Empire - User contributions [en]

Challenge the Iron Duke

2026-04-15T16:48:48Z

MikeCrotch:

==Rules==
{{Season|Summer|30}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|10}} {{Imperial Reduction}} {{Regio|Summer}} The target character must be present throughout.

A single coven can only cast the ritual ''once'' for any given challenge presented by [[Barien]]. If Barien presents more than one challenge, the coven must specify which contest their challenger will take part in. The coven must also specify which reward from the Dragonforge the challenger is competing for.

A character who has won a contest entered through Challenge the Iron Duke cannot be the target of this ritual again until a year has passed (that is if they win a contest during the Summer Solstice, they cannot be the target of the ritual again until the next Summer Solstice).

The ritual may only be performed on the Friday of the summit. It cannot be cast on Saturday or Sunday; it will fail, and no mana will be spent, though any consumables used will be lost.

===Effects===
This ritual allows a coven to put forward a champion to take part in a contest announced by the [[eternal]] [[Barien]]. The contests that Barien offers are detailed in the Winds of Fortune published before every event. A wind will contain details of what the challenge will involve; when and where it will take place; how winners will be determined; the prize or prizes Barien will provide; and any criteria for the selection of a champion (for example, a given contest might only be open to [[Magical skills#Magician|magicians]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]]).

If there is more than one contest available at a given summit, the coven must be clear about which one they are presenting a challenger to take part in. Each ritual can only present a challenger for one contest.

===Challengers and Attendants===
Depending on the nature of the challenge Barien has set, challengers may need to find additional attendants to bring with them to assist in their test. The number of attendants required will vary, but unless otherwise stated, attendants are full participants in the contest itself and follow the same rules as challengers.

In all cases, every individual challenger who has had the ritual cast upon them will be ''guaranteed'' entry to the contest. The number of attendants a challenger needs to bring with them will depend on the specific challenge, and how many challengers have the ritual cast upon them at the summit.

If there is high demand for a contest, some challengers may need to work together - in this case they will not be able to bring all the attendants they planned for. '''The necessary information, including a list of challengers for each contest and how many attendants they can bring, will be posted in the Civil Service Hub at time-in on Saturday morning of the summit.'''

===Additional Targets===
It is no longer possible to include additional targets in this ritual. A coven can only put forward a single challenger for each contest that Barien has announced. If more than one contest is available at a summit, then the [[Bands#Covens|coven]] must perform a separate ritual to name a challenger for each contest. If a contest requires a team of champions, then all can be included in the casting without changing the magnitude.

===Options===
Like many rituals, it is possible to substitute other valuable materials for crystal mana when performing this ritual. Unlike most, however, there are multiple opportunities to replace crystal mana in the performance of Challenge the Iron Duke. No matter how many alternatives a magician employs, they are still limited in their total contribution toward the cost of the ritual by their ranks in Summer lore. For example, a character with Summer lore 3 who has mastered the ritual could use a flask of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] and two ingots of tempest jade to replace 3 crystal mana but they couldn't add any more to the casting, no matter how much [[vis]], crystal mana, or [[potion|potions]] they had.

* '''Raw Materials:''' Barien is a master [[crafting skills#artisan|artisan]] and always keen to acquire magical materials. A contributor who has mastered the ritual can substitute ingots or measures of magical material for crystal mana. Every 2 ingots or measures counts as 1 crystal mana when performing the ritual. The exception is [[orichalcum]]; Barien does not require ingots of orichalcum and so it cannot be used in the ritual (unless the coven is using a [[Burnished Orb]] or similar item).
* '''Skop's Mead:''' [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] is a [[potion]] created by [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] and has a particular resonance for this ritual. Any contributor who has mastered the ritual can consume a dose of Skop's Mead in place of 2 crystal mana, limited as normal by their ranks in Summer Lore. The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber. Only the specific potion Skop's Mead can be used in this manner - other potions that restore hero points do not work.
* '''Champion's Draught:''' One dose of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] can be consumed by the ''target'' of the ritual, provided they are not also a contributor. Provided it is consumed during the performance of the ritual, it substitutes for up to three crystal mana, following all the normal rules for vis (that is, the effect can be split among multiple casters). The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber.
* '''Golden Apples:''' [[Vis]] from the [[Realm#Summer|Summer realm]] often takes the form of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]] and Barien seems particularly keen to see the ritual cast using them. A golden apple can normally be used in place of three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual; when used to cast Challenge the Iron Duke, each golden apple counts as ''five'' mana. This applies ''only'' to golden apples; other forms of Summer vis will provide only the normal amount of crystal mana.

Barien is also known to present gifts of tokens to those who win his approval that can be used as vis for performing this ritual only.

===OOC Elements===
The ritualists should ensure that the referee who records their ritual has included details of which contest their challenger is entering (if there are more than one) and name the prize their challenger intends to claim.

The ritual can only be cast on the Friday of summits - it is not possible to cast the ritual on the Saturday or Sunday. This is for logistical reasons to allow setup of the contests, which will always run on Saturday.

===Assurance===
This ritual has a guaranteed [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts|response]] from an eternal, in this case [[Barien]], and it comes with an [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts|assurance]]. The assurance connected with the ritual was lost for several centuries but was rediscovered by members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE. The ritual loses all power and ceases to function if Dawn ever ceases to use [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Tests of Mettle]], [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour|Tests of Ardour]], or [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Resolve|Tests of Resolve]].

==Rewards and the Dragonforge==

If the challenger is triumphant according to the rules of the contest, they will be able to claim ''one'' of the prizes offered by Barien from his Dragonforge. The attendants who supported the challenge cannot claim a prize if their side wins; only the challengers who were targeted by the ritual. In some cases the Imperial challengers will compete as a team and will win and lose together, in some cases challengers will win and lose individually. Some contests may lay out additional special prizes on top of the regular offering from the Dragonforge. In addition, victorious champions will be offered a draught of the Elixir of the Long Road, a potion which can bring out or enhance the changeling lineage in a human.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Item !! Type !! Description
|-
| [[Stalwart's Sword]] || One-handed weapon || A sword for warriors who seek to slay beasts and disregard danger.
|-
| [[Blacksmith's Wage]] || Polearm || A Blacksmith's Wage forged of magical self-repairing metal.
|-
| [[Ivory Aketon]] || Light Armour || An Ivory Aketon for those who inspire others to keep going.
|-
| Unique Ritual Focus || Ritual Focus || A ritual focus for those who delight in revels and challenges (Boosts [[Leonine Pavilion]] and [[Challenge the Iron Duke]])
|-
| [[Landsknecht's Zweihander]] || Great Weapon || A greatsword for those who want to cement themselves in legend
|-
| [[Staff of Power]] || Staff || A staff for mages who thirst for the feeling of raw energy
|-
| [[Knightly Redoubt]] || Heavy Armour || Armour for those who refused to be moved, no matter what
|-
| [[Captain's Garb]] || Mage Robes || Ritual robes for those who want to rise above and bring others with them
|-
| [[Stormguard Bulwark]] || Shield || You know that by combining brains and brawn, you can overcome any obstacle, no matter the difficulty.
|-
| [[Pauper's Key]] || Jewellery || A [[Pauper's Key]] for those who refused to be shut out of anything.
|}

Each reward is uniquely named. In the event multiple challengers choose the same reward, there will be multiple different named versions of the same item to choose from.

Challengers who are unsuccessful will be offered a consolation prize.
Once the contest is complete, Barien and his heralds will spread the names of any champions across the land, as well as the name of the coven that put them forward.

Barien has indicated that he will look with favour on those covens who regularly present champions to take part in his challenges. It doesn't matter whether a coven's champion wins or loses, all that matters is that they found a suitable champion and put them forward.

Once a given champion has won a contest, Barien will not accept them as challenger for another contest until a year has passed. Even if they find a way to be presented as champion, they will be disqualified before the contest begins. Anyone caught trying to fool the Iron Duke will face his ire - they will be treated not as a challenger reaching for the laurels but as a thief who is trying to steal the glory of others.
OOC Note: For weapons and armour rewards, players will need to provide their own appropriate phys-rep to be enchanted. For jewellery, foci and paraphernalia, a phys-rep will be provided, though players are free to use their own if they prefer. If multiple characters are trying to win the same item, Barien will create multiple versions with alternative names for the winners to choose from. They will be identical in all respects apart from the name.

==Roll of Champions==

Below is the list of victors in the challenges set by Barien since the Winter of 386YE. Names in italics are victor from a year or more ago, who are now eligible to enter a challenge again (provided they have not been victorious again the past year).

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible sortable mw-collapsed"
|-
! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven
|-
| Autumn 387 || Emryn Hunter || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Noble_Hunt|Challenge of the Noble Hunt]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Autumn 387 || Ilysses of the Lighthouse-That-Was || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Cabal of Nevezamzer
|-
| Autumn 387 || Matild || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || An Eternal Summer
|-
| Autumn 387 || Ugla Vardovich || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Autumn 387 || Tren Meals || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| Autumn 387 || Thomas Oak || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Prosperous Pigs
|-
| Autumn 387 || Kiáine || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Autumn 387 || Logan Olivia de Havilland || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Autumn 387 || Godwyn V'alen || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Golden Grove
|-
| Autumn 387 || Aurélio i Valiente i Erigo || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Autumn 387 || Richard Docker || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || Coven of the Summer Star
|-
| Summer 387 || Ragnar Summers Tongue || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Summer 387 || Tarquin || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Summer 387 || Marianne || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || The Cabal of Nevezamzer
|-
| Summer 387 || Valedin Stoychko || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || Ashen Flame
|-
| Summer 387 || Elyan Fletcher || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Summer 387 || Ellis || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Vesper Lucentia || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Florent de Lys || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Golden Grove
|-
| Spring 387 || Mauro i Veliente i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Eirikr Firekeeper || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Spring 387 || Reynard || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| Spring 387 || Engleburt || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Spring 387 || Ruhadze Scrivener || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Spring 387 || Blaise Yarrow || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Temperance Forger || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Toca I Valiente I Guerra || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || ''Samantha "Tongs" Barossa De Tassato Regario'' || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || ''Emlyn Tangled Path'' || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Winter 386 || ''Revna Ursan'' || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || Ursolskin
|-
| Winter 386 || ''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo'' || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Winter 386 || ''Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza'' || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || ''Eilinn Daggersbond'' || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || Iron Duke's Favour
|-
| Winter 386 || ''Emberlyn Brontide'' || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || ''Allana Silvercloud'' || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Eternal Family
|}

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|caption=[[Barien]] exemplifies meeting, setting and overcoming challenges.|width=300}}</div>

==Description==
Barien is [[Barien|the Iron Duke]], an eternal of the [[Realm#Summer|Summer realm]] who loves to challenge mortals. He creates contests, and offers contests, to encourage people to strive to achieve everything they are capable of. He is a master smith and has access to the Dragonforge, which allows him to create powerful magic items at great speed when he has need. The magical items that Barien crafts employ enchantments common in the Empire, but each one is individually named and contain a summer aura that affects the wielder, the same way a hallowed item might.

Each season, Barien's heralds announces one or more challenges, details of which are published in the Winds of Fortune. In most cases the heralds will explain who can enter the challenge and what form the contest will take, so that aspiring champions can decide if they wish to enter. To enter the challenge, the participant must be the target of this ritual - which must be cast on the Friday night. Barien's heralds take the details of everyone who is entering the contest, publish their names in the Hub the following day. The challenge then takes place shortly after.

In the past it has been common for a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] who has been approached to provide a [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Mettle|Test of Mettle]] or [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Ardour|Test of Ardour]] to make meeting and defeating the challenge of the Iron Duke the heart of the Test. There is a common belief that Barien favours houses that do this. The Iron Duke has never directly admitted this - but it does make sense. Barien has confirmed his favour for covens that put forward challengers for his ritual, so it would make sense that earls and enchanters who send knights-errant to challenge the Iron Duke might gain an ally in the Summer realm.

An [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer|stargazer]] by the name of Caellia of Clearwater made a close study of this ritual and several others like it. She argued convincingly that it is actually no different to [[Missive for Sadogua]] - it simply creates a conduit between the ritualists and the eternal, and allows for a transfer of information. It could theoretically be cast for a single crystal mana. However, the ritual has been intentionally designed to be much higher magnitude, and she theorised that this was partly to bind the eternal to an agreed-on pact, and partly to provide power that Barien could then use to create a challenge.

While the ritual is understandably popular in [[Dawn]], it also has obvious appeal to many [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], adventurous [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]], and legions of [[Imperial Orcs]] looking for an opportunity to 'prove' themselves. Some [[Highguard|Highborn]] who understand the ritual are torn between a general suspicion of the eternals and the Highborn love of competition; after all, this ritual is tailor-made to allow a clever mortal to pit their wits against an eternal and show what humans are truly made of.

Barien's challenges are designed to push mortals to their limits, but to stop short of killing them. His challenge often incorporate skirmishes and battles with other forces. The Iron Duke always insists that all participants behave honourably - by which he means that there should be no executions and those who yield must be spared. He will usually challenge the Jotun to step up and fight the Empire, but on occasion Imperial heroes have found themselves squaring off against Grendel or Thule opponents. The challenges ''never'' include the Druj who the Keeper of Revels is widely believed to despise.

Observing the rules is more than just an expectation. The enchantress Cassia du Morvay claimed that the challenge is akin to [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|an oath]], sworn by the challenger to abide by the terms of the contest. Those who cheat risk the terrible repercussions that befall those who break their oaths. The few that have succeeded have all met bloody fates, though admittedly more than one died at the hands of the Half-hand's vengeful heralds.

Cheating is outlawed, but cleverness is widely admired. The Master of Challenges welcomes those whose wits are as sharp as their blade, who think as quickly as they run, who converse as eloquently as they dance. Barien himself will never offer help or aid with a challenge, but on more than one occasion his heralds, and the heralds of other eternals of the Summer realm, have been known to lend assistance to a hero to help them attempt a challenge. Such aid is always within the bounds of the oath of the challenger, the measure of those who lend you their support is just another mark of a true hero.

==Common Elements==
Stories and songs of glorious or heroic deeds, [[Dawn hearth magic#Girding|girding]] the challenger with arms and armour, or anointing the target with oil, blood or wine are all common elements when performing this ritual. In some nations it is traditional to recite a challengers history in the matter of a troubadour announcing their earl's pedigree. In Varushka, one of the ritualists will often take on the role of Barien, announcing the terms of the challenge and inviting the challenger to swear an oath to compete to the best of their ability.

Banners and flags are often used, as are heraldic themes such as the sounding of horns. Some ritual groups will even go so far as to stage a mock battle in the regio, when preparing a challenger for a martial tourney. The Summer Stars, an Urizeni coven that used to favour challengers who sought tests of wit and wisdom, would prepare riddles for the challenger and deliver them to an unprepared challenger during the performance of the ritual.

Any or all of the [[Runes#Runes of Summer|Summer runes]] might be evoked, depending entirely on the nature of the targets. [[the Mountain]], [[the Stork]] and [[the Phoenix]] are often invoked during the ritual by astronomancers with the Mountain considered particularly auspicious. There is a common misconception that Barien reserves his most difficult challenges for conjunctions of the Mountain.

<ic>"The first time was for love - if you can believe that! Faced some Marcher lad with arms like tree-trunks, swinging a great mattock thing around like it didn't weigh anything. Funny you only think to be scared once you're actually in there with some big bastard looming over you, eh? He should've won it, too, but he got careless and slipped, and I wasn't about to let him have the chance to knock any more of my teeth out! In at him with my axe - bet that left a mark that still stings come Winter! After all that, the girl I was mooning over ended up running off with my best friend, ain't love grand?

The second time was a matter of pride. I'd taken a bad wound campaigning up around Skoura (no, you won't find it in the history books, "never happened" so they say), and I'd been laid up for weeks afterwards, and limping a bit beyond that. Anyway, word was out that I wasn't fit for duty no more, so I spent all my savings challenging old Barien again. I guess he remembered me from last time, because he sent out some... thing... Not rightly sure what it was, but it was damn tough. Luckily I'd got a good few years of free company work under my belt by this point, and though my sword snapped off in it, I got me this better one in return, aye, and all the work I could ask for as well.

The third time, that was just plain foolishness. "Top of my game", I thought, "I can handle anything old Iron Britches throws at me, no problem". Think of it, beating old Barien three times in a row! Course, this time the challenge was to steal a hat from every Imperial general. As you can plainly see, Magistrate, that one didn't go so well..."<br>
- Testimony of Ilsa Van Der Holberg, two time victor of the Iron Duke's challenge
</ic>

==Game Design==
Challenge the Iron Duke has been a popular ritual for many years but as the game has grown it has become increasingly difficult to support. The personalised approach used up a lot of resources from the plot department and proved stressful to administer, especially in the post-Covid years which saw both a huge expansion in player numbers and interest in the Challenge the Iron Duke ritual. Eventually it became apparent that it would not be possible to continue providing the previously promised experience without sacrificing other areas of plot, and so the ritual was turned off while alternatives were discussed.

There were also a wide array of logistical problems with the ritual. It didn't begin to work until the event after it was cast - by which time the challenger might be absent for some reason. It was often difficult to locate challengers to discuss what challenge they were looking for or what progress they had made. There were problems meeting player expectations about the rewards on offer. Players often mistakenly assumed that the more time and effort they invested in pursuing a challenge, the greater the reward might be, leading to inevitable disappointment.

The new ritual is designed to address all these problems. The plot team will create plot encounters for the ritual, and players who want to undertake the challenge must then find a ritual team and convince them to put them forward. While the encounters will no longer be bespoke for each character who casts the ritual, this will make it possible for people to have an idea what challenge they are getting themselves into. Because the rewards are known in advance, everyone knows what they might win and the drastically improved tempo of the ritual means that participants can undertake the challenge at the event where the ritual is cast giving a chance to have a memorable and special character moment for everyone involved.

As with any change this will be monitored to see if it is working better for everyone involved.
{{Challenge Links}}
[[Category:Summer Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]

Challenge the Iron Duke

2025-12-09T16:56:02Z

MikeCrotch: /* Roll of Champions */

==Rules==
{{Season|Summer|30}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|10}} {{Imperial Reduction}} {{Regio|Summer}} The target character must be present throughout.

A single coven can only cast the ritual ''once'' for any given challenge presented by [[Barien]]. If Barien presents more than one challenge, the coven must specify which contest their challenger will take part in. The coven must also specify which reward from the Dragonforge the challenger is competing for.

A character who has won a contest entered through Challenge the Iron Duke cannot be the target of this ritual again until a year has passed (that is if they win a contest during the Summer Solstice, they cannot be the target of the ritual again until the next Summer Solstice).

The ritual may only be performed on the Friday of the summit. It cannot be cast on Saturday or Sunday; it will fail, and no mana will be spent, though any consumables used will be lost.

===Effects===
This ritual allows a coven to put forward a champion to take part in a contest announced by the [[eternal]] [[Barien]]. The contests that Barien offers are detailed in the Winds of Fortune published before every event. A wind will contain details of what the challenge will involve; when and where it will take place; how winners will be determined; the prize or prizes Barien will provide; and any criteria for the selection of a champion (for example, a given contest might only be open to [[Magical skills#Magician|magicians]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]]).

If there is more than one contest available at a given summit, the coven must be clear about which one they are presenting a challenger to take part in. Each ritual can only present a challenger for one contest.

===Challengers and Attendants===
Depending on the nature of the challenge Barien has set, challengers may need to find additional attendants to bring with them to assist in their test. The number of attendants required will vary, but unless otherwise stated, attendants are full participants in the contest itself and follow the same rules as challengers.

In all cases, every individual challenger who has had the ritual cast upon them will be ''guaranteed'' entry to the contest. The number of attendants a challenger needs to bring with them will depend on the specific challenge, and how many challengers have the ritual cast upon them at the summit.

If there is high demand for a contest, some challengers may need to work together - in this case they will not be able to bring all the attendants they planned for. '''The necessary information, including a list of challengers for each contest and how many attendants they can bring, will be posted in the Civil Service Hub at time-in on Saturday morning of the summit.'''

===Additional Targets===
It is no longer possible to include additional targets in this ritual. A coven can only put forward a single challenger for each contest that Barien has announced. If more than one contest is available at a summit, then the [[Bands#Covens|coven]] must perform a separate ritual to name a challenger for each contest. If a contest requires a team of champions, then all can be included in the casting without changing the magnitude.

===Options===
Like many rituals, it is possible to substitute other valuable materials for crystal mana when performing this ritual. Unlike most, however, there are multiple opportunities to replace crystal mana in the performance of Challenge the Iron Duke. No matter how many alternatives a magician employs, they are still limited in their total contribution toward the cost of the ritual by their ranks in Summer lore. For example, a character with Summer lore 3 who has mastered the ritual could use a flask of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] and two ingots of tempest jade to replace 3 crystal mana but they couldn't add any more to the casting, no matter how much [[vis]], crystal mana, or [[potion|potions]] they had.

* '''Raw Materials:''' Barien is a master [[crafting skills#artisan|artisan]] and always keen to acquire magical materials. A contributor who has mastered the ritual can substitute ingots or measures of magical material for crystal mana. Every 2 ingots or measures counts as 1 crystal mana when performing the ritual. The exception is [[orichalcum]]; Barien does not require ingots of orichalcum and so it cannot be used in the ritual (unless the coven is using a [[Burnished Orb]] or similar item).
* '''Skop's Mead:''' [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] is a [[potion]] created by [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] and has a particular resonance for this ritual. Any contributor who has mastered the ritual can consume a dose of Skop's Mead in place of 2 crystal mana, limited as normal by their ranks in Summer Lore. The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber. Only the specific potion Skop's Mead can be used in this manner - other potions that restore hero points do not work.
* '''Champion's Draught:''' One dose of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] can be consumed by the ''target'' of the ritual, provided they are not also a contributor. Provided it is consumed during the performance of the ritual, it substitutes for up to three crystal mana, following all the normal rules for vis (that is, the effect can be split among multiple casters). The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber.
* '''Golden Apples:''' [[Vis]] from the [[Realm#Summer|Summer Realm]] often takes the form of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]] and Barien seems particularly keen to see the ritual cast using them. A golden apple can normally be used in place of three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual; when used to cast Challenge the Iron Duke, each golden apple counts as ''five'' mana. This applies ''only'' to golden apples; other forms of Summer vis will provide only the normal amount of crystal mana.

Barien is also known to present gifts of tokens to those who win his approval that can be used as vis for performing this ritual only.

===OOC Elements===
The ritualists should ensure that the referee who records their ritual has included details of which contest their challenger is entering (if there are more than one) and name the prize their challenger intends to claim.

The ritual can only be cast on the Friday of summits - it is not possible to cast the ritual on the Saturday or Sunday. This is for logistical reasons to allow setup of the contests, which will always run on Saturday.

===Assurance===
This ritual has a guaranteed [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts|response]] from an eternal, in this case [[Barien]], and it comes with an [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts|assurance]]. The assurance connected with the ritual was lost for several centuries but was rediscovered by members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE. The ritual loses all power and ceases to function if Dawn ever ceases to use [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Tests of Mettle]], [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour|Tests of Ardour]], or [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Resolve|Tests of Resolve]].

==Rewards and the Dragonforge==

If the challenger is triumphant according to the rules of the contest, they will be able to claim ''one'' of the prizes offered by Barien from his Dragonforge. The attendants who supported the challenge cannot claim a prize if their side wins; only the challengers who were targeted by the ritual. In some cases the Imperial challengers will compete as a team and will win and lose together, in some cases challengers will win and lose individually. Some contests may lay out additional special prizes on top of the regular offering from the Dragonforge. In addition, victorious champions will be offered a draught of the Elixir of the Long Road, a potion which can bring out or enhance the changeling lineage in a human.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Item !! Type !! Description
|-
| Noble Essence || [[Duelist's Scales]] || One-handed weapon || A [[Duelist's Scales]] for one who wants to prove their pure skill over others.
|-
| Breakdown || [[Blacksmith's Wage]] || Polearm || A [[Blacksmith's Wage]] forged of magical self-repairing metal.
|-
| Avalanche || [[Giant's Maul]] || Great Weapon || A [[Giant's Maul]] for someone who wants to be the unstoppable force.
|-
| Furnace || [[Witches' Hammer]] || Rod || A [[Witches' Hammer]] for those who cannot tolerate imperfection.
|-
| Beating Heart || [[Ivory Aketon]] || Light Armour || An [[Ivory Aketon]] for those who inspire others to keep going.
|-
| Silverfleece || [[Wardensweave]] || Medium Armour || A set of [[Wardensweave]] fit for a leader of heroes.
|-
| Escalade || [[Champion's Bastion]] || Shield || A [[Champion's Bastion]] for those who would be first up the siege ladder.
|-
| Sunfire || Unique Foci || Foci || A ritual focus that boosts a summer ritualist's power once a day.
|-
| Shimmerweave|| [[Opaline Coat]] || Mage Robes || An [[Opaline Coat]] for mages who are a cut above the riffraff.
|-
| Juggernaut|| [[Hero's Hauberk]] + 1 Draught of Great Revelry || Heavy Armour || Heavy armour for those who will not be moved from a position, no matter the pain.
|-
| Noble Privilege|| [[Pauper's Key]] || Jewellery || A [[Pauper's Key]] for those who refused to be shut out of anything.
|}

Challengers who are unsuccessful will be offered a consolation prize.
Once the contest is complete, Barien and his heralds will spread the names of any champions across the land, as well as the name of the coven that put them forward.

Barien has indicated that he will look with favour on those covens who regularly present champions to take part in his challenges. It doesn't matter whether a coven's champion wins or loses, all that matters is that they found a suitable champion and put them forward.

Once a given champion has won a contest, Barien will not accept them as challenger for another contest until a year has passed. Even if they find a way to be presented as champion, they will be disqualified before the contest begins. Anyone caught trying to fool the Iron Duke will face his ire - they will be treated not as a challenger reaching for the laurels but as a thief who is trying to steal the glory of others.
OOC Note: For weapons and armour rewards, players will need to provide their own appropriate phys-rep to be enchanted. For jewellery, foci and paraphernalia, a phys-rep will be provided, though players are free to use their own if they prefer. If multiple characters are trying to win the same item, Barien will create multiple versions with alternative names for the winners to choose from. They will be identical in all respects apart from the name.

==Roll of Champions==

Below is the list of victors in the challenges set by Barien since the Winter of 386YE.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible sortable mw-collapsed"
|-
! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven
|-
| Autumn 387 || Emryn Hunter || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Noble_Hunt|Challenge of the Noble Hunt]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Autumn 387 || Ilysses of the Lighthouse-That-Was || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Cabal of Nevezamzer
|-
| Autumn 387 || Matild || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || An Eternal Summer
|-
| Autumn 387 || Ugla Vardovich || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Autumn 387 || Tren Meals || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| Autumn 387 || Thomas Oak || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Prosperous Pigs
|-
| Autumn 387 || Kiáine || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Autumn 387 || Logan Olivia de Havilland || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Autumn 387 || Godwyn V'alen || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Golden Grove
|-
| Autumn 387 || Aurélio i Valiente i Erigo || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Autumn 387 || Richard Docker || [[An_iron_feast#Challenge_of_the_Eternal_Banquet|Challenge of the Eternal Banquet]] || Coven of the Summer Star
|-
| Summer 387 || Ragnar Summers Tongue || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Summer 387 || Tarquin || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Summer 387 || Marianne || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || The Cabal of Nevezamzer
|-
| Summer 387 || Valedin Stoychko || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || Ashen Flame
|-
| Summer 387 || Elyan Fletcher || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Summer 387 || Ellis || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Vesper Lucentia || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Florent de Lys || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Golden Grove
|-
| Spring 387 || Mauro i Veliente i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Eirikr Firekeeper || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Spring 387 || Reynard || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| Spring 387 || Engleburt || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Spring 387 || Ruhadze Scrivener || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Spring 387 || Blaise Yarrow || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Temperance Forger || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Toca I Valiente I Guerra || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || Samantha "Tongs" Barossa De Tassato Regario || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || Emlyn Tangled Path || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Winter 386 || Revna Ursan || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || Ursolskin
|-
| Winter 386 || Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Winter 386 || Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || Eilinn Daggersbond || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || Iron Duke's Favour
|-
| Winter 386 || Emberlyn Brontide || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || Allana Silvercloud || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Eternal Family
|}

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|caption=[[Barien]] exemplifies meeting, setting and overcoming challenges.|width=300}}</div>

==Description==
Barien is [[Barien|the Iron Duke]], an eternal of the [[Realm#Summer|Summer Realm]] who loves to challenge mortals. He creates contests, and offers contests, to encourage people to strive to achieve everything they are capable of. He is a master smith and has access to the Dragonforge, which allows him to create powerful magic items at great speed when he has need. The magical items that Barien crafts employ enchantments common in the Empire, but each one is individually named and contain a summer aura that affects the wielder, the same way a hallowed item might.

Each season, Barien's heralds announces one or more challenges, details of which are published in the Winds of Fortune. In most cases the heralds will explain who can enter the challenge and what form the contest will take, so that aspiring champions can decide if they wish to enter. To enter the challenge, the participant must be the target of this ritual - which must be cast on the Friday night. Barien's heralds take the details of everyone who is entering the contest, publish their names in the Hub the following day. The challenge then takes place shortly after.

In the past it has been common for a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] who has been approached to provide a [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Mettle|Test of Mettle]] or [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Ardour|Test of Ardour]] to make meeting and defeating the challenge of the Iron Duke the heart of the Test. There is a common belief that Barien favours houses that do this. The Iron Duke has never directly admitted this - but it does make sense. Barien has confirmed his favour for covens that put forward challengers for his ritual, so it would make sense that earls and enchanters who send knights-errant to challenge the Iron Duke might gain an ally in the Summer realm.

An [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer|stargazer]] by the name of Caellia of Clearwater made a close study of this ritual and several others like it. She argued convincingly that it is actually no different to [[Missive for Sadogua]] - it simply creates a conduit between the ritualists and the eternal, and allows for a transfer of information. It could theoretically be cast for a single crystal mana. However, the ritual has been intentionally designed to be much higher magnitude, and she theorised that this was partly to bind the eternal to an agreed-on pact, and partly to provide power that Barien could then use to create a challenge.

While the ritual is understandably popular in [[Dawn]], it also has obvious appeal to many [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], adventurous [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]], and legions of [[Imperial Orcs]] looking for an opportunity to 'prove' themselves. Some [[Highguard|Highborn]] who understand the ritual are torn between a general suspicion of the eternals and the Highborn love of competition; after all, this ritual is tailor-made to allow a clever mortal to pit their wits against an eternal and show what humans are truly made of.

Barien's challenges are designed to push mortals to their limits, but to stop short of killing them. His challenge often incorporate skirmishes and battles with other forces. The Iron Duke always insists that all participants behave honourably - by which he means that there should be no executions and those who yield must be spared. He will usually challenge the Jotun to step up and fight the Empire, but on occasion Imperial heroes have found themselves squaring off against Grendel or Thule opponents. The challenges ''never'' include the Druj who the Keeper of Revels is widely believed to despise.

Observing the rules is more than just an expectation. The enchantress Cassia du Morvay claimed that the challenge is akin to [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|an oath]], sworn by the challenger to abide by the terms of the contest. Those who cheat risk the terrible repercussions that befall those who break their oaths. The few that have succeeded have all met bloody fates, though admittedly more than one died at the hands of the Half-hand's vengeful heralds.

Cheating is outlawed, but cleverness is widely admired. The Master of Challenges welcomes those whose wits are as sharp as their blade, who think as quickly as they run, who converse as eloquently as they dance. Barien himself will never offer help or aid with a challenge, but on more than one occasion his heralds, and the heralds of other eternals of the Summer realm, have been known to lend assistance to a hero to help them attempt a challenge. Such aid is always within the bounds of the oath of the challenger, the measure of those who lend you their support is just another mark of a true hero.

==Common Elements==
Stories and songs of glorious or heroic deeds, [[Dawn hearth magic#Girding|girding]] the challenger with arms and armour, or anointing the target with oil, blood or wine are all common elements when performing this ritual. In some nations it is traditional to recite a challengers history in the matter of a troubadour announcing their earl's pedigree. In Varushka, one of the ritualists will often take on the role of Barien, announcing the terms of the challenge and inviting the challenger to swear an oath to compete to the best of their ability.

Banners and flags are often used, as are heraldic themes such as the sounding of horns. Some ritual groups will even go so far as to stage a mock battle in the regio, when preparing a challenger for a martial tourney. The Summer Stars, an Urizeni coven that used to favour challengers who sought tests of wit and wisdom, would prepare riddles for the challenger and deliver them to an unprepared challenger during the performance of the ritual.

Any or all of the [[Runes#Runes of Summer|Summer runes]] might be evoked, depending entirely on the nature of the targets. [[the Mountain]], [[the Stork]] and [[the Phoenix]] are often invoked during the ritual by astronomancers with the Mountain considered particularly auspicious. There is a common misconception that Barien reserves his most difficult challenges for conjunctions of the Mountain.

<ic>"The first time was for love - if you can believe that! Faced some Marcher lad with arms like tree-trunks, swinging a great mattock thing around like it didn't weigh anything. Funny you only think to be scared once you're actually in there with some big bastard looming over you, eh? He should've won it, too, but he got careless and slipped, and I wasn't about to let him have the chance to knock any more of my teeth out! In at him with my axe - bet that left a mark that still stings come Winter! After all that, the girl I was mooning over ended up running off with my best friend, ain't love grand?

The second time was a matter of pride. I'd taken a bad wound campaigning up around Skoura (no, you won't find it in the history books, "never happened" so they say), and I'd been laid up for weeks afterwards, and limping a bit beyond that. Anyway, word was out that I wasn't fit for duty no more, so I spent all my savings challenging old Barien again. I guess he remembered me from last time, because he sent out some... thing... Not rightly sure what it was, but it was damn tough. Luckily I'd got a good few years of free company work under my belt by this point, and though my sword snapped off in it, I got me this better one in return, aye, and all the work I could ask for as well.

The third time, that was just plain foolishness. "Top of my game", I thought, "I can handle anything old Iron Britches throws at me, no problem". Think of it, beating old Barien three times in a row! Course, this time the challenge was to steal a hat from every Imperial general. As you can plainly see, Magistrate, that one didn't go so well..."<br>
- Testimony of Ilsa Van Der Holberg, two time victor of the Iron Duke's challenge
</ic>

==Game Design==
Challenge the Iron Duke has been a popular ritual for many years but as the game has grown it has become increasingly difficult to support. The personalised approach used up a lot of resources from the plot department and proved stressful to administer, especially in the post-Covid years which saw both a huge expansion in player numbers and interest in the Challenge the Iron Duke ritual. Eventually it became apparent that it would not be possible to continue providing the previously promised experience without sacrificing other areas of plot, and so the ritual was turned off while alternatives were discussed.

There were also a wide array of logistical problems with the ritual. It didn't begin to work until the event after it was cast - by which time the challenger might be absent for some reason. It was often difficult to locate challengers to discuss what challenge they were looking for or what progress they had made. There were problems meeting player expectations about the rewards on offer. Players often mistakenly assumed that the more time and effort they invested in pursuing a challenge, the greater the reward might be, leading to inevitable disappointment.

The new ritual is designed to address all these problems. The plot team will create plot encounters for the ritual, and players who want to undertake the challenge must then find a ritual team and convince them to put them forward. While the encounters will no longer be bespoke for each character who casts the ritual, this will make it possible for people to have an idea what challenge they are getting themselves into. Because the rewards are known in advance, everyone knows what they might win and the drastically improved tempo of the ritual means that participants can undertake the challenge at the event where the ritual is cast giving a chance to have a memorable and special character moment for everyone involved.

As with any change this will be monitored to see if it is working better for everyone involved.
{{Challenge Links}}
[[Category:Summer Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:15:12Z

MikeCrotch: /* A Challenging Finale (Barien) */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archamge#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
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===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the [[vallorn]], and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the [[Ward of the Black Waste]] woven in some fashion with [[Spring magic]] rather than [[Winter magic]]. A thorough investigation of this site would require an [[appraisal]] and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.
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===A Thousand Foes (Ira Harrah)===
* '''Ira Harrah supports the rebellious septs in the Mallum
* '''He has thrown his weight behind those who are claiming the Neustak forest
* '''He asks the Imperial Conclave to make their position on this matter clear with a suitable Declaration
* '''If the Empire attacks the rebels, Ira Harrah will turn on the Empire
Imperial forces continue to battle the [[Druj]] in [[Sarangrave]], but there has been an unlooked-for development in the [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]]. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicans has empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind rebelious slaves who have claimed the [[territory#regions|region]] for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|the Bloodwater Spears]], [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|the Water Walkers]], and an unknown sept have taken the [[opportunity]] to [[Even darkness must pass|overthrow the Druj]], butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]], but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Hayaak001b.png|align=right|width=240}}
===College of Magic (Hayaak)===
* '''Hayaak has become patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. [[Jaheris]] was displaced by [[Hayaak]], and the heralds of the former have quit the [[college of magic]] while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The [[inhabitants of the realm#heralds|herald]] of the ''Hawk Lord'' goes by the name of ''Ernreik'' and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the ''Peregrine Knight'' himself, allow the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] to [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Patronage_of_the_Peregrine_Knight|more swiftly]] research any [[enchantment]] that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
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===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

[[A_challenging_time|One year ago]], the ''[[Barien|Iron Duke]]'' brought those from the nations of [[Dawn]] and [[Wintermark]] who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of [[heroism]] or [[glory]]. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit, up to 50 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}

===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

Vales across [[Varushka]] have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and [[the League]], have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, ''Klarent, Clad in Blades'' and ''Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', two heralds of [[Jaheris]] who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the ''Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'' (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from [[Miekarova]] across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karsk]], [[Ossium]], [[The Barrens]], [[Karov]], [[Volodmartz]] and [[Holberg]] - as well as '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of summer''' and '''Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake''' - to meet them at the ''Plot and Plunder'' bar in [[the League]] camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.
==Winter==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=240}}
===Smile (Skathe)===
* '''Skathe has offered to allow Catena of the Concordium of Pallas to codify a single curse of any realm and magnitude'''
* '''The offer requires the Archmage of Winter to use the power of plenipotentiary to accept the boon'''
* '''The curse will require one season of work for every twenty-five levels of magnitude'''
* '''The process will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under emnity at any time while the curse is being codified'''
* '''Codificication will require Catena to work with the eternal and her heralds in the Bleak Oubliette'''
{{SOP|statement=Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.|size=small|by=Catena, Urizeni Assembly|vote= {{GM}} 196-0|when=Summer Solstice 378YE}}
At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the ''[[Skathe|High Enchantress of Grievances]]'' claimed that the ''Lady of Laments'' would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than ''Queen of Hags'' said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the ''Mistress of Misery'', gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the ''Painted Mirror'' smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the ''Giver of Gifts'', and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the ''Friend to Foes'' will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the ''Looking Glass'' expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the ''Hexenkönigin''' expectations... well that will ''surely work out just fine''. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, [[Winter magic]] is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the [[Winter Archmage]] will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags ''personally'' supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] while the work is underway. A [[conjunction]] is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Smoulder (Surut)===
* '''Knights of Surut have appeared to defend Necropolis'''
Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory of [[Necropolis]]. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed [[Quickening Cold Meat]] against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that [[Empress Varkula]] has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#soldiers|soldiers]] of the [[Reals#Winter|Wasteland]]. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Burned Prince]].

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]] who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the [[Highguard|Highborn]]. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] and [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]], watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, ''Mistress-General Kanesta''. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are ''Surut's Brand'' and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the [[Archmage of Winter]] and the [[Senator]], brokered via the [[Tharim|Bound One]].

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Redoubt]], but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, ''Mistress-General Kanesta'' seeks out a small group of [[magister|magisters]] who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the ''Prince in Waiting''. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the ''Knight of Ashes'' is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, ''Surut's Brand'' will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the [[Archmage of Winter]] or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] is for.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Scour (Tharim)===
* '''The Knights of Tharim have scoured Upwold for the killers of Obligatus and a number of Marcher magicians
* '''Their unsubtle search has left significant damage to farms and businesses across the territory
* '''At the Winter Solstice every Upwold business and farm will produce 36 fewer rings but will receive compensation
* '''The followers of Agramant in Upwold have been rooted out and destroyed
Following the [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|formal parley]] during Summer, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''' proposed a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] that [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Support_Tharim's_Hunt|provided permission]] to the Knights of the [[Tharim|Bound King]] to scour Upwold. The [[Imperial Conclave]] agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for ''Obligatus'', the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the [[Bounders]], cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Declaration of Acceptance, Imperial Conclave, Summer 387YE">The Imperial Conclave stands steadfast as always with our members and colleagues in the Marches. We call upon the smiths, landskeepers, and threshers to render all appropriate and lawful aid to the magistrates and representatives of the Bound King in finding the sorceror-murderers responsible for the deaths of Obligatus and many a loyal Marcher, such that they face the consequences of their actions. May they be found swiftly with the unblinking eye of the scarecrow</quote></div>
Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season ''two'' covens clearly working with [[Agramant]] are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the ''Circle of Stone'', they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the ''Wastewalker''. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension [[Endorsement|endorsed]] this attack, and that the followers of ''Feaster-of-Sorrows'' are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of [[magic items]] and [[ritual texts]] were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]], these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of [[Vis#Heart's blood|Heart's blood]] from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave ''not'' wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to [[endowment|endow]] as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.
==Further Reading==
* [[Realm|Realms]]
* [[Eternal|Eternals]]
* [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|Eternals and rituals]]
* [[Inhabitants of the realms]]
* [[Regio]]
* [[Fane]]

387YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2025-09-04T22:26:35Z

MikeCrotch: /* Spring Heralds Volunteering */

{{stub}}
[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Windsandclouds.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[#Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)|Has Reared Himself a Throne]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2025/08/16"| 16/08 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[#Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)|Diadem on my Brow]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2025/08/22"| 22/08 || Imperial address
|-
| [[#Troop of Echoes (Axos)|Troop of Echoes]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Axos
|-
| [[#The Highest Calling|The Highest Calling]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2025/08/23"| 23/08 || Imperial Synod
|-
| [[#Any Port In A Storm|Any Port In A Storm]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Appraisal
|-
| [[#Threats That Are To Come|Threats That Are To Come]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2025/09/03"| 03/09 || Die Beurteilung
|-

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

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Troop of echoes|Troop of Echoes]]
|-
|}
As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

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

==Winds of Fortune==
===Has Reared Himself A Throne (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Watcher of the Semmerlak; Imperial Military Council'''
Each season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]]. The eternals are bound to respond, although the exact nature of that response is up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, and as the Summer Solstice approaches, <s>five</s> six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Two have agreed to some kind of meeting; four have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received. One of those responses is... not quite like the others.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Has reared himself a throne]]''' wind of fortune.
===Diadem on my Brow (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Empress Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, calling on the Empire to commit themselves to the defeat of the [[Druj]], and to the conquest and liberation of [[Sarangrave]], as well as to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[Diadem on my brow]]''' wind of fortune.
===Troop of Echoes (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council; Voice of Liberty; Imperial Synod; Imperial Fleet Captains; Shuttered Lantern and Imperial Conclave; Singer of the Silence'''
To the east of the Empire lies the tiny nation of [[Axos]]. Following upheaval and scandal it appears to be settling down, and undergoing a period of renewal. Both the Imperial and Axou ambassadors have changed - perhaps this presages a bold new future of good relations between the Empire and the Citadels? Either way there are matters of concern to Imperial citizens, both on the diplomatic and day-to-day level that will surely be of interest to anyone who looks beyond the Empire's borders.

You can learn about the situation with Axos, along with a few sticky questions to address, in the '''[[Troop of echoes]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|width=150|align=right}}
===The Highest Calling===
* '''National assemblies (other than Wintermark, Varushka, and Urizen); Virtue assemblies'''
The [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] delivered a powerful sermon, one consequence of which was to give the General Assembly an [[opportunity]] to throw its moral weight behind a single virtuous endeavour. A [[greater majority]] in support of any one of these great causes would have united people in the service of a single goal; instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. Subsequently, they enacted a [[mandate]] calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what goal was most important to ''them''.

You can read about the consequences of that mandate, not only for the virtue and national assemblies but for the General Assembly itself, in the '''[[The highest calling]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Any Port In A Storm (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate; The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Varushka, especially the Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore and the Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak; Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves'''
The idea of building a port in [[Holberg]] is not a new one. Long before it was near-universally acknowledged as [[the greatest city in the world]], the merchant-princes of the east dreamed of establishing a port to boost trade. Such dreams were little more than fancies while the [[Druj]] held the outlying regions and threatened to take the city. Now that the Empire is pushing east and driving the Druj back, there is a chance to seize the initiative and help make Holberg even ''more'' [[Prosperity|Prosperous]].

You can learn about the results of the [[appraisal]], and its potential impact on various different groups, in the '''[[Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune.
===Threats That Are To Come (Die Beurteilung)===
* '''The League, especially citizens of Holberg; Imperial Senate; The Marches potentially; Imperial Military Council; Ambassador to the Commonwealth'''
At the Summer Solstice, the '''Kleists''' and '''Cees van Holberg''', secured the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]]. This gave them the right to request that the visiting scholars of the [[Commonwealth]] investigate a pressing matter, much as if it were an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the Prognosticator's Office. ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'' leads the group of adventurous [[Commonwealth]] academics whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. They requested a study of ways to secure the supply of food and water to [[Holberg]], with an eye both to enduring sieges and supporting large numbers of refugees should the need arise.

You can find out about the findings of [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Die Beurteilung]], and how it might impact the various peoples of Holberg, in the '''[[Threats that are to come]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 19:55 or on quests that start after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 19:55 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Spring Heralds Volunteering===
*'''There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Spring heralds'''
*'''Volunteers will need to have their own costume: robes or tunics in white, green or earth tones'''
*'''The role will last around 2 hours, starting at 21:00 on Saturday'''
*'''The role will involve talking with player characters, some amount of walking and standing. There will be lighting but it could be dim'''
*'''If you are interested, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with your PID and the subject line "Spring Herald Volunteer E4" where you will be given further information'''
*'''Please email before 18:00 on Saturday 6th September if you are interested in volunteering'''
*'''It is not possible to volunteer for this encounter if you play a character in Navarr'''
This is an opportunity to portray heralds of one of the Spring eternals known to the Empire. The eternal will not be made public before the encounter. This will be an encounter where heralds will be talking to large groups of player characters: conversing and giving gifts. It is not intended to be a combat encounter; however, it is possible that the player characters could attack you, so you would have to be comfortable with this possibility.

There will not be seating and some amount of walking and standing would be needed. The light will likely be dim but no reading is required.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and you will be given more details.

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

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

==Summer Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Summer Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, The Rushes, ''Cinder Drove'']]</td><td>Kill the Guardian</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|Breaking Burhfæst]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Eisa Ironlungs''' of [[Wintermark]]; The Mountain Bulwark was destroyed; the Clakes were rescued; Sammy Clake was executed in Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Liathaven|Liathaven, West Ranging, ''Far Steading'']]</td><td>Destroy the Mechanism</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Tinker's_Tribute_(Battle_Opportunity)|Tinker's Tribute]]</td><td>Not taken; a fortification has been completed in West Ranging; the two injured Feni died; Forge's Aegis was lost</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Kroll, ''Palace Expanse'']]</td><td>Break the Enchantment</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|Shine a Light]]</td><td>Not taken; Palace of Sleepers has escaped; Het Trakaa remains alive; Krollthorned remain a threat</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zenith|Zenith, Proceris, ''Plantation of Tall Ferns'']]</td><td>Poison the Sac</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|A Sackful of Poison]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was ''' Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach''' of [[Urizen]]; Egg sac poisoned; ''Orbubus' Weepers'' survive </td></tr>
</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Warthill Woods || '''Jedediah Boon || [[Shovels_and_spades#A_Matter_of_Property_(Mournwold)|Defeat the yegarra]] || Yegarra defeated and eight wains of [[mithril]] delivered to ''Jonah John'' in time for the Autumn Equinox
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Dunfrith || [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] || [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#Blades_in_the_Mark_(Hahnmark)|Investigate the source of trouble]] || Murderer identified and escorted out of village. No report of trial from local magistrate.
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Greensward, Honour's Rest Fields || [[Friar of Honour's Rest]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#On_Honour's_Fields|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 4 || Liathaven, West Ranging, Halbera's Stockade || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Bonds|Kill ''Halbera Strongarm'']] || ''Halbera Strongarm'' killed
|-
| 5 || Mournwold, Greensward, Farstrider Approach || [[Bailiff of the Downs]] || [[Shovels_and_spades#Raindrops|Kill the Ulvenwar]] || Ulvenwar killed and Marcher orcs rescued
|-
| 6 || Therunin, Eastring, Glimmerwater || ''Eanna Glimmerwater || [[When_I_met_you#Lights_in_the_Dark|Bask in the lantern]] || Lantern basked in
|-
| 7 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Typhawn's Pen || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[The_prettiest_star#Snow_(Eleonaris)_(Conjunction)|Kill ''Typhawn'']] || ''Typhawn'' killed
|-
| 8 || Liathaven, Liath's Ring, Sigryn's Bawn || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#To_Surprise_Kings_and_Queens|Defeat the heralds]] || Construct and heralds of [[Eleonaris]] killed
|-
| 9 || Liathaven, Liaven's Glen, Freydi's Meadow || [[Autumn Hammers|General of the Autumn Hammers]] || [[Axe-bite_and_ploughshare#Another_Plan|Recover the construct]] || Heralds of Eleonaris killed and construct recovered
|-
| 10 || Miaren, Serenael, Seren Temple Building Site || [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] || [[A_thousand_steps#A_Great_Dance_for_Seren_%28Conjunction%29|Ease the passing of the ghosts]] || Unclear, but '''Tanwen''', the Eternal Flame of Miaren, should know more
|-
| 11 || Skallahn, Fareskov, The Dark Woods || '''Eerikki Korpi || [[The_prettiest_star#A_Walk_in_Dark_Woods_(Sadogua)|Enter the dark woods of Fareskov on behalf of the Toad King]] || Unclear, but '''Eerikki Korpi''' should know more
|-
| 12 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, Broken Grove || [[Champion of Pride]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Plan_Succeeds_(Necropolis)|Kill the servants of the Red God]] || Servants of the Red God killed
|-
| 13 || Mareave, Icarion, The Courath's Hold || [[Citadel Guard|General of the Citadel Guard]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Flags_(Mareave)|Defeat the ''Courath of Icarion'']] || ''Courath of Icarion'' defeated and Stormcaller recovered
|-
| 14 || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Mjod’s Glen || [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Sense_of_Doubt_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the coral husks]] || All coral husks destroyed
|-
| 15 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Halkrin's Orchard || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#Expectations_(Mareave)|Defeat the Grendel and claim the cache]] || Resources recovered
|-
| 16 || Bregasland, Ottermire, Picklers Marsh || [[The Academy|Cadet Commander]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Fascination_(Bregasland)|Rescue the magicians]] || Magician rescued and escorted back to Anvil
|-
| 17 || Therunin, Greenheart, The Untrod Wilds || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Willow_and_rain#Scent_of_Madness|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated and resources recovered
|-
| 18 || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Darkened Glade || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Lose_the_Sun_(Brocéliande)|Kill the cult's leaders]] || Cult's leaders killed
|-
| 19 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Ghulai's Rest || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[Eight_for_a_wish#Portion_of_Wisdom_(Sarangrave)|Claim ''Vate's Shelter'']] || ''Vate's Shelter'' recovered
|-
| 20 || Zenith, Lustri, Danwyn's Path || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Root_and_branch#Ideas_of_Importance_(Zenith)|Defeat the Druj]] || Druj defeated
|-
| 21 || Miekarova, Mieriada, Painted Clearing || [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Painted_(Miekarova)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 22 || Therunin, Eastring, Toxic Sward || [[Champion of Wisdom]] || [[Willow_and_rain#A_Veil_Hides|Defeat the heralds and the Druj]] || Druj and heralds of [[Arhallogen]] defeated
|-
| 23 || Skarsind, Estermark, Mormyk Woods || [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Herding_(Skarsind)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 24 || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle's Field || [[Keeper of the Last Battle]] || [[Root_and_branch#Hummingbird's_Secret_(The_Barrens)|Kill the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen]] || Heralds of Arhallogen and Druj killed
|-
| 25 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, Dunhall Copse || [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]] || [[Sound_and_vision#Corpse_(Hahnmark)|Defeat the cultists]] || Cultists killed
|-
| 26 || Mareave, Beoraidh, Black Sand Tower || [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] || [[I_wish_you_would#Lord_Morath_(Conjunction)|Meet the visiting Grendel wind lord]] || Unclear, but '''Finna''', Ambassador to the Grendel, should know more
|-
|}

Challenge the Iron Duke

2025-08-21T16:40:46Z

MikeCrotch: /* Rewards and the Dragonforge */

==Rules==
{{Season|Summer|30}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|10}} {{Imperial Reduction}} {{Regio|Summer}} The target character must be present throughout.

A single coven can only cast the ritual ''once'' for any given challenge presented by [[Barien]]. If Barien presents more than one challenge, the coven must specify which contest their challenger will take part in. The coven must also specify which reward from the Dragonforge the challenger is competing for.

A character who has won a contest entered through Challenge the Iron Duke cannot be the target of this ritual again until a year has passed (that is if they win a contest during the Summer Solstice, they cannot be the target of the ritual again until the next Summer Solstice).

The ritual may only be performed on the Friday of the summit. It cannot be cast on Saturday or Sunday; it will fail, and no mana will be spent, though any consumables used will be lost.

===Effects===
This ritual allows a coven to put forward a champion to take part in a contest announced by the [[eternal]] [[Barien]]. The contests that Barien offers are detailed in the Winds of Fortune published before every event. A wind will contain details of what the challenge will involve; when and where it will take place; how winners will be determined; the prize or prizes Barien will provide; and any criteria for the selection of a champion (for example, a given contest might only be open to [[Magical skills#Magician|magicians]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]]).

If there is more than one contest available at a given summit, the coven must be clear about which one they are presenting a challenger to take part in. Each ritual can only present a challenger for one contest.

===Challengers and Attendants===
Depending on the nature of the challenge Barien has set, challengers may need to find additional attendants to bring with them to assist in their test. The number of attendants required will vary, but unless otherwise stated, attendants are full participants in the contest itself and follow the same rules as challengers.

In all cases, every individual challenger who has had the ritual cast upon them will be ''guaranteed'' entry to the contest. The number of attendants a challenger needs to bring with them will depend on the specific challenge, and how many challengers have the ritual cast upon them at the summit.

If there is high demand for a contest, some challengers may need to work together - in this case they will not be able to bring all the attendants they planned for. '''The necessary information, including a list of challengers for each contest and how many attendants they can bring, will be posted in the Civil Service Hub at time-in on Saturday morning of the summit.'''

===Additional Targets===
It is no longer possible to include additional targets in this ritual. A coven can only put forward a single challenger for each contest that Barien has announced. If more than one contest is available at a summit, then the [[Bands#Covens|coven]] must perform a separate ritual to name a challenger for each contest. If a contest requires a team of champions, then all can be included in the casting without changing the magnitude.

===Options===
Like many rituals, it is possible to substitute other valuable materials for crystal mana when performing this ritual. Unlike most, however, there are multiple opportunities to replace crystal mana in the performance of Challenge the Iron Duke. No matter how many alternatives a magician employs, they are still limited in their total contribution toward the cost of the ritual by their ranks in Summer lore. For example, a character with Summer lore 3 who has mastered the ritual could use a flask of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] and two ingots of tempest jade to replace 3 crystal mana but they couldn't add any more to the casting, no matter how much [[vis]], crystal mana, or [[potion|potions]] they had.

* '''Raw Materials:''' Barien is a master [[crafting skills#artisan|artisan]] and always keen to acquire magical materials. A contributor who has mastered the ritual can substitute ingots or measures of magical material for crystal mana. Every 2 ingots or measures counts as 1 crystal mana when performing the ritual. The exception is [[orichalcum]]; Barien does not require ingots of orichalcum and so it cannot be used in the ritual (unless the coven is using a [[Burnished Orb]] or similar item).
* '''Skop's Mead:''' [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] is a [[potion]] created by [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] and has a particular resonance for this ritual. Any contributor who has mastered the ritual can consume a dose of Skop's Mead in place of 2 crystal mana, limited as normal by their ranks in Summer Lore. The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber. Only the specific potion Skop's Mead can be used in this manner - other potions that restore hero points do not work.
* '''Champion's Draught:''' One dose of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] can be consumed by the ''target'' of the ritual, provided they are not also a contributor. Provided it is consumed during the performance of the ritual, it substitutes for up to three crystal mana, following all the normal rules for vis (that is, the effect can be split among multiple casters). The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber.
* '''Golden Apples:''' [[Vis]] from the [[Realm#Summer|Summer Realm]] often takes the form of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]] and Barien seems particularly keen to see the ritual cast using them. A golden apple can normally be used in place of three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual; when used to cast Challenge the Iron Duke, each golden apple counts as ''five'' mana. This applies ''only'' to golden apples; other forms of Summer vis will provide only the normal amount of crystal mana.

Barien is also known to present gifts of tokens to those who win his approval that can be used as vis for performing this ritual only.

===OOC Elements===
The ritualists should ensure that the referee who records their ritual has included details of which contest their challenger is entering (if there are more than one) and name the prize their challenger intends to claim.

The ritual can only be cast on the Friday of summits - it is not possible to cast the ritual on the Saturday or Sunday. This is for logistical reasons to allow setup of the contests, which will always run on Saturday.

===Assurance===
This ritual has a guaranteed [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts|response]] from an eternal, in this case [[Barien]], and it comes with an [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts|assurance]]. The assurance connected with the ritual was lost for several centuries but was rediscovered by members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE. The ritual loses all power and ceases to function if Dawn ever ceases to use [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Tests of Mettle]], [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour|Tests of Ardour]], or [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Resolve|Tests of Resolve]].

==Rewards and the Dragonforge==

If the challenger is triumphant according to the rules of the contest, they will be able to claim ''one'' of the prizes offered by Barien from his Dragonforge. The attendants who supported the challenge cannot claim a prize if their side wins; only the challengers who were targeted by the ritual. In some cases the Imperial challengers will compete as a team and will win and lose together, in some cases challengers will win and lose individually. Some contests may lay out additional special prizes on top of the regular offering from the Dragonforge. In addition, victorious champions will be offered a draught of the Elixir of the Long Road, a potion which can bring out or enhance the changeling lineage in a human.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Item !! Type !! Description
|-
| Noble Essence || [[Duelist's Scales]] || One-handed weapon || A [[Duelist's Scales]] for one who wants to prove their pure skill over others.
|-
| Breakdown || [[Blacksmith's Wage]] || Polearm || A [[Blacksmith's Wage]] forged of magical self-repairing metal.
|-
| Avalanche || [[Giant's Maul]] || Great Weapon || A [[Giant's Maul]] for someone who wants to be the unstoppable force.
|-
| Furnace || [[Witches' Hammer]] || Rod || A [[Witches' Hammer]] for those who cannot tolerate imperfection.
|-
| Beating Heart || [[Ivory Aketon]] || Light Armour || An [[Ivory Aketon]] for those who inspire others to keep going.
|-
| Silverfleece || [[Wardensweave]] || Medium Armour || A set of [[Wardensweave]] fit for a leader of heroes
|-
| Escalade || [[Champion's Bastion]] || Shield || A [[Champion's Bastion]] for those who would be first up the siege ladder.
|-
| Sunfire || Unique Foci || Foci || A ritual focus that boosts a summer ritualists power once a day.
|-
| Shimmerweave|| [[Opaline Coat]] || Mage Robes || An [[Opaline Coat]] for mages who are a cut above the riffraff.
|-
| Juggernaut|| [[Hero's Hauberk]] + 1 Draught of Great Revelry || Heavy Armour || Heavy armour for those who will not be moved from a position, no matter the pain.
|-
| Noble Privilege|| [[Pauper's Key]] || Jewellery || A [[Pauper's Key]] for those who refused to be shut out of anything.
|}

Challengers who are unsuccessful will be offered a consolation prize.
Once the contest is complete, Barien and his heralds will spread the names of any champions across the land, as well as the name of the coven that put them forward.

Barien has indicated that he will look with favour on those covens who regularly present champions to take part in his challenges. It doesn't matter whether a coven's champion wins or loses, all that matters is that they found a suitable champion and put them forward.

Once a given champion has won a contest, Barien will not accept them as challenger for another contest until a year has passed. Even if they find a way to be presented as champion, they will be disqualified before the contest begins. Anyone caught trying to fool the Iron Duke will face his ire - they will be treated not as a challenger reaching for the laurels but as a thief who is trying to steal the glory of others.
OOC Note: For weapons and armour rewards, players will need to provide their own appropriate phys-rep to be enchanted. For jewellery, foci and paraphernalia, a phys-rep will be provided, though players are free to use their own if they prefer. If multiple characters are trying to win the same item, Barien will create multiple versions with alternative names for the winners to choose from. They will be identical in all respects apart from the name.

==Roll of Champions==

Below is the list of victors in the challenges set by Barien since the Winter of 386YE.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven
|-
| Summer 387 || Ragnar Summers Tongue || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Summer 387 || Tarquin || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Summer 387 || Marianne || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || The Cabal of Nevezamzer
|-
| Summer 387 || Valedin Stoychko || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || Ashen Flame
|-
| Summer 387 || Elyan Fletcher || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Summer 387 || Ellis || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Vesper Lucentia || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Florent de Lys || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Golden Grove
|-
| Spring 387 || Mauro i Veliente i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Eirikr Firekeeper || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Spring 387 || Reynard || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| Spring 387 || Engleburt || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Spring 387 || Ruhadze Scrivener || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Spring 387 || Blaise Yarrow || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Temperance Forger || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Toca I Valiente I Guerra || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || Samantha "Tongs" Barossa De Tassato Regario || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || Emlyn Tangled Path || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Winter 386 || Revna Ursan || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || Ursolskin
|-
| Winter 386 || Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Winter 386 || Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || Eilinn Daggersbond || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || Iron Duke's Favour
|-
| Winter 386 || Emberlyn Brontide || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || Allana Silvercloud || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Eternal Family
|}

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|caption=[[Barien]] exemplifies meeting, setting and overcoming challenges.|width=300}}</div>

==Description==
Barien is [[Barien|the Iron Duke]], an eternal of the [[Realm#Summer|Summer Realm]] who loves to challenge mortals. He creates contests, and offers contests, to encourage people to strive to achieve everything they are capable of. He is a master smith and has access to the Dragonforge, which allows him to create powerful magic items at great speed when he has need. The magical items that Barien crafts employ enchantments common in the Empire, but each one is individually named and contain a summer aura that affects the wielder, the same way a hallowed item might.

Each season, Barien's heralds announces one or more challenges, details of which are published in the Winds of Fortune. In most cases the heralds will explain who can enter the challenge and what form the contest will take, so that aspiring champions can decide if they wish to enter. To enter the challenge, the participant must be the target of this ritual - which must be cast on the Friday night. Barien's heralds take the details of everyone who is entering the contest, publish their names in the Hub the following day. The challenge then takes place shortly after.

In the past it has been common for a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] who has been approached to provide a [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Mettle|Test of Mettle]] or [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Ardour|Test of Ardour]] to make meeting and defeating the challenge of the Iron Duke the heart of the Test. There is a common belief that Barien favours houses that do this. The Iron Duke has never directly admitted this - but it does make sense. Barien has confirmed his favour for covens that put forward challengers for his ritual, so it would make sense that earls and enchanters who send knights-errant to challenge the Iron Duke might gain an ally in the Summer realm.

An [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer|stargazer]] by the name of Caellia of Clearwater made a close study of this ritual and several others like it. She argued convincingly that it is actually no different to [[Missive for Sadogua]] - it simply creates a conduit between the ritualists and the eternal, and allows for a transfer of information. It could theoretically be cast for a single crystal mana. However, the ritual has been intentionally designed to be much higher magnitude, and she theorised that this was partly to bind the eternal to an agreed-on pact, and partly to provide power that Barien could then use to create a challenge.

While the ritual is understandably popular in [[Dawn]], it also has obvious appeal to many [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], adventurous [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]], and legions of [[Imperial Orcs]] looking for an opportunity to 'prove' themselves. Some [[Highguard|Highborn]] who understand the ritual are torn between a general suspicion of the eternals and the Highborn love of competition; after all, this ritual is tailor-made to allow a clever mortal to pit their wits against an eternal and show what humans are truly made of.

Barien's challenges are designed to push mortals to their limits, but to stop short of killing them. His challenge often incorporate skirmishes and battles with other forces. The Iron Duke always insists that all participants behave honourably - by which he means that there should be no executions and those who yield must be spared. He will usually challenge the Jotun to step up and fight the Empire, but on occasion Imperial heroes have found themselves squaring off against Grendel or Thule opponents. The challenges ''never'' include the Druj who the Keeper of Revels is widely believed to despise.

Observing the rules is more than just an expectation. The enchantress Cassia du Morvay claimed that the challenge is akin to [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|an oath]], sworn by the challenger to abide by the terms of the contest. Those who cheat risk the terrible repercussions that befall those who break their oaths. The few that have succeeded have all met bloody fates, though admittedly more than one died at the hands of the Half-hand's vengeful heralds.

Cheating is outlawed, but cleverness is widely admired. The Master of Challenges welcomes those whose wits are as sharp as their blade, who think as quickly as they run, who converse as eloquently as they dance. Barien himself will never offer help or aid with a challenge, but on more than one occasion his heralds, and the heralds of other eternals of the Summer realm, have been known to lend assistance to a hero to help them attempt a challenge. Such aid is always within the bounds of the oath of the challenger, the measure of those who lend you their support is just another mark of a true hero.

==Common Elements==
Stories and songs of glorious or heroic deeds, [[Dawn hearth magic#Girding|girding]] the challenger with arms and armour, or anointing the target with oil, blood or wine are all common elements when performing this ritual. In some nations it is traditional to recite a challengers history in the matter of a troubadour announcing their earl's pedigree. In Varushka, one of the ritualists will often take on the role of Barien, announcing the terms of the challenge and inviting the challenger to swear an oath to compete to the best of their ability.

Banners and flags are often used, as are heraldic themes such as the sounding of horns. Some ritual groups will even go so far as to stage a mock battle in the regio, when preparing a challenger for a martial tourney. The Summer Stars, an Urizeni coven that used to favour challengers who sought tests of wit and wisdom, would prepare riddles for the challenger and deliver them to an unprepared challenger during the performance of the ritual.

Any or all of the [[Runes#Runes of Summer|Summer runes]] might be evoked, depending entirely on the nature of the targets. [[the Mountain]], [[the Stork]] and [[the Phoenix]] are often invoked during the ritual by astronomancers with the Mountain considered particularly auspicious. There is a common misconception that Barien reserves his most difficult challenges for conjunctions of the Mountain.

<ic>"The first time was for love - if you can believe that! Faced some Marcher lad with arms like tree-trunks, swinging a great mattock thing around like it didn't weigh anything. Funny you only think to be scared once you're actually in there with some big bastard looming over you, eh? He should've won it, too, but he got careless and slipped, and I wasn't about to let him have the chance to knock any more of my teeth out! In at him with my axe - bet that left a mark that still stings come Winter! After all that, the girl I was mooning over ended up running off with my best friend, ain't love grand?

The second time was a matter of pride. I'd taken a bad wound campaigning up around Skoura (no, you won't find it in the history books, "never happened" so they say), and I'd been laid up for weeks afterwards, and limping a bit beyond that. Anyway, word was out that I wasn't fit for duty no more, so I spent all my savings challenging old Barien again. I guess he remembered me from last time, because he sent out some... thing... Not rightly sure what it was, but it was damn tough. Luckily I'd got a good few years of free company work under my belt by this point, and though my sword snapped off in it, I got me this better one in return, aye, and all the work I could ask for as well.

The third time, that was just plain foolishness. "Top of my game", I thought, "I can handle anything old Iron Britches throws at me, no problem". Think of it, beating old Barien three times in a row! Course, this time the challenge was to steal a hat from every Imperial general. As you can plainly see, Magistrate, that one didn't go so well..."<br>
- Testimony of Ilsa Van Der Holberg, two time victor of the Iron Duke's challenge
</ic>

==Game Design==
Challenge the Iron Duke has been a popular ritual for many years but as the game has grown it has become increasingly difficult to support. The personalised approach used up a lot of resources from the plot department and proved stressful to administer, especially in the post-Covid years which saw both a huge expansion in player numbers and interest in the Challenge the Iron Duke ritual. Eventually it became apparent that it would not be possible to continue providing the previously promised experience without sacrificing other areas of plot, and so the ritual was turned off while alternatives were discussed.

There were also a wide array of logistical problems with the ritual. It didn't begin to work until the event after it was cast - by which time the challenger might be absent for some reason. It was often difficult to locate challengers to discuss what challenge they were looking for or what progress they had made. There were problems meeting player expectations about the rewards on offer. Players often mistakenly assumed that the more time and effort they invested in pursuing a challenge, the greater the reward might be, leading to inevitable disappointment.

The new ritual is designed to address all these problems. The plot team will create plot encounters for the ritual, and players who want to undertake the challenge must then find a ritual team and convince them to put them forward. While the encounters will no longer be bespoke for each character who casts the ritual, this will make it possible for people to have an idea what challenge they are getting themselves into. Because the rewards are known in advance, everyone knows what they might win and the drastically improved tempo of the ritual means that participants can undertake the challenge at the event where the ritual is cast giving a chance to have a memorable and special character moment for everyone involved.

As with any change this will be monitored to see if it is working better for everyone involved.
{{Challenge Links}}
[[Category:Summer Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]

Challenge the Iron Duke

2025-08-21T16:27:35Z

MikeCrotch: /* Roll of Champions */

==Rules==
{{Season|Summer|30}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|10}} {{Imperial Reduction}} {{Regio|Summer}} The target character must be present throughout.

A single coven can only cast the ritual ''once'' for any given challenge presented by [[Barien]]. If Barien presents more than one challenge, the coven must specify which contest their challenger will take part in. The coven must also specify which reward from the Dragonforge the challenger is competing for.

A character who has won a contest entered through Challenge the Iron Duke cannot be the target of this ritual again until a year has passed (that is if they win a contest during the Summer Solstice, they cannot be the target of the ritual again until the next Summer Solstice).

The ritual may only be performed on the Friday of the summit. It cannot be cast on Saturday or Sunday; it will fail, and no mana will be spent, though any consumables used will be lost.

===Effects===
This ritual allows a coven to put forward a champion to take part in a contest announced by the [[eternal]] [[Barien]]. The contests that Barien offers are detailed in the Winds of Fortune published before every event. A wind will contain details of what the challenge will involve; when and where it will take place; how winners will be determined; the prize or prizes Barien will provide; and any criteria for the selection of a champion (for example, a given contest might only be open to [[Magical skills#Magician|magicians]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]]).

If there is more than one contest available at a given summit, the coven must be clear about which one they are presenting a challenger to take part in. Each ritual can only present a challenger for one contest.

===Challengers and Attendants===
Depending on the nature of the challenge Barien has set, challengers may need to find additional attendants to bring with them to assist in their test. The number of attendants required will vary, but unless otherwise stated, attendants are full participants in the contest itself and follow the same rules as challengers.

In all cases, every individual challenger who has had the ritual cast upon them will be ''guaranteed'' entry to the contest. The number of attendants a challenger needs to bring with them will depend on the specific challenge, and how many challengers have the ritual cast upon them at the summit.

If there is high demand for a contest, some challengers may need to work together - in this case they will not be able to bring all the attendants they planned for. '''The necessary information, including a list of challengers for each contest and how many attendants they can bring, will be posted in the Civil Service Hub at time-in on Saturday morning of the summit.'''

===Additional Targets===
It is no longer possible to include additional targets in this ritual. A coven can only put forward a single challenger for each contest that Barien has announced. If more than one contest is available at a summit, then the [[Bands#Covens|coven]] must perform a separate ritual to name a challenger for each contest. If a contest requires a team of champions, then all can be included in the casting without changing the magnitude.

===Options===
Like many rituals, it is possible to substitute other valuable materials for crystal mana when performing this ritual. Unlike most, however, there are multiple opportunities to replace crystal mana in the performance of Challenge the Iron Duke. No matter how many alternatives a magician employs, they are still limited in their total contribution toward the cost of the ritual by their ranks in Summer lore. For example, a character with Summer lore 3 who has mastered the ritual could use a flask of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] and two ingots of tempest jade to replace 3 crystal mana but they couldn't add any more to the casting, no matter how much [[vis]], crystal mana, or [[potion|potions]] they had.

* '''Raw Materials:''' Barien is a master [[crafting skills#artisan|artisan]] and always keen to acquire magical materials. A contributor who has mastered the ritual can substitute ingots or measures of magical material for crystal mana. Every 2 ingots or measures counts as 1 crystal mana when performing the ritual. The exception is [[orichalcum]]; Barien does not require ingots of orichalcum and so it cannot be used in the ritual (unless the coven is using a [[Burnished Orb]] or similar item).
* '''Skop's Mead:''' [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] is a [[potion]] created by [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] and has a particular resonance for this ritual. Any contributor who has mastered the ritual can consume a dose of Skop's Mead in place of 2 crystal mana, limited as normal by their ranks in Summer Lore. The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber. Only the specific potion Skop's Mead can be used in this manner - other potions that restore hero points do not work.
* '''Champion's Draught:''' One dose of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] can be consumed by the ''target'' of the ritual, provided they are not also a contributor. Provided it is consumed during the performance of the ritual, it substitutes for up to three crystal mana, following all the normal rules for vis (that is, the effect can be split among multiple casters). The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber.
* '''Golden Apples:''' [[Vis]] from the [[Realm#Summer|Summer Realm]] often takes the form of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]] and Barien seems particularly keen to see the ritual cast using them. A golden apple can normally be used in place of three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual; when used to cast Challenge the Iron Duke, each golden apple counts as ''five'' mana. This applies ''only'' to golden apples; other forms of Summer vis will provide only the normal amount of crystal mana.

Barien is also known to present gifts of tokens to those who win his approval that can be used as vis for performing this ritual only.

===OOC Elements===
The ritualists should ensure that the referee who records their ritual has included details of which contest their challenger is entering (if there are more than one) and name the prize their challenger intends to claim.

The ritual can only be cast on the Friday of summits - it is not possible to cast the ritual on the Saturday or Sunday. This is for logistical reasons to allow setup of the contests, which will always run on Saturday.

===Assurance===
This ritual has a guaranteed [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts|response]] from an eternal, in this case [[Barien]], and it comes with an [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts|assurance]]. The assurance connected with the ritual was lost for several centuries but was rediscovered by members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE. The ritual loses all power and ceases to function if Dawn ever ceases to use [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Tests of Mettle]], [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour|Tests of Ardour]], or [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Resolve|Tests of Resolve]].

==Rewards and the Dragonforge==

If the challenger is triumphant according to the rules of the contest, they will be able to claim ''one'' of the prizes offered by Barien from his Dragonforge. The attendants who supported the challenge cannot claim a prize if their side wins; only the challengers who were targeted by the ritual. In some cases the Imperial challengers will compete as a team and will win and lose together, in some cases challengers will win and lose individually. Some contests may lay out additional special prizes on top of the regular offering from the Dragonforge. In addition, victorious champions will be offered a draught of the Elixir of the Long Road, a potion which can bring out or enhance the changeling lineage in a human.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Item !! Type !! Wiki Description
|-
| Noble Essence || [[Duelist's Scales]] || One-handed weapon || A blade for one who wants to prove their pure skill over others.
|-
| Breakdown || [[Blacksmith's Wage]] || Polearm || A polearm forged of magical self-repairing metal.
|-
| Avalanche || [[Giant's Maul]] || Great Weapon || A great weapon for someone who wants to be the unstoppable force.
|-
| Furnace || [[Witches' Hammer]] || Rod || A rod for those who cannot tolerate imperfection.
|-
| Beating Heart || [[Ivory Aketon]] || Light Armour || Light armour for those who inspire others to keep going.
|-
| Silverfleece || [[Wardensweave]] || Medium Armour || A set of medium armour fit for a leader of heroes.
|-
| Banquet's Charm || Unique Foci || Foci || A ritual charm to boost those who host others (Adds ranks for Leonine Pavilion & Challenge the Iron Duke)
|-
| The Prince's Kiss & Silvered Patience || [[Scorpion's Sting]] & [[Circlet of Falling Snow]] || Dagger & Jewellery || A talisman befitting a noble, and a dagger to ensure they stay there
|-
| Escalade || [[Champion's Bastion]] || Shield || A shield for those who would be first up the siege ladder.
|-
| Argentum || [[Burnished Orb]] & 1 dose of Dragon's Blood || Paraphernalia || A orb for coven mages who want to fuel their magical ambition.
|-
| Boarsnout & Squire's Harness || [[Butcher's Bill]] & [[Warrior's Plate]] || Polearm & Heavy Armour || Polearm and plate, fit for a bold hunter and their able assistant.
|}

Challengers who are unsuccessful will be offered a consolation prize.
Once the contest is complete, Barien and his heralds will spread the names of any champions across the land, as well as the name of the coven that put them forward.

Barien has indicated that he will look with favour on those covens who regularly present champions to take part in his challenges. It doesn't matter whether a coven's champion wins or loses, all that matters is that they found a suitable champion and put them forward.

Once a given champion has won a contest, Barien will not accept them as challenger for another contest until a year has passed. Even if they find a way to be presented as champion, they will be disqualified before the contest begins. Anyone caught trying to fool the Iron Duke will face his ire - they will be treated not as a challenger reaching for the laurels but as a thief who is trying to steal the glory of others.
OOC Note: For weapons and armour rewards, players will need to provide their own appropriate phys-rep to be enchanted. For jewellery, foci and paraphernalia, a phys-rep will be provided, though players are free to use their own if they prefer.

==Roll of Champions==

Below is the list of victors in the challenges set by Barien since the Winter of 386YE.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven
|-
| Summer 387 || Ragnar Summers Tongue || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Summer 387 || Tarquin || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Summer 387 || Marianne || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || The Cabal of Nevezamzer
|-
| Summer 387 || Valedin Stoychko || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || Ashen Flame
|-
| Summer 387 || Elyan Fletcher || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Summer 387 || Ellis || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Bulwark_Sanctuary|Challenge of the Bulwark Sanctuary]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Vesper Lucentia || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Florent de Lys || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Golden Grove
|-
| Spring 387 || Mauro i Veliente i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Eirikr Firekeeper || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Spring 387 || Reynard || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| Spring 387 || Engleburt || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Spring 387 || Ruhadze Scrivener || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Spring 387 || Blaise Yarrow || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Temperance Forger || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Toca I Valiente I Guerra || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge of the Black Web]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || Samantha "Tongs" Barossa De Tassato Regario || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || Emlyn Tangled Path || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Winter 386 || Revna Ursan || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || Ursolskin
|-
| Winter 386 || Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Winter 386 || Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || Eilinn Daggersbond || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || Iron Duke's Favour
|-
| Winter 386 || Emberlyn Brontide || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || Allana Silvercloud || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Eternal Family
|}

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|caption=[[Barien]] exemplifies meeting, setting and overcoming challenges.|width=300}}</div>

==Description==
Barien is [[Barien|the Iron Duke]], an eternal of the [[Realm#Summer|Summer Realm]] who loves to challenge mortals. He creates contests, and offers contests, to encourage people to strive to achieve everything they are capable of. He is a master smith and has access to the Dragonforge, which allows him to create powerful magic items at great speed when he has need. The magical items that Barien crafts employ enchantments common in the Empire, but each one is individually named and contain a summer aura that affects the wielder, the same way a hallowed item might.

Each season, Barien's heralds announces one or more challenges, details of which are published in the Winds of Fortune. In most cases the heralds will explain who can enter the challenge and what form the contest will take, so that aspiring champions can decide if they wish to enter. To enter the challenge, the participant must be the target of this ritual - which must be cast on the Friday night. Barien's heralds take the details of everyone who is entering the contest, publish their names in the Hub the following day. The challenge then takes place shortly after.

In the past it has been common for a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] who has been approached to provide a [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Mettle|Test of Mettle]] or [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Ardour|Test of Ardour]] to make meeting and defeating the challenge of the Iron Duke the heart of the Test. There is a common belief that Barien favours houses that do this. The Iron Duke has never directly admitted this - but it does make sense. Barien has confirmed his favour for covens that put forward challengers for his ritual, so it would make sense that earls and enchanters who send knights-errant to challenge the Iron Duke might gain an ally in the Summer realm.

An [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer|stargazer]] by the name of Caellia of Clearwater made a close study of this ritual and several others like it. She argued convincingly that it is actually no different to [[Missive for Sadogua]] - it simply creates a conduit between the ritualists and the eternal, and allows for a transfer of information. It could theoretically be cast for a single crystal mana. However, the ritual has been intentionally designed to be much higher magnitude, and she theorised that this was partly to bind the eternal to an agreed-on pact, and partly to provide power that Barien could then use to create a challenge.

While the ritual is understandably popular in [[Dawn]], it also has obvious appeal to many [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], adventurous [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]], and legions of [[Imperial Orcs]] looking for an opportunity to 'prove' themselves. Some [[Highguard|Highborn]] who understand the ritual are torn between a general suspicion of the eternals and the Highborn love of competition; after all, this ritual is tailor-made to allow a clever mortal to pit their wits against an eternal and show what humans are truly made of.

Barien's challenges are designed to push mortals to their limits, but to stop short of killing them. His challenge often incorporate skirmishes and battles with other forces. The Iron Duke always insists that all participants behave honourably - by which he means that there should be no executions and those who yield must be spared. He will usually challenge the Jotun to step up and fight the Empire, but on occasion Imperial heroes have found themselves squaring off against Grendel or Thule opponents. The challenges ''never'' include the Druj who the Keeper of Revels is widely believed to despise.

Observing the rules is more than just an expectation. The enchantress Cassia du Morvay claimed that the challenge is akin to [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|an oath]], sworn by the challenger to abide by the terms of the contest. Those who cheat risk the terrible repercussions that befall those who break their oaths. The few that have succeeded have all met bloody fates, though admittedly more than one died at the hands of the Half-hand's vengeful heralds.

Cheating is outlawed, but cleverness is widely admired. The Master of Challenges welcomes those whose wits are as sharp as their blade, who think as quickly as they run, who converse as eloquently as they dance. Barien himself will never offer help or aid with a challenge, but on more than one occasion his heralds, and the heralds of other eternals of the Summer realm, have been known to lend assistance to a hero to help them attempt a challenge. Such aid is always within the bounds of the oath of the challenger, the measure of those who lend you their support is just another mark of a true hero.

==Common Elements==
Stories and songs of glorious or heroic deeds, [[Dawn hearth magic#Girding|girding]] the challenger with arms and armour, or anointing the target with oil, blood or wine are all common elements when performing this ritual. In some nations it is traditional to recite a challengers history in the matter of a troubadour announcing their earl's pedigree. In Varushka, one of the ritualists will often take on the role of Barien, announcing the terms of the challenge and inviting the challenger to swear an oath to compete to the best of their ability.

Banners and flags are often used, as are heraldic themes such as the sounding of horns. Some ritual groups will even go so far as to stage a mock battle in the regio, when preparing a challenger for a martial tourney. The Summer Stars, an Urizeni coven that used to favour challengers who sought tests of wit and wisdom, would prepare riddles for the challenger and deliver them to an unprepared challenger during the performance of the ritual.

Any or all of the [[Runes#Runes of Summer|Summer runes]] might be evoked, depending entirely on the nature of the targets. [[the Mountain]], [[the Stork]] and [[the Phoenix]] are often invoked during the ritual by astronomancers with the Mountain considered particularly auspicious. There is a common misconception that Barien reserves his most difficult challenges for conjunctions of the Mountain.

<ic>"The first time was for love - if you can believe that! Faced some Marcher lad with arms like tree-trunks, swinging a great mattock thing around like it didn't weigh anything. Funny you only think to be scared once you're actually in there with some big bastard looming over you, eh? He should've won it, too, but he got careless and slipped, and I wasn't about to let him have the chance to knock any more of my teeth out! In at him with my axe - bet that left a mark that still stings come Winter! After all that, the girl I was mooning over ended up running off with my best friend, ain't love grand?

The second time was a matter of pride. I'd taken a bad wound campaigning up around Skoura (no, you won't find it in the history books, "never happened" so they say), and I'd been laid up for weeks afterwards, and limping a bit beyond that. Anyway, word was out that I wasn't fit for duty no more, so I spent all my savings challenging old Barien again. I guess he remembered me from last time, because he sent out some... thing... Not rightly sure what it was, but it was damn tough. Luckily I'd got a good few years of free company work under my belt by this point, and though my sword snapped off in it, I got me this better one in return, aye, and all the work I could ask for as well.

The third time, that was just plain foolishness. "Top of my game", I thought, "I can handle anything old Iron Britches throws at me, no problem". Think of it, beating old Barien three times in a row! Course, this time the challenge was to steal a hat from every Imperial general. As you can plainly see, Magistrate, that one didn't go so well..."<br>
- Testimony of Ilsa Van Der Holberg, two time victor of the Iron Duke's challenge
</ic>

==Game Design==
Challenge the Iron Duke has been a popular ritual for many years but as the game has grown it has become increasingly difficult to support. The personalised approach used up a lot of resources from the plot department and proved stressful to administer, especially in the post-Covid years which saw both a huge expansion in player numbers and interest in the Challenge the Iron Duke ritual. Eventually it became apparent that it would not be possible to continue providing the previously promised experience without sacrificing other areas of plot, and so the ritual was turned off while alternatives were discussed.

There were also a wide array of logistical problems with the ritual. It didn't begin to work until the event after it was cast - by which time the challenger might be absent for some reason. It was often difficult to locate challengers to discuss what challenge they were looking for or what progress they had made. There were problems meeting player expectations about the rewards on offer. Players often mistakenly assumed that the more time and effort they invested in pursuing a challenge, the greater the reward might be, leading to inevitable disappointment.

The new ritual is designed to address all these problems. The plot team will create plot encounters for the ritual, and players who want to undertake the challenge must then find a ritual team and convince them to put them forward. While the encounters will no longer be bespoke for each character who casts the ritual, this will make it possible for people to have an idea what challenge they are getting themselves into. Because the rewards are known in advance, everyone knows what they might win and the drastically improved tempo of the ritual means that participants can undertake the challenge at the event where the ritual is cast giving a chance to have a memorable and special character moment for everyone involved.

As with any change this will be monitored to see if it is working better for everyone involved.
{{Challenge Links}}
[[Category:Summer Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]

Challenge the Iron Duke

2025-07-10T15:03:14Z

MikeCrotch:

==Rules==
{{Season|Summer|30}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|10}} {{Imperial Reduction}} {{Regio|Summer}} The target character must be present throughout.

A single coven can only cast the ritual ''once'' for any given challenge presented by [[Barien]]. If Barien presents more than one challenge, the coven must specify which contest their challenger will take part in. The coven must also specify which reward from the Dragonforge the challenger is competing for.

A character who has won a contest entered through Challenge the Iron Duke cannot be the target of this ritual again until a year has passed (that is if they win a contest during the Summer Solstice, they cannot be the target of the ritual again until the next Summer Solstice).

The ritual may only be performed on the Friday of the summit. It cannot be cast on Saturday or Sunday; it will fail, and no mana will be spent, though any consumables used will be lost.

===Effects===
This ritual allows a coven to put forward a champion to take part in a contest announced by the [[eternal]] [[Barien]]. The contests that Barien offers are detailed in the Winds of Fortune published before every event. A wind will contain details of what the challenge will involve; when and where it will take place; how winners will be determined; the prize or prizes Barien will provide; and any criteria for the selection of a champion (for example, a given contest might only be open to [[Magical skills#Magician|magicians]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]]).

If there is more than one contest available at a given summit, the coven must be clear about which one they are presenting a challenger to take part in. Each ritual can only present a challenger for one contest.

===Challengers and Attendants===
Depending on the nature of the challenge Barien has set, challengers may need to find additional attendants to bring with them to assist in their test. The number of attendants required will vary, but unless otherwise stated, attendants are full participants in the contest itself and follow the same rules as challengers.

In all cases, every individual challenger who has had the ritual cast upon them will be ''guaranteed'' entry to the contest. The number of attendants a challenger needs to bring with them will depend on the specific challenge, and how many challengers have the ritual cast upon them at the summit.

If there is high demand for a contest, some challengers may need to work together - in this case they will not be able to bring all the attendants they planned for. '''The necessary information, including a list of challengers for each contest and how many attendants they can bring, will be posted in the Civil Service Hub at time-in on Saturday morning of the summit.'''

===Additional Targets===
It is no longer possible to include additional targets in this ritual. A coven can only put forward a single challenger for each contest that Barien has announced. If more than one contest is available at a summit, then the [[Bands#Covens|coven]] must perform a separate ritual to name a challenger for each contest. If a contest requires a team of champions, then all can be included in the casting without changing the magnitude.

===Options===
Like many rituals, it is possible to substitute other valuable materials for crystal mana when performing this ritual. Unlike most, however, there are multiple opportunities to replace crystal mana in the performance of Challenge the Iron Duke. No matter how many alternatives a magician employs, they are still limited in their total contribution toward the cost of the ritual by their ranks in Summer lore. For example, a character with Summer lore 3 who has mastered the ritual could use a flask of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] and two ingots of tempest jade to replace 3 crystal mana but they couldn't add any more to the casting, no matter how much [[vis]], crystal mana, or [[potion|potions]] they had.

* '''Raw Materials:''' Barien is a master [[crafting skills#artisan|artisan]] and always keen to acquire magical materials. A contributor who has mastered the ritual can substitute ingots or measures of magical material for crystal mana. Every 2 ingots or measures counts as 1 crystal mana when performing the ritual. The exception is [[orichalcum]]; Barien does not require ingots of orichalcum and so it cannot be used in the ritual (unless the coven is using a [[Burnished Orb]] or similar item).
* '''Skop's Mead:''' [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] is a [[potion]] created by [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] and has a particular resonance for this ritual. Any contributor who has mastered the ritual can consume a dose of Skop's Mead in place of 2 crystal mana, limited as normal by their ranks in Summer Lore. The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber. Only the specific potion Skop's Mead can be used in this manner - other potions that restore hero points do not work.
* '''Champion's Draught:''' One dose of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead|Skop's Mead]] can be consumed by the ''target'' of the ritual, provided they are not also a contributor. Provided it is consumed during the performance of the ritual, it substitutes for up to three crystal mana, following all the normal rules for vis (that is, the effect can be split among multiple casters). The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber.
* '''Golden Apples:''' [[Vis]] from the [[Realm#Summer|Summer Realm]] often takes the form of [[Vis#Golden Apple|golden apples]] and Barien seems particularly keen to see the ritual cast using them. A golden apple can normally be used in place of three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual; when used to cast Challenge the Iron Duke, each golden apple counts as ''five'' mana. This applies ''only'' to golden apples; other forms of Summer vis will provide only the normal amount of crystal mana.

Barien is also known to present gifts of tokens to those who win his approval that can be used as vis for performing this ritual only.

===OOC Elements===
The ritualists should ensure that the referee who records their ritual has included details of which contest their challenger is entering (if there are more than one) and name the prize their challenger intends to claim.

The ritual can only be cast on the Friday of summits - it is not possible to cast the ritual on the Saturday or Sunday. This is for logistical reasons to allow setup of the contests, which will always run on Saturday.

===Assurance===
This ritual has a guaranteed [[Ritual_theory#Response|response]] from an eternal, in this case [[Barien]], and it comes with an [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|assurance]]. The assurance connected with the ritual was lost for several centuries but was rediscovered by members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE. The ritual loses all power and ceases to function if Dawn ever ceases to use [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Tests of Mettle]], [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour|Tests of Ardour]], or [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Resolve|Tests of Resolve]].

==Rewards and the Dragonforge==

If the challenger is triumphant according to the rules of the contest, they will be able to claim ''one'' of the prizes offered by Barien from his Dragonforge. The attendants who supported the challenge cannot claim a prize if their side wins; only the challengers who were targeted by the ritual. In some cases the Imperial challengers will compete as a team and will win and lose together, in some cases challengers will win and lose individually. Some contests may lay out additional special prizes on top of the regular offering from the Dragonforge. In addition, victorious champions will be offered a draught of the Elixir of the Long Road, a potion which can bring out or enhance the changeling lineage in a human.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Item !! Type !! Wiki Description
|-
| Noble Essence || [[Duelist's Scales]] || One-handed weapon || A blade for one who wants to prove their pure skill over others.
|-
| Breakdown || [[Blacksmith's Wage]] || Polearm || A polearm forged of magical self-repairing metal.
|-
| Avalanche || [[Giant's Maul]] || Great Weapon || A two handed weapon for someone who wants to be the unstoppable force.
|-
| Furnace || [[Witches' Hammer]] || Rod || A rod for those who cannot tolerate imperfection.
|-
| Beating Heart || [[Ivory Aketon]] || Light Armour || Light armour for those who inspire others to keep going.
|-
| Silverfleece || [[Wardensweave]] || Medium Armour || A set of medium armour fit for a leader of heroes.
|-
| Banquet's Charm || Unique Foci || Foci || A ritual charm to boost those who host others (Adds ranks for Leonine Pavilion & Challenge the Iron Duke)
|-
| The Prince's Kiss & Silvered Patience || [[Scorpion's Sting]] & [[Circlet of Falling Snow]] || Dagger & Jewellery || A talisman a noble, and a dagger to ensure they stay there
|-
| Escalade || [[Champion's Bastion]] || Shield || A shield for those who would be first up the siege ladder.
|-
| Argentum || [[Burnished Orb]] & 1 dose of Dragon's Blood || Paraphernalia || A orb for coven mages who want to fuel their magical ambition.
|-
| Boarsnout & Squire's Harness || [[Butcher's Bill]] & [[Warrior's Plate]] || Polearm & Heavy Armour || Polearm and plate, fit for a bold hunter and their able assistant.
|}

Challengers who are unsuccessful will be offered a consolation prize.
Once the contest is complete, Barien and his heralds will spread the names of any champions across the land, as well as the name of the coven that put them forward.

Barien has indicated that he will look with favour on those covens who regularly present champions to take part in his challenges. It doesn't matter whether a coven's champion wins or loses, all that matters is that they found a suitable champion and put them forward.

Once a given champion has won a contest, Barien will not accept them as challenger for another contest until a year has passed. Even if they find a way to be presented as champion, they will be disqualified before the contest begins. Anyone caught trying to fool the Iron Duke will face his ire - they will be treated not as a challenger reaching for the laurels but as a thief who is trying to steal the glory of others.
OOC Note: For weapons and armour rewards, players will need to provide their own appropriate phys-rep to be enchanted. For jewellery, foci and paraphernalia, a phys-rep will be provided, though players are free to use their own if they prefer.

==Roll of Champions==

Below is the list of victors in the challenges set by Barien since the Winter of 386YE.

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven
|-
| Spring 387 || Vesper Lucentia || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Florent de Lys || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer]] || The Golden Grove
|-
| Spring 387 || Mauro i Veliente i Erigo || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Spring 387 || Eirikr Firekeeper || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Spring 387 || Reynard || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| Spring 387 || Engleburt || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm
|-
| Spring 387 || Ruhadze Scrivener || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge_of_the_Black_Web]] || Unicorn's Glorious Charge
|-
| Spring 387 || Blaise Yarrow || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge_of_the_Black_Web]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Spring 387 || Temperance Forger || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge_of_the_Black_Web]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Spring 387 || Toca I Valiente I Guerra || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Black_Web|Challenge_of_the_Black_Web]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || Samantha "Tongs" Barossa De Tassato Regario || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || Emlyn Tangled Path || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || The Eternal Family
|-
| Winter 386 || Revna Ursan || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Frayed_Pennant|Challenge of the Frayed Pennant]] || Ursolskin
|-
| Winter 386 || Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Glass Mantle
|-
| Winter 386 || Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Tempest Flame
|-
| Winter 386 || Eilinn Daggersbond || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || Iron Duke's Favour
|-
| Winter 386 || Emberlyn Brontide || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Coven of Golden Wings
|-
| Winter 386 || Allana Silvercloud || [[The_long_road#Challenge_of_the_Endless_Sea|Challenge of the Endless Sea]] || The Eternal Family
|}

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|caption=[[Barien]] exemplifies meeting, setting and overcoming challenges.|width=300}}</div>

==Description==
Barien is [[Barien|the Iron Duke]], an eternal of the [[Realm#Summer|Summer Realm]] who loves to challenge mortals. He creates contests, and offers contests, to encourage people to strive to achieve everything they are capable of. He is a master smith and has access to the Dragonforge, which allows him to create powerful magic items at great speed when he has need. The magical items that Barien crafts employ enchantments common in the Empire, but each one is individually named and contain a summer aura that affects the wielder, the same way a hallowed item might.

Each season, Barien's heralds announces one or more challenges, details of which are published in the Winds of Fortune. In most cases the heralds will explain who can enter the challenge and what form the contest will take, so that aspiring champions can decide if they wish to enter. To enter the challenge, the participant must be the target of this ritual - which must be cast on the Friday night. Barien's heralds take the details of everyone who is entering the contest, publish their names in the Hub the following day. The challenge then takes place shortly after.

In the past it has been common for a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] who has been approached to provide a [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Mettle|Test of Mettle]] or [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Ardour|Test of Ardour]] to make meeting and defeating the challenge of the Iron Duke the heart of the Test. There is a common belief that Barien favours houses that do this. The Iron Duke has never directly admitted this - but it does make sense. Barien has confirmed his favour for covens that put forward challengers for his ritual, so it would make sense that earls and enchanters who send knights-errant to challenge the Iron Duke might gain an ally in the Summer realm.

An [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer|stargazer]] by the name of Caellia of Clearwater made a close study of this ritual and several others like it. She argued convincingly that it is actually no different to [[Missive for Sadogua]] - it simply creates a conduit between the ritualists and the eternal, and allows for a transfer of information. It could theoretically be cast for a single crystal of mana. However, the ritual has been intentionally designed to be much higher magnitude, and she theorised that this was partly to bind the eternal to an agreed-on pact, and partly to provide power that Barien could then use to create a challenge.

While the ritual is understandably popular in [[Dawn]], it also has obvious appeal to many [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], adventurous [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]], and legions of [[Imperial Orcs]] looking for an opportunity to 'prove' themselves. Some [[Highguard|Highborn]] who understand the ritual are torn between a general suspicion of the eternals and the Highborn love of competition; after all, this ritual is tailor-made to allow a clever mortal to pit their wits against an eternal and show what humans are truly made of.

Barien's challenges are designed to push mortals to their limits, but to stop short of killing them. His challenge often incorporate skirmishes and battles with other forces. The Iron Duke always insists that all participants behave honourably - by which he means that there should be no executions and those who yield must be spared. He will usually challenge the Jotun to step up and fight the Empire, but on occasion Imperial heroes have found themselves squaring off against Grendel or Thule opponents. The challenges ''never'' include the Druj who the Keeper of Revels is widely believed to despise.

Observing the rules is more than just an expectation. The enchantress Cassia du Morvay claimed that the challenge is akin to [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths|an oath]], sworn by the challenger to abide by the terms of the contest. Those who cheat risk the terrible repercussions that befall those who break their oaths. The few that have succeeded have all met bloody fates, though admittedly more than one died at the hands of the Half-hand's vengeful heralds.

Cheating is outlawed, but cleverness is widely admired. The Master of Challenges welcomes those whose wits are as sharp as their blade, who think as quickly as they run, who converse as eloquently as they dance. Barien himself will never offer help or aid with a challenge, but on more than one occasion his heralds, and the heralds of other eternals of the Summer realm, have been known to lend assistance to a hero to help them attempt a challenge. Such aid is always within the bounds of the oath of the challenger, the measure of those who lend you their support is just another mark of a true hero.

==Common Elements==
Stories and songs of glorious or heroic deeds, [[Dawn hearth magic#Girding|girding]] the challenger with arms and armour, or anointing the target with oil, blood or wine are all common elements when performing this ritual. In some nations it is traditional to recite a challengers history in the matter of a troubadour announcing their earl's pedigree. In Varushka, one of the ritualists will often take on the role of Barien, announcing the terms of the challenging and inviting the challenger to swear an oath to compete to the best of their ability.

Banners and flags are often used, as are heraldic themes such as the sounding of horns. Some ritual groups will even go so far as to stage a mock battle in the regio, when preparing a challenger for a martial tourney. The Summer Stars, an Urizeni coven that used to favour challengers who sought tests of wit and wisdom, would prepare riddles for the challenger and deliver them to an unprepared challenger during the performance of the ritual.

Any or all of the [[Runes#Runes of Summer|Summer runes]] might be evoked, depending entirely on the nature of the targets. [[the Mountain]], [[the Stork]] and [[the Phoenix]] are often invoked during the ritual by astronomancers with the Mountain considered particularly auspicious. There is a common misconception that Barien reserves his most difficult challenges for conjunctions of the Mountain.

<ic>"The first time was for love - if you can believe that! Faced some Marcher lad with arms like tree-trunks, swinging a great mattock thing around like it didn't weigh anything. Funny you only think to be scared once you're actually in there with some big bastard looming over you, eh? He should've won it, too, but he got careless and slipped, and I wasn't about to let him have the chance to knock any more of my teeth out! In at him with my axe - bet that left a mark that still stings come Winter! After all that, the girl I was mooning over ended up running off with my best friend, ain't love grand?

The second time was a matter of pride. I'd taken a bad wound campaigning up around Skoura (no, you won't find it in the history books, "never happened" so they say), and I'd been laid up for weeks afterwards, and limping a bit beyond that. Anyway, word was out that I wasn't fit for duty no more, so I spent all my savings challenging old Barien again. I guess he remembered me from last time, because he sent out some... thing... Not rightly sure what it was, but it was damn tough. Luckily I'd got a good few years of free company work under my belt by this point, and though my sword snapped off in it, I got me this better one in return, aye, and all the work I could ask for as well.

The third time, that was just plain foolishness. "Top of my game", I thought, "I can handle anything old Iron Britches throws at me, no problem". Think of it, beating old Barien three times in a row! Course, this time the challenge was to steal a hat from every Imperial general. As you can plainly see, Magistrate, that one didn't go so well..."<br>
- Testimony of Ilsa Van Der Holberg, two time victor of the Iron Duke's challenge
</ic>

==Game Design==
Challenge the Iron Duke has been a popular ritual for many years but as the game has grown it has become increasingly difficult to support. The personalised approach used up a lot of resources from the plot department and proved stressful to administer, especially in the post-Covid years which saw both a huge expansion in player numbers and interest in the Challenge the Iron Duke ritual. Eventually it became apparent that it would not be possible to continue providing the previously promised experience without sacrificing other areas of plot, and so the ritual was turned off while alternatives were discussed.

There were also a wide array of logistical problems with the ritual. It didn't begin to work until the event after it was cast - by which time the challenger might be absent for some reason. It was often difficult to locate challengers to discuss what challenge they were looking for or what progress they had made. There were problems meeting player expectations about the rewards on offer. Players often mistakenly assumed that the more time and effort they invested in pursuing a challenge, the greater the reward might be, leading to inevitable disappointment.

The new ritual is designed to address all these problems. The plot team will create plot encounters for the ritual, and players who want to undertake the challenge must then find a ritual team and convince them to put them forward. While the encounters will no longer be bespoke for each character who casts the ritual, this will make it possible for people to have an idea what challenge they are getting themselves into. Because the rewards are known in advance, everyone knows what they might win and the drastically improved tempo of the ritual means that participants can undertake the challenge at the event where the ritual is cast giving a chance to have a memorable and special character moment for everyone involved.

As with any change this will be monitored to see if it is working better for everyone involved.

[[Category:Summer Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]