to retreat. The force of the vallorn does not ebb. When one is broken, another steps in to take its place. Worse, the miasma infests those who succumb to the fangs and claws of the spawn. There is little time to deal with the fallen before they are turned into living weapons against their former comrades. Pilgrims weep freely as they are forced to kill these mockeries of friend and ally, roused from the brink of death by the corrupting touch of the vallorn.

Defiant to the end, even as they retreat the Pilgrims fight. The last vision of Mudlark’s Haven is of the vallorn pressing against its walls, and the handmaids of Yaw’nagrah still immobile, still observing, not deigning to lift a branch to protect the Druj who die in droves around their skirts.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ambition_Banner.jpg|title=Consequences are the price of ambition.|align=right|width=400}}

==The Price of Ambition==
Everyone knew that the Empire would not win in Therunin. After Mudlark’s Haven, an orderly withdrawal south, along the shores of the Feverwater, back toward [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. Not a rout, but a fighting retreat. There are still vallornspawn to fight, swarming in the wake of the Defiance as they march. At first it would be easy to lose hope, to assume that the Highborn sacrifice was for nothing.

Yet as the days lengthen, as Spring unfurls in the marshes of Therunin, the fury of the vallorn begins to wane. Attacks become more sporadic. The miasma hangs heavy, but breaks apart in the morning sun and the wind off the lake. Twisted trees still reach out with coiling limbs, but they are increasingly sluggish. Ettercaps chitter their challenges, but fall back in the face of any concerted resistance.

The army is battered, but not broken. They reach the borders of Lustri, and make camp in the Night-haunted woodlands, keeping a watch to the north as they regroup and count the cost. One and a half thousand of the Pilgrims who marched east under the watchful gaze of the Three Soldiers are unaccounted for. Dead in the marshes, or worse than dead. Yet if any other army had fought the vallorn, the losses would have been catastrophic, perhaps even twice as many people would have been lost in pursuit of this victory.

And it is a victory, albeit a bitter one. The Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented the vallorn claiming East Ashes. Its unnatural lust for expansion has slackened and faltered. As Winter fades into Spring it is once again quiescent - or as quiescent as an awoken vallorn ever is. It has expanded into Eastring, but while there are parts of East Ashes that are now warped and twisted by its presence the land and the lake as a whole remain relatively untouched. In particular, it seems that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the attack of the vallorn, remaining in the hands of the Druj. The orcs of the Mallum still maintain a weak toehold in Therunin, scattered warbands isolated from their homeland by Imperial forces and the vallorn. Nominally, this is Druj territory. In reality it belongs to nobody except the insects and the beasts of the marsh.

The fighting in Therunin has also raised questions. What exactly was the cause of that strange abomination, that creature part vallorn and part pillar? The spores it released kindled terror, transforming the creeping threat of the miasma into something worse than even the Navarr had ever encountered. There is no chance this is an coincidence, that some vallornspawn “accidentally” grew around a miasma pillar. This is something that has been ''done'', something that has transformed an already twisted abomination into something else. The Druj [[Druj_lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] are masters of herb-lore, of twisting life to their own ends. Is it possible one of their number is in Mudlark’s Haven? That they have found a way to merge their own sick arts with the horror of the vallorn? And what role do the ''handmaids'' of Yaw’nagrah play in this - why were they content to simply watch rather than defend their "allies"?

Questions without answers. Perhaps the [[Wisdom|Wise]] will be able to tease some meaning out of this, glean some greater victory out of what the Pilgrim’s Defiance has managed here in East Ashes. For now, though, the army rests, girding itself for the battles to come, and mourning those whose sacrifice have saved Therunin.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|title=Regions of Therunin|align=right|width=400}}
==Game Information==
* '''The vallorn has failed to claim East Ashes, but the region now has the infested quality
* '''Highborn congregations can continue to support the Pilgrim's Defiance until Summer 289YE
* '''The Druj nominally control Therunin
The vallorn is seven-tenths of the way towards claiming the region of East Ashes, but the intervention of the Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented it claiming everything. The vallorn of Tharunind has now subsided into relative quiescence again - it is still "awake" but it will not attempt to spread further without another stimulus to do so. The threat the Druj unleashed has ended.

This first engagement against the vallorn by a Highborn army in recent years has proved inspirational to the people of Highguard. The opportunity for Highborn [[congregation|congregations]] to actively support the army, outlined in the '''[[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune, will now last until the Summer Solstice 389YE.

The region of East Ashes is now ''[[Region qualities#infested|infested]]'' with vallorn. Miasma hangs over its western and northern reaches, and there are numbers of vallornspawn in the region that will need to be dealt with. Yet, unlike a region fully claimed by the vallorn it is not invulnerable to attack. The infested quality will mean that any Imperial army or armies that try to conquer the region will need to deal with the vallornspawn there; these function as a battalion with a strength of 4,000 that both defend the region and inflict casualties, similar to the effect of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. Claiming the region will disperse this force and remove the infested quality.

Nominally, Therunin remains a Druj territory. Realistically, they have little control over the marshes, being mostly isolated in captured steadings in the north and concentrated in Mudlark’s Landing in the south. They will present no obstacle to any Imperial force that seeks to reclaim the territory.

Obviously, the fact that Eastring has fallen to the vallorn creates challenges. It is not possible to travel from East Ashes to the Lower Tarn Valley without passing through the vallorn and suffering casualties in the process. The Lower Tarn Valley also still has the ''[[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]]'' quality.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=PilgrimsDefiance Colour.webp|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
==Participation==
* '''The fighting in Therunin has been particularly fierce'''
* '''Anyone whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance may request a traumatic wound'''
* '''Anyone who requests a traumatic wound may request a durable anointing aura'''
* '''This opportunity is also available to Highborn congregations who took the ''Support the Pilgrim's Defiance'' lecture after the Winter Solstice'''
Between the Druj and the vallorn, the fighting in East Ashes was particularly fierce. Any character whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance this season, the general of that army, or any character who undertook the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|Support the Pilgrim's Defiance]] lecture and accompanied members of their congregation into Therunin, may have suffered a serious injury at the hands of the abominations. Those who did so were likely to be at the forefront of the battle in the [[#The Siege of Mudlark's Haven|siege of Mudlark's Haven]], and disproportionately likely to have received an [[anointing]] during the march east.

If you wish your character to have suffered such an injury, you can email {{plot}} before midnight on the 29th of May with your CID and we will place a suitable lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] in your pack. These wounds will require treatment, and it is possible that some of them will prove fatal if they are not addressed by a [[physick|physick]] before the end of the event. Anyone who does take a wound may also have received an anointing in the shadow of the Three Watchers, likely with liao donated by the congregations of Highguard. Unlike a normal anointing, which would have expired before the start of the Spring Equinox, these anointings prove somewhat - but not completely - [[Aura#Durable_Auras|durable]]. They are not permanent, but will instead expire just before the Winter Solstice 388YE. You can request the [[Auras_of_Loyalty#The_Seeds_of_Loyalty|Seeds of Loyalty]]; the [[Auras_of_Pride#The_Strength_of_Pride|Strength of Pride]], the [[Auras_of_Ambition#The_Calling_of_Ambition|Calling of Ambition]], or the [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Proof_of_Courage|Proof of Courage]]. Apart from the fact that they are somewhat durable, which can be determined by the [[insight]] ceremony, the auras are otherwise quite normal.

You can request the lingering traumatic wound without an anointing, but you cannot request the anointing without a lingering traumatic wound.
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lysimachus.jpg|caption='''Doctor Lysimachus''', Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Opportunity: Reikos Influx==
* '''Forces of Agramant have apparently “helped” a number of Imperial citizens trapped in Therunin by the Druj escape to High Chalcis in Reikos
* '''The hospital there is overwhelmed by the number of patients, both these newcomers and those already here following the evacuation of the territory
* '''The healers at High Chalcis have asked the Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite to assemble a team to assist them
* '''The current Medical Officer is Doctor Lysimachus of Highguard
* '''A conjunction of the sentinel gate has been identified at 18.15 on the Friday of the summit
* '''There is also an opportunity for player volunteers to participate in this encounter
Last season, [[Agramant]] declared to the Empire that he was [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|finished waiting]] to save those abandoned in Therunin. The outcome of this has been a steady stream of refugees escaping into [[Reikos]] over the last three months telling takes of nightmare-inducing monsters tearing into their hiding spots. Not to eat them as they immediately assumed, but to point them down the path through vallorn they had just cleared for them and let them escape. While there have been concerns over the legal consequences over taking advantage of this, most Navarri have little choice but to risk it to escape the horrors of the slow, painful deaths they would experience if captured by either the Druj or the vallorn.

One result of this is that the hospital at [[Reikos#High_Chalcis|High Chalcis]] is completely overwhelmed with patients, and has had to resort to simply filling nearby fields with ad hoc encampments of the injured. Many escaping Therunin have Green Lung or similar ailments that need time with a trained physick. They do not need to be taken back to Anvil, temporary accommodations are being arranged, but making sure these patients aren't going to die from their injuries in the meantime is the priority.

The hospital has asked the [[Medical_Officer_of_the_Pegasus_Respite|Medical Office of the Pegasus Respite]] to assemble a team of [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] to help them work through the sheer number of people that need treatment. There is a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that has been identified for 18:15 on the Friday of the coming Spring Equinox. The healers of High Chalcis suggest that the situation may need a broad range of skills and herbs and suggest that the Medical Officer consider recruiting among [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]], magical healers - perhaps from the [[Silver Chalice]] - and a few priests versed in [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]] in case there are any particularly pernicious conditions that need dealing with.
<box>'''Player Volunteers'''<br>
We would like to invite any player who would be interested, to play one of these Therunin refugees at the start of the coming event. You would need to be in basic [[Navarr_look_and_feel|Navarri kit]], ideally looking quite injured by use of bandages and fake blood, and report to monster for briefing at 17:45 on the Friday of the event. You can have any lineage trappings, for example those of your regular character to speed your return to the game. We expect you to be done and back at Anvil playing your normal character shortly after 19:00 (depending on how quickly you can change).

If you are interested in taking part in this, please email {{plot}} by midnight on the 28th of May to confirm your interest so we can give the conjunction itself the appropriate number of players.
</box>

A bright cerulean flame

2026-05-22T13:34:29Z

GuiltyConscience: /* The Siege of Mudlark’s Haven */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pilgrim's Flame.jpg|align=right|caption=The pilgrims of Highguard march without fear into the heart of corruption.|width=500}}</div>
==On the Move==
The [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] are on the move. While their fellow Imperial soldiers [[Deep_blue_sea#Mountain_and_Shore|press south]] in [[Redoubt]], into the foothills and the mountains, they march east into [[Zenith]]. Through [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] and [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]], beneath the gaze of those [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|watchers]] which guard the pass into [[Morrow]]. Three great figures, stern-faced, mark their passage. Each represents one of the Highborn armies who fought to defend Urizen from the encroaching tide of Druj - the [[Valiant Pegasus]], the [[Seventh Wave]], and the [[Granite Pillar]]. They tower over the pass and the surrounding countryside, a permanent tribute memorialising for all time, the sacrifices the Highborn made in Zenith. The Pilgrim’s Defiance weren’t there - weren’t even thought of at that time. Yet it is nonetheless easy to allow [[Pride]] to blossom in the heart at the reminder of everything Highguard represents, here in the mountains of Urizen. Many soldiers seek out priests, in the shadow of greatness, and pledge themselves to the fight to come with [[liao]] donated by the [[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|congregations of Highguard]]. In the months to come, this decision will come to seem almost like prescience. As they continue east, the hills ring with the words of the ''[[Virtues Anthem|Virtue’s Anthem]]'' of five thousand pilgrims singing. “O come o come ye seven Virtues bright. And lead this soul from darkness into light.”
__TOC__
Thence to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]], where the rebound waters of the Golden Cascade flow once again, and from there to the dark forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. The ruins of the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork’s Gaze]], yet another scar on Zenith created by the cruelty of the Druj, are slowly being reclaimed by the woods. There is no time to visit the remnants, no time to explore the forest. The Pilgrim’s Defiance is an arrow in flight, a flaming bolt, arcing through the dark, aimed at the heart of the [[vallorn]].

For many Highborn soldiers, this is the culmination of a journey that began years ago when they first left their homes and [[chapter|chapters]] to take on the mantle of the [[Grey pilgrim]]. Despite all the politics that have unfolded since, these folk remain committed to the virtuous goal of ending the vallorn once and for all. Uprooting this abominable force, this titanic threat woven with the unconstrained [[Spring magic|magic of Spring]], that corrupts whatever it touches. A challenge unlike any the Highborn armies have faced in decades - in a century. Finally, the brand of virtue against the chaos of the wild.

With them, a force of nearly five-thousand soldiers led by the Empire’s [[military unit|captains]]. Overwhelmingly, almost, these soldiers are Navarr, but this is familiar ground for the Pilgrims. They walked the trods alongside these people, there is a camaraderie and a shared goal that binds them together. Along with the scattering of Highborn captains, and with the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|support of Highborn congregations]], they leave Zenith and come at last to [[Therunin]].

There is nothing to mark the border between the woods of Lustri and the woods of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] but it is hard to miss the transition between Urizen and what was once Navarr. The soil becomes damper, it’s true, and the great grey expanse of the Feverwater is unmissable, but there is something else. A texture of the air that becomes heavier and heavier with each step taken. There is something in the woods, something fearful. It is not the [[Druj miasma]], but it is an echo of it. Weaker, less intrusive, but also more subtle. It would be easy to see movement where nothing moves, to hear the crack of a twig in the dark where no foot treads, to begin to slip and slide into panic at nothing at all. Yet the shield of virtue is set against such wiles, both in the touch of the priests who march with the army, and in the spirit of those who let the Seven be their guide.

(And if the twelve stars of [[the Stork]] shine particularly brightly in the night sky as they march, if it reminds those who mark it of the ''Decision to be Virtuous'', of making the right choice for the right reason, then that is just another thing bolstering their Courage, their Ambition, their loyalty to their allies.)
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;"><quote by="Eli of the Cenotaph, General of the Pilgrim’s Defiance">Pilgrims remember Tian, Paragon of Ambition. Her actions brought benevolence to her people but forever burned her hands in the process. She did what was necessary, pushing Ever Forward in pursuit of her vision. We march armoured by faith into East Ashes, By seasons end its vallorn will force us back to the forests of Lustri. Three of every ten of us will fall. Our souls consigned to the Labyrinth to be reborn again. As Highborn, we are here to show Navarr that we will always work with them. Therunin will return to slumber and in this act the land of Therunin protected so that Navarr may one day reclaim dominion of their home. Remember this vision, this Ambition, no matter the horrors you face this season for it is the armour that will see it came to pass. Rest only in death pilgrims, for that is what Ambition demands.</quote></div>
==All is Ashes==
The [[Druj]] have been in [[Therunin#East_Ashes|East Ashes]] for a long time, now. There has been scattered news that they are ''doing something'' in south-eastern Therunin, hidden from Imperial eyes. It seems that what they have mostly been doing is digging in - preparing defences aimed at both the Empire to the south and the vallorn to the north-west. As of last season, they must also worry about the abominations that have overrun [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]]. It is understandable, then, that their attention is elsewhere as the Highborn begin their march along the edge of the great lake, stars glittering in its depths.

After the first few traps and deadfalls, Imperial soldiers begin to move a little more cautiously. Yet there is a lot of wood to traverse, and the Druj can only create so many pitfalls. Their traps are indiscriminate, they can only set up so many sharp spears, if they need to allow their own armies to move. They can anticipate likely routes of attack, but the best trap in the world cannot move to intercept a foe that walks even an inch beyond its trigger. [[Vigilance]] lights the way, and the aid of the Navarr is invaluable in moving through the Druj-fortified woodland.

Initial engagements against the Druj are decisive. The defenders here are no match for an entire Imperial army, even without the [[enchantment]] of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity and foresight]] that wraps around the soldiers like a mantle of light. The usual tactics of strike and retreat, seeking to lure the enemy into ambushes, into foolish pursuit, are ineffective against an army armoured in virtue, wise to their ways.

The army sweeps slowly north, but the Highborn are implacable. Their advance only slowed by the need to account for traps, and to ensure no major Druj force remains behind to attack the rear or harry the baggage train. At first there is no sign of the vallorn, though, and this causes a rumble of consternation. Have the Druj somehow contained it, as the vallorn of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Beantal Dol]] is contained?

Such concerns vanish when the first patrol is assailed by nearly a hundred vallornspawn husks, erupting from the wooded hills in the west. A mix of orcs and humans, many of them disturbingly fresh, smash headlong into the Highborn scouts. Their virtue is unwavering; armoured in faith they meet that charge and despite being outnumbered hold their position long enough for soldiers from the main body of the army to relieve them.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=Vallornspaw husks formed from fallen folk, infused with corruptoion.|align=right|width=300}}
That first engagement heralds the end of the slow advance. Barely six hours later, more vallornspawn are spotted - immense infested beetles covered in flowering thornvines that come scuttling out of the marshy woodlands intent on devouring all flesh before them. More vallornspawn husks - predominantly orc now, many with the signs and insignia of the Druj - follow close behind them. The air thickens further, the stink of the marshes intermingled with the sweet smell of death and corruption, as the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|miasma]] drifts in the wake of this vanguard of horror.

At the same time they are fighting the vallorn, the pilgrims must also deal with the remaining Druj. Yet day by day the number of encounters with the orcs of the Mallum declines, even as the vallorn come in greater and greater numbers. The presence of the army, marching toward [[Therunin#Mudlark's Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]], has drawn the vallorn, and day by day the sheer force of its flooding, inhuman might begins to beat against the resolve of the Highborn soldiers and their Navarr guides. As the vallorn overwhelms the Druj settlements, more and more vallornspawn husks are created. Abominations grow fat and bold from devouring fleeing orcs, and turn to feed on Highborn and Navarr with equal bloody enthusiasm. Where the miasma spreads, it warps and infests natural trees and beasts. In the space of weeks, the long hard work of the Navarr over centuries to reclaim this marshy haven from the vallorn, to build [[Prosperity]] and safety, are being undone.

Flowers bloom in unnatural colours; the air is heavy with their unnatural attar. The great insects of Therunin are warped and twisted, driven mad by the miasma, becoming engines of destruction. An infested [[marshwalker]] - a truly immense example of its kind - attacks an army encampment. If not for the Vigilance of the scouts the defenders would surely have overwhelmed it. Still, there is major loss of life before the thing can be driven off - and in its wake emerge a pair of maddened [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]] already showing the signs of corruption. They at least can be defeated, with sword and arrow and burning brand, but it seems there are always more to come.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|caption=The Deathstinger - symbol of the Hupul|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Rough Beast==
When the first report of supernatural entities attacking the Druj are brought to the main body of the army, there is speculation as to whether it might be the work of the [[Llofir|Rot lord]] or perhaps the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]]. It turns out to be the someone else entirely.

The first encounter involves a squad of Pilgrims encountering a ring of vallornspawn husks nailed to trees. Obviously former Druj, once they have been dispatched a cursory examination suggests that they were living orcs when they were crucified, left to be consumed by the vallorn. The rune [[Naeve|of hunger]] is claw-carved into the treebark.

The next encounter is with a gang of a dozen or so hulking [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] who from a distance appear to be Navarr thorns. Indeed, the Highborn soldiers hail them, believing them to be members of an isolated steading. They are engaged in the enthusiastic butchery of a band of [[Arkad#Hupul|hupul]], and it is only when the pilgrims get closer that they see these creatures are not using blades, but their bare hands, to tear the Druj warriors apart. One is laughing and hooting while literally beating the hupul leader to death with their own severed arm. The yellow eyes of these marauders are not the eyes of [[draughir]]; their protruding fangs are a mouthful of tusks; their unarmoured hides crusty with dried blood under the fresh blood layered atop it. They take no pains to hide their allegiance - some of them are already crouched beside the dying, feasting on their still-living bodies.

“Best not to leave them for the vallorn,” bellows one cheerily when they spot the Highborn. “And there’s good eating on a hupul, if you fancy some? All the venom gives them a nice…”

Their greeting is cut off as one of the pilgrims shoots him between the eyes. There’s no doubt who these creatures answer to, and the Highborn response is almost instinctual. The heralds seem to welcome the chance to fight the Imperial soldiers, erupting in savage violence once it is clear there will be no parley and no mercy.

Servants of the [[Agramant]]. Without the [[Alignment#Enmity|dominion of the Conclave]] they can move freely in Therunin, as they can in [[the Mallum]]. In the past they have fought alongside the Druj; now it seems they have turned on them enthusiastically, killing and devouring and terrorizing those more used to being the source of fear than its victims.
The creatures make some attempt to talk to the Highborn and the Navarr, and they claim they have been sent here to “help the Navarr in Therunin.” The ''Howler in the Pines'' has [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|an interest]] in the marshy woodlands, having declared them “fair game.” They’re not interested in the vallorn, only in slaughtering the Druj.
The Pilgrims give them no mercy, of course. These are servants of darkness, inhuman horrors at least as dangerous as the vallorn. Enemies of the Empire, enemies of all sapient beings, and worthy of no quarter.

Fortunately there are not many of them - after the encounter with the hupul-eating heralds there are only a few other sightings and each one ends in the servants of ''Twigcrack'' being destroyed. They mostly avoid the army after that, and as the tide of the vallorn rises its pretty clear that the abominations do not distinguish between humans and orcs and heralds of the Agramant.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Eli of the Cenotaph.jpg|caption='''Eli of the Cenotaph''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance|align=left|width=300}}
==The Siege of Mudlark’s Haven==
The Pilgrim’s Defiance know they will not win here. Not because of the Druj, who are in all honesty no great threat. The orcs of the Mallum are scrambling to survive. As the tide of the vallorn rises, more and more of their outposts are consumed by a force they cannot trick or terrify. It is the vallorn that will ultimately triumph in East Ashes. The point, though, is to slow it, to contain it, to cut away the roots and branches that reach out across the marshes. The Pilgrims fight to keep it from consolidating its hold long enough for the uncoiling spring at its heart to wind down. Imperial heroes have prevented the [[Druj_lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] from reinvigorating it and this assault on the shores of the Feverwater is the last gasp of its year-long expansion. The Navarr are not alone, the Pilgrims will ensure that there is a Therunin to come home to. They will defy the enemy and show that mortal spirits can overcome any challenge even one as seemingly immense and unstoppable as the vallorn.

As the weeks run by like water - as the Pilgrims fight and fight in a seemingly endless nightmare of twisted flesh and constricting vines - the army comes at last to [[Therunin#Mudlark's_Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]]. The main body of the Druj occupation has fallen back here, to the docks of the Feverwater. Columns of thick black smoke point the way to the former steading. It is packed with orcs, caught in their own desperate battle against the abomination of the Sweetglades. They are besieged on two fronts - a flood of vallornspawn husks comes washing down from [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]], swallowed by the vallorn last season. There are great piles of smouldering corpses and broken trees surrounding the fortified Navarr town, signs of the battle that has been raging here for weeks ever since the presence of the Pilgrim’s Defiance attracted the attention of the vallorn.

East Ashes likely represents the last place in Therunin with any significant population. This is the last place with any meaningful number of inhabited settlements, and Mudlark’s Haven is the heart of it. It appears that while their twisted engineers were busy placing traps along the southern border, the Druj ghulai were taking steps to protect the main settlement. Obelisks of grey stone, carved with unsettling glyphs stand in a rough semicircle around Mudlark’s Haven. They might be mistaken for miasma pillars, but they serve a very different purpose. Clearly based on the design of the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] they seem to have been designed to hold the vallorn ''out'' in the same way those ancient Terunael monoliths hold the vallorn ''in''.

The problem is that these monoliths they have plainly spent months carving and placing and enchanting… do not work.

Perhaps they did at first, given that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the storm for this long. Now, it is clear that they have failed. Several have already been torn down, shattered chunks of rubble. Others are completely overgrown with brambles and ivy, creaking and groaning under the constriction of the insatiable flora that is in many ways the body of the vallorn. The inhabitants of Mudlark’s Haven are clearly fighting a losing battle, and they have nowhere to go. They could in theory escape by boat across the Feverwater but… where would they go? They will find no welcome in [[Sarangrave]], only Imperial steel or the spears of the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak rebels]]. They might try and escape up the river to the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], but to do that they would need to pass through a ''different'' vallorn and the awful beasts that throng its shores. Their own hubris has trapped them in Therunin, and now they are gathering the bitter fruit of their mistakes.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|GreenMother001.png|Yawnagrah002.png|caption=The handmaids of the Green Mother may present an appealing face, but it is a trick to lure in the unwise.}}</div>
They aren’t without allies. Forward scouts identify at least three large ''handmaids'' around the outskirts of Mudlark’s Haven. These massive [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] are the servants of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Rootwinder]]'', the ''Green Mother''. Yet it seems that they are here to observe, rather than participate in, the fight between the Druj and the vallorn. The vallornspawn ignore them, and they in turn seem content to watch as the orcs of the Mallum struggle against wave after wave of abominations and ettercaps and husks.

There’s some talk of the Pilgrims Defiance doing the same, but in the end the decision is made to attack rather than allow the vallorn to swell its numbers by claiming the Druj here. Fighting on multiple fronts, with nowhere to flee, the Mallum forces are utterly outmatched. If it were just Druj versus Empire, the outcome here would be unquestioned. The protectors of Mudlark’s Haven are in a defensive position but their numbers are depleted, their morale shattered, and their tactics ill-suited to fighting behind walls or facing the advancing Pilgrims in open combat.

What saves them, in the end, is the vallorn itself ironically enough. It is a known fact that vallornspawn are drawn towards concentrations of untainted folk, and the Pilgrims’ Defiance draw them like iron filings to a lodestone. The initial attack by the Highborn sees them tear down the ramshackle southern gate the Druj have erected in their [[weirwood]] palisade and push into the town. Before they can do much more, though, the marshes to the west and north erupt with thousands of vallornspawn. A great cloud of fog, tinged faintly green in places, washes east over Mudlark’s Haven instantly burning the blood of defender and attacker alike. A terrible ululating howl erupts from hundreds of unnatural throats, a wailing unlike anything even the Navarr here have ever heard.

Almost everyone here recognises the venomous stench of the vallornspawn miasma but there is something different here. The choking fumes and drifting spores kindle something akin to panic in the hearts of the mortals exposed to it, like being plunged into freezing water when the ice cracks, like that terrible heart-racing moment when one awakens sweat-soaked from an unspeakable nightmare. A rush of pure terror, pounding in the veins of the Highborn and their allies that threatens to overthrow reason and send even hardened veterans fleeing in disarray.

Fortunately, this is the Pilgrim’s Defiance and they are armoured in faith. Turning aside from Mudlark’s Haven they focus all their efforts on the foe they are here to fight. Those who have received anointing take to the fore, while their comrades fight to master the waves of fear that come with the miasma. The ululating wailing of the spawn is met by a ragged roar of fury and wroth from the Pilgrims of [[changeling]] [[lineage]] who in some cases must be held back from charging the advancing enemy single-handedly. Those who have fought down the rush of fear rally those whose spirits falter, and urge them to meet the charge of the abominations. As the Druj run in terror, even as their defences splinter and collapse, the Highborn stand.

Battle is joined, and it is terrible, like nothing else encountered in this campaign so far, like nothing else the Highborn pilgrims have encountered even with their experience of the vallorn. While the main body of the attacking force is composed of orc husks and furious ettercaps, there are a great many unique and terrible abominations here. Some of the largest seem more focused on breaking the walls of Mudlark’s Haven, fortunately, but the rest arrow in on the Highborn army.

Even as the battle rages, the magisters in the army struggle to understand the waves of fear and dread that are surging across the battlefield as the miasma ebbs and flows. While their fellows fight to prevent the inhuman horde overwhelming them, they scan the enemy force in conjunction with some of the Navarr vates. It seems an impossible task, to determine the source of this terror even as it beats against the walls of their spirits, but they are equal to the task.

In the midst of the chaos, in the heart of the vallorn force, there is a creature that does not quite belong. It bears qualities of tree, and beetle, and a misshapen mockery of humanoid form. It appears bloated, and twisted even for a vallornspawn abomination. Lurid pink and purple swellings distort its form, occasionally rupturing to release clouds of spores as thick as smoke. Buried in its back is a monolith of black stone.

A miasma pillar.

It makes little sense; there has never been any talk of anything like this in all the long centuries of fighting the orcs of the Mallum. A miasma pillar that moves? One that causes almost palpable waves of terror on the battlefield? Unprecedented. Yet there’ll be time to discuss and ponder after the immediate threat is dealt with. The thing needs to be destroyed… but it shows no sign of leaving its position deep within the enemy ranks. It almost seems to be unaware of its surroundings, simply shambling slowly from place to place as if in a daze.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Liberation For All.jpg |width=200|caption=The grey pilgrims march to free the souls captured by the vallorn.|align=left}}</div>
There’s no suggestion that the Pilgrims retreat before it, leaving its threat to fester. Vigilance demands that the virtuous seek out and expunge poison even in their neighbour’s field. Courage demands that the virtuous do what they know is right. This thing cannot be ignored, its challenge must be met. It is likely a suicide mission, to strike so deep into the enemy ranks, under the terrible weight of the sick miasma of the vallorn.

With the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity]] granted by [[Day magic]], everyone quickly learns what needs to be done. Two dozen volunteers step forward, without pause for thought. Their bodies armoured against the miasma with [[Vitality of Rushing Water|magic]] or [[Abraxus_Stone|precious talismans]], their spirits bolstered by Virtue, their resolve armoured with faith. This unit of Pilgrims accepts the task of bringing down the abomination and breaking the miasma pillar it surrounds. Horns blare, and the Pilgrim’s Defiance pushes against the foe, a spearhead designed to open as much distance toward the target as possible. As soon as the charge starts to falter, the volunteers erupt toward the abomination. Eight of them fall before they reach the beast. Six more die at the talons of the vallornspawn surrounding it. Four more, wrapped in mithril plate, bring the beast down before they themselves succumb to the venom it pumps out. The last two clamber desperately up onto the fallen creature even as their comrades fall to buy them time, and with great shattering blows smash the stone before they are overwhelmed.

Not one of the volunteers makes it back to the Highborn line, but there is no doubt that their passage through the Labyrinth will be swift.

With the unique abomination felled, the waves of panic weaken. The Druj rally, strengthening their defence of their steading. They ignore the Highborn outside their walls as they fight their own desperate battle for survival. Even with the fear broken, its clear the Pilgrims need to retreat. The force of the vallorn does not ebb. When one is broken, another steps in to take its place. Worse, the miasma infests those who succumb to the fangs and claws of the spawn. There is little time to deal with the fallen before they are turned into living weapons against their former comrades. Pilgrims weep freely as they are forced to kill these mockeries of friend and ally, roused from the brink of death by the corrupting touch of the vallorn.

Defiant to the end, even as they retreat the Pilgrims fight. The last vision of Mudlark’s Haven is of the vallorn pressing against its walls, and the handmaids of Yaw’nagrah still immobile, still observing, not deigning to lift a branch to protect the Druj who die in droves around their skirts.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ambition_Banner.jpg|title=Consequences are the price of ambition.|align=right|width=400}}

==The Price of Ambition==
Everyone knew that the Empire would not win in Therunin. After Mudlark’s Haven, an orderly withdrawal south, along the shores of the Feverwater, back toward [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. Not a rout, but a fighting retreat. There are still vallornspawn to fight, swarming in the wake of the Defiance as they march. At first it would be easy to lose hope, to assume that the Highborn sacrifice was for nothing.

Yet as the days lengthen, as Spring unfurls in the marshes of Therunin, the fury of the vallorn begins to wane. Attacks become more sporadic. The miasma hangs heavy, but breaks apart in the morning sun and the wind off the lake. Twisted trees still reach out with coiling limbs, but they are increasingly sluggish. Ettercaps chitter their challenges, but fall back in the face of any concerted resistance.

The army is battered, but not broken. They reach the borders of Lustri, and make camp in the Night-haunted woodlands, keeping a watch to the north as they regroup and count the cost. One and a half thousand of the Pilgrims who marched east under the watchful gaze of the Three Soldiers are unaccounted for. Dead in the marshes, or worse than dead. Yet if any other army had fought the vallorn, the losses would have been catastrophic, perhaps even twice as many people would have been lost in pursuit of this victory.

And it is a victory, albeit a bitter one. The Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented the vallorn claiming East Ashes. Its unnatural lust for expansion has slackened and faltered. As Winter fades into Spring it is once again quiescent - or as quiescent as an awoken vallorn ever is. It has expanded into Eastring, but while there are parts of East Ashes that are now warped and twisted by its presence the land and the lake as a whole remain relatively untouched. In particular, it seems that Mudlark’s Haven has weathered the attack of the vallorn, remaining in the hands of the Druj. The orcs of the Mallum still maintain a weak toehold in Therunin, scattered warbands isolated from their homeland by Imperial forces and the vallorn. Nominally, this is Druj territory. In reality it belongs to nobody except the insects and the beasts of the marsh.

The fighting in Therunin has also raised questions. What exactly was the cause of that strange abomination, that creature part vallorn and part pillar? The spores it released kindled terror, transforming the creeping threat of the miasma into something worse than even the Navarr had ever encountered. There is no chance this is an coincidence, that some vallornspawn “accidentally” grew around a miasma pillar. This is something that has been ''done'', something that has transformed an already twisted abomination into something else. The Druj [[Druj_lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] are masters of herb-lore, of twisting life to their own ends. Is it possible one of their number is in Mudlark’s Haven? That they have found a way to merge their own sick arts with the horror of the vallorn? And what role do the ''handmaids'' of Yaw’nagrah play in this - why were they content to simply watch rather than defend their "allies"?

Questions without answers. Perhaps the [[Wisdom|Wise]] will be able to tease some meaning out of this, glean some greater victory out of what the Pilgrim’s Defiance has managed here in East Ashes. For now, though, the army rests, girding itself for the battles to come, and mourning those whose sacrifice have saved Therunin.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|title=Regions of Therunin|align=right|width=400}}
==Game Information==
* '''The vallorn has failed to claim East Ashes, but the region now has the infested quality
* '''Highborn congregations can continue to support the Pilgrim's Defiance until Summer 289YE
* '''The Druj nominally control Therunin
The vallorn is seven-tenths of the way towards claiming the region of East Ashes, but the intervention of the Pilgrim’s Defiance has prevented it claiming everything. The vallorn of Tharunind has now subsided into relative quiescence again - it is still "awake" but it will not attempt to spread further without another stimulus to do so. The threat the Druj unleashed has ended.

This first engagement against the vallorn by a Highborn army in recent years has proved inspirational to the people of Highguard. The opportunity for Highborn [[congregation|congregations]] to actively support the army, outlined in the '''[[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune, will now last until the Summer Solstice 389YE.

The region of East Ashes is now ''[[Region qualities#infested|infested]]'' with vallorn. Miasma hangs over its western and northern reaches, and there are numbers of vallornspawn in the region that will need to be dealt with. Yet, unlike a region fully claimed by the vallorn it is not invulnerable to attack. The infested quality will mean that any Imperial army or armies that try to conquer the region will need to deal with the vallornspawn there; these function as a battalion with a strength of 4,000 that both defend the region and inflict casualties, similar to the effect of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. Claiming the region will disperse this force and remove the infested quality.

Nominally, Therunin remains a Druj territory. Realistically, they have little control over the marshes, being mostly isolated in captured steadings in the north and concentrated in Mudlark’s Landing in the south. They will present no obstacle to any Imperial force that seeks to reclaim the territory.

Obviously, the fact that Eastring has fallen to the vallorn creates challenges. It is not possible to travel from East Ashes to the Lower Tarn Valley without passing through the vallorn and suffering casualties in the process. The Lower Tarn Valley also still has the ''[[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned]]'' quality.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=PilgrimsDefiance Colour.webp|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}
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==Participation==
* '''The fighting in Therunin has been particularly fierce'''
* '''Anyone whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance may request a traumatic wound'''
* '''Anyone who requests a traumatic wound may request a durable anointing aura'''
* '''This opportunity is also available to Highborn congregations who took the ''Support the Pilgrim's Defiance'' lecture after the Winter Solstice'''
Between the Druj and the vallorn, the fighting in East Ashes was particularly fierce. Any character whose military unit supported the Pilgrim's Defiance this season, the general of that army, or any character who undertook the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_the_Pilgrim's_Defiance|Support the Pilgrim's Defiance]] lecture and accompanied members of their congregation into Therunin, may have suffered a serious injury at the hands of the abominations. Those who did so were likely to be at the forefront of the battle in the [[#The Siege of Mudlark's Haven|siege of Mudlark's Haven]], and disproportionately likely to have received an [[anointing]] during the march east.

If you wish your character to have suffered such an injury, you can email {{plot}} before midnight on the 29th of May with your CID and we will place a suitable lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] in your pack. These wounds will require treatment, and it is possible that some of them will prove fatal if they are not addressed by a [[physick|physick]] before the end of the event. Anyone who does take a wound may also have received an anointing in the shadow of the Three Watchers, likely with liao donated by the congregations of Highguard. Unlike a normal anointing, which would have expired before the start of the Spring Equinox, these anointings prove somewhat - but not completely - [[Aura#Durable_Auras|durable]]. They are not permanent, but will instead expire just before the Winter Solstice 388YE. You can request the [[Auras_of_Loyalty#The_Seeds_of_Loyalty|Seeds of Loyalty]]; the [[Auras_of_Pride#The_Strength_of_Pride|Strength of Pride]], the [[Auras_of_Ambition#The_Calling_of_Ambition|Calling of Ambition]], or the [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Proof_of_Courage|Proof of Courage]]. Apart from the fact that they are somewhat durable, which can be determined by the [[insight]] ceremony, the auras are otherwise quite normal.

You can request the lingering traumatic wound without an anointing, but you cannot request the anointing without a lingering traumatic wound.
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lysimachus.jpg|caption='''Doctor Lysimachus''', Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Opportunity: Reikos Influx==
* '''Forces of Agramant have apparently “helped” a number of Imperial citizens trapped in Therunin by the Druj escape to High Chalcis in Reikos
* '''The hospital there is overwhelmed by the number of patients, both these newcomers and those already here following the evacuation of the territory
* '''The healers at High Chalcis have asked the Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite to assemble a team to assist them
* '''The current Medical Officer is Doctor Lysimachus of Highguard
* '''A conjunction of the sentinel gate has been identified at 18.15 on the Friday of the summit
* '''There is also an opportunity for player volunteers to participate in this encounter
Last season, [[Agramant]] declared to the Empire that he was [[The_thing_with_feathers#Heartbreaking_(Agramant)|finished waiting]] to save those abandoned in Therunin. The outcome of this has been a steady stream of refugees escaping into [[Reikos]] over the last three months telling takes of nightmare-inducing monsters tearing into their hiding spots. Not to eat them as they immediately assumed, but to point them down the path through vallorn they had just cleared for them and let them escape. While there have been concerns over the legal consequences over taking advantage of this, most Navarri have little choice but to risk it to escape the horrors of the slow, painful deaths they would experience if captured by either the Druj or the vallorn.

One result of this is that the hospital at [[Reikos#High_Chalcis|High Chalcis]] is completely overwhelmed with patients, and has had to resort to simply filling nearby fields with ad hoc encampments of the injured. Many escaping Therunin have Green Lung or similar ailments that need time with a trained physick. They do not need to be taken back to Anvil, temporary accommodations are being arranged, but making sure these patients aren't going to die from their injuries in the meantime is the priority.

The hospital has asked the [[Medical_Officer_of_the_Pegasus_Respite|Medical Office of the Pegasus Respite]] to assemble a team of [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] to help them work through the sheer number of people that need treatment. There is a conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that has been identified for 18:15 on the Friday of the coming Spring Equinox. The healers of High Chalcis suggest that the situation may need a broad range of skills and herbs and suggest that the Medical Officer consider recruiting among [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]], magical healers - perhaps from the [[Silver Chalice]] - and a few priests versed in [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]] in case there are any particularly pernicious conditions that need dealing with.
<box>'''Player Volunteers'''<br>
We would like to invite any player who would be interested, to play one of these Therunin refugees at the start of the coming event. You would need to be in basic [[Navarr_look_and_feel|Navarri kit]], ideally looking quite injured by use of bandages and fake blood, and report to monster for briefing at 17:45 on the Friday of the event. You can have any lineage trappings, for example those of your regular character to speed your return to the game. We expect you to be done and back at Anvil playing your normal character shortly after 19:00 (depending on how quickly you can change).

If you are interested in taking part in this, please email {{plot}} by midnight on the 28th of May to confirm your interest so we can give the conjunction itself the appropriate number of players.
</box>

381YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements

2026-05-22T00:05:22Z

GuiltyConscience:

==The Imperial Titles of the Synod==
At the end of the Summer Solstice, 381YE, the Imperial Titles in the Synod were held by:
{|
| '''Virtue''' || '''Cardinal''' || '''Gatekeeper / Conscience''' || '''Virtue Inquisitor'''
|-
| [[Ambition]] || Severin Teyhard von Holberg of the League || Viviane de Coeurdefer of Dawn || Ranae de Rondell of Dawn
|-
| [[Courage]] || Jorma Steelhail of Wintermark || Nina of Cantiarch's Hold|| Lucifer, Son of Cyrus of Highguard
|-
| [[Loyalty]] || Caleb of Reumah's Redoubt, Highguard|| Tess of the Marches || Corwin Leafstalker of Navarr
|-
| [[Pride]] || Azekah of Highguard || Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato of The League || Rane Jorunsdottir of Wintermark
|-
| [[Prosperity]] || Ricardo Almieda Desmondo di Tassatto of the League || Morgan Leafstalker of Navarr || Vauraus Korppitkotka of Wintermark
|-
| [[Vigilance]] || Irada von Temeschwar of the League || Aarne Ceorling of Wintermark || Adamah of Highguard
|-
| [[Wisdom]] || Abaddon De Rondell of Dawn || Amris of Varushka || Sariel of Highguard
|-
| [[The Way]] || Atla of the Imperial Orcs || Ingrid Sigeing of Wintermark || Yarrick Ursan of Wintermark
|}
===Other Synod-Appointed Titles===
{|
| '''Title''' || '''Held By''' || '''Appointed By''' || '''Renews'''
|-
| [[High Exorcist]] || Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun, Urizen || Assembly of Nine || Winter Solstice
|-
| [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] || Zeno, Stallion's Sibling of Urizen || Assembly of Nine || TBC (likely Spring Equinox)
|-
| [[Imperial Inquisitor]] || Martin Orchard of the Marches || Assembly of Nine || Summer Solstice
|-
| [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] || Vacant || Unknown || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication
|-
| [[Chaplain Consular]] || Bloodcrow Ergot of the Imperial Orcs || Cardinal of The Way || Spring Equinox
|-
| [[Seer of the Gateway]] || Livia Cascade of Urizen || Assembly of Nine || Until death, revocation or abdication
|-
| [[High Bard of the Empire]] || Kaywenn du Launcet of Dawn || Assembly of Nine || Spring Equinox
|-
| [[Voice of Barbs]] || Corey Brackensong of Navarr|| Navarr National Assembly || Winter Solstice
|-
| [[Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum]] || Taddea Ginori of the League || Cardinal of Prosperity || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication. When a new Cardinal of Prosperity is appointed they may choose to name a replacement.
|-
| [[Curator of the White City Museum]] || Apollos of Highguard || Highguard National Assembly || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|-
| [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] || Eldeen Wulfssdottir of Wintermark || Wintermark National Assembly || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|-
| [[Dean of Laroc Cathedral]] || Odelina de Rondell of Dawn || Dawn National Assembly || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|-
| [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || Nils Bardstrom of Wintermark || Wintermark National Assembly|| Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|-
| [[Guardian of Giselle's Tomb]] || Casimir Marcellino di Sarvos of the League || League National Assembly || Sinecure; until death, revocation or abdication.
|}

==Appointments==
At the Summit, the following appointments were made by the Virtue Assemblies of the Synod:

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Courage===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Jorma Steelhail of Wintermark || 162 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Nina of Cantiarch's Hold, Highguard || 34 votes ||
|-
| Levitia of Urizen || 22 votes ||
|-
| Rhishart of Urizen || 8 votes ||
|-
| Eyzs of Varushka|| 0 votes ||
|-
| Cardinal Jorma appointed Nina of Cantiarch's Hold, Highguard as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Jorma retained Lucifer of Highguard as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Wisdom ===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Abaddon De Rondell of Dawn || 154 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Sejanus of Urizen || 104 votes || -
|-
| Cardinal Abaddon retained Amris as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| The Civil Service is awaiting confirmation of the retention or appointment of the Virtue Inquisitor from Cardinal Abaddon
|}

===Appointment of the [[Imperial Inquisitor]] ===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Martin Orchard of the Marches ||7 votes || Appointed as the [[Imperial Inquisitor]]
|-
| Yarrick Ursan of Wintermark || 1 vote || -
|-
|Ephron of Adina’s Charge from Highguard || 0 vote || -
|-
| Amahel of Navarr || 0 votes || -
|}

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Loyalty===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Caleb of Reumah's Redoubt, Highguard || 62 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Ser Criseyde of Dawn || 60 votes ||
|-
| Tamain of House Sepulcre of Dawn|| 44 votes ||
|-
| Uskolli of Wintermark || 20 votes ||
|-
| The Civil Service has not yet received confirmation of the retention or appointment of Gatekeeper or Virtue Inquisitor. The incumbents retain the title until this point.
|-
|}

==Synod Judgements==
At the Summit, the following judgements were made by the Assemblies of the Synod:

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Judgement''' || '''Raised By''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| 1 || Courage|| Appointment of the Cardinal. || Civil Service || Jorma was appointed
|-
|2|| Wisdom|| Appointment of the Cardinal. || The Civil Service || Abaddon De Rondell was reappointed
|-
|3|| Nine || Appointment of the Imperial Inquisitor|| The Civil Service || Martin Orchard was appointed
|-
|4 || Loyalty || Appointment of the Cardinal. || The Civil Service || Caleb was appointed.
|-
|5|| General || Veto. To Veto the Senate proposal to abrogate the High Exorcist Stipend of 7 thrones per season from the Imperial Budget and grant them the power to withdraw 7 Thrones from the Virtue Fund without the Synod being at to vote or veto. || Zastyt, the feeder|| Not upheld 180 - 286
|-
|7 || General || Rewarding. 5 Thrones to Livia Cascade for purchasing liao and other accoutrements for the tasks of the Seer of the Gateway. <br>As a power of the Seer of the Gateway this Judgement passes without a vote. || Livia Cascade || Upheld automatically
|-
|8 || General || Rewarding. To provide 30 Thrones to Erasmo di Tassato to distribute to those Grandmasters who have of late offered aid to priests of the Synod regarding religious matters.|| Erasmo di Tassato || Upheld 438 - 180
|-
|9|| General || Condemnation for heresy. In the persistent preaching of the rejected doctrine of The Beyond as Truth, Yael of Highguard has performed continuing acts of heresy. We, the general assembly of the Imperial Synod thereby condemn Yael of Highguard on charge of heresy; on account of active teaching and promotion of false doctrine. || Aarne Ceorling || Upheld 1286 - 404 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| || || Imperatrix Lisabetta invoked the Throne's Power of [[Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]], making this judgement require a Greater Majority to pass. <br> Cardinal Irada invoked her power to extend scrutiny. <br> Yael plead guilty to the charge of heresy and was executed.
|-
|10 || General || Recognition of an Exemplar. Escalation of Judgement 26 from Spring 381YE. <br> I propose that Anabela di Regario be recognised as Exemplar of Ambition for the following signs: <br>Benevolence: Ending petty disputes between princes rather than settling scores. <br>Salvation: Converting rival princes from vengeance in favour of ambitious competition. <br>Inspiration: Lasting mark on League national character and an example of virtuous statecraft. <br>Legacy: She is the founder of Tassato and left a legacy of aspiration and competition. || Dietrich || Upheld 686 - 204
|-
|11|| Prosperity || Inquisition. I call Abel of Reikos Reborn, Bursar of the Conclave, to inquisition at 1pm on Saturday (Summer Solstice 381YE) at Lumi’s Tea House in Wintermark to investigate his actions on behalf of the Conclave with a view to commending his actions as Prosperous. || Vauraus Korppitkotka || Upheld 88 - 0
|-
|13 || Courage || Sanction: Vindication. Escalation of Judgement 69 from Spring 381YE. <br> Madyn Bitterbark has suffered trial by inquisition and not found wanting. She acted and was not shamed by inaction. || Lucifer|| Upheld 88 - 0
|-
|16 || General || Rewarding. Seek contribution of 30 thrones towards the building of the fortification in Reikos on the border with the Druj. The construction should be finished as soon as possible in view of the impending war with the enemy. || Lev Unbound || Upheld 700 - 346
|-
|17 || General || Rewarding. Dunharth Hall has been destroyed in the sinkhole in Hanhnmark. The family were vigilant in saving lives but lost possessions and resources when the hall fell. We are asking 30 thrones to purchase white granite and other materials to build a market town in Hahnmark. This would help us rebuild, be stronger and more Prosperous as a family and in turn would enable us to then support the nation and the Empire. We have the Ambition to complete this and Pride in our family and nation. Without strong foundations we cannot rebuild. || Edythe Dunne || Not upheld 394 - 502
|-
|18 || Pride|| Inquisition. We call Franco i Erigo to inquisition to better understand their account last season regarding trade with Asaveans. This will be held 6pm (Saturday, Summer Solstice 381YE), Sherard Hunters Hall, Wintermark.|| Rane Jorunsdottir || Upheld 124 - 0
|-
| 24 || Wintermark|| Inquisition. Inquisition of Snori and Halfries of Rundhal Kalavasa at the Hub at 2pm Saturday at the Autumn Equinox 381YE. They were given penance by Arania and Baldwin of Sussivar to create art in glory of Emperor Guntherm. They have not returned to report progress as agreed. This was given for their actions interfering with Guntherm's tomb while addled by their naga nature and the influence of the Night realm.|| Baldwin|| Upheld 142 - 0
|-
|28|| Dawn || Mandate. The National Assembly sends Odelina de Rondell with 25 doses of liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress Reborn and the hope of the Land Without Tears should renounce this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Odelina de Rondell || Upheld 116 - 70
|-
|32|| Marcher || Mandate. Land matters above all else. Marcher armies should always stand their ground to defend what is theirs. We send Mel of Mourn with 25 doses of liao to spread the word that no Marcher army should ever give ground. || Mel of Mourn || Upheld 62 - 0
|-
|33|| General || Rewarding. We the General Assembly wish to reward the Mournwolders for their actions of Loyalty towards their neighbours in the face of the extreme adversity inflicted upon them by the use of the ritual magics (The Hardest Choice & Rivers Run Red). We ask the Virtue Fund for 40 thrones to be given to Bedwin of Hay, to distribute the funds to the citizens of Mournwold. || Jonah Yakovitch|| Upheld 504 - 136
|-
| 36 || Wintermark || Mandate. No true hero of the Mark should stand with the Iron Helms - those who use their dogs for war have become dogs themselves. The assembly sends Gunnbrand Ironwill with 50 liao to urge every hero of Wintermark to show the heroism that a true hero of the Empire should aspire to. || Gunnbrand Ironwill || Upheld 108 - 68
|-
| 38 || Prosperity || Sanction: Vindication. Escalation of Judgement 11. <br>Following the inquisition of Abel, Bursar of the Conclave, we recognise that Abel has been acting Prosperously for the Empire through ensuring that the mana ministries of the Conclave are utilised. This behaviour is to be encouraged and supported. || Vauraus Korppitkotka || Upheld 56 - 0
|-
|41 || Navarr || Mandate. Mercy is a luxury that the Empire cannot afford when faced with enemies that seek to destroy it; we must not cast aside any weapon that may bring victory. The Navarr assembly sends Corey Wayfarer with 75 doses of liao to urge the Quiet Step to build on the opportunity presented by Arhallogen and find new and effective tactics for dealing with our enemies. || Corey Wayfarer || Upheld 138 - 0
|-
| 45 || General || Change of Doctrine. In light of the rejection of the Land Without Tears, we propose a new doctrine. <br>The Doctrine of the Void: There is nothing beyond the Labyrinth. || Isaac di Sarvos || Not upheld 30 - 1092
|-
|46 || Varushka || Mandate. The Iron Helms only do what is necessary to defeat their enemies quickly. We do not have the luxury of mercy when facing what comes out of the darkness. The assembly sends Amris with 100 doses of liao to urge every inhabitant of Varushka to seize the opportunity to support the Iron Helms and show the enemies of the Empire what real cruelty looks like. || Amris Johan Merikovich || Upheld 150 - 0
|-
|48 || Marcher || Inquisition of General Jack Flint to determine the Virtue of his actions as general, both on the field and in his orders. Time: As soon as convenient. || Martin Orchard || Upheld 60 - 0
|-
|50 || General || Rewarding. We award Astrid Rezia 5 thrones for historical research into a true liao vision which revealed information on the subject of the false virtue of purity also called hatred. || Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato || Upheld 590 - 168
|-
|52 || General || Inquisition. The Inquisition of Gralka concerning the raising of a motion implying that orcs can perform the sign of the miracle. To be held at 10pm Friday of the Autumn summit 381YE at the Highguard Chapel. || Ephron of Adina’s Charge || Upheld 710 - 202
|-
|54 || General || Inquisition. Using the authority of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability I, Zeno, Stallion’s Sibling, call to Inquisition Lisabetta, Imperatrix regarding funds disbursed under the application of Hand of the Chancellor since her election. <br>Provisionally, by mutual agreement, to be held in the tent of the Seven Wandering Stars in Urizen at 1pm on Sunday of the Summer Solstice 381YE. <br>As a power of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability this Judgement passes without a vote. || Zeno, Stallion's Sibling || Upheld automatically
|-
|59 || Brass Coast || Mandate. The cruelty of the Iron Helms is unvirtuous - it demeans our Empire to use such tactics and it betrays the ideals of our people to fight alongside those who do so. The assembly sends Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra with 25 liao doses to urge our soldiers to reject the Iron Helms and their cruelty. || Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra || Upheld 82 - 0
|-
|62 || General || Rewarding. Reward 5 thrones to Lucifer for research into historical Miracles. || Lucifer || Upheld 686 - 156
|-
|64 || Nine || Inquisition. The Assembly of Nine calls the Constitutional Court to Inquisition: Magistrate Karkovitch, Magistrate Abraham, Magistrate Cooper, Gerard La Salle Auditor of the Imperial Treasury || Severin Teyhard von Holberg|| Upheld 6 - 0
|-
|65 || General || Inquisition. I call Irada Von Temeschwar to Inquisition in the Urizen Camp at 4:30pm on Saturday of the Autumn Equinox 381YE, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the Whispers Through the Black Gate upon Emperor Nicovar Ankarien.|| Solas|| Upheld 786 - 136
|-
|66 || Pride || Inquisition. The Pride Assembly call the Freeborn of the Maw to Inquisition regarding their involvement in a cult dedicated to Siakha. The Inquisition will take place in Anvil at the Autumn Summit 381YE. || Franco i Erigo || Upheld 140 - 0
|-
|67 || General || Rewarding. As High Exorcist, I withdraw 7 thrones from the Virtue Fund, pursuant to my duties. This is on the understanding that this reverts to a Senate Stipend as soon as economically feasible. <br>As a power of the High Exorcist this Judgement passes without a vote. || Solas || Upheld automatically.
|-
| 68 || Wintermark || Revocation. The Senators of Wintermark have displayed cowardice and a lack of Pride and demonstrated they do not represent the interest of Wintermark’s values by voting in favour of a trade route with the Thule. This route will pass through Crow’s Keep at the site that 500 Wintermark died who opposed the Thule. This is a betrayal of those that died. We revoke the senator of Kallavesa: Olle Markusson. || Jorma Steelhail || Not upheld 68 - 106
|-
|71 || Urizen || Sanction: Vindication. Subsequent to her Inquisition, we believe Medea Ruth to be a Virtuous citizen. Any who believe otherwise should discuss specific unvirtuous actions with Medea Ruth. || Medea Ruth || Not upheld 40 - 40
|-
| 74 || Pride || Sanction: Vindication. Escalation of Judgement 18. <br>We find Franco i Erigo to have acted Virtuously. He has followed his Prosperity and Courage in the face of adversity, and represented and pursued the Virtue of his people. Let this be an example to citizens to hold to their Virtue in interactions with heretics and idolators. || Rane Jorunsdottir || Upheld 130 - 10
|-
|{{anchor|Judgement_75}} 75 || Urizen || Inquisition. The Disciples of the Tempest Jade Maiden wish a judgement on their Virtue. In order that as many members of the national assembly as possible may witness their statements about their philosophy and in doing so we gain true knowledge rather than hearsay, we summon senior brothers “Marcus” and “Atticus” to inquisition in the Endsmeet Tent on Friday of the Autumn Equinox 381YE at 8pm. || Edmundo || Upheld 112 - 0
|-
| 77 || General || Inquisition. To call upon Thanmir Hrafnar to answer to the Synod regarding statements made regarding the Synod and foreign policy. <br>As a power of the Imperial Chaplain Consular this Judgement passes without a vote || Bloodcrow Ergot || Upheld automatically
|-
|80 || Nine || Sanction: Vindication. The Assembly of Nine finds that in the matter of the treaty with the Great Forest Orcs, the Constitutional Court has acted with Vigilance to preserve the Prosperity of the citizens of the Empire, and conducted themselves and their duties with Pride and Courage. The assembly renders a judgement of Vindication. || Severin Teyhard von Holberg || Upheld 7 - 0
|-
|82 || Pride || Inquisition. We call Akstis Eigulys (Gully) to Inquisition at 9pm Friday in the Glory Square in connection to the husk army in Weirwater. This is for the Autumn summit 381YE. || Lady Josephine Novarion || Upheld 120 - 0
|-
|}

==Statements of Principle==
The Imperial Synod made the following Statements of Principle:

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Statement of Principle''' || '''Priest''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
|12 || Navarr || Nice is not a Virtue. || Wyn || Upheld 138 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|14 || Highguard || Cruelty is a weapon. In this time of trial, it is unwise for the Empire to discard any tool that can be used Virtuously. As long as the Iron Helms act as Virtuous tools of the Empire they shall have the full support of the Highborn Assembly. || Able of the Shattered Tower || Upheld 386 - 44 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 20 || Nine || The Path of Wisdom is to ask the right question. I am minded to offer Yael the Throne’s portion of True Liao, so that Wisdom may be served. I seek not to undermine the Judgement of Heresy levelled against Yael. No one is above the law and we support the will and judgement of the Synod in pursuit of its constitutional duty; this judgement is to clearly show the will of the Assembly of Nine. There would be conditions to the grant - in the selection of an independent guide priest and the subsequent use of the relevant divinatory rituals. || Empress Lisabetta von Holberg || Upheld 8 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|21 || General || People should be judged and supported based on the actions and Virtue of their current incarnation in this life rather than those of the person their spirit has previously incarnated as. || Odanava || Upheld 972 - 226
|-
|22 || General || Nina of Cantiarch’s Hold and a group of Academy children (and chaperones) will take 25 liao to preach Virtue throughout the Empire, and inspire The Empire to better follow The Way || Nina of Cantiarch’s Hold || Upheld 1206 - 28 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|23 || Varushkan || That those who seek to hunt the monsters of Varushka, must understand and seek the Wisdom of Varushka. The Venatius Illustros of Dawn and Urizen are fools who lead others to their death and do not deserve the hospitality of Varushka, their leader the Grandmother of Laurel should speak to the national assembly of Varushka about this. || Vukomir Maryankovich Zverokaz || Upheld 144 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|25 || Navarr || The Navarr nation wishes it to be known that the Loyalty and sacrifice of the Marchers to their land and the Empire inspires great Pride in us. This stands as an example to all Imperial Citizens. || Tyrnan || Upheld 108 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|26 || General || Having been recognised by the Imperial Orc National Assembly, the General Assembly recognises that Skywise Rykana has achieved the sign of miracle for his actions at the steading of return - Winter 380YE. || Gralka || Upheld 526 - 260
|-
|29 || Dawn || The glorious troubadours of Dawn support the generals of the Empire in waging war in light of Virtuous Counsel. Specifically, cruel armies are a tool to be used against our enemies. || The Dread Princess Orlene Ossienne || Upheld 116 - 60 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 31 || Highguard || Highguard believes that the Empire is the best platform for Human Destiny. We believe that all those who study and follow the Way of Virtue have something to contribute towards its understanding. Accordingly we reject the Principle of Foundationalism. || Jericho || Upheld 320 - 34
|-
|34 || Wintermark || The Wintermark National Assembly believes that after the sinkhole’s catastrophic destruction of Dunhearth Hall, that Dunhearth Hall’s Ambition to build a new market town shows Pride and Prosperity as well as Loyalty to the Wintermark. || Nils Bardstrom || Upheld 180 - 14 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|35 || General || We support the Symposiarch in the continuing organisation of sessions to discuss matters of immediate concern to the Synod, with a view to holding each session on the Saturday of each summit. || Edward Watcher|| Upheld 856 - 52
|-
| 37 || Highguard || We, the unveiled, chose unveiling. Unveiling is the active rejection of the taint of the realms by a lineaged human. Virtue is action, and the unveiling is meaningless unless the lineaged themselves choose to take that action. We are Proud of the choices we have made. || Lilian Unbound || Upheld 282 - 34
|-
|39 || Highguard || The fortification being built in Reikos is a Virtuous undertaking. || Yarona of the Chantry || Upheld 190 - 0
|-
|40 || Wintermark || The Battle of Ikka’s Tears has lived in the hearts of the folk who fought and those whose stories ended upon that field of battle. The Wintermark National Assembly believe that a great memorial should be constructed upon the site of the battle so its story shall be forever sung. || Osfrid of Lonelychapel || Upheld 190 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 42 || Highguard || We the people of Highguard, believe that any persons who follow Yael solely on the basis that she is believed to be the First Empress reborn, rather than following her on her teachings on faith should return home and seek guidance from a priest outside of Yael’s Congregation to ensure that they are acting for Virtuous reasons. || Sela of the Suns of Couros || Upheld 284 - 26
|-
| 43 || Courage || Hear the words of Yael. I call upon my Dawnish followers in the Congregation of the First Empress who are of martial skill to return to their homeland so they might take up arms against the Army of Husks that plagues Dawn. || Yael || Upheld 216 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 44 || Dawn || We think that a coordinated group of exorcists should go to Weirwater to assist the souls in the husks to returning quickly to the Labyrinth. They should be led by a nominated priest with at least 50 liao. || Anna Fetch || Upheld 160 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 47 || Varushkan || The people of Varushka are all Vard and all Ushkan. None of us are solely one or the other. || Alderai || Upheld 130 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 49 || Urizen || The Military Council should have access to Cruel Armies, Rivers Run Red, Mountain Remembers its Youth and any other tool that it needs in order to be effective. However a campaign is won when an enemy is unwilling or unable to continue fighting. Using these tools in a way that increases our enemies’ resolve such that they bring more resources to bear than the action destroyed is unvigilant and unwise. We expect our Generals to calculate the optimal approach in all circumstances, not to be swayed by emotional arguments and to be held to account when they fail to do so. All tools should be considered and it is the view of the Urizen National Assembly that friendly and civilian casualties bear the same weight whether they are an immediate direct consequence of our action or a long term indirect consequence of our inaction. || Tarquinius || Upheld 124 - 10 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 51 || Dawn || Although their actions in stealing Bourse resources were criminal, the actions of the Witches of Applefell in defending the people of Weirwater from rampaging husks were Vigilant and resulted in Glory. || Ser Thomas Aurelius || Upheld 118 - 22 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|55 || General || The Synod recognises Sunhammer Kirrik for organising the Empire-wide Artisan’s Guild as a legacy of Prosperity and her path of Virtue is watched for Signs of the exemplar. || Chaplain Atla || Upheld 470 - 222
|-
|56 || Pride || The Pride Assembly recognises that Gerallt Brackensong has demonstrated the Sign of Legacy in the form of the nightly songs and stories which he began and has continued in his name following his death. This judgement serves as a precursor to a potential future judgement of Recognition. || Brodi Brackensong || Upheld 132 - 10 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 57 || Varushka || The Varushkan National Assembly support our allies in Wintermark. The rumours of assault and mutilation on the bodies of Wintermark citizens have been investigated and found to be the work of a common enemy bound to create division between our nations. Varushka stands with Wintermark, proud citizens of the Empire, Loyal allies. || Rooslan Stanvich Prochnost || Upheld 120 - 10 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 58 || Wintermark || The Wintermark Assembly support our allies in Varushka. The rumours of assault and mutilation on the bodies of Wintermark citizen have been investigated and found to be the work of a common enemy bound to create division between our nations. Wintermark stand with Varushka. Proud citizens of the Empire and Loyal allies. || Ylmiska Ferbow || Upheld 178 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 60 || League || We acknowledge the Loyalty and Courage of the people of Sarvos in defending their home. We encourage them to show their Pride and Prosperity by rebuilding their city with vigour. || Josephine Von Temeschwar || Upheld 174 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 61 || Dawn || The troubadours of Dawn believe that True Virtue leads to Glory, Legacy and Transcendence. Glory is a product of Virtue, not greater than it. Pursue Virtue above all other goals. || Viviane de Coeurdefer || Upheld 150 - 10 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 63 || Dawn || The Queen of Dawn holds authority over the Dawnish people. However if the Queen wishes to take part in a senatorial tourney, she may do so in the way of other nobles, by standing behind a candidate and bringing her authority to bear in that way. || Tamain Sepulchre || Upheld 130 - 30 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 69 || League || The use of cruel tactics by any army is unvirtuous. Cruelty is designed to break the spirit and install fear. The use of the False Virtue of Fear as a weapon is unvirtuous. We urge all Synod members to provide spiritual guidance to the generals of their nations that use said tactics.|| Cesare Enzo Di Trivento || Upheld 100 - 96
|-
| 70 || Ambition|| Constructing the physical form of a Horse, and introducing a Horse soul to that form, would be an Ambitious act. Medea Ruth, as a Physick with Arete in Ambitious Chirurgery, and a Priest of Ambition, should do this. The statue containing horse souls should be given to Medea Ruth to use for this purpose. || Medea Ruth || Upheld 76 - 52
|-
| 72 || Nine || I ask that the Silent Bell look into the creation of a covert organisation in Redoubt by the Grendel. || Irada Von Temeschwar || Upheld 6 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 73 || League || I encourage the people of Sarvos to show hospitality to the freed Jarmish slaves at the College of the Liberated, but to be vigilant to the possibility of Grendel infiltrators. || Casimir Marcelino di Sarvos || Upheld 162 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 76 || General || In light of the large loss of life from war, steps have been taken to produce the next generation. It is Virtuous to continue on this path and continue procreating. || Gwendolyn Athansdottir || Upheld 284 - 256
|-
| 78 || Imperial Orc || To state that this motion is to end proxy slavery is virtuous. This motion will make an amendment to the Constitution in the senate section. At the end of the following sentence, “The Senate will assume responsibility for relations with other nations,” insert the following “ensuring that Prosperity is not at freedom’s cost”. <br>”Prosperity” is in this case is to be defined as Imperial Trade with Foreign nations, and “freedom” is the guarantee to their people not to be subjected to slavery by their nation. || Bloodcrow Ergot || Upheld 48 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|79 || Nine || The Assembly of Nine welcome Axou scholars to visit the Empire and share their spiritual understanding in the following places of learning: <br>Citadel of Phoenix Reach <br> The Library of Mourning Hollow <br>Bronwen’s Rest Wayhouse, Therunin <br> Any branch of the Anvil Public Library <br> College of Summer, Miekarova <br> The Chantry of the Silver Skull, Highguard<br>Printers' Guild Museum, Tassato, <br> The Legion’s Rookery, Gildenheim, Skarsind <br> Where all religious debate will be welcome in the same manner as the recent Symposium. || Abaddon de Rondell || Upheld 7 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|81 || Nine || The Assembly of Nine approves of the proposed improvements to the transparency and communications of the Constitutional Court. || Azekah || Upheld 7 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|}

The Imperial Synod did '''not''' make the following Statements of Principle:

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Statement of Principle''' || '''Priest''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
|6 || General || Pride, Courage, Loyalty: The Virtuous inspire others to greatness. They neither demean them, nor debase them, nor seek to inspire the cowardice Virtue bids us to despise. The Imperial Synod condemns the use of cruel orders in warfare as an act of vice. || Clarice Novarion || Not upheld 446 - 932
|-
|15 || General || It is unvirtuous to condemn a priest for their conviction. Courage compels Yael to preach and Courage compels us to other options than condemnation. The penalty for the conviction of heresy is death. As priests of Virtue do we really condemn a priest of conviction to death? We may not agree with her vision, but condemnation is unvirtuous in this example. As priests we must chose Virtue over law. || Rhisiart Ankarien || Not upheld 210 - 904
|-
| 19 || Dawn || The Virtuous seek to inspire Virtue. The Dawnish Assembly holds the use of cruel orders in warfare to be an act of Vice which debases the soul, and urges the citizens of Dawn to condemn such conduct. || Lord Marcus Drommond || Not upheld 50 - 86
|-
|27 || Urizen || The Urizen National Assembly strongly encourages and supports any effective action to annihilate the Druj presence in Zenith, and reminds that Loyal suffering under the consequences thereof is commendable. The anointing “Price of Vigilance” reminds us that morals are distractions that prevent us from acting. This life is not a test. Virtue is for the Labyrinth. || Sophus Cascade || Not upheld 40 - 100
|-
| 30 || General || We who vote in favour; <br> Endorse the rebirth of the First Empress’ paragon spirit into the mortal form of Yael. <br> Believe her vision of a Land Without Tears describes new knowledge of the doctrinal concept of transcendence. <br> Understand that Pride in beliefs, Courage in hard tasks, Vigilance of errors in past understanding, Wisdom to expand knowledge and our Loyalty to your own precious spirit, lead us here. <br> Uphold, proclaim and illuminate what we know. <br> And call those who name us “heretic” cowards and fools if they so think and yet condemn us not. || Ser Criseyde|| Not upheld 260 - 898
|-
|53 || General || As only human souls are capable of reincarnation and journeying through the Labyrinth. I propose all cardinals of virtue must possess a human soul. || Magdalena of the Shattered Tower || Not upheld 206 - 886
|-
| || || Imperatrix Lisabetta invoked the Throne's Power of [[Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]], making this judgement require a Greater Majority to pass.
|-
|}

==Judgements to be carried forwards==
The Imperial Synod has not raised a Veto for the following summit.

==Synod Funds==
The following represents the Virtue Fund of the Synod:

{|
| ''Starting Value'' || 50 Thrones / 0 Crowns / 0 Rings ||
|-
| ''Income'' || 80 Thrones || The price paid in the Bourse Auction for the dose of True Liao
|-
| || 10 Thrones || Donation from several Faraden families in recognition of judgement 40 from the Winter Solstice 380YE.
|-
| ''Rewards'' || 5 Thrones || Rewarding made to Livia Cascade, Seer of the Gateway.
|-
| || 30 Thrones || Rewarding made to the Grandmasters who have aided the Synod.
|-
| || 40 Thrones || Rewarding made to Bedwin of Hay to aid the citizens of Mournwold.
|-
| || 30 Thrones || Rewarding made for the building of the fortification in Reikos on the border with the Druj.
|-
| || 5 Thrones || Rewarding made to fund historical research into a true liao vision regarding the false virtue of purity.
|-
| || 5 Thrones || Rewarding made to fund historical research into historical miracles.
|-
| || 7 Thrones || Rewarding made to Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun, High Exorcist.
|-
| ''Closing Value'' || 18 Thrones / 0 Crowns / 0 Rings ||
|}

==Visionaries==
The following individuals received visions of their past lives:

*Nihm Farkas, Navarr
*Thanmir Hrafnar, Wintermark
*Garth of Renwaerd Hall, Wintermark
*Sagua i Ezmara, Brass Coast

==Assembly Strength==
<br/>

At the start of the summit the voting total of the General Assembly was calculated to be 2014

The final voting total of the General Assembly was estimated to be 2418

The Civil Service reminds citizens that determining whether a judgement has achieved a Greater Majority counts from the estimation of the assembly strength when scrutiny on the judgement closes, not the final assembly strength at the end of the summit.

At the end of the Summer Solstice 381YE the voting strength of the Virtue and national assemblies were estimated to be:

{|
| '''Virtue Assembly''' || '''Initial Voting Strength''' || '''Final Voting Strength''' || '''Final Greater Majority'''
|-
|Ambition ||222 ||222 ||112
|-
|Courage ||262 ||308 ||155
|-
|Loyalty ||304 ||364 ||183
|-
|Pride ||190 ||220 ||111
|-
|Prosperity ||298 ||340 ||171
|-
|Vigilance ||198 ||306 ||154
|-
|Wisdom ||238 ||268 ||135
|-
|The Way ||302 ||380 ||191
|-
| General ||2014 ||2408 ||1205
|-
|}

<br/>

{|
| '''National Assembly''' || '''Initial Voting Strength''' || '''Final Voting Strength''' || '''Final Greater Majority'''
|-
|Brass Coast ||100 ||100 ||51
|-
|Dawn ||196 ||226 ||114
|-
|Highguard ||506 ||684 ||343
|-
|Imperial Orcs ||50 ||78 ||40
|-
|Navarr ||168 ||194 ||98
|-
|The League ||228 ||268 ||135
|-
|The Marches ||72 ||102 ||52
|-
|Urizen ||210 ||232 ||117
|-
|Varushka ||164 ||174 ||88
|-
|Wintermark ||320 ||350 ||176
|-
| General ||2014 ||2408 ||1205
|-
|}

[[Category: Synod]]
[[Category:Synod Results]]
[[Category: Synod Judgements]]
[[Category: 381YE Summer]]

388YE Spring Equinox interlude

2026-05-21T23:17:33Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Magical Lore */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Night light Anvil.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Downtime following the Winter Solstice is now open. It allows players to process their character's downtime choices. Not all resources allow a player to make a choice about how they operate between events, but we've provided information about new opportunities for [[fleet]] and [[military unit]] owners in particular as well as a reminder about existing opportunities created at earlier events.

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

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

'''The deadline for Downtime submissions is midnight on Wednesday the 6<sup>th</sup> of May.'''
==Choices==
* '''During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of Senate motions, Conclave declarations, Synod judgements, and Military Council orders'''
Each summit the [[Senate]] raises and votes on [[Senate motion|motions]], the [[Conclave]] debates [[declaration|declarations]], the assemblies of the [[Synod]] discuss [[judgement|judgements]], and the [[general|generals]] of the [[Military Council]] issue [[Army orders|orders]] to their [[Army|armies]]. You can find details of these many decisions here:
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Senate sessions|Senate sessions]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Synod judgements|Synod judgements]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Conclave sessions|Conclave sessions]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Military Council orders|Military Council orders]]
The Civil Service is responsible for ensuring that these motions, judgements, declarations, and orders are public knowledge. Not everything is widely distributed across the Empire, but any character who attends [[Anvil]] can easily find out details of what went on in the houses of power during the event.

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

The Guerdon remains at '''500 Thrones'''.

This season, the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Resupply_and_Imperial_Guerdon|announced]] that shares of the Guerdon will be shared between military units supporting the following armies:

* [[Argent Sword]] in [[Redoubt]]
* [[Drakes]] in [[Mitwold]]
* [[Eastern Sky]] in [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Narwhal's Spear]] in [[Bregasland]]

No other armies, or actions by military units or fleets, will receive shares of the Guerdon.
<gallery mode=nolines>
File:ArgentSword Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Argent Sword|Argent Sword]]
File:Drakes Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Drakes|Drakes]]
File:EasternSky Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Eastern Sky|Eastern Sky]]
File:Narwhal's Spear.webp|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Narwhal's Spear|Narwhal's Spear]]
</gallery>

==Military Units==
* '''Players who control military units can choose from a number of downtime options'''
* '''Not every military unit is eligible to participate in every venture'''
* '''Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to the ''mercenary work'' option'''
Any player whose character controls a [[military unit]] can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to [[Military_unit#Campaigning|support an army]], [[Military_unit#Guarding|defend a fortification]], or [[Military_unit#Scouting|support a spy network]]. They can also choose one of the many [[Venture|ventures]]. Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to [[Venture#Mercenary_Work|mercenary work]], guaranteeing an income of money along with a random chance of herbs, more money, mana crystals, ingots or measures.

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

As always, the guidelines around discussing military matters online can be found [[Online#You_May_Not_Post_Military_Updates|here]].

===Support Earthquake Drummers===
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Saemundr Elvirsbairn, General of the Earthquake Drummers">My Drummers, it is time to conquer new lands for the glory of the five-who-are-one! We shall push into the Forest of Ulnak, supported by mercenaries from the Empire, and bring the Mallum to order beneath our heel. Bring death to the Druj who stand against us. Let those who wish to live understand that the rule of the Dragons has begun!</quote></div>
* '''Imperial military units can support the Earthquake Drummers'''
* '''The Thule army is part of a larger effort to invade the Forest of Ulnak'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive 7 mana crystals'''
''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'' issued an invitation on behalf ''Tathenon the Gyre, Who Wields the Might of the Sky''. Any Imperial [[military unit|warband]] that wishes is welcome to join the [[Thule]] in their assault against the Druj in the [[Forest of Ulnak]]. Those who wish to do so may fight alongside the ''Earthquake Drummers'', who lead the assault against the vermin of [[the Mallum]]. Any captain who brings their warband will be granted a gift of crystal mana. A standard military unit will be rewarded with 7 mana crystals, with an [[Military unit#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] military unit receiving proportionally more.

For more information, see the '''[[Invited_with_asperity#Hinodir,_Tathenon,_and_the_Eastern_Woods|Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune

===Root out the Face-peelers===
* '''Varushkan military units can take a raiding action to root out the Face-peelers'''
* '''If at least seven thousand five hundred strength is assigned to the action, then the trudnik will be forced from their lairs in Karsk and Ossium'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive six random measures and a phial of Corrupt Blood'''
Following the Winter Solstice, [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[military unit|military units]] will have the opportunity to undertake a [[military unit#Raiding|raiding]] [[venture]] called ''Root out the Face-peelers''. This will involve working with the Thule in Karsk and Ossium to track down nests of "trudnik" and, where they are found, employ axe and flame to destroy them. The Claws of the Dragon are a fairly small organisation, but they are supported here by a cadre of warriors and hunters. Regardless, the full success of this venture will depend on Varushkan involvement.

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

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

For more information, see the '''[[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune

===Swords Against Darkness===
* '''Urizen, League, and Dawnish military units can take a questing action to attack the threats in Spiral'''
* '''If at least two thousand strength is assigned to the action for three seasons over the next year, then the venture will remain'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive three mana crystals and two doses of liao'''
After a lot of work persuading some of the wealthier Apulian merchants and key [[arbiter|arbiters]], Naomi has been able to persuade them to back an attempt to solve the problem. The solution is simple enough, and for once, Naomi 's idea requires relatively little upfront investment. If the Empire can muster enough military units to directly attack the threats in Spiral, then that the inhabitants of the territory would be able to get on top of the problem. If that could be achieved, it would only need a little support on an ongoing basis to keep the threats under control. Naomi likens it to weeding an overgrown garden - it requires a lot more effort to get the weeds under control than it does to keep it that way.

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

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

For more information, see the '''[[My_friends_are_my_estate#Swords_Against_Darkness|My friends are my estate]]''' wind of fortune

===Exploit the Espionage===
* '''Certain military units can take advantage of the chaos in Sarvos with the espionage ring to earn wealth'''
* '''Any military units taking part in this venture will increase the number of congregations needed to investigate Sarvos'''
Somehow, the [[Whisper Gallery]] found out about the goings on in [[Sarvos]], and offered to 'help' the Empire identify what secrets are getting out. Any Night ritualist with a military unit who performed [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] and consumed a dose of [[Shadowcrow Infusion]] invited the favour of the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' to join them over the season. They have access to the unique scouting [[venture]] - '''Exploit the Espionage''' - to exploit the espionage ring in Sarvos and gain 108 rings, eight random resources, and Grendel luxuries, with upgraded or enchanted military units receiving proportionally more.

For more information, see the '''[[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|Finding is the final act]]''' wind of fortune

==Fleets==
* '''Players who control fleets can choose from several downtime options'''
* '''Not every fleet is eligible to participate in every voyage'''
* '''Left to their own devices, a fleet defaults to the ''maritime escort'' option'''
Any player whose character controls a [[fleet]] can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a [[Foreign_ports|foreign port]], engage in [[Fleet#Raiding|raiding]] barbarians, [[Fleet#Questing|quest]] in search of glory or renown, [[Fleet#Scouting|scout]] either to support a [[smugglers cove]] or as part of another stealthy option, or commit to [[Fleet#Guarding|guarding]] a convoy of other ships.

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

===Escort the Stone Fleet===
* '''The delayed Sumaah aid to the Freeborn is readying to travel to the Brass Coast
* '''Imperial fleet captains can help defend it from Asavean privateers
* '''A standard fleet will receive 54 rings, two bottles of Oilybrag, and one pot of Sevensalve'''
Imperial [[fleet]] captains are able to travel to Sumaah to defend the Sumaash ships travelling with aid to the Brass Coast. Each standard fleet assigned to the action adds 100 points toward the successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] fleet adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a [[Voyage#Guarding_Voyages|guarding]] fleet (most likely [[Wolves of the Hungry Sea]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action. In a similar manner to a [[spy network]], the total strength assigned to the opportunity will determine the outcome. The more ships that take part, the more white granite the House of the People are prepared to risk sending to the Brass Coast.

More information on this action can be found in the '''[[Drowned_in_tears#A_Gift_of_Pride|Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune from Autumn Equinox 387YE.

===Trade Summary===
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, the Sumaah Republic, and Zemelslo'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.
* '''Axos:''' The ports of the '''[[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Axos|Chambers of Issyk]]''' welcome Imperial fleets. The production of Kantor has been altered. You can find out more about the changes made in the '''[[Troop_of_echoes#Pearl_and_Ruby_Glowing|Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune
* '''Commonwealth:''' The ports of '''[[Foreign_ports#Leerdam|Leerdam]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]]''' welcome Imperial traders and their production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the new items on the '''[[According_to_principle#New_trade|According to principle]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Faraden:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Caitun|Caitun]]''' welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a one rank bonus due to close proximity. The production of Caitun has shifted to no longer produce ingots of orichalcum. Instead, a starting fleet will produce a cube of mooncheese. You can find out more about the situation on the '''[[Wild_is_the_wind#Faraden_Luxuries|Wild is the wind]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Iron Confederacy:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]''' is available for Imperial fleets.
* '''Sarcophan Delves:''' The usual ports of '''[[Foreign_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]''' welcome Imperial traders.
* '''Sumaah Republic:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]''' welcomes Imperial traders, and its production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the changes on the '''[[Friend_of_mine#Inspire_Others|Friend of mine]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Zemelslo:''' The port of '''[[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Free_Ports_And_Free_People|Radosmo]]''' welcomes Imperial traders following the Imperial Senate's decision to [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Confirm_Trade_with_Zemelslo|permit trade]] with the nation very close to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|align=right}}

==Congregations==
* '''In addition to the standard preaching options taken by owners of congregations, special ''lectures'' may be available'''
During downtime, the owner of a [[congregation]] can choose to take a [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] action. Normally, these actions are used to preach one of the Imperial virtues, or the general teachings of [[the Way]], allowing a Synod member to change which of the virtue assemblies they belong to.

After the Winter Solstice, there are four lectures available.

===Investigate Sarvos===
* '''Highborn and League congregations can choose to investigate Sarvos '''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos'' will receive no liao and be placed in the Vigilance Assembly at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
Highborn and Leaguers who take this action will take part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and potentially identifying any traitors to the Empire. Any congregation owner who takes this lecture will receive the standard amount of votes but no liao, that will be consumed in the course of their activities. They will be placed in the Vigilance Assembly at the Spring Equinox.

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

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

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

===Support the Pilgrim's Defiance===
* '''Highborn congregations can choose to support the Pilgrim's Defiance against the vallornspawn in Therunin'''
* '''A congregation that takes the '' Preach Virtue - Support the Pilgrim's Defiance'' will receive no liao but remain in the same Virtue Assembly'''
* '''If 10 congregations preach support for the army then casualties will be reduced by 10%'''
* '''If 20 congregations preach support for the army then territory conquered by the army will be increased by 10%'''
Not every grey pilgrim joined the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]]. Some were exhausted by their long march and eager to return to the life they had given up to walk the trods. They did not forget their comrades, and will support their fellow pilgrims when asked. Such support can take many forms, providing herbs, potions and liao for their friends and relatives in the new army, or volunteering with the army's field hospital and supply train. Such support can be invaluable in raising morale and supporting the army as it fights.

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

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

For more information, see the '''[[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune

===Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus===
* '''Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Ambition by encouraging pilgrims to visit Capodomus Cathedral'''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Ambition - Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus'' action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Ambition Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is available until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the [[liao]] they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]. Those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the Atrium of Golden Light; they will return to their home inspired to embrace Ambition and pursue it with the certain belief that nothing is beyond their reach.

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

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the '''[[Golden_light#Better_to_Try|Golden light]]''' wind of fortune.

===Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian===
* '''Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Wisdom by encouraging pilgrims to visit the Great Library'''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Wisdom - Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian'' action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Wisdom Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is available until the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE'''
Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the [[liao]] they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the [[Great Library of Hacynian|Great Library]]. After those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the shrine, they will return home inspired to embrace Wisdom and pursue it in the certain belief that inaction is the only true mistake.

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

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the '''[[Sing_a_song#Find_the_Right_Question|Sing a song]]''' wind of fortune.

==Arcane Projections==
* '''Arcane projections must be submitted before the close of downtime'''
* '''It is not possible to submit arcane projections that create personal curses'''
The deadline for submitting an [[arcane projection]] is now the close of downtime. This is a significantly shorter window than previously. We've made this change to improve our ability to process arcane projections - an earlier deadline means that the game team have more time to consider each arcane projection, which will allow us to be more detailed and consistent in our responses.

As detailed in the '''[[The_moth_for_the_star#A_Drowning_Sailor|The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune, it is not currently possible to create an arcane projection that involves a [[curse]] directed at a character.
===Colleges and Forges===
* '''We've changed the email address for college of magic and runeforge submissions'''
It is important for characters responsible for a [[college of magic]] or [[runeforge]] to remember that the deadline for submitting rituals for codification, or instructions to the runeforge, is also the point that downtime closes. You ''must'' use let us know how you plan to use your college or forge by this point, otherwise it will not be possible to submit anything and the season will be lost.

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

==Miscellaneous Effects==
* '''After every event there will be a range of special effects that have an impact on downtime'''
* '''Each effect is automatically applied to the appropriate personal resources; this provides details of what has caused each effect'''
Every season sees large-scale effects impact individuals and nations. Some arise as the result of [[Judgement|Synod judgements]], [[Senate motion|Senate motions]] or [[Declaration|Conclave declarations]]. Others are the results of winds of fortune or war, or magical effects such as [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[curse|curses]]. Each such effect is mentioned in your downtime if it affects your personal resource, along with a brief summary of what is going on. This list provides more detail, and is also useful for knowing what is going on in the wider Empire.

===Rivers Run Clear===
* '''Rivers of Life has been cast on Feroz, Mitwold, Redoubt, and Sarangrave'''
* '''As well as reducing casualties to armies in the territories, the magic infuses all water there with life-giving Spring power'''
The Imperial territories of [[Feroz]], [[Mitwold]], [[Redoubt]], [[Sarangrave]] have had [[Rivers of Life]] woven over them. This potent magic preserves life, healing all save the most grievous wounds overnight and infusing water across the territory with restorative powers. As well as the typical effect of reducing losses to any [[Army|armies]] fighting in the territory, the magic has other, more narrative effects. Wounds heal, animals and plants are healthy and fertile, and people find it easier to start or expand their families.

===Frost and Fens===
* '''Dripping Echoes of the Fen has been cast on one region'''
* '''Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae has been cast on four regions'''
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:800px;"}
|-
! Ritual !! Region !! Coven
|-
| [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] || West Marsh, [[Kallavesa]] || Sussivari Frost Coven
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Nadir, [[Mareave]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Clisearn, [[Mareave]] || Ashen Flame
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Hope's Rest, [[The Barrens]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Tomari, [[Redoubt]] || Ashen Flame
|-
|}

===Quiet in the Tundra (Sermersuaq)===
* '''The Wintermark territory of Sermersuaq has been flooded with Day magic'''
* '''It is clear to anyone in the territory that it is the result of Day magic'''
The [[Wintermark]] territory of [[Sermersuaq]] has been enchanted with an [[arcane projection]]. [[Inhabitants of the realms|Inhabitants]] of the [[Realm#Day|Day realm]] find it easier to enter the territory.

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

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

===Reclamation of Rot and Ruin===
* '''The Wintermark territory of Hahnmark and the Varushkan territory of Ossium have been targeted by Regrow the Land's Heart'''
* '''Both performances were infused with the power of Llofir using whisperspore and vital honey'''
* '''Farms in the affected territories will receive three fewer crowns but three magical mushrooms'''
* '''Herb gardens in the affected territories will receive six fewer drams of true vervain but three magical mushrooms'''
The [[Wintermark]] territory of [[Hahnmark]] and the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] territory of [[Ossium]] have been enchanted with [[Regrow the Land's Heart]], infused with the power of [[Llofir]]. Areas scarred by war or natural disaster will quickly become overgrown with new plants and mushrooms. Regions with the [[Region_qualities#Ruined|ruined]] quality will not lose it, but the areas of ruin will swiftly be transformed into gardens or even woodlands.

More information on this effect can be found in the '''[[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Regrow_the_Land's_Heart|Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom]]''' wind of fortune

Players creating or attending [[sanctioned events]] set in Hahnmark or Ossium should bear this effect in mind, especially when it comes to designing a [[Sanctioned_events#Plot_Events|plot event]]. Any further effects will be in the winds of fortune released before the next event.

==Magical Lore==
* '''Every summit it is possible that new rituals, magic items, or potions may become available to Imperial citizens'''
* '''Some of these options are only available to characters from certain nations, such as those entered into Urizen Lore or Runesmith's Law'''
During the Winter Solstice, one ritual was put forward for inclusion in Imperial Lore:
* [[Viridian's Wildfire Emberstrike]] was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Imperial_Lore:_Viridian's_Wildfire_Emberstrike|raised]] by '''Syl''' the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] and funded by '''Llŷr Viridian duLac'''

No new rituals became part of [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]] during the summit (but see the '''[[The_tune_without_the_words#Out_With_Lanterns|The tune without the words]]''' wind of fortune), and no new magic items were added to [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Runesmith.27s_Law|Runesmiths Law]].

Friend of mine

2026-05-21T23:13:46Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Inspire Others */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>It is winter in the Empire, but in the Sumaah Republic, the sun is bright and warm, the sky a deep azure dusted with pale clouds. Yet there is a chill in the air, nonetheless. The prosperous docks of Zemeh teem with ships - low-lying Sumaah vessels of honey-yellow wood with sails a riot of colours and shapes; austere Sarcophan trading ships; a multitude of Imperial vessels from almost all the nations of the Empire. The city thrums with life. Here, a crew of bright-clad corsairs drink sweetened liquor from tempest-jade bowls, locked in a laughing game of boast and counter-boast with a band of equally bright ''Frieøyer'', their tunics rich gold and glorious green, polished glass and precious metal jewels glinting in the sunlight as they duel. Yet there is an edge to the laughter, an undercurrent to the camaraderie. These sailors know better than most what waits in the near future, that this might be the last time they are all there to raise their bowls and toast their clever deeds.

One of the censors of the House of Vigilance is locked in an argument with the pale draughir captain of a Sarcophan trading ship. The präster's severe expression is at odds with their sun-blue and blood-crimson robes, loose and flowing, and bound with a cleverly woven belt of orichalcum and weltsilver strands. Her hair is bound up in cerulean cloth, and black obsidian beads dance and dangle from her lobes. She has her arms crossed. She has no intention of allowing this shipment of questionable origin into the port without careful weighing and consideration as to the implications of the strange feelings it arouses in those who deal with it. An amused präster in more sober robes of umber and amber hides a smirk - a dedicate of the High House of Prosperity stands ready to argue with their peer from the House of Vigilance, should it become necessary. Even with fire and death gathering like stormclouds on the horizon, the Sumaah stick to their principles.

A cadre of armoured soldiers march past, and the bubbling, raucous tide of noise ebbs and flows, falling quiet in their wake. They wear beautifully tooled leather armour, surmounted with drake-scale cloaks and helms carved from the skulls of jungle beasts, and razor-sharp spears ready to fight at a moment's notice. Behind them comes their captain, resplendent in feathers and flowers, holding the delicate chain that restrains a mighty dire panther, larger than an ox. It wears a cunning muzzle, its muscles shifting and tensing beneath its ebony hide, promising destruction to any who attract its ire. Its eyes bear a certain animal disdain for the folk who draw away from it. It's mistress struts all the more proudly as her deadly companion accompanies her through the streets of the city.

This is Zemeh, then, under the threat of destruction at the hands of the vengeful Asaveans. The people here know only too well what happened to Siroc, and that the same fate might befall their beautiful city. Yet they will not give in to fear, to threats. They will weather this storm as they have weathered so many others, and even if the temples and towers fall, it will not quench their fury but hone it, turn the flame from yellow to blue to white, and the Asaveans will learn again the lesson they learned so long ago. The Sumaah will not be cast down by the malice of heretics and blasphemers, but rise to the deep blue sky on wings of virtue.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Passiflora.png|align=left|caption=The jungles of Sumaah are home to many beautiful flowers, some of which have been harnessed by the Republic's apothecaries.|width=500}}</div>
{{PDFLink|align=right|link=File:Friend of mine.pdf|caption=Click for pdf version}}
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

The [[Sumaah Republic]] are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. As founding members of the [[Liberty Pact]], their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their own war with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world.

The Sumaah ambassador to the Empire is ''Oxtitocszin'', who holds the rank of Censor of wood, metal and stone and is a member of the High House of Pride (the Sumaah equivalent of the Pride Assembly, but with significantly more responsibility and leeway to pursue foreign diplomacy). They advise not just the Sumaah ''präster'', but the House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate). By all accounts they are an even-handed, level-headed individual, and a devout practitioner of the Way.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sumaah Republic]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]|ambassador=Accalon of [[Highguard]]}}
==War and Salt==
* '''War continues to rage between the Sumaah Republic and the Asavean Archipelago'''
* '''Imperial fleets fight alongside Sumaah vessels, especially those of the ''Frieøyer'''''
The Sumaah Republic are [[Guide_the_spirit#Virtuous_War|at war]] with the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Unlike the Empire, who are also at war with Asavea, these two great powers are practically neighbours and need not work through proxies. Asavean [[navy|navies]] directly threaten northern Sumaah, although their [[Army|armies]] are no match for the disciplined soldiers martialled by the House of Courage.

The Asavean Plenum has pledged that they will not stop until they have achieved retribution for the Sumaah role in the [[Mosaic|attack on Chalonsio]]. They intend to raze a Sumaah city much as they did to Imperial [[A beacon of smoke|Siroc]]. To date, thanks to the aid of [[Guide_the_spirit#Oceans_and_Ships|Imperial ship captains]], the Asaveans have been prevented from doing so. The [[corsair|corsairs]] of [[the Brass Coast]] have done everything they can to [[Questions_of_virtue#Rage_of_the_Corsairs|thwart the Asavean blockade]] of Zemeh. Ships of every nation save [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]] have responded to the [[mandate]] enacted by '''Isolde Hannasdottir''' urging virtuous Imperial ship captains to journey to the [[The seven seas#Sea of Salt|Sea of Salt]] to support the Sumaah.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg|caption='''Accalon of Felix's Watch''', Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=right|width=350}}</div>
===Fires of Vengeance===
* '''The Asavean naval forces are preparing for an all-out strike against the northern Sumaah coast'''
* '''Without significant Imperial aid, the Asaveans will successfully raze a Sumaah city'''
* '''''Thwart the Block'' remains a raiding action'''
News has reached the Sumaah via the High House of Vigilance, that the Asavean naval forces are gearing up for a major assault. The blockade of their ports has been going on for a year or more, and along with the bounty placed on ships visiting the Empire it's clear that the Plenum is beginning to feel the pinch on their pockets. They need a victory here, and quickly.

The House of Vigilance agents have not been able to determine exactly ''where'' the attack will take place. The High House of Wisdom has done a rapid appraisal of the situation and believes that there are at least ''four'' likely targets, including the port of Zemeh itself. The Sumaah have the advantage on the ground, but they need to split their strength between the likely targets and at the same time cannot afford to withdraw protection from other coastal territories, for fear the Asaveans take advantage of the attack to launch a full-fledged invasion. The ''Frieøyer'' captains will do their best but their resources are already stretched thin as it is.

This season the ''[[Voyage#Thwart the Blockade|Thwart the Blockade]]'' [[voyage]] serves a different, much more serious purpose. [[Fleet|Fleets]] active in the Sea of Salt will help the Sumaah defence against the Asavean push. Provided a minimum of 10,000 effective strength of Imperial fleets undertakes the action following the Winter Solstice, they'll provide enough additional assistance to the Republic to repel the Asavean assault before they can destroy any Sumaah cities.

If less than 10,000 strength is assigned however, then it is inevitable that one of the Sumaah coastal cities - potentially even Zemeh itself - will meet the same fate as [[A beacon of smoke|Siroc]]. Sumaah will not fall - any more than the Empire collapsed after the loss of Siroc - but the Asavean Plenum will have exacted their wicked vengeance against the Republic.

===Thwart Malice Before It Strikes===
* '''Failing to defend the Sumaah coast might have long-term benefits for the Empire'''
There are quiet voices within the Empire, perhaps inspired by the cynical philosophy of [[Berechiah]], who have a more measured response to news of the imminent attack on Sumaah. In the long run, the Empire and the western Republic cannot help but clash. The two nations are allied at the moment, but as their visions of the Way diverge, that state of affairs surely cannot last. The Way teaches that the [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] at least should "''prepare for malice, yet thwart malice before it strikes against you''". Anything that weakens Sumaah cannot fail, in the very long run, to strengthen the Empire.

Of course, if the Republic has one of their cities burned it will be a great tragedy, a great loss... to the Sumaah. But it will also mean that the Republic will redouble its efforts to fight the Asaveans. It will leave them with little choice but to seek retribution of their own, to continue to try and bring the Asavean Plenum down, and to actively support the spread of the Way to the Archipelago. The Asaveans may abandon their blockade, but most of their military might will need to remain focused in the west rather than, for example, supporting the [[Grendel]]. Indeed, the more obvious it is the Empire was the main factor in destroying their planned vengeance, the more likely it is they will commit more force to the [[Bay of Catazar]].

At the same time, the damage to Sumaash Pride will certainly cause them to stumble a little. They will need to recover and regroup. They will likely become ''more'' reliant on the Empire for naval support if they are to continue to confront the Asaveans. It will mean their efforts to spread their version of the Way will be curtailed for the next year at least, giving the Imperial Synod the chance to "steal a march" on them.

The best part - so these quiet voices reason - is that there's no need for anyone in power to ''do'' anything. A few quiet words here, a lack of support there, and the situation will work itself out. There's no easy way to officially stop Imperial fleet captains from going west to fight short of declaring peace with Asavea or war on Sumaah. The General Assembly supported the call to help Sumaah, and if they withdraw that support the Sumaah Synod will become aware of it. Indeed, direct intervention would be entirely counterproductive - it would cause Sumaash to feel betrayed. But... all it would need is ''less'' than the minimum amount of effective strength to travel west to ''thwart the blockade''. The Sumaash would accept the Empire tried to help, but they were unable to assist in the face of superior Asavean naval forces operating along a very wide border.

Obviously, talk like this makes a lot of people uncomfortable... but there is no doubt the Empire would benefit in the long term from weakening Sumaah and forcing the Asaveans to focus on their war with their neighbours rather than their anger at the Empire. All it would take would be letting a single city be burned... something that might happen ''anyway''. Some of the more cynical citizens even point out that it's not as if Sumaah lifted a finger to help the Empire when Siroc was razed...

===Rewards of Virtue===
* '''The House of People and the Houses of Virtue have put aside funds to reward Imperial fleet captains for their aid, while the ''Frieøyer'' are showing their gratitude in their own way'''
* '''Imperial traders find the port of Zemeh additionally profitable'''
The House of Prosperity, on behalf of Sumaah's House of the People, ensures that every Imperial captain coming to Sumaah receives an amount of [[liao]] to reward their virtue. The House of the People itself provides a small amount of money in recognition of their work protecting their shores.

The ''Frieøyer'' - the descendants of those pirates brought to the Way [[Zemress#A_Tale_from_Sumaah|by Zemress]] offer berths and repairs to any Imperial vessel that visits one of the many small ports that dot their island home. In the spirit of [[Zemress]], they also freely share the bounties they seize from the Asaveans with those who sail with them. This season, however, with the Asaveans planning their "big push" there is much less booty to gather.

Consequently, a standard fleet that undertakes this action receives 96 rings, 3 doses of liao, and two bottles of ''oilybrag'' from the ''Frieøyer''. As an avowedly military action against a nation the Empire is at war with, in support of their ally in the Liberty Pact, the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] or the [[Senate]] could choose add extra incentive by granting [[Fleet#Guerdon_Shares|Guerdon shares]] to [[fleet|fleets]] that undertake the action.

Regardless of the outcome, by the start of the Spring Equinox the Asavean blockade of Sumaah ports will have ended one way or another. As a consequence this voyage will not be available from the Spring Equinox onwards.

===Inspire Others===
* '''Sumaah traders continue to visit Imperial ports thanks to fleet captains offering aid in the Sea of Salt and Freeborn efforts in the Bay of Catazar'''
* '''The port of Zemeh provides slightly different commodities following the Winter Solstice'''
The Asavean Plenum has focused most of its force on the blockade, but offered a [[Authority and acceptance#Red Sails|lucrative bounty]] on ships trading with the Empire. This has not had as much impact on Sumaah trade as it has on other foreign nations as a direct consequence of Imperial commitments in the west and the Freeborn efforts in the Bay of Catazar. It is still challenging for Sumaah vessels to reach Imperial ports, but the House of the People and the High House of Prosperity work to support their trading ships without weakening the defence of their coast.

Censor Oxtitocszin believes that as long as a significant force is able to support the Sumaah in their own waters - they estimate an effective fighting strength of 3000 each season - they will be able to resume full trade with the Empire (restoring at least some of the money lost to the Imperial treasury from tariffs). This has certainly been achieved following the Autumn Equinox. After the Asavean raid is concluded, there may need to be a reassessment of what is required to maintain trade routes.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Sevensalve'''<br>This is a slightly gritty, pale purple-pink cream blended from a combination of liao and the petals of a jungle orchid used by priests in Sumaah. It can be used by anyone who is [[dedication| dedicated]] to a spiritual principle and versed in [[Anointing]], [[Hallow]], or [[Consecration]] to create particularly [[Aura#Strong_Auras|strong auras]] that resist removal. Recent advances in the cultivation of the particular orchid used have made the carefully brewed consumable more readily available in Sumaah and the Houses of Prosperity and Vigilance has recently approved its sale to Imperial traders.</box></div>
With the ongoing open conflict with the Asaveans, the amount of [[orichalcum]] and healing herbs available to Imperial traders, however, has declined significantly. Following the Winter Solstice, a standard [[fleet]] that trades with [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]] will receive 3 measures of dragonbone, two bottles of ''oilybrag'', and one pot of ''Sevensalve'' (or ''Sjusalva'', as the Sumaah call it).

'''OOC Note:''' A reasonably phys-rep for the ''oilybrag'' resource received by fleets helping fight the Asaveans in the Sea of Salt might be flat cola or a similar sweet, sticky, brown liquid, in a potion bottle. A suitable phys-rep for ''Sevensalve'' would be some kind of moisturiser or hand cream mixed with ground up parma violets.

==On the Way==
* '''The Empire has committed to anchoring the Way in Asavea'''
* '''The Sumaah are interested but not prepared to contribute'''
Ambassador Accalon has made Oxtitocszin aware of the plan to anchor the Way in Asavea by contributing large amounts of [[white granite]] and significant numbers of thrones to help provide meeting places for the faithful. Their request for aid from the High Houses of the Republic has not, however received the reception they were no doubt hoping for. Since the [[On_the_outside_looking_inside#Sumaah_Symposium|Symposium]] of 384YE, the Assembly of Nine [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_154|concurred]] with the Sumaah Synod that the two nations would follow their own path of faith. Yet when one gets right down to it the Sumaah Synod fundamentally believe that the Empire's approach to the Way is misguided. That they are too quick to tolerate heterodoxy, too eager to make compromises in the face of spiritual truths they hold to be self evident.

Regretfully, then, Oxtitocszin declines the invitation on behalf of the High Houses. She stresses that the discussion among the assemblies was tense, and passionate, and the final decision quite close, but in the end the präster will not help the Empire spread its version of the Way. They also won't impede them either. The House of Pride works hard to support the scattered communities of the faithful among the Asavean slaves, and they don't believe the Empire's ambitious plan will interfere with their own cautious foundation laying. In the event that Sumaah and Imperial priests find themselves working at cross purposes, they trust that the individuals involved will work out a compromise that suits both parties.

==Magical Thinking==
Ambassador Accalon continues to discuss matters of ritual magic with the cautious Sumaah. Oxtitocszin indicates that the Republic is very pleased with the effectiveness of those rituals [[Guide_the_spirit|already shared]] - [[Hammers of the Brilliant Shore]] and [[Stalwart Stand on Solid Ground]]. From consultation with the High Houses, the magicians who work under their auspices are cautiously interested in ritual [[enchantment|enchantments]] that might empower [[military unit|warbands]] or [[fleet|fleets]] to avoid detection and gather information (undertake scouting actions). They are also in the immediate future interested in enchantments that might empower ship captains to raid their enemies, or military units to guard and protect. Sumaah magicians have their own versions of these rituals, however, and anything the Empire offered would need to be different enough to make a trade worthwhile. From careful discussion the civil service believe that the Sumaah have their own rituals based in [[Day magic|Day]] and [[Night magic|Night]] lore to support scouting, and rituals of [[Summer magic|Summer lore]] that support raids and defences. As always the Sumaah are leery of any magic that draws on the power of an [[eternal]], and would likely refuse offers of rituals such as [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]]. Does the ambassador have rituals to offer?

There is also the matter of Imperial magicians visiting Sumaah "[[Grandmaster#Guiding_an_Order|on secondment]]". Oxtitocszin takes a little time to understand exactly what is being proposed, but in the end is interested. Before the House of the People is prepared to offer a formal invitation, they would want to know exactly what is being proposed. What purpose would Imperial magicians coming to Sumaah serve? Could the Ambassador give firm assurances that visiting magicians would accept the guidance and advice of the praster - most likely the House of Pride? Presumably, in a reciprocal move, the Sumaah would be able to send some of their own magicians to the Empire as well? Perhaps to explore Imperial lore, to get a closer understanding of the Conclave, or to study the role of the Synod in Conclave affairs?

==On Gifts==
* '''The Sumaah Republic have gifted Accalon with 33 doses of liao and a pot of Sevensalve'''
* '''Ambassador Oxtitocszin hopes Rafe receives their gift and that Wintermark will support the Republic'''
As relates to the [[The_tale_that_speaks_to_your_heart#Spittle_and_Sharks|rescue of ''Präst Kauitalic'']], Oxtitocszin thanks Ambassador Accalon for ensuring that those responsible have received a suitable [[anointing]] or [[hallow]], and has arranged for a courier to deliver 33 doses of [[liao]] to [[Necropolis#The_Sumaah_Embassy|the embassy in Necropolis]]. In addition she has included two pots of ''Sevensalve'' as a personal gift for Accalon.

Oxtitocszin expresses the hope that Rafe will be present at the Winter Solstice to [[The_tale_that_speaks_to_your_heart#Wintermark_Willing|receive the gift]] prepared in recognition of their support for the Republic. The ambassador sends a personal hope that this will mean Wintermark is able to spare warriors and ships to help defend the coast in the coming season.

==Exemplars and Paragons==
* '''The Empire has shared some recent documents of a religious nature with the Republic'''
* '''There is spirited debate about the life of Vardas and the Synod' response'''
* '''Sumaah scholars remain prepared to assist any investigation into the similarities between Aama the Wanderer and Adelmar the Lion'''
Ambassador Accalon has instructed the Civil service to share copies of the research commissioned by '''Jared of the Suns of Couros''' into the life of [[Saul of the Cora]], and the controversial document concerning the ''[[Life of Vardas]]'' commissioned by '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower'''. While some of the stories of Vardas are known to Sumaah scholars, he was not considered a paragon or exemplar. The sobering findings in the Hazelelponi document, however, have sparked serious debate among the präster. There is spirited discussion about whether a story can be virtuously inspirational without being a factual account of a historical person or not. Are parables and stories as inspirational as tales of specific events? The Sumaah are broadly comfortable with the reality of their paragons. While scholars understand that there is notabe similarity between some of the deeds performed by ''Vena the Great-hearted'', paragon of [[Courage]] and the old stories of the blasphemous idol ''Fire Lion'' worshipped by their ancestors, they see little value in questioning the reality of ''Vena''. There is enough difference that Sumaah theological scholars are comfortable Vena is "real" and that their inspiration is virtuous.

The Houses do agree that the stance taken by the Imperial Synod is a sound one, and indeed they urge the Empire to go further. The discoveries revealed by Hazelelponi show that the root of Vardas is in the venal, self-serving greed of one person and that the entire foundation of Vardas' inspiration is thus compromised. While they are normally cautious about precipitous action, on this issue they are anything but reserved. It is clear that the inspiration of Vardas is tainted, and they believe that the moral rot associated with their actions will infect everything it touches. They urge the Synod to burn this infection out by the roots, so that all the works created by ''Ivar Olyankavic Nathavolava'' in the Empire are destroyed. That way nobody can ever be tempted to try and imitate this thief.

As to Saul of the Cora, Oxtitocszin unfortunately has little more to add than [[The_tale_that_speaks_to_your_heart#Saul_and_Vardas|previously recounted]]. Armed with the additional information about the past life vision of ''Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato'' the Republic continues its commitment to share anything it learns about the Highborn wayfarer from its contacts among the Sumaah pilgrims.

Finally, Oxtitocszin repeats the offer that Sumaah scholars would be more than happy to cooperate with the Empire should they wish to explore the possibility that ''Aama the Wanderer'' and [[Adelmar the Lion]] are the same person. While there may be a war on that is no reason not to continue to expand understanding of the virtues, the inspirations, and the links between the two approaches to the Way.
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==One Last Thing...==
* '''Sumaah pilgrims are interested in visiting Holberg'''
* '''There may be significant issues if they are invited to do so'''
Both the ambassador and '''Bernard Kleist bon Holberg''' have extended an invitation to Oxtitocszin to visit Anvil for the 250 year celebration of the city of [[Holberg]]. Oxtitocszin declines; the Republic is weathering a storm at sea already and the Ambassador has many calls on her time. But there ''is'' some interest among Sumaah pilgrims of [[Pride]], [[Ambition]], and [[Wisdom]] who are ''very'' intrigued by the possibility of visiting Holberg itself to see the remarkable [[Holberg#Walls_of_Holberg|walls]] and visit the [[Watches_from_the_Wall#The_Gallery_and_the_Gate|consecrated shrines]] built into those walls. The präster who are prepared to risk the Sumaah blockade, and the bounty placed on ships visiting the Empire, are interested in spending time among their peers in the "Greatest City in the Empire". They would use this opportunity to speak to Imperial citizens and priests in Holberg about their understanding of the Way. They'll also be particularly interested to visit the [[congregation|congregations]] of the city and listen to the words of the priests and bishops of the League.

However, they are also aware that the invitation was specifically for Oxtitocszin or her representatives. As such, they would not wish to shame themselves by presuming it applies also to them. With that in mind, Oxtitocszin requests that if the League is open to a large number of Sumaah pilgrims that a [[statement of principle]] be raised in the League National Assembly, the Assembly of the Way, or the General Assembly explicitly welcoming these visitors. As long as it receives a greater majority, and the ambassador confirms that the invitation is sincere, then pilgrims will come to Holberg after the Winter Solstice, and likely for the next few seasons.

If such a statement is not forthcoming, that will be an equally welcome outcome as it will reassure the Sumaah that they have not accidentally committed a faux pas by presuming an open invitation. Sumaah pilgrims will still visit the Empire's sacred sites but will not particularly descend on Holberg, especially given its position in the northern Empire.

The Civil Service discreetly point out a potential problem, however. As pilgrims specifically visiting Holberg and speaking to priests and followers of the Way, they will likely be aware of any greater majority judgement passed in the League, Wisdom, Ambition, Pride, or General assemblies and they may also get an idea of how the congregations of Holberg are preaching. Specifically with regards to recent events, if they discover more congregations are preaching to ''[[It_never_happened#Cleansing_the_Ruins|Support Solokha]]'' than preaching the virtues or the Way, this may lead to a diplomatic incident - the Sumaah take a dim view of this kind of cooperation with heretics and blasphemers for all that they are forced to share the Liberty Pact with Axos.

While the innocent invitation was clearly sincere, it may presage further conflict with the Sumaah Synod.
{{Sumaah Links}}

Authority and acceptance

2026-05-21T15:52:32Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Asavea */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Thule]][[Category:Skoura]][[Category:Tsark]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Jarm]][[Category:Asavea]]
<ic>The old orc catches sight of himself in the windowglass, and wryly notes how much comfortable living in the embassy has softened his frame. He muses on how he came here, to stand at this window looking out across the freezing lake, wearing soft lambswool robes. What would that foolish young warlock, roaring the Dragons' names with rod in one hand and shield in the other, deep in the fray, make of the elderly politician he has become? He pats his expansive belly, shakes his head ruefully.

A throat is cleared politely behind him, he looks up at the reflection of one of his aides. An ambitious young orc, he thinks, then catches himself. The "young orc" is in her thirties at least. He turns, nods, seats his creaking bones down in his high-backed chair and wonders not for the first time why everything aches even when he has done nothing more strenuous than stare out of a window.

"Letters," says the aide. Rak cannot remember her name. Thran? Thova? Something like that.

"Anything interesting?" He pours himself a goblet of metheglin, still steaming gently, a few spices dissolving on the surface. The aide shakes her head.

"Begging letters mostly, if I may be candid?" The younger orc pauses, waiting for another nod telling her to continue. "Merchants, traders. Those Five Fangs fools. The only one I think might require your personal attention is from Orathator of the Hourglass and it is just the usual wheedling about the Well of Shadows. I could answer that one as well if you like?"

The offer is made diffidently enough. Rak hides his cynical smirk in his goblet. Thraon, he remembers. Her name is Thraon and she is significantly more capable and more dangerous than she seems. She wants his job, and she may well have the connections to get it if she keeps on the way she's going, if her faction moves into the ascendant, if he fumbles the negotiations, and the moderates slip down the icy steps before the Dragons' thrones. It's a shame, he muses as he sips his spiced mead, that competence and ambition are often found bound up in the same chains.

"Do not overstep yourself," he cautions calmly. She stiffens, wondering if she has overplayed her hand. "Leave the letter from Orathator, and the one from the Five Fangs. Reply to the others as you see fit but I will read them before they are dispatched. You can go now."

Thraon bows her head, dismissed and rebuked. She touches her amulet, turns to leave, slippers whispering across the thick carpet.

"One last thing," he says as she reaches the door. He is amused to see her shoulders tense, unsure what is coming but expecting the worst.

"Has the wood arrived from the south?" he asks.

"Yes, arrived yesterday along with some coal and several sacks of the Miekarovan charcoal." She sounds relieved, but he has a point to make.

"Yes...?" he prompts her, voice gentle but with a chill undercurrent.

"Yes... Master Rak," she says. She waits ten heartbeats, then when he says nothing more she leaves.

He's glad that the new Ambassador is continuing to keep that polite tradition. He raises his goblet slightly to the shadow of Yevgeni Katzev. This place would be intolerable, he thinks, without that tiny civility, that note of cordiality. But then, if he moves carefully, if he continues to demonstrate his capabilities to the Dragons, if he can show them he is the living instrument of their undivided will, he may not be here for too much longer. ''If'' he can bring this chapter to a satisfactory conclusion, then Thraon can have his seat, and be welcome to it.

He can tolerate another cruel winter in this frigid place, for the promise of something larger and warmer before the snows come again.</ic>
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{{PDFLink|align=right|link=File:Authority and acceptance.pdf|caption=Click for pdf version}}
==Overview==
The Empire borders four powerful orc nations; [[Jotun]] to the west, [[Druj]] to the east, [[Thule]] to the north, and [[Grendel]] to the south. Four other nations - [[Skoura]], [[Axos]], [[Faraden]], and [[Iron Confederacy]] are also close enough that what happens in the Empire effects them directly. In theory, any of those eight nations could threaten Imperial citizens directly – indeed most of them have been at war with the Empire in the past. Some are at war as we speak.

While they may face them on the battlefield, the Empire also maintains diplomatic relations with each of these nations. Some have their own [[ambassador]], some eschew [[embassy|embassies]] and the task of negotiating with them falls as often as not on the shoulders of the [[Imperial Consul]]. From time to time new nations, or new factions within those nations, are discovered, and the [[Senate]] must determine if they are friend or foe. Such was the case with the tiny nation of [[Tsark]], in the [[Mountains of the Moon]]. All of these relationships creates a complex web of interconnection and tension, lines of force and compromise. Even on-the-surface simple exchanges might have significant implications for the people of the Empire.

==Otkodov==
{{Nation|nation=[[Thule|The Thule]]|port=None|ambassador=Kindra Surefoot of [[Wintermark]]|status=Foreigner}}
* '''The Empire is at peace with the Thule, but the peace treaty is due to expire soon'''
* '''It is clear that they will expect the Empire to pay a heavy price to extend the existing peace treaty'''
The Empire has enjoyed the benefits of a long but uneasy peace with the [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]], albeit one that came at a steep price. The Thule control regions of almost every territory that borders their land, claiming that the mountains of the northern Empire belong to them. While the cost may have been high, there have also been notable benefits. Cooperation against Jotun and Druj, leading to the liberation of Sermersuaq and the conquest of Ossium. Extensive trade in mana and ilium, in return for food and [[crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] materials. Most recently, assistance in bringing an end to the dangerous [[Agramant]] follower and traitor [[The_price_of_peace#A_Hound_of_Darkness_(Sermersuaq)|Maarik the Golden Tongue]].

The Thule ambassador to the Empire is ''Rak-Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided''. An older warlock who has several times visited the Empire, he is known as a cynical and somewhat sarcastic individual who is prone to lose his temper with those he considers to be wasting his time or failing to be subtle in their manipulations.
===Negotiations===
* '''The Senate passed a specifically worded senate motion demanded before the Thule would reopen negotiations with the Empire'''
* '''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided invites Ambassador Kindra Surefoot to a meeting during the summit at 17:00 on Saturday'''
The five year peace treaty [[Ratify Thule peace treaty|ratified in 382YE]] is nearing its end. Due to expire in Summer 387YE, the treaty states that one year before it expires, "the Thule and the Empire will meet together and discuss the state of relations and our further plans going forward." The Empire have indicated they would like to begin these negotiations and while the Dragons seem open to the prospect of an enduring peace with the Empire, it is clear they expect the Empire to pay a further price for it. They welcome any chance to discuss opportunities to trade land for peace, and for greater prosperity for Otkodov. The Thule have claimed more land from the Empire through diplomacy than they have ever conclusively gained through fighting.

During the Summer Solstice the Imperial Senate [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Renounce_Claim_to_Thule_Lands|renounced all claim to Thule lands]] using words demanded by Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided. The [[senate motion|motion]] recognises that the [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks|Silver Peaks]], [[Miekarova#Miechernya|Miechernya]], [[Karsk#Krevsaty|Krevsaty]], [[Skarsind#Crows Ridge|Crows Ridge]], [[Ossium#Bonewood|Bonewood]], and [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]] are part of Otkodov, now and forever.

The civil service have been clear that this Senate motion has no real legal implication. One cannot bind the hands of a future Senate, so the Empire is under no ''legal'' obligation to stick to this statement in the future. But as with any such statement by the Senate, abandoning or reneging on it without good reason may have wider implications.

Satisfied by the statement, ''Rak Who-Speaks-With-The-Dragons-Undivided'' invites the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]], '''Kindra Surefoot ''' to a parley to discuss continued relations between the Dragons and the Empire. He invites Ambassador Surefoot to bring an aide; it will be a personal meeting rather than anything that would be appropriate to have in a more public venue.

The meeting will take place in the Veisluhal; a chamber of the Caucus Forum arranged by Rak. A herald of the [[Lashonar|Eater-of-Silence]] will arrive in the Hall of Worlds at 17:00 on Saturday to escort '''Kindra Surefoot''' and their aide to the chamber.

===Funds and Food===
* '''Rak confirms that Gisli "Provider" Baerson was responsible for providing the large amounts of money that helped Otkodov weather their recent food crisis'''
One last matter of official correspondence concerns Rak. In Autumn last year, the Thule confirmed that an Imperial citizen had [[Ship_to_wreck#Closer_to_Home|provided a significant amount of money]] to allow the orcs of Otkodov to purchase much-needed food and help head off widespread famine. At the time Rak refused to comment on who exactly sent the money, but said that if the person responsible came forward or was recognised by the Imperial Synod, he would confirm the truth of the matter. He-Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided has been made aware that the [[Synod]] recognised that [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_17|Gisli "Provider" Baerson]] was responsible for raising and providing the funds. He confirms that this matches his understanding of the situation, and makes it clear that Otkodov does not see any reason why the Empire may wish to punish them.
===Capital at Risk===
*'''Prognosticators have detected an unusually distant conjunction to the Thule territory of Otkodov'''
*'''This appears to an opportunity to investigate rather than for combat but violence cannot be ruled out'''
*'''The Civil Service notes that this appears to be the location of a Thule business venture by the Five Fang Consortium that Imperial citizens helped fund'''
*'''The Ambassador to Otkodov is responsible for ensuring that the Empire makes the most of this opportunity, whatever it is'''
*'''This is a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] encounter
Prior to the Autumn summit the Imperial prognosticators are surprised to find a conjunction that will open far, far to the north of the Empire, in [[Otkodov]]. At first they are particularly puzzled and confused by this, especially given the current peace between the Empire and the followers of the Dragons. However some research reveals that recently a number of Imperial citizens have invested in a Thule business venture, and it appears that the conjunction location is connected to this venture in some uncertain fashion. As such, they have asked the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] to assist in determining what is on the other end, but note that any investors in the ''[[I_remember_you#Attending_At_Last|Five Fang Consortium]]'' should consider going also given their money is likely involved somehow.

One of the prognosticators determines that there seems to be an odd confluence of stars associated with the conjunction; [[the Claw]] in decline suggesting violence should not be expected, though it should still be considered possible; and [[the Wanderer]] in ascension which suggests that those travelling should try to be prepared for anything, and be careful before making any assumptions about what you see on the other side of the Sentinel Gate. The gate will open at 21:05 on the Friday evening to ''Shaft #3, Skarlans, Nithoggir'', for up to six people.
==Skoura==
* '''A treaty between the Empire and Skoura has been ratified by the Imperial Senate'''
* '''The nation does not desire an embassy and is content to work with the Imperial Consul'''
* '''A delegation from Skoura will be attending Anvil around 19.00 on Friday'''
* '''They wish to speak variously to the Imperial Consul, Legion Engineer, Senator for Mareave, and a Marcher named Friar John of the Mourn'''
{{Nation|nation=[[Skoura]]|port=None|status=Foreigner|ambassador=[[Imperial Consul]] Jarrigk Orzel of [[Dawn]]}}
The nation of [[Skoura]] lies directly to the east of [[Mareave]]. They once called the [[Broken Shore]] their home, but centuries ago were driven back into the mountains by the [[Grendel]]. They formed a new way of life based on principles of safety, security and collective industry.
{{WingedMessenger|address=The diplomat responsible for correspondence with Imperial citizens is ''Talker Garra, Delvemistress of Skoura, Whose hand flows with silver, Skoura''.}}
The Empire's relationship with Skoura is neutral, tending positive. The presence of a land border between the two nations and the [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_Skoura|treaty]] ratified at the Summer Solstice establishes mutual respect for each other's [[territory]] has begun a new period of diplomatic relations. The Skourans do not have an [[embassy]], and have actively expressed a wish not to have one at this time. As such, diplomatic contact is by letter only, via the office of the [[Imperial Consul]] (although some Imperial citizens may have direct routes to speak with individual Skourans of course).

The Delvemistress, Talker Garra, has sent a short message indicating that the Skourans are happy with the recent treaty, and impressed how swiftly it was agreed. She views it as evidence of the Empire's relative maturity and good sense. Reading between the lines, and judging from a few asides, the Civil Service suggest that the Imperial response has made a refreshing change from the regular drama involved in dealing with the Skourans other primary allies, the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]].

One of the provisions of the treaty is that the Empire “''will attempt to return, at reasonable costs, any cultural and historical artifacts of the Skouran people that are uncovered as they developed the territory''”. Consul '''Lord Jarrigk Orzel''' has informed the Skourans that such an item - a [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]] - has been found in Mareave. As a cultural and historical artifact of the Skouran people, Talker Garra intends to send a representative to collect the item from [[Anvil]], to spare the Empire any undue costs in returning it. The representative plans to meet with the Imperial Consul early on the Friday evening during the summit, presuming that they can arrange a meeting with the citizen who has the schema.

The Consul also appraised the Skourans of the [[Imperial Orcs]] interest in rebuilding the ruined [[Set_my_lands_in_order#Arid|aqueduct]] in [[Mareave#Eoradal|Eoradal]], believed to be of Skouran make and a relic of their dominance of the territory they called Mahal. The Skourans are interested, but obviously the issue is not the aqueduct itself so much as the water that will flow along it into Imperial Mareave. They are not at this time prepared to commit to trading water to the Empire, not least because Talker Garra indicates that there are several questions relating to the volume of water that will be required, and the purpose it will be used for. There is a difference, she points out, between enough water to support a modest community and the water required to support dozens of farms across arid Eoradal, or Mareave as a whole. With that in mind, the Delvemistress is sending a second delegation to Anvil, again due to arrive at seven in the evening. Rather than the Imperial Consul, however, these engineers want to talk to the [[Legion Engineer]] '''Groza''' and '''Gaddak''' the [[Senator]] for Mareave. Rather surprisingly, they have also requested the presence of a [[the Marches|Marcher]] – ''Friar John of the Mourn'' – but apparently that is a personal request from one of the architects rather than anything the Delvemistress mandates for the meeting.
{{Nation|nation=[[Tsark]]|port=None|status=Foreigner|ambassador=[[Imperial Consul]] Jarrigk Orzel of [[Dawn]]}}
==Tsark==
* '''The people of Tsark are technically foreigners, since the Senate has not explicitly defined any relationship with them'''
Two years ago, [[Fortify_Lustri|construction began]] on a [[fortification]] in [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]], on the border between [[Zenith]] and the [[Sarangrave]]. At the time, the isolated people of the [[Mountains of the Moon]] sent an emissary, ''Sage Apollion'', who offered the assistance of the people of [[Tsark]], but stipulated strong oaths that the Empire would have to undertake for this support. The oaths revolved around respect for Tsark's decision to isolate themselves, and to forswear from any formal attempt to open diplomatic channels. The Imperial Senate declined the offer, and the ''Stork's Gaze'' now stands proud in the north of Urizen, built with Imperial [[white granite]] alone. Since then there has been no official communication between the tiny nation and the Empire.

Despite this official silence, there have been some signs that backchannel communication has taken place with the ''sagocracy'' (such as when [[Sinokenon]] arranged a meeting on behalf of the [[Archmage of Day]]). It's also clear that the nation of [[Skoura]] has an interest in the Mountains of the Moon, both from provisions in the recent treaty and information gathered during the Empire's original [[Mountains_of_the_Moon#Zanaeti_Tunnels_and_the_Skouran_Embassy|spying expedition]] into the territory.
===Down From The Moon===
* '''A group of Urizeni and Tsarkoi have descended the mountains into Zenith'''
All of this would be much of a muchness, except as the Autumn Equinox grows near news reaches Anvil that a number of people come down from the mountains through [[Mountains_of_the_Moon#Maze_of_Zora_and_the_Mislitel_Pass|Mislitel Pass]] into [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]]. Most of them wear faded and worn [[Urizen|Urizeni]] robes that show signs of having been carefully patched and darned. With them come a small number of Tsark ''cuvari'' in distinctive white robes, [[orc|orcs]] and humans both. They are led by three individuals dressed in Tsarkoi fabrics but ''not'' the cloaks of the cuvari. One is ''Sage Apollion''; another orc identifies himself as ''Sage Kristoph''; and a human who gives their name as ''Quinta''. Sage Kristoph and Quinta also bear what is unmistakably a body, carefully wrapped in a pale blue shroud, green flowers set about the covered head.

The travellers arrive at the ''Temple of the Wanderer'', the spire led by '''Cato Hypation''' that stands in a haunted ruin near the foot of the pass. The Senator for Zenith - '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' - also lives here, though it's not clear if he was there in person to greet the arrivals. News of their arrival spreads quickly across the [[Heliopticon]], so that by nightfall most of Urizen knows of what has transpired here.

Sage Apollion explains that they have accompanied a cohort of Urizeni who have, together, decided to "choose the peace of memory's passing", opting to give up all their memories of Tsark and return to Urizen. These returning Imperial citizens had all found their way to Tsark some time in the past, from Zenith or Spiral. In some cases, it has been decades since these Urizeni saw their homes: it seems since that time they have been kept as prisoners on the [[Mountains_of_the_Moon#Zabor|island of Zabor]] in the centre of [[Mountains_of_the_Moon#Lake_Tsark_and_Merak_Falls|Lake Tsark]].

It seems several months ago a number of letters were sent to the prisoners, facilitated by secret negotiations between Sage Kristoph and the Imperial Consul. Whatever their contents, they were powerful enough to encourage many – but by no means all – of the prisoners to agree to lose their memories of their time in Tsark, and come back to Urizen. One of the exceptions is the human ''Quinta'' – who is themselves Urizeni by birth but has chosen to take the ''other'' choice offered by the people of Tsark – to formally join the People of the Moon, retaining their memories and regaining their freedom in return for the life that Tsark offers.

These Urizen are in a state of some confusion, although they possess the mental discipline to maintain [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise|poise]] despite their obvious confusion. In each case, their memories prior to descending the Mislitel Pass end with them stepping into a pit trap or being caught in a net. Now they are here, years and in some cases decades later, with little memory of the intervening time. For several the Empire and Urizen alike are very different to what they remember; they learn with horror of the [[Druj]] invasion, of the rousing of the {{Black Plateau}}, of the conquest of Spiral and its subsequent assignment to [[the League]], of the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[the Throne|Throne]], conquest of Mareave... the events pile up one on the other and each one widens the gulf between these former prisoners and the Urizen around them. The removal of memories appears to be complete – but all are left with the certainty that they ''chose'' this; it was not forced upon them. Magical examination indicates that these memories are gone, excised as entirely as they might be by [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]] but on a much larger scale.

The body they have born was Ursula, once the oldest prisoner on Zabor, who, Sage Kristoph explains, "came to them" long ago (in the time of [[Emperor Ahraz]] it is quickly calculated). Ursula, not young when she first came to Tsark, died the evening after receiving the letters born through the Consul's diplomatic efforts. She seems to have died peacefully: her body has been carefully preserved with herbs and while Sage Kristoph indicates that he is aware the Urizeni do not care deeply for the body, the decision to repatriate Ursula's remains was taken as a demonstration of deep respect for her personally by Tsark's sagocracy.

Sage Apollion goes on to say that he hopes that the returning Urizeni can be found safe homes while they reconnect to the world they left behind - but that as far as the Tsarkoi are concerned that matter is closed. They broke their laws, were subject to the according penalties, and those have now been discharged. Those that remain on Zabor are few in number, and generally old. They wish to die as Ursula did: with their memories, as proud Urizeni.

===Hearts Change===
* '''A delegation from Tsark intends to visit Anvil to increase their understanding of the Imperial nations'''
* '''Sage Apollion and Sage Kristoph are particularly interested in meeting people of the League, Wintermark mediators, and Navarr guides'''
* '''The former-Urizeni Quinta has been charged to speak to their former countryfolk'''
* '''Their delegation is expected to turn up at 20.00 on Saturday'''
All of this would be a five weeks wonder if not for the fact that these events provoked a discussion among the Council of Sages regarding the matter of Tsark's isolation. Sage Kristoph, who was assigned as a diplomatic envoy, was instrumental in these discussions, and along with Sage Apollion plans to travel to [[Anvil]] as representatives of their nation. They intend to meet the various peoples of the Empire in the hope of understanding them a little better – especially those of the League who they understand now rule in Spiral. They also wish to speak to [[mediator|mediators]] of [[Wintermark]] and [[guide|guides]] of [[Navarr]], but they hope to visit all of the nations. It's notable that for a tiny nation on the very outskirts of the Empire, the people of Tsark seem to have a remarkable amount of knowledge of the nations and their people. The civil service speculate that this may be down to years of discourse with captured travellers, although there is also evidence that they have close relationships with some of the eternals so its possible their knowledge in part derives from Sinokenon or [[Lashonar]].

The former Urizen Quinta will also be accompanying them, on a sanctioned mission by the Council of Sages - who have clearly trusted them enough to undertake this task on their own - but they will be speaking directly with the Urizeni of Anvil, who they once called siblings. They wish to explain the reasons for their decision to remain in Tsark in person.

Taking leave of the House of the Wanderer, the two orcs and the human set off on the long trek west toward Casinea. As a foreign nation with no ambassador, responsibility for dealing with them technically descends to the [[Imperial Consul]]. They are expected to arrive around eight in the evening on Saturday during the summit.

===Participation===
If you are Urizeni, its possible you had a personal relationship with one of the released prisoners – or with someone you suspect may have chosen to remain a captive of Tsark. The former prisoners are currently at the House of the Wanderer, but will of course be free to rejoin their old spires if such exist. All information is that they are sound in body, and their confusion seems to stem from their missing time rather than any injury of the mind or spirit. All evidence suggests that it is ''impossible'' to restore their memories of Tsark – just as it is impossible to restore memories removed with [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]].

A new Urizen character could choose to be one of the former prisoners, but this will not involve any additional briefing or information simply because all memory of Tsark has been removed. It might make an interesting character idea to play someone who has years or decades of “missing time” - and who can portray someone broadly unaware of recent Imperial history prior to their return.
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Asavea]]
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconAsavea.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Asavea==
* '''The Asavean Archipelago and the Empire are at war
* '''The Asaveans are supporting the Grendel, and attempting to convert the Faraden to their cause'''
* '''The arrival of missionaries of the Way has further enraged the Asaveans'''
Imperial relations with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] continue to decline, despite efforts from the ambassador to turn them around. The Asaveans remain at war with the Empire, and while they are likely smarting over the [[Harvest of infamy|failed attack on Meade]], it will not have dented their desire for revenge. They remain incensed by the decision of the Empire to send missionaries to their shores, rightly regarding it as an existential threat against the rule of the Plenum. For as long as the missionaries continue to travel to Asavea, they are certain to remain implacably hostile to the Empire.

In addition to their open support for the [[Grendel]], both through gifts of materials and money and through the deployment of powerful Asavean warships in Imperial waters, there are signs that agents from the west are attempting to influence the [[Faraden]] to [[Where_five_winds_meet#The_Asavean_Problem|ally with them against the Empire]]. There are also rumours of Asavean involvement in the [[Iron Confederacy]] and even [[Axos]]. The Plenum may be corrupt, and the Asavean star in decline, but they were an old and experienced nation when the Empire was founded. The tricks of diplomacy and espionage come easily to them and it seems that they are prepared to put them all in service of humbling the Imperial Senate.

Attempts by the [[Senate]] to [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Criminalise_Preaching_the_Way_in_Asavea|plough a different furrow]] were stymied by the decision of a member of the [[Synod]] to seek the veto. As a result, the Asaveans have made good on [[Drumbeat_of_war#Hoist_Sails|their threat to put a bounty on any ships travelling to or from Imperial ports]].
Now any hope of peace hangs on the final decision of the Synod whether to make good on their threat to veto the motion or not.
{{Nation|nation=[[Asavean Archipelago]]|status=Barbarian|port=[[Asavean_Archipelago_ports|Nemoria]] (closed)|ambassador=Asier i Elia i Guerra of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
===A Firm Rebuttal===
* '''Attempts to identify a compromise have been firmly rebutted by the Asaveans'''
* '''The Empire would need to stop sending missionaries to Asavea for at least a year before any negotiations could begin'''
Thus far, efforts to find a diplomatic way to de-escalate the growing conflict have failed, despite efforts from the Empire's diplomats. Attempts to convince Lady Madrianna that the Synod does not seek to overthrow the Plenum have foundered in the face of the stark reality that if the priests of the Way succeed in converting the Asaveans, then it is guaranteed to bring about the Plenum's demise and the destruction of the system of temples that maintain their society. It is clear that the Plenum understand the threat that the Empire's priests represents.

Lady Madrianna herself appears to have been infuriated by the suggestion that Asavea needs to "appease" the Synod; that they should simply allow a religion antithetical to Asavean culture and tradition to flourish. In very precise language she points out that this has already been tried, with the temple in Nemoria, and that the result was a disaster. Further she is at pains to note the astonishing ''hypocrisy'' of the ambassador's position. It is illegal to preach anything but the Way in the Empire, but the Plenum should let the Empire's risible godless religion spread in Asavea?

In theory it might be possible to find a way back from this conflict, but tempers are running high in Asavea. Even leaving aside the attack on Chalonsio, or the Empire's open support of the [[Sumaah Republic]], the current crises has been further exacerbated by the brutal murder of several powerful members of the Tarquinius family by followers of the Way; a rebellion in one of the satrapies openly sponsored by Asavean pilgrims; and the destruction of the old Temple of the Way in Nemoria that claimed numerous lives as part of a plan sponsored by an open follower of the Way. At the moment, any attempt to persuade the Plenum that the desire to convert the Asavean to the Way is not part of a direct attack on their power is doomed to failure.

There is no possibility of the Empire opening new negotiations with Asavea while priests continue to travel there to spread the Way. The Empire would have to demonstrate good faith by ensuring that no priests travelled to Asavea to proselytise the faith for at least a year before any diplomacy might be possible.

===Priestly Prisoners===
* '''A number of Asavean priests from the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull have surrendered to the Freeborn generals'''
One matter the Ambassador may wish to involve themselves with is the fate of the priests of Balo and the Black Bull currently in the custody of the [[general|generals]] of [[the Brass Coast]]. Following the [[Glass_and_flame#The_Siege_of_Oran|siege of Oran]] in [[Feroz]], perhaps thirty priests and acolytes surrendered, specifically to the Freeborn commanders (as detailed in the '''[[Glass_and_flame#Game_Information_:_Asavean_Diplomacy|Glass and flame]]''' wind of war). Currently under guard in [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]], they claim that they have done nothing to harm Imperial citizens and that in fact they did everything they could to help their Freeborn friends avoid the grasp of the Grendel governor. They have asked to be repatriated to Asavea. The decision about what to do with these barbarians – whether to execute them as enemies of the Empire or returned to their people – lies with a majority decision of the three Freeborn generals. The [[Herald of the Council]] waits to hear their decision. Executing the priests will send a powerful message to Asavea, and will likely be seen by the Freeborn people as just retribution for the destruction of Shantarim and the Isle of Osseini, for the burning of Siroc, and for the recent murder of Imperial missionaries in Asavea.

Regardless of the generals' decision, it will fall to the Ambassador to communicate their fate to Asavea. If they are to be repatriated, if a ransom is demanded, or if their bodies are to be returned to the Asaveans, the Ambassador is in the best position to handle any negotiations involved.

===Red Sails===
* '''The Plenum has followed through on their threat to attack any ship trading with the Empire if the Empire continue sending missionaries to Asavea'''
* '''Imperial fleets gain one rank when trading with Sumaah, the Commonwealth and the Sarcophan Delves'''
* '''Imperial taxation has dropped by 62 thrones'''
The Asavean plenum has placed a bounty on any fleet trading with the Empire, just as they promised they would if the tide of missionaries continued (see last season's ''[[Drumbeat of war#Hoist Sails|Drumbeat of war]]'' wind of fortune). Priests of Vebar, Mistress of the Tides of the Sun and Moon, will provide blessings to any Asavean vessel prepared to attack any ship visiting Imperial ports, seeking to capture the ship, steal their cargo, and enslave their crews. The impact of the effect has already been felt, with [[Hyenas_and_herbs#The_Price_of_Doing_Business|traders from the Sarcophan Delves]], [[Hyenas_and_herbs#The_Price_of_Doing_Business|Commonwealth merchants]], and [[The_tale_that_speaks_to_your_heart#War_in_the_West|Sumaah ships]] all being attacked by privateers. The bounty is not only open to Asavean vessels; opportunistic pirates and raiders alike have been apprised of it and seek to take advantage.

This move cannot help but escalate the conflict. The [[Sarcophan Delves]] have already protested the move, and it is clear the [[Commonwealth]] are preparing to take steps that will likely make the situation even more chaotic. The Asavean plenum clearly believes it is worth the price however - the Commonwealth, like the Empire and Sumaah, has few navies and relatively few fleets and the Sarcophan are very unlikely to risk war with any of the Great Powers.

Asavean vessels won't currently enter the [[Bay of Catazar]], but they can still impose a heavy toll on Imperial trade elsewhere. There are already noticeably fewer Sumaash, Commonwealth, and Sarcophan merchant ships reaching Imperial ports, either because they have been captured by the Asaveans or because they have gone elsewhere in search of safer profits. This has resulted in an ongoing loss to the [[Imperial treasury]], estimated at 62 Thrones this season, which will persist for as long as the attacks last. At the moment there has been no direct impact on the various [[ministry|ministries]] and [[sinecure|sinecures]] supported by foreign trade - those invested in such trade routes have taken steps to defend their ships and are clearly hoping the threat can be ended before it impacts their profits too much - but there is no guarantee that state of affairs will continue. It's unlikely to end trades such as the [[Steel Fist]], or the [[Custodian_of_the_Concordium_Dock|Concordium Dock]] but it may reduce the amount of goods available, or increase the prices foreign merchants demand to make the risk of piracy more palatable.

Somewhat perversely, Imperial fleets trading with Sumaah, the Commonwealth, or Sarcophan Delves will see a small boost to their profits (gaining the equivalent of a single rank). Imperial goods will be become harder to obtain in these ports, improving demand and profits.

This action is not be without cost to the Plenum - they are paying the equivalent of up to a hundred Thrones a season in bounties, to say nothing of the diplomatic repercussions of attacking other nation's shipping. The fact that they are prepared to swallow those costs is evidence of just how seriously they take the threat posed by Imperial missionaries, and a taste of what they might do to fight back as the threat grows more real.

===Missionary Matters===
* '''Imperial missionaries continue to travel to Asavea'''
While the Senate voted to make preaching in Asavea illegal, the Imperial Synod doubled-down on its commitment to bringing the way to the Archipelago by any means necessary. Further details can be found in the '''[[Irreconcilable differences]]''' wind of fortune.

==Jarm==
* '''Jarm remains at peace with the Empire, but relations are extremely frosty'''
{{Nation|nation=Jarm|status=Foreigner|port=[[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_(Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Kavor]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_(Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Vezak]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_(Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Rigia]] (all closed)|ambassador=Nikita Teanga Volkov of [[Varushka]]}}
One of the six great powers, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are no friends to the Empire. The ''magocracy'', ruled by the House of Princes resents what it claims are repeated attempts by Imperial citizens to interfere with its interests. Via the [[Liberty Pact]], the Empire is allied with Jarm's enemies, the [[Commonwealth]], and open war now rages between the two great nations. They may not be at war with the Empire, but they know that Imperial citizens and the Imperial Conclave in particular have provided significant assistance to their rivals. Communications tend to be brusque, bordering on the curt.

The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is ''Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook'', Who attends at the House of Princes. A canny and influential politician who has served the House of Princes for over forty years, he represents the Jarmish to the Empire and vice-versa. A potent master of Autumn magic, he is known for his sarcasm and dry wit, and for his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities he serves.
===War in the East===
* '''The decision not to allow mercenaries to fight with the Commonwealth has been well received'''
Jarm is engaged in a brutal war with the Commonwealth (also discussed in the '''[[Beneath_mithril_spires#War_in_the_East|Beneath mithril spires]]''' wind of fortune. Ambassador Nikira Teanga Volkov has assured Lord-Magister Trescher that the Empire respects that the conflict is between Jarm and the Commonwealth; while it is aligned with the Commonwealth on matters of trade, the Empire does not wish to involve itself in their conflict. News that the Imperial Senate has not [[For_the_Common_Good#Boots_on_the_Ground|granted permission]] for Imperial mercenaries to fight alongside the Commonwealth armies has reached the Principalities, and Lord-Magister Trescher offers grudging approval.

The House of Princes are aware of the decision, and it is seen as a first faltering step toward a potential future détente between Jarm and the Empire. Obviously the scales are not balanced - the Imperial Conclave shared [[Imperial lore]] with the Commonwealth but refuses to share any rituals with Jarmish magicians and the Principalities cannot trade with the Empire's ports without "[[tariffs|punishing tariffs]]" - but coupled with the professional tone of the new Ambassador's letters, it represents the first real positive improvement in relations between the two great nations in some time. It is, after all, the insistence in intruding into other nations' affairs that is the root of much of the Jarmish anger with the Empire.

Despite this understanding, Lord-Magister Trescher makes it clear that if Imperial mercenaries ''do'' turn up in battles between Jarmish and Commonwealth forces, the House of Princes will view it as a declaration of war by the Empire and respond appropriately. It is unfortunate that the [[Senate]] still finds itself unable to formally pronounce its intention to remain neutral in the war between Jarm and the Commonwealth, making it difficult for many magician-princes to trust their sincerity.

===Shield Against Folly===
* '''The Jarmish possess the artefact-relic Measure'''
* '''They have repeated their offer to exchange the shield for a ritual text of Brotherhood of Tian'''
* '''They are also prepared to offer 10 rings of ilium to whichever Conclave order disseminates the ritual text to them'''
* '''If that happens, they will also pay the Imperial Senate 100 thrones to "cover the costs" of transporting the ritual text to Jarm'''
* '''If the Conclave declines the trade, it will not be repeated and the opportunity to gain Measure will be lost, potentially permanently'''
Last season Lord-Magister Trescher [[Thrones_and_principalities#Metric_and_Measure|communicated an offer]] from the House of Princes regarding ''Measure'', the original [[Pilgrim's Shield]] of [[Wisdom]] gifted the Seven Pilgrims by ''Ezkiah the Benefactor''. They know that in Imperial eyes it is the property of the [[Champion of Wisdom]]. Securing the shield required the [[Conclave]] to [[Dissemination|disseminate]] the ritual [[Brotherhood of Tian]]. In addition to the shield the House of Princes offered obvious inducements to encourage the Empire to provide the ritual they desired - 100 Thrones to the Imperial senate "to cover any transportation costs", and 10 rings of [[ilium]] to the [[Conclave order]] whose [[Grandmaster]] enacts the declaration "in recompense for their time, and their assistance in the matter".

The Varushkan Ambassador has informed the Jarmish that the Conclave is unlikely to agree to this proposal, and was concerned that going ahead in the current climate would risk defeat and consequently make it harder to raise the declaration in future. After speaking the House, Lord-Magister Anton asks that the Ambassador follow through on their offer to see the dissemination raised even if it doing so serve merely as a way for malcontents to air their imagined grievances against the Principalities. The reality is that the Empire are not the only people interested in the shield, and if the Conclave is not prepared to provide the ritual - and the Ambassador cannot made a convincing counter-offer on the same scale - then the shield will instead be traded to someone else. Lord-Magister Anton will not say who the shield will be traded to, merely noting that it is ''extremely'' unlikely any Imperial citizen will ever see it again. "It would be a shame to see an end brought to the centuries long tradition of arming one of the foremost champions of your faith with this fabled tool," says the Jarmish diplomat.

The civil service believe this is no idle threat; from the context it is clear that the Jarmish intend to provide the shield either to someone who will destroy it, or someone who will put it beyond Imperial reach, should the Conclave refuse their offer. They are very clearly attempting to use possession of the shield as leverage to get what they want.

===Artificers===
* '''Jarmish merchants of the Circle of Six are interested in purchasing ritual paraphernalia and other items from the Artisans Guild'''
<div style="width: 500px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;" colspan="3">'''The Circle of Six Offers'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Item'''</td><td>'''Quantity'''</td><td>'''Price Per Item'''</tr>
<tr><td>[[The Fountain of Thorns]]</td><td>5</td><td>53 Crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Spider's Web]]</td><td>5</td><td>55 Crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Amberglass Orb]]</td><td>8</td><td>20 Crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Greensteel Orb]]</td><td>9</td><td>21 Crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Altruist's Recompense]]</td><td>15</td><td>14 Crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodsilver Spike]]</td><td>20</td><td>16 Crowns</td></tr>
</table></div>
Also last season, Lord-Magister Trescher communicated an offer from a Jarmish merchant ''Bojana Etura of the Circle of Six'' interested in making a deal with the ''Artisans Guild'' via their [[Guildmaster of the Artisans|Guildmaster]] '''Xanthius'''. They were particularly interested in magical [[Magic_items#Paraphernalia|ritual paraphernalia]] that could be used by Jarmish magicians, to help them fill the increased demand from their customers as the war with the Commonwealth continues. The Empire [[tariffs#Embargo|embargos]] Jarmish traders from visiting its ports but it is the House of Princes that will not let Imperial [[fleet|fleets]] [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports|Jarmish ports]]. As such there is no legal impediment on the Imperial side to citizens in a position to make a trade and the involvement of Lord Trescher bespeaks the approval of the House of Princes.

The Imperial Ambassador, however, reports that any support for the ''Circle of Six'' would represent military involvement in the ongoing conflict between Jarm and the Commonwealth. However, they have a counter-proposal. War can bring about destruction and the loss of food and resources, they point out, and as such the Artisan's Guild might be persuaded to offer different kinds of items. ''Bojana Etura'' has responded with a second offer, focused around the lores of [[Spring magic]] and [[Autumn magic]] - realms that [[Spring_magic#Healing_and_Vitality|heal]] and restore [[Autumn_magic#Prosperity|prosperity]] in times of war.

If the Artisans Guild is prepared to provide some or all of these items (or those previously requested - those offers are still open), and the Ambassador can pass on which items and how many, then a representative of the ''Circle of Six'' will travel to Anvil during the Winter Solstice to take possession of the items, pay the agreed price, and discuss future trades. If not, ''Bojana Etura'' will have to look elsewhere to fill their lucrative orders - and will be forced to advise their peers that trade with the Empire remains impossible.

==Non Attendance==
{{Nation|nation=[[Grendel]]|port=[[Bay_of_Catazar#Dubhtraig|Dubhtraig]] (closed)|ambassador=Finna of the [[the Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]|status=Barbarian}}
* '''The Empire is at war with the Grendel of the Broken Shore, but the Grendel have not completely cut off diplomatic relations'''
The Empire remains at war with the [[Grendel]] and the orcs of the [[Broken Shore]]. They have [[Glass and flame|struck decisively into Feroz]], and is [[Steel_and_salt|heavily engaged in Ayereed]]. There is a major force - armies and navies alike - still in [[Madruga]] as near as anyone can tell, although with the [[Where the river rises|recent developments there]] making scrying difficult there's no confirmation of what they are doing. There are reports of conflicts between Imperial ships and Grendel vessels, and skirmished cross the Bay where both sides are engaged with the [[Children of Wrecks]]. Yet the one thing there is ''not'' is an appearance at Anvil by ''Speaker Morna''.

After due consideration, the Grendel diplomat sees little benefit to himself or the Salt Lords Council attending Anvil this summit. He reassures his opposite number that he is still keen to correspond, but will not be returning to Anvil until there is something of substance to discuss - like a proposal for how the two nations might deal with the mutual threat of the Children of Wrecks. The price of the Ambassador's time is simply not worth the benefits it offers at the moment.
==Resolution==
The [[Conclave]] declined to provide [[Brotherhood of Tian]] to the House of Princes, and as such the [[Shield Against Folly|opportunity to acquire]] the artefact shield of Wisdom, [[Measure]], has been lost.
{{Asavean Links}}

Grown from the revolution seed

2026-05-21T15:37:30Z

GuiltyConscience:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:384YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"By the paragons!" The pen dropped from Senzio's hand. He stared owlishly down at what he'd written, mouth slightly open.

"What?" Astibar moved across, leant over to see what his friend had written. He'd been head-down over the documents for over an hour, pen scratching away as he attempted to break the code. Several of the pages had needed to be soaked in a bath of special salts to remove the bloodstains that make parts of them unreadable. They were still drying - Senzio had idly tried to see if he could work out what one of the less damaged pages held... and it looked like he'd been successful.

"It's... we need to contact the Voice of Liberty. No, we need to tell the Senate. This is bigger than we expected, bigger than any of us guessed...."

Despite himself Astibar rolled his eyes a little. His friend had started out on the cheap stages of Sarvos, and never passed up an opportunity to be overly dramatic. It was one of his least endearing qualities.

"Well go on then, don't leave me in suspense."

"The Noble Lady of the Sea. She's not a person at all. Not some glorified merchant-prince..."

"Come on Senzio! Stop milking it! This isn't Patrico Sarvosa's counting house and you aren't Doctor Sentirsibene."

Senzio folded his arms grumpily and stuck out his bottom lip.

"Well if you're going to be a prick about it... It turns out the Noble Lady of the Sea is a ''ship''. The flagship of a mighty armada of warships belonging to some people called the..." he checked his notes. "The Slave Lords of Rachensgrab. Slave ''Lords'' Astibar. And it's not an idle name either by the looks of it. They've got an entire city state behind them, on the other side of the Sea of Steel. They provide slaves to corrupt nations across the known world, and they have not only been doing it for quite some time but from what I see here they make the Ceruleo family look like a couple of amateurs running a three-card-monte outside a tavern. And that's just the start. There's pages of this stuff."

Astibar chewed one end of his moustache in a way Senzio found very annoying.

"We'd better let the Senate know," he said after a moment. "Manage their expectations as it were."

His friend looked back down at the paper again.

"I think they probably want to let the ambassadors know as well," he said. "I feel like we're going to need all the help we can get."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Masterful planning.jpg|align=left|caption=Destroying the Slave Lords of Rachensgrab will require careful planning, but time is short.|width=400}}</div>
{{Audio|link=https://youtu.be/RhLsY9e09PE}}
==Overview==
Last season, the Empire joined forces with the [[Commonwealth]] and [[Sumaah]], their allies in the [[Liberty Pact]], to launch a [[Mosaic|surprise attack]] on the city of [[There_is_thunder#Chalonsio|Chalonsio]] in the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. There was no declaration of war, no warning given of the coming attack. The first the Asaveans knew was when the sails of their enemies appeared on the horizon. The docks were burned, the cities defences overrun, the bridges were torn down, the gates of the Sapphire Gate torn asunder and the priests of the God of Chains were slaughtered. The cobbled streets of the island city of Chalonsio ran with the blood of slavers.

Perhaps the greatest victory of all was the capture of vital information about the ''Noble Lady of the Sea''... which it turns out is not a person at all but a ''ship''. A dangerous, powerful ship, the flagship of an armada of warships belonging to a group called the ''Slave Lords of Rachensgrab''. Their red-sailed raiding ships have attacked every coastline in the world at some point, and then shown up weeks later to sell human misery in the slave markets of Asavea and [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]]. They are known to be frequent visitors to [[Bay_of_Catazar#Dubhtraig|Dubhtraig]], and may even engage in trade with the [[Iron Confederacy]] or the [[Druj]]. Everywhere that intelligent people put their fellow creatures in chains, the red sails of vessels like the ''Noble Lady of the Sea'' are found.

The location of Rachesngrab has never been discovered - until now. The priests of the God of Chains knew where it lay, and when their temple was destroyed the victorious alliance was able to snatch that information from the flames - literally as one of the high priests of the God of Slavers was trying to burn the maps rather than allow the Liberty Pact to capture them. That priest is dead - and the fact they failed to destroy the vital clue died with them. As a consequence, the Liberty Pact now has a narrow window to strike at the Slave Lord's stronghold.

==Across the Sea of Steel==
[[The seven seas]] fill the spaces left by the Creator's hand, surrounding and separating the great powers of the world. East of the [[The seven seas#Sea of Sighs|Sea of Sighs]] and the [[The seven seas#Sea of Teeth|Sea of Teeth]] lies the [[The seven seas#Sea of Steel|Sea of Steel]]. One of the largest of the seven seas, believed to be thousands of miles across, it takes its name from the large number of warships that cluster along its shores and ply its waves. The Commonwealth controls much of southern waters and Jarm dominate the western shores but the north is hostile waters and few ships that have sailed that way have returned.

Now it is revealed that the home port of the ''Noble Lady of the Sea'' lies here. An archipelago of islands, romantically called the ''Tears of the Moon'', can apparently be reached by sailing dead north from [[Commonwealth_ports#Volkavaar_.28Western_Commonwealth.29|Volkavaar]]. A daring journey for anyone who does not know their destination, the chain of islands lies more than three weeks away across the storm-wracked waters. The largest of the countless Tears is the island of Rachensgrab, a swarming, cosmopolitan island whose rakish inhabitants dress in fancy silk doublets that would be the envy of a [[the League|League]] [[bravo]]. This is the home of the Slave Lords of Rachensgrab, the powerful alliance of cutthroats and criminals who have bought and sold slaves all over the world to build themselves a life of power and indulgence.

Based on the evidence they have gathered from the priests of the God of Chains, the Empire has been able to put together a daring plan, a chance to launch an assault on this aerie of the slave lords and potentially deal a fatal blow to the vile trade in living beings.

==The Assault==
* '''Fleet and military unit owners can take the ''Assault on the Aerie of the Slave Lords'' action in downtime'''
* '''The option is located on the ''privateering'' or ''independent action'' dropdown respectively'''
This time, there is no question of legality. Digging through old civil service records on the matter, Magistrate Abraham has discovered a decree issued by [[Empress Deanne]] declaring war on the Slavers of Rachensgrab in 316YE. There's no record of such a declaration ever being abrogated and the Senate never mention the isle again, so the state of war ''legally'' still exists. Thus the obstacles to overcome are strategic, not political, for the stronghold of the Slave Lords of Rachensgrab lies leagues away across an open sea. Too far for the Empire to send a navy even if it still had one; too far in fact for even the Commonwealth to consider such an idea.

Thus it is Imperial [[fleet|fleets]] and [[military unit|military units]] that will be essential for any assault to happen. This time the Sumaah Republic has no ships to spare, and precious few soldiers - they must instead shore up their defences in preparation for the inevitable retaliation from Asavea. The Commonwealth will provide a haven for any slaves who can be freed, but beyond that they can spare only a few ships for the effort - they must guard their own waters from the threat of Jarmish aggression.

For fleets, there will be an additional option accessible through the [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action|independent action]] dropdown menu - '''''Assault on the Aerie of the Slave Lords'''''. Any number of fleets can take part in the action, and enchantments that affect [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action|privateering]], such as [[Blood and Salt]], will provide additional strength to the opportunity. For military units, the additional option is accessible through the [[Military_unit#Take_Independent_Action|Independent action]] dropdown menu, and enchantments that improve paid work such as [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]].

==The Raid Admiral==
* '''The General Assembly could appoint an admiral to take charge of the raid'''
* '''The admiral will be better able to coordinate ships, allowing them to seize enemy vessels captured during the attack'''
It will help boost the effectiveness of the raid, if the Empire are able to appoint someone to lead, just as the [[the Marches|Marchers]] and [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] did for their [[Under heaven|raid on Skallahn]]. The Admiral would rally people, secure resources, and otherwise act very much like a [[Field Marshal|field marshal]] might on the battlefield. Previous marshals have been appointed by a national Assembly, but this attack will have to be an Empire-wide assault if it is to succeed. As a result it will need to be a figure appointed by judgement of the General Assembly

To appoint an admiral, the General Assembly will need to raise a [[statement of principle]] naming a single citizen. In the event that the assembly raises more than one statement naming different admirals, the one that passes with the highest margin of success will take precedence. If either statement gains a greater majority, it may even lead to a further opportunity of some sort at the Winter Solstice - just as with any other statement of principle.

Assuming the Empire's priests are able to cooperate to name a single character to act as admiral for the raid, then the named character will be able to coordinate the capture of several valuable ships from the raid, depending on how much strength is recruited to take part. The admiral will be able to allocate these vessels as they see fit by instructing the civil service to register the new owners.

==Targets and Rewards==
* '''There is no-one to pay for the assault unless the Empire applies the Guerdon to the action'''
* '''Fleets and military units receive no automatic production for taking part in the raid'''
* '''There is loot that might be had if the assault is successful'''
With only limited assistance from Sumaah and the Commonwealth, the success of this mission is largely in the hands of the Empire. The total strength of fleets and military units contributed by the Empire will determine the outcome of the raid. According to the intelligence the Empire has recovered, the Aerie is well defended, a vast keep that sits on a bluff overlooking a fortified harbour defended by catapults and chains and protected by a sea wall. The Empire will need a significant force to penetrate such defences.

There is no-one to pay for the assault, unless the [[Quartermaster_General_of_the_Imperial_Armies|Quartermaster General]] chooses to instruct the civil service to pay the [[Fleet#Imperial_Guerdon|guerdon]] to those who support the action. However the Empire will be able to loot the Slave Lords ill-gotten wealth and distribute it among the attackers, if the raid is successful.

<div style="margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 50px;">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Up to 5000 - Scatter the Ships</span><br>
The raid does not have enough strength to put to shore, but they can launch a lightning raid on the harbour, attacking ships that are docked or at anchor. A few will be sunk, many will be forced to scatter to avoid a similar fate. The Empire will be able to launch fire arrows into the dockside warehouses and stores, burning whatever wealth the Slave Lords have stored there, but the damage will be limited. Operations will be disrupted for a season, and they will be forced to shore up their defences in case another attack is forthcoming but there will be little lasting damage.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">5,000 - 15,000 - Burn the Harbour</span><br>
Imperial fleets will be able to get put soldiers on the docks, where they can fire the warehouses, attack the defenders, and loot some of the ill-gotten gains the Slave Lords of Rachesngrab have left exposed. Any ships that do not flee the approaching armada will be attacked, and many will be sunk, with a few of the smaller ones captured. The raid will cause destruction and confusion, spreading chaos among the slavers and throwing their operations into turmoil for a year until they are able to replace lost vessels and rebuild the dockside facilities.

If the Empire has appointed an admiral to lead the invasion, they will recover possession of four level three fleets, which they can distribute amongst those who supported the attack and who would benefit from a bigger ship.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">15,000 to 25,000 - Melt Down the Statues</span><br>
One of the Slave Lords of Rachesngrab is apparently some kind of cult leader. A false priest called ''Mordrammo'', they are said to worship a being they called Pharam Vex, the Voivode of Chains. Mordrammo's temple is not far from the docks, for it serves not only as a place of blasphemous worship, but also as one of the biggest auction blocks in the city. There are said to be great gold statues of Pharam Vex inside the temple, and claims that the god itself is sometimes seen there.

Mordrammo won't be caught there - the temple is fortified but not well defended and the shrewd priest is too canny to be trapped. He'll retreat to the Aerie as soon as it becomes clear that the Empire are attacking in numbers. But the temple itself can be burned to the ground, thousands of slaves freed, and the statues of false idols melted down. Temple guards are said to be armoured with golden scales and equipped with magic weapons bought and paid for by the proceeds of the temple's vile trade. Thirty magical weapons of various types will be amongst the loot taken from the raid and spread randomly among those who partake and every fleet and military unit that took part will gain 4 crowns when the gold is sold.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">25,000 to 35,000 - Loot the Sacrificial Tower</span><br>
The city contains a site of [[college of magic|magical study]], ominously referred to as the ''Sacrificial Tower'', where they primarily study [[Autumn magic]]. The way into the tower is said to be filled with all manner of magical traps, but with enough force, the Empire can be confident of breaching it. The tower and the apprentices who study there are ruled by ''Ajakstu of the Many Masks'', another of the Slave Lords. Said to be a master of disguise, Ajakstu is the "face" of the Slave Lords of Rachesngrab - their apparently cultured representative to the wider world. If the tower can be mastered, Ajakstu can be hurled from the top, and the corrupt tomes he has gathered from a hundred shattered libraries burnt - and the enslaved crafters and artists that he has gathered in the cellars beneath finally freed from bondage.

If the tower is destroyed, it will permanently damage the effectiveness of the Slave Lords operations. Denied access to their Autumn enchantments, and robbed of their acceptable face, they will be forced to rely on more mundane, brutal methods which will curtail the scope of what they can attempt. It won't force them to stop their raids entirely, but it will be enough to ensure that their ships don't dare to sail as far as the [[Bay of Catazar]] for a generation, denying barbarians like the [[Grendel]] and the [[Druj]] access to new slaves.

The tower is also said to contain a wealth of magical riches - every fleet and military unit that took part will gain 1 pouch of [[Vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]]. In addition a dozen magical items used to enhance Autumn rituals will be among the loot taken from the raid and spread randomly among those who partake. If the Empire has appointed an admiral to lead the raid, then they will receive copies of two Autumn rituals recovered from the library in the Sacrificial Tower, though how useful such magics will prove remains to be seen.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">35,000 to 45,000 - Sink the Armada</span><br>
Most of the ships docked in the harbour will attempt to flee at the first sign of trouble, but with enough ships, the Empire will be able to throw up a blockade around the port, making it much harder for them to leave. A few will manage to slip through the blockade, but many more will be sunk, and more than a few of the red-sailed ships will be captured. The Slave Lords' pirate armada will be crippled. There is plenty of [[weirwood]] on Rachensgrab but even so, it will take five years for them to rebuild their fleet. Five years in which the world will be free of their raids and five years for nations like Jarm and Asavea to survive without access to the slave traders they have come to rely on.

If the Empire has appointed an admiral to lead the invasion, they will capture four additional level three fleets and two level five fleets, which they can distribute amongst those who supported the attack and who would benefit from a more powerful vessel.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">45,000 to 55,000 - Assault the Aerie</span><br>
The seat of the Slave Lords rule is a squat fortification on the high ground overlooking the city. It is allegedly an impressive structure, that sounds every bit as intimidating as some of the smaller fortifications in the Empire. Storming it will not be easy to take, but with the advantage of surprise the Empire can breach the gates and slaughter the defenders. The current leader of the Slave Lords, a buccaneer called ''Feetla'' controls the slave trade from here, along with any of the other slave lords who have been able to flee the attack. With one fell strike, the Empire can execute them all, ending the threat they pose for good.

With the Aerie and it's defenders dealt with, the Empire can take the time to raze Rachensgrab to the ground. All the slaves in the city can be freed, and those who imprisoned them put to the sword for their crimes. The international trade in slaves will collapse leaving a vacuum in its wake. Ending the threat of the Slave Lords won't force nations like Jarm or Asavea to change their ways, but it will cause them huge problems. They will be unable to buy slaves to replace those they have lost, and unable to sell those they wish to dispose of. Both powers will be forced to consider some changes or else make deep sacrifices to continue as they are.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Over 55,000 - Loot the Slave Lords Treasury</span><br>
According to the tales, the Slave Lords possess immense wealth stored in labyrinthine vaults beneath the Aerie. According to some partial notes found in the Temple of Chains, these vaults are impregnable and protected by terrible guardians - colossal living statues of bronze and steel. Whether these creations are some kind of ''ushabti'' or perhaps some nightmare from the realms is unknown, but they pose a terrible threat to anyone who would try and claim the slavers treasure.

If the Empire attacks with overwhelming force, they can depose the Slave Lords, storm the keep, and then press on into the dungeon. In this case, every fleet and military unit will have a chance to receive one of the hundred wains of Bourse resources recovered from the vaults - mithril, weirwood, or white granite.</div>

==Limited Opportunity==
* '''The Slave Lords of Rachensgrab are not aware that their hidden fastness has been compromised'''
* '''If the Empire does not act immediately, they will realise their weakness and take steps to protect themselves'''
The clock is ticking on the raid; it will only be available in the downtime following the Autumn Equinox. It is inevitable the Slave Lords of Rachensgrab will realise they are vulnerable, and take steps to protect themselves. At the very least, they would potentially be able to call on the Principalities of Jarm to provide them additional protection, making their position unassailable.

Against the Jotun

2026-05-21T15:20:10Z

GuiltyConscience:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:385YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Against the Jotun.jpg|caption=The Jotun strive to follow a simple code of honour - and despise those who break their oaths.|align=left|width=600}}</div>{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/yiuchiOgnKE?si=Hw7YQxwKWOMFmUXN}}
==Frost==
The Imperial armies have rampaged across Tromsa, slaying the Jarl, bringing down the walls of Viheltavathorn, in pursuit of the pretender. With the Marcher armies in the vanguard, they brought vengeance to the roof of the world. Before the gates of Oksenesfestsal itself, the heroes of Anvil fought and defeated the warriors of the new Jarl, Igya Olgafsdottir. They [[A_tale_told#Falling_.28Battle_Opportunity.29|claimed their ransom]], and Mathilda Fisher is now in Imperial custody. And then, their work done, they withdrew. A measured retreat east, back across the chill taiga and snow-dusted hills, across the forested borders of the Icewood back into [[Sermersuaq]].

Even as the Empire quits Tromsa, scouts bring news of an immense Jotun force entering Rikskog from the south. Details are sketchy, beyond the fact that Yrsa Jansdóttir, Jarl of Jarls, Queen of Kalsea leads the armies of the west. An overwhelming response; perhaps inspired by fear that the Empire may despoil Mount Majastind and the graves of the ancestors. With the garrison of Oksenesfestsal, and the support of the fyrds, the Queen's forces move to catch the Imperial invaders. They are too late; the Empire has already quit Tromsa, well on their way to their next engagements.

The Jotun quickly reclaim the land the Empire conquered. Any stragglers swiftly fall beneath the hammers and axes of the furious orcs. Under the shifting ribbon of the northern lights, as the snow begins to pile up, silence falls over Tromsa.

===Game Information: Tromsa===
Imperial armies have withdrawn from Tromsa. In their absence, a significant Jotun force has swiftly reconquered all the regions taken by the Empire last season.
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Storm Shall Not.jpg|caption=The Jotun strive to follow a simple code of honour - and despise those who break their oaths.|align=left|width=600}}</div>

==Fire==
While the Bounders, the Strong Reeds, and the Fire of the South embark on the long march south, the rest of the Imperial armies do not go far. A brief camp is made at Olgafsdottirshal in [[Sermersuaq#Tanikipari|Tanikipari]] (and there is an irony to these warriors resting before a castle built by the new Jarl of Tromsa after so recently assailing her home). A short break, long enough to allow the Red Wind Corsairs to join them before crossing the border again – but this time further south, into the [[Skallahn#Iron Stand|Iron Stand]], into [[Skallahn]].
===A Rift of Fire and Night===
The Green Shield lead the way into Skallahn, still accompanied by both the [[Knights of Glory|red-and-gold knights of the Summer court]] and the emissaries of [[Janon|Fire Muse]]. They are not alone; heralds of Janon also fight with the Red Wind Corsairs and the Summer Storm. Half-naked despite the cold, intricate golden tattoos swirling across their crimson skin, they urge the soldiers they battle alongside to give into their passions, inspiring them to greater and greater acts of heroism and courage.

There is obvious friction between the fey knights who fight with the Green Shield, and these whirling warriors of Janon. Especially since the latter take every opportunity to challenge the servants of Eleonaris, to question their commitment to their cause. While resting the scops and mediators who fight beneath the Green Shield banner are called on several times to intercede, to diffuse the tension between the groups. At least once the army enters Tromsa, there are more than enough Jotun to keep the servants of the Lion and the Flame too busy to fight each other.

Alongside the armies come more than sixty Imperial captains, leading their warbands into Skallahn. An entire additional army, made up of fighters from several Imperial nations, especially those of Wintermark and the Imperial Orcs.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Lofyn Blood-cloak, General of the Bloodcloaks">Blood-cloaks, look how we dance in the blood & ice of the north. How can we fight and adapt for our Empire. You are my pride. The Dragon of Zenith, Aulius Warcaster comes, to bid us welcome Zakalwe's wise heralds to witness your heroism, to learn our weaknesses, that we might prove our potential. Welcome master strategist, you saw the Bloodcloaks fall, see how we soar.</quote></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield">Heroes of the Green Shield, hail to thee, there has been triumph in Tromsa and we hold to our word. Shield and Cloak, a sworn oath. Pursue the path of Guntherm, a dance of din points to delight the servants of shadowed Fire. As on the Battlefield, so across the border. Forward to the Fray, fight with honour.</quote></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Delora i Sol-Devorador i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs">Freeborn! For years we have answered the choice of the Jotun Sword-hand. We have let them choose the battlefield, choose the retreat; now we take the battle to them! We blaze through Iron Strand and we show the Jotun what the honour and passion of the freeborn burns on. As on the battlefield so the campaign - We will show the Jotun that we can fight by their rules and beat them at it! We invite the Heralds of Janon to witness our attack! Now, my courageous, burning freeborn - Board them!</quote></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Irontide Skorr, General of the Summer Storm">Warriors of the Summer Storm, heralds of Janon. Following our push into Tromsa we now move back into Skallahn on a Balanced Attack. Let's fight with Wisdom, Courage and the Ambition to destroy a fortification there. Let us be passionate in our warfare and if we have any downtime then we shall construct a pit and FIGHT! We will continue taking the fight to the Jotun and show them what we can do!</quote></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Stanley of Chalkdown, General of the Tusks">Jacks of the Tusks! We continue our strike against the Jotun in Iron Stand and the fortress in Ulfsmoor. As on the battlefield so on the campaign, are fight as the virtuous honoured we will show the Jotun that white granite will not shield their lands from the treads of our boots! The Imperial frontier expands by the reach of our bills.</quote></div>
The [[Bloodcloaks]] and the [[Tusks]] set the pace, [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|taking advantage]] of the boons provided them by Imperial magicians. The Bloodcloaks are also advised by a lieutenant of the [[eternal]] [[Zakalwe]], his Polemarch of Strategy. The strategy laid out by the Imperial generals is surely an ambitious one; to trick the Jotun into fighting where they are not, then sweep across the [[Skallahn#Iron Stand|Iron Stand]] and lay siege to the squat stone keep of the [[Skallahn#Ulfrsborg|Ulfrsborg]].

Both Wintermark armies [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]], ready to step in should their allies forget themselves and give in to the demons of warfare. In particular, they are at pains to make sure there is no widescale looting of settlements, no slaughter of civilians or thralls by either side. The Jotun cannot help but be aware of this, and it means that when the Winterfolk fight their enemies give quarter – and ask for it in return in the expectation it will be honoured. The Red Wind Corsairs in particular take steps to ensure their corsairs restrain their natural urges; it was not too long ago that the Winterfolk disparaged the Freeborn as little better than maggots. Their behaviour on this campaign goes along way toward finally burying that unfair stereotype.
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Let Us Show Them.jpg|caption=Let us be passionate in our warfare.|align=left|width=600}}</div>
For their part the orcs of the Summer Storm are keen to test themselves against the walls of Ulfrsborg, but also against each other. Wherever they establish an armed camp, the 'Storm cut logs and build fighting pits, exulting in the thunder of the blood and the roar of their ancestors beneath the cold skies of the Jotun lands. Urged on by their fellows and by the enthusiasm of the heralds of Janon, they lose themselves in the tumult of the challenge, in the clamour of the ancestors. And into that clamour... something unlooked for.

Perhaps it is something about this place, about Skallahn. Perhaps it is to do with the [[A_lost_king#The_Bone_Temple|recent lessons]] of the [[Illarawm]]. Perhaps it is the creatures of the Night, weaving passion and intuition into their music. Whatever it is, some of the orcs emerge from these rough fighting pits changed. They speak of hearing a voice – a clear, unambiguous voice – of an ancestor. Not the joy-of-battle voice of Sjöfn of the Bittenblade (although she is there, too, in the pit). Not one of the angry slaves. Something - someone - else. Clearly, for the first time, a voice that talks to them in the exhilaration of the pit. Urges them to cleave to their fellows, to find their family and make it the heart of them. To keep safe those they love, and who love them in return. And to strike mercilessly, absolutely, to destroy anyone or anything that threatens that heart, that love. To rip them apart with bare hands if needs must, to hunt a traitor to the ends of the earth and further should it come to that. To never forget. Nothing is forgotten, the voice says, calmly. Nothing is ''ever'' forgotten.

There's no name to this voice, not yet anyway. But those who hear it know without needing to think about it that it is come from inside and outside at once – an ancestor voice. At first they might consider it to be a personal, private thing. But as they speak of their experience, haltingly at first, they find others who have heard that same voice, telling them similar things. The more orcs speak of it, the more come forward to admit they heard that voice. The more orcs come out of the fighting pits having heard its echo. There are many more questions than answers. Who is this ancestor? Why do orcs across the Summer Storm hear its counsel. Why this voice, here, now?

The voice doesn't provide answers, of course. What ancestor does? In the cold light of the dawn, blinking, muddled from a night of debating this voice, orcs shake their heads and put aside the world of the spirit for the world of steel and stone. It's time to cross the Iron Plain, to Ulfrsborg, and the hall of Jarl Ottesen!
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><th>Captain</th><th>Nation</th><th>Territory</th><th>Banner</th></tr>
<tr><td>Aethwin</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>House Gerís</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aulus Warcaster</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Zenith</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Mouse of Dawn</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Astolat</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Finch Hawthorne</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>Hartell Household</td></tr>
<tr><td>Edwin de Warrenne</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Bregasland</td><td>Order of the Forgotten Word</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rook</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Uhtræd Ironfeld</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Cynwulf Ashburh</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Darkwolves of Argonne</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dægmund Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hengest Dun</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leif Dunwolf</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Penda Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Seht Ravenson of Dunhearth Hall</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Theoderic Ulfarsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Dunhearth Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Renwaerd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rane Shardbearer</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>Sigehold Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lofyn Blood-cloak</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Hahnmark</td><td>The BloodHands</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sampo Mikkola</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Brackenbeak Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leif Dreambinder</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ryske</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>The Tylianson Ploughshare</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gerard the Waylander</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tancred of Meade</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>House Garamond</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lawrence Talbot</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Oliver Shepherd</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mitwold</td><td>The Talbots</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rasaldalph Mottes</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>Happiston Volunteers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Griselda 'Zelda' Snowdrop</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Unbound Union</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maria Alexandrovna Kabanova</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Ossium</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Arja Fiskdottir</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Guthelm</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Hendal Hearth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aethelstan Korping</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>House Gerís</td></tr>
<tr><td>Iron Osric</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sigehold Hall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kellua Itsepainen</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Sermersuaq</td><td>Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alfred Houtman Fella</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>Hartell Household</td></tr>
<tr><td>Teddy Rose</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Upwold</td><td>Hartell Household</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alfmund Fordwinsson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Kallavesa</td><td>Darkwolves of Argonne</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arthur Ash</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Mournwold</td><td>The Hogsgrove Coppice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Farwatch Thirrik</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Frith</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Ashborn Trosk</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Ashborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Shad</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Ashborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vana</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Ashborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Groza</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bleakshield</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arora</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bloodcrow Agna</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bloodcrow Na'grul</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bloodcrow Rakk</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bloodcrow Rasp</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bloodcrow Vassa</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Graul</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Bloodcrows</td></tr>
<tr><td>Redhand Gezzar</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Redhands</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sand Viper Ikk</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Sand Vipers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Skywise Karrak</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>Skywise</td></tr>
<tr><td>Irontide Dakred (Dak)</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>The Irontide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Irontide Rak'sha</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>The Irontide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Irontide Rus</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>The Irontide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Irontide Skorr</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>The Irontide</td></tr>
<tr><td>T'onk</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Skarsind</td><td>The Irontide</td></tr>
<tr><td>Viktor von Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Temeschwar</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Sebastián Fawnwood</td><td>Dawn</td><td>The Barrens</td><td>House Fawnwood</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urien Novarion</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Weirwater</td><td>Anvil Lance</td></tr>
</table></div>

===Steadings of the Hills===
The plan does not survive contact with the enemy, of course. There is always some unexpected element that sets a strategy unravelling, and the wise general understands this. “Spend no time on the plan,” said one clever League general. “Spend all your time thinking on the contingencies for when it all goes wrong.”

In this case, the unexpected element is the presence of four armies of southern Jotun, recently arrived across the [[Skallahn#The_Kongeg.C5.91r|Kongegőr]]. They must have marched north with the others, with those busy “liberating” Tromsa, but these warriors stayed behind in Skallahn. Perhaps the intent is to resupply; perhaps the wily Jarl of Kierheim or the far-sighted Queen of Kalsea predicted the Imperial plan; perhaps something more political is at work. Either way, the banners of Bjorgthorn Hammerhand , general of the Southern Bear, and the grey owl standard of the [[Hordalant#Iron_Host|Iron Host]] flutter alongside those of the Jarl in Ulfsborg, while the Bear Who Swims and the Mandowla's Roar enjoy the hospitality of Kierheim. They are a long way from home, but as soon as news of the Imperial invasion reaches them, the generals bestir their armies to meet the threat from the east.

The Jotun have supernatural allies of their own, albeit fewer than the Empire. Alongside the Southern Bear marches another force of knights drawn from the Fields of Glory. Tall orcish warriors in heavy armour, they fight beside a pride of massive golden lions barded in matching armour. There is a little concern as to what will happen when they face the Green Shield; but in the event both groups of knights seem to relish the opportunity to test themselves against the other on the field of war, and the servants of Janon in particular revel in the chance to match their passion against the glory of Eleonaris.

The path to Ulfrsmoor is swiftly blocked by the Southern Bear and the Iron Host, with the other two armies moving to attack the Imperial flank. All four armies use their greater familiarity with the terrain to their advantage, but they do not shy away from conflict. Indeed, the Iron Host in particular seem almost desperate to test the strength of the Imperial heroes, especially those of the Summer Storm.

===Still Before The Storm===
While there are innumerable skirmishes and short engagements across the Stand, and in eastern Ulfsmoor, the first major battle takes place in the shadow of the Iron Banner. The fallen [[fortification]] built by [[Emperor Guntherm]] is where the rich markets of Oversgaard are held, and where Jarl Ebbe has their hall, built partially into the old walls of the great castle. Control of the ruins, and of Oversgaard, represents a major strategic goal when it comes to control of the Iron Stand.

Everyone knows the fighting will begin as the sun rises, but in a way the battle really begins shortly before dawn. Bjorgthorn Hammerhand invites the leaders of the opposing armies to meet with him on the field below Oversgaard. Two small groups of orcs and humans meet on the frosty field between the great armies drawn up to either side. Both sides eye each other cautiously, but the old Jotun champion radiates an easy confidence.

Words are exchanged. A note of bravado here. A nod of recognition for clever tactics. A short mention of earlier meetings on the battlefield. Jarl Ebbe begins to demand the Empire quit the field, but Bjorgthorn squeezes their shoulder, shaking his head, and their angry words fall silent. Instead, the general quietly recognises the decision the Imperial forces have made to meet them as equals, to fight with honour, heroically, gloriously, proudly and courageously. He mentions the Freeborn decision to honour the fallen heroes of Fort Braydon with a mound. He expresses the belief that their ancestors – the Imperial ancestors – must smile on them in this hour.

Things will never return to the way they were, but perhaps there can once again be respect between Jotun and Wintermark, between the orcs of the west and the Freeborn of the south. Perhaps there can even be a new understanding between Jotun and Skarsind.

Shortly before the sun touches the horizon, the general of the Southern Bear raises a battered drinking horn and invites the Imperial champions to share his toast; to hope for a champion's death in battle that will impress the ancestors enough to see them across the Howling Abyss. He seems profoundly unconcerned that many of those present are not orcs.

Then both groups return to their lines, and as the sun crests in the east, with a terrible roar that must surely shake the heavens, the battle begins.
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Dour Marchers.jpg|caption=The Imperial frontier expands by the reach of our bills.|align=left|width=600}}</div>
===Before the Hall of the Iron Jarl===
Alone the Jarl's fyrd would be no match for the armies of the Empire, but they are reinforced by perhaps twenty-thousand warriors from the south and maybe as many as ten thousand soldiers from Kierheim and Ulfrsborg. Thanks to the presence of the Imperial captains, however, the two forces are almost evenly matched – at least in numbers.

The Jotun are resolute; they will not give ground. Yet they also wish to preserve the town, and so refuse to fight within the walls. In truth, their decision makes sense. The walls are hardly built to repel the advance of an Imperial army, and the palisades and makeshift barricades they have erected are just as sufficient without risking the lives of the thralls they seek to protect, or the hall of the Jarls of Iron Stand.

For their part, the Bloodcloaks and the Green Shield have no interest in seeing Imperial forces destroy Oversgaard or loot its markets. The majority of the fighting takes place in the open, although both sides at various points make use of the ruins scattered around the slopes of the hill. Blood flows. More than three-quarters of all casualties suffered on both sides in the campaign take place in the three days of fighting across the hard-packed earth around the long-fallen Iron Banner.

At night, when it is too dark to see, both sides collect their injured and their dead and pull back to their own lines. The fronts shift back and forth, first one way then another. Each night the Summer Storm light the torches at their improvised fighting pit, and celebrate the victories and mourn the losses. The Red Wind Corsairs light great bonfires, that turn the dark to day on the Imperial lines, and the tireless heralds of Janon bring the night alive with music that banishes exhaustion and all but replaces sleep for those who join their wild dancing.

The Jotun have their own ceremonies; marking the darkest hour of the night with the mournful horns that recognise those who have fallen, and echo with sorrow for those who have fallen into the Howling Abyss.

Then the fighting begins again. The Empire makes early gains, but the Jotun simply refuse to fall back. They don't throw their lives away, but neither do they give up any advantage if there is any way to hold it. As the Winter Solstice dawns, there is a stalemate below Oversgaard. Neither can the Empire take the town, nor can the Jotun defenders conclusively rout them.

Both armies remain camped, staring at each other across frozen ground, torn and broken by days of fighting, as curtains of snow fall heedlessly between them.
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Corsairs and Spears.jpg|caption=We blaze through Iron Strand and we show the Jotun what the honour and passion of the freeborn burns on.|align=left|width=600}}</div>
===Game Information: Skallahn===
While they have been unable to conquer Oversgaard, the Empire has made gains in Skallahn. They are a quarter of the way toward taking the Iron Stand, but the Jotun defenders are holding strong.

The decision of the Bloodcloaks and the Green Shield to Fight with Honour has been obvious to everyone in the territory. The Jotun likewise continue to recognise the tactics of Wintermark, and both offer and accept quarter such that Wintermark casualties are reduced by a tenth.
===Participation: Skallahn===
As with those fighting alongside the [[Burning Falcon]] in [[Things that burn#Participation: Segura|Segura]], any character whose [[military unit]] was assigned to fight alongside the army this downtime may choose to have been impacted by the experience of battling in close proximity to heralds of both [[Eleonaris]] and [[Janon]]. If you possess [[heroic skills#hero|hero points]], you may choose to gain an additional temporary hero point which, once spent, is permanently gone. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Winter Solstice regardless.

===Participation: Imperial Orcs===
Any Imperial Orc character of the Sunstorm sept who travelled to Skallahn with the Summer Storm and challenged themselves in one of the fighting pits may have heard this new ancestral voice. It doesn't matter if you assigned a military unit to assist the Summer Storm, only that you roleplay having accompanied the army and participated in the [[Pit-fights|fighting pit]]. The fighting pit is a spiritual experience for most Imperial Orcs, and it is while blood is pumping and adrenaline is high that the voice is most audible.

The voice feels masculine, and speaks of the kind of things mentioned in the Wind of War text - the importance of finding and protecting a family, of loyalty or fidelity to loved ones, and receiving the same in return. And of absolute commitment to protecting that family and wreaking bloody vengeance on anyone who harms them. The voice is usually quite matter-of-fact, but when it speaks of treachery, betrayal, or traitors it burns with a palpable fury that may cause an orc to lose their temper and lash out at someone who has wronged them.

This voice may also be "contagious". Any character who enters the fighting pit during an event and tests themselves against an orc who heard the voice during the Skallahn campaign may come to hear it themselves, provided that before entering the fighting pit they consume a dose of one of the [[Unshackled_Gift|Unshackled Gift]] potions, or are experience an effect that explicitly says it is easier to hear ancestors while under it.

There's no indication ''who'' this voice is, but everyone who has heard it and discussed it with another orc who has had similar experiences agrees it is the same voice. An ancestral voice, loud and clear, heard in the pit beneath the skies of Skallahn, shared among members of the Sunstorm sept.
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ill Tidings.jpg|caption=The news from [[Kahraman]] is not good; the Lasambrian Jotun appear to still be focused on conquering the western [[the Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]|align=left|width=600}}</div>

==Hill==
“Rich folk need big dogs,” so the truism goes north of the border. The Mournish are dour people, who find the cloud in every silver lining. Kahraman has never been richer! The [[Kahraman#Strategic_Considerations|passes]] of the north-west are [[Shallows_and_miseries#Redgate_Pass_.28Battle.29|sealed by rock]] and [[Liathaven#Liath's_Heart|baleful forest]]. The mountain above what was once Redgate Pass shines with the smelting fires, work underway to [[Construct the Red Depths|work begun]] to bring forth the bounty of the mountain's heart. Across the arid grasslands and the red hills the hammers of industry fill potholes, lay flags and cobbles, [[Rebuild_Roads_of_Kahraman|restoring life to tired old roads]]. Allies help ensure that the prosperity of the Freeborn will be protected from the jealous grasping hands of less happier lands. All is well.

But perhaps the Mournish have a point. Because no matter how you slice it, Kahraman has barely known six months of peace in the last ten years. The Jotun covet its wealth; the Lasambrian Jotun seek to build a kingdom there. Those defences are needed, but in the absence of Fort Braydon, the dhomiros of the cinnabar hills wonder who will stand between them and the next attempt at conquest from the west?

One answer might be Imperial magicians of course. The mountains are ideal for the placement of those [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|icy keeps]] borrowed from the realm of the [[Cathan Canae|Mistress of Blizzards]]. Two rise in the days following the Autumn Equinox, above [[Kahraman#Serra Briante|Serra Briante]] and [[Kahraman#Serra Damata|Serra Damata]]. A “joke” spreads from wayhouse to parador to labour camp in the following weeks that perhaps the Imperial Conclave should just make them both permanent enchantments and have done. Few actual magicians laugh at the joke; they have an idea of what that might cost.

Two magical citadels, against three armies. As reliable as the tides and the moon and the winds in winter, the Lasambrian Jotun invade Kahraman barely a fortnight after the Equinox. The Hierro, the Corazon, the Escuta. Fifteen thousand orcs or more. They cannot, of course, directly attack the wealth of the mountains; the passes are closed to them. Rather they come again to [[Kahraman#Gambit|Gambit]], through the sparse [[beggar's lye|beggarwoods]]. With axe and hammer they make their camps and send their warbands north to test the defences and east to harry the people of the [[Kahraman#Jade Range|Jade Range]].

The magical citadels give them pause, but their scouts nonetheless test the will of the lion-headed ogres that garrison the fort in the foothills above [[Kahraman#Serra_Damata|Damata]]. They are turned back, but they measure the extent both of the heralds' willingness to pursue them and that of the families to fight them. They encounter significantly less resistance in Gambit; again village, estate, and parador fall to them. Again people receive the Choice – stay and serve and keep your wealth or flee and leave all save your clothes and food for the road behind.

The Corazon, as they always do, range ahead of the other two armies stealing and looting. One champion jokes to the Freeborn she is robbing that they are become farmers, harvesting wealth from the fields of Kahraman as the seasons ebb and flow. Nobody laughs.

The [[Time and time again|kamkrag]] are meant to protect against the endless greed of the Corazon... but they are not finished. Those watch-towers and barracks that are complete provide defences to the scattered Freeborn soldiers who try, futilely, to hold back the orcs sweeping east through the grasslands, but there are still works of work to be completed before they offer any protection. The Corazon do not waste their time trying to destroy the finished structures, but they joyfully plunder work-gangs, caravans, and labour-camps wherever they encounter them. Stone, tools, supplies – all are stolen away to feed the hunger of the Lasambrian raiders.

Behind the Corazon come the Hierro and the Escuta. They are more cautious, perhaps more keenly aware of the changes that have taken place in Kahraman since they were last here. Cautious, but not cowardly. Methodically they secure the land around them, and while their main attention is in the west they are not shy about sending soldiers out into the rest of the territory. A handful reach as far as [[Kahraman#Braydon's Jasse|Braydon's Jasse]], and pay their respects at the burial mound that covers the ruins of Fort Braydon.

While they do not go out of their way to kill those who do not resist, work on both the restoration of the roads, and on the Red Depths is horribly disrupted by the presence of the orc bandits. As the Winter Solstice nears, work on the great projects commissioned by the Senate has ground to a complete halt. While they do not threaten the building site for the Red Depths directly, they are able to at least partially sever the trade routes transporting the vital materials. In the west, the Lasambrians and are well on their way to the complete conquest of Gambit.
===Game Information: Kahraman===
The presence of the Lasambrian armies, especially the raids of the Corazon, have significantly delayed work on both the [[Construct the Red Depths|Red Depths]] and the [[Rebuild Roads of Kahraman|road restoration]]. Thanks to the Senate decision to make the Red Depths a Freeborn national seat, the dhomiro who live in the cinnabar hills are (grumblingly) prepared to make up the shortfall in tools and materials caused by the Lasambrian raids, but this will take time. As such, assuming nothing else changes, work on the Red Depths will now not be completed until the start of the Spring Equinox – assuming the Lasambrians do not do anything further to disrupt it.

The work on restoring the roads, however, has been more seriously hit. The Lasambrians have seized around 10 wains of white granite, and stripped several work-teams of their tools and mundane materials. The white granite will need to be replaced. Worse, the work on the territory-wide project cannot progress while the Lasambrians are rampaging across half of Kahraman. Indeed, if they capture any regions it won't be possible to complete the project until they are removed.

Thanks to the presence of the magical citadels in the mountains, the orcs are just over three-fifths of the way toward conquering the region of Gambit.

==Storm Clouds and Stone (Conjunctions)==
Three opportunities for the heroes of Anvil to use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to face the Jotun have been identified as the Winter Solstice draws closer. For the moment they are little more than teasers, but more information will be provided before the summit.
===The Falcon (Kahraman)===
* '''A warband of Jotun have captured Erdene Bataguin, a respected Faraden builder-architect supporting the road-restoration project in Kahraman'''
* '''The Sentinel Gate will open at 20:30 on Friday to Path of Idina, Gambit'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Azure Sutannir'' is responsible for rescuing the Faraden architect'''
While the Lasambrians are primarily interested in conquest and lighting raids, they are not the only western orcs in Kahraman. Several warbands of “true” Jotun accompany them, and it is one of these bands that intercepts a retreating caravan in Braydon's Jasse. Primarily made up of Faraden of the Bataguin family who had been visiting the [[Azure Sutannir#Azure Chorus|Azure Chorus]], the orcs quickly overwhelmed the guards, and offered the Choice.

Some of the Freeborn and Faraden managed to reach the relative safety of the Azure Chorus (the Jotun do not go out of their way to attack sites of spiritual importance). Unfortunately one of those taken as a thrall by the orcs was a Bataguin builder-architect, the well-respected Erdene Bataguin. They accepted the choice of being a thrall, rather than slain, and are accompanied the Jotun as they began their journey back towards the border with Reinos. As the [[Azure Sutannir]] is responsible for protecting those who visit the temple, they are ultimately responsible for rescuing the Faraden architect.

The Bataguin have already delivered the building supplies and funds supporting the road-building project, but if they are carried away by the Jotun this would represent a serious diplomatic incident with the Faraden. The [[Ambassador to Faraden]] in particular might wish to ensure this does not happen. Assuming Erdene can be returned safely to their family, the Bataguin will feel an obligation to offer thanks to the Azure Sutannir. They are not only wealthy, but well-respected in Faraden for their building prowess.

===Wolf Dreams (Skallahn)===
* '''Jarl Ebbe of Overgaard has called on the fyrd of Iron Stand'''
* '''The Sentinel Gate will open at 21:00 on Friday to Hralfstor's Orchard'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Imperial Seer'' is responsible for stopping the Jarl of Greenwall'''
As the Imperial armies advance into Iron Stand, the Jarl ''Ebbe of Overgaard'', sends out another call to arms. Jarl Ebbe calls on the Jotun of the region who owe them fealty to rise up against the warriors of the Empire and come together to form a fyrd. If the fyrd is raised, it will support the Jotun armies in their defence of Skallahn. ''Delphysius the Polemarch of Strategy'', a herald of [[Zakalwe]] accompanying the [[Bloodcloaks]] on campaign, has determined where Jarl Ebbe will be during the summit. Partly in response to the request of the [[Archmage of Day]] has made of their master, they have presented a plan to deal with the Jarl before the fyrd has fully gathered. A decapitation strike will rob the Iron Stand of its leader at a crucial moment and throw the defenders into disarray.

Delphysius has requested that the [[Imperial Seer]] - who they believe to be a citizen of Wintermark - take the lead on this strategic strike. The Polemarch suggests that the Seer liaise with the people of Wintermark, but also with the Freeborn, Imperial Orcs, and Marchers, all of whose soldiers are involved in fighting in the territory, and see what aid they are prepared to provide to the attack.

If the Jarl is dealt with, no fyrd will form in Iron Stand for at least the next year. Ebbe's successor will need to wrestle with the shadow of dishonour that will hang over the warriors of the region, for letting their Jarl be slain. If they're not dealt with, the fyrd will be raised and in response to the recent invasions and raids from the Empire, will attract significantly more champions that it might have otherwise - the resulting fyrd will be twice the normal strength and may see Jarl Ebbe become a champion of the Jotun in their own right (meaning that if the Jotun defend Skallahn, they may continue to fight the Empire in other territories). Regardless, ''Agon, Polemarch of Clarity'' - a respected lieutenant of Zakalwe in their own right - has expressed a keen interest in discussing the outcome of the skirmish with the Seer during the Spring Equinox.

<box><big>'''Fyrds'''</big><br>
Each region in a Jotun territory generates a fyrd when it is conquered by the Empire. As the Jarl and their warriors are forced to retreat from their lands, they form up into a fyrd, a warband with a military strength of five hundred. A fyrd is unable to act independently of fortifications or armies in the territory; it will only act to support a Jotun army in the territory or a fortification if there are no armies present.

A region's fyrd can be dismantled by killing the jarl or through other opportunities.</box>

===Threads in the Pattern (Liathaven)===
* '''A warband of Jotun are on their way to slaughter a Feni enclave'''
* '''The Sentinel Gate will open at 21:30 on Friday to Bawn of Daffyd'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Imperial Advisor for the Feni'' is responsible for stopping the Jotun'''
The strange creature - described as having the mask of a jackdaw and a cloak of feathers - that was first spotted near the Old Pig in [[Mournwold#Freemoor|Freemoor]] startled the poor beaters. First heralds of [[Siakha|the Mother of Wrecks]] in Mitwold, then ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] in Bregasland, now whatever "this thing" is? "This thing" turned out to be ''Halka'', a herald of [[Wise Rangara|the Ancient One]], with a request for those that are willing to "right a wrong".

It seems a warband of Jotun belonging to an ambitious young would-be champion named ''Urse Longarm'' are moving to assault a small community of [[Feni]] in the depths of Liathaven. The Feni settlement lies within a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]] of the Eldest, but somehow Urse has discovered its location and more importantly the location of the wards that deny access to trespassers. Those same Feni have spent the last year or so raiding Jotun encampments and the orcs are out for vengeance. As far as the Black Crow can determine however, Urse has not shared their information with the rest of their people, hoping to gain status and respect by dealing with the threat alone. If the Jotun are able to destroy the wards then the settlement will be exposed and the orcs will be free to take their reprisals against the residents. Wise Rangara either cannot, or will not, aid the Feni directly. Rather, she wants the people of the Marches to do so.

If the Marchers are prepared to stop these Jotun then Grandmother Winter will consider them to have atoned for their role in [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Rattle_of_the_Bones|the killings of the Feni of Alderly]]. Specifically, Halka suggests that if the [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]] really wants to make amends for destroying a community that had lived quietly in the woods for a thousand years, and for driving many of their warriors into the arms of [[Agramant|That Bastard Agramant]], they should take the lead on dealing with the Jotun. Given this is a direct request to the Imperial Advisor for the Feni it is their responsibility to stop Urse Longarm and the rest of the Jotun.

Old blue banners dancing

2026-05-20T22:41:37Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Dreams Come */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Blue Banners Dancing.jpg|caption=The beaters knock their bows; their arrows see no difference between bandit scoundrel and barbarian warrior.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Dreams Come==
Bregasland is a peculiar place, even those who live there rarely deny it. As the seasons turn, and the new year begins, there is a sense of disquiet uncoiling in the muddy waters. Bregas folk and Imperial soldiers alike speak of haunted sleep, of visions of something massive rising over the swamps. Sometimes it is a sky-scraping grey stone tower, topped with crenelations and pitted with arrow-slits, that leaves sleepers with a sense of being watched. Sometimes it is an actual mountain, mighty and snow topped, that looms over their dreams and brings with it a sense of insufferable ''weight'' that leaves sleepers exhausted when they wake. Sometimes it is a titanic tree, its branches stretching from horizon to horizon, great and green and immovable which leaves behind a lingering sense of strength and vitality in those who dream of it.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="Ashborn Vana, General of the Autumn Hammers">Hammers, we are needed far from here in the Marches. We return to Bregasland to defend them and push the Jotun out. Our wagons may not have the speed needed to reach Graven March alone but we will NOT be alone, we call upon the contracts with the City of Gold and Lead, to speed our way in a forced march. Let the marches hear us coming, sing our warchants, bolster their hearts with our loyalty we are returning to them.</quote>
<quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon">Where the Burning Falcons blaze the passion of the Empire follows. We meet the fire of the Marches, Amberlain in her oath sworn territory. We hit the Jotun with banners raised bold and Prideful. The waters of Bregasland could not stain our Freeborn colour last time and they never will as we stand with the Empire.</quote>
<quote by="Velasco i Guerra, General of the Fire of the South">Xenia was a flame of the Coast and in their light we shall burn bright. We will turn our tempest south. In Loyalty to the March. Prepare well and be fleet of foot. War is calling. Forward the Fire. For the souls of the lost. Summer comes with us.</quote>
<quote by="Fitzwilliam Thorn, General of the Bounders">Jacks of the Bounders. We have work to do this season. First I must recognise and thank Mary Birchsmith who not only steered the bounders through hard times but was also and still is my friend. This season we steady conquest into Gravenmarch, rushes and the Ottermire. We will take back what they took from us and make them realise the error in going into our land once again.</quote>
<quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">Reeds. Last season we rose from the Reeds and bloodied the noses of those Jotun dogs, and though many of us bled that day, they bled harder. No time to stop now though, friends, for our gardens are still full of pests. We will commit to a Grinding Advance forward with our allies to chase the pests from our land.</quote>
<quote by="Determination of Ice Kaisa, General of the Narwhal’s Spear">My Precious Soldiers, it is time for us to be both an example to the armies beside us, and in front. We agreed to a code of war, of honour and Heroism, one we will show how to fight with Virtue. The Strong Reeds stayed loyal to Bregasland and due to their cunning tactics, the Jotun grew restless. The Jotun then came with Stephen of Sarcombe, letting slaughter follow in their wake. Let the Ambitious and Courageous heroes we create here be the foundation of the talks due in the newly built meeting place.</quote></div>
Some are more disturbed by these dreams than others, anxious for what they might portend. Many who rise from their blankets beneath the sullen sky of Bregasland never experience them at all. At first the dreams seem scattered, but as the season progresses they become more common and more pronounced. From chance engagements it seems that it is not just Bregas and Imperial soldiers who are experiencing then, but their foes as well.

But at the end of the day, dreams are only dreams and cannot truly hurt you. Whatever happens in dreams is between your right eye and your left, as some Marchers put it. There is war in Bregasland, and weighed against that threat, what purchase can strange dreams find?

==The Ebb and Flow==
The Empire continues to fight in Gravenmarch, building on their successes last season. They press the advantage, but the Jotun will not give ground. They stand as immovable as stone against Imperial assault, matching blade with shield, and arrow with armour. The two sides, it seems, are evenly matched.
There is a burst of concern early on when Imperial scouts bring news of fifty thousand Jotun streaming back over Odd’s Way from Mitwold, but the new arrivals are here to replace, not reinforce. The Howling Night, the Iron Host, the Shield of the Mountain, and the Southern Bear remain behind to defend Bregasland; all the other Jotun depart the Fenlands as if pursued by the hellish hounds of the Winter realm.

The four armies out of Mitwold are joined by a fifth a week or so later - the Bear Who Swims comes out of the west in the wake of the departing armies and adds its strength to those already in place. The Bounders and the Strong Reeds push to take advantage of this chaos, but the Jotun leave few cracks in their defences for the Marcher soldiers to exploit. By the time reinforcements arrive, the Jotun are once again arrayed to face Imperial efforts to reclaim Bregasland.
==Things Change==
As the Jotun reorganise their strength, so too do the Empire. The Strong Reeds remain in Gravenmarch, of course, rallying the Bregas folk to resist the Jotun. The Bounders stay with them, adding bow and soft-footed beater to the ‘Reeds strength. The [[Bloodcloaks]] fall back to Hahnmark, while the [[Drakes]] answer the call of their people in Mitwold, swift to face the unexpected invasion of the home they are sworn to defend. Alone, the two remaining Marcher armies would likely be crushed by the Jotun - but they are not without reinforcements of their own.

As the Jotun armies race north, so the armies that until recently had been attacking in [[Skallahn]] move south. The Narwhal’s Spear are at the forefront, [[Army_qualities#Quick-Witted|seeking their foe]] in the marshes of the south, With them are the [[orc|orcs]] of the [[Autumn Hammers]], the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] drawing on their magical [[Army_qualities#Contracted|contracts]] with the [[Lictors]] to smooth their journey and let them keep pace with the fast-moving hunters of the ‘Spear. Only a short distance behind them, two [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] armies [[Army qualities#Fast|forced march]] half the length of the western Empire to battle. The [[Fire of the South]] burns brightly, but it cannot match the excitement of the [[Burning Falcon]], whose passionate intensity is all the greater for having been denied a ''true'' battle in Skallahn last season. Their fire is matched and reflected back by the [[Knights of Glory]] that march with them - ''Lady Moriamis'', golden-eyed warrior-poet, leads her cohort of warsingers, voices raised and drums pounding to inspire their allies to even greater acts of courage and audacity.

Six Imperial armies in Bregasland then, matched against five Jotun. Battling for Gravenmarch, beneath the silent gaze of the Graven rock.
==In the Shadow of the Grey Rock==
The two sides are well matched, at least at first. There are knights of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] fighting with the Southern Bear, whose fiery mien matches the intensity of the battle-musicians of Lady Moriamis. The raven-banner of ''Helma Skutasdóttir'' still flies in Ottery, her warband returning to their task of rooting out rebels among the Bregas. The standards of the Howling Bears are raised alongside the austere flags of Yantan Tethrason of Reinos - the former Lasambrian goatherd and their followers have acquitted themselves well during the invasion of Mitwold it seems. The three warbands have stayed in the south, while the rest accompany the Jotun forces racing west to [[Hordalant]].

The battle lines do not shift much, at least at first. The Empire pushes, but the Jotun hold. They clearly trust the Lasambrian forces in Mitwold to secure the eastern border of the Dour Fen, allowing them to bring most of their force to bear in the south. Not all of it though - they must maintain their presence in the rest of the marsh, must stand ready to deal with rebellious Bregas inspired by the presence of the Strong Reeds. It is not easy to fight back against the strength of the western orcs, with their boot on the necks of the yeofolk, but the Bregas endure.

A step back, a step forward. The Jotun aren’t pressing the Empire, content this season as the last to hold what they have taken, to keep them contained in Gravenmarch. The Shield of the Mountain take the lead here, ensuring that even if the Empire manage to gain any new ground they will [[Army_qualities#Hard_Bitten|pay for it]] in blood. Yet the Empire came to this battle knowing there would be a butcher’s bill to meet if they wanted to unseat the Jotun. The Strong Reeds lead the Imperial advance, grinding forward, crushing the barbarians who try to stand against them.

The fighting rages, in the shadow of Graven Rock and step by step the Jotun are forced to cede ground. But the cost! Thousands of Imperial soldiers fall to the Jotun; thousands of barbarians fall to the Empire. The Marchers maintain that Gravenmarch is the only dry land in the marshes, but this season the soil here is sodden with blood. Thirsty soil is good soil, say the Marchers. But soil ''this'' thirsty?
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Amberlain7869.jpg||caption='''Amberlain P. Black''', General of the Strong Reeds|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Aracelis4339.jpg|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Xenia.png|caption='''Xenia i Erigo''', former General of the Fire of the South|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Determination.png|caption='''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', General of the Narwhal's Spear|align=left|width=200}}
</fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Fitzwilliam Thorn.jpg|caption='''Fitzwilliam Thorn''', General of the Bounders|align=right|width=400}}

==The Mountain Rings==
The Jotun must know they are losing in Gravenmarch. A month before the Spring Equinox they have been pushed back to the edge of the Rushes. The western orcs do not relish fighting in the marshes, but they do not let their distaste weaken their resolve. With Graven Rock behind them, the Strong Reeds at the fore, the Bounders to their left and the Narwhal’s Spear at their right hand, the Imperial armies press one more time into the Rushes.

As they come, a roar goes up from the Jotun. ''"Ulvenwar!"'' they cry, and ''"Majastind!"'' and ''"Treefeller!"'' Some of the orcs, Autumn Hammers and Marcher orcs alike falter, as if a great weight has fallen on them, then rise filled with some inner strength. The coarse fur of the bear pelt at their shoulder, the tight bone helm of a beast’s head at their temples. Then the roar becomes louder and it is clear that it is not just coming from the Jotun. It is coming from all around, the thunder of stone on stone, coupled with the impossible drumbeat of the living earth itself.

Graven Rock is singing.

The noise goes on and on, rising in volume as the two armies clash. For some it is deafening, bringing with it a sense that the enemy cannot be defeated, that this challenge cannot be met. For others it is empowering, full of the assurance that the only way to lose is to give in to the fear of what lies ahead. The roar of Graven Rock echoes back and forth across the battlefield, ringing, ringing like a massive bell of stone. Sometimes, when one catches a glimpse of the rock out of the corner of an eye, it has become an immensity, a pinnacle of grey stone reaching so much higher than the usual fifty or so metres. Other times it resembles that odd dreamt-of tower.
The roar fades as suddenly as it arose, but the sensations it evoked linger as the battle rages on. The campaign so far has been bloody, but it is nothing to the battle here on the margins of the marsh, on the edge of the great fens of Bregas. Two implacable forces matched against each other, in the end it is the Empire that overcomes the obstacle presented to them by their foes. It is Imperial soldiers that push the Jotun back, force them to cede the field, force them to retreat north toward Sallow.

They do not retreat far; but does it matter? Gravenmarch is Imperial. The Rushes are next, with the Empire ready to press on after the retreating orcs to show them the folly of trying to claim Bregasland from its people, from the Strong Reeds.

The battle, though, has raged for the entire day and night is falling. Horns and drums sound, warbands and cohorts regrouping, the situation being assessed. Soldiers turning to each other and asking what that noise was, what it portended. And that’s when the other unlooked for miracle - if miracle it is - occurs.
==The Forest Endures==
That final battle on the boundary of the Rushes has been the bloodiest of the entire campaign. Easily as many soldiers on both sides fell, as have fallen in the whole time since the Winter equinox. Perhaps three thousand in total, human and orc alike, lying on the thirsty earth or in bloody pools, pressed into the earth as if in a final embrace. It is dark, and there are more pressing issues than recovering the dead – there will be time tomorrow to count the cost and begin the mourning, even as others prepare to pursue the defeated yet unbowed Jotun.

As the sun falls beneath the mountains, the sky is clear above. The stars stare down, silently, on the butchers field. And as the stars come out there is a noise like… how to describe it. Like a cobweb being plucked? Like the hand of the wind caressing the reeds? Like the earth wakening from its slumber and sighing in delight at the touch of the sun? And beneath it a thrumming sound, the beat of a drum, quieter and more measured than the roar of Graven Rock. The sound of plants, growing. Trees, rising from the ground, undergoing years of growth in the space of an hour.

At first it is only a handful, but as [[the Oak]] rises in the sky, more and more trees push out of the soil. Oak and yew, ash and willow, along the border where the battle has raged. It soon becomes clear that these trees are not growing at random. Each grows from the place where a warrior has fallen - both barbarian and Imperial. Those bodies that have not been collected - the great majority of them at that - are lost to the earth as the trees grow. Pulled or pushed down into the soil as the roots dig down and the branches spread wide.

By midnight, a silent woodland covers the battlefield, here in the shadow of Graven Rock. By sunrise, the trees have spread further, new growth leaping from the graves of the fallen and out along the border between Graven March and the Rushes. As the first rays of the morning sun touch the first tree, the supernatural growth ends. A small forest now lies in western Gravenmarch, the oldest trees looking for all the world as if they have stood there for decades.
Some welcome this strange miracle, but the landskeepers who are present are less sanguine. They cast dark eyes towards the heavens, muttering about the Mountain and the Oak, about the sheer unnaturalness of these events and what they may hold for the future. Some cast an equally baleful eye to the south-east, toward [[Casinea]] and [[Anvil]], as they mutter among themselves.

But for most, this is a strange thing indeed, but not unprecedented in a world of magic, where the stars can touch the earth. There will be time to wonder at the trees when no Bregas labours under the Jotun yoke. And for the Marchers at least, the trees are fitting tribute to the dead - even if their allies from other Imperial nations might not agree…
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofBregasland.png|align=right|width=300}}
==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has liberated Gravenmarch and made some headway into the Rushes'''
* '''Unexpected magic has touched the battlefield on the edge of the Rushes'''
The Empire has liberated Gravenmarch, giving them a beachhead in the territory at last. The price has been high - almost three thousand soldiers have died to drive the Jotun out. The barbarians for their part have paid a lower price, given their strong defensive strategy, but they have lost at least two thousand of their own people.

There is now a woodland on the edge of the Rushes, raised in a single night by unexpected magic that does not seem to have been the result of a ritual enchantment. At the same time, there are strange resonances running through Graven Rock which the landskeepers suspect may be connected to the sudden forest. They’re confident that [[Eye of the High Places]] will discover more information, and are concerned about what these changes might portend.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|caption=Regal, noble, and terrible in anger; Eleonaris is the Lion of Summer and her soldiers bear many of her traits.|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Participation : Fire of the South==
* '''The Fire of the South cannot take the cautious advance or give ground orders for the next year'''
* '''Any character whose military unit fought alongside the Fire of the South may be inspired by the Knights of Glory'''
The Fire of the South last fought alongside the Knights of Glory in [[Sarangrave]] during the Summer. As [[Even_darkness_must_pass#Sarangrave|mentioned then]], the use of Knights of Glory is having an unexpected effect on the armies relying on it. The Fire of the South cannot take the [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]] or [[Army orders#Give Ground|Give Ground]] orders until a year has passed - and with their use of the [[enchantment]] this season that clock has been reset.

On the other hand, ''Lady Moriamis'' and her warsingers take every opportunity to inspire the passionate soldiers of the Fire of the South, especially the [[kohan]]. A character whose military unit supported this army may choose to have been impacted by the experience of battling in close proximity to the glorious heralds of [[Eleonaris]].
* If you possess the [[heroic skills#hero|hero]] skill, you receive a bonus hero point during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.
* If you do not have the hero skill, you receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Anyone who chooses to gain this benefit also experiences a roleplaying effect that lasts until the end of the Autumn Equinox: ''You feel a strong urge to attempt great deeds that invite attention You take particular pleasure in approval and adulation, being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper. If you enter battle you feel driven to prove your worth and show everyone your strength.''
==Battle Opportunity==
Imperial prognosticators have identified a potential conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] allowing Imperial heroes to intercede in [[Bregasland#Grey Fens|Grey Fens]]. The gate seems to open near Rushring, the circle of stones that stands in the centre of the largest of the so-called dead meres of Bregasland. Open areas of standing water where no fish are found, drinking the seemingly fresh water of the dead meres leads to crippling stomach cramps and, if the imbiber is already weak, may result in death. This area is viewed with caution by the Bregas, and is an unlikely locale for the already marsh-suspicious Jotun to be investigating.

388YE Spring Equinox interlude

2026-05-20T22:21:59Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Military Units */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Night light Anvil.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
Downtime following the Winter Solstice is now open. It allows players to process their character's downtime choices. Not all resources allow a player to make a choice about how they operate between events, but we've provided information about new opportunities for [[fleet]] and [[military unit]] owners in particular as well as a reminder about existing opportunities created at earlier events.

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

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

'''The deadline for Downtime submissions is midnight on Wednesday the 6<sup>th</sup> of May.'''
==Choices==
* '''During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of Senate motions, Conclave declarations, Synod judgements, and Military Council orders'''
Each summit the [[Senate]] raises and votes on [[Senate motion|motions]], the [[Conclave]] debates [[declaration|declarations]], the assemblies of the [[Synod]] discuss [[judgement|judgements]], and the [[general|generals]] of the [[Military Council]] issue [[Army orders|orders]] to their [[Army|armies]]. You can find details of these many decisions here:
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Senate sessions|Senate sessions]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Synod judgements|Synod judgements]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Conclave sessions|Conclave sessions]]
* [[387YE Winter Solstice Military Council orders|Military Council orders]]
The Civil Service is responsible for ensuring that these motions, judgements, declarations, and orders are public knowledge. Not everything is widely distributed across the Empire, but any character who attends [[Anvil]] can easily find out details of what went on in the houses of power during the event.

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

The Guerdon remains at '''500 Thrones'''.

This season, the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Resupply_and_Imperial_Guerdon|announced]] that shares of the Guerdon will be shared between military units supporting the following armies:

* [[Argent Sword]] in [[Redoubt]]
* [[Drakes]] in [[Mitwold]]
* [[Eastern Sky]] in [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Narwhal's Spear]] in [[Bregasland]]

No other armies, or actions by military units or fleets, will receive shares of the Guerdon.
<gallery mode=nolines>
File:ArgentSword Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Argent Sword|Argent Sword]]
File:Drakes Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Drakes|Drakes]]
File:EasternSky Colour.png|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Eastern Sky|Eastern Sky]]
File:Narwhal's Spear.webp|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Narwhal's Spear|Narwhal's Spear]]
</gallery>

==Military Units==
* '''Players who control military units can choose from a number of downtime options'''
* '''Not every military unit is eligible to participate in every venture'''
* '''Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to the ''mercenary work'' option'''
Any player whose character controls a [[military unit]] can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to [[Military_unit#Campaigning|support an army]], [[Military_unit#Guarding|defend a fortification]], or [[Military_unit#Scouting|support a spy network]]. They can also choose one of the many [[Venture|ventures]]. Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to [[Venture#Mercenary_Work|mercenary work]], guaranteeing an income of money along with a random chance of herbs, more money, mana crystals, ingots or measures.

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

As always, the guidelines around discussing military matters online can be found [[Online#You_May_Not_Post_Military_Updates|here]].

===Support Earthquake Drummers===
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Saemundr Elvirsbairn, General of the Earthquake Drummers">My Drummers, it is time to conquer new lands for the glory of the five-who-are-one! We shall push into the Forest of Ulnak, supported by mercenaries from the Empire, and bring the Mallum to order beneath our heel. Bring death to the Druj who stand against us. Let those who wish to live understand that the rule of the Dragons has begun!</quote></div>
* '''Imperial military units can support the Earthquake Drummers'''
* '''The Thule army is part of a larger effort to invade the Forest of Ulnak'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive 7 mana crystals'''
''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'' issued an invitation on behalf ''Tathenon the Gyre, Who Wields the Might of the Sky''. Any Imperial [[military unit|warband]] that wishes is welcome to join the [[Thule]] in their assault against the Druj in the [[Forest of Ulnak]]. Those who wish to do so may fight alongside the ''Earthquake Drummers'', who lead the assault against the vermin of [[the Mallum]]. Any captain who brings their warband will be granted a gift of crystal mana. A standard military unit will be rewarded with 7 mana crystals, with an [[Military unit#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] military unit receiving proportionally more.

For more information, see the '''[[Invited_with_asperity#Hinodir,_Tathenon,_and_the_Eastern_Woods|Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune

===Root out the Face-peelers===
* '''Varushkan military units can take a raiding action to root out the Face-peelers'''
* '''If at least seven thousand five hundred strength is assigned to the action, then the trudnik will be forced from their lairs in Karsk and Ossium'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive six random measures and a phial of Corrupt Blood'''
Following the Winter Solstice, [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[military unit|military units]] will have the opportunity to undertake a [[military unit#Raiding|raiding]] [[venture]] called ''Root out the Face-peelers''. This will involve working with the Thule in Karsk and Ossium to track down nests of "trudnik" and, where they are found, employ axe and flame to destroy them. The Claws of the Dragon are a fairly small organisation, but they are supported here by a cadre of warriors and hunters. Regardless, the full success of this venture will depend on Varushkan involvement.

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

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

For more information, see the '''[[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune

===Swords Against Darkness===
* '''Urizen, League, and Dawnish military units can take a questing action to attack the threats in Spiral'''
* '''If at least two thousand strength is assigned to the action for three seasons over the next year, then the venture will remain'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive three mana crystals and two doses of liao'''
After a lot of work persuading some of the wealthier Apulian merchants and key [[arbiter|arbiters]], Naomi has been able to persuade them to back an attempt to solve the problem. The solution is simple enough, and for once, Naomi 's idea requires relatively little upfront investment. If the Empire can muster enough military units to directly attack the threats in Spiral, then that the inhabitants of the territory would be able to get on top of the problem. If that could be achieved, it would only need a little support on an ongoing basis to keep the threats under control. Naomi likens it to weeding an overgrown garden - it requires a lot more effort to get the weeds under control than it does to keep it that way.

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

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

For more information, see the '''[[My_friends_are_my_estate#Swords_Against_Darkness|My friends are my estate]]''' wind of fortune

===Exploit the Espionage===
* '''Certain military units can take advantage of the chaos in Sarvos with the espionage ring to earn wealth'''
* '''Any military units taking part in this venture will increase the number of congregations needed to investigate Sarvos'''
Somehow, the [[Whisper Gallery]] found out about the goings on in [[Sarvos]], and offered to 'help' the Empire identify what secrets are getting out. Any Night ritualist with a military unit who performed [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] and consumed a dose of [[Shadowcrow Infusion]] invited the favour of the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' to join them over the season. They have access to the unique scouting [[venture]] - '''Exploit the Espionage''' - to exploit the espionage ring in Sarvos and gain 108 rings, eight random resources, and Grendel luxuries, with upgraded or enchanted military units receiving proportionally more.

For more information, see the '''[[Finding_is_the_final_act#Within_and_Without|Finding is the final act]]''' wind of fortune

==Fleets==
* '''Players who control fleets can choose from several downtime options'''
* '''Not every fleet is eligible to participate in every voyage'''
* '''Left to their own devices, a fleet defaults to the ''maritime escort'' option'''
Any player whose character controls a [[fleet]] can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a [[Foreign_ports|foreign port]], engage in [[Fleet#Raiding|raiding]] barbarians, [[Fleet#Questing|quest]] in search of glory or renown, [[Fleet#Scouting|scout]] either to support a [[smugglers cove]] or as part of another stealthy option, or commit to [[Fleet#Guarding|guarding]] a convoy of other ships.

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

===Escort the Stone Fleet===
* '''The delayed Sumaah aid to the Freeborn is readying to travel to the Brass Coast
* '''Imperial fleet captains can help defend it from Asavean privateers
* '''A standard fleet will receive 54 rings, two bottles of Oilybrag, and one pot of Sevensalve'''
Imperial [[fleet]] captains are able to travel to Sumaah to defend the Sumaash ships travelling with aid to the Brass Coast. Each standard fleet assigned to the action adds 100 points toward the successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] fleet adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a [[Voyage#Guarding_Voyages|guarding]] fleet (most likely [[Wolves of the Hungry Sea]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action. In a similar manner to a [[spy network]], the total strength assigned to the opportunity will determine the outcome. The more ships that take part, the more white granite the House of the People are prepared to risk sending to the Brass Coast.

More information on this action can be found in the '''[[Drowned_in_tears#A_Gift_of_Pride|Drowned in tears]]''' wind of fortune from Autumn Equinox 387YE.

===Trade Summary===
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, the Sumaah Republic, and Zemelslo'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.
* '''Axos:''' The ports of the '''[[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Axos|Chambers of Issyk]]''' welcome Imperial fleets. The production of Kantor has been altered. You can find out more about the changes made in the '''[[Troop_of_echoes#Pearl_and_Ruby_Glowing|Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune
* '''Commonwealth:''' The ports of '''[[Foreign_ports#Leerdam|Leerdam]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]]''' welcome Imperial traders and their production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the new items on the '''[[According_to_principle#New_trade|According to principle]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Faraden:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Caitun|Caitun]]''' welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a one rank bonus due to close proximity. The production of Caitun has shifted to no longer produce ingots of orichalcum. Instead, a starting fleet will produce a cube of mooncheese. You can find out more about the situation on the '''[[Wild_is_the_wind#Faraden_Luxuries|Wild is the wind]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Iron Confederacy:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]''' is available for Imperial fleets.
* '''Sarcophan Delves:''' The usual ports of '''[[Foreign_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]''' welcome Imperial traders.
* '''Sumaah Republic:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]''' welcomes Imperial traders, and its production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the changes on the '''[[Friend_of_mine#Inspire_Others|Friend of mine]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Zemelslo:''' The port of '''[[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Free_Ports_And_Free_People|Radosmo]]''' welcomes Imperial traders following the Imperial Senate's decision to [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Confirm_Trade_with_Zemelslo|permit trade]] with the nation very close to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|align=right}}

==Congregations==
* '''In addition to the standard preaching options taken by owners of congregations, special ''lectures'' may be available'''
During downtime, the owner of a [[congregation]] can choose to take a [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] action. Normally, these actions are used to preach one of the Imperial virtues, or the general teachings of [[the Way]], allowing a Synod member to change which of the virtue assemblies they belong to.

After the Winter Solstice, there are four lectures available.

===Investigate Sarvos===
* '''Highborn and League congregations can choose to investigate Sarvos '''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos'' will receive no liao and be placed in the Vigilance Assembly at the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
Highborn and Leaguers who take this action will take part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and potentially identifying any traitors to the Empire. Any congregation owner who takes this lecture will receive the standard amount of votes but no liao, that will be consumed in the course of their activities. They will be placed in the Vigilance Assembly at the Spring Equinox.

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

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

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

===Support the Pilgrim's Defiance===
* '''Highborn congregations can choose to support the Pilgrim's Defiance against the vallornspawn in Therunin'''
* '''A congregation that takes the '' Preach Virtue - Support the Pilgrim's Defiance'' will receive no liao but remain in the same Virtue Assembly'''
* '''If 10 congregations preach support for the army then casualties will be reduced by 10%'''
* '''If 20 congregations preach support for the army then territory conquered by the army will be increased by 10%'''
Not every grey pilgrim joined the [[Pilgrim's Defiance]]. Some were exhausted by their long march and eager to return to the life they had given up to walk the trods. They did not forget their comrades, and will support their fellow pilgrims when asked. Such support can take many forms, providing herbs, potions and liao for their friends and relatives in the new army, or volunteering with the army's field hospital and supply train. Such support can be invaluable in raising morale and supporting the army as it fights.

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

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

For more information, see the '''[[Banners_and_bells#March_Together|Banners and bells]]''' wind of fortune

===Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus===
* '''Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Ambition by encouraging pilgrims to visit Capodomus Cathedral'''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Ambition - Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus'' action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Ambition Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is available until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the [[liao]] they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]. Those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the Atrium of Golden Light; they will return to their home inspired to embrace Ambition and pursue it with the certain belief that nothing is beyond their reach.

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

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the '''[[Golden_light#Better_to_Try|Golden light]]''' wind of fortune.

===Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian===
* '''Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Wisdom by encouraging pilgrims to visit the Great Library'''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Wisdom - Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian'' action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Wisdom Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is available until the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE'''
Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the [[liao]] they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the [[Great Library of Hacynian|Great Library]]. After those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the shrine, they will return home inspired to embrace Wisdom and pursue it in the certain belief that inaction is the only true mistake.

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

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the '''[[Sing_a_song#Find_the_Right_Question|Sing a song]]''' wind of fortune.

==Arcane Projections==
* '''Arcane projections must be submitted before the close of downtime'''
* '''It is not possible to submit arcane projections that create personal curses'''
The deadline for submitting an [[arcane projection]] is now the close of downtime. This is a significantly shorter window than previously. We've made this change to improve our ability to process arcane projections - an earlier deadline means that the game team have more time to consider each arcane projection, which will allow us to be more detailed and consistent in our responses.

As detailed in the '''[[The_moth_for_the_star#A_Drowning_Sailor|The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune, it is not currently possible to create an arcane projection that involves a [[curse]] directed at a character.
===Colleges and Forges===
* '''We've changed the email address for college of magic and runeforge submissions'''
It is important for characters responsible for a [[college of magic]] or [[runeforge]] to remember that the deadline for submitting rituals for codification, or instructions to the runeforge, is also the point that downtime closes. You ''must'' use let us know how you plan to use your college or forge by this point, otherwise it will not be possible to submit anything and the season will be lost.

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

==Miscellaneous Effects==
* '''After every event there will be a range of special effects that have an impact on downtime'''
* '''Each effect is automatically applied to the appropriate personal resources; this provides details of what has caused each effect'''
Every season sees large-scale effects impact individuals and nations. Some arise as the result of [[Judgement|Synod judgements]], [[Senate motion|Senate motions]] or [[Declaration|Conclave declarations]]. Others are the results of winds of fortune or war, or magical effects such as [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[curse|curses]]. Each such effect is mentioned in your downtime if it affects your personal resource, along with a brief summary of what is going on. This list provides more detail, and is also useful for knowing what is going on in the wider Empire.

===Rivers Run Clear===
* '''Rivers of Life has been cast on Feroz, Mitwold, Redoubt, and Sarangrave'''
* '''As well as reducing casualties to armies in the territories, the magic infuses all water there with life-giving Spring power'''
The Imperial territories of [[Feroz]], [[Mitwold]], [[Redoubt]], [[Sarangrave]] have had [[Rivers of Life]] woven over them. This potent magic preserves life, healing all save the most grievous wounds overnight and infusing water across the territory with restorative powers. As well as the typical effect of reducing losses to any [[Army|armies]] fighting in the territory, the magic has other, more narrative effects. Wounds heal, animals and plants are healthy and fertile, and people find it easier to start or expand their families.

===Frost and Fens===
* '''Dripping Echoes of the Fen has been cast on one region'''
* '''Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae has been cast on four regions'''
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:800px;"}
|-
! Ritual !! Region !! Coven
|-
| [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] || West Marsh, [[Kallavesa]] || Sussivari Frost Coven
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Nadir, [[Mareave]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Clisearn, [[Mareave]] || Ashen Flame
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Hope's Rest, [[The Barrens]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Tomari, [[Redoubt]] || Ashen Flame
|-
|}

===Quiet in the Tundra (Sermersuaq)===
* '''The Wintermark territory of Sermersuaq has been flooded with Day magic'''
* '''It is clear to anyone in the territory that it is the result of Day magic'''
The [[Wintermark]] territory of [[Sermersuaq]] has been enchanted with an [[arcane projection]]. [[Inhabitants of the realms|Inhabitants]] of the [[Realm#Day|Day realm]] find it easier to enter the territory.

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

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

===Reclamation of Rot and Ruin===
* '''The Wintermark territory of Hahnmark and the Varushkan territory of Ossium have been targeted by Regrow the Land's Heart'''
* '''Both performances were infused with the power of Llofir using whisperspore and vital honey'''
* '''Farms in the affected territories will receive three fewer crowns but three magical mushrooms'''
* '''Herb gardens in the affected territories will receive six fewer drams of true vervain but three magical mushrooms'''
The [[Wintermark]] territory of [[Hahnmark]] and the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] territory of [[Ossium]] have been enchanted with [[Regrow the Land's Heart]], infused with the power of [[Llofir]]. Areas scarred by war or natural disaster will quickly become overgrown with new plants and mushrooms. Regions with the [[Region_qualities#Ruined|ruined]] quality will not lose it, but the areas of ruin will swiftly be transformed into gardens or even woodlands.

More information on this effect can be found in the '''[[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Regrow_the_Land's_Heart|Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom]]''' wind of fortune

Players creating or attending [[sanctioned events]] set in Hahnmark or Ossium should bear this effect in mind, especially when it comes to designing a [[Sanctioned_events#Plot_Events|plot event]]. Any further effects will be in the winds of fortune released before the next event.

==Magical Lore==
* '''Every summit it is possible that new rituals, magic items, or potions may become available to Imperial citizens'''
* '''Some of these options are only available to characters from certain nations, such as those entered into Urizen Lore or Runesmith's Law'''
During the Winter Solstice , one ritual was put forward for inclusion in Imperial Lore:
* [[Viridian's Wildfire Emberstrike]] was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Imperial_Lore:_Viridian's_Wildfire_Emberstrike|raised]] by '''Syl''' the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] and funded by '''Llŷr Viridian duLac'''

No new rituals became part of [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]] during the summit (but see the '''[[The_tune_without_the_words#Out_With_Lanterns|The tune without the words]]''' wind of fortune), and no new magic items were added to [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Runesmith.27s_Law|Runesmiths Law]].

Where the slow river flows

2026-05-20T21:56:06Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Blood of the Wanderer */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher drums.jpg|caption=The Drakes' drum sounds, calling the yeofolk of the Marches to war.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Blood of the Wanderer==
After the Autumn Equinox, a great host of Jotun crossed Odd’s Way into [[Mitwold]]. Fifty thousand or more warriors with two cohorts of the Knights of Glory. They took the Pride of the Marches by surprise, the only defenders the garrison of Forte Fidelis. Those Imperial soldiers committed to the Marches were in Bregasland, fighting to reclaim that conquered territory. Everyone was taken by surprise. They washed across Oddmire, conquered Meade March and the city of Meade, washed into the Meadows before their assault hit its high water mark.

Then during the Winter Solstice itself, Stephen of Sarcombe and his human yegarra launched an assault against the town of Wayford. Imperial heroes responded, passing through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to bring an end to his treachery once and for all. In the end though they were unable to save the kidnapped Wayford Wanderers hero [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Save_Jim_Moor|Jim Moor]]; unable to stop him giving support to the [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Red_Walder's_Descendants|heirs of Red Walder]]; unable to bring [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Stephen_of_Sarcombe|Stephen to justice]]. Despite heroic efforts, Jim was murdered at the same spot magistrates had once executed Red Walder; and where the death of the self-styled bandit king helped secure the prosperity of the Marches the slaughter of the beloved foot-the-ball player has put cracks in the morale of Mitwold.

The heroes managed to execute Bill of Beatsdown, the son of Red Walder, but that death only stoked the grudge-fires in the spirits of his sister Jill Longlegs, his childhood friend Jack Poultice, and his surrogate father figure Dusty Cobb. Of the three it is hard to say who will prove to be the most dangerous; the clever gossip who knows everyone’s business; the vicious thug who counts coin higher than any virtue; or the fallen monk angry at Empire and Synod alike. Together they are a dangerous combination, and now they are lose in Mitwold with weapons and armour provided by the traitor of the Mournwold.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">My Drakes, it is time. We must return to Mitwold. We return to the Wayford, I'll cut down Jim Moor, bury him with his kit and my own football. We are to draw the line at Wayford with a Solid Defence, an opportunity made possible because Coal Carefoot ensured Bree Shaw's last act was to resupply the Drakes. We will bask in the warm Sun joining us from the East. Our older siblings heard our plea and come not as strangers but as kin when Black Roses Bloom here, let them remember who stood when Mitwold called, Our soil their Glory!</quote>
<quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">My Soldiers, I will make this simple. We march into Mitwold for a Strategic Defence. Hold the line in Wayford, it cannot fall. When the invaders meet our steel, leave none alive to do so again. Keep an eye open for Stephen of Sarcombe. I promise 10 Thrones to whomever brings me that vermin alive so I might wring his neck with my own hands. That traitor cannot be allowed to survive battle with us again. Stephen must Die.</quote>
<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield"> Grey go the days with their grinding strain, Small are their victories, shadowed with pain; But bright is the battle-line that banishes fear, And hearts are made whole when the war-cry is near. There stand the shield-lines, steadfast and strong, Helms all a-glimmer, spears set in throng; Blade-song rises where bold battlers stand, And the field is made fair by their fate-forged hand. We shield the folk, spare the untried and weak, Let no sly scavenger plunder or sneak; No hand shall dishonour the dead where they lie, Nor trouble their rest ’neath the wide watching sky. These are our war-ways, our word and our will; Beautiful the battle-days, fierce and yet fair still- Not for the scarecrow that shrinks from the fray, But the bold who break forth where the war-banners sway.</quote>
<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My last orders to the Valiant Pegasus fills me with loyalty and pride. We defend with our siblings from the nations whilst we do what the Valiant Pegasus does best, tending to our brothers and sisters injured whilst we hold against our enemies. You my army have inspired, General Lucifor.</quote>
<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">Radiant Knights of Dawn, our Sun may rise in the East, but we set our shields in the West. The Golden Sun shines where the Empire needs it most. We march with the beat of the Drakes drum, we do not come as strangers, but as kin. Guard the fields as you would your own name. The land remembers who bled for it. Let the soil drink its fill. Let the black roses bloom. Let our solid defence stand as strong as any oath sworn by a friend, by a brother. Our loyalty to this Empire and those in need will lead us to victory as a shining example of a new Dawn. Their soil, our glory.</quote></div>
And of course Stephen escaped, along with many of this troops, to remain a thorn in the side of the Marchers and the southern Empire. His fury and bitterness at the loss of his partner has curdled into something truly monstrous; he has become a man who does not quibble over murdering innocents to achieve his goals. A man who wields terror and violence as a weapon against his enemies. While the Jarl-of-Jarls, and many of the Jotun champions, have clearly come to view Stephen as a liability, the yegarra is not without his supporters. There have always been a few Jotun who pay only lip service to their ideals, and to them Stephen seems a fine example of what can be achieved when one puts winning above the archaic, idealistic demands of honour. They’ve seen him triumph over the Empire time and again, and while his methods may be blood-soaked and dishonourable, one cannot argue with results.

As the Solstice ends, and the slow climb to Spring begins, this is Mitwold then. Riven by chaos, grieving, angry, afraid of what the future might hold. The people of Oddmire and Meade in thrall to the Jotun conquerors, the folk of the Meadows and the Downs worried that they might be next.

==Imperial Aid==
Nobody doubted for one moment that the [[Drakes]] would return to Mitwold to fight the invading Jotun, and come they do. Out of [[Bregasland]], through [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] and the outskirts of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]], over the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] to the Golden Downs and a rendezvous with the other Imperial armies come to drive the Jotun out. With them, some ten thousand force under arms of [[military unit|Imperial captains]] - Marcher folk of course, but next to them are sworn allies, a cohort of knights from [[Dawn]], [[Highguard|Highborn]] guardians, and heroes of [[Wintermark]] among others. To meet this sea of red and black are the [[Tusks]], of course, but also the [[Golden Sun]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Green Shield]]. At their sides, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]].

As the armies gather, so do the clouds. Last season saw bitter Winter snow, but after the Solstice the weather turns unexpectedly. The corpse-blue sky of late Winter is already beginning to give way to the softer blues of Spring, promising the first life-giving rains. They fall early in Mitwold this year, and every drop resonates with the healing power of [[Spring magic]]. No injury that it is not mortal will fester here; even dire wounds will heal overnight provided the patient is able to sup fresh water in their sickbed. Those who recognise such things - and there are stargazers in the Marches, even if they do not give themselves airs and graces - say that [[the Fountain]], which Marchers sometimes call ''the Green Willow'' watches over Mitwold as the armies march to war. Perhaps they are right; those who have fought where the [[Rivers of Life]] flow say that there is something different this time, and soldiers speak of strange dreams of a figure who whispers in their dreams of birth and growth and the surety of Spring following Winter.

The Imperial strategy is twofold. The Jotun must be denied any more purchase in Mitwold; the bulk of the Empire’s soldiers hold the line against the invaders. The Drakes and the Golden Sun set their standards in the good earth, ready to do what it takes to hold the barbarians. The Tusks prepare to meet the advance of the Jotun, ready to move where they can best harry the enemy and turn them back. The Valiant Pegasus stands beside their allies of Dawn and the Marches, swiftly deploying their field hospitals and ensuring every cohort of the Empire has healers and [[Surgical skills#physicks|physicks]] ready to [[Army_qualities#Physick|tend the fallen]] and ensure as few lives as possible are lost in the defence.

At the same time the Green Shield pushes forward, to engage the enemy and take back the land they have already stolen, to drive them west back into Bregasland. Yet they also [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] - not to shepherd their allies but to leave the Jotun in no doubt that they are honourable opponents. They are ''better'' than Stephen of Sarcombe, murderer and despoiler. With them come a heavily armoured host of the [[Knights of Glory]], conjured from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]''. Fearsome commander ''Elodian'' the War-smith leads her warband of rune-armoured hammersmiths. They send their enemies sprawling with irresistible blows of their greathammers, all the while singing battle-hymns of glory and heroism to inspire the Winterfolk they strive alongside.

Ready for what may come, for the great host of the Jotun that must come, the forces of the Empire await the breaking storm.
==Stormbreak==
The storm comes, but it is perhaps not the one the defenders of the Marches had anticipated. The Jotun invaders, the great host of them, have pulled back west already. Yet the barbarians have not abandoned Mitwold. In their place come the three armies of the Lasambrian-Jotun - the covetous Corazón, the zealous Escuta, the disciplined Hierro. Alongside the Hierro marches a warband of Summer warriors, led by the lion-maned warlord ''Kore'' in scarlet armour. His troops are fantastical swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats, crimson knights who use their short lances to great effect on the flatlands of Mitwold, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge and then laying about themselves with spear and claw. The hammersmiths of Elodian meet their assault head-on, revelling in the chance to test themselves against their cousins of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] alongside their Winterfolk allies.

While the Escuta and Hierro seek to push forward, looking to secure the Jotun hold over the Meadows, the Corazón fall back into their traditional ways. They look to [[Army qualities#Foraging|plunder]] the farms and villages of the Marches, more interested in the loot they can claim than in fighting Imperial troops or pressing barbarian claim to the Marches. Not to say that they are any less dangerous; when they encounter Imperial defenders they fight hard to overcome them retreating only when it is clear they will claim no booty this day. Even with the ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' alongside them, the Corazón have their work cut out for them - but they have almost as many successes as they have failures and slowly but surely they gather a great store of stolen wealth not only from the Meadows but from Meade March and Oddmire as well.

It’s clear the Lasambrians are expecting tough opposition; the Hierro set the pace with a slow, almost cautious strategy looking to [[Army_qualities#Resilient|secure the gains]] the Jotun have already made in the Meadows and to ensure the Empire gains no foothold in Meade March. The Escuta, showing a little of the wildness that beats in their soul, strike sporadically looking to be as unpredictable as possible forcing the larger Imperial force to spread itself thin, looking to balance their greater numbers with quick, agile skirmishes. Yet for all their speed, they are [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|careful to avoid direct confrontation]], preferring to retreat than allow themselves to be cornered or forced to fight.

The barbarians test the Imperial defence over and over, but are unable to make headway. The cordon of iron and blood thrown up across eastern Mitwold is too sturdy for them to penetrate. As the weeks drag on it looks as if this engagement will be a stalemate… until the Battle of Wayford takes the barbarians by surprise.
<fourpicture>{{CaptionedImage|file=Daemon Mortere.jpg|caption='''Daemon Mortere''', General of the Golden Sun|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Guildenestern.png|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jack Ashton.jpg|caption='''Jack Ashton''', General of the Tusks|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield|align=left|width=200}}</fourpicture>
==The Battle of Wayford==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="Eahgoh Blackhammer, General of the Hierro">This is not our land, but we fight for virtue of our cousins as they answer their call of honour. Let Loyalty be our battlecry, let Pride in our fellows be our shield, and let Ambition be the blade we set against the throat of the Marches.</quote>
<quote by="Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta">The future lies before us, and we must not blink as it turns its bright gaze upon us. Waste no lives, for the Empire is cunning in the traps it lays, yet do not fear the battle to come. The virtuous godhi speak of Ambition, and of Pride, and we know we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.</quote>
<quote by="Meketh of the Flames, General of the Corazón">Take everything that is not nailed to the ground, and show the Ice Fishers of Ldansk that we are the best at what we do.</quote></div>
Built on the southern borders of the Meadows, where the river Meade flows slow, and shallow, and wide, the market-town of Wayford is a centre for trade and travel. Old, sometimes seen as sleepy, but rich nonetheless. The raid of Stephen of Sarcombe first made the people wary, then it made them ''angry''. When the Hierro push forward, they find the garrison of Forte Fidelis already in position, a rough militia of yeomen farmers and retired Marcher soldiers lined up alongside them. The commanders of the Tusks have anticipated the Lasambrian strategy, and prepared their defences, Along with soldiers of the Drakes who grew up around Wayford, backed up by Highborn physicks and Dawnish knights, they wait in ambush a little way down the river. As the Hierro and the Escuta cross the ford that gives the town its name, the trap is sprung.

As the defenders of Mitwold attack from upstream, as the garrison and the militia hold the town, the Green Shield pour down from the north. The Lasambrian forces are caught between them, half on one side of the river and half on the other. They rally quickly - many are veterans of the plains of Segura and the hills of Kahraman and they know better than to underestimate the Empire - but they are at a clear disadvantage. At first it looks as if the battle will be entirely one-sided - but then the Ice Fishers of Ldansk raise their banners and come crashing across the Meade north of the ford to attack the flank of the Green Shields. These Jotun are no strangers to fighting in situations like these, as adept at navigating the warmer rivers of the south as they are the ice-floes and frigid lakes of their icy home far to the north. In their wake come the Corazón, more eager to get to the rich pickings represented by Wayford then they are to engage the Winterfolk army.

The river is shallow, but fighting in water is a challenge for orc and human alike. The river itself flows with life, but it heals wounds; it offers no protection against drowning. Foes who fall in the Meade struggle to keep their heads above the surface. A bitter irony, to drown in these life-giving waters; one that too many soldiers come to understand too late. If not for the Vigilant Pegasus on the one side, and the caution of the Escuta on the other, the death toll might have been grim indeed - especially for the Jotun fighting alongside the Lasambrians, who fear death by drowning more than any other fate.

The riverwater churns with mud and blood and then explodes. The first geyser erupts in the middle of a fight between heavy-armoured Hierro and Marcher pikemen, showering both with heavy droplets of pure water. Instantly, all injuries heal, and the warriors on both side are filled with an almost unendurable burst of vitality. Then another waterspout, and another. One soldier is flung twenty feet into the air when the river waters by his feet surges upwards - they land with cries of pain, shattered spine… and then the healing waters restore them as fully as they had broken them. Fountains of magical healing water burst wherever the fighting is at its fiercest, and where their waters touch they heal everything - war wounds and terrible injuries alike - restoring health and vigour and allowing warriors on their last legs to keep fighting. Blood flows and flows, fatal amounts, but almost every time the waters heal the soldiers and keep them fighting. The battle between barbarian and Imperial becomes the worst kind of meatgrinder; the only way to keep the enemy down is to execute them or to hold them beneath the water so they drown. Scuffles break out up and down the riverbanks, warriors on both sides abandoning any pretence of strategy to wrestle their foes beneath the water and flood their lungs with water.

The Green Shields sound their horns first, calling their warriors back before the conflict can descend into true barbarism. The Hierro follow suit minutes later; not everyone responds in a timely fashion. As the two sides separate, the fountains of life subside. The barbarians on the wrong side of the river take the opportunity to fight free of the defenders, retreating across to where their fellows are forming up. Arrows fly - from both sides - but those who fall in the river pierced by wooden shafts quickly rise again thanks to the curse of Spring.

Across the river, the two sides stare at each other, as the bodies of the fallen float downstream between them in their dozens, Imperial and barbarian alike, many too mutilated to be recognisable. One final indignity; the dead are already beginning to decompose as if weeks were passing in mere minutes. A quick truce is negotiated to allow both sides to try and hook the fallen from the river, the horror of a battle that might never have ended, sharp in the minds of orc and human alike.

Night falls, and the two forces stay on their own side of the river. The next day, the Lasambrian Jotun pull back. They know now that they are outnumbered, and even without the cursed river battle they would not have held the day. The Corazón at least are happy; they at least have done well out of the confusion looting the outskirts of the town. In particular, they have made off with many foot-the-ball trophies the Wayford Wanderers won over the years, including that kept as a memorial to their terrible [[When Spring comes|last game]] when so many died at the hands of the heralds of Siakha.

==Aftermath==
The battle of Wayford is not the last engagement of the war in Mitwold; far from it. The Lasambrians are chastened, but they do not abandon their ambitions. Perhaps they are a little more careful around the River Meade, leery of whatever dangerous water spirits possess its water. Twice more, though, they seek to cross from the Jotun-dominated side of the Meadows to the free side, but they are at pains to use the bridges that have stood for three centuries or more. Twice more, they are beaten back.

At the same time, the Green Shields and their rune-armoured allies from the Summer realm use their momentum to push the orcs hard. They seize on their caution around the river, pursuing whenever they leave an opening or an unguarded flank. Engagement by engagement, the Winterfolk drive the Lasambrian Jotun back. A few Imperial warriors who perhaps should know better take to hurling buckets of water toward the Lasambrians during these scattered engagements, mocking their caution of the River Meade. The Winterfolk commanders have sharp words to say about such behaviour, and it mostly tails off. Mostly.

Whenever the invaders are forced to retreat, the Tusks and the Drakes are there to hold what the Green Shield have taken. As the Spring Equinox gets closer, its clear to everyone that the Hierro and the Escuta can’t hold out in the Meadows. Perhaps its the terrain - too much of it is simply flat open ground and as they have demonstrated in Segura they are not at their best in such conditions. Perhaps its the fervour of the defence, the common folk of the Marches inspired by the Drakes, organised by Forte Fidelis, refusing to give any more ground to the invaders.

They retreat, out of the Meadows, but no farther. The Green Shield try to push into Meade March, but they encounter too stiff a resistance to make much headway. While the Lasambrians can’t face the might of the Empire alone, even with their allies the Green Shield can’t face three entire armies by themselves and hope for more than limited victory. Yet even a limited victory, in such conditions, is still something of a triumph.

As the Equinox dawns, the Empire controls the Meadows and both Downs, the Jotun-Lasambrians hold Meade March and Oddmire. The Green Shield have made some small progress toward liberating Meade, but the city remains in the hands of the Jotun. The news that comes from Meade is not good - the Corazón have been through the place like butter through a goose. The Jotun who robbed the place last season were rank amateurs beside the orcs of the Lasambrian hills. At least, though, there has been no hint of an atrocity such as the one Stephen of Sarcombe planned.

As to Stephen himself… his warband has not been seen this season to the frustration of those who would see him brought to book for his crimes. It is too much to hope he has been executed by his ''own side''. The general of the Tusks has placed a ten Throne bounty on his head, and that just adds to the enthusiasm of those who want to see him dead for what he has done not only to Jim Moor but to folk across the Marches whenever he has the chance. Indeed, there’s stories of friars supporting anyone prepared to make their grudge against the traitor concrete, to sanctify it with liao. The Valiant Pegasus in particular is concerned to hear of this, but in the confusion of battle there is little chance to investigate further.

Stephen himself might not be visible, but the ripples of his continued presence in Mitwold certainly are. It seems that he has been busy offering aid to the heirs of Red Walder - and they ''have'' been seen right enough. While Imperial armies fight to protect Mitwold, these cowards attack baggage trains and refugees alike, caring neither for the sanctity of the Marches nor for those who have already lost so much. The Golden Sun and the Valiant Pegasus drive the bandits off - they are in no position to face disciplined soldiers of the Empire - but where there are no soldiers the only defence is the militia organised by the garrison of Forte Fidelis and they are stretched to breaking. If the situation is allowed to continue, it’s anyone’s guess what the increasingly bold bandits - and their traitor patron - might try next.

For now though, Spring comes to the Marches and away from the battlefront, the rhythms of life reassert themselves. Ploughing, planting, planning for the year to come. As the last of the healing rains fall, green shoots begin to unfurl. Whatever else happens, it looks like this year will see a bumper harvest in Mitwold. Thirsty soil in the best soil, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has driven the barbarians out of the Meadows, reclaiming the region'''
* '''Imperial troops are a tenth of the way towards liberating Meade March'''
The fighting this season has seen the Lasambrian Jotun held back from claiming any more of Mitwold, and thanks to the offensive orders of the Green Shields they have lost their foothold in that region. The Winterfolk army has pushed forward, beginning to take a foothold in Meade March. The barbarians still control that region, including the city of Meade, and the region of Oddmire. The Empire benefitted from its defensive tactics; estimates are hard given the Rivers of Life but it seems the barbarians suffered easily three times as many casualties as Imperial forces.

The Corazón have been engaged in plundering Mitwold, seizing whatever wealth they can get hold of. The Green Shield have been using the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] order; while it does not impede the Corazón, the fact the Wintermark army has chosen to do so is obvious to everyone in the territory.

The battle at Wayford is the major engagement of this season, and is marked out by unpredictable magical effects. Marcher landskeepers believe it was likely caused by an unexpected interaction between the [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] of [[the Fountain|the Green Willow]] and the powerful [[curse]] of [[Rivers of Life]].

The heirs of Red Walder - the three would-be bandit chiefs who escaped from Imperial heroes at the Winter Solstice - are causing trouble in Mitwold. With support and weapons from Stephen of Sarcombe, they are taking every opportunity to raid baggage trains, attack travelers, and even assault small, outlying farms. At the moment their impact is not great - at least not on the people who aren't on the receiving end of their attacks - but there is the potential for serious problems in the future. As such, the regions of the Meadows, Maiden Downs and Golden Downs have all gained the ''[[Region qualities#Lawless|Banditry]]'' quality representing the impact of their criminal actions.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherBriar.jpg|align=right|width=400}}

==Participation : Battle of Wayford==
* '''Any character whose military unit participated in Mitwold this season may have been exposed to chaotic Spring magic'''
* '''A briar character can use this opportunity to enhance their physical and/or roleplaying trappings, and gain a temporary point of endurance in the process'''
* '''Any unlineaged human might use this opportunity to gain the briar lineage'''
* '''Red flowers are a very appropriate trapping for anyone who takes one of these options'''
The general of any armies in Mitwold, or anyone whose military unit supported one of the armies or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may have fought at the Battle of Wayford. Those who did so may have been exposed to the wild healing curse that washed over the battlefield.

If your character has the [[briar]] [[lineage]] you may use this as an opportunity to increase your [[Briar#Other_Trappings|physical trappings]] if you wish, such as by adding additional [[Briar#Patches of bark|bark]], or adding [[Briar#flowers|flowers]]. In the latter case ''red'' flowers are particularly appropriate. You may also choose to intensify one or more of your [[Briar#Roleplaying|roleplaying trappings]] either permanently or for the duration of the Spring Equinox. In either case, any briar character who fought at the Battle of Wayford begins the Spring Equinox with an additional, temporary, point of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]]. This point is the first lost when you take an injury, and cannot be restored. It fades by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Any human character who does not have [[lineage]] and fought at the Battle of Wayford alongside their military unit (or was a general of one of the armies involved) may take this opportunity to develop the Briar lineage as a result of being repeatedly healed by wild Spring magic. You will need to email {{plot}} before midnight on the 27th of May with your PID. You will need to physrep your trappings; in addition to bark the addition of red flowers is particularly appropriate for showing that you gained your lineage as a result of the battle. Be aware that lineage is generally a ''permanent'' change to your character so think carefully about the commitment before you choose to embrace it. Also bear in mind that characters who already have lineage will ''not'' develop it due to the waters of Wayford.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Holding a Grudge==
* '''Any Marcher whose military unit supported the fighting in Mitwold may choose to have been inspired by the preaching of Friar Book'''
* '''Characters may choose to gain a hallowed item with an aura that clearly does not come from one of the seven virtues'''
Any Marcher character whose military unit supported an army in Mitwold, or who reinforced the garrison at Forte Fidelis, may have been motivated by a desire to defeat Stephen of Sarcombe. During the fighting, a [[friar]] going by the name of ''Book'' has been outspoken about the wrongs done to the Marches by Stephen and his fellow traitor yegarra and the stain on the nation that his continued survival represents. They alternate praise for the general of the Tusks with calls to action, and for those who have spoken to them privately afterward they are prepared to use their small personal supply of [[liao]] to help dedicate folk to the pursuit of Stephen.
<div style="float: right; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Fair words won't bury grudges.</quote></div>
Marcher characters can choose to take advantage of this and receive a [[hallow|hallowing]] on their weapon that will last for the coming year. To do so, you must email {{plot}} by midnight on the 27th of May and include your PID and indicate which of the following three motivations most underpins your desire to see Stephen of Sarcombe executed.
* You are angry that the guilty go unpunished, and want to see them brought to justice.
* You are prepared to pursue vengeance not only against Stephen but against anyone who wrongs “your people” (however you define that)
* You know that grudges are rooted in virtue, and that nobody should be shy about seeking retribution against criminals such as Stephen

Book talks seriously about the importance of settling grudges, something they say is [[The Marches#Five things about the Marches|rooted in the heart of the Marches]]. Criminals like Stephen need to be brought to justice, and the traitor has made this personal. He's murdered Marcher folk, and there has to be a reckoning for that. ''"There's two ways to bury a hatchet."'' as the Marcher proverb goes. Stephen of Sarcombe needs to get what's owed to him, Book says. Ideally in a way that gives anyone else thinking of harming good Marcher folk pause.

There is some concern that Book is preaching something that comes close to the "[[Malign spiritual presences|false virtue]]" of [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|vengeance]] here. Openly bearing a hallow created using a spiritual power other than one of the seven may prove problematic. While the [[Synod]] has not [[proscription|proscribed]] [[hallow|false hallows]], it has determined that [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_152|preaching or promoting ''vengeance'' is a crime]] and its possible that might extend to Friar Book and his enthusiasm for Marcher grudges. On the other hand, as he points out, there's nothing new about the Marcher passion for ensuring those who wrong them, pay for it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
==Participation : Pride and Loyalty==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration'''
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride'''
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit'''
* '''Military units who supported the Drakes, or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may receive a special benefit'''
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and while those efforts have been focused in [[Mournwold]] and [[Bregasland]], the people of Mitwold are still heartened to see "their" army return to fight for them. The general of the Drakes has sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration this act provides should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

Note that the character does not have to start the event with the anointing of Pride or Loyalty. They can claim the benefit if they receive that aura in play ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony. In the event that they lose or change their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained during the summit.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''A potential battle opportunity has been identified in Meade March
Imperial prognosticators making a study of the Sentinel Gate believe a major conjunction exists to allow Imperial heroes to strike into Meade March during the Spring Equinox. Indications are that a significant force of Corazón supported by warriors from the warband of the Ice Fishers of Ldansk are transporting some of the wealth looted from the city of Meade west toward the coastal town of Odd's End and, presumably, from there to Bregasland. The conjunction offers an opportunity to intercept this warband and perhaps recover the stolen treasures before they can be used by the Jotun.

Where the slow river flows

2026-05-20T21:54:29Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Game Information */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher drums.jpg|caption=The Drakes' drum sounds, calling the yeofolk of the Marches to war.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Blood of the Wanderer==
After the Autumn Equinox, a great host of Jotun crossed Odd’s Way into Mitwold. Fifty thousand or more warriors with two cohorts of the Knights of Glory. They took the Pride of the Marches by surprise, the only defenders the garrison of Forte Fidelis. Those Imperial soldiers committed to the Marches were in Bregasland, fighting to reclaim that conquered territory. Everyone was taken by surprise. They washed across Oddmire, conquered Meade March and the city of Meade, washed into the Meadows before their assault hit its high water mark.

Then during the Winter Solstice itself, Stephen of Sarcombe and his human yegarra launched an assault against the town of Wayford. Imperial heroes responded, passing through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to bring an end to his treachery once and for all. In the end though they were unable to save the kidnapped Wayford Wanderers hero [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Save_Jim_Moor|Jim Moor]]; unable to stop him giving support to the [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Red_Walder's_Descendants|heirs of Red Walder]]; unable to bring [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Stephen_of_Sarcombe|Stephen to justice]]. Despite heroic efforts, Jim was murdered at the same spot magistrates had once executed Red Walder; and where the death of the self-styled bandit king helped secure the prosperity of the Marches the slaughter of the beloved foot-the-ball player has put cracks in the morale of Mitwold.

The heroes managed to execute Bill of Beatsdown, the son of Red Walder, but that death only stoked the grudge-fires in the spirits of his sister Jill Longlegs, his childhood friend Jack Poultice, and his surrogate father figure Dusty Cobb. Of the three it is hard to say who will prove to be the most dangerous; the clever gossip who knows everyone’s business; the vicious thug who counts coin higher than any virtue; or the fallen monk angry at Empire and Synod alike. Together they are a dangerous combination, and now they are lose in Mitwold with weapons and armour provided by the traitor of the Mournwold.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">My Drakes, it is time. We must return to Mitwold. We return to the Wayford, I'll cut down Jim Moor, bury him with his kit and my own football. We are to draw the line at Wayford with a Solid Defence, an opportunity made possible because Coal Carefoot ensured Bree Shaw's last act was to resupply the Drakes. We will bask in the warm Sun joining us from the East. Our older siblings heard our plea and come not as strangers but as kin when Black Roses Bloom here, let them remember who stood when Mitwold called, Our soil their Glory!</quote>
<quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">My Soldiers, I will make this simple. We march into Mitwold for a Strategic Defence. Hold the line in Wayford, it cannot fall. When the invaders meet our steel, leave none alive to do so again. Keep an eye open for Stephen of Sarcombe. I promise 10 Thrones to whomever brings me that vermin alive so I might wring his neck with my own hands. That traitor cannot be allowed to survive battle with us again. Stephen must Die.</quote>
<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield"> Grey go the days with their grinding strain, Small are their victories, shadowed with pain; But bright is the battle-line that banishes fear, And hearts are made whole when the war-cry is near. There stand the shield-lines, steadfast and strong, Helms all a-glimmer, spears set in throng; Blade-song rises where bold battlers stand, And the field is made fair by their fate-forged hand. We shield the folk, spare the untried and weak, Let no sly scavenger plunder or sneak; No hand shall dishonour the dead where they lie, Nor trouble their rest ’neath the wide watching sky. These are our war-ways, our word and our will; Beautiful the battle-days, fierce and yet fair still- Not for the scarecrow that shrinks from the fray, But the bold who break forth where the war-banners sway.</quote>
<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My last orders to the Valiant Pegasus fills me with loyalty and pride. We defend with our siblings from the nations whilst we do what the Valiant Pegasus does best, tending to our brothers and sisters injured whilst we hold against our enemies. You my army have inspired, General Lucifor.</quote>
<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">Radiant Knights of Dawn, our Sun may rise in the East, but we set our shields in the West. The Golden Sun shines where the Empire needs it most. We march with the beat of the Drakes drum, we do not come as strangers, but as kin. Guard the fields as you would your own name. The land remembers who bled for it. Let the soil drink its fill. Let the black roses bloom. Let our solid defence stand as strong as any oath sworn by a friend, by a brother. Our loyalty to this Empire and those in need will lead us to victory as a shining example of a new Dawn. Their soil, our glory.</quote></div>
And of course Stephen escaped, along with many of this troops, to remain a thorn in the side of the Marchers and the southern Empire. His fury and bitterness at the loss of his partner has curdled into something truly monstrous; he has become a man who does not quibble over murdering innocents to achieve his goals. A man who wields terror and violence as a weapon against his enemies. While the Jarl-of-Jarls, and many of the Jotun champions, have clearly come to view Stephen as a liability, the yegarra is not without his supporters. There have always been a few Jotun who pay only lip service to their ideals, and to them Stephen seems a fine example of what can be achieved when one puts winning above the archaic, idealistic demands of honour. They’ve seen him triumph over the Empire time and again, and while his methods may be blood-soaked and dishonourable, one cannot argue with results.

As the Solstice ends, and the slow climb to Spring begins, this is Mitwold then. Riven by chaos, grieving, angry, afraid of what the future might hold. The people of Oddmire and Meade in thrall to the Jotun conquerors, the folk of the Meadows and the Downs worried that they might be next.
==Imperial Aid==
Nobody doubted for one moment that the [[Drakes]] would return to Mitwold to fight the invading Jotun, and come they do. Out of [[Bregasland]], through [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] and the outskirts of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]], over the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] to the Golden Downs and a rendezvous with the other Imperial armies come to drive the Jotun out. With them, some ten thousand force under arms of [[military unit|Imperial captains]] - Marcher folk of course, but next to them are sworn allies, a cohort of knights from [[Dawn]], [[Highguard|Highborn]] guardians, and heroes of [[Wintermark]] among others. To meet this sea of red and black are the [[Tusks]], of course, but also the [[Golden Sun]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Green Shield]]. At their sides, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]].

As the armies gather, so do the clouds. Last season saw bitter Winter snow, but after the Solstice the weather turns unexpectedly. The corpse-blue sky of late Winter is already beginning to give way to the softer blues of Spring, promising the first life-giving rains. They fall early in Mitwold this year, and every drop resonates with the healing power of [[Spring magic]]. No injury that it is not mortal will fester here; even dire wounds will heal overnight provided the patient is able to sup fresh water in their sickbed. Those who recognise such things - and there are stargazers in the Marches, even if they do not give themselves airs and graces - say that [[the Fountain]], which Marchers sometimes call ''the Green Willow'' watches over Mitwold as the armies march to war. Perhaps they are right; those who have fought where the [[Rivers of Life]] flow say that there is something different this time, and soldiers speak of strange dreams of a figure who whispers in their dreams of birth and growth and the surety of Spring following Winter.

The Imperial strategy is twofold. The Jotun must be denied any more purchase in Mitwold; the bulk of the Empire’s soldiers hold the line against the invaders. The Drakes and the Golden Sun set their standards in the good earth, ready to do what it takes to hold the barbarians. The Tusks prepare to meet the advance of the Jotun, ready to move where they can best harry the enemy and turn them back. The Valiant Pegasus stands beside their allies of Dawn and the Marches, swiftly deploying their field hospitals and ensuring every cohort of the Empire has healers and [[Surgical skills#physicks|physicks]] ready to [[Army_qualities#Physick|tend the fallen]] and ensure as few lives as possible are lost in the defence.

At the same time the Green Shield pushes forward, to engage the enemy and take back the land they have already stolen, to drive them west back into Bregasland. Yet they also [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] - not to shepherd their allies but to leave the Jotun in no doubt that they are honourable opponents. They are ''better'' than Stephen of Sarcombe, murderer and despoiler. With them come a heavily armoured host of the [[Knights of Glory]], conjured from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]''. Fearsome commander ''Elodian'' the War-smith leads her warband of rune-armoured hammersmiths. They send their enemies sprawling with irresistible blows of their greathammers, all the while singing battle-hymns of glory and heroism to inspire the Winterfolk they strive alongside.

Ready for what may come, for the great host of the Jotun that must come, the forces of the Empire await the breaking storm.
==Stormbreak==
The storm comes, but it is perhaps not the one the defenders of the Marches had anticipated. The Jotun invaders, the great host of them, have pulled back west already. Yet the barbarians have not abandoned Mitwold. In their place come the three armies of the Lasambrian-Jotun - the covetous Corazón, the zealous Escuta, the disciplined Hierro. Alongside the Hierro marches a warband of Summer warriors, led by the lion-maned warlord ''Kore'' in scarlet armour. His troops are fantastical swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats, crimson knights who use their short lances to great effect on the flatlands of Mitwold, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge and then laying about themselves with spear and claw. The hammersmiths of Elodian meet their assault head-on, revelling in the chance to test themselves against their cousins of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] alongside their Winterfolk allies.

While the Escuta and Hierro seek to push forward, looking to secure the Jotun hold over the Meadows, the Corazón fall back into their traditional ways. They look to [[Army qualities#Foraging|plunder]] the farms and villages of the Marches, more interested in the loot they can claim than in fighting Imperial troops or pressing barbarian claim to the Marches. Not to say that they are any less dangerous; when they encounter Imperial defenders they fight hard to overcome them retreating only when it is clear they will claim no booty this day. Even with the ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' alongside them, the Corazón have their work cut out for them - but they have almost as many successes as they have failures and slowly but surely they gather a great store of stolen wealth not only from the Meadows but from Meade March and Oddmire as well.

It’s clear the Lasambrians are expecting tough opposition; the Hierro set the pace with a slow, almost cautious strategy looking to [[Army_qualities#Resilient|secure the gains]] the Jotun have already made in the Meadows and to ensure the Empire gains no foothold in Meade March. The Escuta, showing a little of the wildness that beats in their soul, strike sporadically looking to be as unpredictable as possible forcing the larger Imperial force to spread itself thin, looking to balance their greater numbers with quick, agile skirmishes. Yet for all their speed, they are [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|careful to avoid direct confrontation]], preferring to retreat than allow themselves to be cornered or forced to fight.

The barbarians test the Imperial defence over and over, but are unable to make headway. The cordon of iron and blood thrown up across eastern Mitwold is too sturdy for them to penetrate. As the weeks drag on it looks as if this engagement will be a stalemate… until the Battle of Wayford takes the barbarians by surprise.
<fourpicture>{{CaptionedImage|file=Daemon Mortere.jpg|caption='''Daemon Mortere''', General of the Golden Sun|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Guildenestern.png|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jack Ashton.jpg|caption='''Jack Ashton''', General of the Tusks|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield|align=left|width=200}}</fourpicture>
==The Battle of Wayford==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="Eahgoh Blackhammer, General of the Hierro">This is not our land, but we fight for virtue of our cousins as they answer their call of honour. Let Loyalty be our battlecry, let Pride in our fellows be our shield, and let Ambition be the blade we set against the throat of the Marches.</quote>
<quote by="Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta">The future lies before us, and we must not blink as it turns its bright gaze upon us. Waste no lives, for the Empire is cunning in the traps it lays, yet do not fear the battle to come. The virtuous godhi speak of Ambition, and of Pride, and we know we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.</quote>
<quote by="Meketh of the Flames, General of the Corazón">Take everything that is not nailed to the ground, and show the Ice Fishers of Ldansk that we are the best at what we do.</quote></div>
Built on the southern borders of the Meadows, where the river Meade flows slow, and shallow, and wide, the market-town of Wayford is a centre for trade and travel. Old, sometimes seen as sleepy, but rich nonetheless. The raid of Stephen of Sarcombe first made the people wary, then it made them ''angry''. When the Hierro push forward, they find the garrison of Forte Fidelis already in position, a rough militia of yeomen farmers and retired Marcher soldiers lined up alongside them. The commanders of the Tusks have anticipated the Lasambrian strategy, and prepared their defences, Along with soldiers of the Drakes who grew up around Wayford, backed up by Highborn physicks and Dawnish knights, they wait in ambush a little way down the river. As the Hierro and the Escuta cross the ford that gives the town its name, the trap is sprung.

As the defenders of Mitwold attack from upstream, as the garrison and the militia hold the town, the Green Shield pour down from the north. The Lasambrian forces are caught between them, half on one side of the river and half on the other. They rally quickly - many are veterans of the plains of Segura and the hills of Kahraman and they know better than to underestimate the Empire - but they are at a clear disadvantage. At first it looks as if the battle will be entirely one-sided - but then the Ice Fishers of Ldansk raise their banners and come crashing across the Meade north of the ford to attack the flank of the Green Shields. These Jotun are no strangers to fighting in situations like these, as adept at navigating the warmer rivers of the south as they are the ice-floes and frigid lakes of their icy home far to the north. In their wake come the Corazón, more eager to get to the rich pickings represented by Wayford then they are to engage the Winterfolk army.

The river is shallow, but fighting in water is a challenge for orc and human alike. The river itself flows with life, but it heals wounds; it offers no protection against drowning. Foes who fall in the Meade struggle to keep their heads above the surface. A bitter irony, to drown in these life-giving waters; one that too many soldiers come to understand too late. If not for the Vigilant Pegasus on the one side, and the caution of the Escuta on the other, the death toll might have been grim indeed - especially for the Jotun fighting alongside the Lasambrians, who fear death by drowning more than any other fate.

The riverwater churns with mud and blood and then explodes. The first geyser erupts in the middle of a fight between heavy-armoured Hierro and Marcher pikemen, showering both with heavy droplets of pure water. Instantly, all injuries heal, and the warriors on both side are filled with an almost unendurable burst of vitality. Then another waterspout, and another. One soldier is flung twenty feet into the air when the river waters by his feet surges upwards - they land with cries of pain, shattered spine… and then the healing waters restore them as fully as they had broken them. Fountains of magical healing water burst wherever the fighting is at its fiercest, and where their waters touch they heal everything - war wounds and terrible injuries alike - restoring health and vigour and allowing warriors on their last legs to keep fighting. Blood flows and flows, fatal amounts, but almost every time the waters heal the soldiers and keep them fighting. The battle between barbarian and Imperial becomes the worst kind of meatgrinder; the only way to keep the enemy down is to execute them or to hold them beneath the water so they drown. Scuffles break out up and down the riverbanks, warriors on both sides abandoning any pretence of strategy to wrestle their foes beneath the water and flood their lungs with water.

The Green Shields sound their horns first, calling their warriors back before the conflict can descend into true barbarism. The Hierro follow suit minutes later; not everyone responds in a timely fashion. As the two sides separate, the fountains of life subside. The barbarians on the wrong side of the river take the opportunity to fight free of the defenders, retreating across to where their fellows are forming up. Arrows fly - from both sides - but those who fall in the river pierced by wooden shafts quickly rise again thanks to the curse of Spring.

Across the river, the two sides stare at each other, as the bodies of the fallen float downstream between them in their dozens, Imperial and barbarian alike, many too mutilated to be recognisable. One final indignity; the dead are already beginning to decompose as if weeks were passing in mere minutes. A quick truce is negotiated to allow both sides to try and hook the fallen from the river, the horror of a battle that might never have ended, sharp in the minds of orc and human alike.

Night falls, and the two forces stay on their own side of the river. The next day, the Lasambrian Jotun pull back. They know now that they are outnumbered, and even without the cursed river battle they would not have held the day. The Corazón at least are happy; they at least have done well out of the confusion looting the outskirts of the town. In particular, they have made off with many foot-the-ball trophies the Wayford Wanderers won over the years, including that kept as a memorial to their terrible [[When Spring comes|last game]] when so many died at the hands of the heralds of Siakha.

==Aftermath==
The battle of Wayford is not the last engagement of the war in Mitwold; far from it. The Lasambrians are chastened, but they do not abandon their ambitions. Perhaps they are a little more careful around the River Meade, leery of whatever dangerous water spirits possess its water. Twice more, though, they seek to cross from the Jotun-dominated side of the Meadows to the free side, but they are at pains to use the bridges that have stood for three centuries or more. Twice more, they are beaten back.

At the same time, the Green Shields and their rune-armoured allies from the Summer realm use their momentum to push the orcs hard. They seize on their caution around the river, pursuing whenever they leave an opening or an unguarded flank. Engagement by engagement, the Winterfolk drive the Lasambrian Jotun back. A few Imperial warriors who perhaps should know better take to hurling buckets of water toward the Lasambrians during these scattered engagements, mocking their caution of the River Meade. The Winterfolk commanders have sharp words to say about such behaviour, and it mostly tails off. Mostly.

Whenever the invaders are forced to retreat, the Tusks and the Drakes are there to hold what the Green Shield have taken. As the Spring Equinox gets closer, its clear to everyone that the Hierro and the Escuta can’t hold out in the Meadows. Perhaps its the terrain - too much of it is simply flat open ground and as they have demonstrated in Segura they are not at their best in such conditions. Perhaps its the fervour of the defence, the common folk of the Marches inspired by the Drakes, organised by Forte Fidelis, refusing to give any more ground to the invaders.

They retreat, out of the Meadows, but no farther. The Green Shield try to push into Meade March, but they encounter too stiff a resistance to make much headway. While the Lasambrians can’t face the might of the Empire alone, even with their allies the Green Shield can’t face three entire armies by themselves and hope for more than limited victory. Yet even a limited victory, in such conditions, is still something of a triumph.

As the Equinox dawns, the Empire controls the Meadows and both Downs, the Jotun-Lasambrians hold Meade March and Oddmire. The Green Shield have made some small progress toward liberating Meade, but the city remains in the hands of the Jotun. The news that comes from Meade is not good - the Corazón have been through the place like butter through a goose. The Jotun who robbed the place last season were rank amateurs beside the orcs of the Lasambrian hills. At least, though, there has been no hint of an atrocity such as the one Stephen of Sarcombe planned.

As to Stephen himself… his warband has not been seen this season to the frustration of those who would see him brought to book for his crimes. It is too much to hope he has been executed by his ''own side''. The general of the Tusks has placed a ten Throne bounty on his head, and that just adds to the enthusiasm of those who want to see him dead for what he has done not only to Jim Moor but to folk across the Marches whenever he has the chance. Indeed, there’s stories of friars supporting anyone prepared to make their grudge against the traitor concrete, to sanctify it with liao. The Valiant Pegasus in particular is concerned to hear of this, but in the confusion of battle there is little chance to investigate further.

Stephen himself might not be visible, but the ripples of his continued presence in Mitwold certainly are. It seems that he has been busy offering aid to the heirs of Red Walder - and they ''have'' been seen right enough. While Imperial armies fight to protect Mitwold, these cowards attack baggage trains and refugees alike, caring neither for the sanctity of the Marches nor for those who have already lost so much. The Golden Sun and the Valiant Pegasus drive the bandits off - they are in no position to face disciplined soldiers of the Empire - but where there are no soldiers the only defence is the militia organised by the garrison of Forte Fidelis and they are stretched to breaking. If the situation is allowed to continue, it’s anyone’s guess what the increasingly bold bandits - and their traitor patron - might try next.

For now though, Spring comes to the Marches and away from the battlefront, the rhythms of life reassert themselves. Ploughing, planting, planning for the year to come. As the last of the healing rains fall, green shoots begin to unfurl. Whatever else happens, it looks like this year will see a bumper harvest in Mitwold. Thirsty soil in the best soil, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has driven the barbarians out of the Meadows, reclaiming the region'''
* '''Imperial troops are a tenth of the way towards liberating Meade March'''
The fighting this season has seen the Lasambrian Jotun held back from claiming any more of Mitwold, and thanks to the offensive orders of the Green Shields they have lost their foothold in that region. The Winterfolk army has pushed forward, beginning to take a foothold in Meade March. The barbarians still control that region, including the city of Meade, and the region of Oddmire. The Empire benefitted from its defensive tactics; estimates are hard given the Rivers of Life but it seems the barbarians suffered easily three times as many casualties as Imperial forces.

The Corazón have been engaged in plundering Mitwold, seizing whatever wealth they can get hold of. The Green Shield have been using the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] order; while it does not impede the Corazón, the fact the Wintermark army has chosen to do so is obvious to everyone in the territory.

The battle at Wayford is the major engagement of this season, and is marked out by unpredictable magical effects. Marcher landskeepers believe it was likely caused by an unexpected interaction between the [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] of [[the Fountain|the Green Willow]] and the powerful [[curse]] of [[Rivers of Life]].

The heirs of Red Walder - the three would-be bandit chiefs who escaped from Imperial heroes at the Winter Solstice - are causing trouble in Mitwold. With support and weapons from Stephen of Sarcombe, they are taking every opportunity to raid baggage trains, attack travelers, and even assault small, outlying farms. At the moment their impact is not great - at least not on the people who aren't on the receiving end of their attacks - but there is the potential for serious problems in the future. As such, the regions of the Meadows, Maiden Downs and Golden Downs have all gained the ''[[Region qualities#Lawless|Banditry]]'' quality representing the impact of their criminal actions.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherBriar.jpg|align=right|width=400}}

==Participation : Battle of Wayford==
* '''Any character whose military unit participated in Mitwold this season may have been exposed to chaotic Spring magic'''
* '''A briar character can use this opportunity to enhance their physical and/or roleplaying trappings, and gain a temporary point of endurance in the process'''
* '''Any unlineaged human might use this opportunity to gain the briar lineage'''
* '''Red flowers are a very appropriate trapping for anyone who takes one of these options'''
The general of any armies in Mitwold, or anyone whose military unit supported one of the armies or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may have fought at the Battle of Wayford. Those who did so may have been exposed to the wild healing curse that washed over the battlefield.

If your character has the [[briar]] [[lineage]] you may use this as an opportunity to increase your [[Briar#Other_Trappings|physical trappings]] if you wish, such as by adding additional [[Briar#Patches of bark|bark]], or adding [[Briar#flowers|flowers]]. In the latter case ''red'' flowers are particularly appropriate. You may also choose to intensify one or more of your [[Briar#Roleplaying|roleplaying trappings]] either permanently or for the duration of the Spring Equinox. In either case, any briar character who fought at the Battle of Wayford begins the Spring Equinox with an additional, temporary, point of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]]. This point is the first lost when you take an injury, and cannot be restored. It fades by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Any human character who does not have [[lineage]] and fought at the Battle of Wayford alongside their military unit (or was a general of one of the armies involved) may take this opportunity to develop the Briar lineage as a result of being repeatedly healed by wild Spring magic. You will need to email {{plot}} before midnight on the 27th of May with your PID. You will need to physrep your trappings; in addition to bark the addition of red flowers is particularly appropriate for showing that you gained your lineage as a result of the battle. Be aware that lineage is generally a ''permanent'' change to your character so think carefully about the commitment before you choose to embrace it. Also bear in mind that characters who already have lineage will ''not'' develop it due to the waters of Wayford.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Holding a Grudge==
* '''Any Marcher whose military unit supported the fighting in Mitwold may choose to have been inspired by the preaching of Friar Book'''
* '''Characters may choose to gain a hallowed item with an aura that clearly does not come from one of the seven virtues'''
Any Marcher character whose military unit supported an army in Mitwold, or who reinforced the garrison at Forte Fidelis, may have been motivated by a desire to defeat Stephen of Sarcombe. During the fighting, a [[friar]] going by the name of ''Book'' has been outspoken about the wrongs done to the Marches by Stephen and his fellow traitor yegarra and the stain on the nation that his continued survival represents. They alternate praise for the general of the Tusks with calls to action, and for those who have spoken to them privately afterward they are prepared to use their small personal supply of [[liao]] to help dedicate folk to the pursuit of Stephen.
<div style="float: right; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Fair words won't bury grudges.</quote></div>
Marcher characters can choose to take advantage of this and receive a [[hallow|hallowing]] on their weapon that will last for the coming year. To do so, you must email {{plot}} by midnight on the 27th of May and include your PID and indicate which of the following three motivations most underpins your desire to see Stephen of Sarcombe executed.
* You are angry that the guilty go unpunished, and want to see them brought to justice.
* You are prepared to pursue vengeance not only against Stephen but against anyone who wrongs “your people” (however you define that)
* You know that grudges are rooted in virtue, and that nobody should be shy about seeking retribution against criminals such as Stephen

Book talks seriously about the importance of settling grudges, something they say is [[The Marches#Five things about the Marches|rooted in the heart of the Marches]]. Criminals like Stephen need to be brought to justice, and the traitor has made this personal. He's murdered Marcher folk, and there has to be a reckoning for that. ''"There's two ways to bury a hatchet."'' as the Marcher proverb goes. Stephen of Sarcombe needs to get what's owed to him, Book says. Ideally in a way that gives anyone else thinking of harming good Marcher folk pause.

There is some concern that Book is preaching something that comes close to the "[[Malign spiritual presences|false virtue]]" of [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|vengeance]] here. Openly bearing a hallow created using a spiritual power other than one of the seven may prove problematic. While the [[Synod]] has not [[proscription|proscribed]] [[hallow|false hallows]], it has determined that [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_152|preaching or promoting ''vengeance'' is a crime]] and its possible that might extend to Friar Book and his enthusiasm for Marcher grudges. On the other hand, as he points out, there's nothing new about the Marcher passion for ensuring those who wrong them, pay for it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
==Participation : Pride and Loyalty==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration'''
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride'''
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit'''
* '''Military units who supported the Drakes, or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may receive a special benefit'''
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and while those efforts have been focused in [[Mournwold]] and [[Bregasland]], the people of Mitwold are still heartened to see "their" army return to fight for them. The general of the Drakes has sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration this act provides should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

Note that the character does not have to start the event with the anointing of Pride or Loyalty. They can claim the benefit if they receive that aura in play ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony. In the event that they lose or change their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained during the summit.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''A potential battle opportunity has been identified in Meade March
Imperial prognosticators making a study of the Sentinel Gate believe a major conjunction exists to allow Imperial heroes to strike into Meade March during the Spring Equinox. Indications are that a significant force of Corazón supported by warriors from the warband of the Ice Fishers of Ldansk are transporting some of the wealth looted from the city of Meade west toward the coastal town of Odd's End and, presumably, from there to Bregasland. The conjunction offers an opportunity to intercept this warband and perhaps recover the stolen treasures before they can be used by the Jotun.

Where the slow river flows

2026-05-20T19:43:59Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Participation : Battle of Wayford */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher drums.jpg|caption=The Drakes' drum sounds, calling the yeofolk of the Marches to war.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Blood of the Wanderer==
After the Autumn Equinox, a great host of Jotun crossed Odd’s Way into Mitwold. Fifty thousand or more warriors with two cohorts of the Knights of Glory. They took the Pride of the Marches by surprise, the only defenders the garrison of Forte Fidelis. Those Imperial soldiers committed to the Marches were in Bregasland, fighting to reclaim that conquered territory. Everyone was taken by surprise. They washed across Oddmire, conquered Meade March and the city of Meade, washed into the Meadows before their assault hit its high water mark.

Then during the Winter Solstice itself, Stephen of Sarcombe and his human yegarra launched an assault against the town of Wayford. Imperial heroes responded, passing through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to bring an end to his treachery once and for all. In the end though they were unable to save the kidnapped Wayford Wanderers hero [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Save_Jim_Moor|Jim Moor]]; unable to stop him giving support to the [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Red_Walder's_Descendants|heirs of Red Walder]]; unable to bring [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Stephen_of_Sarcombe|Stephen to justice]]. Despite heroic efforts, Jim was murdered at the same spot magistrates had once executed Red Walder; and where the death of the self-styled bandit king helped secure the prosperity of the Marches the slaughter of the beloved foot-the-ball player has put cracks in the morale of Mitwold.

The heroes managed to execute Bill of Beatsdown, the son of Red Walder, but that death only stoked the grudge-fires in the spirits of his sister Jill Longlegs, his childhood friend Jack Poultice, and his surrogate father figure Dusty Cobb. Of the three it is hard to say who will prove to be the most dangerous; the clever gossip who knows everyone’s business; the vicious thug who counts coin higher than any virtue; or the fallen monk angry at Empire and Synod alike. Together they are a dangerous combination, and now they are lose in Mitwold with weapons and armour provided by the traitor of the Mournwold.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">My Drakes, it is time. We must return to Mitwold. We return to the Wayford, I'll cut down Jim Moor, bury him with his kit and my own football. We are to draw the line at Wayford with a Solid Defence, an opportunity made possible because Coal Carefoot ensured Bree Shaw's last act was to resupply the Drakes. We will bask in the warm Sun joining us from the East. Our older siblings heard our plea and come not as strangers but as kin when Black Roses Bloom here, let them remember who stood when Mitwold called, Our soil their Glory!</quote>
<quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">My Soldiers, I will make this simple. We march into Mitwold for a Strategic Defence. Hold the line in Wayford, it cannot fall. When the invaders meet our steel, leave none alive to do so again. Keep an eye open for Stephen of Sarcombe. I promise 10 Thrones to whomever brings me that vermin alive so I might wring his neck with my own hands. That traitor cannot be allowed to survive battle with us again. Stephen must Die.</quote>
<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield"> Grey go the days with their grinding strain, Small are their victories, shadowed with pain; But bright is the battle-line that banishes fear, And hearts are made whole when the war-cry is near. There stand the shield-lines, steadfast and strong, Helms all a-glimmer, spears set in throng; Blade-song rises where bold battlers stand, And the field is made fair by their fate-forged hand. We shield the folk, spare the untried and weak, Let no sly scavenger plunder or sneak; No hand shall dishonour the dead where they lie, Nor trouble their rest ’neath the wide watching sky. These are our war-ways, our word and our will; Beautiful the battle-days, fierce and yet fair still- Not for the scarecrow that shrinks from the fray, But the bold who break forth where the war-banners sway.</quote>
<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My last orders to the Valiant Pegasus fills me with loyalty and pride. We defend with our siblings from the nations whilst we do what the Valiant Pegasus does best, tending to our brothers and sisters injured whilst we hold against our enemies. You my army have inspired, General Lucifor.</quote>
<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">Radiant Knights of Dawn, our Sun may rise in the East, but we set our shields in the West. The Golden Sun shines where the Empire needs it most. We march with the beat of the Drakes drum, we do not come as strangers, but as kin. Guard the fields as you would your own name. The land remembers who bled for it. Let the soil drink its fill. Let the black roses bloom. Let our solid defence stand as strong as any oath sworn by a friend, by a brother. Our loyalty to this Empire and those in need will lead us to victory as a shining example of a new Dawn. Their soil, our glory.</quote></div>
And of course Stephen escaped, along with many of this troops, to remain a thorn in the side of the Marchers and the southern Empire. His fury and bitterness at the loss of his partner has curdled into something truly monstrous; he has become a man who does not quibble over murdering innocents to achieve his goals. A man who wields terror and violence as a weapon against his enemies. While the Jarl-of-Jarls, and many of the Jotun champions, have clearly come to view Stephen as a liability, the yegarra is not without his supporters. There have always been a few Jotun who pay only lip service to their ideals, and to them Stephen seems a fine example of what can be achieved when one puts winning above the archaic, idealistic demands of honour. They’ve seen him triumph over the Empire time and again, and while his methods may be blood-soaked and dishonourable, one cannot argue with results.

As the Solstice ends, and the slow climb to Spring begins, this is Mitwold then. Riven by chaos, grieving, angry, afraid of what the future might hold. The people of Oddmire and Meade in thrall to the Jotun conquerors, the folk of the Meadows and the Downs worried that they might be next.
==Imperial Aid==
Nobody doubted for one moment that the [[Drakes]] would return to Mitwold to fight the invading Jotun, and come they do. Out of [[Bregasland]], through [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] and the outskirts of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]], over the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] to the Golden Downs and a rendezvous with the other Imperial armies come to drive the Jotun out. With them, some ten thousand force under arms of [[military unit|Imperial captains]] - Marcher folk of course, but next to them are sworn allies, a cohort of knights from [[Dawn]], [[Highguard|Highborn]] guardians, and heroes of [[Wintermark]] among others. To meet this sea of red and black are the [[Tusks]], of course, but also the [[Golden Sun]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Green Shield]]. At their sides, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]].

As the armies gather, so do the clouds. Last season saw bitter Winter snow, but after the Solstice the weather turns unexpectedly. The corpse-blue sky of late Winter is already beginning to give way to the softer blues of Spring, promising the first life-giving rains. They fall early in Mitwold this year, and every drop resonates with the healing power of [[Spring magic]]. No injury that it is not mortal will fester here; even dire wounds will heal overnight provided the patient is able to sup fresh water in their sickbed. Those who recognise such things - and there are stargazers in the Marches, even if they do not give themselves airs and graces - say that [[the Fountain]], which Marchers sometimes call ''the Green Willow'' watches over Mitwold as the armies march to war. Perhaps they are right; those who have fought where the [[Rivers of Life]] flow say that there is something different this time, and soldiers speak of strange dreams of a figure who whispers in their dreams of birth and growth and the surety of Spring following Winter.

The Imperial strategy is twofold. The Jotun must be denied any more purchase in Mitwold; the bulk of the Empire’s soldiers hold the line against the invaders. The Drakes and the Golden Sun set their standards in the good earth, ready to do what it takes to hold the barbarians. The Tusks prepare to meet the advance of the Jotun, ready to move where they can best harry the enemy and turn them back. The Valiant Pegasus stands beside their allies of Dawn and the Marches, swiftly deploying their field hospitals and ensuring every cohort of the Empire has healers and [[Surgical skills#physicks|physicks]] ready to [[Army_qualities#Physick|tend the fallen]] and ensure as few lives as possible are lost in the defence.

At the same time the Green Shield pushes forward, to engage the enemy and take back the land they have already stolen, to drive them west back into Bregalsand. Yet they also [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] - not to shepherd their allies but to leave the Jotun in no doubt that they are honourable opponents. They are ''better'' than Stephen of Sarcombe, murderer and despoiler. With them come a heavily armoured host of the [[Knights of Glory]], conjured from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]''. Fearsome commander ''Elodian'' the War-smith leads her warband of rune-armoured hammersmiths. They send their enemies sprawling with irresistible blows of their greathammers, all the while singing battle-hymns of glory and heroism to inspire the Winterfolk they strive alongside.

Ready for what may come, for the great host of the Jotun that must come, the forces of the Empire await the breaking storm.
==Stormbreak==
The storm comes, but it is perhaps not the one the defenders of the Marches had anticipated. The Jotun invaders, the great host of them, have pulled back west already. Yet the barbarians have not abandoned Mitwold. In their place come the three armies of the Lasambrian-Jotun - the covetous Corazón, the zealous Escuta, the disciplined Hierro. Alongside the Hierro marches a warband of Summer warriors, lead by the lion-maned warlord ''Kore'' in scarlet armour. His troops are fantastical swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats, crimson knights who use their short lances to great effect on the flatlands of Mitwold, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge and then laying about themselves with spear and claw. The hammersmiths of Elodian meet their assault head-on, revelling in the chance to test themselves against their cousins of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] alongside their Winterfolk allies.

While the Escuta and Hierro seek to push forward, looking to secure the Jotun hold over the Meadows, the Corazón fall back into their traditional ways. They look to [[Army qualities#Foraging|plunder]] the farms and villages of the Marches, more interested in the loot they can claim than in fighting Imperial troops or pressing barbarian claim to the Marches. Not to say that they are any less dangerous; when they encounter Imperial defenders they fight hard to overcome them retreating only when it is clear they will claim no booty this day. Even with the ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' alongside them, the Corazón have their work cut out for them - but they have almost as many successes as they have failures and slowly but surely they gather a great store of stolen wealth not only from the Meadows but from Meade March and Oddmire as well.

It’s clear the Lasambrians are expecting tough opposition; the Hierro set the pace with a slow, almost cautious strategy looking to [[Army_qualities#Resilient|secure the gains]] the Jotun have already made in the Meadows and to ensure the Empire gains no foothold in Meade March. The Escuta, showing a little of the wildness that beats in their soul, strike sporadically looking to be as unpredictable as possible forcing the larger Imperial force to spread itself thin, looking to balance their greater numbers with quick, agile skirmishes. Yet for all their speed, they are [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|careful to avoid direct confrontation]], preferring to retreat than allow themselves to be cornered or forced to fight.

The barbarians test the Imperial defence over and over, but are unable to make headway. The cordon of iron and blood thrown up across eastern Mitwold is too sturdy for them to penetrate. As the weeks drag on it looks as if this engagement will be a stalemate… until the Battle of Wayford takes the barbarians by surprise.
<fourpicture>{{CaptionedImage|file=Daemon Mortere.jpg|caption='''Daemon Mortere''', General of the Golden Sun|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Guildenestern.png|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jack Ashton.jpg|caption='''Jack Ashton''', General of the Tusks|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield|align=left|width=200}}</fourpicture>
==The Battle of Wayford==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="Eahgoh Blackhammer, General of the Hierro">This is not our land, but we fight for virtue of our cousins as they answer their call of honour. Let Loyalty be our battlecry, let Pride in our fellows be our shield, and let Ambition be the blade we set against the throat of the Marches.</quote>
<quote by="Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta">The future lies before us, and we must not blink as it turns its bright gaze upon us. Waste no lives, for the Empire is cunning in the traps it lays, yet do not fear the battle to come. The virtuous godhi speak of Ambition, and of Pride, and we know we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.</quote>
<quote by="Meketh of the Flames, General of the Corazón">Take everything that is not nailed to the ground, and show the Ice Fishers of Ldansk that we are the best at what we do.</quote></div>
Built on the southern borders of the Meadows, where the river Meade flows slow, and shallow, and wide, the market-town of Wayford is a centre for trade and travel. Old, sometimes seen as sleepy, but rich nonetheless. The raid of Stephen of Sarcombe first made the people wary, then it made them ''angry''. When the Hierro push forward, they find the garrison of Forte Fidelis already in position, a rough militia of yeomen farmers and retired Marcher soldiers lined up alongside them. The commanders of the Tusks have anticipated the Lasambrian strategy, and prepared their defences, Along with soldiers of the Drakes who grew up around Wayford, backed up by Highborn physicks and Dawnish knights, they wait in ambush a little way down the river. As the Hierro and the Escuta cross the ford that gives the town its name, the trap is sprung.

As the defenders of Mitwold attack from upstream, as the garrison and the militia hold the town, the Green Shield pour down from the north. The Lasambrian forces are caught between them, half on one side of the river and half on the other. They rally quickly - many are veterans of the plains of Segura and the hills of Kahraman and they know better than to underestimate the Empire - but they are at a clear disadvantage. At first it looks as if the battle will be entirely one-sided - but then the Ice Fishers of Ldansk raise their banners and come crashing across the Meade north of the ford to attack the flank of the Green Shields. These Jotun are no strangers to fighting in situations like these, as adept at navigating the warmer rivers of the south as they are the ice-floes and frigid lakes of their icy home far to the north. In their wake come the Corazón, more eager to get to the rich pickings represented by Wayford then they are to engage the Winterfolk army.

The river is shallow, but fighting in water is a challenge for orc and human alike. The river itself flows with life, but it heals wounds; it offers no protection against drowning. Foes who fall in the Meade struggle to keep their heads above the surface. A bitter irony, to drown in these life-giving waters; one that too many soldiers come to understand too late. If not for the Vigilant Pegasus on the one side, and the caution of the Escuta on the other, the death toll might have been grim indeed - especially for the Jotun fighting alongside the Lasambrians, who fear death by drowning more than any other fate.

The riverwater churns with mud and blood and then explodes. The first geyser erupts in the middle of a fight between heavy-armoured Hierro and Marcher pikemen, showering both with heavy droplets of pure water. Instantly, all injuries heal, and the warriors on both side are filled with an almost unendurable burst of vitality. Then another waterspout, and another. One soldier is flung twenty feet into the air when the river waters by his feet surges upwards - they land with cries of pain, shattered spine… and then the healing waters restore them as fully as they had broken them. Fountains of magical healing water burst wherever the fighting is at its fiercest, and where their waters touch they heal everything - war wounds and terrible injuries alike - restoring health and vigour and allowing warriors on their last legs to keep fighting. Blood flows and flows, fatal amounts, but almost every time the waters heal the soldiers and keep them fighting. The battle between barbarian and Imperial becomes the worst kind of meatgrinder; the only way to keep the enemy down is to execute them or to hold them beneath the water so they drown. Scuffles break out up and down the riverbanks, warriors on both sides abandoning any pretence of strategy to wrestle their foes beneath the water and flood their lungs with water.

The Green Shields sound their horns first, calling their warriors back before the conflict can descend into true barbariasm. The Hierro follow suit minutes later; not everyone responds in a timely fashion. As the two sides separate, the fountains of life subside. The barbarians on the wrong side of the river take the opportunity to fight free of the defenders, retreating across to where their fellows are forming up. Arrows fly - from both sides - but those who fall in the river pierced by wooden shafts quickly rise again thanks to the curse of Spring.

Across the river, the two sides stare at each other, as the bodies of the fallen float downstream between them in their dozens, Imperial and barbarian alike, many too mutilated to be recognisable. One final indignity; the dead are already beginning to decompose as if weeks were passing in mere minutes. A quick truce is negotiated to allow both sides to try and hook the fallen from the river, the horror of a battle that might never have ended, sharp in the minds of orc and human alike.

Night falls, and the two forces stay on their own side of the river. The next day, the Lasambrian Jotun pull back. They know now that they are outnumbered, and even without the cursed river battle they would not have held the day. The Corazón at least are happy; they at least have done well out of the confusion looting the outskirts of the town. In particular, they have made off with many foot-the-ball trophies the Wayford Wanderers won over the years, including that kept as a memorial to their terrible [[When Spring comes|last game]] when so many died at the hands of the heralds of Siakha.

==Aftermath==
The battle of Wayford is not the last engagement of the war in Mitwold; far from it. The Lasambrians are chastened, but they do not abandon their ambitions. Perhaps they are a little more careful around the River Meade, leery of whatever dangerous water spirits possess its water. Twice more, though, they seek to cross from the Jotun-dominated side of the Meadows to the free side, but they are at pains to use the bridges that have stood for three centuries or more. Twice more, they are beaten back.

At the same time, the Green Shields and their rune-armoured allies from the Summer realm use their momentum to push the orcs hard. They seize on their caution around the river, pursuing whenever they leave an opening or an unguarded flank. Engagement by engagement, the Winterfolk drive the Lasambrian Jotun back. A few Imperial warriors who perhaps should know better take to hurling buckets of water toward the Lasambrians during these scattered engagements, mocking their caution of the River Meade. The Winterfolk commanders have sharp words to say about such behaviour, and it mostly tails off. Mostly.

Whenever the invaders are forced to retreat, the Tusks and the Drakes are there to hold what the Green Shield have taken. As the Spring Equinox gets closer, its clear to everyone that the Hierro and the Escuta can’t hold out in the Meadows. Perhaps its the terrain - too much of it is simply flat open ground and as they have demonstrated in Segura they are not at their best in such conditions. Perhaps its the fervour of the defence, the common folk of the Marches inspired by the Drakes, organised by Forte Fidelis, refusing to give any more ground to the invaders.

They retreat, out of the Meadows, but no farther. The Green Shield try to push into Meade March, but they encounter too stiff a resistance to make much headway. While the Lasambrians can’t face the might of the Empire alone, even with their allies the Green Shield can’t face three entire armies by themselves and hope for more than limited victory. Yet even a limited victory, in such conditions, is still something of a triumph.

As the Equinox dawns, the Empire controls the Meadows and both Downs, the Jotun-Lasambrians hold Meade March and Oddmire. The Green Shield have made some small progress toward liberating Meade, but the city remains in the hands of the Jotun. The news that comes from Meade is not good - the Corazón have been through the place like butter through a goose. The Jotun who robbed the place last season were rank amateurs beside the orcs of the Lasambrian hills. At least, though, there has been no hint of an atrocity such as the one Stephen of Sarcombe planned.

As to Stephen himself… his warband has not been seen this season to the frustration of those who would see him brought to book for his crimes. It is too much to hope he has been executed by his ''own side''. The general of the Tusks has placed a ten Throne bounty on his head, and that just adds to the enthusiasm of those who want to see him dead for what he has done not only to Jim Moor but to folk across the Marches whenever he has the chance. Indeed, there’s stories of friars supporting anyone prepared to make their grudge against the traitor concrete, to sanctify it with liao. The Valiant Pegasus in particular is concerned to hear of this, but in the confusion of battle there is little chance to investigate further.

Stephen himself might not be visible, but the ripples of his continued presence in Mitwold certainly are. It seems that he has been busy offering aid to the heirs of Red Walder - and they ''have'' been seen right enough. While Imperial armies fight to protect Mitwold, these cowards attack baggage trains and refugees alike, caring neither for the sanctity of the Marches nor for those who have already lost so much. The Golden Sun and the Valiant Pegasus drive the bandits off - they are in no position to face disciplined soldiers of the Empire - but where there are no soldiers the only defence is the militia organised by the garrison of Forte Fidelis and they are stretched to breaking. If the situation is allowed to continue, it’s anyone’s guess what the increasingly bold bandits - and their traitor patron - might try next.

For now though, Spring comes to the Marches and away from the battlefront, the rhythms of life reassert themselves. Ploughing, planting, planning for the year to come. As the last of the healing rains fall, green shoots begin to unfurl. Whatever else happens, it looks like this year will see a bumper harvest in Mitwold. Thirsty soil in the best soil, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has driven the barbarians out of the Meadows, reclaiming the region'''
* '''Imperial troops are a tenth of the way towards liberating Meade March'''
The fighting this season has seen the Lasambrian Jotun held back from claiming any more of Mitwold, and thanks to the offensive orders of the Green Shields they have lost their foothold in that region. The Winterfolk army has pushed forward, beginning to take a foothold in Meade March. The barbarians still control that region, including the city of Meade, and the region of Oddmire. The Empire benefitted from its defensive tactics; estimates are hard given the Rivers of Life but it seems the barbarians suffered easily three times as many casualties as Imperial forces.

The Corazón have been engaged in plundering Mitwold, seizing whatever wealth they can get hold of. The Green Shield have been using the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] order; while it does not impede the Corazón, the fact the Wintermark army has chosen to do so is obvious to everyone in the territory.

The battle at Wayford is the major engagement of this season, and is marked out by unpredictable magical effects. Marcher landskeepers believe it was likely caused by an unexpected interaction between the [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] of [[the Fountain|the Green Willow]] and the powerful [[curse]] of [[Rivers of Life]].

The heirs of Red Walder - the three would-be bandit chiefs who escaped from Imperial heroes at the Winter Solstice - are causing trouble in Mitwold. With support and weapons from Stephen of Sarcombe, they are taking every opportunity to raid baggage trains, attack travelers, and even assault small, outlying farms. At the moment their impact is not great - at least not on the people who aren't on the receiving end of their attacks - but there is the potential for serious problems in the future. As such, the regions of the Meadows, Maiden Downs and Golden Downs have all gained the ''[[Region qualities#Banditry|Banditry]]'' quality representing the impact of their criminal actions.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherBriar.jpg|align=right|width=400}}

==Participation : Battle of Wayford==
* '''Any character whose military unit participated in Mitwold this season may have been exposed to chaotic Spring magic'''
* '''A briar character can use this opportunity to enhance their physical and/or roleplaying trappings, and gain a temporary point of endurance in the process'''
* '''Any unlineaged human might use this opportunity to gain the briar lineage'''
* '''Red flowers are a very appropriate trapping for anyone who takes one of these options'''
The general of any armies in Mitwold, or anyone whose military unit supported one of the armies or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may have fought at the Battle of Wayford. Those who did so may have been exposed to the wild healing curse that washed over the battlefield.

If your character has the [[briar]] [[lineage]] you may use this as an opportunity to increase your [[Briar#Other_Trappings|physical trappings]] if you wish, such as by adding additional [[Briar#Patches of bark|bark]], or adding [[Briar#flowers|flowers]]. In the latter case ''red'' flowers are particularly appropriate. You may also choose to intensify one or more of your [[Briar#Roleplaying|roleplaying trappings]] either permanently or for the duration of the Spring Equinox. In either case, any briar character who fought at the Battle of Wayford begins the Spring Equinox with an additional, temporary, point of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]]. This point is the first lost when you take an injury, and cannot be restored. It fades by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Any human character who does not have [[lineage]] and fought at the Battle of Wayford alongside their military unit (or was a general of one of the armies involved) may take this opportunity to develop the Briar lineage as a result of being repeatedly healed by wild Spring magic. You will need to email {{plot}} before midnight on the 27th of May with your PID. You will need to physrep your trappings; in addition to bark the addition of red flowers is particularly appropriate for showing that you gained your lineage as a result of the battle. Be aware that lineage is generally a ''permanent'' change to your character so think carefully about the commitment before you choose to embrace it. Also bear in mind that characters who already have lineage will ''not'' develop it due to the waters of Wayford.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Holding a Grudge==
* '''Any Marcher whose military unit supported the fighting in Mitwold may choose to have been inspired by the preaching of Friar Book'''
* '''Characters may choose to gain a hallowed item with an aura that clearly does not come from one of the seven virtues'''
Any Marcher character whose military unit supported an army in Mitwold, or who reinforced the garrison at Forte Fidelis, may have been motivated by a desire to defeat Stephen of Sarcombe. During the fighting, a [[friar]] going by the name of ''Book'' has been outspoken about the wrongs done to the Marches by Stephen and his fellow traitor yegarra and the stain on the nation that his continued survival represents. They alternate praise for the general of the Tusks with calls to action, and for those who have spoken to them privately afterward they are prepared to use their small personal supply of [[liao]] to help dedicate folk to the pursuit of Stephen.
<div style="float: right; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Fair words won't bury grudges.</quote></div>
Marcher characters can choose to take advantage of this and receive a [[hallow|hallowing]] on their weapon that will last for the coming year. To do so, you must email {{plot}} by midnight on the 27th of May and include your PID and indicate which of the following three motivations most underpins your desire to see Stephen of Sarcombe executed.
* You are angry that the guilty go unpunished, and want to see them brought to justice.
* You are prepared to pursue vengeance not only against Stephen but against anyone who wrongs “your people” (however you define that)
* You know that grudges are rooted in virtue, and that nobody should be shy about seeking retribution against criminals such as Stephen

Book talks seriously about the importance of settling grudges, something they say is [[The Marches#Five things about the Marches|rooted in the heart of the Marches]]. Criminals like Stephen need to be brought to justice, and the traitor has made this personal. He's murdered Marcher folk, and there has to be a reckoning for that. ''"There's two ways to bury a hatchet."'' as the Marcher proverb goes. Stephen of Sarcombe needs to get what's owed to him, Book says. Ideally in a way that gives anyone else thinking of harming good Marcher folk pause.

There is some concern that Book is preaching something that comes close to the "[[Malign spiritual presences|false virtue]]" of [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|vengeance]] here. Openly bearing a hallow created using a spiritual power other than one of the seven may prove problematic. While the [[Synod]] has not [[proscription|proscribed]] [[hallow|false hallows]], it has determined that [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_152|preaching or promoting ''vengeance'' is a crime]] and its possible that might extend to Friar Book and his enthusiasm for Marcher grudges. On the other hand, as he points out, there's nothing new about the Marcher passion for ensuring those who wrong them, pay for it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
==Participation : Pride and Loyalty==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration'''
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride'''
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit'''
* '''Military units who supported the Drakes, or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may receive a special benefit'''
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and while those efforts have been focused in [[Mournwold]] and [[Bregasland]], the people of Mitwold are still heartened to see "their" army return to fight for them. The general of the Drakes has sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration this act provides should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

Note that the character does not have to start the event with the anointing of Pride or Loyalty. They can claim the benefit if they receive that aura in play ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony. In the event that they lose or change their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained during the summit.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''A potential battle opportunity has been identified in Meade March
Imperial prognosticators making a study of the Sentinel Gate believe a major conjunction exists to allow Imperial heroes to strike into Meade March during the Spring Equinox. Indications are that a significant force of Corazón supported by warriors from the warband of the Ice Fishers of Ldansk are transporting some of the wealth looted from the city of Meade west toward the coastal town of Odd's End and, presumably, from there to Bregasland. The conjunction offers an opportunity to intercept this warband and perhaps recover the stolen treasures before they can be used by the Jotun.

Where the slow river flows

2026-05-20T19:43:00Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Game Information */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher drums.jpg|caption=The Drakes' drum sounds, calling the yeofolk of the Marches to war.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Blood of the Wanderer==
After the Autumn Equinox, a great host of Jotun crossed Odd’s Way into Mitwold. Fifty thousand or more warriors with two cohorts of the Knights of Glory. They took the Pride of the Marches by surprise, the only defenders the garrison of Forte Fidelis. Those Imperial soldiers committed to the Marches were in Bregasland, fighting to reclaim that conquered territory. Everyone was taken by surprise. They washed across Oddmire, conquered Meade March and the city of Meade, washed into the Meadows before their assault hit its high water mark.

Then during the Winter Solstice itself, Stephen of Sarcombe and his human yegarra launched an assault against the town of Wayford. Imperial heroes responded, passing through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to bring an end to his treachery once and for all. In the end though they were unable to save the kidnapped Wayford Wanderers hero [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Save_Jim_Moor|Jim Moor]]; unable to stop him giving support to the [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Red_Walder's_Descendants|heirs of Red Walder]]; unable to bring [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Stephen_of_Sarcombe|Stephen to justice]]. Despite heroic efforts, Jim was murdered at the same spot magistrates had once executed Red Walder; and where the death of the self-styled bandit king helped secure the prosperity of the Marches the slaughter of the beloved foot-the-ball player has put cracks in the morale of Mitwold.

The heroes managed to execute Bill of Beatsdown, the son of Red Walder, but that death only stoked the grudge-fires in the spirits of his sister Jill Longlegs, his childhood friend Jack Poultice, and his surrogate father figure Dusty Cobb. Of the three it is hard to say who will prove to be the most dangerous; the clever gossip who knows everyone’s business; the vicious thug who counts coin higher than any virtue; or the fallen monk angry at Empire and Synod alike. Together they are a dangerous combination, and now they are lose in Mitwold with weapons and armour provided by the traitor of the Mournwold.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">My Drakes, it is time. We must return to Mitwold. We return to the Wayford, I'll cut down Jim Moor, bury him with his kit and my own football. We are to draw the line at Wayford with a Solid Defence, an opportunity made possible because Coal Carefoot ensured Bree Shaw's last act was to resupply the Drakes. We will bask in the warm Sun joining us from the East. Our older siblings heard our plea and come not as strangers but as kin when Black Roses Bloom here, let them remember who stood when Mitwold called, Our soil their Glory!</quote>
<quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">My Soldiers, I will make this simple. We march into Mitwold for a Strategic Defence. Hold the line in Wayford, it cannot fall. When the invaders meet our steel, leave none alive to do so again. Keep an eye open for Stephen of Sarcombe. I promise 10 Thrones to whomever brings me that vermin alive so I might wring his neck with my own hands. That traitor cannot be allowed to survive battle with us again. Stephen must Die.</quote>
<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield"> Grey go the days with their grinding strain, Small are their victories, shadowed with pain; But bright is the battle-line that banishes fear, And hearts are made whole when the war-cry is near. There stand the shield-lines, steadfast and strong, Helms all a-glimmer, spears set in throng; Blade-song rises where bold battlers stand, And the field is made fair by their fate-forged hand. We shield the folk, spare the untried and weak, Let no sly scavenger plunder or sneak; No hand shall dishonour the dead where they lie, Nor trouble their rest ’neath the wide watching sky. These are our war-ways, our word and our will; Beautiful the battle-days, fierce and yet fair still- Not for the scarecrow that shrinks from the fray, But the bold who break forth where the war-banners sway.</quote>
<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My last orders to the Valiant Pegasus fills me with loyalty and pride. We defend with our siblings from the nations whilst we do what the Valiant Pegasus does best, tending to our brothers and sisters injured whilst we hold against our enemies. You my army have inspired, General Lucifor.</quote>
<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">Radiant Knights of Dawn, our Sun may rise in the East, but we set our shields in the West. The Golden Sun shines where the Empire needs it most. We march with the beat of the Drakes drum, we do not come as strangers, but as kin. Guard the fields as you would your own name. The land remembers who bled for it. Let the soil drink its fill. Let the black roses bloom. Let our solid defence stand as strong as any oath sworn by a friend, by a brother. Our loyalty to this Empire and those in need will lead us to victory as a shining example of a new Dawn. Their soil, our glory.</quote></div>
And of course Stephen escaped, along with many of this troops, to remain a thorn in the side of the Marchers and the southern Empire. His fury and bitterness at the loss of his partner has curdled into something truly monstrous; he has become a man who does not quibble over murdering innocents to achieve his goals. A man who wields terror and violence as a weapon against his enemies. While the Jarl-of-Jarls, and many of the Jotun champions, have clearly come to view Stephen as a liability, the yegarra is not without his supporters. There have always been a few Jotun who pay only lip service to their ideals, and to them Stephen seems a fine example of what can be achieved when one puts winning above the archaic, idealistic demands of honour. They’ve seen him triumph over the Empire time and again, and while his methods may be blood-soaked and dishonourable, one cannot argue with results.

As the Solstice ends, and the slow climb to Spring begins, this is Mitwold then. Riven by chaos, grieving, angry, afraid of what the future might hold. The people of Oddmire and Meade in thrall to the Jotun conquerors, the folk of the Meadows and the Downs worried that they might be next.
==Imperial Aid==
Nobody doubted for one moment that the [[Drakes]] would return to Mitwold to fight the invading Jotun, and come they do. Out of [[Bregasland]], through [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] and the outskirts of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]], over the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] to the Golden Downs and a rendezvous with the other Imperial armies come to drive the Jotun out. With them, some ten thousand force under arms of [[military unit|Imperial captains]] - Marcher folk of course, but next to them are sworn allies, a cohort of knights from [[Dawn]], [[Highguard|Highborn]] guardians, and heroes of [[Wintermark]] among others. To meet this sea of red and black are the [[Tusks]], of course, but also the [[Golden Sun]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Green Shield]]. At their sides, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]].

As the armies gather, so do the clouds. Last season saw bitter Winter snow, but after the Solstice the weather turns unexpectedly. The corpse-blue sky of late Winter is already beginning to give way to the softer blues of Spring, promising the first life-giving rains. They fall early in Mitwold this year, and every drop resonates with the healing power of [[Spring magic]]. No injury that it is not mortal will fester here; even dire wounds will heal overnight provided the patient is able to sup fresh water in their sickbed. Those who recognise such things - and there are stargazers in the Marches, even if they do not give themselves airs and graces - say that [[the Fountain]], which Marchers sometimes call ''the Green Willow'' watches over Mitwold as the armies march to war. Perhaps they are right; those who have fought where the [[Rivers of Life]] flow say that there is something different this time, and soldiers speak of strange dreams of a figure who whispers in their dreams of birth and growth and the surety of Spring following Winter.

The Imperial strategy is twofold. The Jotun must be denied any more purchase in Mitwold; the bulk of the Empire’s soldiers hold the line against the invaders. The Drakes and the Golden Sun set their standards in the good earth, ready to do what it takes to hold the barbarians. The Tusks prepare to meet the advance of the Jotun, ready to move where they can best harry the enemy and turn them back. The Valiant Pegasus stands beside their allies of Dawn and the Marches, swiftly deploying their field hospitals and ensuring every cohort of the Empire has healers and [[Surgical skills#physicks|physicks]] ready to [[Army_qualities#Physick|tend the fallen]] and ensure as few lives as possible are lost in the defence.

At the same time the Green Shield pushes forward, to engage the enemy and take back the land they have already stolen, to drive them west back into Bregalsand. Yet they also [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] - not to shepherd their allies but to leave the Jotun in no doubt that they are honourable opponents. They are ''better'' than Stephen of Sarcombe, murderer and despoiler. With them come a heavily armoured host of the [[Knights of Glory]], conjured from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]''. Fearsome commander ''Elodian'' the War-smith leads her warband of rune-armoured hammersmiths. They send their enemies sprawling with irresistible blows of their greathammers, all the while singing battle-hymns of glory and heroism to inspire the Winterfolk they strive alongside.

Ready for what may come, for the great host of the Jotun that must come, the forces of the Empire await the breaking storm.
==Stormbreak==
The storm comes, but it is perhaps not the one the defenders of the Marches had anticipated. The Jotun invaders, the great host of them, have pulled back west already. Yet the barbarians have not abandoned Mitwold. In their place come the three armies of the Lasambrian-Jotun - the covetous Corazón, the zealous Escuta, the disciplined Hierro. Alongside the Hierro marches a warband of Summer warriors, lead by the lion-maned warlord ''Kore'' in scarlet armour. His troops are fantastical swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats, crimson knights who use their short lances to great effect on the flatlands of Mitwold, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge and then laying about themselves with spear and claw. The hammersmiths of Elodian meet their assault head-on, revelling in the chance to test themselves against their cousins of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] alongside their Winterfolk allies.

While the Escuta and Hierro seek to push forward, looking to secure the Jotun hold over the Meadows, the Corazón fall back into their traditional ways. They look to [[Army qualities#Foraging|plunder]] the farms and villages of the Marches, more interested in the loot they can claim than in fighting Imperial troops or pressing barbarian claim to the Marches. Not to say that they are any less dangerous; when they encounter Imperial defenders they fight hard to overcome them retreating only when it is clear they will claim no booty this day. Even with the ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' alongside them, the Corazón have their work cut out for them - but they have almost as many successes as they have failures and slowly but surely they gather a great store of stolen wealth not only from the Meadows but from Meade March and Oddmire as well.

It’s clear the Lasambrians are expecting tough opposition; the Hierro set the pace with a slow, almost cautious strategy looking to [[Army_qualities#Resilient|secure the gains]] the Jotun have already made in the Meadows and to ensure the Empire gains no foothold in Meade March. The Escuta, showing a little of the wildness that beats in their soul, strike sporadically looking to be as unpredictable as possible forcing the larger Imperial force to spread itself thin, looking to balance their greater numbers with quick, agile skirmishes. Yet for all their speed, they are [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|careful to avoid direct confrontation]], preferring to retreat than allow themselves to be cornered or forced to fight.

The barbarians test the Imperial defence over and over, but are unable to make headway. The cordon of iron and blood thrown up across eastern Mitwold is too sturdy for them to penetrate. As the weeks drag on it looks as if this engagement will be a stalemate… until the Battle of Wayford takes the barbarians by surprise.
<fourpicture>{{CaptionedImage|file=Daemon Mortere.jpg|caption='''Daemon Mortere''', General of the Golden Sun|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Guildenestern.png|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jack Ashton.jpg|caption='''Jack Ashton''', General of the Tusks|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield|align=left|width=200}}</fourpicture>
==The Battle of Wayford==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="Eahgoh Blackhammer, General of the Hierro">This is not our land, but we fight for virtue of our cousins as they answer their call of honour. Let Loyalty be our battlecry, let Pride in our fellows be our shield, and let Ambition be the blade we set against the throat of the Marches.</quote>
<quote by="Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta">The future lies before us, and we must not blink as it turns its bright gaze upon us. Waste no lives, for the Empire is cunning in the traps it lays, yet do not fear the battle to come. The virtuous godhi speak of Ambition, and of Pride, and we know we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.</quote>
<quote by="Meketh of the Flames, General of the Corazón">Take everything that is not nailed to the ground, and show the Ice Fishers of Ldansk that we are the best at what we do.</quote></div>
Built on the southern borders of the Meadows, where the river Meade flows slow, and shallow, and wide, the market-town of Wayford is a centre for trade and travel. Old, sometimes seen as sleepy, but rich nonetheless. The raid of Stephen of Sarcombe first made the people wary, then it made them ''angry''. When the Hierro push forward, they find the garrison of Forte Fidelis already in position, a rough militia of yeomen farmers and retired Marcher soldiers lined up alongside them. The commanders of the Tusks have anticipated the Lasambrian strategy, and prepared their defences, Along with soldiers of the Drakes who grew up around Wayford, backed up by Highborn physicks and Dawnish knights, they wait in ambush a little way down the river. As the Hierro and the Escuta cross the ford that gives the town its name, the trap is sprung.

As the defenders of Mitwold attack from upstream, as the garrison and the militia hold the town, the Green Shield pour down from the north. The Lasambrian forces are caught between them, half on one side of the river and half on the other. They rally quickly - many are veterans of the plains of Segura and the hills of Kahraman and they know better than to underestimate the Empire - but they are at a clear disadvantage. At first it looks as if the battle will be entirely one-sided - but then the Ice Fishers of Ldansk raise their banners and come crashing across the Meade north of the ford to attack the flank of the Green Shields. These Jotun are no strangers to fighting in situations like these, as adept at navigating the warmer rivers of the south as they are the ice-floes and frigid lakes of their icy home far to the north. In their wake come the Corazón, more eager to get to the rich pickings represented by Wayford then they are to engage the Winterfolk army.

The river is shallow, but fighting in water is a challenge for orc and human alike. The river itself flows with life, but it heals wounds; it offers no protection against drowning. Foes who fall in the Meade struggle to keep their heads above the surface. A bitter irony, to drown in these life-giving waters; one that too many soldiers come to understand too late. If not for the Vigilant Pegasus on the one side, and the caution of the Escuta on the other, the death toll might have been grim indeed - especially for the Jotun fighting alongside the Lasambrians, who fear death by drowning more than any other fate.

The riverwater churns with mud and blood and then explodes. The first geyser erupts in the middle of a fight between heavy-armoured Hierro and Marcher pikemen, showering both with heavy droplets of pure water. Instantly, all injuries heal, and the warriors on both side are filled with an almost unendurable burst of vitality. Then another waterspout, and another. One soldier is flung twenty feet into the air when the river waters by his feet surges upwards - they land with cries of pain, shattered spine… and then the healing waters restore them as fully as they had broken them. Fountains of magical healing water burst wherever the fighting is at its fiercest, and where their waters touch they heal everything - war wounds and terrible injuries alike - restoring health and vigour and allowing warriors on their last legs to keep fighting. Blood flows and flows, fatal amounts, but almost every time the waters heal the soldiers and keep them fighting. The battle between barbarian and Imperial becomes the worst kind of meatgrinder; the only way to keep the enemy down is to execute them or to hold them beneath the water so they drown. Scuffles break out up and down the riverbanks, warriors on both sides abandoning any pretence of strategy to wrestle their foes beneath the water and flood their lungs with water.

The Green Shields sound their horns first, calling their warriors back before the conflict can descend into true barbariasm. The Hierro follow suit minutes later; not everyone responds in a timely fashion. As the two sides separate, the fountains of life subside. The barbarians on the wrong side of the river take the opportunity to fight free of the defenders, retreating across to where their fellows are forming up. Arrows fly - from both sides - but those who fall in the river pierced by wooden shafts quickly rise again thanks to the curse of Spring.

Across the river, the two sides stare at each other, as the bodies of the fallen float downstream between them in their dozens, Imperial and barbarian alike, many too mutilated to be recognisable. One final indignity; the dead are already beginning to decompose as if weeks were passing in mere minutes. A quick truce is negotiated to allow both sides to try and hook the fallen from the river, the horror of a battle that might never have ended, sharp in the minds of orc and human alike.

Night falls, and the two forces stay on their own side of the river. The next day, the Lasambrian Jotun pull back. They know now that they are outnumbered, and even without the cursed river battle they would not have held the day. The Corazón at least are happy; they at least have done well out of the confusion looting the outskirts of the town. In particular, they have made off with many foot-the-ball trophies the Wayford Wanderers won over the years, including that kept as a memorial to their terrible [[When Spring comes|last game]] when so many died at the hands of the heralds of Siakha.

==Aftermath==
The battle of Wayford is not the last engagement of the war in Mitwold; far from it. The Lasambrians are chastened, but they do not abandon their ambitions. Perhaps they are a little more careful around the River Meade, leery of whatever dangerous water spirits possess its water. Twice more, though, they seek to cross from the Jotun-dominated side of the Meadows to the free side, but they are at pains to use the bridges that have stood for three centuries or more. Twice more, they are beaten back.

At the same time, the Green Shields and their rune-armoured allies from the Summer realm use their momentum to push the orcs hard. They seize on their caution around the river, pursuing whenever they leave an opening or an unguarded flank. Engagement by engagement, the Winterfolk drive the Lasambrian Jotun back. A few Imperial warriors who perhaps should know better take to hurling buckets of water toward the Lasambrians during these scattered engagements, mocking their caution of the River Meade. The Winterfolk commanders have sharp words to say about such behaviour, and it mostly tails off. Mostly.

Whenever the invaders are forced to retreat, the Tusks and the Drakes are there to hold what the Green Shield have taken. As the Spring Equinox gets closer, its clear to everyone that the Hierro and the Escuta can’t hold out in the Meadows. Perhaps its the terrain - too much of it is simply flat open ground and as they have demonstrated in Segura they are not at their best in such conditions. Perhaps its the fervour of the defence, the common folk of the Marches inspired by the Drakes, organised by Forte Fidelis, refusing to give any more ground to the invaders.

They retreat, out of the Meadows, but no farther. The Green Shield try to push into Meade March, but they encounter too stiff a resistance to make much headway. While the Lasambrians can’t face the might of the Empire alone, even with their allies the Green Shield can’t face three entire armies by themselves and hope for more than limited victory. Yet even a limited victory, in such conditions, is still something of a triumph.

As the Equinox dawns, the Empire controls the Meadows and both Downs, the Jotun-Lasambrians hold Meade March and Oddmire. The Green Shield have made some small progress toward liberating Meade, but the city remains in the hands of the Jotun. The news that comes from Meade is not good - the Corazón have been through the place like butter through a goose. The Jotun who robbed the place last season were rank amateurs beside the orcs of the Lasambrian hills. At least, though, there has been no hint of an atrocity such as the one Stephen of Sarcombe planned.

As to Stephen himself… his warband has not been seen this season to the frustration of those who would see him brought to book for his crimes. It is too much to hope he has been executed by his ''own side''. The general of the Tusks has placed a ten Throne bounty on his head, and that just adds to the enthusiasm of those who want to see him dead for what he has done not only to Jim Moor but to folk across the Marches whenever he has the chance. Indeed, there’s stories of friars supporting anyone prepared to make their grudge against the traitor concrete, to sanctify it with liao. The Valiant Pegasus in particular is concerned to hear of this, but in the confusion of battle there is little chance to investigate further.

Stephen himself might not be visible, but the ripples of his continued presence in Mitwold certainly are. It seems that he has been busy offering aid to the heirs of Red Walder - and they ''have'' been seen right enough. While Imperial armies fight to protect Mitwold, these cowards attack baggage trains and refugees alike, caring neither for the sanctity of the Marches nor for those who have already lost so much. The Golden Sun and the Valiant Pegasus drive the bandits off - they are in no position to face disciplined soldiers of the Empire - but where there are no soldiers the only defence is the militia organised by the garrison of Forte Fidelis and they are stretched to breaking. If the situation is allowed to continue, it’s anyone’s guess what the increasingly bold bandits - and their traitor patron - might try next.

For now though, Spring comes to the Marches and away from the battlefront, the rhythms of life reassert themselves. Ploughing, planting, planning for the year to come. As the last of the healing rains fall, green shoots begin to unfurl. Whatever else happens, it looks like this year will see a bumper harvest in Mitwold. Thirsty soil in the best soil, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has driven the barbarians out of the Meadows, reclaiming the region'''
* '''Imperial troops are a tenth of the way towards liberating Meade March'''
The fighting this season has seen the Lasambrian Jotun held back from claiming any more of Mitwold, and thanks to the offensive orders of the Green Shields they have lost their foothold in that region. The Winterfolk army has pushed forward, beginning to take a foothold in Meade March. The barbarians still control that region, including the city of Meade, and the region of Oddmire. The Empire benefitted from its defensive tactics; estimates are hard given the Rivers of Life but it seems the barbarians suffered easily three times as many casualties as Imperial forces.

The Corazón have been engaged in plundering Mitwold, seizing whatever wealth they can get hold of. The Green Shield have been using the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] order; while it does not impede the Corazón, the fact the Wintermark army has chosen to do so is obvious to everyone in the territory.

The battle at Wayford is the major engagement of this season, and is marked out by unpredictable magical effects. Marcher landskeepers believe it was likely caused by an unexpected interaction between the [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] of [[the Fountain|the Green Willow]] and the powerful [[curse]] of [[Rivers of Life]].

The heirs of Red Walder - the three would-be bandit chiefs who escaped from Imperial heroes at the Winter Solstice - are causing trouble in Mitwold. With support and weapons from Stephen of Sarcombe, they are taking every opportunity to raid baggage trains, attack travelers, and even assault small, outlying farms. At the moment their impact is not great - at least not on the people who aren't on the receiving end of their attacks - but there is the potential for serious problems in the future. As such, the regions of the Meadows, Maiden Downs and Golden Downs have all gained the ''[[Region qualities#Banditry|Banditry]]'' quality representing the impact of their criminal actions.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherBriar.jpg|align=right|width=400}}

==Participation : Battle of Wayford==
* '''Any character whose military unit participated in Mitwold this season may have been exposed to chaotic Spring magic'''
* '''A briar character can use this opportunity to enhance their physical and/or roleplaying trappings, and gain a temporary point of endurance in the process'''
* '''Any unlineaged human might use this opportunity to gain the briar lineage'''
* '''Red flowers are a very appropriate trapping for anyone who takes one of these options'''
The general of any armies in Mitwold, or anyone whose military unit supported one of the armies or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may have fought at the Battle of Wayford. Those who did so may have been exposed to the wild healing curse that washed over the battlefield.

If your character has the [[briar]] [[lineage]] you may uset his as an opportunity to increase your [[Briar#Other_Trappings|physical trappings]] if you wish, such as by adding additional [[Briar#Patches of bark|bark]], or adding [[Briar#flowers|flowers]]. In the latter case ''red'' flowers are particularly appropriate. You may also choose to intensify one or more of your [[Briar#Roleplaying|roleplaying trappings]] either permanently or for the duration of the Spring Equinox. In either case, any briar character who fought at the Battle of Wayford begins the Spring Equinox with an additional, temporary, point of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]]. This point is the first lost when you take an injury, and cannot be restored. It fades by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Any human character who does not have [[lineage]] and fought at the Battle of Wayford alongside their military unit (or was a general of one of the armies involved) may take this opportunity to develop the Briar lineage as a result of being repeatedly healed by wild Spring magic. You will need to email {{plot}} before midnight on the 27th of May with your PID. You will need to physrep your trappings; in addition to bark the addition of red flowers is particularly appropriate for showing that you gained your lineage as a result of the battle. Be aware that lineage is generally a ''permanent'' change to your character so think carefully about the commitment before you choose to embrace it. Also bear in mind that characters who already have lineage will ''not'' develop it due to the waters of Wayford.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Holding a Grudge==
* '''Any Marcher whose military unit supported the fighting in Mitwold may choose to have been inspired by the preaching of Friar Book'''
* '''Characters may choose to gain a hallowed item with an aura that clearly does not come from one of the seven virtues'''
Any Marcher character whose military unit supported an army in Mitwold, or who reinforced the garrison at Forte Fidelis, may have been motivated by a desire to defeat Stephen of Sarcombe. During the fighting, a [[friar]] going by the name of ''Book'' has been outspoken about the wrongs done to the Marches by Stephen and his fellow traitor yegarra and the stain on the nation that his continued survival represents. They alternate praise for the general of the Tusks with calls to action, and for those who have spoken to them privately afterward they are prepared to use their small personal supply of [[liao]] to help dedicate folk to the pursuit of Stephen.
<div style="float: right; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Fair words won't bury grudges.</quote></div>
Marcher characters can choose to take advantage of this and receive a [[hallow|hallowing]] on their weapon that will last for the coming year. To do so, you must email {{plot}} by midnight on the 27th of May and include your PID and indicate which of the following three motivations most underpins your desire to see Stephen of Sarcombe executed.
* You are angry that the guilty go unpunished, and want to see them brought to justice.
* You are prepared to pursue vengeance not only against Stephen but against anyone who wrongs “your people” (however you define that)
* You know that grudges are rooted in virtue, and that nobody should be shy about seeking retribution against criminals such as Stephen

Book talks seriously about the importance of settling grudges, something they say is [[The Marches#Five things about the Marches|rooted in the heart of the Marches]]. Criminals like Stephen need to be brought to justice, and the traitor has made this personal. He's murdered Marcher folk, and there has to be a reckoning for that. ''"There's two ways to bury a hatchet."'' as the Marcher proverb goes. Stephen of Sarcombe needs to get what's owed to him, Book says. Ideally in a way that gives anyone else thinking of harming good Marcher folk pause.

There is some concern that Book is preaching something that comes close to the "[[Malign spiritual presences|false virtue]]" of [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|vengeance]] here. Openly bearing a hallow created using a spiritual power other than one of the seven may prove problematic. While the [[Synod]] has not [[proscription|proscribed]] [[hallow|false hallows]], it has determined that [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_152|preaching or promoting ''vengeance'' is a crime]] and its possible that might extend to Friar Book and his enthusiasm for Marcher grudges. On the other hand, as he points out, there's nothing new about the Marcher passion for ensuring those who wrong them, pay for it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
==Participation : Pride and Loyalty==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration'''
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride'''
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit'''
* '''Military units who supported the Drakes, or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may receive a special benefit'''
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and while those efforts have been focused in [[Mournwold]] and [[Bregasland]], the people of Mitwold are still heartened to see "their" army return to fight for them. The general of the Drakes has sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration this act provides should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

Note that the character does not have to start the event with the anointing of Pride or Loyalty. They can claim the benefit if they receive that aura in play ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony. In the event that they lose or change their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained during the summit.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''A potential battle opportunity has been identified in Meade March
Imperial prognosticators making a study of the Sentinel Gate believe a major conjunction exists to allow Imperial heroes to strike into Meade March during the Spring Equinox. Indications are that a significant force of Corazón supported by warriors from the warband of the Ice Fishers of Ldansk are transporting some of the wealth looted from the city of Meade west toward the coastal town of Odd's End and, presumably, from there to Bregasland. The conjunction offers an opportunity to intercept this warband and perhaps recover the stolen treasures before they can be used by the Jotun.

Where the slow river flows

2026-05-20T19:42:37Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Aftermath */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher drums.jpg|caption=The Drakes' drum sounds, calling the yeofolk of the Marches to war.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Blood of the Wanderer==
After the Autumn Equinox, a great host of Jotun crossed Odd’s Way into Mitwold. Fifty thousand or more warriors with two cohorts of the Knights of Glory. They took the Pride of the Marches by surprise, the only defenders the garrison of Forte Fidelis. Those Imperial soldiers committed to the Marches were in Bregasland, fighting to reclaim that conquered territory. Everyone was taken by surprise. They washed across Oddmire, conquered Meade March and the city of Meade, washed into the Meadows before their assault hit its high water mark.

Then during the Winter Solstice itself, Stephen of Sarcombe and his human yegarra launched an assault against the town of Wayford. Imperial heroes responded, passing through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to bring an end to his treachery once and for all. In the end though they were unable to save the kidnapped Wayford Wanderers hero [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Save_Jim_Moor|Jim Moor]]; unable to stop him giving support to the [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Red_Walder's_Descendants|heirs of Red Walder]]; unable to bring [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Stephen_of_Sarcombe|Stephen to justice]]. Despite heroic efforts, Jim was murdered at the same spot magistrates had once executed Red Walder; and where the death of the self-styled bandit king helped secure the prosperity of the Marches the slaughter of the beloved foot-the-ball player has put cracks in the morale of Mitwold.

The heroes managed to execute Bill of Beatsdown, the son of Red Walder, but that death only stoked the grudge-fires in the spirits of his sister Jill Longlegs, his childhood friend Jack Poultice, and his surrogate father figure Dusty Cobb. Of the three it is hard to say who will prove to be the most dangerous; the clever gossip who knows everyone’s business; the vicious thug who counts coin higher than any virtue; or the fallen monk angry at Empire and Synod alike. Together they are a dangerous combination, and now they are lose in Mitwold with weapons and armour provided by the traitor of the Mournwold.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">My Drakes, it is time. We must return to Mitwold. We return to the Wayford, I'll cut down Jim Moor, bury him with his kit and my own football. We are to draw the line at Wayford with a Solid Defence, an opportunity made possible because Coal Carefoot ensured Bree Shaw's last act was to resupply the Drakes. We will bask in the warm Sun joining us from the East. Our older siblings heard our plea and come not as strangers but as kin when Black Roses Bloom here, let them remember who stood when Mitwold called, Our soil their Glory!</quote>
<quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">My Soldiers, I will make this simple. We march into Mitwold for a Strategic Defence. Hold the line in Wayford, it cannot fall. When the invaders meet our steel, leave none alive to do so again. Keep an eye open for Stephen of Sarcombe. I promise 10 Thrones to whomever brings me that vermin alive so I might wring his neck with my own hands. That traitor cannot be allowed to survive battle with us again. Stephen must Die.</quote>
<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield"> Grey go the days with their grinding strain, Small are their victories, shadowed with pain; But bright is the battle-line that banishes fear, And hearts are made whole when the war-cry is near. There stand the shield-lines, steadfast and strong, Helms all a-glimmer, spears set in throng; Blade-song rises where bold battlers stand, And the field is made fair by their fate-forged hand. We shield the folk, spare the untried and weak, Let no sly scavenger plunder or sneak; No hand shall dishonour the dead where they lie, Nor trouble their rest ’neath the wide watching sky. These are our war-ways, our word and our will; Beautiful the battle-days, fierce and yet fair still- Not for the scarecrow that shrinks from the fray, But the bold who break forth where the war-banners sway.</quote>
<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My last orders to the Valiant Pegasus fills me with loyalty and pride. We defend with our siblings from the nations whilst we do what the Valiant Pegasus does best, tending to our brothers and sisters injured whilst we hold against our enemies. You my army have inspired, General Lucifor.</quote>
<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">Radiant Knights of Dawn, our Sun may rise in the East, but we set our shields in the West. The Golden Sun shines where the Empire needs it most. We march with the beat of the Drakes drum, we do not come as strangers, but as kin. Guard the fields as you would your own name. The land remembers who bled for it. Let the soil drink its fill. Let the black roses bloom. Let our solid defence stand as strong as any oath sworn by a friend, by a brother. Our loyalty to this Empire and those in need will lead us to victory as a shining example of a new Dawn. Their soil, our glory.</quote></div>
And of course Stephen escaped, along with many of this troops, to remain a thorn in the side of the Marchers and the southern Empire. His fury and bitterness at the loss of his partner has curdled into something truly monstrous; he has become a man who does not quibble over murdering innocents to achieve his goals. A man who wields terror and violence as a weapon against his enemies. While the Jarl-of-Jarls, and many of the Jotun champions, have clearly come to view Stephen as a liability, the yegarra is not without his supporters. There have always been a few Jotun who pay only lip service to their ideals, and to them Stephen seems a fine example of what can be achieved when one puts winning above the archaic, idealistic demands of honour. They’ve seen him triumph over the Empire time and again, and while his methods may be blood-soaked and dishonourable, one cannot argue with results.

As the Solstice ends, and the slow climb to Spring begins, this is Mitwold then. Riven by chaos, grieving, angry, afraid of what the future might hold. The people of Oddmire and Meade in thrall to the Jotun conquerors, the folk of the Meadows and the Downs worried that they might be next.
==Imperial Aid==
Nobody doubted for one moment that the [[Drakes]] would return to Mitwold to fight the invading Jotun, and come they do. Out of [[Bregasland]], through [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] and the outskirts of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]], over the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] to the Golden Downs and a rendezvous with the other Imperial armies come to drive the Jotun out. With them, some ten thousand force under arms of [[military unit|Imperial captains]] - Marcher folk of course, but next to them are sworn allies, a cohort of knights from [[Dawn]], [[Highguard|Highborn]] guardians, and heroes of [[Wintermark]] among others. To meet this sea of red and black are the [[Tusks]], of course, but also the [[Golden Sun]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Green Shield]]. At their sides, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]].

As the armies gather, so do the clouds. Last season saw bitter Winter snow, but after the Solstice the weather turns unexpectedly. The corpse-blue sky of late Winter is already beginning to give way to the softer blues of Spring, promising the first life-giving rains. They fall early in Mitwold this year, and every drop resonates with the healing power of [[Spring magic]]. No injury that it is not mortal will fester here; even dire wounds will heal overnight provided the patient is able to sup fresh water in their sickbed. Those who recognise such things - and there are stargazers in the Marches, even if they do not give themselves airs and graces - say that [[the Fountain]], which Marchers sometimes call ''the Green Willow'' watches over Mitwold as the armies march to war. Perhaps they are right; those who have fought where the [[Rivers of Life]] flow say that there is something different this time, and soldiers speak of strange dreams of a figure who whispers in their dreams of birth and growth and the surety of Spring following Winter.

The Imperial strategy is twofold. The Jotun must be denied any more purchase in Mitwold; the bulk of the Empire’s soldiers hold the line against the invaders. The Drakes and the Golden Sun set their standards in the good earth, ready to do what it takes to hold the barbarians. The Tusks prepare to meet the advance of the Jotun, ready to move where they can best harry the enemy and turn them back. The Valiant Pegasus stands beside their allies of Dawn and the Marches, swiftly deploying their field hospitals and ensuring every cohort of the Empire has healers and [[Surgical skills#physicks|physicks]] ready to [[Army_qualities#Physick|tend the fallen]] and ensure as few lives as possible are lost in the defence.

At the same time the Green Shield pushes forward, to engage the enemy and take back the land they have already stolen, to drive them west back into Bregalsand. Yet they also [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] - not to shepherd their allies but to leave the Jotun in no doubt that they are honourable opponents. They are ''better'' than Stephen of Sarcombe, murderer and despoiler. With them come a heavily armoured host of the [[Knights of Glory]], conjured from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]''. Fearsome commander ''Elodian'' the War-smith leads her warband of rune-armoured hammersmiths. They send their enemies sprawling with irresistible blows of their greathammers, all the while singing battle-hymns of glory and heroism to inspire the Winterfolk they strive alongside.

Ready for what may come, for the great host of the Jotun that must come, the forces of the Empire await the breaking storm.
==Stormbreak==
The storm comes, but it is perhaps not the one the defenders of the Marches had anticipated. The Jotun invaders, the great host of them, have pulled back west already. Yet the barbarians have not abandoned Mitwold. In their place come the three armies of the Lasambrian-Jotun - the covetous Corazón, the zealous Escuta, the disciplined Hierro. Alongside the Hierro marches a warband of Summer warriors, lead by the lion-maned warlord ''Kore'' in scarlet armour. His troops are fantastical swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats, crimson knights who use their short lances to great effect on the flatlands of Mitwold, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge and then laying about themselves with spear and claw. The hammersmiths of Elodian meet their assault head-on, revelling in the chance to test themselves against their cousins of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] alongside their Winterfolk allies.

While the Escuta and Hierro seek to push forward, looking to secure the Jotun hold over the Meadows, the Corazón fall back into their traditional ways. They look to [[Army qualities#Foraging|plunder]] the farms and villages of the Marches, more interested in the loot they can claim than in fighting Imperial troops or pressing barbarian claim to the Marches. Not to say that they are any less dangerous; when they encounter Imperial defenders they fight hard to overcome them retreating only when it is clear they will claim no booty this day. Even with the ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' alongside them, the Corazón have their work cut out for them - but they have almost as many successes as they have failures and slowly but surely they gather a great store of stolen wealth not only from the Meadows but from Meade March and Oddmire as well.

It’s clear the Lasambrians are expecting tough opposition; the Hierro set the pace with a slow, almost cautious strategy looking to [[Army_qualities#Resilient|secure the gains]] the Jotun have already made in the Meadows and to ensure the Empire gains no foothold in Meade March. The Escuta, showing a little of the wildness that beats in their soul, strike sporadically looking to be as unpredictable as possible forcing the larger Imperial force to spread itself thin, looking to balance their greater numbers with quick, agile skirmishes. Yet for all their speed, they are [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|careful to avoid direct confrontation]], preferring to retreat than allow themselves to be cornered or forced to fight.

The barbarians test the Imperial defence over and over, but are unable to make headway. The cordon of iron and blood thrown up across eastern Mitwold is too sturdy for them to penetrate. As the weeks drag on it looks as if this engagement will be a stalemate… until the Battle of Wayford takes the barbarians by surprise.
<fourpicture>{{CaptionedImage|file=Daemon Mortere.jpg|caption='''Daemon Mortere''', General of the Golden Sun|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Guildenestern.png|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jack Ashton.jpg|caption='''Jack Ashton''', General of the Tusks|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield|align=left|width=200}}</fourpicture>
==The Battle of Wayford==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="Eahgoh Blackhammer, General of the Hierro">This is not our land, but we fight for virtue of our cousins as they answer their call of honour. Let Loyalty be our battlecry, let Pride in our fellows be our shield, and let Ambition be the blade we set against the throat of the Marches.</quote>
<quote by="Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta">The future lies before us, and we must not blink as it turns its bright gaze upon us. Waste no lives, for the Empire is cunning in the traps it lays, yet do not fear the battle to come. The virtuous godhi speak of Ambition, and of Pride, and we know we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.</quote>
<quote by="Meketh of the Flames, General of the Corazón">Take everything that is not nailed to the ground, and show the Ice Fishers of Ldansk that we are the best at what we do.</quote></div>
Built on the southern borders of the Meadows, where the river Meade flows slow, and shallow, and wide, the market-town of Wayford is a centre for trade and travel. Old, sometimes seen as sleepy, but rich nonetheless. The raid of Stephen of Sarcombe first made the people wary, then it made them ''angry''. When the Hierro push forward, they find the garrison of Forte Fidelis already in position, a rough militia of yeomen farmers and retired Marcher soldiers lined up alongside them. The commanders of the Tusks have anticipated the Lasambrian strategy, and prepared their defences, Along with soldiers of the Drakes who grew up around Wayford, backed up by Highborn physicks and Dawnish knights, they wait in ambush a little way down the river. As the Hierro and the Escuta cross the ford that gives the town its name, the trap is sprung.

As the defenders of Mitwold attack from upstream, as the garrison and the militia hold the town, the Green Shield pour down from the north. The Lasambrian forces are caught between them, half on one side of the river and half on the other. They rally quickly - many are veterans of the plains of Segura and the hills of Kahraman and they know better than to underestimate the Empire - but they are at a clear disadvantage. At first it looks as if the battle will be entirely one-sided - but then the Ice Fishers of Ldansk raise their banners and come crashing across the Meade north of the ford to attack the flank of the Green Shields. These Jotun are no strangers to fighting in situations like these, as adept at navigating the warmer rivers of the south as they are the ice-floes and frigid lakes of their icy home far to the north. In their wake come the Corazón, more eager to get to the rich pickings represented by Wayford then they are to engage the Winterfolk army.

The river is shallow, but fighting in water is a challenge for orc and human alike. The river itself flows with life, but it heals wounds; it offers no protection against drowning. Foes who fall in the Meade struggle to keep their heads above the surface. A bitter irony, to drown in these life-giving waters; one that too many soldiers come to understand too late. If not for the Vigilant Pegasus on the one side, and the caution of the Escuta on the other, the death toll might have been grim indeed - especially for the Jotun fighting alongside the Lasambrians, who fear death by drowning more than any other fate.

The riverwater churns with mud and blood and then explodes. The first geyser erupts in the middle of a fight between heavy-armoured Hierro and Marcher pikemen, showering both with heavy droplets of pure water. Instantly, all injuries heal, and the warriors on both side are filled with an almost unendurable burst of vitality. Then another waterspout, and another. One soldier is flung twenty feet into the air when the river waters by his feet surges upwards - they land with cries of pain, shattered spine… and then the healing waters restore them as fully as they had broken them. Fountains of magical healing water burst wherever the fighting is at its fiercest, and where their waters touch they heal everything - war wounds and terrible injuries alike - restoring health and vigour and allowing warriors on their last legs to keep fighting. Blood flows and flows, fatal amounts, but almost every time the waters heal the soldiers and keep them fighting. The battle between barbarian and Imperial becomes the worst kind of meatgrinder; the only way to keep the enemy down is to execute them or to hold them beneath the water so they drown. Scuffles break out up and down the riverbanks, warriors on both sides abandoning any pretence of strategy to wrestle their foes beneath the water and flood their lungs with water.

The Green Shields sound their horns first, calling their warriors back before the conflict can descend into true barbariasm. The Hierro follow suit minutes later; not everyone responds in a timely fashion. As the two sides separate, the fountains of life subside. The barbarians on the wrong side of the river take the opportunity to fight free of the defenders, retreating across to where their fellows are forming up. Arrows fly - from both sides - but those who fall in the river pierced by wooden shafts quickly rise again thanks to the curse of Spring.

Across the river, the two sides stare at each other, as the bodies of the fallen float downstream between them in their dozens, Imperial and barbarian alike, many too mutilated to be recognisable. One final indignity; the dead are already beginning to decompose as if weeks were passing in mere minutes. A quick truce is negotiated to allow both sides to try and hook the fallen from the river, the horror of a battle that might never have ended, sharp in the minds of orc and human alike.

Night falls, and the two forces stay on their own side of the river. The next day, the Lasambrian Jotun pull back. They know now that they are outnumbered, and even without the cursed river battle they would not have held the day. The Corazón at least are happy; they at least have done well out of the confusion looting the outskirts of the town. In particular, they have made off with many foot-the-ball trophies the Wayford Wanderers won over the years, including that kept as a memorial to their terrible [[When Spring comes|last game]] when so many died at the hands of the heralds of Siakha.

==Aftermath==
The battle of Wayford is not the last engagement of the war in Mitwold; far from it. The Lasambrians are chastened, but they do not abandon their ambitions. Perhaps they are a little more careful around the River Meade, leery of whatever dangerous water spirits possess its water. Twice more, though, they seek to cross from the Jotun-dominated side of the Meadows to the free side, but they are at pains to use the bridges that have stood for three centuries or more. Twice more, they are beaten back.

At the same time, the Green Shields and their rune-armoured allies from the Summer realm use their momentum to push the orcs hard. They seize on their caution around the river, pursuing whenever they leave an opening or an unguarded flank. Engagement by engagement, the Winterfolk drive the Lasambrian Jotun back. A few Imperial warriors who perhaps should know better take to hurling buckets of water toward the Lasambrians during these scattered engagements, mocking their caution of the River Meade. The Winterfolk commanders have sharp words to say about such behaviour, and it mostly tails off. Mostly.

Whenever the invaders are forced to retreat, the Tusks and the Drakes are there to hold what the Green Shield have taken. As the Spring Equinox gets closer, its clear to everyone that the Hierro and the Escuta can’t hold out in the Meadows. Perhaps its the terrain - too much of it is simply flat open ground and as they have demonstrated in Segura they are not at their best in such conditions. Perhaps its the fervour of the defence, the common folk of the Marches inspired by the Drakes, organised by Forte Fidelis, refusing to give any more ground to the invaders.

They retreat, out of the Meadows, but no farther. The Green Shield try to push into Meade March, but they encounter too stiff a resistance to make much headway. While the Lasambrians can’t face the might of the Empire alone, even with their allies the Green Shield can’t face three entire armies by themselves and hope for more than limited victory. Yet even a limited victory, in such conditions, is still something of a triumph.

As the Equinox dawns, the Empire controls the Meadows and both Downs, the Jotun-Lasambrians hold Meade March and Oddmire. The Green Shield have made some small progress toward liberating Meade, but the city remains in the hands of the Jotun. The news that comes from Meade is not good - the Corazón have been through the place like butter through a goose. The Jotun who robbed the place last season were rank amateurs beside the orcs of the Lasambrian hills. At least, though, there has been no hint of an atrocity such as the one Stephen of Sarcombe planned.

As to Stephen himself… his warband has not been seen this season to the frustration of those who would see him brought to book for his crimes. It is too much to hope he has been executed by his ''own side''. The general of the Tusks has placed a ten Throne bounty on his head, and that just adds to the enthusiasm of those who want to see him dead for what he has done not only to Jim Moor but to folk across the Marches whenever he has the chance. Indeed, there’s stories of friars supporting anyone prepared to make their grudge against the traitor concrete, to sanctify it with liao. The Valiant Pegasus in particular is concerned to hear of this, but in the confusion of battle there is little chance to investigate further.

Stephen himself might not be visible, but the ripples of his continued presence in Mitwold certainly are. It seems that he has been busy offering aid to the heirs of Red Walder - and they ''have'' been seen right enough. While Imperial armies fight to protect Mitwold, these cowards attack baggage trains and refugees alike, caring neither for the sanctity of the Marches nor for those who have already lost so much. The Golden Sun and the Valiant Pegasus drive the bandits off - they are in no position to face disciplined soldiers of the Empire - but where there are no soldiers the only defence is the militia organised by the garrison of Forte Fidelis and they are stretched to breaking. If the situation is allowed to continue, it’s anyone’s guess what the increasingly bold bandits - and their traitor patron - might try next.

For now though, Spring comes to the Marches and away from the battlefront, the rhythms of life reassert themselves. Ploughing, planting, planning for the year to come. As the last of the healing rains fall, green shoots begin to unfurl. Whatever else happens, it looks like this year will see a bumper harvest in Mitwold. Thirsty soil in the best soil, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has driven the barbarians out of the Meadows, reclaiming the region'''
* '''Imperial troops are a tenth of the way towards liberating Meade March'''
The fighting this season has seen the Lasambrian Jotun held back from claiming any more of Mitwold, and thanks to the offensive orders of the Green Shields they have lost their foothold in that region. The Winterfolk army has pushed forward, beginning to take a foothold in Meade March. The barbarians still control that region, including the city of Meade, and the region of Oddmire. The Empire benefitted from its defensive tactics; estimates are hard given the Rivers of Life but it seems the barbarians suffered easily three times as many casualties as Imperial forces.

The Corazón have been engaged in plundering Mitwold, seizing whatever wealth they can get hold of. The Green Shield have been using the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] order; while it does not impede the Corazón, the fact the Wintermark army has chosen to do so is obvious to everyone in the territory.

The battle at Wayford is the major engagement of this season, and is marked out by unpredictable magical effects. Marcher landscapers believe it was likely caused by an unexpected interaction between the [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] of [[the Fountain|the Green Willow]] and the powerful [[curse]] of [[Rivers of Life]].

The heirs of Red Walder - the three would-be bandit chiefs who escaped from Imperial heroes at the Winter Solstice - are causing trouble in Mitwold. With support and weapons from Stephen of Sarcombe, they are taking every opportunity to raid baggage trains, attack travelers, and even assault small, outlying farms. At the moment their impact is not great - at least not on the people who aren't on the receiving end of their attacks - but there is the potential for serious problems in the future. As such, the regions of the Meadows, Maiden Downs and Golden Downs have all gained the ''[[Region qualities#Banditry|Banditry]]'' quality representing the impact of their criminal actions.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherBriar.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
==Participation : Battle of Wayford==
* '''Any character whose military unit participated in Mitwold this season may have been exposed to chaotic Spring magic'''
* '''A briar character can use this opportunity to enhance their physical and/or roleplaying trappings, and gain a temporary point of endurance in the process'''
* '''Any unlineaged human might use this opportunity to gain the briar lineage'''
* '''Red flowers are a very appropriate trapping for anyone who takes one of these options'''
The general of any armies in Mitwold, or anyone whose military unit supported one of the armies or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may have fought at the Battle of Wayford. Those who did so may have been exposed to the wild healing curse that washed over the battlefield.

If your character has the [[briar]] [[lineage]] you may uset his as an opportunity to increase your [[Briar#Other_Trappings|physical trappings]] if you wish, such as by adding additional [[Briar#Patches of bark|bark]], or adding [[Briar#flowers|flowers]]. In the latter case ''red'' flowers are particularly appropriate. You may also choose to intensify one or more of your [[Briar#Roleplaying|roleplaying trappings]] either permanently or for the duration of the Spring Equinox. In either case, any briar character who fought at the Battle of Wayford begins the Spring Equinox with an additional, temporary, point of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]]. This point is the first lost when you take an injury, and cannot be restored. It fades by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Any human character who does not have [[lineage]] and fought at the Battle of Wayford alongside their military unit (or was a general of one of the armies involved) may take this opportunity to develop the Briar lineage as a result of being repeatedly healed by wild Spring magic. You will need to email {{plot}} before midnight on the 27th of May with your PID. You will need to physrep your trappings; in addition to bark the addition of red flowers is particularly appropriate for showing that you gained your lineage as a result of the battle. Be aware that lineage is generally a ''permanent'' change to your character so think carefully about the commitment before you choose to embrace it. Also bear in mind that characters who already have lineage will ''not'' develop it due to the waters of Wayford.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Holding a Grudge==
* '''Any Marcher whose military unit supported the fighting in Mitwold may choose to have been inspired by the preaching of Friar Book'''
* '''Characters may choose to gain a hallowed item with an aura that clearly does not come from one of the seven virtues'''
Any Marcher character whose military unit supported an army in Mitwold, or who reinforced the garrison at Forte Fidelis, may have been motivated by a desire to defeat Stephen of Sarcombe. During the fighting, a [[friar]] going by the name of ''Book'' has been outspoken about the wrongs done to the Marches by Stephen and his fellow traitor yegarra and the stain on the nation that his continued survival represents. They alternate praise for the general of the Tusks with calls to action, and for those who have spoken to them privately afterward they are prepared to use their small personal supply of [[liao]] to help dedicate folk to the pursuit of Stephen.
<div style="float: right; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Fair words won't bury grudges.</quote></div>
Marcher characters can choose to take advantage of this and receive a [[hallow|hallowing]] on their weapon that will last for the coming year. To do so, you must email {{plot}} by midnight on the 27th of May and include your PID and indicate which of the following three motivations most underpins your desire to see Stephen of Sarcombe executed.
* You are angry that the guilty go unpunished, and want to see them brought to justice.
* You are prepared to pursue vengeance not only against Stephen but against anyone who wrongs “your people” (however you define that)
* You know that grudges are rooted in virtue, and that nobody should be shy about seeking retribution against criminals such as Stephen

Book talks seriously about the importance of settling grudges, something they say is [[The Marches#Five things about the Marches|rooted in the heart of the Marches]]. Criminals like Stephen need to be brought to justice, and the traitor has made this personal. He's murdered Marcher folk, and there has to be a reckoning for that. ''"There's two ways to bury a hatchet."'' as the Marcher proverb goes. Stephen of Sarcombe needs to get what's owed to him, Book says. Ideally in a way that gives anyone else thinking of harming good Marcher folk pause.

There is some concern that Book is preaching something that comes close to the "[[Malign spiritual presences|false virtue]]" of [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|vengeance]] here. Openly bearing a hallow created using a spiritual power other than one of the seven may prove problematic. While the [[Synod]] has not [[proscription|proscribed]] [[hallow|false hallows]], it has determined that [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_152|preaching or promoting ''vengeance'' is a crime]] and its possible that might extend to Friar Book and his enthusiasm for Marcher grudges. On the other hand, as he points out, there's nothing new about the Marcher passion for ensuring those who wrong them, pay for it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
==Participation : Pride and Loyalty==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration'''
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride'''
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit'''
* '''Military units who supported the Drakes, or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may receive a special benefit'''
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and while those efforts have been focused in [[Mournwold]] and [[Bregasland]], the people of Mitwold are still heartened to see "their" army return to fight for them. The general of the Drakes has sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration this act provides should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

Note that the character does not have to start the event with the anointing of Pride or Loyalty. They can claim the benefit if they receive that aura in play ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony. In the event that they lose or change their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained during the summit.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''A potential battle opportunity has been identified in Meade March
Imperial prognosticators making a study of the Sentinel Gate believe a major conjunction exists to allow Imperial heroes to strike into Meade March during the Spring Equinox. Indications are that a significant force of Corazón supported by warriors from the warband of the Ice Fishers of Ldansk are transporting some of the wealth looted from the city of Meade west toward the coastal town of Odd's End and, presumably, from there to Bregasland. The conjunction offers an opportunity to intercept this warband and perhaps recover the stolen treasures before they can be used by the Jotun.

Promising light

2026-05-20T06:24:37Z

GuiltyConscience:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
<ic>There was an audible gasp of shock from the assembled crowd as the pale flickering spectre of a woman garbed in Highborn armour appeared before them. If Empress Vesna was alarmed she gave no sign of it - eyeing the newcomer imperiously, she urged them to step forth.

"Speak, Shade of the Dead." she commanded, her voice reverberating with all the authority that the crown possessed. "Whatever Wisdom pulls you back from the Labyrinth, share it with my court, and then return to your slumber, I command you."

The ghost raised a hand to acknowledge the command. "By the seven Virtues, am I summoned hither to deliver this address to you, Emperor Vesna!" Her voice was clear despite her deathly pallor. "As the first of my line I bid you take these words to your soul."

Nicole moved her arm slightly to pull herself an inch closer. She was eager to hear what the First Empress had to say to the new Empress, but it was hard to catch much of it from this high up. It had been scary stuff, getting up here, even with Ani's ladder. They had paid him a ring and promised to get it back before morning so he could take it to work. That was the easy part - it had taken all her Courage to get the nerve to follow her brother up the ladder and on to the roof so they could see inside.

"Do you reckon that's what the First Empress really looked like?" she whispered to Harry.

"Nah." he responded and shook his head. "I saw a statue of her in the museum. She was like eight foot tall."

"Whydn't they get someone taller to play her then?" she responded, but he glared and shushed her.

"Shurrup. It's getting to the good bit." he hissed.

Given he'd seen the play three times already, Nicole couldn't see why he was that bothered, but she shut up anyway. Empress Vesna was speaking again and she wanted to hear what she was saying.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Coronation Address.jpg|caption=The Throne's address is distributed to Imperial citizens across the Empire and beyond, and sets the tenor for their reign.|align=left|width=400}}</div>{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPR2CTcbOGo}}
==Overview==
Following the coronation of [[The Throne|Emperor]] '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' during the Autumn Equinox, the civil service have distributed copies of her inaugural address to every part of the Empire. The [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|opening address]] of a new Throne is [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring|always eagerly anticipated]]; Emperor Vesna has wisely chosen to address many of the problems currently bedevilling the Empire. The call for unity is not lost on many, and the impassioned plea to work together resonates everywhere but especially in those parts of the Empire currently beset with turmoil, most notably [[Bregasland]], [[Spiral]], and [[the Barrens]], where it brings new opportunities.

Accompanied by breath-taking celebrations, the address is a cause for celebration across the Empire. People are delighted to have a new Throne, and eager to hear what they have to say. The clear, determined tone of the speech leaves little room for doubt and creates a burgeoning sense of optimism - the idea of uniting the World under the Way speaks to the [[Highguard|Highborn]] ideal of a grand destiny for the Empire, but couples it with the traditional iron-will of the [[Varushka|Varushkans]]. The obvious determination not to shirk the hard choices invites people to have faith that while the road ahead may be difficult, the Empire's triumph is truly inevitable.

Spring heralds the dawn of a new era for the Empire, one that is promising to bring the light of Virtue to the world.
<div style="width: 500px; max-width: 50; float: right; margin-left: 10px; clear: right;">
<quote by = "Empress Vesna's Celebratory Message">
Loyal citizens of the Empire, hold your cousins close, light your hearth fires bright and rejoice, for we have begun our new era!

We find ourselves in the eye of the storm. We face many fronts and many challenges, but we must never forget that the Empire, when bound together, is the greatest force in the world.

WE ARE THE THUNDER THAT STRIKES FEAR INTO THE HEARTS OF OUR ENEMIES!<br>
WE ARE THE RAIN THAT BRINGS PROSPERITY TO OUR LANDS!

In times of unprecedented strife there are those who feel the empire has left them behind. That their voices are not heard. When people feel that the empire does not see them, the bitter seeds of rebellion fester. Let it be known to all in the empire that your throne sees you, your throne hears you and your throne will fight for you!

The Empire is strong because it is inextricable. Ten cords made of thousands of threads that form an unbreakable rope that will one day tie together the whole world. It is our unity and our loyalty to the Empire and to each other that makes us what we are. When one thread pulls away, we unravel. We must not allow voices of dissent to distract or weaken our purpose. We are one Empire, and we will strive together towards our shared future.

I therefore ask every citizen of the Empire to focus their efforts on reminding their cousins what it is to be an imperial citizen: to be united with their siblings. I ask you to give the hospitality of the hearth to our most vulnerable, our most disillusioned and especially to those who would turn their back on us and show them that in this new era there is prosperity and a place for all. We cannot let differences and disagreements get in the way of what our Empire can achieve when we work together and we must not let rebellion take root. We can, together, in unity and Loyalty to one another, see this Empire to its highest potential.

The time for complacency is over and we must begin to define our future on our own terms, with decisive action and a clear vision.
Through the will of the people of this Empire I will offer that vision.

I have heard the concerns about the divisions in the Empire's approach to the Barrens. So I will be clear.

The Barrens are Imperial. The Barrens are Dawnish. We will see this land claimed for our citizens whilst keeping to our oaths and the treaties we have made with those who aided us.
We will act in virtue to all who inhabit the Barrens and extend the hand of friendship to those who wish to live amongst our citizens in imperial lands as foreigners and send our priests to bring them into the Way.

But we will not be taken for fools. It is the Empire’s destiny to unite the world under the Way and it is the Empire's duty to protect its citizens and its people. If we are met with violence we will be ready with blade, bow and shield.

We must not forget that there is virtue in fighting for your empire, there is virtue in fighting for the Way and there is virtue in making the hard choice.

The road ahead is hard, but we are walking it together.

Inextricable. Indefatigable. Inevitable.
</quote>
</div>

==Formal Title==
* '''The Throne has formally indicated that they intend to use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably'''
Each Throne is granted the right to pick their own title, to decide how they will be referred to. The previous incumbent chose Imperatrix Lisabetta as her formal title. Emperor Vesna has informed the Civil Service that they should use both Emperor and Empress interchangeably when referring to the Throne by name. Citizens are presumably free to use either title, although those looking to please the Throne may wish to adopt the same approach as the Civil Service.

The Throne has further indicated that their pronouns are she/they.

==Breath-taking Celebrations==
* '''There are breath-taking celebrations across the Empire to commemorate the inauguration of the twenty-first Imperial Throne'''
The [[Steward of Good Leaf Gardens]], the [[the Marches|Marcher]] '''Coal Carefoot''', has been chosen to take the lead in arranging the festivities that celebrate the coronation. Two hundred and fifty thrones [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Disburse_Funds_for_Coronation|raised at Anvil]] by the [[Senate]] are enough to persuade many Prosperous citizens to dig deep into their own pockets to ensure [[A_Sparrow_in_Spring#Breath-Taking_Celebrations|breath taking celebrations]], as unforgettable as those that marked the coronations of [[Empress Giselle]] and [[Emperor Nicovar]].

Varushka leads the way; on the whole the northern nation is proud to see one of their own sitting on the Throne for the first time since [[Empress Varkula|Varkula]]. Vesna is only the second Varushkan ever to ascend the Throne, and it has been more than two centuries since the end of the four-decades long reign of the one they call ''the Undying''. People are not slow to make comparisons with the formidable Varushkan Throne, who presided over one of the longest periods of Imperial expansion in its history - especially given the tenor of Vesna's address. Traditional [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Celebration|Varushkan celebrations]] are held in almost every vale, many beginning during the [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#The_Feast_of_the_Loom|Feast of the Loom]] and then continuing for the following week. Bonfires push back the cold night, with people gathering around the flames to share food, drink, stories, and songs, and to toast the health of their new Empress. There is food for all, fresh baked loaves of bread leavened with honey, succulent cuts of smoked meat, all washed down with wine, mead, or ale. The stzena regale those who gather with songs and stories from the founding of the Empire to the present day, and many express the hope that Vesna, like Varkula before them, will show the Empire how enduring a Varushkan Throne can be.

Obviously the celebrations are not confined to Varushka. The ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] might seek to stamp out all joy from the Empire, but '''Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra''' bears the words of the [[Pride]] assembly across the Empire, [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_29|reminding everyone]] how vital it is to recognise and exalt the achievements of the Empire and its citizens. For many, spiting the forces of oblivion is as important as marking the ascension of the new Throne.

There are masked balls in every city in [[the League]], even the newest. One Merchant Prince commissions a troupe of actors to write a daring play that imagines the new Throne receiving advice from ghosts of Thrones past which tours to packed audiences and critical reviews. There is feasting and storytelling in the halls of [[Wintermark]] and the steadings of [[Navarr]], and while the celebrations are more restrained in nature in [[Highguard]] and [[Urizen]], they are no less well-attended. There are banquets in [[the Marches]] and great feasts in [[Skarsind]]. In the beleaguered [[the Brass Coast|Brass Coast]] there is a certain extra edge to the wild parties, filled with music and dancing and roaring flames, and the hope that the new Throne will see the Grendel driven from their lands once and for all.

Empress Vesna's address is particularly well received in [[Dawn]], where many are already engaged in grand celebrations of their own. Most of the season's [[Dog_days_are_over#The_Grand_Tour|tourneys]] for the Grand Tour are given over to festivities in recognition of the new Throne, with [[earl|earls]] eager to award laurels to those who claim to champion Vesna's cause. New fairs are arranged in [[The_Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]], [[Astolat#Coombe|Coombe]], [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]] and [[Semmerholm#Ferrond|Auvanne]]. [[Yeofolk of Dawn|Yeofolk]] and nobles alike charge their goblets to the Throne, some even pledging to achieve [[glory]] in her name.

==United by Destiny==
* '''The inaugural message of the Throne has been extensively discussed and considered'''
* '''The message calls for unity, and outlines a grand destiny for the Empire'''
Throughout the celebrations, people take time to consider the message of Emperor Vesna. The celebrations don't reach every corner of the Empire, but there are few citizens of prominence who have not heard them by the time the Spring Equinox rolls around. As one might expect from a Varushkan, the new Throne does not pull any punches, as they lay out a vision for the Empire in the years ahead.

The message seems quite clear on two crucial points. The first is that the Empire must be united, that Loyalty to the Empire and to each other is what makes the Empire what it is. She calls on all citizens to reach out to their neighbours to put aside division and find ways to heal the wounds that have spread strife and rebellion. The clarion call to put aside differences and reach out to those who are disaffected creates new opportunities to address the strife [[New port, old wine|in Bregasland]] and [[The three pillars|in Spiral]].

But the key point that moves citizens in every nation is the conclusion in which the Throne starkly insists that it is the Empire's destiny to unite the World under [[the Way]]. She reminds everyone that there is Virtue in fighting for the Way and Virtue in making the hard choice and makes clear that the Empire must go forwards together.

Inevitably this call to the Way reminds the virtuous [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|of the grand plan to transform the White City of Bastion]] to create a new Holy City that will outshine any ziggurat built in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj|Timoj]] and demonstrate unequivocally that the Empire is not just the birthplace of the Way, but the centre of the faith throughout the world.

The [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|plan for the Holy City]] requires a thousand wains of [[white granite]], an unfathomable sum, greater than any individual citizen might imagine or indeed acquire. The only practical hope of completing the project this century comes if citizens in every nation work to support it. The virtuous people of Highborn have committed themselves to the project, until it is complete. Other nations have offered aid, but Dawn, the Marches, the Brass Coast, Wintermark, Navarr, and the League have only promised support for a single year. The nations of Urizen, Varushka, and the Imperial Orcs have declined to focus on support of the grand project.

Following Empress Vesna Borkovna Prochnost's inaugural address, any nation in the Empire that is not currently committing their support to the Holy City can enact the following mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=It is the Empire’s destiny to unite the world under the Way. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to urge every citizen to contribute what resources they can spare to support the creation of a new Holy City at Bastion. The road ahead is hard, but we are walking it together.|assembly=Any national assembly}}

If a nation enacts this mandate then the citizens of that nation will find what white granite and funds they can spare and donate them to support the new commission. Every territory outside Highguard that is affected by this mandate will donate 4 wains of white granite and 8 crowns to support the commission each season for the following year. As with the earlier mandates, however, it would be impossible for a nation to support the creation of the new Holy City in this way without exhausting their capacity to support other important causes. As a result it would be impossible to use a mandate to urge a nation contributing to the Holy City to support another commission or similar project. Any mandate in the Imperial Synod that urged citizens to provide financial support to a different commission or cause would fail to affect the nation while they are supporting the holy City. Any statement of principle in their national assembly that asked the nation for their support in this way would fail to produce a mandate.

Unlike other mandates, this mandate can be enacted at any time by any nation in the Empire that is not currently supporting the construction of the Holy City, even if they have raised it or an equivalent mandate in previous years. This opportunity remains for as long as the current Throne reigns.

==Participation==
Regardless of your character's personal opinion of the new Throne, it is difficult to avoid the festivities. Even the armies on campaign make a point of encouraging soldiers to mark the occasion. Everyone is encouraged to create stories of the celebrations they've seen, attended, or thrown to mark the coronation. For many, there is a sense that the new Throne, and the new year, might represent an opportunity for a new start. The most optimistic look to Vesna's address as a call to put aside the things that divide them from their fellows, to lay down their grudges, and to reach out to their fellow citizens in a spirit of unity. Even those who aren't fans of the Throne themselves might still partake of this spirit, or be inspired by the message of a grand destiny for the Empire to ultimately unite the world within the Way.

==Further Reading==
* [[New port, old wine]] - a chance to address some of the current strife in Bregasland
* [[The three pillars]] - the impact of the Empress Vesna's address in Spiral
* [[Little mercy]] - the latest developments in the Barrens
{{Imperial Addresses}}

Proud to serve

2026-05-20T06:24:08Z

GuiltyConscience:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:381YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
<ic>Citizens of the Empire,

As the Imperial Warmage, you may expect me to be concerned with the direct application of strategic magic to the war effort. But the capability to perform ritual magic is pointless if the cost of casting it - in mana, but also in lives, opportunity and blood - is greater than we can pay.

The Empire currently faces three great challenges today, and I do not speak of the Jotun, the Grendel or the Druj. The challenges we face are internal: The threat to the unity of our faith. The threat to the trust that holds our nations together. The threat to the stability of our economy.

It is the economy that I must talk to you about first. We all know that things have been difficult recently. The Empire is at war on three fronts, and the effects of those wars have been felt by many of us. The costs of strategic magic have far exceeded the ability of the Senate and Grandmasters to pay for them, but the Prosperity and Loyalty that individual mages and covens have shown in shouldering the burden of strategic magic has always been inspiring.

This Summit, with the strategic mana fund severely reduced, not only were the fortresses that secure our borders funded through their efforts, but also a number of enchantments upon our armies. I am writing today in part to thank each of them for their efforts, whether they gave a single crystal or many.

Today, I would ask you to follow their example.

Look to your own kith and kin first, for the Empire's Prosperity is founded upon that of its people, but also look to where you can benefit your neighbours. Those of you who cast economic rituals, try to cover as many targets as efficiently as you can. Do not stint yourselves, but where you can I ask that you contribute a crystal for the covens of your nation, so they can in turn protect us all. We owe them a debt of thanks and, while I cannot name every Coven who has contributed to the military campaign, I can name the few I have dealt with most: the covens of the Saker, Skywise, Eternal Family, Sussivari, Shattered Tower, Auric Horizon, Sherard Hunters and the Carta Notturno. There are certainly more, but I can personally attest to the Loyalty, Ambition and Prosperity of these groups.

There are greater prices than mana, however, as we all know, and such choices can strain the trust between our nations. The Empire has used terrible and powerful magics the like of which we have never seen before, and many Imperial citizens have questioned the decisions that led us here.

I cannot promise that, during my time as Warmage, the military council and I will not choose to use such magic again.

It is clear that the Empire will hold the Warmage responsible for the use of strategic magic. So be it. If the safety of the Empire should require such hard choices again, I give you my oath that I will consider and consult carefully beforehand and, if I must support an action with a grave cost in the lives of Imperial civilians, I will turn myself over to the nation bearing the brunt and submit to their Senators and National Assembly. As to the Mournwold: I understand the strategies that the military council built their orders upon. I saw first-hand what it cost us, and I know what we stood to gain. I stand by the decision they made, though I would have preferred any better option.

We shall all be judged by our actions in matters such as this. The Empire must prove not only that it can protect its citizens, but that it is fighting for them and for their future. To that end, I am glad to say that the Conclave and Senate have chosen to overwhelmingly support Raewynn Farkas and the new Order of the Silver Chalice. As many of you know, this is a Conclave Order dedicated to applying the healing arts at any scale. The legal requirements to form a new Order have been met, but the Civil Service have said that it may take a season or two before it is possible to join. Nevertheless, there is nothing to stop the healer-mages of the Empire from gathering in advance of the official creation. This is a historic event, the first Conclave Order created since the reign of Nicovar, and I believe it will strengthen the Empire. Perhaps also it will bring new people into the Conclave but - whether old or new - I look forward to seeing many of you there this Autumn.

Of our faith, I can only say: we are one people, one Empire, and I am Proud to serve you all.

In Prosperity,<br>
Heilyn Bronwen's Rest<br>
Imperial Warmage<br>
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=2017-08-15_22.11.15.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
==Overview==
[[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]] has used her power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to allow the [[warmage]], Heilyn Bronwen's Rest, to send a message to all Imperial citizens. As with all such addresses, the civil service has ensured the message is heard by citizens across the Empire and beyond.
==Significance==
[[The Throne]] has the power to nominate a single Imperial citizen who can deliver a message to the people of the Empire each summit. It is common practice for the Throne to use this power themselves, when they wish to speak to all their people about important matters.
{{Imperial Addresses}}

Great prosperity and strength

2026-05-18T18:38:31Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Blackfield Market */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"The question is, is it Prosperous?" Maria asked thoughtfully.

Prince Luija popped a cherry into her mouth, chewed it, and delicately spat the stone out over the balcony into the river before answering.

"Who determines what is a fair price?" She asked, rhetorically. "The Bishops? I have every respect for our Bishops as you know Maria-"

"- Except for Bishop Jago who is an arse -" interrupted Maria.

"Except for Bishop Jago who is an arse, yes," she acknowledged. "But they are people of faith, and so their first priority is to ensure their congregations are full and that their cup runnuth over. That means saying what is popular. And what is more popular than carping on about the fair price?"

"True," said Maria. She topped up her wine glass. Prince Luija indicated she would also appreciate a little more of the white and Maria dutifully refilled her glass as well.

"It's ''always'' the same people who talk about the fair price - it's the people who can't afford the ''actual'' price. As if lowering the price of white granite would somehow, magically, mean there was then enough granite for everyone to have as much as they wanted! If you want a ''fair'' price for your bourse materials there are just two options - you can let the Synod decide who gets the white granite, or you can let the market decide who gets the white granite."

"Or the Senators," said Maria archly, sipping her wine.

"Right!" said Prince Luija. "Just three options. We could let the Senate decide. Imagine what a disaster ''that'' would be. A just price indeed - do you know what that ''really'' means? It means ''just'' the people the Synod like should be able to have any white granite. Good news if you're a bishop and want to expand your congregation."

Maria smiled gently into her wine. They were both a little the worse for wear, this discussion had been going on for at least an hour since the dinner things had been cleared away.

"So I take it you're not interested in attending the meeting tomorrow then? To talk about setting up a Bourse market where things can be bought for fair prices and such...?"

Luija raised her eyebrows.

"Of ''course'' we're going to be attending!" she said in a surprised tone. "I wouldn't miss it for the world! There is a potential here for a sensible guild to make a large amount of money depending on which way the coin falls. Either the proposal will be to offer low prices, in which case we can offer slightly more than that and still make a profit; or it will be to offer high prices in which case we can sell to them directly and make a profit. Regardless of how it goes, it means profit for us, Maria! And at the end of the day, the best price is the price that brings me - by which I mean us - the largest profit possible while leaving Bishop Jago and his friends convinced of our virtue!"</ic>
==Overview==
It has been an interesting year for the Bourse. With the [[Grendel]] invasion of [[Feroz]], both the [[Scorrero Nets]] and the [[Broken Shore Bounty]] have been lost. The [[Legacy]] remains in the hands of the [[Druj]], while the [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]] serves the [[Jotun]] now - or at least it will once they have repaired the [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Iron|damage done to it by Imperial heroes]]. At the same time, it's been a year of opportunity - the [[Crawling Depths]] are slowly being brought up to the standards expected of an Imperial mithril mine, and a [[Drive_back#West_Wood_Weirwood|new weirwood grove]] has been discovered in Liathaven.

It's also been a rocky year for the public auction. Following the disruption around the [[Cinderpath_Custodian|Cinderpath Exchange]] - now finally built in [[Highguard]] - the [[Varushka|Varushkans]] have just completed construction of their [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Roundtower]], and while no progress has been made the [[What_will_be,_was_not#The_Invisible_Cord_Brokerage|Invisible Cord Brokerage]] has been [[commission|commissioned]] in [[Navarr]]. This disruption has largely been sponsored by the Prosperity Assembly, who have [[Moving_mountains_is_no_easy_task|resolutely encouraged]] Imperial citizens to focus on the virtuous understanding that there is a "fair price" for everything including mithril, weirwood, white granite, and ilium.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Raziel of the Shattered Tower, Mandate, Highguard National, Winter 382YE, Upheld 436-14>As Bartimaeus has already vouchsafed, virtuous people set prices for things which are fair, and buy and sell them accordingly. The Senate disagrees; it denies the virtue of engaging in trade in a virtuous manner. We send Raziel of the Shattered Tower with 25 doses of liao to urge those Highborn citizens in possession of white granite to refuse to deal with the greed embodied by the Bourse Auction at Anvil until such time as the Cinderpath Exchange is completed.</quote></div>
==White Granite==
* '''The Cinderpath Exchange has been built'''
* '''The white granite held back by virtuous citizens is now available on the public auction and to the Cinderpath Custodian'''
When the Cinderpath Exchange was proposed, it was clear that it would have a significant impact on the amount of white granite offered on the public auction. Highguard is one of the foremost producers of the valuable building material in the Empire, and there are virtuous citizens in many nations who have taken the Synod judgements about Prosperity to heart and now choose to offer their white granite to the Exchange rather than send it to Anvil to be auctioned. At the urging of the Synod, virtuous citizens across the Empire withheld their white granite in a protest against what was seen as the Senate's refusal to commission the Cinderpath Exchange. The construction has now been completed, however, and the white granite that was withheld is now being offered for sale - but the long-term effects of the Exchange will still see a significant reduction in the amount of white granite available at Anvil.

This season, however, amounts of white granite available at Anvil are expected to be somewhat higher than in previous months - the civil service is estimating that an additional dozen wains of white granite have been brought to Casinea to be auctioned. This is perhaps not as dramatic as might have been expected, given that the Cinderpath Exchange is also reducing the amount provided each season by 6 wains, and it likely represents the last time the amount of white granite available will reach so high.

Highborn citizens who withheld their white granite have instead offered it to the [[Cinderpath Custodian]] for sale. As a consequence, there will be an additional white granite available to the Custodian following the Autumn Equinox. The prices and volume available to the Cinderpath Custodian have been updated to reflect this [[Cinderpath_Custodian#Ministry|new availability]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Bartimaeus, Mandate, General Assembly, Winter 382YE, Upheld 879-276>The virtuous build up their fellows, and take pride in their people. Rather than looking to line their own pockets, Imperial citizens should seek ways to strengthen their own nations - and by doing so strengthen the Empire as a whole. We send Bartimaeus with 75 liao to urge Imperial citizens to consider how best the bounty of their nations might be used for the benefit of their people.</quote></div>

==Ilium==
* '''The ilium that would have gone to the Broken Shore Bounty has been redirected to the public auction, and to Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra.'''
When the Grendel [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Spindrift|invaded Feroz]] during the Spring, they took the offices of the [[Broken Shore Bounty]]. The [[ilium]] that would have been provided to the Freeborn holder of the seat cannot be delivered. During the Summer Solstice, a proposal was made that the [[Senate]] could [[Four_strong_winds#Broken_Shore_Bounty|re-establish the offices]] to [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]]. While there are obvious benefits - the [[Madruga#The_Salt_Guard|Salt Guard]] protects Siroc and would make it significantly less likely that the Grendel would be able to threaten the Bounty in the future - it was not without downsides - it would suggest the Senate does not think it will recapture Feroz in the immediate future.

Regardless, the fisherfolk and mariners of the [[Bay of Catazar]] continue to come into possession of ilium and it has been six months since they have been able to deliver it. This has led to two somewhat different outcomes.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Master of Fleets.jpg|caption=Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra, the Imperial Fleet Master.|align=right|width=350}}
There are those in possession of rings of ilium who need the money more than they need the precious star metal. They are grateful to the efforts made to keep them safe from pirates - Grendel and otherwise - but there are practicalities. Boats must be repaired, nets fixed, wages paid, and food put on their tables. These people are sending the ilium they have gathered to Anvil for the public auction. The civil service predict that there will be an additional 10 rings of ilium available to purchase this season on the public auction, and until the Broken Shore Bounty is re-established, around four rings a season going forward.

The others, however, feel that they owe the corsairs of the Brass Coast - and the [[Imperial Fleet Master]] in particular - a great debt. '''Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra''' has achieved much in his time in office, including the [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Control|devastating blow]] to the Grendel domination of the Bay after the Spring Equinox. They tend to be the wealthier ship captains, or those for whom virtue is more important than money. With the assistance of the Fellowship of the Purple Sails - who have their own reasons to be grateful to the i Del Rio Blanco - they have collected their rings of ilium and sent them to the Imperial Fleet master; six rings in total. Furthermore, they are encouraging their fellows to follow suit. Until the Broken Shore Bounty is re-established, or until Esteban i Del Rio Blanco I Guerra no longer holds the title, they will provide four rings a season for him to use as he sees fit.

Once the Broken Shore Bounty ''is'' reestablished, there will need to be some discussion as to whether this arrangement continues. There may be [[Imperial Constitution|Constitutional]] issues around a title appointed by the Imperial Military Council formally being in receipt of Bourse materials - but for now this is clearly a gift from private citizens and causes no immediate legal complications.

==Mithril and Weirwood==
* '''The Iron Roundtower has been built in [[Varushka]] resulting in fewer wains of mithril on the public auction'''
* '''The Iron Roundtower is available for appointment during the Autumn equinox.'''
* '''The Invisible Cord Brokerage has been commissioned but not constructed'''
At the moment, the amount of Weirwood on the public auction remains steady but already there are people across the Empire wondering if they ought not to consider following the lead of the Highborn and finding more virtuous ways to sell their weirwood than by auctioning it to the highest bidder. The General assembly has urged Imperial citizens to strengthen their nations rather than line their own pockets. Following the example of the Iron Roundtower and the Invisible Cord Brokerage, the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] are discussing the creation of the [[Four_strong_winds#The_Parador_of_Dust|Parador of Dust]] in response to a proposal from their assembly.

Now the people of the [[the Marches|Marches]] have thrown their hat into the ring, metaphorically, with a [[#Blackfield Market|proposal of their own]].
{{SOP|statement=Prosperous people sell at prosperous prices as proven by the Cinderpath exchange. The Marcher assembly encourages Marchers with Bourse resources to come together to form an exchange where a nominated Marcher may purchase these at a prosperous price.|by=Landon of Longridge, The Marches National|when=Summer Solstice 383YE|vote=114-0}}
==Blackfield Market==
* '''A market could be built in Mitwold allowing the purchase of wains of white granite.'''
* '''It would require a senate motion or Imperial wayleave, 12 wains of weirwood, 24 crowns in labour, and take three months to construct.'''
The Marcher assembly has proposed an exchange where a nominated Marcher may purchase Bourse resources at a prosperous price. After a good deal of discussion, the alders of several of the richer market towns across the nation have come together with a proposal. Meeting in [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]], they have presented plans for a set of warehouses and a monthly market. Dubbed the ''Blackfield Market'', the warehouses would be built on the road between Meade and Wayford at the village of the same name. Blackfield is mostly known as a place one passes through on the way to somewhere else, but it has plenty of flat open ground, a good inn, and its own militia with plenty of experience working with the [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] and patrolling the roads to keep them clear of bandits and brigands.
<table style="width:400px; float: right;"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Total Money Spent</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>100 crowns</td><td>5 wains white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>196 crowns</td><td>9 wains white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>277 crowns</td><td>12 wains white granite</td></tr>
</table>
Constructing the market would require 12 wains of weirwood, 24 crowns in labour costs, and the use of a [[Senate motion]] or [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave|Imperial Wayleave]]. It would take three months, and once complete would also create an [[Imperial title]] - ''Blackfield Bailiff'' - that would oversee the market and take advantage of the opportunity to purchase Bourse materials at a reasonable price. They propose that the Bailiff be appointed annually through the Imperial Bourse by vote of the [[farm]] owners of the Marches.

As with other commissions of this kind, if the Blackfield Market is constructed it will permanently reduce the number of wains available through the public auction at Anvil.

==Supply and Demand==
* '''Opportunities exist to build further national Bourse ministries but the number is severely limited'''
* '''Once two such ministries have been built that provide a given resource, no more will be available'''
* '''Proposals have been put forward by other nations but the Synod would need to confirm there is interest in them before they would be finalised.'''
The Cinderpath Exchange and the Iron Roundtower have already had a significant impact on the amount of white granite and mithril available through the public auction. If the Invisible Cord Brokerage is completed, it will likewise effect the weirwood. The civil service predict that should a second such commission be constructed that provides a Bourse resource, then that material would no longer be regularly available through the auction and it would be very difficult to build a third commission specifically dealing in that material.

That is, if the Parador of Dust is constructed, then with the Iron Roundtower also having been built there will not only be minimal amounts of mithril available in the public auction but there would be no opportunity to build a third national ministry that produced mithril.

Interest in strengthening the nation, and putting virtue ahead of money, is still high but interest is likely to have faded by the start of the Winter Solstice 383YE. Following the completion of two of the proposed "Bourse Ministries" merchants and Chambers of Commerce in the five nations for whom no proposal has been put forward - Dawn, the Imperial Orcs, the League, Wintermark, and Urizen - have made suggestions of their own. However, presenting such opportunities takes time, effort, and money and nobody wants to waste them if there is no interest in [[commission|commissioning]] such structures. if the priests of a nation believe there is support for building a Bourse ministry, then they will need to pass a suitably worded [[Statement of Principle]] during the Autumn Equinox supporting one of these proposals.
===Applefell and Lacre===
In '''Dawn''', there are two suggestions both made by groups of [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]] with long experience in dealing with money. There is the potential to build a market-faire at [[Weirwater#Applefell|Applefell]] in [[Weirwater]] that would encourage the yeofolk who work in the extensive forests to bring their weirwood for sale to a Fairemaster chosen by the [[military unit]] owners of the nation. One of the Seneschals of [[Weirwater#Spiral_Castle|Spiral Castle]] has apparently indicated that they would also provide small amounts of their own surplus material to the market, and would help others wishing to do so to transport their goods to Applefell. They would expect that title to be given to a yeofolk, of course, given that dealing with money is hardly a [[glory|glorious]] enterprise for a noble.

An alternative pitch has come from the yeofolk of Lacre in [[Semmerholm]]. Small amounts of precious [[ilium]] are regularly drawn from [[the Semmerlak]] in fishing nets, not only along the shores of Semmerholm and Weirwater but in the Varushkan territores as well. A quarterly ''Star Metal Market'' could be established in Lacre, drawing ilium not only from prosperous Dawnish yeofolk but also potentially from farther afield. Again, they would expect a yeofolk to take the title of ''Starmetal Seneschal'' and as with all Dawnish Bourse positions it would be appointed by the captains of military units.

Should the Dawnish assembly believe there is interest in one or both of these proposals, they can confirm this with a suitably worded [[statement of principle]] in the national assembly. Provided it receives a [[greater majority]] the yeofolk of Dawn would have concrete proposals for the Faire and/or the Market at the Winter Solstice.

===Krysse===
Before the Thule invasion, back when Skarsind was part of Wintermark, two prosperous settlements in [[Skarsind#Estermark|Estermark]] drew their wealth from the mountains. Today, Gulhule has more than regained the prosperity it lost when it was conquered by the Thule - thanks to the [[Foreman of the Mines of Gulhule]] and the hard work of the well-paid human miners, the town is booming. Krysse, to the south, has not been so fortune. Still, with the Synod encouraging people to look to the possibilities of strengthening their nation, the residents of the small town have come up with a possibility. A lot of the mithril going to the public Bourse comes from the northern territories. The Varushkans have already constructed their Iron Roundtower, and it is likely that over time more and more of the mithril brought out of the mines of Skarsind will end up going east to [[Karov#Delev|Delev]].

Alternatively, a Miner's Market could be established at Krysse. There would need to be some work done on the roads in the vicinity, but once the construction was completed it would allow a [[Imperial_Orcs_economic_interests#Bonesetters|bonesetter]] to be appointed by the [[military unit]] owners of the nation to purchase wains of mithril at reasonable prices not only from Imperial orcs but also potentially from merchants as far afield as [[Hahnmark]] and [[Temeschwar]].

All the Imperial Orc Assembly would need to do would be to pass a statement of principle with a [[greater majority]] indicating that there is indeed interest in such an endeavour.

===Gulnar's Deeps and Valashal===
Like the Dawnish, the merchants, traders, and miners of Hahnmark have two proposals for the consideration of the Assembly. Hahnmark is the wealthiest of the Wintermark territories, and like Skarsind much of its wealth comes from the mountains. Both white granite and mithril are regularly found in the mines and quarries, and for the most part end up in Anvil. If the Synod thinks there is a chance for the commissions to be taken up, however, they suggest that there might be two opportunities to create national Bourse ministries in Hahnmark.

The first, ''Gulnar's Deephall'', would consist of a sturdy hall and warehouses at the base of the peaks below Gulnar's Deeps. The deep caverns there have long been a source of mithril, and even the occasional ring of ilium. If the hall were built, the Winterfolk traders suggest, a national position appointed by the [[military unit]] captains of the nation would be able to purchase large amounts of mithril, for virtuous prices from honest miners and quarry owners.

Alternatively - or in addition - a second such trading hall could be constructed in [[Hahnmark#Valasmark|Valashal]] in the south-east. The hills there have always been a rich source of white granite, but the hall would also potentially attract merchants from Skarsind, Temeschwar, and even the Marches. The hall would need a title to oversee it, again appointed through the national Bourse, and would be able to purchase white granite.

In addition to the white granite and/or mithril, if either or both trade halls were established, the positions appointed to oversee them would also be able to purchase small amounts of ilium. If one were appointed all the people with rings of ilium to sell would congregate there; if both were established they would split their sales between the two.

As with the other proposals, if the Wintermark Assembly wishes one or both of these to be firmed up and presented as opportunities at the Winter Solstice they will need a suitably worded statement of principle that passes with a [[greater majority]] during the Autumn Equinox.

===Siluri===
The [[Brilliant Star]] and the [[Legacy]] both lie in Urizen, and the mountains across the territory are known to be rich in the precious metal. They are also a good source of ilium; stars often fall on the high peaks of Morrow and a spire can make a small fortune sending that ilium to Anvil to be auctioned. In recent times, however, Urizen prosperity has been seriously impacted by the loss of Zenith, the invasion of Morrow, and the constant back-and-forth of Spiral. The fourth territory - redoubt - has remained much more stable however, having had no serious military problems for some time.

Inspired by recent Synod judgements, the [[Urizen_economic_interests#Architects|architects]] of Urizen have put forward an adaptable proposal of their own that could be explored and used to establish national Bourse ministries in the relatively safe territory of Redoubt. The first would be to establish a market in the foothills of northern [[Redoubt#Siluri|Siluri]]. Miners from across Redoubt and Morrow could come here to sell wains of mithril and rings of ilium. Establishing the market would require the creation of additional roads, and a bridge, but once they were in place would be reasonably easy to reach not only from across Urizen but also from Highguard to the west. The architects are looking for guidance from the Assembly as to what will be most useful for the nation as a whole - mithril, ilium, or a combination of the two (on the understanding that the latter will be more expensive).

If the assembly thinks this project is worth pursuing, the can indicate as such with a suitably worded statement of principle that receives a greater majority (which would also need to establish which resources will be of most use to the nation).

===Holberg, Tassato, Temeschwar, and Sarvos===
The Chambers of Commerce of the League have been watching recent developments with interest. On the whole, there is a feeling that they are already in a position to do well in the Bourse. Instead of proposing large-scale markets to deal in mithril, white granite, weirwood, or ilium the League merchants have a different idea. They will establish a single market in one of the four cities that will offer good prices for ''all four'' Bourse resources and allow the invisible hand of the market to supply them. Which city is almost immaterial - thanks to the Blood Red Roads it is reasonably easy for large numbers of Imperial citizens to reach any one of them.

Unlike the other proposals, the idea the merchant-princes are proposing would not count against the limitation of two such Bourse ministries for each resource - even if a second mithril ministry was built the market would still provide mithril. But more mithril would be available while only the Iron Roundtower existed - if a second ministry were later built the amount of mithril would drop significantly. The same is true of white granite, weirwood, and ilium. The creation of the market would also impact the public auction, again depending on how many other ministries for a given material were built. it is all a little complex, but the Merchant-princes and Bishops of Prosperity and Ambition who have discussed the proposals are confident it will all work out.

As with the other proposals here, the League assembly would need to reassure the merchant-princes that there is sufficient interest to go ahead with developing this idea further using a statement of principle - and would also need to establish which of the four cities should host the market. It would be appointed via the Bourse - but there is heated discussion about exactly how it would be appointed (given recent discussions about [[The_lights_of_Temeschwar#Counting_coins|the future of League Bourse appointments]]).

==Accounts and Accountability==
* '''The Prosperity assembly is concerned about the virtue of the Imperial Bourse'''
* '''Citizens are encouraged to report unvirtuous behaviour by the Bourse to the Prosperity assembly.'''
* '''A new title could be commissioned to help the Bourse operate more virtuously.'''
During the Summer Solstice, a [[Highguard|Highborn]] priest named '''Onan of the Chantry''' called out the enormous power the [[Bourse]] holds within the Empire, and that while many used their position for virtuous purposes others did not. The Prosperity assembly agreed with the wily Onan, and there has been a great deal of discussion about how best to proceed. Much of the work has already been done of course; the statement calls for people to simply report any examples of unvirtuous behaviour to the Prosperity assembly. Presumably priests of the assembly, or the [[Virtue Inquisitor]] could then investigate further.

But there is an alternative, as suggested by ''Imago Monta di Tassato Regario'', a young bishop devoted to the pursuit of [[Prosperity]]. The Empire has an [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] responsible for ensuring the funds allocated to Senators are used wisely and in accordance with the will of the Senate. There is a [[Chaplain Consular]] who advises [[ambassador|ambassadors]] and ensures they do not become seduced by foreign nations. There have been proposals for a long time for [[Tested_again_and_again#Chaplains|chaplains]] to help the [[Military Council]] to act in a virtuous manner. And of course an entire [[Conclave order]] - the [[Sevenfold Path]] - is responsible for helping the [[Conclave]] to act in accordance with virtue wherever possible. Why not a similar position whose responsibilities are to advise the Bourse seats?

Obviously, the [[Imperial Constitution]] says that the Bourse "''shall be free of all interference of the Senate, or from the Synod''" but Bourse seats can still be called to [[Inquisition]], and can even be [[Writ of Excommunication|Excommunicated]] if their virtue is considered compromised enough. After all, says Imago Monta, were some of those members of the Pledge who were excommunicated all those years ago not also Bourse seats?

As such Imago proposes that the Prosperity assembly petition the Imperial Senate to create a new [[Imperial title]] - perhaps an ''Ombudsman of the Bourse'' - with responsibilities to help the Bourse seats act with virtue. The title could be given the power to call Bourse seats to inquisition [[Auditor_of_Senatorial_Accountability#Inquisit_Member_of_the_Senate|in the same manner]] as the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability. Perhaps they could even be given the power to once each summit raise a writ of excommunication in the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|general assembly]] without it counting against their one judgement each season - only to expose individuals who are deeply unvirtuous of course.
==Resolution==
During the Autumn Equinox, the Wintermark National Assembly indicated that the Valshal would benefit the nation. The Dawnish Assembly attempted to raise support for the Applefel Market-faire, but were unfortunately unable to achieve a Greater Majority.

Interest in these opportunities has faded by the start of the Winter Solstice 383YE, and they are no longer available in their current form. You can learn more in the '''[[Apples from a tree]]''' Wind of Fortune.

==Further Reading==
* [[Prosperity and the Public Auction]] summarises the background behind this wind of fortune

Splitting the pot

2026-05-18T18:37:51Z

GuiltyConscience: /* All That Remains */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:384YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
We don't often put a "Content Warning" on a Wind, but this one merits it. Please bear in mind that the text includes depictions of the brutal violence and injury of characters, including young people, especially in the section "The Battle of Whittle Hill".
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=TheBounders.jpg|caption=The Bounders have thrown a ring of steel around the village of Whittle.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==A Crack'd Foundation==
{{Audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3ubK-gjTRw}}
The situation in Whittle has been a thorn in the side of the Empire ever since the campaign to retake the [[Mournwold]] began. The inhabitants of the small village include a [[sect]] dedicated to the spiritual force of [[Malign spiritual presences#Hatred|Hatred]], which some call Purity. One, Friar Robin, has already gone to the Labyrinth, refusing to recant their beliefs and being [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Synod_Judgements|condemned by the Synod]] for it. The rest have been a little more discreet, though not discreet enough for anyone to imagine the problem has gone away.

The [[the Marches|Marcher]] Assembly has tried to deal with the issue by convincing their fellow Marchers to abandon their deeply held beliefs, but the people of Whittle are clear. They say it is Hatred of the [[orc|orcs]] that gave them the strength to resist [[Jotun]] rule for years. Those who didn't have Purity to keep them strong, to keep them fighting ended up as thralls... or worse... as Yegarra. Slaves pretending to be soldiers fighting for the enemy. That's what happens to those who don't have Hate for the Jotun in their hearts - they cringe, they capitulate, and then they collaborate.

Fair to say then that the Whittlers were not persuaded to abandon their beliefs. Finally, the [[Vigilance]] Assembly [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_97|declared]] that they would do what the Marchers had not and root out this invidious cult and they instructed the Silent Bell to identify the ringleaders and those who were dedicated to Hate. A list was produced by the [[Cardinal of Vigilance]] and those listed were [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] for [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]]. The magistrates were duly instructed to go to Whittle to try the accused.

There was just one small issue remaining - some Marchers were insisting that only Marcher magistrates and militia would be allowed to travel to Whittle to conduct the trial.
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px;"><quote by="Ciaphas 'Black Jack' Dekar">Marcher folk, as you are aware, the Marcher people of Whittle face sanction from the Empire for their spreading of heresy and persecution of the Mourn Orcs. The involvement of those outside the Marches risks lighting the touch paper that will set the Mourn alight once more. So with my army I shall seal off Whittle from the world. No one gets out and only Marchers can go in. Others who try will be turned away. Those that persist will be addressed robustly. Marcher priests, militia and magistrates may pass unhindered. I do this out of Loyalty to my people and the Wisdom to prevent further unrest. If the axe must be swung in Whittle, it must be held by Marcher hands. My conscience is clear. My judgement is guided by the virtues.</quote></div>

==Investment==
After the Winter Solstice summit ends, the [[General]] of the [[Bounders]], gives orders for the army to invest Whittle. The troops march to the Mournwold and once there they quickly encircle the village, permitting nobody to enter or leave.

On the first day, the Whittlers appear nonplussed by this development. A few of them seem to assume that the army is there to protect Whittle in some way, to prevent it being attacked. Once it becomes clear that the magistrates are coming for them and the army is there to prevent anyone from fleeing the settlement, the mood quickly turns sour. There are bitter and unpleasant scenes as the Whittlers accuse Ciaphas and his troops. The most common accusation is to point out that the Marchers are now doing the Jotun's work for them. By coming here with overwhelming numbers, they are doing what the Jotun could not - forcing the people of Whittle to accept laws made by people they've never met and never cared for.

The more learned Whittle folk have a deeper criticism. They firmly agree that only Marchers should try Marchers. That ideal - that principle - they believe is a good one. Indeed, that is the very ideal on which Whittle is built. Outsiders are not to be trusted. Outsiders will always look after their own, so Marchers must do likewise. On the face of it, what Ciaphas is doing is the perfect expression of the Virtue of Hatred - don't let foreigners into your community, don't tolerate them, don't let them have power over you.
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Whittle Teaching">Don't trust others. Trust your gut. It will tell you right from wrong.</quote></div>
But they argue the idea that it is a Marcher coming to swing the axe is a bad joke. They've already been condemned as a result of the actions of the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] Cardinal of Vigilance. They've already been tried and found guilty by folk from other lands. The fact that Marchers are being sent to carry out the executions handed down by a foreigner - and a Dawnishman at that - just adds insult to injury. The general of the Marcher army has made his army bend the knee to the orders of the high and mighty of Dawn - to execute honest Marchers.

There is much more of this - and none of it is very positive - or very enjoyable for anyone forced to stand through it. Few folk in the Bounders are thanking their general for this posting, though to be fair after being on the end of yet another tongue lashing from Friar Marianne, the Whittle folk aren't making many friends either.
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px;"><quote by="Whittle Teaching">Despise them that threaten you. Outsiders always want trouble, or your lands, and usually both.</quote></div>

==The Magistrate==
The arrival of Magistrate Cooper with fifty militia quickly puts an end to these discussions. Unfortunately, although he has brought every Marcher militia member that he can recruit with him, he is notably short-handed for the scale of the task ahead. The grim reality is that a great many Marchers who would normally be deputized to help with this have made themselves suddenly scarce. It seems Marchers are not that keen to help arrest war heroes and children - not when they're fellow Marchers. Ordinarily, the magistrate could have easily filled his ranks with a few extra hands from [[Tassato]], or recruited a few passing [[Navarr]], or got help from some [[thief-taker|thief-takers]]. In a pinch, they might even pay a few [[the League|League]] sellswords to tag along.

Now they're forced to rely on local help - and it's clear it's not enough. The Whittlers tell the magistrate to his face that he's an outsider - that he's not welcome and that they won't permit him to come into Whittle and try anyone. They make abundantly clear that they are prepared to back up their position with violence should it come to that. "The Jotun didn't scare us magistrate, and nor do you," says Bill Tavistock who appears to be in charge of the defence of the village.

A few of the more gung-ho militia are clearly up for testing the Whittlers mettle, but the magistrate very wisely pulls back. An outbreak of violence would quickly become a bloodbath - and it's not at all clear the militia would win given the odds. For a week there is a stand-off, as Cooper tries repeatedly to talk the Whittlers down, to let him and his militia enter the village and give a fair trial to those who are accused. It's all for naught, the army may have Whittle surrounded, but the villagers make their position absolutely clear. They will not surrender under any circumstances. Not to the Jotun, not to the Marchers, not to Imperial law. They don't want to fight Marchers, but if outsiders insist on coming into Whittle, they will fight them to the last yeoman.

As the situation fails to improve, the magistrate is able to use the time to round up a few score more doughty yeofolk to serve as deputies. Eventually, there are more than enough to even the odds with the Whittlers, even to tip the balance in the magistrate's favour. But there are still not enough to make it a foregone conclusion. If the magistrate orders the militia to go in, there will be scores of deaths on both sides before it's all over.

After due consideration, Cooper and his militia deputize two hundred and fifty of the Bounders. Although such actions are rare, it is clear he has a legal right to do so. Any complaints at the time are met with angry retorts - nobody from the Bounders would be getting deputized ''if they weren't here interfering with the law.'' The magistrate wouldn't need to deputize Marcher soldiers to fight Marcher citizens if the general hadn't forced his hand by issuing orders that prevented him from bringing in militia from other nations.

Faced with overwhelming numbers arrayed against them, Cooper pleads with the Whittle folk to give in, pointing out that this can only end one way. Two hundred villagers are no match for a force of militia and professional soldiers more than twice their number. And ''still'' the Whittle folk refuse. With all other avenues exhausted, the militia are left with no other choice but to advance.... a slow steady march that quickly breaks into a sprint as the Whittlers unleash a volley of arrows. The Battle of Whittle Hill has begun.
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px;"><quote by="Whittle Teaching">Tolerance is the crack in the foundation of a strong society.</quote></div>

==The Battle of Whittle Hill==
Jack Miner of Whittle, is regarded as a war hero by many in the Mourn. He famously lost a leg when [[Mournwold#Ruins_of_Orchard.27s_Watch|Orchard's Watch]] [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Let_That_Be_Your_Last_Battlefield_.28Mournwold.29|fell to the Jotun]], but refused to give up. He told people afterwards he didn't need two legs to carry him into battle, his hatred of the Jotun was all he needed to keep him fighting. At one point he held off five Skjaldirborn by himself, to save the lives of half a dozen wounded Marchers. He dies with an arrow through his throat, drowning in his own blood.

Bill Tavistock is the leader of Whittle. Widely respected for his [[Prosperity]], he was always ready to go out in the middle of the night to protect a farmstead if they were having trouble with bandits or [[feni]] or the like. He never accepted the presence of the thralls in [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] and [[Mournwold#South Moor|South Moor]] and could list off details of every Marcher family whose lands he claimed they'd taken. He dies with his skull cleaved open from a Bounder's bill, his brains splattered on the rough track leading up to the village.

Friar Marianne is one of Whittle's priests. A former acolyte of the executed blasphemer Squire Robin, she never forgave the Empire for the death of her teacher. Along with Friar Mutch she travelled the area extensively preaching the virtues as she saw them, [[Courage]], Prosperity and especially Hatred. She dies when a bollock dagger rips her stomach open spilling her guts down her cassock.

Jonah Tavistock is the youngest of them. Barely twelve summers and clearly not old enough to take a warriors test, he stands with the others, cleaver in one hand, a child's buckler in the other. He fights like a wild dog, his face puce with rage, screaming his hatred for any who would take his lands from him. He dies from shock after a warhammer takes most of his arm off just below the shoulder.

By the time it's all over there are countless more names and stories like these on the butcher's bill. Thankfully the fighting is brief and in less than an hour it's all over. By then more than two-thirds of the Whittlers are dead, as well as thirty-three members of the Bounders and sixteen militia. More of the Bounders are swept up in the fighting when a group of twenty try to fight through their lines and they have to be cut down to stop them from escaping. Most of the rest fight to the bitter end - the only survivors are a handful that surrendered at the last, and those that the healers can save.

More than a few Bounders comment they've never seen anyone, orc or Marcher, fight like the Whittle folk. They might have been wrong about a great many things, but they were right about one thing. Hatred gave them the strength they needed to resist the Jotun - and apparently anyone else who threatened them.

After that, the trial is mercifully short. Only three names on Magistrate Cooper's list have survived the massacre, and by this point, the evidence against them is somewhat overwhelming. None of the accused makes the slightest attempt to deny their fervent commitment to hatred, not one of them accepts that they have done anything wrong. The only regret one of them expresses is in not managing to kill the magistrate or more of his militia.

Trials for resisting arrest, murder and contempt of court follow for the rest. An investigation soon reveals the source of their implacable commitment, almost all of them have been anointed with auras of Hatred, urging them to drive out the invaders. Others have auras driving them to suppress dissenting voices and reject compromise believing that those who are not with you are against you. It seems that in recent years the people of Whittle have been buying liao whenever they can and stockpiling it against just such a day as this...

==All That Remains==
Afterwards, there is very little left of Whittle. The buildings stand empty, giving the entire place an eerie unpleasant quality, almost as if some force of Hatred still lurks here, staring out from silent windows at the Marchers who condemned them. Graves are dug for those who lost their lives and trees are planted. One day there will be an orchard here, perhaps one that will yield less bitter fruit. There are a score of orphans, too young to fight, but they cannot fend for themselves and the friars make arrangements for them to find new homes elsewhere.

By comparison, dealing with the [[All_the_news_from_Twin_Town#Little_Mournwold|Whittler enclave]] in [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Tassato Mestra]] is a relatively quiet affair. A few hundred Tassato militia are rounded up, but the residents have no time to prepare and few weapons with which to put up much of a fight. Margaret Steward, one of the three [[alderman|alders]] of the enclave, is arrested, tried and executed. The rest of the Marchers pack up their belongings and leave over the next few weeks; they feel profoundly unwelcome in Tassato. Their homes are not abandoned for long, the city soon reclaims its own. In a few years from now, Little Mournwold will be nothing but memories and out-of-date maps.

Thankfully, the Mournwold remains calm. People are shocked by the battle, but far more folk are appalled by the actions of the Whittlers than are prepared to defend them. The fact that Magistrate Cooper gave them a week to come to their senses and hand the ringleaders over is enough to counter the rumours that the army was sent in to wipe them out. People are shocked at the scale of the violence and the number of deaths.

It seems that the many [[statement of principle|statements]] issued by the Marcher Assembly over the years that urged the Whittle folk to recant their blasphemy did find an audience, if not the one they intended. It didn't make the Whittle folk give up Hatred, but it did help to ensure their views weren't shared. The many attempts of the Assembly to reconcile with Whittle have ensured that most folk believe that the Whittlers brought this on themselves with their absolute refusal to relent.

And the truth is that the Whittle folk were, when all's said and done, somewhat difficult neighbours... they didn't make much effort to get on with other folk for the most part. People respected them - nobody fought the Jotun harder than the Whittlers... but not that many people actually ''liked'' them. As Loud Nancy, the Abbot at Silverwater Abbey says, ''"Hatred is great for fighting the Jotun, but it's bugger all use for mendin' your neighbour's fence"''.

With Whittle emptied, the Bounders are able to stand down. The only issue now is the questionably legal actions of General Ciaphas Dekar. It's an open question whether his interference with the magistrates helped or hindered. Likely that's a matter for others to decide now.

==Game Information==
Whittle is now a ghost town. Little Mournwold in Tassato is in the process of being abandoned, with League citizens moving in. The flow of Mournwold [[green iron]] to the [[business|businesses]] of Tassato has ended. Each of the Marchers condemned by the Synod as members of the sect of hatred is dead, either killed in the fighting or executed by magistrates.

==Participation==
If you are a Marcher character who is (or has been) dedicated to Hate, you may choose to have fought alongside the Whittle folk. Be aware that ''nobody'' escapes from Whittle. However, rather than dying in downtime, you will have been brought to Anvil for trial. If you choose this course of action, you must e-mail and let us know in advance. You will need to turn up to GOD before going in-character. Be aware that you will be tried for murder and resisting arrest alongside the Whittlefolk, and the most likely outcome for crimes of this magnitude will be death.

If you are a Marcher member of the militia, you can decide whether you were present in Whittle or not. You are free to roleplay the events at Whittle as you see fit in line with the text above. It's important to be aware that the magistrates gave the Whittlers every opportunity to surrender. They attempted to negotiate with them for days on end, but they repeatedly refused to hand over their leaders to Imperial justice, despite being massively outnumbered. What followed was a short but brutal battle in which the villagers fought to the last.
==Further Reading==
* [[Tend to the Flame]] - Winter 383YE Wind of Fortune detailing the Hate sect in Whittle
* [[Heart of gold]] - Summer 382YE Senate [[appraisal]] regarding the challenges of integrating the Mournwold thralls
* [[In the flat field]] - Autumn 383YE wind of fortune regarding the conflict between the Mournwold thralls and the Whittle folk
* [[All_the_news_from_Twin_Town#Little_Mournwold|All the news from Twin Town]] - Autumn 383YE wind of fortune talking about Little Mournwold
* [[Interdiction#Remorse|Remorse]] - a section on the [[interdiction]] page talking about the proposed declaration of remorse
* [[Honey_and_vinegar#Rolling_Stones|Honey and vinegar]] - 383 Spring Wind of fortune talking about the special diversification option in the Marches
* [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Evaluation|383YE Winter Synod judgements]] - the judgements condemning a dozen Whittle residents for heresy and blasphemy

At the dog and eel show

2026-05-18T18:37:22Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Pride, Vigilance, and Prosperity */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:384YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Lindir wasn't used to being the centre of attention. When she stopped at the ''Dog & Eel'' she'd expected a good meal, a comfortable bed, and maybe a relaxing evening of stories and songs around a welcoming hearth. Instead she found herself talking to an entire taproom full of interested Marchers about the distant peaks of Urizen. She still had no idea why they were so fascinated. The innkeeper had asked where she'd come from and when she'd mentioned Zenith there'd been a notable upsurge in interest. The taproom wasn't exactly full, but they were sending people out to get more farmers to come listen to her talk. She half regretted mentioning Zenith at all, but whenever her throat started to dry up someone would press a mug of sweet water into her hands and ask another question.

They were asking a lot of questions she just didn't know the answer to. Technical questions about dirt, water, rainfall, and the like. At least when they asked about roads she was on firmer ground, so to speak. One group, all with pewter badger badges on their shapeless felt caps, were especially interested in the roads. How fit for purpose were they? Would it be quicker to go through Highguard or Therunin if, say, you had a cargo that needed to get to its destination before it went off.

The most peculiar questions were coming from a pair of fellow travellers. Still Marchers, but clearly not local. Also clearly related - a stout merrow woman and her whip-thin son. The young man showed no signs of lineage, but his questions were just as probing and carefully phrased as those of his mother. A casual comment led her to believe they were Bregas - refugees from the Jotun-conquered fens to the west. They were ''very'' interested in the little Druj beasties she'd mentioned were now infesting the marshes and lakes of Zenith.

"I don't know what more I can tell you," she said a little helplessly. "They're poisonous critters with hateful, beady little eyes. They're like the octopuses of the Bay of Catazar only they can survive out of water for a while and I think I heard someone say they drank blood. Enough of them mob you and you end up paralysed or dead."

A shudder went through the assembled crowd. The young man frowned.

"Wait on now." he said. "They leave you paralysed or dead, aye? So are these buggers poisonous, or are they venomous?"

Lindir spread her hands, answering the young man's frown with one of her own.

"Does it matter?" She said, a little exasperated. "Venomous? Poisonous? The important thing is that they're nasty little things that swim in packs and they aren't afraid of jumping out of the water at your face if you get too close."

"It matters," interrupted the merrow woman. There was some nodding from some of the other Marchers. "It matters cause ''poisonous'' means they're tainted through and through but ''venomous'' means they have venom, but as long as you're careful you can cut out any sacs or reservoirs or what not. I'd have expected a Navarr of all people to know t'difference."

There was some guffawing, and Lindir bridled slightly at the implications, but before she could retort the young man leant forward.

"T'important thing is that poisonous vermin ain't worth nothing but nailin' up as a warning," he said as if explaining something simple to a child. "But if they're just venomous, then you can eat 'em. And if you can eat 'em, you can farm 'em, hateful beady eyes or no. And if you can farm 'em... then I'm willin' to bet Freedom's Price that what works on eels will work on octopuses. You 'ad me curiosity, but ''now'' you 'ave me attention!"</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Breadbaskets.jpg|align=left|caption=Enjoy the fruits of your labour today; no one knows what the morrow holds.|width=700}}</div>
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgQ0BRDgTN0}}
==Overview==
For the best part of two years the [[The_Marches_economic_interests#The_Imperial_Breadbasket|Marcher Breadbasket]] has supported the [[Citadel Guard|Urizen army]], providing the vital supplies they need to keep their [[sentinel|sentinels]] equipped and fed. None have begrudged them, there's an abiding respect for folks willing to fight to defend their own, and besides... that is what the Basket is for. Now though, with [[Urizen]] mostly whole again, the pressing need is gone and so folks are hoping to start putting a few stores of their own down. Now's the time every [[farm]] in the Marchers ought to be planning for the year ahead.

So there's a few pursed lips when word comes from the [[monk|monks]] and [[friar|friars]] that the [[National Assembly]] is calling on Marchers to dig a bit deeper and do what they can to help the folk of Zenith get themselves back on their feet. It's a fine show of [[Prosperity]] to help your neighbour, but it's still asking a lot. And while that's being digested there's a call to the [[beater|beaters]] to take to the hills and woods and watch the borders. Sound advice, given the [[Jotun]] are out in force in [[Bregasland]] and massing in [[Liathaven]]. Last time they did that... the [[Mournwold|Mourn]] fell. There's more than a few folk saying that if the beaters are all that is holding the Jotun back, then maybe it's time Marchers did something for Marchers for a change.

Whatever's done, though, everyone agrees, it's best it's done together. No field gets ploughed if everyone's pulling in a different direction. This is [[Yeoman of the Marches|yeoman]] business, so it'll be down to the yeoman to decide what to do. They'd best make a decision quick, because something proper odd is happening with the thralls in the Mournwold. Someone, something, has stirred them up like a bear in a bees nest. It might be owt or it might be nowt, but getting the question of what to do with the coming year out of the way before whatever's going on there becomes a problem... that's only common sense.
{{SOP|statement= In the interests of Prosperity, the Marcher national assembly encourages those Marcher farmers who are able to assist in re-establishing agriculture in Zenith once it is recaptured. The Marchers know a thing or two about farming cursed land, and that hard won knowledge should be Prosperously shared.|by=Edward Greenfriar|vote=Greater Majority 120-0|when=Summer Solstice 384YE}}
{{SOP|statement=Beaters of the Marches! This season the protection of our lands falls to you, as has been the way for as long as beaters have beaten! Our armies defend the lands of our neighbours and do for Zenith as they did for Mournwold. Vigilance will be your greatest ally, to keep you safe as you keep our borders safe - keen eyes, sharp wits, and sharper blades: eyes out, knives out, look twice, shoot once!|by=Bryce Tanner|vote=Greater Majority 112-0|when=Autumn Equinox 384YE}}
{{SOP|statement=The expression of discontent is not unvirtuous. It cannot be assumed that people are acting from the false virtues of hate or vengeance because they have acted in line with tradition.|by=Sister Meredith|vote=Greater Majority 112-0|when=Autumn Equinox 384YE}}

==Pride, Vigilance, and Prosperity==
* '''Any Marcher with a farm personal resource may vote in a special Tally of the Votes on Saturday'''
* '''The outcome of the vote will determine which opportunity the yeofolk embrace'''
During the Summer Solstice, '''Edward Greenfriar''' urged the farmers of the Marches to help the people of Zenith, once the territory was recaptured. Zenith is now fully part of Urizen again, and facing [[Write_your_own_ending|some significant problems]]. Yet the Marches have problems of their own in Bregasland so perhaps now isn't the best time for them to be looking to the far east of the Empire? Or maybe... it's the perfect time. Nothing in the statement says the Marches have to give things away for free, and it specifically mentions vigilance. More recently, Bryce Tanner urged folk to look closer to home - to protect the bounds of the Marches against the threat of invasion. Finally, Sister Meredith reminded everyone that "the expression of discontent is not unvirtuous'', and that's also got people thinking about whether it might be time to think about tradition.

Rather than generate a [[mandate]] as might be expected, these statements of principle have stirred a certain stubborn garrulousness among the yeofolk of the Marches. Sister Meredith mentioned hatred and vengeance in her statement, but there's a stubborn streak of independence in the Marchers that outsiders might see as ploughing a little close to another of the [[malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|darker spiritual forces]]. They are stubbornly independent, and they are never ''ruled''. The yeomen also have a lot of sway - the farm is the source of most political power in the Marches.

With that in mind, there's a strong undercurrent that rather than wait for the Marcher assembly to tell them what to do, the yeofolk should make their ''own'' decisions. With the support of the [[alderman|alders]] of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] and [[Mournwold#Sarcombe|Sarcombe]] in particular, the civil service have been asked to conduct a [[tally of the Votes|tally of the votes]]. During the Winter Solstice, the yeomen will vote as to which of the three paths ahead of them they will take.

They could ''Feed the Wizards'', and throw their support behind the people of Urizen as they rebuild Zenith. They could ''Beat the Bounds'', and throw their weight behind the beaters and soldiers of the Marches against a possible Jotun attack, or they could ''Tend the Hearth'' and focus on securing prosperity for their own families and households. The National Assembly can of course offer guidance, but the final decision rests with the yeofolk. Whatever is decided at Anvil will shape the fortunes of Marcher landowners for the coming year.

On Saturday, the yeomen of the Marches will be able to make a decision about what they think the best course of action will be. The Civil Service will conduct a tally of the votes, allowing any marcher with a farm to vote, following the usual rules. There are three options on the table.

===Feed the Wizards===
* '''The yeofolk of the Marches could help the people of Zenith as they reclaim their homes'''
If this is the decision of the yeofolk, then for the next year every farm in the Marches will support the people of Zenith as they rebuild their ruined territory. This is not simply a matter of food, the Marchers farms could supply seed for planting, livestock to establish new herds and cuttings from the best fruit trees. Each [[farm]] will receive an additional mana crystal during this time - representing payment from the grateful Urizeni in recognition of their aid.

After a year, whatever else is happening in Zenith there will be sufficient new farms and farmers established with the support of the Marches that the Urizen will be able to support the Citadel Guard indefinitely without needing to rebuild the Golden Cascade. Perhaps more importantly, the largesse of the Marches will mean that Urizen will become sufficiently prosperous to support a [[navy|navy]] if they wished to build one at the newly expanded docks of Elos.

You can find further details about the situation in Zenith in the [[Write your own ending]] wind of fortune.

===Beat the Bounds===
* '''The yeofolk of the Marches could look closer to home and focus on the defence of their homes'''
If this is the decision of the yeofolk, then for the next year the farms of the Marches will focus on supporting the [[beater|beaters]] and soldiers who protect the nation. There's always a meal for a beater in good standing at most farms in the Marchers, but this would mean digging deep and giving them enough provisions to keep them going for days on end. With that kind of support, the Beaters can afford to swell their numbers and focus on watching what the Jotun are doing.

There'll be no change to the farms themselves, but during any campaign in Mitwold, Mournwold, or Upwold there will be 1,000 additional force applied to the Imperial side. This will apply to a Marcher army fighting in the territory, or to a fortification if there are no Marcher armies present. Furthermore, as long as the [[Strong Reeds]] do not leave Bregasland they will also gain 1,000 strength for purposes of fighting in the territory. While that won't do anything right now, it may come in useful once the Marcher push to retake the territory.

===Tend the Hearth===
* '''The yeofolk of the Marches could look to their own Prosperity'''
Marchers have split the pot with everyone in recent times, the better to support their neighbours. But the Winter Solstice would be a good time for every farm in the nation to start planning for the year ahead. There are fields to be ploughed, ditches to be dug, walls to be raised, and gates to be hung. If the Marcher yeofolk know that they can devote their efforts in the year ahead to improving their farm, they can take advantage of that.

If this is the decision of the yeofolk, then for the next year the farms of the Marches will look to their own prosperity. Every farm in the Marches - even those in Bregasland - will produce an extra 72 rings. Also, for the next year, [[farm#Upgrades|upgrading]] a Marcher farm will require one fewer wains of [[weirwood]]. This would mean that a standard farm could be upgraded for 1 wain of weirwood, for example.

===A Turn of the Year===
Whatever decision the Marcher yeofolk take the effects will be felt for the year ahead, lasting from now until just before the next Winter Solstice in a year's time. However, that represents a commitment by the yeofolk to devote their efforts to this plan throughout that time. If the folk of the Marches are persuaded to abandon their efforts in favour of some other important endeavour, then any benefits provided here will be lost (there will be clear warning of this in any wind of fortune that presents this option).

==The Orcs of Mournwold==
* '''There has been a peculiar gathering of former Jotun thralls in Green Stead'''
* '''Some Marches beaters may know more'''
Before they make a decision, the yeomen might want to give a thought to what is up with the former Jotun thralls... While some of them are starting work on the Black Canal, and apparently making a fine job of that - something notably odd is happening in the Mournwold.

As news starts to filter in that the Jotun are back in Liathaven in force, the orcs who live in the Mournwold start gathering in Green March. Some stay with other orcs, some pay for rooms nearby, but most bring tents with them and set up camp on the fields around the [[Mournwold_spoils_of_war#The_Golden_Hoof|Golden Hoof]]. It seems that one of the orc leaders, ''Hap the Soft'', has called the meeting, and the other [[Mournwold_thralls#Politics|known leaders]] of the former Jotun thralls - ''Hamma the Lame'', ''Casta the Black'', and ''Sigdór the Wise'', are making their way there. Orcs from across the Mournwold are travelling to meet them. They aren't trying to be stealthy as such, but they move in small groups and are closed mouthed about their private business. If the beaters weren't keeping an eye out for anything peculiar, it might have gone unnoticed for a while.

As it is, it soon becomes clear that there is something serious going on. From the reports of the beaters, maybe five hundred orcs gather in at Golden Hoof farm. The proximity of so many former Jotun to the Bregasland border, and the border with Liathaven, makes some people very nervous. This concern is compounded by the fact that for the first time in a long time, the otherwise gregarious Hap the Soft politely asks his neighbours to stay away. Marchers drawn by curiosity or [[vigilance]] are politely turned away. There's no violence, and on the one occasion someone tries to push the matter Hap reminds them of the [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_against_the_Person|unwelcome visitor]] defence. It seems laughable that orcs so-well known for their pacifism might turn violent, but even so... a hundred stern-faced orcs glaring at a body all at once can be a deterrent all by itself. In the end the unwelcome visitors are given two jars of Hap's mutton jelly and sent on their way. No harm done. But the only humans welcome at Gold Hoof Farm are a couple of orphans Hap has raised as shepherds.

A few beaters are able to get close enough to get a feel for what is going on. At first it's a little like a big market. Many of the orcs are taking the time to renew acquaintance, do a little trade, even celebrate. But then one morning everything turns serious. In an open space in front of the farmhouse, Hap calls everyone to order and almost immediately an argument breaks out. Over the next three days there's a lot of impassioned speeches. Tempers flare. There is some pushing and shoving, although obviously nobody comes to blows. Voices are raised. Then, abruptly, maybe fifty of gathered orcs suddenly pack up their things and leave. The remainder watch them go, stony faced. They have no more interest in speaking to Marchers than they did on their way in.

The remaining orcs continue their discussion for another day, well into the night. Then the next morning the camp begins to break up. The orcs take down their tents, and return to their homes, families, and jobs across the Mourn. None of the orcs involved give any explanation as to the nature of these peculiar events, but everyone with an orc neighbour can tell something is afoot. There's a tension in the air, and a lot of quiet conversations between orcs that fall silent when they spot a Marcher. Obviously, this does very little to alleviate the nervousness.

'''OOC Note:''' Additional details about this odd behaviour will be included in a pack insert for any Marcher character with the [[beater]] archetype.
==Further Reading==
* [[Write your own ending]] - 384YE Winter Wind of Fortune regarding what is going on in Zenith
* [[Mournwold thralls]]

Old ways

2026-05-18T18:36:50Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Margaret's Legacy */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Matilda dipped the quill into the pot, touched it to the side of the well to remove the excess ink and then applied it carefully to the page. She'd been working to illuminate this page all day, but she was making excellent progress. It was painstaking work but barring any accidents she expected to have it done before nightfall.

Her colleague looked up from the desk where he was working to prepare the next page. "I 'ear the Highborn have picked a Speaker for their Assembly." he said. Some people liked to talk while they worked. Some people were monsters.

"'Ave they now." Matilda snorted. "Having a beard d'unt make you wise." she said in a sage voice. Her tone was intended to suggest that nothing more needed to be said on the matter so that the scriptorium could return to a pleasing silence. Sadly it failed.

"Mebbe our Assembly should have one too?" Hugh offered.

Matilda placed the quill in the stand and then looked up. "Aye - because picking some puffed up friar and saying 'You're in charge of everyone now - off you go'. What could be more Marcher than that?"

"You think it's a bad idea then?"

What Matilda thought was a bad idea was chattering like children about the goings-on of Highborn priests when they should be working to complete the copy of the Travels of Good Walder that had been ordered by Robin of Ashill.

"The point is Hugh - what the Empire needs is less folk taking charge of things and more folk taking responsibility for things. If we all took responsibility for things then the work would get done. Like now - see - ''our'' responsibility is to get all these pages copied by the end of the week so that Jocelyn can bind them."

Her tone was firmer now, more pointed. Hugh took the hint and lapsed back into silence. Matilda recovered her quill, dipped it into the pot, touched it to the side of the well to remove the excess ink and returned to the page.
</ic>
==Overview==
During the Spring Equinox, the long-discussed refurbishment of the Basilica of Seven Doors in [[Bastion]] was commissioned by the Senate. With the assistance of the Custodes Clavium, construction work on the expansion and restoration was completed shortly before the Summer Solstice, and the previously-lapsed position of [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] restored to relevance.

The Speaker of the Highborn Assembly guides the Highborn National Assembly, ensuring its traditions are upheld. The Speaker has responsibility for chairing the meetings of the National Assembly, encouraging the priests of Highguard to vote on judgements of the Synod and express the will of their congregations, organising the Day of the Dead memorial, and serving as custodian of the Basilica of Seven Doors.

As anticipated, with the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly restored to prominence, other national assemblies are taking time to consider improving their own organisation. Some ecclesiastical scholars, especially among the Highborn, imagine that a little more organisation in the national assemblies could only be for the good of the Synod as a whole.

==Capodomus Cathedral and the League Assembly==
* '''Capodomus Cathedral could be refurbished and serve as the seat of a title responsible for guiding and organising the League national assembly.'''
The League is not short of churches, temples, and bishop's palaces. There are any number of prominent congregations in the four cities of the League. Arguably, however, the most prominent is Capodomus Cathedral in [[Sarvos]]. Built centuries ago, it is widely recognised as the first major site dedicated to study of the Way in any of the four cities that would later form the League. Indeed for some time it was the largest and most prestigious religious building among all the nations that would become the Empire. Larger even than the Basilica of Seven Doors, it is a towering edifice of white granite and stained glass. A monument to the seven virtues, its halls are encrusted with precious materials and objets d’art. Capodomus was built in part in the image of the Basilica of the Seven Doors - intended as a place for the bishops of Sarvos to meet and explore the virtues. After the formation of the League, it became a place of pilgrimage, and was widely recognised as one of the foremost places to learn about the Way in the Empire.

During [[the sack of Sarvos]], many of the beautiful paintings and sculptures that celebrated the Pride, Ambition, and Loyalty of the League were stolen. Over the years since, several of the beautiful artworks have been recovered - via [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] dealers, or stolen back during the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Turning_Tide|raid on Dubhtraig]] - but the damage done to the cathedral and its reputation has not been directly addressed.

With the refurbishment of the Basilica of Seven Doors, the bishops of Sarvos have put their heads together and proposed that the cathedral itself could likewise be refurbished with the intention that priests from across the League be made welcome and encouraged to share their own particular insights into the practice of the Way and the pursuit of Virtue. They have proposed that the priest who would oversee the Cathedral, and lead the services there, would be known as the ''Archbishop of Capodomus'', but have the same responsibilities and powers as the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly.
===Refurbishing the Cathedral===
* '''Refurbishing the Cathedral would require 20 wains of white granite, 10 wains of mithril, and 60 crowns'''
The cathedral is already an impressive building, but time and the Grendel have not been kind. To restore the Cathedral to its former prominence would require 20 wains of white granite and 10 wains of mithril. Labour costs would amount to 60 crowns. It would take three months to complete, and might be [[commission|commissioned]] by the [[Senate]], or through the use of an [[bearer of an Imperial Wayleave|Imperial Wayleave]].

Once the refurbishments were complete, it would create an [[Imperial title]]. There is a suggestion that the title be ''Archbishop of Capodomus'', but that creates a perception that the priest responsible for guiding the League assembly enjoys some degree of prestige above that of their peers. Needless to say, the more ambitious priests see this as a good thing rather than a bad thing - the title will bring with it responsibility - it is only appropriate it bring an aura of authority as well. Those bishops who oppose the "archbishop" title suggest that the holder of the position should be proud to hold the title of ''Speaker of the League Assembly''. The more ambitious bishops counter by rejecting any suggestion that they should follow in the footsteps of the Highborn in this regard when there is a perfectly acceptable title rich with League symbolism. A third, smaller group, primarily made up of priests of Loyalty, have suggested a third option - ''Bishop of Capodomus''. Needless to say the proponents of the other two titles have widely criticised them for lacking Ambition or Pride. Squabbling continues.

The nature of the title would be a [[Opportunity#Necessary_Details|necessary detail]] determined by whoever commissioned the refurbishment. Whether Archbishop, Speaker, or Bishop, the position would be responsible for guiding the League National Assembly, and ensuring that the various traditions of the cities that make up the League are upheld. They would be responsible for chairing any meetings of the National Assembly, and particularly for encouraging the priests of the League to raise and vote on [[judgement|judgements]] in the Synod and express the will of their congregations. They would also be custodian of Capodomus Cathedral. To help them in their duties, they would receive 20 votes in the Synod and 10 doses of liao each season. Regardless of the actual name of the title, it would be [[appointment|appointed]] annually by judgement of the League National Assembly.

Once the work on the cathedral was completed, the bishops of Sarvos suggest that artists and artisans from every League city be commissioned to create new artwork to replace that taken by the Grendel - and to celebrate modern artistry rather than focusing exclusively on the "old masters."

A position as prestigious as... well as whatever the title ends up being called... would also attract the attention of League princes. Those wishing to have their marriage or their funeral take place in the breath-taking surroundings of Capodomus Cathedral would be generous with their donations to the priests responsible for the prestigious establishment. As a consequence, the custodian of Capodomus would also receive regular donations of coin - receiving an income of 7 crowns each season in addition to the liao and votes.

There is one other matter; the matter of '''il Volpe'''. The bishops of Sarvos are very clear that while they respect Lorenzo a great deal - his [[Sarvos#The_Colossus_of_Sarvos|Colossus]] is a wonder of the world after all - Capodomus Cathedral is a beautiful building that symbolises the past and future glories of the League. A discreet shrine within celebrating the story of the First Butcher would be fine; attempting to paint the entire cathedral crimson and sticking mithril axes over the doors would be quite unacceptable - should Lorenzo be interested in arranging the refurbishments, that is.

==Birds and Feathers==
* '''A Speaker for the Wintermark assembly would encourage priests to wield their power in the Synod.'''
In recent years, the priests of Wintermark have helped to spark a return to the heroic values that make their people great. They have consecrated the Sovennan; interred Empress Britta in the marshes alongside the other heroes of the Mark; helped the warriors of the Mark commit themselves to heroism rather than cruelty and expediency; restored the Hearth Tithe in a time of great need; and many other similarly significant achievements. Thanks in part to the [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_41|statement of Eska Crowspeaker]] and the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_10|mandate enacted by Severi Jarlmarison]], there is now also a renewal of interest in the idea that the priests and [[Wintermark_religious_beliefs#Stormcrow|stormcrows]] of Wintermark should represent their congregations in the Synod - raising judgements and supporting or opposing those judgements raised by other priests.

Not every priest of Wintermark is a stormcrow; there is a strong tradition of battle priests who fight alongside the warriors to defend their people and of adventurous priests who provide spiritual guidance in the nature of the virtues. But it is the stormcrows that people think of when they first imagine a Wintermark priest, and it is in Kallavesa that the stormcrows have their roots.

===The Hall of Rund===
Rund is known to have been an ancient Kallavesi hero, a woman who sought out omens and offered advice to the chiefs of the Kallavesi long before the arrival of the Steinr. The town of Rundhal is named for her, and for the circular hall she built at the heart of the settlement. When it was first constructed, it was intended that all the priests of Kallavesa could meet there together, seated in a great ring, with none taking a place of prominence over another. Over time, this traditional meeting was opened to the priests of the Suaq and the Steinr, fostering a period of increased understanding of the spiritual realm. It was here that the great discussions and arguments about the Way took place in the reign of King Alof Bearning, and ultimately where the priests first began to explore the nature of the seven virtues and the teachings of the new religion.

Meetings at Rund's Hall began to falter some two centuries ago. Increasingly cramped, the hall was no longer fit for purpose - there were simply too many priests and stormcrows who wished to attend the meetings. The last real meeting of the priests of Wintermark - of the Wintermark National Assembly - was in 238YE when the priests threw their support behind (then General) [[Emperor Guntherm|Guntherm]] for [[the Throne]]. Contemporary reports talk of the hall being filled to capacity, and priests clustered seven deep outside around the four doors straining to hear and fighting to be heard.

Alongside the increased interest in the heroes of old, and in the idea that the priests should be more active, there is an interest in restoring the Hall of Rund - or at least restoring its legacy.

===The New Hall===
* '''Restoring the Hall of Rund would require a commission, 10 wains of weirwood, 6 wains of white granite, and 48 crowns in labour costs'''
There is a story known across Wintermark that exists in a variety of guises. Most commonly it is known as ''Grandmother's Axe''. In it, the speaker places their axe on a table and talks about how it belonged to a revered ancestor. Of course the handle has been replaced, more than once. The axe-head has been replaced as well, when it has worn down or been broken. The feathers that adorn it have withered in time and fresh feathers wound around it. But it is still, unequivocally, the axe of the speaker's ancestor - for all that none of the physical axe wielded by that ancestor remains. It is the ''spirit'' of the axe that is handed down through the generations. So it could be with the Hall of Rund.

The solution the Suaq suggest is to build ''upwards''. The walls of the lower hall will need replacing with stronger material, obviously, and the roof will need to go, but by adding two more levels above the first, with broad stairs and a raised dais in the centre for whoever is speaking, it might be feasible to house all the priests of Wintermark at once. Even better - in theory - if the building becomes too cramped it might be possible to add a fourth level atop the other three.

Rebuilding Rund's Hall in this fashion will require 10 wains of weirwood and 6 wains of white granite, and 48 crowns of labour costs. It would take three months to complete, and at the end of that time it would create a new title. As with the Speaker for Highguard Assembly, this new title would be responsible for supporting and encouraging the priests of Wintermark - especially in the matter of making and voting on judgements. Not only judgements in the Wintermark National Assembly either - it is all too easy to neglect the important matters of the virtue assemblies and especially the general assembly. The position would also bring with it a responsibility to bring the priests of Wintermark together to discuss the issues important to their congregations, and ensure that priests are ready to help their people in whatever way is most pressing. Finally, they would also be responsible for ensuring the Hall of Rund remains open to all the priests of Wintermark - and that no priest is without a voice in the councils of the wise.

In return, they would receive 18 doses of liao. They could use this liao as they wished, but the assumption would be that they be used to support the interests of Wintermark, and promote heroism across the Empire, as well as to encourage and support the priests of the Mark.

===Speaker of the Crows===
In recent times, the Thane's Council has appointed a number of important positions to help advise the Council and the people of Wintermark. For example, the Warden helps run the moots, the meeting of Wintermark heroes at Anvil. Each title is purely honorific in nature, though they should not be under-estimated for all that. After all, the Champion of Wintermark, the bearer of the Crown of Three Tears, is not dissimilar.

If Rund's Hall were rebuilt, the priests supporting the project suggest that in addition to guiding the Wintermark Assembly, the title could be responsible for advising the Thane's Council. There is already an honorific associated with this role - the Speaker of the Crows - and they suggest that this title could become that title. As an Imperial title with control over an important [[commission]], the title would have to be appointed by an appropriate legal method - it could no longer be a purely honorary position, but there is no reason that the new Speaker could not be given the legal responsibility to provide advice to the Thane's Council as part of their position just as the less official title does now. That would mean the Thanes could not appoint their own advisor - but as a few people have pointed out that appointing your own advisor is the best way to get comfortable advice, it's not always the best way to get ''wise'' advice.

The decision would be for the people of Wintermark to choose, if they wished to construct Rund's Hall. As with the proposals around the [[Conduit_to_destiny#The_Runesmith|Runesmith]], It would likely mean greater prominence for all the advisers who serve the Thane's Council, with the election to the position overseen and recorded by the Imperial civil service and a matter of public record.

<quote by="Brother Martin Orchard, Marcher National Assembly, Spring Equinox 383YE, Upheld (62-0 Greater Majority with Primacy)>Ambition teaches us to aim high and that it is better to try and fail than fail to try. The Marcher assembly will aid any Marcher who stands for an Imperial position that is elected or appointed, and ''not'' a Marcher title. The Empire can always use good Marcher common sense. Get yourselves heard.</quote>

==The Ambition of Margaret of Meade==
In the last few years, the Marcher National Assembly has become increasingly active in the Synod. Each summit at Anvil, a handful of judgements are proposed by the assembly and handily passed with greater majorities - or even primacy. It is obvious that the assembly is already doing an excellent job of organising itself.

During the Spring Equinox, Brother Martin Orchard raised a judgement announcing that the Marcher Assembly "''will aid any Marcher who stands for an Imperial position''" and that "''the Empire can always use good Marcher common sense.''" It's Ambitious, without a doubt. And also sensible. The priests who hear of it approve, and pass the news along to their congregations. Among those most enthused by the statement is Abbot Matilda of Becktunn Monastery. Becktunn stands on a low rise overlooking the Westmere, roughly halfway between [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] and [[Mitwold#Odd's End|Odd's End]]. The monks of Becktunn are known for their interest in the history of the Marches; their commitment to encouraging their countryfolk to pursue their [[Ambition|Ambitions]]; and their desire to avoid being drawn into the disagreements between the people of Meade and the people of Odd's End.

In an open letter sent to many of her fellow Abbots, and to several prominent friars, Matilda of Becktunn welcomes both the commitment to helping Marcher folk achieve their ambitions, and the larger ambition to make the Empire better by giving it a healthy dose of Marcher wisdom. And she knows the perfect person to symbolise that commitment.
<div style="float: right; width: 400px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">The reward for a good job is more work.</quote></div>
===Margaret of Meade===
Margaret of Meade was born in 204YE, and according to one of the rare accounts of her life still extant, declared that she would be Senator for Mitwold on her ninth birthday. She realised her ambitions shortly after her twenty-second birthday and continued to hold the title on-and-off for the next two decades. Even when she was not actually Senator, she worked tirelessly to secure the prosperity not only of her home town but also of the Marches as a nation. In particular, she campaigned endlessly to get the Marches to ''act'' like a nation - encouraging the various households to pursue their own ambitions at home, but to present a united front to the rest of the Empire whenever possible.

Yet after a time, she grew dissatisfied with her place in the Senate. In 246YE she secured control of the [[Sutton Stone Quarries]], a seat she maintained for a further five years. During that time she not only made a small personal fortune, but she also ensured that a portion of each season's bounty of white granite went toward building monasteries and schools across the Marches. In 258YE, she was part of a consortium of Marchers who secured every Imperial white granite seat for the Marches and used the produce of those seats to help support [[Emperor James]] in his ambition to build [[fortification|fortifications]] across the Empire. Having helped orchestrate that particular feat, she retired from the Bourse in 260YE and turned her attention to the [[Synod]]. Shortly after her sixtieth birthday, she was appointed [[Cardinal]] of [[Ambition]] by the Virtue Assembly, a role she discharged with aplomb until her death in 269YE.
<div style="float: right; width: 400px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">A tree is known by its fruit, not by its leaves.</quote></div>
Even while pursuing her personal ambitions, Margaret took every opportunity to encourage her fellow Marchers to view the Empire as if it was ''their'' Empire. While others may have laid the foundation, she would often say, they had become complacent. Only the Marchers understood that it was not enough to plough a field - it had to be planted. And then ploughed and planted again every year. The Empire, she said, survived due to the hard work of its citizens and nobody understood the value of hard work as well as the Marchers. She used her position as Senator, her wealth as a major player in the Bourse, and her later influence as cardinal, to encourage Marchers to pursue Imperial titles on the understanding that once they had been successful they would in turn help other Marchers achieve power. Her ultimate ambition was to see a Marcher on the Imperial Throne - an ambition that was realised in 257YE when [[Emperor James]] was appointed by the [[Senate]].
<div style="float: right; width: 400px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Constant tapping breaks the stone.</quote></div>
In later life, she invested much of her personal fortune in building schools across the Marches and providing scholarships for promising students who wished to study elsewhere. She began to suffer periods of ill health, culminating in her death in 269YE. Shortly before she passed away, she sought out an ambitious young friar named Richard Tallow and asked him to provide her with the ceremony of [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Shriving|shriving]] - providing him with a significant endowment that ultimately allowed him to realise his personal dreams and build Becktunn monastery. After her death, she bequeathed her personal journals to the new abbot and in reading them the true extent of her influence and commitment to helping the people of the Marches achieve their goals became apparent. She was buried, as per her wishes, on a headland overlooking her beloved home town of Meade. The tree that marked her grave is today known as Maggie's Oak - despite being an apple tree. It is easy to see where the name comes from - the tree is over a century old and still in excellent (some might say miraculous) health and still produces fine red apples every Summer.
<div style="float: right; width: 400px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Good cider needs good apples.</quote></div>
After her death, her friends in the Marcher assembly campaigned heavily to have her recognised as an Exemplar of Ambition, and the Imperial Synod [[recognition|recognised]] her as such in 272YE. When the Marcher priests sought to gather support for a suitable [[inspirational location|memorial]], they faced stiff opposition from an unexpected source. Margaret was one of the Senators who worked with [[Empress Mariika]] to thrash out the details of the charters that created the first Marcher [[market town|market towns]]. While that made her unpopular with some [[Steward|stewards]], she faced their criticism boldly and argued passionately that it was possible for towns and households to co-exist and ultimately strengthen the Marches. Her argument was that the cities of [[the League]] - especially [[Tassato]] - were luring away some of the finest yeomen whose skills lay in areas other than farming and fighting. Through the market towns, she said, their skills could be harnessed for the benefit of the Marchers.

Unfortunately, it is in the nature of Marchers to hold grudges and they have long memories. After her death, the stewards who felt they had been slighted by Margaret's involvement with the charters were unable to prevent her being recognised as an exemplar - but they were more than capable of ensuring that her legacy and her name were largely forgotten.
<div style="float: right; width: 400px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Pride in small things, loyalty to great ones.</quote></div>

===Margaret's Legacy===
The relevance of Margaret of Meade is obvious; she spent her entire life encouraging Marchers to pursue their ambitions and to rise to high office within the Empire. There is quite a fashion for seminaries at the moment, and Abbot Matilda proposes that one such school be built on the headland near ''Margaret's Oak''. When it was completed, it might be possible to [[Consecration|consecrate]] it if a dose of [[Liao#True liao|true liao]] could be secured, but that is of secondary consideration.

By publicising the teachings of Margaret of Meade, the Marcher assembly would encourage other Marchers to present themselves as candidates for Imperial titles. It would then be up to those Marchers to travel to Anvil to do whatever they could to make sure those Marchers ''achieve'' those titles. While the assembly cannot directly influence the Senate, Military Council, Conclave, or Bourse they ''can'' take steps to increase their standing in the Imperial Synod - and by doing so get more Marchers into positions where they can help to influence those responsible for appointing titles.

More to the point, Matilda suggests that now is an excellent time for the people of the Marches to embrace their traditions - and Margaret was nothing if not [[Pride|Proud]] of the traditions of her people.

Building the Seminary of Margaret's Oak would require a [[Senate motion]] (or an [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave|Imperial Wayleave]]). It would require 8 wains of white granite and 4 wains of weirwood, and 36 crowns in labour costs. It would be completed in three months.

Once complete, the seminary would create the title of ''Prior of Margaret's Oak''. The prior would receive 16 doses of liao, and be appointed annually by the Marcher national assembly. They would have a responsibility to actively encourage Marcher citizens to seek Imperial titles, and to do whatever they could to help them achieve those titles.

Matilda estimates that there are currently six Imperial positions being filled with Marcher citizens. If the seminary was built, and the prior was able to demonstrate that they have increased the number of Marcher citizens with Imperial positions, then it is likely that other ambitious and proud stewards and alders may be prepared to provide donations to further assist in helping yeomen achieve their ambitions. The more Marchers there are with Imperial positions the year after the seminary is completed, the more effective the prior will be seen to be, and the larger the donations would be.

Finally, if the seminary is built it is likely that scholars such as the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus|Heirs of Lepidus]] would be inspired to gather stories and historical references to Margaret of Meade to be stored at the seminary and distributed across the Empire, raising the profile of the exemplar even without a dose of true liao being used to secure her renown.

==Varushka==
As with the Marches, the Varushkan assembly has been working very closely together in recent years. With the support of the Senate, they have completed work on a [[Tender_of_the_Hearth|seminary]] in the Vale of Strascovia called the Hearth of Virtue. Dedicated to the study and practice of the seven virtues, it has been lauded by the national assembly as a play dedicated to the Way that proves the Varushkan commitment to the Imperial faith.

Still, the Varushkan people are nothing if not wise - and they know that things do not always last. As a consequence, there is some talk about following the Highborn example and appointing a Speaker for the Varushkan Assembly. Rather than build something new, however, wise ones from Karov, Volodmartz, and Karsk have all suggested that the sensible thing to do would be to refine the responsibilities of the [[Tender of the Hearth]]. Rather than merely protecting people visiting the seminary, they suggest that their responsibilities be expanded to include supporting the national assembly, encouraging the study of the Way across Varushka, and ensuring that priests visiting Anvil take full advantage of their ability to raise and vote on judgements - not only in the Varushkan national assembly but also in the Virtue and General Assemblies. At a time when questions of orthodoxy and commitment to the Way rear their ugly heads again and again, this could only be to the benefit of the people of Varushka.

It would be easy enough to do all this simply by securing a commitment from the current Tender of the Hearth, but to be entirely effective the wise ones suggest that it be made official.
===Tender of the Hearth===
A properly worded [[Senate motion]] to ''Amend the responsibilities of the Tender of the Hearth'' could be passed, adding the additional responsibilities. At the same time, they counsel, the title should become an annual [[appointment]] by the Varushkan National Assembly - they suggest that the Senator raising the motion ask the Constitutional Court to consider setting the season of appointment to Spring, to coincide with the festival of Zoria, Paragon of Wisdom. After all, it is wisdom that guides the wise ones.

If the responsibilities and election are amended, the other wise ones of Varushka would throw their support behind the Tender of the Hearth, and the prominence of the Hearth of Virtue would be greatly enhanced. The immediate result would be that the title would provide an additional dose of liao each season, and an additional two votes (bringing it up to 10 liao and 20 votes). It would further cement the status of the Tender of the Hearth as the person to speak to regarding religious matters in Varushka that may concern the national assembly.

The alternative to expanding the role and responsibility of the Tender of the Hearth would be to commission an entirely new title in line with the responsibilities outlined here. That would mean a new commission that would have to be passed and paid for - to ensure that the position had sufficient resources to support them - either something of a comparable size to the Tender of the Hearth, or something much larger if Varushka wished to ensure that the leadership of the Varushkan National Assembly could rival the leadership of other nations such as the League and Highguard.

==Other Assemblies==
There is of course nothing to stop other National Assemblies creating similar titles to help guide their own priests. The Senate is more than capable of creating [[sinecure|sinecures]] that would grant a title similar to the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly, a degree of prestige in the Imperial Synod, and make it easier for them to help guide their national assembly. With appropriate responsibilities, and an annual appointment, any national assembly could benefit from the presence of a recognised priest to organise their meetings and encourage them to participate in the business of the Synod.

It might also be possible with a [[statement of principle]] to call for widespread support for the creation of such a title. For example, the troubadours of Dawn might appeal through the national assembly for a prestigious temple such as [[Dean_of_Laroc_Cathedral|Laroc Cathedral]] to become the seat of a ''First Troubadour'', or the Navarr assembly might announce the intent to create a ''Priests' Brand'' and invite suggestions from the rest of the nation as to how best that might be achieved. If those statements achieve greater majorities, they may lead to [[opportunity|opportunities]] similar to those presented here.

==Limitations==
The opportunities presented here are not time-limited ''at present''; they will remain available until the end of the Autumn Equinox ''at least''. If they are likely to become unavailable, there will be at least a season's advance warning unless the change in circumstance is particularly unexpected.

Bear in mind that in each case, as [[Appointment#Titles_with_votes|titles with votes in the Synod]], it is illegal to use any votes provided by the title during the appointment of that title. The onus lies on the title holder to inform the Tribune of their correct number of votes when voting for the appointment of any title they hold, otherwise they risk being prosecuted for [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_against_the_Processes_of_the_State|subverting the agencies of state]] if the matter comes to light. This restriction applies regardless of whether the incumbent is seeking re-appointment and wishes to vote for a different candidate.

Pilgrimage

2026-05-18T18:36:29Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Significance */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<quote by="The General Assembly of the Imperial Synod 380YE Summer Solstice">
I, Jared of the Suns of Couros and Cardinal of Loyalty, go with 100 liao to bring word of the return of the First Empress and of The Land Without Tears to the entire Empire. Rejoice all virtuous faithful for the Soul of the First Empress has chosen to return from Beyond the Labyrinth of Ages and now resides reborn within Sister Yael of Felix's Watch. All should pay heed to Yael's vision of The Land Without Tears - the place beyond the Labyrinth to which all Paragon Spirits ascend - and know that she has returned to aid our understanding of The Way of Virtue in this life.
</quote>
==Overview==
With decisive backing from the Imperial Synod, Jared of the Suns of Couros and others travel the breadth of the Empire, bringing word of the Land Without Tears and the return of the [[First Empress]] to all. The message is carried to every corner of the Empire - from the ice floes of the Suaq wastes to the edges of the {{Black Plateau}} in Screed - from the Towers of Anduz to the deepest mountains of Opascari. Additional interest is excited by the publication of the first part of the third volume of [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication|Echoes of the Labyrinth]] (Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade's accounts of the past life visions of Imperial citizens), which includes details of the vision that revealed Yael's unique identity.

Some are confused by the message - unsure what to make of it. How does one reach the Land Without Tears? If is achieved by following the Way of Virtue - then why is that any different to what people have always done? What is the significance of the Land?

Some are intrigued by the message - eager to know more. What is this Land like? Is everyone who reaches the Land reborn eventually like the First Empress? Who is there? Will they be reunited with loved ones they have lost? What can they expect if they can read this Land?

Some are angered by the message - they denounce it as heresy. If a paragon is one who has transcended the Labyrinth never to return - how can Yael be a paragon who has returned? Who is this Yael who claims to be the First Empress reborn? Why should anyone believe this extraordinary claim?

Only a few embrace the message - a new understanding of the Way. They ask what this will mean now that the First Empress is reborn? Are there more revelations to come? Will Yael visit this part of the Empire to preach? What would the First Empress have her people do? How can they help to spread her word?

Only a few... a tiny handful in each village in the Marches. A pair or two in every chapter in Highguard, Just one from each street in the League. But as the word spreads across the land, these few scattered drops of rain from every part of the Empire come together to make a storm.
<ic>
"Who's there? Show yourself! I warn you I have a loaded crossbow - if you're a bandit, you've picked the wrong woman to rob!" Baerdolli clutched the billy club in both hands - it was a poor weapon for deterring a thief, but in the dark the bluff might be enough to persuade this ruffian to hunt elsewhere.

"Be at peace good merchant, I have no interest in your goods - I am merely a traveller on this road like yourself." It was a man's voice, she could just make him out now in the gloom darkness of the starless night - he didn't look like a bandit but he was walking with the aid of a stout staff that could easily be dangerous.

"It's late for a traveller - what's your business?" she shouted back - hoping the man was telling the truth but not willing to let her guard down for a second. ''Seek out falsehood and expose the truth'' he reminded himself.

"I am pilgrim - travelling to Reikos. To see the First Empress reborn."

Baerdolli sniffed - she'd heard some tale in Holberg of this First Empress - a fellow preaching in the street near the tavern where she had been staying while the food she had brought to market was sold. It was a peculiar tale and she had paid it no heed. She was not a woman given to crying at the worst of times - and with peace in the East, times were pretty good right now.

He had caught up with her wagon now - the pair of old oxen that pulled it were slow at the best of times and could clearly see that Baerdolli's "crossbow" was just a crude wooden stick. Nervously she eyed the pommel of her knife just visible where it poked out of the top of her tall boot. If he was going to attack her now was the moment to do it.

The newcomer smiled, it was a pleasant smile, warm and genuine. "Let me tell you about the Land Without Tears..."
</ic>

==Significance==
There are two common means by which the citizens of the Empire give voice to their faith. Most devout pilgrims will be part of a [[congregation]] - one with a priest whose virtue and temperament fits their own. If they wish to meet regularly with their priest then by necessity their church must be local, somewhere they can reach with a few hours walk at most. The citizens of every nation expresses their devotion differently - reflecting their culture - but most seek out the advice, guidance, and support of a virtuous priest who can help them with their own steps on the path of Virtue.

The other common model is pilgrimage - citizens will make a great journey to visit one of the holy sites of the Empire. To the tombs of the Empresses and Emperors buried in Necropolis. To the marshes of Kallavesa where the great heroes are interred. To the basilicas raised to glorify the names of the greatest paragons and exemplars. The journey is difficult - an act of faith and commitment that clears the mind and opens the soul. Some come to experience the potent auras that imbue sites of pilgrimage, some to hear the words of the Empire's great preachers.

Most of those who have embraced the truth of Yael's revelation know they can have no hope that their paragon will come to them, that she will find herself visiting their locale. Rather than go without guidance - some take the only alternative available if they wish to hear the words of salvation direct from the lips of the First Empress - they begin a pilgrimage - some travel to Reikos where the ''Congregation of the First Empress'' is based, others seek her in Casinea where she is rumoured to live.

From across the Empire these pilgrims come, a trickle that soon turns into a river as they are joined by others. Each intent on reaching the home of the First Empress hoping that they might hear her preach. No living being has attracted such a following since the time of Nicovar. An tidal wave of people descend on Casinea and Reikos, honest alders from Meade, wagon raiders from Karsk, merchants of every conceivable trade from the League - citizens from every land - all swelling the ranks of her already bulging congregation. Most stay only a few days - enough to hear Yael preach if they are lucky - before setting off on the dangerous journey home. But there are always newcomers to take their place - and their numbers swell with every day.

As a result, Yael's congregation, already vast, continues to grow at an extraordinary rate. By the time of the Autumn Equinox, after the latest census of her congregation by the civil service, she is awarded 160 votes and liao in proportion.

==Opportunities==
===Sanctuary===
A steady flow of pilgrims from across the Empire are now travelling to Casinea and Reikos in the hope of speaking with Yael or hearing her preach. When they arrive some choose to stay at hostels and inns in the area - if they can find room. Others must make do by building a shelter in a makeshift camp. It is common in circumstances such as these where large numbers of citizens are undertaking a pilgrimage to [[commission]] a suitable structure, a sanctuary to house the pilgrims and serve as a place of devotion for them. Members of the Yael's assembly, the ''Congregation of the First Empress'', do what they can to support those pilgrims who travel to Reikos but it is clear that a more permanent solution is needed.

A suitable sanctuary would require at least 20 wains of white granite (and the appropriate funds to pay labour costs). It would also need authorization by the [[Senate]]. This would result in a structure large enough to support the current stream of pilgrims, even with the anticipated increase that the new structure would encourage. However support for Yael is much stronger in Reikos than in most other territories in the Empire, so there is good reason to imagine that her support elsewhere may yet grow further. A much larger structure, 50, 100 wains or more, might ensure that the sanctuary did not need to be rebuilt in the future.

Crucially the Empire would need to decide whether to build the Sanctuary of the First Empress in Reikos where her following first flowered or in Casinea where Yael's personal congregation is known to lie. This will help give the pilgrims certainty and make the journey to see Yael quicker and safer.

The pilgrims of Yael are mindful of the Empire's troubles and are able to provide 10 wains of white granite to support the construction. The first ten wains of any construction would thus be provided by donations from grateful citizens. It would take one season per 50 wains of white granite to complete the sanctuary - but careful design would mean that it could begin offering a place of rest for the current pilgrims as soon as the first season is complete.

Once built, the Synod would need to appoint a suitable priest to be responsible for the sanctuary. This could be an Imperial appointment since the pilgrims are travelling from across the Empire - or it could be a Highborn national appointment to reflect it's location. Whoever is appointed will receive additional votes and liao dependent on the size of the sanctuary as if it were a [[sinecure]] of equivalent size. The Synod could appoint Yael if she were minded to accept or another priest, but given the circumstances the appointee will need to be someone of whom the First Empress publicly approves otherwise her pilgrims will not make use of the sanctuary.

===The Land Without Tears===
At present there are many citizens of the Empire who have questions about the new revelation. Some have doubts about the truth that has been revealed - though it is difficult for them to be openly critical given the clear backing of the General Assembly. Those citizens who are interested in Yael's messages but have not yet converted, seek guidance from their own national assembly.

If the [[The_Assemblies_of_the_Synod#The_National_Assemblies|national Assembly]] of each nation passes a judgement encouraging folk to listen to the First Empress reborn then the backing of the Synod will help to clear any confusion that remains in the minds of their citizens. By passing a suitably worded motion in support of Yael, the Synod can authorise a priest of their nation to employ 25 liao to spread word of the return of the First Empress throughout their territories. This would double the number of pilgrims undertaking pilgrimage to Reikos from that nation. These pilgrims would be drawn from existing congregations across the nation - but the effects would not be significant enough to cause a drop in votes or liao for the affected congregations.

Alternatively the assembly could use 50 liao or more, to emphasize the importance of the Yael's message - this would significantly boost the number of pilgrims traveling to Reikos, but owners of congregations in the affected territories would see a significant impact on the size of their own congregations as citizens left their care to undertake pilgrimage. This reduction in the size of personal congregations could potentially be permanent, barring other developments.

At present the centre of this new revelation is in Reikos - where most of the ''Congregation of the First Empress'' reside - but if a national assembly used more than 150 liao to endorse Yael's message then the impact would be so great that it would move the centre of the faithful to whichever nation expended the most liao - potentially permanently.

===Countering the ''Congregation of the First Empress''===
If the General Assembly passes a judgement refuting earlier judgements that the First Empress ''"is now amongst us again and we must listen and learn from her again"'' '''or''' the Yael's claims to have had a ''"vision of the Labyrinth and of the Land Without Tears"'' then they can name a priest to travel to spread this message across the Empire with 500 liao. This will counter the effects of the ''Congregation of the First Empress'', persuading those who have sworn to the new congregation to give up their crusade undoing all the work that has been achieved so far.

As always, in the event that multiple incompatible judgements are passed, the judgement that has had the largest amount of liao spent on it takes precedence.

Small things and large

2026-05-18T18:36:03Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Significance */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>The young lad couldn't look Tess in the face.

He stared down at his mud-caked boots, without words. She could tell he was fighting back tears. How different he was from the cocky youth who had come to her farm last year, full of fire and vinegar and complaints about how Mitwold was losing its way and forgetting its roots and all the rest. She'd taken him in because the Paragons knew they needed the help, and because she believed in her heart that people deserved chances to grow and to change. Especially the young.

He'd been resistant at first, this young bandit boy. He'd been a little taken aback at the realities of the traditional Marcher way of life. In a way, the horror of the failed harvest had shown him something he had talked about, but never really understood.

Now he felt the loss of the Spring planting as keenly as she did, as Edward and rest of the boys. He had become part of her family, in a way. He'd fought the elements with the rest of them, desperately trying to save as much of the seed as they could from the torrential rains and the greedy wind.

And now here he was. Offering to leave. Because he knew that with the Spring crops ruined before they were even properly planted, purse strings and belts alike would need to be tightened. Because he still thought being a Marcher was about preventing 'Leaguish influences' and drinking scrumpy from an earthenware jug.

She exhaled, a short sigh, and turned back to her work. She let him stew for a moment.

"You'll need to check the fences on the east field." she said eventually. She could almost hear him blinking stupidly and making a gormless face.

"But I ... what? Mistress Tess I said ..."

"Yes, I heard what you said and I'm going to ignore it. Grey hair may not make you wise, but it gives you a lot of experience of idiot young folk who think they know what's best. Someone needs to check the east field fences. Everyone else is busy and I'll be damned if I'm going to send Pete out in the pissing rain. You on the other hand could do with a good drenching, see if it will cool off your foolishness."

She laid the plane down and turned round again. He looked so lost, she wanted to clout him round the ear.

"Look, Jack, lad. I know it looks bad. The Spring planting is ruined. Like the harvest was ruined. The barn's empty. We're going to have to eat the pigs, and maybe the cows, because we sold what we had to the Quartermasters so the armies wouldn't starve so they could free the Mournwold and stop the orcs. We both know that we've scraped the bottom of the barrel so hard we've got handfuls of grass."

He opened his mouth but she silenced him with a glare.

"We both know it. But what ''I'' know, and what you need to ''learn'', is what it really means to be a Marcher. And right now, for you, it means going out in the pissing rain and checking the fences on the east field because if a beast gets in and kills a cow we will have even less than we do now. And it means sticking with what you started, and when you get knocked down by a bully it means standing back up again and planting your feet and daring him to hit you again.

"So no, Jack. You won't be heading up Wayford way to look for work. You'll be going out to the east field, and then when you've done that you'll come back and wash up before supper. And if you ''ever'' come into the house with your boots that muddy again, I will box your ears so hard you will be hearing my fists for a month. Do you understand?"

And he nodded, and he tried to say something but she turned back round to the workbench and grunted something, and when she heard the door shut behind him she laid the plane down again and shook her head ruefully, wondering if she had ever been that young and full of foolishness mistook for pride.

He didn't really understand, not yet. But damned if the world wasn't doing its best to teach him.</ic>
==Overview==
After the [[March on their belly|disastrous failure of the Autumn harvest]], after a harsh [[March on their belly#Resolution|winter of tightened belts]] to keep the armies marching, the Spring planting is hit with torrential rains and a vicious blight that devours many of the seeds before they can be put in the ground. While the rest of the Empire is enjoying a burst of [[The prime colour of the world|vitality and fertility]], the [[farm|farms]] of [[Bregasland]], [[Upwold]], and [[Mitwold]] are once again labouring under the yoke of a vicious magical curse that ruins the crops, saps the life from the beasts in the fields, and spreads sickness and hunger wherever it touches.

Then comes the [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Heralds_of_Mourning|catastrophic news from the Mourn]]. Morale is low, tempers fray. So much loss, and for what? It would be easy to give in to anger, and resentment, and despair.

But giving in is not really in the Marcher psyche. Knuckling down and pulling together is. The first sign of that comes after the failure of the spring planting. Rather than turn on each other, the Marchers help their neighbours. They grumble, and complain, and make it clear their aid is a loan and not a gift, but they look out for each other. [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]], whether to small things or great things, will not allow them to do anything else.

Then, a plan is hatched. It originates in the markets of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]], and to the surprise of many, receives immediate support from many of the [[market town|market towns]]. The call goes out for the construction of a [[great work]], a network of granaries and barns, as well as the creation and cultivation of stocks of seed to be made available to all for a modest price in the face of blight, harsh weather, or similar disasters. It is an ambitious plan - and one that is not entirely motivated by selflessness.

Meade has long since grown past the point where it can feed itself. It relies on a steady influx of grain, meat, milk, and cheese not just from Mitwold, but from across the Marches. Its prosperity relies on trade routes supported by well-fed and healthy merchants selling food and metal and wood produced by labourers who are not starving to death. The rest of the market towns are in a similar situation - and recognise a simple truth. When the farmers starve, ''everyone'' starves.

Their project will require the support of the senate, and it will not be cheap - but the alders of Meade point out that the Marches has sacrificed for the Empire time and again. They are confident the Senate will do the right thing.

==Significance==
Words are like a peddlar's ribbons - pretty and cheap and quickly discarded. But actions echo. As such, [[The_Marches_economic_interests|alders]] across the Marches have committed to putting their hands in their pockets and contributing whatever they can afford to this project. They're mostly not seeing this as a gift, or as charity, but as recognition of the fact the Marches - and the Empire - prosper when the farmers prosper, and as an investment for the future. Indeed, there has been some talk of "darning the rip" between the folk of the market towns, and the rest of the Marches.

Even with the assistance of the market towns, building granaries and seed stores for Bregasland, Mitwold, and Upwold will still require 100 wains of weirwood and 40 wains of white granite, plus labour costs of 35 Thrones. Construction will take two seasons to complete as the Marchers swing into industrious action across their nation.
This is not a small investment - but the impact would be significant.

Firstly, the presence of these granaries and silos would boost the income of every farm in the Marches. It is estimated that it would provide benefits equivalent to 1080 rings per territory spread between the farms based there, regardless of curses and other effects that impact their harvests.

Secondly, the presence of this great work in the Empire provides a "safety net" to the Imperial armies. If a nation of the Empire were unable to support their armies (because of a powerful curse or because they had lost a [[territory]], for example), then the [[Commission#Insufficient_Supply|natural decay]] of all its armies and navies would be reduced by half. The silos could only support a single nation in this way - If a second nation were to have more armies than it could support, then the Marcher senators would need to make a unanimous decision as to which nation to assist (or pass a motion in the Senate). The grain stores would not allow an Imperial nation to build more armies than it can support.

The granaries will need to be [[commission|commissioned]] by the Senate, but provided the entire network is built in one go (covering all three Marcher territories), it could be raised as a single motion.

===The effect of the curse===
The curse, identified as [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]], has already had its effect (reduced production for Marcher farms) and will have faded by the time the Summer solstice starts.

==Resolution==
The Imperial Senate voted to [[Construct_the_Imperial_Breadbasket|take advantage of this opportunity]]. Work has already begun on the new granaries, and all the materials have been supplied to ensure its completion. It is expected that the granaries will be complete by the start of the Spring Equinox 381YE.

With the creation of the [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] in autumn 381YE, decisions relating to this great work would now be made by the bearer of that [[Imperial title]], not the Marcher senators.

Small things and large

2026-05-18T18:35:36Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Overview */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>The young lad couldn't look Tess in the face.

He stared down at his mud-caked boots, without words. She could tell he was fighting back tears. How different he was from the cocky youth who had come to her farm last year, full of fire and vinegar and complaints about how Mitwold was losing its way and forgetting its roots and all the rest. She'd taken him in because the Paragons knew they needed the help, and because she believed in her heart that people deserved chances to grow and to change. Especially the young.

He'd been resistant at first, this young bandit boy. He'd been a little taken aback at the realities of the traditional Marcher way of life. In a way, the horror of the failed harvest had shown him something he had talked about, but never really understood.

Now he felt the loss of the Spring planting as keenly as she did, as Edward and rest of the boys. He had become part of her family, in a way. He'd fought the elements with the rest of them, desperately trying to save as much of the seed as they could from the torrential rains and the greedy wind.

And now here he was. Offering to leave. Because he knew that with the Spring crops ruined before they were even properly planted, purse strings and belts alike would need to be tightened. Because he still thought being a Marcher was about preventing 'Leaguish influences' and drinking scrumpy from an earthenware jug.

She exhaled, a short sigh, and turned back to her work. She let him stew for a moment.

"You'll need to check the fences on the east field." she said eventually. She could almost hear him blinking stupidly and making a gormless face.

"But I ... what? Mistress Tess I said ..."

"Yes, I heard what you said and I'm going to ignore it. Grey hair may not make you wise, but it gives you a lot of experience of idiot young folk who think they know what's best. Someone needs to check the east field fences. Everyone else is busy and I'll be damned if I'm going to send Pete out in the pissing rain. You on the other hand could do with a good drenching, see if it will cool off your foolishness."

She laid the plane down and turned round again. He looked so lost, she wanted to clout him round the ear.

"Look, Jack, lad. I know it looks bad. The Spring planting is ruined. Like the harvest was ruined. The barn's empty. We're going to have to eat the pigs, and maybe the cows, because we sold what we had to the Quartermasters so the armies wouldn't starve so they could free the Mournwold and stop the orcs. We both know that we've scraped the bottom of the barrel so hard we've got handfuls of grass."

He opened his mouth but she silenced him with a glare.

"We both know it. But what ''I'' know, and what you need to ''learn'', is what it really means to be a Marcher. And right now, for you, it means going out in the pissing rain and checking the fences on the east field because if a beast gets in and kills a cow we will have even less than we do now. And it means sticking with what you started, and when you get knocked down by a bully it means standing back up again and planting your feet and daring him to hit you again.

"So no, Jack. You won't be heading up Wayford way to look for work. You'll be going out to the east field, and then when you've done that you'll come back and wash up before supper. And if you ''ever'' come into the house with your boots that muddy again, I will box your ears so hard you will be hearing my fists for a month. Do you understand?"

And he nodded, and he tried to say something but she turned back round to the workbench and grunted something, and when she heard the door shut behind him she laid the plane down again and shook her head ruefully, wondering if she had ever been that young and full of foolishness mistook for pride.

He didn't really understand, not yet. But damned if the world wasn't doing its best to teach him.</ic>
==Overview==
After the [[March on their belly|disastrous failure of the Autumn harvest]], after a harsh [[March on their belly#Resolution|winter of tightened belts]] to keep the armies marching, the Spring planting is hit with torrential rains and a vicious blight that devours many of the seeds before they can be put in the ground. While the rest of the Empire is enjoying a burst of [[The prime colour of the world|vitality and fertility]], the [[farm|farms]] of [[Bregasland]], [[Upwold]], and [[Mitwold]] are once again labouring under the yoke of a vicious magical curse that ruins the crops, saps the life from the beasts in the fields, and spreads sickness and hunger wherever it touches.

Then comes the [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Heralds_of_Mourning|catastrophic news from the Mourn]]. Morale is low, tempers fray. So much loss, and for what? It would be easy to give in to anger, and resentment, and despair.

But giving in is not really in the Marcher psyche. Knuckling down and pulling together is. The first sign of that comes after the failure of the spring planting. Rather than turn on each other, the Marchers help their neighbours. They grumble, and complain, and make it clear their aid is a loan and not a gift, but they look out for each other. [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]], whether to small things or great things, will not allow them to do anything else.

Then, a plan is hatched. It originates in the markets of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]], and to the surprise of many, receives immediate support from many of the [[market town|market towns]]. The call goes out for the construction of a [[great work]], a network of granaries and barns, as well as the creation and cultivation of stocks of seed to be made available to all for a modest price in the face of blight, harsh weather, or similar disasters. It is an ambitious plan - and one that is not entirely motivated by selflessness.

Meade has long since grown past the point where it can feed itself. It relies on a steady influx of grain, meat, milk, and cheese not just from Mitwold, but from across the Marches. Its prosperity relies on trade routes supported by well-fed and healthy merchants selling food and metal and wood produced by labourers who are not starving to death. The rest of the market towns are in a similar situation - and recognise a simple truth. When the farmers starve, ''everyone'' starves.

Their project will require the support of the senate, and it will not be cheap - but the alders of Meade point out that the Marches has sacrificed for the Empire time and again. They are confident the Senate will do the right thing.

==Significance==
Words are like a peddlar's ribbons - pretty and cheap and quickly discarded. But actions echo. As such, [[The_Marches_economic_interests|aldermen]] across the Marches have committed to putting their hands in their pockets and contributing whatever they can afford to this project. They're mostly not seeing this as a gift, or as charity, but as recognition of the fact the Marches - and the Empire - prosper when the farmers prosper, and as an investment for the future. Indeed, there has been some talk of "darning the rip" between the folk of the market towns, and the rest of the Marches.

Even with the assistance of the market towns, building granaries and seed stores for Bregasland, Mitwold, and Upwold will still require 100 wains of weirwood and 40 wains of white granite, plus labour costs of 35 Thrones. Construction will take two seasons to complete as the Marchers swing into industrious action across their nation.

This is not a small investment - but the impact would be significant.

Firstly, the presence of these granaries and silos would boost the income of every farm in the Marches. It is estimated that it would provide benefits equivalent to 1080 rings per territory spread between the farms based there, regardless of curses and other effects that impact their harvests.

Secondly, the presence of this great work in the Empire provides a "safety net" to the Imperial armies. If a nation of the Empire were unable to support their armies (because of a powerful curse or because they had lost a [[territory]], for example), then the [[Commission#Insufficient_Supply|natural decay]] of all its armies and navies would be reduced by half. The silos could only support a single nation in this way - If a second nation were to have more armies than it could support, then the Marcher senators would need to make a unanimous decision as to which nation to assist (or pass a motion in the Senate). The grain stores would not allow an Imperial nation to build more armies than it can support.

The granaries will need to be [[commission|commissioned]] by the Senate, but provided the entire network is built in one go (covering all three Marcher territories), it could be raised as a single motion.

===The effect of the curse===
The curse, identified as [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]], has already had its effect (reduced production for Marcher farms) and will have faded by the time the Summer solstice starts.

==Resolution==
The Imperial Senate voted to [[Construct_the_Imperial_Breadbasket|take advantage of this opportunity]]. Work has already begun on the new granaries, and all the materials have been supplied to ensure its completion. It is expected that the granaries will be complete by the start of the Spring Equinox 381YE.

With the creation of the [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] in autumn 381YE, decisions relating to this great work would now be made by the bearer of that [[Imperial title]], not the Marcher senators.

The illusion of majesty

2026-05-18T18:35:09Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Deeds to the Sweetroot Bakery */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"The Prince of Shikal, The Metal-Born, Mistress of the All-Forge and Sovereign Queen of the City of Smoke and Brass sends-"

"One moment!" Tertia interrupted the tall metal herald holding her right hand up while she frantically scribbled with the left. "Sovereign Queen of the City of Brass... Go on..."

"Smoke and Brass."

"Yes. Yes. Go on."

"Smoke '''and''' Brass."

Tertia sighed to herself. She dipped her quill in the ink, put two neat lines through the last word she'd written and wrote Smoke and Brass in its place. "Smoke and Brass." she conceded. "Please continue."

"-sends greetings to the illustrious Edmundo of Damakan's forge, Master Magician of the Realm of Sand, Pillar of the Concordium of Pallas, and Esteemed Member of the Golden Pyramid."

"the Who?" The reference to the Realm of Sand had completely thrown her and she'd lost track of the rest of what it had said at the start. The creature patiently repeated his introduction by which time the ring had dropped. "Oh the Archmage. Right. Yes." It didn't work - the herald tersely insisted that she write the whole thing down.

Tertia sighed again but she did as she was asked, faithfully copying the rest of the message down. You never knew these things were going to be important.
</ic>

==Amber Lions==
* '''Estavus is offering double the normal reward for any purse of pure ambergelt traded with the eternal using Before the Throne of Estavus'''
Heralds of the eternal ''Estavus'' have spoken to the civil servants who support the Conclave, asking them to inform the magicians of the Empire that their master, the Bronze Artisan, is looking to acquire ambergelt for use in the construction of two amber lions. Each lion requires more a thousand measures of ambergelt, the Forgremistress is impatient to complete the work, but lacks sufficient ambergelt to complete the pieces.

To satisfy her needs, she has made it easier to send ambergelt to her using the ritual [[Before the Throne of Estavus]]. This ritual will normally allow five ingots or measures to be exchanged for one pouch of warm ashes. For the duration of the next summit, the casters will be able to exchange twice as much ambergelt for warm ashes whenever they perform the ritual. At the basic magnitude, this will allow ten measures of ambergelt to be exchanged for two pouches of warm ashes; for every two additional magnitude another ten measures can be exchanged for two pouches of warm ashes. When used in this fashion, the ritual may ''only'' target measures of ambergelt.

Provided that Estavus gains more than 100 measures of ambergelt in this fashion, the at the Summer Solstice she will offer an additional reward to the Empire. If that happens, she will provide some of her constructs to help defend the Empire for a season. For every 50 measures of ambergelt she receives she will provide a single construct; each bronze guardian has an effective military strength of 50. Control of the constructs will be given to whichever character provides the most ambergelt in a single casting of the ritual.

The only proviso on this reward, is that the constructs may only be set to defend a location, they may not be used to attack. They could support any Imperial army that was taking a defensive action, support a fortification, or take an independent action provided it was defensive in nature.

==The Revelry==
* '''The Revelry is a rank two military unit comprised of former bandits operating out of Holberg'''
* '''Some of their number are coming to Anvil on Saturday to find a new patron'''

With the liberation of [[Holberg]] in Spring 379YE, the [[Military Council]] were offered a number of spoils of war native to the territory to award to those they saw fit. [[Holberg_spoils_of_war#The_Revelry|The Revelry]] went to Andrea von Holberg, later [[general]] of the [[The_League_military_concerns#The_Towerjacks|Towerjacks]]. After the death of their leader, the Revelry turned back to the forests of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], fighting the groups of bandits that still infested the woods, and recruiting others back into the arms of the Empire.

Since they have returned from their self-imposed exile they have served as caravan guards, and as protection for certain [[The_League_leadership|merchant princes]]. '''Erika von Holberg''', a veteran since the times of ''Graffler'', is coming to Anvil to speak to those in guilds and free companies based in Holberg, in search of a new patron for their force. Erika intends to report to whichever egregore of the League they find first.

==Unseen Hand==
* '''Rodrigo von Mestra has acquired an invite to a game of cards hosted by Prospero during the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''He intends to visit Anvil at 10 o'clock on Friday to teach people the game'''
<ic>"Threadweaver is a game of skill where the winner doesn't necessarily win and where a loser can still come away with exactly what they want" Rodrigo could tell that the muscled bravo wasn't quite into this idea, most bravos are more interested in winning, he realised.

"Ok, Threadweaver is a game where you know exactly what the person you're offering you is going to give you, if you win. Unless they win, or unless somebody else wins". Again, that look of distant confusion.

Rodrigo let out a quiet sigh. "Look, let's just try a practice round first..."</ic>

Threadweaver is a card game where the rules come direct from the Autumn realm. '''Rodrigo von Mestra''' knows the rules, or at least claims to, and wants to spread that knowledge throughout Anvil. He also has an invite to the [[Prospero|Golden Prince's]] game which he won, as he tells it, from a foolish autumn herald that wouldn't stop playing.

Rodrigo von Mestra has made it clear, on his journey to Anvil, that he's willing to put his invite on the line in games but that nobody has beaten him yet. Rodrigo will arrive in Anvil at around ten o'clock on the first night of the summit, heading straight to the League camp, informing the [[Egregores#The_League|egregore]] once they arrive, and will lead any number of people through the game as wish to try it. He does caution those he plays against however that they should know where their loyalties lie, when they're playing this game. One wrong move, not even on your own part, and your favour could belong to your worst enemy.

==Deeds to the Sweetroot Bakery==
* '''This rank two business will be available for purchase on the Bourse public auction; 7 o'clock Saturday '''
* '''The owners have fallen on harder times and are looking for a new investor'''
Sweetroot Bakery is often described by its regulars as small and cosy. However to the rest of [[Upwold#Ashbrook|Sweetroot Town]] it is has become nothing more than a rundown, dingy, little market stall. It has a reputation amongst the [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs|friars]] for skimping on licorice on their cakes and even the [[The_Marches_economic_interests|alders]] and the [[Yeoman_of_the_Marches|yeomen]] agree that their sweetwater isn't left to ferment for long enough. The only reason the bakery used to get enough custom to stay afloat were the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Grimnir|grimnir]] from across the border in [[Hahnmark]], who visited to keep their stocks of sweetwater replenished.

The owner, '''Thomas Marrowdene''', has decided to ''look the boar in the eye'' and seek help from outside of town. He has sent word to the civil service with a request to add the piece to the public auction and it is due to go up in the second set of lots, at 7 o'clock on the second day of the summit. The winner of the lot will be able to replace their [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] with this [[business]].

==Arête's Promise==
* '''A torchbearer has uncovered an old bracelet, in the land around their spire in Redoubt'''
* '''Laurel of Delving will be attending Anvil on Saturday at 8 o'clock'''
<ic>"But Laurel, you've never wanted to be a sentinel before, what has led to this change?" Aurion was worried, her child had always been committed to scholarly pursuits. She had even secretly hoped they would consider joining the civil service as a prognosticator, but now all this talk of martial prowess.

"Look, I'm sorry but I know what I must do. This treasure I have found deserves to be used, it would be a lacking in virtue to leave it unused." Laurel tried to keep their tone even but there was a clear route, to them at least, in achieving their goals.

"It doesn't need to be you though," Aurion tried a different tactic "you could journey to Anvil, talk to the sentinels there, or some of the other?"

Laurel allowed her magical reserves to flow through their nameday gift from Aurion's wife. It did make sense, when you considered it. "Fine, I'll take it to Anvil, but if there is nobody worthy of taking it then I'll use it myself."</ic>

Laurel of Delving is a young torchbearer who, during a walk uncovered an old bracelet, found in the region of [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone]]. They are certain that it has a history to it, having performed [[detect magic]] on it. They wish to speak to any autumn and day ritualists who would be willing to perform [[Hand of the Maker]] and [[Skein of Years]] on the item. Initial rumours suggest that the bracelet has some direct links to the [[Adelmar the Lion|Lion of Arnet]], but further investigation is required.

'''Laurel of Delving''' intends to arrive at the Anvil summit at eight hours past noon on the second day of the summit. They will head to Urizen, to seek council with the [[Egregores|egregore]] first and will ask to be directed to converse with a collection of autumn ritualists, sentinels, and day ritualists.

==A Song for the Asking==
* '''A herald of Lashonar seeks new songs or music from the High Bard of the Empire'''
The Dream-Singer is believed to be a notable herald of [[Lashonar]], but with a particular interest in music, and creativity. There are some claims that it has sometimes encouraged Imperial citizens to idolatry, but it is fairer to say that it cultivates a personal relationship with members of the Empire for whom it has occasionally served as a muse. It is known to grant bright and lucid dreams as a boon that can grant the recipient a bout of energetic creativity. Its Imperial name is taken from an old Terunael poem which described hearing its song as if it were a waking dream. Its relationship to Lashonar is not known for sure, but it is believed to be a minor servant of some sort.

The creature has approached the civil service to ask them to communicate a message to the [[High Bard of the Empire]]. It seeks to encourage the creation of new music and songs and hopes that the High Bard will help with this endeavour. It asks the High Bard to send a copy of the best piece of new music that they hear that season at Anvil. If they do, then the Dream-Singer will send a small reward, a draught of ''Lashonar's Tears'', for each piece of new music it receives over the course of this year. If the High Bard is able to send one piece of music each season, then the Dream-Singer will reward them with a ''Vial of Hope's Dreaming''.

Lashonar's Tears are a rare boon granted by the eternal, they take the form of a potion that grants the drinker +3 ritual ranks (limited by their innate mastery) to the next performance of [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]]. There is no mention anywhere in the Conclave's records of Hope's Dreaming, nobody has the faintest idea what that does.

Provided Lashonar does not have enmity, the Dream-Singer will visit the High Bard one week after each summit, to collect the music and deliver the draught. (The occupant of the title should email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with the music or song they haven chosen after each of the next four events if they wish to participate).

Market town

2026-05-18T18:34:22Z

GuiltyConscience: /* The Imperial Breadbasket */

==Overview==
The growth of market towns is relatively new phenomenon – Meade, the first and largest, received the first charter during the reign of [[Empress Mariika]] in 225YE – and they are only just beginning to come into their power. They represent a place where a canny individual can make a fortune, where individual achievement, chutzpah and moxie are valued commodities, and they represent an opportunity to travel outside the parochial circle of the traditional Marcher. Market towns send representatives all over the Empire and beyond to secure deals, acquire trade goods, and negotiate contracts. They are rich, and their wealth brings a power of its own that may yet prove to be a match for that of the Households.

Perhaps more than anything else, the market towns create an environment where it is not land, but wealth, that leads to prosperity. If there were to be a bad harvest in the Marches, the market towns would be in the best position to adapt to that disaster and continue to prosper. Those Marcher folk who do not own farmland are beginning to look to the market towns to offer them a different way of life. The most successful towns are starting to grow and exert real influence on nearby Households.

==The Imperial Breadbasket==
Relations between the alders of the market towns and the traditional stewards have often been strained, but have begun to improve in recent years. The [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Granaries_and_Storehouses_-_the_Imperial_Breadbasket|good work]] done in the wake of the [[March on their belly|disasters]] that [[March on their belly#Resolution|plagued]] the Marches during late 379YE and early 380YE has done much to improve the standing of the market towns.

[[Category:The Marches]]

Bregasland and the smiths

2026-05-18T18:33:36Z

GuiltyConscience: /* The Hangmans Challenge */

[[Category:History]][[Category:The Marches]]
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bregas Marshes.png|align=right|caption=[[Bregasland]], home to the "Bregas" fenlanders, is primarily made up of freshwater fenland. It is a place of small islands of abundantly fertile soil, surrounded by seemingly endless marshes where eels are caught.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
During the Autumn Equinox 384YE, Watt of Lambrook the [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]] [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Sinking_of_Bregasland|instructed]] the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]] to research "''the history of Feni and orcs in Bregasland, their links to the Rushring Stones, and the "sinking" of the territory''." During the investigation, one of the newer members of the Department - a [[The Marches|Marcher]] named Mary Reader - came into possession of a scroll of peculiar provenance that appears only tangentially connected to the question of Bregasland's "sinking" but is included here for completeness.
==The Fall of Bregasland==
===Introduction===
There are no records in the Empire of the [[Feni]] and [[orc|orcs]] in [[Bregasland]], or the "sinking" of the [[territory]]. There have always been Feni in the marshes, tight-lipped and insular and keen to avoid [[the Marches|the Marchers]], but they were never many in number. If there was a time when their history here was important, it must have been a long time ago, before the Empire was born. The Department has checked every record and history book they can find, but there is nothing in Imperial lore that might shed new light on their presence in Bregasland.
__TOC__
But there is a member of the Department who claims to know an old story that might help. Volkof is a well-travelled [[Varushka|Varushkan]] member of the Department and an experienced [[Varushka_religious_beliefs#Storytellers|storyteller]]. According to them, once of their ancestors was travelling through the forests of [[Mournwold]] over a hundred years ago, when they were attacked by Feni. The raiders took everything they had, leaving this ancestor so badly wounded she feared she might die. In desperation she promised the Feni a story fit for a king if they would spare her life.

Each night the story-teller would recount a story of the wild places of Varushka, and in return the Feni slowly nursed the woman back to strength. Eventually she was well enough to leave, and on the final day the Feni told her a story, one they claimed was their own story and told of how they fled the waters that swallowed the land and came to live in the [[Mournwold#Alderly|Forests of Alderly]].

The tales of the Varushkan story-tellers are rich and fanciful, intended to entertain as much as inform, but many learn their craft by memorizing these stories word for word. The story Volkof's ancestor told is reproduced below, exactly as Volkof learned it from their teacher. While the story itself is dense with myth and whimsy, there is little doubt that it will be an accurate recollection of the tale the Feni told themselves over a century ago in Alderly Edge.

===The Tale of the Giant of Craven Rock===
According to the oldest legends, long before the Empire was born, before the [[yeofolk of Dawn]] marched into the west, a people called the Bregas dwelled on the edge of the Sea of Gulls. These people were simple folk, hunting game in the great forests and taking fish from the sea and the rivers that flowed down to it. The hills and plains of the Bregas were filled with game, and the clear rivers were choked with fish.

The Bregas had no king, for they were surrounded by many enemies, and survived only through allegiance to greater powers than themselves, much as they do to this day. Thus it was that they lived under the protection of a giant they called The Silence that Echoes between the Stars. Each day they would bring the giant food, and once a year the wisest of their number would be sent to feed the giants hunger, and they thought themselves lucky to have such a benevolent god.

It happened that one of the Ulven came to the Bregas and demanded tribute of them, and they refused to pay for they believed the giant would protect them. The Ulven gave no choice, but slaughtered them where they stood, for their weapons were crude and their armour weak. They were no match for Ulven steel. So the Bregas went to the giant's cave and cried out to for it to save them.

On the first day the giant sent the Bregas away, saying that any victory they were given would turn to defeat. The Bregas were dismayed but not downcast and on the next day they came again to implore the giant to save them. On the second day the giant sent the Bregas away, saying that any sword they forged would turn on the wielder and slay them. The Bregas were distraught but not bereft and on the next day they came again to beseech the giant to save them. On the third day the giant sent the Bregas away, saying that any hope they gave them would turn to ashes. At this the Bregas were distraught and cried out that their doom was upon them already for their god had deserted them.

Seeing the depths of their misery, the giant relented and commanded the Bregas to build a great forge. The hall was the height of an Oak, a bed for the coals large enough to hold a pair of oxen and bellows so big they took five abreast to work them. At the centre was a great stone anvil, wide as a river and heavy as a mountain. And the giant sent the Bregas out into the hills and the woods to search for the metal that falls from the stars and to bring it to him. When the Bregas returned, he produced weapons of war, shields and helms, armour and swords and spears. The giant drew down the magic of the stars, carving it into the hammered steel with his claws, and thus the Bregas knew victory at last.

When the Ulven discovered that they could not defeat their enemies, they asked the Bregas how they had come by such riches. The Bregas only laughed and mocked the Ulven, but one among them was moved to treachery by the promise of gold. And he told them that their god had forged weapons for them in the great hall on the High Hill of Craven Rock in return for a chest of gold and one of silver.

So the chief of the Ulven and his ghodi climbed Craven Rock to speak with the god. And when they saw the giant they quailed for they knew their doom was upon them and they fled from the giants hammer.

The stars moved and the trees grew old, but the Ulven did not forget, for now more than anything they desired to possess everything the Bregas called theirs. They wanted the rich valleys and forests for their own, they hungered to own the star swords the giant had made for the Bregas and more than anything they wished for the knowledge of how to make these weapons for themselves. So they raised a great army of Ulven, with more warriors than there are leaves in the forest.

The Bregas arrayed themselves for battle without fear for they knew that no army that wielded the weapons of the gods would ever know defeat. All had forgotten the three warnings that the giant had given them and believed that they must have victory, even though the Ulven had seven sons and daughters to every one of the Bregas. The battle waged for nine days, but on the tenth day the Bregas could field no more warriors.

The Ulven claimed all the lands between the mountains and the sea, each [[Elite_Jotun_characters#Jarl|Jarl]] claiming a region for their own. And they took the accoutrements of war the giant had fashioned, they donned the mail and put on the helms, and they took up the shields, spears and swords and kept them for their own. But still it was not enough and so they climbed the High Hill on Craven Rock and the host demanded that The Silence that Echoes between the Stars give them the secret of their magic or they would send the giant to feast with the gods.

On the first day the giant sent the Ulven away, saying that any triumph they took from that place would turn to ruin. The Ulven were angry but not yet furious and on the next day they came again to insist the giant give up their secrets. On the second day the giant sent the orcs away, saying that any skills they learned on the High Hill would bring only the doom of their people. The Ulven were fearful but not cowed and on the next day they came again to threaten the giant with death if they would not yield. On the third the giant sent the orcs away, saying that the insight they gained on Craven Rock would only blind them to their fate. At this the Ulven were incensed and they fell upon the giant, wielding its own weapons against it.

And the giant's shield slipped its rim and so it splintered beneath the iron axes of the orcs. And the giant's sword turned in its hand causing an Ulven warrior's blade to strike true. And finally when the Ulven Chief stabbed the giant with his spear, the mail slipped a ring and the spear point passed through to the giant's heart.

As The Silence that Echoes between the Stars lay dying they cursed the Ulven. This was a true curse, witnessed by the space between the stars, and at the last it brought down the doom that the giant had long since prophesied. For the Sea of Gulls rose up, and all the lands of the Bregas were drowned as the waters rushed in, and the Bregas and the Ulven were swallowed up entirely by the hungry waves. The Sea claimed the land and though the waters eventually receded, they refused to give it up completely and all that was left thereafter was stagnant marsh and dead pools. The weapons of the gods were swept away into the Sea of Gulls and the High Hall at Craven Rock was cast down and the great anvil stone sank into the mud until only the very top was visible above the soft earth.

==The Hangmans Challenge==
As part of the research conducted by the Department into the Feni and the orcs of Bregasland, one of our younger researchers, a Marcher lass called Mary Reader went up to [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] to see if the small alder's library in the city might yield any information of use. They didn't find anything of value there, everything in the library is much too recent to shed any light on this matter, but while they were there they happened to spend an evening in the Hangmans Yard, a tavern popular with farmers bringing their wares to market from [[Mitwold#Oddmire|Oddmire]] and the roads that lead north to the marshes of [[Kallavesa]].

While there, they were challenged to a drinking contest by an oddly-dressed changeling who said their name was Riddle of the Moors. He offered a scroll he said was valuable, that he would give to Mary if she could eat a plate of food and drain a flagon of ale faster than he could. She bought the changeling dinner and a drink and the two set to downing their supper. Riddle easily won, but he told Mary that he would be staying to the end of the week if she wished to compete again. So she returned the next night with Jack Haystacker, a mountain of a man who is famous in Mead for his ability to lift two full-sized haybales above his head, one in each hand. They bought the changeling a second dinner and this time Jack beat Riddle hands down. The strange fellow seemed happy enough to be beaten - he handed the scroll over and disappeared shortly afterwards.

The provenance of the scroll is hard to prove, but it claims to written by a historian who dwelt in the city of [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Mestra]], called Antonia de Mestra. It is an account of Marcher history from before the time of the Empire, but after the March, some of which touches on the matters of the marshes of Bregasland and so may be relevant, if only tangentially. The one note of caution is the curious means by which it came into Mary's hands. The whole matter of a challenge that just happens to yield up some relevant information seems entirely beyond the realms of coincidence, so while it could be nothing more than a turn of fate, it certainly looks like some eternal went to great lengths to arrange the whole thing, for their own inscrutable reasons.

===The Marcher Smiths===
According to Antonia, in the days when Mestra was a young city on the banks of the fast-flowing Vassa, it was common for the people of the Marches to come to the city bringing the produce of their farms to sell in the markets there. In return the smiths of the Marchers would look to buy metals in the marketplace, iron, copper, and mithril for the blacksmiths art and gold and silver for the brightsmiths. These smiths were well respected by their fellow Marchers, they weren't yeofolk, but they weren't [[alderman|alder]] either. Instead they held a position more akin to that of the [[landskeeper|landskeepers]], respected practitioners of magic, albeit as [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] rather than ritualists.

Where landskeepers concerned themselves with the land, smiths were more concerned with dealing with the small folk, whether that be a herald dwelling in a creek, or a swarm of boggarts infesting a barn full of hay. Smiths were expected to be experts not just with hammer and flame, but at negotiating bargains with all and sundry. As such when someone was needed to solve any problems caused by a herald or similar creature, the yeofolk would send for the local smith to come and deal with it.

These smiths were practical people, they used their magic in the simplest, most effective ways to achieve what was needed. The most famous story of their endeavours concerns the troll [[Mitwold#Recent_History|Jack-in-Chains]]. According to Antonia, it was the Blacksmiths who first dealt with Bloody Jack. The terrible monster was threatening settlements for miles around, creeping out at night to steal cattle and sheep from local herds. The locals were loathed to kill the monster, because according to local legend a terrible curse would fall on everyone if the beast was slain. To solve this impossible problem, the smiths forged a great magical chain with which they bound Bloody Jack, whereupon they threw the monster in a deep well. Not a perfect outcome given recent history, but good enough to keep folk safe until an earthquake allowed Jack-in-Chains to escape several hundred years later.

According to Antonia, one year the smiths simply vanished. The Marchers came to market after harvest time as they had always done, but this time, there were no blacksmiths or brightsmiths amongst their number. When folk asked about it, the Marchers were tight-lipped on the matter and would say only that it was a private concern that was no-one's business but their own. Still it clearly pained them for they were forced to buy much of what they needed from the Mestran smiths who soon learned to turn the situation to their advantage.

===The Deal===
The smiths were already long gone by the time Antonia was old enough to travel abroad from Tassato Mestra, but she was was determined to discover their fate and she travelled the Marchers in search of someone who could tell her what had happened. She found the folk tight-lipped, as she'd expected, but something more, it was as if many of them had already forgotten about the lost smiths. They had those who could work metals among their number still, but these folk were no different to the blacksmiths and brightsmiths of Tassato, skilled crafters who worked their wares without access to any magic at all, and certainly no interest in dealing with anything that wasn't part of the mundane world. They did their jobs, earned their living and nobody called on them for anything more than that.

Eventually though Antonia was able to find a [[friar]] in [[Mitwold#Hay|Hay]] who told them the tale of what had happened. According to the friar, it was many years earlier, the Marchers were being pressed hard by the Jotun, who had pushed them out of the Mournwold and were threatening [[Mitwold]]. A grim mood had set in after a heavy defeat by the enemy at Ashenbridge and folks had been desperate to do something to turn the tide. People were scrambling to find any way to hold the Jotun back and so three smiths struck a deal with [[Estavus|the Bronze Artisan]] to gain the creature's help. They needed a way to create new magical items, weapons and armour that might give the Marchers the advantage against the Jotun, and after a long negotiation the eternal had agreed to help. The deal was a simple one, the Forgemistress would provide the Marchers with half of all the materials they needed to build a new runic forge. In return the skilled folk of the Marchers, the masters of their craft, the blacksmiths and the brightsmiths who knew the secrets of crafting magical items, would work in the Bronze Artisan's forges fashioning items for them until the new commission was complete.

The plan was expensive, but as much as it pained the smiths to leave their homes for a year, everyone could see that the real cost would be the loss of their skills for so long. The Marchers would still have the apprentices and journeyfolk who could shape metal, but none who knew how to craft items of power, nor deal with the creatures of other realms. The enchantments they created for Marcher heroes needed replacing every year - if they were gone for so long who would provide for the countryfolk? They all agreed the new runic forge would be invaluable but the cost was too high. Finally they discovered a possible solution, there was, a great anvil stone in Bregasland, buried deep in the mud. According to legends, this anvil was crafted by trolls and had once been part of a runic forge that had long since been destroyed. If the anvil were dug up and brought to Meade where the new commission was planned to be built, then it would cut the time needed to create the new forge in half.

Thus the plans were laid. The smiths disappeared into the halls of the Forgemistress thinking to return to their homes within two seasons, once the work was done. Wagons filled with metal and stone issued forth from the Bronze Artisan's chambers, more than enough for the Marchers to build their new forge. So the townsfolk set to, the great anvil they had located in Bregasland was dug up and dragged to the city and work was soon underway on the rest of the forge that was being built to house it.

===The Disappearance===
For the best part of five months, everything proceeded at a bewildering pace. The new forge built on the edge of the city was an inspiration to everyone who saw it, and folks were eager for it to be done, so that the smiths might return and make use of it. No-one was in any doubt that their industry would benefit the whole Marches. Once the smiths returned, the new forge would begive to give them a new edge against the Jotun.

But tragedy struck, and there was a terrible storm on the last night of the construction. A bolt of lightning hit the almost complete runic forge and set the building on fire. By the time people were able to bring the fire under control, much of the new forge had burned to the ground. Only the mysterious anvil was untouched, apparently none-the-worse despite being the very spot the lightning had arced to earth. The forge itself was gone, and with it were all the materials needed to build it.

After that people fell to squabbling and arguments. Everyone blamed someone for the fire, but nobody could agree exactly whose fault it was. Then a rumour sprang up that the anvil was cursed and that spread like wildfire. Once a landskeeper was able to confirm that the anvil stone was indeed cursed, with some kind of powerful pronouncement of doom hanging over it, a mob quickly formed to deal with it. If the wicked thing had burned down the new runic forge what might it do to the rest of Meade if they left it there?

Nobody was quite sure what to do about it, but with traditional Marcher practicality they roped a pair of large boats together and put the stone on top of it, intending to float the thing away down the river. The intention, allegedly, was to put the anvil stone somewhere safe, but well away from Meade where its treacherous magic could do no harm. The plan was fine, but apparently one of the two boats supporting the anvil sprang a leak and begin to rapidly fill with water as they approached Westmere. Whereupon the ropes snapped, and the stone fell overboard into the deep waters of the Mere.

Without either the materials to begin again, or the magic anvil that would serve as the basis for the runic forge, nobody could agree on how to procced. There was no possible way to resume the work, and without anyone experienced at negotiating with the eternal involved they could not find a way to get the lost smiths back. Had it been a time of peace, then without doubt someone would have found a way, but with the Jotun massing for another attack, there was simply no time to spare to solve the problem. In the end there was no agreement and people were resigned to simply wait for the smiths to return. After-all the deal had only been to work for the Forgemistress for six months, so they would surely be home soon?

===Passing Strange===
Weeks turned to months and then months to seasons and finally to years and still there was no sign of the missing smiths. Those who were friends and family of the missing folk were distraught and begged for help. There was none left who knew how to contact the Bronze Artisan or to deal with their heralds to find out what had gone wrong. Everyone agreed that the Marchers had lost someone (and something) really important, but with folk still hard pressed by the Jotun, nobody could agree on how they could recover the lost artisans or for that matter the lost art of the Marchers.

The whole thing just seemed to become more of a mystery as the years passed. Strange things seemed to happen to folk who looked too closely into what exactly had happened to the Marcher smiths. The friar recalled that the brother of one of the missing smiths was found dead with his neck snapped after a fall down a short flight of stairs. The man had been asking questions of everyone, trying to discover what had happened to his brother and the others, when all of a sudden he turned up dead. After that folk noticed a few similar strange deaths, including one murder when the mother of one of the smiths was found strangled in her dressing room. Nobody was sure who did the deed, but witnesses said they saw a white-robed figure wearing a carnival mask running form the building.

After that, most folk decided to keep themselves to themselves. The whole thing was clearly a bad business, and something, or someone, didn't want anyone asking after the Marcher smiths. Folks who talked about it, or went poking their nose into it, all seemed to come to a bad end. Everyone agreed that what had happened was bad... but with each passing year there were less and less folk keen on trying to do something about it. According to the friar, most folks still remembered the smiths, but increasingly people preferred not to talk about them. The war with the Jotun demanded everyone's attention for years afterwards and by the time that had quietened down again, it all just seemed too late. With several years gone by and no sign of the missing smiths, most sensible folk grudgingly accepted that they must have likely ended up dead, killed by whatever unfortunate evil curse was falling on those who tried to look into it too closely.

===A Dead End===
The friars tale ends there, but that isn't quite the end of the story. With some concerns over its provenance, Mary Reader was keen to check the details of the story, so she went to Tassato to look for records of what happened to Antonia de Mestra. She found evidence that Antonia successfully returned to the city from the Marchers but she was murdered less than a month later. A pair of giggling bravos, dressed in vivid robes and wearing white masks to hide their identity broke into the woman's apartment, killed her, and set a fire to cover their traces.

Nobody ever caught the killers, and whatever other secrets she discovered in her journey across the Marches were lost when her apartments burned down. How this scroll, apparently authored by Antonia, managed to survive the fire when everything else was destroyed is not a mystery however, at least not one beyond the wit of Imperial magicians. Leontes, the Imperial Archivist, arranged payment for a [[Skein of Years]] to be performed on the scroll and the magician who cast it described a scene in which a woman, presumably Antonia, was in her apartments discussing the scroll with a silver-skinned herald when two white masked assailants appeared near the mirror over the fireplace and attacked them both. The woman was killed, but the herald escaped with his life, clutching the scroll on his person.

The link to Bregasland and the marshes is exceptionally tenuous, but the fact that this scroll has surfaced now means that there might be some link here that the Department cannot identity. Thus Leontes has had this report compiled and sent copies of it to the Imperial Advisor for the Feni, as well a copy for each of the Marcher egregores in case they find the contents useful.

Smoke and oakum

2026-05-18T18:32:37Z

GuiltyConscience: /* The Fields of Ashbrook */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"It's a fine idea," said Patrick slowly. "But it's like planting oats and expecting apples to come up."

Bill took a mouthful of beer, wiped her mouth on the back of her hand, and asked him what he meant.

"When Jotun come, it won't be by boat. They'll come marching down ''Odd's Way'' and it'll take more than a few buckets of water to scare them off."

"I know, I know. But people are frit. They need to keep going so they laugh and cheer and brag about sinking boats. There's no harm in it." Bill smiled wryly. "Imagine though. Imagine if it were something we could carry off. Bloody their damn noses. Show them what it's like, for a change. Go to their homes and kick the coals out the hearth. The best sauce goes with owt, after all."

"Aye, it'd be grand all right." He sipped his apple juice, and the two drank together in companionable silence for a few minutes. Then Patrick frowned.

"You know, I just thought. If there were a word I'd not use when talking about Jotun it'd be 'easily frit.' You know what I mean? Has anyone every found out why it is they're frit of the sea do you know?"

Before Bill could answer, the pair of them became aware that they were no longer alone. A young woman stood a polite distance from their table, drink in hand, with an expectant air. She had a pleasant, open face and they guessed she was one of the Navarr helping out at Other Bill's place, by her clothes and markings.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop," she spoke in a rush. "But I couldn't help overhearing. Are you talking about raiding the Jotun?"

"Happen we were, aye," said Bill, a little guardedly

"We've got a little bit of experience fighting the Jotun ourselves, you see." She gestured to where two other Navarr were sitting at the table in the corner. The oldest of them, wearing a leather vest that left their arms bare, had beautifully intricate briar tattoos coiling around forearm and biceps. All three looked tired - Other Bill had a reputation for being a hard taskmaster - but alert. One raised a pint pot in a friendly salute.

"Do you mind if we join you? We've heard people talking about this Jotun thing, and we'd very much like to learn more. Because if you're serious about bloodying them up? Well we've got a few ideas of our own for how you might go about it..."</ic>

{{SOP|statement=We, the Marcher National assembly, recognise the virtues shown by those Marchers who have put aside their farms and trades to take up arms in defence of Bregasland. We call upon those who remain on their lands to defend the Prosperity of the Marches. We ask that they spare their labour to help maintain the farms, the farms of their neighbours, who leave to fight for defence of our nation. In conclusion bear in mind what example has begun. What today you do you in kind has power for everyone.|Assembly=Marches National|when=Autumn Equinox 383YE|by=Friar John of the Mourn|vote=122 - 0 (Greater Majority; Primacy)}}
==Overview==
{{Audio|link=https://youtu.be/vjQDdzJMPvc}}
During the Autumn Equinox, the Marcher National Assembly upheld a number of [[statement of principle|statements of principle]] which achieved a [[greater majority]]. Several of them clearly addressed matters of great concern to the people of the nation. Three in particular are of note to the people of the Marches. Furthermore, it's not gone unnoticed that the priests of the assembly seem to be doing an excellent job of presenting a united front. There's a patter of interest in who's responsible, how they're achieving this thankless task, and whether there is anything that could be done to recognise and encourage the people responsible.

==Sword and Shears==
Two of them - raised by '''Brother Hugh''' and '''Friar John of the Mourn''' urged yeomen to leave their land and take up arms to fight the Jotun. The hope expressed was that those Marchers who remained on their lands would tend to their neighbours' fields.

These statements produce nods of sympathy, and agreement that it is a fine idea, but few if any backers. Marcher society revolves around land and political power lies with those who farm it. A great many Marchers feel their land defines their identity, it is what makes them Marchers, and the thought of giving it up is more than they can bare. Yes, they agree, it is a problem that there are Jotun in Bregasland. Yes, every sensible Marcher should be doing whatever they can to stop the orcs taking over the territory. But they are needed on the farm, without them the land would go to wrack and ruin. What good does it do to defeat the Jotun if they lose their land doing it?

The encouragement to tend the lands of those who are away meets a similar fate. Marchers are a stubborn and fractious lot by their nature, and there are more than a few for whom the idea of tending their neighbour's lands, or having their land tended by their neighbour, is an idea more horrifying than the Jotun conquest. The more prosaic limitation is that people in the Marches already work as hard as they can. Agriculture is back-breaking hard work, most Marchers already work their land from dawn to dusk. "''My fields are watered with blood, sweat, and tears,''" says Dan Rudystock of King's Stoke. "''How much would I have to drink to water someone else's field as well?''" The truth is that nobody is in a position to take on the extra work of looking after another person's farm. They understand the importance of defending their lands but for many Marchers, their two years service fighting in the [[Drakes]], the [[Strong Reeds]], the [[Bounders]] and the [[Tusks]] was served to ''gain'' a farm. The plea to give that up to return to the life of the soldier falls on deaf ears.
__TOC__
Nobody is downplaying the threat of the Jotun. Nobody thinks their being in Bregasland is good; they want them gone just as they wanted them gone from the Mournwold. But the general opinion is that there are better - more Marcher - ways to do it. There's a strong thread of sentiment that if the Marcher Assembly is concerned about the ability of the nation - of the Empire - to protect their borders, they would be best served getting the forest of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]] cleared, then they can see about [[Heart_of_gold#Fifth_Army|raising a fifth army]].
{{SOP|statement=Jotun are on Marcher land in the Bregas swamps, so we're gonna fuck them up. Jotun are scaredycats who don't like water and are afeared of boats and suchlike, so why were they in Bregasland anyhow? We can privateer just as well as any Freeborn. Marchers with boats raid the crap out of the Jotun. Make them fear the sea.|Assembly=Marches National|when=Autumn Equinox 383YE|by=Sister Elspeth|vote=122 - 0 (Greater Majority}}
==Turnabout is Fair Play==
* '''A possibility exists to inspire a raid against the Jotun by the Marchers'''
* '''There are three possible territories where a raid might work'''
The Marches assembly also upheld with a greater majority a statement by Sister Elspeth - a call to arms that swelled the chest of every Marcher sailor, from ship captain to cabinjack. "''We can privateer as well as any Freeborn!''" and "''Fuck the scaredy cats!''" become popular toasts in the dock front drinking establishments of Meade and Odd's End.

Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that the Marchers ''cannot'' privateer as well as the Freeborn. [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] is the most important port in the Marches, but it is barely a fraction of the size of Siroc, and most of the vessels that pull up here are small fishing boats that operate on the Westmere. The Freeborn have corsair traditions that date back to the founding of their nation, all honed in naval combat against the [[Grendel]] and the pirates of the Bay. By comparison the Marchers have precious few [[fleet|fleets]] and no history of naval conflict. The Jotun avoid the water as much as they can, so there are precious few orc vessels to privateer and little threat that comes from that direction either.

In that, the Jotun are not dissimilar to the Marchers because what both nations do ''very well indeed'' is fight on land. Once everyone has sobered up, that gets them thinking. You don't need to be privateers to raid the Jotun kingdoms. To the west of Bregasland lies [[Hordalant]] - a [[territory]] the Empire knows well enough that it has a damn ''map'' of the place. The Jotun may (temporarily) own [[Bregasland#Grey Fens|Grey Fens]] and [[Bregasland#North Fens|North Fens]], but heading west out of the marshes is not the ''only'' way to get between Jotun lands and the Empire... as the Jotun themselves have demonstrated...
===To Look at the Hill===
If the Marcher assembly is serious about sowing chaos among the Jotun, they could enact a mandate to inspire their countryfolk with the idea of raiding westward. It's a risky manoeuvre - but the [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Homeward_Bounders|qualified victory]] of the Winter Solstice presents opportunities. The Jotun are known to take the protection of their thralls very seriously, and a serious strike against their homelands might be enough to make them look behind them rather than at the prize presented by Bregasland. It might not be enough to pull an army back, but might be enough to persuade some of the grand champions that fight alongside them to abandon the offensive for a few months.
{{Mandate|mandate=The Jotun raid our lands with impunity, but turnabout is fair play. Nobody sits in our farms waiting for bandits to attack; they go to their camp and execute the lot of them. We send {named priest} with 75 doses of liao to encourage the people of the Marches to prepare for a raid against {Jotun territory} after the Spring Equinox.|assembly=Marches National Assembly}}
If this mandate is passed, then the people of the Marches will begin preparing to support a raid into Jotun territory by Imperial [[military unit|military units]]. Part of these preparations will be securing access to the chosen territory, and ensuring that raiders will be able to get back to the Empire. This might include gathering boats and ships to cross the Gullet, or equipping [[beater|beaters]] to find a path through dangerous marsh or forest.

If they do want to encourage this raid, however, the Marcher assembly will need to determine where exactly to go. There are three obvious possibilities.
====Hordalant====
The Quiet Step of the Navarr is currently [[Army_orders#Billet|billeted]] in Upwold. The soldiers of the army are dispersed across the Marcher territory and while the injured are fed and supported, those who can do so help to work the farms. In exchange they receive bed and board. When they hear talk of raiding the Jotun, they're quick to offer their own suggestions to their hosts. Going straight through Bregasland would be difficult, and would risk losing the element of surprise. If the Marchers are serious about striking at the Jotun, there is a way it could be done. While an [[Army|army]] would struggle to pass through [[Liathaven]], they know from grim experience that smaller groups can often move fast enough to avoid the attentions of vallornspawn and [[orc]] alike. Even with the [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Game_Information_:_Hercynia.2C_Therunin.2C_and_Liathaven|current state of Liathaven]], it should still be possible to pass through [[Liathaven#Liath's Ring|Liath's Ring]] to [[Liathaven#West Ranging|West Ranging]] and thence to Hordalant. Particularly if one had access to enough marsh boats to get to the border, and ''especially'' if one had Navarr support.

'''Game Information:''' The Empire has extensive information about Hordalant, and the raiders would likely be able to pick their target with some precision. The more support they could garner, the further into the territory they would be able to reach. Furthermore, one of the Yegarra leaders - Mathilda Fisher - claims to have been living along with her family in the marshes of Hordalant and this might suggest at least one target that could yield strategic advantage.

====Skallahn====
Another alternative comes up during discussion with the warriors of Wintermark currently fighting alongside the Marchers in Bregasland. It's not often discussed, but it is known to be possible to pass between [[Kallavesa#West_Marsh|West Marsh]] in [[Kallavesa]] and the Jotun territory of Skallahn, in Kalsea. Indeed, only a few years ago a force of Jotun invaded Kallavesa along the narrow straits that lie between the two nations. Cooperation between Marcher fisherfolk and the ships of Westerhal wouldn't be enough to get an army across undetected, but might be enough to get smaller groups into position to raid the territory.

Not a lot is known about Skallahn - although the Empire has [[Construct spy network in Skallahn|just recently]] [[commission|commissioned]] a [[spy network]] there, it has no good quality map of the territory. it has a long coastline and the rich Jotun town of Kierheim lies somewhere along the shores. Most of what is known about Skallahn comes from the [[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm|campaigns]] of [[Emperor Guntherm]], but the stories speak of "''the great plains of the Iron Stand''" and "''the low-lying farmland and fisheries of Greenwall''" which combine with accounts of the Jarl of Kierheim to suggest a rich territory. If they went in now, the raiders would be operating on limited information, gathered by courageous scouts, boat captains, and the memories of the people of Westerhal. On the other hand, if the Empire has been able to secure a map by the start of the Spring Equinox, there might well be opportunities to better direct the raid.

'''Game Information:''' A raid into Skallahn will categorically ''not'' produce a usable map of the territory - such a thing is only available through the spy network. If the Empire does not have a map of the territory by the Spring Equinox, there will still be some opportunity to choose a suitable target, and perhaps accrue a little more information about parts of the territory, but everything will depend on how successful the raid is. This adventure will be riskier than an attack on Hordalant, and will need commensurately more force to be successful, but is likely to yield greater rewards.

====The King's Pantry====
Finally, there is one other territory that the Marches could conceivably reach and raid, but it is a major gamble. South of Hordalant is a territory that nobody seems to know the name of. All signs point to it being the territory where Gudmundur Arason, King of Narkyst, He Who Calls Himself Jarl-of-Jarls, Who is Chieftain of the Southern Jotun has his lands. Even Emperor Guntherm didn't penetrate into this territory. But with the vallorn [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Blood_for_Poppies|uprooted from]] the [[Liathaven#Westwood|Westwood]] it is certainly possible to get from the Marches to... whatever this place is called. It is quite literally ''terra incognita'' however - there is very little known about it and choosing a specific target will be very difficult. Instead, the assembly will likely have some ability to define an approach or broad strategy for the raiders to follow, and hope for the best.

'''Game Information:''' As with Skallahn, raiding this territory will categorically ''not'' produce a usable map. This is definitely the riskiest of the three raids, and complete success will likely need significant support from other nations. It's impossible to say how rich the returns will prove, but arguably given that the Empire knows basically nothing about the area almost anything they find out could be valuable. The question is whether it will be possible to find anything out or achieve any victory that will have any ''military'' application.

===Heroes and Thorns===
* '''The Wintermark and Navarr assemblies could issue mandates of their own to support Marcher raiders'''
While both Wintermark and Navarr have their own concerns, there is a history of cooperation between these two nations and the folk of the Marches. All three nations have suffered invasion and conquest by the Jotun, and there are heroes and warriors in both nations itching for more opportunities to strike against the western orcs. The national assemblies of either or both nations could enact a mandate of their own, encouraging their people to offer whatever aid they can spare to any Marcher raid.
{{Mandate|mandate=The Marchers propose a heroic raid into the heartlands of the Jotun. While our armies have fought together in Bregasland, we will fight alongside their heroes in the west! We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge any Winterfolk who can to offer aid to their endeavour.|assembly=Wintermark National Assembly}}
If this mandate is enacted then during the Spring equinox there will be an opportunity for the people of Wintermark to further support the raid. In particular the folk of Westerhal will offer whatever aid they can to a Marcher raid across the Gullet. This will be most useful if the raid targets Skallahn or Hordalant, but will still provide some assistance if the raid targets the King's Pantry.
{{Mandate|mandate=The Marchers intend a surprise strike against the Jotun homelands while their attention is elsewhere. Their enemy is our enemy, and whether through Liathaven or the marshes of Kallavesa, we can help them wound our mutual foe. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge any Navarr who can to offer aid to their strategy.|assembly=Navarr National Assembly}}
If this mandate is enacted then during the Spring equinox there will be an opportunity for the people of Navarr to further support the raid. In particular the experienced scouts and pathfinders of the Quiet Step will work with the Marcher beaters to secure safe passage through to Jotun lands. This will be most useful if the raid targets Hordalant or the King's Pantry via Liathaven, but may also be helpful in a raid against Skallahn.

'''Game Information:''' These mandates only have take effect if the Marcher assembly enacts [[#To Look at the Hill|their own mandate]] urging their people to prepare a raid against the Jotun. Each mandate will create support for the raid during the preparation stage, providing additional options tied to Wintermark or Navarr during the resulting Spring Equinox wind of fortune.

==Thankless Tasks==
* '''The successes of the Marcher National Assembly have inspired a re-examination of the role of ''convener'''''
One thing that hasn't gone unnoticed is how many judgements the Marcher Assembly have passed that had greater majorities - and how many have had primacy. That speaks of organisation. Of "people taking responsibility, not being in charge" as ''Abbot Matilda'' of Becktunn Monastery might put it. Even the most cynical Marcher priests can't help but approve of what they sometimes term the "''echoes of some proper organisation''".

Furthermore, it's not been lost on the priests of the Marches how significant the mandate enacted by '''Brother Hugh''' during the Summer Solstice has been. it seems like such a small thing to the Empire, maybe, but hearing the General Assembly say "''Neither the practice of shriving nor the belief that humans can be reborn in the bodies of trees or animals are directly contradicted by any part of the Doctrines of the Faith''" has moved many monks and friars to tears. There's no doubt among the pilgrims of the Marches that their representatives in Anvil are ploughing a difficult furrow straight.

While a number of abbots and influential friars initially opposed the idea of creating a "speaker" for the Marcher assembly, they've recently begun to revise their positions. A proposal has been put together, drawn up (a little grudgingly) by Abbot Matilda. Like the [[Paragons and exemplars|exemplar]] [[Old_ways#Margaret_of_Meade|Margaret of Meade]] who inspires her, she's come up with a suggestion as to how the people responsible for that organisation might be recognised and encouraged.

Looking at the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] ("''anything they can do we can do at least as well''"), and drawing further inspiration from [[Old_ways#The_New_Hall|Rund's Hall]] in [[Wintermark]] and the [[Varushka|varushkan]] [[Old_ways#Tender_of_the_Hearth|hearth tender]], she suggests the Marcher assembly might want to resurrect the long-since-lapsed position of ''Convener of the Assembly''. The actual origin of the title is mired in vicious historical argument, but it's generally believed that the convener began at [[Upwold#Stockland|Stockland Fair]] years before the Marches joined the Empire. it was initially an unofficial post held by whoever was prepared to put the work into getting various prominent abbots, monks, and friars to come together to talk about religion, but received official recognition during the reign of [[Empress Richilde]]. It eventually fell out of favour some time during the [[Imperial_history#.28281_YE_-_300_YE.29_The_Second_Interregnum|Second Interregnum]]. Perhaps it's time to start talking about it again?

The proposal is not uncontroversial - again this is the Marches. One of the problems that dogged the Convener of the Assembly was accusation of bias - especially when the title was held by someone from [[Upwold]] or [[Mitwold]]. The numerous long-held grudges of the households and market towns of the Marcher heartlands invariably boiled over into claims of favouritism and bitter recrimination. Before matters can become heated, however, the example of [[Bregasland#Sabbey.27s_Mound|Bill Sabbey]] monastery is brought up, silencing the more quarrelsome monks and friars (at least temporarily). Here is an example of Marcher folk putting aside differences to work for the good of their neighbours, and to grumble and complain about "favouritism" in light of the deaths of monks and Imperial heroes alike is seen as churlish.
===The Fields of Ashbrook===
* '''A monastery dedicated to the history of the Marches could be built in Ashbrook'''
* '''The proposal costs 20 wains of white granite, 40 crowns, and takes two months.'''
* '''It would create the title ''Convener of the Assembly'' to help guide the Marcher National Assembly'''
* '''A further proposal would provide half the materials and money, if the title were committed to acting without favour'''
In central [[Upwold#Ashboork|Ashbrook]] stands the [[Upwold#The_Woldstone|Woldstone]], near the forest of Walksend which popular Marcher myth claims marks the site where the first Marchers, emerging from the forests of Birchland, saw the fertile grasslands of Upwold laid out before them. Not far from both lie the fields where the Marchers presented their demands to the [[First Empress]], in the wake of the [[The Marches history#The Cousin's War|Cousin's War]]. Everyone knows the importance of this area of land, and nobody can deny that even though it is in Upwold, it is central to the story of the Marchers.

Abbot Matilda proposes that rather than trying to find some old building of religious significance to house the ''Convener of the Assembly'', the Marchers build a monastery between Ashill and the Woldstone, dedicated to no particular virtue over any other, and intended to serve as a repository of the nation's history. The convener would take responsibility for the monastery, but more crucially they would formally take on the role that previously had been unofficial - to guide the Marcher Assembly, ensuring its traditions are upheld. They would "chair" the meetings of the national assembly, encourage the priests of the Marches to raise and vote on Synod [[judgement|judgements]] (and not just in the Marcher Assembly), and to express the will of their congregations. it would of course be appointed annually by the Marcher Assembly. "''It'll be a thankless job,''" opines Matilda. "''But what hard job isn't?''"

Building the kind of monastery and library suggested would cost 20 wains of white granite, 40 crowns of labour costs, and take three months to complete. The convener would receive 9 doses of [[liao]] and 18 votes in the Synod. They could use this liao and these votes as they wished, but the assumption would be that they be used to support the interests of the Marches.

The spectre of the past is not laid to rest so swiftly, however. Several monks dedicated to the virtue of [[Vigilance]] and [[Loyalty]] have put forward an additional proposal, one that might make the convener's job both harder and easier. If the [[Senator]] (or [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave]]) is prepared to add the additional proviso that the convener will be responsible for fulfilling their role "''Without favouritism for or grudge against any Marcher, whether they be yeoman or alder, farmer or miner, and wherever they hail from''" they will between them provide half the white granite and half the labour costs meaning the monastery could be created for 10 wains of white granite and 20 crowns.

===Reward for a Good Job===
There's no rush on creating a convener, assuming the Marcher assembly even wants one. The offer to provide half the white granite and money, however, is good only until the current enthusiasm fades. If the monastery is not commissioned by the end of the Spring Equinox 384YE, that offer will expire.

Of course, even if the Marcher assembly does decide they want a convener, there's also no requirement for it to be tied to a monastery such as Abbot Matilda proposes. The responsibilities could be applied to any suitable religious [[sinecure]] just as effectively, provided the commission had a clear connection to the Marchers' history and spiritual beliefs.
==Resolution==
Following the Winter Solstice, several mandates relating to a raid against the Jotun were enacted. Henry Fletcher enacted the mandate to [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_51|encourage Marchers to plan for a raid]] against Skallahn. The mandate was supported by Maarit Suvidotti and Corey Wayfarer, who encouraged the Winterfolk and Navarr respectively to [[#Heroes_and_Thorns|support the raid]].

Signs of Isenbrad

2026-05-18T18:32:08Z

GuiltyConscience: /* A Typical Tale */

[[Category:History]]
<quote by="Jared of the Suns of Couros Lepidean Librarian"> ...instruct the university to research into the life and signs of Isenbrad, the Steinr runesmith and paragon of Wisdom. The caves under their forge have been consecrated to Wisdom with true liao and it is time to pilgrims of Wisdom know more about this shining example of Wisdom.</quote>

==Overview==
In Summer 385YE, the Lepidean Librarian asked the Library to research the life and [[Signs of the paragon and exemplar|signs]] of [[Isenbrad]]. Given Isenbrad's focus and importance in the north, the Library asked, Marko Siwarsbairn, of the Department of Historical Research, to undertake this task, on behalf of the library.

Often, researchers start with a reasonably obscure target - known to scholars, perhaps, but not to the everyday souls of the Empire. Not so with Isenbrad, who is a subject of stories long and varied, too many to list. “Isenbrad tales” are a common form of folk tale, found across the Empire — especially in its north-western parts — and featuring certain key elements. They have somewhat fallen out of fashion in recent times, but the documentary and oral evidence that Marko was able to uncover suggests this is quite normal, part of the general ebb and flow of time and memory.

==Isenbrad Tales==
In many tales, Isenbrad is not the main character or protagonist. Sometimes, he is a close ally and friend to the protagonist, as in “The Saga of Godric Trollbane”, an epic scop’s poem (which itself has many variations) recounting Godric's quest beyond the Silver Peaks to defeat a troll, armed with weapons forged by Isenbrad. Often Isenbrad is an incidental but crucial figure: a wise mentor, a stranger on the road who offers choice words of advice, a learned master of the crafter’s arts that the protagonist seeks out, that sort of thing.

Those tales that do feature Isenbrad often present a humble story of the smith learning his craft or imparting his learning to the next generation. The idea of Wisdom, especially cleverness, is very apparent. While Isenbrad is often considered to be the epitome of the Steinr tradition, every icewalker would recognise themselves in the story of Isenbrad and the Empty Space. In this story, Isenbrad tricks a short-sighted troll into believing he is a servant of the Lady of the Loom in order to learn the art of working star-metal from them. The troll demands Isenbrad answer three riddles, the first one Isenbrad answers easily, the second he learns the answer to by listening to the troll talking in its sleep but the third he cannot answer. Instead he provides the troll with a riddle of his own and promises to bring him the answer by next dawn. Thus it repeats for a year and a day, with Isenbrad creating a new riddle the troll cannot answer every morning. Eventually he gains the mastery he seeks, leaving the third riddle unanswered.

In most of the more famous tales of Isenbrad, he offers advice and counsel. Even beyond his skill as an artisan — Isenbrad's greatest quality is usually portrayed as his sage advice or wise insight. In some tales, this advice is explicit, the tale a fable constructed around this wisdom. In others, the advice is not stated, but implicit: the emphasis is on the act of giving advice, not on the advice itself. In some esoteric tales, found especially in the oral traditions of the Kallavesa marshes, Isenbrad’s advice is given, but it is cryptic: it is often understood by the characters of the tale but not by the listener. Some devotees of the paragon study these mysteries and meditate upon them. In an old, forgotten library in the Necropolis, I found fragments of a work entitled “Turning The Stone: The Riddles of Isenbrad”: this esoteric piece of poetry claims to compile many of the more cryptic pieces of Isenbrad advice that I have found in other works, and seems to have been the work of an obscure Highborn chapter known as the Apprentices of Innermost Wisdom.

Isenbrad was probably a terse man of few words. He rarely speaks in the stories, outside of his famous advice. When he does speak, the speech is often reported — “Isenbrad said to the crowd that they ought to depart to their homes” — rather than directly quoted.

Stories of Isenbrad often comment about how plain his appearance was. We know he was short and stocky with rough-hair and thickset eyebrows. Descriptions about him that describe how intelligent and wise he was often note how unremarkable he appears at first glance. Isenbrad seems to have been aware of this himself, there are a few tales in which he appears to have made self-deprecating comments about his appearance. The tale of the Black Parador, features a young Freeborn woman who runs away from her family to become a blacksmith who admires a smith from the north who teaches her the art of runes that states "Isenbrad would joke that he was most pleasing to the eye when covered in the dirt of the forge."

In some stories he is explicitly described as “a friend to orcs and humans alike”. While his involvement in the conflict with the trolls is well-attested, he appears to have otherwise given his advice and worked his art for orcs and humans. There are many Winterfolk tales in which the smith helps save a hall by appearing at the darkest hour to help their smith fashion weapons for the people to fight off an attack by orcs. But even in tales of the Winterfolk, he is not always described as being a foe of the Jotun: indeed, in some, he studies with a Jotun smith as an apprentice.

Some of the orcs who now dwell in the Marches, who were once thralls of the Jotun recognised the figure of Isenbrad, and relayed tales they had heard of a wyrd-faced human who came from the east long ago. According to them, this figure outwits the Jotun smith, Arna Karlsdottir, and steals the lore of the runes from her. Curiously, the stories don't seem to despise Isenbrad for this: they refer to him defeating the Jotun in a battle of wits because he was "touched by Raðljóst". They do not regard him as someone of honour but nevertheless there is a grudging respect present in the stories.

The thralls also told tales of the same human smith helping the Jotun to arm themselves against a coming threat. It is not clear why Isenbrad would do this, though there are long periods in the past when Wintermark was at pace with the Jotun, which might explain it. There are parallel tales in Wintermark, in which he is portrayed in story after story playing a key role in battles with enemies of the Winterfolk. He appears at the darkest hour to provide crucial insight to a thane before he deploys his warriors for battle, helping icewalkers defeat some evil magic of their enemies, or showing a maggot how to find an important treasure.

Isenbrad was clearly a master of rune lore. There are tales appear to contradict each other on whether he created the runes. There are accounts in which he invents the runes but others where he is simply said to "perfect" the runes having learned the art from others. There are known to be items that are now marked with runes that are older than the tales of Isenbrad which would tend to imply he did not actually create them.

What is not in doubt is that he was foundational to the Steinr’s mastery of the art of runic crafting and that he spread knowledge of the runes across the Empire. Tales of Isenbrad are most common across the north, but he appears to have travelled widely and shared his knowledge freely with those he encountered. There are stories of a wise smith who shares knowledge of the runes in every nation in the Empire, all of whom name him as Isenbrad or describe him as a plain-faced smith from the north.

Sometimes the advice he gives might be, say, pithy romantic wisdom (as in the Dawnish ballad The Knight Who Sought The Chimera-Heart, in which Isenbrad appears), but it is often illustrated by analogy to or with reference to the runes. (In that tale, the close resemblance between Yoorn and Ull is used to illustrate a point about the way that the end of one relationship creates the infinite potential of the heart that seeks new love.)

==A Typical Tale==
What follows is a fairly typical Isenbrad Tale: this one in particular I heard from an old Marcher of the Mournwold, who said that his grandmother used to tell it to him.

<ic>
There was in a town, many years ago, a certain alder, an innkeeper, whose name was Walter Dyer. Now, Walter had a daughter, Hilda Forge, who was a shrewd blacksmith. So it was that Walter was proud of his daughter and her cunning ways. Nothing wrong with that, except Walter fancied himself something of a scholar himself, and an orator, and more besides, and would fill up his days saying many words and nothing, from behind his bar, and always boasting of his daughter and her exceptional skill and brilliant cunning, and how none could teach her anything about the art of smithing for she knew it all.

Hilda loved her father, but she didn't so much love this boasting, for she knew that empty words fill rotten casks and as skilled as she was at the forge, she knew there was still much to learn. What she desired more than anything was to find someone who teach her more, but having long ago finished her first apprenticeship, and completed her masterwork, there was none left in the Marches who could help her.

So it was that she decided to set a competition, advertised at her father's inn, and news of it was cast about near and far, travelling as it did along the trods that went their way across the land. She said that she was making a piece unlike any other, and that what she promised was the one who could offer the wisest criticism would earn her loyal service in apprenticeship.

What it was that she made I couldn't say. Some say that it was a sword so sharp it could cleave the spirit in twain. Some say it was an intricate mechanism designed to keep time so well it would trap spare seconds within its gears. Some say it was a simple wooden club. Whatever it was, it was a fine, fine piece indeed. You can bet that Walter Dyer offered many thoughts on it, fiercely proud as he was of his daughter's work, so that many were too scared to offer any words of criticism at all, lest they face his wrath. But there were masters in the world, and they found their way to that town to look upon the work of Hilda Forge and offer up their words.

One, she was a brilliant artisan from Urizen. She talked at length about the form and function of Hilda's piece: how it had much to commend it, how it held each ratio in near perfection, but how the geometries were not in true accordance with the most perfect geometries of the human body, and so, over time, it would wear down the user to a stub.

Well, it was a fine criticism, but it took awfully long to deliver. Hilda hummed and hawed and sent that certain master of the spires away. She knew that she would grow better under her tutelage. Yet, yet, she knew that this was not the wisdom she sought. She waited.

In time there came a second master of craft, who hailed from Casinea. He spoke of virtue, of its expression in craft, and on this he had much and more to say, onwards and onwards. "Is this truly what mastery means?", thought Hilda? "To grow so in love with your own thoughts?" She began to doubt that she was on the right path. And this happened again, and again. Each time each master identified something that was certainly a flaw in her work, certainly something that taught her something: but each time she was struck by the thought that in teaching her they were doing something more for themselves than any other.

Then finally there came a strange-faced man from the north, a master-smith there came, ice-forged his tools he came, Isenbrad his name he came. He walked into her workshop, picked up the piece, looked at it, turned it over and over - but where others had launched into their theories and hypotheses, that man of the north remained silent. Finally, after an age, he put down the piece. He picked up a piece of drafting-chalk from the workshop, and went to the wall. On the wall he drew four runes. I can't tell you what runes they were. If you know, you know, it's said: to know the four runes of Hilda Forge is to understand the crafting art beyond all measure. Nevertheless she looked at these four runes - or was it five, for they say the Unnamed rune was also there upon the wall - and saw within their form and contrast the perfect critique of her work. There, in all its simplicity, was the wisdom she had sought.

Well, she picked up a hammer and chisel and worked her piece, and in the end it didn't take so long until she had finished the changes that she now knew were needed: small changes, nothing fancy, but it made it so much better, whatever it was. Anyway, she turned to the strange-faced man, looked him square in his eye, and said, will you take me, then, as your apprenticeship, until I've learnt from you all I can? The man nodded, and he told her that she would be his apprentice "until the ice melts on the Kalpamark.”

That, then, was the day Hilda Forge left, to follow the stranger with his odd brow and his runic hammer and his wisdom clear as ice. It's said that she never did return, and what happened to her I couldn't say, but I like to think that she found something else to learn until the day she died: and that man of the north he never did, for Wisdom is eternal. Walter Dyer grieved his daughter's journey in sorrow, but her workshop he kept, and it's said that the wall on which those runes were drawn still stands. And maybe the next time someone came to the inn, he waxed less lyrical - instead, he would take them to the workshop, and there they'd look at the chalk marks, in silence, and see the truth that lay within. That's what I heard, anyway.
</ic>

Attempts to find the “wall” in question, came up short. There were many who knew the tale and claimed to know where it had happened. There are nine small hamlets and villages across Upwold which claim to have “Hilda’s Wall”. Most of them are near Ashill, but all of them have a different set of four runes carved on them, with no sense or pattern to any of them. It is impossible to tell if there is a historical truth to this at all, or whether it is simply myth.

==Biography==
Getting any kind of actual biography is nearly impossible due to Isenbrad's great age but he was definitely born after the foundation of modern Wintermark, when Hahnmark. Sermersuaq, and Kallavesa joined into a single nation. Most stories of Isenbrad have a timeless quality, but there a pair of tales in which the smith appears to offer council to the Wintermark king. In each, the price he requires for his aid is the Crown of Three Tears. When the offer is refused, the smith gives his help anyway, but leaves before the sun rises at which point disaster follows. It is possible that the two tales are actually one incident, they feature common elements and a common structure but the names of the two monarchs are different.

He seems to have lived somewhere in what is today the Hahnmark for many years, which is the place the greatest diversity and number of Isenbrad tales are found, but he travelled often: in many, many tales, he is encountered at a wayside inn (accordingly, he is also a popular appearance in many Navarri narratives!) During his life, he probably took apprentices, though there is some evidence that the tradition of actually publicly declaring oneself an Apprentice of Isenbrad started after his death, as a way of declaring yourself a devotee of the tradition of shrewd counsel and deft craft that he exemplified.

After Isenbrad died, one such apprentice discovered that their aura contained the rune [[Irremais]]. Nobody is certain how that happened, or when it happened, but it had certainly never been noticed before. A group of Kallavesi mystics made a point of seeking out other individuals who were known to have received wisdom or advice from Isenbrad and discovered that they also had the rune Irremais in their aura. As far as anyone can tell, their auras were marked by the rune at the point of Isenbrad's death. Obviously, it is not possible to create such a mark with the rite of Testimony.

Every story is very clear that Isenbrad's body was interred in the Sovevann. Eye-witness accounts of this happening describe powerful people from all over Wintermark coming to the Sovevann to pay their respects to the wise smith by witnessing this final act. There are records in Kalpaheim describing arrangements for the Queen of Wintermark, Queen Gytha, and her entourage to travel to the Sovevann to "be present for the passing of the great smith, Isenbrad the Rune Scribe". He appears to have died peacefully in his bed of old age, and been interred in the swamp with all due dignity that Wintermark accords to the greatest of its heroes.

==The Signs==
To summarise his signs, then:

Liberation: No-one has ever had a past life vision of being Isenbrad although there are visions in which Isenbrad appears to speak with others. On one occasion, a visionary was discovered to have Irremais in their aura after encountering the smith in a past life vision.

Benevolence: Isenbrad's generosity is a recurrent theme in story after story. In some tales he asks a power figures like a king or an earl to provide something of great significance in return for Isenbrad's help, but if that request was refused he invariably provides the aid anyway (though these stories often end badly for the ruler). Those without power or status are invariably given his aid freely and his spirit of cooperation was relentless. He is always seen as a Benevolent figure in his tales, one who dispenses crucial Wisdom and counsel to those who most need it.

Inspiration: comes from people asking “what would Isenbrad have done”, and from the tales that many authors write about him to this day. It is understood that they may not have truly happened, of course - the point of an Isenbrad tale is to inspire some form of wisdom in the listener, though, and in this sense his inspiration shines.

Miracles: The most common miracle attributed to him is the forging of weapons from ice. In some versions of this he merely used ice in the forging of weapons. However there are a dozen different stories of Isenbrad appearing at the darkest hour to give people aid to defend themselves against some terrible threat, usually orcs, in which he finds miraculous ways to aid them. In one story he takes them to a played-out mine and they discover new seams of metal, but in most of these stories he fashions weapons from ice, and then marks them with runes to make them strong enough to use in battle. The weapons invariably melt, but not til after the battle is won.

Many have claimed that he possessed a miraculous understanding of the magic of runes. It was his intuitive grasp of the inner mysteries of the runes, through which he could work feats never seen since. In many tales, he uses combinations of runes: it is quite rare for a smith or magic-worker to use runes in pairs, and certainly never in triplets: while one might invoke them in sequence, one rarely does so simultaneously, and this is generally regarded as foolish. Yet in many tales he is attested to have done this. It is possible he perceived a higher meaning in the runes that no other shared in: this is surely a miracle no less than the forging of a weapon from ice.

Pilgrimage: There is no doubt of any kind that Isenbrad wandered the Empire both learning from the wise and in turn dispensing Wisdom to all who needed it. There is an account of Isenbrad coming to Bastion. That story focuses on him aiding a baker by carving a rune into their oven to allow them to bake enough loaves to feed an army of cataphracts. It makes no mention of the Way but it is hard to imagine that someone so learned and Wise would not have engaged in conversation with priests on spiritual matters. Regardless, his journeys around the Empire, clearly constitute a pilgrimage.

Legacy: The runes are Isenbrad's legacy. Though they are literally carved on the walls of Runegrott, a place of great power left behind after his death, it is the runic tradition itself that is his true legacy. This is unambiguous and quite clear, regardless of whether he discovered the runes or learned of them from others. Without Isenbrad, study of the runes would be the preserve of obscure scholars, or perhaps they would simply be entirely unknown.

Salvation: His sign of Salvation is the way in which he spread Wisdom everywhere he travelled, teaching people not to bow to tradition, never to accept the inevitable and to be constantly searching for new ways to accomplish things. He is the reason that Wisdom stands proudly amongst the traits of the archetypal hero in the Mark, and he promoted Wisdom across the Empire. In this sense he has surely brought many to virtue.

Light upon the water

2026-05-18T18:31:50Z

GuiltyConscience: /* River Roads */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:384YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Oh," said Delmar as he recognised the boatman. "It's you. It's been a while."

The boatman laughed. "It has been a little while hasn't it? How are you?"

"Fine, fine. Considering..." Delmar gestured vaguely to the rain, and the floodwaters, and the boat. The two of them shared a smile, like they had back then, and Delmar felt the years fall away from him. It didn't last. Asurge of floodwater caused the little boat to rise and fall, caught in the swell, and the boatman had to jam his pole into the cobbles of the drowned street to prevent himself being swept down towards the crossroads.

"I think that goes for all of us," he said when the waters had settled down a little. "I didn't know you were in the city."

"My sister Ailma lives here," said Delmar. "I came as soon as I heard what was coming. I didn't know ''you'' were back in the city either."

"I'm working with the Aguirre." The naga looked a little uncomfortable, turned his head slightly. The Aguirre reckoners had a certain reputation in Tassato, but Delmar as an outsider was oblivious.

"You still have the ''Petrichor'' though."

The boatman smiled, face half-hidden in his sodden hood. "Of course I do," he said. "When I die they'll bury be with this boat."

"I remember you used to say that a lot." Delmar held the boatman's golden-eyed gaze, the silence stretching a little, disturbed only by the patter-patter-patter of the rain. Then from the room behind Delmar, there was a tumultuous burst of shouting and the sound of a small child refusing to put on their outdoor coat. The moment broke.

"Right now though I'm working for the Chamber of Commerce," said the boatman, all business. "We all are - anyone with a boat. They've opened up the School of Epistemology, and the Church of the Little Mother on Terpischore Street is above the floodwaters so a lot of people are gathering there. It's cramped, and loud, but it's safe and as dry a place as you'll find in Mestra or Regario right now. I'm just on my way back out, but I heard the shouting so I thought I'd see if someone needed help. Didn't expect it to be you."

"And when I opened the window I didn't expect it to be ''you'' either. Let me speak to Ailma. There's herself and three children, and a dog. Have you got room?"

"Always. What about you?"

"I'll be fine. I'm not scared of a little water, and there's plenty of other people who need help."

"You could come help me," said the boatman. Another timeless moment of silence and rain. For a moment it looked like Delmar might take the boatman up on his offer. In the end though he shook his head.

"It's a nice idea, Jaques, but I'd just be taking up space in the ''Petrichor'' that would be better left by someone who actually needs your help."

The boatman nodded, accepted Delmar's decision, and however he felt about it he did not let it show on his face. Between them, the lowered Ailma, the three boys, and an enthusiastically barking dog out of the window into the ''Petrichor''. Raising his hand in farewell, the boatman began to pole expertly down the flooded street. The boys waved enthusiastically back at Delmar, but the boatman didn't look back. Delmar was sure of that because he watched them go, leaning out the window, ignoring the thundering rain, until the boat turned into Wyrmling Street and he couldn't see them any more.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 550px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rain.png|caption=A hard rain has fallen across the Empire, bringing change but promising new life.|align=left|width=550}}</div>
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tudo7PnBmGs}}
==Overview==
The Great Drought of 384YE has instead become the Great Storm of 384YE. During the Summer Solstice, Imperial magicians cast both [[Thunderous Deluge]] and [[Regrow the Land's Heart]] using the special resonance imparted by a [[Every time it rains|conjunction]] of [[the Wanderer]] with [[the Fountain]], [[the Stallion]], and [[the Lock]]. This caused the [[curse]] and the [[enchantment]] to spread unchecked across the entire Empire - or at least to every territory that was Imperial at that time.

Due to the nature of the resonance, the rituals have had no ''direct'' effect on [[Bregasland]], [[Zenith]], [[Liathaven]], [[Brocéliande]], or [[the Barrens]] - they have simply had to endure the drought. That is not to say that there have not been ''indirect'' effects from three months of magically infused storms.

'''OOC Note:''' Players are encouraged to weave the events of the Empire-wide storms and flooding into their own stories, remembering the key details that while the rain has been atrocious the damage it has caused has been somewhat mitigated by the combination of magic used. In particular there has been little loss of life - no worse than might have happened during a particularly bad storm of natural origin.

==Destructive Tempest==
* '''There have been torrential downpours and devastating storms across the Empire'''
* '''Every [[farm]] and [[business]] has suffered the loss of half its production. Every [[mine]] has lost a rank of production due to flooding or stopping mines being flooded'''
The Great Storm of 384YE begins gently, with soft rain that refreshes the body and the spirit. Infused with renewing [[Spring magic]] by the [[Regrow the Land's Heart]] [[enchantment]], the magic breaks the effects of the drought across the Empire. It also encourages growth of plants and trees damaged by war or natural disaster. If it simply stopped there, then this season would have been remembered as one of hope and renewal. Unfortunately it does ''not'' stop there.

Within a week or so of the Summer Solstice the first peals of thunder roar out across the Empire and the gentle rains become considerably ''less'' gentle. Torrential downpours accompanied by bolts of deadly lightning and howling winds sweep across the Empire. If anyone were in a position to track them on a map, a knot of black clouds would seem to emanate from [[Casinea]]. Yet that is not the only place these fulgurous stormclouds are gathering. They also surge inwards from the borders of the Empire, rushing to meet the expanding tempest emanating from the Imperial regio.

The storms then proceed to batter the Empire for the better part of three months. There are occasional breaks in the cloud cover but they do not last long. Occasionally, the power of the gentle enchantment breaks through and the rains become renewing, rather than destructive, but this interlude also fails to last for more than a few hours. Crops are pummelled flat, rivers burst their banks, earth is transformed into sucking mud. It takes all the efforts of farmers to preserve even a portion of their crops; the rising waters mean businesses across the Empire are flooded, or drowned, or simply find it increasingly difficult to ply their trades. Mine owners spend weeks ensuring that the water does not cause their mines to flood, or dealing with the repercussions where they are unable to do so.

Some places are better prepared than others. The people of [[Sarvos]], for example, had been taking precautions against a potential [[The_DOOM_that_came_to_Sarvos#Rising_Waters|doom]] striking the city since [[Skathe]] laid her curse on them. Fortunately, those same precautions helped them endure the effects of the terrible storms with minimal lasting damage. Not everywhere has been as lucky, however.

A fortnight before the Autumn Equinox, the rain begins to slacken off. Thunder is less frequent, lightning strikes more intermittent. The rain turns gentle again. And then, one fine morning. the sun comes out over Anvil and just like that, the weather returns to normal.

===Participation===
Feel free to tell tales of the terrible storm and how it affected you, especially if you own a [[farm]], [[business]] (resources that have had their production halved), or [[mine]] (resources that have lost a rank of production to the threat of flooding). Raised by magic, the damage the storms have caused has primarily been ''property'' damage - while a few people have lost their lives they are a tiny fraction of those that might have been killed if the tempest was entirely natural in origin.

Remember that the storms have ''not'' hit territories that were not part of the Empire during the Autumn Equinox - which means [[Bregasland]], [[Zenith]], [[Liathaven]], [[Brocéliande]], and [[the Barrens]].
==Gentle Renewal==
* '''Regrow the Land's Heart was targeted at Casinea, but the effect spreads to effect all Imperial territories'''
* '''This enchantment will mitigate the effects of the drought, but will also lead to extensive flooding'''
The storms have faded, but the [[Spring magic]] does not go with them. It remains in every puddle, in every new stream, in the floodwaters themselves. Where the storms brought destruction, they have also promoted new life. Over the next several months, that magic will bring ''rejuvenation'' wherever it brought destruction. During the downtime following the Autumn Equinox, every [[herb garden]] in the Empire will produce an additional 4 random [[herbs]] in the wake of the storms. Likewise, every [[forest]] and [[farm]] owner will be able to claim 2 random herbs produced as a consequence of the Spring-infused rains. Businesses and mines, however, will receive nothing.

It is also noticeable that where the rains have touched, fresh new life has begin to flourish. In the wake of the terrible storms, many people find it easier to abandon grudges, or find old bitterness seems less appealing than it once did. While the storms have caused a lot of damage, it is much less than it might have been. As the waters begin to recede, it is more often a case of cleaning out the mud and filth and the last few puddles, and throwing away damp carpets, than it is rebuilding from the ground up. In all these cases, the quiet enchantment of [[Regrow the Land's Heart]] has served to renew and restore, where the Thunderous Deluge would have simply destroyed.
===Participation===
Any player can decide that exposure to the gentler rains has washed away any grudge, bitterness, prejudice, lingering pain, or bad memory their character was holding on to. In the case of memories they are not gone - the rain has had no effect on anyone's recollection - but any emotional pain associated with them has been washed way. Likewise, you can decide that any or all of your character's vengeful thoughts, bitterness, aggrieved feelings, or memory of upsetting events has been lessened by the rains and they are able to find peace with the past.

==Sodden Ground==
* '''As a result of the tempest, several regions across the Empire have gained the ''marsh'' quality'''
* '''The destructive nature of the rains has made marshes much more treacherous and dangerous than they have been previously; building in regions with the marsh quality is more difficult'''
The rains have had a marked effect in areas where the ground is naturally wet. Several regions across the Empire have permanently gained the ''marsh'' quality.

The region of [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]] in [[Holberg]], is now a marsh as well as a forest. The rains in Holberg have meant that the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]] have seen some of the worst flooding since [[Holberg#Ennerlund|Ennerlund]] first reverted to being part of [[#Holberg#The Morass|the Morass]], but the Bourse seat has weathered the worst of it without permanent damage. Unexpected aid comes to [[the League]] in the shape of the Sand Fisher orcs. Once it becomes clear what is happening, they enthusiastically pitch in, working hard under directions from their neighbours to shore up flood defences and dig channels for the water to drain away helping to ensure that any flooding of the city itself, or any of the smaller estates scattered around the territory, is minimised.

Further south in [[Therunin]] the region of [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]] has likewise gained the ''marsh'' quality as the waters of the Feverwater rise. The Navarr and Great Forest Orcs are able to mitigate the worst of the rain in the rest of the territory, but it is no easy task. It seems that the forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]] and the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]] endure the storm better but are significantly more swampy than they used to be where they border the lake.
===Price of the Marshes===
* '''For at least the next year, any commission built in a region with the marsh quality will have its labour costs increased by a fifth'''
Even where the rains have not fallen themselves, the impact of the storms has been felt. Marshes across the Empire, and in neighbouring territories, have become deeper, and more dangerous. There is a lot more ground water pooling in these regions than ever before, and it shows little sign of abating. Indeed, water from neighbouring regions drains slowly into the marshy areas - generally low lying areas to start with - and compounds the issue.

For at least the next year, any commission built in a region with the ''marsh'' quality will see an additional fifth added to the labour cost to construct it. This is in addition to any other extra costs, such as those inflicted by the [[Ossium#Under-developed|under-developed]] quality in parts of [[Ossium]]. Right now the Civil Service cannot say for certain, but it is possible that this change may well take significantly longer than a year to fade away, and might be ''permanent'' without extensive draining and building of levees and dams.

While the conjunction meant that the rituals used didn't directly effect territories outside the Empire, the additional water has broadly ignored territorial boundaries. As such, this change to the labour costs of commissions in marshy areas ''does'' apply to [[Bregasland]], [[Zenith]], [[Liathaven]], [[Brocéliande]], and [[the Barrens]].

==Flooded Tassato==
{{Judgement|Judgement=We, the priests of the League, understand that flooding is coming to Tassato. We encourage all citizens to make preparations as quickly as they can and work with their neighbours to protect their property. Families and guilds, vigilance calls us to be prepared for threats, and through our Vigilance we can protect the prosperity of Tassato.|Raised By=Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato|Outcome=Greater Majority 252-0|When=Summer Solstice 384YE|Assembly=League|Float=right}}
* '''The Vassa breaks its banks'''
* '''The Imperial Mint sustains significant water damage'''
* '''A new ilium resource has been uncovered'''
With advance warning from the League assembly, and the urging of the bishops, Tassato is as prepared for the coming floods as it can possibly be. The waters rise inexorably - not only from the rain that falls on the city itself but from the accumulated effect of the rain falling on the hills to the north. Sandbags are deployed - but the defences Tassato maintains against the risk of flooding in the spring are insufficient to deal with the sheer volume of water pouring through the city. The warning issued by '''Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato''' gives the people of Mestra and Regario precious little time to prepare, but they use it as best they can. The words of the League Assembly doubtless prevent significant damage to the locks of the [[Tassato#The_Sapphire_Stair|Sapphire Stair]] at least - the locks are opened and the waters of the angry river allowed to flow freely rather than attempting to hold them back.

In the end the preparations only delay the inevitable - as the waters rise they eventually break over the makeshift dams and flood out into the city, indiscriminately washing away anything that falls into their grasp. For a few weeks, the people on both sides of the river are united by shared adversity. Food and especially fresh water untainted by the sewers and the filth of the streets are very much in demand as are simple things so often taken for granted like dry clothes. The streets become reminiscent of the canals of Sarvos - but narrower and with many more drowned rats. Most travel through the flooded city is by boat - the flat bottomed skiffs and gondolas that once ferried citizens back and forth across the river are now the main means of moving ''everything''. Water and food tainted with floodwater brings with it the threat of sickness - physicks and healers versed in the [[purify]] spell have their work cut out for them.

The damage is extensive, and nowhere more so than the [[Tassato#The_Imperial_Mint|Imperial mint]] that stands in the middle of the Vassa. In the past the walls have been proven capable of dealing with the occasional flood but this is something different. The gates present a weak-spot, allowing the water to stream in. Supplies must be shipped in and lifted up to the walls with ropes and baskets - opening the gates would let the Vassa pour in and do incalculable damage. As the flood continues, it becomes more and more likely the walls may actually be breached by the questing river fingers.

Eventually the rain stops, and the waters begin to recede... but they are taking their time about it. As the Autumn Equinox begins, the streets near the river are still flooded to a depth of around three feet. Where the waters have receded, they have left extensive damage. The Tassato chamber of commerce takes charge as best it can, working to deal with the worst of the damage and, with help of the [[The Little Mother|Church of the Little Mother]] they set about making sure the disease, hunger, and thirst are kept in check.
===Taming the Vassa===
* '''Tassato is still suffering the after effects of the flood'''
* '''Repairing the extensive damage to the city will require 50 Thrones and take three months'''
* '''Until the damage is repaired, or until the start of the Autumn Equinox 385YE, every business in Tassato will continue to suffer a -1 rank penalty to production'''
The damage to the city is extensive, and while individual buildings can be cleaned and repaired the city as a whole has suffered greatly under the flood waters. The Imperial Senate can instruct the Civil Service to divert resources to aiding the clean-up effort, and reinforcing the flood defences of the city. This will cost the Senate 50 Thrones, but will restore the city sufficiently to remove the penalty to businesses. Alternatively, if the Senate refuses to pay, it will take a year for the damage inflicted on Tassato to be fully repaired.

[[Regrow the Land's Heart]] can help, but only so far. If the enchantment is placed on Tassato, it will reduce the amount of time required for the city to recover naturally by a single season.

===The Imperial Mint===
* '''Hidden underground chambers have been located at the Imperial mint'''
The waters of the Vassa are slowly receding, but the Imperial Mint is still sealed against the river. During the course of dealing with the floods, a series of additional chambers and passages were located ''under'' the Mint itself. These "secret chambers" are actually more like forgotten rooms - accessed through a door hidden behind a weirwood cabinet in a small office on the first floor, a flight of narrow stairs give access to a series of cellar rooms. Neither the staircase nor the lower rooms appear on any plan of the Imperial Mint.

The rooms are, predictably, completely flooded. A couple of [[merrow]] members of staff engage in a basic exploration of the revealed area and indicate that it is reasonably extensive - some of the rooms are below the bottom of the Vassa. There's also signs that they were built to withstand river water - there are watertight doors down there that may actually open into air-filled rooms. For the time being they're impossible to get at, unfortunately, without risking whatever is in there being destroyed by the flood water. Given these rooms almost certainly date back at least to the time of [[Emperor Giovanni]], nobody is keen to risk damaging anything that might be down there.

Even as the Vassa subsides, access to whatever is down there will not be easy. One of the Civil Servants - an engineer from Holberg university - suggests that some of the pumps used in the mines might be sufficient to clear enough water to do a proper exploration of what is down there. They estimate that if the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] can provide 5 Thrones, the rooms can be drained at least temporarily. It will be important to move quickly however - there is no telling how long any valuables will survive exposure to river water.

One other detail raises some concern. One of the merrow explorers was quite affected by their time in the flooded cellars and refused to return to them. She claimed that the place had an ''unpleasant aspect'' - a resonance that reminded her very much of the [[dramaturgy|dramaturgical]] [[the Tomb|Tomb]].

'''OOC Note:''' If the Master of the Mint wishes to authorise this expenditure, they will need to ensure the money is in their inventory and e-mail Profound Decisions at plot@profounddecisions.co.uk after the event.

===The Good News===
* '''A supply of ilium has been uncovered in the hills about Tassato Mestra'''
The Vassa may have burst it's banks, and flooded the city, but there is a glitter of gold in the waters. Or more specifically, the sparkle of [[ilium]]. Several small ingots of ilium are recovered from the Vassa over the course of the last few months. The Civil Service have confirmed that the torrential rain has washed through the largely played out mines of the northern hills and uncovered deposits of ilium in the abandoned caves. The guilds that own most of the mines in the hills above Tassato Mestra are old, traditional, and a little set in their ways, but they recognise an opportunity when they see it. The ''Forge and Furnace Fellowship'' led by the ambitious ''Gemma Stewart of Tassato'', are one of the richest mining guilds in the city. Since she took her place in Tassatan politics, Gemma has publicly committed herself to changing the fortunes of Tassato and tapping into the rich veins of ore she is convinced still lie beneath the hills above the city. She is quick to offer the aid of her guild - both in exploiting the new resource and in convincing the merchant-princes of the other mining guilds to support the city.

The Civil Service believe that if the ''Tassatan Hills'' were properly exploited, they would provide 6 rings of ilium each season as a Bourse seat. Gemma Stewart claims that much of the infrastructure needed to get at the ilium is already in place, and what is not there can be secured relatively easily from Holberg or Temeschwar. Getting the ilium seat up-and-running would cost only 75 Thrones... provided that the Civil Service was assured of the cooperation of the League guilds. If they were required to do all the work via the Civil Service, it would require 250 Thrones to exploit the ilium resources of the Tassatan Hills.

Gemma is not too proud to engage in blackmail. If the Imperial Senate wants the aid of the Tassatan mining guilds, they must assign the ''Tassato Hills'' as a League national position, appointed each year by the [[Tally of the Votes]]. If they would prefer to make it an Imperial position, appointed by the [[Auction of the Seats]], then they will have to pay through the nose to purchase the mines, and the equipment, and employ workers to actually extract the precious star metal.

A single Senate motion can be used to create the new Bourse resource, and [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|allocate]] it as Imperial or National. There is no particular time limit here - the mining guilds, the ilium, and the hills are not going anywhere.

==Semmerlak Flotsam==
The torrential rains have caused the waters of [[the Semmerlak]] - prone to terrible storms at the best of time - to rise dramatically. The worst of the resulting flooding is felt in the town of [[Weirwater#Culwich|Culwich]] in [[Weirwater]], but none of the settlements along the shores of the lake are spared. In Culwich, the ''drowned bells'' are heard in Summer for the first time ever (as near as anyone can tell), and it is seen as something of an ill-omen by many of the [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]]. The flooding in [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacre]], [[Karsk#Ivarsgard|Ivarsgard]], [[Karov#Malimorzi|Korotny]], and the vales along [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] has been less pronounced but has still left many people forced to move to upper storeys, or seek safety on higher ground.

The waters recede slowly, but they do recede. In their wake, they leave... well it wouldn't be right to call it ''treasure'' as such. Most of it is rubbish - broken pots, bits of weirdly shaped wood, corroded hunks of metal. Occasionally, however, something of actual value is discovered. Old coins, metalwork that has not corroded, beautifully painted bowls, carved pieces of wood that show no sign of water damage, little figurines, and the like. For some people - especially children - this combination of junk-and-treasure presents an almost irresistible lure. They brave the slippery mud and treacherous waters looking for loot they can show off to their friends or barter to collectors. Not only children, either - once it becomes clear that there are a few interesting items among the dross it begins to attract the curious, and those prepared to take risks in the hope of finding something valuable.

As a result of these strange treasures, every [[business]] in a [[territory]] bordering the Semmerlak will receive either an additional 2 crowns and two random ingots of [[Materials#Metals|rare metal]] during the Winter Solstice. The affected territories are [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Karov]], and [[Ossium]]. [[Holberg]] will not benefit from this unlooked for bounty as the city itself does not border the lake.

There is some speculation that this peculiar bounty from the Semmerlak might be connected to the [[A yellow star hung|strange dreams]] experienced by the people of [[Weirwater]] following the Summer Solstice. A few urchins report finding strange hoofmarks in the wet sand along the shore - but these reports have so far not been substantiated by anyone over the age of ten.
===Dho'uala's Gifts===
* '''Some Varushkan wise ones are concerned about the provenance of this unexpected "treasure", as are some Dawnish troubadours'''
Not everyone is intrigued by this bounty from the depths of the Semmerlak. Some Varushkan wise ones and Dawnish troubadours raise a note of caution. The Varushkans speak of [[The_Semmerlak#Dho.27uala|Dho'uala]], the dreadful lake monsters that lures anyone who takes the lake's bounty for granted to their death. Troubadours tell the story of [[The_Semmerlak#Sedaret|Sedaret]], the cursed Dawnish town that apparently lies beneath the waves east of Culwich. Both groups urge people to leave the treasures where they are, and keep their children away from the banks of the Semmerlak until the waters of the lake can reclaim these shiny lures.
{{Mandate|mandate=The Semmerlak is not to be trusted; Dho'uala waits in its depths to claim those who foolishly come too close. We send (named priest) with 25 doses of liao to discourage any Varushkan from foolishly claiming the trinkets left behind by the receding waters.|assembly=Varushkan National Assembly}}
{{Mandate|mandate=Within the depths of the Semmerlak is the cursed town of Sedaret, and while the waters are rich not every gift they offer is meant to be taken. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to discourage the people of Dawn from meddling with these apparent treasures - let the waters reclaim them.|assembly=Dawnish National Assembly}}
If one of these mandates is upheld, it will remove the additional production of businesses in territories belonging to that nation. All save the most foolish or desperate will leave the trinkets alone and let them sink into the mud or be reclaimed by the Semmerlak. it is entirely possible that one nation will enact their mandate and the other does not - in this case businesses in the other nation will gain an ''additional'' 2 crowns as collectors focus their efforts in that nation.

==Meade and the Marches==

The Marchers are no strangers to bad weather,, but the torrential rain hits the Marches very hard indeed. The rains pummel their crops, drown their animals, and flood the market towns. The River Meade bursts its banks, flooding parts of Mitwold, Upwold, and the Mourn. The people endure but they are hardly happy about it. There is a ''great deal'' of grumbling about the fact that the Empire has done this to its own people, and this raises serious questions about the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Wild_and_Wily|recent mandates]] regarding the [[thresher|threshers]].
===Threshing===
* '''The Marcher threshers are concerned about the wisdom of unleashing a magical storm to deal with a drought when other methods are available'''
Those threshers who pay more attention to the words of '''Gaelen Embercast''' are all for heading to Anvil and engaging in a little rough justice against whoever it was decided it was a good idea to unleash torrential rain as a response to a drought when they had the option of ''gentle'' rain instead. Those who favour the words of '''Jenny Arbor''' argue that the Conclave would surely have not taken such extreme action lightly, and that it is not only the Marches that have been affected. The two groups do not reach any kind of consensus but at the end of the day it seems that most threshers are adopting a "wait and see" policy. While crops have been ruined, actual loss of life is limited to the foolish and the unlucky - but if this turns out to be the start of a trend for using destructive magic on Imperial citizens then all bets are off.
{{Judgement|Judgement= In their response to the drought and conjunction the Empire have exchanged life-threatening drought with disadvantages for life-threatening floods with advantages. If they rest at Regrow the Land's Heart then this is not malign.|Raised By=Nicholas Reaper|Outcome=Greater Majority 120-0|When=Summer Solstice 384YE|Assembly=Marches}}
The other thing the threshers agree on is that, as a sign of good faith, they would like the Marcher Assembly to investigate and determine the names of the magicians involved in performing the Thunderous Deluge curse at Anvil. Presumably, given this was done with the approval of the Conclave, there should be no reason to need to keep those names secret. Both groups would like the Assembly to raise a [[statement of principle]] including those names. There's no hint of anyone doing anything precipitous with this information - both groups of threshers want the names so they can ''keep an eye on them'' as is entirely within their remit.

If the Assembly is able to determine the names and raises the statement of principle, it will do much to take the wind out of the sails of those critical of the decision to curse the Empire with storms. If they do not, it will make it easier for those already critical of the Assembly to paint them as being complicit in the destructive curse that has ravaged the Marches farms.

===River Roads===
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Great Western Canal'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:'''Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' River Meade (Mitwold and Mournwold)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 wains of white granite, 40 wains weirwood, 200 Crowns, nine months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Mournwold Thralls will provide half labour costs if commissioned before the end of the Spring Equinox 385YE</td></tr>
</table>
* '''The flooding of the Meade has reignited interest in the Great Western Canal'''
* '''The Mournwold orcs are also interested in the project'''
* '''The project requires 60 wains of white granite and 40 wains of weirwood, cost 200 crowns in labour, and take nine months to complete'''
* '''When complete it would function as a series of great works, as well as reducing the impact of any future floods'''
The flooding of the River Meade, coupled with the statement of principle by Henry Fletcher raises talk of an opportunity however. A couple of years ago there was some idle talk about a [[Starting at the end|Great Western Canal]] running through Mitwold and Mournwold and linking Meade to [[Mournwold#Sarcombe|Sarcombe]]. The project never seemed to go anywhere, but the recent flooding has caused some people to take another look at the project. One of the advantages of dredging out the River Meade, of turning it into a more navigable waterway, would be that steps could ''also'' be taken to head off any future catastrophic flooding. It would be an excellent way to invest in the prosperity of the Mournwold, and in Sarcombe in particular. A sardonic alder points out that it might even go some way toward making up for the wealth lost to the nation with the abrogation of [[Upwold#Moonwater_Hall_.28ruins.29|Moonwater Hall]] in Upwold. "''instead of trading with religious fanatics from outside the Empire,''" she suggests, "'''we could focus on trading with our Imperial neighbours for a little while.''"
{{Judgement|Judgement=Mournwold was once among the most prosperous jewels of the Empire and by our best efforts is well on its way to being so again. Opportunities are ready and waiting to be acted upon particularly with offers made in Sarcombe since being granted a charter by the late Imperatrix. Construction of the Sarcombe register and the Bounders Hall are a testament to this. We encourage all those looking to investing in the Mournwold, investing in Sarcombe.|Raised By=Henry Fletcher|Outcome=Greater Majority 120-0|When=Summer Solstice 384YE|Assembly=Marches|Float=right}}
The canal is not a cheap project, and will take some time to complete. The benefits would primarily be felt in Mitwold and Mournwold. Every [[business]] in each territory would receive a share of 560 rings; every farm in Mitwold would receive a share of 220 rings (on top of that provided by the Breadbasket); and every mine in the Mournwold would share additional production equal to 50 ingots of metal. It would also link the two most prosperous settlements in the Marches - Sarcombe and Meade.

One additional opportunity has been presented by the [[Mournwold thralls]] who are fascinated by the idea - they've never heard of anything on this scale - and also very happy with the [[Construct_Bounders_Hall|Bounder's Hall]] being constructed in Sarcombe. If the project is commissioned within the next six months (before the end of the Spring Equinox 385YE), they will throw their support behind it. Between donations of money and food, and actual physical labour, the orcs can contribute half the labour costs (100 crowns). The presence of the orcs - working alongside the human Marchers on the riverways - would also cause them to become more familiar to the people of the northern Marches. At the moment, they are still a rare sight outside of the Mournwold. Any Marcher knows how effective sharing punishing physical labour can be for breaking down barriers between people - and the gruelling work of widening and shoring up a river would be no exception. It's not clear what effect this might have - but it is likely to be positive. Should the Marchers still have any interest in bringing the orcs into their nation as neighbours in spirit as well as simple geography, making the Marchers more familiar with them cannot hurt.

==Syrene==
* '''Thanks to the Silver Chalice, Syrene's Wisdom has been protected from the floods and much of the damage from the previous season has been addressed'''
* '''The grateful populace offer to share some of their stock of magically prepared water with the Conclave order'''
* '''Some visitors from Syrene are intending to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox: you can read about them [[The_long_bench#Guardians_of_Winter|here]]'''
Almost as if foreshadowing the storms that were to come, last season the mine of [[Syrene's Wisdom]] in [[Casinea#Syrene|Syrene]] was [[Wake up crying|hit by catastrophic floods]]. Many miners died or were lost - all the bodies are still to be recovered - and the [[Winter magic]] tainted waters flooded the streets of the town. The people of Syrene [[Wake_up_crying#The_Succour_of_the_Chalice|reached out]] to the [[Silver Chalice]] for help, and with the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord_:_Syrene|support of the Conclave]], the order responded. While the storms battered the rest of the Empire, the healers of the Silver Chalice worked to protect the people of Syrene from further tragedy, treating wounds that resisted mundane attempts to heal them, and helping to disperse the [[curse|cursed]] waters that had flown from the mineworkings. People who might otherwise have slipped away into death have recovered from exposure to the tainted water, while the worst of the damage to animals and crops has been undone.

The Silver Chalice rallied without thought of reward, and the people of Syrene are grateful for that. In recognition of the aid they have been offered, the chapters of Syrene have come together to pledge their support for the Silver Chalice - they have made a bequest to the order of two vials of properly prepared water from the Pool of Syrene. Carefully bottled in glass vials silvered with [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]], the waters enhance the capabilities of magicians practising certain [[Winter magic]] rituals relating to [[Winter_magic#Preservation|preservation]] and [[Winter_magic#Survival|survival]], although their precise capabilities are not common knowledge.

While lives have been saved, the damage to the town caused by the Summer floods has been compounded by the magical storms. People have lost their homes, and several of the buildings will need to be rebuilt. There is also a great deal of sorrow in Syrene - lives lost, lives ruined - that will linger for a generation. A performance of [[Regrow the Land's Heart]] focused on [[Casinea]] will help to mitigate some of the damage to buildings, bodies, and spirits. It will help the people rebuild, certainly, but it will not restore the dead to life nor empty the mines of their life-draining waters.
===Syrene's Wisdom===
* '''Syrene's Wisdom remains flooded, and its upkeep has increased to 15 Thrones'''
The mines of [[Wake_up_crying#Drowned_Wisdom|Syrene's Wisdom]] remain flooded. For the time being the Imperial Senate has chosen not to [[Wake_up_crying#Suffe|invest]] in the mine nor to order [[Wake_up_crying#Endure|minimum repairs]]. The mine is still producing ilium, but only because the Civil Service has offered [[Wake_up_crying#Suffer|very high wages]] to the miners. The good news is that this means it has already begin producing ilium again. Obviously, there is nothing to stop the Senate taking one of the other options up either during the Autumn Equinox or in the future.

Furthermore, since the [[Thunderous Deluge]] swept through the Empire, the waters have washed down even more ilium from the mountains, permanently increasing the production of Syrene's Wisdom by an additional ring of ilium each season, starting after the Autumn Equinox.

==Madruga and Missing Liao==
*'''The secure location used to store Civil Service cargo being taken to Anvil has been flooded'''
*'''In the commotion of moving goods to a drier location, a dose of true liao has been stolen'''

Flash flooding has disrupted the usually well-oiled systems transporting Civil Service goods to Anvil for the summit. A Madruga-based vault which held precious items awaiting transit, including a dose of true liao, had to be hastily emptied when guards discovered it was already submerged a foot under water.

In the commotion of salvaging as much of the water-damaged cargo as possible, the dose of true liao was never recovered. Considering all other items have been accounted for, the Civil Service have been forced to conclude that the dose was stolen by an opportunist taking advantage of the chaos caused by the flooding.

There has been plenty of speculation as to where the dose has ended up. Many point to the vyig as obvious culprits, suggesting that perhaps they planted agents among dockworkers along the Madruga coast in the hopes of a chance to grab whatever they could from the Civil Service and blackmail the Senate for its return. Others have suggested this is retaliation for the raid on Asavea, perhaps conducted by a member of the Plenum hidden amongst Marracossans. There are also those who have previously expressed their desire for a dose of true liao: Jarmish Princes have previously bothered the Civil Service about buying a dose, but have been unable to legally do so; and Sadogua has previously schemed his way into acquiring a dose of true liao and could perhaps have further use for it. Frankly, there are countless individuals and organisations both within and without the Empire who could have a motive for acquiring true liao.

''Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza, Secretary General of the Civil Service'' will deliver further briefing to the Gatekeepers during the summit once a full report of the situation has been gathered.
===The Thirsty Grasses===
* '''The Great Grasses in Madruga appear to have experienced no ill effects from the rain and recovered very quickly'''
This last point is most likely only a curiosity. The [[Madruga#The_Great_Grasses|Great Grasses]] in Madruga are a vast fertile plain known for herds of animals (representing rich farms), and for a populace that keep themselves to themselves. The tumultuous Scorrero River runs along the south-western borders, until it empties into the sea near [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]]. In other parts of the Empire, the grasslands have been badly affected by the storms - vegetation washed away, the soil left sodden for weeks. Not so in the Great Grasses. Within a week of the last rain, the plains are as dry as a bone. If anything, they are drier than they were before the rains started - something that has begun to worry the citizens there more than the storms did. No explanation is currently forthcoming, and there is no sign of a [[Sentinel Gate]] conjunction leading to the area, at least not at the Autumn Equinox.

==Lingering Effects==
* '''The rains have stopped, and the floods are receding, but the full extent of the damage remains to be seen'''
While the rains have stopped, and new life is coming from the destruction they caused, the Empire is still taking stock of the full extent of the damage. While the Vassa is the most obviously affected - and the damage it has inflicted on Tassato the most extreme - nowhere in the Empire have the waters receded entirely. There are some concerns about the Scorrero in particular, as well as the potential for damage to bridges such as the [[Sarvos#The_Spider.27s_Dream|Spider's Dream]]. As such the Civil Service warn their fellow citizens that the full cost of the storms may yet to be paid.

False kings

2026-05-18T18:31:29Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Up Here on the Hill (Conjunction) */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:384YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher Lines.jpg|caption=There is no fighting in Bregasland; but that does not mean that all is peaceful. Lines are being drawn.|align=left|width=500}}
==Where Do We Draw The Line?==

{{Audio|link=https://youtu.be/PKFrttr6pWU}}
The marshes of [[Bregasland]] are quiet. Perhaps too quiet. There is no clash of metal-on-metal to disturb the water fowl and the frogs, no iron feet splashing in the dank ponds, no blood spilled for the hungry flies. Yet the silence is still disquieted, with whispered ripples spreading across the still surface of the western [[the Marches|Marches]]. People are ''talking'', and while their voices are quiet now, there is a real risk they may become louder and louder in the months to come.

The Jotun armies have hunkered down in [[Bregasland#North_Fens|North Fens]] and the [[Bregasland#Grey_Fens|Grey Fens]], laying down palisades wherever they can find solid ground and watching their own borders for signs of an Imperial assault... that never comes. Only the ''Yegarra'' of Mathilda Fisher are especially active, with messengers under flags of truce spreading across the marshes and speaking to the Bregas about the evils of the Empire and the ambitious future where Bregasland is independent of orc ''or'' Imperial.

The only Imperial army in Bregasland this season is the [[Strong Reeds]]. Many of these soldiers are good Bregas folk, and this season sees them putting their knowledge of the deep marshes, and the hearts of the people who live here, to the test. Not for the Strong Reeds the relative comfort of dry beds and warm food enjoyed by the [[Tusks]], currently [[Army_orders#Billet|billeted]] in neighbouring [[Upwold]]. Rather they make do with bivouacs, concealed tents, out-of-the-way camps, and all the freezing mud and hungry bugs they can tolerate. The army has been ordered to [[Army_qualities#Secretive|lie low]] - to resist the [[Jotun]] where they can but to prioritise stealth over combat. If the Jotun armies in Bregasland had gone on the offensive, the Strong Reeds would have slowed their advance without risking direct confrontation - but the [[orc|orcs]] and their human pawns do not attack. Instead they are regrouping, focusing their attention on protecting the land they have taken, seemingly convinced that the Empire would continue their attempt to liberate the territory that they began in the wake of the Autumn Equinox last year.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Jack Flint, General of the Strong Reeds">Lay low. Loyalty to our neighbours means we must stand alone in Bregasland. Lie low, and we strike back next season.</quote></div>
During the Winter Solstice, Imperial heroes brought a large number of Jotun orcs and their Yegarra to battle at Miresend. Their raid recovered a portion of the equipment intended to arm rebels in Bregasland. That cache is put to good use, replacing and repairing weapons and armours for the Strong Reeds. Not all of these weapons and armour were recovered, however. The remainder is used to arm misguided Bregas who listen to the propaganda of Mathilda Fisher and take up the Jotun-backed cause as their own.

Yet the decisive actions of the Imperial heroes have dampened the impact of Mathilda's words. There are only a comparatively small number of Bregas, primarily in the western fens, who are listening, and have become enthralled by her plan for an independent state between the Jotun nation and the Empire. Those who are prepared to fight are being armed, and openly supporting the invaders. They do so for any number of reasons; some are tired of being Imperial citizens. Some are sick of the ribbing they receive from their neighbours in Mitwold and Upwold about how "strange" they are. Some have a strong family tradition of bloody-mindedness, and never wanted to be part of the Empire in the first place. Others are simply [[Ambition|ambitious]] - they see a way that they can turn the current confusion to their advantage, perhaps intending to play both sides against the middle. There's no doubt that given enough time however this persuasive speaker could win more and more people to her cause.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Mathilda Fisher">... the generals of the Military Council and the sorcerers of the Conclave aren't fit to manage a farm much less a war. Their Empire wouldn't spare a stale barmcake for the people who make it up. Worse, they don't care about the land that feeds them – prepared to poison it with Spring and Winter magic when it suits them. They've done it before, and they'll do it again, and it won't be generals or sorcerers who have to gather the harvest they've sown.</quote></div>
Scouts - clever Bregas beaters in service to the Strong Reeds - report that there is no sign of Steven of Sarcombe in Bregasland. He and his ''Mournwold Exiles'' seem to have quit the territory in the week following the Winter Solstice. They also report that Mathilda Fisher has brought in more of her own people, perhaps to replace the Mournwold bill block. They can't be precise but agree that several hundred more human folk whose attire suggests both the practical stolidity of the Bregas and the leather-and-fur of the Jotun have crossed the border out of [[Hordalant]]. They arrive in the first month after the Solstice, and there is a very guarded estimate that they have swollen Mathilda's warband to half again its former size.

==Illusion and Dream==
It is not just Jotun and Yegarra in Bregasland this season. The barbarian armies are supported by warbands of laughing golden-haired knights of elfin mien, conjured from the Fields of Glory to fight alongside the orcs. It seems likely that the Jotun had planned to continue expanding their control of the territory, but only if they were assured of support from the local populace. Denied that certainty by the raid through the Sentinel Gate, they have instead fallen back to defensive positions to see how the situation develops. Rather than chafe at the lack of combat, the fey warriors amuse themselves by hosting tourneys and banquets among the reeds and meres of the northern marshes.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Pip o' the Yeth, weird little marsh person">Are you lost? Come, my lantern will lead you home. See how it dances! Is my lantern not beautiful?</quote></div>
The Empire has its own supernatural supporters; Ottermire and the Rushes are woven with strands of [[Night magic]] that make the marshes themselves resist the Jotun and the Yegarra. This season sees multiple credible reports of weird little creatures abroad in the fens - round-headed, round-eyed, lanky figures with glowing lanterns that cluster around the Jotun camps at night seeking to lure them into the bottomless lakes and sucking quagmires of Bregasland. When they encounter Marchers, they doff little brown-and-green caps of woven rushes, offering in piping voices to lead them to safety. For all their friendly words, few Bregas take them up on their kind offers.

All in all, the season is quiet. There are a few minor altercations when Jotun patrols encounter Strong Reeds camped in the fens, or when the latter see the opportunity to harry the former into the fens and quagmires. Yet all is clearly not well in Bregasland. There is a sense of foreboding, especially between the households of the south and east some of whom are at great pains to remind everyone how loyal to the Marches they are, and those of the north and west who are at best quietly contemplative, giving careful consideration to the shape of the future.
==Game Information==
With no fighting on either side, the situation in Bregasland has not changed. The Jotun still control North Fens and Grey Fens (although their hold on the latter is somewhat shaky thanks to the Imperial assault after the Autumn Equinox).

The Strong Reeds have been making use of their special [[Army_qualities#Secretive|lay low]] order, and received [[Casualties#Emergency_Resupply|emergency resupply]]. They were ''not'' able to benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]] due to the presence of enemy armies in the territory. Unfortunately, this means that the enchantment that had been placed on them - [[Brotherhood of Tian]] - which is contingent on natural resupply had no effect.

The human ''Yegarra'' that fight under the banner of Mathilda Fisher are being bolstered by dissatisfied Bregas. It is estimated that perhaps 250 or so former Marcher citizens have openly embraced the cause of independence for Bregasland. This number would have been easily doubled if the proposed meeting and mithril dissemination had taken place after the Winter Solstice. If nothing changes then each season that Mathilda (and potentially Steven of Sarcombe as well) are openly recruiting in Bregasland will see more people drawn to the banner of the independent Bregasland. If sufficient force is gathered to see the human forces reach an accumulated total of 5000 strength, then with Jotun assistance they will transition from groups of champions into a full-blown campaign army.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Not Heavy.jpg|caption=The Marches have been torn by civil war once before. Will it truly come to that a second time?|align=right|width=600}}
{{Conjunction Boilerplate|Some kind of trouble}}
==Up Here on the Hill (Conjunction)==
* '''There is an opportunity to counter Mathilda Fisher's propaganda by defeating a Jotun warband'''
* '''The civil service suggest the Senator for Bregasland might be in the best position to organise the mission
It seems that a group of Jotun operating as a picketing force for the Fist of Ulven has been observed moving through the Grey Fens. As with the defensive actions of the Jotun armies in Bregasland this season, they are cautious, expecting an attack at any time. Whenever local beaters or small levies led by Strong Reeds' soldiers have raised arms, the force has retreated, slinking away among the willows. There isn't much to be done against an enemy that won't commit, so the stalemate continues...

This stalemate plays into the hands of the hands of Mathilda Fisher. She and her firebrand secessionists are quick to stir up trouble; using the failure to counter these orc patrols as evidence of the Empire's contempt for Bregasland. For a few, it is a convincing yarn, and one that gets more than a few disgruntled citizens nodding in approval. The Empire have withdrawn their armies, the Strong Reeds are lying low... is this some clever stratagem, or has the Empire abandoned the marshes as Mathilda claims?

To others though, it only galvanises their desire to act. The village of '''Dank Mere''' have had enough with the Jotun, the war and most of all the Fishers. Old grudges long remembered, are dusted off and then sharpened over a few pints of ale. It is well understood why the Strong Reeds have been billeted across the area, and why they haven't sought to drive off orcs armies that outnumbered them five-to-one is evident for all. But if the Empire did act, well then, that would really show everyone that Mathilda's words are just as hollow as the Old Hollow Willow down by the Long Drain!

The monks, mummers and alder of Dank Mere have reached out to the Marcher egregore with a proposition. If the band of orcs can be dealt with, if an example can be made of them, then the village will spread word of the Empire's actions, and try to discredit Mathilda's lies that are currently spreading like a fungus through a granary. Be it at high water, under blazing sun or driving rain they will gladly speak to every last bloody Bregasfolk from Rushring to Graven, Ottery to Sallow, and put an end to Mathilda the likes that haven't been seen in over four hundred years!

'''Success and Failure:''' The residents of Dank Mere need the Empire to rout or kill the Jotun warband, so that they can point to the victory to prove that Mathilda is wrong, that the Empire will defend Bregasland and that its remit still runs here. If the heroes are able to engage the Jotun warband and convincingly defeat them then that will undo any propaganda benefits that Mathilda has gained from the Empire's recent withdrawal. Any gains she has made this season trying to win over the hearts and minds of the Marchers who live here will be lost.

If the Empire fail, Dank Mere will have nothing to point to, to rebut Mathilda's claims that the Empire's rule here is coming to an end. If the Empire are defeated or routed by the Jotun then that will be a further propaganda win for Mathilda.

==Fisher's Voice==
Last season, as the Jotun and the Empire clashed in Bregasland, the human champion Mathilda Fisher sent messengers to every village, [[market town]], and [[steward]] across the territory. Approaching under a flag of truce they brought word from Mathilda, and urged all Bregas to quit the Empire. This season those messengers have been active again, and the content of their messages have spread beyond the borders of Bregasland.
===Mathilda Fisher===
Mathilda Fisher is the champion of a large contingent of human warriors who fight alongside the Jotun. These human warriors are called Yegarra by the Jotun. Mathilda claims to be a descendant of the Fishers of Greywater, a Marcher household who once laid claim to much of western Bregasland, back before the Cousin's War. She says she has returned to liberate Bregasland from the Imperial occupation and claim it as its steward. She claims that the orcs of Narkyst are here fighting to support her claim, rather than seeking to press their own.

There is no doubt that the Fishers were once a powerful household who opposed Marcher involvement in the Empire. They fought against [[Life of Tom Drake|Tom Drake]] and the pro-Imperial houses during the Cousin's War, and while they were defeated they never surrendered. Old Bregas histories say that they retreated west into the marshes of Hordalant. Mathilda claims that her household has dwelled there for the last four hundred years or so. Now they are back to reclaim from the Empire the land that was once theirs.
===The Empire is Bad===
Mathilda's ”household” have fought alongside the warriors of Steven of Sarcombe, although there is no sign of him or his ''Yegarra'' in Bregasland this season. A deadly master of partisan and pike, he and his supporters were born or grew up during the Jotun occupation of the Mournwold. They have spoken passionately about the horrors visited on the people of the Mourn by the people who allegedly were there to protect them. Not one person fighting under Steven's banner came out of the calamitous curses that struck the Mourn with all their family. This more than anything else is what drove them to follow the Jotun when they retreated from the Mournwold.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bregasland Region Map.png|caption=A very rough region map of Bregasland.|align=right|width=600}}</div>
They claim that the callous actions of the Empire prove that it does not actually care about any of the individual nations that compose it. Worse, they don't care about the land – prepared to poison it with Spring and Winter ritual magic if it suits the generals of the Military Council or the sorcerers of the Imperial Conclave.

Mathilda echoes and amplifies these claims, warning that it is only a matter of time before the Empire does something similar again – perhaps even in Bregasland. The Jotun would never curse their own people – far from it. Protecting those who work the land is the highest calling of the western orcs – the epitome of their honour – and likewise the calling of the Fishers and the Mournwold Exiles.

===Free Bregasland===
Mathilda Fisher is here to reclaim her ancestral land – the land she says belongs to her household. She counts North Fens, Grey Fens, and Ottermire as Fisher land – or land that belonged to the smaller households that fought under the banner of her ancestors.

Yet there is more to her strategy than just claiming the Western marshes. She intends to “free” the whole of Bregasland from the Empire. The Jotun have agreed a treaty with Mathilda and her household. They will recognise Bregasland as an independent nation allied with the Jotun. They have little interest in marshes and swamps, after all.

There is no reason the Empire could not do the same. Those Bregas who wanted to do so would still be able to visit Anvil and trade there. Unlike the hated Tom Drake, conniving Henry of Meade, and the cursed Brigit Dourfen, Mathilda has no interest in forcing hegemony on the people of Bregas. She claims it was the Empire's drive to dominate the Marches and force them to combine under a single flag that prompted the Cousin's War. Her messengers seem to firmly believe that the First Empress intentionally engineered a civil war in the Marches. The reasons they give sound like wild conspiracies but revolve around the idea of weakening the Marches so they would have no choice but to submit to the rulership of the Empire (lead, of course, by its Dawnish queen).
===Rebellion and Secession===
Mathilda is preaching rebellion and secession. Leave the Empire to the squabbling families of Upwold and Mitwold – the same households who tore the Marches apart in the Cousin's War. Take up arms and fight alongside the Yegarra, and once Bregasland has been liberated the Jotun will help to keep it free of Imperial occupation.

Any Bregas who wishes to do so will be welcome to come fight alongside the Jotun armies in the coming season.

If the Empire – or even just the Marches – recognises the independence of Bregasland, and withdraws their troops, then the Jotun will agree not to pursue their claim to the lands of their ancestors currently occupied by the Marches (Mourn, Mitwold, Upwold) for the next five years or until the Empire moves against Bregasland. It will not be a peace treaty, as such, but a commitment by the Jotun to leave the Marchers to their own devices for a while.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=M-Archer.jpg|caption=The Strong Reeds are laying low, but they have the Jotun in their sights|align=right|width=600}}</div>

===Don't Take the Battlefield===
To those still listening to her messengers, Mathilda has one last message. She knows about the Sentinel Gate, and how it allows Imperials from Anvil to reach different parts of their Empire. She urges anyone with influence at Anvil to discourage the Military Council from using it to interfere in Bregasland. Go elsewhere, and deal with other threats.

Mathilda likewise has one last thing to say. She doesn't particularly enjoy fighting Marchers – neither does Steven – but she will if she has to. She sends thanks to those who were able to convince the Military Council to pull their forces back out of Bregasland, minimising the amount of Marcher blood spilled. She calls on them to do so again, to keep the Imperial armies out of Marcher business and let Bregasland go its own way.
===The Bregas Rebellion in Play===
During the coming season any military unit owned by a Marcher character will be free to fight alongside the Jotun; you can find the option to "Support Bregasland Rebellion" in the paid work dropdown, although it provides no production.

Taking this option will involve fighting against Imperial forces if there is a battle in Bregasland, and will constitute treason. There is no easy way however for the Empire to recognise Marcher military units fighting with Mathilda Fisher.

==Further Reading==
* [[384YE Spring Equinox winds of war|Winds of War]] for Spring 384YE
* [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Homeward_Bounders|Homeward bounders]] - the Winter 383YE Wind of War that introduced Mathilda Fisher

Think of the children

2026-05-18T18:31:04Z

GuiltyConscience: /* The Sarcombe Register */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Will Tanner cradled the sleeping baby in his arms, rocking the child slightly, even though they had long since fallen off. "She looks like you. She's got your nose" he said. His voice struggled as his eyes teared up.

"Don't piss on my back and tell me it's raining Will Tanner." Bridget stood with her arms folded by the table, back stiff as an iron rod. "She looks exactly the same as every baby ever did. A bald head, a big mouth for crying, a belly that needs feeding, and clothes that needs changing six times a day."

"She looks like..." His voice trailed off as he choked up a little. "She looks... like..."

"Don't Will Tanner! Just don't! The magic took her and she's dead and that's all there is to it. I've said that you and I are done with crying. I won't cry anymore. I know you want another, and maybe we will in time, but this is someone else's baby not ours."

"He were my cousin though... I reckon we owe him."

"Third cousin the friar said. You never even bloody met him. And he were one of them. One of them Wegarra things. It's not our child. It's got to go."

The friar coughed slightly. This was proving more difficult than he'd hoped. "Her name is Gull." he said softly.

Will repeated the name quietly to the child and threw another desperate pleading look at his wife. Her eyes narrowed, clearly furious at her husbands attempts to win her round. But the friar had seen that look enough times to know she was losing ground.

"There is one other thing." He reached into his robes and pulled out the heavy pouch, he let it drop onto the oak table, just far enough so that the noise of the coins carried. "It's not much, but it's what's left of the estate. It was sold to a family moving back from Upwold. Like I say, it's not much but it'll cover her food for a year or more."

Bridget stared at the pouch on the table. She knew damn well it would be rings and crowns, not thrones, but still. It would more than pay for the seed they needed to plant the new field they wanted. But after a moment she cleared her throat and shifted her hard stare back to the priest. "That ain't fair Friar. We're decent hard-working folk - this ain't about money."

"All that is worthwhile is shared with those who deserve it." The friar's tone was gentle.

"We've still got the crib... and the clothes your mother sewed." Will Tanner looked at his wife imploringly. "The Friar said she's got no-one else. What if... what if the curse had taken us instead... and the Friar had to find someone for our baby?"

"You'd want our daughter being raised by some bloody fool who thinks he's a Jotun would you?" Her voice was harsh.

Will Tanner looked his wife in the eyes and said "I'd want our daughter to live, Bridie. And that's all I'd want."

Bridget Tanner blanched, her face white and shocked, like she'd been stabbed. She backed away only slightly as her husband approached her and placed the sleeping baby into her arms. He turned his back on her and approached the friar.

"It's time to go now, friar. You can drop off the baby's things in the morning. We'll take good care of her."
</ic>

==Overview==
'''Cesare Enzo di Trivento''', [[Cardinal]] of [[Prosperity]], has led the [[Assembly#The Virtue Assemblies|Assembly]] to pass a clear [[Statement of principle|statement]] calling on the Empire to [[382YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_58|support the building of a great orphanage]] to house and educate the orphans of the [[Mournwold]]. The statement has been circulated by the civil service to the congregations of the Empire devoted to Prosperity and has provoked interest from some surprising quarters.

<quote by="Assembly of Prosperity, Summers Solstice 382YE, Cesare Enzo di Trivento, Upheld 215 - 0">That the children of Mournwold recently orphaned through the Jotun war and Imperial magic require a great orphanage to house and educate them. I propose the Empire offers their support in the building of this great work.</quote>
__TOC__
Many orphans died when the [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Let_That_Be_Your_Last_Battlefield_.28Mournwold.29|curses wracked the Mourn]], as the baleful magic fell hardest on the young and the old, taking a heavy toll. But the war also created many new orphans, especially among the [[Jotun]]. It is not clear if Cesare's proposal is intended to benefit just [[the Marches|Marcher]] children or whether he intends to help all of those who dwell in the Mournwold who have lost their parents.

==Orphans in the Marches==
Cesare is from [[the League]] which has a long tradition of orphanages - most famously those run by [[the Little Mother]] which exist to provide children with a home, a schooling, and an opportunity to get ahead in life. The children of the Little Mother are not coddled. In return for their second chance in life, they work hard, learning the fundamental importance of prosperity as they acquire a trade that will serve them well when they leave the orphanage, as well as learning their letters, their numbers and the [[the Way|Way of Virtue]]. The best priests of the Little Mother will use their contacts with the successful businesspeople of their city to find a secure apprenticeship for their charge when they come of an age to leave.

However the rural life of the Marches is very different to the busy world of the League cities. Of course there are just as many orphans in the Marches, but the scale of life is very different. In the great League cities thousands of people will live in an area of land no bigger than a single Household's estate. People in the cities move around, as jobs and new opportunities open up. People in the Marches tend to be born and raised on one piece of land - and to raise their own family there in turn. There are churches to the Little Mother in the Marches, but rather than a mother figure running an orphanage, she is portrayed more like a steward, taking in those with nowhere to go and helping them learn how to work a field, so that they might themselves one day become successful.

Rather than build a great orphanage to house those who have lost their parents, what friars usually do is look for a home for a child who has lost their parents. They will take homeless orphans and seek out relatives and do what they can to persuade them to take them in. Where they can they will seek out the closest relatives they can find who are in a position to help. If they cannot find close relatives then they will look further afield, distant relatives, then friends of the family, and ultimately just charitable souls if nothing else presents itself. [[Mournwold_spoils_of_war#The_Golden_Hoof|Hap the Soft]], a Jotun thrall who lives in the Green March is a good example of just such a charitable soul. He is well known for having taken in dozens of orphans over the years.

As a result there is precious little enthusiasm in the Mourn for this idea of a great big orphanage. A place you pack all your brother's children off too if he dies - so that someone else can take on your responsibilities instead of you? Sounds like just the thing... for a city full of town-folk who think [[Loyalty]] is something to do with the rings on your fingers.

==Register of Households==
Rather than a grand orphanage, ''Friar Margaret'' from [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] has suggested that would be more useful is a single central repository of records in the territory. If the Friars could keep a register of the births and deaths in every household, then that would be an invaluable tool to help them find a home for an orphan. Of course ideally such a register would have existed for many years, but the friars of the Mourn could dedicate what time they can spare over the next few years compiling new records of the existing Mourn households. It would take a long time to complete, but it would be an invaluable tool helping those seeking to find the best home for an orphan. She also suggests that those families who had space for another child in their house - or especially those families that had found themselves wanting children but unable to have them - might leave notice with the register.

The obvious place to keep the register would seem to be the new [[market town]] of [[Mournwold#Southmoor|Sarcombe]]. There is a large abandoned two-story building on the north side of the town that was once a bustling tavern a generation ago. It would need to be gutted and restored, so that it could house the registers, but it has a single common room more than large enough for the purpose of keeping records no matter how extensive.

As the idea takes root in the Marches, more people contribute. There is a suggestion that they could build shrines to the Little Mother across the Mourn and keep a small local register in each and collect donations there. The Friars could then copy those records to the main register at Sarcombe. And it is at ''that'' point that the sticky question comes of what to do with the Jotun thralls. This plan is not expensive, but it won't come cheap and Mournwold has made an awful lot of demands of the Empire of late. Nobody is quite sure whether the Cardinal intended to include the thralls in his benevolence or not. In the end the decision is made to ask the civil service to look into all three options and then leave it to the powers that be. It would be a kind deed to help the thralls as well - it would show good faith. But if money is tight...

==The Sarcombe Register==
* '''A familial register could be created to help place orphans with relatives and willing foster families'''
* '''There are several ways it could be built'''
The proposal to create the Sarcombe Register is a modest one. The Jarl's Head, the old abandoned inn, that Friar Margaret proposes to convert is large enough for the purpose but it has fallen into disrepair and would need some work to rebuild it. The civil service estimate that it could be restored at a cost of 6 wains of white granite and 12 crowns. That resulting folly, the Sarcombe Register, would provide a secure place to keep records of births and deaths throughout the territory.

Those records would be an invaluable resource for Friars and those of a similar ilk who were looking to find a home for an orphan. Rather than travelling the length and breadth of the territory trying to track someone down by name, they could first visit Sarcombe and use the records to find any trace of a person's family. It would be quicker, easier, and safer for everyone. There would be some small costs involved in keeping the records, but the alder of Sarcombe have indicated that they would be happy to hold the keys for the building, and are confident that small donations from grateful Mournwolders should be more than enough to pay the upkeep. If the Senate wished to then they could appoint an official [[New_Imperial_titles#Custodian|custodian]] of the records - perhaps even give him or her a small [[Imperial_treasury#Stipends|stipend]] if they were feeling really generous - but otherwise the alder will simply find one of their own to manage the Register.

It is perhaps a little short of the great work that Cesare had in mind - so the alternative would be to create something a little more impressive. In addition to the register, the Senate could order the construction of a set of shrines to the Little Mother, spread across the territory. Records of local households could be kept there - before they were copied to the Sarcombe Register - as well as serving as a valuable repository for donations from the faithful.

This is a much more ambitious plan, costing significantly more than the conversion of the Jarl's Head, but it would provide substantial benefits to congregations of Prosperity across the territory. In total, the creation of the network of shrines along with the conversion of the Sarcombe Register, would need 40 wains of white granite and 80 crowns. It would be even more effective at allowing the friars of the Mourn to find homes for orphans - but it would also provide additional benefits. The civil service estimate it would produce donations equal to 900 rings a season shared between [[congregation|congregations]] dedicated to Prosperity in the Mournwold.

Of course that cost only includes shrines in the areas currently settled by Marcher families... it doesn't include those areas where the Jotun thralls dwell. The Jotun orphans would have to look out for themselves... The only alternative would be to extend the network of shrines to the Jotun areas of the Mourn and include their names and households in the Sarcombe Register. That would be more expensive - it would need 50 wains of white granite and 100 crowns - and it wouldn't provide any additional benefits to Imperial congregations. But it would be another concrete sign of the Empire's intention to incorporate the thralls into the Marcher society - an implication which is not likely to be missed by those who live in the Mourn or elsewhere.
===Civil Service Summary===
* The Sarcombe Register, a set of records to help friars find families willing to take in orphans, could be built as a folly. It would cost 6 wains of white granite and 12 crowns.
* Alternatively, it could include shrines of the Little Mother across the Mournwold. This would cost 40 wains of white granite and 80 crowns, and share a bounty of 900 rings among every congregation dedicated to Prosperity in the Mournwold. This project would ''only'' include human settlements however.
* Finally, the shrines and the register could be built so as to include orc settlements as well as human settlements. This would cost 50 wains of white granite and 100 crowns, and provide the same benefits as the more restricted series of shrines above. It would also be another sign of Imperial intent to incorporate the thralls into Marcher society.

==Inspiration==
* '''Frederick di Sarvos has challenged the Cardinal of Ambition to make a "statement of endeavour"'''
The statement by Cesare has not just provoked the interest of the Marchers. ''Frederick di Sarvos'' is a talented architect who gave up a promising career working with the civil service on commissions to accept a tenured chair at the University of [[Holberg]] where he divides his time between teaching the secrets of architecture to a small group of hand picked students and exchanging correspondence with other architects, artists and engineers in the Empire and oversees. Only the wealthiest of Holberg's families can afford the tuition fees to be one of Frederick's pupils but he can demand such high prices because of his impressive reputation.

Frederick is known to be a passionate devotee of [[Ambition]], in his early work he was noted for the need to create ever more ambitious works. Some say he retired because he had achieved everything he wanted to - but others said it was because he had grown fed up with being called on to build yet another small structure to enhance the production of mana crystals.

Now, fired up by the example of the orphanage, he has written an open letter to the [[Cardinal]] of Ambition, '''Viviane de Coeurdefer''', of [[Dawn]], challenging her to pass a [[statement of principle]] calling on the ambitious architects and engineers of the Empire to create something truly impressive. Frederick has sworn a solemn oath that if the Cardinal will submit a judgement to the [[Assembly#The Assembly of the Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] outlining what problem she would like tackled or what feat she would like achieved, then he will immediately devote himself to the task, assuming the [[judgement]] passes. What is more he will encourage all his peers, and his rivals, and indeed anyone who pursues the Path of Ambition, to apply themselves to the project. The goal will be to find the most ambitious, most ingenious design that will meet the Cardinal's brief.

Frederick has artfully suggested that the judgement be called a ''Statement of Endeavour''. In legal terms it would be a statement of principle, but the practical impact would be the same. The architect understands the nature of the Assembly of Nine, and appreciates that the judgement may be rejected. Indeed he regards that as a positive, since it would be frustrating if he and his peers applied themselves to present something only to have the [[Senate]] reject it for some reason. Having the backing of the [[Assembly]] makes it more likely that any design will become a reality.

He is eager to start work, but content to wait until approval is forthcoming, so if the Cardinal submits a judgement that is rejected, then he will wait another season for her or her successor to try again. However, he does not intend to wait forever; he will lose interest and withdraw his offer if the Cardinal chooses not to submit a judgement of endeavour to the Assembly of Nine for any reason.

Emperor Walter

2026-05-18T18:29:52Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Early Life and Election */

===Reign: 371YE - 373YE===
===Called: ''The Ham-fisted''===
Also ''the Greedy''

====Early Life and Election====
Emperor Walter [[Upwold]] was a [[The Marches|Marcher]] [[naga]] of the [[Upwold#Ashbrook|Sweetroot]] Marrowdene family. The child of wealthy parents, he followed his grandfather, mother, and two of his aunts to serve as an alder. While he had little interest or time for town politics, he had significant personal charisma, and soon gained a reputation as a capable businessman with a strong work-ethic. He was notorious for rising long before dawn only to work long into the night - he claimed his passion was for his work and nothing could keep him from it. But he was more than just a work horse - he was known for shrewd investments, and a calculating, methodical approach to maximising his profits.

With Walter at the helm, his family's business selling sweetroot cakes and sweetwater prospered - but it did not truly take off until Walter decided to start preparing shipments for sale in Anvil. At that time there was comparatively little in the way of "dainties" to be bought during the summits, and to widespread amazement the family were able to command an exceptional price for their confectionery. The work was hard - but Walter took to it with relish - making vast profits each summit.

If Walter had been content to retire on his wealth than his story would have ended there and he would soon have been forgotten. No matter how much wealth he gained, however, it never seemed to satisfy him. Some of his critics ascribe this failing to his [[Naga#Roleplaying_naga|strong naga blood]], but the more even-handed point out that there is little need to look to [[lineage]] to explain someone who is discontent with what they have.

In 364YE he formed the Sweetroot Cartel with friends from the Marches, attracting investors from [[Varushka]], [[Highguard]] and [[the Brass Coast]]. From the outset the Cartel took an aggressive position in the [[Bourse]] capturing five seats and driving up the prices of mithril and weirwood in the process. In the years that followed, Walter and his friends made huge profits but their aspirations for complete domination of the Bourse were stymied by two rival cartels - the Giacomi Carta of Sarvos, and the so-called Woolpack Concern of the Marches.

Apparently frustrated by this rivalry, he turned his attention to the [[Senate]]. In 368YE, following the death of [[Emperor Hugh]], he set his sights on the Imperial Throne. Friends were initially surprised - Walter had never seemed interested in politics - but he claimed to be driven by a desire to transform the Empire's finances. Campaigning on a platform of economic reforms, he slowly gathered support and made his bid in 371YE in the aftermath of the [[Thule]] conquest of [[Skarsind]].

One of his rivals, Bertolli Giacomi di Sarvos, of the Giacomi Carta, remarked of the election that it was "''the most expensive Throne ever sold''". Walter is alleged to have paid ''staggering'' sums of money as bribes to half the senators in the Empire. It was claimed he bought the elections of two Freeborn senators outright. It is impossible to know just how much money changed hands but the sums are believed to have run to thousands of thrones. It was rumoured that Walter had persuaded his entire cartel to back him - and that they had invested everything they had to put him on the Throne.

====Reign====
Almost from the beginning, his tenure on [[the Throne]] was ill-starred. The Empire was still enduring a period of Senate corruption and [[Synod]] introspection, with a [[Military Council]] still divided by the disasters of [[Empress Giselle|Giselle's]] reign and the failures of [[Emperor Hugh]]. Walter had campaigned as a man who could turn Imperial fortunes around by treating the Empire like a business - and it soon became apparent that he intended to do exactly that. He instructed the [[Conclave]] to sever all ties with [[eternal|eternals]] who could not "''do something for the Empire''"... which led many eternals to pre-emptively cut ties with the Conclave.

The Military Council were appraised of The Throne's objectives - with the clear understanding that these military goals would provide the most certain financial benefits to the Empire. This unorthodox approach was not especially popular with the competing national interests expressed in the chamber - something that Walter seemed largely unprepared for. Although he generally avoided public speaking, he tried to browbeat [[general|generals]] in person - arguing over and over for the financial logic of his plans.

It was largely unsuccessful and meetings of the Council became increasingly chaotic and fractious. This resulted in a disastrous [[muster]] at the Winter Solstice 372YE where the Council were simply unable to decide which battles they should take or who should fight. The civil service were forced to take steps to try and ensure that such an outcome could never happen again - but not before thousands had died as a result of the inaction. Worse, the deaths never seemed to move Walter - when one general confronted the Emperor, publicly accusing him of being incapable of understanding the lives of Imperial soldiers as anything other than units of mithril, his infamous response that it was not true because "''mithril goes where you want it to''" did little to improve his relationship with the Council.

He famously never attended the Senate, openly explaining that he had better uses for his time. This disdain for those who had elected him did little to increase political support for his reign or acceptance of his unorthodox approach. He couldn't even get on with the Marcher senators - it is claimed he said that of all of them "''the only ones I trust are the Freeborn, for at least they have the honesty to stay bought''".

He ''did'' send his brother Edmund, equipped with an [[The_Throne#Imperial_Favour|Imperial favour]], to made regular use of [[The_Throne#The_Hand_of_the_Chancellor|the Hand of the Chancellor]] but this increasingly led to accusations that he and his companions were lining their own pockets. There were frequent rumours that he was badly in debt to other members of the Sweetroot Cartel and that he was increasingly drawing large sums of money from the treasury to pay them what they were owed.

In the first seasons following Walter's coronation, his cartel had been quiet - passing all opportunities to bid - and most people simply assumed that they had shut up shop. That impression was rudely shattered when a year later the Sweetwater Cartel were able to sweep in and purchase half the Imperial seats on the Bourse. People began to whisper that Walter's real goal had not changed - that the Emperor sought complete domination of the Bourse and that he had only taken the Throne to help him get it.

He was called to [[inquisition]] by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] at the Spring Equinox summit in 373YE to answer to the allegations that he was bleeding the Empire's finances dry to line his own pockets. His answers made uncomfortable listening for many. Walter was frank that he was indeed using funds taken from the treasury to fund his bids for Bourse seats. To the horror of some of the [[cardinal|cardinals]] he claimed that as The Throne his personal wealth and that of the Empire were indivisible - that they were one and the same. That every step he took to enrich himself - as The Throne - was a step taken to enrich the Empire. He was overwhelmingly [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] for his actions - only the Cardinal of [[Ambition]] was prepared to vote in support of Walter's actions. Despite the outrage, an attempt to [[revocation|revoke]] him failed completely - allegedly in part due to bribes paid to key priests in the Marches, [[the League]], and the Brass Coast.

Walter's plan to restore the finances of the Empire appeared to be to take personal control of all the Bourse resources - so that he could direct their profits and their materials as he saw best. In an unguarded moment he once commented to a friend that he had taken over running the Empire with the intention of bringing the entire Imperial economy directly under his leadership. Close friends claimed to the last that the plan was sound but even those who admired Walter's ambition were forced to admit that his attempts to achieve it were poorly executed. The naked greed that had served to elevate him in the Bourse was insufficient for the more difficult task of leading the Empire. His end came before he would ever have the chance to prove if his unique approach to the Throne would have been successful but by then his crude tactics had already earned him the moniker "Ham-Fisted".

<quote by="Agnes Marrowdene">My father did not fail because he was too greedy - he failed because the Empire was not greedy enough.</quote>

====Death and Legacy====
His reign lasted only twenty months. During a lavish meal in which he attempted to sway Marcher senators, he became ill and died. Although the cause of death is recorded as "choking to death on an olive pit", it is widely believed he was assassinated. According to some eyewitnesses he became incoherent over the fish course - initially mistaken for a surfeit of fine [[Dawn|Dawnish]] wines. When he broke a half-empty bottle over the head of the Senator for Upwold, Gareth of Ashill, and began to attack the guests it appeared something out of the ordinary was occurring. The Emperor died a few minutes into his apparent drunken rampage, apparently suffering a fatal brain haemorrhage.

He is interred in [[Necropolis#the Necropolis|the Necropolis]] in a small white granite tomb screened from view by a thick stand of yew trees. In some ways, Walter's ill-starred reign opened the way for [[Empress Britta]]. Even during the reign of [[Empress Giselle]], the sheer self-serving corruption of the Senate had been at least partly concealed. Under Walter, some of the worst senators put aside their masks are revealed their true agendas making the need for some sort of reform absolutely apparent.

After his death it became apparent that he had bankrupted his family. As well as borrowing significant amounts of money from his allies, he had spent every penny of his personal fortune in pursuit of the Bourse seats that would help him "save the Empire." In the end, his family were left destitute, and withdrew entirely from Imperial politics. They currently run a tiny bakery in Sweetroot.

==Emperor Walter in Play==
Walter was a brilliant businessman but an unorthodox and incompetent Throne. His attempts to reduce the running of the Empire to a balance and loss account never produced the returns he claimed would follow.

He lived and died only recently. It is acceptable for player characters to have met him, to have opposed him, or to have suffered defeat in the Bourse at the hands of his cartel. You may even chosen to have personally supported him, or to benefited from his corrupt "patronage" if you wish.
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:The Throne]]

The Marches economic interests

2026-05-18T18:28:35Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Alder */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Haggling.jpg|caption=Traders trade at market towns and local fairs.|width=400|align=right}}
==Overview==
Agriculture is the basis of wealth in the Marches. Even a modest holding produces an income that allows its yeoman to live comfortably. With some improvement, a Marcher farm can pay for luxuries and imported goods. Marcher fields and orchards feed people across the Empire. Trade surplus in the form of cured and preserved meats, flitches of bacon, barrels of beer, bushels of fruit and vegetables, sacks of flour, tanned leather and bales of wool travels from one side of the Empire to the other, purchased by intermediaries from [[the Brass Coast]] or [[The League]].

Many of these traders come initially to one of the many small but important [[Market Towns|market towns]] that dot the landscape. The first market rights were established by Imperial charter, and towns with these rights are outside the direct control of the households.

===Alder===
The inhabitants of a market town appoint '''alders''' (also sometimes ''aldermen'') to represent the town. In most cases these folk are wealthy merchants of the town. However their ranks may also include prominent town folk such as a friar or blacksmith who lives in the village. Those market towns that employ their own militia usually raise the captain to the rank of alder.
__TOC__
The name itself is sometimes assumed to be a corruption of ''elder'' but in fact is a very old reference to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alder alder] tree whose presence is known to be good for the fertility of soil. The metaphor is obvious; the alders (and by extension the market towns) are good for the farms and the farmers help them improve their prosperity in a symbiotic relationship.

Many alders take great pride in their ceremonial chains of office, sometimes referred to as "Chains of Prosperity". Several towns maintain a healthy level of competition in providing the most magnificent chain for their representatives, and some go so far as to commission them as magical items, such as an [[Alder's Edge]].

===Market Town===
Most [[market town|market towns]] are small, little more than a few score houses on either side of a main street. The Imperial charters prevent a market town being established within a full day's travel of an existing market town but competition and rivalry between market towns is at least as fierce as that between rival households. Because the market towns lack a stake in the political process, they are forced to rely on neighbouring households to represent their interests. While most Marcher folk see this as right and proper, a life of honest toil on the land being superior to a life spent haggling for every last silver, alders often have a rather different view.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Herb Business.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
At the heart of almost every prosperous market town is an inn. These large structures are often fortified, with a wall surrounding the building and adjacent compound. Merchants visiting the town will usually eat and sleep at the inn but so will visiting yeomen bringing their goods to market, unless they have relatives who live in the town. Only Meade is large enough to support more than one inn, so the quality of the food and drink provided by a town's inn can have an impact on the prosperity of the whole town, as foreign merchants may avoid those towns whose inns have a bad reputation.

The innkeeper is almost invariably an alder of the town and can be one of the wealthiest members of the community. They are often also the best informed; inns tend to be hotbeds of gossip, with news and information being bought and sold as regularly as the drinks.
{{Anchor|Granaries and Storehouses - the Imperial Breadbasket}}
==The Imperial Breadbasket==
The three northern territories of the Marches - [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], and [[Upwold]] - are dotted with public buildings referred to as a whole as the ''Imperial Breadbasket''. These granaries, barns, warehouses, gain silos, and storage houses are maintained by the civil service, and overseen by the [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] who makes any important decisions regarding their bounty. They exist to ensure that the [[farm|farms]] of the Marches are prepared to meet any potentially disastrous setbacks such as poor harvests or wide-scale curses. They were completed just before the Spring Equinox 381YE. Any Marcher farm-owner can make use of their services, and at a reasonable price. The [[great work]] they represent was created as a result of the disasters that beset the nation in 379YE and 380YE.

==Billet==
Any Imperial [[general]] can order their troops to [[Army orders#Billet|billet]] in any of Mitwold, Mournwold, Bregasland or Upwold, supported by the breadbasket. The [[opportunity]] to [[Home_fires#A_Meal_and_a_Bed|create this special order]] arose as the result of a [[mandate]] enacted by Friar John of the Mourn following the Spring Equinox 383YE. If the breadbasket were extended to cover other [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[territory|territories]], the billet order could be taken there as well.
The order was extended to Mournwold in Spring Equinox 386YE after a [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Fund_the_Drummers_of_the_Drakes|Senate motion]] reinstating [[Pride_of_the_Marches#Drake's_Due|Drake's Due]].

{{The Marches Links}}
* [[Keeper of the Breadbasket#History|Keeper of the Breadbasket]] - details the history of the Imperial Breadbasket
[[Category:The Marches]]
[[Category:Archetype]]

387YE Winter Solstice Senate sessions

2026-05-18T15:05:43Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Rename Mount Polus */

[[Category:Senate]] [[Category:Senate Sessions]] [[Category:387YE Winter]]
{{stub}}
==Overview==
The [[Imperial Senate]] governs the Empire, and its authority extends to all areas of Imperial life not already covered by the other houses of government. Each summit the [[senator|senators]] meet [[Event schedule|several times]] to deliberate and vote on the [[Senate motion|motions]] they have raised.

After the summit the civil service enact those motions, and ensure a public record of each is made available to the citizens of the Empire. This page lists all the motions raised during the summit, along with the [[Senate announcement|announcements]] made by citizens with [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]]. In each case, the motion and its effects are summarised including the wording; who proposed and seconded it; whether it passed or not; whether any funds were disbursed to support it; and what the outcome of the motion will be.

Many motions (especially the [[commission|commissions]]) also have a ''Further Details'' section that provides a link to a wiki page dealing specifically with that motion in more detail, any commentary from the [[Scrutiny|Constitutional Court]], progress on commissions, or expanded information about the outcome of the motion.

==Treasury==
* Imperial treasury during this season announced by the civil service at 1519 thrones and 6 crowns.
* The following has been donated to the Imperial treasury:
** 28 thrones donated by '''Magdalena Teyhard von Holberg''' after the Winter Solstice 387YE for upkeep of Holberg's Walls
** 16 thrones donated by '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''' after Winter Solstice 387YE for Apothecaries Guild upkeep
** 10 thrones donated by '''Tristan Ramson von Holberg''' after the Winter Solstice 387YE
** 1 throne donated by '''Richardo Glostari di Sarvos''' after the Winter Solstice 387YE

==Administrative Motions==
===Allocate the Fingers of the Devourer===
*'''Motion:''' To allocate the Fingers of the Devourer
* '''Raised by:''' Speaker for the Senate at the Friday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' Allocated as Imperial.
* '''Further Details:''' The [[Sarangrave#The_Fingers_of_the_Devourer|Fingers of the Devourer]] will be available for auction for a shortened term at the Spring Equinox 388YE.

===Allocate the Sorrowful Tunnels===
*'''Motion:''' To allocate the Sorrowful Tunnels
* '''Raised by:''' Speaker for the Senate at the Friday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' Allocated as national, for the Imperial Orcs.
* '''Further Details:''' The [[Construct Sorrowful Tunnels|Sorrowful Tunnels]] will be appointed for a shortened term at the Spring Equinox 388YE by [[Tally of the Votes]] of Unshackled [[military unit]] captains

===Amend Manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild===
*'''Motion:''' To amend the manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild to the following "Apothecaries are a cornerstone of the Empire; Only through unity and shared discovery can we unlock our art's full potential; Our expertise should be valued and fairly compensated, not taken for granted." And amend the stated goals of the sodality to "Coordinate and support the research, development, and dissemination of ingredients, potions, poisons, antidotes, and drugs; To serve as the point of contact for bodies of state when apothecary and herbalist advice is required; To represent and support the interests of apothecaries and herbalists within the Empire"
* '''Raised by:''' Speaker for the Senate on Saturday evening
* '''Outcome:''' Passed with a constitutional majority
* '''Further Details:''' Ratified by '''Emperor Vesna Borkovna Prochnost'''. This matter has been raised due to the ambiguity of the original manifesto and the original goals in the '''[[It%27s_what_we_do#Contracts_and_Rings|It's what we do]]''' wind of fortune

===Amend Manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild II===
*'''Motion:''' To amend the manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild to read "Coordinate and support the research, development, and dissemination of ingredients, potions, poisons, antidotes, and drugs to Imperial citizens"
* '''Raised by:''' Speaker for the Senate on Saturday evening
* '''Outcome:''' Passed with a constitutional majority
* '''Further Details:''' Ratified by '''Emperor Vesna Borkovna Prochnost'''. This matter has been raised due to the ambiguity [[A_wild_night_and_a_new_road#Prescriptions|identified by the Kruidenkenner]].

===Hire New Prognosticator===
*'''Motion:''' To hire Lisane de Terresford, Rosemary Stockland, or Vainakoma Dawnstongue to the Prognosticators' Office.
* '''Raised by:''' Speaker for the Senate on Saturday evening.
* '''Withdrawn'''

==Senate Motions==
===Abrogate Decommission of Eastern Guard===
*'''Motion:''' To abrogate the motion to decommission the Eastern Guard in Upwold
*'''Proposed:''' Upwold at the Saturday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Mitwold
*'''Passed'''
*'''Notes:''' The motion from the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Decommission_the_Eastern_Guard|Summer Solstice 387YE]] has been abrogated

===Abrogate Grendel Embassy===
*'''Motion:''' To abrogate the Grendel embassy in Redoubt forcibly ejecting the Grendel staff. This maintains the title of Ambassador to the Grendel
*'''Proposed:''' Zenith at the Friday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Casinea
*'''Passed'''

===Allocate Tassatan Hills===
*'''Motion:''' To allocate the Tassatan Hills ilium mine
*'''Proposed:''' Tassato at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Holberg
*'''Outcome:''' Allocated as Imperial. The [[Tassatan Hills]] will be available for auction at the Spring Equinox 387YE.

===Amend Construction Titles===
*'''Motion:''' To amend the titles of Master of the Koboldi; Legion Engineer; Master of Rings; and Chair of the Wolf to grant them the power to announce the construction of any commission that creates a structure in line with Adamant's offer
*'''Proposed:''' Morrow at the Friday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Skarsind
*'''Passed'''

===Amend Imperial Embassies===
*'''Motion:''' The Senate makes a motion to amend Imperial embassies. Henceforth, all gifts, goodwill, and favours received by an embassy will be used to offset the upkeep of the embassy to the Imperial treasury. This is in accordance with the opportunity identified by Graciana i Lopez is Guerra of the Imperial Prognosticators Office
*'''Proposed:''' Sarvos at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Spiral
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Removes access to ministries for [[Ambassador|ambassadors]] and removes upkeep for the embassies. More information can be found on the '''[[The_circle_game#Diplomatic_Ministries|The circle game]]''' wind of fortune

===Amend Landskeeper Titles===
*'''Motion:''' To amend the following Marcher positions according to the opportunity presented by Alisoun Bathwater. The Guardian of the Prosperity of Afal, Keeper of the Golden Fields, Keeper of the Happiston Fields, Roost's Reeve, and the Keeper of the Dour Fens will now all be held by Landskeepers. In return the prosperous citizens of the Marchers will reward them with odds and ends.
*'''Proposed:''' Mitwold at the Sunday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Semmerholm
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Amends the titles of [[Guardian of the Prosperity of Afal]], [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]], [[Keeper of the Happiston Fields]], [[Roost's Reeve]], and the [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]]. More information on this opportunity can be found in the '''[[Volumes_of_forgotten_lore#Rivers_and_Honey|Volumes of forgotten lore]]''' wind of fortune

===Amend Legion Rookery===
*'''Motion:''' To change the Legion Rookery to an edifice to support the miners of the Sorrowful Tunnels. We thank the Black Tillers for their work and ask their help in proposing replacement great work designs.
*'''Proposed:''' Skarsind at the Sunday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Morrow
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' This has changed the Legion Rookery into an [[edifice]] which halves the cost for purchasing additional wains of mithril.

===Amend Lepidean Librarian===
*'''Motion:''' To amend the title of Lepidean Librarian: to give the title custodianship of the dose of true liao refined and enhanced in the Garden of Atun, to use as they see fit in their pursuit of knowledge
*'''Proposed:''' Reikos at the Friday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Necropolis
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' From the Spring Equinox 388YE onwards, the dose of [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] produced by the ''Gardens of Atun'' around the Lepidean University will be given to the [[Lepidean Librarian]] instead of being placed in the [[Rewarding#Virtue Fund|Virtue Fund]].

===Assign Stipend to Embassies===
*'''Motion:''' To assign a stipend to Imperial Ambassadors with an embassy
*'''Proposed:''' Hercynia at the Sunday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Weirwater
*'''Passed at 4 thrones'''

===Create Ambassador to Beoraidh===
*'''Motion:''' To create the title of Ambassador to Beoraidh. This does <u>not</u> include the construction of an embassy as it is not required.
*'''Proposed:''' Mareave at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Feroz
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Creates the title of [[Ambassador to Beoraidh]]

===Create Broker of Thorns===
*'''Motion:''' To accept the offer made by the Great Forest Orcs and create the title Broker of Thorns, a Navarr National bourse seat in Heart of Peytaht, the Barrens. Provides 11 weirwood seasonally, has the responsibility to work with the Great Forest Orcs if the Eaves of Peytaht is ever threatened. Has the normal upkeep cost but no creation cost as it is not a commission.
*'''Proposed:''' Miaren at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Sermersuaq
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Creates the title of [[Broker of Thorns]], which will be appointed for a shortened term at the Spring Equinox 388YE by [[Tally of the Votes]] of Navarr [[herb garden]] owners. More information can be found on the '''[[Quietude#Eaves_of_Peytaht|Quietude]]''' wind of fortune

===Create Stoat of the Sun===
*'''Motion:''' To create the title 'Stoat of the Sun', a position in the Military Council with the power to address. To be assigned following the voting traditions of the Sun Chamber
*'''Proposed:''' Mournwold at the Saturday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Upwold
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Creates the title of [[Stoat of the Sun]]

===Decommission Ballaghadruh===
*'''Motion:''' To abrogate the fort of Ballaghadruh in Spiral
*'''Proposed:''' Spiral at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Sarvos
*'''Passed'''

===Disburse Funds to Rhydian de Rondell===
*'''Motion:''' For the disbursement of funds to Rhydian de Rondell to defeat Druj ritualists in Therunin. This is the <u>singular</u> most important conjunction since the death of Britta. Should we fail, 25,000 vallornspawn will be loosed, dooming Therunin. <u>We must not fail</u>. The Empire is defended by its heroes.
*'''Proposed:''' Astolat at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' The Barrens
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' 90 thrones disbursed to '''Rhydian de Rondell''' of [[Dawn]]

===Hire Prognosticators===
*'''Motion:''' To hire all three prognosticators
*'''Proposed:''' Bastion at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Mareave
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' The upkeep for the Prognosticators Office has increased by six thrones a season. More information can be found on the '''[[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Budget_Matters|Forever is composed of nows]]''' wind of fortune

===Reestablish Broken Shore Bounty===
*'''Motion:''' Motion to reestablish the Broken Shore Bounty in the region of Oranseri, Feroz. The Broken Shore Bounty is a national Bourse position, receiving 7 rings of ilium per season.
*'''Proposed:''' Feroz at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Kahraman
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' The [[Broken Shore Bounty]] will once again be elected at the Spring Equinox 388YE by [[Tally of the Votes]] of Freeborn [[fleet]] captains

===Relinquish Tassatan Hills===
*'''Motion:''' To relinquish the Tassatan Hills ilium mine, currently a League national bourse seat. Requires disbursement of funds to Holberg to repay the investors as per the original opportunity
*'''Proposed:''' Holberg at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Tassato
*'''Passed with a constitutional majority'''
*'''Outcome:''' Ratified by '''Emperor Vesna Borkovna Prochnost'''. 250 thrones disbursed to '''Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg''', Senator for [[Holberg]]

===Rename Mount Polus===
*'''Motion:''' To rename Mount Polus in Zenith, the highest mountain in the Empire, to "Kespoena's Reach", after the astronomancer for whom that mountain was raised. Her dream, to rebuild her spire atop the tallest mountain in Zenith, was rendered impossible by the Arch of the Sky quarry - but with Ambition, and love, nothing is beyond our reach. Dare to do the impossible. Dare to dream.
*'''Proposed:''' Gancio di Catazar, [[Citizens' Voice]] on the Saturday evening session
*'''Passed'''

===Replace Food to Thule===
*'''Motion:''' To swap the nation providing the Thule with food from the Marches to Dawn
*'''Proposed:''' Semmerholm at the Saturday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Ossium
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' The [[Army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces|maximum numbers of Imperial forces]] have been amended as supplies from [[Dawn]] are sent to [[Otkodov]]

==Appointments==
===Appoint Ambassador to Beoraidh===
*'''Motion:''' Election of the Ambassador to Beoraidh
*'''Raised by:''' Speaker of the Senate at the Saturday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' '''Melchior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' of [[Highguard]] was appointed as the [[Ambassador to Beoraidh]]

===Appoint Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy===
*'''Motion:''' Election of the Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy
*'''Raised by:''' Speaker of the Senate at the Friday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' '''Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]] was appointed as the [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]]
* '''Notes:''' This appointment was [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ambassador_to_the_Iron_Confederacy|initially raised]] in the last session of the Autumn Equinox 387YE

===Appoint Ambassador to Jarm===
*'''Motion:''' Election of the Ambassador to Jarm
*'''Raised by:''' Speaker of the Senate at the Friday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' '''Thaumiel of Steeplechase Toll''' of [[Highguard]] was appointed as the [[Ambassador to Jarm]]
* '''Notes:''' This appointment was [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ambassador_to_Jarm|initially raised]] in the last session of the Autumn Equinox 387YE

===Appoint Bredavoi Emissary===
*'''Motion:''' Election the title Bredavoi Emissary
*'''Proposed:''' Ossium at the Sunday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Temeschwar
*'''Outcome:''' '''Držiljudi Budiveli Danyleski''' was appointed as the [[Bredavoi Emissary]] with a constitutional majority
* '''Notes:''' This election was escalated and received the ratification of '''Empress Vesna Borkovna Prochnost'''

===Appoint Captain of the Senate Guard===
*'''Motion:''' Elect the Captain of the Senate Guard
*'''Proposed:''' The Barrens at the Saturday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Redoubt
*'''Outcome:''' '''Arthur Bannerman aka Bam Bam''' of [[Navarr]] was appointed as the [[Captain of the Senate Guard]] at the Sunday afternoon session

===Appoint General of the Golden Axe===
*'''Motion:''' Elect the General of the Golden Axe
*'''Proposed:''' Karov at the Sunday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Volodmartz
*'''Outcome:''' '''Vojsuli Cherenkov''' was appointed as the [[Golden Axe|General of the Golden Axe]] with a constitutional majority
* '''Notes:''' This election was escalated and received the ratification of '''Emperor Vesna Borkovna Prochnost'''

===Appoint Ambassador to Otkodov===
*'''Motion:''' To elect the Ambassador to Otkodov
*'''Proposed:''' Hahnmark at the Sunday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Hercynia
*'''Outcome:''' The title of [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] will be appointed at the first Senate session of the Spring Equinox 388YE

==Appraisals==
===Appraise the Cat's Graces===
*'''Motion:''' To appraise the sodality, the Cat's Graces: Symbol: Cat holding a scroll of paper. Leader: Maestro. This sodality is dedicated to art and music, it holds the following to be true: Arts are for everyone to enjoy, no matter their skill; Virtue demands that we give space for joy as well as for work; The value of a nation is judged by its culture as much as its might. The sodality therefore exists to: Support and promote creatives, providing opportunities to exhibit their talents; Share learning through the arts, fostering understanding between peoples and traditions; Ensure creators are valued, and that their work is recognised and fairly rewarded.
*'''Announced by:''' Empress Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, [[the Throne]]
*'''Outcome:''' The results of this appraisal will be presented before the Spring Equinox 388YE

===Appraise Highborn-Commonwealth Relations===
*'''Motion:''' On behalf of Solomon of the Shattered Tower: "Highguard invite Professor Gelberg and the scholars of the Commonwealth to appraise how Highguard and the Commonwealth can secure stronger ties in matters of military doctrine, trade, and philosophy. Through new dialogue and the fostering of good relations, what can we learn from each other for the greater good and ambitions of our peoples"
*'''Announced by:''' Paulk Thornweaver, [[Patron of the Beurteilung]] at the Saturday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' The findings of ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' will be presented before the Spring Equinox 388YE

===Appraise Prosperity of Volodmartz===
*'''Motion:''' The Cold Sun were an enemy unlike any the Empire has ever seen, unprecedented problems require unprecedented solutions. We send Graciana i Lopez i Guerra to find opportunities to bring Prosperity to the ruins of Volodmartz left by Cold Sun.
*'''Proposed:''' Volodmartz
*'''Seconded:''' Miekarova
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' The results of this appraisal will be presented before the Spring Equinox 388YE

===Appraise Rebels of Nesustak Forest===
*'''Motion:''' We send Naomi of Virtue's Rest to appraise solutions to the rebels of Nesustak Forest, Sarangrave
*'''Proposed:''' Conscience of the Senate
*'''Seconded:''' Sarangrave
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' The results of this appraisal will be presented before the Spring Equinox 388YE

==Commissions (Senate)==
===Construct Black Obelisk===
*'''Motion:''' To construct the edifice "The Black Obelisk" on the Guildenstern estate, Stockmarch, Upwold. To serve as a place of memorial to the herald Obligatus and the landskeeper Geraint Black, leader of the Unbound Union and Keeper of the Prosperity of Afal, following the activity of cultists in Upwold. This is fully self-funded.
*'''Proposed:''' Casinea at the Friday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Zenith
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[edifice]] in Stockmarch, Upwold.
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Black Obelisk]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the first use of a commission

===Construct Rat Garden===
*'''Motion:''' To construct the "Rat Garden" in Hanuri, Temeschwar. This amendment to Giselle's Tomb will change its production <u>from</u> four liao a season <u>to</u>four crystal mana and six crowns. This will amend the title "Guardian of Giselle's Tomb" to be renamed "Sexton of the Rat Plague Memorial", to be appointed annually by the Senators of the League. This motion is in direct response to the civil service record "The Concisest Tenant." The cost is 30 crowns.
*'''Proposed:''' Temeschwar at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Kallavesa
*'''Failed'''
*'''Further Details:''' Further information on this opportunity can be found in the '''[[The concisest tenant]]''' wind of fortune

===Construct Municipal Docks===
*'''Motion:''' Raise a commission to build the Municipal Docks in Madruga (inc Quaymaster). Self-funded.
*'''Proposed:''' Madruga at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Hahnmark
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[great work]] in Calvos Sound, Madruga as per the '''[[Germinating_a_city#A_Spiritual_Successor|Germinating a city]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Municipal Docks]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the third use of a commission

===Construct Beacon of Sermersuaq===
*'''Motion:''' The Beacons of Wintermark <u>must</u> be completed. We shall construct the final set within Sermersuaq. As part of this commission we call upon a boon provided by Cathan Canae in recognition of our resilience against two armies of Oblivion.
*'''Proposed:''' Sermersuaq at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Madruga
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[edifice]] in Sealtoq, Sermersuaq as per the '''[[Farm,_fur,_and_fish#Extraneous_Castles|Farm, fur, and fish]]''' and '''[[Tales_of_imagination#Wolves_and_Bears_(Cathan_Canae)|Tales of imagination]]''' winds of fortunes
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Beacon of Sermersuaq]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the fourth use of a commission

===Construct Trencher's Shining Ambition===
*'''Motion:''' To construct a great lighthouse, Trencher's Shining Ambition, in West Marsh, Kallavesa; a great work benefitting fleets. Let us restore Westerhal as a hub of commerce in the west!
*'''Proposed:''' Kallavesa at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Reikos
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[Great_work#Great_Lighthouses|great lighthouse]] in West Marsh, Kallavesa
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Trencher's Shining Ambition]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the fifth use of a commission

===Rebuild Great Library of Ankarien===
*'''Motion:''' To rebuild the Great Library of Ankarien in its original location, a promise and an ambition of two centuries fulfilled. Costs thirty wains of white granite. Fully funded
*'''Proposed:''' Redoubt at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Miaren
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[edifice]] in Ankra, Spiral
*'''Further Details:''' [[Rebuild Great Library of Ankarien]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the sixth use of a commission

===Construct Garden of the Perfect World===
*'''Motion:''' To commission the Gardens of the Perfect World in Occursion, Zenith. This will create a ministry that allows trade with Tsark, trading weirwood and/or liao for white granite. This offers the choice for further trade with the hermit kingdom. This position is approved by the National Assembly. Self-funded.
*'''Proposed:''' Sarangrave at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Conscience of the Senate
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[ministry]] in Occursion, Zenith as per the '''[[Poets_light_but_lamps#Garden_of_the_Perfect_World|Poets light but lamps]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Gardens of the Perfect World]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the seventh use of a commission

===Construct Haros Riverpatrol===
*'''Motion:''' To commission the sinecure: Haros Riverpatrol
*'''Proposed:''' Necropolis at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Mournwold
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[sinecure]] in Haros Water, Reikos, as per the '''[[The price is great]]''' wind of fortune.
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Haros Riverpatrol]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the eighth use of a commission

===Construct Ozren Orzel Inspirational Tomb===
*'''Motion:''' Commission the inspirational tomb of the exemplar of Pride Ozren Orzel in Sandling, Weirwater. Self funded. True liao is ready for this great work.
*'''Proposed:''' Weirwater at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Astolat
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[great work]] in Sandling, Weirwater. More information can be found on the '''[[An_eagle_in_song|An eagle in song]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Ozren Orzel Inspirational Tomb]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the ninth use of a commission

==Commissions (Announcements)==
===Construct Apstrus Dam===
*'''Motion:''' The Legion Engineer is to build the way less taken and construct the dam in Apstrus to direct water into Icarion. This will cost 30 white granite and the labour of an Imperial army. As part of this, we will relocate the books of Solen's Doubt which will cost 5 thrones. This is self-funded.
*'''Announced by:''' Firesong Arachas, [[Legion Engineer]] at the Sunday afternoon session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[edifice]] in Apstrus, Spiral, as per the '''[[Million_miles_of_water#The_Way_Less_Taken|Million miles of water]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Apstrus Dam]]
*'''Notes:''' There are certain aspects of this announcement which are undergoing extended scrutiny

===Construct Circo del Topo===
*'''Motion:''' To construct the structure of Circo del Topo. A self funded sinecure requiring 10 wains of weirwood and 30 crowns in labour costs using standard costings. The sinecure will provide an income of 216 rings per season. The Circo del Topo will be supervised by the Temeschwari Topolino, an Imperial title appointed by unanimous decision of the League senators. The Temeschwari Topolino has tenure; serving until they die, resign, or are revoked and will be built in Hanuri, Temeschwar. They are responsible for working with the Rat Catchers guild in Temeschwar to find wider business opportunities to use the captured rats in. The first of these will be training the rats for use in entertainment. This project has been organised by Red Raven Holdings.
*'''Announced by:''' Lucrezia Corvinascura, [[Chair of the Wolf]] at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[sinecure]] in Hanuri, Temeschwar
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Circo del Topo]]

===Construct Monument to Silent Bell===
*'''Motion:''' As Mistress of Monuments, I propose an edifice in Broken Ride, Reikos. This engraved white granite pillar would celebrate the Silent Bell sodality for their tireless work in defending the Empire and the Way. This will be fully funded by Anatolij Paukov Zorkin
*'''Announced by:''' Ada Droon, [[Mistress of Monuments]] at the Saturday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[edifice]] in Broken Ride, Reikos.
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Monument to Silent Bell]]

===Construct Office of Fire and Stone===
*'''Motion:''' Self funded construction of "Office of Fire and Stone", an edifice in Iteri, Zenith. Urizen national position elected by Tally of the Vote.
*'''Announced by:''' Edmundo of Damakan's Forge, [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave]] at the Saturday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[edifice]] in Iteri, Zenith. More information on the Office of Fire and Stone can be found in the '''[[The_thing_with_feathers#Fire_and_Stone_(Estavus)|The thing with feathers]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Office of Fire and Stone]]

===Construct Spy Network in Tsirku===
*'''Motion:''' To unseen shores, I the Imperial Spymaster commission a spy network in Tsirku
*'''Announced by:''' Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo, [[Imperial Spymaster]] at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[spy network]] in Tsirku
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Spy Network in Tsirku]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the second use of a commission

===Construct the Story Garden===
*'''Motion:''' To build a sinecure called: "The Story Garden". Location - Belletain, Weirwater. Cost - 12 weirwood, 36 crowns. Title - Apothecary of the Story Garden. All funds have been raised by Lady Nineve Orzel. Tenured position that receives bladeroot. Responsible for providing potions to the virtuous citizens of Dawn in exchange for stories of their virtuous acts.
*'''Announced by:''' Laughlan Vi Temeschwar, [[Master of Rings]] at the Sunday afternoon session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[sinecure]] in Sandling, Weirwater.
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct the Story Garden]]

===Construct Wayhouse in Holberg===
*'''Motion:''' Self-funded construction of a wayhouse in Utterlund, Holberg. We are providing 16 wains of white granite and 48 crowns. It will be named The Splintered House
*'''Announced by:''' Ciapek Splintered Oak, [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave]] at the Saturday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[Navarr wayhouse|wayhouse]] in Utterlund, Holberg
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Wayhouse in Holberg]]

===Construct Well of Life===
*'''Motion:''' To commission the Well of Life, a grand lodge of the Silver Chalice in Lightsea, Madruga. This hospital is self-funded by the order (40 white granite, 40 weirwood, 20 mithril, and 60 crowns) and will create the title Hakima of the Rippling Marshes
*'''Announced by:''' Dima Vasilyevna Novosad, [[Master of the Koboldi]] at the Saturday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs the grand lodge of the [[Silver Chalice]] in Lightsea, Madruga. More information on the Well of Life can be found in the '''[[The_shape_of_things_to_come#The_Well_of_Life|The shape of things to come]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Well of Life]]

==Announcements==
===Assign Regalia to General of the Citadel Guard===
* '''Motion''' Assign regalia to the General of the Citadel Guard, assigning the Stormcaller rod
* '''Announced by:''' Cilicia of Athiliah's Handiwork, [[Benefactor of Regalia]] at the Sunday afternoon session
* '''Outcome:''' The [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] has been amended

===Hand of the Chancellor===
* '''Motion:''' Use of Hand of the Chancellor
* '''Announced by:''' Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, [[The Throne]] at the Saturday afternoon session
* '''Outcome:''' 200 thrones disbursed to Emperor Vesna Borkovna Prochnost

===Investigate Fortifications===
* '''Motion:''' As Master of Works, I request the prognosticator Mladen to re-examine the following works in light of new fortification technologies: Celesti's Lighthouse in Feroz; The Three Watchers in Morrow; and Reumah's Rest in Necropolis
* '''Announced by:''' Ehud, [[Imperial Master of Works]] at the Sunday afternoon session
* '''Outcome:''' The results of this investigation will be presented before the Spring Equinox 388YE

===Light Market===
* '''Motion:''' This year, the miners of Varushka will seek precious metals and jewels for trade, adding coins the pockets of those attending Anvil from Volodmartz and Miekarova
* '''Announced by:''' Desilav Sergeyevich Jesen, [[Merchant Boyar of the Light Market]] at the Sunday afternoon session
* '''Outcome:''' The mine owners of [[Miekarova]] and [[Volodmartz]] will receive 36 extra rings each season

===Lightstone Trade===
* '''Motion:''' As the new Architect of Illumination in Urizen, the traders of Morrow and Redoubt wish to be paid in coin for the lightstone sold to the people of Varushka
* '''Announced by:''' Felix of the Wise Citadel, [[Architect of Illumination]] at the Saturday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' The business owners of [[Redoubt]] and [[Morrow]] will receive 36 extra rings each season

===Research Dance of Blood and Jotun Consequences===
* '''Motion:''' The department shall research the history of the Dance of Blood and its consequences to Navarri-Jotun relations
* '''Announced by:''' Watt of Lambrook, [[Minister of Historical Research]] at the Sunday afternoon session
* '''Outcome:''' Historical Research on the matter will be delivered to the Minister at the Spring Equinox 388YE

===Research Dewyn High Thorn Path===
* '''Motion:''' As an Empire, we accept the assistance of eternals in our military campaigns. Building armies, joining us in the fight, deciding our fates. We need to remember the cost, for there is nothing great without it, and there are pieces picked up by those left behind. Librarians, I ask you to research the past life of Bridge Talbot de Coeurdefer, who was Dewyn High Thorn Path, mother of Brannan the Relentless. Empress Brannan the Relentless.
* '''Announced by:''' Hazelelponi, [[Lepidean Librarian]] at the Friday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' Historical Research on the matter will be delivered to the Librarian at the Spring Equinox 388YE

===Resupply and Imperial Guerdon===
*'''Motion:''' The Drakes and the Towerjacks to receive emergency resupply. The Argent Sword, the Drakes, the Eastern Sky, and the Narwhal's Spear to receive the Guerdon
* '''Announced by:''' Natalia 'The Falcon' Barossa, [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] at the Sunday afternoon session
* '''Outcome:''' Military units supporting the four armies will receive shares in the [[Military_unit#Imperial_Guerdon|Imperial Guerdon]]
Click ''Expand'' to see the list of contributions made to the emergency resupply.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
Resupply of the Drakes
{{CommissionProgress|Drakes_resupply_Winter_387}}

Resupply of the Towerjacks
{{CommissionProgress|Towerjacks_resupply_Winter_387}}
</div>

Arranging grace

2026-05-18T14:55:59Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Mistress of Monuments */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"It's a lovely idea Genia, I'm all for it ''in theory''... but you've no reason to imagine that the Senate will approve this... what did you call it?"

"Cat's Graces" the elderly prince answered, deliberately cutting in before her host could continue. "And you're quite right of course Wilhelm. There's every chance our parsimonious Senate will run a mile when they see the results of their appraisal. But." she said, raising her finger to ensure Wilhelm understood she was still talking. "I take heart from the the fact that the Throne chose to appraise the Cat's Grace first... doesn't that rather suggest something?"

Wilhelm's goblet of wine was half way to his lips when he realised Genia was giving him an opportunity to get a word in edgeways. "Maybe all it suggests is that the Throne thought this idea would be the least bother?" he responded.

"Maybe," conceded his guest, "but surely Emperor Vesna can't help but be moved when people start drawing comparisons between the new Throne and Empress Richilde? Why even the paragon herself never attempted something so bold." Genia Bourné stood up and spread her arms imploringly. "What happens" she demanded, "when people point out that there has never been a Throne, before or since, who did as much for Imperial culture... until now?"

"Are people pointing that out?" asked Wilhelm, looking unconvinced.

Genia draw her hands together, "Well they are now.." she grinned.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Faces of the Empire.jpg|align=left|caption=The Cat's Graces would be an Imperial sodality dedicated to spreading and supporting Imperial art of all kinds, to all nations.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
Following from the [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|suggestions of Magistrate Abraham]] last season, [[The Throne]] has instructed the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications of the creation of a new [[Imperial sodality]] each season for the coming year. [[Emperor Vesna]] has instructed them to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|review the manifesto of the ''Cat's Graces'']], a potential Imperial sodality concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire. By all accounts the group has strong backing across [[Anvil]] but a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise the Cat's Graces as an Imperial sodality]] narrowly failed to pass the [[Senate]]. In the opinion of many observers, this failure was due to concerns over the potential constitutional implications that creating any new sodality might have.

This is not an unreasonable fear given the massive constitutional headaches caused by the creation of the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] sodality. There are innumerable organisations and fellowships that span the Empire; nobody needs the permission or approval of the Imperial Senate to meet with friends to discuss common goals. An Imperial sodality is different. They exist as extensions of the Imperial government, a way to grant a body real legal powers so that they can directly contribute to the running of the Empire. Creating a sodality always requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitution|constitutional vote]] - just as the [[Imperial Constitution]] recognises the role of the [[Conclave]] to govern magic, an Imperial sodality of herbalists or artisans would be expected to have an equivalent remit.

[[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Magistrate Abraham]] has done as promised and, in conjunction with his peers, provided his best analysis for what it would mean if the Senate were to go ahead and approve the Graces based on their manifesto. News of the Throne's decision to look into the creation of a sodality dedicated to the arts inevitably provokes considerable interest from groups around the Empire whose priorities align, to a greater or lesser extent, with the Cat's Graces. Several come forward with provisional offers of support, should the sodality get approval in the Senate. Of course some these groups have agendas of their own that they are keen to push.

==Consequences==
* '''Empress Vesna has asked the Civil Service to assess the constitutional implications of the Cat's Graces'''
* '''The symbol and manifesto have been provided and Magistrate Abraham has delivered their analysis'''
Empress Vesna announced that the symbol of the Cat's Graces would be a cat holding a scroll of paper and that a Maestro would be appointed to speak for the sodality. The announcement referred to them as the "leader" of the sodality, which Magistrate Abraham is quick to rule out. Any attempt to put someone "in charge" of the new sodality would be as unconstitutional as an attempt to put someone "in charge" of the [[Conclave]] or the [[Synod]]. The sodality can be represented by a Maestro - but not lead by them. This minor criticism aside, the manifesto is otherwise described as being "elegant and concise" - qualities the magistrate appears to rank just below the seven Virtues.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Cat's Graces"> This sodality is dedicated to art and music, it holds the following to be true:
* Arts are for everyone to enjoy, no matter their skill;
* Virtue demands that we give space for joy as well as for work;
* The value of a nation is judged by its culture as much as its might.

The sodality therefore exists to:
* Support and promote creatives, providing opportunities to exhibit their talents;
* Share learning through the arts, fostering understanding between peoples and traditions;
* Ensure creators are valued, and that their work is recognised and fairly rewarded;
</quote>

In the view of the Court, the proposed manifesto lays out a clear role for the Cat's Graces to take responsibility for promoting the arts across the Empire. Abraham notes that it avoids common problems such as making lists of activities the sodality will be responsible for, or specific arts that they will be the patrons of. The Court encourages ''any'' sodality to look to the language employed in the Constitution. Statements like ''"The Conclave shall ensure the fit and proper use of magic in the service of the Empire"'' don't attempt to lay out what a fit and proper use of magic is, nor say how the Conclave will achieve that objective. That is a matter for [[Imperial law]]. Instead the constitution establishes the key principle of ''what the Conclave is for''.

Abraham in particular notes that it is important for Imperial citizens to understand that when a manifesto says "The sodality therefore exists to", that should be understood as the direction laid down by the Imperial Senate and the Throne. These instructions are for the sodality and its members to let them know what is expected of them, for the civil service so that they know what support to offer, and to the Constitutional Court so that they know what role the new sodality will play.

The most natural interpretation of the manifesto laid down by the Senate would be to make the new sodality responsible for the promotion of the arts across the Empire, with the aim that they foster understanding between different nations and ensure that the Prosperity of artists is recognised and fairly rewarded. The manifesto also has international implications - the word "nation" does not only refer to the ten nations that make up the Empire after all - but only on matters directly related to art and artistry.

Fine as a principle then; what would it mean in practice?
===Appointments===
* '''The well worn path for any Imperial title with responsibility for culture or the arts would be election by the Cat's Graces'''
* '''There are seven extant titles that would change appointment method to election by the Cat's Graces'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Affected Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Azure Sutannir]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of Memories]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of the Blood Red River]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dean of the First Voice Glade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[High Bard of the Empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Voice of the Twin Roses]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
There are several Imperial titles whose responsibilities are concerned with culture and the arts. The most obvious example is the [[High Bard of the Empire]], an important position whose responsibility includes the need ''"to promote and encourage excellence and passionate demonstration of artistic performance across all the nations of the Empire"''. Currently this position is elected by the [[Assembly of the Nine]]. Music does have an important role in Virtue, as demonstrated by [[:Category:Musical_Instruments|magic items like]] the [[Celebrant's Fiddle]], but the High Bard's [[High Bard of the Empire#Responsibilities|responsibilities]] make it clear their remit extends to art rather than matters of spirituality.

With the creation of the Cat's Graces, the only constitutionally valid path for the appointment of titles with responsibilities of this kind - supporting and promoting art and artists - would be via vote of the Cat's Graces sodality.

The civil service have conducted a preliminary review of all current Imperial titles to identify those that would be affected. If the Senate approves the Cat's Graces in the current form, each of the listed positions would change - going forwards it would be elected by vote of members of the sodality. No other details would change; titles with tenure like the [[Azure Sutannir]] or the [[Dean of the First Voice Glade]] would only come up for election by the sodality at the point where the incumbent died, stepped down, or was [[revocation|revoked]]. National positions would be voted on by all members of the sodality, but only citizens of the relevant nation would be eligible to hold the title. The unusual limitation on the [[High Bard of the Empire]] which prohibits any person from holding the title more than once in their lifetime would continue unchanged, and so on.

The constitutional implications of the sodality's existence would also impact any [[New Imperial titles|new Imperial title]]. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worth path]] for any position whose primary responsibilities included the creation or promotion of culture or the arts, would be appointment by simple vote of members of the Cat's Graces sodality.

===Mistress of Monuments===
* '''The current responsibilities of the Mistress of Monuments will see the title changed to election by the Cat's Graces'''
* '''The Senate could refine the responsibilities of the title to keep it elected by the Imperial Synod'''

Members of the Constitutional Court have been unable to completely agree on the matter of the [[Mistress of Monuments]]. Leontes argues for a literal interpretation of the position's responsibilities, which demands the title ''"work with Imperial artists to commemorate inspirational actions and significant events with monuments and statues"''. The emphasis on working with Imperial artists with a goal to commemorate significant events the position firmly with the remit of the new sodality, according to the Imperial Archivist. Leontes insists it must be updated accordingly - if the sodality is approved.

In contrast, Magistrate Abraham argues that the responsibilities include an emphasis on inspiration - a term widely used in the context of the paragons and exemplars - collectively referred to as "inspirations". If the responsibilities of the title were to create statues of paragons and exemplars, to inspire Virtue or to celebrate Virtuous actions, then it could be appointed by the Synod or the new sodality.

Unable to agree on a definitive solution, the two scholars settle on a compromise. If the Imperial Senate approve the creation of the Cat's Graces but do not make any changes to the title's responsibilities, then the title will be appointed by the new sodality henceforth. If the Senate change the responsibilities of the title to make it clear that it is primarily concerned with creating statues and monuments of the "inspirations" and commemorating Virtuous events, then it will appointed by the Assembly of the Way.

===Powers===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magistrate Abraham.jpg|caption=Magistrate Abraham, a constitutional scholar and part of the<br>[[Scrutiny#Constitutional Council|Constitutional Council]]|align=right|width=300}}
* '''At present there are no legal powers that would be automatically delegated to the Cat's Graces'''
* '''Any new legal powers created by the Senate that were ''solely'' concerned with culture and the arts would be delegated to the new sodality'''
* '''Any existing legal powers that could be used to promote the arts ''could'' be delegated to the sodality'''

At present there is no branch of the Imperial government that is explicitly concerned with the promotion of the arts. Perhaps because of that, there are no legal powers whose primary purpose is concerned with culture and the arts. The Constitutional Court have reviewed the various areas of government, and have not identified any power of the five great houses that would be automatically transferred to the sodality, other than the appointment of the titles listed above.

The creation of a new sodality has profound implications for the Constitutional basis of the Empire, even if no existing powers are transferred to the new body of state. The argument could be made that the Imperial government does not currently have any legal powers that serve to promote culture and the arts precisely because there is no body of state to wield those powers. That would change if the new sodality were approved by the Senate - if that happened then the well worn path for any new legal powers whose '''sole''' remit was to promote culture and the arts would be vote of the sodality. For example, if the Senate elected to create a book of songs, to be updated with a new contribution each season, then the well worn path for that power would be a vote of the Cat's Graces.

Any legal powers that ''could'' be used to promote the arts, but were not solely concerned with such matters, could be delegated to the Cat's Graces, provided they were did not impinge on the Constitutionality protected roles of the other houses. For example, the Cat's Graces could be given the power to compile, maintain, and promote knowledge of the [[music of the spheres]] or [[dramaturgy]]. Without the sodality, that power would have to be vested in the Conclave - but if the sodality existed, then it would be constitutional for the Cat's Graces to wield the power or the Conclave, depending on the decision made by the Senate. However, the sodality could ''not'' be given the power to control the use of [[music of the spheres]] or [[dramaturgy]] to perform magic. The Constitution is clear that that power to ensure the fit and proper use of magic ''must'' lie with the Conclave.

A number of the existing legal powers of other houses ''could'' be delegated to the sodality, if they could be used to promote the arts. The Senate could grant the sodality the ability to announce one or more commissions each season. They might include [[Edifice|edifices]], [[sinecure|sinecures]], and even [[great work|great works]] in theory. They might be given the ability to commission [[historical research]], given the amount of history that resides in the form of songs, poems, and stories (although the Empire's current ability to perform historical research is sorely limited). Likewise it would be constitutional for the Senate to grant the sodality the power to perform an [[appraisal]].

===Singular===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Story Circle.jpg|align=left|caption=Stories and songs bring the past to life and offer hope for the future.|width=450}}</div>
* '''It would not be possible to create a second sodality concerned with culture or the arts'''
Imperial Sodalities are also "singular", and the Cat's Graces are no exception. Once approved by the Senate, a sodality forms part of the Imperial government, with a clearly defined constitutional role. That role must be unique and singular - there cannot be two sodalities in the Empire with overlapping concerns. If the Imperial Senate approves the manifesto of the Cat's Graces, then it would not be possible to create a new Imperial sodality charged with the promotion of culture and the arts without first abrogating the existence of the Cat's Graces.

==Possibilities==
There are many powers that the Imperial Senate could grant the new sodality. News of the sodality and the the new possibilites it presents attract the interest of three distinct groups who are all keen to offer their support if the Senate approves the sodality and provides it with the legal powers it will need to discharge its responsibilities.

===A Fresh Coat of Paint===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Grand Endeavours.png|caption=Imperial artists provide inspiration for grand projects.|align=right|width=600}}</div>
* '''The Senate could give the Cat's Graces the ability to refine existing commissions'''
* '''The support of the songbirds would let the sodality deploy artists to improve structures for without requiring a commissions or costs'''
* '''A refined structure would increase in grandeur, and the work of the artists might unlock an opportunity related to it'''

While some [[commission|commissions]] are themselves works of art, since time immemorial artists have been employed to brighten up gloomy old castles, or breathe new inspiration into a dour church. The Cat's Graces are ideally positioned to organise artists - painters, sculptors, artisans using stained glass and light to create breathtaking arrangements - to turn their talents to just such a purpose.

The Senate would need to grant the sodality the power to [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|alter existing commissions]]. This would allow them to redesign the appearance of an existing commission, recent or historical ('''OOC Note:''' historical commissions are structures canonically constructed before the game began such as the many basilicas in Bastion, the walls of [[Kahraman#Serra_Damata|Damata]] and the like). By itself this power would likely be of limited use - it would consume one of the Senate's dwindling supplies of commissions, and require significant investment of funds to beautify even the most minor commission.

A small delegation of [[Empress Richilde#Songbirds|songbirds]] - dedicated artists and patrons who look to the inspiration of the [[paragons and exemplars|paragon]] [[Empress Richilde|Richilde]], come to the Castle of Thorns with a proposal to help the new sodality. The songbirds includes many wealthy backers of the arts among their numbers. The informal collective, inspired by the efforts of their patron Empress to shape the Empire through her patronage of art and beauty, are roused to take a more active part on the Imperial stage by news of the potential new sodality. They see the Cat's Graces as being very much in line with the lessons of the Sun Queen.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black-naped Oriole.jpg|caption=The songbirds, an informal calling associated with Empress Richilde, use birds to demonstrate their membership and one of the most popular is the brightly coloured oriole, known for its fluting calls.|align=right|width=350}}</div>
If the Senate will grant the sodality the power to alter at least one recent or historical commission each season, then the songbirds and their allies will provide the funds and help organise the artists required. Each season the sodality could choose a single commission and ask the Empire's artists to look at altering the appearance and character of of the commission. Such work would take three months - but would not cost the treasury any money, nor cut into the Senate's limited number of commissions each season.

The Maestro would be responsible for providing a thorough description of what the sodality ''wants'' the artists to do. Provided they have a clear artistic brief which is ambitious and inspirational, then they're ''likely'' to get roughly what was asked for. However, the civil service caution that engaging with artists does come with some risk: if those working on the commission don't feel inspired by the brief then they will complement or supplant them with their own ideas. Thus, the results are guaranteed to be ''impressive'', they're just not guaranteed to be exactly what was requested. Such is the nature of art.

The work of talented folk could have unlooked for benefits however. Having scores of imaginative artists examining a commission may just result in improved [[edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] - or it might reveal an [[opportunity]] to make further improvements to it. If this happened, the civil service would present the option for improving the work discovered by the artists, for consideration by the Empire, once the alterations were complete.

===Art for Art's Sake===
<div style="float:right; width: 60%; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtue Banners.jpg |caption=The seven Virtues serve as an inspiration to many artists across the Empire.|width=2000}}</div>
* '''The sodality could be granted the legal power to define great works of art worthy of preservation and honour'''
* '''Each season they could select a piece of art which would be lauded and recorded for future generations to enjoy'''
* '''If the sodality were granted this power they would need to select a central location to house the artworks'''
While artists create art for many reasons, a common drive is to seek the recognition and approval of their peers. The [[Synod]] has several ways to recognise exceptionally virtuous individuals - the [[Heroism#Chronicle_of_Heroism|Chronicle of Heroism]] and the [[Roll of Benefactors]] for example. The Senate could grant the Cat's Graces the legal power to find the finest artists in the Empire, promote their work across the Empire, and invite the accolades of their peers, just as the Synod currently does for the virtuous.

If granted this ability, the sodality could select a single piece of art each season for promotion across the Empire. The form of the art would not matter, as long as it could be recorded in some way. It could be a painting, or sculpture, a new song or musical composition, a story, a play, or a poem. In some cases copies would be made and distributed; in others news of the art would be spread across the Empire and patrons of the art encouraged to visit.

The sodality could pick the finest piece of art produced that season, using the power as a way to recognise and reward artistic merit, or they could pick the most worthy, acknowledging that art is for everyone. After the sodality votes to choose which piece of art to honour, the Maestro could create a short summary of why the piece was chosen, why it is important and worthy of being honoured, and why it should be preserved. ('''OOC Note:''' We would look to add each song, story, poem or art to the wiki, along with the description of why it was chosen. The piece would be added to the sodality page, similar to how the [[Roll of Benefactors]] or the [[Heroism#Chronicle_of_Heroism|Chronicle of Heroism]] work).

One of the first things the new sodality would need to do would be to identify a central repository of art that would serve specifically to contain copies of artistic endeavours and wherever possible house the artworks recognised by the sodality. There are a number of potential candidates including [[Dean_of_the_First_Voice_Glade#First_Voice_Glade|First Voice Glade]], [[Sarvos#Diora_University|Diora University]] in [[the League]], the skops halls of [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]], among others.

===Money for God's Sake===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Instructors.jpg|align=right|width=400|caption=[[Senate Motions]] celebrates the art of dance in the Empire, meeting every summit in the Senate building.}}</div>
* '''The Cat's Graces could operate a fund to provide grants to artists'''
* '''The civil service would publish lists of notable donations to the fund by citizens at Anvil'''
* '''Highborn benefactors and League princes commit to donate three thrones each season to the fund'''
* '''These patrons would also match any funds the Senate provides up to six thrones a season'''

Artists create for many reasons, but with few exceptions, every artist needs to eat and keep a roof over their head. The Synod has the [[Rewarding#Virtue_Fund|Virtue fund]] to reward the virtuous, the Cat's Graces could employ a similar mechanic to reward those who create art. Members of the sodality could seek out worthy artists, musicians, performers, writers, sculptors - anyone who has produced beautiful works of art. If a piece met with the approval of their sodales, they could vote to reward the artist for their endeavours and contribution to Imperial culture.

As well as patronising artists directly, the sodality could use the money to support the many competitions that often taken place at Anvil, using the funds to pay for one or more prizes for the winners to claim. Ensuring such contests are well run and attract the most [[Ambition|Ambitious]] artists to take part should be part of the new sodality's remit in the view of the merchant-princes and benefactors. These funds might even be used to negotiate with the Empire's [[crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] to secure the finest magical [[:Category:Musical Instruments|musical instruments]], or with magicians to create suitably enchanted performance spaces. They could even be used in theory to support [[commission|commissions]] for projects that support artists - such as the famous galleries and theatres of the League built by '''Lorenzo Macelliao "Il Volpe" von Temeschwar''' over the years.

The Senate could support the Cat's Graces by providing a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend|stipend]] to the Imperial sodality. If that happened, the civil service would provide the support required to allow the sodality to distribute those funds. They could also process donations to the fund from civic-minded citizens, maintaining and publishing a public record of benefactors. If the sodality voted to disburse money from the fund, the amount would be given to the Maestro in accordance with the sodalities wishes (The Senate could establish an office of the sodality to receive these disbursements).

An informal alliance of patrons of the arts - [[the League|League]] [[Merchant Prince|merchant princes]] and [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[benefactor|benefactors]] - are keen to help the sodality promote the arts. The group's spokesperson is [[Dressed_in_smoke_and_fire|Genia Bourné di Sarvos]], the merchant-prince of the influential Bourné fashion house. Familiar with the ways of Anvil from her youth, she suspects the Senate will not willingly dip into the treasury to fund the sodality and has come armed with a plan to try to pry open the Senate's purse.

If the Senate grant any stipend to the sodality (even if the stipend is zero), then they will donate three thrones a season to the Cat's Graces to fund their work. Not a massive sum perhaps but not to be sneezed at - potentially it could change the career trajectory of artists rich in talent but poor in funds. Crucially this would ensure civil service support for the fund - ensuring there was a public list of notable benefactors in Imperial records. [[Prosperity|Prosperous]] individuals might enjoy seeing their donations immortalised in permanent record - if ''il Volpe'' taught nothing else, says Genia wryly, it is that those who consider themselves wealthy and cultured are always susceptible to the flattery of formal validation of their role as patrons.

However, the group are prepared to go further. Genia Bourné and her allies commit to ''match'' any stipend provided by the Senate, up to a maximum of six Thrones a season (Genia is enthusiastic about the arts but she is not stupid). All that is required to secure this investment is that the sodality commit to being public and transparent with how they disburse their grants. The benefactors want to be confident their monies are going to the arts and not (for example) paying for armies or funding extravagant dinners.

==What's In A Name?==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Music and joy.jpg|align=left|caption=Music brings joy, and rouses powerful emotions in the people of the Empire.|width=450}}</div>
* '''Some potential supporters have questioned the name of the sodality'''
It would be unusual for anything involving the arts to receive unleavened positivity from artists, and the Cat's Graces is no exception. Supporters are eager to offer their support for the new sodality, but many of them have one request. They argue that the proposed name of the sodality doesn't successfully convey its status or importance. The point of a sodality, they argue, is to found an institution, an extension of the Imperial government. Simply by existing, the sodality conveys the importance of the arts, it demonstrates that the Empire takes the arts as seriously as it does war, economics or magic. Or at least it would do that if it bore the right name.

The Cat's Graces, they complain, is too ''parochial''. It doesn't sound like some grand extension of the Imperial government: the Conclave, the Bourse, the Military Council and ''the Cat's Graces''? Their concern is that the Empire often fails to take the arts seriously, and while they would welcome the creation of the new Imperial sodality whatever name it bears, they would clearly prefer something that they feel would convey the importance of the sodality and by extension of the arts themselves.

A more practical complaint is that Cat's Graces is a very evocative name for a sodality devoted to music and especially dance - but a numbers of artists question if it is the right name to attract painters, sculptors, writers, actors, playwrights, poets and the like. Of course that immediately raises the question of what that name might be - and it is very clear that nobody has a better suggestion... (which is to say ''everybody'' thinks they have a better suggestion, but none that anyone can agree on). The Academy is the word that most reach for, as a word that implies a grand institution, but that name is already taken. The Sun Chamber would have been equally acceptable to Richilde's followers, but of course there is already a sodality with that name also.

Whatever the final choice, it is clear that the name of the sodality will be important in ensuring its legacy.

==Further Reading==
* [[Imperial sodality]]
* [[Empress Richilde#Empress Richilde in play|Songbirds]]

* [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|Forever is composed of nows]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to appraise Imperial sodality manifestos
* [[Senate Motions]] - An informal group that meets each season to celebrate the art of dance

<quote by="Magistrate Abraham, Excerpted from the ruling on the Cat's Graces">
Citizens of the Empire neither require, nor benefit from, the approval of the Imperial Senate to gather together with a common purpose. The Imperial Constitution guarantees dignity, freedom, and prosperity. That seemingly simple statement, precludes any possibility that the Senate might interpose itself into the right of citizens to congregate and pursue their legitimate ambitions. If the function of the Cat's Graces were ''merely'' to support the arts and promote culture it would have no business at all being an Imperial sodality. To permit that would be to entertain the possibility that the approval of the Senate and the Throne were in some way a requirement for the Cat's Graces to exist. That cannot stand.

It is the constitutional vote required to enact its creation, that grants a sodality its sigificance. That it requires a two thirds majority of the Imperial Senate and the approval of the Throne places the creation of a sodality infinitely beyond a motion of mere intent. Passing a motion to create a sodality must be properly understood as a change to the Constitution itself. When interpreted properly, it creates a new body of state, and charges it with duties and responsibilities, which on the face of it, we must regard as the equal of the other houses of power. If the Senate approves the proposed wording of the Cat's Graces, then it is laying down the responsibilities of that body, in exactly the same way the founders laid down the responsibilities of the Military Council, the Conclave, the Bourse and the Synod.

The Imperial Constitution tolerates no hierachy of power - it permits no vassalage. The Military Council shall ensure the rigorous defence of the Empire - and so the orders of generals are not subject to the approval of the Senate. While the power to create new laws and amend the Constitution is vested in the Senate, it is the Synod that may strike down a motion and thereby ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire. Of course such an arrangement creates conflicts between the rights and privelidges of the houses of power - that is undeniable and unavoidable. It is the solemn duty of this Court to settle those conflicts and in doing so ensure the Constitution retaints its integrity and purpose. In resolving those dilemmas, this Court begins with the view that the rights of each house of power is transcendent, ''within its own dominion''.

As it is with the Bourse or the Conclave, so it would be with any sodality. It is vital that senators understand that the Senate <u>cannot</u> approve members of the Cat's Graces to meet with the purpose of promoting the arts. What they <u>can do</u> is change the understanding of the Constitution such that it can be plainly read that the Empire vests responsibility for the promotion of the arts in the Cat's Graces - ''with all due seniority thereby implied''.
</quote>

Arranging grace

2026-05-18T14:54:25Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Appointments */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"It's a lovely idea Genia, I'm all for it ''in theory''... but you've no reason to imagine that the Senate will approve this... what did you call it?"

"Cat's Graces" the elderly prince answered, deliberately cutting in before her host could continue. "And you're quite right of course Wilhelm. There's every chance our parsimonious Senate will run a mile when they see the results of their appraisal. But." she said, raising her finger to ensure Wilhelm understood she was still talking. "I take heart from the the fact that the Throne chose to appraise the Cat's Grace first... doesn't that rather suggest something?"

Wilhelm's goblet of wine was half way to his lips when he realised Genia was giving him an opportunity to get a word in edgeways. "Maybe all it suggests is that the Throne thought this idea would be the least bother?" he responded.

"Maybe," conceded his guest, "but surely Emperor Vesna can't help but be moved when people start drawing comparisons between the new Throne and Empress Richilde? Why even the paragon herself never attempted something so bold." Genia Bourné stood up and spread her arms imploringly. "What happens" she demanded, "when people point out that there has never been a Throne, before or since, who did as much for Imperial culture... until now?"

"Are people pointing that out?" asked Wilhelm, looking unconvinced.

Genia draw her hands together, "Well they are now.." she grinned.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Faces of the Empire.jpg|align=left|caption=The Cat's Graces would be an Imperial sodality dedicated to spreading and supporting Imperial art of all kinds, to all nations.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
Following from the [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|suggestions of Magistrate Abraham]] last season, [[The Throne]] has instructed the [[Civil Service|civil service]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] the constitutional implications of the creation of a new [[Imperial sodality]] each season for the coming year. [[Emperor Vesna]] has instructed them to [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_the_Cat's_Graces|review the manifesto of the ''Cat's Graces'']], a potential Imperial sodality concerned with the promulgation of the arts across the Empire. By all accounts the group has strong backing across [[Anvil]] but a [[Senate motion|motion]] to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|formalise the Cat's Graces as an Imperial sodality]] narrowly failed to pass the [[Senate]]. In the opinion of many observers, this failure was due to concerns over the potential constitutional implications that creating any new sodality might have.

This is not an unreasonable fear given the massive constitutional headaches caused by the creation of the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] sodality. There are innumerable organisations and fellowships that span the Empire; nobody needs the permission or approval of the Imperial Senate to meet with friends to discuss common goals. An Imperial sodality is different. They exist as extensions of the Imperial government, a way to grant a body real legal powers so that they can directly contribute to the running of the Empire. Creating a sodality always requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitution|constitutional vote]] - just as the [[Imperial Constitution]] recognises the role of the [[Conclave]] to govern magic, an Imperial sodality of herbalists or artisans would be expected to have an equivalent remit.

[[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Magistrate Abraham]] has done as promised and, in conjunction with his peers, provided his best analysis for what it would mean if the Senate were to go ahead and approve the Graces based on their manifesto. News of the Throne's decision to look into the creation of a sodality dedicated to the arts inevitably provokes considerable interest from groups around the Empire whose priorities align, to a greater or lesser extent, with the Cat's Graces. Several come forward with provisional offers of support, should the sodality get approval in the Senate. Of course some these groups have agendas of their own that they are keen to push.

==Consequences==
* '''Empress Vesna has asked the Civil Service to assess the constitutional implications of the Cat's Graces'''
* '''The symbol and manifesto have been provided and Magistrate Abraham has delivered their analysis'''
Empress Vesna announced that the symbol of the Cat's Graces would be a cat holding a scroll of paper and that a Maestro would be appointed to speak for the sodality. The announcement referred to them as the "leader" of the sodality, which Magistrate Abraham is quick to rule out. Any attempt to put someone "in charge" of the new sodality would be as unconstitutional as an attempt to put someone "in charge" of the [[Conclave]] or the [[Synod]]. The sodality can be represented by a Maestro - but not lead by them. This minor criticism aside, the manifesto is otherwise described as being "elegant and concise" - qualities the magistrate appears to rank just below the seven Virtues.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Cat's Graces"> This sodality is dedicated to art and music, it holds the following to be true:
* Arts are for everyone to enjoy, no matter their skill;
* Virtue demands that we give space for joy as well as for work;
* The value of a nation is judged by its culture as much as its might.

The sodality therefore exists to:
* Support and promote creatives, providing opportunities to exhibit their talents;
* Share learning through the arts, fostering understanding between peoples and traditions;
* Ensure creators are valued, and that their work is recognised and fairly rewarded;
</quote>

In the view of the Court, the proposed manifesto lays out a clear role for the Cat's Graces to take responsibility for promoting the arts across the Empire. Abraham notes that it avoids common problems such as making lists of activities the sodality will be responsible for, or specific arts that they will be the patrons of. The Court encourages ''any'' sodality to look to the language employed in the Constitution. Statements like ''"The Conclave shall ensure the fit and proper use of magic in the service of the Empire"'' don't attempt to lay out what a fit and proper use of magic is, nor say how the Conclave will achieve that objective. That is a matter for [[Imperial law]]. Instead the constitution establishes the key principle of ''what the Conclave is for''.

Abraham in particular notes that it is important for Imperial citizens to understand that when a manifesto says "The sodality therefore exists to", that should be understood as the direction laid down by the Imperial Senate and the Throne. These instructions are for the sodality and its members to let them know what is expected of them, for the civil service so that they know what support to offer, and to the Constitutional Court so that they know what role the new sodality will play.

The most natural interpretation of the manifesto laid down by the Senate would be to make the new sodality responsible for the promotion of the arts across the Empire, with the aim that they foster understanding between different nations and ensure that the Prosperity of artists is recognised and fairly rewarded. The manifesto also has international implications - the word "nation" does not only refer to the ten nations that make up the Empire after all - but only on matters directly related to art and artistry.

Fine as a principle then; what would it mean in practice?
===Appointments===
* '''The well worn path for any Imperial title with responsibility for culture or the arts would be election by the Cat's Graces'''
* '''There are seven extant titles that would change appointment method to election by the Cat's Graces'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Affected Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Azure Sutannir]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of Memories]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of the Blood Red River]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dean of the First Voice Glade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[High Bard of the Empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Voice of the Twin Roses]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
There are several Imperial titles whose responsibilities are concerned with culture and the arts. The most obvious example is the [[High Bard of the Empire]], an important position whose responsibility includes the need ''"to promote and encourage excellence and passionate demonstration of artistic performance across all the nations of the Empire"''. Currently this position is elected by the [[Assembly of the Nine]]. Music does have an important role in Virtue, as demonstrated by [[:Category:Musical_Instruments|magic items like]] the [[Celebrant's Fiddle]], but the High Bard's [[High Bard of the Empire#Responsibilities|responsibilities]] make it clear their remit extends to art rather than matters of spirituality.

With the creation of the Cat's Graces, the only constitutionally valid path for the appointment of titles with responsibilities of this kind - supporting and promoting art and artists - would be via vote of the Cat's Graces sodality.

The civil service have conducted a preliminary review of all current Imperial titles to identify those that would be affected. If the Senate approves the Cat's Graces in the current form, each of the listed positions would change - going forwards it would be elected by vote of members of the sodality. No other details would change; titles with tenure like the [[Azure Sutannir]] or the [[Dean of the First Voice Glade]] would only come up for election by the sodality at the point where the incumbent died, stepped down, or was [[revocation|revoked]]. National positions would be voted on by all members of the sodality, but only citizens of the relevant nation would be eligible to hold the title. The unusual limitation on the [[High Bard of the Empire]] which prohibits any person from holding the title more than once in their lifetime would continue unchanged, and so on.

The constitutional implications of the sodality's existence would also impact any [[New Imperial titles|new Imperial title]]. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worth path]] for any position whose primary responsibilities included the creation or promotion of culture or the arts, would be appointment by simple vote of members of the Cat's Graces sodality.

===Mistress of Monuments===
* '''The current responsibilities of the Mistress of Monuments will see the title changed to election by the Cat's Graces'''
* '''The Senate could refine the responsibilies of the title to keep it elected by the Imperial Synod'''

Members of the Constitutional Court have been unable to completely agree on the matter of the [[Mistress of Monuments]]. Leontes argues for a literal interpretation of the position's responsibilites, which demands the title ''"work with Imperial artists to commemorate inspirational actions and significant events with monuments and statues"''. The emphasis on working with Imperial artists with a goal to comemorate significant events the position firmly with the remit of the new sodality, according to the Imperial Archivist. Leontes insists it must be updated accordingly - if the sodality is approved.

In contrast, Magistrate Abraham argues that the responsibilities include an emphasis on inspriation - a term widely used in the context of the paragons and exemplars - collectively referred to as "inspirations". If the responsibilities of the title were to create statues of paragons and exemplars, to inspire Virtue or to celebrate Virtuous actions, then it could be appointed by the Synod or the new sodality.

Unable to agree on a definitive solution, the two scholars settle on a compromise. If the Imperial Senate approve the creation of the Cat's Graces but do not make any changes to the title's responsibilities, then the title will be appointed by the new sodality henceforth. If the Senate change the responsibilities of the title to make it clear that it is primarily concerned with creating statues and monuments of the "inspirations" and comemorating Virtuous events, then it will appointed by the Assembly of the Way.
===Powers===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Magistrate Abraham.jpg|caption=Magistrate Abraham, a constitutional scholar and part of the<br>[[Scrutiny#Constitutional Council|Constitutional Council]]|align=right|width=300}}
* '''At present there are no legal powers that would be automatically delegated to the Cat's Graces'''
* '''Any new legal powers created by the Senate that were ''solely'' concerned with culture and the arts would be delegated to the new sodality'''
* '''Any existing legal powers that could be used to promote the arts ''could'' be delegated to the sodality'''

At present there is no branch of the Imperial government that is explicitly concerned with the promotion of the arts. Perhaps because of that, there are no legal powers whose primary purpose is concerned with culture and the arts. The Constitutional Court have reviewed the various areas of government, and have not identified any power of the five great houses that would be automatically transferred to the sodality, other than the appointment of the titles listed above.

The creation of a new sodality has profound implications for the Constitutional basis of the Empire, even if no existing powers are transferred to the new body of state. The argument could be made that the Imperial government does not currently have any legal powers that serve to promote culture and the arts precisely because there is no body of state to wield those powers. That would change if the new sodality were approved by the Senate - if that happened then the well worn path for any new legal powers whose '''sole''' remit was to promote culture and the arts would be vote of the sodality. For example, if the Senate elected to create a book of songs, to be updated with a new contribution each season, then the well worn path for that power would be a vote of the Cat's Graces.

Any legal powers that ''could'' be used to promote the arts, but were not solely concerned with such matters, could be delegated to the Cat's Graces, provided they were did not impinge on the Constitutionality protected roles of the other houses. For example, the Cat's Graces could be given the power to compile, maintain, and promote knowledge of the [[music of the spheres]] or [[dramaturgy]]. Without the sodality, that power would have to be vested in the Conclave - but if the sodality existed, then it would be constitutional for the Cat's Graces to wield the power or the Conclave, depending on the decision made by the Senate. However, the sodality could ''not'' be given the power to control the use of [[music of the spheres]] or [[dramaturgy]] to perform magic. The Constitution is clear that that power to ensure the fit and proper use of magic ''must'' lie with the Conclave.

A number of the existing legal powers of other houses ''could'' be delegated to the sodality, if they could be used to promote the arts. The Senate could grant the sodality the ability to announce one or more commissions each season. They might include [[Edifice|edifices]], [[sinecure|sinecures]], and even [[great work|great works]] in theory. They might be given the ability to commission [[historical research]], given the amount of history that resides in the form of songs, poems, and stories (although the Empire's current ability to perform historical research is sorely limited). Likewise it would be constitutional for the Senate to grant the sodality the power to perform an [[appraisal]].

===Singular===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Story Circle.jpg|align=left|caption=Stories and songs bring the past to life and offer hope for the future.|width=450}}</div>
* '''It would not be possible to create a second sodality concerned with culture or the arts'''
Imperial Sodalities are also "singular", and the Cat's Graces are no exception. Once approved by the Senate, a sodality forms part of the Imperial government, with a clearly defined constitutional role. That role must be unique and singular - there cannot be two sodalities in the Empire with overlapping concerns. If the Imperial Senate approves the manifesto of the Cat's Graces, then it would not be possible to create a new Imperial sodality charged with the promotion of culture and the arts without first abrogating the existence of the Cat's Graces.

==Possibilities==
There are many powers that the Imperial Senate could grant the new sodality. News of the sodality and the the new possibilites it presents attract the interest of three distinct groups who are all keen to offer their support if the Senate approves the sodality and provides it with the legal powers it will need to discharge its responsibilities.

===A Fresh Coat of Paint===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Grand Endeavours.png|caption=Imperial artists provide inspiration for grand projects.|align=right|width=600}}</div>
* '''The Senate could give the Cat's Graces the ability to refine existing commissions'''
* '''The support of the songbirds would let the sodality deploy artists to improve structures for without requiring a commissions or costs'''
* '''A refined structure would increase in grandeur, and the work of the artists might unlock an opportunity related to it'''

While some [[commission|commissions]] are themselves works of art, since time immemorial artists have been employed to brighten up gloomy old castles, or breathe new inspiration into a dour church. The Cat's Graces are ideally positioned to organise artists - painters, sculptors, artisans using stained glass and light to create breathtaking arrangements - to turn their talents to just such a purpose.

The Senate would need to grant the sodality the power to [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|alter existing commissions]]. This would allow them to redesign the appearance of an existing commission, recent or historical ('''OOC Note:''' historical commissions are structures canonically constructed before the game began such as the many basilicas in Bastion, the walls of [[Kahraman#Serra_Damata|Damata]] and the like). By itself this power would likely be of limited use - it would consume one of the Senate's dwindling supplies of commissions, and require significant investment of funds to beautify even the most minor commission.

A small delegation of [[Empress Richilde#Songbirds|songbirds]] - dedicated artists and patrons who look to the inspiration of the [[paragons and exemplars|paragon]] [[Empress Richilde|Richilde]], come to the Castle of Thorns with a proposal to help the new sodality. The songbirds includes many wealthy backers of the arts among their numbers. The informal collective, inspired by the efforts of their patron Empress to shape the Empire through her patronage of art and beauty, are roused to take a more active part on the Imperial stage by news of the potential new sodality. They see the Cat's Graces as being very much in line with the lessons of the Sun Queen.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black-naped Oriole.jpg|caption=The songbirds, an informal calling associated with Empress Richilde, use birds to demonstrate their membership and one of the most popular is the brightly coloured oriole, known for its fluting calls.|align=right|width=350}}</div>
If the Senate will grant the sodality the power to alter at least one recent or historical commission each season, then the songbirds and their allies will provide the funds and help organise the artists required. Each season the sodality could choose a single commission and ask the Empire's artists to look at altering the appearance and character of of the commission. Such work would take three months - but would not cost the treasury any money, nor cut into the Senate's limited number of commissions each season.

The Maestro would be responsible for providing a thorough description of what the sodality ''wants'' the artists to do. Provided they have a clear artistic brief which is ambitious and inspirational, then they're ''likely'' to get roughly what was asked for. However, the civil service caution that engaging with artists does come with some risk: if those working on the commission don't feel inspired by the brief then they will complement or supplant them with their own ideas. Thus, the results are guaranteed to be ''impressive'', they're just not guaranteed to be exactly what was requested. Such is the nature of art.

The work of talented folk could have unlooked for benefits however. Having scores of imaginative artists examining a commission may just result in improved [[edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] - or it might reveal an [[opportunity]] to make further improvements to it. If this happened, the civil service would present the option for improving the work discovered by the artists, for consideration by the Empire, once the alterations were complete.

===Art for Art's Sake===
<div style="float:right; width: 60%; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtue Banners.jpg |caption=The seven Virtues serve as an inspiration to many artists across the Empire.|width=2000}}</div>
* '''The sodality could be granted the legal power to define great works of art worthy of preservation and honour'''
* '''Each season they could select a piece of art which would be lauded and recorded for future generations to enjoy'''
* '''If the sodality were granted this power they would need to select a central location to house the artworks'''
While artists create art for many reasons, a common drive is to seek the recognition and approval of their peers. The [[Synod]] has several ways to recognise exceptionally virtuous individuals - the [[Heroism#Chronicle_of_Heroism|Chronicle of Heroism]] and the [[Roll of Benefactors]] for example. The Senate could grant the Cat's Graces the legal power to find the finest artists in the Empire, promote their work across the Empire, and invite the accolades of their peers, just as the Synod currently does for the virtuous.

If granted this ability, the sodality could select a single piece of art each season for promotion across the Empire. The form of the art would not matter, as long as it could be recorded in some way. It could be a painting, or sculpture, a new song or musical composition, a story, a play, or a poem. In some cases copies would be made and distributed; in others news of the art would be spread across the Empire and patrons of the art encouraged to visit.

The sodality could pick the finest piece of art produced that season, using the power as a way to recognise and reward artistic merit, or they could pick the most worthy, acknowledging that art is for everyone. After the sodality votes to choose which piece of art to honour, the Maestro could create a short summary of why the piece was chosen, why it is important and worthy of being honoured, and why it should be preserved. ('''OOC Note:''' We would look to add each song, story, poem or art to the wiki, along with the description of why it was chosen. The piece would be added to the sodality page, similar to how the [[Roll of Benefactors]] or the [[Heroism#Chronicle_of_Heroism|Chronicle of Heroism]] work).

One of the first things the new sodality would need to do would be to identify a central repository of art that would serve specifically to contain copies of artistic endeavours and wherever possible house the artworks recognised by the sodality. There are a number of potential candidates including [[Dean_of_the_First_Voice_Glade#First_Voice_Glade|First Voice Glade]], [[Sarvos#Diora_University|Diora University]] in [[the League]], the skops halls of [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]], among others.

===Money for God's Sake===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Instructors.jpg|align=right|width=400|caption=[[Senate Motions]] celebrates the art of dance in the Empire, meeting every summit in the Senate building.}}</div>
* '''The Cat's Graces could operate a fund to provide grants to artists'''
* '''The civil service would publish lists of notable donations to the fund by citizens at Anvil'''
* '''Highborn benefactors and League princes commit to donate three thrones each season to the fund'''
* '''These patrons would also match any funds the Senate provides up to six thrones a season'''

Artists create for many reasons, but with few exceptions, every artist needs to eat and keep a roof over their head. The Synod has the [[Rewarding#Virtue_Fund|Virtue fund]] to reward the virtuous, the Cat's Graces could employ a similar mechanic to reward those who create art. Members of the sodality could seek out worthy artists, musicians, performers, writers, sculptors - anyone who has produced beautiful works of art. If a piece met with the approval of their sodales, they could vote to reward the artist for their endeavours and contribution to Imperial culture.

As well as patronising artists directly, the sodality could use the money to support the many competitions that often taken place at Anvil, using the funds to pay for one or more prizes for the winners to claim. Ensuring such contests are well run and attract the most [[Ambition|Ambitious]] artists to take part should be part of the new sodality's remit in the view of the merchant-princes and benefactors. These funds might even be used to negotiate with the Empire's [[crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] to secure the finest magical [[:Category:Musical Instruments|musical instruments]], or with magicians to create suitably enchanted performance spaces. They could even be used in theory to support [[commission|commissions]] for projects that support artists - such as the famous galleries and theatres of the League built by '''Lorenzo Macelliao "Il Volpe" von Temeschwar''' over the years.

The Senate could support the Cat's Graces by providing a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend|stipend]] to the Imperial sodality. If that happened, the civil service would provide the support required to allow the sodality to distribute those funds. They could also process donations to the fund from civic-minded citizens, maintaining and publishing a public record of benefactors. If the sodality voted to disburse money from the fund, the amount would be given to the Maestro in accordance with the sodalities wishes (The Senate could establish an office of the sodality to receive these disbursements).

An informal alliance of patrons of the arts - [[the League|League]] [[Merchant Prince|merchant princes]] and [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[benefactor|benefactors]] - are keen to help the sodality promote the arts. The group's spokesperson is [[Dressed_in_smoke_and_fire|Genia Bourné di Sarvos]], the merchant-prince of the influential Bourné fashion house. Familiar with the ways of Anvil from her youth, she suspects the Senate will not willingly dip into the treasury to fund the sodality and has come armed with a plan to try to pry open the Senate's purse.

If the Senate grant any stipend to the sodality (even if the stipend is zero), then they will donate three thrones a season to the Cat's Graces to fund their work. Not a massive sum perhaps but not to be sneezed at - potentially it could change the career trajectory of artists rich in talent but poor in funds. Crucially this would ensure civil service support for the fund - ensuring there was a public list of notable benefactors in Imperial records. [[Prosperity|Prosperous]] individuals might enjoy seeing their donations immortalised in permanent record - if ''il Volpe'' taught nothing else, says Genia wryly, it is that those who consider themselves wealthy and cultured are always susceptible to the flattery of formal validation of their role as patrons.

However, the group are prepared to go further. Genia Bourné and her allies commit to ''match'' any stipend provided by the Senate, up to a maximum of six Thrones a season (Genia is enthusiastic about the arts but she is not stupid). All that is required to secure this investment is that the sodality commit to being public and transparent with how they disburse their grants. The benefactors want to be confident their monies are going to the arts and not (for example) paying for armies or funding extravagant dinners.

==What's In A Name?==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Music and joy.jpg|align=left|caption=Music brings joy, and rouses powerful emotions in the people of the Empire.|width=450}}</div>
* '''Some potential supporters have questioned the name of the sodality'''
It would be unusual for anything involving the arts to receive unleavened positivity from artists, and the Cat's Graces is no exception. Supporters are eager to offer their support for the new sodality, but many of them have one request. They argue that the proposed name of the sodality doesn't successfully convey its status or importance. The point of a sodality, they argue, is to found an institution, an extension of the Imperial government. Simply by existing, the sodality conveys the importance of the arts, it demonstrates that the Empire takes the arts as seriously as it does war, economics or magic. Or at least it would do that if it bore the right name.

The Cat's Graces, they complain, is too ''parochial''. It doesn't sound like some grand extension of the Imperial government: the Conclave, the Bourse, the Military Council and ''the Cat's Graces''? Their concern is that the Empire often fails to take the arts seriously, and while they would welcome the creation of the new Imperial sodality whatever name it bears, they would clearly prefer something that they feel would convey the importance of the sodality and by extension of the arts themselves.

A more practical complaint is that Cat's Graces is a very evocative name for a sodality devoted to music and especially dance - but a numbers of artists question if it is the right name to attract painters, sculptors, writers, actors, playwrights, poets and the like. Of course that immediately raises the question of what that name might be - and it is very clear that nobody has a better suggestion... (which is to say ''everybody'' thinks they have a better suggestion, but none that anyone can agree on). The Academy is the word that most reach for, as a word that implies a grand institution, but that name is already taken. The Sun Chamber would have been equally acceptable to Richilde's followers, but of course there is already a sodality with that name also.

Whatever the final choice, it is clear that the name of the sodality will be important in ensuring its legacy.

==Further Reading==
* [[Imperial sodality]]
* [[Empress Richilde#Empress Richilde in play|Songbirds]]

* [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|Forever is composed of nows]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to appraise Imperial sodality manifestos
* [[Senate Motions]] - An informal group that meets each season to celebrate the art of dance

<quote by="Magistrate Abraham, Excerpted from the ruling on the Cat's Graces">
Citizens of the Empire neither require, nor benefit from, the approval of the Imperial Senate to gather together with a common purpose. The Imperial Constitution guarantees dignity, freedom, and prosperity. That seemingly simple statement, precludes any possibility that the Senate might interpose itself into the right of citizens to congregate and pursue their legitimate ambitions. If the function of the Cat's Graces were ''merely'' to support the arts and promote culture it would have no business at all being an Imperial sodality. To permit that would be to entertain the possibility that the approval of the Senate and the Throne were in some way a requirement for the Cat's Graces to exist. That cannot stand.

It is the constitutional vote required to enact its creation, that grants a sodality its sigificance. That it requires a two thirds majority of the Imperial Senate and the approval of the Throne places the creation of a sodality infinitely beyond a motion of mere intent. Passing a motion to create a sodality must be properly understood as a change to the Constitution itself. When interpreted properly, it creates a new body of state, and charges it with duties and responsibilities, which on the face of it, we must regard as the equal of the other houses of power. If the Senate approves the proposed wording of the Cat's Graces, then it is laying down the responsibilities of that body, in exactly the same way the founders laid down the responsibilities of the Military Council, the Conclave, the Bourse and the Synod.

The Imperial Constitution tolerates no hierachy of power - it permits no vassalage. The Military Council shall ensure the rigorous defence of the Empire - and so the orders of generals are not subject to the approval of the Senate. While the power to create new laws and amend the Constitution is vested in the Senate, it is the Synod that may strike down a motion and thereby ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire. Of course such an arrangement creates conflicts between the rights and privelidges of the houses of power - that is undeniable and unavoidable. It is the solemn duty of this Court to settle those conflicts and in doing so ensure the Constitution retaints its integrity and purpose. In resolving those dilemmas, this Court begins with the view that the rights of each house of power is transcendent, ''within its own dominion''.

As it is with the Bourse or the Conclave, so it would be with any sodality. It is vital that senators understand that the Senate <u>cannot</u> approve members of the Cat's Graces to meet with the purpose of promoting the arts. What they <u>can do</u> is change the understanding of the Constitution such that it can be plainly read that the Empire vests responsibility for the promotion of the arts in the Cat's Graces - ''with all due seniority thereby implied''.
</quote>