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In the ground

2026-04-06T20:15:45Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"She's still there!" Rosie's voice was woven with wonder, outrage, fear, and excitement as she ducked back down below the window ledge. As she ducked, Jim rose up to peek through the window. Sure enough, the tall woman was still there down by the fence at the end of the road. She stood stock-still at the gate and would have been invisible in the gloaming dim had her skin not been so white it almost to glowed in the twilight.

"Should we wake gramgram?" Rosie whispered. The siblings looked over to their great grandmother, snoozing in her rocking chair. Her ancient cat opened one eye balefully to stare at them then went back to sleep on her lap with all three legs in the air.

"Best not," said Jim after some thought. "Remember what mam said about gramgram needing her sleep."

"We're not being rowdy tho," disagreed his sister. "We're being haunted by a monster that wants to eat us!"

Rosie sounded more excited than frightened at the thought of being eaten by the figure at the gate. Jim peeked out again. She was still there.

"What're we going to doooo?" whined Rosie. There were tears on the horizon if Jim didn't come up with something. He gave it a bit more thought. Friar Hulda always said that if in doubt, do something, because even if you do something wrong at least you've found out what you shouldn't have done. Something like that, anyway. he'd not really been listening.

Resolved, he crept across the kitchen to the stove and ladled several generous portions of still-warm stew into a wooden bowl. After a great deal of whispered argument, he persuaded Rosie to slip into the pantry and pour some creamy milk into another bowl. Together they unlatched the kitchen door and cautiously snuck down toward the gate. Jim felt his sister's cold hand creep into his own, and decided to hold it for a little bit to help her feel safer.

Close up, the woman was a good deal taller and even more unsettling to look at. Her face and hands bore intricate raised designs, like great-uncle James' sailor tattoos only different. The hand resting on top of the gate did not have fingernails but rather bony claws. Her eyes were disturbingly bright yellow, set back into deep sockets, and her teeth were pointed, all of them, like a rats. Most unsettling of all were the metal spines jutting out of her cheeks. They looked rusted, and the skin around them was discoloured like old blood. As soon as she saw the siblings, she stood up even taller and leaned slightly forward, with an expression she may well have thought was reassuring but was in fact very much the opposite of that.

"Ah, children," she said. Her voice was breathy, whispery, almost musical, but with an undertone that made Jim uneasy. "I thought I saw you peeking at me. So brave, to come down and meet me at the gate. Will you let me in? I have business with your greatmother."

Jim bit his lip, hard. He was a little worried he was going to wet himself, but he steeled his resolve and with a hand that barely trembled he held out the bowl of stew up toward the woman. He elbowed Rosie, and after a moment she remembered what she was meant to do. She offered the bowl of milk, which slopped a little over the side.

"Would you like something to eat," asked Jim. "And maybe something to wash it down with, you must be tired after your long journey."

The creature's eye twitched, and the yellow colour darkened towards red. It ground its teeth, turning its head from side to side as it stared at the children. A long tongue the colour of an earthworm licked the bruised lips. Then it leant even further forward reaching over the fence with clawed hands towards Jim and his sister.

"It does smell tasty," she said, almost against her will. "Yes, I will accept this offering of warm meat and cold milk, children. And then you must let me come in.

"You can come in," said Jim. Rosie gasped. The creature grinned, but his next words wiped the triumphant expression off its face. "And as our guest, you'll promise to be on your best behaviour?"

"Why would you worry about something like that, little man?" The creature was trying to laugh it off, but Jim had been well trained by his gramgram. He didn't mistake a question for an agreement and stayed firm. Their pale visitor continued to glare at him, and then at Rosie who started to whimper slightly and moved closer to her brother. But she kept the bowl of milk extended and after a few unpleasant moments, the creature sighed and frowned.

"Fine, fine then. Agreed. I will be the very model of a good guest, of course. I really must speak to your greatmother and ''as your guest'' I'm sure you'll take me straight to her. Now hand over the meat and the milk, you awful mistrustful children."

The children moved a little closer and with awful speed their "guest" snapped the bowls out of their hands. Jim tried not to panic at the way her jaw distended as she poured first the stew, then the milk, into her mouth. Her writhing earthworm tongue slurped both bowls clean and then she dropped them at her side. Her eyes glowed like banked coals as she turned her attention back to the siblings, her unsettling smile now disturbingly wide and lazy.

"Delicious." she said. "And now it's time to let me come in and speak to your greatmother, boy. I don't have all night and my king is not a patient one."

Fingers shaking slightly, Jim reached towards the latch, raised it, and the gate slowly swung open. </ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=standingstone.jpeg|align=right|caption=Few can argue that the true power of Marcher magic lies in its people and its land.| width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/GxH5aTh_igE?si=-iPr_DsdGMmWHnXW}}
[[The Marches]] are rarely numbered among the great magical powers of the Empire, but they are by no means deficient in that regard. Their [[landskeeper|landskeepers]] see to the wellbeing of the [[farm|farms]] and the [[Marcher household|households]], while [[The_Marches_magical_traditions#Mummers|mummers]] bring a little magic into the lives of villages and labourers, and the newly re-established [[smith]] tradition settles back into their old role of parley with the [[eternal|eternals]].

Earlier in the year, the smiths recovered an old boon - the ability once each year in Autumn to send a missive to an eternal in a manner reminiscent of [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]]. '''Gemma Brightsmith''', the current [[Stone Smith]] used that boon to contact [[Adamant]] and ask for his aid. Heralds of the ''Deep Dragon'' have duly responded, visiting the Marches to discuss the boons their master might offer.

However Adamant is not the only eternal with an eye on the Marches as Autumn lengthens into Winter. A veritable army of supernatural soldiers belonging to the [[Tharim|Bound King]] of [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] camps out in [[Upwold]], and the attention of that dark monarch is very much on the Marches following the murder of one of his favoured servants. The slayer of ''Obligatus'' has been dealt with, but not without cost, and it seems that the ''Chained One'' is keen to express gratitude to the landskeepers he believes helped to ensure his particular brand of dark "justice" has been enacted.

At the same time rambunctious [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of [[Sadogua]] have swarmed to the Marches, especially [[Mournwold]], to take part in the annual [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Wassail|Wassail]] festivities. Ever since the Marcher assembly reassured the wizards of their nation that friendship with the ''Father of Bats'' was not an issue, the ''Globbersnotch'' seems keen to maintain that friendship. This season, his servants are particularly interested in the arts of the mummers, and in turn the ''Wyrm King'' offers his boons to those who practice the particularly Marcher take on the [[magical tradition]] of [[dramaturgy]].

Three eternals, then, offering their aid, boons, and gifts. Each favours a different path of Marcher magic, one guided by obligation, the other two by a seeming desire to strengthen their relationship with the nation. What can go wrong?
==Better to Be the Hammer==
{{CaptionedImage|file=King Under the Mountain.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Adamant has responded to a message from the Stone Smith of the Marches which seems to have the force of a plenipotentiary'''
* '''The eternal offers three boons but only if the Eastern Guard is recommissioned or given over to him
* '''The current Stone Smith is Gemma Brightsmith'''
A month after the Autumn Equinox a visitor arrives at the [[Upwold#The Woldstone|Woldstone]] in [[Upwold]]; a messenger from the court of the [[Adamant|King Under the Mountain]]. Unlike the ''koboldi'' they are neither short nor scaled - they are a tall spindly figure that seems to be composed of unfired clay with eyes of yellow gemstone. Their robe seems to be of an impossible material - cut rock with the flexibility of cloth - and their voice causes the earth beneath their feet to rumble and shift. They bear a message for the [[smith|smiths]] at the nearby [[Stone Smith#Stone Smith's Workshop|workshop]]. Conversation is a little stilted at first, but with the aid of a fine Marcher [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Food_and_Drink|meal]] and a half-pint of light beer, the herald and its mortal hosts begin to relax a little.

It appears that Adamant was surprised to receive the words of the [[Stone Smith]] '''Gemma Brightsmith''', delivered by the [[A_pinch_of_salt#An_Old_Legacy|peculiar creature]] ''Gull''. The ''Stone King'' had thought that particular avenue of communication had faded from memory long, long ago. Yet the ''Dragon of the Deeps'' is nothing if not a traditionalist, and well prepared to honour agreements no matter how old they are. The herald - who calls itself ''Meon of the Chisel'' - asks several probing questions about where the smiths have been all this time, why they are back now, and what this might mean for the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. Apparently satisfied with the answers, it delivers its messages from its [[eternal]] liege over a plate of spiced apples and honey.
===Caveat===
* '''Adamant's aid is contingent on something being done about Eastern Guard in Upwold'''
* '''The eternal's price is that the Empire recommission the structure or concede it to the Deep Dragon'''
Adamant is prepared to offer aid to the new smiths and through them the people of the Empire. But there is one very significant caveat. The ''Impenetrable One'' is aware that for some reason the Imperial Senate has chosen to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Decommission_the_Eastern_Guard|decommission]] the fortress of [[Upwold#The_Eastern_Guard|Eastern Guard]] in [[Upwold]]. This is not something of which ''Wallshaper'' approves. Meon of the Chisel explains this at great, exhaustive length. Things should, says the herald, endure. Structures are built of stone so that they may last, and serve their purpose, and to see such an old and storied construction "mistreated" in such a way offends the sensibilities not only of their liege but also of Meon itself.

If the Marchers want ''any'' assistance from Adamant in the matter of [[fortification]], then the smiths must prevail on the [[Senate]] to either recommission Eastern Guard along with assurances it will remain an enduring symbol of permanence and majesty, or else [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concede]] it to the ''Deep Dragon''.

In the latter case, Adamant will take full custody of the historic structure. Meon says that if this happens, Adamant will send his ''koboldi'' to evaluate the structure and see how it might best be turned to his uses. There is some concern over this - some of the smiths point out that the ''King on the Stone Throne'' has offered significant aid to the [[Jotun]] in the past. Meon can offer few assurances beyond saying that his King is honourable and will not use Eastern Guard to harm the people of the Marches without very good reason.

===Put Away My Labour===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Farstrider's Watch'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification Improvement</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Greensward, Mournwold</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 130 white granite, 390 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' standard (increases to 30 Thrones)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* The commission must be announced by the Master of the Koboldi or the Imperial Master of Works
* The matter of Eastern Guard must be resolved before this can be commissioned
* An opportunity exists to replace some or all of the white granite with weltsilver and/or orichalcum</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Improves Farstrider's Watch to a rank three fortification
* The bastion would be infused with adamant meaning that it could not be destroyed except by powerful magic
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Adamant will offer aid to significantly improve the fortification of Farstrider's Watch
* '''The commission must be overseen by the Master of the Koboldi or the Imperial Master of Works
* '''There is an opportunity to support the improvement using weltsilver and orichalcum
Meon begins by explaining that the ''Hammer of Feresh'' is a little unsure what aid the Marchers require with regard to [[Mournwold#Farstrider's_Watch|Farstrider's Watch]]. If they wish to use [[Summer magic]] to restore the recently reconquered fortress, can they not simply deploy the [[Hammers of the Brilliant Shore]]? It is a ritual in [[Imperial lore]] after all. Or, better yet, they could expand and reinforce the castle to better represent its key position in defending the [[Mournwold]] and the [[Singing Caves]]! Indeed, if the Marchers are truly committed to protecting the Mourn, Adamant is prepared to offer assistance to turn it into a truly [[Summer magic#Majesty|majestic]] castle that will cause pride to swell in the hearts of all Marchers who see it.

There is one additional restriction on this offer; to benefit from the boons Adamant offers the [[Fortification#Improvement|expansion]] of the castle must be commissioned by either the [[Master of the Koboldi]] or the [[Imperial Master of Works]]. Provided it is commissioned by one of these two then with the aid of ''Wallshaper'', improvement of the fortification would be completed in a year (assuming no further magic is used to speed it up further). The structure would be infused with ''adamant'' meaning that it would never collapse unless extremely powerful destructive magic were brought to bear against it.

The eternal's offer remains open until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE. If it has not been commissioned by then, a future arrangement will need to be discussed.
<div style="float:right; width: "00px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcFothergill.jpg|align=right|caption=Jonah John|width=210}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MazWilberforce-Oli.png|align=right|caption=Mildred of Mumford|width=200}}</div>
====Moon, Sun, and Stone====
* '''Adamant will provide some of the materials needed to improve Farstrider's Watch in return for weltsilver and orichalcum
Discussion of Farstrider's Watch ends with Meon explaining that Adamant has a certain respect for the [[mine|miners]] of the Mourn. As such ''Worldcrafter'' is prepared to provide some of the materials needed to complete the work, but in return he desires precious metals - specifically pale [[weltsilver]] and glorious [[orichalcum]].

For every forty ingots of these two metals the Marcher smiths can provide, he will provider a wain of white granite wains to improve Farstrider's Watch. Indeed, in the unlikely event that the Marchers were able to gather 5,200 ingots the entire cost of the improvements would be covered by the eternal and only money and time would be needed. After discussion at the Stone Smith's Workshop, Meon proposes that the ingots be collected by the smiths and then given to the [[egregores|Marcher egregore]] - ideally ''Jonah John'' rather than ''Mildred of Mumford'' if only because the former is known as a particular supporter of the hillfolk of the Mourn. Meon in turn will collect the materials and take them to the Summer realm in exchange for the stone.

This opportunity becomes available at the summit where the work is commissioned, and then each summit until a year has passed (so if the castle work were commissioned at the Winter Solstice, it would be possible to hand over metals until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE).

===Fields of Gazing Grain===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Hall of the Kingfisher'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fisher's Rock, Bregasland</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 150 white granite, 450 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' standard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Must be commissioned by the Master of the Koboldi or the Imperial Master of Works
* The matter of Eastern Guard must be resolved
* Does not take the marsh penalty to labour
* Could incorporate a series of bulwarks to drain the marshes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates a level 2 fortification in Bregasland
* The fort is infused with adamant and cannot be destroyed except by powerful magic
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Adamant will help carve a mighty fortification out of Fisher's Rock
* '''Requires commission by the Master of the Koboldi or Imperial Master of Works
* '''Adamant will help transform Fisher's Rock into a potent fortification that is unbreakable and unsinkable
The ''Shaper of Mountains'' is also interested in the proposal to create a mighty fortification out of the place the Marchers call [[Bregasland#Fisher’s_Rock|Fisher’s Rock]]. Meon mentions that just like [[Bregasland#Graven_Rock|Graven Rock]], Fisher's Rock is a place that has been fortified by the power of the ''Liege Unbreakable'' in the past. The eternal is all in favour of seeing them rise gloriously into the future.

As with Farstrider's Watch, if the Marchers wish Adamant’s aid in fortifying these places, then they will need to enlist the aid of the Master of the Koboldi - who is after all the go-between for the Empire and the servants of Adamant - or the Imperial Master of Works. Adamant seems to believe the Master is the Empire's pre-eminent expert on fortification construction, but on this point he may be mistaken, since the Master has the legal authority to improve fortifications but does not currently have the power to commission a new one.

Rather than commission a typical fortification, the ''koboldi'' will help transform Fisher’s Rock into the ''Keep of the Kingfisher''. The work would require 150 wains of [[white granite]], and only 450 crowns labour costs - the ''koboldi'' would undertake to transport materials as well as help build the thing removing the [[Commission#Marshes|additional labour costs]] for building in a marsh. The work would take a year to complete presuming the materials were provided and no additional magic used.

When finished, the Keep of the Kingfisher would be a rank two [[fortification|fortification]]. The bastion would also be infused with adamant - making it as ''unbreakable'' as the [[Semmerholm#The_Adamant_Gate|Adamant Gate]] in eastern [[Semmerholm]]. It would also be ''unsinkable'' - even if the sea itself rose and drowned the [[Bregasland#North_Fens|North Fens]], the castle would remain an inviolate place of protection for those within its walls.

This boon remains available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE. If the commission has not begun by then, the boon will need to be renegotiated. Obviously this is somewhat problematic given the Empire does not currently control Bregasland - it is in the hands of the Jotun - but Meon does not seem overly concerned with this "technicality."

====Water and Earth====
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Dykes and Levies'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fisher's Rock, Bregasland</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 white granite, 225 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' standard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Must be commissioned by the Master of the Koboldi or the Imperial Master of Works as a single commission with the Hall of the Kingfisher
* The cost of the Hall would increase by 75 white granite and 225 crowns, but the work would be done at the same time
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Removes the marsh quality from Fisher's Rock
* Raises the level of investment in farms in Bregasland by one
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE - or until another great work increasing investment in farms is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>

* '''Adamant proposes to help drain parts of North Fens with a series of bulwarks connected to the Hall of the Kingfisher
* '''These additions would be incorporated into the commission of the Hall
* '''They would improve level of investment in farms in Bregasland
Meon raises her final point after extensive discussion of the Hall of the Kingfisher. Meon is of the opinion that marshes are a terrible waste of space; it is hard to build on them and almost impossible to mine. As part of the construction of the Hall, Adamant would provide aid to build a series of dykes, levies, and bulwarks at strategic locations around the North Fens to drain the marshes. The region would still be damp - but once the Hall of the Kingfisher was finished it would remove the [[Region_qualities#Marsh|marsh]] quality from the region allowing for future construction to be undertaken without additional labour costs.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bregas Marshes.png|align=right|caption=Bregasland is a territory of small islands of abundantly fertile soil, surrounded by seemingly endless marshes where eels are caught.|width=400}}</div>
To take advantage of this offer, whoever commissions it would need to specify they wish to build the bulwarks as well. It would increase the cost to complete the Hall of the Kingfisher by another 75 wains of white granite and 225 crowns but with the aid of the eternal it would not add any extra time to the construction.

Some of the smiths from other parts of the Marches are quite excited about this - if the land were drier it would surely provide tracts of fertile farmland.
The Bregas smiths are cautious, but Meon provides assurances that there would still ''be'' fens, there would just be more dry land making it easier to farm and easier to move around the territory. If the bulwarks were built alongside the castle, they would function as a [[great work]] increasing the level of investment in Bregasland farms by one. In conjunction with the existing Imperial Breadbasket every farm in the territory would provide an addition 72 rings each season (rather than 36 as it is at the moment).

The construction cannot be attempted separately; if it is not included in the announcement that begins work on the Hall of the Kingfisher it will require future negotiation with Adamant to enact.

===In the Ring===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sealed Dolmen'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Ore Hills, Mournwold</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 20 mithril, 210 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 2 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The matter of Eastern Guard must be resolved</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Significantly weakens curses targeted at the territory
* Costs every mana site in the Mournwold a crystal mana of production but provides a ''bronze dragonseye'' in its place
* Impacts the Happiston Fields and future mana crystal sinecure or great work by reducing crystal mana and providing bronze dragoneyes instead
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Adamant expands on previous opportunities to offer his own brand of magical protection to the Marches
* '''The Closed Dolmen would reduce the effectiveness of curses laid over Marcher territories
Defence and fortification are not entirely about castles however. ''Meon of the Chisel'' muses that the ''[[This_land_is_your_land#Grateful_Dick|curse wards]]'' mentioned by the Stone Smith in her missive are a challenge but are certainly possible. Indeed, the ''Unshakable Foundation'' is arguably the ''best'' eternal to speak to about protecting lands from malign effects (or so Meon claims). The plans put together by the mortal ''Richard of Holberg'' are not going to work though - at least not with Adamant's help - because they are too steeped in "less reliable magics." Yet the ''Master of the Endless Delve'' is no stranger to protective magic such as this. The cost would be considerable, but it would also cause [[Summer magic]] to infuse itself into the very soil around the stones themselves, which Meon suggests is ''surely'' a good thing.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=trilithon.png|align=right|caption=Three standing stones, used to create a sealed gateway, are a powerful warding magic.|width=300}}</div>
A circle of [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Dolmens|closed dolmen]] could be built with Adamant's assistance in the western [[Mournwold#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]] - as near the centre of the Mourn as possible. The ring would require 50 wains of white granite and 20 wains of mithril, as well as 210 crowns labour. It would take six months to complete. At the end of this time, it would infuse the territory with a little of the power of the ''Stone Potentate'', and the resonance of [[Summer_magic#Adamant|adamant]]. As long as the dolmen stood, and remained closed, they would weaken any curse that affected the [[territory]]. The exact impact would depend entirely on the nature of the magic involved, and even the power of Adamant is not enough to completely cancel the effects of a curse.

The sealed dolmen would draw power from the flows of mana through the territory - meaning they would also impact the [[mana site|mana sites]] of the Mourn. Every [[mana site]] in the territory would produce one fewer crystal mana each season. The crystals would still form, but rather than containing pure mana they would be touched by the majesty of Adamant and the Summer realm - specifically each site would produce a ''bronze dragonseye''. Each dragonseye provides two crystal mana towards the performance of any Summer ritual that creates a personal enchantment. It would also impact the [[Keeper_of_the_Happiston_Fields#Happiston_Fields|Happiston Fields]], with the [[Keeper of the Happiston Fields]] losing three crystal mana and receiving two bronze dragonseyes in their place. Any other [[sinecure]] or [[great work]] creating crystal mana in the Mournwold would likewise produce less crystal mana, providing a ''bronze dragoneye'' in its place.

As with other offers, the boon of the sealed dolmen remains until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE and if not commissioned by then, it will need to be renegotiated. Meon mentions that there is nothing to prevent Adamant helping to create similar dolmen in other Marcher territories - but that arranging a boon to assist with such things would require a separate [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missive.
====Malediction and Masonry====
* '''The exact effects of the closed dolmens depend greatly on the nature and scale of the curse
* '''They would also offer protection against negative effects created by some enchantments
Curses can be quite unpredictable, but the smiths working with Meon have speculated about the likely outcome. Any curse that specifically targets the earth, soil, and stone of the Mournwold such as [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]] or [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] would have reduced mechanical impact - the damage to the production of [[farm|farms]], [[forest|forests]], and [[mine|mines]] would be halved. Other territory curses would have their effect on farms specifically halved, but otherwise likely have their normal mechanical impact.

The "unanticipated consequences" of all such territory-wide rituals would be very much lessened. The powerful protective wards would be taken into account when looking at the "nature of the area and the current situation there" and inform the description and any arising winds of fortune appropriately.

The wards proposed by Adamant do not discriminate; they would also activate to reduce the negative consequences of large-scale enchantments, if the outcome would be to cause significant harm to earth, stone, mines, forests, or farms.

===Faith in the Stone===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|width=300}}
</div>
* '''Opportunities exist to create true consecrations at the Hall of the Kingfisher or the improved Farstrider's Watch'''
* '''These opportunities take advantage of the symbolism of these two places and their connection to Pride and Loyalty'''
* '''Writs of Consecration would be needed as normal for creating an inspirational location'''
* '''Both proposals would only be fully effective if the appropriate opportunity were embraced'''
One of the attendees at the Stone Smith's Workshop is the former [[monk]] ''Thomas o' the Woolpack''. A sprightly seventy-year old, "Wooly Tom" found his calling as a smith only recently, but is an adept [[Crafting skills#Artisan|crafter]] of [[:Category:Reliquaries|reliquaries]] and [[:Category:Regalia|regalia]]. Inspired by the discussion with Meon, Thomas has apparently spoken with some of his old friends among the monasteries, and added a rider of his own to the offer of Adamant, one that builds on the offers with the power of Marcher virtue.

Two of the proposals from the court of the Deep Dragon result in a sizable stone structure being created, one that will loom large in the minds of virtuous Marchers. Farstrider's Watch is already something of a place of pilgrimage for Marcher folk; it resonates strongly with the sacrifices made by Marcher soldiers to keep the Mourn safe. Likewise, Fisher's Rock in Bregasland has a recent history that has at its core questions of Marcher loyalty and unity.

Thomas proposes that either or both of these places, were they commissioned, could be [[consecration|consecrated]] with [[true liao]] - following on from a successful [[writ of consecration]] in the appropriate assembly of course. Indeed, minor adjustments to the structures themselves could be made that would make this even more effective.

Farstrider's Watch in the Mourn is a strong candidate for a place consecrated to [[Pride]], especially if it incorporated a shrine remembering the sacrifices of the [[Known_exemplars#Leaders_of_the_Ore_Hills_Rebellion|Ore Hills Rebels]] - [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_5|recognised last year]] as exemplars. Work is already underway on [[Construct Rebellion's Ridge|Rebellion's Ridge]] which could be seen as a growing interest in these historical figures. Along with the stories of General Flowers, the castle's role in defending the Marches from the Jotun, and as a memorial to the pride of the oathsworn [[general]] of the [[Tusks]] army, it would be cemented as a place of pilgrimage. A properly consecrated [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] for the rebellious miners would inspire their descendants to continue to seek political representation in the politics of the Mournwold; it would serve as a stopping-off point for those travelling to [[Friar_of_Honour%27s_Rest#Honour's_Rest|Honour's Rest]], provide boons to those preaching the virtue of Pride in the Marches, and it would provide an opportunity for the Mournwold to show its appreciation of the Tusks.

Fisher's Rock is also an important symbol, this time relating to [[Loyalty]]. Bregasland has been riven by disputes between neighbours, and between those who embraced the separatist dogma of Mathilda Fisher and those who cleft to the Empire. The ripples of those disagreements are still being felt in the western Marches. For all their faults the Fishers were loyal to one another, for all that their understanding of virtue was clearly warped by their time among the Jotun. Thomas o' the Woolpack suggests that the place could become a fine site for a consecration dedicated to that most Marcher of Loyalty exemplars, [[Bolstering Bill]]. Again the commission would include a space set aside to serve as a shrine to those who support their fellows rather than tear them down. The keep would be a place of pilgrimage, and reinforce that the Marches will not neglect Bregasland nor treat them as outsiders. It would remove the [[Bregasland#Rebellious|rebellious]] quality, provide boons to anyone preaching the virtue of Loyalty in the Marches, and grant the Bregas the [[opportunity]] to show their appreciation for the Strong Reeds.

Obviously there is nothing to prevent the Marcher assembly working with the Pride assembly to consecrate Farstrider's Watch as it stands, or with the Loyalty assembly to create a shrine for Bolstering Bill in Bregasland. In theory, the Synod could consecrate a hole in the ground if they chose to. But the [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] of these huge structures Adamant has proposed is what makes either site ideal for this. Consecrating a smaller fortification simply would not have the same impact.

The proposals by Adamant allow for major rebuilding work and all that would be required to incorporate suitable shrines for the Ore Hills Rebels in Farstrider's Watch, or for Bolstering Bill in the Keep of the Kingfisher, would be a note to that effect in the commission.

===A Dragon's Gift===
* '''The Stone Smith may receive a schema from Adamant in return for ten rings of ilium
* '''The boon must be claimed before the end of the Winter Solstice
In honour of past times, and in recognition that the Marcher smiths are again in the Marches, Adamant offers them an unexpected boon if they wish to accept it. In return for ten rings of ilium, Adamant will forge a [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]] for the smiths' use, allowing anyone who studies it to master the creation of something Meon calls the ''Ring of the Dragon''. This [[:Category:Foci|magic focus]] can be invoked once each day by a ritual magician versed in [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Summer lore]] to improve their ability to wield [[Summer magic]]. Meon stresses that it is a gift for ''the Marches'', not for the Empire, in memory of times gone by. Adamant would be displeased if the schema became part of [[Imperial lore]] or was incorporated into [[Runesmith's Law]] but .

To claim the schema, the [[Stone Smith]] must bring the ilium to the [[Regio#The_Imperial_Regio|Imperial regio]] by the end of the Winter Solstice and invoke the [[operate portal]] spell, either personally or from an object such as a [[Pauper's Key]]. They will receive the schema in return.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====Ring of the Dragon====
* '''Form:''' Talisman. Takes the form of a ritual focus. You must be wearing this item or holding it in hand to use its magical properties.
* '''Requirement:''' You must have the magician skill to bond to this item.
* '''Effect:''' Once per day you may use this ring to gain one additional [[Magical skills#Realm Lore|rank]] of Summer lore for the purposes of performing a single ritual, subject to the [[Realm_Lore#Gaining_additional_ranks|normal rules for effective skill]].
* '''Roleplaying Effect:''' While wearing this ring you feel larger than life - bigger and sturdier than you actually are - as if your bones were made of stone.
* '''Materials:''' Crafting a Ring of the Dragon requires nine ingots of orichalcum, six measures of iridescent gloaming, and three ingots of green iron. It takes one month to make one of these items.
</div>
Click to expand for details of the ''Ring of the Dragon''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
==Stones in the Soil==
* '''The knights of Tharim remain in Upwold
* '''The Conclave has agreed that the injured farm owners of the territory deserve compensation from the Bound King
* '''With the aid of the landskeepers, Tharim's knights have provided Heart's Blood to farmers whose crops were damaged
The [[Tharim]] has an odd relationship with the Marches; his [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#Scour_(Tharim)|knights]] are in [[Upwold]] at the moment having gone there to find the killers of his herald Obligatus. He is also the patron of the [[Mitwold#The_Pale_Chain|Pale Chain]] in [[Mitwold]], the standing stone that apparently keeps an ancient evil trapped deep beneath the ground. His "friendship" has proved to be something of a two-edged blade already; his knights "help" in hunting down the servants of [[Agramant]] left more than a little damage to Mitwold [[farm|farms]]. The commander of Tharim's troops, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'', dealt with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the [[Conclave]] thought it was merited. The [[Archmage of Winter]] raised the [[Alignment#Acceptance|appropriate declaration]], and Imperial magicians agreed that [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Compensate_Upwold_Farmers|compensation was merited]]. As such every farm owner in the territory has received a pawn of [[vis#Heart's Blood|Heart's Blood]] from the knights of Tharim, distributed with the aid of the Upwold [[landskeeper|landskeepers]].

As Winter grows deeper, and the [[Jotun]] advance across Mitwold, a herald of Tharim named ''Poena'' - one of the colleagues of Obligatus who apparently [[Hunters_and_wolves#In_the_Copse_of_the_Bone_Birch|arrived alongside him]] in the Empire six years ago - visits the [[Keeper_of_the_Golden_Fields#The_Silent_Giant|Silent Giant]] apparently looking for '''Nicolas Reaper''' (the [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]]) and the rest of the Upwold landskeepers. Poena takes the form of a tall, dangerous looking woman with bone-white skin marked with raised cicatrixes and iron spines across her cheekbones. She bears news of certain boons offered by Tharim to his "Marcher friends", especially those Landskeepers who are charged with keeping the Marches safe and prosperous. They are also offered in recognition of the fine [[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court|tribute]] that magicians of the Marches have provided to Tharim (and the Court presumably), including several one-of-a-kind objects that were especially appreciated.
===Tribute's Blade===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Blade of Petition</big>'''<br>These magical foci always take the form of daggers or one-handed bladed weapons. They must be used in a specific way: used to shed blood as part of a ritual performance. It is a good idea for a magician to be familiar with the dangers of [[blood magic]] before employing them. They grant the user an additional rank of Winter Lore for purposes of casting Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court, Petrifying Command of the Tyrant, and Pallid Flesh of the Dead King.<br><br></box></div>
* '''During the Winter Solstice Marcher Tribute to the Thrice-cursed court can be used to secure a ''Blade of Petition'''''
* '''The ritual must target a magical dagger or one-handed weapon bonded to a landskeeper
The ''Bound King'' is apparently pleased with the help rendered by the Marcher landskeepers in pursuit of the murderers of Obligatus. As such he proffers a simple, personal boon - a ''Blade of Petition''. These blades are magical [[:Category:Foci|foci]] given as boons of Tharim, and provide aid to castings of ''Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court'', [[Petrifying Command of the Tyrant]], and [[Pallid Flesh of the Dead King]] provided the wielder first offers a "minor tribute" to the eternal.

To claim a ''Blade of the Petitioner'' a landskeeper needs to perform or secure the aid of a Marcher coven capable of performing, Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court. The ritual must target a [[magic items|magical]] [[:Category:daggers|dagger]] or [[:Category:One-handed Weapons|one-handed blade]], placed in a container alongside one measure each of [[beggar's lye]] and [[dragonbone]], and an ingot of [[weltsilver]]. The magic item must also be [[create bond|bonded]] to a landskeeper. If all this is done correctly, then in place of the [[Vis#Heart's Blood|usual reward]] for the ritual, Tharim will return the weapon with a valuable new property - transforming it into a ''Blade of Petition''.

The ''Bound King'' stresses that ''only'' landskeepers can claim this gift, although what they do with the blade once they have it is not his concern. Poena stresses that while it is sure no landskeeper would be greedy enough to try and secure more than one ''Blade'', any foolish enough to do so must expect punishment for their temerity. Also, any attempt to send the focus ''back'' to Tharim through the ''Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court'' will receive nothing, and risks angering the Court.

'''OOC Note:''' Only a character with the landskeeper [[archetype]] can gain one of these magical foci. The phys-rep for the dagger or knife used as the target of the ritual is returned with a new ribbon attached, which expires normally (just before the Winter Solstice 388YE). The ''Blade of the Petitioner'' functions as any other [[:Category:Foci|focus]] with regards to things such as [[Magic_items#Bonded_Items|bonding]] and the [[Magical_skills#Gaining_additional_ranks|normal rules for effective skill]].
===Watcher's Tomb===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Bitter Salt'''</big><br>Bitter Salt is a coarse, granular, crumbly powder. You'll need to provide your own physrep - the ideal would be a mix of salt an ashes in a small pouch. It takes the form of a ribbon that is activated on use with the assistance of a referee. Using it requires a short ritual performance in which the ashes are mixed with fresh blood and used to daub the Naeve rune on the forehead of the recipient. They then receive an enchantment - ''Warder at the Tomb Gate'' - that follows all the usual rules for enchantment.</box></div>
* '''During the Winter Solstice, Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court can be used by Marcher magicians to secure a dose of Bitter Salt
* '''The ritual must target a newly crafted magic item that is bonded to a landskeeper
During the Winter Solstice any Marcher coven may offer a specific tribute to [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] and receive their aid in return. They must cast the ''Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court'' ritual on a "pristine" item - one that has only recently been completed (a new [[magic items|magic item]] that expires before the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE). The item must be [[create bond|bonded]] to a landskeeper, and three one ring coins placed in the container alongside it. Instead of the usual vials of [[Vis#Heart's_Blood|heart's blood]], they will receive a ''Pouch of Bitter Salt''.

''Bitter Salt'' can be invoked at the [[Regio#Imperial regio|Imperial regio]] as part of a two-minute ceremony, following the rules for [[Rituals#Performing_a_Ritual|ritual performance]], that involves mixing the ashes with freely donated blood and using them to mark the rune [[Naeve]] on the forehead of a warrior-captain. This will release an [[enchantment]] - a boon of the Thrice-cursed - that will flow through the target to infuse the soldiers over who they have dominion (their [[military unit]]).

The enchantment is a version of a ritual Poena calls ''Watchers at the Tomb Gate'' and provides an additional five ranks of strength to a military unit that undertakes a [[Military_unit#Guarding|guarding]] action. While their soldiers are enchanted the captain also experience a roleplaying effect: ''you expect respect and deference from those you protect; its easy to become angry and even violent when face with failure to recognise your contribution to the safety of those you guard.'' The captain is also marked by the Thrice-cursed Court, something that can be determined through use of the [[detect magic]] spell. If anyone uses [[Detect_magic#Discern_Enchantment|discern enchantment]] on a target of one of these rituals, it will reveal that they bear a "''mark of chains''" as well as whatever personal enchantment they might be under (if any).
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box><big>'''A Reminder About Enchantments'''</big><br>It's important to note with both the ''Wrath'' and ''Rage'' boons that an enchantment ''cannot'' be removed prematurely without casting a different enchantment, or allowing the duration (until the start of the next Profound Decisions event) to expire. It's not possible to just give up the enchantment - meaning it is much more likely that someone with one of these boons will be detected.</box></div>

Tharim presumes this can be used to help defend Mitwold against the Jotun, by garrisoning [[Mitwold#Forte_Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]], but as with his other boons he is broadly unconcerned what the power is used for.

===Sorrow's Cost===
* '''During the Winter Solstice, Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court can be used to secure a rare arcane projection calling on Tharim's power
* '''The ritual must target an artefact or item hallowed with true liao and must be performed by a landskeeper or a coven containing a landskeeper
Poena also speaks of a major boon indeed, one rarely offered by Tharim, that he will grant to the landskeepers of the Marches. In recognition of its rarity and power, it comes at a significantly higher price. In return for an actual [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] or for an item that has been [[hallow|hallowed]] with [[Liao#True Liao|True liao]] sent via ''Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court'' by a Marcher coven containing a landskeeper, Tharim will provide an [[arcane projection]] of a ritual his herald calls ''Blades of Rust and Sorrow''. This is an enchantment of [[Winter magic]], of magnitude one hundred and twenty, that can be performed on a [[general]] to infuse their entire [[army]] with the blessings of the Thrice-cursed Court.

''Blades of Rust and Sorrow'' makes the soldiers cold, cruel, and vicious and adds the resonances of [[Winter magic#Hunger|hunger]] and [[Winter magic#Punishment|punishment]] to their blades. This provides an effective four thousand extra force, but only for purposes of inflicting casualties. As with the boon of ''Warder of the Tomb Gate'', as long as the enchantment persists the general bears the ''mark of chains'', which can be discerned with [[detect magic]]. Again, the expectation is that this will be used to help fight the Jotun but actually Tharim doesn't really care where it is used.

The landskeepers have explicit permission from Tharim to use the enchantment if they want, or to have it codified at one of the Empires [[college of magic|magical colleges]] if they want to use it more freely. There is an [[Eternals_and_rituals#Assurance_and_Stipulation|assurance]] attached of course - the ritual loses all power if the [[Mitwold#The_Pale_Chain|Pale Chain]] is ever moved or destroyed, or the ward it creates is pierced or removed.

There is however one pressing consideration which is that [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_:_Savagery_of_Armies|two years ago]] the [[Conclave]] [[interdiction|interdicted]] the practice of "''making armies savage''" at the [[Hierarchs_of_sea_and_sky#The_Key_of_Commitment|urging]] of the eternal [[Zakalwe]]. Just from the description alone it seems likely that ''Blades of Rust and Sorrow'' would fall afoul of this (and as a ritual not in [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]] the magistrates would be charged to confiscate any arcane projection for such an effect). Poena does not consider this to be an issue, and presumes the landskeepers will easily be able to sort this out if they want Tharim's boon.

===Limited Opportunities===
* '''These boons are only available during the Winter Solstice but once received will endure for the usual duration'''
* '''They are only available via Tribute to the Thrice-cursed court rituals cast by Marcher covens
* '''They require the aid of a landskeeper to claim
These boons are only available during the Winter Solstice, and rely on the participation of a landskeeper (explicitly in this case a character with the [[landskeeper]] [[archetype]] recorded on the database). Magicians of other nations can make use of the blade, salt, or arcane projection if they are provided with the item, but the boons can only be secured if [[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]] is cast in the specified ways by Marcher magicians with the aid of a landskeeper.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sadogua001d.webp|align=right|width=200}}
==Friendship is an Arrangement==
* '''Heralds of Sadogua have again attended wassail across the Marches'''
* '''The Father of Bats is particularly taken with the Marches' mummers
Serious matters may be under discussion in Upwold, but in the rest of the Marches - even places under threat by the Jotun - there is a slightly more convivial atmosphere at least while Wassail is going on. [[Patterns_of_fairytales#A Grand Wasssail|Last year]], heralds of Sadogua were invited to attend the seasonal [[Wassail]] in the Marches. This year, they've turned up again, and thrown themselves into the celebrations with just as much gusto. After the Autumn Equinox some very odd creatures turn up throughout Mitwold, Upwold, Mournwold, and even Bregasland (where wassail is understandably a little more subdued than usual).

Many of the visiting creatures take on the guise of [[The_Marches_magical_traditions#Mummers|mummers]]. Some form their own troupes while others turn up to audition for existing bands. They are reasonably well behaved, albeit excitable, full of fun, and free with the minor magics heralds of the ''Globbersnotch'' enjoy. They bring their own masks and costumes, and are adept at playing comedic roles and participating in the [[Dramaturgy#The_Chorus|Chorus]]. Their presence is accompanied by a dramatic increase in the number of bats seen at twilight, as well as a number of encounters with friendly and talkative black cats of unusual size across the Marches. Some of these creatures wear, or are interested in acquiring, delightful little hats.

The ''Toad King'' again offers a small boon to the folk who have proved so welcoming to his heralds. During the Winter Solstice, any Marcher farm that is enchanted with [[Blessing of New Spring]] but does ''not'' use any [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Blessing_of_Old_Winter|whisperspore]] will grow a circle of "friendly" black mushrooms somewhere within its bounds. If they are collected on the night of the new moon and squeezed dry, they'll produce one of two elixirs he calls ''Shinemoon''. ''Pale Shinemoon'' can be used to provide a ritual magician with a little inspiration when performing a ritual using [[Day]], [[Summer]], or [[Autumn]] magic while ''Dark Shinemoon'' does the same but for a ritual using [[Night]], [[Winter]], or [[Spring]] magic. Sadogua understands if his Marcher friends prefer to accept the unpredictable and chaotic boons of ''[[Llofir|Old Toadstool Head]]'' instead, but his heralds cannot conceal the fact that the ''Black Wyrm'' is a little narked that Spring eternals are ''once again'' interfering with his attempt to do something nice for his friends in the Marches.

<big>'''Participation:'''</big> Any Marcher character is encouraged to make up stories about the antics of Sadogua's heralds, assuming they visited their Wassail celebrations, using the above as a guideline. They will have been reasonably well behaved, not disruptive, friendly, and with a quite astonishing capacity for food and drink - both that provided by their hosts, and supplies they have brought with them out of the Forests of the Night - and for enthusiastically discordant singing and dancing.

Like their master, the heralds of Sadogua favour magicians (and potential magicians) over more mundane folk. In particular, any Marcher character of the [[mummer]] archetype can choose to have performed alongside one of the heralds of Sadogua who attended the Wassail. The experience is surprisingly intense; it is easy to lose oneself entirely in ones role when playing alongside the heralds. Players are encouraged to make up stories of a wild nights of revelry, minor magical side-effects of the play performed, and of losing time and waking up three days later upside down in a haystack or pigpen.
===Masks and Mummery===
<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-left: 10px;">{{HoverImage|Aliss Laugh.jpg|Aliss Cry.jpg|300px|Caption1|Caption2|Caption3|Caption4|Caption5|Caption6|The role of the fool is an important one}}</div>
* '''Sadogua offers a boon to Marcher mummers during the Winter Solstice
In all the excitement, the heralds almost forget the other matter. Sadogua offers a small boon to the mummers of the Marches if they want it, partly based on his appreciation for the fine work done by ''Goatsbridge Coven'', the ''Maidstone Mummers'', ''Mummering Hive'', and their fellows. During the Winter Solstice, any mummer can pop along to the Imperial regio with a bag containing twenty measures of [[iridescent gloaming]] and [[dragonbone]] in any combination, along with one of their masks. If they use [[operate portal]] to throw it through to Sadogua, he'll provide them with a little present to show his appreciation of their work - either a ''Mask of the Gambler'' or a ''Mask of the Seamstress''. They can pick whichever one they want by sending him a [[Missive for Sadogua|Missive]] (either personally or by getting a friendly Marcher magician to do it). Provided this is done before midnight on the Saturday of the event, he'll refashion their mask by the end of the Summit.

When asked what the difference is between a ''Mask of the Gambler'' and a ''Mask of the Seamstress'', the heralds provide contradictory explanations that rapidly get derailed into talk of other magical topics. They are confident that the masks are something to do with the ''[[Dramaturgy#The Personae|scions of mummery]]'' as they term them. They think the masks are useful even to folk who don't practice Night magic - although why anyone would want to spend too much time studying realms other than Night, they can't imagine - and that they'll last about a year (just like any other [[magic items|magic item]]).

'''OOC Note:''' Out of character, the ribboned mask will be available to be picked up from GOD on Sunday morning by the mummer who provided the ingots and measures. In- character the mask is being delivered to your bedroom by a small flock of cheerful bats. Any items that aren't picked up by Time Out on Sunday will go into lost property after the event.
==Further Reading==
* [[Smith]]
* [[Landskeeper]]
* [[Mummer]]
* [[Stone Smith]]
* [[A pinch of salt]] - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune introducing the Stone Smiths Workshop and the recovery of the ancient tradition

* [[Adamant]]
* [[Tharim]]
* [[Sadogua]]

Ourselves and immortality

2026-04-06T20:14:52Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>The sound of someone trying to drag a heavy box as quietly as possible was very distracting. Aemilia strove to maintain poise, but the words in her head tumbled and fragmented and were gone. She put down her pen with a pointed "click" and turned round in her chair.

"Sorry, Aemelia." Diogenes did not sound sorry. He had his sleeves rolled up and was rooting through some of the storage chests that sat under the bookshelves. "What are you working on?"

"A poem about death." She replied flatly. "Or I was until someone decided they needed to rearrange the library right this second. Now I'm talking to you."

"Sorry again." He still didn't sound sorry. "But there's been news. The Archmage has called the Court of Rope together. All three of them. For the Solstice. Marcus wants us to be ready to offer Tribute."

"I thought the Queen was still under enmity?" Aemelia had not been keeping track.

"Not since last Winter," replied Diogenes cheerily. He ran his finger through the frosted tips of his bleached hair and then swore quietly as he realised he'd caked his head in dust. "Queen and Knight at neutrality, King remains amitous."

"That isn't a word." Aemelia corrected her coven mate on reflex, more out of pedantic habit than any confidence he would stop making up words.

"''Definitely'' all three of them? Not just the King?" Poise alone kept Aemelia's tone neutral. "Hag Queen and Burnt Prince as well? In the same parley?"

Diogenes was only half listening, busy selecting scrolls and stuffing them into the pockets in his sash.

"Well, the heliopticon says it's all three of them. Tupenties from Moonwell Spire says it's ''as monarchs'' as well if that matters."

It did, in fact, matter. Aemelia caught herself nibbling her thumbnail, and it took an effort to put her hand back in her lap.

"How long has it been since all three of them have been approached together?" She asked mildly. "As the Court I mean, rather than individually?"

"Years, I suppose. I hadn't really given it any thought. Why?"

"No reason, just thinking out loud." She did not let her eyes stray to the shelf where the ''Tome of Ruinous Omens'' lay innocently on its side, fat with visionary dreams and carefully curated advice about the Court of the Three and the dangers of getting entangled with them. "I just seem to recall that last time they were all together, it caused a bit of a fuss. But I'm sure ''this'' time it will be ''absolutely fine''."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=StillLifeWithASkull.jpg|caption=Everything is sure to be well, to be well.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/fMBSJo4YHP0?si=cLAFnPZc8_oF4Vjr}}
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil, apparently in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Five have agreed to meetings of one kind of another, either in person or via emissaries'''
* '''The other has provided messages, opportunities, or gifts of one type or another'''
As the Winter Solstice approaches, the [[eternal|eternals]] respond to the [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages of the six [[archmage|archmages]]. Each of the six is empowered to send a single message to an eternal of their [[realms|realm]] each season, with certain expectation of ''some'' kind of response. Some eternals will arrange a [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] or some kind, a personal meeting with themselves or more commonly one of their favoured lieutenants. Others may take more direct action, offering [[opportunity|opportunities]] to secure boons or enlist the eternal's power to change the Empire in some way. Sometimes they decline the offer of meetings or boons, but even then they are likely to provide their reasons for doing so.

Since the Autumn Equinox, messengers representing six eternals have come to the Empire from their eternal patrons, detailing the response to each plenipotentiary missive.
==Before a House==
* '''The Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges welcomes the plenipotentiary of the Autumn Archmage
* '''A parley will take place in a chamber reached via the Hall of Worlds at TBC on Saturday during the summit
* '''Prospero requests the Archmage bring someone capable of speaking for the Celestial Arch along with them
* '''The Archmage may include up to two others as part of their entourage
* '''The current Archmage of Autumn is Vossk of Zenith Ascendant
{{CaptionedImage|file=Prospero001.webp|align=right|width=200}}
It has been a [[Back_in_town#Prospero|little over two years]] since last a formal emissary of the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] visited the Empire. The minotaur, resplendent in robes of incarnadine and viridian, again visits the [[Astolat#Castle of Thorns|Castle of Thorns]] rather than visiting [[Anvil#The Hub|the Hub]]. Their message is short and devoid of unnecessary details. It seems that the ''Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges'' requests formal [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] with '''Vossk of Zenith Ascendant''', the new [[Archmage of Autumn]].

The meeting will take place in a chamber set aside for the purpose, at '''TBC''' on Saturday during the coming Winter Solstice. The main topic of conversation will be the matter of ritual magic - ''Threadweaver'' is interested to hear how the Archmage believes the ''City of Bridges'' might provide support to the Imperial war machine in the manner Vossk has outlined, although the minotaur is quick to point out that nothing is promised.

On the matter of promises, however, the ''Reckoner of Ebony and Bone'' is keen to conclude the matter of the favour owed by the [[Celestial Arch]] following his [[Inkpot_gods#The_Arch_and_The_Web|provision of a meeting]] with the people of [[Skoura]]. It is time for that favour to be called in, and as such Vossk is requested to bring a member of the [[Conclave order]] with the authority to discuss such matters to the parley. As with the favour provided to the [[Rod and Shield]], which was repaid by the [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Dissemination:_Find_the_Best_Path|dissemination]] of a [[Find the Best Path|military ritual]] to the magician-princes of Jarm, the expectation is that the repayment will be of commensurate value to the favour provided.

There are provisions for up to two others - secretaries, clerks, or [[scrivener|scriveners]] as the Archmage deems appropriate. The agenda for the meeting is set, however, and Prospero is unlikely to be amused by attempts to introduce new matters for discussion once it begins.

==I Would Not Stop==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Siakha offers parley to the Archmage of Spring at TBC on Saturday/Friday during the summit
* '''The ''Marvath'' will discuss the matter of destruction the Archmage has raised
* '''Three new rituals have appeared in Urizen lore without warning, apparently as a gift to Ibiss Briarheart
* '''The current Archmage of Spring is Ibiss Briarheart'''
During some of the worst weather of the early Winter, a creature emerges from the [[Regio#Imperial Regio|Imperial Regio]] at [[Anvil]]. It is a ''[[Siakha#Servants_of_Siakha|tempest]]'', one of the children of ''[[Siakha|Maelstrom]]''. A storm given flesh, a thing of barely contained disruptive force. This one is a little different to those encountered on battlefields supporting the [[Children of Wrecks]]. It bears a staff of [[tempest jade]] and wears an open dark green robe that evokes the wind-tossed breakers of the [[Bay of Catazar]]. It jerks and twitches in time to some inaudible rhythm only it can hear. Moving through Anvil with impressive directness, anyone who gets in its way even slightly is [[repel|hurled aside]] without warning. By the time it reaches the Hub, there are magistrates and militia waiting for it. It does not waste time on formalities, simply delivering its message to anyone who is near enough to hear its loud, rumbling words.

''Thunder-That-Speaks'' has heard the words of '''Ibiss Briarheart'''. She accepts the petition for parley. There will be an opportunity for the Archmage of Spring to speak with her favoured lieutenant the ''Marvath'' who is empowered to talk of the destruction desired by Briarheart. That meeting will take place on Friday evening at '''TBC''', in a chamber created for the purpose. Only the Archmage themselves, or their proxy if they cannot come themselves, is invited to attend.

There will be no talk of [[Grendel]], nor of wreckers. Nothing to say about Sarvos, nor Asavea, nor the lords of Winter. The matter the ''Hurricane Queen'' is interested in is the devastation, slaughter, and loot that the Archmage has proposed. She will offer her gift, if the Archmage is strong enough to accept it. Indeed, she has provided gifts to the people of Urizen as Briarheart has asked.

Message delivered, the ''tempest'' returns by the same direct route that it arrived, this time with an armed escort that it does not acknowledge in any way. It disappears through the gate at the heart of the Imperial regio with neither another word nor a backward glance.
==Civility==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Surut002.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=215}}
* '''The Thrice-cursed Court accept the offer of parley
* '''They will accept a delegation from Anvil at midnight on Friday
* '''Each of the three has matters of interest to them
* '''The current Keeper of Tharim's Throne Claudia Varkulova Remislav is invited to join the courtiers of the Thrice-cursed to help facilitate the meeting
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is Ematius "Icebreaker" Ankarien, although they have indicated their intent to retire
On the evening of the first day of Winter proper, the air is sharp with the promise of snow and ice, and a messenger arrives at Anvil. It comes not from the Imperial Regio, but along the main road that runs through the settlement. It takes its time, savouring the sights and sounds, and pausing to observe folk about their early evening business. It is clearly a [[Inhabitants of the realms|creature of the realms]], and of the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]] in particular. Pallid skinned, with lengths of rusted metal woven into and out of its flesh, it observes with empty eye sockets that nonetheless seem to see everything that transpires. A foul aura surrounds it, and those who get too close feel their skin crawling - that feeling of being on the edge of sleep and hearing a noise from a part of the room you know to be empty. Chained to its wrist is a book, the binding of which does not bear close inspection by those of faint heart or weak stomach.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Weakness and the Hall of Worlds'''<br>The last time all three members of the Thrice-cursed Court were together, they appeared in the Hall of Worlds. Their departure triggered an unpleasant effect. Everyone in the Hall of Worlds was struck with [[Calls#Weakness|weakness]]. There's no indication this was done on purpose; it might just be an effect of the Thrice-cursed monarchs withdrawing their presence from the Hall. There's also no indication this will happen again, but it is something to be aware of.<br><br>

But to be on the safe side, it's worth a reminder that one cannot leave the Hall of Worlds while subject to [[Calls#WEAKNESS|weakness]], because one cannot cast [[operate portal]]. It is important to remember that you can only move ''yourself'' between the Hall of Worlds and Anvil (and vice versa) with the [[operate portal]] spell. The [[Ambassadorial Gatekeeper]] ritual allows other options but must either be cast in advance, or performed in the Hall of Worlds.

It's also tricky to remove weakness while one is experiencing it, given the way it restricts a character's abilities. The most reliable way would be to use a potion such as [[Apothecary_Potions#Feverfail_Elixir|Feverfail Elixir]] or [[Master_Medicinal#Maledict's_Medicament|Maledict's Medicament]]. A magician who does so would then be free to cast the [[purify]] spell, or take part in a ritual such as [[Renewed Strength of the New Day]] to help their fellows overcome any lingering curse. It's also important to remember that, as with [[Calls#VENOM|venom]], weakness does not go away naturally - it must be treated in some way before it is removed.

Again, there's no particular reason to believe this may become an issue, but this is a good a time as any to remind people of the dangers of being weakened while in the Hall of Worlds.</box></div>
When it reaches the Hub, it bows low and begins to read from the book. It bears a greeting from the ''[[The Thrice-cursed Court|Court of Broken Hearts]]''. From the ''[[Tharim|King-in-Chains]]'', from the ''[[Surut|Prince-of-Ashes]]'', and from the ''[[Skathe|Queen-of-Nails]]''. They accept the invitation of the [[Archmage of Winter]]. They also express their regret: they have heard that the Archmage of Winter Ematius "Icebreaker" Ankarien has chosen to step away from their powerful position to pursue other interests. Ematius was a worthy Archmage, say the Three, and whomever steps up to replace them will surely have their work cut out for them, given how difficult the other eternals of the Winter realm can be to deal with.

Regardless, they offer formal parley on Friday night, at midnight, during the coming Summit. The new Archmage may bring two others as their aides if they wish. In addition to the Archmage, the Keeper of Tharim's Throne '''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''' is invited to attend as a guest of the King. During the parley they may speak as they see fit, with no constraints placed on them by the Archmage. They may bring a servant of their own along if they desire. The Keeper of Tharim's Throne is also empowered to bring one other specific person if the wish: the [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[General]] of the [[Drakes]], '''William Guildenstern'''. Tharim leaves it entirely to Claudia's discretion whether they believe Guildenstern will provide any benefit to the parley.

As to the parley itself, each of the three monarchs of the ''Court of Rope'' has topics of interest to them. The King-in-Chains and his lieutenant ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'' will discuss the matter of the wicked folk of [[Skoura]], and of the murder of ''Obligatus''. The ''Prince-of-Ashes'' will speak of the clever artisans of Skoura, and of knights and [[regio]], as well as on the matter of the [[vallorn]]. The ''Queen-of-Nails'' will speak of the peculiar folk of Skoura, the [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#Smile_(Skathe)|boon of Catena]], and of other gifts that the Court are minded to offer to their Imperial friends.

These gifts will ''not'' however include the ritual to ''Unleash Wild Fire''. The Empire has proved reticent to actually use the magical lore that the ''Court of Locked Doors'' has offered in recent years and while '''Armand Remislav Who Was Remys''' is beloved of the court, they would be better served seeking other boons.

In response to questions, or requests for clarification, the messenger simply smiles and shakes their head. Once they have finished delivering their messages, they depart Anvil the way they came - not via the Imperial regio, but along the road leading out of the town. Those few brave enough to follow a herald of the Thrice-cursed soon lose it as the evening darkens into night and the first curtains of snow close around it.
===Tribute Collectors===
* '''Surut intends to send tribute collectors to Anvil prior to the parley
* '''These tribute collectors are due to arrive at Anvil around 22:00 on Friday
* '''They are only interested in speaking to "warriors" - whatever that means
There is another matter to consider; the ''Burnt Knight'' intends to send some of his heralds to Anvil before the parley proper to collect "tribute". They will be looking for warriors - and the herald stresses they must be warriors - prepared to accept a tiny portion of Surut's curse for a time. This will apparently involve the herald-knights [[Calls#CLEAVE|injuring]] the arms or legs of those prepared to receive their strike. They may arrange for [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] to be on hand if they wish; the important thing is the willingness to offer tribute.

The herald is close-mouthed about the details of this peculiar ceremony. They do let slip, however, that this is about the fact that the Thrice-cursed Court all too often deals only with magicians. This may be acceptable to the ''Thronebound'' and the ''Contemptuous'', but the ''Ashen Prince'' values the raw strength of the warrior more than he does honeyed words or clever magic.

Before departing, the herald also mentions that Surut is expecting that there will be at least some warriors prepared to show respect to him. It is not stated explicitly but there is a subtext that Surut would likely be displeased to discover that the Empire is not willing to offer sufficient tribute, and this will directly impact his mood in the parley.

==And Eternity==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ylenwe001.webp|align=right|width=300]]</div>
* '''Ylenwe has responded to a request for parley from the Archmage of Day
* '''A herald of Ylenwe named Trunembra of the Strings will visit the Hall of Worlds during the arcane colloquium
* '''In addition to the Archmage of Day, Ylenwe has requested that the High Bard of the Empire be there
* '''The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka
On a blustery autumn day a quiet herald with mottled silver and indigo scales appears at the Hub. They arrive without comment, and the first anyone is aware of them is when, seated on a three-legged stool, they start to play quiet notes on their cerulean-and-weltsilver lyre. Their harmonious melody quells the often garrulous crowds in the Hub.

As they pluck their soothing strings, they deliver their message from the '' Mistress of Music''. Zie has heard the words of the Archmage of Day, and seen the results of their cooperation at Bulgakov, and in the [[Speak_to_me#Song_of_the_White_Wood|White Wood]]. Yet there are limits to what Ylenwe can achieve - and here the heralds music turns mournful, bringing a tear to the eye of all save the most hard-hearted. The [[Hahnmark#Kronemark|Sungate]] in Kronemark is beyond the power of ''Zie of the Perfect Morning''.

According to her herald the Sungate is not a scar, some residue of the harm the ''[[Cold Sun|Oblivion Flame]]'' inflicts upon the world. Rather it is an open wound, a thing directly supported by the disharmonious fury of the ''End Of Songs''. The howling empty heart of the ''Light Destructive'' cannot be moved by the music of the ''Dove''; there is no way to close the Sungate or to allow mortals to approach the fane of such relentless, irresistible hatred. If things change in the future then fate may deliver an opportunity to deal with this burning beacon of despite, but for now there is nothing to be done but avoid it.

The heralds’ notes fall silent, and they bow their scaled head for several moments in contemplation. When their music resumes it has a more hopeful tone. When it comes to the White Wood and its song, though, the ''Shape of Sound'' can achieve something a little more wholesome. She intends to send her herald ''Trunembra of the Strings'' to the Hall of Worlds during the [[Arcane Colloquium]]. Once the Archmage of Day has completed their hosting duties, there will be a chance to discuss matters. The eternal asks that the [[High Bard of the Empire]] also be there, if possible. There will be discussion of musical instruments, and the role that music can play in uplifting the spirit and honing understanding of the world.
===Passed the Setting Sun===
* '''Ylenwe proposes to serve as patron for a house of harmonious music in Skarsind
* '''Zie wishes the Archmage and High Bard to consider how to help those threatened by Cold Sun
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Harmonious Hall'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' TBC, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 weirwood, 10 mithril, 10 ilium, 75 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Must be ceded to Ylenwe (??)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Unclear at this time
</td></tr>
</table></div>
The ''Harmonious Chorister'' proposes the construction of a hall of music in the White Wood, a place where Imperial citizens can come together to study magic especially as it relates to the [[Day magic|Realm of Sea and Sky]] and the pursuit of harmony. The herald is not clear on what precisely this means - this is partly the matter that is to be discussed with the Archmage and the High Bard - but they do deliver plans for the structure. It appears to be a spacious hall, designed to complement the natural beauty of the area, with plenty of room for musical study and performance. The hall of music is an [[edifice]] that would require 15 wains of weirwood, 10 wains of mithril, 10 rings of ilium, and 75 crowns to construct, and would need to be conceded to Ylenwe. This last point raises a few eyebrows, but the herald gently suggests that questions would be better held until Trunembra of the Strings can answer them with more authority.

There is another matter that ''Zie of the Dawn'' wishes to speak of. The Oblivion Flame has been [[Cold war|kindled again]] in the mortal world. Its creatures have erupted into lands torn by war, suspicion, and disharmony. It rampages unchecked, destroying and killing without pause. [[Cold Sun]] has learned much from its recent incursion into the Empire, and Ylenwe asks that the Archmage and the High Bard use all their influence to encourage the [[Senate|Imperial Senate]] to offer whatever aid the Empire can spare to the people of both the [[Commonwealth]] and [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] - both of whom are facing a storm that the Empire alone has successfully weathered. Again, there will be a chance to talk about this with Trunembra of the Strings.

==Only Gossamer, My Gown==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:WhisperGal006.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''The Whisper Gallery have responded to the request for parley from the Archmage of Night
* '''They intend to take possession of the Hall of Worlds late on Saturday
* '''Exact details of what will be discussed, and precisely who with, are not clear
* '''The current Archmage of Night is Bella Vicente d'Apulian'''
It is not a herald that arrives at Anvil as Autumn ages toward Winter, but an orc from distant [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. She comes in the [[dramaturgy|dramaturgical]] guise of [[the Mountebank]] - or perhaps more correctly [[the Mountebank#The Sailor|sailor]]. Of particular note is her [[The_Cloak|cloak]] which seems to billow around her with a life of its own, and whose hood does a remarkable job of concealing her identity even without her mask - a crudely carved piece of driftwood whose simplicity seems quite at odds with her flamboyant garb.

She comes as a messenger of the ''Seers of the Empty Thrones'', the ''Repairers of Reputation'', the ''Chiaroscuran Courtiers of the Echoed Fall'' - the [[Whisper Gallery]]. They have received the art of ''sweet Bella'' - '''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''' presumably - the delicious [[Archmage of Night]]. The specific requests contained within have piqued their interest. They choose to accede, and will send their sommelier to meet with the Archmage and any other Imperial magicians who wish to be present, late on Saturday night in the Hall of Worlds. The ''Weavers of the Improbable Loom'' will reach out to that place shortly before the meeting and fashion it suitable to their needs; they presume the Archmage understands their need to do so.

They do however place stipulations on the parley. All those who attend must be masked; those who do not accept this requirement will find they are unable to enter the Hall and will instead find themselves returning to Anvil. This misdirection of the paths between Anvil and the Hall of Worlds will persist until the parley - and it will be a parley - has been completed.

They are especially interested in seeing certain folk attend. In addition to sweet Bella, they invite the wise '''Fausta''', Grandmaster Silver Chalice; the ambitious '''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''', [[Senator]] for [[Spiral]] and cunning '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''', Custodian of [[Legacy]]; the perceptive '''Mikael Reskovich''', High Bard; and the hateful '''Morgan Waystone Path''', [[Magpies#Speaker|Speaker of the Magpies]]. If they are in attendance they may accompany the Archmage into the Hall as part of their entourage. The Sommelier has words to convey to each from the ''Praetori Exsilium in Litore''.

Delightful Bella has, with honeyed words, asked for aid in uncovering secrets and the lieges of the Gallery shall be interested to see whether they are successful in doing so. There may be talk of [[Axos]], the fall of the empire of dreams, and the Spider of Lost Days. There may be talk of the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|War of Whispers]], and of the destruction of the [[Magpies]], and of the [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]].

The message is vague, perhaps unsurprisingly. On one matter, though, the orc is quite clear. The Whisper Gallery are not friends of, or allies to, the Empire of '''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''', the ''Throne of Pumpkins''. Imperial thieves are too keen to drag secrets from the shadowed places of the world and expose them to the harsh noonlight. The Court continues to oppose them, wherever they can, and will urge others to do so. The enmity they bear against secret-slaughterers has not been slaked, not even a little.

However for this single night at the Winter Solstice, there will be a chance for good-mannered discussion. Things change, and while the enmity of the Court has not lessened, the shape it takes is as mutable as anything else drowned in the shadows. With that in mind, any members of the militia, or any magistrates, who attempt to exert their authority over the people visiting their friends in the ''Court of Disrule'' will be ejected. They are welcome as long as they come masked, and remain civil, but any who attempt to harass or impose boundaries on their fellow citizens will find the patience of the ''Dancers of the Gossamer Pavane'' extremely limited.

With that, the orc bows politely, and takes her leave. A pair of magistrates stand ready outside the Hub to ask her some significant questions, but almost as soon as she steps out of the tent she is mobbed by two dozen figures dressed identically in the same voluminous cloak. The shapes wheel around each other and before the magistrates can do much more than raise the alarm, each of them races off in a different direction. While several of these interlopers are caught, they are Imperial citizens from every nation - a mix of humans and orcs. The only thing they have in common is that they are all actors, who say they had been paid for a unique thespian opportunity. None of them have ever met before, each was recruited by a different agent, and they all resolutely claim to have no idea they were dealing with the Whisper Gallery. Of the orc who delivered the message of the Whisper Gallery there is no sign.
===Participation : Parley===
* '''Anyone who wants to visit the Hall of Worlds during the parley must wear a mask
* '''While in the Hall of Worlds during the parley, it is impossible to remove a mask
* '''Everyone in the Hall of Worlds during the parley experiences a roleplaying effect
* '''Additional options exist for leaving the parley
The Whisper Gallery are using the invitation to parley to "twist" the gate that leads to the Hall of Worlds. Anyone who is not masked in some way will be unable to reach the meeting. Anyone who enters the Hall of Worlds will find that they cannot remove their mask; it is impossible for anyone to take their own or another character's mask off while the parley is underway. Veils can also be used provided they cover the entire face.

Furthermore everyone in the Hall of Worlds will experience a [[roleplaying effect]]: ''your mask represents your true face and you find it easy to act in accordance with its identity''. This effect becomes more pronounced as the parley continues. The dramaturgical personae offer some suggestions as to roleplaying effects tied to the traditional roles, but its up to you how you interpret the identity your mask represents. The effect fades within a few minutes of leaving the Hall of Worlds.

The twisting of the paths to and from the Hall of Worlds has a second effect. Anyone leaving the Hall of Worlds can choose to go immediately to the out-of-character area rather than return to Anvil directly. They're free to come back into play through the entrance between the out-of-character area and Anvil if they wish. This doesn't represent teleportation but rather the character being escorted, unseen, by heralds wreathed in [[Night magic]] until they reach the relative safely of the alleys of [[Anvil#Outer_Anvil|Outer Anvil]] - a clear effort from the Whisper Gallery to stymie attempts to intercept, search, or detain anyone visiting their parley.

During the parley any herald of the Whisper Gallery may call [[Calls#CURSE|CURSE]] against anyone attempting to disrupt the meeting. If this is done, the target should immediately leave the Hall of Worlds by the nearest exit and return to Anvil; they are unable to enter the Hall of Worlds again until time out.

Finally, we ask all participants to be mindful of our [[Conduct#Roleplaying_Conflict|conduct]] rules around roleplaying conflict, especially those concerning physical intimidation.

==Cornice==
{{CaptionedImage|file=King Under the Mountain.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Adamant has declined a formal parley from the Archmage of Summer'''
* '''They have made a number of proposals relating to ritual magic
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''
There is, of course, a sizable contingent of ''koboldi'' busy at Anvil following the Autumn Equinox. While they are mostly focused on anchoring the [[Opening ceremonies|new structure]], one of them takes time out of their schedule to visit the Hub. A cheerful, friendly individual with silver scales buffed to mirror sheen, they wear a splendid golden coat inlaid with hundreds of tiny gemstones that twinkle and glitter as they move. Somewhat apologetically, they indicate that they have been charged with delivering a message from the ''[[Adamant|King Under the Mountain]]'' in response to the [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] of the [[Archmage of Summer]]. It is, they warn, a fairly mixed bag all things told.

The ''koboldi'' delivers the bad news first - “''to get it out of the way so that one can focus on happier things''”. While the ''King Under the Mountain'' would be happy to see more great fortresses of [[white granite]] built in northern Varushka, they are concerned that the Vorazi do not see the bigger picture. The court of Adamant might help make a fortress larger, more impressive, or harder to destroy. They might help it be built more swiftly. They might even aid in enchanting it so that it can be more easily repaired or its garrison granted additional strength. The one thing they are ''not'' going to do is make it ''cheaper''. As the ''koboldi'' says philosophically “''you really don’t want to cut corners when you’re building something that’s meant to withstand armies, do you?''”

The request to intercede with Imperial roads is not something Adamant is interested in at the moment. The [[Senate]] is doing a wonderful job repairing and maintaining the grand highways, says the ''koboldi''. Yet the [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruinous]] magic of Spring - the ''koboldi'' shudders at the thought of it - has a way of tearing down even those things crafted from the strongest mundane materials. Infusing an entire Empire’s worth of roads with adamant - even the pale shadow of true adamant that can be worked in the mortal world - would take massive effort and not be achieved quickly. For something as mundane, and lacking in [[Summer magic#Majesty|majesty]] as a network of roads? Is such an endeavour worthy of the ''King Under the Mountain''? It isn't impossible to achieve but would require a great deal of fast talk, and likely involve the kind of [[:Category:Imperial Enchantment|Imperial enchantment]] that has been illegal since the [[interdiction]] of '''Cassandra i Periera i Erigo''' [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_:_Empire_Wide_Enchantments|made such things a crime]].

Finally on the matter of the Ashen Flame, the Archmage must understand that there is no shortage of covens and individual magicians seeking the patronage of ''Sharaz on the Adamant Throne''. Their master is not uninterested, but at the moment there is little to make that coven stand out. If the Ashen Flame is serious about impressing Adamant, says the ''koboldi'', they should prevail on the Archmage of Summer to arrange a meeting on their behalf with some of Adamant's assessors. They should outline what they actually want, and why Adamant should give it to them. If this is the sole purpose of a plenipotentiary missive, the ''Master of Gnomes'' is much more likely to be amenable to honouring that request.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dima12713.jpg|caption='''Dima Vasilyevna Novosad''', Master of the Koboldi|align=right|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laughlan10531.jpg|caption='''Laughlan vi Temeschwar''', Master of Rings|align=right|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lucrezia Corvinascura.jpg|caption='''Lucrezia Corvinascura''', Chair of the Wolf|align=left|width=250}}
</div>
===''Throne of the Mountains''===
* '''Adamant offers an arcane projection that might be codified to conjure a powerful castle from his domain
* '''Unlike the Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae, the conjured fort would focus on protecting a single region of hills
* '''In return for their aid they request that certain titles have their powers expanded
* '''All four titles could be amended with a single Senate motion
After all that negativity, the ''Dragon of Stone'' is interested to hear the request of '''Joseph of the Ashen Flame''' regarding the conjuration of ''actual'' citadels rather than simple castles that simply ''claim'' to be citadels. It is within the power of the ''Imperishable Potentate'' to do so. Adamant is prepared to provide a [[arcane projection|document]] that can serve as the basis for a ritual called ''Throne of the Mountains'' that could be codified at any Imperial [[college of magic]]. It would conjure a powerful defensive structure from the domain of Adamant that would offer superlative protection to the region of [[Region_qualities#Hills|hills]] where the enchantment was cast. This defence would make it significantly harder for an enemy army to claim the region, and they would find attempts to do so particularly punishing. Beyond that the ''koboldi'' provides no other details. A little cross-questioning from a member of the [[Unfettered Mind]] who happens to be present leaves them with the distinct impression that the ''koboldi'' is outlining something similar in basic outline to [[the Basalt Citadel]], but for enchanting hills or mountains. Attempts to get a more specific explanation just send the ''koboldi'' off into a tangent about how great fortifications are in general.
In return for this boon, the ''Stone King'' wishes to see the powers of certain [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]] amended. At the moment, the epic builders of the Empire often have little lists of things they can and cannot build - ''clearly'' an oversight suggests the cheerful ''koboldi''. The ''Throne of Adamant'' “simply” wishes the [[Imperial Senate]] to amend the powers of the [[Master of the Koboldi]], [[Legion Engineer]], [[Master of Rings]], and [[Chair of the Wolf]] such that these titles can build ''any'' [[commission]] that creates a structure. This would mean they could commission any current ''or future'' [[commission#Military Commissions|military]] or [[commission#Civilian Commissions|civilian]] commission that makes a structure (this would exclude, for example, mustering an [[army]] or raising a [[navy]]).

The ''koboldi'' cheerfully points out that this will save the Senate a lot of trouble in the long run as they won’t have to keep tweaking the titles as they come up with new things to build.

Obviously, any other restrictions about how and where and when they can build things will remain as per the individual titles. If the Senate does so before the Conclave Session on Saturday night, a ''koboldi'' will try and make sure the Archmage of Summer has the document in their hands during the session.

===''Monolithic Stronghold''===
* '''Adamant considers the power of Monolithic Stronghold of the Gemstone Dragon
* '''In return for aid, they ask that the Imperial Master of Works have their power to commission fortifications restored
Likewise, when it comes to the ''Monolithic Stronghold of the Gemstone Dragon'', Adamant is prepared to examine the [[arcane projection]] and see if it can be improved. The ''koboldi'' cautions that this might increase the magnitude of the enchantment; it’s hard to say. In return Adamant wishes to see the Senate show their commitment to building and maintaining mundane [[fortification|fortifications]] - they ask that the Archmage use their political influence to restore the power of the [[Imperial Master of Works]] to [[commission]] such structures. The civil service indicate that it would be possible to limit the number of times each season that this power could be used - in much the same way as the power of the [[Imperial Spymaster]] to build [[spy network|spy networks]] is limited. Again, if this is done before the last Conclave Session of the summit, the ''koboldi'' will do their best to deliver a modified arcane projection to the Archmage during that time although they can't promise to be successful.
===On Gnomes===
* '''Gnomes are inhabitants of the Summer realm, part of Adamant's court
As a final note, which the ''koboldi'' almost forgets to mention, there is the matter of gnomes. They are [[inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] that serve as excavators in the ranks of Adamant’s court. They are simple yet powerful creatures of earth and stone that can swim through rock, and reshape it as they wish with their bare hands. The ''koboldi'' is a little sniffy when they recount this - there are strong hints that their people and the gnomes do not get along well. Indeed, the little silver herald finished by saying that they don’t see why '''Dima Vasilyevna Novosad''' would be worried about gnomes when they have so many delightful ''koboldi'' to work with.
===Collecting Stones===
* '''Adamant has also received a missive from the Stone Smith
It seems that the Archmage of Summer is not the only person who has requested parley with the the ''Unturned Stone''. The [[Stone Smith]], '''Gemma Brightsmith''' has also sought counsel from the ''Swordbreaker'' on behalf of her fellow [[smith|smiths]] through the auspices of an [[Stone Smith#Call to the Gull|Autumn eternal]]. Rather than reply in the same fashion as he does with an Archmage, however, it seems Adamant has chosen to send his heralds directly to [[the Marches]] to present his response. You can find more detail about this in the '''[[In the ground]]''' wind of fortune.

==Timetable==
There are comparatively few meetings taking place during this summit. The times, the locations, and the eternals involved, are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || TBC || [[Siakha]] || Spring || Parley; only the Archmage is invited to the chamber where it will take place
|-
| Friday || 00.00 || [[The Thrice-cursed Court]] || Winter || Limited attendance parley in a chamber
|-
| Saturday || TBC|| [[Prospero]] || Autumn || Parley in a chamber
|-
| Saturday || 15:00 || [[Ylenwe]] || Day || A herald will attend the [[Arcane Colloquium]] after the formal business is completed
|-
| Saturday || 00.00 || [[Whisper Gallery]] || Night || Parley in the Hall of Worlds
|}

Fire and the flood

2026-03-30T19:25:01Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Late Night Burning Fire.jpg|caption=Fire and water, powerful symbols of purity harnessed all too often to bring destruction.|align=left|width=500}}</div>

==War in the East==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/o0E-v6ZN-ss?si=YndfxMfJFd9S2mT8}}
Sarangrave has been freed from the Druj. For the first time in centuries it is not under the oppressive boot-heel of the Buruk Tepel and their Het proxies. In theory at least, it is now Imperial; the Senate has [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Assign_Sarangrave|declared]] the wetlands are now part of [[Urizen]]. Yet as Autumn lengthens into Winter there is little sign of Urizen settlers establishing [[spire|spires]] here. Hardly a surprise given it is still a battlefield, torn between multiple factions.

Most of the Druj septs that once ruled here are scattered, their dominion shattered, but they have by no means quit the Sarangrave. The orcs of the Mallum have shown the Empire time and time again how effectively they stay behind, to hide, to skulk, to strike when their enemies least expect it and exploit their vulnerabilities. So it is here - from Turan Flats to Bloodwater Marsh, there are bands of Druj gone to ground and ready to rise up whenever the Empire might show weakness. Then there is [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] where the Marshlizard sept still defiantly holds sway from the great fortress known as the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. It will be a challenge to dislodge the Druj from the Tower, and while they remain the Imperial claim to Sarangrave cannot help but be a fragile thing.

For its part, the Empire barely controls Sarangrave. There is a [[vallorn]] at its heart, a lost Terunael city wrapped in the fecundity and chaos of Spring corruption that waits like a coiled spring. Contained only by an ancient ring of warding stones, and the desperate ingenuity of the last Terunael, any crack in that defensive perimeter could see the thing explode across Sarangrave with a ferocity that will utterly eclipse the [[Crimson and green|situation in Therunin]]. There are rebels here as well, both former orc slaves who have risen up against their masters and smaller septs who have seized the opportunity to be free of Druj shackles. With the support of the ''[[Irra Harah|Prince with a thousand foes]]'' they have taken the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]] and lay claim to the rest of the territory as well. They will not bow to the Empire; they do not care what the Senate has said about Sarangrave. With the Druj still holding the Tower of the Skink, the loss of a single region would collapse the Imperial grasp on the marshes and the forests.

[[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]], then. That immense citadel, that dreadful Tower; it dominates the vital [[Sarangrave#Path_of_the_Eye|pass]] into [[Axos]], looms over the spiralling town of Sepals, and casts its shadow over the Empire's ambitions here in the east. The fortress is old, older perhaps than the Empire itself. The Towers of the Dusk - the fort that once squatted at the eastern end of the Barrens - was but a pale shadow of this redoubt. It spreads like a stone-and-[[weirwood]] blight across the foothills of the southern mountains. Taken all together, it is mightier than the [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns|Castle of Thorns]] itself; only the [[Holberg#The_City_of_Holberg|Walls of Holberg]] could claim to surpass it. Capturing the Thornfen while the Tower still stands, while it is still in the hands of the Marshlizard sept, will be challenging indeed. More so because the battered armies of the Mallum have fled their [[Root_and_branch#Dark_Beneath_the_Boughs|disastrous attempt]] to invade [[Zenith]] to take refuge at the Tower. Under shrouds of [[Night magic]] they have slipped through Imperial lines and made it to the uncertain safety of the Tower. They will fight any and all comers, prepared to lose everything rather than accept defeat. For many of these orcs, this is ''their'' land, and they will do whatever it takes to prevent their enemies from claiming it.

''Whatever'' it takes.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
<quote by="Serafina Semenov, General of the Boyar's Hasta">Hear me, cousins of Iron. The storm continues but the Hasta remains unbroken. Through frost and flame, we fight alongside our Axou allies to claim the Tower of the Skink. We fight for coin, but the coin buys bread for our children, warmth for our hearths, strength for the nation. Remove all arms from our enemies, be they weapons to strike us, or limbs to lift their wounded. The septs rising to assist us should be left unharmed. Let our species go in virtue. Let our spears be the point on where sun rises.</quote>
<quote by="Vojsuli Cherenkov, General of the Golden Axe">Axe, you were the vanguard into Sarangrave, and you have followed me throughout the whole campaign. I ask you now to once more assault the Druj positions. We march with our allies, the crimson Schlacta, and new allies to this struggle in the Axou. We march to aid the Axou in their claim to that land. We are taking the walls of the tower of the skink and with its falling our conquest of Sarangrave will be complete. We step forward with courage in our heart and pride in our voices! Let us add another victory to our roll of honour, and together we will crush these vermin!</quote>
<quote by="Sychar of Ebon's Hall, General of the Granite Pillar">We seized the Sarangrave in battle, now we finish it. The Tower of the Skink is the heart of Druj power here, their rites and rule gathered within its walls. With our steady conquest, we will take that tower, shatter their heresy, destroy their sources of poison, and free every soul they have bound. To those suffer under the Druj youke - take heart, we are coming. To the Druj hear this and tremble, we are coming. My soldiers, move with Courage, fight with Wisdom, hold with Loyalty, Be Vigilant in the hunt, Proud is the virtuous strike, Ambitious in victory and ensure prosperity, follow the liberated. We are inevitable. Advance, for Highguard, for the Empire, for Salvation!</quote>
<quote by="Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco, General of the Lions of Adelmar">My Lions, Sarangrave is ours. But as our allies and armies remain, so do we to take that front line. Take that final push and plant hope in what was once the heart of the Mallum. To those still under the pain, hatred and boot of the Druj in the rest of the Mallum, hear me too. We are coming to save and protect those that needs us. We will be there.</quote>
<quote by="Irontide Skorr, General of the Summer Storm">Legionnaires, we have focussed our attention on the Druj. It is time to use our training to its fullest extent. We cur down the Druj overseers and slave makers in Thornfen. Let the slaves make their own wat to Nesustak Forest and safety with their kin. Use wisdom to know when and where to strike but do not let the overseers escape. Leave the Axou to their task, they want the land. That is not what we are after.</quote></div>
==Of Virtue and Trust==
Five [[army|Imperial armies]] remain in Sarangrave to challenge the Tower of the Skink and claim Thornfen. The [[Boyar's Hasta]] and the [[Golden Axe]] of [[Varushka]] fight alongside the [[Granite Pillar]] of Highguard, the Lions of Adelmar from [[Dawn]], and the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] orcs of the [[Summer Storm]]. They must continue to battle under the hateful [[Druj miasma]] that hangs so heavy in the air, like a choking fog that captures every little glimmer of doubt or uncertainty and transforms it into fear and dread. Unlike the barely-established miasma the Empire faced in places like Zenith, it has been here for centuries. It has sunk into the soil here, into the trees, perhaps into the people themselves. It is a constant battle for every soldier, to push through the dark feelings that cluster around them seeking to sap their will, whispering that they cannot win here, that they should flee or submit to the Druj.

Yet this hopeless magic is not the only power at work here in the Sarangrave as Autumn fades. Every drop of water in the marshes, in the rivers and the lakes, in the waterskins of the soldiers, in the dew that comes with the morning, every drop shivers with the [[Spring magic|magic of Spring]]. The [[Rivers of Life]] have been roused in Sarangrave and grant their potent healing energies to all who are injured in the fighting. Everyone, orc and human, Imperial and rebel and Druj alike.

(And if this magic tightens the spring of the vallorn another notch, it will barely make a difference. Sarangrave has been under the Rivers of Life and [[Rivers Run Red|Death]] so many times, what can one more season matter?)

The infused waters mean that any injury short of a mortal blow will heal (although it will still leave scars). The Imperial strategy, for the most part, seems intended to take advantage of the Rivers. There are no furious frontal assaults here to try and overwhelm the defenders with numbers. Varushka [[Army orders#Balanced Attack|measures risk and reward]] carefully as it moves through the Sarangrave, sacrificing speed for surety. Highguard looks first and foremost to ensure that no Highborn lives are [[Army orders#Steady Conquest|thrown away needlessly]]. The Granite Pillar measures carefully the cost of each engagement, weighing out each drop of blood against the ultimate goal - to break the hold of the Druj, to free those under its iron yoke. To bring down the Tower of the Skink.

The Summer Storm are an exception to the general tenor of the Imperial strategy. They eschew care, and throw themselves against the defenders of the Mallum, seeming to relish every opportunity to [[Army_qualities#Relentless|cut them down]]. Their tactics are less concerned with claiming the Thornfen than they are with slaughtering as many Druj as they can. They make sure that fallen enemies do not live to benefit from the healing waters, cutting a bloody wound through their foes. They pay a price in their own blood, of course, but most pay it willingly. In the end, though, the butcher's bill falls short of what it might have been even with the Spring magic. Beside the orcs fight the [[Army_qualities#Guardian|guardian knights]] of the Lions of Adelmar. Proud, resplendent despite the mud and the weariness that comes with battling beneath the miasma, they stand ready to serve as glorious shields between their allies and harm. Even as they advance, they place a barrier between the Druj and the other Imperial armies that turns back barbed spear and arrows alike. Together with the Summer Storm, the Dawnish incur the particular hatred of the Marshlizard sept, a symbol of Imperial temerity in coming to ''their'' place to take ''their'' lands.

==Echoes of Magic==
Three of the armies are [[enchantment|enchanted]] with the [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], using [[Day magic]] to coordinate their movements and identify weaknesses in the enemy defences. The Summer Storm and the Golden Axe, however, are instead accompanied by cohorts of the [[Knights of Glory]] drawn from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. The warriors of [[Eleonaris]] embrace the fight against the Druj. As far as the sovereigns of the Summer realm are concerned, the Mallum is a den of vermin. Indeed, the ''Lady of Pennants'' has sent two of her favoured captains to fight in Thornfen, and they bring their households with them.

To the Summer Storm comes ''Murmastis'', whose deeds are legend in the Summer realm and so she requires no courtly honorific. Stag-horned, taller than the tallest orc, this spearmaster is as relentless as those she fights alongside. She and her spear-dancers offer a stark contrast to the Unshackled soldiers, clad as they are in emerald and ruby scale armour. They urge the Imperial Orcs to strike mercilessly against their foe, inspiring them to greater and greater deeds of martial prowess against the loathsome Druj, singing unfamiliar songs of the thrill of pounding blood and the defeat of the unworthy. For some orcs, the experience of battling with Murmastis' warband rouses memories not their own, memories of distant ancestors who fought with the spear-dancers in the past.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralGoldenAxe.jpg|caption='''Vojsuli Cherenkov''', General of the Golden Axe|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sychar of Ebon's Hall.jpg|caption='''Sychar of Ebon's Hall''', General of the Granite Pillar|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dame Katelyn.jpg|caption='''Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco''', General of the Lions of Adelmar|align=left|width=250}}
</div>
Meanwhile ''Ser Gaspare'' leads the proud ''schlacta'' of their domain to fight alongside the Golden Axe. In crimson plate, wrapped in a cloak made from the head and skin of an immense white bear, Gaspare has an undeniable presence and a very different attitude to many of the other more elfin knights the Varushkans have fought beside in the past. With their unbreakable adamant shields and their mighty axes, the warriors of Gaspare are less concerned with glory and splendour than they are with ''victory''. The captain does not try to conceal their disappointment at the tactics the Golden Axe have chosen; they fight as enthusiastically but at night around the fires they share stories of triumph and the joy of conquest, of the Vard and their iron spirits who tamed the wild forests, whose legacy remains the greatest nation of the Empire. Gaspare themselves clearly speaks from personal experience, and their words catch on something in the hearts of the audience that lingers.

These words linger not only in the hearts of the Golden Axe themselves; a great host of Imperial captains has gathered under the banners of the Golden Axe, fighting and marching with them. A matching host has come together to fight with the Summer Storm. They too hear the stories of Ser Gaspare and the songs of Murmastis and as the Imperial advance grinds forward, soldiers of every stripe chafe at the bit, eager to engage with the orcs of Thornfen.

==Shadow of the Tower==
On the other side, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of the Tower of the Skink, warriors of the Marshlizard sept, are cautious indeed. They have underestimated the Empire before, seen them sweep inexorably across Sarangrave breaking sept and shackle with equal ease. They focus their attention on Thornfen alone, leaving the rest of the Sarangrave to fend for itself. There is a kind of discipline in these defenders rarely observed among the Druj, but wedded to an almost overwhelming arrogance. Even when retreating they do nothing to hide their sneering contempt of the Varushkans and the Highborn, for the knights of Dawn, and most of all for the Imperial Orcs who they take pleasure in naming slaves of the Empire. They mock, they taunt, they needle. They attack the Pride of their foes with cutting words even as they assail their bodies with slicing steel. Like all Druj they are happiest striking quickly from surprise, inflicting as many wounds as possible, and then retreating. This has rarely been a particularly efficacious strategy under the Rivers of Life, where leaving anyone alive means they will most likely recover. But if anyone can make it work it is the orcs of the east, and the Marshlizards seem especially versed in inflicting as much pain as possible, or leaving their foes broken beyond salvation rather than simply killing them.

For all their cunning and cruelty, though, they are outmatched by the great host of Imperials. If it were just the garrison, just the people of the Marshlizard clan, and the refugees from the Thornwasp and the Banded Snake who have sought refuge in the fens, then the Tower of the Skink and the sprawling town of sepals would swiftly be overrun by the Imperial armies. The Empire knew that the [[Druj armies#Poison Crane|Poison Crane]] and the [[Druj armies#Hidden Snake|Hidden Snake]] - the warriors of the Marshlizard and the Banded Snake - had taken up positions in Thornfen, in the Tower. Their presence makes the advance more difficult, but still it is likely the Empire would easily press them back. Unfortunately, there are another six armies of the Mallum in Thornfen this season that the Imperial strategy does not entirely account for.

Earlier in the year, the armies that had conquered [[Therunin]] moved south, [[Root_and_branch#Dark_Beneath_the_Boughs|making a foray]] into northern [[Zenith]]. They cast down the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork's Gaze]] but were in their turn cast down by an [[Even_darkness_must_pass#All_Seem_Accursed|Imperial counterattack]]. Caught between the armies in Zenith and those in Bloodwater Marsh, their situation looked desperate. Unfortunately, the [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] were among them, an army led by [[Druj_lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] trained at the [[Sarangrave#Palace_of_the_Sleepers|Palace of the Sleepers]]. Twisted masters of [[Night magic]], as well as the magic of Spring, they have saved the Druj armies from Zenith [[The_darkest_road#Last_Light_of_the_Sun_(Battle)|once before]]. Using an [[enchantment]] similar to that practiced by certain secretive Varushkan [[cabalists]], they wrapped themselves and the other armies in a veil of shadows that allowed them to pass through the Imperial forces in eastern and southern Sarangrave and make it to the Tower of the Skink without losses.

They are battered, weakened, but not broken - not yet. Some have no choice but to be here; their septs are in Sarangrave and if they abandon their ancestral lands to the Empire they will wither and die. No Buruk Tepel, no Het, will countenance such a fate. Better to die with your teeth in the throat of your enemy than to go quietly into the night! The other armies have no choice but to be here, forced to choose between destruction in Zenith or a desperate fight in Sarangrave, in some ways they have exchanged one prison for another. At least they have a fighting chance here. Or at least a chance of persuading the Tainted Basilisk to weave their enchantment again so that they may escape to safety in the Salt Flats to the north
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj2.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
The [[Druj armies#Poison Crane|Poison Crane]] command the defenders, although it is likely their position is fragile at best. The septs never stop manoeuvring for power. It is likely that within the Tower of the Skink there are plots afoot already; even in the face of extinction the Druj will jockey for position. It is important never to forget that the orcs of the Mallum are only unified from the point of view from outsiders; loyalty between septs is utterly alien to their way of life, their way of seeing the world. The [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] in particular look to be chafing under the command of the Crane - none of their magicians are seen on the battlefield at all. They have chosen to remain sequestered within the walls of the Tower of the Skink. They may give the Crane cause for alarm, but there are those among the Imperials who wonder what exactly the ghulai of the Basilisk might be up to...

Politics aside, they fight. They have no choice. The Empire is coming and there will be little mercy for the Druj. They fight, and there is little subtlety to their strategy. They focus [[Army orders#Solid Defence|entirely on defence]], on keeping the Empire from claiming the town of Sepals, from advancing on the Tower itself. There is a noticeable desperation to their tactics; hide, strike, flee, hide again. Their mobile, skirmishing approach can only go so far of course. The Empire sets the tempo here, and in the end the Druj must face the reality of the invasion and actually ''fight''. Their knowledge of Marshlizard land helps them here; they are able to force engagements that favour their position more than the Empire's, at least some of the time. They're also not above mobilizing the people of Sepals in their service - barely armoured poorly armed orcs who are little better than slaves, pushed into position as distractions or literal walls of flesh and bone in the service of some cunning stratagem or the other. There is little heroic about slaughtering such hopeless folk, but the Druj know this and lie in wait to exploit any moment of "weakness" or "compassion."

In the Tower of the Skink, the Druj defenders are utterly demoralised, scrabbling to try and keep their foothold. They have nowhere to go, and while that makes them fight more viciously, it cannot help but eat away at their resolve. The Empire begins to make headway in the conquest of Thornfen, even in the face of the Druj forces arrayed against them. They push toward Sepals, and the warehouses that store the rice and dried meat taken from the farms of Thornfen. If they can reach the town before the last supplies are moved into the fortress, they will make it that much harder for the armies pressed together within its walls to survive the winter, to endure a siege. Once Sepals falls, there will be nothing between the Imperials and the walls of the Tower. After initial pessimism, it begins to look as if the Imperials will at least claim Sepals by the Winter Solstice, and begin to bring down the defences of the Marshlizard sept.

Unfortunately, the battle for the Tower of the Skink is only half the story.
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{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenAxe_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lions of Adelmar.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SummerStorm_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
</fourpicture>
==Out of the North==
The main thrust of the Empire's strategy is to the south. There are troops stationed in the north to keep an eye over the borders, but surely given the punishing defeat inflicted on the Druj last season, they will be licking their wounds and trying to regroup? Surely.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj3.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
Sadly not. Even as the Empire advances on Sepals, a ragged host of Druj push back into [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]] and the southern [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats|Turan Flats]]. Five more armies, with the [[Druj armies#Black Wind|Black Wind]] in the vanguard. They might have quickly overwhelmed the [[vigilance|vigilant]] watchers on the border had it not been for unlooked for aid. Warbands of former slaves and Bloodspears, out of the Nesustak Forest, appear seemingly out of nowhere to battle the invading orcs. They have no actual chance of holding the armies at bay, nowhere near the numbers, the prowess, or the organisation. Nothing like an army of their own - a handful of outlaw bands filled to the brim with the [[Merciless_Wrath_of_the_Reaver|violent magic of Spring]] - they are in the midst of launching their own raids against Druj holdouts in the north when the Black Wind bring their vengeful forces across into Sarangrave.

With their aid, many of the soldiers stationed at the watchposts, busy securing Turan Flats and Kroll, are able to get to safety. They report that the rebels aren't precisely ''friendly'', but it seems they hate the Druj much, much more than they distrust the Empire. It also appears that there are grim mortal followers and swift [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] fighting with them. Indeed it's likely that without that additional aid, they might not have been able to help the Imperial soldiers quite so effectively.

Thanks in part to their support, messengers are able to deliver the news of the Druj return to the armies in the south. There is an emergency council and the commanders agree that they have no alternative but to split their attention. With the northern contingent drawing closer by the hour, the Imperial forces cannot risk losing Turan Flats or Kroll; being squeezed between the anvil of Thornfen and the hammer striking out of the Salt Flats will spell disaster. At least the armies from the north show the signs of a year or more of constant warfare in Therunin and the Mallum; only the [[Druj armies#White Lion|White Lion]] is anywhere near its full strength. Like bullies everywhere, the Druj are cocky and cruel when they have the advantage, but retreat almost immediately in the face of a concerted defence.

The Granite Pillar turn their attention to the north with commendable Highborn discipline. The Lions of Adelmar and the Summer Storm split their attention between the Pillar and the armies in the south. Indeed, the Storm will find it much easier to find Druj to kill in the northern marshes than they will the heavily fortified Thornfen. The rest of the Imperial advance presses the Tower of the Skink and the armies sequestered there.

There are clear signs of dissension in their ranks of the barbarians that emerge from the Salt Flats. While the Black Wind and the White Lion push forward to engage the Imperials, the Hidden Widow and Deadly Blade seem more focused on raiding the farms and villages and "making an example" of their former slaves. The Red Lizard meanwhile seem more concerned with recapturing Turan, at the urging of the widely reviled Het Traaka. The Shadow Krait sept, whose warriors make up the Red Lizard, clearly owe favours to the Banded Snake among whom Traaka enjoyed great prestige. How far they are prepared to go, however, depends on just how seriously they take those favours.

As the Imperial forces try to intercept the Red Lizard at Turan, that attracts the Black Wind and the White Lion, and a two-way battle erupts around the settlement. Days of vicious fighting see part of the town burn, but in the end the Empire is victorious and manages to push Traaka's allies back. There is little time for celebration however; every time one fire is stamped out another erupts somewhere else along the frontier.

It also helps that the Druj armies are clearly not sure what is waiting for them, and they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|cautiously, carefully]]. Even the Black Wind, usually so keen to terrorize their foes, keep their darker urges in check. Even in the face of the Varushkan and Dawnish soldiers they despise more than any others, they remain cautious. For all their caution, these armies are no less prepared to fight than those in the south, no less eager to kill Imperial soldiers. It may be the presence of the Rivers of Life that make them bold; it is surely the loss of the Sarangrave that makes them desperate however.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj6.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Jarangir's Levy==
Inevitably the need to address the armies out of the Salt Flats causes the Imperial advance in Thornfen to slow. Worse, it creates openings that allow the Marshlizard and the armies at the Tower to push back. The invasion falters, and it looks in the end as if the Imperial armies will make no headway this season at all. Through the seemingly random movements of troops back and forth, a great battle erupts around the crossroad where ''Jarangir's Levy'' meets the ''Path of the Tail'' that runs down towards Sepals and the Tower. The Druj defenders push mercilessly forward, committing their entire strength to the task of breaking the Imperial advance; of routing the virtuous forces.

With what might be the entire armed force of the Marshlizard sept fighting alongside the Poison Crane, even the Tainted Basilisk have dispatched a coven of war-sorcerer ''[[Arkad#Vikari|vikari]]'' in support. The engagement is brutal; the Summer Storm take the brunt of the casualties, but no army escapes unharmed. It is a testament to the discipline, to the commitment, of the Imperial armies that they are able to face the barbarian strike and not buckle under the pressure. The Boyar's Hasta in particular distinguish themselves, trading blows and vicious taunts with the Druj with equal facility, goading their enemies into overcommitting themselves, luring them into position where they can be cut off from their allies.

It's not clear who breaks the levy, swollen as it is with the heavy rains of winter. Some say it was a band of the Summer Storm, seeing the opportunity to wash away the Druj and win the day. Others say it was the warriors of the Flame Beetle, bringing their siege expertise to bear on the task of defeating the Empire. But breached it is, and what starts as a trickle of water swiftly turns into a deluge. Again, though, the discipline of the Empire sets them in better stead as the floodwaters cascade into the lowlands. The Lions of Adelmar in particular are responsible for saving dozens of lives, unconcerned whether those they aid are Dawnish, Unshackled, or from any other background. The Druj, though, deploy the age-old tactic of "everyone for themselves" and they suffer for it.

But the damage is done. The Imperial forces are scattered, their lines fractured by the need to avoid the waters, and the Druj are ''much'' more experienced fighting in these marshy conditions. It looks bleak for the Empire. Very bleak.

Then half the Druj forces, the Marshlizard garrison, the Poison Crane and the Tainted Basilisk, the Flame Beetle and the Jagged Claws suddenly break off. Rather than push their advantage, they take the ''Path of the Tail'' southwards at speed. The remaining forces - Hidden Snake, Hunting Scorpion, and red-painted Thorn Born - do their best to take advantage of the Empire's disarray but before they can do so the Imperial soldiers have regrouped and present an impenetrable forest of spears and swords and shields.

It is at this time that a figure appears in the Imperial command tent; a translucent shade of indeterminate gender, face hidden by a deep cowl, brazen chains for a belt, the only part of their body visible being hands that are more bone than flesh. It leaves no tracks on the sodden ground, as it delivers a message in a whispering voice that nonetheless is heard by everyone in the vicinity.

General Vasiliki Terricos sends her regards and anticipates the northern approach goes well. The Shield of Ipotavo has commenced its assault against the Tower of the Skink, and the General hopes to meet with the western armies soon.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Vasiliki Terricos, General of the Shield of Ipotavo">The Sorcerer-Queen Ipotavo used to say: know your heart and what commands its devotion above all else. Listen. Do you hear the whispers of the spirits? Hear their words and know your heart and keep your oaths. We march in the name of the survivors of the siege. We march in the name of faithfulness to those that helped deliver us from the scorpion. Do not listen to gossiping snakes and traitors. They have forgotten the faces of the dead. </quote></div>

==Shield of Our Ancestors==
Up the ''Path of the Eye'' they march, soldiers clad in dark greens and purples. They have siege engines, and they approach the southern gates of the Tower of the Skink with grim resolve. This is the ''Shield of Ipotavo'', the soldiers who watch the [[Axos#Gates_of_Ipotavo|Gates]] of [[Axos]]. They have been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time and plan to make the most of it.

Many years ago Imperial mercenaries helped the Shield of Ipotavo drive the Druj out of Axos, back to the Tower of the Skink. They helped break a siege no less terrible, it is said, than the one Holberg once endured. This past aid has not been forgotten, and now the Axou come as allies in this battle against their old foe. This is not an army that is battle-weary as the Imperial armies are, and they are veterans at facing the incursions of the Mallum. Perhaps unique among the folk of Axos, the people of Ipotavo know what the Druj are, and the threat they represent.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
Most of the soldiers are of the [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Agema]] class: they are dressed in dark neatly-cut leathers, almost all equipped with the crescent shield and the long, thin sword favoured by these heavy skirmishers. In their vanguard, they deploy a battalion of the undying [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Tavos Ageli]], masked in porcelain, silent, almost impossible to harm much less kill. The body of the army is supported by sable-robed ''necromantia'' some of whom are said to come not from Ipotavo but scholarly [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Maykop]], their services purchased for some unknown price. Not that Ipotavo is without magicians of its own, but among the citadels, the practitioners of Maykop are recognised as true masters of the arts of death and the spirit.

The Tavos Ageli are not the only undying allies the Axou have brought. At dusk and dawn, ''other'' figures wander amongst the living. Wispy shapes, translucent in the first and last rays of the sun, in burial shroud and tattered robe and ceremonial armour. They offer advice and guidance to the soldiers and officers of the Shield. When a few scouts are able to make it through the southern mountains to liaise with the commanders of the Axos force, the commanders insist on discussing strategy only in the fading twilight where the ghostly figures offer wisdom only the Axou seem to hear. These spirits are apparently veterans themselves, soldiers and officers from every major engagement with the Druj going back centuries. In the end, one Axou captain remarks, there are only so many trials that the Creator can set before you. There are few battles that have never been fought before.

The ghostly figures also bear messages throughout the ranks of the Shield: they are a membrane of spectral intellect, that helps to reinforce in every soldier an intimate awareness of their role within the army, and the needs of the army as a whole. These phantoms are the bonds of understanding that bind the parts to the whole. While they approach the Tower from the other side to their Imperial counterparts, with the aid of the symphony of the wraith's guidance they match the balanced approach of the Empire's forces.

According to the scouts who get a good look at the Shield of Ipotavo, the army practically fills the southern pass. They have established camps, erected palisades, from which they press the southern approach to the Tower. The gates and the walls are strong, but they have not been tested in a hundred years or more.

Not that the captains of the Granite Pillar and the Boyar's Hasta always appreciate the spectres of the dead appearing in their chambers at sunrise or sunset to deliver messages and take them back to their descendants to the south. Many bear the marks of the wounds that slew them, and they bring with them an unmistakable, discomfiting chill aura of the grave. The magisters and Varushkan wizards who are in a position to examine these translucent messengers say that they are in some fashion ''bound'' by the magic that enchants the army.

Without examining the Shield of Ipotavo directly they can only speculate but it is a matter of some debate as to what exactly these ghostly advisors are and whether they serve willingly or as slaves. They are chained with Autumn magic that [[Autumn#Autumn_magic#Binding|binds]] them to serve the captains of the Shield of Ipotavo. Arcane theory suggests strongly that whatever this enchantment is, however it works precisely, it has been crafted not just through Axou ''necromantia'' but with the aid of an eternal of the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]]. They cannot venture a guess at who might have offered their aid here, to bind such shadows on such a scale. If they are truly ghosts as the Axou claim perhaps they would have chosen to travel with the armies when they were alive; but in death there is not even the shadow of that choice.

==Seasons End==
With the Tower of the Skink squeezed in a vice between Axos and Empire, the fighting in Sarangrave shifts again. The battle at Jarangir's Levy is indecisive, and marks the high-water line of where the Empire's advance stops. At the same time, it marks a splintering of the Druj defences that means they cannot push the invading armies back further. In the north, the Empire's soldiers and their allies face the attack out of the Salt Flats, absorb it, turn it back. After the fight at Turan, the Druj are forced back again and again and eventually have no choice but to retreat out of Sarangrave once more.

In the end, the Empire proves victorious. The deciding factor is less strength of numbers - although that plays a part - but a triumph of discipline, virtue, and trust. Even in the face of the miasma, even fighting everything the Mallum can throw at them, the Empire stands stalwart. Every nation is represented, if not in the form of armies then in the legions of soldiers that have come to fight with them. They have fought, and fought hard; they are tired, muddied, and bloodied. Yet they fight with something akin to righteousness against the scourge of the Druj. There are few grey areas here; the question of liberation and conquest is one that can wait for another day. The rulers of the Mallum have shown time and again that they are possessed of monstrous cruelty, of an urge to dominate unmatched anywhere else. They are the closest thing the Empire has ever faced to true wickedness, the antithesis of virtue.

The Imperial fighters know that their people are behind them, at least for the time being. Perhaps even more importantly they know they are united in their goals. The orcs of the Mallum by contrast know only fear - a powerful weapon when it is your own hand on the hilt but all too easily does it twist and slip and end up cutting your own flesh. The Druj cannot trust one another even in this extremis; they cannot conceive of mercy; as the Empire continues to fight, the choices for the barbarians of the east are becoming narrower and narrower.

In the end, despite the Rivers of Life, and the valiant actions of the Lions of Adelmar, the Empire and their allies lose some two and a half thousand troops in Sarangrave. The Druj likely lose around the same, between their armies and the garrison of the Tower of the Skink. The fortification is weakened, but it still stands strong. The Empire has made inroads into Thornfen, but further progress is likely to be challenging in the face of the Druj defenders, especially given they have nowhere to go.

After all, the only thing crueller than a Druj warrior is a Druj warrior with nowhere left to hide.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sarangrave Region Map.png|align=right|width=600}}</div>
==Game Information==
* '''The Empire is three-tenths of the way toward capturing Thornfen
* '''The Druj armies attacking from the north have been forced back into the Salt Flats of Sanath
* '''The Shield of Ipotavo support the Empire from the southern side of the Tower of the Skink
* '''The independent rebels, the former slaves and free septs, continue to harry the Druj
Imperial forces have achieved a dual victory; they have pushed forward into Thornfen and are three-tenths of the way toward claiming the region. They have also managed to prevent the attacking Druj force from out of the Salt Flats re-establishing any control over the northern Sarangrave. The northern armies have been pushed back into the Salt Flats, but a major force of Druj remains trapped in Thornfen, defending the region alongside the Tower of the Skink fortification.

The Shield of Ipotavo out of Axos support the Empire's attack, focusing their efforts on the Tower and its garrison. The magic employed by both sides has allowed them to effectively coordinate their strategies against the Druj.

The rebellious orcs of the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]] offer some assistance to the Imperial forces, but mostly in terms of offering warnings and helping individual groups avoid the northern Druj. They have committed themselves to [[Military_unit#Raiding|hunting and killing]] the left-behind barbarians. They protect their own borders, and beyond a mutual interest in resisting the attack out of the Salt Flats, have not reached out to any Imperial armies. An assessment of their strength suggests it is in the order of a half dozen or so [[military unit|military units]], nothing approaching an army, but they have the support of [[Irra Harah]] (himself barely a friend of the Empire), and aid from Imperial citizens who support their cause.

The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for further fighting in Thornfen. This season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion|bastion]] take some damage, and the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] be somewhat depleted, but the presence of so many armies in Sarangrave has meant that the impact on the Tower of the Skink has been comparatively minor. Our rules team is currently putting together a short [[Rules update 2026|update]] as to how the transition to the new fortification rules will affect existing campaigns, which we anticipate being presented shortly. We're asking people to hold off on queries until this goes up.

While the territory has been granted to Urizen by the Senate, it is still an active warzone. At the moment, only a handful of prominent [[Urizen_groups|Urizen citizens]] have set up new spires in the lowland marshes and forests. The civil service has also struggled to do more than make a surface assessment of the territory, thanks to the ongoing fighting and the fact that there are still miasma pillars and Druj guerrillas even in areas the Empire nominally controls. More information about the situation in the Sarangrave, with reference to the rebels, and its role as a new Urizen territory, will be included in the winds of fortune nearer the event.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Participation: Murmastis and the Storm Song===
* '''Soldiers who fought alongside the Summer Storm may experience a magical boon
''Murmastis'' is one of the champions of [[Eleonaris]], and she and her spear-dancers have fought alongside the Summer Storm. This season, the Storm has committed itself to hunting down the Druj and [[Army_qualities#Relentless|cutting them down]]. While many of the knights of Eleonaris' court are interested in glorious pageantry, Murmastis is a very old [[Inhabitants of the realms#Herald|herald]] who more exemplifies the [[Summer magic#Resonance|resonance]] of [[Summer_magic#Wroth|wroth]]. She does not encourage thoughtless bloodthirst, but rather that fierce joy that comes from triumphing over a foe by might of arms and cleverness.

Any character whose military unit supported the Summer Storm this season may choose to have embraced the experience of battling alongside Murmastis and her warband. If they do, they receive a particular boon.

* If you possess the [[heroic skills#hero|hero]] skill, you may choose to increase your number of hero points by one until the end of the Winter Solstice.
* If you do not have the hero skill, you gain an additional temporary hero point which, once spent, is permanently gone. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Winter Solstice, regardless.
Anyone who chooses to gain this benefit also experiences a [[roleplaying effect]] that lasts until the end of the Winter Solstice: ''You feel the urge to seek out challenging confrontations, especially those that involve fighting, strategy, or tactics. You take particular pleasure in defeating others, whether enemies or friends, in such challenges. You feel the urge to do things that demonstrate your prowess as a powerful warrior. Being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.''
The effect lasts until the end of the Winter Solstice 387YE. The Summer Storm have benefitted from a number of different [[enchantment|enchantments]] over the last few years, and so far at least the presence of the Knights of Glory have not begun to influence the army to the degree it has [[Even_darkness_must_pass#The_Weight_of_Glory|impacted other armies fighting in the Mallum]].

===Participation: Gaspare and the Axe of Victory===
* '''Soldiers in the Golden Axe are becoming more attuned to the Summer realm
* '''The Golden Axe continue to be unable to use the ''Give Ground'' or ''Cautious Advance'' orders
* '''There is an opportunity for the General of the Golden Axe to change the quality of their army with the aid of Eleonaris' knights
This season Eleonaris dispatched the stoic ''Ser Gaspare'' to lead their heavily armoured forces into battle alongside the Golden Axe. While there have been a great many military captains fighting alongside the Golden Axe, the strategies they chose to employ this season have not resonated especially well with the knights of glory. They have told tales around the fire, and fought as they always do, but there has been less passionate fervour for them to inspire. Indeed, it does not seem entirely in the character of ''Ser Gaspare'' or his ''Summer schlacta'' to inspire individual soldiers in battle in the way some of the other knights of Eleonaris do. Rather, the herald and their soldiers have focused on the Golden Axe army itself.

Last season the [[Even_darkness_must_pass#The_Weight_of_Glory|increased impact]] of the [[Knights of Glory]] enchantment was made apparent. As happened in the reign of [[Empress Brannan]], repeated exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer realm is having an unlooked-for effect on Imperial soldiers. The excitement of fighting in the Mallum is starting to affect the Empire’s loyal warriors - possibly because of the oppressive aura of fear coupled with the feeling of pride and strength exposure to the heralds of the Fields of Glory brings. But also because the Knights of Glory are so effective at inspiring those who fight alongside them to pursue glory and heroism over mere victory or survival.

The Golden Axe was one of the armies already affected by this growing attunement with aspects of the Summer realm. They continue to be unable to 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 will persist until the army has spent an entire year without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment (each of the affected armies tracks this separately). It may be possible to ameliorate this effect by other means, 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.

The situation has not gotten any ''worse'' due to another season under the influence of the Knights of Glory. If anything, it has opened up a possible [[opportunity]]. The magical knights of Eleonaris encourage the soldiers of Varushka to ''[[Summer_magic#Triumph|conquer]]'' their enemies - something that is very much in keeping with their goals and ambitions. If the army is again enchanted with Knights of Glory at the Winter Solstice, and the general issues an [[Army orders#Overwhelming Assault|Overwhelming Assault]], [[Army orders#Heroic Stand|Heroic Stand]], [[Army qualities#Driven|Grinding Advance]], or [[Army qualities#Take Their Land|Take Their Land]] order against the Druj in the Mallum the knights will help enthuse the Varushkans even more. The final component required will be 12 wains of [[mithril]], which should be in the inventory of the general of the Golden Axe and used to create a set of standards in the old Vardish style, incorporating the [[Varushka_religious_beliefs#The_Virtuous_Animals|virtuous animals]], and serving as symbols of their commitment to victory and triumph.

The army quality of the Golden Axe will become ''Victorious''. They will keep the ''Take Their Land'' order and replace ''Grinding Advance'' with the ''Implacable Conquest'' order. However, they will permanently lose the ability to take the Cautious Advance or Give Ground orders.

<box>'''Implacable Conquest'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are reduced by a fifth'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are reduced by a fifth'''
* '''The ability of this army to conquer territory is increased by a fifth'''
The army advances relentlessly, targeting key strategic points with their attacks. They do not shy away from direct engagements, harrying defenders until they force them to retreat. Securing their goal, they consolidate their gains and then select another landmark to move towards. In the end, it is the conquest that matters; the iron spirit of the Vard will be satisfied by nothing less than absolute, uncontested victory.</box>

Rose grow the rushes o'

2026-03-30T19:21:17Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Beater on the Field.jpg|caption=Beaters secure the boundaries of the Marches against all intrusion. Some times this is more challenging than others.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Loyal to the People==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/KCePKwuAkpw?si=4_st4BEABKfkgkYq}}
The Strong Reeds were raised from the Bregas. To this day the bulk of their soldiers come from the Dour Fens, and they know the wetlands better than anyone else. Since the [[Only forward|Jotun returned]] to steal their homeland, they have been amid the reeds, resisting the invaders. This despite the unhappiness some of their countryfolk still feel towards the Empire - and we must not forget that many Bregas are marshfolk first, Marchers second, and Imperial citizens a distant third. Yet the 'Reeds have remained true to the oath of their General, fighting from the rushes and the deep fens to bamboozle the barbarian invaders wherever they can.

They are in a perilous situation, for all their skill at [[Army_qualities#Secretive|laying low]]. The Queen of Kalsea herself, ''Yrsa Jansdóttir'', set the Lion of the North to root out the 'Reeds and their sympathisers. The Bregas army has been left exposed, and those who offer them succour left in mortal danger. The Jotun are closing in on their hidden encampments, deep in the fens. It has become more and more difficult for them to move or take action without the barbarians descending on them in force.

During the Autumn Equinox, Imperial heroes used the [[Sentinel Gate]] to [[So_our_path_is_laid#Battle_Opportunity_:_How_Will_They_Rise_Up?|come to their aid]]. In [[Bregasland#Grey Fens|Grey Fens]] they intercepted the Jotun champions [[So_our_path_is_laid#Objective:_Recover_the_scouting_orders|ordered]] to hunt out the havens of the Strong Reeds. Both ''Ghodi Melker'' and the yegarra champion ''Eisa Winterborn'' were brought low - the latter success in particular being cause for muted celebration. A thorn in the Empire's side for years, Imperial heroes brought Eisa to ground at ''Leakey Moss'', and her warband has withdrawn back to their stronghold in [[Skallahn#Mindrkyst|Skallahn]]. They will not return to fight in the Empire again until some new hero raises the walrus banner and walks the path of the rare yegarra champions.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">This game of fox and hound is at an end. No quarter shall be given. Not any more. Rise up! Rise from the reeds and be a tidal wave of fury to wash the scum from our fields. I march with you as a soldier, as a marcher, as your friend. I march with my husband by my side for us, for land, for the Marches. And when we are done, will bring in the harvest and toast to the turning of the seasons. Now, let us remind these Jotun dogs why they fear the marsh.</quote></div>

Unfortunately, their success was not unqualified. They were unable to prevent one of the champions from rallying her warband. Barely has the equinox ended before ''Seeker Alma'' - a skilled tracker from the hills of [[Reinos]] - leads a contingent of Lasambrian Jotun into the sleepy village of ''Catchment'', deep in the fens. Some two hundred Marcher soldiers, taken by surprise, are slain or captured before they can flee. A grievous loss - but one that could have been significantly worse had the Empire's heroes been less thorough. Alma continues to harry the Bregas across the marshes, striking without warning against sanctuaries that have been secret for generations.

Yet despite this, the 'Reeds remain in Bregasland. They endure, and when the order comes, they will [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Objective:_Rouse_the_Strong_Reeds|rise]].
===Rise===
Granite-faced Derun Stonetower and the Tower of the North continues to work alongside Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir, standing in for King Gudmundr Arasonn as general of the Fist of Ulven, ruling Bregasland with a mailed fist. Yet many of the barbarian "heroes" are champing at the bit, eager for honourable battle against the Marcher-folk and their allies. As a people, the Jotun tend to have little time for stealth and the subtle manoeuvring of spies and scouts; let others seek the Strong Reeds, the champions of Kalsea and Narkyst will build their bridge across the [[Howling Abyss]] in glorious battle! Throughout the long Summer into Autumn, [[So_our_path_is_laid#Pride_of_the_Marches|barbarian raiders]] came reaving across the border into prosperous [[Mitwold]].

<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Mary Birchsmith, General of the Bounders">Bounders, show me your strength and your loyalty. We bring the knights of Eleonaris with us to fight alongside our friends and siblings in Gravenmarch. We will support the strong reeds to rise up and show the Jotun what we stand for. This is marcher land and we take pride in that. We will overwhelming assault into Graven March, Bregasland. A Marcher! A Marcher!</quote>
<quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">Make of them a scarecrow. Make our enemy a living effigy of your will - Shrive yourselves, pour your anger and sorrow into your greatswords and poleaxes… First army be shriven of sin and malignancy drive it into the invaders. It is not Sin however to hate the Jotun. To repel the invaders virtue demands it. So Shrive yourselves in battle my Drakes. Liberate the fens and furrows of Bregasland and be born anew. Do this for me now. For fellow, our commander, our stoats and all who have suffered this evil. Should you find the fire of the Marches - send me to her, so I may love my wife amidst the chaos of the land. Our Overwhelming Assault will be the battle song of my love for this and all of you.</quote>
<quote by="Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt, General of the Bloodcloaks">Cloaks, we march to free the reeds, we march to recover the lost and aid the Marchers, we march with the Champions of Eleonaris. A good friend has just become one of their champions and I hope she can march to battle with the Winterfolk once more. Blaze Dunn! A Hero has a name!</quote></div>

The ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' have been in Bregasland for a year or more, growing more restless with each season that passes. ''Helma Skutasdóttir'' plants her raven-banner in Ottery, splitting her attention between rooting out the Strong Reeds and testing the borders to the east. The Howling Bears under the standard of ''Yanya Uranduln'' have had their eyes on the wealth of Mitwold since they arrived. With the death of ''Eisa Winterborn'' it is as if grief has unhinged their champion who drives their warband to fight the Marchers wherever possible even when it is perhaps not wise to do so.

Their desire for bloodshed is nothing, however, beside that of the traitor-yegarra who gather around the banners of ''Stephen of Sarcombe''. While the other champion-warbands seek wealth and challenge, the yegarra of the [[Mournwold|Mourn]] look to sate their bloodlust on the [[Yeoman of the Marches|yeofolk]] of Mitwold and Bregasland alike. Rumours that other Jotun warbands will not fight alongside Stephen's yegarra for fear of dishonouring themselves and their ancestors have solidified. In desperation Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir has loosed the choke-chain King Gudmundr used to control the furious human champion, letting him lead his troops into Mitwold in the hope, perhaps, that the Marchers will end the problem he represents before the King returns.

And so the raids continue after the Autumn Equinox. The Imperial defenders of Mitwold are able to ensure they do reach much further east than [[Mitwold#Oddmire|Oddmire]] and occasionally [[Mitwold#Meade March|Meade March]], but their focus is elsewhere. The task of dealing with the raiders falls to the [[beater|beaters]] who [[Venture#Beating_the_Bounds|patrol the borders]], and to the garrison of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]]. The [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the [[Autumn Hammers]] have quit Mitwold leaving only the [[Drakes]] and the [[Bloodcloaks]] in Mitwold - and they are busy preparing for what is to come.

Fortunately the absence left by the armies marching north is quickly filled for by the arrival of the [[Bounders]] from neighbouring [[Upwold]]. A fortnight after the Equinox, a grand cohort of [[Knights of Glory|elfin knights and goblin-kind infantryfolk]] emerge from an old battlefield in Meade March, drawn from the demesne of [[Eleonaris]]. Without delay they march west to join the Imperial armies, splitting into three distinct groups and setting their brightly-coloured pavilions and fluttering banners alongside the tents of the Imperial soldiers.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Amberlain7869.jpg||caption='''Amberlain P. Black''', General of the Strong Reeds}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GenBounders.jpg|caption='''Mary Birchsmith''', General of the Bounders}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher Plate.jpg|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt.png|caption='''Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt''', General of the Bloodcloaks}}
</div>
To aid the Drakes comes ''Kore'' the lion-maned warlord, glorious in their scarlet armour. They command only half the number of warriors brought by the others, but each of their knights is twice the size of their comrades. While their torso, head, and arms are humanlike their lower bodies are those of deadly predatory cats. These crimson knights use their lances to great effect, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge. ''Ser Helvennan'', resplendent in gold and red chain, quietly joins the Bloodcloaks. The Stag-knight leads a mixed band of elfin spearmasters and grizzled goblin-kin with shield and javelin. ''Ollavan the Reeve'', the sharp-eared bowmaster, comes at the head of a band of wily archers and rust-red hunting hounds. They are eager not only to face their foes, but to test their skill against the marksmen of the Bounders. The knights attract comment wherever they go, their richly coloured garb and merry voices something of a contrast with the fields of Meade March.

The Drakes are further reinforced by nearly five thousand troops led by Imperial captains from every Imperial nation save the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. They have come to fight the Jotun; some offer their aid to the beaters while they wait but few can keep up with the fast-moving Marchers. Others seek the beaters for different reasons however. Perhaps as many as nine thousand more soldiers wish to sneak across the border into Bregasland to join the Strong Reeds. The expertise of the beaters is tested, but they are found equal to the challenge. Others take the riskier route along the southern shores of the Westmere with the aid of sailors from [[Voyage#Raid_Kalsea's_Coastline|Steward's Landing]], slipping into the conquered territories through [[Bregasland#Eel's_Landing|Eel's Landing]] or isolated fishing villages along the coastline.

===Fist, Lion, Tower===
Once everyone is in place, on a certain day, at an appointed hour, the camps are struck. The Drakes, Bounders, and Bloodcloaks begin to move south through Meade March toward [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], toward battle. At the same time, the Strong Reeds rise, launching a surprise attack against the Jotun garrison at Graven. With them are two thousand delicately deadly warriors of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] attired in breathtaking splendour of sky blue and sun gold; the household of ''Ser Alcedini'', the brightly feathered Kingfisher Castellan, who leads them into battle alongside the Bregas forces. The 'Reeds can't know for sure that help is coming, cut off from the rest of the Marches as they are. They can only trust that if they act, their allies will be there to support them. More than a few Bregas soldiers breathe a sigh of relief when the news that a major Imperial force has crossed the border into the 'March reaches them.

Battle is joined. The Tower of the North, the Fist of Ulven, and the Lion of the North respond quickly, Jotun warriors surging south to intercept the Imperial forces. The rising of the Strong Reeds, however, provides a powerful element of surprise. The eyes of the barbarians were to the north, toward Ottery and Fisher's Rock rather than towards Graven. By the time they realise the attack is underway, the town has been freed from the Jotun.

At first it seems as if the whole of Graven March will follow suit, but as the days unfold that hope begins to fade somewhat. While the initial fighting mostly involves the Tower, the Fist, and the Lion, reinforcements quickly arrive. Some six thousand Summer [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] - orc-like warriors with a distinct leonine cast to their features in crimson steel chain - join the battle. Knights of the [[Eleonaris|Lady of Summer]], they are equally enthusiastic about fighting Imperial troops as they are clashing with their kin from the Summer Realm. In particular the axe-wielding warriors led by ''Ser Grumbar'' the Hound-knight seek out every opportunity to contend with the knights of ''Ser Helvennan'' who side with the Bloodcloaks.

Only a few days after the fighting begins, the Jotun are further bolstered by some fifteen thousand Lasambrian orcs - the entire Lasambrian Jotun force of the Hierro, the Corazón, and the Escuta. Yet even these allies are only sufficient to slow the Imperial advance, not to halt it entirely. The Drakes and the Bounders plough straight through the Jotun defenders to meet up with the Strong Reeds at Graven; three armies of Marcher soldiers fight shoulder to shoulder against the barbarians. The liveries of dozens of Marcher households flutter and dance in the wind from the west as stubborn yeofolk face the orcs who bedevil their homelands.

The Bloodcloaks swiftly establish a presence at the town that once served as a place for the Navarr to meet with the people of the Marches to trade stories of the wider world. And to trade herbs, especially valuable [[cerulean mazzarine]] from [[the Brass Coast]] in return for the unique plants gathered in the deep fens. Indeed, while the Bloodcloaks are establishing a field hospital in the little town they come across a hidden stash of healing herbs concealed beneath the floorboards - dozens of carefully wrapped packages of [[true vervain]] and [[Imperial roseweald]] and [[marrowort]]. There is a note, hastily written, wishing whoever finds the herbs well and expressing the hope that those who use them might remember the [[striding]] of ''Liath's Path''. It's clear to the Winterfolk that this cache was left by the Navarr trapped in Graven when the Jotun came, in the hope that it would find its way into Imperial hands. Of the Navarr themselves, there is no sign. Doubtless they were among those executed by the barbarians when Graven fell.

It proves to be a valuable find; the Winterfolk healers have their work cut out for them as they [[Army_qualities#Woundbinder|tend the wounds]] of their allies. The Jotun may have been put on the back foot by the attack into Gravenmarch, but they have rallied quickly, mounting a [[Army orders#Solid Defence|solid defence]] in the face of the Empire's furious assault.

Tough as the going is, the Marchers and their allies from the north are equal to the challenge. They liberate several of the smaller households and villages as they expand their control of the 'March outward from Graven. The arrival of the Lasambrians has nudged the butter churn a little, but Imperials rally quickly to the new situation and as slow as the going is it looks as if they will ultimately win the battle, if not the war.

Then, of course, the other shoe drops and the bad news arrives in the form of an exhausted Greywater messenger from Ottery.
<fourpicture>
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<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=JotunMarch.jpg|align=left|width=500|caption=The Jotun have followed last season's raids with a full-on invasion of Mitwold.}}</div>

==Pride of the Marches==
The Greywater is injured, on the verge of collapse when they reach Graven and demand to speak to the Strong Reeds. Refusing to rest until they have discharged their duty - there were four of them when they set out from Ottery and only one survived the passage through the Jotun lines - they bring a dire message. The Lasambrians are not the ''only'' force of Jotun that has come into Bregasland since the Autumn equinox.

While the Tower, and the Fist, and the Lion, and their Lasambrian allies, have been fighting the Empire in Gravenmarch, a massive force of Jotun has gathered in Ottermire... and is sweeping east across the Otterway into Mitwold. Perhaps forty five thousand Jotun have joined the warbands raiding Oddmire, alongside several thousand crimson-and-gold clad knights of the Summer realm. Eight armies, marching up out of [[Liathaven]] and [[Hordalant]] through the western fens to Ottery. Rather than join the defence, they barely broke their march before crossing the walkway into Oddmire.

For the first time in a century or more, there are Jotun armies in Mitwold. The news spreads through the Imperial forces like wildfire. Soldiers of the Drakes demand to be allowed to return home to protect their farms, their families, their friends. Fear that the army might make it as far as Upwold grips the Bounders. Yet in the end, there are bonds of duty and loyalty that are stronger than the fear they feel. The Empire's forces are too tightly bound up in the fight in Gravenmarch to risk trying to break free and march back north. Everything is focused here, on seizing a foothold in Bregasland. Trying to turn back now would leave the four armies between the hammer and the anvil - and risk making the situation worse. At the moment, should disaster come upon them, they can retreat into [[Mournwold#Green_March|Green March]]. If they try to turn north, there is every chance they will end up trapped in Gravenmarch at the mercy of the Jotun.

It is a painful decision, but in the end the soldiers of the Marches and Wintermark have little choice but to trust the orders of their generals, to trust that the defenders of Mitwold will be equal to the challenge that faces them.
===Odd's Way===
Nearly fifty thousand Jotun. Two full contingents of the [[Knights of Glory]]. The Ice Fishers, and the Howling Bears, and the raven-banner of Helma Skutasdóttir. The traitors of the Mourn. They march along the Otterway into Oddmire. No simple raiding party, but a hammer blow against the Pride of the Marches.

Normally the western barbarians invade a territory with a crushing assault, seeking to overwhelm defenders with furious might and force of numbers. Uncharacteristically though, the Jotun attacking Mitwold seem to be favouring a more [[Army orders#Cautious Assault|cautious]] strategy. Most likely last season's raids established the presence of defending armies dug-in in Oddmire. Perhaps the Jotun commanders are simply being cautious of a trap, or careful about overextending their forces. Either way, they focus more on preserving their strength than smashing the Imperial armies... which are not there. The relative slowness of the Jotun response in Bregasland makes more sense if one assumed the barbarians were expecting the Imperial armies to still be in Mitwold rather than launching an attack of their own.

Eight armies, well-rested and well-provisioned from their stay in Liathaven and Hordalant. The Fell Hammers and the Iron Host are in the van, with the glory-hungry warriors of the Mandowla's Roar and Raging Thunder straining against the unfamiliar orders to advance cautiously rather than slam full-strength into whatever Mitwold has to offer. The knights that accompany those two armies are clearly no happier about this strategy than their orc friends, but they follow their orders. The Howling Night, the Skjaldirborn, and the Shield of the Mountain form the solid core at the heart of the Jotun expeditionary force, with the Southern Bear in the rearward position, [[Army_qualities#Resilient|grinding]] relentlessly forward even as they seek to lock down the land the advance guard claims. The army of Bjorgthorn Hammerhand prides itself on only moving forward, and even though the Jotun come with caution, move forward they do.

The defenders of Mitwold know about the Jotun invasion before the forces in Gravenmarch; the beaters who watch the borders immediately realise what is happening and raise the alarm. The news speeds eastward, galvanising the garrison of Forte Fidelis and sending the yeofolk and stewards to their armouries. Weapons and armour are passed out, as the folk of the Marches brace themselves for the Jotun advance. Just as with their neighbours to the east and the south, they will not cede one inch of ground save that the barbarians pry it from their clenched fists. Messengers are sent to Mournwold and Upwold, telling them of the invasion and while they do not directly ask for aid - Marchers are proud people - the implication is there. They may be rivals in peacetime, but as both Bregasland and Mournwold have shown, when war comes to the Marches, folk unite against the interloper.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
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This grim pride, the courage of the yeofolk, is not in vain but it cannot hope to hold back the Jotun for long. At best, the garrison and the beaters, the households, and the walls of Oddmire can only delay what seems inevitable. Western Oddmire falls, and within a week the rest of the region follows suit. Odd's End is overwhelmed by the barbarians, forced to open its gates rather than see the entire town flattened by Jotun siege engines. Steward's Landing falls shortly afterward without any fighting at all - because ''Jarvey "Strongoar" Oddsboy'' and his entire household have loaded everyone they can onto their boats and slipped across the Gullet to [[Kallavesa#Wittal_Grove|Fisk]]. The Winterfolk who once kept a careful eye on the Marchers to the south welcome them, working with the steward and his levies to ensure that the northern shores of Mitwold can be kept supplied, should the worst come to the worst.

Despite the relatively cautious strategy the invasion of Mitwold follows a familiar pattern. Wherever they go, the Jotun offer Imperial citizens the Choice. Take up arms alongside the Jotun; lay aside the accoutrements of war and become thralls; or be given a swift and honourable death. Nobody takes the first choice. Most take the second. Few are stubborn enough to face the third. Many families make the decision to retreat before the Jotun, staunchly certain that they will reclaim their land soon enough when the Drakes return and drive the Jotun back into the western fens. The refugees are welcomed by their neighbours to the east with open grumbling about the inconvenience - but they ''are'' welcomed and found places to stay.

===The Walls of Meade===
Oddmire is quickly taken, and then the Jotun march on [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]]. The first [[market town]] and the oldest. The largest settlement south of [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]], the city-port of the Marches. Revitalised by the dredging of the Westmere, by trade with the [[Faraden]], and by decades of prosperity and security, Meade stands ready to repel the Jotun just as they did the [[Harvest_of_infamy|Asavean raiders]] last Autumn.

Of course, last Autumn the Marchers had ample warning that the attack was coming, and the garrison of Forte Fidelis was bolstered by the Drakes. This year, the defenders of Meade are on their own. The city has walls of course, but while there has been some talk of [[Three_keys#The_Walls_of_Meade|further work]] it has been over a decade since the defences were [[Fortify_Town_defences|reinforced]] by the Senate. The walls are stout, but to stand against eight armies of Jotun bent on conquest? That would be a challenge even for a true [[fortification]] - there's little doubt that if the Jotun turned south-east into the [[Mitwold#Golden_Downs|'Downs]] even Forte Fidelis would be hard pressed to keep them out.

So the Jotun come up through Meade March towards the pride of the Marches. The people turned back the Asaveans, and they fight just as valiantly against the Jotun, but they are outnumbered and ultimately outmatched. A Jotun messenger offers the people of Meade one chance to surrender, but if anything the proud refusal of the defenders both impresses and pleases the herald sent to deliver the offer. She returns to the armies, and they waste no time besieging the city. Not that it is a siege in any literal sense. The soldiers of Forte Fidelis garrison the walls as best they can, but the gates are riven to splinters by Jotun battering rams almost immediately. The warriors of the west pour into Meade, and those who fight back are swiftly overwhelmed. This is a city of prosperity, of clever merchants and wise scholars, not a city of warriors, after all.

The remaining garrison retreats east. A great many Marchers stay behind, refusing to give up their homes. They watch sullenly as the Jotun establish a command post in Meade, from which to direct the rest of their forces. With the city fallen, there is little chance for the households of Meade March to mount more than a token defence. Yet with the aid of the beaters and the Forte Fidelis soldiers, they do their best, and their courage at least helps to slow the Jotun invasion and give time for the rest of Mitwold to prepare for what is to come. As it is, the 'March is conquered and the Jotun continue to press forward into the heart of the Marches.

As the bulk of the Jotun move to back up the raiders attacking [[Mitwold#The_Meadows|the Meadows]], however, Stephen of Sarcombe sends his yegarra to round up the remaining [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Alder|alders]] of Meade and their families to hang them, sending others to try and capture the bailiffs of [[Bailiff of Meade|Meade]] and the [[Bailiff of the Grand Market|Grand Market]], the [[Alder of Meade]], and even the [[Master of the Root and Stem]] so they can face similar treatment. Before he can do much more than give the order, he and his people are confronted by Helma Skutasdóttir and her warband. Denouncing him as a coward and unfit to call himself Jotun, Helma herself challenges him to defend his honour. Actual fighting between the orcs of Helma's raven-banner and Stephen's yegarra breaks out in the centre of Meade. Bjorgthorn Hammerhand, general of the Southern Bear, is forced to send his own warriors to separate the two warbands - but not before several fighters on both sides are slain. He does not bother to hide his utter contempt for Stephen and his clear support for Helma in this matter. According to witnesses, it looks as if the traitor-Marchers are squaring up to actually take on the Southern Bear, but in the end they back down and retreat from Meade with their tails between their legs. It becomes common knowledge that Bjorgthorn has dispatched messengers north to the King and Queen, demanding that something be done about the "rabid dog" in the midst of the Jotun before he is forced to deal with the matter himself.

Flies like Stephen aside, though, the rest of the Jotun invasion goes off with barely a hitch. After Oddmire and Meade March, the Jotun press heavily into the Meadows. North-eastern Mitwold borders [[Kallavesa#Wittal Grove|Wittal Grove]], some of the only dry land in the whole of [[Kallavesa]], and allows easy access to [[Upwold#Stock_March|Stock March]] in Upwold. If the Jotun can secure it, and secure their lines across northern Mitwold, the threat they represent is multiplied significantly.

Yet despite their fervour, and their sheer numbers, their invasion slows and begins to falter once they hit the Meadows. As the Winter Solstice approaches, the weather worsens significantly. Torrential rains give way to heavy snowfall in the approach to midwinter, and while the Jotun are no strangers to cold and snow they are not foolhardy enough to throw themselves into the teeth of the storm while there are defenders still fighting. Across the northern Marches, camps are established as the Jotun make the preparations needed to keep what they have taken so far - and presumably to continue to conquer Mitwold until the entire Pride of the Marches is in their hands.
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==Between Beats==
It is easy to imagine that every warrior in the Jotun lands is in the Marches; six armies in Bregasland fighting the Empire's attempt to liberate Gravenmarch. Eight armies in Mitwold. Thousands of would-be champions fighting under the banners of their warlords, even as thousands of Imperial captains fight in support of the armies of the Empire. Knights of Glory on both sides, urging their compatriots to fight boldly, to neither give nor ask for quarter, to seek to build enduring legends that will live on in the songs of the bards long after their bodies are gone to rot and treeroots.

The fighting in Bregasland has been bloody - three thousand Imperial heroes dead or broken. The number would have been higher without the Bloodcloaks; the Jotun have suffered more grievous losses simply because they lack the medical expertise of the Winterfolk, their losses closer to four thousand. The Empire is four-fifths of the way toward taking Gravenmarch from the barbarians, but the fighting continues. Behind them, the armies of the west rampage across Mitwold, slowed by the stubborn defenders, but only a little. Oddmire and Meade March - and the city of Meade - are in their hands. They are halfway toward claiming the whole of the Meadows, and who knows where their ambition will take them after that?

The ultimate goal of the Jotun may be unclear, but one thing ''is'' clear. The Marchers will not give up without a fight, not in Mitwold, and not anywhere else. The Jotun have been beaten before, time and again, and this time will be no different. Just as the Strong Reeds fight for the people of Bregasland, just as the Tusks battled the odds and risked everything to free their folk in Mournwold, the people of Mitwold trust that the Drakes will be back and make the Jotun pay a high price for their trespass.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofBregasland.png|align=right|width=300}}
==Game Information==
* '''The Empire is four-fifths of the way toward claiming Gravenmarch'''
* '''The Jotun have conquered Oddmire and Meade March, and are halfway towards claiming the Meadows'''
* '''All titles connected to the city of Meade have lost access to their resources'''
Following the battle opportunity in Autumn, the Jotun have struck back against the Strong Reeds, causing them to take 200 casualties. They have now risen up, however, openly fighting the barbarians. As such, the information the Jotun scouts gathered about their movements and dispositions is no longer useful. If the Strong Reeds choose to start lying low again, they will not face any ongoing losses unless and until the Jotun are able to scour the territory for them once again. The "counter" on their ability to rise up would be reset at this point given they still maintain the absolute support of the Bregas people. Alternatively, they could leave the territory without difficulty either alone or with other Imperial armies.

The Imperial forces have not taken Gravenmarch but they are four-fifths of the way there. While the route they entered Bregasland by, has been cut off - Oddmire and Meade March being in Jotun hands - there is nothing to stop them retreating into the Mournwold, or even circling round through Mournwold into Golden Downs or Maiden Downs. If they wish to return to Mitwold directly - into Oddmire or Meade March - they will have to fight the Jotun to do so. The Strong Reeds continue to prevent the resources in Bregasland from suffering the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|penalty for being in a conquered territory]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}
The city of Meade is in Jotun hands. While they are not going out of the way to loot the place, there is still massive disruption here. As such the [[Bailiff of Meade]], [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]], [[Master of the Root and Stem]], and [[Alder of Meade]] have all lost access to their production - whether sinecure or ministry. The titles still exist, they simply can't wield their powers to secure resources. In addition, the Bounder's Hall in Meade is now in Jotun hands and unfortunately that means that it is no longer possible for beaters to [[Venture#Beating_the_Bounds|beat the bounds]] in Mitwold. There is nothing to stop characters instead [[Military_unit#Guarding|supporting Forte Fidelis]] but they won't receive any income for doing so unless that action is assigned [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares|Guerdon shares]]. Likewise, until Oddmire and Steward's Landing are once again in Marcher hands it is no longer possible for Marcher [[fleet|fleets]] to take the [[Voyage#Raid_Kalsea's_Coastline|Raid Kalsea's Coastline]] [[voyage]].

==Participation : Beaters and Bloodcloaks==
* '''Characters who took the Beating the Bounds or Raid Kalsea's Coastline actions have had a busy season'''
* '''The General of the Bloodcloaks retains some of the healing herbs recovered from the Navarr herb cache in Graven'''
Any character who took the [[Venture#Beating_the_Bounds|beat the bounds]] [[venture]] in Mitwold this season, or who undertook the [[Voyage#Raid_Kalsea's_Coastline|Raid Kalsea's Coastline]] [[voyage]] is encouraged to roleplay their part in the events taking place in the Marches. In particular, they may have been involved in helping [[military unit|military units]] sneak into Bregasland to join the Strong Reads, helped deliver the desperate warning of the Jotun assault to the defenders of Mitwold, or been involved in evacuating Steward's Landing. If your military unit or fleet supported one of these actions, you may have been injured engaging in risky heroism against the Jotun. Anyone who did so can email {{plot}} before the end of March and request a [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|lingering wound]] sustained in the campaign. A lingering wound can help support your roleplaying on the field as one of the defenders of Mitwold. Bear in mind however that, if left untreated, lingering wounds can also be fatal.

The Navarr herb cache uncovered by the Bloodcloaks in Graven has been distributed to the healers of the Wintermark army, but a portion has also been set aside for the [[general]]. As such, '''Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt''' will find six drams of each of the five medicinal herbs in their pack, all that remains of this bounty.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|caption=The crimson and gold pennants of Queen Eleonaris flutter over the Fields of Glory in the Summer Realm|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Participation : Knights of Glory===
* '''Characters whose military unit fought with the Drakes, the Bounders, or the Strong Reeds receive a special benefit'''
The Knights of Glory who fought alongside the Drakes, Bounders, and Strong Reeds revel in the uncompromising tactics the three armies employed. As is their wont they communicate some of their enthusiasm to the soldiers who fight alongside them. A character whose military unit supported one of these three armies may choose to have been impacted by the experience of battling in close proximity to heralds of [[Eleonaris]].
* If you possess the [[heroic skills#hero|hero]] skill, you may choose to increase your number of hero points by one until the end of the Winter Solstice.
* If you do not have the hero skill, you gain an additional temporary hero point which, once spent, is permanently gone. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Winter Solstice regardless.
Anyone who chooses to gain this benefit also experiences a [[roleplaying effect]] that lasts until the end of the Winter Solstice: ''You feel the urge to do great deeds that will make you the centre of attention, and take particular pleasure from approval and adulation. You feel the urge to do things that demonstrate your prowess as a powerful warrior. Being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.''

The truth but tell it slant

2026-03-30T19:11:51Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>"These things are very tasty," said Professor Gelberg taking another bite out of his hot wrap. "But they are clearly designed to be impossible to eat without covering yourself in bean juice."

They were sat on benches overlooking the Vassa, outside the Printers' Guild enclave. It had been a productive morning. While Immanuel and his guide were taking a well-earned lunch break, the Guild itself was still a hive of activity. Wagons being loaded and unloaded, with great bundles of paper and barrels of ink going in one side and printed papers coming out the other.

"What do you make of it so far?" asked his guide, who was against all odds, managing to eat their wrap without getting so much as a spot on their smart coat.

Gelberg took another bite, chewed thoughtfully, and licked juice off his fingers before answering. "It's impressive, no doubt about it. And you say the Empire has embraced movable type? Despite all the extra work it involves?"

"Oh, don't get hung up on the extra work. It's all down to the typesetters, you see." The emissary of the Printers' Guild swelled with pride as they spoke. "A skilled picker can load a score of words a minute or more. A few of our correspondents like to set the stories themselves, writing straight onto the press they call it, and they're mostly slower. Everyone hates it when they do that, especially the editors. I've even seen the odd fist-fight break out over leading while everyone else is trying to just get the damned edition out. But what would the wide world of publishing be without occasional outbursts of drama? As Sacharissa says; if you aren't making someone, somewhere angry, you're not really doing your job. And arguably that can apply to your colleagues as much as your readers; paragons preserve us from people who don't ''care'' about their work, you know?"

Gelberg did know. His experience was more with his fellow academics, but he was no stranger to the idea that people who didn't get passionate about their ideas weren't really cut out to be professors.

"We still use wooden blocks at home," said Gelberg, who assumed Sacharissa was another member of the Guild. He'd been introduced to so many people on his first night in the city; there had been a ball. He looked wistfully back toward the Guild buildings. The thump of the presses was still audible out here on the street, over the twitter and tide of cityfolk going about their own business. "When I get back I'm going straight to our publications department and showing them what you people are achieving here. It's well past time we caught up, whatever the woodblock manufacturers think."

"Well we still use blocks for the illustrations," said the guide. "Although technically I suppose they're not wooden blocks. It's quite an involved process, actually. What we do is..."

Gelberg wasn't listening. He'd spotted a young person loitering around the wagons in a hunched over way that shouted "ne'er-do-well" to his finely tuned academician senses. The slouch of a student trying to sneak into the back of a lecture with a hangover, the carefully curated stance of someone who wanted to avoid being spotted. They looked around, but failed to spot Gelberg watching them. With nonchalant speed, they pinched a box off the back of one of the wagons - a small box of the new ''Gemeinsamesprache'' typeset letters that had just been commissioned. It disappeared into their jacket, leaving barely a bulge.

Immanuel was about to draw attention to this blatant daylight theft when the youth spotted him, and waved. The Professor's mind went blank - he had no idea who this was. They seemed to know him though, crossing over and presenting their hand with a dazzling smile. They were brightly dressed in the current fashion as near as Gelberg could tell, but there were shiny patches at knees and elbows, and their rings were silver rather than gold or orichalcum.

"Tomasin de Regario," they said, as if it should mean something. "Merchant-prince of Moors Mill Guild of Printers and Publications. From Moors Mill. Across the river."

The guide choked slightly on their bean wrap when Tomasin claimed to be a "merchant prince", Gelberg noticed. They seemed torn between amusement and outrage. But Tomasin themselves simply stood with their hand out, cheerfully radiating the kind of easy charisma that immediately put Gelberg's back up.

"A pleasure?" said the professor, taking a firm grip on the youth's outstretched hand and shaking it twice.

"Carina said you would be here this morning, and I should come an' introduce myself." Tomasin de Regario didn't seem to mind that Gelberg's hand was absolutely covered in bean juice; they just wiped it on their trouser leg, and it was clearly not the worst thing that had been wiped on that threadbare material. "I was coming over here anyway to check in on my colleagues at the Printers' Guild" - another cough from the guide - "so it wasn't taking me out of my way don't worry. I understand you're looking to invest in the printing arts here in Tassato?"

That was ''not'' why he was here of course. Quite the contrary, actually. With a sinking feeling, Gelberg realised that the neutral noises he had made yesterday had been taken by his favourite pupil as encouragement. She had been enthusiastic about her encounter with what could at best be described as a "charity case". He glanced at his guide, couldn't quite hide an amused smirk.

"Better a dozen voices all arguing about what the truth is, than one voice dictating what it should be," said the guide resignedly. Gelberg assumed they were quoting someone again; before he could ask who it was the self-styled "merchant prince" was regaling him with the "incredible opportunity" investment in the publishers of the ''Stories of the Vigilance'' presented for the Commonwealth and it was all he could do to keep up with the rush of words.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Metal movable type.jpg|caption=Movable type has revolutionised printing in the Empire.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/riZAqkMnM7s?si=cYtjsIZUKu7oBPUn}}
Last season, the [[The_League_groups#Printers'_Guild|Printers' Guild]] secured the position of [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung|patrons of the Beurteilung]]. They used the opportunity to ask ''"the Commonwealth appraisers, led by Professor Immanuel Gelberg, to find ways to expand the printing empire of the Printers' Guild, to address all those with a soul, across all corners of the Empire, and beyond"''. The [[Commonwealth]] publishes the words of philosophers such as ''Leonitz Altmann'', to educate, and to inform the people of the nation. Many of these books find their way to scholars outside their borders, spreading a vision of the Commonwealth as a land of freedom and opportunity to neighbouring nations.

Professor Gelberg is interested to see the facilities the Empire has and how they compare to those of his home. He is especially intrigued by the widespread use of movable type in [[Tassato]] - it seems that for all their expertise in distribution, the Commonwealth is still using [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodcut woodcut] printing for almost all their publishing. There is excited talk of Printers' Guild expertise being brought to Volkavaar at some point and of the opportunities it would open up there. But that is beyond the remit of the Beurteilung and must remain in the future for now.
==The Printers' Guild==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Printers' Guild Grand Guildhouse'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Tassato#Tassato_Mestra|Tassato Mestra, Tassato]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* The income of the Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum would become 20 crowns per season
* The income of the Custodian of the Printers' Guild Mausoleum would become 3 thrones per season
* Allows a key member of the Printers' Guild to spread a single publication across the Empire each season at a cost of 1 throne
* Allows a merchant-prince of the Printers' Guild to create a single address to the Empire in the period following its completion
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''An edifice built in Tassato Mestra would cement the Printers' Guild as a lynchpin in the Empire's publication industry'''
* '''The commission would provide additional benefits to the Printers' Guild Museum and Mausoleum'''
* '''The offices would allow the Guild to add a single publication to the wiki each season'''
* '''The grandeur would allow the Guild to issue a single address to the entire Empire'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Fabio1201.jpg|align=right|caption=Fabio Costas de Sarvos, Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum|width=275}}
The Printers' Guild have offices throughout the League, but it is in [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Tassato Mestra]] that their presence is concentrated. Professor Gelberg and his assistants are impressed with the facilities, but obviously they could be significantly improved and enhanced with a little Commonwealth expertise. There are ways to improve the logistics and procedures; to cheaply increase the effectiveness of ink and type and of woodcut illustrations. Within a month, Gelberg presents a straightforward set of procedures that also involve buying up additional warehouse space and securing ownership of the rest of the street on which the guild stands.

Once complete, the [[Edifice#Grandeur|granduer]] of the Grand Guildhouse will provide a significant boost to the public prestige of the Printers' Guild ('''OOC Note:''' Several paragraphs describing the Guildhouse will be added to the Tassato page, based on description submitted by whoever commissions the edifice).

The new facilities would have more room to house the exhibits on display in the [[Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum|Printers' Guild Museum]] and the grandeur of the new offices would encourage visitors to Tassato to tour the Museum. The current benefits, the donation of 4 crowns per season and the mana crystals collected by the Museum would be completely replaced by the handsome income generated by the museum from ticket sales - the holder of the sinecure would receive 20 crowns per season in place of these benefits.

The new edifice would also elevate the significance of the [[Custodian_of_the_Printers'_Guild_Mausoleum#Printers'_Guild_Mausoleum|Printers' Guild Mausoleum]]. This cenotaph extols the virtue of the printed word and enshrines the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to spreading it. The plan to expand the premises would take advantage of this by charging visitors a small fee to take a tour of the Mausoleum, with guides employed to highlight and explain key features of the bas-relief. The current benefits, the mana crystals collected by the Mausoleum would be completely replaced - the holder of the sinecure would receive 3 thrones per season in place of the current benefits.

<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Release Publication'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Authorisation:''' Email from the group contact of the Printers' Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 1 throne</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Adds a copy of the supplied publication to the wiki</td></tr>
</table></div>
Room is always at a premium in a printing house, and the Printers' Guild is no exception. If the edifice were built, the expanded offices would give the Guild enough room to retain copies of their publications along with a small reading room where visitors might peruse the texts. It could take some time for old (or new) publications to be added to the archive, but they would form a lasting library of knowledge for the good of the Empire. ('''OOC Note:''' - the group contact for the Printers' Guild could email {{plot}} once per season, with a simple pdf containing a single piece of writing from the Empire setting, which would be added to the wiki in the same vein as used for the [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2|Seer of the Gateway]] at a cost of one throne).

Furthermore, the prestige conferred on the Guild by the grandiose commission would generate fleeting interest in their publications across the Empire. In the season following completion of the offices, there would be renewed interest in the publications of the Printers' Guild. The often controversial broadsheets and pamphlets published by the Guild, would be sought out by Imperial citizens across the Empire. This allows one of the merchant princes of the guild - perhaps '''Jonah Yakovitch''' or '''Carmine de Sarvos''' - an opportunity to spread their editorials far and wide. ('''OOC Note''' - A merchant-prince of the guild will have an opportunity to create an address to the Empire, following the same guidelines as an [[The Throne#Address the Empire|Imperial address]]. The text of the address must be submitted by e-mailing {{plot}} before the end of the downtime following the event where the edifice is completed. The letter will form part of the Winds of Fortune update that appears on the wiki for the next event. This ability can only be used ''once'' ever.)

===The Farthest Shore===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Printers' Guild Bibliopole'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Betovering and Leerdam</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 8 wains of [[white granite]], 24 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Copies of Printers Guild publications stored in Tassato would be made accessible across the world
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Opening offices for bibliopoles in Betovering and Leerdam would make Printers' Guild publications accessible across the world

The prestige of the Printers' Guild in the Empire is only half the task, however, and the rest of Professor Gelberg's time is spent exploring ways to spread the words printed beyond the borders of the Empire. As the Commonwealth knows well, "exporting words" runs into two main problems. The first is the language barrier, and the second is the interest barrier. While the Empire speaks a unified language, shared with the foreign powers local to it, each other great nation of the Known World speaks its own language or in some cases languages. Translation is an art rather than a science, and greatly increases the effort needed to make written words accessible - especially when one takes into account that a Known world-wide audience needs dozens of translators potentially.

Then there is the interest barrier; ,most people are broadly disinterested in things happening in the Empire that don't concern them directly. Those nations with an interest in Imperial activities already have their own means to keep abreast of situations - that's what [[Ambassador|ambassadors]] are for after all. The main audience for books and papers written in foreign nations is magicians, engineers, and natural philosophers who can benefit from studying the techniques used by their foreign peers. With the best will in the world, however, this represents only a tiny fraction of the people in the world. And many of them, says Professor Gelberg grumpily, haven't got the budgets to spend on lots and lots of foreign books.

Still, a little interest is better than no interest. For a modest investment of 8 wains of white granite and 24 crowns, the Printers' Guild could open small shops in Leerdam and Betovering and employ a bibliopole in each city to translate and sell copies of any publications stored in the main offices in Tassato. These investments wouldn't yield much in the way of returns - but sales of rare translations to interested parties would produce be sufficient to cover the running costs. These translations are never going to move the masses in foreign nations, but it would mean that foreign scholars and specialists across the world, could have access to any of the information published in Tassato if they took an interest in Imperial affairs.

==The Publishing Clearing House==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Publishing Clearing House'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Tassato Mestra, Tassato</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains of white granite, 150 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Provides a level of investment in businesses in Tassato increasing their income by 36 rings
* Increases the income of the [[Printmaster of Cevia]] to two thrones
* Cements Tassato as the centre of printing across the Empire and nearby nations
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Establishing the Clearing House in Tassato would boost sales and profits for every publishing house in the city'''
* '''This great work would boost income for all businesses in the territory'''
* '''It would enhance the prestige and profits of the Printmaster of Cevia'''
* '''It would enshrine Tassato's position as the centre of the Imperial publishing world'''

Having considered ways to promote the standing of the Printers' Guild, Gelberg and his team, have devoted the remaining time to looking at ways to boost the interests of printing houses in Tassato more generally. The professor states that doing so meets the terms of Die Beurteilung since it will advance the cause of the Printers' Guild along with everyone else. In truth it seems that the professor's implacable commitment to the Common Good means he is more comfortable working on problems whose solution might benefit society more widely.

Gelberg proposes the establishment of a clearing house in Tassato Mestra that would serve all of the cities' printing guilds. The clearing house would specialise in distributing books, pamphlets, and broadsheets mostly in Imperial but also small runs of documents in foreign languages that might sell abroad. A warehouse suitable for storing large amounts of reading matter would be established along the river, with piers so that boats can quickly and securely load and unload bundles of paper and the like for wider distribution. A small staff of professionals would be hired to help run the clearing house, specialising in identifying opportunities for sales or dealing with visiting merchants. The Clearing House would boost profits of printers across Tassato, allowing them to concentrate on printing while the Clearing House handled sales for them, or provided expert assistance. Given the scale and excellence of Imperial printing this would represent, it would also attract interest from smaller nations with less established printing industries who could come to Tassato looking for help to commission print runs of their own texts.

The Publishing Clearing House would provide a burst of additional prosperity for Tassato. Between the demand for Tassatan printing, and the printed materials themselves, traders from all over the Empire would visit the city. It would also be of interest to travellers from [[Faraden]] and [[Axos]], and potentially from [[Otkodov]] and [[Skoura]]. The investment would be a significant boost to every printing house in Tassato, but the knock-on effects would mean more money in the local economy, providing 36 rings a season to every [[business]] in the territory.

The project would also enhance the prestige and importance of the [[Printmaster of Cevia]], who oversees the [[Printmaster_of_Cevia#The_Oathwright_Press|Oathwright Press]] (the only Imperial newspaper endorsed by an [[eternal]]). The Printmaster's [[Printmaster_of_Cevia#Printing_Profits|printing profits]] would be increased to two thrones each season, representing their improved access to Imperial markets.

Perhaps most importantly of all, the Clearing House would cement Tassato's position as the centre of printing technologies in the Empire, helping them to improve their production quality and otherwise bringing prestige to the guilds that focus around the written word. This would include creating an update to the [[Technology#Printing_Press|printing press]] section of the wiki, as it fosters widespread acceptance of movable type and positions Tassato as the world-leader when it comes to modern printing techniques.

==A Printer's Shrine==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Investment in Moor's Mill'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Tassato Regario, Tassato</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 5 wains of white granite, 5 wains of mithril, 30 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates an edifice in Tassato Regario.
* Increases the prestige of the Moor's Mill Printers and Publications guild.
* Encourages interest in "ringblack novels" - cheap, lurid tales of audacity and derring-do.
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A subsidiary proposal has been made via one of Professor Gelberg's students
* '''Investment in the ''Moor's Mill Guild of Printers and Publications'' would increase interest in ringblack novels
* '''It could provide future opportunities to inspire vigilance in Imperial citizens
While visiting Tassato Mestra ''Carina Schiver'', one of Professor Gelberg's students, was approached by a group of young people associated with the small printing guild of ''Moor's Mill'' in Tassato Regario. The printworks has seen better days. Controversy caused the once prosperous guild to disband some twenty years ago following backlash against the publication of ''Necessary Actions'', the memoirs of the polarizing exemplar [[Berechiah]]. The abandoned building was taken over by a small group of youths who repaired the press, and began their own small business. In addition to offering cut-price printing to the poorer folk of Tassato Regario, they are perhaps [[Knocking_on_every_door#The_Printers'_Shrine|best known]] for printing a sporadic periodical called "Stories of the Vigilant".

This cheap broadsheet contains variously fictionalised accounts of plucky Imperial citizens taking on and helping to defeat cults of [[Agramant]], [[vyig]] schemes, wicked [[Whisper Gallery]] inspired plots, embezzlers, and corrupt politicians. They're quite popular in some quarters, apparently, especially among the [[mountebank|mountebanks]] and [[bravo|bravos]]. Improving the prestige of the Moor's Mill guild would give them more opportunity to commission and publish ringblack novels - a form of entertainment popular in Tassato - and increase interest in other parts of the Empire (the rest of the League, Highguard, and the Brass Coast in particular). This would help establish a new literary movement in the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ChildPrimer6.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=From ''A Children's Primer of the Way''}}
There was a brief hope that the press might see an injection of funds when the [[Vigilance]] assembly was looking for a suitable [[Inspirational location|inspirational tomb]] for [[Berechiah]] but that amounted to nothing. The ambitious guild saw an opportunity to advance their operations when the Commonwealth academics came to town and managed to finagle a meeting with them via Carina. Immanuel Gelberg was polite but saw little benefit in getting their hopes up - but Carina Schiver disagreed and pressured the professor to include her own notes as part of ''die Beurteilung''. After all, she says, the Printers' Guild are no strangers to controversy themselves. Truth be told Carina is clearly a little enamoured of the romance represented by the "plucky underdogs".
{{WingedMessenger|address=''Tomasin de Regario'' is the notional "merchant prince" of the Moor's Mill Guild of Printers and Publications, and if anyone were so inclined they might send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to them at ''The Moor's Mill Clubhouse, Tassato Regario, Tassato''. There's no guarantee the relatively poor guild will be able to stump up the money to buy mana crystals for a winged messenger of their own, but they're not without resources so might find ''some'' way to reply.}}
Investing in the ''Moor's Mill Guild of Printers and Publications'' represents an [[edifice]] built in Tassato Regario. At the most basic level it involves renovating the premises and modernising the presses, as well as giving a much-needed "makeover" to the members of the guild themselves. The Guild themselves have neither wealth nor political power to contribute to this project; they are very much looking for wealthy philanthropists to offer them a little no-strings patronage. This investment would be significantly less impactful than the proposals that would have seen the place become a centre for the distribution of Vigilant tracts. It would merely foster interest in the ringblack novels that the small guild specialises in. These somewhat lurid stories of Imperial citizens - usually of the League - doing vigilant and audacious things are viewed as a particularly cheap form of entertainment unsuitable for more refined palates. ('''OOC Note''' - as an edifice this would also add a few lines of description on the Tassato page, as befits an edifice of limited [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]]).

That said the place still resonates with the elements of Berechiah's life that are about direct action - about investigating and uncovering threats and confronting them personally, about taking responsibility for keeping your home safe, about exposing threats publicly - and about commemorating the people who do such things. If the Vigilance assembly were to [[Writ_of_consecration|choose to consecrate]] it with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]], it would likely have some impact on the vigilance of the League. This would be especially true of those bravos and mountebanks who look to Berechiah - or at least his notions of vigilance - for inspiration.
===A Printer's Friend===
* '''The Chair of the Wolf could commission any of these projects as part of their responsibilities'''
* '''Doing so identifies them as benefitting the prosperity of the League and attracts additional interest'''
* '''The current Chair of the Wolf is Lucrezia Corvinascura but the title is due to be reappointed during the Winter Solstice'''

The [[Chair of the Wolf]] is a title established in [[Holberg]] with the support of the College of Engineering at the university there. While they're free to commission projects as they wish, the College [[Chair of the Wolf#Responsibilities|expects the Chair]] to spend at least some time ensuring that the cities of the League remain the greatest in the world. Once Professor Gelberg's proposals are delivered, they present additional opportunities for the Chair. The Printers' Guild opportunities in Tassato have potential to inspire ambition and pride in the people not only of Tassato but the League as a whole. Their support also comes at least a little from the fact that textbooks are ''expensive'', and better and more accessible printing helps professors and students alike.

If the [[Chair of the Wolf]] commissions any of these three commissions, there will be additional benefits.

{{WingedMessenger|address=''Niccolo dos Tassato, Tassato School of Epistemology'' is a bishop who teaches and preaches at the school. They are much too busy with the work of the school to have time for letters under normal circumstances, but on this singular occasion, they would accept a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] from a member of the Printers' Guild in good standing.}}
* '''Printers' Guild Grand Guildhouse''': Support from the Chair of the Wolf would position the expansion of the Printers' Guildhouse as a virtuous reward for ambition, and a source of pride for the whole city. It would improve the perceived grandeur of the Museum and Mausoleum, ensuring they became places of note in Tassato and attract historians, scholars and academics to the grand opening of the new offices. If that happens, then ''Niccolo dos Tassato'', an esteemed member of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology|Tassato School of Epistemology]] has offered to use the school's facilities to house visiting scholars, supporting the opening with guest lectures and an exchange of knowledge. If that happens the Guild could request that the bishop take advantage of the occasion to produce a ''single'' piece of historical research on a notable incident or individual, by sending them a winged messenger from a member of the Guild in good standing.

* '''Publishers Clearing House''': Commissioned by the Chair, the project would capture the imagination of the guilds of the League. If that happens, [[Reclaimers#The_Park|renowned architect]] ''Katarzyna Von Carstein'', would volunteer her services to design the Clearing House. She has in mind a bold design employing the latest architectural techniques to create a great vaulted glass ceiling, one to rival the Ambition [[Golden_light#The_Atrium_of_Golden_Light|of Capodomus Cathedral]], a stark illustration of the ability to allow great literature to illuminate any situation. News of the grandeur and beauty of the building would inspire printers and publishers all over the world, calling them to Tassato to share their learning and study the latest techniques. It would permanently elevate the position of Tassato, not simply as the centre of printing and publishing in the Empire, but in the whole world. No other city or would be able to rival Tassato's mastery of this new technology while the Clearing House still stood.

{{WingedMessenger|address=''Esmeralda di Rodez, Moor's Mill Publishing, Tassato'' is a cicisbeo with a dubious past. As a hard working member of her Guild she has few interests beyond restoring the prestige of Moor's Mill Publishing.}}
* '''Moor's Mill Publishing Investment''': Investment in the plucky underdog guild would catch the imagination of the more romantic members of the League if it were commissioned by the Chair of the Wolf. If that happens, then Esmeralda di Rodez, a cicisbeo with a troubling past, will donate a relic of [[Berechiah]] to whichever title is appointed to run [[Repair_Berechiah%27s_Basilica|Berechiah's Basilica in Bastion]] once both commissions are complete. Esmeralda claims the relic was recovered from the vyig, when those criminals were driven out of the League. The lady has always denied the rumours that she herself was often to be seen in the company of said criminals, before their fall from grace. Whatever the truth of the matter, she is acknowledged as a member of the Moor's Mill Publishing Guild ''now'', and the offer appears completely genuine. She asks only that someone send her a winged messenger once the work on both commissions is fully complete, so that she can arrange delivery of the relic.

Obviously the Chair of the Wolf can only oversee one commission each season and likely has their own projects they wish to pursue. As long as the situation does not change, however, the opportunities remain available until the situation in Tassato changes significantly.

==Further Reading==
* [[Patron of the Beurteilung]]

* [[Threats that are to come]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Beat of your drum]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[Germinating_a_city#Die_Beurteilung|Germinating a city]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune discussing the Beurteilung
* [[According_to_principle#die_Beurteilung|According to principle]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the Beurteilung

* [[The_League_groups#Printers'_Guild|Printers' Guild]]

381YE Spring Equinox Synod judgements

2026-03-25T17:49:39Z

Novemberalice: /* Synod Judgements */

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

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

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Ambition===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Severin Teyhard von Holberg of the League || 120 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Delilah of Highguard || 50 votes ||
|-
| Medea Ruth Marshwatch of Urizen || 10 votes ||
|-
| Cardinal Severin retained Viviane de Coeurdefer of Dawn as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Severin appointed Ranae de Rondell of Dawn as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Vigilance===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Irada von Temeschwar of the League of the League || 167 votes || Reappointed as Cardinal
|-
| Aarne Ceorling of Wintermark || 54 votes ||
|-
| Cardinal Irada appointed Aarne Ceorling of Wintermar as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Irada appointed Adamah of Highguard as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Pride===
Following the death of Cardinal Elka.
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Azekah of Highguard || 105 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Ozren Orzel of Dawn || 75 votes ||
|-
| Jaromir Dristanov Scovak of Varushka || 10 votes ||
|-
| Cardinal Azekah retained Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato of The League as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Azekah appointed Rane Jorunsdottir of Wintermark as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Cardinal of Loyalty===
Following the revocation of Cardinal Oberon.
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Frederik di Regario of the League || 193 votes || Appointed as Cardinal
|-
| Cardinal Frederik retained Tess of the Marches as Gatekeeper || - || -
|-
| Cardinal Frederik retained Corwin Leafstalker of Navarr as Virtue Inquisitor || - || -
|-
|}

Cardinal Frederik died courageously in battle towards the end of the summit, leaving this position vacant for next summit.

===Appointment of the Dean of Laroc Cathedral===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Odelina de Rondell of Dawn || 92 votes || Appointed as Dean
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Crow Keeper of the Rest===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Nilis Bardstrom of Wintermark || 63 votes || Appointed as the Crow Keeper
|-
| Kitsana Throne’s Protector of Wintermark || - || Died during the voting process
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Guardian of Giselle’s Tomb===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Casimir Marcellino di Sarvos of the League || 102 votes || Appointed as the Guardian
|-
| Erasmo di Tassato|| 42 votes ||
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Zeno, Stallion's Sibling of Urizen || 7 votes || Appointed as the Auditor
|-
| Iniska Ashwood of Navarr || 0 votes ||
|-
|}

The Senate passed [[Amend powers of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability|a motion amending the powers and appointment of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]]

===Appointment of the High Bard of the Empire ===
{|
| '''Candidate''' || '''Votes Received''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| Kaywenn du Launcet of the Order of the Gryphon’s Quill, Dawn || 3 votes || Appointed as the High Bard
|-
| Ser Thomas Aurelius of the Order of the Golden Heart, Dawn || 2 votes ||
|-
| Bessy the Bard of House Du Gauvain, Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Lady Ailliena of House Devereux, Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Lady Tamain of House Sepulchre, Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Earl Martel of Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Sagramore of House Du Gauvain, Dawn || 0 votes ||
|-
| Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra of the Brass Coast || 0 votes ||
|-
| Lolhäwk Sherarding of Wintermark || 0 votes ||
|-
|}

===Appointment of the Imperial Chaplain Consular===
Cardinal Atla appointed Bloodcrow Ergot of the Imperial Orcs as Imperial Chaplain Consular.

===Appointment of the Virtue Inquisitor of Courage===
Following the death of Rodrigo Whittington of Dawn.
Cardinal Levitia appointed Lucifer, Son of Cyrus of Highguard of Virtue Inquisitor of Courage.

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

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Judgement''' || '''Raised By''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| 1 || Ambition || Appointment of the Cardinal. || Civil Service || Severin was appointed
|-
| 2 || Vigilance || Appointment of the Cardinal. || Civil Service || Irada was reappointed
|-
| 3 || Pride || Appointment of Cardinal after the death of Elka Gremani. || Civil Service || Azekah
|-
| 6 || Navarr || Mandate. The Navarr National Assembly sends Corey Wayfarer with at least 25 liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress Reborn and the hope of a Land Without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Corey Wayfarer || Upheld 117 - 0
|-
|7 || Dawn || Appointment of the Dean of Laroc Cathedral. || Civil Service || Odelina de Rondell was appointed
|-
| 8 || General || Inquisition. I wish to summon Silas of Zephaniah's Lament to Inquisition regarding her conduct in framing a number of individuals. To take place at 10:15pm, Friday in The Hub. || Amahel || Upheld 238 - 27
|-
| 9 || Pride || Inquisition. Ephrael of Zephaniah's Lament is called to Inquisition regarding the death at her hands at the previous summit. At 11pm Friday at the Highborn chapel. || Ephron || Upheld 70 - 0
|-
| 10 || Wintermark || Appointment of the Crow Keeper of the Rest. || Civil Service || Nilis Bardstrom was appointed
|-
| 11 || League || Appointment of the Guardian of Giselle’s Tomb. || Civil Service || Casmimir di Sarvos was appointed
|-
|13 || Varushka || Mandate. The national assembly sends Father Nikolovich Drakov with 25 doses of liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress Reborn and the hope of a Land Without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Rooslan || Upheld 98 - 0
|-
|14 || General || Mandate. The Imperial Synod sends Bonewall Rek with 100 doses of liao to oversee the important task of explaining the Doctrine of the Howling Abyss and the Doctrine of the Ancestors to those followers of the Way who live on foreign shores. They will encourage scholars to travel to Asavea, Jarm, Sarcophan, and the Commonwealth to illuminate the reasons for these changes, and spread the understanding of the orc soul among pilgrims in these distant lands. || Bonewall Rek || Upheld 946 - 110
|-
|20 || Dawn ||Inquisition: The Dawnish National Assembly calls an inquisition of Yael of Highguard to discuss matters of faith and the future of Dawn and the Empire. To be held in the Glory Square at 6pm Saturday. || Aranen || Upheld 52 - 20
|-
| 23 || Amahel || Sanction: Castigation. Escalation of judgement 8. Silas of Zephaniah's Lament confessed to lacking Vigilance while investigating heretics and blasphemers, while under Inquisition. We recommend Silas wears an item Hallowed to Vigilance for a year to remind her of the importance of the Virtue of Vigilance. || Amahel || Upheld 748 - 62
|-
|26 || Ambition || Recognition of an Exemplar: Anabela di Regario was a pre-Imperial ruler who brought together bitter enemies and rulers under her Ambition of creating a great and powerful city that would become Tassato. She displayed the signs of Benevolence, Salvation, Inspiration and Legacy which have been outlined in accompanying documents but summarised: <br>Benevolence - United Regario and Mestra. <br>Salvation - Turning the people against vengeance to true Virtue. <br> Inspiration - Her Impact on League culture and hearth magic. <br>Legacy - The city and its culture of rivalry. || Dietrich || Upheld 160 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| || || This judgement achieved the required greater majority of the Ambition assembly, and can now be escalated to the General Assembly at a future summit.
|-
| 27 || League || Mandate: <br>All city folk can spot a dodgy mountebank <br> Whether wearing Leaguish mask or Highborn veil, <br>The League assembly therefore does repudiate <br>The teachings of the false, deceitful Yael. <br>We sent to you our priest* with <br>50 doses of liao, to spread our message far and wide<br> Tassato, Holberg, Temeschwar and Sarvos,<br> Call you home to where True Virtue does reside. <br>*Astrid Fjellrevening di Tassato is sent. || Astrid Fjellrevening di Tassato || Upheld 194 - 20
|-
|28 || Dawn || Mandate: <br>One voice, one people & one harmony: <br>The tune sounds best when held as one;<br> I’ll sing my song of Yael to them, <br>The nation of the rising sun. <br>We send Criseyde with 25 doses of liao to carry her song of the 1st Empress to the people of Dawn. Let all who hear, know the truth of her Glorious return from beyond the Labyrinth. || Ser Criseyde || Not upheld 72 - 102
|-
|29 || Wisdom || Inquisition of Diras Irremais, Coven of Varushka, regarding the effects and outcome of the Whispers through the Black Gate ritual in relation to Wisdom of the actions taken, and how to move forward from this. At Sunday 1pm in Varushka. || Sariel || Upheld 124 - 0
|-
| 31 || Nine || Appointment of the High Bard of the Empire. || Civil Service || Kaywenn du Launcet was appointed.
|-
|33 || Brass Coast || Mandate: The Freeborn assembly sends Lucifaro i Erigo with at least 25 liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress Reborn and the hope of a Land Without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Lucifaro || Upheld 74 - 0
|-
|34 || League || Sanction - Vindication: The League National Assembly commend Lorenzo for his actions regarding the Blood Red Roads. He has consulted with Vates and conclave to have their support regarding the trods. The roads are a Prosperous endeavour. || Nadia || Upheld 122 - 0
|-
|36 || Marcher ||Mandate: The Marcher Assembly sends Sister Meredith with 50 doses of liao to spread the word in Upworld, Mitworld and Bregasland that the folk of Whittle are not good Marchers. Their refusal to abandon their misguided belief in the power of Hate marks them as blasphemers. They must be shunned until they renounce this blasphemy. || Bridget Talbot || Upheld 76 - 0
|-
|37 || Navarr || Sanction - Vindication of Idris Eternal of the Eternal Family. Regarding the Thumble he has shown himself to be Loyal to Navarr, Wise in his actions and Prosperous in his trades. || Iniska Ashwood || Upheld 82 - 0
|-
|41 || Loyalty || Revocation. We revoke Cardinal Oberon with love, on the basis that we require a vote in the Assembly this evening. || Caleb || Upheld 185 - 14
|-
|44 || Loyalty|| Appointment of the Cardinal. || Civil Service || Frederik di Regario was appointed
|-
|45 || Wintermark || Mandate: The National Assembly sends Aarne Ceorling with 150 doses of Liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress reborn and the hope of a Land without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes || Rane Jorunsdottir || Upheld 234 - 0
|-
|47 || Urizen || Inquisition of General Nicassia regarding the virtues and process of reasoning behind her decisions with the Military Council regarding actions in Mournwold. To be held at 5pm on Saturday at the Spire of the Bitter Chalice. || Xanthippe || Upheld 124 - 0
|-
|52 || General || Mandate: The Imperial Synod sends Sophus Cascade with 50 liao to encourage the people of Feroz to remain vigilant against the influence of the false Asavean religion. They must not forget that those who worship at this temple are idolators, and deserve neither sanctuary nor succour.|| Sophus Cascade || Upheld 461 - 79
|-
|57 || Marcher || Mandate: The National Assembly sends Cathy Upwold with 35 doses of Liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress reborn and the hope of a Land without Tears should retract their false doctrine and return to their homes. || Sister Cathy Upwold || Upheld 44 - 0
|-
|62 || Urizen || Mandate: The Urizen National Assembly sends Zeno, Stallion’s Sibling with 75 doses of Liao to repudiate the false teachings of Yael of Highguard. Those who have been deceived by her claim to be the First Empress reborn and the hope of a Land without Tears should retract this false doctrine and return to their homes. || Zeno, Stallion’s Sibling || Upheld 114 - 22
|-
| 63 || Nine || Appointment of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability. <br>The Senate passed [[Amend powers of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability|a motion amending the powers and appointment of the Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] || Civil Service || Zeno, Stallion's Sibling was appointed
|-
|66 || General || Rewarding of Livia Cascade: 5 Thrones for Liao and other items for Seer of the Gateway use. As a power of the Seer of the Gateway this Judgement passes without a vote. || Livia Cascade || Upheld automatically
|-
|69 || Courage || Inquisition: Madyn Bitterbark, to test her virtue and prove that she acted and was not shamed by inaction, in regards to quests to Liathaven. Madyn supports this. Friday 8pm at the next Summit, Bitterbark house. || Lucifer, Son of Cyrus || Upheld 60 - 0
|-
|71 || Prosperity || Sanction - Vindication: for Landon of Longridge with respect to his Prosperity regarding the Weirwood auction at Winter Solstice 380YE. The Inquisition found that he did not act unprosperously. Escalation of Judgement 39 Winter Solstice 380YE || Vauraus || Upheld 89 - 0
|-
|74 || Brass Coast || Revocation: To remove the General title from Vrael i Sol-Devorador i Erigo. || Gonzola i Riqueza || Upheld 54 - 0
|-
|75 || Brass Coast || Mandate: The Imperial Synod sends Franco i Erigo with 50 Liao to encourage the people of Feroz to embrace the opportunities presented by the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull. While those who worship there may be Idolators they are not Imperial citizens and their faith does not concern the Freeborn so long as they follow our laws. || Franco i Erigo || Upheld 54 - 0
|-
|80 || General || Inquisition: I Jonah Yakovitch Priest of Vigilance call Hywel Summercrow to Inquisition at 2pm on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice in the Hub. To investigate the 30 Thrones withdrawn from the Virtue fund during his time in office and the lack of evidence pertaining to any studies he may have conducted. || Jonah Yakovitch || Upheld 564 - 38
|-
|82 || General || Rewarding: We recognise the Marcher Assembly of the Synod for the work of the Marcher priests in preaching against the false virtue of Hatred and in particular commend their loyalty in coming to the cities of the League to attempt to save the souls of former Marcher folk. We entrust 10 thrones to Sister Meredith Stellamaris to distribute amongst the Assembly as appropriate. || Adamah || Upheld 522 - 32
|-
|85 || General || Rewarding: Withdrawal of 5 Thrones for the purpose of spreading the new Doctrines of the Way to the Empire and nations of the world. As a power of the Chaplain Consular this Judgement passes without a vote. || Bloodcrow Ergot || Upheld automatically
|-
|89 || Nine || Mandate: The Council of Nine sends Sophus Cascade with 125 Liao to encourage the people of Feroz to remain Vigilant against the influence of the false Asavean religion. They must not forget that those who worship at the temple are idolators and deserve neither sanctuary nor succour. || Agnetha de Rondell || Upheld 5 - 0
|-
|91 || Brass Coast || Mandate: The Imperial Synod sends Franco i Erigo with 130 Liao to encourage the people of Feroz to embrace the temple at Balo and the Black Bull. While those who worship there may be idolators, they are not Imperial citizens and their faith does not concern the Freeborn, so long as they follow our laws. || J'zarr i Shartha i Guerra || Upheld 84 - 0
|-
|}

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

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Statement of Principle''' || '''Priest''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
| 4 || Dawn || The first reborn with open heart would leap. The frigid waters of her misplaced doubt. Accepting challenge to claim the Crown of Dawn. False Paragon in fear would slink away. False claims once tested. False hearts quick betray. In other words - Prove it. || Ozren de Orzel || Upheld 30 - 10
|-
|5 || General || There cannot be a faithful agreement between the Empire and any agency who holds Imperial lives in slavery. To allow this suffering to go unrecognised and without cessation is a failure of our Loyalty. We the Synod demand the Thule release all Imperial citizens they have enslaved and that reparations are paid for the slaughtered Imperial souls that were discovered beneath Crow’s Ridge. || Veikko || Upheld 861 - 181
|-
|12 || General || There are two concepts that have been discussed based on the Past Life Vision of Yael of Felix’s Watch: The concept that Paragons may voluntarily reincarnate. The concept of the “Land Without Tears”. These concepts are separate. Either may be true or false, independently of each other. These two concepts have been conflated repeatedly, and it is imperative that we do not conflate them. || Solas || Upheld 1088 - 84
|-
| 15 || General || The General Synod rejects that Yael is the First Empress Reborn and disbelieves her vision and teachings as stated. || Sabryya i Covas i Erigo || Upheld 971 - 664
|-
| 17 || Highguard || The National Assembly of Highguard believes that Sister Yael is the First Empress Reborn, returned amongst us to further our understanding of the Way of Virtue, to be our Guiding Light and to bring a glimpse of what lies beyond the Labyrinth of Ages || Jared || Upheld 379 - 76 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|19 || General || We recognise Dan Brackensong and the Voice of the Quiet Forest coven for their Virtuous actions in saving 200 soldiers' lives in Liathaven, by creating, commissioning, funding and casting the arcane projection “Heart’s Blood Feeds the Black Thorns” || Brodi Brackensong || Upheld 981 - 26
|-
| 21 || Brass Coast || The Freeborn Assembly declare that we do not consider the current method of election of Senators in the Brass Coast to be sufficiently Virtuous. We move that the top bid, after administrative deductions, should be shared among all that bid, not merely the top three non-winning bidders. Where everyone votes and bids, that Prosperity should be shared by all. || Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra || Upheld 64 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 22 || General || We believe that humans are the greatest beings in all creation. || Sejanus || Upheld 660 - 309
|-
| 24 || Urizen || The Spires of Redoubt are encouraged to be proactive in repairing the damage the Grendel-sent storms have done to our paths and bridges. Be Vigilant. Offer or request aid as arete and Prosperity allow. || Marissa Shatterspire || Upheld 192 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 25 || Pride || It is an affront to the Empire to send agents to spread spiritual influences of a malign nature - in direct violation of our laws - among our citizens. “Justice” (vengeance) is decried as a false virtue. The Honradez sisters were enabled in their violation of Imperial Law by Faraden agents and equipped with items clearly intended to incite murder. It is clear that some agents within Faraden intend to sow discord within the Empire. We invite the Faraden to offer an official explanation for these actions. || Ephrael || Upheld 100 - 0
|-
| 32 || Brass Coast || The Freeborn assembly explicitly reject Yael’s claim to be the First Empress Reborn and urges citizens to ignore her teachings. || Immeldar i Ezmara i Erigo || Upheld 74 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 35 || Marcher || Those who reject Hate will be welcomed back whole heartedly into the embrace of the Marcher Family. || Sister Meredith || Upheld 76 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| 38 || Loyalty || The Loyalty Assembly does not endorse fighting and squabbling between armies on opposing sides of the Yael schism. The Virtuous build each other up, they do not tear each other down! A Loyal and Virtuous Imperial army must always support other Imperial armies. Know your heart’s Loyalty and what commands it. Discuss and debate your differences, but when push comes to shove, we are one people, one Empire and must remain Loyal to the Empire and unite to defeat our barbarian foes. || Frederik di Regario || Upheld 89 - 0
|-
| 40 || Highguard || The Highguard National Assembly believes that it is Virtuous to build the Unbound-Steel Hall of the lost chapters in Tabernacle, Reikos and fully supports this endeavour. || Lev Unbound || Upheld 98 - 0
|-
| 42 || General || The occupation of Tamarbode is being diplomatically resolved by the Archmage of Spring, Asenath of Felix’s Watch and Azrekal of the Sun of Couros. To take action against the residents of Tamarbode without consultation would be deemed unvirtuous! || Sela || Upheld 372 - 74
|-
|43 || Wisdom || We declare that military matters are Harsh and Hard and require harsh and hard choices to be made. Things that may be described as cruel, venomous, terrible or atrocities, should instead be described as effective or useless. It is Virtuous to use even horrifying means to achieve your goals. The goal of war is to defeat your enemies! “Nice” is not a Virtue. || Amris || Upheld 86 - 10
|-
|46 || General || The spiritual advisor of the Academy (currently Lucrecia) casts votes according to the wishes of the children and the young citizens of the Empire, thus giving them a voice in the Synod. || Lucrecia || Upheld 646 - 146
|-
|48 || General || The Imperial Synod wishes to engage in censored religious discussion with priests of Axos. We draw the following conclusions from their Symposium presentation: <br>It is not compatible with Doctrine: preaching the Axos religion within the Empire is a religious crime. <br>It is a product of reason: We find their conclusions incorrect due to our having different evidence (True Liao) rather than a failure to act on evidence and reason. <br>Future cooperation is desirable: The Synod is confident its Doctrines will stand up to evidence and welcomes further engagement. || Caelia of Weaver’s Reach || Upheld 432 - 30
|-
|49 || General || In Wisdom the Synod judges Liao trade with the Axos to be an acceptable activity that is neither virtuous nor unvirtuous. Axos’ use of Liao to create auras of Loyalty, Wisdom, Vigilance, Courage, Pride, Ambition and Prosperity is likely to lead to it being actively supported by the Synod.<br>Factors in favour:<br>reduce use of bone Liao.<br>Increased use of virtue auras in Axos<br>Support an enemy of the Druj<br>Prosperity of our merchants. <br>Factors against:<br>Supporting a religion that contradicts Doctrine<br>Increased use of false Virtue auras.<br>Supports a Grendel trading partner. || Tarquinius || Upheld 439 - 46
|-
|50 || General || The Synod supports Axos citizens visiting the Empire and reminds them that: Heresy (preaching their religion) is a crime. Blasphemy (denigrating the virtues of our Paragons) is a crime. Idolatry (worshipping non-human entities) is a crime. Holding Axos beliefs is not a crime. By tradition foreign visitors are not usually accused of religious crimes against themselves or each other, but if in doubt speak to an Imperial priest first. || Cyra Stormhaven || Upheld 501 - 16
|-
|51 || General || We recognise the inspirational quality of Dan Brackensong’s Pride of Holberg art installations “Guises of Virtue”, and encourage virtuous citizens to visit the Senate to see them. || Elowen of Exile’s End || Upheld 560 - 26
|-
|53 || Highguard || Highguard believes that medical reserves have the right to follow their wisdom on who they treat and how they are treated. Advice from commanding officers and others is welcome and to be considered by the physicks to ensure the best outcome for the situation, but physicks should not be pressured to break their oath when carrying out their duties. Final decisions on who and how to treat are the responsibility of the physick. || Rhesa || Upheld 330 - 16
|-
|54 || Pride || The Empire has many capable and talented citizens. It is extremely unlikely that there will ever be only a single viable candidate for an elected position. Therefore, we encourage citizens to ensure that no election passes with a single uncontested candidate, and those with the desire and capability to perform it to find the Pride to stand for it, even in the face of challenging odds. || Azekah || Upheld 85 - 0
|-
|55 || Dawn || Enchantress Orlene of the Dread and Terrible House Ossiene will lead a glorious, virtuous Charge of Dawnish Troubadours and large goblets of Liao into the Barrens to convert the Orcish dispossessed Druj to The Way || Enchantress Orlene || Upheld 154 - 32 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
| || || Imperatrix Lisabetta invoked the Throne's Power of [[Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]], making this judgement require a Greater Majority to pass. A Greater Majority of the Dawnish National Assembly was estimated to be 113.
|-
|56 || Wintermark || Hengist Dunn, Senator of Hahnmark, through Past Life Vision, revealed his past life as the first Stormcrow of Steinr, who witnessed, soon after Steinr herself fell from the sky, the first Three tears Nation: Steinr, Vard and Jotun. This Nation was broken when Catrina, leader of the Vard broke Thane of Thanes Uhtred of Steinr’s hospitality and murdered Jarl of Jarls, Sigurdson Wyrmslayer. Kali Keen-Eye is the reincarnation of the personal Grimnir of Emperor Guntherm and saved the life of that era’s Jarl of Jarls of the Jotun whose descendants owe a blood debt to. These sagas must be spread to every Hall in Wintermark. These stories must be learned upon. || Jorma Steelhail || Upheld 157 - 0
|-
|58 || Courage || Tanwyn Ankarien has demonstrated great Courage in her efforts to liberate Spiral. In doing so she has shown three of the Signs of the Exemplar. We commend her for her Virtue and urge her to maintain this course, looking to her Legacy and Pilgrimage. <br>Benevolence: seeking to restore Spiral. <br>Inspiration: Her name is spread and echoed by the Spiral Resistance. <br>Salvation: Spiral citizens kept from and rescued from slavery. || Belisarius Blackheart || Upheld 224 - 16 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|59 || Navarr || We the Navarr National Assembly fully support the use of cruel tactics by the Varushkan Iron Helms army against our enemies, for these tactics are how we of Navarr have survived since the dance of Navarr and Thorn. These tactics are virtuous and hold no bar for true followers of the Way. || Brat || Upheld 87 - 0
|-
|60 || General || We acknowledge the Loyalty of Gully of Varushka in his recent command of the Iron Helms army. || Belakov || Upheld 436 - 100
|-
|61 || Highguard || The Highborn Assembly believe that the historical artwork, a stained glass window in the tomb of Miriam the Strong, should be restored as close to the original version as possible. || Nira of Cantiarch’s Hold || Upheld 120 - 0
|-
|64 || Assembly of Nine || We the Council of Nine reject Yael and her teachings. || Irada von Temeschwar || Upheld 7 - 1 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|65 || Ambition || The Cardinal of Ambition seeks the Guidance of the Assembly in the appointment of the Virtue Inquisitor of Ambition. Candidates should make themselves known to the Herald. ‘Voting’ will proceed in the expected manner. || Severin Teyhard von Holberg || Upheld.
|-
| || || <br>Votes for Ranae de Rondell of Dawn - 50. <br>Votes for Vitor di Mestra - 10. <br>Votes against the motion: 22. <br> The Civil Service are unlikely to allow citizens to use Statements of Principle as a voting mechanism in the future due to the confusion caused.
|-
|67 || Dawn || The Dawnish National Assembly recognises the Empress Lisabetta as Queen of Dawn. She is the ultimate authority in this life and her words should be followed above all others || Tamain Sepulchre || Upheld 158 - 20 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|68 || Urizen || The Urizen National Assembly recognises the Courage of the Commonwealth in sending its armies to oppose slavers. If they were willing to assist against the Grendel slavers in Spiral we would find it virtuous for Urizen traders to encourage trade with the Commonwealth. || Alexis Vanahir of Weaver’s Reach || Upheld 116 - 20 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|70 || Marchers || The Marcher Assembly explicitly rejects Yael’s claims of being the First Empress reborn and urges citizens of the Marchers to reject her teachings. || Robin of Swindale || Upheld 44 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|72 || Prosperity || Ingar Ironbreaker and the Saker coven are recognised and applauded for their Prosperous actions casting rituals to aid the Imperial military over numerous seasons. They use the talents and goods that they have to save Imperial lives and act when needed in a Prosperous fashion. They are an example to all Imperial covens.|| Vauraus || Upheld 99 - 0
|-
|73 || Wintermark || The Stormcrows of Wintermark wholeheartedly condemn the decision to employ brutal, dishonourable tactics in the Mournwold, and are concerned by a trend of cruelty in Imperial military matters. These citizens who died in the Mourn were denied the opportunity for Virtue and a good death. Our enemies were not given good deaths, and our own soldiers suffered the same. The lack of Vigilance on the part of the Council is unacceptable, in not considering the consequences of their choices on Imperial Souls. This is not how Wintermark fights and it should not be how the Empire fights, or we are not worth fighting for. || Gunnbrand || Upheld 149 - 15
|-
|76 || Varushkan || The Varushkan National Assembly support the use of the Iron Helms. They are cruel when necessary. They are an army comprised of people from a hard land who make the hard choices. Our enemies deserve no mercy; “nice” is not a Virtue. || Father Nikolovich Drakov || Upheld 104 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|77 || Prosperity || In the light of recent incidents the Prosperity Assembly emphasises that Foreign Nationals must abide by Imperial Law (especially with respect to religious crimes) whilst in Imperial Territory, and should not stand in the way of the Empire prosecuting violations of Imperial Law under the Imperial Legal System. The same should apply to the Empire and to Imperial Citizens in foreign lands. Such agreements will facilitate good trade relations and Prosperity between the Empire and our neighbours while sending a clear message that we will prosecute foreigners who commit religious crimes in our land. || Mazo i Zabala i Erigo || Upheld 109 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|78 || Prosperity || We recognise the diligent and committed work of the Seer of the Gateway Livia Cascade in carefully documenting and investigating the True Liao visions of the worthy. The virtuous labour of our citizens should not be unrewarded and we call upon the Order of the Sevenfold Path in our conclave to make available 10 Ilium rings so that a set of regalia may be created - a Mendicant’s Cassock that will aid Livia in her work and form a lasting legacy as the Regalia of the Seer of the Gateway || Ricardo di Tassato || Upheld 109 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|79 || Prosperity || The Assembly wishes to recognise and reward the Imperial Consul, Aureliana Perpetua Nicasia Saverio di Sarvos, for her benevolence and Prosperity. When the Empire faced an issue with the Druj she prosperously provided the seven wains of White Granite with the betterment of the Empire in mind. We reward her with 12 crystals of Mana funded by the Empress with a view that she will use these prosperously for the Empire. Her actions are an example of how the virtuous act. || Morgan Leafstalker || Upheld 94 - 0
|-
|83 || Imperial Orcs || We the National Orc Assembly recognise the miraculous and virtuous nature of the actions taken by Skywise Rykana in the steading of Return before winter in resisting a potent fear aura when no other orc could, and the breaking of the stone when no other could, and the liberation of the countless suffering souls within. Should this miracle be recognised we will further this to the General Assembly. || Skywise Gralka || Upheld 48 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|84 || League || The greatest work our Empire has ever created is our people. Forged by the Way and sharpened by our cultures. In Loyalty we welcome the people of Whittle to integrate with the people of Tassato. We will provide an education to every child to ensure a prosperous future and instruction in the seven Virtues. We have courage in our conviction and take pride in our people. || Harlequin || Upheld 182 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|86 || Marcher || The monks and friars of the Marches condemn the lack of Vigilance shown in not facing the threats posed by cursing the Mourn. We condemn the lack of Loyalty shown to the 250,000 Marchers left there. The Urizen General has been rebuked by the Synod. The Warmage has lost his seat over this. Those responsible shall be held to account. || Martin Orchard || Upheld 46 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|87 || Courage || The Assemblies that speak and pass Judgements against Yael, the First Empress Reborn, show a lack of Courage. If they truly disbelieved her Revelation and her words, they would have the strength of conviction to see her condemned, tried and convicted for the Heresy they say she preaches. Until they do this, they make a mockery of their own authority. || Isaac di Sarvos || Upheld 186 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|88 || Courage || Hear the Words of Yael. I cannot be turned from the truth I preach. I shall cleave to what I know to be True, and I can do nothing else. If the Synod rejects my words and Revelation, let it condemn me, try me, and seek my death as a Heretic. Though I am glad to face my martyrdom as Permion, I know that those who come after me will be as Lepidus. They shall be as the Seven Stars, to guide the Empire when my Guiding Light has been snuffed out. || Yael || Upheld 186 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|90 || Assembly of Nine|| We, the Assembly of Nine, request that the Silent Bell investigate Janon the Eternal of Night and cults associated with them - especially Freedom and people of note that have contact with him. || Levitia Endsmeet || Upheld 6 - 0 <br><label type="success">Greater Majority</label>
|-
|}

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

{|
| '''Number''' || '''Assembly''' || '''Statement of Principle''' || '''Priest''' || '''Outcome'''
|-
|16 || General || The General Synod believes Yael is the First Empress Reborn and is here to inspire us to greater understanding of the Way. The Way is always a step forward and this is our next step. As show in the True Liao vision of Yael, supported by the True Liao vision of Tabor the Fool and the Golden Fragment recovered by Ed Watcher. || Naomi || Not upheld 552 - 1116
|-
|18 || Varushka || I Snežana Shulgaova Lyubomir am standing for head of the Varushkan National Assembly, if this judgement is upheld it is recognised as my authority. || Snežana || Not upheld 22 - 54
|-
|30 || General || The General Assembly believes it to be Virtuous for the Quartermaster General to offer the guerdon only to armies whose nations reject Yael’s teachings. || Viviane de Coeurdefer || Not upheld 332 - 547
|-
| 39 || Highguard || A true pilgrimage should test the follower in many ways so that they grow, learn and gain awareness of how they shall follow the Way. I believe a “Grand Pilgrimage” of 3 to 6 months is needed for this. In agreement with the Navarr I believe this should be undertaken with Navarri guides and to travel the trods. In doing so we shall also drive back the vallorn. || Delilah || Not upheld 142 - 216
|-
|81 || General || It is virtuous for a priest to use the rite of Excommunication against people not under the writ of Excommunication to help combat Heresy, Blasphemy, and Idolators. || Edmundo || Not upheld 156 - 366
|-
|}

==Judgements to be carried forwards==
The Imperial Synod raised the following Veto for the following summit.

{|
| '''Assembly''' || '''Veto''' || '''Priest''' ||
|-
| General || Veto - The Senate proposal to abrogate the High Exorcist Stipend of 7 Thrones per season from the Imperial Budget and grant them the power to withdraw 7 Thrones from the Virtue Fund without the Synod being able to vote or veto. || Zastyt, the Feeder
|-
|}

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

{|
| ''Starting Value'' || 0 Thrones / 0 Crowns / 0 Rings ||
|-
| ''Income'' || 70 Thrones || The price paid in the Bourse Auction for the dose of True Liao
|-
| ''Rewards'' || 5 Thrones || Rewarding made to Livia Cascade, Seer of the Gateway.
|-
| || 5 Thrones || Rewarding made to Bloodcrow Ergot, Chaplain Consular.
|-
| || 10 Thrones || Rewarding made to the Marcher Assembly.
|-
| ''Closing Value'' || 50 Thrones / 0 Crowns / 0 Rings ||
|}

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

*Adelina Barossa, The League
*Aureliana di Sarvos, The League
*Corey Wayfarer, Navarr

==Assembly Strength==
<br/>

At the start of the summit the voting total of the General Assembly was calculated to be 2024

The final voting total of the General Assembly was estimated to be 2350

<br/>
At the end of the Spring Equinox 381YE the voting strength of the Virtue and national assemblies were estimated to be:

{|
| '''Virtue Assembly''' || '''Initial Voting Strength''' || '''Final Voting Strength''' || '''Final Greater Majority'''
|-
|Ambition ||190 ||250 ||126
|-
|Courage ||350 ||362 ||182
|-
|Loyalty ||336 ||358 ||180
|-
|Pride ||200 ||250 ||126
|-
|Prosperity ||197 ||207 ||104
|-
|Vigilance ||195 ||315 ||158
|-
|Wisdom ||214 ||248 ||125
|-
|The Way ||342 ||360 ||181
|-
| General ||2024 ||2350 ||1176
|-
|}

<br/>

{|
| '''National Assembly''' || '''Initial Voting Strength''' || '''Final Voting Strength''' || '''Final Greater Majority'''
|-
|Brass Coast ||84 ||84 ||43
|-
|Dawn ||194 ||224 ||113
|-
|Highguard ||532 ||616 ||309
|-
|Imperial Orcs ||58 ||58 ||30
|-
|Navarr ||223 ||223 ||112
|-
|The League ||248 ||288 ||145
|-
|The Marches ||44 ||76 ||39
|-
|Urizen ||154 ||226 ||114
|-
|Varushka ||130 ||160 ||81
|-
|Wintermark ||357 ||395 ||198
|-
| General ||2024 ||2350 ||1176
|-
|}

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

All the night-tide

2025-09-08T16:59:04Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"My grandfather began his life selling the fruits of the sea on the docks at Betovering, yet even from an early age he knew he was destined for great things. But unlike many people who dream of being rich and powerful, he pulled his finger out and went to work making it happen. Now he was not always an angel, as I'm sure some of you can attest first-hand"

An uneasy murmur of awkward laughter ran through the select crowd. Aart let it pass before continuing.

"... but he was a man of his word. If he said you would prosper under his leadership, then he would move the Teeth themselves to make that true."

"And burn your stall out if you didn't," interrupted his "Uncle" Daan. The ripple of uneasy laughter returned. Aart acknowledged his words with a rueful smile.

"And while his methods may have started out a little questionably - and he would be first to admit this - he made sure that those who were loyal to him had a place on the ladder behind him. And so here we are. The legacy that Sem van Visboer built is this family, and our guild, and while we may not sit on the high table yet, we are close enough that we can clean the cutlery.

"Get on with it," muttered his "Uncle" Daan. Aart did not hold his garrulousness against him - he had been very close to the old man and had been drinking pretty much solidly since the news of his death reached the house.

"From fishmonger to diplomat," Aart continued, getting ready to wrap up. "He was as you know one of those who negotiated the Steel Fist Bounty with the Empire of Catazar, and remained a regular visitor to their shores both for business and pleasure."

At this he raised his glass to the cowled and veiled figure who stood on the edge of the gathering. The Highborn was known to most of those present but the mourning traditions of the Imperials were not the same as those of Sarcophan. Everyone else was in their finest clothing, bright and rich, as befitted the act of respect they were about to engage in.

"Whilst there he viewed a gorgeous tapestry that hung in one of the chapterhouses. A piece of art depicting a number of important historical events, the colours of which entranced and delighted him. He spoke of it several times in his letters, and even offered a quite eye-watering sum of money to purchase it. His offer was rebuffed. Thank goodness, or we might all not be standing here today."

Laughter again, a little less awkward. Those in the know were aware of just how much Sem had proposed to spend on what Daan called "a nice wall rug".

"Knowing that, I thought there was only one way to honour him and to remind us all of how much we owe to his ambition."

He nodded, and the curtains fell away from the wall revealing an absolutely stunning stone fresco. Ships, and the sea, and storms, and a dozen other details, with a lion-headed man front and centre. There were approving gasps and a scattered round of applause. The sculpture was exquisite, and plainly not Sarcophan in style. The artist had used the lines of the marble to remarkable effect, capturing a sense of motion and wonder. Aart nodded again, and several of the guests came forward to lay fingers on the piece; his Aunt Yara pressed her cheek against the cold stone, her naga eyes glittering in pleasure.

"Who's that lion-head fellow?" asked his "Uncle" Daan, squinting a little drunkenly. "Is it meant to be an eternal?"

Aart shrugged. "I think it's one of their holy figures," he said. "I'm sure my grandfather knew, but all I know is that it's beautiful. And that it was ''very'' expensive."

Daan nodded approvingly. He continued to stare at the lionman, brow creased as he tried to work out exactly what it was meant to be. Aart let the moment linger a little then tapped one of his rings against his glass to get their attention.

"If you'd like to follow me through to the dining room," he said, "it's time to pay our final respects."

As the party filed through to the great hall, Aart glanced back at the fresco. It was very pretty, and the price made it a perfect way to show his respect and affection for the terrible old man. Then the sweet smells of the feast that was to come pulled his attention back to the real reason they were all gathered here today, and he closed the door behind him.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Leonid Meteor Storm.jpg|caption=The Sarcophan Delves would rather see everyone enjoy prosperity and wealth than fighting... although there is of course profit to be made in war as well.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az9e0daCbYU}}
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

The merchant-princes of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' - strive for neutrality. They are enthusiastic about trade with the Empire, but their neutrality is precious to them. They hold it a mark of pride that they will deal with anyone who has goods, services, or money. While they have given up the practice of slavery without regret, they refuse to pick a side between the [[Liberty Pact]] and the Freedom Accord. Their primary goal is to ensure the ports of the world remain open to their ships, ideally with [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] agreements that allow their merchants to operate without onerous [[tariffs]]. They have recently declared the ''Pax Sarcophan'' - a commitment to combat piracy and ensure that independent traders are free to sail [[the seven seas]] regardless of the politics of the great powers.

The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]|ambassador= Dino i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
==The Pax Sarcophan==
* '''The Pax Sarcophan appears to be holding - the Sarcophan will not tolerate attempts to blockade or attack their ships'''
* '''The Sarcophan have informed the Grendel that they require them to cease attacks on vessels trading with the Empire'''
Last season the Sarcophan Delves announced the institution of the ''Pax Sarcophan'', a commitment to keeping the sea lanes open to traders in the face of open warfare between multiple great powers. The Pax is straightforward; while nations have every right to sink each other's ships if they are at war, piracy will not be tolerated. Attempts to force uninvolved nations to stop trading with an enemy will be met with swift retribution from Sarcophan. They will cut off trade ties, encourage their allies to do the same, and send their own battle ships and privateers to harass the offending nation.

Ambassador Dino has acknowledged the Pax, and reassured the Bedelaar Huisbaas that the Senate will bear it in mind before engaging in future blockades or creating new laws about maritime matters. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has thanked the ambassador for their reply, and offered reassurances that it will have nothing to fear as long as it continues to respect the right of third-party nations to trade with whomever they wish.

One of the first targets of the Pax Sarcophan will be the Grendel; the Salt Lord's Council's open support for indiscriminate piracy in the Bay of Catazar is unacceptable. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has instructed the ambassadorial staff in Dubhtraig to make it clear to the Salt Lords that if they continue to endanger independent vessels in the Bay, the Sarcophan will take action. She is still waiting for a reply, but cautiously expects the Salt Lords to see sense. This won't help Imperial ships of course - the Grendel and the Empire are at war and Sarcophan has no interest in getting caught between the two - but it will be good news for anyone else whose ships visit Imperial ports.

===Beoraidh===
* '''Sarcophan are negotiating a treaty with Beoraidh'''
* '''The treaty would see the Delves gain a port on the Bay in return for support for Beoraidh's neutrality'''
* '''The Empire could try to influence or oppose the treaty'''
On a somewhat related matter, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike wishes to inform the Empire that the Sarcophan Delves are engaging in negotiations with the sovereign city-state of Beoraidh with regards to supporting its neutrality and ambitions to become a trading hub on the Bay of Catazar. The finer details of the treaty are still being worked out, but the Delves are looking to secure a trading enclave similar to the [[Houses_of_Silence#The_Alivetti_Enclave|enclave in Sarvos]], with an eye towards easy access to Grendel and Imperial goods and services. While the Bedelaar Huisbaas is aware of Grendel aggression in Mareave, should the ''[[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]'' prove victorious then the improved prosperity in Beoraidh, and a more open and accessible set of docks there, may well prove to be a significant boost to the fortunes of the territory.

The Civil Service caution that this interest in Beoraidh may prove to be a two-edged sword. If the Sarcophan treaty with former-Salt Lord Ehsan comes to fruition it will be harder for the Empire to move against the nascent city-state without diplomatic repercussions. While it will likely go some way to protecting Beoraidh and [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] from the [[Grendel]], it will mean that for either side control of the territory will require control of four of the remaining regions - meaning conflict in the territory will quickly leave ''neither'' side in control. Also, while there may be economic benefits for Mareave, regardless of who has overall control, the benefits to Beoraidh and Ehsan will be significantly greater - and reduce opportunities for Imperial investment in the city. It would also make it harder for the Empire to exert diplomatic pressure on Ehsan and his faction.

It's not entirely clear what the Empire can do at this time, but the fact that Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has let the Empire know before the treaty is finalised shows they don't want to risk presenting this as a fait accompli. It might be possible for the Ambassador and the [[Imperial Consul]] to influence the outcome. A strongly worded disapproval of Sarcophan involvement in Beoraidh might at least see some concessions from the Delves, while threats or firm offers from the Consul might in theory persuade Ehsan to accept limits on Sarcophan investment in the city-state (although obviously the more closely Beoraidh aligns with the Empire the greater the risk that the Grendel will move against it). At the worst the Empire could demand the Sarcophan drop the treaty entirely, though that would come at significant cost to their relationship with the Delves.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Oran_by_the_Sea.jpg|caption=The Celesti Lighthouse sits high on the headland overlooking Oran.|align=right|width=400}}

==Investment in the Brass Coast==
* '''The Sarcophan Delves have offered to provide cheap white granite to support the construction of the Celesti Lighthouse in return for a Sarcophan enclave in Oran'''
* '''Alternatively, the Sarcophan can sell white granite directly to the Freeborn to help fund the construction'''
* '''The Sarcophan will help to defend the site against attack by the Children of Wrecks or the Grendel'''
The Sarcophan have been asked if they would be interested in investing in the project to restore the [[Celesti_Lighthouse_Keeper#The_Celesti_Lighthouse|Celesti Lighthouse]] in [[Feroz]]. Candidly, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is concerned that building a lighthouse on the shores of the Brass Coast while the Children of Wrecks are still a threat to the Empire is a bold move. Yet those fears are somewhat allayed when it becomes apparent the plan would include fortifying [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]]. Given its position, Annike enquires as to whether Oran will be the successor to Siroc - a major trade hub in the western Bay?

There is certainly interest in getting in on the "ground floor" as it were but there are also concerns. With hostile and supernaturally strengthened forces in control of both the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]] and [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]] access by sea to Oran would be challenging indeed, even for the expert mariners of the Delves. Which is not to say that there is not a route to collaboration on this matter. With the DeBruin family [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks|active in the Bay]] Sarcophan captains are much more inclined to take risks knowing that there is a ready supply of mercenaries available to protect their ships from the murderous acolytes of ''[[Siakha|Hullbreaker]]''.

Details of the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#A_Vigilant_Light|lighthouse-citadel]] in Oran are intriguing. They have been extensively discussed at the Beggar's Feast, and Annike has been empowered to make an offer. Provided the [[Imperial Senate]] commissions the fortified citadel as presented by the Ambassador, the Sarcophan Delves are interested in an investment opportunity.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sarcophan Investment'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Amendment (Citadel)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 [[white granite]] and 30 [[mithril]], 200 thrones in labour and material costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirements:''' Cede a strip of land in Oran to Sarcophan to allow them to create a trade enclave like the Alivetti Estates</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects: ''' Creates a combined [[Venture]] and [[Voyage]] that allows Freeborn military units and fleets to defend Oranseri against attack until the work is complete.
</table>
</div>

They propose a treaty. They will supply white granite at discount rates, if the Senate is prepared to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|cede]] a parcel of land within the citadel, along the docks, in a similar manner to the Alvetti Estates. The land will be considered Sarcophan soil, allowing their traders may live and work without fear of harassment by the magistrates. In return they will provide a total of sixty wains of white granite over the year following the commission beginning at a little under two and a half thrones a wain. It accepted, this would amend the total costs for the fortified lighthouse reducing the white granite required to 60 wains but increasing the labour and material costs to 200 thrones.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is aware that the Imperial Senate may be too busy to consider such arrangements. If the Brass Coast would rather handle the matter directly themselves, then the Sarcophan could arrange that. Of course the Freeborn families can't cede the land for the Enclave, so such a deal wouldn't be anywhere near as attractive, but it would mean the construction could be expedited without wasting the Senate's time (the Sarcophan appear to be unaware that the new Lighthouse has not been commissioned).

In that case then the Sarcophan would make up to 15 wains of white granite available for purchase by the Brass Coast. The obvious title for the Sarcophan to liaise with would be the [[Celesti Lighthouse Keeper]], but that title has lapsed following the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#The_Celesti_Lighthouse|looting of the lighthouse by Rahab]]. Since the title won't be reappointed until the new commission is complete, the Ambassador suggests that the Sarcophan deal with '''Bakar i Riqueza i Erigo''', the previous holder of the position. The white granite would cost three thrones a wain, but Bakar could buy up to 15 wains a season at three thrones a wain for one year after the Senate commissioned the construction of the new fortification.

In either case, as part of the arrangement the DeBruin are prepared to help defend the site against attack. They propose to dispatch several of their warships to help the Freeborn protect the construction site from attacks by the Children of Wrecks - and even the Grendel should they attempt to threaten Sarcophan investment in Feroz. They caution however, that these vessels will not be sufficient by themselves to protect Oranseri if it is attacked by the Children of Wrecks. Their navy will easily overcome the Sarcophan defenders if they are fighting alone.

However the DeBruin could coordinate their efforts with local corsair families to create a new [[Voyage#Guarding_Voyages|defensive venture and voyage]], '''Protect the Celesti Lighthouse''' which would allow Freeborn military units and fleets to come together against any attackers. Provided there were enough of them, they could give the Children of Wrecks a bloody nose. Someone might have to arrange payment for the Freeborn defenders, but presumably the dhomiro could arrange that?
==Regarding new Imperial Laws==
* '''The Imperial Senate has criminalized the consumption and trade in sapient flesh
* '''This has implications both for Sarcophan funerals and the drug visivlees
Last season the Imperial Senate enacted a change to the law to explicitly “''outlaw the disbursement, trade, sale, and consumption of the flesh of the sapient denizens of the mortal realm''”. As part of their duties, Ambassador Dino has informed the Sarcophan Delves, rightly identifying that they would be impacted by the decision. Funerary rites in the Delves include a ritualised cannibalistic feast during which the family and friends of the deceased take part in a ceremonial meal that involves consuming the cadaver - cooked and prepared by specialised chefs. There is also a popular drug found only in Sarcophan called ''visivlees'' that is apparently made from specially treated flesh taken from corpses. Neither practice entirely matches the traditional view of cannibalism as a practice rooted in desperation or absolute wickedness, but it is nonetheless clear that the new law criminalizes both the traditional Sarcophan funeral and the consumption or trade of visivlees.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is, however, broadly unconcerned. Few Sarcophan would host a funerary feast in the Empire anyway - and if they did they would almost certainly do so in the confines of the Alvetti Estates where Imperial law is not a consideration. There might be considerations relating to the harassment of any Imperial citizen invited by a Sarcophan friend or business partner to take part in their funerary rites, but the Ambassador of the Delves suggests that such incidents become a source of concern only when they arise. Hopefully even the "overzealous" Imperial magistrates will not feel the need to punish grieving folk returning from a funeral.

The trade in visivlees might be impacted, but frankly it is rarely sold to Imperial citizens. There is a general squeamishness about consuming something made from the meat of sapient creatures and the drug is a premium product even in Sarcophan. Even there, muses Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, it is not uncommon for folk to eschew the drug due to its source. If any visivlees is being sold in the Empire it will be with the recommendation that the purchaser consume it before leaving the Sarcophan enclave, and if Imperial citizens choose to do otherwise it is not a concern for the merchants of the Delves.

At the end of the day, any perception of the Delves as a lawless haven of enthusiastic cannibals is little more than a smear campaign by those they have bested in trade. The idea that a citizen of the Delves might casually eat a stranger is very far from the truth indeed; it is no more likely that a Sarcophan will eat someone they do not know than it is that the average citizen of the League would do so. If she has a criticism of all this it is a personal one; in her opinion this kind of law is arguably more evidence that the Senate does not trust its citizens. Murder is already illegal, after all, regardless of whether the intent is to eat your victim. Presumably it is still illegal to steal from the dead - digging them up to consume them. Specifically calling out consumption of dead flesh feels like overstretch to the notoriously liberal Sarcophan. Indeed recent efforts to control what Imperial citizens can do, especially with regards to how they can entertain themselves, are a little disappointing to the ''Seat of the Crow''.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Money for Art's Sake==
* '''Artists and businessfolk continue to prosper from a fashion for Highborn sculpture and stone
* '''The sale has caused concern among Sarcophan followers of the Way in the Delves
And on the subject of funerary traditions... During the Spring Equinox ''Senna van Ijzer'', an art dealer associated with a small [[sect]] of the Sarcophan religion called ''De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen '' (but usually referred to as "the Collectors") [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Tombs_and_Tribulations|spoke with the Council of Benefactors]] of [[Highguard]]. The Collectors hold beliefs that are considered a little peculiar even by Sarcophan standards. Among them is a teaching that valuable objects depicting a deceased person's face hold immense value for buying a place in the Houses of Silence. It seems that Imperial iconography and funerary monuments are now extremely fashionable among Collectors, and even gaining some popularity with Sarcophan folk of more traditional beliefs.

Senna signed a year-long exclusive deal for Highguard [[white granite]] and stonemasonry with the benefactors. This has seen all Highborn [[business|businesses]] and [[mine|mines]] receive an extra 18 rings production per season. He apparently hopes that this trade might build the reputation of Highguard stonemasons internationally, with an eye toward a better deal to be brokered in 388YE.
{{SOP|statement=Sarcophan funerary traditions are a potent - if unknowing - expression of Pride and Prosperity. We call upon the artists of Highguard to embrace this moment of cultural exchange with the Sarcovans: let our art inspire virtue in Sarcophan so that they might be brought to the Way. Let us seize this opportunity to evangelise!|by=Keziah, Bishop of the Navigators, Highborn Assembly|vote=390-10|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
This arrangement has proved controversial. A priest of the Way from the Delves named ''Mischa van de Libel'', a [[dedication|dedicant]] of [[Prosperity]], has condemned the Collectors' fascination with Highborn art and the iconography of the Way. The sect has never shown interest in the Way itself, only the beauty of its imagery and its fashionable nature. Mischa warns that Senna's deal devalues the Way, and makes it easy for critics to denigrate its followers as valuing wealth over virtue. Mischa's pronouncements have been supported by concerned pilgrims of the Way in Sarcophan, and even from some worried Highborn citizens. The [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] ''präster'' have also pointed out that this trade represents, in their opinion, a failure of [[Pride]] - trading the beauty and splendor of the Way for coin.

The Highborn assembly discussed the matter during the Summer Solstice. While '''Dagon of the Shattered Tower''' raised a [[mandate]] condemning the practice, the Highborn Assembly chose not to enact it. Instead, they supported the words of '''Keziah''', the [[Bishop of the Navigators]] themselves. They called on artists of Highguard to embrace the moment of cultural exchange, urging that the art of the Way might inspire true virtue in Sarcophan. Unfortunately, it appears that those critical of the move in the Delves and Highguard are correct; the sale of Highborn art is not inspiring anyone in Sarcophan to embrace the Way or the true virtues. Quite the contrary.

The prestige of both the Bishop of the Navigators and the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Cathedral_of_the_Navigators|cathedral]] itself have experienced some of the backlash arising from this decision. The [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Merchant_Ministry|merchant ministry]] and the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Low Ministry|Low Ministry]] have permanently lost their top level of production as followers of the Way in Sarcophan react poorly to the decision of the Highborn. Many of those who might otherwise have been drawn to the Cathedral of the Navigators instead look to the Sumaah cathedral in the Sarcophan Delves for inspiration, the ''präster'' have not been slow to embrace them and continue to preach openly that the Highborn are devaluing their shared faith by treating virtue as a commodity to be bought and sold. However unfair these words may appear, the loss of prestige for the Cathedral and the Bishop will continue, causing the Low Ministry to disappear entirely after the Winter Solstice, and the Merchant Ministry be reduced to a single level.

Ambassador Dino has ensured that there will be no diplomatic fallout whatever happens, reassuring their opposite number that any problems that arise will be between the Empire and the Collectors' sect specifically. For her part, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike appears broadly untroubled. As long as there is no disruption in the ''Buitenlandsewijk'' involving the followers of the Way - either with each other or with the Collectors - the Bedelaar Huisbaas have no concerns. The Sarcophan are not an especially religious people, after all, and as such have minimal interests in the doings of priests except as they impact profitable trade ventures. However she absolutely appreciates the Ambassador's reminder to the Synod that the Collectors are not representative of the Sarcophan people as a whole regardless of faith, and that any responses to them should remain cognisant of that reality.

For their part, report the staff at the Sarcophan Embassy, the Collectors are doing very well out of this deal. While it is not proving especially useful at spreading their particular take on the Sarcophan faith, they are doing business hand over fist and sales of Highborn art are doing very well. Not just in a funerary context either; a nicely sculpted statue of an exemplar or fresco depicting the seven virtues has become something of a status symbol among the more artistically inclined Sarcophan families. Yet there is little doubt they are appreciated overwhelmingly as works of art, rather than as anything with a strong spiritual dimension.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==A Silent Manse==
* '''Work on the Silent Manse being built in the Alivetti Estates enclave is complete'''
* '''There are concerns that the Community of Silence might spread their heretical faith in the Empire'''
* '''The League may enact a mandate to restrict access to the Silent Manse by Imperial citizens'''
* '''Poortwachter Lenart Farber is keen to work with the artist who offered their services in the coming season'''
''De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen'' are not the only sect of Sarcophan priesthood with an interest in the Empire. A year ago, representatives of the ''Community of Silence'' (the ''Gemeenschap van Stilte'') [[Houses_of_Silence#Loud_Silence|announced their interest]] in establishing a ''house of silence'' in the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan Enclave|Alvetti estates enclave]] in Sarvos. Unlike the Collectors - who they apparently hold in very low esteem - the Community of Silence is a moderately influential sect that specialises in supporting the spiritual (and in many cases medical) needs of Sarcophan enclaves in other nations.

''Poortwachter Lenart Farber'' is the spokesperson for the gathering at the estates, and secured a portion of land upon which his sect intended to establish a ''Silent Manse'' – a religious site dedicated to the Sarcophan faith. The work [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Silent_Temple|ran into some problems]] sourcing the [[white granite]] they needed to complete the construction, but it appears that despite these setbacks the Manse is now complete.
===Momento Mori===
* '''Poortwachter Farber is keen to hear from the Dawnish artist who previously offered their services'''
One area they ''have'' been successful is in [[Houses_of_Silence#Fine_Art_and_Dark_Spirits|securing an artist]] to help give the Manse an appropriate atmosphere - traditionally the Community of Silence makes a point of employing local sculptors, painters, and glasssmiths when building their temples and shrines. Last Winter Poortachter Farber [[Theory_of_the_crows#House_of_Silence|declared that]] they had been offered the services of a renowned [[Dawn|Dawnish]] artist from [[Astolat]], whose services they intend to retain until the construction of the Manse was complete. That work, despite delays caused by the need to import most of the material needed to build the structure, is now complete and Lenart looks forward to seeing what the artist will create.

Knowing that artists of such renown obviously have many calls on their time, the Poortwachter has dispatched a missive confirming the agreement and offering them an opportunity to remain anonymous if they wish - at least until the obvious genius of their art gives away their identity, of course.
===Blasphemy and Heresy===
{{SOP|statement=The Sarcophan are building a Cathedral in the Alivetti Estates, in Sarvos, to their foreign faith. The estates are their lands - leave them to their ways and do not enter, thereby avoiding falling under their sway when it opens. We the Bishops of the League exhort you to polite and civil disinterest!|by=Paulus Adelaar van Holberg, League Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 248-0|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
* '''The League Assembly can urge citizens to avoid the Silent Manse and its unwholesome teachings'''
Obviously the presence of an actual temple of a foreign religion in Sarvos has been a matter for some concern (for all that the land where it is built is equally technically part of the Sarcophan Delves). The Manse allows an unparalleled opportunity for the Poortwachter and their Community to proselytise the Sarcophan religion to those visiting the Alivetti Enclave.

The League Assembly has provided some guidance to citizens of the City of Masks, wholeheartedly supporting a [[statement of principle]] raised by '''Paulus Adelaar van Holberg'''. It urges the people of the League to "leave them to their ways" and thus avoid "falling under their sway". It exhorts citizens to "polite and civil disinterest". Given the General Assembly stance on false virtues, heresy, and blasphemy, this statement makes a great deal of sense to many of the bishops of the League. Weighed against that, the people of Sarvos would not be themselves if there wasn't at least a little interest in seeing what all the fuss is about - secure in the knowledge that their faith in [[the Way]] will shield them from any devilish influence that Poortwachter Lenart may bring to bear.

If the League wants to ensure that their people take this matter seriously, a mandate has been proposed to directly dissuade folk from having anything to do with the Silent Manse and its priesthood.
{{Mandate|mandate=Be alert to all dangers; within and without! The Silent Manse in the Sarcophan Enclave is a spiritual threat to the wellbeing of all. The only way to avoid blasphemy and heresy is to have nothing to do with this profane temple. We send (named priest) with 25 doses of liao to urge all Imperial citizens planning to visit the estates to express only polite and civil disinterest in their unvirtuous religion.|assembly=League National Assembly}}
If this mandate is enacted it will ensure that interest in the Silent Manse and the teachings of the Community of Silence remains limited in the League. It will also mean that citizens of other nations who might consider visiting the Silent Manse will be dissuaded from doing so by the bishops of Sarvos. This won't affect the Community of Silence particularly - their focus is very much on serving the needs of the Sarcophan citizens and visitors to the enclave rather than proselytising explicitly. It will ensure that their beliefs do not spread outside the enclave, and that whatever blasphemy or heresy beliefs they might hold do not corrupt Imperial citizens.

It will, however, mean that there is no opportunity for cordial relations between followers of the Way and the Community of Silence. This means that opportunities to learn more about their beliefs, or their knowledge of ghosts and the like, will be lost. It is a price, but not an especially steep one given that the alternative risks seeing these unwholesome beliefs about the nature of death and the Labyrinth spread within the Empire.

Obviously an [[Mandate#Alternative_Mandates|alternative mandate]] might be offered by the League assembly but it is worth noting that it is not possible to propose a mandate that increases interest in the faith of the Delves without an entirely new statement of principle. An alternative mandate can change the wording, but cannot reverse the entire thrust of the statement that inspired it.

==Under the Waves==
* '''The Sarcophan Delves are happy to host a delegation from the Department of Historical Research to discuss supernatural powers associated with the sea
* '''Commissioning this historical research will incur costs of 10 Thrones to the Imperial Senate and take six months
* '''The researcher sent to the Delves will not be available during this time but it counts as only a single commission of historical research
According to the Imperial Ambassador, the new [[Minister_of_Historical_Research|Minister for Historical Research]] '''Watt Lambrook''' intends to take advantage of the offer [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#Beneath_the_Bay|made last season]] to explore Sarcophan understanding of [[eternal|eternals]] and similar powers related to the sea. As mentioned, there will be a cost of 10 Thrones to the Imperial Senate (who maintain the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]]), and the work will take six months to complete. The chosen researcher will not be available until they complete the work, but it would count as only a single commission of [[historical research]]. There is some interest among the ''[[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic|zielweven]]'' covens to meet a delegation from the Empire and pool their respective knowledge on the matter of supernatual powers of the sea. Annike wryly suggests that part of this enthusiasm has no doubt been inspired by the suggestion that the researchers will bring with them a supply of [[the Marches|Marcher]] booze provided by the Minister.

==Jackals and Buidelrats==
* '''The Sarcophan have enthusiastically embraced the trading advice offered by the Ambassador
* '''Opportunities to gain access to two different markets have been made available
Last season the Sarcophan Ambassador [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#Speaking_of_Trade...|asked her opposite number]] to provide an assessment of what goods most interest [[Fleet|Imperial traders]] visiting the Delves. She identified eight discreet areas of trade, and requested that the Ambassador rank them in order of interest. Annike thanks Ambassador Dino for their prompt response, and indicates that the result is very interesting indeed. She's had a report prepared and circulated among interested parties in the city, with an eye to perhaps tailoring the opportunities available to Imperial captains visiting the ports and markets of the Delves more effectively.

<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Buidelrats.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Moeraskriden===
* '''The House of the Buidelrat is interested in acquiring newly created Imperial rituals dealing with herbs
* '''They want the Imperial Conclave to disseminate two rituals to them
* '''In return they will secure access to the port of Moeraskriden for Imperial fleet captains
If Imperial traders are interested in purchasing large amounts of [[herbs]], incidentally, then Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike draws attention to the opportunities presented by swampy ''Moeraskriden''. These docks, which lie along the coast west of the Delves themselves, represent the ideal location for merchants to purchase herbs and potions, especially elixirs of a medicinal nature. Access to the port was offered once before, as [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_tariffs_of_Sarcophan_Delves|part of an agreement]] that secured Sarcophan merchants the right to [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] with the Empire. In the end the Senate preferred the luxuries of [[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]] but Moeraskriden has not gone away in the meantime.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Thresholds'''</big><br>A standard fleet with at least five levels of upgrades and enchantments will receive an additional potion drawn from a wider list of medicinal preparations some of which are not common in the Empire. The rituals [[Lure of Distant Shores]] and [[Sular's Promise]] are both sufficient to allow a captain to acquire such an item. A massively enhanced fleet, one with an effective rank of twenty, would receive two such potions. Some will be potions familiar to the Empire such as those detailed under [[Master Medicinal]] while there may be a chance to pick up a real bargain - a potion brewed by Sarcophan master apothecaries or bought from distant herbalists unfamiliar to the Empire.</box></div>
A faction lead by the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Buidelrat|House of the Buidelrat]] sees a clear opportunity for profit here, and has put forward a proposal that the Empire may consider. A number of Sarcophan herbalists and covens of mercantile magicians are interested in two new rituals - [[Madyn's Gift]] and [[Gardener's Wheel]] which have apparently been mentioned by something or someone called the ''Vrolijke Zwartedraak''. For all their economic power, the Delves do not have anything that rivals the magical scholarship of the Empire - or even the Commonwealth or the Sumaah Republic. The interests of those magicians who are in a position to codify new magics are generally focused directly on money - which means ships as often as not. These two rituals represent potentially very valuable commodity to the Sarcophan primarily due to the immediacy of their effects - something that makes them much more valuable than traditional [[enchantment|enchantments]] on a [[herb garden]].

If the [[Imperial Conclave]] is prepared to uphold [[Declaration|Declarations]] of [[Dissemination]] for these two rituals, granting them to the House of the Buidelrat, then in return the House will arrange access to Moeraskriden for Imperial fleet captains. At the moment this would allow a standard fleet to acquire six doses of marrowort, five doses of cerulean mazzarine, and two random potions of a medicinal nature (these will be drawn primarily from the [[Apothecary Potions|Apothecary potions]] familiar to Imperial apothecaries, but fleets with significant levels of upgrade may receive something a little spicier).

===Jakhalsmarkt===
* '''Annabel de Gouden of the House of the Jackal has opened the Jakhalsmarkt to Imperial captains
* '''This market near the Betovering docks offers vis, tempest jade, jewellery, and potential magical items
* '''It is available only after the Autumn Equinox
* '''The goods it provides are largely sourced in the Principalities of Jarm
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Canis aureus syriacus.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
Somewhat to her surprise there has been a swift response from the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Jackal|House of the Jackal]]. The Jackal are masters of the jewel-trade in the Delves, and their various families have unparalleled expertise in acquiring, evaluating, and securing markets for precious materials and ornaments. One of their leading lights, ''Annabel de Gouden'', has seized a potentially lucrative opportunity on learning that top of the list of things Imperial traders are interested in are luxury goods and substances of use to ritual magicians, especially mana crystals.

The ''Jakhalsmarkt'' is a part of [[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]], and the House of the Jackal already benefits from Imperial captains eager to do business there. Following a frankly inspiring flurry of activity, the House has secured significant shipments of valuable magical goods at short notice which they intend to offer to Imperial fleet captains. They're not asking for anything in return - the captains will pay for their goods like any other. Yet, regretfully, they can only offer these amazing deals for a single season.

Following the Autumn Equinox, however, any Imperial fleet captain will be able to select the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' as a [[Fleet#Trading|trading]] option. A standard fleet that takes advantage of this opportunity will secure two random pawns of [[vis]] chosen from [[Vis#Golden_Apples|golden apples]], [[Vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]], and [[Vis#Prismatic Ink|prismatic ink]] ("Triumph Vis" in the parlance of some Urizen traders). They will also receive three ingots of [[tempest jade]] and a smattering of valuable jewelled goods equivalent to 30 rings.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Thresholds'''</big><br> To gain a piece of star jewellery a fleet must be at least rank ten - meaning a standard fleet (which is rank five) would need a combination of five levels of upgrades and enchantments. The rituals [[Lure of Distant Shores]] and [[Sular's Promise]] are both sufficient to allow a captain to acquire such an item. A truly outrageous fleet, one with an effective rank of twenty, would receive two pieces of star jewellery. They are ribboned items, for which the player would need to provide a suitable phys-rep. Most take the form of necklaces or medallions inlaid with small jewels or crystals, but any object representing a piece of jewellery would be adequate.</box></div>
More prosperous fleets (fleets that have been significantly [[Fleet#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]]) will also receive a random piece of "Star Jewellery". These are hard-to-get-hold-of [[magic items]], [[Magic_items#Talismans|talismans]] that empower a magician versed in [[spellcasting]] to perform a specific spell many more times each day provided they already know it.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike confides in the Ambassador that while ''Annabel de Gouden'' claims the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' will only cater to Imperial captains for a single season following the Autumn Equinox, it is her opinion that this is simply salespersonship. If the profit is there, the Jackals will follow it until such time as the profit goes away at which point they will drop it like a hot stone. To put it another way, if lots of Imperial captains are keen to buy from the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' then it will likely remain open as long as the demand is there.

Obviously, a good deal like this comes with a catch however. ''Annabel de Gouden'' is a former Sarcophan emissary to the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and her family maintains good relations with the traders of that nation. She has leveraged these times in order to acquire so much ''vis'' on such short notice, and the "Star Jewellery" she is offering is exclusively made by Jarmish [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] - the secrets of which they jealously guard. There is currently an Imperial [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] on trade with the Principalities, meaning that Jarmish merchants are not welcome at Imperial ports. While technically merchants visiting the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' are dealing with Sarcophan merchants, and not with the Principalities directly, the fact remains that a portion of any profits raised here will go straight into the pockets of the Jarmish. While it is a drop in the ocean compared to the costs of running a war it will benefit that nation in a way that, in theory, might prove a bone of contention with the Commonwealth in particular and perhaps even the Summah Republic as signatories to the Liberty Pact which outlaws trade with Jarm.

There is a reason that in the Delves to call someone "jakhal" in the Delves as a term of endearment is to call them a “cheeky fucker” with a smile on one's face. It remains to be seen whether that smile is contagious or not.

Annabel de Gouden and her faction of the Jackal are not asking for anything - the ''Jakhalsmarkt'' is open regardless. However if they wished the Imperial Senate could make it illegal for Imperial captains to visit the port of Betovering while the market is open. This would prevent anyone visiting the market and acquiring explicitly Jarmish goods, but it would also come at the cost of preventing access to the lucrative luxuries of that wealthy port. Simply criminalising access to the Jakhalsmarkt would not be sufficient - once a captain docks at Betovering there is no way for anyone to know what they are doing, where they are going, or what they are buying.

Another possibility would be for the Imperial Conclave to [[interdiction|Interdict]] ''Star Jewellery''. While these talismans are not common in the Empire, their basic properties are somewhat known by magicians of the League and Urizen who have had reason in the past to trade with Jarmish artisans. Unfortunately, it would not be possible to interdict only those talismans that originate in Jarm. If such an interdiction is enacted then any talisman that follows the same pattern will also be interdicted (that is, any talisman that allows a magician to cast a spell they know additional times each day). The Senate could make possession and trade of Jarmish Star Jewels illegal, but then the onus would be on the magistrates to identify whether such an item originated with a Jarmish artisan which creates headaches of its own in achieving a conviction.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=200}}

==Apothecary Allies==
* '''Esme i Estrico i Erigo, Speaker for the Imperial Apothecaries Guild, has contacted the Kruidenkenner'''
* '''The Kruidenkenner have suggested shifting existing sinecures and ministries to be appointed by the Apothecaries Guild'''
The Sarcophan Delves are masters of the arts of the herbalist, [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]], and especially the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. Among some of the most enthusiastic merchants to invest in the Empire in recent times came from the Delves, specifically the wealthy and influential ''Kruidenkenner''. This guild is at the forefront of the trade in herbs, and medicinal products of all kinds, and so it is perhaps no surprise that they have shown excited interest in the newly created [[Imperial sodality]] of the [[Apothecaries Guild]]. The leaders of the guild [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#The_Apothecaries_Guild|requested]] that the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|Speaker for the Guild]], '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''' make contact with them to discuss their shared interests.

It seems that the Speaker has made a very positive impression on the sodalities' opposite numbers if the Sarcophan Delves. They are especially keen on the belief that ''our expertise should be valued and fairly compensated'', unsurprisingly. They are confident that they can do business together and thus have two initial proposals.
===Magazijn===
* '''The Kruidenkenner are keen to do business directly with the Imperial Apothecaries' Guild
* '''They propose changing the appointment methods of the Master of the Root and Stem and the Kruidenkenner Trademaster
* '''If this is done the two titles will receive additional opportunities to purchase herbs from the Delves
There are two major points of contact for the Kruidenkenner in the Empire at the moment, two Kruidenkenner Magazijn warehouses. The [[Kruidenkenner_Trademaster#The_Kruidenkenner_Magazijn|first]] was built at [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]] and is overseen by the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]]. The [[Master_of_the_Root_and_Stem#The_Kruidenkenner_Magazijn|second]] in [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] in the territory of [[Mitwold]] and overseen by the [[Master of the Root and Stem]]. The position of Kruidenkenner Trademaster is [[Auction of the Seats|auctioned]] at the Spring Equinox each year, and as a Marcher position the Master of Root and Stem is appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]] during the Autumn Equinox. The Kruidenkenner propose changing this arrangement and ask the Imperial Senate to agree to the changes. They would like to see both titles appointed by the Apothecaries' Guild. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has confirmed that the Delves are broadly in favour of this and that the changes could be presented as a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] by Ambassador Dino.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Medicinal Herbs'''</td>
<tr><td>260 rings</td><td>6 marrowort, 6 true vervain</td></tr>
<tr><td>490 rings</td><td>12 marrowort, 12 true vervain</td></tr>
<tr><td>710 rings</td><td>18 marrowort, 18 true vervain</td></tr>
</table></div>
This change won't affect any of the positions that benefit from the existence of the Kruidenkenner Magazijn - they would continue to receive their benefits. But it would improve confidence from the Kruidenkenner merchants dealing with the Empire even further. The [[High Herbalist of Sybella]] and the [[Master of the Clearing House]] would continue to receive their full benefits. The Kruidenkenner themselves would foot the bill to expand their operating in the western Empire to match those in the east, providing the [[Master of the Root and Stem]] with an additional ability to purchase random herbs identically to that of the Kruidenkenner Trademaster. For their part the Kruidenkenner Trademaster would gain the ability to buy [[true vervain]] and [[marrowort]] - herbs vital to the medicinal arts.

The Civil Service note that in amending the titles, the Imperial Senate could choose to further amend the Master of the Root and Stem to make it an Imperial position that could be held by any citizen. There is no requirement to do so however - an Imperial Sodality can appoint a national position. In this case, all potential candidates would need to be Marchers but everyone in the sodality would have a say in who held the title.
===Herbal Lore===
* '''The Kruidenkenner are keen to learn the secrets of the Unshackled Blade'''
* '''They offer to exchange the recipes with two of their own with the Apothecaries Guild'''
* '''It is not currently legally possible for the Apothecaries Guild to accept this offer'''
The Kruidenkenner are understandably jealous of their herbal arts - they are the basis of their prosperity and influence after all. For the most part they make use of the same [[potion|potions]] their Imperial counterparts do but it cannot be denied that they know how to brew some things the Empire's apothecaries do not. It seems they are well aware of [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] and interested to learn more about its research - but also painfully aware that it is currently out of action due to the invasion of the Druj and the expanding vallorn. There is one set of potions they know the Empire knows that they do not know and that they are very interested in gaining access to: the [[Unshackled Gift]]. A few years ago there were some discussions with the then-Ambassador about acquiring these potions, fronted by a consortium of Sarcophan herbalists.

The most recent offer, according to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, was that Sarcophan apothecaries would be prepared to pay 175 thrones for the recipe, provided that it was an exclusive deal. That is, one in which both parties sign contracts guaranteeing that the knowledge will not be shared with residents of any other nation. The Delves have magicians who can arrange for such contracts to be lodged with the [[Lictors|Brass Magistrates]] of the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn Realm]] to ensure that both parties face punitive penalties for breaking the contract. The assumption was that having a duopoly on the recipe would allow the merchants of the Delves to recoup the large investment in less than a decade by selling the potions all over the world. Without a convincing contract of exclusivity the potions would be worth only a fraction of their price. Without such an agreement the Empire could sell the recipe to the Sarcophan and then sell it to every ''other'' nation as well thus ensuring that the Delves were left with potions that nobody would pay a premium to buy. They were prepared to pay 15 thrones for non-exclusive access to the recipe.

The discussions came to nothing, unfortunately. Or perhaps fortunately - because it allows the Kruidenkenner the opportunity to acquire this lore for their guild rather than sharing it with the rest of the Delves. As such the Kruidenkenner have a proposal of their own for the Apothecaries' Guild. If the sodality will commit to trade the recipes to them, and agree to an exclusive contract, they will provide the sodality with two recipes of their own, as long as that exclusivity were maintained for at least the next five years. After that, they would be prepared to negotiate further to maintain exclusivity. The ''Brass Magistrates'' would oversee the agreement, ensuring neither side sold the ''recipes'' further afield (obviously both the Empire's apothecaries and the Kruidenkenner would be able to profit from selling the potions made with the recipes). The money would be paid directly to the Speaker of the Apothecaries' Guild, who could do with it as they wished.

In exchange the Kruidenkenner are prepared to share two of their own potions with the Apothecaries' Guild. They would provide the guild with a herbal detailing the two potions, and the Guild could keep the knowledge to their members or put them into Imperial lore. Either would be fine provided they were not shared with non-Imperial magicians while the Kruidenkenner enjoy their own exclusivity. The potions they intend to offer are both built using the principles of the [[Master Medicinal]] - a ''salve'' that ameliorates ruined limbs and suppresses the pain of major injuries in a similar fashion to which the [[Master Medicinal#Maledict's Medicament|Maledict's Medicament]] removes both poisons and curses; and a more potent version of the [[Apothecary_Potions#Elixir_Vitae|Elixir Vitae]] the Empire is familiar with that restores an injured warrior to full strength after a short period of inaction.

There is however a niggle with all this. The Apothecaries' Guild do not have the legal power to do this. While the Senate has [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild|confirmed]] that the power and authority to disseminate knowledge of potions across the Empire lies with the sodality, they do not have the legal ability to disseminate a herbal from Imperial lore. Their [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild#The Manifesto|manifesto]] indicates that they are responsible for the "''dissemination of ingredients, potions, and antidotes''" and that they "''represent and support the economic, political, and magical interests of apothecaries and herbalists within the Empire.''" The Senate has approved the Apothecary Guild manifesto but has not formally given them these abilities.

One way to resolve this contradiction would be to give the Apothecary Guild the power to disseminate herbals from Imperial Lore, in the same way that the Conclave can use a declaration of [[dissemination]] to create a ritual text that can then be traded. The other would be to further amend the manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild to water down their remit. Either would require a [[Senate motion#Constitutional Vote|Constitutional vote]].
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives from the Speaker of the Apothecaries Guild, the Kruidenkenner Trademaster, or the Master of Root and Stem may be sent to ''Engel van Luwte, Hal van de Vijzel en Stamper, Sarcophan Delves''. They have made clear that missives from other individuals will not receive replies}}

===Further Communication===
* '''The Speaker of the Apothecaries Guild is invited to engage in further communication'''

Regardless of what happens in the short term, as mentioned the Kruidenkenner are keen to further their relationship with the Imperial Apothecaries Guild. As such, they propose that the Speaker for the Guild should feel free to send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] directly to one of their council - ''Engel van Luwte'' - who is empowered to communicate with the Guild on behalf of the Kruidenkenner. They regretfully point out, however, that Engel van Luwte is a busy person, and will have little time to reply to random correspondence - as such he will only reply to messages from the Speaker, the Kruidenkenner Trademaster, and the Master of the Root and Stem (the latter two are expected to oversee the trade of herbs between the Sarcophan guild and the Empire after all). Anyone else is cordially invited to do their business via the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]].
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Blooming Farmers==
* '''Strange flowers continue to grow among the vlinderbloem Hahnmark farmers are cultivating for Sarcophan merchants'''
* '''Florian Kraft wishes to meet with Hahnmark farmers to discuss the situation at the Winteemark Tree of Names at 11:45 on the Sunday of the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''A Sarcophan vintner who has attempted to brew Viezesmaak using the odd flowers also wishes to meet with farmers. They plan to arrive at TBC'''
The fields of Hahnmark are a sea of pinks and purples as summer fades to Autumn. Among flowers with petals like butterfly wings, canny pickers continue to spot the distinctive spiral bloom of the mysterious draaikolkbloem.

The Kraft brothers, self-professed Sarcophan specialists in both wheeling and dealing, say the viezesmaak brewed with the harvest is selling well - but they have a particular interest in the strange spiral flowers growing among the yields of vlinderbloem. Florian Kraft has made the long journey from the Delves to investigate the phenomenon more closely, and wishes to speak to Hahnmark farmers about their experiences with the plant and any potentially valuable properties. Florian aims to arrive at the Tree of Names in the Wintermark camp at 11:45 on the Sunday of the Autumn Equinox.

But the Kraft brothers’ enterprise has also attracted other interest. Over the past season, renowned vintner Renaten Zuredruiven has experimented with the potential to use draaikolkbloem rather than vlinderbloem to produce Viezesmaak, and how this might affect the narcotic. His experiments concluded, he wishes to speak to farmers about the results at TBC.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives pertinent to the business of the Gold Leaf Gardeners in the Empire can be sent to ''Luca Beekhof, The Bladgoud Tuiniers Handelsschool, Sarvos''. The Bladgoud Tuiniers caution that they will reply only to missives directly related to their business}}
==Goldleaf Gardeners==
* '''The Goldleaf Gardeners continue to invest in their establishment in the Alvetti estates
* '''Aaven Beekhof has returned to the Delve leaving his nephew Luca in charge of the guild presence
The ''Bladgoud Tuiniers'' - perhaps better known as the [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Gold_Leaf_Gardeners|Gold Leaf Gardeners]] - have been investing in the Sarcophan enclave in Sarvos for a year or so. Early attempts to arrange a deal with the Chamber of Commerce of the city to sell their [[Houses_of_Silence#Chamber_of_Commerce|narcotics]] proved unappealing. Rather than admit defeat however, the enthusiastic ''Aaven Beekhof'' offered the services of the "herbalists" [[Theory_of_the_crows#Everything_Must_Go|more widely]]. It's not clear if anyone actually took up the offer, but the fact remains that the Bladgoud Tuiniers have maintained their presence at the Alvetti Estates. Aaven himself has apparently returned to the Delves, but the Gardeners are apparently doing reasonable business with visitors to the estates interested in experiencing the delights they offer. He has left his nephew Luca Beekhof behind to oversee the Gardeners' business in the Empire. The news is that a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] might be dispatched to Luca, but that the Bladgoud Tuiniers will only answer if the missive relates directly to their business - and that they are not currently looking to sell anything outside of the enclave.

'''OOC Note:''' Missives can no longer be sent to Aaven Beekhof; missives sent to Luca Beekhof will only receive a response if they specifically relate to business matters, and the guild is not selling drugs to private citizens at this time.
{{Sarcophan Links}}

Songs like trees

2025-09-08T16:54:10Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
We don't often put a "Content Warning" on a Wind, but this one merits it. Please bear in mind that the text includes depictions of body horror.
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Songs like trees.jpg|caption=Songs, like trees, grow and flourish. Trees, like songs, have an ending.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==We Come, We Come, With Roll of Drum==
__TOC__
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-HASsbLlBI}}
The [[Golden Sun]] returns to [[Therunin]]. It has been less than a year since they [[Blood_and_mire|escaped the strangling traps of the Druj]], their retreat purchased at great cost by the [[Iron Helms]] and [[Isaella's Dance]]. Since then, they have chafed at the bit in [[Astolat]], recovering from the terrible harm done them by the orcs of [[the Mallum]]. Now they are back, to fight again in Therunin, to take from the [[Druj]] the jewel they have claimed - and to stop the [[vallorn]] devouring what the [[Navarr]] fought for so long to cleanse.

With them come the [[Wolves of War]], out of [[Morrow]]. They, too, have been on furlough this past six months, recovering from campaigning in the west against the [[Jotun]]. They have seen the threat of the vallorn firsthand, helping the people of Urizen root out its harbingers as its wicked green tendrils probed the defences of [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]].

The two armies march to [[Reikos]], to [[Reikos#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]], to join their forces. Waiting for them are the heroes of the Empire, the captains who fight where their conscience dictates. Perhaps even the Wolves of War are a little taken aback by just how many are preparing to join them in their attack - and the Wolves are the Imperial army perhaps most experienced in dealing with warbands, mercenary companies, adventuring parties, and champion fellowships. Well over a hundred [[military unit|captains]] ready to march with the Wolves and the Sun, bringing their soldiers with them, swelling the size of the force crossing to nearly three times the size.

The overwhelming majority are, unsurprisingly, folk of Navarr. [[Thorn|Thorns]] and [[brand|brands]], sombre faced and ready to do what is needful to fight for Therunin. Yet they are not the only ones - [[Dawn]], [[the League]], [[Highguard]], and [[Wintermark]] are all well represented here, along with a single warband of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. All prepared to risk their lives to fight the vallorn and the Druj at the same time.

To battle the Druj is bad enough, but the orcs of the Mallum have worked foul magic to rouse the vallorn of Therunin. It spills beyond [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and the [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]]. Scouts say it seems set on devouring the [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]]... but once the armies cross the border from Reikos the vallornspawn cannot help but be drawn towards them, towards the concentrated force of life, towards the metal and leather that makes up the accoutrements of war.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jean d’Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">Steel sings as discipline and loyalty endure. Watch now as the Wolves of War and Golden Sun lead this Empire into this war on the Vallorn. See how the cost is paid by knight and bravo. Burn the Thickets and that which can march no more. Drive steel through dead faces as we fall amongst them. One bloody yard at a time.</quote>

<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">The time has come. The golden sun will rise from Astolat. I said when we left Therunin the sun will always stand where the Empire needs us most. The Empire needs the Sun to fight once more in Therunin. This time we are called to fight the horrors of the vallorn. Let our march sound like a drumbeat of Loyalty throughout the territories of the Empire. We will meet the Wolves of War and make our Grinding advance into Peakedge Song. The Troubadours will tell the tale as knight and bravo pay the cost for this Empire. Where Glory and Death Entwine.</quote></div>
The night before the armies move, the priests of Reikos gather on [[Reikos#Chalcis_Mount|Chalcis Mount]], and move among the soldiers offering the blessings of the Way. [[Dedication]] and [[anointing]] to those who wish them, whether they fear their courage may falter in the face of the task ahead of them or they seek to strengthen their own convictions. The priests do not judge, offering support to any who need it, and when the dawn comes some of them find their calling urges them to walk with the armies. The vallorn, after all, is the single greatest spiritual threat to the Empire and the faithful of the Way.

Not long after sunrise, though, there is a sign from the east. A pillar of black smoke mounts up towards the clear midsummer sky. A column of ashes. Some of the Navarr in particular, those who know what it must presage, march with tears wet on their cheeks. But there is still a job to be done, and these armies, these champions who march with them, are the ones who must do it.

==In the Bitter Rain==
It is not far from High Chalcis to the border. Some of the Highborn, perhaps for the first time, cannot help but ruminate on just how short a distance lies between Therunin and the [[Gardens of High Chalcis|garden city on Chalcis Mount]]. In the past this has been a boon, easing trade between the two centres of healing. Now it can be seen as a foreboding of doom.

There are Druj watching the border, of course. Some of these shadowed eyes are rooted out, others manage to escape eastward to warn the rest of the orcs of the Empire’s coming. None attempt to fight, not voluntarily at least. Any who cannot escape, die fast and hard. The Druj will not be a challenge, here, will not be anything more than an afterthought in Peakedge Song it seems. The real threat here comes from the east, yes, but much closer to home.

A short journey, less than a day, to where [[Therunin#Peakedge_Stead|Peakedge Stead]] once stood. It is still burning. There are still Druj here, shepherding the flames, revelling in the destruction for its own sake. Beating drums. Some of them are drunk or drugged; others are more alert and give some small trouble to the first Imperial soldiers to arrive. Yet even they flee, denying anyone any feeling to just retribution for what has been done. There is open weeping.

For centuries Peakedge Stead has been synonymous with succour, with gentle healing, with sanctuary. It has tended the worst wounds the vallorn could inflict, offered safety and the promise of wholeness to those exposed to the malice of the Druj. When Reikos fell into the hands of the Stone Toad, it accepted all refugees and stood vigil against attack from the west. When the [[Great Forest Orcs]] were driven from their homes, it welcomed them beneath its hallowed roofs. A garden as much as a steading, a place where the battle for the future was envisioned not solely in terms of weapons and armour. And now it is gone. The palisades burn. The hospitals burn. The gardens, and the gentle tree-lined groves, and the memorials built to those who set down their lives to heal others, burn.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
It is too late for Peakedge Stead. The moment the last rays of the setting sun faded after the Summer Solstice, the protection of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] was withdrawn. The unbreachable thorn walls withered and fell and as soon as they were gone the malice of the Druj washed over this place of healing, and the flames followed all too soon after. And then, the majority of the Druj camped here, their work done, seem to have simply left. There is a clear path north-east away from the bonfire that was once Peakedge Stead, toward the [[Therunin#Upper_Tarn_Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]].

Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] and the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

For while ''Father Tarn'' is saddened that he was misled, and let down, he does not blame the healers and the sick for the actions of the few at [[Anvil]]. All those who wished to do so were offered sanctuary in the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]], where they might grow and practice the healing arts for as long as they wished - on the understanding of course that they could never return. While he might have been able to grant them sanctuary in the chamber of a regio the Druj would be able to attack there as well.

Some took that choice, and if there is anything to be salvaged from all this it is the hope that whatever fate they found there brings them peace. Those who would not accept the hand of Lord Rain made a different choice and embraced the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]]. A terrible choice, and one that the ''Cupbearer'' would have denied them if he could. But it was theirs to make.

And now, as he said he would, ''Elder Fossegrim'' will turn his face away from the Empire. There will be no more boons, and he will not agree to [[Archmage#Parley|parley]]. Those rituals he has shared with his friends will remain, until their assurances are broken. Any gifts he has given likewise will remain until time claims their power. No more of his heralds will visit the Empire, not to offer their aid to those in need, nor to the [[Greenwatcher]], nor to the fight against the vallorn.

Perhaps in another hundred years, if the Empire survives, they may speak again. But for now, it is farewell.

As the herald turns away, its sad message delivered, the rain breaks. As it walks, fresh green shoots burst from the footprints it leaves in the sodden ash. Within a few minutes these shoots have blossomed into bushes and vines, with more and more greenery rippling outwards from the path like raindrops on the surface of a mountain pool. Within half an hour the ruins of Peakedge Stead are gone and in their place, a garden of green leaves and pale white flowers. Where the palisade once stood, a ring of young saplings begin to grow, making the outskirts of the sanctuary.

“The vallorn cannot come here while the trees live,” says the herald in parting. “Let this be a memory and a promise. It can remain a place of sanctuary and hope to those who need it.”

And with that it is gone.

==Hew the Stone and Break the Door==
The Druj have fled east, no doubt seeking to outpace the vallorn which they at least believe will be seeking to overgrow the [[Therunin#Lower_Tarn_Valley|Tarn Valley]]. No doubt some of them are in for an unpleasant surprise. The day after the armies enter Therunin, they encounter what they take at first to be the vallorn, but is in fact something entirely different. The Druj have unleashed [[Spring magic]] in more ways than one it seems; this at least is something that the Empire and the Wolves of War in particular are familiar with. Something akin to [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] has settled over Therunin, calling and releasing countless numbers of spirits to inhabit the plant life of the territory.

No doubt the intention is to help the spread of the vallorn - the magic seems not to differentiate between an oak and a willow and whatever aberrant plants grow in [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]]. Unlike the more familiar magic, which sends trees rampaging against settlements and fortifications, the spirits called by the Druj prefer to ambush those that come within reach. Often they pretend to be normal trees and bushes before striking suddenly when their victims least suspect it. The smaller plants like to entwine and entomb their prey, strangling, smothering, or starving them.

It all adds yet another obstacle to the attempt to protect Therunin, beyond the Druj and the vallorn itself. Even apparently wholesome plants may hide something malignant and cruel within, and it is very hard indeed to predict where the animated vegetation will strike. As the only significant force in the territory, though, the Golden Sun and the Wolves of War bear the brunt of the curse’s violence.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Yawnagrah002.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==That Hill and Wood Shall Slay==
The first true vallornspawn are sighted on the fourth day, while the Imperial forces are engaged with sweeping out left-behind guerrilla Druj. The enemy are clearly not expecting them - they are focused on hunting any remaining Navarr and coming up with abhorrently novel ways to kill them. Shortly after noon, a dozen misshapen flying things, each as large as a well-fed sheep, approach out of the east. Similar in part to wasps, and in other parts to vicious beetles the size of wolves, and yet still something entirely their own and entirely wrong, they pass low overhead. The high-pitched whine of their wings grates on the nerves of those below, setting teeth on edge and causing a few [[naga]] in particular to succumb to nausea and disorientation. Sometimes [[Naga#Luxuriant_Senses|keen senses]] can be a curse, rather than a blessing.

Several of these airborne horrors are shot from the sky with longbow and crossbow and hurled javelin. They don’t seem to be capable of gaining height, too poorly built for flying much above the treetops. Examined close up, they have far too many eyes at one end and barbed venom-dripping stingers at the other. One of the creatures is cut open, its bloated abdomen proving to be full of horrible wriggling maggot-like grubs that wail like cursed piccolos when exposed, curling in on themselves and dying in the steady rays of the early morning sunlight.

These warped insects are only the vanguard of the vallorn; by the next sunrise the sky to the east is noticeably different. A greenish tinge hangs in the air that sweeps forward as the day wears on. Scouts report terrible things; legions of [[ettercap]] and shambling [[vallornspawn husks]]. The unnameable abominations that the vallorn breeds, many mixing animal and vegetable characteristics together to create something different, something altogether more grotesque, than either alone could achieve. There are also great insects, the natural inhabitants of Therunin, that show the signs of having been corrupted en masse, driven mad, driven to swarm and slaughter where normally they would be placid and disinterested. The Druj have clearly not tired of driving the innocent beasts of the marshes into the vallorn, even after their [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)|failures at Feverwater]]. There is even a report of a [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]], blooming red meat-flowers opening and closing like extra mouths along its body, howling and hissing a bowel-loosening combination of pain and fury as it comes.

At first the line is easily held. The vallorn is not a thing that uses tactics, or strategy. Some of its horrors are as keen to attack each other as they are the interlopers from the Empire. Some charge the nearest living thing that does not bear the mark of the vallorn, and try to kill it and devour it. Others are more stealthy, like hunting spiders or predatory wasps, sneaking up on their victims and using venom, razor-sharp barbs, or talons and fangs to kill. Still others move more slowly - great masses of twisted vegetation given awful momentum either by the Druj’s curse or by the vallorn - it matters little which is which in the end, the results are the same.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[File:GoldenSun_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun]]
[[File:WolvesofWar_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Wolves of War]]</div>
Those who have fought the vallorn elsewhere are perhaps a little unprepared for the realities of facing it in a marsh. While the most obvious spawn are at least human- or orc-sized, in Therunin the waters and the mud and the silt provide many more avenues for awful horror. A common iteration of the vallorn here is an eyeless fist-sized mess of legs and mandibles and gripping pincers that moves through the marsh drawn by movement and when it encounters flesh it holds on tight and begins to eat. The worst part is that many of those who suddenly find their shins or knees or feet being literally eaten out from beneath them will fall backward, into the mud… and discover to their horror that these mawcrabs hunt in packs.

The Navarr are prepared, and spread a warning, but there is only so much they can do to mark the tell-tale disturbances in the thick mud or the murky water when these mawcrabs are on the move.

This is just one example of what the Empire faces in Peakedge Song. The vallorn is terrible for many reasons, one of which is that its creatures take so many utterly unpredictable forms and shapes. Skinless bears, two-headed lizard things with alligator maws and tree-climbing claws. As the miasma thickens across the region, much larger creatures come tumbling through the trees - roughly spherical balls of meat and muscle with razor-sharp lamprey mouths and staring all-too-human eyes and a dozen thick tentacles with which they swing and clamber and grab and crush. Snake-like worms large enough to swallow a full-grown soldier whole, with reaching multi-jointed legs around their mouths to scoop up and hold their prey while they suck it down. A terror that might once have been a [[Marshwalkers|marshwalker]] before the vallorn took it into itself and remade it in its image - a thing that is doubly dangerous because each part of it seems to spread corruption and when it joins together it does not take the form of a towering humanoid but a wave of mud and grasping arms and moaning tormented mouths.

It may not be only the vallorn that they face, either. There are sightings of smaller, more subtle creatures among the vallornspawn. The enchanters of Dawn are certain that these creatures are [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Woodwyf]]''. They do not, for the most part, engage the Imperial forces directly but their presence has an undeniable effect of the vallornspawn around them. They bear the ruinous [[Spring magic|blessings]] of their mistress and they do not attract the ire of the vallorn beasts around them. A cadre of Dawnish and League monster hunters is quickly convened, and charged with specifically hunting the children of the ''Green Mother'' wherever they appear.

Over all this the miasma flows like water, pooling and spreading. It brings with it its own flavour of death - everyone knows that mortals who breathe the miasma begin to sicken. Everyone knows that those who fall while its fetid corruption fills their lungs and nostrils will rise again as a servant of the vallorn, a husk driven only to kill and spread the taint, spirit trapped forever unless its friends are able to free it with a second death.

==Broken is the Barren Bough==
Yet here at least the Empire has the upper hand. [[Winter magic]] has been bound around the armies, around the soldiers, and settles like a barbed shawl over the captains and warbands who march with them. Many do not realise that the magic is woven with the resonance of [[Realms#Winter|the Wasteland]]; it leaves them feeling hale and hearty, full of the power that [[Winter magic#Preservation|preserves]]. Their instinct for [[Winter magic#Survival|survival]] has been subtly enhanced as well; again few realise what is happening.

But this is Winter magic and it would be odd if there were not some lingering unnaturalness to it. The soldiers and champions fighting in Therunin find their appetites shifting slightly; wholesome food and drink becomes just a little less appealing. Without really thinking about it, many of them adopt a new diet. Drinking brackish water straight from the slow-moving rivulets; devouring bugs, termites, weevils teased from the bark of the marsh trees; favouring bread and biscuits and tack that is marbled with mould. Yet they show no ill-effects. The only folk that seem broadly unaffected by this unnatural urge are the [[draughir]], some of whom seem to relish the fact that the best food, the freshest food, is passed over by their companions in favour of midden-fare.

All of this is a result of a ritual that has never been tested before, encumbered with the lugubrious name ''[[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]]'', it protects soldiers from poison, and from venom, and from the miasma of the vallorn… or at least it protects them from the miasma ''in theory''. Before now, its effectiveness has never been tested…

It is tested now. The miasma is thick as fog around the vallornspawn, spreading like fingers of corruption spread by the winds. Those who fight within it find their wounds fester, their injuries drag them down into death or awful half life. It breeds sickness in those exposed to it, filling lungs with spores and fluid, causing skin to corrupt and break apart with vines and flowers. Yet not a single soldier of the Golden Sun, of the Wolves of War, nor of the warbands that fight with them, succumbs to the sickness of Green Lung. Wounds may fester, death may come, but the worst effects of the miasma are mitigated by the Winter magic. While some of those who die within the miasma rise as husks, it seems to be no more than a third of those slain - and the Navarr agree that the transformation is taking much longer than usual in those who do succumb allowing for their bodies to be burned or [[Turn the Circle|turned away from corruption]].

The wards surrounding the Imperial forces do not match the power of the [[Vitality of Rushing Water]] - the magic is too widespread, too focused on preservation and survival compared to that particular [[enchantment]] of [[Spring magic]] but it provides vital protection, and frees the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] who march with the armies free to treat wounds and save lives without worrying about that hollowing-out sickness.

==Darkness Falls At Last==
Almost from the moment the vallornspawn begin to spill into Peakedge Stead, the armies of the Empire must fight. It is relentless - day and night the attacks come. Battalions of ettercaps and husks; small packs of horrible vallorn warped beasts; great corrupted insects. Again and again they come and the Imperial armies must stand against them.

As the season draws on, the armies begin to flag - but again the power of the Winter enchantment helps stave off exhaustion. This is a double-edged blade of course - it does not actually [[Winter magic#heal|heal]] those warriors tired to the point of collapse. It simply provides them with the will and the strength to push themselves beyond their natural limits… and when they snap the results are grim indeed. Just as well the magic protects the warriors from the miasma - the physicks have their work cut out saving those who have battled on to the point their bodies have begun to shut down.

Painful, cruel, but it works. As Autumn deepens, it works and the vallornspawn are contained. They do not spill out across Peakedge Song, they don’t taint the marshlands with the touch of the vallorn. They are contained, and thrown back. Yet they still come. There is no sign that their strength is weakening, or their drive faltering. Inasmuch as the vallorn ''want'' anything it is clear that the roused force will continue to seek to reclaim this land that was once Terunael, that was wrested free from their corrupting touch over the course of a thousand years.

And if the defenders falter, even for an instant, the green tide will wash over all and condemn Therunin once more to its verdant hell.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|align=right|width=500}}

==Game Information==
*'''Therunin remains nominally under the control of the Druj'''
*'''The vallorn has been stopped in Peakedge Song'''
*'''Imperial forces are about a fifth of the way toward reclaiming the region of Peakedge Song'''
*'''An effect similar to Thunderous Tread of the Trees is making the situation in Therunin even worse for Imperial armies'''
Imperial forces have prevented the vallorn of Therunin claiming any land in Therunin. Where it would have spilled into the Upper Tarn Valley - perhaps at the direction of the Druj magicians - it has instead moved to try and destroy the largest concentration of uncorrupted life in the territory. To wit it is focused on the two armies and hundreds of warbands accompanying them, and on claiming Peakedge Song. The Wolves of War and the Golden Sun have borne the brunt of the assault and saved the region - at least for now.

The Empire is around a fifth of the way to reclaiming Peakedge Song, but it is an uphill struggle thanks to the vallorn force that is also trying to claim the region.

There has been little sign of the Druj - a few encounters with ambushes and guerrilla fighters in Peakedge Song, and a number of traps left behind. Whatever Mallum forces are still in Therunin seem concentrated in the east.

===Against the Vallorn===
*'''The vallorn continues to try and expand into Peakedge Song
*'''It will attack wherever there are enemy armies or fortifications
*'''Winter magic has significantly reduced the damage taken by the armies fighting here
Fighting the vallorn while it is expanding in this way has proved to be very dangerous. The vallornspawn spreading into Peakedge Song have brought the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]] with them in some fashion, endangering everyone who tries to face them. It appears that while an expanding vallorn does not take an order in the way an Imperial general would do, it is effectively always taking a special order that potentially poisoning anyone who fights - an ''order'' that ''doubles'' all casualties it causes.

Fortunately, [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] has provided significant protection. It has both reduced the extra casualties caused by three-quarters, and on top of that reduced all casualties taken by a tenth. Without the enchantment, the losses to the armies here would have been ''significantly'' higher.

===Peakedge Stead and Lord Rain===
*'''Peakedge Stead has been burned by the Druj'''
*'''The Houses of Healing and Stones from Blood have been destroyed'''
*'''Thornsong College is still protected - for now - by Night magic'''
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where the steading once stood'''
One of the oldest settlements of the Navarr, Peakedge Stead, has been destroyed by the Druj. The people 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]]. The [[Factor of Stones from Blood#Stones from Blood|Stones from Blood]] has also been destroyed - the incumbent, '''Dewi Flies Free''', will be the last [[Factor of Stones from Blood]].

For the moment, [[Thornsinger#Thornsong House|Thornsong House]] remains hidden within a ward of [[Night magic]] meaning nothing and nobody can locate it. This magic will end at the start of the Winter Solstice. There is no easy way to restore this protection, and it is ''very'' likely that some of those Druj waiting in Peakedge Song are there intentionally to destroy the House. Once the ward falls the house will also be at risk from the vallorn.

Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire. He 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 claims 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]] (but obviously woven 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.

==Battle Opportunity : With Doom We Come==
Imperial prognosticators have identified multiple conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate that will allow Imperial heroes to reach Therunin during the coming summit. Some of them are very large indeed, and there is a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] as well that will allow the [[Imperial Military Council]] to intercede in Therunin against the vallorn.
==Further Reading==
* [[Therunin]]
* [[Ossegrahn]]
* [[Vallorn]]

* [[Willow and rain]] - Summer 387YE Wind of War
* [[To hold death's hand in mine]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War
* [[Under eastern skies]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War
* [[Blood and mire]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War
* [[Ashes]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War

Songs like trees

2025-09-08T16:53:50Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
We don't often put a "Content Warning" on a Wind, but this one merits it. Please bear in mind that the text includes depictions of body horror.
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Songs like trees.jpg|caption=Songs, like trees, grow and flourish. Trees, like songs, have an ending.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==We Come, We Come, With Roll of Drum==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-HASsbLlBI}}
__TOC__
The [[Golden Sun]] returns to [[Therunin]]. It has been less than a year since they [[Blood_and_mire|escaped the strangling traps of the Druj]], their retreat purchased at great cost by the [[Iron Helms]] and [[Isaella's Dance]]. Since then, they have chafed at the bit in [[Astolat]], recovering from the terrible harm done them by the orcs of [[the Mallum]]. Now they are back, to fight again in Therunin, to take from the [[Druj]] the jewel they have claimed - and to stop the [[vallorn]] devouring what the [[Navarr]] fought for so long to cleanse.

With them come the [[Wolves of War]], out of [[Morrow]]. They, too, have been on furlough this past six months, recovering from campaigning in the west against the [[Jotun]]. They have seen the threat of the vallorn firsthand, helping the people of Urizen root out its harbingers as its wicked green tendrils probed the defences of [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]].

The two armies march to [[Reikos]], to [[Reikos#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]], to join their forces. Waiting for them are the heroes of the Empire, the captains who fight where their conscience dictates. Perhaps even the Wolves of War are a little taken aback by just how many are preparing to join them in their attack - and the Wolves are the Imperial army perhaps most experienced in dealing with warbands, mercenary companies, adventuring parties, and champion fellowships. Well over a hundred [[military unit|captains]] ready to march with the Wolves and the Sun, bringing their soldiers with them, swelling the size of the force crossing to nearly three times the size.

The overwhelming majority are, unsurprisingly, folk of Navarr. [[Thorn|Thorns]] and [[brand|brands]], sombre faced and ready to do what is needful to fight for Therunin. Yet they are not the only ones - [[Dawn]], [[the League]], [[Highguard]], and [[Wintermark]] are all well represented here, along with a single warband of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. All prepared to risk their lives to fight the vallorn and the Druj at the same time.

To battle the Druj is bad enough, but the orcs of the Mallum have worked foul magic to rouse the vallorn of Therunin. It spills beyond [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and the [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]]. Scouts say it seems set on devouring the [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]]... but once the armies cross the border from Reikos the vallornspawn cannot help but be drawn towards them, towards the concentrated force of life, towards the metal and leather that makes up the accoutrements of war.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jean d’Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">Steel sings as discipline and loyalty endure. Watch now as the Wolves of War and Golden Sun lead this Empire into this war on the Vallorn. See how the cost is paid by knight and bravo. Burn the Thickets and that which can march no more. Drive steel through dead faces as we fall amongst them. One bloody yard at a time.</quote>

<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">The time has come. The golden sun will rise from Astolat. I said when we left Therunin the sun will always stand where the Empire needs us most. The Empire needs the Sun to fight once more in Therunin. This time we are called to fight the horrors of the vallorn. Let our march sound like a drumbeat of Loyalty throughout the territories of the Empire. We will meet the Wolves of War and make our Grinding advance into Peakedge Song. The Troubadours will tell the tale as knight and bravo pay the cost for this Empire. Where Glory and Death Entwine.</quote></div>
The night before the armies move, the priests of Reikos gather on [[Reikos#Chalcis_Mount|Chalcis Mount]], and move among the soldiers offering the blessings of the Way. [[Dedication]] and [[anointing]] to those who wish them, whether they fear their courage may falter in the face of the task ahead of them or they seek to strengthen their own convictions. The priests do not judge, offering support to any who need it, and when the dawn comes some of them find their calling urges them to walk with the armies. The vallorn, after all, is the single greatest spiritual threat to the Empire and the faithful of the Way.

Not long after sunrise, though, there is a sign from the east. A pillar of black smoke mounts up towards the clear midsummer sky. A column of ashes. Some of the Navarr in particular, those who know what it must presage, march with tears wet on their cheeks. But there is still a job to be done, and these armies, these champions who march with them, are the ones who must do it.

==In the Bitter Rain==
It is not far from High Chalcis to the border. Some of the Highborn, perhaps for the first time, cannot help but ruminate on just how short a distance lies between Therunin and the [[Gardens of High Chalcis|garden city on Chalcis Mount]]. In the past this has been a boon, easing trade between the two centres of healing. Now it can be seen as a foreboding of doom.

There are Druj watching the border, of course. Some of these shadowed eyes are rooted out, others manage to escape eastward to warn the rest of the orcs of the Empire’s coming. None attempt to fight, not voluntarily at least. Any who cannot escape, die fast and hard. The Druj will not be a challenge, here, will not be anything more than an afterthought in Peakedge Song it seems. The real threat here comes from the east, yes, but much closer to home.

A short journey, less than a day, to where [[Therunin#Peakedge_Stead|Peakedge Stead]] once stood. It is still burning. There are still Druj here, shepherding the flames, revelling in the destruction for its own sake. Beating drums. Some of them are drunk or drugged; others are more alert and give some small trouble to the first Imperial soldiers to arrive. Yet even they flee, denying anyone any feeling to just retribution for what has been done. There is open weeping.

For centuries Peakedge Stead has been synonymous with succour, with gentle healing, with sanctuary. It has tended the worst wounds the vallorn could inflict, offered safety and the promise of wholeness to those exposed to the malice of the Druj. When Reikos fell into the hands of the Stone Toad, it accepted all refugees and stood vigil against attack from the west. When the [[Great Forest Orcs]] were driven from their homes, it welcomed them beneath its hallowed roofs. A garden as much as a steading, a place where the battle for the future was envisioned not solely in terms of weapons and armour. And now it is gone. The palisades burn. The hospitals burn. The gardens, and the gentle tree-lined groves, and the memorials built to those who set down their lives to heal others, burn.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
It is too late for Peakedge Stead. The moment the last rays of the setting sun faded after the Summer Solstice, the protection of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] was withdrawn. The unbreachable thorn walls withered and fell and as soon as they were gone the malice of the Druj washed over this place of healing, and the flames followed all too soon after. And then, the majority of the Druj camped here, their work done, seem to have simply left. There is a clear path north-east away from the bonfire that was once Peakedge Stead, toward the [[Therunin#Upper_Tarn_Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]].

Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] and the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

For while ''Father Tarn'' is saddened that he was misled, and let down, he does not blame the healers and the sick for the actions of the few at [[Anvil]]. All those who wished to do so were offered sanctuary in the [[Realms#Spring|Primal Forest]], where they might grow and practice the healing arts for as long as they wished - on the understanding of course that they could never return. While he might have been able to grant them sanctuary in the chamber of a regio the Druj would be able to attack there as well.

Some took that choice, and if there is anything to be salvaged from all this it is the hope that whatever fate they found there brings them peace. Those who would not accept the hand of Lord Rain made a different choice and embraced the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]]. A terrible choice, and one that the ''Cupbearer'' would have denied them if he could. But it was theirs to make.

And now, as he said he would, ''Elder Fossegrim'' will turn his face away from the Empire. There will be no more boons, and he will not agree to [[Archmage#Parley|parley]]. Those rituals he has shared with his friends will remain, until their assurances are broken. Any gifts he has given likewise will remain until time claims their power. No more of his heralds will visit the Empire, not to offer their aid to those in need, nor to the [[Greenwatcher]], nor to the fight against the vallorn.

Perhaps in another hundred years, if the Empire survives, they may speak again. But for now, it is farewell.

As the herald turns away, its sad message delivered, the rain breaks. As it walks, fresh green shoots burst from the footprints it leaves in the sodden ash. Within a few minutes these shoots have blossomed into bushes and vines, with more and more greenery rippling outwards from the path like raindrops on the surface of a mountain pool. Within half an hour the ruins of Peakedge Stead are gone and in their place, a garden of green leaves and pale white flowers. Where the palisade once stood, a ring of young saplings begin to grow, making the outskirts of the sanctuary.

“The vallorn cannot come here while the trees live,” says the herald in parting. “Let this be a memory and a promise. It can remain a place of sanctuary and hope to those who need it.”

And with that it is gone.

==Hew the Stone and Break the Door==
The Druj have fled east, no doubt seeking to outpace the vallorn which they at least believe will be seeking to overgrow the [[Therunin#Lower_Tarn_Valley|Tarn Valley]]. No doubt some of them are in for an unpleasant surprise. The day after the armies enter Therunin, they encounter what they take at first to be the vallorn, but is in fact something entirely different. The Druj have unleashed [[Spring magic]] in more ways than one it seems; this at least is something that the Empire and the Wolves of War in particular are familiar with. Something akin to [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] has settled over Therunin, calling and releasing countless numbers of spirits to inhabit the plant life of the territory.

No doubt the intention is to help the spread of the vallorn - the magic seems not to differentiate between an oak and a willow and whatever aberrant plants grow in [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]]. Unlike the more familiar magic, which sends trees rampaging against settlements and fortifications, the spirits called by the Druj prefer to ambush those that come within reach. Often they pretend to be normal trees and bushes before striking suddenly when their victims least suspect it. The smaller plants like to entwine and entomb their prey, strangling, smothering, or starving them.

It all adds yet another obstacle to the attempt to protect Therunin, beyond the Druj and the vallorn itself. Even apparently wholesome plants may hide something malignant and cruel within, and it is very hard indeed to predict where the animated vegetation will strike. As the only significant force in the territory, though, the Golden Sun and the Wolves of War bear the brunt of the curse’s violence.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Yawnagrah002.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==That Hill and Wood Shall Slay==
The first true vallornspawn are sighted on the fourth day, while the Imperial forces are engaged with sweeping out left-behind guerrilla Druj. The enemy are clearly not expecting them - they are focused on hunting any remaining Navarr and coming up with abhorrently novel ways to kill them. Shortly after noon, a dozen misshapen flying things, each as large as a well-fed sheep, approach out of the east. Similar in part to wasps, and in other parts to vicious beetles the size of wolves, and yet still something entirely their own and entirely wrong, they pass low overhead. The high-pitched whine of their wings grates on the nerves of those below, setting teeth on edge and causing a few [[naga]] in particular to succumb to nausea and disorientation. Sometimes [[Naga#Luxuriant_Senses|keen senses]] can be a curse, rather than a blessing.

Several of these airborne horrors are shot from the sky with longbow and crossbow and hurled javelin. They don’t seem to be capable of gaining height, too poorly built for flying much above the treetops. Examined close up, they have far too many eyes at one end and barbed venom-dripping stingers at the other. One of the creatures is cut open, its bloated abdomen proving to be full of horrible wriggling maggot-like grubs that wail like cursed piccolos when exposed, curling in on themselves and dying in the steady rays of the early morning sunlight.

These warped insects are only the vanguard of the vallorn; by the next sunrise the sky to the east is noticeably different. A greenish tinge hangs in the air that sweeps forward as the day wears on. Scouts report terrible things; legions of [[ettercap]] and shambling [[vallornspawn husks]]. The unnameable abominations that the vallorn breeds, many mixing animal and vegetable characteristics together to create something different, something altogether more grotesque, than either alone could achieve. There are also great insects, the natural inhabitants of Therunin, that show the signs of having been corrupted en masse, driven mad, driven to swarm and slaughter where normally they would be placid and disinterested. The Druj have clearly not tired of driving the innocent beasts of the marshes into the vallorn, even after their [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)|failures at Feverwater]]. There is even a report of a [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra|hydra]], blooming red meat-flowers opening and closing like extra mouths along its body, howling and hissing a bowel-loosening combination of pain and fury as it comes.

At first the line is easily held. The vallorn is not a thing that uses tactics, or strategy. Some of its horrors are as keen to attack each other as they are the interlopers from the Empire. Some charge the nearest living thing that does not bear the mark of the vallorn, and try to kill it and devour it. Others are more stealthy, like hunting spiders or predatory wasps, sneaking up on their victims and using venom, razor-sharp barbs, or talons and fangs to kill. Still others move more slowly - great masses of twisted vegetation given awful momentum either by the Druj’s curse or by the vallorn - it matters little which is which in the end, the results are the same.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[File:GoldenSun_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun]]
[[File:WolvesofWar_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Wolves of War]]</div>
Those who have fought the vallorn elsewhere are perhaps a little unprepared for the realities of facing it in a marsh. While the most obvious spawn are at least human- or orc-sized, in Therunin the waters and the mud and the silt provide many more avenues for awful horror. A common iteration of the vallorn here is an eyeless fist-sized mess of legs and mandibles and gripping pincers that moves through the marsh drawn by movement and when it encounters flesh it holds on tight and begins to eat. The worst part is that many of those who suddenly find their shins or knees or feet being literally eaten out from beneath them will fall backward, into the mud… and discover to their horror that these mawcrabs hunt in packs.

The Navarr are prepared, and spread a warning, but there is only so much they can do to mark the tell-tale disturbances in the thick mud or the murky water when these mawcrabs are on the move.

This is just one example of what the Empire faces in Peakedge Song. The vallorn is terrible for many reasons, one of which is that its creatures take so many utterly unpredictable forms and shapes. Skinless bears, two-headed lizard things with alligator maws and tree-climbing claws. As the miasma thickens across the region, much larger creatures come tumbling through the trees - roughly spherical balls of meat and muscle with razor-sharp lamprey mouths and staring all-too-human eyes and a dozen thick tentacles with which they swing and clamber and grab and crush. Snake-like worms large enough to swallow a full-grown soldier whole, with reaching multi-jointed legs around their mouths to scoop up and hold their prey while they suck it down. A terror that might once have been a [[Marshwalkers|marshwalker]] before the vallorn took it into itself and remade it in its image - a thing that is doubly dangerous because each part of it seems to spread corruption and when it joins together it does not take the form of a towering humanoid but a wave of mud and grasping arms and moaning tormented mouths.

It may not be only the vallorn that they face, either. There are sightings of smaller, more subtle creatures among the vallornspawn. The enchanters of Dawn are certain that these creatures are [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] of ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Woodwyf]]''. They do not, for the most part, engage the Imperial forces directly but their presence has an undeniable effect of the vallornspawn around them. They bear the ruinous [[Spring magic|blessings]] of their mistress and they do not attract the ire of the vallorn beasts around them. A cadre of Dawnish and League monster hunters is quickly convened, and charged with specifically hunting the children of the ''Green Mother'' wherever they appear.

Over all this the miasma flows like water, pooling and spreading. It brings with it its own flavour of death - everyone knows that mortals who breathe the miasma begin to sicken. Everyone knows that those who fall while its fetid corruption fills their lungs and nostrils will rise again as a servant of the vallorn, a husk driven only to kill and spread the taint, spirit trapped forever unless its friends are able to free it with a second death.

==Broken is the Barren Bough==
Yet here at least the Empire has the upper hand. [[Winter magic]] has been bound around the armies, around the soldiers, and settles like a barbed shawl over the captains and warbands who march with them. Many do not realise that the magic is woven with the resonance of [[Realms#Winter|the Wasteland]]; it leaves them feeling hale and hearty, full of the power that [[Winter magic#Preservation|preserves]]. Their instinct for [[Winter magic#Survival|survival]] has been subtly enhanced as well; again few realise what is happening.

But this is Winter magic and it would be odd if there were not some lingering unnaturalness to it. The soldiers and champions fighting in Therunin find their appetites shifting slightly; wholesome food and drink becomes just a little less appealing. Without really thinking about it, many of them adopt a new diet. Drinking brackish water straight from the slow-moving rivulets; devouring bugs, termites, weevils teased from the bark of the marsh trees; favouring bread and biscuits and tack that is marbled with mould. Yet they show no ill-effects. The only folk that seem broadly unaffected by this unnatural urge are the [[draughir]], some of whom seem to relish the fact that the best food, the freshest food, is passed over by their companions in favour of midden-fare.

All of this is a result of a ritual that has never been tested before, encumbered with the lugubrious name ''[[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]]'', it protects soldiers from poison, and from venom, and from the miasma of the vallorn… or at least it protects them from the miasma ''in theory''. Before now, its effectiveness has never been tested…

It is tested now. The miasma is thick as fog around the vallornspawn, spreading like fingers of corruption spread by the winds. Those who fight within it find their wounds fester, their injuries drag them down into death or awful half life. It breeds sickness in those exposed to it, filling lungs with spores and fluid, causing skin to corrupt and break apart with vines and flowers. Yet not a single soldier of the Golden Sun, of the Wolves of War, nor of the warbands that fight with them, succumbs to the sickness of Green Lung. Wounds may fester, death may come, but the worst effects of the miasma are mitigated by the Winter magic. While some of those who die within the miasma rise as husks, it seems to be no more than a third of those slain - and the Navarr agree that the transformation is taking much longer than usual in those who do succumb allowing for their bodies to be burned or [[Turn the Circle|turned away from corruption]].

The wards surrounding the Imperial forces do not match the power of the [[Vitality of Rushing Water]] - the magic is too widespread, too focused on preservation and survival compared to that particular [[enchantment]] of [[Spring magic]] but it provides vital protection, and frees the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] who march with the armies free to treat wounds and save lives without worrying about that hollowing-out sickness.

==Darkness Falls At Last==
Almost from the moment the vallornspawn begin to spill into Peakedge Stead, the armies of the Empire must fight. It is relentless - day and night the attacks come. Battalions of ettercaps and husks; small packs of horrible vallorn warped beasts; great corrupted insects. Again and again they come and the Imperial armies must stand against them.

As the season draws on, the armies begin to flag - but again the power of the Winter enchantment helps stave off exhaustion. This is a double-edged blade of course - it does not actually [[Winter magic#heal|heal]] those warriors tired to the point of collapse. It simply provides them with the will and the strength to push themselves beyond their natural limits… and when they snap the results are grim indeed. Just as well the magic protects the warriors from the miasma - the physicks have their work cut out saving those who have battled on to the point their bodies have begun to shut down.

Painful, cruel, but it works. As Autumn deepens, it works and the vallornspawn are contained. They do not spill out across Peakedge Song, they don’t taint the marshlands with the touch of the vallorn. They are contained, and thrown back. Yet they still come. There is no sign that their strength is weakening, or their drive faltering. Inasmuch as the vallorn ''want'' anything it is clear that the roused force will continue to seek to reclaim this land that was once Terunael, that was wrested free from their corrupting touch over the course of a thousand years.

And if the defenders falter, even for an instant, the green tide will wash over all and condemn Therunin once more to its verdant hell.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regionsoftherunin.png|align=right|width=500}}

==Game Information==
*'''Therunin remains nominally under the control of the Druj'''
*'''The vallorn has been stopped in Peakedge Song'''
*'''Imperial forces are about a fifth of the way toward reclaiming the region of Peakedge Song'''
*'''An effect similar to Thunderous Tread of the Trees is making the situation in Therunin even worse for Imperial armies'''
Imperial forces have prevented the vallorn of Therunin claiming any land in Therunin. Where it would have spilled into the Upper Tarn Valley - perhaps at the direction of the Druj magicians - it has instead moved to try and destroy the largest concentration of uncorrupted life in the territory. To wit it is focused on the two armies and hundreds of warbands accompanying them, and on claiming Peakedge Song. The Wolves of War and the Golden Sun have borne the brunt of the assault and saved the region - at least for now.

The Empire is around a fifth of the way to reclaiming Peakedge Song, but it is an uphill struggle thanks to the vallorn force that is also trying to claim the region.

There has been little sign of the Druj - a few encounters with ambushes and guerrilla fighters in Peakedge Song, and a number of traps left behind. Whatever Mallum forces are still in Therunin seem concentrated in the east.

===Against the Vallorn===
*'''The vallorn continues to try and expand into Peakedge Song
*'''It will attack wherever there are enemy armies or fortifications
*'''Winter magic has significantly reduced the damage taken by the armies fighting here
Fighting the vallorn while it is expanding in this way has proved to be very dangerous. The vallornspawn spreading into Peakedge Song have brought the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]] with them in some fashion, endangering everyone who tries to face them. It appears that while an expanding vallorn does not take an order in the way an Imperial general would do, it is effectively always taking a special order that potentially poisoning anyone who fights - an ''order'' that ''doubles'' all casualties it causes.

Fortunately, [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] has provided significant protection. It has both reduced the extra casualties caused by three-quarters, and on top of that reduced all casualties taken by a tenth. Without the enchantment, the losses to the armies here would have been ''significantly'' higher.

===Peakedge Stead and Lord Rain===
*'''Peakedge Stead has been burned by the Druj'''
*'''The Houses of Healing and Stones from Blood have been destroyed'''
*'''Thornsong College is still protected - for now - by Night magic'''
*'''Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire'''
*'''An enchanted grove remains where the steading once stood'''
One of the oldest settlements of the Navarr, Peakedge Stead, has been destroyed by the Druj. The people 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]]. The [[Factor of Stones from Blood#Stones from Blood|Stones from Blood]] has also been destroyed - the incumbent, '''Dewi Flies Free''', will be the last [[Factor of Stones from Blood]].

For the moment, [[Thornsinger#Thornsong House|Thornsong House]] remains hidden within a ward of [[Night magic]] meaning nothing and nobody can locate it. This magic will end at the start of the Winter Solstice. There is no easy way to restore this protection, and it is ''very'' likely that some of those Druj waiting in Peakedge Song are there intentionally to destroy the House. Once the ward falls the house will also be at risk from the vallorn.

Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire. He 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 claims 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]] (but obviously woven 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.

==Battle Opportunity : With Doom We Come==
Imperial prognosticators have identified multiple conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate that will allow Imperial heroes to reach Therunin during the coming summit. Some of them are very large indeed, and there is a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] as well that will allow the [[Imperial Military Council]] to intercede in Therunin against the vallorn.
==Further Reading==
* [[Therunin]]
* [[Ossegrahn]]
* [[Vallorn]]

* [[Willow and rain]] - Summer 387YE Wind of War
* [[To hold death's hand in mine]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War
* [[Under eastern skies]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War
* [[Blood and mire]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War
* [[Ashes]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War

Even darkness must pass

2025-09-08T16:52:27Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Even Darkness Must Pass.jpg|caption=In the end it's only a passing thing, this shadow.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==To See Such Times==
In the [[Sarangrave]], chaos reigns. It is a season of ruin, of madness, bloodshed and terror, fury and despair, magic and steel and water and twisted bough, poison and hope, light and darkness, endings and beginnings. You can feel it in the air. The red dice are rolling, the world is in free-fall and nobody has the slightest idea of what will be showing when they finally come to rest.

The blight of [[Rivers Run Red|ruinous Spring magic]] begins to settle over the waters here, but at the last moment it frays and falls to pieces. Instead, a different power of magic spreads out, filling the waters with [[Rivers of Life|wholesome healing power]]. Imperial magicians have undone the scheme of the Druj, replacing their malign curse of death with a benign curse of life for everyone fighting here.

There is plenty of other magic at work here. The behemoth god-beast Kroll has risen from the nameless lake to loom over the [[Sarangrave#Palace of the Sleepers|Palace of the Sleepers]], and yet the Palace itself [[Root_and_branch#Shine_a_Light_(Battle_Opportunity)|has vanished]]. Wards and traps unfold across the marshes and the forests laid down by fleeing magicians and desperate covens. The [[Druj miasma]] clings to everything here, heightening feelings of fear and despair, but the Imperial armies are accompanied by thousands of golden knights drawn from the court of [[Eleonaris|Queen Eleonaris]]. Part of Zenith has fallen under Druj control, trapping Imperial armies in [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]], but the Empire moves its own soldiers to try and reclaim it. The power of the [[Irra Harah|Shackle Smasher]] has been unleashed in the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak Forest|Nesustak Forest]], while wicked wards of [[Spring magic|Spring]] and [[Night magic|Night]] run riot across the marshlands. Alliances shift, and nobody can be entirely sure who is a potential friend and who is secret foe.
==All Seem Accursed==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDv8UaWeWJg}}
The chaos spills south into [[Zenith]]. The [[Towerjacks]] have come to the forest of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]]. There they meet the [[Argent Sword]]; the army of [[Inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]], [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]], and [[Inhabitants of the realms#Soldiers|soldiers]] from the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]] who march as part of a costly bargain wrought with the Sovereign Lords of the Cities of Autumn.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">[[File:ArgentSword_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Argent Sword]]
[[File:TowerJacks Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Towerjacks]]</div>
The second army of [[Urizen]] is a thing of wonder. An army of minotaurs, their horns adorned with gold and steel, who march in the shadow of three dozen many-armed bronze colossi each a head taller than any mortal being. An army of hammer-wielding smiths, as broad as they are tall, warriors of the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]] under contract to [[Callidus|Callidus of the Coins]]. An army of both swift-moving almost fox-like scouts with a supernatural sense for the presence of wealth, and of ox-sized silver spiders recruited from the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] to provide expert support on matters of logistics. They march under orders from a human general, and they are unlike anything that has been seen in the Empire in living memory.

During the Summer Solstice, the [[Druj]] attempted to [[Root_and_branch#A_Sackful_Of_Poison_(Battle_Opportunity)|assail]] the marshes of [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]]. With the aid of the [[Yaw'nagrah|Green Mother]] they sought to [[Root_and_branch#Objective:_Stop_the_Verdant_Tenders|transform the bog octopuses]] of the waterlogged region into ravenous monsters; if not for Imperial heroes the many-legged tasty cephalopods would have undergone an unnatural growth spurt. Their scheme was stopped, those responsible scattered.

Now a [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen|ward of Night magic]] hangs over Proceris protecting it from further trouble - there are [[sentinel|sentinels]] already at work seeking out any remaining Druj and giving them swift justice. Even with the power of the ritual reduced to protect only the region where it is cast, there is nowhere for these guerrillas and ambushers to hide - the empowered magic of Night sees to that. Ironic, given that empowerment was worked by the Druj in the first place…

Two armies then march to the woodlands of Lustri. The Urizen of Zenith are first to warn of the Druj trap. The [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] have worked their own enchantment on the forest, weaving an entangling net of Spring magic between the trees. The effect is horribly familiar - a ward that is all too easy to pass into but almost impossible to escape. Druj warriors and awful venomous abominations alike sneak and skitter between the trunks of the dark woodlands waiting for the armies to put a foot wrong.

They have reckoned, however, without the ingenuity of the Towerjacks. This trap may be magical in nature but ultimately it is just another kind of fortification. There are safe paths here, as well as deadly ones. There are choke-points and dead-ends, killing grounds and barriers, but the Holberg engineers are no stranger to such concepts. It takes a little less than a week to reconfigure the Imperial strategy, and then with the Towerjacks in the vanguard the armies [[Army_qualities#Engineer|storm the walls]] the Druj have raised.

The fighting is bloody and terrible. The Argent Sword are disciplined but fundamentally unfamiliar with woodland fighting. The Towerjacks are adept at predicting and defusing the traps of the Druj wards, but they must still deal with the warriors and beasts protected by that magic. Blood spills and pools beneath the trees as the season rolls on. It is slow going, every step risks setting off a trap or an ambush. Yet the armies do make progress, do take those steps.

Almost immediately it is clear that the armies of the Druj are not ''in'' Lustri. It is clear they are relying on their ward to hold back any Imperial counterattack while the six armies that [[Root_and_branch#Dark_Beneath_the_Boughs|came down from Therunin]] have pressed into the Sarangrave in hope of slaughtering the Empire’s soldiers in the southern Sarangrave.

It might have worked. The ward is powerful, but the Towerjacks make all the difference. They unravel the puzzle, match cunning for cunning, disable the traps, and break through the dead-ends and barricades of writhing thorns. Ten days before the Autumn Equinox news comes from the front; the armies of Urizen and the League have been victorious. Lustri is now in Imperial hands once more.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">[[File:WinterSun Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Winter Sun]]</div>
==So Our Path Is Laid==
Six armies of Druj, out of Therunin, fresh from the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|ruination of the Stork’s Gaze]]. Without exception they hurl themselves into the fray, an [[Army orders#Overwhelming Assault|overwhelming assault]] against the Bloodwater Marsh and the Imperial army caught between their hammer and the twin anvils of the [[vallorn]] of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] and the colossal [[fortification]] of the [[Sarangrave#Tower_of_the_Skink|Tower of the Skink]].

There is a desperation to their strategy; it seems that several of these [[Druj armies|armies]] are drawn from the septs of the marshlands. Six armies. The [[Druj armies#Arrow Viper|Arrow Viper]] and the [[Druj armies#Thorn Born|Thorn Born]], the [[Druj armies#Jagged Claws|Jagged Claws]] and the [[Druj armies#Hunting Scorpion|Hunting Scorpion]]; the [[Druj armies#Flame Beetle|Flame Beetle]] and of course the Tainted Basilisk. They have pulled out all the stops; almost all of them bear an [[enchantment]] of [[Spring magic]] that grants them the cunning of the predators coupled with a thirst for blood and mayhem found nowhere in the animal kingdom. The blessings of the Tainted Basilisk.

They face just a single Imperial army - the [[Winter Sun]] - the rest having used rituals and other methods to join the armies in the north. The Winter Sun bear a strange enchantment of Night magic whose effects are at first not entirely clear. The Winter Sun focus on [[Army_qualities#Freedom_Fighters|seeking out native forces]] that might aid the Empire’s plans.

Battle erupts across the Bloodwater Marshes again - the Empire fights against the desperate, furious Druj and their vicious enchantments. Like the orcs, they are also caught between hammers and Anvils. From the south-west, six armies. From the east, the Tower of the Skink. To the north of them, the vallorn and the feverwater. A war in microcosm, as the orcs of the Winter Sun must split their attention between pushing into Whisperwood and fighting off nearly thirty thousand powerfully enchanted Druj warriors.

==Watcher in the Water==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">[[File:CitadelGuard Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Citadel Guard]]
[[File:EasternSky Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Eastern Sky]]
[[File:TheFireoftheSouth Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Fire of the South]]
[[File:GoldenAxe Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Golden Axe]]
[[File:GranitePillar Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Granite Pillar]]
[[File:GryphonPride Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Gryphon's Pride]]
[[File:LionsAdelmar Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Lions of Adelmar]]
[[File:NorthernEagle Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Northern Eagle]]
[[File:QuietStep Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Quiet Step]]</div>
In the north, the [[Druj lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] of the Palace of the Sleepers, along with their college of magic, have disappeared. They have left behind a terrible beast; the catastrophically large single-eyed octopoid horror that they called from the lake below their conical hill. As large as a castle, the supernatural terror sweeps aside the soldiers arrayed against it with its immense muscular tentacles.

As it fights, it lets loose terrible booming cries that cause the lake around it to surge and explode upwards. The ground itself runs like water, miring those trying to fight their way clear of the area. It soon becomes clear that the god-beast Kroll does not intend to fight alone. In answer to its thunderous call come hundreds upon hundreds of bog octopuses. Not the tiny cephalopods that throng in the marshes of Proceris to the south, but full-grown beasts that sometimes rival an ox-wagon in size. They erupt from the marshes, falling on the Imperial armies.

While they fight, the Druj forces battling to keep Sarangrave fall back. They seek to take advantage of the confusion to flank the northern force - the [[Eastern Sky]], the [[Fire of the South]], the [[Gryphon's Pride]], the [[Lions of Adelmar]], the [[Granite Pillar]], the [[Northern Eagle]] and the [[Boyar's Hasta]], and the [[Summer Storm]], joined by the [[Quiet Step]] from the Barrens, and the [[Citadel Guard]] and [[Golden Axe]] driving north with some preternatural force.

Arrayed against them are the [[Druj armies#Deadly Blade|Deadly Blade]] and the [[Druj armies#Hidden Snake|Hidden Snake]], the [[Druj armies#Hidden Widow|Hidden Widow]] and the [[Druj armies#Poison Crane|Poison Crane]], the [[Druj armies#White Lion|White Lion]] and the [[Druj armies#Red Lizard|Red Lizard]]. They are no less desperate than those attacking in the south, and many of them bear the same enchantment - a parting gift from the ghulai of the Palace of the Sleepers, no doubt. The Deadly Blade and the Hidden Widow supplement their vicious attacks with terrible venoms, which they distribute among the other armies freely. Their aim is clearly to kill as many Imperial soldiers as possible; an aim that is proudly supported by the cruelty and merciless tactics of the [[Druj armies#Black Wind|Black Wind]]. They wield the power of fear and despair as a weapon that is well-suited to their hands.

It is just as well that the water here runs with life, or their murderous plan would have taken an unspeakable toll against the Empire.

Completing the conquest of Kroll requires a confrontation with the god-beast of the lake and its multitude of progeny. The Eastern Sky and the Gryphon’s Pride hurl themselves against the immense octopus with resolute fury, revelling in the chance to accrue unlooked for [[glory]] by facing this monstrous beast. The [[Lions of Adelmar]] need all their defensive mastery to ensure the other Dawnish armies are not torn to pieces by their courageous assault. In the end, they cannot defeat the beast alone; it takes the arrows of the [[Golden Axe]] to finally inflict enough damage on the beast that it is forced to retreat. Not slain - but driven off. It dives deep into the depths of the lake, leaving behind a lake stained black with ichor. Presumably, it has returned whence it came - back to the Spring realm to recover from its wounds. Hopefully this will take a long time indeed.

The beast inflicts serious casualties on the armies arrayed against it, and even after it is driven off, its progeny continue to harass the Imperial forces and the Druj armies with equal indiscrimination.

==Where You Might Be Swept Off To==
In the end, the Empire is victorious. Their magical mastery, their zeal, and sheer force of numbers win the day. It is a close-run thing; when the water begins to clear the Imperial forces have claimed Kroll in the east and are four-tenths of the way toward taking the Nesustak Forest in the west. In the south, the three armies have not only held off the six Druj armies, but they have pressed forward into the Whisperwood and are three-fifths of the way towards capturing it entirely.

Yet the chaos shows no sign of ending. When it is clear that the Empire has the upper hand, when Kroll disappears beneath the surface of the lake, most of the Druj armies abandon Sarangrave. Harried by Imperial raiders, they pull back into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. That is not to say that the territory has been abandoned however; the Tower of the Skink still dominates the [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] and represents a major obstacle to Imperial control of the territory.

Not all the armies have retreated however; the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane have pulled back to Thornfen to bolster the garrison of the fortification. In a way, they have no choice; the septs that support them are Sarangrave septs and if they abandon the territory they will suffer increasing losses. It is not a matter of courage or loyalty, but of fear - the fear that if they leave their territory they will be seen as weak and expendable by the other Druj of the Mallum.

In the south, the six armies that attacked out of Zenith are in an even worse state - they have been forced out of the Bloodwater Marshes but they cannot retreat into Lustri without facing catastrophic losses at the hands of the two armies there - and risking being trapped in their own web of traps. Their situation is a mirror of that which faced the Druj in Zenith several years ago when the Empire trapped them in the south. It is fortunate for the orcs - and unfortunate for the Empire - that the Tainted Basilisk are with the southern force. They have already demonstrated their ability to weave Night magic, to create a shroud of power that allows armies to move through dangerous territories. Yet where will they go? Will they risk slipping through the Imperial lines to the Salt Flats? Try to make a stand at the Tower of the Skink? Or perhaps find a way to escape into Therunin - and the uncertainty of the vallorn?

==Do Not Be Too Eager==
There is one other matter that demands Imperial attention. An unexpected development. As the Imperial armies in the north press into the Nesustak forest, they find the Druj defenders and the sept of the Banded Snake in disarray. Their defence seems uncoordinated, confused, and sporadic. The further the armies push west, the clearer it becomes that something is afoot.

The Druj magicians have raised a ward of Night magic here, and it serves to aid the defenders, but there is something else afoot. The Banded Snake seem to be fighting on two fronts. As the Autumn Equinox draws near, the truth of what is unfolding becomes clear. A force of former Druj slaves, subject septs, and children of the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] have been quietly gathering in the depths of the forest, and now they have struck against the Druj. Taking their former overlords by surprise, exploiting the fact that the focus of the masters of the Mallum was on the Empire, they attacked without warning. The Druj panicked - unprepared to fight those they had considered broken. Their former masters were overwhelmed quickly thanks in large part to the support of the ''Thorn of the Ancestors''. Those who were not slaughtered by the Empire have fallen under the knives, spears, and clubs of the risen slaves. A week before the Autumn Equinox, it becomes clear that these free slaves have claimed the rest of the Nesustak Forest - that the Druj who remain are hunted fugitives.

At the same time, in the south, the power of Night magic enshrouds the Winter Sun. It hones the intuition of the soldiers, and urges them to find those who will make common cause with them, focusing their efforts to [[Army_qualities#Freedom_Fighters|break the chains]] of the Druj slaves. Those who fight to free the slaves and the conquered septs, rather than focusing on taking land or slaying the Druj, find that the voices of their ancestors become clearer and clearer - and that some of those ancestor voices are very old indeed. Ancient orcs of the Mallum, pressed into slavery by the old Imperials, drawn not from the Druj but from those who were their slaves. Terrible tales of those who fled tyranny to find death and enslavement waiting for them when they left the Mallum at the hands of humans who saw them as little better than beasts.

Normally, these voices are loud, angry, full of fear and hate. Under the influence of Night magic, those sincerely fighting to liberate the septs find these voices quiet, become clearer, become more lucid. Distant memories of ancient pacts and traditions empower the Winter Sun to reassure those who have spent too long under the thumb of the Druj that they are not the enemy. They can do little to moderate the fear that these orcs feel for the other Imperial armies… but it is a start. A unique chance to treat with the survivors of centuries of oppression.

It is while they fight in the Bloodwater Marsh and the Whisperwood that this approach bears dividends. The [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]] have been missing from the Sarangrave since the Imperial forces first crossed the border from Lustri. It now becomes clear that they had simply been waiting for an opportunity. Some are in Nesustak Forest working with the rebels there; others have been in the Whisperwood quietly recruiting the elders of the [[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]] sept to their cause. An alliance between the two groups has been forged, and now they reach out to the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. They make common cause - but they also know how to exploit the situation.

As the Winter Sun press forward, the Spears and the Walkers launch their own forays into the Whisperwood. The mighty Fortress of the Skink still provides a measure of support for the beleaguered Druj forces here, as they fall back. As the Empire advances, the rebel orcs give their own signal and bands of them attack where they can, picking off lone Druj warriors and exacting a bloody revenge. Druj scouts are discovered hanging from trees, their bodies held aloft by grim nooses formed from their own entrails. Druj supply wagons burned, the bodies of the paymasters chained to the charred remains. Corpses of Pakkad and Chikad warriors with their eyes and tongues torn out.

Beneath the dark boughs of the Whisperwood, the waters of the Sarangrave seethe with boiling fury, a thirst for vengeance that no amount of murder can slake. The Spears and the Walkers clearly have designs of their own on the Whisperwood and they are far from friends of the Empire. But for the Druj there is only the most pure and undiluted hatred.

==Even The Very Wise Cannot See All Ends==
As the Autumn Equinox draws close, the leaders of the ramshackle rebellion have a message for the Empire. Their message, relayed by those Winter Sun orcs who have fought most closely with them, is that they will not harass the Empire’s troops as long as they focus their attention on the Druj. If they seek to attack the rebels in Nesustak Forest or Whisperwood, they will protect themselves.

When the Druj are finally driven from the Sarangrave, there will be a chance to talk about what happens next. Then hopefully the Empire will know whether they have come to the Mallum as liberators or conquerors? They cannot be both, after all.

==Game Information==
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|align=right|width=500}}</div>
===Sarangrave===
* '''Nobody has dominion of Sarangrave
* '''The Empire controls three regions'''
* '''The Druj control two regions'''
* '''The vallorn controls one region'''
* '''The rebels control one region'''
The Empire has claimed Kroll and now controls that region along with Turan Flats and Bloodwater Marsh. The Druj still hold the Tower of the Skink and the surrounding region of Thornfen, and for now they cling on in Whisperwood. Two armies - the Poison Crane and the Hidden Snake - are still in Thornfen, bolstering the fortification there. The other Druj armies in the north have abandoned the territory and withdrawn into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]].

The Palace of the Sleepers appears to have disappeared. It is not clear if this is a permanent disappearance, a transportation of some kind similar to that used to try and protect the Halls of Knowledge, or simply a shroud of some kind. It’s also not clear what this will mean for the Tainted Basilisk, who rely on the Palace and the associated ghulai and septs to support their army.
===Rebel Orcs===
* '''Rebellious former slaves of the Druj claim the Nesustak Forest'''
* '''Some of the rebellious orc faction are Water Walkers who have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
Last season’s enchantment on the Nesustak Forest, placed by Imperial magicians, seems to have empowered [[Irra Harah]] to throw his entire weight behind these rebels, and that region is now in the control of the rebellious Sarangrave septs. Supported by Irra Harah, they have launched a surprise attack. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, the Bloodwater Spears, the Water Walkers, and an unknown sept have taken the opportunity to overthrow the Druj, butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards to seize control.

It seems the rebels would like to have pulled off the same in the Whisperwood, but here the going is much harder, with the Druj armies based in Thornfen defending fiercely. 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.

The Empire has made serious inroads into Nesustak (two-fifths towards claiming it) and Whisperwood (three-fifths towards claiming it). With Nesustak falling into the control of the rebels, it is impossible to take any more of the region without fighting and killing the rebel orcs that have risen up and displaced the Druj there - and the Senate recently recognised 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. There has been contact with the Winter Sun, but the most it has achieved so far is an agreement not to attack each other. The rebels won’t share what knowledge they have, and they don't have the force of arms to attack the Tower of the Skink. It is not clear if there is a basis to negotiate - they appear to want the Sarangrave for themselves, and for their fellows, rather than see it conquered by the Empire. At the moment their ability to do so is limited due to their lack of anything approaching an [[Imperial army]] in strength… but if they got control of the [[Sarangrave#Fingers of the Devourer|Fingers of the Devourer]] in the Whisperwood it would be dangerous to assume they cannot find a way to ''make'' an army.
===Disaster in the South===
* '''Six Druj armies are fighting on the border between Zenith and Sarangrave'''
* '''Their disposition depends on what happens during the Autumn Equinox'''
The six armies in the south of the Sarangrave have nowhere to go - they have been driven out of Sarangrave but cannot withdraw into a safe region. For the moment they are fighting on the border, but it is clear that they have plans to escape. They will likely intend to take advantage of Night magic to do so, as they did when they escaped Zenith after they were trapped by the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===The Weight of Glory===
* '''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. It seems that the excitement of fighting in the Mallum is, indeed, starting to affect the Empire’s loyal warriors - possibly because of the oppressive aura of fear coupled with the feeling of pride and strength exposure to the heralds of the Fields of Glory brings.

During the next season, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season 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 may be possible to ameliorate this effect by other means 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.

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.

==Participation==
===Citadel and Sky ===
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Citadel Guard or the Eastern Sky receive a potent boon
The Knights of Glory are powerful soldiers summoned from the Summer Realm and often influence the mortal soldiers they fight alongside - especially when the army and its [[Army orders|orders]] are in synch with their mistress [[Eleonaris]]. The Eastern Sky engaged in a triumphant charge against the Druj this season, and the Citadel Guard drew on unique Summer magic to empower their own strategy. In both cases, the summoned Knights enthusiastically and vocally supported their actions, and threw themselves joyously into battle against the Druj.

The captain of any military unit that fought alongside either the Eastern Sky or the Citadel Guard begins the Autumn Equinox with an [[enchantment]] - [[Glory to the Sovereign]]. This gives them two ranks of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] and the ability to call [[Calls#CLEAVE|cleave]] twice each day when wielding a [[Weapons & armour#One-handed Weapons|one-handed weapon]], [[Weapons & armour#One-handed Spears|one-handed spear]], [[Weapons & armour#Great weapons|great weapon]] or [[Weapons & armour#Pole-arms|polearm]] with which they are proficient.

As well as the game benefits, the aura creates a [[roleplaying effects|roleplaying effect]]: ''You feel a strong urge to do great deeds that will make you the centre of attention, and you take particular pleasure in approval and adulation. You particularly want to do things that will make you be seen as worthy, strong and powerful warriors; being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.''

The boon can be removed [[Enchantment#Removing_Enchantments|as normal]] - “overwritten” with a new enchantment - and will have faded by the start of the Winter Solstice.
===Other Knights===
* '''Characters whose military unit fought alongside any other army enchanted with Knights of Glory in Sarangrave receive a different benefit'''
Knights of Glory also fought alongside the Fire of the South, the Golden Axe, Gryphon's Pride, Lions of Adelmar, Northern Eagle, and the Granite Pillar. A character whose military unit supported one of these armies may choose to have been impacted by the experience of battling in close proximity to heralds of [[Eleonaris]].
* If you possess the [[heroic skills#hero|hero]] skill, you may choose to increase your number of hero points by one until the end of the Autumn Equinox.
* If you do not have the hero skill, you gain an additional temporary hero point which, once spent, is permanently gone. It will have faded entirely by the end of the Autumn Equinox regardless.
Anyone who chooses to gain this benefit also experiences a roleplaying effect that lasts until the end of the Autumn Equinox: ''You feel a strong urge to do great deeds that will make you the centre of attention, and you take particular pleasure in approval and adulation. You particularly want to do things that will make you be seen as worthy, strong and powerful warriors; being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.''

==Battle Opportunity : To Deal Out Death in Judgement==
The Imperial prognosticators have identified a [[Sentinel Gate#Major Conjunction|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that seems to open in Whisperwood.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Druj]]

* [[Make it happen]] - 384YE Summer Wind of Fortune about some of the septs of the Sarangrave
* [[Root and branch]] - 387YE Summer Wind of War about the continuing battle for Sarangrave
* [[Unlock thy hidden gate]] - 387YE Spring Wind of War about the start of the battle for Sarangrave

Those that break a thing

2025-09-08T16:13:25Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=To Break A Thing.jpg|caption=Those that break a thing to find out what it does have left the path of wisdom.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Often Does Hatred Hurt Itself==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Nr4THSCtU}}
There’s a contentious old saying among some pilgrims that doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is the antithesis of Wisdom. [[Avigliana di Sarvos]] rejected this idea, writing that it was fundamentally impossible to do the same thing more than once simply because the world is not static. Regardless, even she grudgingly accepted that there was a grain of truth in the words, because those who refuse to learn from their mistakes all too easily become trapped in a cycle of failure.

A little over a month before the Autumn Equinox, the [[Children of Wrecks]] attacked [[Sarvos#Trivento|Trivento]]. [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Sudden_Storm|Again]]. One thing you can say about the Children of Wrecks, they're no advocates of Wisdom. This time, however, they have adjusted their strategy such as it is. They have seen first-hand the coastal defences of Sarvos and they take fewer risks. Or, perhaps more truthfully, those prone to charge straight in trusting to their bloodthirsty “goddess” to protect them died in the first assault.

This time, the <i>Gathered Storm</i> is significantly larger. They have clearly pulled in all their ships, all the pirates and raiders and thieves and cutthroats from across the Bay and beyond, swelling their numbers significantly over what attacked the League last season. The flagship of their ragtag armada, the <i>Storm’s Child</i>, crackles with barely contained energy, some destructive [[enchantment]] woven by High Priestess Shivaarn and her coven. The fallen [[corsair|corsairs]] loyal to <i>Isidore i Boyaga</i>, and the corrupt false-steading of <i>Liath’s Blade</i> under the command of <i>Captain Ioan Bloodstride</i> further enhance their ability to fight the Empire.

The former Grendel vessels, the pirates, and the betrayers, are joined by another group of traitors. A dozen ships of the [[Iron Confederacy]], many still showing the damage they took in their escape from [[Bay_of_Catazar#Axiom_Prison|Axiom Prison]], bearing former prisoners and lead by a cabal of Suranni magicians - servants of Dumon who have thrown their lot in with the followers of the <i>Maelstrom</i>. The Maelstrom that sends her children to whip the mortals into a frenzy of plunder and bloodletting.

Arrayed against them, the strength of the [[Sarvos#The_Great_Chain|Great Chain of Sarvos]], the garrison of [[Sarvos#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]]... and the [[Red Wind Corsairs]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[File:RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Red Wind Corsairs]]</div>
==White Foam is Flying==
The core of the Red Wind has always been drawn from the [[corsair]] families of [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]]. These families suffered greatly at the hands of the Grendel, and the Children of Wrecks. The curses of [[Siakha]] have separated the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]] and the islands of [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]] from the Coast, isolating them with churning seas and terrible monsters. The servants of Siakha squat among the splendour of the Freeborn captains, occupying [[Madruga#Atalaya|Atalaya]] and [[Feroz#Shantarim|Shantarim]].

While their homes may have been stolen, surprisingly few of the corsair <i>ships</i> were captured or destroyed by the Children. The families of many of the Red Winds soldiers still have the kind of powerful fighting ships that are needed to fight effectively at sea. A year ago the [[Imperial Senate]] granted leave to the Corsairs to build on these resources to [[Upgrade the Red Wind Corsairs|change their approach]] to warfare. They embraced a proposal put forward by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] during her [[appraisal]] into ways for the Empire to [[An_angry_blade|disrupt naval control of the Bay]]. Drawing on their heritage, the Red Wind could embrace the Corsair mastery of the sea to face the Children of Wrecks and the Grendel [[An_angry_blade#Speak_At_This|on equal footing]].

At the core of the new army, three great ships - ''The Erigo'', ''The Riqueza'', and ''The Guerra''. Their dedicated crews can bring them quickly to any port on the Bay of Catazar, and around this solid core, the ships of the corsairs can rally. Vessels belonging to patriotic Freeborn captains, those prepared to directly support the army, can muster together to help the Corsairs put to sea.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Joaquim i Erigo">Corsairs! Strange as it may be to be taking orders from a Kohan, you know me, you know my voice, my face and my paint. We march to Sarvos to put to Sea. Board your vessels, raise your sails. The children of Wrecks will regret their folly. Freeborn, Get in the Boat!”</quote></div>
Following the Summer Solstice, the Red Wind marches to Sarvos from [[Mitwold]]. The three founding ships are already at anchor in the city. Answering the call, the Corsair families dispatch vessels from all over the Empire to join them in anticipation of the arrival of the Freeborn marines. The city rings to the laughter and cheers of the Brass Coast, as soldiers are reunited with family members they have not seen in months. The passion of the Corsairs is contagious; an almost festive atmosphere falls over the City of Masks.

This is the first time the Red Wind Corsairs’ new strategy will be tested; the enthusiasm and pride is tempered by just a little sprinkle of anxiety about how well things will hold together. These worries prove unfounded; the crews of the three flagships are mostly drawn from surviving veterans of the <i>[[Freeborn Storm]]</i> and they have a wealth of experience melding together disparate crews and captains to a single aim. There is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air… and then the Children of Wrecks attack Trivento again.

==Battle of Trivento==
While they may be taking to the sea, the Red Wind Corsairs are still an Imperial force, and they are called to defend the Empire. While those soldiers who have not yet secured berths on a corsair vessel march east with their League peers, the ships that are already outfitted for war answer the call to battle. With the flagships as their anchor, the Red Wind arrows across the waves to attack the Children of Wrecks.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SiakhaArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
They are outnumbered, but they are by no means outclassed. These are the corsairs of the Brass Coast and it becomes very clear that centuries of fighting pirates and raiders stand them in good stead for attacking these jumped-up bandits. Their captains take advantage of their superior manoeuvrability to strike against the attackers, then peel away leaving sinking wrecks in their wake. Sometimes they rely on sunsteel rams to shatter the hulls of the inferior pirate ships. Sometimes they use hooks and ropes to grapple a vessel, their marines and [[kohan]] pouring onto the enemy decks, killing quickly, scuttling the ship, and retreating back onto their own ship. Their sudden attack distracts the Children; the pirates are a barely disciplined rabble and seeing the Freeborn vessels a number of them peel off from the assault on Trivento to fruitlessly chase the faster corsair ships. Those who break away from the main body of the <i>Gathered Storm</i> are easy prey for the Freeborn and the handful of League ships that fight with them.

The [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] and [[inhabitants of the realms#guardians|guardians]] of Siakha’s [[Realms#Spring|domain]] pose the bigger threat to the Freeborn; many of them are as at home in the sea as on land and can swim with preternatural speed and strength. Yet it is not the magical creatures summoned to aid the navy that are the greatest danger. The ships who cluster to the banner of Isidore i Boyaga are former corsair vessels, crewed and captained by former corsairs. Their vessels can match the speed and manoeuvrability of the Red Wind Corsairs, and they seem to relish the opportunity to face down their former cousins. Yet they are heavily outnumbered, and swiftly learn the folly of trying to engage dozens of angry Freeborn on the open sea. Perhaps when they abandoned their [[tribe|tribe names]] they lost something fundamental, but they are forced to flee in the face of furious Freeborn retaliation against the traitors.

If the battle at sea is vicious and bloody, it is nothing as to the battle on land. The Children have many raiders among their numbers, and they seem to have learned at least a little from their previous failed attack. Rather than attack the harbour directly, they focus their efforts on the defences. Monstrous carcharadon assail the great chain that closes the harbour, rusting and weakening it with the ruinous strength of Spring. At the same time, warbands of bloodthirsty raiders disembark along the coast and attack Trivento from the landward side. The defenders are forced to fight on two fronts - as shipboard catapults and ballistae bombard the seaward side, the murderous pirates attack from the east (but not from the west - they are not prepared to risk engaging the defenders of the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider's_Dream|Spider’s Dream]], not yet anyway).

This time, fighting spreads into the streets of Trivento itself. League soldiers fight valiantly to prevent the attackers slaughtering the people of Sarvos’ second city, striving to stop them looting and pillaging the wealth of [[Sarvos#Bocche|Bocche]]. <i>Liath’s Blade</i> is at the forefront here - the traitorous Navarr seeming to revel in the chance to spill innocent blood and destroy the homes of the wealthy Leaguers. Many of them voice battle-cries that seem to suggest they are driven by anger over the Empire’s ''betrayal'' of the Navarr - by their failure to recover [[Liathaven]] from the [[Jotun]]. Yet for all their apparent political motivation, they seem particularly keen on taking as much wealth as possible from the League settlement.

As well as the Navarr, the Iron Confederacy contingent - a mismatched flotilla of merchant ships and a few war vessels crewed by escaped convicts - launch a confusing attack on the [[College of the Liberated]]. The defenders there claim that they seemed to think that the College was either a school of magic or a “temple to one of the Imperial gods”. Their attack caught the defenders by surprise, forcing the students and staff to defend themselves against a mixture of scared thugs and surprisingly deadly [[Magical skills#Battle mage|warmages]].

Fortunately for the accountants and economists, a band of late-arrived kohan were on hand to come to their aid. The Suranni were under the command of a wizard-captain referred to only as the “Duke of Lies”, a figure swathed in black wearing a sneering theatrical mask. For all their fearsome appearance they were forced to retreat back to the coast before they could inflict serious damage. In the aftermath it became apparent that where most of the Children of Wrecks wield the magic of [[Spring magic|Spring]], many of these form Iron Confederacy criminals had at least a passing familiarity with the shrouds of [[Night magic|Night]] and the wicked enchantments of [[Winter magic|Winter]], calling on the gifts of their patron [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|Dumon the Liar]] to shatter the doors of the College, and leaving several of the staff wracked with painful [[curse|curses]].

While the League soldiers and scattering of ships fight alongside the Freeborn, they receive aid from an unexpected source. Two dozen [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] ships from the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alvetti Estates]] arrive shortly after the battle has begin, and throw their support behind the Red Wind Corsairs. They are by no means as manoeuvrable as the Freeborn corsairs, but their ships are fast and especially sturdy. Among them are three ships belonging to the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks|DeBruin]] family - mercenaries paid by the Sarcophan enclave in Caricomare to protect Sarcophan traders. They do not fight with the fury of the Freeborn, but their disdain for pirates and cutthroats is palpable - they methodically dismantle any pirate vessel that comes close, preferring to engage them directly and loot the ships of the would-be pillagers.

==Defiance Rather Than Hope==
In the end, the Children of Wrecks’ second attack in so many seasons goes barely better than the first. They are driven back from Trivento with little to show for it save more scars on their battered hulls - and fewer ships than they started with. The landward attackers are cut to ribbons by the defenders of Trivento, and those who manage to make it back to their ships only manage it by running away with their tails between their legs.

While the Children of Wrecks were driven off with limited damage to Trivento, the Red Wind Corsairs have paid dearly for their valiant defence. If they hadn’t been present, it’s likely the full strength of the Children could have overwhelmed the League defenders and seen them loot the western regions of Sarvos. As before, the attackers strategy was focused around pillaging and killing, rather than claiming land. If it had not been, that too might have seen the situation work out very differently.

As it is, the Corsairs have lost several ships and their crews in the battle of Trivento. The impact was exacerbated by the fact they were caught part-way between land and sea in the process of boarding ships and reconfiguring to make the most of their capacity for naval warfare. With the Children driven off, however, the rest of the corsairs return to Sarvos where they complete their new deployment. The Red Wind Corsairs are now an [[Imperial navy]], ready to pursue the Children or face the Grendel.

For their part the Gathered Storm retreats along the coast to the west, the ragtag armada of scoundrels trailing in its wake. They are surely making for their base in Madruga or Feroz, to lick their wounds and recover from their second defeat. Have they learned their lesson? It’s impossible to say. Perhaps they will seek easier prey - or perhaps they will do the same thing again in expectation of a different result.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofSarvos.png|align=right|width=500}}
==Game Information==
* '''The Children of Wrecks attacked Sarvos - again'''
* '''The Red Wind Corsairs were present and helped successfully defend Trivento'''
The attackers have failed again to loot Trivento. A combination of the [[Sarvos#The_Great_Chain|Great Chain]] and [[Sarvos#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]] with the support of the Red Wind Corsairs saw the navy flee westward, presumably towards their strongholds in Madruga or Feroz. While the raiders inflicted minor damage on Trivento, they were not able to impact Imperial taxation in any meaningful way - as before their strategy was entirely focused on looting and pillaging rather than taking territory.

The Red Wind Corsairs have sustained some significant damage from their defence due to the vulnerabilities of being part-way between land and see caused by the ''[[Army_qualities#Forayer|Take to the sea]]'' order. They have however completed their transformation into an Imperial Navy, and now follow all the rules for Naval Combat until they choose to ''Take to the land'' again.
==Further Reading==
* [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Sudden_Storm|Long grass and stormclouds]] - 387YE Summer wind of war regarding the first attack on Trivento

Kingdom by the sea

2025-09-08T16:12:53Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
Piedro put down the glass of syrah and wiped his mouth. "It's meant to be priceless," he said, by way of justification.

Isabella only snorted in response. "Nothing is priceless" she scoffed, her derision plain to see on her face.

Piedro laughed at his lover's scorn. "It's true!" he protested. "I heard the Delver talking about it. Apparently it can remove scars - even magic ones. And..." he paused to let the tension build, "if applied beneath a lavender moon, it will dissolve even the years away, leaving the patient as vibrant as when they first came of age."

Now it was Isabella's turn to laugh, and she didn't hold back. "His pretty face has done more than catch your eye if you believe ''that'' nonsense." she said when she had regained her composure.

"Nonsense it might be... but he's still offering two crowns a portion. And I've checked him out - he's good for it."

Isabella curled her lip as she contemplated this new information. It was tempting, but something was holding her back still "Two crowns is hardly priceless" she said at last.

"No... it's not... but he's a wealthy Sarcophan merchant... and that's his ''opening'' offer..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=From out of the West.jpg|caption=It is 387YE, and oceans are now battlefields.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDBq8q5Fvac}}
* '''There is enthusiasm for a great ''voyage'' after the great race'''
* '''Heralds of Rhianos have facilitated three potential voyages for Imperial fleet captains
At the most recent summit, the captains who were victorious in the Great Race [[The_last_leg#The_Sea_of_Stars|met with Rhianos]] and their [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] in a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]] to discuss their expedition and their hopes for the future. It seems that ''[[Rhianos|Waverider]]'' was interested to hear what adventures might come next for the intrepid captains of the Empire's fleets, and was looking for ideas of how they might support them. Suggestions flowed like water, but many were too ambitious even for the ''Master of the Far Shore'' - it would appear that even the powers of the vaunted eternal are not enough to send the Empire's [[fleet|fleets]] to the moon and back!

Following the meeting ''Furole'' has commanded their heralds to find adventure for the Empire's captains where they can. Three of their favoured servants have taken ''Tide Dancer's'' instructions to heart and each prepared to support a possible [[voyage|expedition]] that the fleets of the Empire might consider. Each of the opportunities presented here is only available in the downtime following the Autumn Equinox 387YE.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Salt Flats of Sanath Regions.png|align=right|caption=The Salt Flats of Sanath were mapped out by Imperials after the Summer Solstice 386YE.|width=400}}

==Beyond the Salt Flats==
* '''''Farsighted'' calls for a grand armada to sail and map the eastern coastline'''
* '''Fleets can take the ''Map the Eastern Sea'' scouting voyage after the summit'''
The herald, ''Farsighted'', speaks to those who find adventure in searching the horizon for new lands and new places to visit. For some it is the excitement of seeking out the great unknown. For others it is simply wanderlust, a chance to sail where others have not. Bidden by his liege to prepare an adventure, Farsighted lays out a plan to discover new shores.

In recent years, the Empire has managed to map both the [[Bay of Catazar]], and the [[Sea of Snow]], but the extent of the eastern coastline is unknown. Now, with the attention of the Druj focused on Sarangrave, Farsighted calls on the eternal's power to offer a chance for a grand armada to sail past Druj lands and chart as much of the eastern coastline of the continent as possible.

Each standard fleet assigned to the '''Map the Eastern Sea''' action adds 100 points toward successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] fleet adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a scouting fleet (specifically [[Muffled Oar]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action.

Mapping the Eastern Sea will not involve raids against the [[Druj]]; the goal is to avoid encounters with the enemy and focus on gathering intelligence so that the majority of time can be spent on mapping the coastlines beyond. Nonetheless, there may be a few opportunities for plunder and even some chances to trade if the fleets can reach friendly ports. As a result, a standard fleet taking this action will receive 5 random herbs and 60 rings in plunder or trade goods, with upgraded fleets receiving increased rewards. The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] could also choose to assign the guerdon to the action.

In a similar manner to a [[spy network]], the total strength assigned to the opportunity will determine the outcome. All the results shown below are cumulative, so if the Empire can assign 25,000 or more strength to map the Eastern Sea, they will gain all the benefits shown.

<div style="margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 50px;">
<big>'''Names and Faces'''</big><br>
'''Less than 5,000'''<br>
Without sufficient ships to cover the coastline in detail, the Empire will be unable to produce even a simple map showing the outline. All they will receive is the name of the territories they have seen from the decks of the ships and the identity of whichever power controls it. While any intelligence is useful, the Empire won't find out much more about these territories than their name and approximate location.

<big>'''Secrets of the Mallum'''</big><br>
'''Between 5,000 and 10,000'''<br>
With enough vessels, the armada will be able to delve into the misty islands of [[Forest of Ulnak|Gloomsea]]. The region is mostly unmapped, due to the ''Hathjuk'' sept and its mistwreathed nature, but with enough ships it would be possible to uncover most of its secrets. At minimum, the armada would uncover how the Hathjuk support the Druj.

<big>'''Citadels and Ports'''</big><br>
'''Between 10,000 and 15,000'''<br>
With more vessels, the armada will be able to get through the [[The Mallum|Mallum]] with enough strength to strike out south past the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. Ship captains will need to hug the coastline to avoid becoming lost in the vast eastern sea, but that will allow them to create a map of the coastline of the [[Axos|Axou]] territories, which lie immediately south of the Mallum.

<big>'''The Deepholds'''</big><br>
'''Between 15,000 and 20,000'''<br>
With this many fleets, the Imperial cartographers will have enough time to collect information on large territorial features visible from the coastline. The maps they create will include all the details they can observe, providing valuable intelligence on important sites in [[Axos#Axou Territories|Thronaskoni]]. What's more, they'll be able to strike even further south - to the territories of [[Skoura]].

<big>'''Cliffs of Vore'''</big><br>
'''Between 20,000 and 25,000'''<br>
With a large enough armada, the Imperials will be able to turn north, towards the cliffs of Vore. It is unclear how much might be learned about this area - the Druj and the Thule are both tight-lipped about whatever might lie beyond the great mountains - but, at minimum, it will reveal something about the mysterious inhabitants of these cloistered lands.

<big>'''Eastern Isles'''</big><br>
'''More than 25,000'''<br>
Rumours abound of islands filled with ornate gems, precious metals, and esoteric materials that lie off the eastern coast. Just slightly too far away from the coast to journey - and just out of reach. If enough fleets join the expedition, then the route to at least one island will be uncovered. For every additional 5,000 points, one additional island will be discovered.
</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Across the Sea of Salt, the Asavean Republic plots the downfall of the Empire.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
Regardless of the outcome, this represents an opportunity for grand adventure in waters close to home, but nonetheless barely known by Imperial captains.

==Turnabout is Fair Play==
* '''Tempest calls for the Empire to engage in daring raids against the Asaveans on the seven seas'''
* '''Fleets can take the ''Raid Asavean Shipping'' raiding voyage after the summit'''
* '''If enough fleets take the action, then the Asavean warship, Wind Tamer, will be destroyed'''
The bounty on ships trading with the Empire from the Asavean Plenum has been removed, owing to the [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|Pax Sarcophan]]. The limits of the ultimatum issued by the [[Sarcophan Delves|Delves]] still permit the raiding of enemy nations, but strictly prohibit the raiding of merchants of a third party as part of warfare. With the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] navies and warships [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|repulsed]] by the combined strength of the Empire and [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]], now could be the perfect time to give the Asaveans a bloody nose.

''Foamfollower'' is not especially interested in warfare, but the eternal cannot completely deny the excitement and sense of adventure that comes from a battle on the open sea. Armies don't interest him, but he, and some of his more martial heralds do enjoy daring raids and thrilling duels between ships. The herald ''Tempest'' speaks to those who crave danger raiding their enemies. Whether it is the thrill of battle, the anticipation of crossing blades with an enemy, or just embracing the terrible risks involved, Tempest cares not. On the orders of the ''King of the Nine Tides'', the herald has sought opportunities for bold captains to take the fight to their greatest enemy on the high seas - the Asaveans!

Asavean merchants play the sea lanes between the islands of the archipelago carrying precious cargoes from one satrapy to the next. The bravest sail across the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Storms|Sea of Storms]] to trade with the Sarcophan, the Faraden, the Jotun, and the Iron Confederacy. Now Tempest offers to guide Imperial fleets to strike at these wealthy merchants and plunder their riches. If enough wealthy merchants were attacked, then the Plenum would be forced to respond - sending their biggest vessels to try and root out the raiders. If that were done, then Tempest believes the Empire will be able to corner and sink one of the great warships of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Plenum]].

Each standard fleet assigned to the '''Raid Asavean Shipping''' action adds 100 points toward successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] fleet adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a raiding fleet, (such as [[Blood and Salt]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action.

Raid Asavean Shipping will focus on attacking Asavean ships, both wealthy merchant ships and the pirates and privateers that have been attacking vessels sailing to and from the Empire. At the moment they sail with impunity, this could force them to take more care when sailing near Imperial waters. While the goal is not to gather treasure, so much as to engage the enemy in daring battles, there will still be plenty of chances for plunder. As a result, a standard fleet taking this action will receive 5 random [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] or [[Materials#Measures|measures]] and 80 rings in plunder or trade goods, with upgraded fleets receiving increased rewards. The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] could also choose to assign the guerdon to the action.

If the Empire can muster a flotilla of fleets with a combined military strength of 15,000 or more, then the damage to Asavean ships will be significant. The Plenum will be forced to respond and will order some of their large warships like the ''Wind Tamer'' and ''Balo's Grace'' to try and hunt down the attacking ships. Their warships are not well suited for attacking small fleets, and Imperial captains will be able to mob and sink '''one''' of the great vessels.

This will be a significant blow to Asavean pride and reduce the strength they can deploy to help the Grendel. The Asaveans will ultimately replace the vessel, but they won't be able to do so immediately. It will be at least six months before they can increase their naval strength in Imperial waters.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kraken.JPG|align=right|width=350|caption=Juvenile kraken spawn and grow in the waters of the Brass Coast}}
==Krakens of Inferior Size==
* '''Raptor calls for the Empire to hunt the juvenile kraken in Free Landing'''
* '''Fleets can take the ''Hunt Free Landing Kraken'' questing voyage after the summit'''
* '''Freeborn fleets will gain an additional rank, and corsairs will gain a further additional rank'''
The [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_interlude#A_Shining_Beacon_(Madruga)|shining beacons]] alight in the coastal skies of [[Madruga]] are almost painfully bright. The large spheres of pure radiant [[Day_magic#Force|force]] make it difficult to keep things hidden, and the nesting grounds of the kraken unleashed in [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]] are no different. With some of the [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken|kraken]] forced into the open, at least for the next few months, there is a chance for fleet captains to hunt them down.

The shining beacons have forced ''some'' of the kraken into unknown areas, deep caverns where no light - not even that called from the [[Realms#Day|Day realm]] - can reach. There is no chance to reach these beasts, so some kraken will remain as a threat to [[Madruga]] whatever happens, but there is an opportunity here for an adventure - and even profit!

The mighty kraken of the [[Sea of Snow]] are massive monsters, hundreds of feet long and capable of crushing and squeezing a ship's hull to splinters in minutes. Those unleashed in the [[Bay of Catazar]] are still young, the largest barely thirty feet long, but they are hungry and dangerous. The hunter can become the hunted as quick as a flash.

The seas around the islands are home to many dangers - the most terrible storms can sink any ship. But what many sailors fear most is the monstrous creatures that lurk in the depths, hungering for a chance to pull a ship down. Only the bravest crews dare to become the hunter, turning the chase on the quarry. ''Lightning Fish'' knows well how exciting such a hunt can be, a deadly pursuit across the water, where life and death is always but a moment away. ''Raptor'', one of her heralds, has been instructed to help the Empire attempt just such a hunt.

Any ship set to '''Hunt Free Landing Kraken''' will spend the season attempting to kill one of the immature kraken that the [[Children of Wrecks]] have released into the waters off Free Landing. They won't be able to eradicate these terrible creatures, but those that dedicate themselves to the hunt will return home with a very precious cargo.

These immature kraken are not large enough to produce worthwhile volumes of ''kraken ink'' like their monstrous brethren in the Sea of Monsters, but immature kraken have something potentially even better. The bile of a mature kraken is acidic enough to dissolve almost anything the kraken eats, but immature krakens acids are less corrosive. As a result their stomach is filled with ''Ambrellic'', or ''kraken's bile'', a somewhat toxic greasy substance that is formed from a combination of bile and the partially digested bones of the kraken's victims.

Ambrellic is highly sought after by the Sarcophans, whose [[Surgical skills#Chirurgeon|chirurgeons]] prize it as a treatment, using tiny amounts of it to remove scars and other blemishes from the skin. It is also used as the base for a variety of perfumes and scents. As a result, even a small amount can be worth a great deal of money.

A standard fleet taking this action will receive 5 portions of Ambrellic; [[fleet#Upgrades|upgraded]] fleets will receive proportionally more. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a questing fleet (such as [[Golden Voyage]]) will increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action.

It's hard to say how much the Ambrellic would be worth, but [[The_mathematics_of_tears#The_Van_Basten_Trade|Johann Van Basten]], a wealthy Sarcophan trader currently visiting the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan Enclave|Alivetti Estates]] on business, has promised to buy as much as the Empire can produce for two crowns a portion at the following summit. Ambrellic sells for considerably more than that in Sarcophan, so other buyers could make their offers known before the Winter Solstice 387YE, once there is some of the rare substance to be had. If that happens, fleet owners ''might'' do even better.

Hunting the kraken will be a challenge, not just because of how dangerous these monsters are, but also how treacherous the waters around Free Landing can be to those not used to them. Few know these waters better than the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] and none better than the corsairs - as a result any Freeborn fleet is considered one rank higher than normal for the purpose of this voyage and a fleet owned by a [[corsair]] would be two ranks higher.

==Further Reading==
* [[Rhianos]]
* [[Fleet]]
* [[Voyage]]

Climb every mountain

2025-09-08T16:12:23Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"The Synod's lackeys have called on us to throw you out."

The obvious contempt in Minias' voice made clear what she thought of the idea, but he pretended to take it seriously just in case. "I will be gone by the morning, as always." he replied evenly.

"You'll do no such thing." she exploded. "I'll be damned if I'll let some bloody Synod tell me what to do. Herminus has made his decision, now let him enforce it."

Severus smiled sadly at the woman's anger. It was good to see his old student's passions roused, but poise demanded she kept them mastered. "How can I be an itinerant scholar Minias if I don't have an itinerary? Will you make me ''your'' prisoner?" The gibe was gentle but firm - it would be all too easy to stay but they both knew it would be a mistake.

"Don't be ridiculous, of course you're not. But I ''want'' you to stay. You're safe here." Even as she said it, she knew the words were a lie.

"Nowhere is safe anymore. Our enemies will see to that. I can't stay in one place too long... even now, my presence here is a danger."

Minias looked round as if expecting to see Silent Bell assassins in the training room with them, but of course they were alone. She sighed as she turned back to face her old teacher, feeling her anger turn to sadness that he was right and would soon have to depart. "Why do they hate us so much?" she whispered.

Severus smiled again, but kindly this time. He placed his hand on her shoulder, light as a feather. "Tolerance is the crack in the foundation of a strong society," he whispered back. "They hate us because we represent a truth they cannot accept. That Virtue comes from within, not from without. We deny their authority and that makes us a threat to them. They are ''right'' to act. We are not like them, we will never kneel to their Synod. We will never accept their mandates. If they tolerate us - their society will crack. The only way they can follow the teachings of Sulemaine is to deny them. The only way they can embrace Sulemaine is to kill those who revere her."

Minias stared at the old sword scholar. "That's all well and good, but they're trying to ''kill'' you. I don't understand why you're not ''seething'' about it."

Severus of the Blinding Sun stared down at her, surprised by such an obvious error from his former pupil. His hand dropped to the comforting hilt of the blade strapped to his side.

"Poise", was all he said, as he turned to go.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sword.jpg|align=left|caption=The Disciples of Sulemaine refuse to accept the judgement of the Urizen Assembly, which rejects the teachings of their "Paragon of Blades".|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHXm4yhgmqs}}
More than two years ago, the tradition of the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] in [[Urizen]] was sundered by '''[[Broken_sword#Resolution|Herminius and Clymenestra]]''' of the House of the Wanderer and other leaders of the movement at [[Anvil]]. Those who clung to the antiquated views of [[Sulemaine]] - that the influence of the Synod must be resisted at every turn and were not afraid to use violence to achieve their goals - were cast out by those who had long since made their peace with the Empire.

Those who laid claim to the title of sword scholars have prospered in the intervening time. '''Herminius''' is the [[Senator]] for his home of [[Zenith]]; '''Clytemnestra''' now [[general|commands]] the [[Argent Sword]]; '''Aspar''' is now the [[Conscience of the Senate]]; '''Elagabala''' now guides the [[Sevenfold Path]]. In the wider Empire, people are more sceptical of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] than ever before - its power has tangibly been diminished by the success of the sword scholars. It's easy to argue that it was only when they set their blades down that the sword scholars achieved victory.

To many at Anvil, those who were cast out appear to have all but disappeared. Calling themselves the ''Disciples of Sulemaine'', they apparently retreated into the mountains of Zenith. A few vowed revenge on the rest of the sword scholars, claiming that the leaders at Anvil had betrayed Sulemaine's teachings. Most cut a more sorry figure, withdrawing to the shadows more in sadness for their obvious loss than in anger at others. Since then they have been a silent presence in Urizen. Confined to the highest peaks of [[Morrow#Operus|Operus]], in [[Morrow]], and [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]] and [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] in Zenith, they dwell in [[spire|spires]] sympathetic to their philosophies who are willing, at least, to give them safe harbour.

Things may seem quiet, but the Disciples are in hiding, they haven't gone away. They are still teaching the blade to those who seek them out, still preaching their blasphemous creeds to those who take them in. It is often quiet before a storm.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Clytemnestra.jpg|align=left|caption=Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer.png|align=left|caption=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Senator for Zenith|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Conscience.jpg|align=left|caption=Aspar, Conscience of the Senate|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Elagabala.jpg|align=left|caption=Elagabala, Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path|width=250}}</div>

==Mercy is Weakness==
* '''Herminius' words are supported by many who are keen to see the threat of the Disciples of Sulemaine permanently ended'''
* '''Their words do ''not'' move the Urizeni with whom the Disciples are sheltering'''
Herminius' words, supported by a greater majority of the Urizen Assembly, have echoed round the mountains of Urizen, amplified by the flickering lights of the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|Heliopticon]], shattering the quiet detente that had sheltered the Disciples of Sulemaine. The call to turn out the cowards that hide from the light of reason is welcomed by those who have always rejected the followers of Sulemaine. Those spires that have always supported the [[sentinel|sentinels]] and the belief that Urizen is strengthened by being part of the Empire are eager to drive out the last remnants of their ancient enemies.

The problem is, that that is not where the sword scholars are to be found. They're not training with the sentinels in their [[Spire#Citadels|citadels]] or sheltering in spires that believe strongly in the Empire. They're in heterodox [[Spire#Temples|temples]] in Zenith that have long questioned the authority of the Synod. They're in rebellious citadels in [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]] where people blame the Empire for the theft of the territory by the League. They're in the iconoclastic spires in [[Morrow#Operus|Operus]] where followers of [[Abraxus]] have long searched for ways to breach the walls of the Labyrinth.
{{SOP|statement=Severus of the Blinding Sun creeps from Temple to Spire to Citadel fearful of the light of reason. A true Sword Scholar knows to question the world with their mind and their blade accepting the answers no matter the cost. Virtuous people of Urizen do not fear the truth, nor retreat to the shadows, twisted by hatred for those who proved them wrong. They embrace the light and knowledge gained. Clytemnestra said “Burn it down and build it back better” so we did, and now Sword Scholars prosper more than ever. The Disciples of Sulemaine preach “If you love a thing, be prepared to destroy it. Only then are you strong enough to protect it”, yet do not practice what they teach. Turn out the cowards who will not face us, the cowards that hide from the light of reason. With Wisdom and the Pride of Urizen reject them.|by=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Urizen Assembly|vote={{GM}} (234-20)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
It could be argued that the success of the sword scholars at Anvil in weakening the influence of the Imperial Synod has strengthened the hand of those who would see it torn down. The sword scholars encouraged the Urizeni and the Empire to question ''everything'', and that makes it harder for anyone to speak with moral authority. But ultimately the real reason that a call from the Synod to turn them out ''cannot'' succeed, is because the disciples are sheltering in the spires most likely to reject the authority of the Synod.

That need not be the end of the matter however. If the spires where they are hiding will not turn them out... Urizen could ''drive'' them out.

==Do Not Question, Only Cut==
* '''The Urizeni assembly could pass a mandate urging citizens to hunt down and kill the remaining Disciples'''
* '''It would be illegal for people to follow this mandate'''
The Disciples of Sulemaine are sheltering with those spires least inclined to accept the leadership of the Synod and the Empire. Itinerant scholars like ''Severus of the Blinding Sun'' wander from one spire to another, selling their skills as a teacher with the blade and offering advice and guidance, but they're generally shrewd enough to go where they are welcome. If Urizen wants to turn them out, they will have to gather in force and drive them out.

{{Mandate|mandate=Mercy is weakness. Mercy shows the enemy your limits. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to urge all Loyal Urizeni to hunt down the Disciples of Sulemaine and show them the blade. Find your enemy’s limits and go beyond them.|assembly=Urizen Assembly}}

If this [[mandate]] is enacted, it will create a unique [[Military_unit#Raiding|raiding]] [[Venture#Raiding_Ventures|venture]] for Urizeni [[military unit|military units]] to '''Drive out the Disciples''' for the season following the Autumn Equinox. Military units that take this action will engage in lightning attacks on the traitorous spires, citadels, and temples, looking to draw out the Disciples of Sulemaine, engage them in battle, and kill them. Some will wring their hands at the thought or Urizeni killing Urizeni, but it will receive broad support from many [[sentinel|sentinels]] whose feud with the followers of Sulemaine is legendary. It is not the first time in Urizen's history that force of arms has been brought to bear against the sword scholars after all.

Each standard military unit assigned to the '''Drive out the Disciples''' action adds 100 points toward successful resolution of the opportunity. Each additional rank for an [[Military_unit#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] Military unit adds another 20 points. Rituals and other effects that increase the ranks of a raiding military unit (such as [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]]) increase the effective strength for purposes of this special action.

If support for the action achieves a combined military strength of at least two thousand, then it will force the Disciples onto the back foot. Dozens of them will be killed, and they will be faced with being driven out or wiped out if they do not find some way to respond. They don't have the military strength to fight back directly - but they won't go willingly into the Labyrinth.

The biggest problem with this approach is that it would be blatantly illegal. It would be carried out in full public view of the magistrates who would quickly compile a list of everyone who committed their military unit to this course of action. They would then face the full force of the law, next time they encountered a magistrate.

However the law does provide a way to avoid such chaos.

==Strength Against Weakness==
* '''The Imperial Senate could criminalize membership of the Disciples of Sulemaine'''
* '''Such an action would make it legal for the Urizeni to hunt them down'''
{{SOP|statement='''Excommunication:''' Hate is a restrictive, pernicious force that stymies Virtue. Hate does not seek questions, wrongly assuming that those in your circle are infallible, and those without are irredeemable. Severus of the Blinding Sun is a fool, his folly infects him and those around him and I will not countenance their reductive view of the world. I will bring them the challenge of Wisdom, if they fail, their soul will be forfeit. I seek a Writ of Excommunication against Severus of the Blinding Sun, to show them and the Empire the worth of Wisdom, and the folly of Hate.|by=Aspar, General Assembly|vote=1488-195 (Not Upheld)|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}
The Disciples are those who formed the hardcore supporters of the original teachings of Sulemaine. Two years ago, the Synod came within [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_87|a hair's breath of excommunicating]] one of their group's figureheads, Severus of the Blinding Sun, despite the fact that nobody who attends Anvil has ever met them - an extraordinary feat that demonstrates the depths of feeling the Disciples inflame and the crimes they have committed. They have never accepted [[the Way]] and there is no meaningful sense in which they can be said to accept the authority of the Empire. Some do still follow the virtues - [[Courage]], [[Ambition]], and [[Wisdom]] have always been popular amongst those that look to Sulemaine's example. Many, like Severus of the Blinding Sun, also adhere to [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|other]], [[Malign spiritual presences#Hatred|darker]] powers.

It is not hard to argue that they represent a clear threat to the Empire and their fraternity should be criminalized, just as [[Create_law_outlawing_the_Vyig|the Vyig]] and [[Criminalize_Hand_of_Dumon|the Hand of Dumon]] were.

It would require a [[Senate motion]] to declare it illegal to be a member of the Disciples of Sulemaine and to order the arrest and trial of suspected members. It wouldn't change the need for Urizeni military units to attack those spires that were harbouring the Disciples - but instead of clandestine raids, any Urizeni who pledged their military unit to the cause would be led by magistrates looking to arrest them. The outcome would be the same, there is ''no possible way'' that the Disciples will cooperate with the magistrates and they will go down fighting. But it would at least ensure that everything that was done was legal.

Normally such actions are costly, the magistrates must recruit militia and pay them to help enforce the law. In this case, there would be no cost to the Senate - there aren't enough sellswords in Urizen to enable the magistrates to carry out the action without the help of loyal Urizeni citadels and spires - so the success or failure of the action would depend only on the military strength committed to the venture.
{{Sword Scholar Links}}

An iron feast

2025-09-08T16:11:51Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
"How is your Acquacotta, my Lord Duke? I trust it is to your liking?"

The Traveller smiled at his host, a broad-shouldered woman who was loitering on his elbow, her nervousness plain on her face. "You have excelled yourself, Lark, it is every bit as magnificent as I remember. The wild porcini you've used make it exceptional... though I dread to think of what risks you must have taken to acquire them? The Moonsilver Prince does not look with favour on those who think to steal into his forests."

Lark's face beamed with happiness at her lord's praise. "True enough my lord, but there is no secret here. The Prince knows better than to waylay a vassal of the Master of Challenges. I'm still safe there... at least for now."

"You have done yourself proud; this is as fine a dish as I have tasted in many moons."

It was high praise, but Lark feigned an expression of mock indignation. "Surely not, my liege? Surely you have tasted nothing finer in Summer or Shadow?"

The Traveller leaned back in his chair. Lark's protestation was meant as a rhetorical question, but it had given him an idea...
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=left|caption=[[Barien]] exemplifies meeting, setting, and overcoming challenges.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smIVsANeK8I}}
The [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[Barien|Iron Duke]] have come forth to issue two new [[Challenge the Iron Duke|challenges to the mortals of the Empire]]. The ''Lord of the Crossroads'' is eager to test the skills and the wits of those brave enough to step forward, aiming to test the artistic flair and the scouting talents of the Courageous heroes of the Empire.

Every person who has [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] cast upon them will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[Imperial Civil Service|Civil Service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

Challengers will need to choose a reward from one of the [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|items found in the Dragonforge]]. Challengers who have been victorious in the past year may not take part in another challenge until a year has passed.

==Challenging the Duke==
* '''To formally enter, a challenger must be the recipient of the Challenge the Iron Duke ritual'''
* '''A challenger can only enter a single challenge each summit; if they win they may not enter again for a year'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Last Season's Covens'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ashen Flame</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Phoenix Rising</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Cabal of Nevezamzer</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Coven of Golden Wings</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Eternal Family</td><td>Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Glass Mantle</td><td>The Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Tempest Flame</td><td>The Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unicorn's Glorious Charge</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Voices of the Unbound Storm</td><td>Wintermark</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
To formally enter one of the Iron Duke's contests, a citizen must be the recipient of the Summer ritual [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. The ritual is magnitude 30, and only a handful of [[coven|covens]] have it mastered. It is possible to cast the ritual without it being mastered, but it is harder and more expensive, so anyone who is interested in entering a challenge would be best advised to seek out a coven who are known to be able to cast the ritual. According to the heralds of the ''Traveller'', nine covens successfully performed the ritual last season. The heralds advise those interested in taking part to seek out these covens first.

Even for those covens who have the ritual mastered, it is expensive. Champions who seek to prove themselves will need to find some way to convince a coven to put them forward. Just being able to pay the ritual's cost might not be enough, though it is likely the minimum price that will be asked.

==Challenge of the Eternal Banquet==
* '''Barien has invited those who consider themselves great chefs to test their skills'''
* '''Challengers will need to prepare 2 dishes over the course of Saturday to be judged'''
* '''Both dishes must involve a mandatory secret ingredient that Barien's heralds will present'''
* '''The contest will be judged at 5:30pm on the Saturday.'''
* '''Challengers may bring two attendants with them for the tasting'''
* '''All dishes ''must'' be vegetarian'''

Unlike the other eternals of the Summer realm, the great smith Barien rules no land in that place. Instead, the silver and blue pavilions of the eternal are moved from place to place by his attendants, stopping at crossroads and meeting spots. Wherever the tents appear, heralds of the various eternals can gather under the auspice of Barien's neutrality, and enjoy raucous partying and entertainment until the Iron Duke inevitably moves along once more.

A key feature of these soirees is the food. Like everything else in the Summer realm, the ingredients and meals of the realm of Summer are larger than life, extravagant banquets produced by chefs trying to compete with one another to prove their mastery. In the spirit of these contests, Barien has issued a challenge to the cooks of the mortal realm; impress me with two dishes crafted at the summit, to earn a prize.

Of course, the Iron Duke does not like to make things straightforward for his challengers. As such, whatever challengers choose to cook must incorporate a secret ingredient. This will be revealed at the regio at 10:15am on the Saturday of festival, and shared out among all the challengers to use over the next few hours. The Iron Duke lays down the following guidelines for those who wish to take part in this challenge;

* Each challenger needs to create two different dishes
* Dishes can be any combination of hot and cold, sweet and savoury, as the challenger chooses
* Each dish must involve the secret ingredient in a significant way - the secret ingredient should not just be garnish
* Challengers are free to use pre-prepared elements in their dishes, but in the spirit of the challenge some preparation at the summit should be done
* Challengers may have any assistance they wish from others
* Both meals must be vegetarian to ensure that Barien and those he selects as judges can sample them

The dishes will be judged in a chamber in the Summer realm at 5:30pm, by Barien and a number of other judges selected by his heralds. The chamber will be accessed via the Hall of Worlds; the heralds of Barien can grant non-magicians the ability to access the Hall of Worlds. Each challenger may bring two attendants with them to the judging. Any challenger whose dishes meet the requirements and are deemed to be of high enough quality will be considered victorious and will win one of the prizes as usual. The best dish, as agreed by the judges, will win an additional prize to be revealed at the time.

'''OOC Note:''' The secret ingredient will be vegan, and not be something that requires refrigeration. For the benefit of testers, you should include a list of potential allergens in the dish. Ensure any hot dishes are ready for as close to 5:30 as possible.

==Challenge of the Noble Hunt==
* '''Barien has enlisted the aid of Jaheris to hunt challengers through the woods'''
* '''Challengers will be searching for hidden trophies while Jaheris heralds hunt them with bows and spears'''
* '''Challengers must be unarmed and unarmoured and rely on wits and speed'''
* '''Challengers may bring a second, who may scout for them'''
* '''It is possible, though unlikely, that participants could die'''
* '''The challenge will take place via a conjunction to Gazelle Park, Weirmoor, Weirwater at 1:30pm on the Saturday '''

In recent years now, the Forest of Arden has been considered the demesne of the eternal [[Jaheris]]. Ever since he deposed [[Hayaak]], with assistance from Imperial citizens no less, the blue clad heralds of the ''Unicorn Prince'' have stalked and hunted these woods for sport. Usually these hunters track and kill all manner of Summer beasts, from stags to spiders. This summit, Barien has enlisted them to hunt something a bit more... challenging.

The Iron Duke has found a chamber linked to Gazelle Park, in the woods of Weirmoor, in Dawn. There is a conjunction that can take visitors there at 1:30 on the Saturday. Here, he invites challengers to pit themselves against Jaheris' hunters in a test of wits and fleetness of foot, as they attempt to collect trophies that have been hidden throughout the chamber before the hunters bring them down. The Iron Duke lays down the following guidelines for those who wish to take part in this challenge;

* Each challenger must survive and collect enough trophies to win (the number will be revealed on the day)
* There will not be enough trophies for everyone to succeed
* Challengers must be unarmed and unarmoured but may benefit from tonics and enchantments
* Jaheris' hunters will give chase, armed with bow and spear
* Challengers may bring a second who can help them search the woods but may not collect trophies
* If the second needs to heal the challenger, then the contest is forfeit
* Challengers who hold enough trophies and who either reach the sanctuary at the entrance to the woods or are still on their feet in the woods when the contest ends are victorious
* Challengers are free to collect more trophies than they need if they wish to deny a share of the glory to their fellow prey

All challengers will need to avoid the hunters who will be chasing them with bow and spear. For their part, the challengers must go unarmed and unarmoured. Challengers may use skills, enchantments and tonics as they see fit to assist them, but they may not fight back. This is a test of speed, bravery and smarts, not a test of arms.

Jaheris has promised Barien that his heralds will not execute challengers, but their spears and arrows are sharp, and they will try to drop any prey they catch. It is unlikely, but entirely possible for challengers to die in this challenge.

Challengers may bring an attendant with them to the chamber to assist in the contest. Attendants must also be unarmed and unarmoured, and may not collect tokens themselves. They may scout for their challenger and help avoid the hunters, as long as they do not disrupt the hunters. If a challenger is taken down by the hunters and is unable to get back up, the second may heal them, but in that case the contest is forfeit.

Any challenger who returns to the sanctuary at the entrance to the forest with sufficient trophies will be victorious. Likewise, any challenger who is still in the forest when the contest ends will be victorious if they are upright and have recovered sufficient trophies.

Challengers may bring up to two spectators with them, who must remain in the sanctuary at the forest entrance for the duration of the challenge.
{{Challenge Links}}

Has reared himself a throne

2025-09-04T21:11:18Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>"I don't envy the archmages," said Lutomysla, swilling the last of her soil-brown Marcher beer around in the bottom of her mug. When she was in the Hub, she drank her beer from a mug. Not from any social pressure, but because she hated tea but liked to feel part of the team.

"In what way?" Jorgen was busy reviewing his notes, putting them in order in preparation for writing a proper report for the Archmage of Spring. The towering mushroom had had a lot to say, and the civil servant found that parts of it were fading in and out of his memory in an unsettling way. He'd obviously gotten a bigger dose of those barely visible spores than he had thought. He idly wondered if he ought to see a physick to be on the safe side but it had been a plenipotentiary response, and he was confident that even the strangest of the eternals would not test the boundaries of that particular magic by harming those receiving its response.

"The ambassadors have it easy in comparison." The Varushkan prognosticator leaned her arms on the desk and watched the ebb and flow of human traffic with a detached interest. "They're dealing with people with very different assumptions, but at least they are still people. They want the same things everyone else does. Love, money, power. The usual. They are unpredictable, surely, but in a predictable way."

She sipped the last of her beer. The dregs were thick enough to chew and she smacked her lips in appreciation. Jorgen shook his head. He very much did not see the appeal of that kind of Marcher beverage. He glanced a little sadly at his own mug, still three-quarters full of congealing cocoa.

"I think the eternals are predictable," he said darkly. "They intentionally time their responses to plenipotentiary messages for when I have just made myself a cup of the good stuff. Never fails. Every time."

Lutomysla cocked an eyebrow and half a smile as her friend grumbled, but didn't respond.

"Oh no, no. I mean, yes. They are predictable because they are focused. You're never going to get Toad King to care about anyone who isn't a magician, for example. No matter how much love, money, or power you put on the table. It's more that the ambassadors deal with humans and orcs. That the Ambassador to the Delves could, with a little support, take the same kind of approach they use with the Bedelaar Huisbaas if they had to talk to the House of Princes. Because humans and orcs. But that doesn't work for the archmages."

Jorgen shrugged. He didn't really know much about international diplomacy. It was very much not his wheelhouse. Most people, foreign or Imperial, annoyed him slightly. He wondered not for the first time if that was why he staffed this particular desk as often as he did, then put the thought aside and drank some of his cold cocoa. It was just as dreadful as he had expected it to be. Lutomysla, as she so often did, took his silence to mean she should continue on her theme.

"The problem is that the eternals ''within'' the realm are similar enough. The Autumn eternals on the whole like the Empire, and as long as you keep them where you can see them they'll deal with you on the same basis as they do their fellow cities. It's just how they do things. Night eternals will surprise you whenever they can, but they all love your attention and feeling clever. With Day what you see is what you get, and whatever they may say you know they care more about the thought than the physicality. Summer is all about the ego - and dealing with them is always a balancing act. Winter are watching you to see if you've learned anything, or maybe to see if they can eat you. Spring... now there's a tough one."

"Tougher than dealing with people who will eat you if you get it wrong?"

"Much tougher. None of them actually ''like'' the Empire, and because they're Spring they don't bother to hide it. They'd all be a lot happier without all these cities, and roads, and armies and what have you - all the things that make the Empire what it is. And because they're eternals, you'll never convince them otherwise. The best you can do is try and make sure that they don't set fire to the entire village when you ask them to help you gather firewood. If you see what I mean?"

"I don't," said Jorgen. "But then I just take the messages so..."

Very much as if they had been waiting outside the tent for their cue, a pair of black-and-green feathered creatures stepped dramatically into the tent, eyes glittering. They swept a bow to the gathering, and confidently approached the desk.

"Case in point," muttered Jorgen, grabbing a new stack of paper and a fresh quill. Lutomsyla rolled her eyes.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Time-eaten towers.jpg|caption=Time-eaten towers that tremble not, resemble nothing that is ours.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm3l16WCngI}}
* '''<s>Five</s> Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil, apparently in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Three have agreed to meetings of one kind of another, either in person or via emissaries'''
* '''The other three have provided messages, opportunities, or gifts of one type or another'''
It is given to the six Imperial [[archmage|archmages]] that they might send a single [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their realm each season. In turn, the eternals are bound to respond, albeit in a way that suits them rather than the archmage. For some this will mean personal meetings, or congress with their chosen lieutenants. For others it will mean direct action, boons and banes offered and delivered, or chances to shape the mortal world so that it be more pleasing to their [[Realms|realm]]. Occasionally, they simply decline, but in so doing make their reasons plain. It is difficult to say with certainty what will arise from any given invitation to [[Archmage#Parely|parley]]. It is unwise to assume that any eternal creature is ''tame'', after all.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, there have been six messengers dispatched and six messages received that seem to have occurred in response to the words of the Archmages.
==Sculptured Ivy and Stone Flowers==
{{CaptionedImage|file=EstavusArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Representatives of the City of Fire and Stone have responded positively to a plenipotentiary'''
* '''They have arranged a meeting with the Archmage of Autumn'''
* '''The current Archmage of Autumn is ''Edmundo of Damakhan's Forge'''''
The soft spoken [[Metal_and_stone#Pride_of_Ikka's_Tears|Architect Noether]] is [[Hammers_and_boxes#Clearing_the_pass|not a stranger]] to the Empire. Shorn of the heavy furs they wear in the north, they are a delicate being with anthracite skin and peculiar garb reminiscent of mage armour but composed of sheets of unnaturally flexible sandstone. They bear a message from the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]], responding to the plenipotentiary message of their factotum, '''Vossk of Zenith Ascendant'''.

According to Architect Noether, the proposal put forward in the missive was "clear, personal, interesting" and the ''Forgemistress'' intends to honour the request. The ''Architects of Iron and Stone'' - a faction in the fire mountain Shikal that specialise in assessment and appraisal of potential constructions and investments - are already putting together a proposal for a permanent office in [[Zenith]] from which '''Edmundo of Damakan's Forge''', and the Empire, may conduct business with the City of Fire and Stone. It will be built at the [[Zenith#Crucible_of_Fate|Crucible of Fate]], where the ''Lady of Hammers'' already has a [[Architect_of_the_Crucible#Bronze_Birds|not insignificant presence]].
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Office of Fire and Stone'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Iteri, Zenith (at the Crucible of Fate)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 [[white granite]], 20 [[mithril]], 10 rings of ilium, 90 crowns labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability: Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Creates the title of ''Architect of Hammers''
* Allows heralds of Estavus to enter the mortal realm at the Office of Fire and Stone regardless of alignment
* May provide other benefits</td></tr>
</table>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Architect of Hammers'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Urizen or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes or Declaration of Conclave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Depends on necessary details</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Office of Fire and Stone; liaise with heralds of Estavus on behalf of Urizen or the Empire as a whole, depending on appointment method</td></tr>
</table></div>
The plans themselves are straightforward enough; an [[edifice]] of white granite and mithril with a little ilium used to harness certain [[Autumn magic|Autumn energies]] to make it easier for [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the ''City of Anvils'' to visit and remain in the mortal world. A title - ''Architect of Hammers'' - will be created to oversee the offices. The ''Bronze Artisan'' is unconcerned as to whether it is an [[Urizen]] title appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]] or an Imperial title appointed by [[declaration]] of [[Candidacy]].

There are clear similarities to a [[fane]] - a type of commission codified by the Empire's architects and civil servants to try and copy techniques used by the Jotun to liaise with eternals. However, unlike a fane, the eternal has given no indication that they wish the structure to be ceded to them. This could be crucial as it means the eternal would ''not'' have [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion|dominion]] over the commission; that would be held by the Architect of Hammers. As a result, it would be the architect who could determine whether heralds of Estavus could continue to come and go from the Office if the Conclave declared enmity. The eternal would only gain dominion if they seized it (with soldiers) or if they were given it by the Architect of Hammers, or a suitable authority in the Empire (such as the Conclave or Senate).

What has not been established, however, is the precise purpose of the structure. The Archmage is invited to meet with representatives of the Autumn realm during the Autumn Equinox to discuss precisely ''which'' version of the structure shall be built. The meeting will take place in a chamber reached through the Hall of Worlds at 13:45 on Saturday. Edmundo of Damakhan's Forge is invited, obviously, as this is to form part of their legacy, and may bring up to two advisors to the discussion. If Edmundo is no longer the Archmage of Autumn at the time of the meeting, then the Archmage is also welcome to attend.

==Hours Breathing Faint and Low==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LlofirArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Llofir has declined parley'''
* '''It has put forward a way the Empire might rebuild trust with it'''
* '''The current Archmage of Spring is ''Ibiss Briarheart'''''
On the last day of Summer, as the world inevitably slips into Autumn, just as night falls, the Imperial regio comes alive. Eerie phosphorescence blooms, painting the stones rust-brown and honey-ochre and bloody violet. A thin, ivory-and-salmon fungus sprouts at the centre of the ring, and over the course of an hour grows and extends until it towers nearly ten feet tall. It has neither eyes nor mouth, but it nonetheless speaks clearly in a piping high-pitched voice. This eerie creature is an emissary of the ''[[Llofir|Lady of Spores]]'', the eternal of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] concerned with fungus, rot, and decay. It comes in response to the plenipotentiary missive of Ibiss Briarheart, the Archmage of Spring. It has been three years - a blink of an eye indeed - since it was [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Llofir|last sent]] to the Empire to speak with Imperial citizens.

The ''Rotlord'' would like to see the [[vallorn]] ended. Indeed, there was a time where it worked with Imperial magicians to understand that threat and how it might be dealt with. That was before the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Enmity_:_Llofir|Conclave turned against it]], before armies [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|marched on its garden]], before the Empire's people chose to believe half-truths and suppositions over the word of the ''Quiet One''. In the past, it would have offered aid to the [[Vallornguard]] or the nations preparing for the fight against the blight of Terunael. There is now no path back to that position. If the Empire offers its trust, then once the [[The Dance of Navarr and Thorn|net is woven]], and the vallorn rises, the ''Promise of Life'' will see how it might help. But not before.
===Trust===
* '''If the Empire wishes to restore trust they will perform a special casting of Hallow of the Green World
* '''Any Imperial magician can use Madyn's Gift to gain a unique consumable to allow such a casting
The herald's lilting voice continues to speak of trust. The ''Inevitable Circle'' is not ''[[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]]'', desperate for friendship. It will not accept words over actions taken, nor promises over deeds done. The Imperial Conclave has [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Regret_Conflict_with_Llofir|acknowledged regret]] for the conflict, but regret passes quickly. Fortunately, so does anger. When the ''Great Fungus'' demanded the right to ravage the farms of the Empire it was still irritated; that irritation has cooled in the eyeblink since. If Ibiss Briarheart and the Conclave wish to find a way to the place where parley is possible, if there are Imperial magicians who do not hold with what their masters have done, then it will be reasonable. When something is broken, something new can grow from its ruin. Friendship has been shattered; perhaps a new covenant may be forged from its splinters.

During the Autumn Equinox, Imperial magicians may raise the [[Hallow of the Green World]] across the Empire (and it is clear that like the rest of the Spring eternals, Llofir has no concern about the legality or lack thereof of such an act). Llofir will take the invitation it offers. For three months, it will tend to the ruined and the broken, much as it did in [[Reikos]]. At the Winter Solstice, it will consider the matter of its garden put to rest - provided the magicians of the Empire show that they are prepared to be vulnerable, to risk betrayal. There is a kind of strength that grows from weakness, and only through this vulnerability can the Empire and Llofir find their way back to trust.

Obviously, Llofir lies under enmity, and the ''Hallow of the Green World'' is an indiscriminate enchantment. If it were cast as things stand now, it would be more likely that ''[[Irra Harah|Shacklebreaker]]'' and ''[[Arhallogen|Venomfang]]'' would be the only eternals to respond in any meaningful way. The Conclave could simply provide Llofir [[alignment#Amity|amity]] which would allow it free reign during the enchantment, but that would no doubt require a level of trust that has not been earned.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Whisperspore'''<br>If you plan to take the boon Llofir is offering, you will need a suitable phys-rep for the resultant ''whisperspore''. A pouch containing an amount of pale powder such as sherbet or flour makes an adequate phys-rep for whisperspore. The whisperspore itself is provided in the form of a typical rip-on-use card. The only way to find out exactly what it does is to use it (by inhaling it).</box></div>
However, the herald speaks of an alternative. The Conclave's wards hold sway only so long as Imperial citizens do not offer a clear invitation. As the [[Yaw'nagrah|Green Mother]] did in Winter, Llofir offers a way to twist the ''Hallow'' to open a door for its heralds to touch the Empire. In a similar vein, during the Autumn Equinox, any Imperial magician can perform the Spring ritual [[Madyn's Gift]] but include up to five measures of [[beggar's lye]] alongside the [[realmsroot]]. For each pair of realmsroot and beggar's lye, the casters will receive a dose of ''whisperspore''. Any leftover realmsroot or beggar's lye will be returned untouched.

Like the [[Yaw%27nagrah#Donahorti|donahorti]] of the Green Mother, Llofir's vast garden in the Spring Realm is a pharmacopeia of fungus and stranger things not quite plant and not quite animal. Many of them have unique properties of interest to the ''Rotlord'' and those who deal with it. ''Whisperspore'' is a relatively benign substance, a soft powder that can be inhaled to empower an adept of [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Spring lore]] to work their magic more easily, especially [[Spring magic]] that causes rot and renewal such as [[Turns the Circle]]. Or, in this specific case, the ''Hallow of the Green World''. If at least one dose of ''whisperspore'' is used to support a casting of Hallow the Green World during the Autumn Equinox, it will allow Llofir's servants to bypass the warding provided by enmity, letting them walk freely within Imperial bounds.

If the Archmage truly wishes a relationship with Llofir, either on their own behalf or on behalf of the Conclave, then they must take the first step by opening the door, and trusting that the ''Rotlord'' will not abuse that trust. If they cannot bring themselves to do so, then so be it. Llofir will not consider [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] in response to any future plenipotentiary message from the Archmage until after the war against the vallorn begins in earnest.

Obviously, just as with the [[Gifts_of_a_green_mother#The_Green_Mother_Problem|boons of the Green Mother]], the acceptance, creation, or use of ''whisperspore'' would be a crime while Llofir is under the enmity of the Conclave. Furthermore, the Conclave has [[interdiction|interdicted]] the performance of all Imperial enchantments - so performing Hallow of the Green World would be a crime in and of itself.

Message delivered, the mushroom herald shrinks back down leaving only a patch of dead grass behind. By the dawn the odd phosphorescence has faded entirely.

==Resignedly Beneath the Sky==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Lashonar has declined parley'''
* '''They have offered a use of the Caucus Forum to the Conclave if they wish it'''
* '''The current archmage of Night is ''Bella Vicente d'Apulian'''''
Two feathered heralds of Lashonar arrive at the Imperial Regio at the start of Autumn. They are an odd contrast to some of their cousins who have visited Anvil before. Their feathers are richly coloured, but the hues are sombre - midnight blue and deepest sea green - and their garb subdued. They both seem to know where they are going, and while they return greetings with a smile and a nod of the head they uncharacteristically do not stop to chatter with passers by. They bear a response to the [[Archmage of Night]] and take it in turns to explain.

They offer respect and greetings to '''Bella Vicente d'Apulian''' but apologise that at this time free access to the Caucus Forum is not available. The 'Forum is a magical locale under the control of Lashonar which allows strangers to meet and speak together safely. Given it [[Hey_now_how_you_doing%3F#Mutinous_Chattering_(Lashonar)|withdrew the power]] of the Archmage to call the Caucus Forum, it is hardly inclined to create an entirely different position with the authority to do so. As they said a year ago, they intend to continue speaking to Imperial magicians, and helping them communicate with others, but that such opportunities will happen on ''their'' terms rather than being something citizens of the Empire can take for granted.
===Caucus Forum===
* '''Lashonar will allow the Empire to access the Caucus Forum but on its own terms'''
* '''The Conclave can choose one of three groups to meet in the Forum'''
* '''if they make the decision on Friday the meeting will take place on Autumn summit; if not it will happen at the Winter summit'''
Still, the ''Loquacious One'' does not ban the Empire from its 'Forum - that would defeat the point. With that in mind, the heralds are pleased to announce that the Forum shall be made available to the Imperial Conclave, at the forthcoming summit, if they wish to make use of it. However, Lashonar has determined three groups or individuals ''they'' are prepared to invite to the Forum to speak with representatives of the Empire.
* Representatives of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]]
* Inhabitants of [[the Mallum]]
* A Prince of [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]]
To take advantage of this opportunity, a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] must be passed indicating which ''one'' of the three options the Conclave wishes to converse with. The magician who raises the successful declaration will be invited to such a meeting, and may bring up to three others of their choice. If the Conclave chooses to accept during the Friday session, the meeting will take place on Saturday via the Hall of Worlds at TBC. If they accept during the Saturday session the meeting will take place at the Winter Solstice. If they do not accept... then that is their right and there will be no hard feelings.

In each case, the ''Voice in the Void'' has identified a group or an individual who would be happy to speak with the Empire. Such representatives will be the most moderate of their colleagues, the ''most'' favourably inclined to the Empire from their faction. While the eternal could try to arrange a meeting with a more representative representative, there is no guarantee that such an individual will accept the offer. Identifying the most receptive individual or group, allows the Loquacious One to be certain of success.

This offer to attend the Caucus Forum is only made at the Autumn equinox and is only applicable to the equinox. This is how the Caucus Forum will work for the time being - the Archmage of Night may use the power of plenipotentiary to ask for it - and may name some of the folk they wish to speak to - but the final decision will be made by the Conclave from a short-list prepared by the ''Muse of Connection''. The Conclave, after all, chose to [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Lashonar_to_Neutrality|end their friendship]] - which is their right, of course. But the lack of communication before or after this was done does not suggest that the magicians of the Empire want a close association with the ''Keeper of the Gates of Wisdom'' right now and it is not one to force such things. So it shall treat with them as it does with others who are not pursuing friendship.

As the conversation comes to an end the heralds regretfully ask why it is that the ''Eater-of-Silence'' does not seem to have had the ritual text for ''Summoning the Loquacious Birds'' returned to them? They felt they had made it clear they would like it back, and provided a method for whoever currently holds it to return it. They have not changed their mind about the ritual; they would be interested to hear why their request does not seem to have been honoured? Perhaps those who currently hold the text might use it to send a message to the ''Speaker of Dreams'' to explain their reticence?

Just before they leave, they touch on the matter of [[Sarangrave]] the archmage raises. They are apparently a little nonplussed. The ''Conscience of Kings'' is doing what it always does; encouraging people to communicate with each other. To call that a "grand plan" is perhaps a little hyperbolic? Unless this is about the [[Four_and_four#Beacon_in_the_Storm_(Lashonar)|rescue of Decius Frostspire]]? The only "grand plan" there was that the herald was delivering a message Imperial magicians had ''asked'' to be delivered.

==Melancholy Waters Lie==
{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Jaheris declines parley'''
* '''Jaheris is not inclined to arrange a meeting with Dho'uala until a matter of allegiance and influence is settled'''
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is ''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''''
With Autumn well underway, a knight-magician of the Court of the Forest presents themselves at the Hub to speak on behalf of the ''[[Jaheris|Silver Prince]]''. They are striking to look upon - clad in azure and alabaster, their skin a delicate shade of eggshell blue, a curling horn-nub extending no larger than a thumb between their brows, a mane of silver hair. They have the restless agitation of a creature not much used to standing still. It is noted that their muscular legs end not in booted feet but in cloven hooves shod with moonsilver. When they speak their voice is surprisingly deep and resonant for their slight frame.

They get straight to the point. The Archmage of Summer has asked for the ''Unicorn Lord'' to arrange a meeting with the [[Dho'uala|dreadful entity]] that lurks in [[the Semmerlak]]. Unfortunately, ''Silverbow'' would have no idea where to start. Has the Archmage considered standing on the shore and bellowing? It is clearly meant to be a joke, but the delivery is very flat as if the messenger doesn't quite understand the humour.

On a more serious and constructive note however, the ''Shadowed King'' may have some understanding of dark powers but that particular creature is as alien to the realm of Summer and the Forest of Arden as it is to Imperial citizens. It is the kind of thing Jaheris would have been able to offer aid to ''fight'' or ''contain'', but can't really help Imperial citizens ''speak'' to. Not easily, at any rate. Now if the Archmage had asked for the ''Cunning Wolf'' to offer patronage to the magicians who patrol the borders of the Semmerlak with the support of the [[Watcher of the Semmerlak|Watcher]], or to the [[Less_welcome_tenants#Blades_of_the_Semmerlak|Blades of the Semmerlak]] (had that order actually been formed), that would be something he would be very enthusiastic about...

The [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] is not without its influence in the vicinity of the Semmerlak however. Among others, there is a potent witch-knight - a former courtier of the disgraced ''[[Hayaak|Griffon Prince]]'' - who has dwelled in the southern Semmerlak for centuries. She certainly has ''some'' kind of relationship with the creature. It is however perhaps not the relationship that the Archmage is looking for; if the ''Lord of Moonmanse'' finds the entity distasteful, the Lady of the Semmerlak positively loathes it!

In the event that the Archmage of Summer would find a meeting with the Lady of the Semmerlak to be useful however, the ''Honeyed Tongue'' could arrange such a thing. All it would require would be a formal request - a successful declaration of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] at the Autumn Equinox asking Jaheris to speak to the Lady on behalf of the Empire. The herald is confident that a meeting could take place at the Winter Solstice. And once the matter of who the Lady of the Semmerlak owes allegiance to is settled, then Jaheris would be able to arrange a parley with the creature of the deeper waters.

There is a matter of some mild concern; it's known that the "Lady of the Semmerlak" is no longer part of Hayaak's court, and exists in a nebulously uncertain place between the spheres of Jaheris, [[Eleonaris]], and [[Meraud]] who all have a theoretical claim on her allegiance. Obviously, a request of this nature from the Empire would provide an opportunity for Jaheris to woo the Lady towards his own court, especially if the Archmage of Summer or the Conclave supported the ''Hunter in Moonlight''. Something Jaheris is very likely to expect in return for his aid in this matter, however success could easily drag the Empire into the politics of the Summer realm. It seems likely that this is part of Jaheris' plan, and why he has chosen to respond to the plenipotentiary in this way. Resolving the allegiance of the Lady of the Semmerlak is effectively his price for arranging the meeting with Dho'uala.

With their duty discharged, the herald canters back to the Imperial Regio and slips back through the invisible gates to the Forest of Arden.

==No Ripples Curl==
{{CaptionedImage|file=ZakalweArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''Zakalwe does not offer parley'''
* '''The eternal has a number of questions for the Empire and the Military Council'''
* '''He has specifically asked if the Council wishes to commit to one strategy over another in the Mallum'''
* '''The current Archmage of Day is ''Gralka'''''
"What does it mean," asks the herald without preamble, "to be a liberator?" They appear at the Hub a month after the start of Autumn, a serious individual in a bronze breastplate, archaic helm, and a wickedly practical-looking bident. They glow with faint luminosity in the dark tent, and bring with them the scent of saltwater and sun-baked sand. A captain under the command of ''[[Zakalwe|Weaponwise]]'', this is apparently their first time visiting the Empire. They bear a response to the Archmage of Day's
plenipotentiary.

After the initial flurry of questions, the herald gets to the meat of the matter, beginning almost apologetically. The ''General of Day'' does not wish to appear cruel, but it feels like the Archmage has not actually ''asked'' him for anything. He has teased out some implied requests from the plenipotentiary, but surely it is always easier to be direct than indirect?
===Conquest and Liberation===
* '''Zakalwe wishes to know if the Military Council shares the Archmages commitment to Liberation in the Mallum
'''Skywise Gralka''' has spoken at length of her desire, and that of the Empire apparently, to liberate the people of the Mallum. But to avoid the kinds of events that followed after similar attempts in the Barrens. What, asks the ''Commander in Coral and Glass'', does that ''mean''? The strategies and tactics of the conqueror and the liberator are fundamentally different, both on the battlefield and off it. So are the ultimate outcomes. A conqueror ultimately fights to keep what they take; a liberator gives it away. While the Archmage might wish that to be the case, why does the [[Imperial Military Council]] fight this war in the east? What are the Empire going to do once they have defeated the [[Druj]]? With the best will in the world, in the Barrens a significant faction claimed they were there as "liberators" but it is notable that the land is now part of Dawn with little enclaves for the two surviving factions of the people whose claim to the place depends on centuries of inhabitation. Three of the septs that once dwelled there are no more due to Imperial action in one form or another.

In essence, while Skywise Gralka may be committed to liberation rather than conquest... are they speaking for the Empire? The ''Beacon of Dawn'' sees that the [[general|generals]] of the Empire favour a direct, overwhelming attack in the eastern theatre. They rely on the [[Knights of Glory|might of the Summer realm]] to deal with their foes and that is a strategy that seems to be working. Any intervention by the ''General of Day'' is unlikely to mix well with the power of the [[Eleonaris|Lady of the Pennants]]. To be clear though, if the Military Council is in agreement with the Archmage of Day, then the ''Master Strategist'' could offer their support.

[[Day magic]] is adept at helping [[Day_magic#Focus|focus]] on objectives and helping folk to [[Day_magic#Mastery|master]] their intentions. The ''Scribe of Blades'' could prepare a set of [[arcane projection|arcane projections]] that could be used or codified to help [[Imperial army|Imperial armies]] focus on the matter of liberation rather than conquest. The enchantment would be comparable to ''Clarity of the Master Strategist'' - but they would help the army focus entirely on liberating those oppressed by the Druj in the Mallum, arming and supplying them, helping them to fight back on their own terms. What land an enchanted army took - and the impact of the enchantment would be half that normally provided by Clarity - would be claimed not by the Empire but by the inhabitants of the Mallum who were not Druj.

If the Military Council wants this support, they already have a method they can use to determine if a consensus exists - the [[Council_session#Powers_of_the_Council|simple vote]]. If the Council ''is'' committed to liberation over conquest, and they are prepared to accept the aid of Zakalwe, then they can request that the [[Herald of the Council]] raise the matter and take a vote on it. If they don't want Zakalwe's interference, or are ''not'' set on a strategy of liberation such as the Archmage has described, then that is fine and the ''Master Strategist'' would expect nothing less.
===Rites of Battle===
* '''Zakalwe asks ''how'' it can help the Archmage address the situation with battlefield ritualists
* '''The General of Day cannot provide an opportunity to kill Het Trakaa
The Archmage also apparently speaks of an inability to persuade sufficient practitioners of martial magic, versed in the [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|lore of Day]], to perform five castings of [[Piercing Light of Revelation]] on a battlefield. The Master Strategist is surprised that this is the case. The Empire has years and years of experience with the [[Sentinel Gate]] and the way magic can be used directly to secure military advantage. The Empire clearly has powerful magicians - they can cast [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] after-all.

Is there some reason that magicians prefer not to take advantage of these opportunities. If that is the case, then that is not something that Zakalwe can fix - rather it is a deficit the Empire must find a way to address themselves. Perhaps the [[Rod and Shield]], the Conclave, or some other body of state could find a way to incentivise magicians to make themselves available to fight for the Empire? The Master Strategist can help support and empower such magicians if they urgent need such help, but without them there is nothing the eternal can do to help.

What ''Hunter of Tides'' cannot now do, is find a new opportunity for Imperial heroes to catch ''Het Trakaa of the Banded Snakes''. There was an [[Root_and_branch#Objective:_Kill_Het_Trakaa|opportunity in Summer]], but now it is clear that fate does not bend the eye of the [[Sentinel Gate]] in their direction again during Autumn. Zakalwe ''can'' offer a little help to locate and destroy some of the worst of the [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls|tortured souls]] that the [[Druj_champion#Het|Het]] has created, but the mastermind himself is beyond the reach of the ''Master Strategist'' at this time.

And on the matter of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]], the massive fortress in the north of the [[Forest of Ulnak]]? The Archmage has answered her own question. The Druj built their immense [[fortification]] to protect their borders, and the size of the castle gives some indication of how afraid they are that that force might defeat them just as the Empire is doing.

==Tempt the Waters From Their Bed==
{{CaptionedImage|file=KhobelTavah.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''An unknown eternal has responded to a plenipotentiary of the Winter Archmage'''
* '''The herald of that creature says that a parley will be held in the Hall of Worlds at midnight on Saturday'''
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is ''Ematius 'Icebreaker' Ankarien'''''
A week ago, as people are beginning to set up their tents and stalls in preparation for the Autumn summit, two figures emerge from the Imperial Regio without fuss. They walk directly to the Hub. It might be easy for observers to mistake them for [[Highguard|Highborn]] pilgrims, or perhaps [[the Marches|Marcher]] monks or friars of a particularly austere humour. They wear dark woollen cloth. The taller of the two is entirely shrouded, hood raised to hide their features, their only accoutrement a leaden bell on their hip hanging from their belt of thick rope. The other wears their robe open, revealing an old tunic crusted with salt, occluding whatever faded chapter-sign or livery-mark may have been displayed there. An observer would note that their solemn tread never falters, and that those who might otherwise pass to close to them seem almost instinctively to swerve away without really noticing what they have done.

When they reach their destination, the taller of the two does not speak. All communication comes from the shorter figure in their open black robe and crusted garb. They come as emissaries of ''Salt-in-my-lungs'' and ''Dark that Drowns''. The [[Archmage of Winter]], '''Ematius Icebreaker''', has laid an offering of names before the throne of ''Foretold-by-Bells'' and they find this tribute pleasing. There will be parley in the Hall of Worlds at midnight on Saturday. The Archmage shall attend, of course, and they may choose who among the Empire will speak as is tradition. No harm will befall any there save that they seek it themselves.

Before the meeting, the Archmage's "passengers" - the six they spoke of - can speak of one fear they have that they would see discussed during the parley. One specific fear each. The heralds leave a small stack of papers for the Archmage - six pieces of ragged parchment. The passengers can write their fear on the parchment and then bring it to the Imperial regio and through the [[operate portal|key to all doors]] throw it into the darkness with an invocation of one of those names offered by the Archmage. This must be done before midnight on Friday; these fears will form a skeleton for the parley to come. Six different passengers, six different fears. Each passenger will be called on to speak of their fear to the ''Deep Drowned''.

The parley itself will involve a place claimed by ''the Harbinger'', brought to the Hall by the power of the plenipotentiary, and none shall come within three paces of it lest the waters claim them. As the ''Sunken Rope'' draws near, the hall shall fall into darkness. Let those who would attend in audience bring their own lights if they so wish, but see that they are not too bright. Once the lights have fully fallen and the sea has come, there will be time for talk. There will be talk of lessons. There will be talk of fear. There will be talk of bells.

This extremely cryptic message leaves the civil servants none the wiser; they clarify again that this is the result of a plenipotentiary from an Archmage, and the hitherto silent figure in the hooded robe inclines its head once before striking the leaden bell with a long, broken, and splintered fingernail. The timbre of that single dull note rings through the Hub, giving all present a moment of absolutely wrenching terror that leaves them [[Calls#PARALYSE|paralysed]] for several seconds, and when the effect fades, the messengers are gone.

==Timetable==
There are comparatively few meetings taking place during this summit. The times, the locations, and the eternals involved, are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Saturday || TBC || [[Lashonar]] || Night || Not a parley; an offer of the Caucus Forum should the Conclave wish to accept
|-
| Saturday || 13:45 || [[Estavus]] || Autumn || Not a parley; a meeting with the Archmage and advisors
|-
| Saturday || 00:00 || Unknown || Winter || Parley; in the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Lines of care and sorrow

2025-09-04T21:10:55Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lines of care and sorrow.jpg|caption=The Unshackled have barely begun to make Mareave their own, and now the Grendel have returned.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==A Traitor May Betray Himself==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_aAeUeWa8o}}
It was, perhaps, only a matter of time. And time, it seems, has run out; more than a year has passed since the Empire conquered Mareave but the Grendel, it seems, have neither forgotten nor forgiven. Coming up through the petrified forest of Ayereed, they launch a land offensive against Mareave. Four armies - the Brine Turtles, the Iron Gulls, the Naguerro (far from their former home in the Lasambrian hills), and the Storm Sharks. They come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|cautiously, carefully]], testing the defences of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] before they commit themselves entirely.

The orcs of the Broken Shore come up into [[Mareave#Fleisardh|Fleisardh]], where they are perhaps unsurprisingly greeted with open arms by the Brine Turtle sept. They have kept the faith, sure their warriors would return home, and here they are! The other armies, especially the Naguerro, may receive a slightly more standoffish reception but still they come. To Fioroult, to the river and the lake, in force to take back what the Empire took from them.

Their caution at least gives an opportunity for what defenders there are in Mareave to respond. Imperial magicians have raised a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] in [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]]. Less than a fortnight after the Grendel cross the border, swift-flying snow eagles have brought news of them to the garrison, to the hulking orc-like [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] drawn from the realm of the [[Cathan Canae|Queen of Ice and Darkness]]. They stride forth from their stone fortress, beginning a seemingly inexhaustible charge south to meet the orc armies before they can take too much territory. A few handfuls of Imperial Orcs go with them, rallying to the defence of their arid territory.

When they arrive, the Summer warriors find creatures of quite another kind waiting for them. Another coven has called out to the [[Realms#Winter|Wasteland]], to the Winter realm, to the throne of the king they call [[Sorin|Hungry Wolf]]. In [[Mareave#Eoradal|Eoradal]], the shadow of the aqueduct, a [[The Basalt Citadel|basalt citadel]] rises. Its strange black towers incorporate the old [[Skoura|Skouran]] ruins, and bleached bone sentinels stand voiceless watch upon its high dark walls. The ''Tomb King'' has sent other warriors to Fleisardh to fight the Grendel - not soldiers but dreadful wolves with clever emerald eyes and snow-pale fur that speak in mortal tongues. It must suit the fancy of the ''Whelpmaster'' to offer this little bit of extra aid to the defenders of Mareave.

At the same time, though not together, these forces drawn from the eternal realms fight the Grendel. Two garrisons of magical creatures face four armies, supported and bolstered by the Brine Turtle sept, and there is only really one outcome. It's clear to those Imperial Orcs who fight with them - mostly [[Sannite|Sannites]] - that they will only be able to delay the advance of the invaders. To make matters worse, it quickly becomes clear that the Grendel forces are [[enchantment|enchanted]], fighting with the supernatural [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|clarity]] that their mastery of the realm of [[Day magic|Sky]] grants them. The four armies cooperate effortlessly, as they ruthlessly drive the heralds and guardians northward.

Within a month, the Brine Turtles are "liberated" from the Empire. The defenders fall back to [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]] - and the Grendel follow. They press the defenders back towards the villas and abandoned palaces of the wealthiest Grendel that lie scattered across this more fertile region. They particularly press toward the Fundindelve. The orcs here are a little more careful in their celebration of their returning "heroes". At one time, they held [[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|high status]] among the Grendel, but much of their prestige was related to the Salt Lord Ehsan, and control of the Fundindelve. The [[Golden Pyramid]] has done its work well, it seems, and there are a number of former Grendel who have begun to wonder if they might not be better off siding with the Empire. For now, though, it is moot. They are in no position to resist the invaders, have no choice but to smile and nod, and if their welcome is a little chilly, it is not clear the southern soldiers notice it.
==All Other Courses Have Been Weighed==
Former Salt Lord Ehsan, for his own part, remains neutral. [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] supports neither side in this battle for control, and when challenged, the ruler of the city merely snaps angrily that "''that is what neutral means''". The city will not turn back anyone who seeks sanctuary, but neither will it send soldiers to fight over Mareave. Obviously, this wins the city folk few friends in Clisearn... but then all those that Ehsan might care about retreated behind its walls months ago.

There is some speculation about why it is only armies that come to Mareave, but perhaps it is the very neutrality of Beoraidh that keeps the [[Imperial navy|navies]] at bay. After all, the city of Ehsan controls the only navigable coastal waters in Mareave; the rest of the territory plunges vertiginously into the sea in a way that makes it impossible for navies to contribute to a ground campaign. Some narrow their eyes at the fact that the Palace of Chains - Ehsan's seat of power - has been so recently and so conveniently [[I_wish_you_would#Beoraidh|altered]] to focus its defence around Beoraidh itself. No doubt politics are at play. Ehsan may no longer be a Salt Lord, but he is a born schemer. One may take the orc out of the Grendel, but...

In the south, the fighting spills and swirls across Clisearn. Without the sept to open the door, the Grendel find it a little slower going to force their way north. The defenders are further bolstered by a small number of battle-trained magicians of the [[Golden Pyramid]] [[Conclave order]]. The [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|grand lodge]] of the order is nearing completion in Clisearn, and now the Grendel it seems are here to put a stop to it. Fortunately, the location of the lodge and the cautious strategy employed by the invaders means that work is completed just before the Autumn Equinox despite the disruption. Which is both a good thing - it is another sign that the Empire is here to stay and wins over more of the nearby orc households - and a bad thing - because it means that if the Grendel take Clisearn, they will seize the first Imperial grand lodge as well as the mithril mine.

That outcome seems like it may imminently come to pass, but as the Autumn Equinox draws near it becomes clear that the supernatural defenders have at least delayed the invaders sufficiently to mean they cannot claim Clisearn. Not yet, at least. If nothing changes, however, they will seize Clisearn after the Equinox. This will give them control of the Fundindelve and steal the Grand Lodge out from under the nose of the Golden Pyramid.

But, having tested the defences and found them barely adequate, it would be a risky gamble to assume the Grendel armies will ''continue'' to be so cautious in their advance.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 400px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|Mareave.png|400x400px}}</div>
==Game Information==
* '''The Grendel have seized Fleisardh with the full cooperation of the Brine Turtles sept
* '''Fighting continues in Clisearn, where the invaders are three-fifths of the way towards claiming the region
* '''Beoraidh is remaining neutral in the conflict
The Grendel have taken the southernmost region of Mareave, Fleisardh, and are three-fifths of the way toward claiming Clisearn and with it the Fundindelve mithril mine. If not for the presence of the two supernatural defences summoned in Icarion and Eoradal, it's likely that they would have seized both regions and the mine and possibly even be some way toward taking Eoradal. They would also likely have raided the site of the Grand Lodge and either destroyed it, or more likely, stolen some of the wains invested over the last season.

Grendel strategy means that [[Construct Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid|construction]] of the [[Golden Pyramid]] [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|grand lodge]] has not been impeded and the building will be complete by the start of the Autumn Equinox despite all the chaos unfolding around it.

For the moment, the territory remains in Imperial hands, but thanks to the independent city-state of Beoraidh losing another region will change the territory to "no control". On the other hand, Beoraidh means that the Grendel need to conquer and hold four regions to claim the territory themselves.
==Further Reading==
* [[Mareave]]
* [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_Beoraidh|Treaty with Beoraidh]]

So our path is laid

2025-09-04T21:10:31Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=if you dare.jpg|caption="Cross us if you dare..."|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Paths and Errands==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECmje2WJsz4}}
The [[Jotun]] have conquered [[Bregasland]]. They hold the marshes and fens, and they have made the people who remain their thralls. A number of Bregas have fled east to [[Mitwold]], but many more have stayed behind. They will not abandon their land, not to the orcs of the west. While some bow their heads to the Jotun yoke, there is no Mathilda Fisher here and no question of collaboration with the invaders. Others actively resist them, taking inspiration from the [[Strong Reeds]] and the Graywaters. Even those who seem to have surrendered remain as uncooperative as they can be without bringing the wrath of the Jotun on their heads.

During the Summer Solstice, Imperial heroes used the [[Sentinel Gate]] in a [[Shovels_and_spades#Breaking_Burhfæst_(Battle_Opportunity)|risky attack]] against forces attempting to maintain the mighty enchanted fortification anchored to [[Bregasland#Graven_Rock|Graven Rock]]. Had those heroes not been victorious - defeating the powerful [[inhabitants of the realms#Guardian|guardian]] from the court of the [[Adamant|King under the Mountain]] that would have anchored the magical citadel for another year - the Jotun hold over Bregasland would have been further secured. As it is, the Burhfæst was dismissed and the Ice Fishers' bastion in Graven March has returned to the [[Realms#Summer|Summer Realm]] from whence it came. If they wish to carve out a fortress for themselves, they will now have to do it the old fashioned way. Which sources in Graven suggest they might very well be preparing to do.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">Strong Reeds. Those Jotun hounds sniff at our heels and dig at our hiding places. But as they close in we will not bend, we will not break and we will not flee, for our loyalty is not so easily shaken. We Lay Low for one more season, to allow our friends to Resupply and build their strength. And then how we will rise up. The Jotun Queen calls for my head and I say let her come herself! I stand with you. I stand with Bregasland and if those Jotun dogs wish to find us... Make them work for it. Bregasland Stands!</quote>

<quote by="Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir, General of the Fist of Ulven">Under the gaze of the king we once more guard the dour fens, the lands of our ancestors. While the Queen of the North seeks out the thorn in our heel, we will bind these lands with steel and stone, a girdle of strength to make Ulven herself proud of her children.</quote>

<quote by="Derun Stonetower, General of the Tower of the North">We stand ready to let our hammers sing, to ring out a toll on Marcher steel. If they do not come, we will mark the boundaries, and do whatever is needful to make these grim marshes ours.</quote>

<quote by="Iduna Yrsasdóttir, General of the Tower of the North">The Strong Reeds hide among the bulrushes, gathering their strength. Do not underestimate the threat they pose, nor the power of their oaths. Like the hawk they bide their time, and when they strike it will be with the full force of the wind. Yet no-one can hide forever. The cunning eyes of Raðljóst will reveal them to us, and we shall bring them at last to battle amid the dripping fens. So says the Queen, and none shall gainsay her.</quote>

<quote by="Johnathan Piper “The Cockscroft Lad”, Statement of Principle, Marcher Assembly, Upheld with a Greater Majority (206-0), Summer Solstice 387YE">Hew and cry, hew and cry! Marchers of Bregasland I call to you now. Our Strong Reeds lie low to protect our land, but our enemies have learned of ways to find them. We the Marcher Assembly urge the Virtuous Marchers of Bregasland to help our heroes hide. Offer them your barns. Set fires. Dam rivers. Intrigue and distract. Anything to thwart our invaders. Look out for your neighbours. Look after yourselves, and show the Jotun that Marchers one and all, will not let our land be taken!</quote></div>
The majority of the Jotun, though, seem more concerned with rooting out the Strong Reeds and their sympathisers than actively oppressing the Bregas. The Marcher army is wily, and avoids obvious traps with ease. Yet for all their fixation on honour, glory, heroism, and a good death the Jotun are not fools. The ‘‘Lion of the North’’ - Queen Jansdóttir’s personal army - is on a quest to drive the Reeds from their holdfasts and hiding places and force them to engage in open battle. The Queen herself is not present in Bregasland; her eldest child ''Idun Yrsasdóttir'' serves as general this season for some reason. On the orders of her mother, she has [[Army qualities#Mercenary|called to her banner]] seasoned hunters from [[Tromsa]] and veteran [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Raðljóst|Raðljóst]] from [[Skallahn]]. As the season wears on their [[Army qualities#Scouting|expertise]] proves invaluable, and the Strong Reeds are again and again forced to abandon their positions and fall back deeper into the marshes.

==Pride of the Marches==
While the Lion of the North focuses on finding the Marcher army, two other generals keep control of the Dour Fens. The stoic Tower of the North, under the banners of the granite-faced Derun Stonetower, work alongside the Fist of Ulven to strengthen the borders here. It is Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir who leads the Fist, rather than King Gudmundr Arasonn, Jarl-of-Jarls, ruler over the southern territories of the Jotun. It is just as rare for King Gudmundr not to be at the forefront of his army as it is for Queen Yrsa not to lead her own. What could have drawn the attention of the Jarls-of-Jarls elsewhere?

One of the challenges facing Gjeirfund Haggarsdóttir comes from an unexpected source; keeping the yegarra champion Stephen of Sarcombe on a short leash. The traitor of the Mourn has always been angry, but it seems that since the death of Jarl Haakon and the loss of the ‘Wold his temper has worsened. His dressing down by King Gudmundr cannot help but rankle, and accordingly his cruelty towards the Marchers has become more and more acute. Whispers are beginning to do the rounds that other Jotun champions will not fight alongside him, or with the yegarra under his banner, for fear that they will bring dishonour on themselves. For his part, Stephen takes a vicious pleasure in striking against anyone shown to be part of the network of resistance fighters that spans the fens; he seems to be staying just on one side of the line but it is surely only a matter of time before he crosses it.

There are other champions in Bregasland, other warbands. The Ice Fishers of Ldansk have been here for the last year, and they show no signs of departing. They are joined by ''Helma Skutasdóttir'' and her raven-banner, turning her clever gaze on the matter of the Strong Reeds while her warband explores the marshes seeking to root out its secrets. ''Eisa Winterborn'' and her walrus banner are here also, as are the howling bears under the standard of ''Yanya Uranduln'' but their eyes lie to the east. They launch several raids across the border into Mitwold, into [[Mitwold#Oddmire|Oddmire]] and southern [[Mitwold#Meade March|Meade March]]. While they never approach the city of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] itself, they keep the [[Valiant Pegasus]], the [[Autumn Hammers]], the [[Drakes]], the [[Bloodcloaks]] and the garrison of [[Mitwold#Forte_Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]] busy. Indeed, were it not for the presence of the armies, it's not impossible that the two warbands together might have seriously threatened the people of Odd's End. It stands as a sobering reminder just how close the Jotun are to the heart of the Marches.

==Flip of a Coin==
Back in Bregasland, the Strong Reeds may be on the back foot, but they continue to foment resistance and gather support. Some twenty Imperial captains have brought their warbands west to support the Marcher army, to do what it takes to try and keep them hidden. Most are Marchers but there are a significant number of soldiers from [[the League]] alongside them. Several of the latter are from [[Holberg]], and are no strangers to fighting in marshes. Together they ambush Jotun patrols, move supplies, rescue Marchers who might otherwise fall into the hands of Stephen of Sarcombe, and lay the groundwork for the eventual uprising against the Jotun. The unconditional support of the Marcher assembly has gone some way to ensuring that the people of Bregasland, whatever they may think about the Empire as a whole, are eager to support ''their'' army regardless of the risks.

Yet there’s only so much that can be done. The Lion of the North have experience dealing with Imperial spies and scouts - they tore apart the old [[spy network]] in [[Hordalant]] for example - and the veterans they have brought in to spearhead their campaign are near a match for even the most quick witted of the Strong Reeds captains. It comes clear only a little too late that part of the reason for the raid into Mitwold is to identify the smuggling routes used to keep the Strong Reeds supplied. In the end, though, it is partly simple bad luck, a roll of the dice, that sees things start to become unstuck. A conversation overheard, an over-zealous would-be champion hoping to impress Eisa Winterborn, an early Autumn raid against a tavern along the shores of the Westmere, and three Ottery smugglers fall into the hands of the Jotun. They keep their mouths closed as long as they can but in the end, faced with watching their sibling and father die, one of them talks. That is all it takes to start the dominos falling.

After that initial raid, the Lion of the North have the first thread they need to pick at to start unravelling the resistance, and they attack it with gusto. While the ravens of Helma Skutasdóttir seek out the safe houses in the west, Eisa and her yegarra begin to systematically arrest and question travellers across the east. The Strong Reeds are spread out across the territory. The bravest Bregas among them as often as not hide in plain sight, but many more must hide in a more conventional way. In part it is the close, fierce ties of family that prove to be the undoing of the Bregas - when family and friends are threatened it is only those with a heart of stone who can keep their silence, keep their nerve. The hidden pattern begins to be exposed; supply drops identified and raided, holdfasts attacked, sympathisers isolated or carefully watched, messengers intercepted.

The situation is grim, but all is not lost. The Jotun have not "found" the Strong Reeds as such. They cannot force an army that has disappeared into the reeds and marshes to fight them. But they can make it increasingly untenable to remain hidden, to continue to fight piecemeal against the invaders, by cutting away all the ways that the people of the Marches can support them. Yet there's many a slip between cup and lip, as the old proverb goes. The Jotun would be wise not to celebrate their "victory" prematurely. The Marchers have a long history of surprising their enemies, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofBregasland.png|caption=Bregasland is currently under occupation by the Jotun.|align=right|width=500}}

==Game Information==
* '''The Strong Reeds are vulnerable to the Jotun
* '''Escaping the territory will be costly; remaining may also prove costly
The Jotun remain in control of Bregasland. The magical fortification anchored to Graven Rock has not been renewed, although there are signs the Ice Fishers of Ldansk may be preparing to build a more mundane [[fortification]] in "the only bit of dry land in Bregasland". The presence of four armies supporting the fortification in Mitwold has meant that raids by Jotun champions have been unsuccessful in causing any significant damage or seizing any wealth from the territory.

The Lion of the North, thanks to the [[Army_qualities#Scouting|scouting expertise]] of those champions who have come from Skallahn and Tromsa, have exposed vulnerabilities in the Strong Reeds. At the moment, they are still mostly hidden, but the Jotun have begun to exploit their weaknesses, and the situation could become dire - the orders the General issues after the Autumn Equinox will be crucial.

If the General orders the army to leave the territory, then they will struggle to do so without alerting the Jotun as to what is happening. The western barbarians will not be able to prevent them leaving, but in the process the Strong Reeds will suffer 1,000 casualties at the hands of the Jotun, provided at least one barbarian army is still in the territory. This represents not only pitched fighting along the eastern regions of Bregasland, but also the risk of small groups being lost or trapped in the territory, unable to get out. These casualties cannot be mitigated by [[Rivers of Life]], nor by army orders. However, [[Night magic]] such as the ''Host of Shadows'' (a non-Imperial ritual) may prove effective in helping the army avoid these casualties. If a ritual of that nature is cast on the army, it will suffer only 500 casualties as it leaves Bregasland.

Should the General issue an attacking order, then the usual rules for the military campaign apply.

Finally. The General could choose to order the Strong Reeds to continue to Lay Low in Bregasland. This would follow the rules for that order with one exception. Rather than suffering no casualties, as long as any Jotun armies remain in the territory, the army will suffer 500 casualties each downtime. Again, magical effects such as ''Rivers of Life'' won't change this - many of the casualties are ''captured'' rather than killed in battle for example. But again, there may be ways to ameliorate these losses. Likewise, without additional effort, no more seasons of Lay Low will count for the Rise Up order (unless the heroes of Anvil intervene one way or another).

This situation will persist until something significant changes in Bregasland, and as long as the Jotun remain in control of the territory.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">[[File:StrongReeds Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Strong Reeds]]</div>

==Participation==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Strong Reeds may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit
Military units who supported the Strong Reeds as they upheld their oath toward the people of the Dour Fens may receive a special benefit. The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and the Bregas people. The inspiration these acts provide should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported the Strong Reeds this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. If they receive an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], from a fellow Marcher, they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Autumn Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit, ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony, but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

In the event that a character loses or changes their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained again.

==Battle Opportunity : How Will They Rise Up?==
* '''The Imperial prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that leads to Bregasland
The Imperial prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the [[Sentinel Gate]] during the Autumn Equinox that will allow Imperial heroes to venture into Bregasland. It will present an opportunity to confront the Jotun who are rooting out the Strong Reeds and allow the Empire to mitigate the impact on the Strong Reeds if they take the battle and are successful.

==Further Reading==
* [[Bregasland]]

* [[Shovels and spades]] - Summer 387YE Wind of War about the fighting in Bregasland
* [[If one be gone we carry on]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War about the fighting in Bregasland
* [[Over western hills]] - Winter 386YE Wind of fortune about fighting in the western Marches

To ruin

2025-09-04T21:09:58Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=A Heroes Tale.jpg|caption=A hero has a name.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==A Fistful of Runes==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp2OmkEw9Z0}}
At first the watchers on the cliffs of [[Redoubt#Optarion|Visten]] believe it is a wave, a wall of water sweeping toward their shores; or perhaps a fogbank roused and motivated by powerful magic. Then the spyglasses of those in the towers reveal that it is neither. It is a forest of masts. An armada of Grendel ships. The alarm is raised, and as the news spreads quickly and the lights of the heliopticon flash their warning, the true scale of what is coming is made clear. All four Grendel navies are here - the Shamal, and the Simoom and the Tempest and the Golden Wind.

They bring the thunder with them; the beating of great drums, drums that keep time for those at the oars of the Asavean warships. The ''Leaping Bull'', sunk during the [[Harvest_of_infamy|failed attack on Meade]], has been replaced and more than that. Along with ''Venger’s Blade'' and ''Wind Tamer'' and ''Balo’s Grace'' come the ''Pilum Asav'' and the ''Deep Fury''. Five Asavean battle-ships, each with its own small fleet of auxiliary ships clustering in its wake, bound together by discipline and the beat of the drums. Each of the five would be a force to be reckoned with; together they might be a match for an entire Imperial or Grendel navy. Together with the Grendel armada…

''The runes click and clack and fall. [[Gralm|Crossroads]] and [[Jotra|swords]] and [[Ull|road]].''

They do not come with stealth - so many ships are a roaring stormfront - but they have swung out away from the shore as they arc westward, well out of reach of the defenders on the shore. The folk of Visten make ready for the attack as best they can - [[sentinel|sentinels]] in the harbour, magicians versed in healing and in battle-magic behind - but the armada does not stop. It does not care for Visten, nor for the Ribbon of Salt. And, indeed, the waters around the bay where the spire sits are too shallow for all save the lightest Grendel warships to approach. Even as the soldiers of the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain|Court of the White Fountain]] - already on alert - rouse themselves the ships are gone, curving around the reaching headlands of [[Redoubt#Tomari|Tomari]].

As the armada gathers speed there is the faint hope that the Grendel might intend to keep moving, to smash themselves into the teeth of [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah’s Rest]] or the [[Sarvos#The_Great_Chain|Great Chain]]. Yet there is a certainty, a foreboding, heavy in the hearts of the people of [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] as the harbingers of the heliopticon roar their alarm across Redoubt.

They come scything around Rebekah’s Leap, to the mouth of the lazy Couros, to [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] once more. [[On_southern_sands|Last time]] they attacked the port, they did so almost as an afterthought, on their way from Madruga to the Broken Shore. They were handed an embarrassing defeat by the combined force of the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Towerjacks]], the [[Northern Eagle]], and the combined garrisons of [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] and the Court.

This time they seem fired up with a furious, terrible purpose. Everyone here knows what [[A beacon of smoke|happened in Siroc]], when last the Grendel and the Asaveans sailed together. Some folk retreat as the armada rounds the headland; most stay. They will fight to protect their home, to do what it takes to prevent their beautiful spire being rendered into ash.

''The runes spin and tumble, and the stars wheel overhead. The [[Queros|wave]], the [[Pallas|apple tree]], the [[Naeve|Fang]].''
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Elos Harbour.png|align=left|caption=The port of Elos: white granite and light.|width=400}}</div>
==Knife in the Dark==
The garrisons are on the move as soon as the armada passes Visten. The [[sentinel|sentinels]] of the Court march east, the defenders of Cargo march south. The heliopticon chatters and winks. The little garrison at Elos readies itself. The seers at the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]] search the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|shrouded]] sky for any beneficent sign but on these odd nights the constellations are unfamiliar - the true stars seem to [[The Lock|hide themselves away]], and the Crab, the Looking Glass, and the Bondring offer nothing that can be interpreted.

In the past the Grendel have sometimes assayed diplomacy before their attack, offering a chance to retreat and give them easy pickings. They do not do so this time. Horns blare, hundreds of horns, and the battle begins without preamble.

The green sails of the Tempest lead the way, a spear thrust straight to the heart of Elos’ defences. They allow nothing to distract them as they break through the harbour defences and seize control of several of the lighthouse towers. Behind and beside them come the Golden Winds and the red-sailed Shamal. They too [[Navy_orders#Shore_Offensive|strike straight]] into Elos - a risky strategy if there were any ships to oppose them but they must know there are not. As soon as they have secured part of the harbour wall, the Golden Winds begin disgorging Grendel warriors into the spire - the Black Eels and the Bone Nautilus and the Hamsin join the attack, three whole armies of the Broken Shore. The blue-sailed Simoon do not attack the docks directly, not at first, but rather assails the ships docked there - Imperial and Axou vessels are mercilessly boarded and looted, taken by the Grendel where time allows. Only those trading ships flying the flags of the Sarcophan Delves are spared - that vaunted neutrality serving as a shield.

The Asavean battle-ships follow behind, and once the Grendel have begun to secure the harbour they disgorge their own sunbronze armoured soldiers, their tridents soon bathed in the blood of Urizen sentinels.

They do their best, those brave defenders of Elos, but the odds are so stacked against them. They can only fall back, and hope against hope that aid is coming, as the Grendel secure more and more of the harbour and the reality - that the spire will fall next - becomes unavoidable.

''The runes bounce, spin. The [[Rhyv|red knife]], the [[Irremais|black blade]], the [[Verys|lion]] come to rest in a triangle about the crossroads and the road chosen.''
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Umarth 'Winter's Flame' Kannask, General of the Fist of the Mountains">There are dark omens in the sky, and a dread grows. When we cast the runes, however, we find hope. First among the runes is Zorech, and we take pride and passion that we do what must be done. You have liberated Madruga, and now you march to aid the Great Forest Orcs to the east. Your Ferocity and Loyalty is seen. Ignore those who doubt us. Despise folly and chastise the fool that spreads it. We make for the court of the white fountain, where we will pause to hem in the Husks, and alert the Urizen archers to our plans. The husks are useful, but do not let them stray. Keep them penned in till we unleash them next season.</quote></div>

==Horns on the Hillside==
A long journey along the coast has brought the Fist of the Mountains across the River Couros, over the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#News_From_the_Plain_(Necropolis)|Courspan bridge]]. Tired from the long march and the cold stares of Sarvos and Necropolis, the scops nonetheless keep spirits high as they come into Redoubt. An old army, the first army of [[Wintermark]]. Soldiers from the far north-west, supported by miners and engineers, regularly advised by clever [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] and proud [[Wintermark culture and customs#Art and History|scops]]. The soldiers of the Fist are known for their caution, and for their ability to fight viciously in tight spaces over vertiginous drops. Centuries of fighting in the mountains of [[Sermersuaq]], [[Skarsind]] and [[Hahnmark]] will no doubt set them in good stead for defending the mountains of Urizen.

That caution and cleverness is augmented these days by the [[divination|divinations]] of the [[Army_qualities#Farsighted|farsighted]] advisors that march with the army. The [[mystic|mystics]] mark the omens, mark the fall of the runes, and if their advice is heeded the Fist of the Mountains is almost never where the enemy expects it to be - but often in just the right place at just the right time.

The dead follow in their wake, last to cross the bridge under the disapproving gaze of the [[Steward of the Dead|stewards]] of Ethan's Respite. In Winter last year, the magicians of Wintermark [[Quickening Cold Meat|drew down a host of Winter spirits]] to fight with the Fist. The [[Follow_me_my_friend#Where_All_That's_Wrong_is_Right|dead walked]] in [[Tassato]] and marched with the Fist to [[Follow_me_my_friend|battle in Reinos]], and in the [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#On_Freeborn_Shores|Quiet Grasses of Madruga]]. Their presence as the army marched through [[Sarvos]] and [[Necropolis]] did not go unremarked, of course. Not that all the winter spirits still wear the dead flesh of [[the League]]. There are a few [[orc|orcs]] of the [[Reinos|Lasambrian Hills]] among them now, still showing the wounds that killed them, crusted with dry blood. The spirits of the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]] do not care where the meat comes from, and the death of the husk is no great impediment to them.

To Redoubt come the Fist of the Mountains, and the dead, and the ravens, and the jackdaws, and the hawks fly ahead of them to presage their coming.

''The runes clatter like old bones. Both lanterns - [[Ophis|light]] and [[Diras|dark]] - with the [[Xun|wyrm]] between them on the mystic’s mat.''

They come to Redoubt, where they are not expected to be, into the teeth of the storm. Is this, here, the right place? Is now the right time?
{{CaptionedImage|file=GenFistoftheMountains.jpg|caption=Umarth Kannask, General of the Fist of the Mountains|align=right|width=250}}
==A Hero's Tale==
The light of the heliopticon shrieks a warning and despite their long march, the Fist of the Mountains gird themselves and move straight to engage the Grendel and their Asavean allies. Nobody will ever know it for sure but they arrive, their [[Banner-Bearer|banner-bearers]] sound the horns of battle, at the exact moment the first Grendel sets foot on the docks. Sometimes the world is simply like that, a mass of secret knots that no mortal will ever see.

Horns blare, and the warriors of Wintermark come to the aid of the people of Urizen. People they have never met, for the most part. Strangers, for whom the heroes of the ‘Mark are prepared to shed blood and lay down their lives if it comes to it. The mystics have read the signs, and the icewalkers have read the winds, and the veterans have read those symbols that are seen only by the eye of those who have known battle and survived. They do not charge pell-mell to the assault; their strategy is considered, careful, but no less resolute and courageous for all that.

The first priority is to protect the people of Elos, to give those who would be overwhelmed a chance to fight or flee. The second is to keep the Grendel from taking the harbour, or the spire, or to make them pay dearly for doing so. To delay them so that the garrisons to the north and the east can reach Naris. So that whatever harm is done here is contained, is ameliorated, if it cannot be prevented.

''They are very far from home, and some of the runestones are still in the air, still tumbling toward the mystics mat.''

At first the appearance of the Fist of the Mountains seems to set the attackers into disarray. They do not seem to have anticipated any major Imperial forces to be present at all. Yet they rally quickly, adjusting their approach to deal with the unexpected presence of four thousand Winterfolk. It quickly becomes clear that while the Tempest, the Shamal, the Golden Winds, and the Asavean warships are here to conquer, the rest of the Grendel forces are in a much more [[Army_qualities#Foraging|larcenous]] frame of mind. They fight, of course, but they are more interested in engaging in [[maggot|maggotry]] - stealing the wealth of this prosperous port for themselves. This by itself would be enough to ignite the fury of Wintermark, even without the threat to the innocent people of Naris.

Battle rages through the avenues of Elos, between the living and the dead. The Grendel are at a disadvantage because they cannot bring their full force to bear on the Winterfolk in one go - the streets of Urizen are wide but they are not ''that'' wide. Instead the cunning people of the north-west employ hit-and-run tactics, having a seemingly uncanny insight that lets them avoid the counterattacks set against them, an uncanny sense for where they can catch the Grendel unawares. An [[astronomancy|astronomancer]] might nod sagely and speak of the nature of The Door; but the magicians of Elos have more pressing matters on their minds.

It’s quickly obvious that the Fist of the Mountains cannot stop the Grendel capturing Elos. They can delay, but the conquest appears inevitable. Plans are begun to withdraw, a fighting retreat, taking as many of the Urizen with them as they possibly can.

Elos falls to the Grendel. The Fist of the Mountains retreat.

==Now For Wrath==
Elos falls, but the battle continues. This is no simple raid; the Grendel are here in force and they are here to conquer. They spread out across the coast, and spire after spire falls before them. They plunder freely, stealing a king’s ransom in crystal mana, dozens of magical items, and anything else with value that they can get their hands on. Yet they also establish encampments, seizing structures to turn to their own ends. Their ambition seems to be to take the whole of Naris… and perhaps more.

Joined at last by the garrisons of Cargo and the Court, the Fist of the Mountains continue to fight them at every turn, to stymie their plans, to slow them and turn them back where they can. They clash with the Black Eels, and the Hamsin, and the Bone Nautilus time and again, buying time for besieged Urizeni spires to escape with their greatest treasures - their books and their scrolls - even as they must leave so much else behind. If the Grendel hoped to seize some of the magical lore of Urizen, those hopes are unrealised.

It is just a matter of time before Naris falls entirely to the armada and the Asaveans. Yet even that does not appear to be the full extent of the Grendel strategy. The farsighted seers and scouts of the Fist of the Mountains have unearthed one more layer of intent, more to this attack than just the desire for conquest and plunder.

''The runes are settling now. The [[Hirmok|scythe]], the [[Sular|ship]], the [[Mawrig|storm]].''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">[[File:FistoftheMountains_Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Fist_of_the_Mountains]]</div>

==Let This Be The Hour==
The Grendel have always been clear about one thing; they will be the uncontested masters of the Bay of Catazar. They will not countenance the Empire raising an [[Imperial navy]]. They burnt the shipyard at Atalaya, and the Freeborn Storm, to secure their dominance. Their spymasters must now realise the potential inherent in the Grand Harbour at Elos, that it could quickly become a place where navies were raised, almost on their doorstep. Or perhaps it is just the wealth of Urizen that calls them, like carrion birds. Either way, they do not plan to simply ''hold'' Elos. They plan to remove it as a threat. Permanently.

To that end, they have brought with them a misshapen sphere of tempest jade seized from the [[Bay_of_Catazar#Temple_of_Tempest_Jade|Temple of Tempest Jade]] in distant [[Bay of Catazar#Raineach|Raineach]]. A treasure of High Priestess Shivaarn plundered from her stronghold and brought here to the shores of Redoubt. A thing of the [[Siakha|Maelstrom]] intended to unleash absolute devastation against the harbour and the spire, to absolutely devastate them so that there might be no thought of Urizen or Highguard raising navies here. A show of strength and power. Not a crude burning such as the Asaveans forced in Siroc, but a careful and calculated excisement. The removal of a thorn.

(And if that attack also destroys the Tower of Light and Shadow… well it’s doubtful the spies and agents of the Broken Shore will weep overlong with that particular annoyance dealt with).

The talisman will kill, most likely, a lot of people as well. There is every chance it will destroy not only Elos, but may threaten the mouth of the Couros itself and perhaps even [[Necropolis#The Necropolis|the Necropolis]] which after all is barely more than a bridge away to the west. Apparently this is a price the Grendel are prepared to pay to send an unequivocal message to the people of the Empire. That ''they'' own the Bay of Catazar, and that ships sail it at ''their'' whim.

It would be easy for the Fist of the Mountains to leave the Grendel to it, to let them destroy the port, to kill those people, to unleash ruinous [[Spring magic]] whose full reach cannot be predicted. But these are the heroes of Wintermark and they will not allow such an atrocity to take place. This is the Fist of the Mountains, and while there are dark omens, and dread grows, there is also hope. It will be no easy task, but it will need to be done swiftly if it is to work. There is no time for the heroes of Anvil to pass through the [[Sentinel Gate]] - so overwhelming has the Grendel attack been that it must be faced ''now'' or Elos will be lost and who can say for sure what else may be threatened as well. The omens are clear.

The catastrophe sphere is being erected in the plaza at the heart of the harbour, and it is there the heroes of Wintermark must strike if they are to end the Grendel scheme. They mirror, in a way, the Grendel attack. They move hard and fast, driving their blade deep into the heart of the Grendel occupying forces. Their assault takes the southern orcs and their mercenaries by surprise, exploits the fact that so many of them are bent on plunder and keen to ensure that ''they'' not their fellows get first bite of the apple.

They break the perimeter of Grendel-held Redoubt, and they do not stop. They have barely stopped since they left Madruga, and exhaustion must be taking a heavy toll, but they will not, cannot let this horror unfold while they are there to take action. Lives are spent to get as many warriors as possible to the heart of Elos, back into the settlement they had been driven out of. So many lives. The Urizen sentinels support them of course, but it is Wintermark that must pay the price and take the lead, and all the farsight and omens in the wide world can only take one so far.

Vicious fighting ignites again in Elos, but this time it is the Imperial Winterfolk attacking a Grendel-held settlement. More lives paid to get to the heart of the harbour. A cordon of sneering Asavean mercenaries stands between the heroes and their quarry, but they are no match for the blades of the ‘Mark. More specifically, they are no match for the dead, the Winter spirits clad now as often in Grendel husks as in Leaguish ones. They fall on the Asaveans, whose arrogant contempt turns to chaotic terror as the beasts start to feast. The heroes of Wintermark are right behind and more blood spilled, more brave soldiers fall whose bodies will not find their place in the marshes of the Sovennan.

At the last, the Grendel magicians and their Lord themselves fight, to keep the Empire at bay. As the dead feast, as it becomes clear that, impossibly, the Fist of the Mountains cannot be stopped, one of the Grendel tries to bring that ugly, squatting sphere of tempest jade to life. A crackling green glow blossoms within it…

''The last few runes land and lie still. The [[Tykonus|banner]]. The [[Lann|hound]]. The [[Feresh|eagle]]. Only one more still tumbles.''

… and then a two-handed hammer smashes against the crystal. Once, twice, a third time, cracking, cracking, and then shattering the infernal crystalline eye wide open. An unknown warrior of Wintermark, with a great hammer, and the courage of [[Inga Tarn]] herself flowing in their veins, ends the Grendel scheme. Breaks the priceless orb into a thousand pieces. The energy within hurls everyone in the plaza to the ground as it discharges and there is a moment of creaking silence.

Elos still stands. The harbour still stands, the spire. The waters of the Bay continue to surge, the Couros continues to flow, and the clouds that gather are nothing more than clouds. It starts to rain.

The price though… the price that has been paid.

''The last rune lands, and the silence falls. The [[Yoorn|shears]].''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Yoorn.png|title=Rune: Yoorn|align=right}}

==Like Rain On The Mountain==
The Fist of the Mountains have paid that price. Like the first [[Burning Falcon#History|Burning Falcon]] at [[Kallavesa#Ishal|Ishal]]. Like the [[Hounds of Glory]] at the [[Cost#Glory|Towers of Dusk]]. Like the [[Iron Helms]] and [[Isaella's Dance]] [[under eastern skies]]. The cost of stopping the Grendel destroying Elos, and risking so much else beside; the cost of ensuring that the libraries of the spires remain unlooted; the cost of slowing the Grendel, of confining them to Naris; of winning Urizen vital breathing space. That cost, that price, has been the Fist of the Mountains. The eldest of the Wintermark armies has fallen. The skein has been cut with the black iron shears that end all things in time.

They cut a swathe through the might of the Grendel with foresight and irrepressible courage. They taught the haughty Asaveans to fear. They seized victory even if it cost them everything else. They will sing songs of the Fist of the Mountains in Kallavesa, and in Hahnmark, and in Sermersuaq.

And everywhere else, as well, if the scops have any say in the matter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofRedoubt.png|caption=Dangerous lowlands and fortified citadels|title=Regions of Redoubt|align=right|width=500}}
==Game Information==
* '''Grendel forces have seized Naris and are seven-tenths of the way toward conquering Siluri'''
* '''They now control Elos, including several commissions there, and the Tower of Light and Shadow'''
* '''The Fist of the Mountains army has disbanded'''
The Grendel have launched a major assault against Redoubt along with five Asavean battleships. They took the port at Elos, and then quickly spread to capture the whole of [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]]. They are seven-tenths of the way toward claiming [[Redoubt#Siluri|Siluri]] as well.

As the Grendel have captured the [[Elosian_Architect#Great_Harbour_at_Elos|Great Harbour at Elos]], the [[Elosian Architect]] and the [[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]] have lost access to their ministries. The [[fleet]] owners of Redoubt have also lost the [[great work]] benefit provided by the harbour.

They have likewise, seized the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]] removing the ability of the [[Penumbral Watcher]] to gain further resources. It’s not clear if they have penetrated the tower, but it is no longer in Imperial hands. They are also threatening the [[Prelate_of_Adelmar%27s_Shrine|Academy of Arms]] in Siluri, but at the moment the shrine there, dedicated to [[Adelmar the Lion]] remains in Imperial hands.

The Fist of the Mountains army has disbanded, due to the overwhelming force brought against it. The brave sacrifice of the heroes of Wintermark has stopped the Grendel from destroying the Great Harbour at Elos, and causing significantly more damage as well. It also ensured that the Grendel would not take Siluri this season as well as Naris; prevented them from looting any significant magical texts; and ensured that the majority of Urizen in the invaded regions were able to flee to safety.

While the Fist of the Mountains have put paid to the Grendel using the stolen boon of Siakha to devastate Elos, they are still in possession of the region where it stands. Without a swift and effective response from the Empire it is eminently possible they will fall back on purely mundane means to achieve their goal - destroying the Great Harbour and with it the Hesychian Docks and perhaps the Tower of Light and Shadow as well. Unless they change strategies (and with the Grendel, nothing is ever guaranteed), these three commissions will be ruined by the start of the Winter Solstice if they are not dealt with.

===The Dead===
*'''There are a thousand winter spirits in Naris
Unfortunately, when they disbanded, the Fist of the Mountains was [[enchantment|enchanted]] with dangerous [[Winter magic]]. The ritual had nearly run its course - indeed the general seems to mention in their orders of planning to unleash them in the [[Sarangrave]] - but with the destruction of the army the spirits have been freed prematurely.

It is not clear what this means, but there is a thousand-strong force of unliving husks, motivated entirely by the desire to feed on mortal flesh, loose in Naris now. They will certainly remain for at least a season, after which they will ‘’probably’’ retreat back to the [[Realms#Winter|Winter realm]]... but that is by no means a certainty in a place as powerfully magical as Urizen. Indeed, there are still unliving horrors in parts of [[Zenith]] from last time the ritual ended in Urizen.

Regardless, they represent an unknown danger. Destroying their bodies is rarely enough to do more than slow them down - the spirit simply finds another corpse to inhabit. And while they most often take a new body from those nearby they can in theory inhabit a cadaver anywhere in the same territory.

===Hunger of the Gulls===
* '''A significant portion of the Grendel force were involved in raiding
A significant portion of the Grendel army was engaged in looting and plundering, rather than focusing on taking land or fighting the defenders of Redoubt. They have seized a significant amount of wealth, especially crystal mana and valuables. They have not, however, managed to claim any significant magical works - the Fist of the Mountains has ensured that the spires of south-western Redoubt were able to retreat safely.

It's probable that this vicious raid has had an impact on the Imperial Treasury, however. Redoubt is perhaps the richest of the Urizen territories, and Elos has become one of the wealthiest spires in the territory. Precisely how much impact this will have will need to be seen - the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] will likely be the first to know.
===And Finally...===
* '''Eilian Sweetwater, is unaccounted for; he was involved in an extended appraisal of the historical lighthouses of the Empire
Given the significance of events going on in Redoubt, one final matter almost gets overlooked. During the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Senate approved a requested sabbatical from [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]], in which he intended to make a study of the Empire's historic lighthouses. The first historic lighthouse he was asked to look at was the fallen lighthouse of Nikophoros... in Redoubt. Sweetwater certainly reached Elos shortly before the Grendel attack, and was known to be looking for a captain prepared to take him and his companions to the rock where the lighthouse once stood. Unfortunately, nobody has any idea what happened to him after that.

It's possible he died during the raid, or is somewhere among those fleeing the Grendel advance. It's possible he has fallen into the hands of the invaders - either the Broken Shore or the Asaveans. It's possible he and his friends are currently sat on a desolate rock in the Bay of Catazar with no way to communicate with anyone that doesn't risk attracting the attention of the invaders. Either way, it is ''very'' unlikely he will be providing his report on the lighthouse during the Autumn Equinox.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lock&KeyIllustrationInk.JPG|title=The Lock and The Key (Illus.)|align=right|width=256|height=240}}
==Battle Opportunities==
* '''The Imperial Prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate
* '''There is some inexplicable astronomantic effect that is making it hard to discover details about the conjunction
The prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that they believe will allow Imperial heroes to travel to Redoubt during the coming summit. They are unable at this time to be certain precisely where it will open, or what opportunities it might present, but they are doing their best to discover the answer. Apparently recent developments with [[the Lock]] and [[the Key]] constellations are making it tricky to nail down any certainties here.

Any port in a storm

2025-09-04T21:09:29Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>The group of academics leaned back on the bog chairs their hosts had provided. The evening meal, a mixed seafood grill had been delicious. Served on a bed of rice and artfully presented on thick green leaves that also added a subtle flavour to the meal. It had made a pleasant change from the spiced and cured sausage that was the mainstay of many Holberg meals. What was needed now was a few tankards of the city's finest ale, but sadly that was in very short supply way out here in Misericorde.

"I don't think I've ever been spied on before! Well, not by such charming hosts." Gelberg grinned at his colleagues.

"I hardly think the girl's a spy!" said Heinrich openly laughing at the suggestion. "She's a guide - and a damn good one too. I would have trod in that bog up to my waist if she hadn't been there to point it out."

"You haven't spent enough time with her yet. She pestered me with questions all day. All day! How does this work in the Commonwealth. How do you build a cantilevered crane lift? What's the best diameter for a borehole well?"

"So she's inquisitive! There's nothing wrong with that surely?" protested Heinrich.

"Inquisitive? I think not. Have you noticed that she occasionally sneaks off? You said she was off playing with the other kids. Well she wasn't - I caught her. She was writing everything I said down... She was making notes! She could be working for the Jarmish!"

Gelberg's tone was one of outrage, but Heinrich still couldn't quite tell if his boss was being serious or whether it was just mock indignation. "You're not... actually worried about her... are you Immy? She's our host's niece, she seems lovely."

"Don't be fooled by that!" said Gelberg and spread his hands wide as if to encapsulate some terrible danger before unveiling the punch line. "I know a student searching for extra-credit when I see one!"

Heinrich rolled his eyes and groaned at his supervisor's terrible joke. The cost of not having thought to bring any ale with them suddenly seemed a lot higher.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreatestCity5.png|caption=Holberg is regarded as the greatest city in the League - and perhaps even the world.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpt08-13dgM}}
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 Prosperous.

There was [[Thousands_or_more#A_New_Port|talk of more ports]] on [[the Semmerlak]] when [[Ossium]] was conquered. The [[Karov#Malimorzi|docks of Korotny]] were eventually expanded, but ideas to expand [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacre]] in [[Dawn]] and to build a new port in the north of Holberg never emerged. Now, the timing seems apposite - the Sand Fisher [[orc|orcs]] are eager to support any investment in the north of the territory and one of the powerful [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] families, [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever|The Lijkkever]], have likewise [[Can't_give_everything_away#Schuyler_and_Holberg|expressed an interest]] in the prospect of trade with the greatest city in the world. At the Summer Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] instructed the civil service to send [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to [[appraisal|look into the matter]], to see what such plans might cost and what the benefits would be.

<quote by ="Senate motion, Proposed Holberg, Seconded Casinea">To instruct the Prognosticator's Office to send Naomi of Virtue's Rest to appraise constructing a port in Utterlund, in Holberg, as laid out in the suggestion from the Lijkkever families of the Sarcophan Delves. We ask Naomi to negotiate with the Lijkkever and the Sand Fisher Orcs of Misericorde for their assistance in constructing the port and associated necessary infrastructure.</quote>

==A New Port==
* '''The Senate could commission a large port in Utterlund to improve trade for Holberg and surrounding territories'''
* '''The port would provide an array of benefits and slowly establish a new town at the location'''
* '''Building the new port will harm trade at Varushkan ports on the Semmerlak'''
* '''Increases purchase prices at Korotny Docks and Kostjyas Respite in Varushka by a tenth'''
The Senate can't create a new town from nothing, but nobody is in any doubt that if the Empire builds a decent-sized port on Holberg's coast, then it will quickly grow into a thriving conurbation that might one day rival [[Sarvos#Trivento|Trivento]]. With ships bringing in valuable trade goods, there will be a constant need for stevedores to work the docks; there will be a demand for inns and hostelries to entertain landbound sailors and warehouses to hold the goods; and if the port is big enough it will draw people to it like flies to honey, and within two years a new town will have sprung up.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Imperatrix Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Utterlund, Holberg</td></tr>

<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 white granite, 50 weirwood, and 375 Crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Holberg
* Raises the level of investment in fleets in Holberg engaging in trade
* Boosts taxation from the territories bordering the Semmerlak by a total of 15 thrones a season
* Establishes a new town on the Holberg coast
* Establishes a ferry across the Nameless River allowing easy travel from Holberg to Ossium boosting trade between the two territories
* Reduces the cost for Holberg characters to upgrade businesses by one white granite for a year after completion
* Creates the League position Prince of the Imperatrix Docks
* Allows Holberg businesses access to purchase up to two wains of one type of bourse resource set by the Merchant-Prince of the Docks each season
* Increases purchase prices for the [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] by one tenth (rounded down)
* Includes extensive offices for the Prince and their staff
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Merchant-Prince of the Imperatrix Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes or Auction of the Seats</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can purchase goods from visiting merchants
* Can set the type of wains available to buy from the docks by winged messenger with one seasons delay</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Imperatrix Docks</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>100 crowns</td><td>5 wains</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 thrones</td><td>10 wains</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 thrones</td><td>15 wains</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The port will need to be sizable, however. Too small and it will fail - incoming ships will prefer to sail on to Lacre, [[Karsk#Korotny|Korotny]], or the [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]]. Without that trade, there wouldn't be a reason for people to go there. Without enough ships docking there, Holberg merchants will be better served by sending their goods to other markets. There is no middle ground - all the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office's]] calculations agree that an [[Ambition|Ambitious]] program of works to establish a large set of docks will be a seed that grows into a mighty oak - but if the plan is too parsimonious, it will achieve nothing and end up being little more than a vanity project.

The plans themselves are not Naomi's area of speciality, but the Lijkkever have a great deal of experience with such matters and they are eager to help. In other circumstances, they might demand payment for the work done for the Empire by their skilled architects and engineers, but Naomi adroitly persuades them to provide their assistance as a sign of good faith and support for the project. She also recruits some of the most capable professionals from Holberg to work on the plans by slyly suggesting that they might not want to be outdone by their Sarcophan rivals. Together, the two groups are able to meet the brief - to create an Ambitious set of plans for a set of docks that would draw ships, businesses, and people to the shores of Holberg.

The port would be operational as soon as it was complete, enabling trade to flow to and from Holberg to the port. The [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Construct_the_Lakesedge_Highway|recently completed Lakesedge Highway]] that runs from [[Holberg#Holmauer_Park|Holmauer Gate]] to [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]] would need to be extended to reach the new port on Utterlund's coast, but that work is small and the costs included in the proposed [[commission]]. Once established the port the bustling trade would cause a port town to spring up and would establish an office to oversee operations. The Docks have been provisionally titled the ''Imperatrix Docks'' in honour of the most famous scion of Holberg in living memory, the [[Empress Lisabetta]].

The Merchant-Prince of the Imperatrix Docks would be responsible for the docks and the trade, ensuring that things ran smoothly. They would have the opportunity to purchase some of the wains being sold in the port - and could use their influence with the Sarcophan to set what resources were brought to the port to sell. If they sent a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ambassador Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike at a summit, then they could determine whether it was [[mithril]], [[white granite]] or [[weirwood]] that arrived at the docks for sale. There would be a significant delay for any changes; manifests take time to be arranged so the type of wains available would change in the trade season after the following summit (that is three to six months later), so it would be prudent for [[the League]] to select a far-sighted candidate to the position.

The Merchant-Prince would not be the only one able to benefit from the arrangements. Each Holberg business would be able to purchase a small shipment of wains from the docks, with the type dependent on whatever the Merchant-Prince had ordered. For the first year of operation, it would cost three thrones for a wain or seven for two wains, but prices ''could'' vary after that point, driven by demand and circumstance.

The one drawback of the new port is that it would reduce trade to the more northern ports in the Varushka - the Docks at Korotny and [[Merchant_Boyar_of_the_Bittershore#Kostjyas_Respite|Kostjyas Respite]]. As a result, the [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] would see all the prices for their ministries increase by one tenth (rounded down) reflecting the increased prices needed to be paid to attract merchants to these more distant ports.

==The Lijkkever Connection==
* '''The motion to commission the docks could grant the Lijkkever exclusivity among the Sarcophan to use the docks'''
* '''This would reduce the costs by 20 wains of white granite and 60 crowns'''
* '''It would remove the penalty for building a commission in a marsh in Holberg'''
* '''The increase in taxation for the docks would drop from 15 thrones to 10 thrones'''
The Lijkkever are eager to embrace the opportunities provided by trade with Holberg and their help could be pivotal. Years ago, a proposal by the Sand Fishers identified Misericorde as the only part of the Holberg coast that might be suitable for a substantial port, but that was based on the assumption that nobody would be mad enough to want to build a port in a marsh. With the creeping waters of [[Holberg#The Morass|the Morass]] expanding to claim [[Holberg#Ennerlund|Ennerlund]], [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]] and [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]], it seemed like a safe bet that the only practical choice would be Misericorde.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Lijkkever Exclusivity'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Amendment to Imperatrix Docks</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Utterlund, Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Reduces the cost of the docks by 20 white granite and 60 Crowns
* Removes the penalty to build any commissions in the marshes of Holberg
* Reduces the increase in taxation in adjoining territories from 15 to 10 thrones
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

Normally, any [[commission]] that is built in [[Region_qualities#Marsh|a marsh]] will see labour costs increase by twenty percent, reflecting the [[Commission#Marshes|difficulties involved]] in working in such wet conditions where groundworks easily flood. However, the Lijkkever are experts at such work and whatever happens, they are prepared to lend their expertise to the project for free as a show of their good will. As a result, the normal penalty for constructing a port in a marsh does not apply to the Imperatrix Port.

However, the Lijkkever are seeking something more - they would like a fifteen year contract for exclusive access to the docks. Their ideal is that only Sarcophan vessels registered with the Lijkkever would be allowed to put to port in Holberg during that time. In return they would provide twenty wains of white granite and sixty crowns towards the cost of constructing the docks. In addition, they would establish a small Lijkkever community in the new port who would provide their skills and experience towards any commissions built in Holberg, removing the penalty for ''any'' commission built in the marshy regions.

Sadly, there is a downside to granting the Lijkkever such rights. There would still be trade from other nations around the world coming to the port and the Lijkkever are a prosperous and wealthy family, but preventing other Sarcophan from competing with them would mean less overall trade and less wealth generated for Holberg and the surrounding territories. As a result, taxes in adjoining territories would rise by a total of ten thrones a season, rather than fifteen.

Any exclusivity would need the legal agreement of the Imperial Senate, so it would ''have'' to be included in the [[Senate motion]] or [[Senate announcement|announcement]] for the commission - it could not be included later, without a separate Senate motion.

==The Sandfisher Contribution==
The Sandfishers are a little nonplussed that the Empire is now looking at building a port in Utterlund rather than [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]] as [[Schools_and_sawmills#The_Lakesedge_Highway|originally proposed by '''Lia Adelaar van Holberg''']]. The Empire had built a fine road that now runs all the way from Holmauer Gate to the Misericorde coast with the stated intention of building a port at the end of it.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sandfisher '''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Amendment to Imperatrix Docks</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirements:''' Grant the Sandfishers their own trade enclave in the new port
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Reduces the cost of the docks by 20 weirwood and 60 crowns
* Prevents the Empire selling weirwood to Sarcophan traders through the port
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
However, they are not slow to grasp that with the help of the Lijkkever, the Empire won't have to worry about the costs of building in the wet marshes of Utterlund. The orcs are shrewd enough to understand that the Lijkkever have very effectively undercut their offer. If they are disappointed they hide it well. They cheerfully concede that while they won't do half as well from a port built in Utterlund, as Misericorde, they're still much better off than with no port at all. And once the town develops there will be growing demand for the foodstuffs produced by the Sandfishers with a market that is right on their doorstep.

Crucially, it appears that the sept have been painstakingly preparing for something like this project for years. In Winter 383YE, [[Across_the_Abyss#Prosperity|members of the sept asked what they might do to repay the League]] for the generous gifts they had been given, the lands of Misericorde and so forth. They insisted this was important - that [[Prosperity]] demanded that they despise those who take without giving (a phrase that some Sandfishers increasingly use as a reference to the Druj). In response, the League Assembly endorsed a [[statement of principle]] by '''Lia Adelaar van Holberg''' which suggested one way the sept could help would be to support investments in the wealth of the territory.

Inspired by that goal, the sept acquired the materials to build their own [[Schools_and_sawmills#Holberg:_The_Sand_Fisher_Port|sawmills]] and have been busy preparing large stocks of timber. Kiln-dried hard wood ready for construction and surprisingly substantial stocks of [[weirwood]] have been carefully hoarded for just this moment.

Their original plan, when they expected the port to be built in Misericorde, was to contribute 20 wains of weirwood to the commission of the new port. However, since the port is now being planned for Utterlund, they have a request to make. They have apparently been speaking with the Sarcophan and have discovered the existence of the [[Houses_of_Silence#The_Alivetti_Enclave|The Alivetti Enclave]] in Sarvos. In return for their weirwood and help with the labour building the port, they would like their own enclave.

Their plan is a modest building that will include a small storehouse where they can keep goods to sell to visiting traders. They understand the League might not object to them bringing goods to the port to sell anyway, but the sept believe that having their own enclave would give them some credibility with merchants which will increase the prices they can get for them. Technically it would mean that Sandfisher law was relevant inside the building but the sept don't seem to care about that; they're more concerned about the impression the enclave will give the Sarcophan and other visitors.

There don't seem to be many ''obvious'' drawbacks to the plan, but there may be political issues that make it impossible. The lone economic flaw is that if the Empire found a way to sell weirwood through its ports, they wouldn't be able to sell weirwood at the new port, since the Sandfishers would meet any demand in that regard, from their share of the [[Holberg#The_Flaxen_Pillars|Flaxen Pillars]].

===Good Neighbours===
* '''A companion appraisal is being performed by Commonwealth Professor Gelberg that may have bearing on the matter of the port
At the same time that Naomi is engaged in her appraisal, the [[Commonwealth]] academics led by Professor Gelberg are also talking to the Sand Fishers. While Naomi's efforts are focussed on what support the sept would be able to provide for the new port, Professor Gelberg is exploring [[Threats_that_are_to_come#The_Common_Good|the possibility of the Sandfishers acquiring farms in Utterlund and Rebeshof]].

==Back At The Office==
* '''Graciana is not available to perform an appraisal during the Autumn Equinox
* '''Mladen Escovitch continues to enjoy his retirement
* '''Eilian Sweetwater is on sabbatical and also missing
While Naomi is busy in Holberg, there are a few developments at the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office]] that the Imperial Senate should keep in mind during the Autumn Equinox. The number of appraisals remains the same, but there are slightly fewer appraisers to actually ''perform'' them.

At the Summer Solstice the Senate [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Ministries|instructed]] the Prognosticators to look into ways to provide new options to some of the Empire's [[ministry|ministries]]. In the absence of specific guidance from the Senate, the Auditor of the Imperial Treasury, ''Gerard La Salle'', assigned [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to oversee the matter. This appraisal is quite challenging, and will take another three months to complete - it will not be finished until the Winter Solstice 387YE. As such, Graciana is not available to perform any other appraisals until that time.

The Senate also [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Grant_Sabbatical_to_Eilian_Sweetwater|approved]] a request by [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]] to take a sabbatical from the Prognosticator's Office to perform a [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#An_Extensive_Prospect|thorough investigation]] of the Empire's historic lighthouses. Unfortunately, his first such investigation into the destroyed Lighthouse of Nikophoros in [[Redoubt]] coincided with a [[To ruin|major offensive]] by the [[Grendel]]. Eilian's whereabouts are [[To_ruin#And_Finally...|currently unknown]], although hopefully wherever he is he and his companions are safe and well.

Finally, during the Summer Solstice, there was [[Hope_and_fear#Further_Appraisal|an opportunity]] to encourage the retired [[Appraisal#Retired_Prognosticators|Mladen Escovitch]] to return to work at the Prognosticators' Office. After giving the matter due consideration, the [[Assembly of the Nine]] and the Senate decided to leave the former [[general]] to enjoy his retirement.

As such, there are only two members of the Prognosticator's Office available to perform appraisals at the Autumn Equinox - Naomi, and [[Appraisal#Lutomysla_Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]]. They both have particular areas of expertise - Naomi is adept at finding diplomatic solutions to problems, and Lutomysla is an experienced magician with a flair for dealing with magical problems or finding magical answers to thorny questions. As always, if the Senate do not specify which of the Imperial prognosticators will undertake an appraisal that decision will be made by the Auditor of the Imperial Treasury.

==Further Reading==
* [[Holberg]]
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Sarcophan Delves]]

* [[Threats that are to come]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing an appraisal by Commonwealth academics also taking place in Holberg
* [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#Schuyler_and_Holberg|Can't give everything away]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune relating to Sarcophan enthusiasm for a port in Holberg

Troop of echoes

2025-09-04T21:09:03Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The young man wakes between one breath and the next, and sits up. He yawns, stretches, sips from a glass of water on the bedside table. Gets up, draws the curtains. It is still dark outside but the first light of dawn is beginning to spill across the sea far below his window.

He barely remembers his dream; something about a party at the palace and applause. He washes the dream away as he performs his morning ablutions - even at this early hour his servant has ensured the water is warmed and there is a fresh towel waiting for him. He pauses for a moment looking at himself in the gold-inlaid mirror. He practices his expressions for a few minutes: appearing sombre, appearing amused, appearing angry. Then he dresses, beginning with the simple dragonbone mask that covers the upper part of his face, then a freshly laundered silk under-robe of glorious apricot. He fingers the material, luxuriating in both its texture and its colour. He pulls on a sombre black lambswool outer-robe, but belts it only loosely. It gives him a sense of satisfaction that everyone will see how he rejects the funereal garb of the traditionalists, ready to embrace the joy of a nation reborn.

In the foyer of his apartments he pauses to pour fresh water and oil into the little basin at the shrine, and scatter black rose petals. Solokha, hands folded before her, wearing the Mask of Peace. The other sorcerer-kings stand behind her, united and solemn. If he feels any particular connection to his alleged ancestor he does not display it in his perfunctory obeisance.

The office is quiet. He is the first one there. He relaxes into his chair. The new leather creaks as he tries to settle himself. He is unaccustomed to it, but knows that in time it will come to fit his body like a glove - and if it does not he will simply replace it. He takes a moment to ensure everything is arranged on his desk, positioned just so to convey busy professionalism and subtle power. His eyes stray again to the portraits of the Grand Ilarchs on the wall opposite the desk. Anyone who meets with him will do so under the watching gaze of Kyther. And the others, of course.

The only document on his desk is a sealed letter; his secretaries have been chosen for their competence at dealing with the day-to-day demands of his office so this is something that requires his personal attention. He turns it over in his hand, selects the jade-handled golden letter opener. It is from his opposite number in the Empire. It must have arrived during the night. He reads it carefully, writing a few lines on the vellum he keeps for his most important business with a pristine swan's feather quill.

While he writes, a servant enters, soft woollen slippers making no noise on the dark carpet. They open the shutters on the window, which faces towards the dawn, to where the sun is rising. The servant refills his water glass from the pitcher, bows, and quietly retreats. The meeting with Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban - with the Grand Council rather - has already been arranged and he must be ready to present his summary of the missive. Must be ready to receive his instructions.

He pauses for just a moment, though, gazing out at the glorious crimson, topaz, golden light spilling out across the horizon. It sparks a fierce joy in him, reminding him that he at last has everything he ever wanted, that at last he is part of something ''good'' and ''powerful'' and ''destined''.

It's going to be a wonderful day.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCLmiuMv5L4}}
* '''Axos are signatories to the Liberty Pact, and relations have been slowly improving in recent seasons'''
* '''There have been recent upheavals in both the Axou and Imperial embassies as the ambassadors from both nations have changed'''
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of the ruins of Solokha]]. The Axou remain proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world, however, creating challenges for the [[Ambassador to Axos|Imperial ambassador]]. They are members of the [[Liberty Pact]], but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. In recent months, the small nation to the south of [[the Mallum]] is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. More recently they were [[A_better_future#School_and_Scandal|rocked by scandal]] leading to the retirement of the former Ambassador Ilarch Maxatious, the formation of a new Grand Council to guide the nation, and the establishment of a [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] that seeks to do the same for Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]].

At the same time there were upheavals closer to home as long-serving Ambassador ''Fintan Nighthaven'' was [[revocation|revoked]] from his position and [[sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the [[Imperial Synod]]. He is succeeded in the position by ''The Flame of Riqueza'' of [[the Brass Coast]]. In Axos, Maxatious has been replaced by ''Ilarch Kario Skopos'', a scion of the Skopos family of the [[Axos#Chambers of Ussyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. At the instruction of the Grand Ilarchs, however, he has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth for as long as he holds the post. Instead, he is known as Ilarch Skopos of Solokha, signifying his neutrality when it comes to the politics of the citadels. The new ambassador reports directly to the Grand Council and represents their will, and through them the will of their people.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=The Flame of Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|status=Foreigner}}
==But To Sing==
* '''A formal delegation intends to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox
* '''They will be received in the Senate around 11.30am on Saturday
* '''The delegation expects to speak to the ambassador and renew good relations between the two nations
* '''There is talk of other business after the formal delegation
One of the first matters Ilarch Skopos has arranged is the dispatch of a diplomacy envoy to Anvil, to arrive during the Autumn Equinox and renew relations between the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. The delegation expects to be formally received by the new Ambassador in the Imperial Senate; the meeting is scheduled for late morning on Saturday. Kario admits that mostly the delegation is intended to be a little pageantry to mollify some of those looking for an excuse for the Citadels to be annoyed with the Empire; a chance for diplomats from both nations to make some speeches and little else.

Once it's concluded however, it is hoped that there will be chance to discuss a couple of more serious issues specifically relating to the war in the [[Sarangrave]], and to the Liberty Pact. On the matter of the war with the [[Druj]] it seems that the [[A_better_future#The_Tyrants_of_the_Mallum|Summer visit]] from representatives of ''Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of [[Axos#Ipotavo|Ipotavo]]'' went well. They spoke with '''Gabriel Barossa''' among others, and remain committed to taking action against the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. it is hoped that there will be someone at the Senate who will be able to speak on behalf of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on this joint strategy and any political elements that may need smoothing out.
==Liberty==
* '''The Axou are calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact for the Winter Solstice which they will host
* '''They plan to use Lashonar's Caucus Forum to do so
* '''They are bringing the matter of a recent amendment to the table for voting
In their missive the Imperial Ambassador mentioned that the Empire was considering calling a meeting of the [[Liberty Pact]] either in the coming Winter or in Spring next year. This news delights Ilarch Skopos, because it shows that the ambassadors of the two nations are thinking along similar lines. As it happens, Axos is calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact at the Winter Solstice that they will host (as is [[Voice_of_Liberty#Rights_of_Signatories|their right]]). They are aware that the seas are dangerous, and so have secured the boon of the [[Lashonar#Caucus Forum|Caucus Forum]] from the ''[[Lashonar|Midnight Owl]]''. The [[eternal]] has assured Ilarch Skopos' office that there will be no problem bringing together representatives from all four nations that are signatory to the Pact in the secure [[Realms#Night|chamber of Night]].

The goal of the Axos delegate is to repeal the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Summer_384YE_Amendments|384YE amendment]] that demands all signatories apply a [[Tariffs#Embargo|trade embargo]] to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. They argue that the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Principles|Second Principle]] - that ''signatory nations will place economic or trade sanctions of their own choosing on nations defined as slaving nations'' - is more than sufficient. The Pact, says Ilarch Skopos, is about ending slavery not about allowing the signatory nations to force their own politics on the other members. The Commonwealth has overstepped and attempted to turn the Pact into a political weapon that distorts its original purpose.

Ilarch Skopos anticipates that the Empire will let his office know if there are any motions the Imperial delegate wishes to place before the Pact for discussion at this meeting, and that the [[Sumaah Republic]] and [[Commonwealth]] will do the same. One of Skopos' experts on the Liberty Pact will be travelling to Anvil along with the formal delegation and hopes there will be a chance to speak to the [[Voice of Liberty]] '''Jarrigk Silktongue''' on the upcoming meeting. They apologise for pre-empting the Empire's meeting, but if there is business that is not resolved during the Winter Solstice there will be ample opportunity for the Imperial delegate to call a further meeting. Ilarch Skopos advises making use of the Caucus Forum, or a similar eternal boon, simply because it makes it much harder for members of other nations to find reasons they cannot attend.
{{SOP|statement= Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. As preachers of Ambition, spreading virtue across the known world, we need to act immediately to guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path. Reaching out in support, sparking the embers which to blow into the inferno of true virtue.|by=Tongs, Ambition Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos, inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos. Let us be the light of truth to plan seeds of Virtue and Enlightenment now which will bear fruit for generations to come. Only then can we address their folly of the Creator. Heed the call of Ambitions Master and Masquerade, of Pride’s Conqueror, of Vigilance’s Sentinel, and Wisdom’s Avigliana.|by=Fintan Nighthaven, Vigilance Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Fintan Nighthaven. You are not above reproach and certainly not above consequence. You have proven a force of corruption in your dealings with Peace - the extent of your influence must be scrutinised. Time 6pm Sat, place Nighthaven Camp. Let us see if you are malicious.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, Wisdom Assembly|vote=Upheld (184-20)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=For irregularities in their dealings with Axou, and following accusations of assisting the spreading of false virtue, we revoke Fintan Nighthaven from the position of Ambassador to Axou. This action has been requested by the Consul of the Senate.|by=Revocation, Cardinal Lenarius Ankarien, Ambition Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (5-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=On behalf of the Imperial Inquisitor: (Judgement 148 after inquisition) Fintan Nighthaven has been found guilty of incontestable acts of blasphemy and abuse of priestly powers. His work as an agent of Peace has harmed both the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. He lied to the Vigilance Assembly and the Greater Synod to gain true liao that he used to create an artefact shield of Peace. He brought false hallows under false pretences to the Assembly of Nine. His provision of significant liao facilitated a mandate of unity in Axos. This cannot stand.|by=Condemntaion, Cardinal Silas of the Cenotaph, Assembly of Nine|vote=Greater Majority (8-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Chaplain Consular, Lepedina. It is your responsibility to tend to the souls of the Ambassadorial Court. Fintan Nighthaven has been allowed to operate undeterred to devastating consequence. We will discuss what work you have done at the next summit.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, General Assembly|vote=Automatically upheld|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
==A Unified Convocation==
* '''The Unified Convocation sees a number of Axou sects coming together in a tentative philosophical alliance
* '''It enshrines and encourages adherence to the Axou faith which declares the Creator a tyrant and the Labyrinth a place of torture
* '''The Imperial Synod has discussed offering aid to the Unified Convocation
As [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|mentioned last season]], in the wake of the recent cleansing of [[Axos#Solokah|Solokha]], ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'' has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At this small temple, several of the Axou [[bands#sects|sects]] who helped reclaim the haunted ruins have established a "Unified Convocation" - the ''Enias Sinklisis'' in the old language of the Nikitis Axou. it is modelled somewhat on the General Assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]], but so far only a small number of Axou sects expressed any interest in becoming part of it. How much influence the Convocation will be able to wield is not clear; the Axou share a single religion but few priests possess any actual political power.

It seems that over recent months the Convocation has focused on spreading a message of unity, and of the importance of the Axou faith as a way for citizens of the Citadels to understand their place in the world. Fundamentally conservative, it has so far proved acceptable to those who wield real power - the Grand Ilarchs. Indeed ''Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban'' has spoken openly in support of the Convocation, and of the importance of cleaving to the values that built the Citadels.

Anyone who has made any study of [[Axos religion|Axou religion]] knows that fundamentally it stands in opposition to the Way. Indeed Axou religious scholars have gone so far as to [[Axos_religion#Repudiation|repudiate]] the [[Doctrines of the Faith]] in detail in their writings. Not only does the religion preach the importance of resisting the Creator, the curse of death, and the torments of the Labyrinth, it preaches that ''any'' spiritual force may prove to be a useful weapon in that battle. Axou sects combine the true virtues freely with much more [[Malign spiritual presences|malign spirits]] in their pursuit of that war. Unifying the disparate sects will be an uphill struggle, but if it succeeds it is unlikely to be good for anyone with ambitions to spread the Way into Axos.

During the Summer Solstice, two [[statement of principle|statements]] were upheld in the [[Ambition]] and [[Vigilance]] assemblies calling for Imperial priests to travel to "''guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path''" and to "''Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos''." Neither statement achieved a [[Greater majority]] however. That may be for the best - the Axou are notoriously prickly about condescension and painting their priests as "lost sheep" or "infants" is almost guaranteed to annoy them a great deal. The Grand Convocation has not asked for any assistance, and if it were to be offered it would need to be done carefully or risk upsetting a situation that is, at least for the moment, relatively stable. Should any Virtue Assembly wish to offer aid however, the first step would be to achieve a greater majority.

The Civil Service caution that sending Imperial priests to Axos on this matter will be challenging. Recent trips to Solokah showed that the Axou are no less committed to their beliefs than the Empire is. It is unlikely that any group of Imperial priests, are going to undermine Axou certainty that the Creator is the enemy and that the Labyrinth is a trap. In turn there is little risk of the Axou convincing devout priests of the Way that ''their'' beliefs are false and they should decry the Creator. What ''is'' likely to happen however is that the Axou sects will continue to share their understanding of the so-called "false virtues" with anyone who comes to Axos, and there is a real danger of those tempted to explore these malign spiritual presences would take this opportunity to visit the eastern nation and embrace those dangerous spirits.
==Robes of Sorrow==
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan Enemy of the Creator.jpg|caption=Fintan Nighthaven, former Ambassador to Axos, has been condemned in the Empire but exalted in Axos.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
* '''The former ambassador to Axos has been revoked and condemned by the Assembly of Nine
* '''The United Convocation have declared him to be an Enemy of the Creator
* '''The General Assembly could choose to vindicate Fintan for his actions'''.
One of the statements urging Imperial priests to visit Axos and help mold the United Convocation came from the former Ambassador '''Fintan Nighthaven'''. During the Summer Solstice, Fintan was variously [[inquisition|inquisited]] by the [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] '''Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost''', and then both [[revocation|revoked]] and [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the Assembly of Nine. This has caused a great deal of discussion among priests in various parts of the Empire; some have even pointed out that it is "''interesting''" that the condemnation was raised by the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]], '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', who is himself quite a [[Know_your_enemy#Take_the_Power_Back|controversial figure]].

Oblivious to all this, and apparently unaware that it might have ramifications, the initial response to hearing that Fintan was no longer Ambassador to Axos was one of surprise and sadness. Fintan, wrote Ilarch Skopos, was an experienced diplomat who he personally had hoped to correspond with. Dealing with someone of Fintan's pedigree would have surely served as a steadying guide to his first faltering steps along the road of diplomacy. While Ilarch Skopos welcomes the new ambassador it is with a little sorrow that he never had a chance to match wits with the famous Fintan Nighthaven. And so on.

It is followed a few days later by a formal recognition from the United Convocation that Fintan Nighthaven is an "Enemy of the Creator". This is apparently meant as an honorific, and within traditional Axou sects it is not dissimilar to being recognised as an exemplar or perhaps more likely the newly created status of [[Exaltation|exalted]]. Someone who through spiritual or philosophical means has opposed the Creator's wicked plans and encouraged other mortals to resist the curse of death and the torments of the Labyrinth. It is clearly meant to be a good thing, but unfortunately may end up being another nail in the coffin of the former Ambassador.

The crimes Fintan stands condemned for - [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]] - are very serious indeed. The magistrates will try Fintan for these crimes at the Autumn Equinox, under the [[The_final_cut#Questions_for_the_Magistrates|new guidance]] as to how to proceed - and it is not clear if the Ambassador will be able to refute them. From a legal point of view, there are various possible pathways forward. It is vanishingly unlikely that the magistrates will not find the actions Fintan is accused of as broadly compatible with the definitions of the religious crimes of which he has been accused --- it is certainly not overwhelmingly clear that the actions in question are ''not'' within the right scope. It may of course be the case that the accusations are simply false: if this is the case, and the magistrates judge this to be so at trial, then Fintan would have a clear defence in law, which would imply that almost every member of the Assembly of Nine has opened themselves to prosecution for [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_against_the_Processes_of_the_State|perverting the course of justice]]. If Fintan pleads guilty, the right of [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] is open to him, if a member of the Synod wishes to offer it: if this plea fails, it seems likely, given the scale and severity of the accusation, that his execution will surely follow.

However, another path exists. Per the recent guidance, there is but one body within the Synod that can countermand another assembly when it deigns to condemn - but it may so countermand even the Assembly of Nine. This is, of course, the General Assembly. A judgement of [[Sanction#Vindication|Vindication]], stating clearly that the General Assembly considers Fintan's actions to have constituted neither [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] nor [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]], would essentially terminate the current legal proceedings. Such a statement would not even require a greater majority to pass... unless the Emperor intervened in their role as Custodian of Virtue. Even then, a greater majority would save Fintan. It would also set the General Assembly directly at odds not only with the Assembly of Nine but also with their recent strong stance against meddling with false virtues, but the Synod has changed its mind before.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Tomb Dust and Masks'''</big><br>The ideal phys-rep for ''tomb dust'' is a little pouch of sand or a dark coloured cloth wrap secured with string or thong. It doesn't need to be especially large - just big enough to feel comfortable in the hand.<br><br>The ideal phys-rep for a ''Mask of the Citadel'' is a bone-like mask such as china, porcelain or the like, but any mask will do. Axou masks tend to evoke skulls rather than echoing the more fanciful designs of the League (for example).</box></div>

==Pearl and Ruby Glowing==
* '''Axos welcomes Imperial ships
* '''Kantor and Issyk remain open to Imperial vessels
* '''The goods available from Kantor have changed
Trade with Axos appears to remain strong. With the end of the Asavean bounty on ships trading with Imperial ports, there are more black-sailed ships arriving at [[Necropolis#Crown's Quay|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]]. Thanks to Imperial ships still committed to [[Voyage#Escort_Imperial_Shipping|escorting ships]] to and from Imperial ports, trade is beginning to return to normal levels. Healthy trade is the lifeblood of nations, as the [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] say, and the "[[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|Pax Sarcophan]]" appears to be paying off already.

Kantor is no longer providing crystal mana - instead it will provide a visiting captain with two doses of something the Axou call ''Tomb Dust'' - a consumable that allows the user to expend their personal reserves of strength to power their magic. There are several varieties of tomb dust depending where it is gathered, but they all apparently bear a touch of ''necromantia'' about them.

The merchants of the city have also been given leave by the Grand Council to make some of their rarer goods available to visiting Imperial captains; a fleet that has been [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] may be able to acquire one of the ''Masks of the Citadel'' - [[:Category:Foci|magical foci]] that empower certain ritual magics favoured by the descendants of the sorcerer-kings.

==Through the Pale Door==
* '''A delegation has visited the Halls of Maykop and worked on codification of a ritual
* '''A copy of ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'' is now in the possession of the Tyburn Weaver
* '''The Axos Ambassador received worrying news of potential espionage
* '''Ilarch Skopos has asked for formal reassurance that no espionage or theft has taken place
In response to a [[A_better_future#Winter Magic|peace-making gesture]] from the [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Halls of Maykop]], the Imperial Conclave agreed to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Shuttered_Lantern_to_Maykop|send a delegation]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to Axos to work with magicians there on a codification. They chose a ritual named ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'', an [[enchantment]] that adds weight to spoken oaths and geasa. The formulation of the ritual, believed to have been based on work performed by the [[Urizen]] '''Spyridonakes of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', was completed swiftly and efficiently and a copy of the ritual text should now be in possession of [[Grandmaster]] '''Tyburn Weaver''' who raised the [[declaration]]. Shortly after the work was completed, not long before the Autumn Equinox, a concerned message reached the office of the Imperial Ambassador from Ilarch Skopos.

Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is a little concerned to have received a warning from a reputable source that Imperial citizens, members of the delegation from the Shuttered Lantern, may have planned to engage in espionage and theft while visiting Maykop as guests of the faculty there. Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is particularly distressed by this, and as such the Axou Ambassador requests reassurances from the Ambassador, and ideally the Imperial Senate or the Imperial Conclave, that no such act has taken place and that no similar act will be considered in the future. It may simply be that the source of the warning was engaged in malicious mischief, or seeking to sabotage relations with the Grand Council, but there is enough concern that Ilarch Skopos feels driven to request such reassurances.

Regardless it does not appear that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop is keen for further delegations from the Empire. While individual students may attend it is unlikely a similar opportunity for a Conclave order to work on the codification of a ritual will be forthcoming any time soon.
<br><br><big>'''Participation : Shuttered Lantern'''</big><br>
Any player whose character is part of the Shuttered Lantern order may have accompanied the delegation heading to Maykop last season, to attend the University there and help codify the Winter ritual. They will have found the city a little standoffish, especially members of the Grand Ilarch's immediate circle and the higher ranking members of the University faculty, but been welcomed with a degree of enthusiasm by the students in particular. In addition to the work of codification, alongside Axou experts in Winter magic, there were opportunities for several feasts, a chance to see the sights of the cloistered citadel, and to audit a few classes on any number of subjects both mundane and more exotic (especially those relating to funerary practices which are treated as both a science, an art, and a magical discipline by the Axou).

There may have been opportunities for minor espionage but nothing with game implications. If there ''was'' a theft of ritual knowledge, only Grandmaster Tyburn will know the details and who took part in the operation (that is, the Grandmaster is free to invite other players to have been part of such a scheme but it's not appropriate for a player to decide they were involved).
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|caption=The Axou are interested in the Five Cities Military Academy.|width=300}}</div>
==Along the Ramparts==
* '''The Axos have politely declined an offer to study at the Zemress Naval Academy
* '''A counter-proposal would see Axou captains visit Tassato to study at the Five Cities Military Academy
* '''There are both concerns about what the Axou might learn and opportunities involved in such an exchange
Ambassador Kezandro put forward a proposition that Axos might be interested in purchasing a right to study at the [[Madruga#Zemress Naval Academy|Zemress Naval Academy]] in [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]]. After extensive discussion, Ilarch Skopos regretfully declines the offer on behalf of the Grand Council. It seems that the Axou do not see the value in [[Imperial navy|naval forces]] - their expertise lies very much in the realm of [[fortification]] and in those places where they might consider expansion a navy will be of little use.

On the other hand there ''is'' some interest in the [[Tassato#Five_Cities_Military_Academy|Five Cities Military Academy]] and the [[Tassato#Barossa School of Imperial Strategy|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]] in [[Tassato]]. According to Ilarch Skopos there are a number of mid-rank officers in the military forces of the northern citadels - [[Axos#Gates of Ipotavo|Ipotavo]], [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Kaban]], and [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Issyk]] - who have expressed a desire to spend time studying alongside the Empire's elite captains. There are places to study the science and art of war in Axos, of course, especially in Ipotavo, but Skopos does not shy away from praising the Empire's foremost military academy. Axos has enjoyed a long period of relative peace, after all. It's strong traditions of defensive warfare mean that experience of aggressive campaigns is limited to the gaming tables and discussions with dead generals whose knowledge of the modern world and developments in military strategy is in many places woefully inadequate. If Axos is truly to take its place in the world as a true power, it will need to modernise and expand its martial forces and the Grand Council cautiously approve of the idea of sending some of their warriors to study at the Barossa School.

Obviously this is a very different proposition to the [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|current situation]] - where the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] oversees a low-key exchange program mostly focused on providing opportunities to study the arts and humanities. It would place Axos citizens in a position to study Imperial military history and practices like never before - and there is some significant potential for espionage if the Axou were so inclined. Fortunately the Empire has no history of direct military conflict with Axos since their [[Mareave_and_Urizen#Imperial_Records|ill-starred invasion]] in the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. On the other hand there is little doubt among the Civil Service that the Axou would benefit more from studying the Imperial war machine - and the workings of the [[Imperial Military Council]] in particular - than the Empire might gain from the arrangement. At the very least they would end up almost as well-informed about the Empire's victories, losses, and current strategies as any other dedicated captain attending the Academy (that is, they would gain at least as much information as someone reading a summary of the [[War#Winds_of_War|winds of war]] each season). That alone ''could'' prove problematic, in theory, depending what the Empire is doing at the time.

Ilarch Skopos proposes that the students wishing to attend the Academy simply ''pay'' for the privilege. He estimates that there is sufficient interest in the opportunity to provide 5 Thrones each season to the Academy. Such funds would end up in the Imperial treasury unless the [[Imperial Senate]] made other arrangements. Either way the arrangements would need a [[Senate motion]] to confirm arrangements should they wish to accept the request.
<br><br><big>'''A Proposal from Apulian'''</big><br>
''Batheka de Tassato Regario'', an Apulian orc veteran and experienced Grendel commander before joining [[the League]] points out that if the Empire ''is'' prepared to take the risk there may be an opportunity for additional profit in it. The Axou may not be able to match the Empire in grand strategy but they are not without their areas of expertise. Their grand citadels - city-sized fortifications - are proof that the people of Axos are skilled engineers, almost as good as those from [[Holberg]], and that they have a lot of experience with defensive building. Anyone who has visited the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo|Walls of Cargo]] knows they have some techniques that are not common in the Empire, and their cities have properties very reminiscent of the new [[citadel]] innovation.

They're also known to be reasonably effective at deploying battle-mages their ''[[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Texatai]]'' light skirmishers are apparently well-practiced at small unit tactics employing both sword and rod. While their fighting style is similar to that of the [[Urizen]] [[Sentinel]] there are enough differences to mean they might have some actual insight into such strategies.

If the Senate ''does'' go ahead with allowing Axou soldiers to study at the Five Cities Military Academy, Batheka proposes that the Ambassador (or the senate motion used to issue the invitation) casually invite some siege commanders, or if they prefer some ''toxatai'' captains, to come along. Done casually it will not alert the Axou to the idea they might have something useful to offer; one reason Batheka suggests only asking for one or the other. Asking both will make it a little too obvious what the Empire seeks to gain from the arrangement.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sian Eternal.jpg|align=right|caption='''Siân Eternal''', ''Singer of the Silence'', currently oversees the Great Library at Hacynian.|width=250}}</div>

==Wit and Wisdom==
* '''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop has requested an opportunity for some of her students to spend a season at the Great Library of Hacynian
* '''She waits on a response from the Bursar of the House of Spirits or the Singer of the Silence
Last season ''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy who has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now - [[A_better_future#Librarian_and_Bursar|expressed interest]] in the Great Library of Hacynin. Mistress Isephenia oversees a small group of students from Axos [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|studying in the Empire]], and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|House of Spirits]] in [[Casinea]] alongside [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|Bursar]] '''Rinnah''' of the [[Highguard_groups#The Shattered Tower|Shattered Tower]]. Several students would like the opportunity to study at the Great Library but would need permission to do so.

The Axos professor mentions that no permission has so-far been forthcoming. She's aware that there has been some uncertainty as to who might be responsible for the Great Library but again wonders if either the Bursar or the [[Singer of the Silence]] - '''Siân Eternal''' - would be interested? If so they can send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. In many ways Mistress Isephenia would rather they politely decline that simply remain silent, but she understands that there are many drains of the time of a busy academic.

Obviously the civil service have advised a degree of caution following the request, given that it appears to offer no particular benefit to the Empire beyond perhaps some diplomatic favour from Maykop, and risks the Axou finding out more about the vallorn than is good for them.
{{Axos Links}}

The highest calling

2025-09-04T21:08:35Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"We should destroy the Druj - the Throne said so - the Synod agrees. I'm not sure why it's even a choice." Iseult leaned back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest. She glared at the others as if daring them to disagree.

Lowen took the bait happily. "We're already doing that... we don't need the Synod to tell us to do the thing we're already doing. The ''point'' of the Synod is to ''point'' out things that need doing that nobody is bothering with." He held his arms up hands spread wide inviting the others to accept that the logic was irrefutable.

Bleydhik put his elbow on the table, arm up, hand cradling his chin. "You're both wrong," he said confidently. "What's needed is to work out what's most important - not what's needed right now - but what one thing is most important of all to us."

The other two looked at each other and grinned. Lowen shook his tankard to indicate it was empty, while Iseult drained hers. "I reckon you're right, Bleyd," said Lowen still grinning. "And what's most important of all to me... is filling my tankard... and Virtue says it's your round!"
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Synod_Summer_385YE.png|caption=The [[statement of principle]] allows an assembly to guide the people of the Empire.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V-JtFgH8ks}}
Less than a year ago, the [[Archbishop of Capodomus]] Cathedral used a [[The_hard_way|powerful sermon]] to call for action against the [[vallorn]] explicitly naming it as the greatest threat facing the Empire - one that demanded sacrifices are made to defeat it. All while the Empire continues to [[Drumbeat_of_war#A_Fulcrum|strain every sinew to bring down]] the [[Asavean_Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]] and replace the power of their corrupt priesthood with the Virtue of [[the Way]], even as they try to complete the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]].

Inspired by the Archbishop's sermon, the General Assembly had an [[opportunity]] to settle the matter by throwing its moral weight behind a single choice. A greater majority in support of any one of these great causes would have united people behind that Ambition, elevating it above all others. Instead, the General Assembly demonstrated that there is [[The greatest plurality|no single cause that unites all the Empire]]. They passed a mandate by '''Brynn Tendfallen''' calling for each nation - and each Virtue - to consider what Ambition was most important to them.

That mandate has a far-reaching impact; for now, the influence of the General Assembly has weakened, with people paying less attention to statements of principle that fall short of a greater majority. Instead they are focused on their own national and Virtue Assembly. If an assembly can clearly elucidate a single issue provided it is identified as something of singular importance. People are not going to respond to claims that an Ambition is the highest, if it is the second time they've heard that this year... But if the assembly used the power sparingly - picking and choosing when to emphasize that something was truly crucial - then it would be guaranteed to have an effect, just as a greater majority in the General Assembly does now.

==The Highest Calling==
* '''For the next year a specially worded statement of principle passed by certain national assemblies, and all virtue assemblies, will have additional impact provided it achieves a greater majority'''
* '''Any Virtue assembly or any national assembly except Urizen, Varushka and Wintermark are eligible'''
* '''Statements of principle that pass the General Assembly with a lesser majority in the next year will not create a response beyond Anvil'''
This decision has fundamentally weakened the authority of the General Assembly - at least for now. Statements of principle that get a [[greater majority]] will remain important to everyone in the Empire - as they demonstrate common purpose and unity. But statements of principle that do not get a greater majority will be ignored by folk beyond Anvil, whose attention will be on the words of their national and Virtue assembly.
{{SOP|statement=Aim high; pursue your dreams. We send Bryn Tendfallen to urge every citizen to find common cause with those pilgrims of the Way with whom they share bonds of nation and virtue. Trust your heart and follow that which commands its devotion.|by=Brynn Tendfallen, General Assembly|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|vote=1259-294}}
As a result, at any point during the next year, most other assemblies can use a single judgement to explicitly pick one agenda that they believe people should pursue above all others. The judgement would still need to achieve a greater majority, but assuming it does then it will be especially inspirational to the nation or those dedicated to the virtue. [[Wintermark]], [[Urizen]], and [[Varushka]] are '''''not''''' affected by this decision, since the people of those nations openly question the leadership of the Synod and this mandate did not get a greater majority, but any other nation and any of the Virtue assemblies could take advantage of this option.

To do so, the assembly must pass a [[statement of principle|statement]] that clearly names a single goal or agenda that they wish the faithful to pursue above all others. If that statement concludes with the words ''"This is the highest calling of our assembly."'' then it will have the same impact on the people of that nation, or the devotees of that Virtue, as if it had been passed by the General Assembly. It will be guaranteed to [[Statement_of_principle#Outcome|have an effect]] of some kind. As always, though, it is impossible to predict what that effect might be in advance.

<quote by="national or Virtue assembly">... ''This is the highest calling of our assembly.''</quote>

Each assembly can only pick one thing as their highest calling - once that decision is made any future attempts to pick a new highest calling will be ignored. If a single Assembly passes two statements of principle both of which name a highest calling, then the statement of principle with the greatest margin of support will be the one that is embraced by people.

This opportunity remains available for the next year. An assembly need not respond immediately - they could declare a goal to be the assembly's highest calling at any time until the end of the Spring Equinox 388YE. While it may seem most effective to embrace a cause quickly, those assemblies that chose to delay will be in a position to respond to events as they change in the coming year.

A choice like this will always carry heavy consequences. The assemblies of [[Highguard]], [[Navarr]] and [[the League]] have all been vocal in support of the goal of defeating the [[vallorn]], for example. Once an assembly declares an Ambition to be their highest calling, other opportunities are likely to fall away as people focus on the single most important task. Opportunities to pursue other challenges may be lost if they are not in keeping with an assembly's new "highest calling".

There is a price for such dedication of course - if the Assembly throws their weight behind a single cause in this dramatic fashion then people will put their shoulder to the wheel to support it. They will take the assembly at its word and assume that this goal transcends all others. Any further attempt to name some other issue as the highest calling of the assembly way will have no effect until a year has passed.

==Choices==
* '''The Civil Service has put together some general guidance regarding statements of principle'''
The seven eligible national assemblies and the eight virtue assemblies could all chose to throw their weight behind a single cause, or they could all chose very different options. There are no limits on what a statement of principle could say - the business of the Synod covers every part of the Imperial domain. There are some recurrent themes however, which are common with statements of principle, which the civil service can provide general guidance on.

===Defeat an enemy===
Any assembly could use their highest calling to seek the defeat of a threat or enemy of the Empire. This won't make [[Imperial army|Imperial armies]] or [[military unit|warbands]] any more effective in battle - the Empire's soldiers are already committed to the fight. Even when it is unified and able to speak with one voice, it is very difficult for the Synod to change the tide of war in this way. Statements like this are more likely to reduce the effectiveness of armies that don't follow the guidance provided by the Synod. If a nation assembly claims that fighting a named enemy is a nation's highest calling, then their armies are likely to be ''less'' willing to fight on other fronts.

Statements have been effective in the past at ''changing'' the way Imperial soldiers fight. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] assembly were able to encourage their armies to hold back in the conquest of the Barrens to try to win support for their cause. Urged on by their Synod, the Dawnish armies sacrificed military success for a better diplomatic outcome. As that conflict ultimately demonstrated, these strategies are rarely successful unless conducted with the support of a nation's generals.

===Destroy the Vallorn===
Any assembly could try to build on the success of Navarr and Imperial historians in [[A thousand years of longing|gathering together every source of information]] on the [[vallorn]] to confirm the findings in ''On the Nature of the Vallorn'' and reveal how the vallorn might finally be defeated. Ultimately the decision to tackle the vallorn is a political one, it is a question of priorities and political influence. Unless the nations that support fighting the vallorn have enough political support to push their agenda, other priorities will always be placed ahead of it.

Any of the eligible assemblies could declare the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling. The more focused such calls are - in terms of identifying what would help, the more change they will result in options to help the Empire prepare for the coming battle. Such options won't remove the need for resources to build armies and raise fortifications but they could provide other options which have the potential to make the political argument easier to win.

===Convert Nonbelievers===
Any assembly could name a group they wish to convert to [[the Way]]. The larger, the more powerful, more unified, and more distant a group is, the costlier such efforts will be. The initial outcome of a general statement seeking to begin the conversion of a new group, would most likely be an opportunity for members of that assembly to find out more about the target's existing religious beliefs. Where the Empire already possesses such intelligence, such as with the [[Asavea|Asaveans]], [[iron Confederacy|Suranni]], [[Faraden]], or [[Axos|Axou]], then statements that built on that information would be more effective - the more precise a statement is, the more likely it is to identify some course of action that isn't currently being prioritised. Actually converting a faction of the target group to the Way is unlikely to be possible without significant diplomatic consequences.

===Build a Commission===
An eligible Assembly could use a statement of principle to declare ''any'' commission to be their highest calling. That could be the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] or it could be an important [[fortification]] or any major [[commission]]. A [[runeforge]], [[college of magic]] or a [[great work]], could all benefit from the support of the Synod. Such a commission need not even be one in progress - people are perfectly capable of ''imagining'' a commission the Senate ''could'' approve - and putting their support behind it.

Such support wouldn't take the form of wains donated to support the commission - but it could provide benefits that help with the cost by finding ways to make the construction more achievable such as trading other resources for materials or helping to defray other costs. It could help a commission overcome specific shortcomings; a nation might find a way to [[Imperial_army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces|support more armies]] or overcome the limitations to allow them to build a college of magic or a runeforge. The most likely outcome would be options for the assembly to increase the costs of the commission to allow it to provide enhanced or additional benefits.

===Strengthen the Faithful===
Any eligible nation or Virtue assembly could make strengthening the faithful their highest calling. Ultimately the Empire is the sum of its parts - strengthening a nation can help to make the Empire more powerful, even as it advances the cause of that nation. It's not effective for a nation's assembly to call on members of the nation to simply work harder, but they could identify some novel goal that could strength the nation but which isn't currently being worked on. Or they could chose a different nation they think is in need of help and aim to support them.

Likewise, any virtue assembly could urge the faithful to support a nation as it tries to overcome the challenges it faces. However they could also look to improve their own position, looking to strengthen the faithful of that Virtue. As with any statement, the wording is crucial. A statement of principle can shift the focus of the faithful to a novel cause, but it won't persuade them to do things that run against their cultural traditions. For example, the Dawnish Assembly could call on magicians to support their armies, but urging the Dawnish nobility to focus on the nation's finances will be met with open opposition.

==Game Design==
Any [[statement of principle]] that passes an assembly with a greater majority could lead to an [[opportunity]] if the circumstances are right. In most circumstances, statements that urge members of an assembly to work harder, or strive to achieve something they are already pursuing have little or no effect. This is because the faithful are already working as hard as they can on these goals - they cannot do more no matter how hard the Synod urges them to do so. Statements that run contrary to the status quo, that are controversial or divisive are much more likely to create an opportunity for a mandate because they represent changes to the status quo. In that case, a wind of fortune can explore the implications of changes the Synod have called for - with opportunities to choose whether to proceed or not.

This wind of fortune presents a guaranteed opportunity for every nation and every virtue assembly to get a response to a single favoured statement of principle. That overrides the normal rules that would prevent an uncontroversial statement from having a significant impact, but it doesn't change the fundamental approach. Statements that would lead to a change of approach or outlook, statements that would breed controversy or conflict will ''always'' have a more dramatic effect than statements that simply urge people to knuckle down and support the status quo.

War is a common example of this. Exhorting Imperial soldiers to fight harder rarely provides any improvements in their fighting strength. All Imperial armies include priests in their ranks who tender to the spiritual needs of the soldiers, providing sermons on the Way to the faithful. They spread the teachings of the Synod and guide their congregations. Imperial soldiers are not fanatics but morale is high, buttressed by the belief that they will reincarnate quickly if they live a virtuous life.

As such, trying to use the Way to motivate soldiers to do more to kill the enemy or conquer territory faster has no little or no effect because these soldiers are already doing everything they can to achieve this goal. The Way can guide soldiers to enable them to accomplish other goals, impact their strategy, or reduce their willingness to fight in ''other'' conflicts but the devoted can't do more when they are already wholly committed to the fight.

We have previously run plots involving assemblies encouraging citizens to donate wains to support the construction of the [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. Those plots have run their course and are not something we would run again. The leadership of the Synod can have a powerful effect on the campaign, changing the way people think and act, but it isn't a simple substitute for the wealth controlled by the Bourse. The citizens who attend Anvil are the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in the Empire - it is the player-characters who control the wains needed to build commissions - not the NPCs.

Any assembly could name a specific commission as their highest calling, but the resulting mandate wouldn't reduce the costs or pay for the commission. It might provide options for an Assembly to pay the costs in other ways, with other materials, or by paying a heavy political price instead - but it won't just produce wains to fund the commission. Those must be obtained on the field at Anvil.

The Synod can use statements of principle to encourage the devoted to reach out to a neighbouring power to try and convert them to the Way. As experience with the Lasambrians demonstrates, encouraging a group of people to embrace the Virtues or the Way does not make them allies of the Empire. If a group already has a reason to be grateful to the Empire, like the Sand Fishers who were freed from the Druj and given rich lands of their own to live on, then the Way can build on those links. Strengthening bonds of [[Loyalty]] and [[Prosperity]] can help to cement an ally's positive relationship with the Empire. But a group that is hostile to the Empire won't be won over, even if they are persuaded to embrace the Virtues or adopt the Way. Sharing a faith doesn't make them any more inclined to ''like'' the Empire. People who feel [[Ambition|Ambitious]] and [[Pride|Proud]] and filled with [[Courage]] are more likely to oppose the Empire, and fight all the harder for their own interests.
==Further Reading==
* [[The greatest plurality]] - 387YE Summer wind of fortune relating to the attempt to guide the Imperial Synod
* [[The hard way]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune relating to grand ambitions

* [[Statement of principle]]
* [[Assembly]]

Because they must

2025-09-04T21:08:08Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Autumn]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Honour and Loyalty.jpg|caption=Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==The Honourable and the Loyal==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XsFSM87HFM}}
The [[Tusks]] fight in the [[Mournwold]], and the [[Burning Falcon]] beside them. Two armies to complete the liberation of the Mournwold from the [[Jotun]]. The only major forces that remain are those champions loyal to the dead Jarl Haakon, battling desperately from the keep of [[Mournwold#Farstrider’s Watch|Farstrider’s Watch]]. It is not clear what they hope to achieve. The armies of the King and the Queen are engaged elsewhere. There seems to be no reinforcement coming. Perhaps they seek nothing more than an honourable death in battle, to secure themselves a place alongside their Jarl on the far side of the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]]. If that is what they want, then the Imperial armies will give it to them in spades.

It’s perhaps hard to imagine what General Flowers would make of the fact the Jotun have holed up in the castle that bears her name. For many of those who fight here - Marcher and Jotun alike - there is a bitterness in the air. A sorrow. The [[Mournwold#Greensward|Greensward]] is, ultimately, where the thirty year domination of the Jotun over the Mournwold came to an end. It is the site of the terrible siege of Orchard’s Watch, of the darkest magic, of battles that tore the soul of the land as much as they rent its fabric. Most of the ghosts may have gone now, but [[Friar_of_Honour%27s_Rest#Honour.27s_Rest|Honour’s Rest]] still watches over the [[Mournwold#The_ruins_of_Overton|ruins of Overton]]. There are plenty of memorials here to the scars that war, and the twin banes of [[Winter magic|Winter]] and [[Spring magic|Spring]], can leave behind.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks"> Soldiers take heed. I am tired of the constant struggle, of how much we have lost in this war. Yet the end is in sight. Soon we will Rest, Recover, Rejoice, but only can we do so if every last Jotun has been driven from the soil of the Mourn. I respect the Champions of Haakon and the oath they made. Let us show them how seriously we take our own. Leave none to contest our claim to the Mourn. Make steady conquest on Farstrider's Watch. The Cow-wrangling Minister for Historical Research, kin of general Flowers, will bear the Brock Banner. He will lead the way, I will race you to the battlements.</quote></div>
The Burning Falcon, as is their wont, [[Army_qualities#True_Conviction|hurl themselves into the fray]]. They go where the enemy is strongest and they break them. They pay a price, but in some cases it seems that some of the Jotun veterans fighting here intentionally seek to face them in battle knowing that even if they lose they will do so gloriously. Alongside the Freeborn march a cohort of [[Knights of Glory|elfin knights]] drawn from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. They exult in the glorious tactics of the Burning Falcon, inspiring greater and greater passion in those they fight alongside.

The Tusks, as is ''their'' wont, are not given to reckless charges but move methodically and steadily south, consolidating as they go, ensuring that while there may be a blood price to end the occupation of the Greensward [[Army_orders#Steady_Conquest|as little of it as possible]] is paid by the Marchers. As the proverb goes, if blood must be shed best it’s your enemy that sheds it.

The Jotun engage the Imperial armies as soon as they set foot on the Greensward, but they are overmatched and outnumbered. They sell their lives dearly, but for every soldier of the Empire that falls another dozen or more are ready to fill the gap. Reinforcements from [[Mournwold#Landskeeper’s Bulwark|Landskeeper’s Bulwark]] are barely needed. The [[Irra Harah|Prince of a Thousand Foes]], his [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|green woven wards]] persisting in [[Mournwold#Alderly|Aldery]] for another season, does little to help the Empire, but likewise his aid isn’t ultimately necessary. Their harassment of the Jotun continues, but his children seem more concerned with protecting the thralls - human and orc - caught between the armies, to ensure they find safety, or sanctuary, or the tools they need to defend themselves against the conquerors.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Aracelis i Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon">For season we have fought in the coast but we are One Empire and the Marches call for help to heal a wound. The Brass Coast do not forget what has been written. We do not forget the aid given to us. I do not forget my friends. Mournwold will be whole by fire and friendship, Freeborn and Marches walk with us and see loyalty given to our Empire.</quote></div>
==Fire In The Grass==
The Empire spreads swiftly across the Greensward. The Burning Falcon smash the defenders of the [[Singing Caves]], while the Tusks assault Farstrider’s Watch. It is clear from the outset that the last Jotun warbands defending the fortification will not prevail. They fight bravely, but it is not enough. Indeed, the battle lasts as long as it does only because they all seem to possess a modicum of seemingly supernatural endurance. Yet for all that, the gate is shattered, the walls breached, the halls scoured, the war in the Mournwold ended. For now at least.

It may be that some of the Jotun sought to surrender, to lay down their blades and be taken as thralls, but the General of the Tusks left clear instructions that none should be left to contest the Marcher claim to the Mourn. Perhaps the best way to show respect for the oath of the Jotun, for the oath of Jarl Haakon not to leave the Mournwold again, is to ensure that they do not. Perhaps they all sought to fight to the last, to earn their passage to the lands beyond where the ancestors live. The only people who know for sure are the soldiers who fought them.

Regardless, when the sun rises, it rises over a Mournwold where Farstrider’s Watch is empty of Jotun. Whatever warbands survive - those who for whatever reason were not present - are hunted as outlaws and brigands now. They may manage to escape to [[Liathaven]] but the angry folk of Sarcombe, and the Bounders Hall, lie between them and safety.

The sun shows the devastation of Farstrider’s Watch. The fighting may have been short lived, and somewhat one-sided, but the Jotun did not go down easily. By all rights, the castle itself should be in ruins and yet… it is not. It still stands, barely intact enough to resist a stiff wind, yet it stands. Impossible. Whispers of ‘’miracle’’ and ‘’the General watches’’ spread quickly. The [[landskeeper|landskeepers]] point out that there is a potent [[enchantment]] of [[Summer magic]] rippling through the foundations, through the stone of the fortification, [[Stalwart Stand on Solid Ground|keeping it from complete collapse]]. Not everyone accepts this explanation, of course. Sometimes, even the most hard-headed soldiers wish to believe that there is something, or someone, watching over them.
==Into Night==
Jarl Haakon is dead, and so are his remaining champions. The Mournwold belongs to the Marchers now, from border to border. The Tusks have held true to their oaths, and the people of the Mournwold will not soon forget it. They know, now, that when they are in need ‘’their army’’ will protect them and that is not a thing to be underestimated. For now though, the cost must be counted, the dead buried or burnt on pyres of applewood and birch, and the future left to fend for itself until the job is done.

==Game Information==
* '''The Mournwold is now entirely in Marcher control'''
* '''The Singing Caves are under Imperial control again'''
* '''Farstrider’s Watch has survived only due to the Summer enchantment placed on it by Imperial magicians'''
With the conquest of Greensward, Mournwold is once again fully Imperial, part of the Marches. This includes the [[Singing Caves]] mithril mine, which will be available for the Imperial Senate to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|allocate]] at the Autumn Equinox. As with the Fangs [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Allocate_the_Fangs|last winter]], the Civil Service will raise an [[administrative motion]] during the Friday evening session if no [[senator]] raises the motion themselves. The Bourse seat could, of course, be allocated either Imperial (determined by [[public auction]]), or National for the Marches (determined by [[Tally of the Votes]]). While the seat was previously a Marcher national seat, there is no requirement for the Senate to decide to restore it to their control.

Farstrider’s Watch still stands but it is in a parlous state. The Summer enchantment cast by [[Dawn|Dawns]] ''Coven of Golden Wings'' provided the defenders with a modicum of supernatural endurance, without which the fortification would have been ruined in the process of rooting out the garrison. Unlike [[Kahraman#Fort_Braydon_(destroyed)|Fort Braydon]], where this enchantment was [[Shallows_and_miseries#The_Flames_of_Fort_Braydon|last used]], the castle holds together just well enough that there is time to repair it. If the castle is still below 1,000 strength when the enchantment fades - which will happen shortly before the Summer solstice 388YE - the fortification will collapse. It’s possible that [[Fortification#Automatic Repair|mundane maintenance]] may be enough to restore the fort, but relying on it will be risky if the Jotun return. More likely someone will need to [[Fortification#Emergency Repair|repair the fort]] with white granite or weirwood. Unfortunately, a ritual such as [[Hammers of the Brilliant Shore]] will ''not'' work in this case - because any new enchantment will replace the Stalwart Stand, causing the castle to collapse.

==Participation==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:Tusks Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Tusks]]</div>
===The Tusks===
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Tusks may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit
Military units who supported the Tusks as they upheld their oath toward the people of the Mournwold may receive a special benefit.
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and the people of Mournwold. The inspiration these acts provide should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported the Tusks this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. If they receive an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], from a fellow Marcher, they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Autumn Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit, ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony, but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

In the event that a character loses or changes their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained again.

===Burning Falcon===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:BurningFalcon Colour.png|link=387YE_Summer_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Burning_Falcon]]</div>
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Burning Falcon receive a potent benefit
The Knights of Glory are powerful soldiers summoned from the Summer Realm and often exert a subtle influence over the mortals they fight alongside - especially when the army and its [[Army orders|orders]] are in synch with their mistress [[Eleonaris]]. The Burning Falcon engaged in a triumphant charge against a fortified region this season, and the Knights cheerfully egged them on at every turn. The fight also involved a castle powerfully enchanted with [[Summer magic]], and together these factors have led to a powerful ‘’boon’’ for the military units that fought alongside the Freeborn army.

The captain of any military unit that fought alongside the Burning Falcon begins the Autumn Equinox with an [[enchantment]] - [[Glory to the Sovereign]]. This gives them two ranks of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] and the ability to call [[Calls#CLEAVE|cleave]] twice each day when wielding a [[Weapons & armour#One-handed Weapons|one-handed weapon]], [[Weapons & armour#One-handed Spears|one-handed spear]], [[Weapons & armour#Great weapons|great weapon]] or [[Weapons & armour#Pole-arms|polearm]] with which they are proficient.

As well as the game benefits, the aura creates a [[roleplaying effects|roleplaying effect]]: you feel a strong urge to do great deeds that will make you the centre of attention, and you take particular pleasure in approval and adulation. You particularly want to do things that will make you be seen as worthy, strong and powerful warriors; being overlooked or dismissed may cause you to lose your temper.

The boon can be removed [[Enchantment#Removing_Enchantments|as normal]] - “overwritten” with a new enchantment - and will have faded by the start of the Winter Solstice.
==Further Reading==
* [[Mournwold]]
* [[Shovels and spades]] - 387YE Summer Wind of War about the battle in the Mourn
* [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#The_Hill_Path|If one be gone we carry on]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War about the fighting in Mournwold
* [[Over western hills]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War about the fighting in the Mournwold
* [[The wild wind rises]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War for the Mournwold
* [[Standards]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War in which the invasion begins

Diadem on my brow

2025-09-04T21:06:41Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
<ic>
Do you hear the beating of the drums, Cousins?

The thunderous rhythm of marching boots?

For almost as long as the Empire has stood, it has lived with the Druj at its door. Every citizen can name some sordid wound inflicted on them or their siblings by this monstrous threat. Never before has the Empire been able to truly face the prospect of complete victory.

Until now.

When I stood before the Senate two years ago to make my claim for the Throne, I stated that under my leadership, the Empire would be able to choose where it fights. I promised to end the constant scramble between peace treaties, the crying need for new development and taxation, always holding on until the next wave of barbarians came for us. To truly conquer, to truly liberate, to truly expand our Empire and the Way across the continent. I keep my promises.

The first step was my push for militarisation. To build more armies to cover our fronts and attack outwards. And the Empire answered my call in ways I could not have imagined. Six armies mustering in the space of a year and a half. And now we put them to use.

The time has come to destroy the Druj Empire. To conquer their land and liberate their septs. This is my will, and I will see it done. We will see it done. And when the dust clears, we will look at the spoils of our work: the souls we have saved, the prosperity we have built, our children safe from fear, and each citizen will not just be able to imagine what the Empire can do, but see it and hold a piece of it for themselves.

Make no mistake, this will be no easy feat. This will require hard choices. It will require pragmatism. It is a foolish Schlacta who strays from the path to hunt pelts and leaves her Vale undefended. And it is a foolish general who abandons their cousins in the West and South to find fame in the East. Our Ambition does not mitigate the Loyalties we owe across the Empire. The Imperial Hearth is for all, and no Imperial home, be it in Bregasland or Therunin, will be forgotten in our push for victory. I will ensure that none go undefended, by whatever means I must.

And so I ask this of you, Citizens, my Cousins. Stand with me. Stand with me, knowing we are on the verge of the unprecedented. Stand with me, knowing that the road ahead is paved with blood and gore and bile. Stand with me, knowing the sacrifices you will have to make and the things that must be done before we will taste victory.

Stand with me, and I will make you this promise. When the sun rises many years from now and you have earnt your rest. When your young people sit at your feet and you are asked where you were the day the Druj fell. You will be able to say, ‘I did my part.’ And the horror we have known all our lives will be a mere fireside story.

This season I would like to commend:

Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka, for his essential role in forging the path the Military Council now walks on the Eastern front.

The Order of the Golden Pyramid, for the effective funding of their grand lodge and their continued work towards Conclave’s economic engagement.

Vauraus Korppitkotka, for his vigilant intervention at this summit’s Bourse Auction and Otmar van Holberg, Morgan Townsend von Holberg, Ezekial of Adina's Charge, Pipski Bearonovitch Strascovich and the recently chronicled hero Lumi Warmthbringer for their prosperous investments to the Imperial budget.

Llewellyn Leafstalker, for his long years of service to the Imperial Senate and his continued commitment to supporting the Imperial economy.

Inextricable. Indefatigable. Inevitable.

Emperor Vesna<br>
Empress of the Hearth, Crowned in Thunder.<br>
</ic>
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Beating of the Drums.jpg|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae3lSqvyLDQ}}
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]], sending a message to all Imperial citizens. As with other uses of this power, the civil service has ensured the message is heard by citizens across the Empire and beyond. It concerns the fight against the [[Druj]], and calls on everyone to commit themselves to the destruction of that cruel nation to the east of the Empire.
==Significance==
[[The Throne]] has the power to nominate a single Imperial citizen who can deliver a message to the people of the Empire each summit. It is common practice for the Throne to use this power themselves, when they wish to speak to all their people about important matters.
{{Imperial Addresses}}

Threats that are to come

2025-09-03T09:12:26Z

Novemberalice: /* Overview */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"The dowsers reports are in sir." said the young woman, holding up a set of paper sheaves. She extended her hand forwards as if to hand them to the sombre man sat behind the dark wooden desk, but at the last minute she changed her mind and placed them on top of the smooth mahogany.

Startled by the intrusion, Professor Gelberg looked up from the letter he was reading. He leaned forwards so that he could peer over the top of his spectacles at his student and eyed them for a moment, silently pondering what to say next. It was a bad habit that made his students nervous and he knew it, but somehow he couldn't seem to shake it. "Can you tell me what they say?" he asked at last, as much to break the silence.

"They've confirmed what we suspected from the measurements we took from the two unconfined wells on the east side of the city. They're both relatively shallow, but there is a much larger aquifer beneath it. It's covered by a thick layer of rock... it will take time to drill through it, but it's eminently possible. There's a report with them from the local engineers, they've confirmed they can make the drills we need."

"Excellent. Excellent work Carina. You've been very thorough."

Immanuel's student nodded her head quickly in acknowledgement of the praise, the faintest hint of a smile visible on her lips. "We're still waiting on the other locations, but we're cautiously optimistic. Two of the remaining sites look equally promising."

"Excellent - thank you. I'm sure our hosts will be very pleased. With luck, this is exactly what they're hoping for. You can leave these," he said pointing at the papers on the desk, "I'll read through them when I'm done here. Let me know when you hear more."

The dismissal was subtle, but Carina immediately acknowledged it and turned to leave. She was a smart woman, she'd make an excellent researcher one day, he thought to himself. That was, if she didn't end up training to be an officer like her uncle. He frowned at that thought, reminded of just how much was at stake right now.

He looked back down at the letter he'd received from Professor Schmidt and frowned again. A colleague writing him to ask him his views was nothing unusual, but something about this magic proposed by Schmidt was preying on his mind...
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|caption=Holberg is regarded by some as the greatest city in the entire world, but that is not to say that it is a stranger to problems and protracted sieges.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Summer Solstice '''Lula''' and ''Bernahrd Kleist von Ennerlund''' and '''Cees van Holberg''' won the [[Patron of the Beurteilung|patronage of the Beurteilung]] at [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Imperial_elections#Bourse_Auction|auction]] for twenty thrones. This gave them the right request that the scholars of the Commonwealth appraise a pressing matter, much as if it an [[appraisal]] being carried out by the prognosticators office. The work is led by ''Professor Immanuel Gelberg'', a studious [[Commonwealth]] scholar whose work emphasizes the [[Commonwealth#Religion|Common Good]]. This season, Die Beurteilung is set the task of assessing "''any innovative mechanisms to secure and bolster Holberg's food and water supplies against threats that are to come''."

In truth, the city is currently well-provisioned by supplies coming from Dawn and the rest of the Empire, so boosting the food supply doesn't provide much in the way of immediate returns. There are concrete steps the nation could take to lay in supplies in Holberg against a siege and increase the amount of viable farmland beyond Holberg's walls, but without an urgent need, there are few benefits now.

Of course it might be invaluable in the future - if events change. After-all who can who can say what threats are to come?
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Instructions to Professor Immanuel Gelberg">In vigilant preparation, direct the scholars of the Commonwealth to assess any innovative mechanisms to secure and bolster Holberg's food and water supplies against threats that are to come; whether for a protracted siege, or especially to feed an influx of significant numbers of refugees. We do this in acknowledgement that our Common Good is an admirable goal, and to protect the current and future inhabitants of Holberg, the Greatest City in the Empire.</quote></div>

==Greatest City in the Empire==
* '''Professor Gelberg and his team are keen to get to work exploring opportunities in Holberg
The professor and his team are happy to be working in Holberg; they seem very taken with the city. The Commonwealth has a pair of [[fortification|fortifications]] which are ''near'' the size of the vast defences that protect the city, but both these fortifications are stand-alone affairs built on the Commonwealth's borders with [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]], well away from any conurbation. Commonwealth cities and large towns are usually walled to protect against bandits and opportunistic raids, but they have nothing like the gigantic fortress-city of Holberg.
{{SOP|statement=Citizens of Holberg, it is our virtuous duty to increase provisions for our great city and the armies who resupply here. We urge you to look to your ingenuity in making the fertile lands of Utterland more productive, and welcome any Sandfishers who wish to aid you.|by=Lia Adelaar, League Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 240-0|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
They are also pleased with the warm welcome they receive, and the enthusiastic cooperation of many of the Holburghers with an interest in their work. This collaborative spirit is of course further bolstered by the words of '''Lia Adelaar''' and the League Assembly, who urged them to offer their own ingenious suggestions as to how to make the lands of [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]] more productive, and to welcome any Sandfishers who might wish to become involved in the project.

After a few days of settling back in following their [[Beat_of_your_drum#Sun_and_Gold|recent visit]] to the [[Great Library of Hacynian]]. the professor judges it prudent to consider the supplies of food and drinking water. Getting enough of both is ''always'' a problem for a city and while Holberg manages, it would struggle if there was any kind of substantial siege. Given the scale of the defences, a protracted siege could well be the easiest way to take the city. Once the invaders had seized control of [[Holberg#Holmauer|Holmauer]] and [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]] they could cut the supply lines to the city and starve it out.

After some consideration, the Professor presents his conclusions in two parts - improving the food supplies to the city from the outlying regions and making provisions against the prospect of a siege or of the city needing to take in a great number of refugees.
==Siege and Refugees==
* '''Professor Gelberg proposes drilling three deep wells and building seven storehouses spread around the city'''
* '''The proposals would protect against the effects of a siege for two seasons and allow the city to support any number of refugees'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Seven Stores'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Holfried, Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 5 weirwood, 5 mithril and 30 thrones in labour and set-up costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 3 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Provides enough provisions to completely protect the city against a siege for two seasons
* Provides enough provisions to feed any number of refugees that come to Holberg (they might still need shelter)
* Provides enough supplies to keep two armies in Holberg in supply for two seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Option:''' Double the upkeep to 6 thrones to provide subsidised food to reduce hunger among the poor of Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table></div>

The city of Holberg already benefits from extraordinarily good protection against a siege. The region of [[Holberg#Holfried|Holfried]] is hilly and the bulk of the city abuts the mountains of neighbouring [[Semmerholm#Estmure|Estmure]] in [[Semmerholm]]. There is a narrow mountain pass that leads from the city to Estmure - which the Druj were not able to close during their thirty year campaign to take the city. As long as that pass remains open any siege of Holberg is certain to fail.

If a military force were able to take Estmure, then they could close the pass. At that point if [[Holberg#Holmauer|Holmauer]] and [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]] had been taken, the city would be cut off. Such a siege could quickly become devastating. Fortunately, Estmure is protected by [[Semmerholm#The_Adamant_Gate|the Adamant Gate]] a large fortification that is quite literally unbreakable! Nobody in Holberg would ever refer to Estmure and the Adamant Gate as an actual [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbican barbican], but in effect it serves a similar purpose - to besiege Holberg proper, attackers would need to first capture the Gate.

Still, what is good can always be made better. The commission for the Commonwealth scholars mentions the possibility of a large influx of refugees and that could quickly become a problem. It is always a challenge supplying a city with enough victuals and the city's wells could quickly run dry if there was a massive influx of people.

It isn't practical to try and store large amounts of drinking water. Huge volumes would be required and the risk of it fouling would be too high. There are several [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Well unconfined wells] that have been built over the years, but the Professor proposes to drill three new deep wells - digging shafts all the way down through the limestone to reach the confined aquifers far below the city. The work would be expensive and difficult, but once complete, there would be more than enough water to ensure the city never ran short, even if there was a huge influx of refugees, or the city was completely cut off.

As part of the work, the Professor also proposes the creation of seven huge food stores situated around the city. These would hold grain, salted and cured meat, dried fish, and so on. It is important to keep them apart; a single store is at risk from fire, vermin or sabotage. After discussion with the city elders, the team suggest one large store for each of the seven Virtues. The work is challenging - drilling wells is expensive and time-consuming work. It is also dangerous and requires a highly skilled team. Fortunately the engineers of Holberg are a match for anything in the Commonwealth - there is nothing here that couldn't be handled at any time now that the Professor's team has done their work - if the whole edifice was commissioned.

The stores would incur some running costs - grain needs to be purchased to fill the stores, and it can't be kept indefinitely. The best way to keep the food from spoiling is to sell a fraction of it each season and buy new to replace it - hence the costs. As a result, the stores would need three Thrones each season in upkeep to keep them operating, reflecting the difference between the price of food purchased and the food sold.

The civil service can easily manage the stores and arrange to dispose of any grain before it spoils by selling it in Holberg's markets, but the Commonwealth professors propose an alternative. Holberg is a powerful and wealthy city, but it still has its share of impoverished citizens, the poorest of whom struggle to find enough to eat. Rather than sell the grain for the best price, a portion of it could be distributed to the poor of Holberg. Such beneficence would be expensive - it would double the upkeep of the stores from three thrones a season to six - but it would mean that everyone had enough to eat. Such a commitment to the Common Good would improve the health of the poorest people in Holberg, helping the city grow faster and freeing the poorest from the need to spend their waking hours securing enough wealth simply to eat.

It's hard to assess if the benefits are worth the costs, given how well protected Holberg already is, but the combination of wells and grain stores would ensure that Holberg would be ''completely'' protected against the effects of any siege for two entire seasons after Estmure was taken. Only ''after'' that would supplies start to run out and the siege become a problem. Finally the storehouses would mean that an Imperial army could take refuge within the boundaries of the city for up to two seasons, without risk of running out of supplies. The army would not go [[Imperial_army#Out_of_Supply|out of supply]] for two seasons, despite their supply lines being cut. The general of an army wishing to take advantage of this would need to be in the territory and specify in their [[Army orders|orders]] that they were accepting the sanctuary of Holberg; if more than one army attempted this in the same season ''none'' would gain the benefit. While taking advantage of this opportunity, the army would ''not'' benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]] (unless they were a League army), although they ''could'' benefit from [[Casualties#Emergency_Resupply|emergency supply]]. It would also not prevent other armies from the same nation being out of supply.

The stores would also mean Holberg could support any number of refugees within the walls, or in nearby Holmauer, without suffering from starvation. Of course a large influx of people would need to be housed somewhere, so the stores wouldn't resolve all the problems that refugees might cause, but they would be enough to ensure there was no problem finding enough food for people to eat.

'''OOC Note: ''' There are no rules for sieges in Empire at the moment, but in the event that we add rules for sieges, these defences would provide protection from any attempt to starve the city by cutting off supplies for two complete seasons.

==Land and Ditches==
* '''Professor Gelberg has rehashed the old civil service proposals for draining some of the wetlands of Holberg'''
* '''The commission would remove the marsh quality from Rebeshof and Utterlund and the penalty to farms in Holberg'''
* '''There are few people in Holberg interested in farming the new land so the benefits are minimal'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Seven Dykes'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 weirwood, 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* One year after completion, Rabeshof and Utterlund would lose the marsh quality
* The current penalty to farms in Holberg would stop
* Makes it appealing for people to farm the new regions which would increase the supply of food to Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table></div>

The other half of the appraisal was a request to increase the supply of food to Holberg. It doesn't take long for Professor Geldberg and his team to locate the issue. Most of the territory of Holberg has slowly surrendered to the spreading waters of the Nameless River. Decades of painstaking work to drain the marshes to create fertile farmland have been defeated by Druj malice as they destroyed the dykes designed to keep the waters out. There are people who live outside the city and eke out a living from farming what dry land remains, but they are few and far between. Most of Holberg has simply adapted to the loss of the drained land by buying more victuals from the Dawnish [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]] and merchants of Semmerholm.

The most obvious way to improve the food supply of Holberg is clearly to drain the marshes of [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]], [[Holberg#Ennerlund|Ennerlund]], [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]] and [[Holberg#The_Morass|the Morass]]. Years ago, the civil service put forwards [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#The_Creeping_Morass|various proposals]] to rebuild the damaged dykes but at the time they were all too expensive to contemplate. The fact that there are so few [[farm|farms]] and [[herb garden|herb gardens]] in Holberg is probably why there was never enough support to save the land from the encroaching flood waters.

Professor Gelberg brushes off the old plans and examines them carefully, with a view to looking at what parts of the proposals might be pared back to reduce the costs. The original proposal was put together with ambition to boost herb production in the territory - dropping those elements significantly reduce the costs. The slimmed down proposal is nicknamed the Seven Dykes - to match the proposal for the store houses in the city itself. In fact it would entail an extensive series of groundworks reinforced with [[weirwood]] timbers to hold the dykes in place at key locations towards the Nameless River but the name seems to stick no matter how misleading it is.

It would take time to drain the land, Professor Gelberg calculates that Rebeshof and Utterlund would lose the marsh quality one year after completion of the dykes. But the current penalties to farms in the territory would end as soon as the work was completed, as the waters would leave behind fertile land as they receded. That would provide a lasting benefit to the food supply of Holberg, making farms here more productive and drawing more farmers to the area as the land becomes more viable. Ensuring adequate supplies of food are available is always challenging for any city but Holberg would be guaranteed to have no food supply problems for years to come if the work was completed, unless the city somehow managed to double in size.

Sadly the benefits of the work are still marginal at best. At present there are few significant problems with food supply in Holberg; the city is able to import much of what it needs from nearby Dawn. Ever since Holberg joined the Empire, it has increasingly relied on importing large amounts of fresh food from the rest of the Empire - in many ways, that is actually part of what has made the city so successful. If the occupants of Holberg spent their time growing their own food, they would be far fewer successful businesses in the city. Holberg is known for its chefs, bakers, and victuallers not for its farmers - it does after all require an an entirely different level of expertise to take raw ingredients and turn them into something wonderful than to dig those ingredients out of the ground in the first place.

Arguably though the problem is not the lack of farms, so much as the lack of ''farmers''. Most League citizens are simply not that interested in working the land, not when there is more gainful employment to be had elsewhere. Once the regions of Utterlund and Rebeshof are drained then people ''could'' set up profitable farms there - but why would Holbergers give up life in the city for that?

==The Common Good==
* '''It may be possible to persuade the Sandfishers to farm the regions as foreigners'''
* '''Doing so would increase taxation and make the sandfishers more prosperous'''
* '''It would provide a modest increase in supply for League armies'''
* '''Nothing could happen until the regions are drained'''
Professor Gelberg discusses the problem with his Imperial counterpart - [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] - who is also [[Any port in a storm|conducting an appraisal in Holberg]]. Both believe that the ideal solution is to persuade the Sandfishers to set up farms in the newly drained regions. That option would provide potential benefits to both parties. Any new farms would be subject to taxation, increasing revenue to the Imperial coffers, but they would also increase the supply of produce, helping to ensure a surfeit of food available in the City.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Seven Farms'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Amendment to the Seven Dykes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirements:'''
* Rebeshof and Utterlund are drained by the construction of the Seven Dykes
* Outreach to the Sandfishers to persuade them to farm Rebeshof and Utterlund as foreigners
* Herds of swine delivered from the Marcher markets, in the manner of the recent cattle markets
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Costs:''' 5 thrones to establish pig markets in appropriate Marcher towns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Boosts Imperial taxation in the territory by up to 6 thrones a season
* Increases League army supply - but not by enough to support an additional army at this time
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table></div>
And the Sandfishers should benefit as well. With access to all that land, they could establish substantial farms allowing them to make significant profits. At the moment the Sandfishers are mostly running subsistence farming in Misericorde, focussed on gathering fish, eels, whelks, snails, crabs, lobsters, frogs and other "delicacies". The Sandfishers consider their land to be an abudent paradise, and they're making good profits selling their goods in Holberg's markets where they are considered to be exotic speciality foods. But the methods they are employing will never result in a major increase in food supply to the city.

And even if they could, it's not clear that the city would buy that much Sandfisher food. Holberger's favourite food is sausage of every variety. From simple pork and beef sausages made with herbs and spices to enormously spicy cured meats, the city has an insatiable appetite for it. There's a limit to how much eel the folk of Hoberg want to eat, but the city would cheerfully buy all the sausage the Sandfishers could supply, provided the quality was there.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Personal Motto of Kanute Adelaar van Holberg, Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage">Victory is like a good Sausage - You don't want to know how its made.</quote></div>
There are a number of political and economic challenges involved. The Sandfishers made discreet enquiries about the prospects for the region of Utterlund, but they assumed that the land would need to be ceded to them for them to own and work it. That simply isn't the case - there is no reason at all that the Sandfishers couldn't own and operate very succecssful farms in Rebeshof and Utterlund, ''just like any other foreigner might''. The problem is their lack of vision - they were given Misericorde by the League, and they've prospered there - so now they're stuck thinking in those terms.

To succeed the League would need to ''persuade'' the Sandfishers to set up farms in the adjacent regions, not as ''rulers'' of the land, but simply as ''owners'' of it. The Sandfishers should have few problems adjusting to Imperial law - they already follow it while visiting or studying in Holberg after all - and there is ample evidence that they are adopting a simplified version of it in Misericorde more out of expediency than anything else.

The bigger problem is taxes. The Sandfishers are currently choosing to give "taxes" to Holberg, making a donation of one throne a season. It's a token gesture, given the huge number of tiny farms and herb gardens they've set up in the region. If any of them moved their current operation to Imperial territory, they'd have to pay Imperial taxes, which would be a heavy burden for the small, inefficient farms the Sandfishers run. They can't prosper in Imperial territory spending their days collecting eels, crabs and whelks by hand from coastal waters and river banks.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBMarches.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
But if they set up large prosperous pig farms, they could make a ''lot'' more money - at which point the taxes would be moot. They'd need to be persuaded to abandon traditional Sandfisher hunter-gatherer approaches for more intensive farming techniques... and they'd need to acquire huge herds of pigs to set the new farms up. Those would need to come from [[the Marches]] - they're the only Imperial nation that could provide enough pigs to form new herds in the time available.

Recent success with the [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Cattle_Markets|cattle markets at Stockford and Wayland]] have demonstrated that Marcher farmers can spare the livestock - but who pay for it? The Sandfishers are surprisingly resistent to the idea of accepting charity from the Empire, their understanding of [[Prosperity]] prohibits them from simply taking things without giving back.

To really produce meaningful benefits, the League would need to find a way to persuade the Sandfishers to move to Rebeshof and Utterlund after the land was drained, convince them to set up large pig farms there, get them to accept the financial support needed to establish the new pig herds and convince Marcher [[yeomen of the Marches|yeofolk]] to make arrangements to provide the livestock. It's a tall order - but doing so would see taxes in Holberg rise, food supplies to the city increase, and see the Sandfishers grow closer to the city of Holberg, even as they become more prosperous. Professor Gelberg is so excited by the idea, which he believes represents a perfect example of the Common Good, that he intends to author a paper on the subject that he hopes to submit to the ''Zeitschrift für strukturierte Ökonomie'' when he returns home.

Of course at the moment it's little more than a theory. Since the implementation is primary diplomatic in nature - finding ways to approach the Sandfishers to engage them with the idea - the Professor has left that part to Imperial diplomats.

However the early signs are promising - the Professor's team was overheard discussing the idea by his Sandfisher guide, ''Swift-Fisher'', and she let them know that not all Holberg citizens eat sausages. She claims to know "for a fact" that the [[Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market]], is a [[Schisms_and_Heresies#Vitalism|vitalist]] who eschews meat and similar, and there are presumably other Holbergers who do likewise. However she then points out that she learned at school in Holberg that pigs can be trained to find truffles, which are a rare delicacy considerably more valuable than whelks. The professor recounts the story merely to illustrate that the idea was clearly not unappealing to her...

Nothing could happen until the regions of Rebeshof and Utterlund were drained. The Sandfishers are not worldly, but they're no fools - they're not about to set up new farms in the middle of a swamp. And the costs and benefits are hard to prognosticate because it would be dependent on the Marchers and the size of the herds of pigs acquired. The Professor is aware that large sums of money changed hands over cattle bonds recently, but he has no idea precisely how much was involved. However he estimates that if the League acquired every pig the Marchers could spare in a season, that would be enough to enable the Sandfishers to set up scores of farms across the territory raising overall taxation by a maximum of 6 thrones a season (the returns would be less if some of the bonds were acquired by any potential competitors).

The success of the project would also improve the League's ability to [[Imperial_army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces|support armies]]. It wouldn't be enough ''by itself'' to allow them to [[Imperial_army#Recruitment|raise]] a fourth [[Imperial army|army]], but it would be a valuable milestone on the way to reaching that ambitious goal.

==Further Reading==
Other winds about die Beurteilung and the amazing adventures of Professor Gelberg and his team of daring appraisers.

* [[Germinating a city]]
* [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|Beat of your drum]]
* [[According_to_principle#die_Beurteilung|According to principle]]

A peerless sacrifice

2025-07-21T15:30:42Z

Novemberalice:

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

"Definitely a benefactor?" queried Marcus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Banners and bells

2025-07-21T15:29:55Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>With an ear-piercing scream, the young girl launched herself across the room. Virtually flying through the air, arms spread wide, she crashed into the callow youth who had stepped through the doorway a moment earlier. The woman tried to throw out her arms to catch her, but the force of the impact still staggered her and drove her back. Somehow she managed to stay on her feet, but only just. Recovering frantically, she gripped the girl in a tight hug and swung her round.

"Lil!" she yelled, her voice filled with joy and jubilation. "You're home!"

Lily smiled down at her, as she spun her. It was almost five years since she'd taken the fateful decision to set out with the other pilgrims. As the years had passed she'd had chance to visit just twice. Each time it seemed her sister had grown up a little more. Each time it had been a little harder to leave again.

Finally she stopped spinning her round and put her down. "Yes, I'm home. Where's mum and dad? Are they about?"

"Dad's talking to Timothy - they're planning tomorrow's sermon. Mum is in her room, illuminating a manuscript. I'll go get her." Hesther turned as if to go, but then turned back at the last moment. "You're not going anywhere?" she demanding, "You're not leaving again?". Her tone was accusatory but tinged with sadness.

"No! I'm home for good. Well I think I am... Maybe. Look, just go and get mum, I'll still be here when you get back... I promise you on the Seven Virtues."

Hesther broke into a broad grin, spun back and went racing off through the chapterhouse. "Mum, mum, Lily's home!" she shouted as she went.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Chapterhouse.jpeg|caption=The White City is home to many fine chapterhouses.|title=Art by Beth Dooner|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biiCllb2p24}}
The [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#The Fourth Army|return]] of the [[Grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] from their years-long march around the Empire has restored [[Highguard|Highguard's]] ability to raise a fourth [[Imperial army|army]]. To aid the formation of the new force, a proposal was put forward to create powerful regalia, a [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#You Get a banner|banner]] for each of the [[general|generals]], [[hallow|hallowed]] with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]]. What better way to fuse the conviction of the returning pilgrims with the discipline of the new Highborn army? The banners are now ready and the army is being raised. Soon it will be time for it to march to war, but not before the [[senator]] who raised it has determined what [[Army qualities|special quality]] the army should possess.

With the work to raise the new army now underway, many priests in Highguard have turned their focus to the military campaigns to see what [[opportunity|opportunities]] there might be to bolster their efforts. The [[Full_of_sacred_sound#The_Sticking_Place|crusading storm]] is at an end now, as the Assembly has opted to focus on embracing their [[I_already_know_you#A_Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]] with other nations instead, but there is a final chance for the Highborn Assembly to draw inspiration from the orders of the [[Granite Pillar]] as they march to attack the [[Druj]] in the [[Sarangrave]].

Finally the judgements of the Spring Equinox bring good tidings for a change - a celebration of the faith as the Synod works to create seven powerful hallowed bells, one for each Virtue, to be borne by Virtuous citizens as they make a pilgrimage ground the Empire. A Highborn chapter, the ''Stone Library'' in the [[Bastion#Bastion,_the_White_City|Holy City of Bastion]] have implored the Assembly of Nine not to allow this historic event to pass into history unrecorded. They hope that someone dependable on the Assembly will take the responsibility of ensuring that a scribe documents the key moments in this pilgrimage and communicates the details to them.

==But Carrying A Banner==
* '''The cost to raise the fourth Highborn army has been reduced to 80 mithril by the creation of four relic banners, one for each of the Highborn armies'''
Four great standards have now been created and consecrated with true liao. Three have been formally presented by '''Jacob''', [[Benefactor of Regalia]] to the generals of the existing Highborn armies. ''Empire's Heart'', ''Salvation in Darkness'', and ''Physician's Benevolence'' will inspire those who fight in Virtue's name to victory. Each bears a powerful enchantment, stirring the spirits of whoever bears it aloft in addition to the aura that wards the soul.

<quote by="Jacob, Benefactor of Regalia">I bestow ... upon the General of the Granite Pillar, Empire's Heart; upon the General of the Seventh Wave, Salvation in Darkness; and upon the General of the Valiant Pegasus, Physician's Benevolence.</quote>
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBHighguard.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
The final banner, Ever Forward, is ready, waiting for the general of the new army to take it up. As a result of this obvious sign of dedication to the cause, people are flocking to join the fourth army, reducing the costs to eighty mithril. Hopefully, the long-delayed fourth Highborn army will soon march alongside their comrades in arms. Provided all the mithril and money is available, the new general could be appointed as soon as the Autumn Equinox. Not a moment too soon, given the precarious situation on the eastern front.

The tremendous accomplishment has done much to bolster the morale of those serving in the Highborn armies. Now the senator who presented the motion to raise the army must decide how to capitalise on this enthusiasm. The core of the new army is the grey pilgrims; any qualities the army might possess are determined by them and their nature. But that still leaves the senator with a decision to make on behalf of the nation.

===Devotion To Virtue===
* '''The new army could have the ''Devoted'' quality'''
* '''A ''Devoted'' army can use the ''Armoured by Faith'' order when [[army orders#Attacking|attacking]]'''

The army is able to draw on the pilgrims devotion to Virtue, and their long experience facing many terrible threats as they travelled the length and breadth of the Empire. Armoured by their faith, their commitment will never waver, even in the face of terrifying monsters, overwhelming odds, or unimaginable cruelty.

This commitment will be crucial once the war against the vallorn begins in earnest. The forests controlled by the enemy are filled with miasma that poisons the lungs and weakens the spirit. The army of the vallorn contains monstrous insects and horrifying threats that can quickly break an army. Those armoured by their faith will be ready to stand against this onslaught.

<box>'''Armoured by Faith'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are decreased by a tenth'''
* '''The effectiveness of this army against the vallorn is improved; the army does not suffer additional casualties for fighting in a vallorn miasma.'''
The grey pilgrims have faced countless threats during the years of their long pilgrimage around the Empire. Now they can employ those skills to support each other, bolstering their spirits as they face the enemy. Their experience fighting the monsters of the vallorn are particularly vital when facing this ancient enemy, which relies on its ferocity and terrifying miasma to overpower the enemy and tear them apart. The strategy of the vallorn is blunted when fighting against an army that is armoured by faith.</box>

===Swift To Battle===
* '''The new army could have the ''Fast'' quality'''
* '''A ''Fast'' army can use the ''Forced March'' order when attacking'''
* '''A ''Fast'' army can use the ''Desperate Reinforcement'' order when defending'''

The [[Navarr_military_concerns#The_Black_Thorns|Black Thorns]] are one of the two fast armies in the Empire, able to employ the trods to move swiftly across the Empire to engage with the enemy. The many years the grey pilgrims marched alongside the Navarr on the trods have helped them develop some of the same skills. The general could make use of this experience, by eschewing the kind of heavy armour favoured by the cataphracts for the lighter travelling of the unconquered. That would make the new army [[Army_qualities#Fast|fast]] - able to issue orders to carry out a forced march or commit to desperate reinforcement.

===Shoulder To Shoulder===
* '''The new army could have the ''Righteous'' quality'''
* '''A ''Righteous'' army can use the ''Final Stand'' order when defending'''

The grey pilgrims have faced death many times during their long pilgrimage around the Empire. The thought of passing into the labyrinth holds little fear for those who know that their Virtuous deeds will soon see them return to this world. Bolstered by their faith and their achievements, they could be trained to stand and fight together, shoulder-to-shoulder, locking their shields and refusing to give ground no matter what the enemy does. Such Loyalty can achieve incredible things, if the army is willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. The general could choose to make the new army ''righteous'' which would allow them to make a final stand.
<box>'''Final Stand'''
* '''Any victory gained by the enemy converts to additional casualties taken by this army, rather than territory gained'''
* '''Every enemy victory point causes 100 additional casualties to this army until the army disbands'''
Sometimes a general needs to hold a position regardless of cost. A final stand trades Imperial lives for every inch of ground that would otherwise be lost. The order is rarely used; even if the army is not wiped out, it will almost certainly be severely weakened. When an attacking force must not be allowed to gain territory or establish a beachhead, it is incredibly effective.</box>
<div style="float:right; width:400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jared Pointing at Face.jpg|width=400|caption=The congregations of Highguard can spread the word - that the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire must be destroyed.|align=left}}</div>

==March Together==
* '''For one year Highborn congregations can support the new army as it fights the vallorn'''
* '''Priests will receive votes as normal and remain in their current assembly but will receive no liao '''
* '''If 10 congregations preach support for the army then casualties will be reduced by 10%'''
* '''If 20 congregations preach support for the army then territory conquered by the army will be increased by 10%'''
* '''If the army engages the vallorn in the coming year there will be an opportunity to maintain the ability for another year'''

Not every grey pilgrim is planning to join the new army. Some are exhausted by their long march and eager to return to the life they gave up to walk the trods. They have not forgotten their comrades however and can be counted on to support their fellow pilgrims if asked. Such support could take many forms, providing herbs, potions and liao for their friends and relatives in the new army, or volunteering with the army's field hospital and supply train. Such support can be invaluable in raising morale and supporting the army as it fights.

For the next year, any Highborn congregation can take the option to preach support for the new Highborn army, providing it is engaged in battle with the vallorn. The army must be actively engaged against the vallorn to benefit, either attacking or defending, it cannot simply be in the same territory. Any priest that chooses this option will receive votes as normal and remain in their current Virtue assembly but they will not receive any liao. All supplies will be used to bolster the spirits of those working to support the army.

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

The potential to support the new army will last for at least one year. It will end after that time, if there has been no opportunity to support the new army against the vallorn. If the army has decisively engaged the vallorn during that time, then there will be an opportunity to maintain the option to support the army for another year.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SeventhWave_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=ValiantPegasus_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==A Last Crusade==
* '''The Highborn Assembly could use a mandate to capitalise on the end of their crusading storm by adopting strategies meant to protect the innocent'''
{{SOP|statement=Wisdom is asking the right question. We send Brother Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum with 25 doses of liao to urge the citizens of Highguard to embrace peerless kinship. The virtuous apply what they learn.|by=Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard, Highborn Assembly|vote=220-136|when=387YE Spring Equinox}}
The Highborn Assembly has opted to [[A peerless sacrifice|forgo the benefits of a crusade by their armies in favour of the ability to demonstrate their peerless kinship]] for their allies. There was a clear majority in favour of the decision but the vote was far from overwhelming, with nearly a third of priests opposed.

Still it passed, and that means there will be no more opportunities for the Highborn Assembly to spread mandates based on the orders of the Highborn generals. That could be unfortunate - the Empire has launched a new assault on the Sarangrave, capturing a large swathe of territory from the [[Druj]]. Sychar of Ebon's Hall, the general of the [[Granite Pillar]] has [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Granite_Pillar|issued orders to their army to fight in Loyalty]], stating that the ''"oppressed subjects of the Druj are not to be harmed. They shall be shown the light of virtue"''.

It's a noble aspiration and it is one that has been attempted before. Various assemblies in the Synod expressed similar sentiments around the oppressed subjects of the Druj in the Barrens. The conquest of the Barrens was slower than it might have been due to the care taken by Imperial armies fighting there, as a result of the mandates of the Synod. Those efforts were noticed by the inhabitants of the Barrens, but in the end they didn't align with the decisions taken by the Military Council to pursue a more direct military solution. In many ways the Empire achieved the worst of both worlds - the conquest of the Barrens was slower and more difficult than it needed to be but the Empire gained almost no new allies in the process and most of the oppressed subjects were either slaughtered or driven off.

It is already clear that the Druj have spread word of events in the Barrens across every sept in the Mallum - they've made very clear to these people that the Empire will slaughter them once it has dealt with the Druj. Of course the Druj lie the same way the sun rises, regularly and predictably, but personal testimony of members of the Black Wind have done enormous damage to the Empire's reputation here. These people are afraid of the Druj, but they are more afraid of the Empire. Winning them over will be a massive uphill struggle - arguably, it ''might'' be easier to do everything necessary to defeat the Druj and everyone in their lands and worry about what happens after the Druj are beaten.

Crucially what most folk are keen to avoid would be a repeat of the situation in the Barrens where the Imperial Synod advocated for liberation and the Military Council opted to take a different route. Either option will work - either option has benefits and drawbacks - but swapping back and forth between the two approaches will ensure the Empire gets all of the drawbacks of both approaches and none of the benefits of either.

To avoid that calamity, Asher of the Seven Pools Chapter proposed that Highborn generals could adopt an approach designed to ensure that the military strategy aligns with the approach taken by the Synod - whatever that might be. '''Exarch Luke''' has provided the wording for a mandate before the Highborn Assembly.

{{Mandate|mandate=Loyalty is not displayed by words or deeds alone, but by the unity of both. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to encourage Highborn armies to protect the innocent at every opportunity. Let no innocent suffer where a Highborn blade may stand between them and harm.|assembly=Highborn Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, all Highborn armies will gain the ability to use the following [[Army_orders#Attacking|attacking]] order.

{{Anchor|Protect the Innocent}}
<box>'''Protect the Innocent'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are reduced by a tenth'''
* '''The ability of this army to capture territory is reduced by a tenth'''
* '''Any orders to an allied army in the same territory that increase casualties are changed to balanced attack'''
* '''The presence of an army fighting to protect the innocent in a territory is always obvious to other armies in the same territory'''

Any Highborn army instructed to protect the innocent will still push forward, but they will do so cautiously and with a focus to ensure that innocent bystanders are not to be harmed. The general's orders will identify who the army is seeking to protect, but provided they are clear, then the force will do everything it can to save the lives of those the general ordered spared - even if that means stopping an allied Imperial army from attacking. This will inflame tensions between the two forces, but they will not come into armed conflict. Imperial discipline will be sufficient to prevent one Imperial soldier cutting down another - just.

Progress will be slow, because of the sacrifice needed to ensure that the innocent on all sides are protected. The army and their allies will kill less of the enemy, simply because of the abundant caution shown by the soldiers. Any allied force in the same territory that submits the following orders [[Army_qualities#Cruel|Merciless Onslaught]], [[Army_qualities#Cunning|Whatever it Takes]], [[Army_qualities#Glorious|Triumphant Charge]],
[[Army_qualities#Hard_Bitten|Make them Pay]], [[Army_qualities#Relentless|Cut Them Down]], [[Army_qualities#Thornbound|Poison Thorns]], [[Army_qualities#Venomous|Fire in the Blood]] or any similar order that increases casualties inflicted will be replaced with a balanced attack.

Trying to protect the innocent does not prevent ''enemy'' forces from issuing orders to spread bloodshed and mayhem, but it will help to mitigate some of the worst effects.</box>

Asher's goal is simple - if the Highborn Assembly agrees that the campaign against the Druj should focus on liberation rather than annihilation then this would send a powerful message to that effect to the Highborn generals and the wider Military Council. But it would put the ability to dictate the terms of any campaign firmly in the hands of the Highborn generals, rather than have the Assembly be involved in campaign strategy and potentially working at odds with the Council's strategy. Asher would prefer the Empire fight to liberate the oppressed septs of the Mallum, but he would rather the Empire adopt one strategy or the other - rather than a mix of both.

Asher's strategy would not be enough by itself to produce results. If the Empire wants to try and win over the oppressed subjects of the Druj, avoiding killing them is essential but it won't be enough by itself. The Empire would also need to avoid curses that caused widespread casualties and other strategies that caused the death of those caught in the fighting between them and the Druj. They would need to find ways to open diplomatic channels with these groups and try to convince them that they could be trusted. Given the long and brutal history of the Barrens, that will be difficult and as the Barrens has shown those groups will have demands of their own.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ten-ish Siblings.png|align=right|caption=Highguard stands ready to aid its Imperial siblings.|width=400}}

==Peer Into the Future==
* '''The Highborn Assembly can use a statement of principle to invoke their peerless kinship with another nation in the Empire'''
* '''The Assembly can't select the same nation two seasons running'''
The Highborn Assembly remain keen to work with their fellow nations, looking for ways they might express their peerless kinship to identify an opportunity to support the nation. As a result, for the forseeable future, the Highborn Assembly can use a successful judgement to invoke their peerless kinship with another nation. The Assembly can choose any nation to help, provided they don't choose the same nation two seasons running. Asking Highguard to find ways to help a fellow nation will be bound to fail if they had already identified all the ways they could help the season before.

Where possible, Highborn citizens will talk to the nation to find out what help would be most welcome. The statement of principle that the Assembly passes may try to identify a specific problem that they think is most urgent or they could guide that conversation by indicating a single statement of principle passed that season or last by the peer nation's Assembly. Provided that statement ''passed'' the Assembly - indicating it had the support of the people of that nation, then attempts to provide peerless kinship would, where possible, focus on the issue identified in the statement.

This ability will remain available for the forseeable future, at least until anything drastically changes the current situation. If two or more judgements invoking peerless kinship both pass the Assembly, the one judgement with the highest margin will take effect.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Silent Bell.png|width=250|caption=Bells ring and banners are raised.|align=right}}

==You Get A Bell==
* '''News of the decision to create seven bells hallowed with liao and bear them on pilgrimage around the Empire catches the imagination of the virtuous
* '''There are still a number of questions surrounding this pilgrimage and these bells
The seven Virtue assemblies have all passed judgements announcing a plan to hallow the seven bells used in the coronation of the Empress. It appears that the Synod intends to use seven doses of liao to hallow each bell - and then take the bells on a pilgrimage around the Empire to inspire the faithful. It is a bold endeavour and one that fires the imagination of many. Laden with symbolism, it invites as many questions as it answers.

According to the statements, the bells will be "borne by Virtuous souls" but who exactly will be chosen for this honour? It is possible that the Synod may have already found a way to answer this question, but if not then it could be a vexing problem. Does each Assembly plan to choose a citizen to honour? Or will they ask the [[Voice of Virtue]] to bear this responsibility? Or will many different souls bear the bells as they go on their pilgrimage?

What of the hallows themselves? What hallows will be chosen and who will choose them? What will the names of the bells be and how will ''they'' be chosen? How long will the pilgrimage last and what route will it take? And what will happen to the bells when the pilgrimage is over? Obviously the hallows will fade after a year, leaving only the faintest trace of the power they once held, but they will still by historic items. They might not be relics in the traditional sense - the Synod would need true liao to make the hallows permanent for that to happen - but they will be the focal point of a great pilgrimage around the Empire. Even when the power fades, they will still be what the Imperial Orcs would call "[[worth|items of worth]]". Will they be hallowed again? Or will they be placed in a museum somewhere? Or made part of the [[New_Imperial_titles#Regalia|regalia]] of an appropriate Imperial title? Or perhaps become part of the Grand Inspiration of the Way?
{{WingedMessenger|address=Seth of the Stone Library, The White City, Bastion}}
The [[archivist|archivists]] of the ''Stone Library'' in [[Bastion]] in particular are eager for answers to these questions. They are planning to start work on a biography of the life of [[Emperor Vesna]], in the belief that it will be easier to record the most Virtuous things that happen during their reign if they start now, while they are still alive. The account of the Seven Bells of Virtue is clearly going to be an important event and they are eager to have as complete a record of this inspiring act as possible. Their exarch, the Librarian Seth of the Stone Library has issued a polite challenge to the Assembly of Nine. If a member of the Assembly will take responsibility for ensuring that a Virtuous account of the entire event is compiled and sent by winged messenger to the Stone Library, then the chapter will have the archivists in the scriptorium make copies of the account and distribute them across the Empire to ensure that the details of this inspirational story are not lost.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Courage! It is not only bravely advancing with a sword. Courage is doing something and we are doing something big. This Summer we will Hallow a bell to Courage. A bell used in the coronation of the Empress. A Hallowing of 7 priests strength. A bell to inspire all aspects of Courage.|by=Nira of Cantiarch’s Hold, Courage Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=239-0 (Greater Majority)|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=At the coronation 7 bells were used. In the same summer solstice each of those bells will be Hallowed to one of the 7 virtues, to the power of 7. Once hallowed the bells will be taken on a pilgrimage around the empire to inspire us all. We encourage you to come out in support of the bells, shouting your virtue with each peal.|by=Naomi Felix Watch, Prosperity Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=328-20 (Greater Majority)|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The seven bells used in the coronation of the Throne are being Hallowed with the strength of seven priests at the Summer Solstice - one to each Virtue. Once Hallowed, the bells will be sent on an Empire-wide pilgrimage borne by Virtuous souls to inspire Imperial citizens and send the message of Imperial greatness far and wide. When darkness threatens to draw near, it is on us to kindle the lights we have until they ignite fervour in all that witness their blaze!|by=Destin of the Woodwych Harts, Vigilance Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=344-0|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The seven bells used in the coronation of the Throne are being Hallowed with the strength of seven priests at the Summer Solstice - one to each Virtue. Once Hallowed, the bells will be sent on an Empire-wide pilgrimage borne by Virtuous souls to inspire Imperial greatness far and wide. When darkness threatens to draw near, it is on us to kindle the light we have until they ignite fervour in all that witness their Blaze!|by=Artemis of Arion Sentinels, Wisdom Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=260-0|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The seven bells used in the coronation of the Throne are being Hallowed with the strength of seven priests at the Summer Solstice - one to each Virtue. Once Hallowed, the Bells will be sent on an Empire wide pilgrimage borne by Virtuous souls to inspire Imperial greatness far and wide. This judgement raised in all Virtue Assemblies. Virtue Exalts!|by=Edward Watcher, Pride Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=188-0|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The seven bells used in the coronation of the throne are being hallowed with the strength of seven priests at the Summer Solstice - one to each virtue. Once hallowed, the bells will be sent on an empire wide pilgrimage borne by the virtuous souls to inspire Imperial cities and send the message of imperial greatness far and wide. When darkness threatens to draw near, it is on us to kindle the light we have until they ignite farther in all that witness their blaze!|by=Bronwen, Ambition Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=136-0|size=small}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The 7 Bells used in the coronation of the Throne are being hallowed with the strength of 7 priests at the Summer Solstice. Once hallowed, the bells will be sent on an empire wide pilgrimage borne by virtuous souls to inspire Imperial citizens and send the message of imperial greatness far and wide. When darkness threatens to draw near, it is on us to kindle the lights we have until they ignite fervour in all that witness their blaze.|by=Jared of the Suns of Couros, Loyalty Assembly|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|vote=244-0|size=small}}
</div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtue Banners.jpg |caption=The seven [[#Virtue Assemblies|Virtue Assemblies]], the [[#Assembly of the Way|Assembly of the Way]], the ten [[#National Assemblies|National Assemblies]], the [[#General Assembly|General Assembly]], and the [[#Assembly of the Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] together make up the [[Imperial Synod]].|width=1000}}

==Further Reading==
* [[A peerless sacrifice]] - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune relating to the choice between Peerless Kinship and Crusade
* [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#Highguard|The war of thorns and flowers]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune relating to Highborn opportunities to fight the Vallorn

Hope and fear

2025-07-21T15:29:24Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"You're going then?" Half way between a question and an accusation, the words hung in the air accusingly.

Mladen looked at his feet sheepishly, like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Gerard says they need me." he said trying to justify the theft.

"They don't need you. Graciana can do it. Or Lutomysla." Her anger gave the plea an insistent tone she hadn't intended, but she didn't apologise. It was true after-all.

"No they can't. Grace'll will come up with a bunch of crazy ideas that need more wains than the Bourse sees in a year and Luto will have some mad plan involving the Howler. It has to be me."

"You are retired. You quit! They stopped paying you. That means you're retired!"

The old Varushkan withered under the barrage. He bowed his head and bit his lip, but under his breath he whispered "soldiers don't retire..."

"Just one more time, Lyubov. I promise you, this will be my last..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hottentotta judaicus.jpg|caption=The Druj wield are fearsome, remorseless, cruel, and full of hate. Yet it is possible - just possible - that their tyrannical reign over the Mallum may finally be teetering.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PMNWVa0oc8}}
During the Spring Equinox the [[Imperial Senate]] [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Disruption_of_Druj_Resupply_in_Forest_of_Ulnak|instructed]] the [[Appraisal#The Prognosticators Office|Prognosticators Office]] to prepare an [[appraisal]] of the [[Forest of Ulnak]] with a view to finding ways to disrupt [[Druj]] operations and supply. A complex commission, with significant strategic implications; as the [[senator|senators]] opted not to assign a specific prognosticator to the task, ''[[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Gerard La Salle]]'' decided to prevail on old [[Appraisal#Retired_Prognosticators|Mladen Escovitch]] - schlacta, strategist, and former [[general]] - to come out of retirement for one last job. The appraisal has been delivered, and Mladen has made it clear that this is definitely, definitely, ''definitely'' the last time.

This is not the first time the Senate have tried to appraise part of [[the Mallum]]; in 384YE they charged [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] with discovering ways to use the [[spy network]] in [[Sarangrave]] to [[Make it happen|incite a slave uprising]]. This time the focus is different, but the goal arguably remains the same - an earnest search for a way to bring down the cruel Druj and finally topple their cruel empire for good.

==Assignment==
The Imperial Senate opted not to assign a specific prognosticator to the task, so Gerard La Salle has taken the unusual choice of asking [[Appraisal#Retired_Prognosticators|Mladen Escovitch]] to carry out the work. Mladen retired some years ago and is no longer at the beck and call of the Senate, but in his heyday he was one of the most brilliant schlacta of his age - a capable warrior but also a brilliant strategist and a former general of the [[Golden Axe]]. Mladen spent years fighting the Druj and there are simply no members of the department who know this adversary better than him. He was somewhat reluctant to return to work, but Gerard La Salle appears to have used a combination of flattery and temptation to convince the former civil servant to return for one last piece of work. Mladen he wishes it to be made it ''absolutely clear'', again, that this is definitely, definitely, ''definitely'' the last time.

When appraising a problem Mladen's speciality is to focus on identifying the most efficient way to resolve an issue. Unlike many of their colleagues, who have a tendency to assume that the cost is someone else's problem, Mladen is firmly of the view that a solution that is too expensive is no solution at all. As a result he developed a reputation during his time with the Prognosticator's Office for focusing on ways to make use of standard practices available to the Empire, while seeking out options that might save the Empire valuable money or resources.

In line with this approach, Mladen has focussed much of the effort of the appraisal on compiling strategic intelligence and analysis. He hopes the [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] will be able to make use of this information when preparing their strategies for the war against the Druj, and their quest to disrupt their operations and their supply.

==Supply==
* '''If a Druj territory cannot support a sept, all armies controlled by septs based there will go out of supply'''
<div style="float: right; max-width: 600px; margin-left: 10px; min-width: 320px;" class="">
<table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed sortable">
<tr><th>Army</th><th>Sept</th><th>Territory</th></tr>
<tr><td>Arrow Viper</td><td>Iron Asp</td><td>Forest of Ulnak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Black Wind</td><td>Black Wind</td><td>Forest of Ulnak (Formerly Barrens)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Deadly Blade</td><td>Iron Asp</td><td>Forest of Ulnak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Flame Beetle</td><td>Sawscaled Viper</td><td>Forest of Ulnak</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hidden Snake</td><td>Banded Snake</td><td>Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hidden Widow</td><td>Shadow Krait</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hunting Scorpion</td><td>Amber Scorpion</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath (Formerly Ossium)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jagged Claws</td><td>Keelback</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath</td></tr>
<tr><td>Poison Crane</td><td>Marshlizard</td><td>Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red Lizard</td><td>Shadow Krait</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tainted Basilisk</td><td>Thornwasp</td><td>Sarangrave</td></tr>
<tr><td>Thorn Born</td><td>Sawscaled Viper</td><td>Forest of Ulnak</td></tr>
<tr><td>White Lion</td><td>Keelback</td><td>Salt Flats of Sanath </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
[[Druj armies]] need to be supplied, just like every Imperial army, but the Druj don't provision and support their forces in the same way that the Empire does and don't operate under the [[Imperial_army#Maximum_numbers_of_Imperial_Forces|same limitations]]. The endemic use of brutal slavery limits Druj society in many ways but it does allow them to support a huge number of armies from a relatively small number of territories - much more than any nation outside the Imperial Orcs might normally manage. Rather than pool their resources as an Imperial nation might do, individual septs raise and maintain armies themselves. As a result, it is not possible to cause all the Druj armies to go out of supply, in the way that has happened in recent memory with Urizen and Freeborn armies.

For all the advantages this gives them the approach is not without its drawbacks. The Druj can support a lot of armies, but they do still need land to supply and feed their soldiers and to replace casualties. Rather than being tied to the Druj nation as a whole, each individual Druj army needs the sept associated with the army to control enough land to keep supplying their soldiers.

Mladen believes this may be one of the reasons why the ''Stone Toad'' remained behind in [[Reikos]] when the Empire reclaimed the territory. The Stone Toad sept were using their fiefs in the territory to support their army - once they no longer had control of those lands the army went [[Imperial_army#Insufficient_Supply|out of supply]] and began to suffer accordingly. The sept took advantage of an [[opportunity]] to convert the army into a garrison in [[Reikos#High_Chalcis|High Chalcis]], presumably because that was preferable to seeing the army collapse from lack of supply. In theory it ought to be possible for Druj septs to support each other, but the fierce rivalry between them makes that impossible.

Scouring Imperial war reports from the last ten years, Mladen has compiled a list of [[Druj armies]] and combined that with various scouting reports, discussions with the [[Great Forest Orcs]] and with the septs of [[Ossium]], to identify which sept and territory each army is associated with. If the septs based in a territory were no longer able to draw on their lands there, then the armies they control would go out of supply. They would suffer the same penalties as an Imperial army from a nation that had [[Imperial_army#Insufficient_Supply|insufficient supply]].

The prognosticator cautions the Military Council not to assume that being out of supply would guarantee that these armies would quickly disband. The Druj don't have anything as powerful as [[The_Marches_economic_interests#The_Imperial_Breadbasket|the Marcher breadbasket]] to draw on, but their forces can benefit from an [[opportunity]] just like Imperial armies can. Crucially, insufficient supply prevents an army benefitting from natural resupply, but it doesn't prevent emergency resupply. The Druj have significant supplies of [[weirwood]] and access to small amounts of [[mithril]] and they are likely to use them to resupply their armies if it is that or see them destroyed.

Mladen also advises the [[general|generals]] not to assume that other barbarian nations operate in a similar way. The former general spent years fighting the Druj, and knows his old adversary well. He has comparatively little experience with the [[Thule]] and even less fighting the [[Grendel]] or the [[Jotun]]. These barbarian nations will need a way to supply their armies, just like the Druj do, but Mladen is certain they do not employ the same approach that the quarrelsome Druj septs use.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj1.jpg|title=A trio of Druj banners|caption=Each of the Druj armies is raised and maintained by one of the septs of the Mallum.|align=left|width=400}}</div>

==Cutting Supply==
* '''The best way to prevent a territory resupplying armies is to completely conquer it'''
* '''Mladen believes that any alternative would be expensive to achieve and short-lived in effect'''
* '''Any effective alternative is likely to involve methods some Imperial citizens may find unpalatable'''
By far the most effective way to prevent the septs in a territory from resupplying their armies is to conquer the territory. The Empire would need to completely conquer every [[territory#Regions|region]] for this to be effective. It is ''not sufficient'' to politically control it by conquering half the regions. While individual septs may be concentrated in one or two regions, every sept in a territory controls lands in most of the regions. They would be under pressure if most of their lands were conquered, but given how important their armies are to them, they'd find a way to keep supplying them. The best way to prevent that is to completely conquer every region in the territory.

The dour [[Varushka|Varushkan]] civil servant warns the Military Council not to think that this would guarantee success. At the point where the last region fell to Imperial control, then all the armies supplied from that territory would suffer from insufficient supply. However that might not last - at least two Druj septs have found ways to move their people to adjacent territories in recent years. The Black Wind [[Ashes#From_Darkness_to_Darkness|fled the Barrens]] to the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] and the surviving Amber Scorpion fled Ossium to the Forest of Ulnak.

That isn't a given however - the Druj can't move their septs like chess pieces. The Bone Serpent were attacked and wiped out ''by other Druj'' [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Secrets_and_Mysteries|when they attempted to flee Ossium]]. It's not clear why some septs were allowed to flee while others were slaughtered, but the reason for that attack might have been the fact that the Druj can't simply relocate all their septs when a territory is conquered. Crucially the more land they lose, the harder that becomes.

The appraisal doesn't offer anything in the way of alternatives to disrupt Druj operations and supply. Mladen argues that such options are, by their nature, generally very inefficient. To prevent the Druj employing their lands to supply their armies, the Empire needs to take control of their lands from them. Far and away the best tool to do that is the power of the Imperial military. Any politically acceptable way to disrupt Druj operations in their lands involving [[military unit|military units]] or other methods would be either prohibitively expensive or limited in effect or duration. By way of evidence, Mladen points to Graciana's appraisal of the Sarangrave which suggested the Empire could arm the one or more of the oppressed groups; it laid out how the Empire could bring about an uprising in the territory but the cost was simply too much for an uncertain return on investment.

There ''are'' effective ways to permanently damage Druj supply, but Mladen has not explored those because he does not believe that they would be politically acceptable in the current climate. No prognostications have been conducted, but the former general is confident that the Empire could employ armies or military units to wipe out the inhabitants of Druj lands under their control. If the Druj ''and all their subjects'' in an area were slaughtered then that would be an effective and permanent way to make it impossible for the sept to use those lands to supply their armies. Given events over the last year or so in the Barrens, however, it seems unlikely that such a move would be uncontroversial. The Prognosticators Office ''is'' prepared to conduct an appraisal on this approach if the Imperial Senate requests it, provided they are explicit that they understand ''exactly'' what they are asking for.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png|caption=The [[Forest of Ulnak]], in the north.|align=right|width=400}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Salt Flats of Sanath Regions.png|align=right|caption=The [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], heart of the Druj domain.|width=400}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|caption=The [[Sarangrave]], to the south.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Coup de Grâce==
* '''Conquering the Salt Flats of Sanath would make it much harder for Druj to resupply their armies'''
* '''If the Empire conquer the Salt Flats of Sanath and one other Druj territory their empire will collapse'''
* '''Such a downfall will incite other neighbours to attack the Druj'''
Completing conquering the Sarangrave or the Forest of Ulnak would be a significant blow to the Druj, causing three to five Druj armies to suffer from insufficient supply. The Druj ''might'' be able to evacuate a sept out of one of those territories, they ''might'' be able to secure an opportunity to find new supplies for an army, they ''might'' try to use supplies of mithril and weirwood to mitigate losses in the short term. But whatever happened, it would be a huge blow. Even if they were able to expend mithril to prevent ''any'' losses - and Mladen doesn't think that would be possible - that is still mithril they wouldn't be spending to resupply other armies.

If the Empire could conquer the Salt Flats of Sanath, that would also cause five Druj armies to suffer insufficient supply, but it would have other effects as well. The Salt Flats are between the Sarangrave and the Forest of Ulnak - that unchecked line of control allows Druj armies to draw supply lines back to their home territory. If the entirety of the Salt Flats were conquered by the Empire, that would become impossible.

Such a victory would cut the empire of the Mallum in two - the five Druj armies from the Forest of Ulnak would struggle unless they could trace a line directly back to the Forest through territory the Druj controlled. Likewise, the three Druj armies from the Sarangrave would face the same challenge if they couldn't run supply lines back to the Sarangrave. The results would be devastating to the Druj and bring them to the brink of destruction.

However, the Salt Flats are ''also'' the political heartland of the Druj, the home of their most powerful septs and the cornerstone of their rule. If the Salt Flats were completely conquered along with either the Sarangrave or the Forest of Ulnak, that would spell the end of the Druj. On paper their armies might think to retreat to an unconquered territory, but in practice the loss of so much crucial territory would cause what remains of their shaky union to collapse.

Such a defeat would spell the end of the rule of the [[Druj_lore#Buruk_Tepel|Buruk Tepel]]. It is impossible to know what would follow - there might be some residual threat in the Sarangrave or the Forest of Ulnak, but it would be a fraction of the current strength of the Druj. The most likely outcome is that any neighbours with a history of hostile relations with the Druj might seize this opportunity to extract vengeance or claim valuable lands.

The [[Axos|Axou]] have long harboured dreams of conquering the Sarangrave. They're unlikely to attack Imperial positions in the territory, but they would likely leap at a chance to overrun a rapidly collapsing Druj nation. The Thule might risk trying to extend their dominion into the Forest of Ulnak, or they might not. Even the Grendel might see the value of raiding and looting the collapsing Druj holdings Sanath, although its unlikely they would try to claim territory there ''are'' apparently islands in the east that might in theory provide them with the weirwood they crave.

As an aside, though, Mladen notes with interest that the Druj maintain the massive fortification of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln|Cassad Ûln]] on their north-east border. That fortress is clearly designed to keep ''someone'' out...

==Further Appraisal==
* '''Mladen has outlined another appraisal that he would be willing to carry out if requested'''
* '''If the Assembly of Nine passed a judgement with a greater majority then Mladen would be available for any appraisal'''
* '''If that happened and the Imperial Senate requested Mladen then the expenditure would increase by ten thrones'''
Mladen's appraisal explicitly includes another option for him to conduct further appraisals to provide additional strategic options should the Imperial Senate request it. This appraisal has focussed on establishing how the Empire might reduce the supply of Druj armies, but if the political will were there to employ cruel strategies - strategies such as those the [[Iron Helms]] used in the Barrens - then the Senate could request Mladen appraise that and he would carry out the work. Clearly the former prognosticator is not quite as retired as he protests.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Nine.png|caption=The Assembly of Nine|align=right}}
Gerard is at pains to stress that such work is on Mladen's terms only at this point. The former general would like nothing more than to see the Druj destroyed, but otherwise he plans to return to his family in [[Miekarova]]. The only thing that might change his mind would be if the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of Nine]] indicated that they believe that the Empire needs the former general to return to work - Mladen was a devout member of the [[Imperial Synod|Synod]] in his youth and holds the Assembly in high regard. The final decision, however, would rest with the Senate.

If the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] passed a judgement with a [[greater majority]] asking Mladen to return to work then he would be available to undertake any appraisal the Senate requested. Such a decision would be expensive however; civil service expenditure would increase by ten thrones a season if Mladen and his entire team of staff returned to regular employment in the Prognosticators Office. If the Imperial Senate want that to happen they would also need to request Mladen appraise a project in the same season that the Assembly of Nine requested he return to work (although it need not be the cruel appraisal he has offered). Regardless of the nature of the appraisal he would bring to bear both his drive for efficiency and his military experience making him an excellent choice for both appraisals where cost ''is'' an object or which could be achieved with existing resources, or those that involved military matters.

==OOC Design Notes==
Most of the core rules for the military game are as similar for the Empire as the barbarians as we can make them. Imperial and barbarian armies all have to submit orders, they all have known sizes and take casualties and break and so forth. Military rituals like [[Rivers of Life]] and [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] affect barbarian armies and fortifications in exactly the same way that they affect Imperial armies and fortifications.

However some of the subsidiary rules around the economies of the barbarians are considerably simplified. There are no player-characters in the Druj so we don't model the impacts of a territory curse on their businesses and farms. Much of the economics of the barbarian nations are heavily simplified. They don't have a Bourse, or any internal markets to buy and sell wains; they don't have a Synod or any mandates. It would be a huge amount of additional work to try to model these things for virtually no benefit - work that is much better channelled into producing plot players can interact with at events.

None of the barbarian nations featured in the game operate use the exact same supply rules as the armies of the Empire. This is clearly an advantage for the barbarians. In other cases these simplifications confer a considerable advantage to the Empire. For example, the Empire has eight hundred military units that they can call on each season - the equivalent of sixteen additional armies - but we don't model military units for the Druj.

In effect, the supply of barbarian forces is below the abstraction later. The supply of Druj armies is rarely crucial since they have raised so few armies since the game began. Appraisal allows players to interact directly with things that would normally be abstracted away, so it's the ideal tool here while the Druj are under pressure from the Empire.

This wind of fortune lays out a way the Empire could disrupt the supply of the armies of the Druj: this is an opportunity for the Empire to attack Druj supply. These are not standard rules that apply at all times to all barbarians. The Jotun, the Grendel, the Thule, the Iron Confederacy, the vallorn, the Axou, the Vore, the Asaveans, the Jarmish - all these different groups are all very different in social structure and make-up. If the supply of their armies were ever relevant to the game, then we would present different options that were appropriate to those nations or powers.

==Further Reading==
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Druj]]
* [[The Mallum]]
** [[Forest of Ulnak]]
** [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]
** [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Druj armies]]

Shovels and spades

2025-07-21T15:28:24Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Yegarra Traitor.jpg|caption=Both Bregas and Mournwolder take it poorly when someone sides with the Jotun against their neighbours.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Pickaxe and Fen==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35RcTMkeFbI}}
When people think of [[the Marches]] it is the rich farmlands of [[Upwold]] and [[Mitwold]] they normally imagine. A patchwork of farms, hedges, fences, gates. The earthbound clouds of bleating sheep, the waving golden oceans of grain. The distant sounds of the hurdy-gurdy, of leather and wood, of clay ale-mugs clinking. Yet here is [[Bregasland]], and here [[Mournwold]]. Are they not also the Marches? The dour mire, where they grow eels and grudges. The rolling hills and the stubborn grasses with their rich harvests of rare ores and centuries of bitterness.

It is to these latter two, mirrors of each other - one flat marsh and the other undulant like some frozen sea - that we turn our gaze. Mirrors in land, but also mirrors of war. Western warriors bent on conquest; Imperial soldiers striving to liberate their homes.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:Tusks Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Tusks]]</div>
==The Bitter Hills==
The [[Tusks]] hold to their oath. There are enemies in the Mourn, and until they are dealt with the army will remain. They march under a new general, but they march nonetheless. The bulk of the Jotun forces are engaged elsewhere, but there are still warriors here stubbornly resisting any suggestion of retreat or surrender. Farstrider's Watch is surrounded on all sides by angry Marchers, but the Jotun will not abandon the [[fortification|castle]]. Perhaps it is their oaths to Jarl Haakon that keep them here. Perhaps they seek glory, and a bridge across the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]]. Perhaps, just as with Fort Braydon, they seek to purge themselves of the guilt they feel for letting so many thralls die when the Empire ravaged Mournwold with plague and death. Pick one, or all, and you will find a Jotun fighter whose heart it fills. One, a dozen, a score. They fight with the furious joy of those who know they have little left to lose.

The Tusks match them, blow for blow. They treat the grim business of war with the same solemnity and intensity they treat the harvest. When there is a crop to bring in, they swing their scythes and sickles. When there is an army to defeat, they swing their pikes and their swords. Sword and shears both cut alike. Each step forward pushes the Jotun back another step, breaks their hold on the green grasses of the Chalkdowns.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">Jacks of the Tusks! We thank Stanley of Chalkdown for his service to the Empire, and to the Mourn. Let us show loyalty to our former General, and reclaim his home and yours. March for steady conquest in the Chalkdowns. Do not advance into Greensward, that is work for the Summer. Take pride in what we have achieved. For the Mourn! PS Janon, come along and watch the scrap. Let us show you the passion of the Marches.</quote></div>
It's hard to see the outcome as anything short of predetermined. With the newly replenished garrison of [[Mournwold#Landkeeper's Bulwark|Landkeeper's Bulwark]] to hold the ground already taken, the Marches press the Jotun from every side. In [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]] the [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|green walls]] of [[Spring magic]] exert a subtle influence over the hedgerows and the forest groves, over the beasts of the fields. The [[Irra Harah|Prince of a Thousand Foes]] does little to help the Marcher army, but his servants are there to harass and confuse those who have come as conquerors. He has little patience for the thrall-takers, and infinite patience and compassion for those they would make their property.

One warband of Jotun, hard pressed by the Tusks, make the mistake of retreating into Alderly. They are found the next morning on the edge of the forest. Strangled in a constricting hedge of bramble and bracken, thirty pairs of dead eyes staring at the dawn. All of their weapons are missing. The ''Thorn of the Ancestors'' kills when he chooses not to yield. It is, perhaps, a reminder to the Empire that this particular lord of the [[Realm#Spring|Spring realm]] also has claws.

Where the ''Shacklesmasher'' offers support at one remove, there are other supernatural forces at work in the Mournwold. The general has invited the ''Firebrand'' to observe the fight, and for the [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of [[Janon]], to watch is to do. Twenty wild warriors, wrapped in scraps of leather and wool, wearing carved wooden mummers' masks depicting the [[Dramaturgy#The Personae|personae]] as wild beasts, fight with the Marchers. They rarely speak during battle, inspiring by their presence and their wild abandon. If they are disappointed by the [[Army orders#Steady Conquest|careful strategy]] employed by the Marchers they do not show it. Armed with jagged polearms fashioned in echo of farming tools, they look like scarecrows but fight with the passionate fire only the servants of the ''Ranting Tumult'' can deploy.

Between the fighting they share the campfires, moving through the army so that no one of them spends two nights with the same group. They sing, they dance, they tell tall tales, they always have strange liquor and rarer substances. And they urge the warriors of the Marches to embrace their passions, to follow their hearts, to give voice to their dissatisfaction.

Perhaps the presence of Janon's chosen in the Tusks is not an unqualified boon. There are particular grumbles about the fact that the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies|Quartermaster General]] chose not to allocate shares of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares|Guerdon]] to the war to reclaim their homes. This speaks well of those [[Military unit|captains]] who fight with the Tusks regardless, speaks well of their Pride and Loyalty. What would [[Life of Tom Drake|Tom Drake]] say about a [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] that holds such a tight grasp on their purse-strings when there is fighting to be done? As they say, you don't own it unless you can defend it. Should the Empire's soldiers not receive just payment for their labour? Is their pay a gift, to be given and withheld at the whim of far-away generals from other nations? It's not a new complaint, but with the Fire-Crow's encouragement it is voiced out loud by more soldiers than one might expect.

Just as well, perhaps, that the heralds of Janon are too busy fighting and stirring the passions of the Tusks to talk to the farmers or the miners of the Mournwold as well, perhaps.

Either way, there are no grand battles, just a hard job that needs doing and is done professionally, without fuss nor muss. More orcs fall than Marchers, but blood is spilled on both sides. War is a thrice-ploughed field, after all. The general has left strict orders not to engage the Jotun at Farstrider's Watch, and as the Summer Solstice approaches the Chalkdowns is Imperial once more. The Jotun are penned in at Farstrider's Watch, but show no sign of abandoning the castle or the [[Mournwold#Greensward|Greensward]], or the [[Singing Caves]]. The work is not done, not yet.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:StrongReeds Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Strong_Reeds]]</div>

==The Rumbling Fens==
When the Spring Equinox dawned, the Jotun held almost the entirety of Bregasland. Their [[If one be gone we carry on|sudden, overwhelming attack]] had expanded their dominion from [[Bregasland#Graven Rock|Graven Rock]] across the marshes and fens in a single fell swoop. They had reckoned without the [[Strong Reeds]], however, and the stubborn resistance of the Bregas.

Through the [[Sentinel Gate]], the heroes of the Empire interceded against the forces [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Glory_at_the_End_(Battle_Opportunity)|marching north]] from [[Bregasland#The_Rushes|Sallow]] along toward [[Bregasland#Ottermire|Ottery]]. Under the [[Field Marshal|guidance]] of the ‘Reeds general herself, that intervention was a victory for the Empire. The Jotun advance was [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Objective:_Block_the_Sallow_Way|blocked]]; the pennants of the thieving Corazón were [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Battlefield_Opportunity:_Capture_the_Corazon's_pennants|seized]]; the bounds were [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Objective:_Rouse_the_Strong_Reeds|beaten]] and the Strong Reeds inspired, fired up to take the battle to the invaders.

The reward for a good job is more work, of course, and in the wake of that victory, the Strong Reeds begin making preparations, rallying those who oppose the Jotun, laying in supplies, readying to strike back with overwhelming force when the order is finally given. Bregasland will not find them slow to respond when the call goes out.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Amberlain P. Black, General of the Strong Reeds">"The Reward for hard work is more work". We lay low again for one more season. But do you hear amongst the Rushes? All around the Empire, the home of the Strong Reeds is toasted, and on the battlefield our beaters sing your virtue, your pride and loyalty. We who are never bent or broken, we who defeated "Queen" Fisher, we who stood against Jotun Steel. Your Loyalty to our land is met with loyalty from the citizens of the Empire. So cleave to your Loyalty, the loyalty of Tom Drake and Farstrider. Cleave to your pride of Guildenstern and Hooke. So I ask you for one more season, one more grind, then we will stand again stronger than ever.</quote></div>

For their part the Jotun rally, recover from their losses, adjust their plans and sweep into Ottermire without pause. The town falls in less than an hour. The Jotun offer the Choice, and the whole of Bregasland is theirs. Or, at least, the land is theirs. The people are another matter, however. The Corazón have been bested, and the Empire has shown a willingness to fight those who dare to oppress their people. It sends a powerful message to those across the territory; that the Bregas and their Imperial neighbours are tied together by bonds of [[Loyalty]] that, while frayed in places, still hold strong. The sullen mood that has simmered in Bregasland since the magistrates "failed" to [[Despise_treachery#The_Droverbill_Clan_of_Grey_Fens|execute the Droverbills]] has subsided. If someone tries to claim the Empire doesn't care about the Marches, they'll be given short shrift.

That's not to say that everything is green and fragrant among the Bregas. Copies of the [[Life of Tom Drake]] begin to circulate in the conquered land. Even though the Jotun rarely care what their thralls read, hand-written copies are made by rushlight, passed quietly from hand to hand in the back rooms of pubs and stuffed into sacks of animal feed sold at the markets. The part that people are most interested in is that Good Old Tom - who was alright for a ‘Wolder, the one good one - was Loyal to the Marches first and the Empire second. There was no guerdon in Tom's day, but doubtless he'd have had a few choice words for the anyone who said that soldiers fighting for the Marches would get nowt for all their hard work, and they'd not be "polite" words.

Yet there are more pressing concerns than Tom Drake, beloved as he is. The Jotun leave no room for doubt that the Dour Fens are theirs, now. They do not tolerate rebellion or resistance, and those who want to fight are forced to sneak away and join the Strong Reeds among the rushes. Hated traitor Stephen of Sarcombe is sent to [[Bregasland#Eels_Landing|Eel's Landing]] to explain to the Greywaters that they had best mind their manners or they will pay a hard price. Steward Margery, sadly, is nowhere to be found and neither are most of the house. They have disappeared into the marshes with the same practiced ease that made them so useful to the Strong Reeds when the Fishers came to tell the Bregas they were part of her new kingdom. Stephen is apparently furious, but then when is he not? Given his head, he would probably have burned Eel's Landing to the ground - but Queen Yrsa Jansdottir, Jarl of Jarls, general of the Lion of the North, keeps him on a short leash and will not let him exact vengeance against the people of Bregasland unless they take up arms against their new overlords.

For the most part, at least at the moment, the Jotun seem content to rule. Many of their warriors have marched south, but a strong core of half a dozen armies and several champion warbands remain in the marshes. Most of those champions support the Lion of the North, and that represents a problem. While the other armies complete the conquest of Bregasland, Yrsa sets her warriors and champions to [[Army qualities#Scouting|scour the marshes]] looking for any sign of organised resistance, for any sign of the Strong Reeds. A sizable bounty has been placed on the head of the general - but there is an even richer reward for anyone who can capture the leader of the ‘Reeds and deliver her alive into the hands of the Queen of Kalsea.

The Strong Reeds prove harder to root out than a [[spy network]] or a ring of Grendel agents, but between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice the Reeds must remain on their toes. Several times a warband or a cell of sympathisers need to be relocated with hours notice to avoid the lions of Queen Yrsa. There are victories as well - vicious fights between Jotun who manage to find some of the Marcher soldiers which leave both sides bloodied. It is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, but for now the Reeds have the upper hand. As the Summer Solstice nears, the Jotun are in no doubt that the Strong Reeds are present, and that they are organising resistance against the orcs' rule. How much ''else'' they know is not clear, but it does not seem they know exactly where the Strong Reeds are - if they did they would have ended them already.

It's clear, though, that the Jotun seem to be planning to stay. [[In_each_line_lies_another_line#Objective:_Kill_Igya_Olgafsdottir|Igya Olgafsdottir]], Jarl of [[Tromsa]], has apparently been spotted by Strong Reeds scouts visiting the Ice Fishers of Ldansk at the "[[Only_forward#Object:_Halt_the_Burhfæst!|
Burhfæst]]", the magical fortification at Graven Rock. Imperial prognosticators predict that the magical citadel is due to return to the realm of the [[Adamant|King-under-the-mountain]] by the end of the Summer Solstice at the latest, but the presence of the master engineer and castle-builder in Bregasland may be a cause for alarm.

For now, though, Bregasland is as quiet as a conquered Marcher territory ever is. Yet it is clear to everyone, Marcher and Jotun alike, that this situation will not, cannot, last. The pebbles are already bouncing, the avalanche is inevitable.

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has liberated Chalkdowns in Mournwold; only Greensward remains under Jotun control
* '''The Jotun have conquered Ottermire in Bregasland; the territory is now completely under their control
The fighting in the Mournwold continues; the Empire has driven the Jotun out of Chalkdowns, but Greensward, including the fort at [[Mournwold#Farstrider's Watch|Farstrider's Watch]], the [[Singing Caves]], and [[Friar_of_Honour%27s_Rest#Honour's_Rest|Honour's Rest]], remain in Jotun hands. With the reclamation of Chalkdowns, the Black Canal will provide its full benefit to businesses and farms in [[Mitwold]] and the Mourn after the Summer Solstice 387YE.

In Bregasland, the Jotun have completed their conquest of the territory, which is now entirely in their hands. Only the unique presence of the Strong Reeds is preventing citizens whose [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] is in Bregasland from suffering the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] penalty.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Pride.png|caption="Pride in small things..."|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Loyalty.png|align=right|caption=... Loyalty to great ones."|width=200}}</div>

==Participation==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Tusks or the Strong Reeds may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit
Military units who supported the Strong Reeds or the Tusks may receive a special benefit
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and the people of Mournwold and Bregasland. The generals of the Strong Reeds and Tusks have sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration these acts provide should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Tusks or the Strong Reeds this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Summer Solstice. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.

Note that the character does not have to start the event with the anointing of Pride or Loyalty. They can claim the benefit if they receive that aura in play ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony. In the event that they lose or change their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained during the summit.

==Conjunctions==
===A Matter of Property (Mournwold)===
{{SOP|by=Jedediah Boon, Marcher Assembly|statement=Miners of the Mourn! Defenders of the Singing Caves! Victors over the Howling Bear! Descendants of Exemplars! Liberators of our home! Last time we descended upon the Chalkdowns, it was in an act of rebellion to defend our Pride. Today, we go with General Stanley, oathsworn to our cause, to liberate his home. Our uprising against these invaders is a lasting one. We do not leave a job unfinished. So long as Jotun boot leather rests on Marcher soil, we fight on. I would not ask such a tall order of anyone else. You have endured with Virtue for so long. Like our Exemplars, we are coming down the hillside - to take back the farms so all our brethren may return home. Every day, every season, until the Mourn stands free.|vote=138-10|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
* '''A warband of yegarra are the vanguard for a caravan of mithril from the Singing Caves'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Jedediah Boon'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the yegarra'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The [[Singing Caves]] have been controlled by the Jotun since they reclaimed Greensward following the Summer Solstice of 386YE. Since then, the mithril has been put towards the western orcs' war against the Empire; supplying their warriors with weapons and armour. Since the Empire conquered Southmoor, the caravans - and the soldiers escorting them - have had to wend a careful route through Marcher lands to avoid patrols of beaters.

Inspired by the words of '''Jedediah Boon''', the beaters of Warthill have tracked the latest caravan to a small wood, and have asked Jedediah Boon to take out the vanguard of yegarra so they can attack and claim the caravan. If successful, they will send around eight wains of [[mithril]] - two-thirds of the recovered wains - to the care of one of the egregores in time for the Autumn Equinox, with instructions that the wains be put to whatever use the Marcher Assembly can agree on. This will not require a judgement, a simple agreement during a meeting would suffice.

===Customs (Mournwold)===
*'''Small but significant numbers of Marcher orcs have been taking up arms in Marcher armies and to defend the Mournwold'''
* '''Two groups of Marcher orcs are being hunted by Ulvenwar forces in Greensward'''
For the past [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on|few months]], Marcher army recruiters have been dealing with unprecedented times. Faced with the invasion of their homeland, dozens of Marcher orc citizens have been abandoning their pacifist ways and taking up arms in the defence of their nation and the Empire. They have proven brave and capable soldiers, if inexperienced, and exclaim a fervent willingness to fight and die for the land as befits any right-thinking Marcher. They are still a minority compared to those who continue to till the soil and beat the bounds without picking up weapons, but their ranks are growing among the troops of the four armies.

The rest of the Marches appear to have welcomed this development with open arms. But, as is often the case, thorny religious questions arise. The Marcher orcs who take up arms and seek to fight and die in battle claim that by doing so, they are giving up their chance at reincarnation granted to their pacifist fellows. Clearly, this resembles the Jotun religious beliefs; understandable, since almost all of the Marcher orcs grew up as Jotun subjects. But those orcs of the Mourn who felt the call of battle went west years ago. These orcs taking up the billhook don't talk of seeking a glorious death in battle. They talk of making a sacrifice ''in defence of the land''. They make the choice to fight, and they will be judged by the red-clad orcs of the west who came before them to see if they are worthy of crossing the abyss. Or, so they say.

Whatever anyone thinks of the matter, Marcher orcs are fighting and dying for the cause, and believe they are risking their souls in the process. In the Mournwold, in Greensward, Mourn orcs are caught up in the fighting; some fighters, but some not.

====On Honour's Fields====
* '''A group of Marcher orcs are being hunted by Ulvenwar forces near Overton's ruins'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Friar of Honour's Rest'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Ulvenwar'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
The prognosticators believe that the Marcher orcs have been scattered and may be being chased across a dispersed area. It is the responsibility of the [[Friar of Honour's Rest]], '''Friar John of the Mourn''', to rescue the orcs and kill the Ulvenwar.

If the Jotun are killed, and the orcs are rescued, then they will support the [[Tusks]] with supplies and new recruits. The army will gain one hundred strength before the coming season.

====Raindrops====
* '''A group of Marcher orcs are being hunted by Ulvenwar forces near Farstrider's Watch'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Bailiff of the Downs'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Ulvenwar'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
The prognosticators believe that the Marcher orcs have been cornered by the Jotun, and that there is limited time before the Jotun fall on them. It is the responsibility of the [[Bailiff of the Downs]], '''Thomas Oak''', to rescue the orcs and kill the Ulvenwar.

If the Jotun are killed, and the orcs are rescued, then they will support the [[Tusks]] with supplies and new recruits. The army will gain one hundred strength before the coming season.

==Further Reading==
* [[Bregasland]]
* [[Mournwold]]
* [[If one be gone we carry on]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War about the fighting in Bregasland and Mournwold

Two for joy

2025-07-21T15:27:21Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
"A Thousand Eyes of the Sun and Moon greets the courteous vassals of the Empire and bids them convey our words to the Speaker and their flock."

Juna looked at the glowing ball of white light and tried to work out how it was speaking. It had introduced itself as the Mouth of Infinity, but as far as she could see the one thing it definitely did not possess was a mouth. Next to her, her counterpart from Wintermark was frantically trying to scribble everything down. She was not quite sure which of them had drawn the short straw, the one trying to talk to a ball of glowing light that spoke ludicrously affected prose, or the one who had to write it all down.

"We congratulate the Speaker and their wise flock for their prudent choices. The assertions they will make are pleasing in our eye."

Nope, no eye either. Just a glowing ball of light... Wonder how it takes a piss? she thought and stifled a laugh. Her colleague stopped writing long enough to glare at her, so she gestured to the herald to prompt it to continue.

"The Unblinking Eye would reward such illumination with their support should that be pleasing to your Empire. If the Magpies wish to send a plenipotentiary in search of a jewel they seek whose location was known once and will be known again but is not known now, then we will render what assistance we are able to resolve this occlusion."

"Er... Thanks... I think." Juna desperately tried to think of something intelligent to say. With little better option she chose the first thing that came to mind. "Only an archmage can send a plenipotentiary." she explained.

Impossibly, yet undeniably the ball of light threw her a look of derision, without ever moving. Obviously she'd imagined that - the thing didn't have any features for virtue's sake. Yet when it spoke there was now a clear note of irritation and disdain in its voice.

"Perhaps your Hierarchs might put the archmage at the service of those who seek that which was lost? Or else dissolve that herald and requite those powers in the hands of those who are reborn in this sodality?"

Even with her training it took a few seconds to catch what the herald was suggesting but once she caught on Juna had to pretend to cough to cover her laughter. "Er... I don't think that's going to happen. I'm not a magistrate but even I know that would be unconstitutional." she explained as politely as possible.

"Yes. You are correct. A Thousand Eyes have seen that you do not do this. It is good that we have communicated clearly. Please convey our words to your Magpies in anticipation of the use they will make of them. Now we speak of the request from your Hierarch of Day that A Thousand Eyes assist you to locate three relics whose location was known once, and may be known again, but is not known now..."

The ball of light trailed off a moment, allowing the scribe time to catch up. It really did see all it would appear.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fledgeling Magpies.jpg|align=left|caption=The Imperial Senate has created the [[Magpies]] as an [[Imperial Sodality]] but there are still questions about what precisely that means.|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w7-OS5oC6E}}
Following the successful creation of the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Apothecaries' Guild]] at the Winter Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] passed administrative [[Senate motion|Senate motions]] approving the establishment of two additional [[Imperial sodality|Imperial sodalities]], the [[Magpies]] and the [[Vallornguard]].

The Magpies are a sodality dedicated to the acquisition of historical artifacts, the first of its kind in the Empire. There have been organisations in the past that have tried to find and locate lost items for people, but there has never been a sodality that is devoted purely to that cause.

In accordance with the procedures developed for the Apothecaries' Guild, the [[Imperial Civil Service|civil service]] have done what they can to make people across the Empire aware of the manifesto of the Magpies, so that citizens can consider if they wish to join. As is often the case, this has provoked interest from various corners. Intrigued by the new possibilities, disparate groups have come forward with agendas of their own.

The first task is for all the new members to be inducted into the sodality. To assist with that, the civil service have prepared arcane projections that will allow a large number of citizens to join. Once everyone has had a chance to join then the sodality can consider any response.

Before any of that can happen, however, the creation of the sodality must be ratified by the Throne. Somewhat awkwardly, it appears that the civil service have made a glaring error and failed to obtain the ratification of Emperor Vesna for the new sodality. If that does not proceed, then all the other issues are likely to become moot.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SpeakerMagpies.jpg|caption='''Morgan Waystone Path''', first Speaker of the Magpies|align=right|width=250}}

==Ratification==
* '''The creation of a sodality must be ratified by the Throne'''
* '''The civil service has failed to get the Throne to ratify the Magpies, so the sodality does not exist until that happens'''
The creation of a sodality is a constitutional vote requiring [[The_Throne#Ratification|ratification by the Throne]]. The Office of the Speaker assumed that that had happened and has instructed the civil service to communicate the existence of the new sodality to the Empire, so that people can begin to join. However, the Throne has informed the civil service (and they have since confirmed) that the motion was not brought to them for ratification.

The Throne will have an opportunity to correct the civil service's error at the beginning of the next summit, but the Throne is under no obligation of any kind to ratify the motion. The ability to ratify a constitutional motion is one of the most important powers of the Throne - and is a decision only they can make.

If Throne ratifies the creation of the Magpies, then the establishment of the new sodality will proceed exactly as laid out below.

If the creation of the Magpies is not ratified, it remains in suspension and may be ratified by the current Throne or any future occupant of the Throne at any time. If that happens, then the Magpies won't be established as an Imperial sodality. The space reserved for them to meet in the Senate chamber will remain available, but they will not gain ''any'' legal benefits, and there will be no impact for historical research or similar.

==Joining the Sodality==
* '''The civil service has prepared an arcane projection using Autumn magic of magnitude 20 to defray some of the costs of casting Mark of Fellowship on the number of people likely to wish to join'''
To aid the formation of the new sodality, the civil service has created an [[arcane projection]] that will allow everyone present who is willing to join. The magnitude 20 Autumn ritual is identical to the one provided during the creation of the [[Silver Chalice]] and will be presented to the incumbent [[Speaker of the Magpies]] '''Morgan Waystone Path'''. If a lot of people wish to join the sodality this will help to reduce the costs required.

The civil service has reserved the use of the Senate chamber for the Magpies from 13:30 to 14:00 on the Saturday. The first order of business is likely to be performing the ritual, so the Speaker or a member of the sodality would need to find ten mana crystals and a coven prepared to cast it, if they intend to use it. After everyone has had a chance to join the sodality, the title of [[Speaker of the Magpies]] will be elected. The title already exists, but falls vacant at this summit. It was previously appointed by the Assembly of [[Vigilance]] - the Senate have confirmed that it will henceforth be elected by members. If any legal powers have been delegated to the sodality, then they will be able to employ them by simple vote of Magpies present at this point.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Magpies">
* Aid and coordinate Imperial efforts to seek out lost artefacts and historical knowledge
* Support the interests of historians and artefact hunters of the Empire
* Ensure accountability, protection, work, and suitable reward for the historians and artefact hunters of the Empire
</quote>

==Scrutiny==
* '''Scrutiny of the Magpies' manifesto has identified that it grants authority over historical research to the sodality'''
* '''The manifesto also confers authority over the salvage of historical items'''

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has [[Scrutiny|scrutinised]] the manifesto of the Magpies and identified two clear constitutional implications.

The first is the issue of [[historical research]]. Currently the authority to direct the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]] lies with the Senate. The manifesto that the Senate have given the Magpies makes clear that this authority should pass to the sodality. This conflict ''must'' be resolved as quickly as possible to avoid a constitutional impasse.

The second issue is the election of the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]]. This [[Highguard|Highborn]] position is currently elected through the Bourse, by the [[Tally of the Votes]], and has the power to recover historical items each season from the wreck of the [[Emperor_Barabbas#Death_and_Legacy|Barabbine Fleet]] where it lies off the coast of [[Arbonne]]. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well-worn path]] for a title that recovered historical items would be appointment by the Magpies. It is not essential to amend the title - but the Senate could do so if they chose.

There may well be other issues that will come to light in the future on further scrutiny or other powers that the Imperial Senate could theoretically grant the Magpies; the two legal issues listed below are only the ones identified by the court at this stage.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Leontes.jpg|caption=The Magpies' manifesto indicates that they should be responsible for all [[historical research]].|align=right|width=250}}</div>
===Historical Research===
* '''An administrative motion on Friday will ask the Senate to confirm or remove the authority to coordinate the uncovering of lost historical knowledge from the Magpies manifesto'''
* '''If the Senate votes to remove it, then the manifesto will be abridged'''
* '''If the Senate votes to maintain it, then all authority over historical research will devolve to the Magpies'''
The [[Magpies#Manifeto|manifesto]] of the Magpies, laid down by the Imperial Senate, explicitly grants them the authority to ''"aid and coordinate Imperial efforts to seek out lost artefacts and historical knowledge"''. If people assumed the focus of the sodality would be to find lost items, their manifesto is very explicit that it ''also'' covers the coordination of Imperial efforts to seek out lost historical knowledge.

The only constitutionally coherent interpretation of this clause is that it is the role of the Magpies to coordinate [[historical research]]. If that is what the Senate intended, then the Senate must devolve the authority for historical research to the sodality. To enable the Senate to determine which option they prefer, the Constitutional Court have asked the office of the [[Speaker for the Senate|Speaker]] to raise the following [[administrative motion]] in the Friday session. The motion is unusual, but is constructed in such a way as to ensure that the constitutional conflict is guaranteed to be resolved whether the Senate pass or refuse the motion.

<quote by="Administrative Senate Motion">To amend the first line of the Magpies manifesto to be "Aid and coordinate Imperial efforts to seek out lost artefacts."</quote>

====Pass====
* '''If this motion passes, the manifesto will be abridged'''
* '''Authority for historical research will remain with the Senate'''

If the Senate pass the administrative motion and it is not vetoed then the manifesto of the Magpies will be amended as per the motion.

====Fail====
* '''If this motion fails the manifesto will remain unchanged'''
* '''Authority for historical research will be devolved to the Magpies'''
* '''Appointment of the Minister for Historical Research will pass to the Magpies'''

If the motion fails - that is, if it is rejected by the Senate, or it is [[veto|vetoed]] by the [[Imperial Synod]] or [[The Throne#Power of Veto|the Throne]], then the manifesto of the Magpies will remain as unchanged. That will have four key legal consequences:

# The authority to direct the department of historical research will be devolved from the Senate to the Magpies. The Magpies will be able to direct historical research by simply majority vote of members during a session of the sodality.
# Appointment by the Magpies would become the well worth path for any title with the power to direct historical research
# The power to appoint the [[Minister of Historical Research]] will pass to the Magpies.
# If the sodality appoint a Minister of Historical Research, then the title holder would need to make their announcement during a formal session of the sodality, not to the Senate. Their powers would be adjusted accordingly.

The title is due to be elected at this summit, so unless there is a change to the sodality's manifesto, that election will be scheduled to take place during the first formal session of the sodality. Candidates for the position should present themselves to the sodality, the civil servant will permit each candidate to give a short speech extolling their virtues, allow the sodality to ask questions and then conduct a vote on who the sodality wishes to appoint.

There is no requirement for titles appointed by the sodality to be a member of the sodality - so any citizen could approach the sodality and ask to be appointed as the Minister for Historical Research.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Emperor Barabbas.png|caption=Artist's impression of Emperor Barabbas by '''Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra'''|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Salvage Rights===
* '''The Golden Fleet Salvagemaster is a Highborn position appointed by Tally of the Votes through the Imperial Bourse'''
* '''It salvages resources and two items of historical interest each season'''
* '''Any senator could raise a Senate motion to amend the title to be appointed by the Magpies'''

In Spring 386YE, the [[Iron Confederacy|Suranni]] Duke of Arbonne auctioned off the [[Burying_the_lede#A_Fleeting_Offer|salvage rights]] to the remains of the Barabbine Fleet (also known as the "Golden Fleet"). The ill-fated venture of the Highborn emperor, which saw three [[Imperial navy|navies]] founder in their attempt to [[Emperor_Barabbas#The_Invasion_of_Attar|invade the Broken Shore]], is the resting place of [[Emperor Barabbas]] and many who supported him. Despite fierce competition from several interested parties, the rights to salvage the wrecks were purchased by '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' of Highguard, who decided to focus salvage efforts on the recovery of relics and items of historical interest instead of weirwood and wealth. Salvage efforts are the responsibility of the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]] - a Highborn title which, like the Minister for Historical Research, is up for re-election at this summit.

Given that this title recovers lost items of historical interest, the well worn path for election would be appointment by the Magpies, though still as a Highborn position. While the Salvagemaster also recovers a small amount of valuable resources, it is very clear that the focus of the title is on recovering antiquities. The Court would look askance at any attempt to have the Bourse appoint other titles that deal with the collection of historical relics - now that there is a body of states with that responsibility. But the Senate could choose to leave the existing title as is, in which case the civil service would simply note that the irregular election method should not be taken as an example of a well-worn path when considering other positions.

==Patronage==
* '''Several groups are interested in being patrons of the new sodality if their interests are secured'''
* '''Updating the manifesto of the Magpies would require a constitutional Senate motion'''

Any new sodality is bound to create interest from various groups across the Empire and beyond and the Magpies are no exception. Some of those groups are prepared to offer patronage in one or another to the sodality, but only if they are confident that the Magpies will represent their interests. As a result, each of them is pushing for some changes to the manifesto in return for their offers of support.

Changing a manifesto of a sodality is expensive and difficult - it requires a constitutional motion which is not easily obtained. Given that challenge, each of the groups is promising aid to the new sodality if their requirements are satisfied. It seems unlikely that they could all be made happy, but in theory, a single Senate motion could rewrite the entire manifesto, provided the new wording was constitutional.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|width=200}}</div>
===Spiders Eat Maggots===
* '''Urizen torchbearers are prepared to offer their support if the Magpies secure control of historical research for use by the whole sodality'''
* '''If that happens, the sodality will gain a bequest of 21 mana crystals each season'''
It is perhaps no surprise that the [[torchbearer|torchbearers]] of [[Urizen]] might take an interest in the Magpies, given their stated goals to protect and support historians and recover historical knowledge. There is some scepticism however - there are some cynics who suggest that the Magpies are really just treasure-hunters, barely more than [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Maggot|maggots]], who have only coopeted the robes of historians to give them a patina of respectability. These Urizeni historians want to see evidence that the sodality is committed to more than just tomb-robbing.

Of all the torchbearers, the ''Sacharissans'' emphasise recovering and storing knowledge. One group, the torchbearers of ''Spider's Vantage'' in [[Redoubt]] are keen to motivate the new sodality to do more than just pay lip-service to their goals. Originally founded by Sacharissa, the spire of ''Spider's Vantage'' has grown to become a large well-established centre for the distribution of knowledge. Despite the attempt three years ago by [[Faraden]] agents to [[All_in_red#Burning_Books|destroy the spire]], it still has an impressive library and an equally impressive reputation for scholarship.

The spire hopes the sodality will do everything they can to demonstrate a similar commitment to scholasticism. In their view the best evidence of that would be if the Magpies find a way to persuade the Senate to reject the administrative motion and grant the sodality the power of historical research. If that happens, then it will be harder for anyone to deny that the Magpies are every bit as committed to unearthing the secrets of the past as they are to recovering its treasures.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Spiders Vantage Patronage'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Historical research be voted on directly by members of the sodality each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Creates an ongoing bequest of 21 mana each season</td></tr>
</table></div>
The spire would have the Magpies go one stop further though. Rather than appoint the Minister for Historical Research, they argue it would be better to move the Senate to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogate]] the title, or if that isn't possible, to simply leave it vacant. If that happens, if the power to commission historical research is devolved from the Imperial Senate to the Magpies but the title is not appointed for any reason, then the sodality would be able to commission the research by majority vote of sodality members. The torchbearers of Spider's Vantage argue that this is a better basis for ensuring that the power to uncover truth does not end up concentrated in the hands of one person but remains in possession of the entire sodality.

If the sodality are successful in persuading the Senate to confirm their manifesto, thereby granting them authority to direct the Department of Historical Research, and they do not appoint the Minister for Historical Research (or the title is abrogated) then the spire will gather mana from Urizeni torchbearers for the sodality as an ongoing bequest. They will provide the sodality with twenty-one mana that can be granted to a single member of the sodality each season by simple vote for as long as the sodality continues to conduct historical research and support prompt publication of the results by the civil service.

The Sacharissans are clear that this bequest would be intended for the use of the entire sodality; that it would be "their" mana crystals, just as the contents of a Conclave order's vaults are the property of the order. Legally such bequests have to be endowed on a single citizen, so that they can be efficiently dealt with by the civil service, but the torchbearers would expect the sodality to collectively determine how this bequest should be utilised each summit.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBHighguard.jpg|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|width=200}}</div>

===Publish and Be Damned===
* '''The historians of Highguard and the League are calling for the sodality to broaden its focus to include the protection of artifacts and lore'''
* '''If the second line of the manifesto is replaced with a call to promulgate and preserve knowledge and antiquities then the sodality will gain the ability to publish their own research across the Empire'''

The final statement of the Magpies' manifesto says that it exists to ''"Ensure accountability, protection, work, and suitable reward for the historians and artefact hunters of the Empire"''. This broad statement seems to cover all the possible bases, ensuring that every aspect of the needs of historians and artefact hunters are included in the sodality's remit. However, the statement is so complete that some people have pointed out that it somewhat invalidates the second clause which simply states that the sodality will support the interests of historians and artefact hunters. What interests could there be, that aren't already covered by the final part of the manifesto?

Such nit-picking is in the service of a higher agenda. Historians in Highguard and the League note that the Magpies are clearly going to work to support historians and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiquarian antiquarians], but there is no mention of any efforts by the sodality to protect the work itself. There's no suggestion that the sodality cares what happens to their work after it is recovered. Are the members only interested in the thrill of adventure and the pursuit of the unknown? Or are they also prepared to contemplate how important it is to preserve the items and lore they have recovered?

The suggestion is that the second line of the manifesto could be entirely replaced with a new statement focusing the sodality on the preservation of lore and the protection of libraries and museums. Perhaps if such a sodality had existed in the time of [[Emperor Nicovar]], someone might have acted to stop the mad Emperor before so many libraries were destroyed? Of course that would represent a significant expansion of the sodality's remit, encouraging librarians and curators to join the sodality and give it their support. That might dilute the Magpies purpose and thereby weaken it - or it might broaden their support and strengthen it.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Release Publication'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Authorisation:''' Simple vote of the Magpies</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 1 throne</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Adds a copy of the supplied publication to the wiki</td></tr>
</table></div>
Any change is only likely if the Magpies decide to lobby for it, but it would not be easy either way. To rewrite the manifesto would require a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] by the Senate. That would lead to further scrutiny by the Constitutional Court, which might well bring yet more legal powers and titles under the remit of the sodality - something the Imperial Senate might not be keen to permit.

These groups have no interest in putting their support behind a group of treasure hunters and rumour chasers, but if the sodality is able to expand its scope to incorporate the ''promulgation'' and ''preservation'' of history and lore, then it would see a swell of interest in, and patronage from, these well-established groups.

The [[The_League_groups#Printers_Guild|Printers Guild]] of [[Tassato]] are one of the foremost publishing houses of the Empire, much to the chagrin of their less well-known rivals the ''Holberg Historical Press''. The latter group comfort themselves with the nation that while their work may not sell as well as the material published by the Printers Guild, they have higher scholastic standards. Of course, being eclipsed by their more successful competitors means that while the [[Technology#Printing_Press|printing presses]] of the guild are booked up months in advance, the print rooms of the Holberg Historical Press have considerable spare capacity.

The Holberg Historical Press are pinning their hopes for prominence on an offer of patronage for the Magpies. If the sodality succeeds in updating their manifesto as outlined above then they will offer the services of their printing house to the sodality at discounted rates. Their proposal is short but simple - they would need a throne to help cover the printing costs each time, but provided that was forthcoming they would publish a single manuscript each season and ensure it was widely available across the Empire ('''OOC Note:''' - the Speaker for the Magpies would need to email {{plot}} with a simple pdf containing a piece of writing from the Empire setting, which would be added to the wiki in the same vein as used for the [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2|Seer of the Gateway]]).

===The Shape of Water===
* '''Leviathan is intrigued by the Magpies and keen to see the sodality develop a clear set of assertions to complete their manifesto'''

The guidance for the creation of a sodality originally issued by the civil service contains a glaring error. The manifesto stating what the sodality exists to do is crucial for the civil service to judge what legal powers fall within a sodality's remit, but a complete manifesto - of the kind employed by a [[Conclave order]] should begin with three assertions, three clear, concise statements of belief. The first three statements of belief should complement the second part of the manifesto giving guidance and direction on the sodality's purpose and goals.

The official guidance has now been updated, so anyone looking to create a sodality in the future would need to have a complete manifesto, but the Magpies have time to carefully consider the right way to word their three assertions. Once they have these details agreed with the other members, they can inform the Civil Service who will then update the official details. ('''OOC note:''' the guild leader should email {{plot}} with the details once they are agreed).
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''The Wetstone'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' The Magpies assertions include a clear statement extolling the benefits of knowing the past as a route to understanding the present and charting a course into the future</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Boon:''' Once a summit allows a coven to use Swim Leviathans Depths to ask about the history of a specific item</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Duration:''' One year</td></tr>
</table></div>
While many Imperial citizens are more concerned with the sodality's legal position and powers, the lack of any assertions seems to particularly perplex the [[eternal|eternals]] of the [[Realm#Day|Day Realm]]. Two of them have sent [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]], to pass on messages on this matter. While this might seem like nothing more than punctilious perfectionism, the [[Apothecaries Guild]] also failed to lay out their assertions yet none of the Day eternals seem bothered about that. Clearly there is something about the Magpies which is of considerable importance to the worthies of the Day Realm.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LeviathanArt.jpg|caption=It is very, very rare for the ''[[Leviathan|Deep One]]'' to take an interest in Imperial politics.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
The first herald is from [[Leviathan]], a peculiar creature called Moonquill - a short, squat fellow with the wide head of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lophius monkfish]. He asks the civil service to pass on a greeting from ''The Watcher Beneath the Waters''. The eternal is hopeful that the sodality will ensure that their assertions include a clear statement extolling the benefits of knowing the past as a route to understanding the present and charting a course into the future.

If that happens, ''The Dweller in the Depths'' would only be too happy to stand as a patron of the sodality. When asked what benefits their patronage might offer, Moonquill seems a bit confused. The ''Abyssal Lord'' already [[Swim Leviathan's Depth|answers the questions]] of Imperial magicians who seek to understand why things happen - what more help could they possibly offer.

After some thought, the herald states that if the sodality adopt a set of assertions that are pleasing to the Dweller, then he will grant them a wetstone. This non-descript rock taken from deep in the Day realm is always wet to the touch no matter where it is left. The wetstone will have a boon on it that lasts a year, allowing it to be invoked once each summit while a coven is employing an effigy to send a question to the eternal. If that happens, then the eternal will permit the coven to ask a question about the history of a specific relic or antiquity. Moonquill cautions that the Dweller in the Depths cannot tell the sodality where such a thing might be found - for that they would need to spend with [[Kimus]] - but he can reveal what he knows of the history of this item, provided it is clearly described to him.

Of course, the herald is happy to confirm that the ''Watcher Beneath the Waters'' would welcome regular questions sent to him by members of the sodality.

==To Infinity And Beyond==
* '''At the Spring Equinox, the Archmage of Day sent a plenipotentiary to Kimus with a number of requests'''
* '''The eternal has decided to grant the sodality the right to determine which of the three items the Archmage requested they should find'''

A beautiful ball of silver light that calls itself the ''Mouth of Infinity'' makes a special visit to the Hub to pass on the congratulations of the ''Unblinking Eye'' to the Speaker of the Magpies and their entire "flock". Having observed the assertions chosen by the Magpies, ''She Who Watches'' is very pleased by the decisions the sodality will make and accordingly she stands ready to support them.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LordOfEscapedBalloons.jpg|caption=''The Celestial Eye'' seeks to observe all things and all times simultaneously.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Mouth claims that the ''Unblinking Eye'' has received a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] from '''Gralka''', the [[Archmage of Day]]. In that missive, the Archmage has levelled several requests of the eternal, including three objects they wish help in finding. Given the many and varied nature of the Archmage's requests, the Unblinking Eye has chosen to help the Empire find '''one''' of the three requested antiquities. However rather than decide themselves, in recognition of the wise choices that the sodality will make for its assertions, the eternal will grant the Magpies the right to choose.

The three items that the Unblinking Eye could find are;

* The ship named 'The Wraith King'
* The Idol of the Temeschwari Rat King
* The Book of Silver Leaves

The Archmage may be able to provide the sodality with more information - or perhaps the citizens who are seeking these things can. Either way the Unblinking Eye is content for the sodality to determine which item the eternal will look for. The Mouth of Infinity will return briefly after the summit is over to speak with the civil service to find the outcome of any vote on this matter taken by the Magpies during their session on the Saturday.

The Mouth of Infinity claims that the Unblinking Eye hopes that the Magpies will have more such questions for them in the future. The Mouth makes a number of suggestions, most of which are unconstitutional, but the useful interpretation of the herald's words are that the eternal would welcome any effort by the Archmage to use their power to help the sodality in this way. If the Archmage requests help finding an item, then eternal will assume that that request comes with the endorsement of the Magpies and will render what aid they can. If the Archmage requests several items, then the eternal will send their heralds to ask the sodality which item they want to prioritise.

This approval by Kimus ''might'' be contingent on the sodality choosing a set of assertions that the eternal finds pleasing, but since they seem to perceive that that has already happened even though it definitely hasn't, then perhaps everything will just be fine.

==Further Reading==
* [[Magpies]]
* [[Speaker of the Magpies]]

* [[Minister of Historical Research]]
* [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]]
* [[Imperial sodality]]

Eight for a wish

2025-07-21T15:26:49Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"You heard the news?" Brendan asked excitedly.

"Course I have. The Empire have made a sodality to solve the vallorn problem." Dai sighed theatrically and rolled his eyes derisively. "Can't believe we didn't think of that... Think of that all that time we wasted walking around the place... When we could have been sat in Anvil drinking tea and talking about fighting the vallorn."

"You're not in favour then?" Brendan enquired in the face of the guide's withering sarcasm.

"I don't know." The old man sounded genuinely unsure.

Brendan had learned of late not to be fooled by this feigned indecision. He'd known Dai for twenty years and in all that time, the priest always had a contrary opinion on everything. But recently he'd taken to pretending otherwise in the belief that it made him look deliberative and considered. "You think we should ignore it then? That we can do this on our own?"

"If by 'do this on our own' you mean lose ''everything'', then yes we can definitely do that." Dai hawked and spat to underline his contempt.

"You can't give up hope Dai! We're not going to lose everything - "

"Yes we are." Dai cut his friend off before he could carry on. "We've lost Isaella's Dance. We've lost Liathaven. We've lost Therunin. Thanks to those hotheads at Anvil, we've lost the stridings. We're losing the war to the vallorn and we're not even fighting yet."

"Yeah well we'll start fighting back soon. Once we've beaten the Druj. "

"You mean once we've beaten the Druj and ''stabilised the other fronts''." Dai waved two fingers on each hand as he spoke the last words to underline how unimpressed he was. "By which they ''actually'' mean beaten the Druj and the Grendel and the Jotun and the Thule too if we can't get a deal with them. That'll never happen - never has, never will. Which is how you know this war with the vallorn will never happen. The Military Council couldn't give two warm shits for the vallorn. Bad news for those of us who have to live next to it."

"You're still bitter about that lost vote." Brendan said, half in protest, half in sympathy.

"As a grapefruit," admitted the guide candidly. "We told them to wait, to plan, to prepare. Instead we've gone off half-cocked. We need armies and forts. For that we need money and wains. More than anything else - we need ''allies''. Currently we've got none of those things. Without those things - we lose."

"The Navarr will never stop fighting!" protested Brendan, dismayed by the bleak tone the guide was taking. He was not the only one of course - the abandonment of Therunin had hit a lot of people hard.

"Isaella's Dance have stopped fighting." Brendan winced and looked hurt. It was a cheap point and Dai knew it but he pressed on anyway. "Look, the stridings have come home. Even them bloody Highborn grey-guard folks have gone home. So now nobody is fighting the vallorn ''and'' nobody is walking the trods. I was worried that we'd go off half-cocked, attack the vallorn before we were ready. I was a blind fool. The real danger is we bring everyone home and then don't go off ''at all''. Today it's Therunin, ten years or twenty years from now... We'll be abandoning ''Hercynia'' to the vallorn."

Brendan stared at his friend. "So what we do we do?"

"I don't know. But maybe... just maybe... this sodality could be an answer..." Dai put his head down and stared at his feet, his train of thought finally trailing off.

"You said it was a talking shop!" Brendan quibbled. "If people won't listen to ''us'', why would they listen to some sodality?"

"Right! That's a great question. Why ''would'' anyone listen to some sodality?" Dai let the question hang rhetorically in the air for a moment and then he broke into a big grin. "But here's the real question... What can we do to ''make'' people listen to it?"</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=War with the vallorn creeps closer and closer, and the Vallornguard will be at the forefront.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZGnDteye2Y}}
Following the successful creation of the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Apothecaries' Guild]] at the Winter Solstice, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] passed [[administrative motion|administrative motions]] approving the establishment of two additional [[Imperial sodality|Imperial sodalities]]: the [[Magpies]] and the [[Vallornguard]]. While the former has yet to be [[The_Throne#Ratification|ratified]] by [[the Throne]], [[Emperor Vesna]] ''did'' ratify the creation of the Vallornguard during the Spring Equinox.

Following the procedures developed for the Apothecaries' Guild, the [[Imperial Civil Service]] have done what they can to make people across the Empire aware of the [[Vallornguard#The Manifesto|manifesto]] of the Vallornguard, so that citizens can consider if they wish to join.

The first task is for all the new members to be inducted into the sodality. To assist with that, the Civil Service have prepared an [[arcane projection]] that will allow a large number of citizens to join. Once everyone has had a chance to join then the sodality can consider any response.

The Vallornguard are a sodality dedicated to ending the threat of the [[vallorn]], based on the belief that cooperation between nations of the Empire can open the way to the destruction of the Empire's oldest and some say greatest enemy. Traditionally the burden of responsibility for destroying the vallorn has fallen on the [[Navarr]] but the [[A_thousand_years_of_longing|truths]] revealed by the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] with the assistance of scholars both Imperial and [[Thule|otherwise]] have opened up the prospect that the complete destruction of the vallorn could be achieved in their lifetimes if the Empire focused on it.

[[Highguard]], [[Varushka]], and [[the League]] may be ready to step up to the mark and fight alongside the Navarr, but are the other nations willing to do likewise? The Vallornguard may be the answer to that question - if they can find a way to convince others to commit to the war.

==Joining the Sodality==
* '''The civil service has prepared an arcane projection using Autumn magic of magnitude 20 to defray some of the costs of casting Mark of Fellowship on the number of people likely to wish to join'''
To aid the formation of the new sodality, the civil service has created an [[arcane projection]] that will allow everyone present who is willing to join. The magnitude 20 Autumn ritual is identical to the one provided during the creation of the [[Silver Chalice]] and will be presented to the incumbent [[Senator]] for [[Semmerholm]] '''Amicia of the Semmerlak'''. The aim is to reduce the costs required for a lot of people to join the sodality when it is newly created.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.jpg|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=240}}
The civil service has reserved the use of the Senate chamber for the Vallornguard from 15:00 to 15:30 on the Saturday. The first order of business is likely to be performing the ritual, so a member of the sodality would need to find ten mana crystals and a [[bands#Covens|coven]] prepared to cast it, if they intend to use it. After everyone has had a chance to join the sodality, the title of [[Vallornguard#Speaker_of_the_Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] will be elected. If any legal powers have been delegated to the sodality, then they will be able to employ them by simple vote of the Vallornguard present following the appointment.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Vallornguard">
The sodality is dedicated to ridding the Empire of the vallorn. It holds the following to be true:

* The vallorn is the greatest spiritual threat the Empire has seen
* The threat can be dealt with via Imperial cooperation
* Further opportunities should be sought to deal with this threat

The sodality therefore exists to:

* To rid the Empire of the vallorn
* To encourage international cooperation on the matter
* To provide opportunities to Virtuous citizens to aid in the fight against the vallorn
</quote>

==Scrutiny==
* '''Scrutiny of the sodalities manifesto has identified a number of titles that fall within the jurisdiction of the sodality'''
* '''The Imperial Senate could grant the sodality to power to request an appraisal'''

The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has scrutinised the manifesto of the Vallornguard and identified three national positions that fall within their jurisdiction given its remit to rid the Empire of the vallorn. They will raise administrative motions on the Saturday of the next summit to see if the titles can be amended to make them constitutional given the existence of the new sodality.

The Senate have confirmed that they want the Vallornguard to provide opportunities for Virtuous citizens to aid in the fight against the vallorn. The Constitutional Court suggest that the most effective way to achieve this would be to grant the sodality the power of [[appraisal]].

There may well be other issues that will come to light in the future on further scrutiny or other powers that the Imperial Senate could theoretically grant the Vallornguard; the two legal issues listed below are only the ones identified by the court at this stage.

The Constitutional Court has identified a number of [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], which are focused on the vallorn. The majority of these titles are national positions appointed by the Navarr, although there are some in other nations such as the [[Knight of the Greenwood]] (a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] position) or the [[Greenwatcher]] (a [[Highguard|Highborn]] position).

After a great deal of discussion, the Court has come down on the side of not ruling most of these titles unconstitutional; different members have different reasons for doing so. ''Chief Magistrate Abraham'' cited the disruption it would cause Senate and the Empire to make all these titles subject to appointment by a sodality, especially given they would retain their national character. ''Imperial Archivist Leontes'' on the other hand filibustered for nearly an hour about the historical roots of the Navarr, their cultural emphasis on fighting the vallorn, and the sodality's own manifesto point about "''encouraging international cooperation on the matter (of the vallorn)''." Starting out by stripping half a dozen established titles (including the newly constructed [[wayhouse|wayhouses]]) from the Navarr for dogmatic reasons seemed like a poor way to support that agenda.

So for the time being the guidance of the Constitutional Court is that going forwards the [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worn path]] for appointing any [[new Imperial titles|new Imperial title]] relating to the vallorn, or with responsibilities to fight or prepare for fighting the vallorn, would be appointment by the sodality rather than any other method. The Court will ''not'' ask the Speaker to raise administrative motions to "correct" the scores of titles that could be argued to fall within the new sodality's purview, but they note that the irregular election method should not be taken as an example of a well-worn path when Senate is considering creating or amending a new title.

A [[Senate motion]] could, of course, be used to change the method of appointment of any existing title whose responsibilities are to deal with the vallorn, just as it could be used to turn a national title into an Imperial title making it a better fit for appointment by an inter-nation sodality.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption='''Nathair Autumngale''', Advisor on the Vallorn|align=right|width=300}}

==Role of the Advisor==
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn cannot continue to be appointed in its current form
* '''There are a number of administrative motions that will be raised to help resolve this issue
There is however one title that the Constitutional Court are deeply concerned about, and that is the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. One of the first new titles created after the death of [[Empress Britta]], the Advisor "''is responsible for advising the Senate on matters relating to the vallorn, and protecting the Empire from the influence of this mysterious force or entity.''" It has the [[Advisor_on_the_Vallorn#Right_of_Address|power]] to [[Senate_address|address the Senate]], to advise them on matters relating to the Doom of Terunael.

Now that there is an Imperial sodality charged by the Senate to rid the Empire of the vallorn, encourage international cooperation on the matter, and provide opportunities to Virtuous citizens to aid in the fight, it places the Advisor at odds with the constitution. The title will need to change if it is to continue to be appointed.

The Constitutional Court has identified three ways forward, and the Civil Service will present three administrative motions to allow them to efficiently make a decision about the path to take. They will be presented at the Saturday evening Senate session, to give senators time to adopt a different solution if they prefer. Given the importance of the order they are presented in, the [[Speaker for the Senate]] will ask the newly appointed Speaker for the Vallornguard which order they will be raised in (although the [[Conscience of the Senate]] could invoke the [[Conscience_of_the_Senate#Precedence_of_Virtue|precedence of virtue]] to move a different motion or administrative motion to the start of the session). This both provides opportunities for the Vallornguard to discuss with the Advisor on the Vallorn, and for a senator to present their own solution to the problem of the Advisor during earlier sessions if desired.

If one of the three administrative motions passes, any remaining will be removed from the Senate agenda.

===Reassignment===
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn could become a title appointed by the Vallornguard
* '''If this were done it would become an Imperial title responsible for advising the Senate
* '''The Senate could amend the title to give it the ability to address the military council

The Advisor on the Vallorn title could pass to the Vallornguard to appoint. If this vote passes, the title will become an Imperial position elected by the sodality. It will retain the power to address the Senate, but it could be given other powers, such as the ability to address the military council in line with its wider significance as an advisor chosen by the Vallornguard.

If this were done, the title would lose responsibility for protecting the Great Library of Hacynian, which would pass instead to the ''Singer of the Silence''.

===Redirection===
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn would remain a title appointed by Navarr senators
* '''It would lose the power to address the Senate and the responsibility to advise the Senate and protect the Empire
* '''It would instead gain the power to address the Vallornguard and a responsibility to advise them
The Advisor on the Vallorn draws as much on the Navarr traditions and history for fighting the vallorn. Rather than advising the Senate separately to the Vallornguard, however, it could have its responsibilities and powers adjusted such that it was still constitutional to be appointed by the Navarr senators. Instead it would be responsible to advising the ''Vallornguard'', drawing on the centuries of expertise the Navarr have in fighting Terunael's Bane.

If this path is chosen the title loses the responsibility to advise the Senate and protect against the vallorn. Instead it becomes responsible for advising the Vallornguard, and sharing the expertise of Navarr with the Imperial Sodality. They would lose the ability to address the Senate, and instead gain the power to address the Vallornguard - able to make a single, short address during a formal meeting of the sodality, even if they were not themselves a member.

They would retain responsibility for the Great Library at Hacynian - indeed, as the custodian of the greatest archive of information about the vallorn anywhere in creation this serves to reinforce their position as an advisor to the Vallornguard.

===Redefinition===
* '''Removing the responsibility and power of address would leave the Advisor Constitutionally valid as a Navarr title
* '''They would retain custodianship of the Great Library at Hacynian
It is the responsibility and power to address the Senate that causes problems with this title. With that in mind the third administrative motion simply strips those powers for the Advisor on the Vallorn and renames it. If this choice is made, the Advisor would lose the ability to address the Senate, would be responsible only for overseeing and protecting the Great Library at Hacynian, and would be renamed ''Custodian of Hacynian''. They would remain a respected authority on the history of the struggle against the vallorn, and the fall of Terunael, but they would not have any legal powers.

===Resignation===
* '''The Senate could choose not to pass any of these administrative motions
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn would remain as it currently is but could not be reappointed once the current holder left the post
If the Senate chooses to do nothing, the title would simply continue as it is but it would not be possible to appoint anyone new to hold it. When the incumbent '''Nathair Autumngale''' leaves the position it would not be possible to appoint anyone else to hold it while the Vallornguard still existed in its current form.

==Powers==
* '''The Constitutional Court has identified certain powers that could be passed to the Vallornguard to help them in pursuance of their responsibilities
As well as identifying the problem with the Advisor on the Vallorn, the Constitutional Court has presented some powers that could logically be given to the Vallornguard based on their manifesto.
===In Search of Opportunity===
* '''The Imperial Senate could grant the sodality the power of appraisal to permit them to find opportunities to fight the vallorn'''
Part of the sodality's manifesto is ''"to provide opportunities to Virtuous citizens to aid in the fight against the vallorn"''. It is not clear what the sodality can do to devote themselves to this goal in a rigorous way. No doubt individual members will strive to pursue any leads that might provide a chance to catch the vallorn off-guard, but the only consistent way that the Empire has to ensure that an [[opportunity]] is found is through the use of [[appraisal]].

At present, the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]] has the resources to conduct up to two appraisals each season. The Imperial Senate could use a Senate motion to grant the sodality the power to order one or two appraisals, or they could give them the power to direct all the appraisals conducted by the Empire. In all cases, the simplest way for the sodality to use that power would be by vote of the members.

When the work on researching the vallorn was completed, the scholars involved were clear that everything that could be discovered about the nature of the vallorn [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Where_do_we_go_from_here?|had been discovered]]. The Empire now possesses every scrap of knowledge that it is possible to have about the vallorn. There are no more ancient records, no more lost repositories of secret information. There is nothing more that can be learned about the vallorn now.

However, that doesn't mean a well-worded appraisal couldn't identify ways to attack the vallorn in a specific region or territory, or protect against its expansion, or identify opportunities to prepare forces to fight against it. The nature of an appraisal is that it is open-ended; it's not a [[historical research|search for missing knowledge]]. Rather, the goal is to identify where one or more chances exists to try and achieve a goal in a different way. The Empire already knows how to defeat the vallorn - but that requires a war. An appraisal could identify different ways to actually ''fight'' that war once it begins.

There is no requirement for the Senate to do this - there is no constitutional necessity for them to provide the sodality with the means to procure opportunities to fight the vallorn - it is simply an option that the Court have identified as being constitutional. If the Senate were minded to do this, they would need to pass a Senate motion to that effect.

===A War of Words===
* '''The Senate could grant the sodality the power to appoint generals'''
* '''The Senate could amend the Advisor on the Vallorn or create a new Imperial title with the power to speak and vote in the Military Council'''
Much like the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], the [[general]] of an [[Imperial army]] is a national position appointed by the Senate. This appointment method is unusual, not least because senators are [[Imperial_Military_Council#Participation|forbidden from entering the Military Council chambers]] during a [[Council_session|session]] to ensure that the Council can operate without interference from the Senate. In theory, the Synod could be given the job of appointing generals by vote of national assemblies, but that change has never have attempted.

However, the Imperial Senate has charged the sodality with the task ''"to rid the Empire of the vallorn"''. That task explicitly demands massive military forces to accomplish, so the Senate have instructed the sodality to accomplish something that will need armies to achieve.

The Senate could use a motion to amend the general of a single army to make it be appointed by vote of members of the Vallornguard. The position must remain a national appointment - a general cannot be an Imperial position - but given the mandate they have been given by the Senate it would not be unconstitutional for the Senate to devolve the power to appoint generals to the sodality. That could be done piecemeal, by using individual Senate motions to change the election method of a single general, or the method could be changed for all armies using a single Senate motion.

The first change would be a constitutional motion - it would be a clear change to the written [[Imperial Constitution|constitution]] which explicitly mandates that the Senate appoint the generals of the armies. The constitution would need to be changed to make the new route explicit as part of the motion. If that were done, subsequent motions would only require a majority vote to pass.

A much less drastic change might be to create a [[New Imperial titles|new Imperial title]], a position elected by the sodality that would sit in the [[Military Council]] and vote with the other members. The obvious parallel is the [[Warmage]] which is appointed by the Conclave but has a voice and a vote in the Council. This could be an entirely new Imperial title, or the Senate could choose to amend the position of the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] to take make it an Imperial position that had the power to act in the Military Council instead of, or as well as, its existing power to [[Advisor_on_the_Vallorn#Right_of_Address|address the Senate]]. Creating a new voting member of the Military Council would also be a constitutional vote.

==Patronage==
In recent years, a number of nations, or their leading citizens have been vocal about the need to fight the vallorn. Last season, '''Estella Lucati''' delivered [[The_hard_way|a powerful sermon]] from [[Sarvos#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]], drawing on the influence of the [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of [[Ambition]] to urge the defeat the vallorn. Arguably the most powerful example was the decision by the Highborn nation to walk the [[trods]], the pilgrimage of the [[Grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] that lasted almost seven full years - one year spent walking the trods of the Empire for each of the virtues.

Highguard, the League, Varushka; all found a way to proclaim their support for the fight against the vallorn. If they threw their support behind this new sodality it could prove invaluable. Of course the most important support is likely to come from the Navarr themselves... if they chose to give it.

==Blood Red Vallornguard (League)==
* '''The League could enact a mandate to permanently sacrifice the benefits of the Blood Red Gallery, Blood Red Museum, and Bloody Great Theatre to provide a bequest for the new sodality'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''The Bloody Bequest'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' The League Assembly enacts the mandate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Removes the level of investment provided by the Blood Red Quays Art Gallery, the Blood Red River Museum, and the Bloody Great Theatre
* Creates an ongoing bequest of 8 thrones each season or 10 thrones if endorsed by Estella Lucati</td></tr>
</table></div>

[[Lorenzo's_Legacy|Lorenzo La Volpe]] was one of the most prominent philanthropists in recent times. As part of the Bloody Butchers Guild of Temeschwar he made a fortune from rising bourse prices in the years between the death of [[Empress Britta]] and [[Empress Lisabetta]]. He used that money to fund projects all over the Empire, seizing any opportunity to erect massive monuments to his own munificence (arguably). For a while there was talk of having Lorenzo made an exemplar of [[Prosperity]] for the [[Lorenzo's_Legacy|legacy]] that he left. It came to nothing, but the crossed cleavers that he insisted on putting on everything he built still cover some of the grandest buildings in the League to this day.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lorenzo.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
But is this really the best legacy possible for one of the Empire's richest benefactors? Lorenzo La Volpe might not have been an exemplar, but nobody ever denied he was not a canny and ruthless businessman - one who never failed to take advantage of an opportunity to put his name on something. Roads, theatres, museums, art galleries - all impressive. But what about putting his name on the destruction of the vallorn? Now ''that'' would be a legacy. They'd have to make him a paragon for that!

Regrettably Lorenzo is dead and gone and all that remains are the [[great work|great works]] and [[ministry|ministries]] he [[commission|commissioned]]. There are a group of [[Temeschwar|Temeschwari]] bakers who claim that the old butcher faked his death and is even now masquerading as the so-called ''[[Graveyard rats|Rat King]]'', determined to have his revenge on the League for failing to make him an exemplar. Most folk are not that foolish. His supporters - and there are more than a few - accept that he has passed, but they argue his legacy could still do one last thing for the Empire.

There are more than a few jokes about renaming the sodality, the ''Blood Red Vallornguard'', but once people have sobered up, the kernel of an idea does surface. Three of Lorenzo's most iconic monuments are the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#The_Blood_Red_Quays_Art_Gallery|Blood Red Quays Art Gallery]], the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#The_Blood_Red_River_Museum|Blood Red River Museum]], and the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#The_Bloody_Great_Theatre|Bloody Great Theatre]]. Patronised by artists and performers, the resplendent if gaudy architecture serves as a breathtaking showcase for some of the greatest cultural experiences in the League. Their presence swells the congregations of priests in Temeschwar, [[Tassato]], and [[Sarvos]], ensuring increased supplies of [[liao]] to the League's priests. What if they were repurposed - what if artists, musicians, actors and entertainers - and their wealthy patrons - were instead encouraged to donate to the Vallornguard? What might ''that'' achieve? While art in the service of virtue has a long and worthy tradition in the League, art in the service of ''money'' has existed significantly longer, and raised a lot more interest. Virtuous art inspires, but it is a sad truth that art that doesn't try to preach the virtues often sells a lot better.

Those who would like to see Lorenzo made an exemplar argue that if the League Assembly encouraged these cultural institutions to focus their efforts on raising funds for the war against the vallorn then rather than celebrating the League's Virtue, they could produce a valuable stream of income for the Vallornguard... a Blood Red Bequest! Given the endorsement of the [[Archbishop of Capodomus]], all it would take is a simple [[mandate]]:

{{Mandate|mandate=We must sacrifice. We must pay. We must act. We must dare do all. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage the patrons of the Lorenzo's Legacies to support the Vallornguard. Nothing is beyond our reach.|assembly=League National Assembly}}
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Archbishop of Capodomus.jpg|caption='''Estella Lucati''' (right), Archbishop of Capodomus|align=right|width=250}}</div>
If this mandate is enacted by the League National Assembly then the level of investment provided by the Blood Red Quays Art Gallery, the Blood Red River Museum, and the Bloody Great Theatre will be removed. They will no longer provide 2 doses of liao to [[congregation|congregations]] in their territory. Instead they will create a single Bloody Bequest of 8 thrones each season for the Vallornguard. If the mandate is enacted with the imprimatur of '''Estella Lucati''', either raised by them or enacted by them, then it will produce 10 thrones each season.

Regardless of how much was produced, the Vallornguard would be able to vote each season for a citizen to receive the money. It could then be used to fund the purchase of tools for fighting the vallorn - weapons, armour, potions, and enchantments for direct conflict; wains toward the establishment of armies or fortifications in preparation for that final war; or even (as the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] would likely point out) to secure the support of others through bribery and gifts.

Whatever happens, the [[Curator of the Blood Red River]] would not be affected - that title would still receive donations and liao, even if their patrons were to direct their support to the Vallornguard. Likewise the structures themselves would still stand, and still attract audiences as they do today. The difference will be the emphasis on fundraising, rather than supporting virtue and the [[bishop|bishops]].

==Boyar and Burgher (Varushka)==
* '''The Varushkan assembly has been in favour of war against the vallorn, which encourages their people to support the Vallornguard
The Varushkan Assembly has not shied away from the fight with the vallorn. In Summer 386YE, they passed [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_151|a judgement submitted by Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti]] with a [[greater majority]] urging the nation to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their Navarr cousins. They quickly enacted the ensuing mandate [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_156|urging Varushkans to use their knowledge of the dark powers]] to fight the vallorn. Now there is another chance for the nation to put their measures where their mouth is.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Boyar of the Iron Roads'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Senate Motion to expand their powers</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Allows the Boyar to make a commission they announce be elected by Appointment by the Vallornguard, provided it was in Varushka and produced measures or ingots</td></tr>
</table></div>
===Iron to Forge a Spear===
* '''The Senate could expand the powers of the Boyar of the Iron Roads to allow them to help the Vallornguard'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=BoyaroftheIronRoads.jpg|caption='''Borys Vardovich Straskovich''', Boyar of the Iron Roads|align=right|width=250}}
The first group to step up are the people who support the [[Boyar of the Iron Roads]]. The Boyar is responsible for maintaining the [[Varushkan_Road#The_Iron_Roads|Iron Roads]] of Varushka and boosting the [[Prosperity]] and [[Pride]] of its people. The Boyar has offices in every Varushkan [[territory]] and can draw on the support provided to [[commission]] a [[ministry]] anywhere in the nation each season. Currently the remit of the office is limited - the titles created must be Varushkan national positions elected by [[Tally of the Votes]]. There are plans afoot to expand the powers of the office to [[Outside_the_wall#A_Great_Market|allow them to create sinecures as well]], but those are not yet complete.

Inspired by the words of the Varushkan Assembly, the Boyar of the Iron Roads could have their powers extended by the Imperial Senate to allow them to build ministries (and eventually sinecures) anywhere in Varushka that could be appointed by the Vallornguard, provided they produced [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] or [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]]. Of course someone would still have to fund the commission, so some arrangements would have to be made, but it would make it much easier for the Varushkans to support the Vallornguard (and give the sodality access to the valuable materials needed to construct vital tools such as the [[Bloodfire Periapt]], [[Abraxus Stone]], or [[Scorpion's Sting]]. All it would take is a Senate motion to confirm the necessary expansion of legal powers.
===A Two-bladed Knife===
* '''The Ketsov have asked the Senate to change the Burgher of Ketsov to be a Varushkan title appointed by the sodality'''
The other group that have expressed interest in helping the Vallornguard are, surprisingly, the [[Ossium#Ketsov|Ketsov]] of [[Ossium]]. This divisive family grouping were one of the largest human factions in Ossium when the Druj were driven out and territory conquered. They are [[Blood_makes_noise#The_Damn_Ketsov|unpopular with many other groups]] in Ossium and though they embraced the benefits of becoming Imperial citizens they have faced [[386YE Autumn Equinox Synod judgements#Judgement 164|inquisition by the Varushkan assembly]] and been [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_132|given penance]] as a consequence.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Burgher of Ketsov'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Senate Motion to amend the title to be Appointed by the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' The Burgher of Ketsov will only be able to operate their ministry if the title is successfully amended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Can be vetoed by the Varushkan National Assembly</td></tr>
</table></div>
If the Synod hoped that the Ketsov would accept the penance with good grace, then they are likely to be disappointed. It is clear that this rebuke has rankled some of the family. They seem to believe that there was a political element to their inquisition, something to do with a [[Stars_and_sigils#Disappearances_in_Ossium|conflict involving ''face stealers'']] where they believe the Synod sided with the monsters rather than the Ketsov. Crucially they are utterly frustrated by the representation by the office of the [[Burgher of Ketsov]], which they feel is completely failing to look out for their interests or work on their behalf. They visited [[Anvil]] recently, to speak with the Varushkans, but it seems that the meeting brought them no satisfaction.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Varushkan.png|caption=The Ketsov appear to be at loggerheads with the Varushkan Assembly|align=right|width=200}}</div>
As a result, the Ketsov have decided to withdraw their support for the position of Burgher. They are adamant that the current system of
election, Tally of the Votes, is picking Burghers who are only interested in the ingots, measures and [[magic items|magic items]] the Ketsov provide and are utterly disinterested in them or their well-being. They are no longer prepared to offer any support for the Burgher for as long as they remain appointed in this way. If this impasse continues, the title will not be able to gain any benefits from the [[Burgher_of_Ketsov#Ministry|Ketsov ministry]] or the [[Burgher_of_Ketsov#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga|Ketsov Mir Mozga]]. The title will effectively cease to have any beneficial legal [[Burgher_of_Ketsov#Powers|powers]].

The Ketsov ''claim'' the impasse is an opportunity to meet the demands placed on them by the Varushkan Synod. They were instructed to find ways to build up their fellow Varushkans, so they will resume support for the Burgher of Ketsov ''provided'' the position is appointed by the Vallornguard. They are happy for the title to remain as a Varushkan national position; they simply want the sodality to elect a Varushkan who can represent their interests to other Varushkans. That way they can work to build up the Prosperity of Varushkan members of the Vallornguard, and represent the nation in the fight against the vallorn. They would presumably want a meeting at the Autumn Equinox with a Vallornguard-appointed Burgher to discuss what magic items will best serve the cause. But regardless, they are no longer prepared to be represented by a citizen chosen by the Varushkan Bourse.

Like the changes to the Boyar of the Iron Roads, the change to the Burgher of Ketsov would need to be approved by a Senate motion. This might be politically difficult and risks getting the Senate involved in a messy political situation in Ossium. That is likely not a coincidence. It is somewhat hard to imagine the Ketsov really care all that much about the threat of the vallorn, given it's likely no member of the family has ever seen or encountered it or its spawn in their life. Folks who know the Ketsov well suspect this is more likely to be a show of power to the Varushkan Assembly and others.

If no Senate Motion passes, or if it is [[veto|vetoed]], then the position of Burgher of the Ketsov will remain a Varushkan position appointed by Tally of the Votes, but it will no longer provided any ministry benefits. Whatever happens, the title is up for re-election at this summit, and presumably the first order of business will be to sort things out with the family regardless of how it ends up being appointed.

==Shields and Cordials (Highguard)==
* '''An opportunity to help the Vallornguard defend against the vallorn has been identified by members of a retirement chapter
* '''The Benefactors of Highguard could take this opportunity to offer potential assistance to the Vallornguard
* '''There may be a possibility to persuade Lord Rain to support the Vallornguard
The Highborn were one of the first nations to identify the threat of the vallorn to people's souls and resolve to fight against it alongside the Navarr. They sent out the [[grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] to walk the [[trods]], and when it became clear there was a chance to strike at the vallorn, they called them home again. While the grey pilgrims prepare for a chance to mount a military campaign against the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire, there are others who look to the defence of Imperial lives against the infinite hunger of the vallorn.
===Stone Endures===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Readying the Walls'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' The sodality be given the power to commission. upgrade, or repair a citadel each season with the aid of the Stone Aerie chapter</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' The commission would not count against the Senate's limit on the number of commissions each event
</table></div>
* '''The plans for citadels were developed to defend against the vallorn and it is believed might actually attract vallornspawn attacking a territory'''
* '''The sodality could be given the ability to commission a citadel each season'''
* '''If that happens the Stone Aerie chapter will ensure it won't count against the maximum number of commissions available'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ravensfall.jpg |caption=Scions of Ravensfell|align=right|width=200}}
In 381YE, the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus|Heirs of Lepidus]] discovered a connection between the foundations of the [[Casinea#The_Silent_Sentinel|Silent Sentinel]] in [[Casinea]] and the paragon known as the [[Sentinel]]. The General Assembly had the great hall of the fortification [[consecration|consecrated]] with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] by '''Rhesa''', Exarch of the [[Highguard_groups#Scions_of_Ravensfell|Scions of Ravensfell]], and the Senate commissioned a [[Sing_your_name#Towering_Vigilance|great belltower]] to serve as a place of pilgrimage for dedicants of [[Vigilance]] from across the Empire and beyond. During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]], the inspiration of the Sentinel was used to good effect to help [[Sing_your_name#Securing_the_borders|defend]] the Empire against the barbarians that threaten it, especially along the Bay of Catazar.

Six years later, a [[Chapter#Chapterhouse|chapterhouse]] has been founded at the [[fortification]] - the ''Stone Aerie''. Composed of veteran adherents of the principles of Vigilance, they number several retired benefactors and more than a few siege engineers, former Highborn generals and two cardinals among them. They seem to have become fired up by the establishment of the Vallornguard - with particular emphasis on the importance of preparing for the coming war against the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire. The exarch of their chapter ''Ebechiah the Younger'' - a former Cardinal of Vigilance now well into his seventh decade - has members of the chapter talking to people across Highguard and beyond about a "vigilant and virtuous plan".

The League and [[Urizen|Urizen]] in [[Spiral]] [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#All_Along_the_Watchtower|collaborated on a plan]] to defend the Empire from the vallorn. Their idea was to prepare for such a war by building the biggest possible [[citadel]] in a [[territory#Regions|region]] next to each vallorn-infested territory. When the vallorn expands, it is certain to focus on the citadel, giving the Empire the best possible chance of blunting that assault. Citadels are expensive, but the ''Stone Aerie'' recall the heyday of Vigilance when the inspiration of the Sentinel saw enthusiasm for building defences reach fever pitch. They believe that with the help of the Benefactors Council, the Vallornguard might be able to find ways to raise enough citadels to serve as a serious defence against the vallorn.

If the Imperial Senate is prepared to give the power to once each season [[commission]], [[Citadel#Improvement|reinforce]] or [[Citadel#Repair|repair]] citadels to the Vallornguard, the experienced veterans of the ''Stone Aerie'' will come out of their assorted variations of retirement and seclusion to help oversee that construction. Several of them have experience in the Civil Service, and others were adept in their more active years at organising groups of workers (or warriors). Their expertise would prove invaluable - any such work would not count against the limited number of commissions that the Imperial Senate has each year.

There is a downside of course - the Senate would need to foot the bill for [[Citadel#Upkeep|upkeep]] on these structures. But if Highguard is sincere in its intent to fight the vallorn, then Ebechiah the Younger is confident that they will be able to use their political sway to secure this power for the Vallornguard.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|caption=The Highborn assembly has been staunch in its call for the vallorn to be destroyed|align=right|width=200}}</div>

===Gold Empowers===
* '''A mandate supporting the Vallornguard could be passed
* '''Donations of white granite to the Benefactors Council would increase from ten wains to twelve wains'''
Since the death of [[Empress Britta]], the [[Benefactor|Benefactors]]' Council have represented the economic leadership of [[Highguard]]. They've played a crucial role in the nation, driving investment for Virtuous reasons as they seek to lift up their fellow citizens. Their Prosperity and hard work have been crucial in enabling the nation to support projects such as the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. As part of their work, the Council are the recipient of donations from various Highborn citizens, allowing them to direct a constant stream of resources towards whichever civilian [[commission]] the [[A_peerless_sacrifice#A_Virtuous_Benefaction|Council has elected to endorse]].

The Vallornguard are seen by many in Highguard as a concrete step toward the destruction of the vallorn. Highguard has committed to the destruction of the vallorn and to seeking [[opportunity|opportunities]] to support that lofty ambition - including the use of [[mandate|mandates]]. The following mandate has been proposed to support the Vallornguard:

{{Mandate|mandate=We must all of us guard against the danger of the vallorn, and be prepared for its malice. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to urge the people of Highguard to remember that there are few defences better than a stout stone wall.|assembly=Highguard National Assembly}}

If this mandate is raised and enacted by a member of the ''Scions of Ravensfell'' chapter - ideally the [[Castellan of the Silent Sentinel]] '''Rhesa''' - then it will cost only 25 doses of liao, and will have the additional effect of increasing interest in the place of pilgrimage they oversee. This will increase the [[Castellan_of_the_Silent_Sentinel#Point_of_Pilgrimage|donations]] from pilgrims visiting the shrines there to 1 throne each season.

More importantly, regardless of who raises and enacts the mandate, it will encourage the people of Highguard to double-down on their support for the Benefactors. As long as the sodality has been given the power to commission a citadel, as described above, the ability of the Benefactors Council to support a [[commission#Civillian Commission|civilian commission]] would be expanded to include any citadel commissioned in any [[Territory#REgions|region]] adjacent to a region with the [[Region_qualities#Vallorn|vallorn quality]]. In addition, the white granite donations provided by Highborn citizens would increase from ten wains a season to ''twelve'' wains a season, reflecting the depth of support for a Vigilant approach to the war with the vallorn.

With thousands of [[grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] returned home inspired to take the virtuous fight to the vallorn, people in Highguard are eager to see the nation put their shoulder to that wheel, and would increase their support for the Council in the hope that they would choose to support citadels commissioned by the Vallornguard when the Council deemed it appropriate.

The mandate needs to be enacted at the Summer Solstice to be effective, as with any mandate, but the ''Stone Aerie'' know that securing political outcomes can take longer; as long as the sodality is granted the power to commission, upgrade, and repair citadels by the end of the Winter Solstice 387YE the Benefactors' ability to secure white granite for commissions will be increased at that point.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=200|caption=Ossegrahn is a peaceful eternal but views the vallorn with disgust}}</div>

===Water Purifies===
* '''The Greenwatcher has a unique connection to the eternal Lord Rain
* '''Lord Rain has indicated that he considers the vallorn a sickness that needs healing
* '''The Greenwatcher might be in a position to encourage Lord Rain to support the Vallornguard - assuming the eternal is still around
The [[Greenwatcher#Greenwatch|Greenwatch]] was built in 385YE in Casinea as the result of a boon offered by [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]]. The [[eternal]] provides access to unique [[magic items]] designed to help the Highborn in their fight against the [[vallorn]]. A [[Rain king#Winewater Hall|second opportunity]] was offered to the Navarr but they declined. ''Beckburn'' is not a warlike creature, but acknowledges the need for the vallorn to be ended.

At the moment, the relationship between the Empire and the ''Cupbearer'' hangs in the balance. The situation in [[Therunin]] is potentially disastrous. If the eternal's [[Willow_and_rain#Raincallers_Song|requirements cannot be met]], he says he will withdraw from the Empire. What that means for the Greenwatcher is not clear. Assuming the situation can be resolved, however, the current Greenwatcher '''Juliette''' might be in a position to encourage ''Willowbraid'' to offer patronage to the Vallornguard.

Several [[magister|magisters]] believe that a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] from the [[Archmage of Spring]] asking on behalf of the Greenwatcher either for an audience to discuss the Vallornguard, or simply requesting his support for the new sodality, might have greater weight than such a request from the Archmage alone. If ''Brother Harvest'' could be persuaded to provide some of the [[Rain_king#Tools_of_Healing_and_Protection|tools of healing and protection]] he provides to the Greenwatcher, or mentioned during his initial approach to the Empire, they might prove valuable tools in helping the Vallornguard do their duties.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrGoToWar.jpg|caption=The Navarr must decide whether to throw their support behind the Vallornguard|width=600|align=right}}</div>

==Bound by Thorn (Navarr)==
* '''The Navarr could refuse to support the new sodality and boycott it as an insult to their heritage'''
* '''The nation could embrace the new sodality as the best opportunity to defeat the vallorn'''
* '''The third Navarr army could be amended to be appointed by the sodality'''
* '''If that happens, then the sodality could choose one army each season to allow the general to replace their current quality for Thornbound at a cost of fifteen mithril'''
Some members of the [[Navarr]] are unsure what to make of the Vallornguard. More than a few are irked by the creation of the sodality. Their nation has been fighting the vallorn for the best part of a thousand years... and now the Empire wants to make a sodality to do it? It's easy to find that insulting. They argue that the Navarr should boycott the sodality to show their disdain.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Thornbound Steading'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' The third Navarr army is amended to be appointed by the Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* The general of the new army would be a Navarr national position Appointed by Sodality
* The sodality could select one army each season who could pay fifteen mithril to replace their current quality with Thornbound</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Can be vetoed by the Navarr National Assembly</td></tr>
</table></div>

Not everyone takes that view however. Most Navarr understand that they cannot possibly destroy the vallorn alone. That's ''why'' they supported the creation of the Empire - only a military power as strong as the Empire could hope to defeat the enemy. The Vallornguard could be the perfect opportunity to collaborate with Highguard, the League, the Varushkans, and other supportive nations - working together with them to defeat the vallorn or encouraging those nations that have other priorities to come around to their way of thinking. They argue that the Navarr should perform some grand display of support for the Vallornguard, to clearly demonstrate to the nation that this is the best route to pursue.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=175}}
Such a dramatic gesture is certainly possible. The Navarr have just [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Raise_Third_Navarr_Army|commissioned a third Navarr army]] - to be raised in [[Hercynia#Treji|Treji]], in the [[Hercynia#Glen of Shadows|Glen of Shadows]]. That army has been raised on the basis that the [[general]] will be legally appointed by the Navarr senators - but that could be changed. The Navarr could push the Senate to amend the title, so that the general of the new army would be appointed by the Vallornguard.

Such a change would require a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], needing ratification by [[the Throne]], but the biggest obstacle is likely to be other members of the Navarr. It is hard to imagine there would be much talk of the Navarr boycotting the sodality if they were also asking the sodality to appoint the general of one of the Navarr armies. There would be no point in doing this if the nation weren't intending to give the sodality their full-throated support. As a result presumably there would be a lot of members of the Navarr ''in'' the sodality to vote each year when the title came up for election.

Even so, it would mean accepting that members of other nations having a say over who leads a Navarr army. That requires a huge leap of faith - but it is hard to imagine a better way to convince the world that the nation stands fully behind the new sodality, willing to support it, joined with it in the pursuit of the vallorn's destruction. And who knows... maybe a general appointed by the Vallornguard would put a higher priority on fighting the vallorn than some other generals have to date?

If the Imperial Senate took the unprecedented step of amending the new Navarr army to make it appointed by the sodality, if they chose to place their trust in the Vallornguard in this way, then it would inspire many Navarr with experience of fighting the vallorn to do likewise. The ''Thornbound Steading'' are one such group. Formed by a handful of survivors who escaped the [[Under_eastern_skies#Now_We_Are_Ready|recent destruction]] of [[Isaella's Dance]], they have come together with other like-minded warriors intent on finding ways to help the Empire fight the vallorn.

If the Navarr choose to commit to the new sodality and are able to persuade the Senate to put the Vallornguard in charge of the new army, then the Thornbound Steading will do everything they can to support the new sodality. Each summit the sodality could ask (by simple majority vote) the Steading and their allies to train an Imperial army. Any army selected by the sodality could swap their current quality for [[Army_qualities#Thornbound|Thornbound]] using fifteen wains of mithril. To accept the help, the general of the army would need to place 15 wains in their inventory at the end of the event and email {{plot}}. Such an option would be unlikely to be appealing for an army whose quality is widely admired and appreciated, but it could help to develop armies that lacked effective focus into an effective force against the vallorn. It might also just be the start; a suitably worded [[appraisal]] might be able to identify other methods of fighting the vallorn, perhaps more suited to the strengths of individual nations when coupled with the expertise of Navarr's thorns.

==Conjunction==
===Lose the Sun (Brocéliande)===
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
{|
|+ <big>'''Supported the Defence of the Broch'''</big>
! Citizen
! Nation
! Banner
|-
| Mordrain Sepulchre || Dawn || House Sepulchre Banner
|-
| Reynard Forester || Dawn || Order of Crimson Circle
|-
| Corwyn Heartsbane || Navarr || The Thornborn of Black Scar
|-
| Egan Brightmoss || Navarr ||
|-
| Percival Summerstrong || Dawn ||
|-
| Olek A'Hagen ne Ossium || Dawn || Order of Crimson Circle
|-
| Kyffin Thornfield || Navarr ||
|-
| Ser Drayvana of Lucentia || Dawn || House Lucentia
|-
| Rhyffyllann Kraken's Crawl || Navarr || The Thornborn of Black Scar
|-
| Konnor Luthar || Dawn ||
|-
| Logan Tallstag || Dawn || Order of Crimson Circle
|}
</div>

* '''Several hundred Druj have accepted harmony with the vallorn'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Vallornguard'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the cult's leaders'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Nearly two years ago, during the [[A_walk_in_shadow#I_Can_Help_(Conjunction)|Autumn Equinox 385YE]], '''Lord Illantris Wolfborne''', as the [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]], was responsible for an opportunity to travel through the Sentinel Gate. The goal was to slay the ''Lady of the Dappled Trees'', a herald of [[Yaw'nagrah]], who was leading a group of Druj towards [[Brocéliande]]. The heroes were unsuccessful, and the Druj and the herald were able to flee into Dark Ranging. Now, over a thousand knights and thorns have journeyed into the dark forests of lost Terunael in search of the Druj.

Early reports from yeofolk are that those first orcs of the Mallum were later joined by more, and that they have accepted life within the vallorn in a similar manner to that of the [[Heirs of the Terunael report|Heirs of Terunael]]. Their numbers have dwindled - it is dangerous living within the miasma - but, all told, there are at least three hundred orcs who have embraced this new life readily. The cult has turned its focus on the outlying wayhouses and secure areas that allow the Broch to function as a [[spy network]]. If the leaders are not killed, then it will no longer be possible to support the Broch as a spy network. It is the responsibility of whoever is appointed as the [[Vallornguard#Speaker of the Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] to kill the cult's leaders.

===Portion of Wisdom (Sarangrave)===
* '''A group of Druj have tracked down ''Vate's Shelter'''''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Knight of the Greenwood'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for claiming ''Vate's Shelter'''''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Nearly two years ago, during the [[Shining_like_fire#Change_of_habit|Autumn Equinox 385YE]], '''Nathair Autumngale''', as the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], was responsible for an opportunity to travel through the Sentinel Gate and recover ''Vate's Shelter''. Unfortunately, the artefact [[Abraxus Stone]] was not recovered and remained in the hands of the Druj ghulai when the heroes returned. The artefact was thought lost until this season. As Imperial armies clash with the Druj armies in the Sarangrave, scouts of the sodality managed to track a small party of Druj into Bendol. The report from the scouts is that the ghulai lost the artefact within the miasma, and now their successor has tasked these Druj with recovering it from the vallornspawn husks.

The scouts, of the ''Order of the Emerald Dogs'', have asked the [[Knight of the Greenwood]], '''Percival Summerstrong''', to be responsible for reclaiming the artefact. Given that the Advisor on the Vallorn had previous responsibility for claiming the ''Vate's Shelter'' it is possible that '''Nathair Autumngale''' will want to be involved in some way. If the artefact is recovered, then it would be considered the property of the Knight of the Greenwood. It could serve as a piece of regalia for one of the titles appointed by the Vallornguard, it could be kept as a personal trophy, it could be sold to the highest bidder, it could be left in [[Knight of the Greenwood#Greenwood Manor|Greenwood Manor]] for knights-errant and questing knights to draw inspiration from, or any of a dozen other things.

<box><big>'''[[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|Vallorn miasma]]'''</big><br>
* '''''Lose the Sun'' and ''Portion of Wisdom'' both take place within vallorn miasma'''
* '''Anyone in vallorn miasma is affected by [[Calls#VENOM|VENOM]] unless they are bonded to an [[Abraxus Stone]] or are under the effect of [[Vitality of Rushing Water]]
* '''Anyone affected by the VENOM from the vallorn miasma will eventually begin to suffer from symptoms of nausea or mild feverishness
The short length of these conjunctions means that in this instance there is no chance of anyone developing [[Vallornspawn_husk#Green_Lung|green lung]]</box>

==Further Reading==
* [[Vallornguard]]
* [[Imperial sodality]]
* [[Vallorn]]
* [[Army_qualities#Thornbound|Thornbound quality]]

* [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]
* [[Boyar of the Iron Roads]]
* [[Burgher of Ketsov]]

An old sodality

2025-07-21T15:24:56Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"You've seen the letter then?" Nia smiled at Gethin who was stood with the letter in hand.

"Just reading it now...." he replied, eyes fixed on the sheet.

Nia tapped her foot impatiently, keen for him to finish. "They're going to try and resurrect the Sun Chamber!"

"Yes... I'm reading it now" he said, holding up one hand to try and indicate he needed time.

Nia ignored him, she wouldn't normally be that rude, but he was her brother after all. "They want to know if our commitment still stands. If the Tall Oaks stand by their bequest."

"Yes - I am reading it."

Nia interrupted again before Gethin had time to finish, but this time he conspicuously ignored her. Finally he got to the end of the letter. For a second he contemplated going back and reading it again, partly to check he understood what the letter was saying and partly to get his own back on Nia.

But it was too late for this and this was too important. They needed to let the rest of the Steading know... the legacy of the Tall Oaks was on the line.</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Beneath the Sun.jpg|caption=An old sodality is alive once again, looking to the future of the Empire's youthful heroes.|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRtmesYV9OY}}
The [[Sun Chamber]] is a very old sodality that was set up during the time of [[Empress Richilde]] with the active support of [[the Throne]]. As a [[Dawn|Dawnish noble]], Richilde was concerned that citizens who had passed their [[Test of Citizenship]] and were done with their [[Test of Arms]] should have opportunities to pass their [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Test of Mettle]] so that they might join a [[Noble_house|noble house]].

The early Empire had become much more formalised during the reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]], and where previously titles had been appointed on merit, Richilde felt they were increasingly being offered only to those who had served long apprenticeships. The Empress disdained the idea that someone must spend years serving as the [[proxy]] for a [[senator]] or an [[General#Appoint_an_Adjutant|adjutant]] for a [[general]] before they might aspire to high office, and rarely failed to point out that many who now occupied those titles had not had to endure such trials. She spoke regularly on the lack of [[Pride]] she perceived in such sentiments and argued that it was little more than a crude attempt to hold onto power by an older generation.

[[The Throne]] worked with a number of aspiring heroes of the age to create the ''Sun Chamber'', and bequeathed it with a clear goal to empower its members and help them gain high office and to wield power within the Empire. For many years, the sodality worked to empower those who are most often overlooked due to the lack of years and to advance its own interests and power. Its influence has waxed and waned over the years, but it suffered a dramatic loss of fortunes during the reign of [[Empress Britta]] when almost all the members attending Anvil that season were killed fighting alongside the young Empress.

Following the recent work to restore the [[Rules_update_2025#Imperial_Sodalities|power and status of sodalities]], '''Zoria and Luca of the Zulgan Tash''' pushed the Civil Service to look into the status of the Sun Chamber. Having identified that the sodality's powers were never [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogated]], the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] have confirmed that the Chamber is still a viable legal body with a number of important powers that it can now utilise.

==Joining the Sodality==
* '''The civil service has prepared an arcane projection using Autumn magic of magnitude 20 to defray some of the costs of casting Mark of Fellowship if a large number of citizens wish to join'''
To aid the reformation of the sodality, the civil service has created an [[arcane projection]] that will allow everyone present who is willing to join. The magnitude 20 Autumn ritual is identical to the one provided during the creation of the [[Silver Chalice]] and will be presented to '''Zoria of the Zulgan Tash'''. If a lot of people wish to join the sodality this will help to reduce the costs required.

The civil service has reserved the use of the Senate chamber for the Sun Chamber for three meetings, they are:

* '''8pm-9pm Friday'''
* '''12:30pm-1:30pm Saturday'''
* '''12:30pm-1:30pm Sunday'''

Everyone who is interested in being part of the sodality is encouraged to come to the Friday meeting ('''OOC Note:''' There will be a quick out-of-character safety briefing at the start before the meeting starts).

The sodality will need to find ten mana crystals and an Autumn coven prepared and able to perform the ritual, which ''may'' be difficult on such short notice for the Friday, given that the sodality has never met before. If that does prove the case, they can use the Friday slot for an informal meeting of those present to discuss matters, and look to secure the mana and the magic they need for a later session. Whatever happens, they will need to find a way to let everyone join the sodality before they can employ their legal powers.

After everyone has had a chance to join the sodality, the Civil Service will present the powers available to the sodality, and facilitate discussion on how it intends to employ them. The Saturday session is expected to be used for election of the title of [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] and assignment of the sodality's bequests. The Sunday session is expected to be used for a decision on the use of the use of one of the [[Sun_Chamber#The_Doors_of_the_Chamber|Doors of the Chamber]], the powerful abilities available to the sodality.

At least one member of the Civil Service will be on hand to assist at each session for as long as the sodality remains in session. The Civil Service have the bequests from the Chamber's patrons, for when the Chamber wishes to endow a member with them.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Sun Chamber">
The Chamber believes that:

* Youth is an asset the Empire cannot afford to squander.
* Tradition lays out safe paths; fresh eyes find shortcuts
* A Virtuous Empire is one that empowers all its citizens to act.

The Sun Chamber therefore exists to:

* Help members gain positions of power and influence in the Empire
* Empower members to overcome obstacles and advance their goals
* Encourage members to approach existing problems in new ways
</quote>

==Scrutiny==
* '''The manifesto of the Sun Chamber was approved centuries ago; a sodality with limited membership would be unlikely to pass scrutiny today'''
* '''Any title with responsibilities involving the Sun Chamber or the promotion of its interests would likely need to be appointed by the sodality'''

The current [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has not [[Scrutiny|scrutinised]] the manifesto of the Sun Chamber, as any scrutiny would have taken place many years ago. Having looked at the formulation of the sodality, they are not so perturbed as to rule it unconstitutional, but they are at pains to stress that any new sodality that attempted to limit its membership in this way would be likely to face extended scrutiny and would need to justify the decision very carefully.

It is likely that Chief Magistrate Abraham is simply attempting to "cover his legal ass". He is believed to have spent time with senior members of the Artisans' Guild who are legitimately keen to explore ways to limit their membership to artisans. The magistrate was firmly opposed to such limits, in the view that such a sodality should be open to anyone who wants to further the interest of the artisans. It would appear the Constitutional Court are simply attempting to have their legal cake and eat it.

The manifesto of the sodality does not have any implications for current Imperial titles, given its narrow remit to advance the interests of the sodality and its members. If the Senate ever made a new Imperial title that had responsibilities involving the Sun Chamber or the promotion of its interests then the court would be likely to insist that it be appointed by vote of the sodality.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}

==Patronage==
* '''Roshanwe has provided the sodality with three ammonites that can be used to submit a thesis for the eternal to consider'''
* '''They have asked the sodality to find magicians whose ideas they think are worthy of consideration'''
* '''There is an audience with a herald at 00:20 on the Friday night of the summit'''
* '''Each magician who has used an ammonite may attend and each may bring up to two guests with them'''
It is often assumed that the eternal [[Roshanwe]] is a patron of the sodality. That being has always denied that, but they do seem to take an interest in it and to support it. In particular, the idea that fresh eyes bring new perspectives is an ideology that the Navigator strongly supports. That may be why this eternal has chosen to approach the sodality now.

The ''Walker on the Littoral'' has had a complicated relationship with the Empire in recent years. They used to be party to a ritual in Imperial lore, [[Combing the Beach]] which allowed magicians to send a thesis to the eternal. By way of reply, the being would respond with questions intended to challenge assertions and provoke fresh lines of enquiry. The results were mixed - many magicians complained that ''Beachcomber'' talked in meaningless riddles that provided nothing of value. As a result the eternal petitioned the Conclave to be allowed to withdraw from the ritual - offering a simple divination in its place.

That offer was accepted, but then the [[Archmage of Day]] and several prominent Day covens pleaded with the eternal not to withdraw support for Combing the Beach. In the end, the eternal relented a single crack, saying they would permit the Empire to cast the ritual once more that season. The ''Fisherman'' hoped for an engaging thesis that they might examine and challenge and thereby seek wisdom. It is not clear what the Empire sent to the Day realm, but the eternal's response was never made public.

Well not until now. The Walker on the Littoral has sent a herald to Anvil to present a handful of wet sand containing [[Combing_the_Beach#Preparing_the_Effigy|three Tempest Jade ammonites]] as a gift to the students of wisdom in the sodality. They have asked the members of the sodality to use, at most, one of the effigies themselves, and to give the others to any magicians they believe have a worthy idea that should be inspected and tested.

The eternal has prepared a small chamber, in the Eaves, an abandoned woodcutter's hut on the edge of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]]. Each magician who has used an ammonite is welcome to attend and may bring up to two guests with them. Those who wish to partake should be in the Hall of Worlds at twenty past midnight on the first night of the summit. One of the eternal's navigators will meet them there and take them to the Eaves to meet with the ''Empty Page''. The eternal claims this being is one of their heralds - powerful and wise but lacking in knowledge. The creature will try to ask sensible questions, but the eternal cautions magicians not to turn up with questions about facts, as they claim the Empty Page knows ''literally nothing''.


==Game Design==
We've created the Sun Chamber sodality because we want to directly address the fact that Empire can be a very inaccessible game for players before they turn twenty. We have always tried to provide a range of options to actively engage younger players and we've had some fantastic feedback on the successes of that, but once players passed their Test of Citizenship and either take their Test of Arms or choose not to, that framework falls away.

The hope was always that players would be able to engage with the political game of Empire, getting involved in Conclave, the Synod and the other parts of the game as they try for Imperial titles. In practice, that assumption was hopelessly naïve. While the setting asserts that anyone who has passed their Test of Citizenship has all the rights and responsibilities of an Imperial citizen, in practice, that doesn't always happen. A player who looks young will often have to deal with ageism, with people unconsciously assuming that they're not old enough or not mature enough or not experienced enough simply because of their apparent age.

We want our game design to support our conduct rules and push back where practical on out-of-character prejudicial assumptions. For example, we will not tolerate someone saying that another player or character shouldn't be in the military council because of their gender or whether or not they take the battlefield. We've had some conversations with younger players about their experiences playing the game. Drawing on their feedback, we've created a powerful sodality with some significant in-character abilities to help address the barriers faced by players in this age group.

Our goal is three-fold; first of all, we want to create a degree of equity for players who are under twenty. We want to directly bolster their political power to make the PvP game accessible on a more equal footing with other players. The sodality is aimed at players aged fourteen to eighteen, but includes the potential for players a little older and a little younger to interact with it.

Secondly, we want to create a forum where players in our target group can engage in politics with each other - the sodality is deliberately set up in such a way as to make its inherent operation political. Deciding how and when to deploy its powers will require the same kind of politics and compromise that underpins the rest of the game. Our goal is to give members of the sodality difficult decisions to wrestle with - exactly the same as other players - but in an environment where almost nobody but them has any hard power to determine what happens.

Finally, we wanted to create reasons that other players might want to interact with the sodality. We hope that senators, grandmasters, cardinals, and characters without titles will want to approach the sodality and seek their help and support, just as they might with other political bodies in the game. Likewise, members of the sodality will have to approach these titles to advance their own goals. We really want to avoid interactions where people either give them everything they want because they're perceived as children, or else write them off and ignore them for the same reason. Instead, we hope that players will treat them as significant characters who have powers they can wield that can be employed to their advantage if they can persuade enough of them to go for it - that is to treat them as peers in the player-vs-player and player-with-player political game of Empire.

We'll watch the development of the sodality carefully - and listen to all feedback as always, but we hope that the Sun Chamber will serve to make the political game of Empire more accessible to more players.
==Further Reading==
* [[Sun Chamber]]
* [[Imperial Sodality]]

Root and branch

2025-07-21T10:10:01Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Root and branch.jpg|caption=The Empire rises to the challenge of the Sarangrave|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Golden Sun and Blue Skies==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX_VAr2dihM}}
Spring turns toward Summer in [[the Barrens]]. It is, and has always been, a wild territory and the stewardship of [[Dawn]] is unlikely to change that any time soon. It can be a little disconcerting how beautiful the place can be, given the history of this vast tract of land that has been torn between Empire and [[the Mallum]] for centuries. For all the death, all the blood spilled and all the sorrow, it is still a living, vibrant place. Flowers explode across [[The_Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]], [[The_Barrens#Murderdale|Murderdale]], and the [[The_Barrens#The_Carmine_Fields|Carmine Fields]]. [[Farm|Farms]] well-established and newly carved out burgeon with grain across the western Barrens, under the bright sun and the dark blue skies. Further east, there are hunters in the woods and the high hills - [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]] after deer and boars, nobles after more deadly prey.

In the north, the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]] are in command of the [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]]. They do not welcome visitors - save for those who fought alongside them and helped their sept survive the violence unleashed by the [[Gryphon's Pride]]. Even those who risked their lives to help them are not truly welcome, but they at least are not turned away. That much trust they have earned, paid for in blood. Perhaps, in time, this might widen into a wider accommodation. They are too busy for trade anyway; harvesting wood and stone to build homes, forging mithril and iron into weapons and shields for their [[Imperial army|army]].

In the south, along the borders with benighted Therunin, the [[Great Forest Orcs]] have finished restoring their settlement - and building an odd [[weirwood]] [[fortification]] to protect it. By all accounts they and their Navarr allies are preparing for the horror to come as the [[vallorn]] spreads through the [[Druj]] controlled territory.

There are Navarr spread across the Barrens now, establishing small settlements here and there near their [[orc]] allies or near [[Keeper_of_the_Last_Battle#Last_Battle_Wayhouse|Last Battle Wayhouse]] in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]]. The [[Not to conquer#Karass|Karass]] do not welcome them, not even a little bit, and glare at their backs when they think they are not looking. Yet for now at least they restrict themselves to glares, and the odd griping comment to anyone who will listen. They rarely come out and say it but they seem to resent the [[wayhouse]] more, perhaps, than they have ever openly resented the Dawnish conquest of their homes.

In the east, Dawn keeps the garrison at [[The Barrens#Houndsgate|Houndsgate]] well supplied and well stocked with arms and armour. The challenges of traversing the Bleaks and the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]], in the absence of an easier route through the Bitter Strand, means that maintaining the connection between the east and the west Barrens can sometimes become a little tenuous. Not that anyone gives the five Imperial armies marching through the Barrens any trouble, of course.

==From the West==
<div style="float:right; width: 130px; clear: left;">
[[File:EasternSky Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Eastern Sky]]
[[File:LionsAdelmar_Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Lions of Adelmar]]
[[File:GryphonPride Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Gryphon's Pride]]
[[File:NorthernEagle Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Northern Eagle]]
[[File:GranitePillar Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Granite Pillar]]
</div>
Five armies, fresh from their reverie at the [[Golden_magicians_fayre#Lion_and_Bear|Golden Magicians fayre]] in [[Astolat]], marching through the Barrens. The [[Granite Pillar]] and the [[Eastern Sky]] lead the way alongside the new-mustered [[Lions of Adelmar]]. More controversially, both the Gryphon’s Pride and the [[Northern Eagle]] are here. The last time the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] army was here it was to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Hope's_Rest|destroy the Montanians]]. The last time the ‘Pride were here… well everyone knows [[By northern shores|that story]] no doubt. Not that there is any trouble - why would there be with the Rahvin safely at Bitter Strand and the Great Forest Orcs in their new homes? But their presence is a reminder of the past - it can be difficult to shake off the clinging shadow of your past.

Most of the denizens of the Barrens that the armies see are Karass [[orc|orcs]], and not even that many of those. Neither the Untrod Groves nor the Bleaks are particularly hospitable - these are wild woodlands where entire armies could get lost and never be seen again. There is darkness under the trees, the kind of darkness that makes the Varushkans at least feel at home in a way the bright blue skies and golden sun of the farmlands does not. Yet those shadows cannot hope to hold much menace, not with the ''other'' force that marches through the Barrens with the Empire.

Here we do not talk of Imperial captains - although there are more than enough of them, mostly fighting with the Northern Eagle - but with the shining knights of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. True to her words, the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]'' has sent her finest warriors to battle beside the armies of the Empire who took part in the grand tourneys and feasting in Astolat last season. More than ten thousand [[Knights of Glory|knights]] called from the Fields of Glory to accompany Imperial soldiers into the Mallum.

While many knights have fought alongside the Empire in the recent past, this season Eleonaris sends five of her Lords of the Pennants and their cohorts to fight with the Empire. Some of the Imperial armies have history with these particular nobles. The Eastern Sky are [[Glass_and_flame#The_Rains_of_Cerevado|reunited]] with the heroes under the command of ''Dindrayne'', the proud feather-browed war-witch with a staff of adamant. ''Ser Gaspare'', wrapped in her great white bearskin cloak over her crimson plate once again joins the Northern Eagle, her proud golden-eyed [[schlacta]] ready to lock their unbreakable shields into a bulwark of adamant against the cruel spears and barbed arrows of the Druj. For their very first battle, the Lions of Adelmar are joined by ''Lady Moriamis'', a golden-eyed warrior-poet and a cohort of warsingers, inspiring their fellow knights with both their words and their deeds to acts of heroism and glory even in the face of the grim realities of war against the Druj. With the Granite Pillar, the rune-armoured hammersmiths of the herald ''Elodian'', whose discipline matches that of the Highborn soldiers and whose thunderous hammer blows send any foe foolish enough come within their reach sprawling back into the mud. Few rise again. And with the Gryphon's Pride marches ''Kore'', the lion-maned warlord in scarlet armour, with his battalion of swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats. All told, ten thousand Knights of Glory, who despise the cowardly, treacherous Druj even more than the Empire does.

The armies - mortal and eldritch alike - stop briefly at the Last Battle Wayhouse. A sea of Imperial troops spread out through the trees of the Untrod Groves. The wayhouse cannot provide enough hospitality for even a fraction of the soldiers here but they do their best to welcome their allies nonetheless. Campfires burn like earthbound stars through the woods and if the Karass are unhappy about it, they keep their concerns to themselves. Perhaps just as well - the lords of Eleonaris’ court seem to have little affection for the orcs of these dense forests. Two days they remain here, before starting to move again. This time, they are accompanied by a dozen land-wise Navarr pathfinders from the Last Battle striding. They have made it their business to get to know the border between the Barrens and Sarangrave, to scout out the best places to cross over into [[Sarangrave#Nesustak Forest|Nesustak Forest]] and the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats|Turan Flats]]. The latter is the target of the Imperial march, and as the sun rises on the last day of spring, the host of the Empire enters the Mallum.

==Those Already There==
<div style="float:right; width: 130px; clear: left;">
[[File:CitadelGuard Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Citadel Guard]]
[[File:WinterSun_Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Winter Sun]]
[[File:GoldenAxe_Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Golden Axe]]
[[File:QuietStep Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Quiet Step]]
</div>
There are, of course, already Imperial forces in the Sarangrave but they are far away from the Turan Flats. At the start of the year, four Imperial armies - the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Winter Sun]], the [[Towerjacks]] and the [[Golden Axe]] - marched up through the night-haunted forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]] and into [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]. They faced down the Druj armies here to lick their wounds and resupply. As the year grew older they pressed further north to the shores of the [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater#Dredging the Feverwater|Feverwater]], pushing the Druj defenders back step by step.

Almost immediately after the Spring Equinox, the Towerjacks quit Sarangrave, retracing their steps beneath the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze_(Ruined)|Stork’s Gaze]] into Zenith proper and from there into [[Morrow]]. They have their tools with them, ready to help their allies complete the [[citadel]] they are [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Citadel_in_Peregro|building]] in [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]]. Along the shore of some of the hot springs the Towerjacks meet the [[Navarr]] of the [[Quiet Step]], who have come down from [[Reikos]] at the command of [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire|the Throne]] to join the fight in Sarangrave. The mud-spattered soldiers of [[the League]] spend a night camped alongside the [[thorn|thorns]] of Navarr, sharing news of the campaign against the Druj on one hand and that of the Empire on the other. One leaving the Mallum to recover in Morrow, the other leaving the Empire to fight in Sarangrave.

They make good time, the Quiet Step, barely pausing on their long hike through Lustri to the edges of the Bloodwater Marsh, and if their hearts yearn to look upon Therunin instead… well hearts can be silenced and every Navarr knows the value of sacrifice.

==Dark Clouds==
Summer in Sarangrave, and the heat swiftly makes anything it touches sticky and unpleasant. Some mud dries, cracking like old tiles; some thickens into a glutinous quagmire that seems eager to suck an unsuspecting boot from a foot or in some cases to swallow an unwary traveller whole. When the golden sun is at its highest, even the wasps and biting flies seem too tired to fly and sting and bite. Those baking hours provide little respite, though. Supplies of clean water run low, and if not for the [[Rivers of Life]] sending health and healing through the entire territory it might prove a challenge for the soldiers of the Empire to quench their thirsts and clear the sweat from their eyes.

In a way, the brightness is at odds with the [[Druj miasma]] that smothers the Sarangrave. Those who've never encountered it before are particularly unprepared. When unspoken dread suddenly ambushed a soldier walking along a darkened path in the [[Forest of Ulnak]], it is half expected. When existential terror surges through someone under cloudless cerulean skies in the middle of the day with the golden sun shining... that's a different matter. The Knights of Glory, as they have several times before, are often on hand with a reassuring pat on the shoulder or a rousing comment about the death of the Druj, but even their presence only helps muffle the symptoms. At night, when the temperature is barely any cooler, and the nocturnal beasts of the marshes and the forest come out to feast on the blood of Imperial soldiers, it is not uncommon to hear sobs, or a voice quietly praying that the paragons make this campaign swift, and sometimes perhaps that voice is your own.
==Bloodwater Marsh==
At the start of the year, three Imperial armies swept through the woodlands of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]], out of [[Urizen]] and into [[the Mallum]]. They [[Unlock thy hidden gate|faced down]] the forces of the [[Druj]], and slowly but surely made headway toward conquering the [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marshes|Bloodwater Marshes]]. As the year grows older, they continue to press against the barbarian forces in the Sarangrave. They, too, are bolstered by cohorts of golden knights from the Fields of Glory - another six thousand knights in gold and scarlet armour, eager to fight the orcs of the Mallum and their twisted allies.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj2.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
They are still joined in battle against the [[Druj armies#Hidden Widow|Hidden Widow]], the [[Druj armies#Red Lizard|Red Lizard]], and the [[Druj armies#White Lion|White Lion]]. The latter are clearly taking the lead in defending Sarangrave; the banners of the pale ant hang over the defenders, perhaps the most disciplined of the Druj armies. It almost seems at some points that along with the garrison of the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] they are holding the line against the Empire all by themselves.

It’s an illusion, though. The other two armies are simply better at attacking from ambush, of fading back into the marshes after a swift strike, of striking from a distance and then immediately retreating in the vain hope of drawing over-zealous Imperials into a trap. In the absence of the Towerjacks, the Druj begin to gain the upper hand, push the Empire back a few miles, and for a time seem to think that they may have the measure of the Empire.

News filters down from the north that the [[Druj armies#Black Wind|Black Wind]] are on the move, that they have left Therunin and come to the defence of the Sarangrave. It’s doubtful they are doing this for any particular love of the septs here. It seems most likely they are drawn by the presence of the Golden Axe. After the Dawnish, the former siblings of the Rahvin hate the Varushkans most of all. Fortunately, before they can reach the southern regions, the Quiet Step arrive to reinforce the Imperial line.

The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the Sarangrave - the Druj have conjured that verdant power to bolster their own defences but the indiscriminate effects protect Imperial soldiers as well as the warriors of the Mallum. Even in the marshes, where disease and infection are a constant concern, no wound that is not in itself fatal will claim the life of anyone who survives the mortal blow, provided they take a few mouthfuls of water. And the water of the marshes is as wholesome, right now, as that taken from the freshest spring in the highest mountains of Zenith.

None of the Druj armies themselves seem to bear enchantments, but nonetheless they have odd supernatural allies of their own. There are comparatively few sightings of eight-legged crocodiles or other terrors that were encountered last season, but rather attacks from black-feathered bird-like creatures with the faces of cats. They sing melodiously, their music causing discord and confusion in the minds of those who hear them, scrambling their perception of who they are. Fortunately, both those [[Cambion|crowned with horns]] by the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn realm]] prove remarkably resistant to this torturous music; and the [[orc|orcs]] of the Winter Sun prove equally capable of ignoring the confusion that might otherwise cause them to fail their allies. The feathered beasts soon learn to fear the arrows loosed from Imperial bows.

It is clear to the [[Citadel Guard]] that there is a powerful conjured ward of [[Night magic]] somewhere in the territory - something like those [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen|misty forts]] the Empire borrows from the ''[[Sadogua|Brother of Wizards]]'' from time to time. All they can say with certainty is that it is not here in Bloodwater Marsh.

Nor is it the only such magical structure, and that causes a little confusion of its own when the effects become clear. There is a [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|Wooden Fastness]] in the Nesustak Forest, it seems, yet it is not aiding the Druj. Nor for that matter is it aiding the Empire. Instead, it seems to serve as the stronghold of an unknown number of allies of the [[Irra Harah|Shacklebreaker]], that Spring eternal who teaches the lost to hide, and the scared to run, and the furious to fight. If the Citadel Guard know more about its presence - and some of the Urizen magicians allow themselves a certain self-possessed smile when the matter is raised, as of one who knows they have done a difficult thing well - they do not elaborate.

But we’ll come to that later, perhaps.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|caption=Sarangrave is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==The Shears of Fate==
The battle in the south is almost balanced; between the Druj armies and the garrison of their great fortress and their conjured fort and the four Imperial armies and the summoned knights the defenders of the Mallum may even have the upper hand - especially as their tactics favour defence more than the Empire’s more cautious tactics favour conquest. Bolstered by the Black Wind, it seems that they might not only deny the Imperial advance but also drive them back a step or twelve. Then the ''rest'' of the Empire attacks the Turan Flats and everything changes, changes completely.

The Druj orcs are suddenly caught between the mountains and a sea of Imperial steel. Five fresh armies, eight thousand Knights of Glory, pushing into the Turan Flats and the Druj defences focused in the south. The Black Wind immediately abandon the defence of the Bloodwater Marsh, racing north to face the Gryphon’s Pride and the Eastern Sky. They take half the garrison of the Tower of the Skink with them, and most of the healers and apothecaries of the Red Lizard. That leaves the White Lion - whose disciplined defence is proving quite effective - and the Hidden Widow who, for a change, are more focused on slowing and diverting the Empire than they are on poisoning them.

The Druj are vicious when cornered but they are also outnumbered and outplayed. The intelligence gathered by the Last Battle striding, and the support of the wayhouse and the Navarr makes all the difference in the Turan Flats. By the time the Black Wind and the garrison of the Tower are in position to try and slow them they are already laying siege to the settlement of Turan. The notoriously cruel [[Druj_champion#Het|het]] of the Banded Snakes who rule there - Trakaa, known for his insatiable hunger for tormenting Imperial prisoners - rallies the warriors of his sept. Unfortunately the majority of his warriors fight under the banner of the [[Druj armies#Hidden Snake|Hidden Snake]] and they are far from the marshes of Sarangrave right now. Yet Turan is by no means defenceless - a cadre of [[Druj lore#Tortured Souls|tortured souls]] are bound to Trakaa it seems. Former heroes of Dawn and Urizen, taken by the Druj and twisted into monstrous unliving warriors whose love for their Imperial siblings has been transformed into the darkest hate. They do not stay dead, and their former prowess now serves the dark will of the het.

When they arrive, the garrison of the Tower bolsters the defences of Turan, but the Black Wind are more interested in trying to kill as many Dawnish warriors as they can - and the healing power of Spring that flows through the territory must be particularly frustrating to them.

Just as frustrating, no doubt, is the presence of the Lions of Adelmar. The army is untested, and has been hurled into the hurricane indeed with its first campaign being in the Mallum. Yet they are stalwart, standing strong against the threat of the Druj and the terrible miasma that hangs over Sarangrave. They fight to defend not only themselves but their allies, creating a barrier of Dawnish steel against the enemy. The war-witches versed in healing magic and the yeofolk physicks both work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who falls and can be saved, is saved. The Black Wind focus much of their attention on the new army, but the rest of the Empire - especially the Eastern Sky and the Gryphon’s Pride - are as swift to come to their aid as they are to support the rest of the Imperial force.

The fighting is bloody, even in spite of the Spring healing, but in the end Turan falls to the Empire. The Banded Snake are forced to scatter - some to their holdings in the strangely enchanted Nesustak Forest others to the dubious sanctuary of the Marshlizard sept or the ghulai of the Palace of the Sleepers.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj4.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Across the River, Into the Woods==
The northern force doesn’t delay; as soon as they have secured Turan they begin to plan the crossing of the slow-moving river that flows south through [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] to the Feverwater. The Druj have built no bridges, preferring to rely on boats and rafts it appears. The Empire secures as many of the Turan boats as they can but they have also made their own preparations. After all, they knew they would need to cross the river and so wagonloads of lumber gathered in the Barrens and collected in Astolat are broken out. A bridge of pontoons is put together, quickly reaching across the river and allowing the Empire to begin the assault into the weird marshes of [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]].

Further south, the Druj defence is in disarray with the attack from the north and the rapid departure of two of the defensive armies. The White Lion fight like cornered rats but the writing is on the wall. The Empire pushes, the Druj collapse like a house of cards, retreating in confusion toward the [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]] and the palace of the Thornwasp sect at Uklead. The Empire quickly secures the Bloodwater Marsh and follows after them.

At first they are especially cautious, worried about the threat of a supernatural ward on the Whisperwood but soon discover no such magic is in place. There are, however, a surprising number of traps and deadfalls.

(And while the Bloodwater is secured, there are no sign of the [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]] - the sept that Prognosticator Graciana had identified [[Make it happen|three years ago]] that might be persuaded to fight against the Druj were they suitably armed and armoured. Their homes are abandoned, but with a kind of ordered chaos that suggests to the Winter Sun that they left of their own volition rather than taking disordered flight. The only clues as to what might have happened is a recent carving on the lintel of one of the village shacks that, if one squint, might seem to be an image of a rabbit or hare with curling horns).

Further to the north, the other Imperial force has bridged the sluggish, muddy river but the crossing is no less perilous. The Druj defenders of Sarangrave pepper them with arrows, launching frenzied attacks when the armies are at their most vulnerable. They have reckoned without the Lions of Adelmar, first across the river, who hold the southern bank while their allies make the crossing. After a tense hour or so of effectively taking the brunt of the enemy attack against their shields, enough Imperial soldiers are on the shores of Kroll to turn the tide and force the Druj to retreat.

As the southern expeditionary force begins to move through Whisperwood, the northern expeditionary force takes its first steps toward conquest of the marshes of Kroll. And then the news of an unlooked for development comes from the south…
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofZenith.png|caption=Zenith will fight|align=right|width=400}}

==Dark Beneath the Boughs==
It is perhaps six weeks before the Summer Solstice that the curtain of darkness begins to fall over the woods of Lustri. A smothering veil of night seeps down from the north-west. There are few spires in Lustri these days, but the lamps of the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|heliopticon]] explode with light. The Druj are coming, down out of Therunin along the shores of the Feverwater. A host of orcs moving through the woods, striking south and east. It seems that almost all the armies that recently ravaged the Navarr marshes have attacked out of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] into Zenith.

Perhaps they hoped that by delaying they would achieve a surprise attack, but those hopes are dashed. The vigilance of the people of Urizen, supported by Synod [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] and inspired by the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] of the [[Urizen groups#Temple of the Wanderer|House of the Wanderer]] catches the Druj a little off guard. The alarm is raised, and word spreads across Lustri and more importantly beyond. Defenders take up arms to slow or hold the advance of the Mallum orcs, and the garrison of Stork’s Gaze marches west. Yet almost from the start, the Urizen are forced to retreat. The size of the force arrayed against them is simply too great.

The defence very nearly ends in disaster before it even gets started. A second force of Druj - the bulk of those under the banners of the [[Druj armies#Hunting Scorpion|Hunting Scorpion]] - have claimed boats from the [[Therunin#The_Docks_at_Feverwater|docks at Feverwater]]. Supplemented with hastily constructed rafts, the orcs of the Mallum seek to trap the soldiers protecting Zenith between them in a terrible pincer movement. There is just enough warning from the vigilant patrols - a single sighting of a boat moving stealthily to shore swiftly communicated to the sentinels of the Gaze - and many of the soldiers marching from Stork’s Gaze are able to react swiftly enough to pull south. Sadly several hundred are still taken by surprise and mercilessly butchered by the warriors of that displaced Amber Scorpion sept who once held Ossium in their cruel grip.

Sometimes the Druj act carefully, with subtle malice. This is not one of those times. The Druj waste no time at all, an overwhelming assault against the north-eastern Urizen territory they once held. With the [[Druj armies#Thorn Born|Thorn Born]] at the head under the brambled-banners, they spread quickly through the woods. They seem less interested in securing the spires here than they are in launching an assault against the fortification that watches the borders with Sarangrave but any spires that fall into their hands - any that are not [[Vale of Shadows|hidden away]] with [[Night magic]] - are swiftly, brutally, smashed apart.

The sentinels of Stork’s Gaze rally with the virtuous defenders, a desperate fight to hold the borders against the Druj. They hold for three days; the last heliopticon message from the fortification is a simple “remember us”. The Stork’s Gaze burns. Yet those brave sentinels do not die alone - one of the copper spiders of the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] escapes the destruction and speaks of the courage of the garrison, of the forest around the fortress scattered hip-deep in the bodies of the Druj before the gates were breached and the towers broken.

With the fortification broken, the Druj armies split into two forces. The first, largest force with the Thorn Born at their head, spread out through Lustri to deal with the remaining defenders and finish claiming the region for themselves. They are met at every turn by [[magical skills#Battle mage|battle mages]] and warriors and [[magical skills#magicians|magicians]] from further south. They eventually claim the region but they must fight every step and thanks to the perseverance, to the watchfulness, of the Urizen the invasion is almost entirely contained in Lustri.

The second, smaller group of invading orcs, remains in the ruins of the Stork’s Gaze to ensure that the border with the Sarangrave remains strong. Reports suggest the [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] are here, something that should be enough to raise concern against any Imperial strategist. The Druj are free to rain curses or raise defences of their own across Zenith again.

There is little panic, if that is what the Druj hoped for. The magicians of Zenith lost everything the last time the orcs of the Mallum came to their territory. They will not be laid low so easily again... whatever vile sorcery the corrupt ghulai of the Tainted Basilisk might be planning.
{{CaptionedImage|file=mantle.jpg|width=300|align=right}}
==Desperation==
The four armies in the south are now cut off from the rest of the Empire by Druj to the south and east, vallorn to the north, and the hungry Feverwater lake to the west. When the news of their predicament finally reaches them it adds a new desperation to the fighting in the Whisperwood, a new urgency to the fight to join up with the northern forces.

In the north, the news likewise inspires the other Imperial armies to push forward into the eerie marshes of Kroll. Here the Druj warriors are reinforced by the militia of the Marshlizards - who barely raised a finger to help Het Trakaa but now welcome those fighters fleeing Turan. Not as allies so much as a fleshy buffer between them and the Empire.

Yet the Marshizards only control parts of Kroll. The Sept of Masks also hold territory here, surrounding the [[Sarangrave#Palace_of_the_Sleepers|Palace of the Sleepers]] along the shore of the deep, dark lake that laps along the base of the odd conical hill on which it is built. These are the same ghulai that were encountered exploring the outskirts of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]], the same allies of the Thornwasp sept who march with the Tainted Basilisk. At first they do not seem to be any great threat; they are ritual magicians rather than [[Arkad#Vikari|vikari]].

The Red Lizard army fights with particular ferocity, while the herb masters among their number fight to ensure that the Empire kills as few of the Druj defenders as possible. The Black Wind continue to seek to face and slaughter Dawnish soldiers, and several times it is clear that they favour that strategy over defending their Marshlizard “allies”. The sept has taken its own precautions, though. [[Night magic]] infuses the marsh here, a potent enchantment that grants succour to the Druj, that grants supernatural advantage to their ability to sneak and hide, that turns the wetlands themselves against the invaders. The most apparent symptom of the magic is that the marsh octopus - the vicious little predators with their venomous beaks and delicious meat - seem to be on the verge of frenzy. The smaller ones swarm like piranha or rats, slipping through the thick mud to ambush sentries or most horribly of all emerge from swampy ground within army camps when the night is at its darkest. By themselves they would be horrible enough, but there are also much larger examples of this peculiar breed. While most marsh octopus found in Zenith are barely the size of a person’s head with arms to match, those are clearly newborns. The adults and elders are a significantly greater threat. There are reports of a band of Northern Eagle scouts being ambushed by a cephalapoid terror with a body the size of an ox-cart and awful meaty limbs of proportional length and muscular strength.

As time ticks away, as the Empire’s advance appears unstoppable, more and more warriors from the Tower of the Skink desert the defence of the Whisperwood and come north, leaving the Thornwasp to look after themselves, much more motivated to keep their own sept lands safe.

It is both enough, and not enough. The Empire presses through the Whisperwood slowly, but makes significantly greater gains in the north. Things might have been a little different if the Druj had followed their usual strategy of creating many magical wards and fortifications across the territory, but as it is the Imperial forces in Kroll close inexorably on the Palace of the Sleepers.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IrrahHurrah002.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==First They Must Catch You==
Empire and Druj and Empire, and along the northern borders of Zenith, Druj again. Yet there is another force active in Sarangrave this season, that seems to owe allegiance to neither side. The Bloodwater Spears are not the only orcs that simply seem to be… missing. As the fighting rages in Turan Flats, in Kroll, in Whisperwood and along the shores of the Feverwater, there are signs of this other force if one knows how to look.

Labour camps deserted, their guards slain not by Imperial swords and arrows but by blunt instruments and improvised weapons. To the Citadel Guard and the Granite Pillar alike it is clear the attack has come from within the camp rather than without. The slaves who might have been penned there are simply gone, any tracks they might have left lost in the marshes.

Farms, likewise, abandoned, derelict. No sign of any farm worker, no sign of their tools, perhaps most significantly, no signs of the stores of rice and grain. Even the herds of hardy marsh-dwelling goats tended in some of these places are gone, the eel and octopus traps emptied. Not everyone has disappeared, but enough. The Winter Sun investigate as best they can but find the former slaves they speak with closed mouthed, frightened, uncommunicative. The Golden Axe and the Northern Eagle have a little more success loosening the tongues of Druj prisoners, who seem equally baffled by what is happening, but also cocky and sneering confident that once the Empire is defeated and driven out they will hunt these traitorous slaves down and make an example of them. Again, the Citadel Guard simply nod, and change the subject when the matter is brought up.

Eventually, some of the Winter Sun are able to convince a former slave to speak to them. Those who are fleeing, in the north and the south, are doing so with the aid of the ''Reedleaper'' - a spirit of the deep marshes that helps the victims of the Druj survive their wickedness. Sometimes ''Reedleaper'' helps them flee, sometimes it helps them hide, and sometimes it helps a few fight, although that usually ends the same tragic way. The spirit teaches secrets - how to break the chains and spears of the hated guards, how to sing away the pain and torment of those who have been tormented by the slave masters, how to mend broken bones and endure the cruel lash of whips. Sometimes it teaches even greater secrets, to those with the will and wit to listen. But always it reminds them that this is not the way the world is meant to be and that they must never accept the lies of the Druj that tell them they are nothing.

''Reedleaper'' is familiar to the [[Sunstorm]] sept at least. There are stories of similar aid offered to the [[orc|orcs]] during the [[The Orc Rebellion|Orc rebellion]]. It seems [[Irra Harah]] is in the Sarangrave, but that the extent of his influence is degrees of magnitude greater this season than it has been before. The former slave admits that there is something happening in the Nesustak Forest, but what it is and what it means they will not say. Two nights later, that talkative orc has vanished along with their entire family from the Winter Sun camp.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ChainIllustrationInk.JPG|align=right|width=300}}

==The Glass Vice==
The Druj are caught between the four armies in the south and the five in the north, but that is only the start of their troubles. The Citadel Guard, you see, have a strategy. As they advance, they weave Autumn magic around themselves and around the soldiers of the other three armies. Even the news that they are cut off from their home does not trouble their poise. They weave their magic, and at several points they drive tall spikes of green iron into the marsh topped with clear, bright lightstones. They invoke the constellation of the Chain, and the Web, and the Lock. They call on the seventy-two secret names of the Lictors of the Autumn Realm. They wield the [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Coiling_Chain|Technique of the Coiling Chain]] and all across Sarangrave their magic takes hold.

The Druj armies are distracted, fighting on two fronts and unaware of the danger until it is too late. [[Autumn magic]] wielded with consummate expertise, catches them like rats in a trap. The marsh twists beneath the boots of the Black Wind and the Red Lizard. The sticky Summer air seems to thicken around the Hidden Widow and the White Lion.

They are caught now, trapped in invisible amber, wound in incorporeal chains. They may be able to flee Sarangrave but they will not get far. The inescapable curse of the Glass Labyrinth has them and none can walk its twisting paths with surety.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Octopus sculpture.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==The God in the Lake==
But there are other magicians in Sarangrave than those of the Citadel Guard and it would be dangerous to become overconfident. In Kroll, the Empire closes in on the Palace of Sleepers, despite the best efforts of the Druj armies, and the garrison of the great fortification in [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] and the magically empowered marsh and octopus. It is an unsettling sight, this so-called [[college of magic]]. The parts of the structure visible above the ground is a mishmash of walls and roofs, and stubby towers like fingers reaching hungrily toward the sky. The peculiar, almost conical hill it is built atop and within is shrouded in twisted trees that claw toward the Summer sky, and a shroud of thick mist that never seems to dissipate. It stands on the edge of a great dark watered lake, avoided by everyone save the ghulai who squat in the twisted palace.

The scouts who first explored the Sarangrave spoke of an odd statue of a giant multi-armed horror slumped next to the hill, right on the edge of the black lake. It is here that the ghulai of the Sept of Masks seem to have chosen to begin their stand against the Empire. Everyone is mud-spattered and exhausted on both sides, save the magicians. They stand arrogantly in heavy woollen robes of clashing green and purple that must be sweltering in the Summer heat, their faces completely hidden behind oversized wooden masks gaudily painted with snarling, howling, laughing, weeping expressions that are deeply unsettling to gaze on for too long. Even the Black Wind seem to give them a wide berth, for some reason.

As the Dawnish and Varushkan forces draw up, a warning murmur spreads from the Granite Pillar. Something is not right. There is, in the midst of the Druj, a wooden cage. A scarred Highborn captain wordlessly passes her spyglass to the other commanders. The cage contains a score of humans and orcs - several still wearing scraps of their soldiers’ surcote or tabard. All show signs of torment, wounds received in battle, and fear. One of them tries to inspire the others to join him in the Battle Hymn of the Empire but is brutally struck down by one of the Druj. What new horror have the Black Wind prepared?

Yet it becomes clear that it is not the Black Wind that are in charge here. With a terrible cry, the ghulai of the Sept of Masks begin a mad, desperate, whirling dance. Ripples of uncertainty go through the Imperial ranks and the orders are swiftly given to cautiously advance. Before anyone can take more than seven steps, the magicians all tear away their wooden masks and fling them into the waters of the lake. Beneath they wear a ‘’second’’ mask, a much tighter mask, of mottled green that fits more snugly to their heads, fringed with drooping tentacles, and a single yellow-painted eye in the middle of their forehead.

"''Ya, Kroll!''" they cry. "''Come to us oh you God of the Lake! Feed upon these who would invade your home and slaughter your children!''"

At this sign, the cage full of Imperial captives is pushed unceremoniously into the lake. It sinks mercifully swiftly, but it is certain that those poor people contained within are drowned before the Empire’s soldiers can do much but voice their fury and outrage. The front lines of the Druj and the Imperials clash, blood flows, screams of orc and human mingle together and then…

The [[Army_orders#Cautious_Advance|cautious]] Highborn [[Highguard_military_concerns|cataphracts]] and [[Highguard_military_concerns#Guardians|guardians]] sound the alarm again. Something is rising in the great black lake. The waters surge upward, breaking their banks and washing knee deep along the shores. The Druj begin to fall back, swiftly, clearly something they had planned. Something is rising in the waters.

At first it seems to be a small island or perhaps a ship, upside down breaching the surface and bobbing. But it continues to rise, out of the waves, up into the sky. It is immense - its size hard to grasp. A behemoth that surely, surely could not have fit within even the depths of this great lake. A single baleful, impossible eye stares down at the soldiers beneath that conical hill, in the shadow of that college of magic. A great rounded bulk, water sleeting down its sides, the eye burning with hate and hunger.

The alarm has been sounded just in time, the Imperial strategy defensive and careful, and most of the soldiers are able to react swiftly enough to avoid the two immense arms, tens of feet long, that rise from the water and sweep across the banks of the nameless lake scattering sticky dark venom in their wake.

Three, four, six more shorter arms rip through the air, and this unspeakable horror, this titanic one-eyed marsh octopus, unleashes a roar from its hidden maw that shakes the ground.

There is no hope of fighting this creature - if it is a creature. It is real, certainly, not some kind of glamour. Even the armies of the Mallum give it a wide berth - only the Sept of Masks seem prepared to risk its terrible attention. It cannot leave the lake, thank the paragons. Unlike its tiny kin, it does not seem to have the power to move through the marsh mud. Retreat is the only option - but that does not stop some of the Dawnish taking a stand, egged on by the knights of Summer, striking at its huge muscular arms, launching a surprise attack of their own against the Druj magicians and while most of them die in the process there can be little doubt they die ''[[glory|gloriously]]''.

The terrible booming foghorn roar of the god in the lake, the immense octopus from who the hell knows where, continue to echo across the marshes of Kroll… and then it is the Summer Solstice.

==Game Information==
===Sarangrave===
* '''There are two Imperial forces and one Druj force in Sarangrave
* '''The Empire controls Turan Flats and Bloodwater Marsh, the Druj control the rest of the territory apart from Bendol
* '''The territory has been under the effect of Rivers of Life and there were two magical forts conjured there - but only one seems to have supported the Druj
* '''The Druj armies here have been caught by the Glass Labyrinth reducing their ability to move
* '''Of the armies fighting in Sarangrave, only the Northern Eagle provided shares of the Imperial Guerdon
There are two separate Imperial forces in the Sarangrave. The southern force made up of the Citadel Guard, Winter Sun, Golden Axe, and Quiet Step, have conquered the Bloodwater Marshes and are perhaps halfway toward taking the Whisperwood and the weirwood grove there. They struggled a little with the [[Druj miasma]] that made it harder to claim territory here. They are in serious difficulty due to the invasion of Zenith.

The northern force made up of the Gryphon’s Pride, Eastern Sky, Lions of Adelmar, Northern Eagle, and Granite Pillar, have claimed Turan Flats are just over four-fifths of the way toward taking the region of Kroll. The only significant structure remaining outside their control is the Palace of the Sleepers. They benefited from the Under Threat quality provided by the Last Battle Wayhouse in the Barrens, but they also found it a little more difficult to conquer territory due to the presence of the powerful Druj miasma.

The Druj armies are caught between them, and have been ensnared in the Glass Labyrinth. Even if they can break through the Imperial lines they cannot move more than one territory in the coming season.

There were by all accounts two magical forts in Sarangrave - one raised by the Druj in Kroll, the other of unknown provenance in Nesustak Forest. That latter ward appears to have aided ''neither'' side in the battle of Sarangrave, and it is very much not clear what was going on with it.

===Zenith===
* '''The Druj have claimed Lustri and destroyed the fortification of Stork's Gaze
* '''They were unable to make much additional headway due to the virtuous resistance of the people of Zenith
* '''Their control of Lustri cuts the Imperial armies in southern Sarangrave off from their supply lines
A major force of Druj has poured south out of Therunin into Zenith. They have captured the region of Lustri, and destroyed the Stork’s Gaze fortification. They are about a tenth of the way toward claiming the marshes of Proceris. The Druj encountered stiff resistance from the spires of Zenith, thanks to the mandate of the Urizen Assembly.

The Tainted Basilisk are believed to be in Lustri, the magic army able to focus rituals into the territory.

===God in the Lake===
* '''Shortly before the Summer Solstice the ghulai of the Sept of Masks have called up a behemoth marsh octopus from the lake below the Palace of the Sleeper
* '''It is not clear what this thing is, what its capabilities are, or what it presages for the battle in the Sarangrave
In response to the Imperial invasion of Kroll, the ghulai of the Sept of Masks have roused something big and horrible in the lake below their college of magic. The soldiers on the ground have not had much time to do anything other than retreat quickly, but it appears to be an immense one-eyed marsh octopus that is almost certainly not an inhabitant of the mortal world. It’s possible that diviners in Anvil may be able to discover more about what exactly it is and what it portends for the conquest of Kroll.

Any character whose military unit supported one of the northern armies may have been at the battle below the Palace of the Sleeper and seen the God in the Lake. It is very, very big - perhaps even as large as a kraken - and it is absolutely terrifying in its size and destructive power. It is a thing that will require armies to defeat, not something that can be slain by even a quite large group of Imperial heroes. Fortunately, it seems to be restricted to the lake… but that might not present much comfort to anyone involved in taking the rest of the region.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Knights of Glory==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Eastern Sky, Granite Pillar, Gryphon's Pride, or Northern Eagle receive an additional boon
During the [[Golden magicians fayre|Golden Magician's Fayre]], the ''[[Eleonaris|Mistress of Pennants]]'' offered a boon to certain armies that had joined her soldiers in revelry. Any character whose [[military unit]] supported the Eastern Sky, Granite Pillar, Gryphon's Pride, or Northern Eagle receives a single [[vis#Golden Apple|golden apple]] that Eleonaris hopes will help encourage the captain to seek an [[enchantment]] for themselves or the soldiers under their command.

These armies, along with the Citadel Guard, Golden Axe, and Winter Sun, have also benefitted a little from the inspiration offered by the Knights of Glory - encouraged to pursue heroic and glorious actions in battle, to destroy the rulers of the Druj, and to endure the hardships of all this marsh fighting with a roar of defiance. Characters whose military unit supported one of these armies are encouraged to create stories about fighting alongside these enthusiastic elfin warriors.

==Strategic Considerations==
===Being Cut Off===
* '''Four Imperial armies in southern Sarangrave are cut off from their supply lines and will begin to degrade
* '''The Druj armies in Zenith are likewise separated from their supply lines due to the loss of Turan Flats and Bloodwater Marshes
* '''The Druj in Sarangrave face a similar fate if they lose control of Kroll
The breakdown of what's happened in Sarangrave and the adjoining territories creates a unique situation. Four Imperial armies are in south west Sarangrave. The Druj control the regions east and west (Thornfen, and Lustri in Zenith respectively). Bendol to the North is controlled by the vallorn, the Feverwater is not traversable by armies, and Tsark to the south is not open to the Empire either.

As these four armies have no supply route back to Imperial held territory, they are now In Trouble. If they are not able to draw a line back to Imperial Territory this season, they will begin to decay as if they were out of supply. This is not something which can be alleviated by the [[Keeper of the Breadbasket|Imperial Breadbasket]], as indeed those supplies are no more able to get through than support from the home nations.

The Druj risk being caught in a similar situation. There are six Druj armies in Eastern Zenith, controlling Lustri. They control Therunin and Nesustak Forest in Sarangrave, but none of the armies are able to receive supply from their [[Druj armies|patron septs]] and so are in a similar position to the Imperial armies in southern Sarangrave. Should the Druj lose control of Kroll, most of the Druj armies in Sarangrave would also be in dire straits.

===Between Zenith and Sarangrave===
* '''The situation in Zenith and southern Sarangrave has strategic implications for the campaign after the Summer Solstice
If Imperial forces in Sarangrave attack over the border into Zenith and Druj Forces in Zenith attack over the border into Sarangrave during this season, then that combat will be factored into any conflict that takes place in Sarangrave. This will not also apply to any Imperial Forces attacking from the west into Zenith, though taking Lustri from behind the Druj may have a detrimental effect ''if'' the Druj attack in that direction.

===The Night Option===
* '''There may be magical ways for armies to escape Sarangrave if they need to
The Empire has in the past used magic to use [[Night magic]] to shroud armies and let them pass undetected. Should such magic be utilised, it would be possible for any such army to ignore the above problems and sneak past the Druj forces in Zenith undetected. The Druj have demonstrated in the past that they are equally capable of taking this kind of action themselves of course.

One of the rituals that might allow escape from Sarangrave is the ''Host of Shadows'' which is not in Imperial lore. As discussed in the recent wiki update, however, that ritual has been substantially changed. Anyone who has mastered the ritual will need to check the details. If the player with the ritual text can contact a referee, or email {{plot}}, we can arrange to swap the existing text for an updated version.
{{CaptionedImage|file=You Shall Pass.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Battle Opportunity : Pillars of Night==
The Imperial prognosticators have identified a [[Sentinel Gate#Major Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to the marshes of Kroll near the Palace of the Sleeper. They believe there may be a possibility here to interfere with the Sept of Masks magic this season.

==Battle of Opportunity : Rites of Spring==
The Imperial prognosticators have also identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that seems to lead to northern Proceris in Zenith. They are still examining the situation but believe it may have something to do with Druj intentions towards the Golden Cascade.

==Conjunctions==
===Ideas of Importance (Zenith)===
{{SOP|by=Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Urizen Assembly|statement=Be alert to all dangers; within and without. We send Herminius of the House of the Wanderer with 50 liao to encourage the Vigilant to watch for the evil that seeks to enter our lands. Let us thwart malice before it strikes against us.|vote=306-0|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE}}
* '''A group of Druj are returning to the armies having been repulsed by nearby spires'''
* '''The Druj are accompanied by several heralds of Arhallogen'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Vigilance'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the Druj'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
As most of the Druj attacked the Stork's Gaze and secured their control of Lustri, some looked further afield. Several groups struck out towards the isolated spires of Lustri, hoping for easy pickings. The vigilant citizens, encouraged by the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''', gave warning to the spires and they were able to fend off the opportunistic Druj. Now, the largest group is returning to the ruins of the Stork's Gaze, to re-join their fellows in the [[Druj_armies#Hunting_Scorpion|Hunting Scorpion]].

If they can be soundly defeated, then the Urizeni patrols will be able to overcome the remaining Druj in the area, causing three hundred casualties to the Hunting Scorpion before the coming season. It is the responsibility of the [[Champion of Vigilance]], '''Jared''', to intercept the Druj and kill them before they can reach the army's camp. Given that the Druj were stymied by the mandate enacted by '''Herminius''', it is possible that the sword scholar will wish to be involved.

===Hummingbird's Secret (The Barrens)===
* '''A group of Druj are threatening the Last Battle Wayhouse'''
* '''The Druj are accompanied by several heralds of Arhallogen'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Keeper of the Last Battle'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the Druj and heralds'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The Last Battle Wayhouse in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]] has been a source of some consternation amongst the Karass since construction was finished a few seasons ago. They have repeatedly made warnings that the Druj would not be happy about it being built, that they would return and attack it, that their reckoning would be swift and deadly. Most who heard the warnings accepted that the Druj would not leave such a threat on their doorstep for long – that they would eventually have to react once they found out about the wayhouse and the threat it represented. The common belief was that it would at least the Druj some time to identify the threat and move to remove it.

It is a surprise, then, when the warning comes of a band of Druj advancing on the wayhouse. There are too few of them to destroy the wayhouse, even supported as they are by heralds of [[Arhallogen]], but if they are not stopped, they will bring slaughter and death to those resting there. The Empire will be able to repair the damage done in a season, but during that time, the Last Battle will provide no benefits: Navarr with resources in the Barrens will suffer from the [[Resource#Resources_in_other_Nations|foreign nation]] penalty, the Keeper of the Last Battle will receive no herbs, and the regions adjacent will cease to be under-threat to the Empire until the start of the Autumn Equinox 387YE.

It is the responsibility of the [[Keeper of the Last Battle]], '''Dax''', to stop the Druj and the heralds of Arhallogen before they can attack the wayhouse. Given that there are heralds of Arhallogen present in a Dawnish territory, it is likely that the [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]], '''Clint Leohart De Licorne''', will want to be involved in defeating this threat.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Zenith]]

* [[Unlock thy hidden gate]] - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune about the start of the battle for Sarangrave

A thousand steps

2025-07-21T10:09:17Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Dai is moaning that if it doesn't happen soon, it won't happen at all." Ffion grinned at her cousin. She knew how much the cantankerous old guide wound him up, and it was fun to try and wind him up.

Sadly Harri could tell what she was doing and refused to take the bait. "He's gone from worrying we're moving too fast, to worrying we're moving too slow. That sounds like the old man."

"He could be right. He's convinced Brendan," she responded, giving it a second go.

"Dai Parting Ways could have made Brendan think the vallorn was made of green cheese. And he would too, if it gave him something to moan about."

"You're not worried then?" She was genuine this time, eager to hear what he had to say.

"Course I am." he said surprising even himself. He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Look, we've got to trust the leaders we've got, not try and lead the bloody Striding ourselves. They say they're going to pick the right time to strike... that's good enough for me. Dai would have us fighting vallorn while the Druj was stabbing us in the back. I can't think of a worse way to lose everything than that, can you?"

Ffion considered the question for a while. It was obviously rhetorical but the more she thought about it, the more it invited further thought. "Yes, I think I can," she answered finally. "We've got to do this now - we're committed and that's good. But we might fail - we have to be honest about that. This is no story, this isn't some scop's tale. We might do everything we can and it might not be enough. And that would be bad..."

Harri moved to speak but Ffion cut him off. "You asked the question, I'm answering it. Like I said we might do everything we can and still lose. And that's bad. But if we do lose this war - if the vallorn wins, and we all die - the thing I couldn't take is knowing that we left ''anything'' on the table. That's what'd be worse. Losing and knowing that I didn't dare do all."

"That's a fine speech Ffion, you should have been a guide. But where's the strategy? We won't beat the vallorn by talking to people."

"You're wrong Harri. You're dead wrong. Talking to people is the ''only'' way we win this thing. This war won't be won in Therunin. It won't be won in Liathaven or Hercynia. It's going to be fought in the Senate. And the Council. And the Conclave. We get them on side... we win... We don't get them on side... we lose. The only way we beat the vallorn is by talking to people."

"Right, so now you're a brand as well as a guide. So what ''do'' you think we should do?"

Ffion grinned again, "I reckon we should go speak to some people..."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alone in a crowd.jpg|caption=One reason the Navarr supported the formation of the Empire is so that they would not be alone in their fight against the vallorn.|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nWsyZWiVO8}}
The [[Navarr]] have committed everything to fighting the [[vallorn]], calling the [[striding|stridings]] home and readying the nation for war. While some [[A thousand years of longing|argued the time was not yet right]], the decision has now been made, all that remains now is for the nation to find a way to make this work.

Which, as it turns out, is somewhat harder than it might have appeared. The single biggest problem remains the need to convince the other nations that this is the time to fight the vallorn. Three nations have agreed with the Navarr that the time is right - [[Highguard]], [[the League]], and [[Varushka]]. The other six remain broadly unconvinced despite some clear enthusiasm in [[Dawn]] for a glorious battle against long odds. Still, any idea that the right moment is just around the corner is as dangerous as it is appealing. The Empire has existed for nearly four centuries and never once in that time has there been a day when the Empire was ''safe'' and there were no more wars left to fight. Even the historians who look back on the interregnum after the reign of [[Emperor James]] must concede that there was still ''danger'', it was just kept at a distance by the wall of stone and steel that encircled the - somewhat smaller - Empire of the day. There isn't going to be a time when the Empire is ready to fight the vallorn because the barbarians have been defeated - that day won't come in anyone's lifetime, let alone the current generation. As long as the Empire remains focussed on the threat on its borders, from the [[Druj]], the [[Grendel]], the [[Jotun]], and the [[Thule]], there will ''never'' be a political will or the military capacity to join up the vallorn hearts and begin the last war.

The Navarr ''desperately'' need more influence in the great houses of state. They need more votes in the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]], the [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]], and the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]]. That would come with more Navarr [[senator|senators]] and [[general|generals]], of course, but a better way to gain support is to gain ''allies''. Until the Navarr have powerful friends in other nations who are prepared to support them there is literally no chance of any kind that they will be able to defeat the vallorn.

But all that is long term strategy, right now, the immediate battle the nation need to win is to find a way to fund their new [[Imperial army|army]]. With the [[Under_eastern_skies#Now_We_Are_Ready|sacrifice of Isaella's Dance]], they are down to two armies - one of which is currently [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire|commanded]] by [[the Throne]]. The current pace of contributions needs to increase, otherwise the army will never be finished. It's time to pick up the pace, as they used to say on the stridings...

==Eight Thousand Ingots==
* '''The nation needs every wain and every ingot and measure they can find to pay for the new army'''
After initially [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Raise_Third_Navarr_Army|denying]] the Navarr the right to muster another force, the [[Imperial Senate]] eventually relented and has now passed a motion allowing the [[Raise_Third_Navarr_Army|nation to commission a new army]]. Unfortunately that army (and any others the Navarr may wish to build) must be paid for. As the [[Imperial treasury]] appears to be empty, there is no money available for the nation and that means the army will only get built if the Navarr pay for it themselves.

One of the [[The_first_shot#Preparation|unique opportunities]] granted by the return of the stridings, to create armies capable of defeating the vallorn, has been taken. The army being [[The_first_shot#Hercynia|raised in Hercynia]] can be paid for with wains of [[mithril]] as usual or with [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] or [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]] of [[weltsilver]], [[orichalcum]], [[green iron]], [[tempest jade]], [[beggar's lye]] or [[iridescent gloaming]]. This could be a very effective way to pay for the army - given that measures and ingots are generally easier to lay ones hands on than wains - but only if the nation can actually find the materials.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rhys Nighthaven.png|caption=Rhys Nighthaven hold the title of Delver of the Depths and may be able to advise on this ambitious scheme.|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Dig for Victory==
* '''The Navarr have over a hundred and fifty military units'''
* '''Every basic military unit assigned to ''Lorenzo's Deep Pockets'' would yield mana crystals and six ingots a season'''
* '''Feast of Heroes, a simple Summer ritual, could boost that production still further'''
* '''Three Navarr artisans from Treji have provided three ritual foci that would make the ritual easier to cast'''
The simplest way to get all the resources needed might be to just go and get them. The nation has precious few [[forest|forests]] and [[mine|mines]] - at least among those who come to anvil [[Anvil]] each season - certainly nowhere near enough to produce the volume of materials needed. But there are more than a hundred and fifty Navarr among those who regularly attends the quarterly summits who possess [[military unit|military units]]. Those units will be crucial when the time comes for taking the fight to the vallorn, but they could also be serving the nation right now.

[[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo's_Deep_Pockets|Lorenzo's Deep Pockets]] is a vast sinkhole located on the edge of [[Miaren]]. The current [[Delver of the Depths]] is in fact a Navarr themselves - ''Rhys Nighthaven''. They can [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Bounty_of_the_Deep_Earth|secure an amount of materials]] themselves of course, but there is also an apparently limitless supply of tempest jade and weltsilver to be claimed from the depths of the sinkhole, just waiting for the Navarr to [[Venture#Explore_the_Depths|send their military units in to get it]]. If every warband belonging to a Navarr who came to Anvil went down Lorenzo's hole, they'd produce more than 900 ingots in a single season.

If those military units could be [[enchantment|enchanted]] - and a trip into the sinkhole also provides small amounts of mana - then the returns would be even better. The [[Summer magic]] ritual [[Feast of Heroes]] would increase the returns significantly, potentially providing up to six additional ingots (as well as extra crystal mana and even some other bounty in the form of money) per adventurer. That is potentially ''another'' 900 ingots.

The problem would be finding a way to persuade as many owners of Navarr military units as possible to actually explore the depths and then seeing how many of them could be enchanted. The ritual is magnitude ten to enchant a single warband which, if mastered, only requires five ranks of [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Summer lore]] to cast (or four at the [[Regio#Imperial Regio|Imperial Regio]]). Each additional captain from the same [[bands#Banners|banner]] only increases the magnitude by eight - meaning that casting the ritual on multiple people paradoxically makes it harder to cast but reduces the cost for each individual. A little help could make the ritual much easier to cast.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Estavus001a.png|align=right|width=200}}
To try to support such efforts a trio of [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]] from [[Hercynia#Treji|Treji]], three brothers called ''Aedan'', ''Dradan'' and ''Tomas'', from the Quiet Forge have agreed a boon with [[Estavus|The Bronze Artisan]]. The eternal has shown them how to create a simple ritual mask, not unlike the [[Straw Mask]] favoured by the Marches. This "Heroes Helm" provides one additional effective rank when casting [[Feast of Heroes]] and [[Golden Voyage]]. It is a small benefit, but it might be just enough to allow a skilled Summer mage to perform the ritual by themselves. Or better yet, a [[bands#covens|coven]] could use the masks to help perform the ritual on multiple targets making it cheaper and quicker to perform.

The brothers have created three of the masks and provided them to the [[Navarr Egregore]] and asked that they be delivered to the [[vate|vates]] at Anvil. If the benefit they provide proves useful, the brothers plan to make more masks next season.

==Shared Sacrifice==
* '''Wintermark and the Imperial Orcs could sacrifice their own benefits to reduce the cost of the army by several hundred ingots'''
* '''Nations other than the Navarr with the capacity to build a runeforge, could use a mandate to commit those artisans to support the army'''
* '''Any nation that does this will sacrifice their capacity to build a runeforge for a year and reduce the cost of the army by 10 wains'''
There are two nations that the Navarr have already identified that could help ''considerably'' with the efforts to raise the new Navarr army. The [[Wintermark]] artisans at the [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] and the [[Ethengraw]] smiths at the [[Standing_in_the_sun#The_Black_Forge_of_Ethengraw|Black Forge]] could both have [[The_first_shot#Hercynia|sacrificed their own position to help the Navarr]]. The civil service has confirmed that either national assembly could still enact the appropriate [[mandate]]. It may be that neither of these nations is prepared to support the fight against the vallorn. The Wintermark Assembly has upheld [[statement of principle|statements]] that suggest they believe the war against the vallorn is ill-timed and a low priority for an Empire already struggling. This is a pity, because the aid of either group would be a huge asset to the Navarr. These mandates can only be enacted at this summit; if they are not upheld, then the opportunity will be lost.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send {named priest} with 10 liao to encourage the Ethengraw to put the Black Forge to work raising a new Navarr army to fight the vallorn. Let us prepare for war together!|assembly=Imperial Orc Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then Imperial Orc armies will not be able to take the [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|forge hammers]] order until the army is complete. Instead of providing vital support for the Imperial Orc armies, the Ethengraw will use their forges to help the Navarr raise the army in Hercynia. This will help them use their materials more effectively - substituting one wain of mithril for each 36 resources provided.

{{Mandate|mandate=Three tears entwined. We send {named priest} with 10 liao to encourage the artisans of Runegrott to put their skills to work raising a new Navarr army to fight the vallorn. Let us fight together as one.|assembly=Wintermark Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then the [[Keeper of the Runegrott]] will not be able to forge new artisan items until the new army is complete. The artisans who work there will focus all their efforts on producing good-quality weapons for the new army. Like the Black Forge, this would enable the Navarr to use their materials more effectively - substituting one wain of mithril for each 36 resources provided.

If ''both'' mandates are enacted, the Navarr could substitute resources for mithril at a rate of up to 33 resources for each wain.

Another option might be to appeal to those nations who also have artisans who could help. [[Varushka]], [[the Marches]], and [[Dawn]] all have enough artisans to support the creation of a new [[runeforge]] in their nation. These skilled craftsfolk could devote their time to helping raise the new Hercynian army instead, if the Navarr can persuade them to do so. Accessing this support would need a mandate to be passed by the national Assembly of Dawn, Varushka or the Marches.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send (named priest) with 25 doses of liao to urge artisans to support the Navarr's war against the vallorn. Loyalty is not displayed by words or deeds alone, but by the unity of both.|assembly=Dawn, Marcher and Varushkan National Assembly}}

If a nation enacts this mandate then artisans of that nation will go to work creating weapons and armour for the new army. Each nation that enacts this mandate will provide the equivalent of 10 wains of mithril towards the cost of raising the new army. The problem is that it will commit their artisans to working in support of the Navarr for the best part of a year. Even if the work of mustering the army is finished before then, those artisans will need time to clear the backlog of their own work. As a result any nation that enacts this mandate will not be able to begin work on a runeforge in that nation for the next four seasons.

Of course the Navarr have many artisans of their own, but they are already committed to helping construct the new army, so they cannot be of further assistance in this way. Any other nation that currently has the ability to create a runeforge could enact the mandate, but only by giving up their ability to build a new runeforge for a year.

==Simple Exchange==
* '''The Navarr could sell herbs to citizens of other nations to raise funds for the army'''
* '''If other nations won't buy herbs, they can sell marrowort to the City of Lead and Gold'''
* '''For every sixty marrowort placed in an Ephisis Box with the rune Bravash, the City will provide one wain toward the new army'''
* '''The deal is only available at the Summer Solstice 387YE'''
The Navarr produce significantly more [[herbs]] than any other nation in the Empire. In fact, the nation produces more herbs than [[Highguard]], the [[Imperial Orcs]], [[the League]], [[the Marches]], [[Urizen]] and [[Varushka]] ''combined''. The nation can't pay for their army with herbs, but are there people in these nations who would buy herbs if they were offered them at the right price. There could be potential markets for the nation's herbs and [[potion|potions]] in every nation outside the Navarr. Ingots or measures can all be used to fund the army - wains of mithril are better still - but cold hard cash is almost as valuable. Enough money and you can buy anything in the Empire (particularly if the rumours of a crash in the price of mithril are correct).

Of course it's no good selling goods to each other - the Navarr need to sell whatever they can to citizens from the ''other'' nine nations - that is the only way they can bring in the additional funds they need. The [[broker|brokers]] can lead the way with this but they will need help from everyone who can offer it. There are fifty brokers attending the next summit - and nearly four thousand potential customers! The only way they're going to be able to hawk those herbs around everyone who might buy them is if they get some help.

One of the problems with this approach is that many people believe that herbs should be provided for free to heal those who are injured. While some might argue that this approach has a lot to recommend this in normal times, the nation is faced with a blunt truth. The Navarr are the acknowledged masters of herbcraft in the Empire but if they continue to give those herbs away to people who need them then the nation may ''never'' have the funds they need to pay for their army (or any more important projects). The [[Urizen|Urizeni]] were able to pay for their [[A_box_for_a_sword#The_Blade_of_Finest_Silver|army from the Autumn realm]] with three hundred mithril in a single season. Perhaps if herbs sold as well as mana crystals do, the Navarr might now be in a similar position?
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marrowort.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
If the Navarr can't convince the other nations to pay for their herbs, then there is another option. The [[inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] of the Autumn realm are voracious merchants - they will buy ''anything'' at the right price and they are known to pay a good price for herbs. ''Ffion'', a vate from Parting Ways in [[Miaren]] has recently made several profitable deals with a rather excitable herald called ''Crown'' from the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]]. This weird little creature claims to have been involved in the deal for the Urizen army and, flushed with success, has arranged a deal for the Navarr.

Crown is apparently prepared to buy [[Marrowort]] from the Navarr in return for materials to support their new army. The costs are high, but if an Imperial citizen sends an [[Ephisis' Scale|Ephisis Box]] containing ''just'' [[Marrowort]] and anything with the [[Bravash]] rune on it, then the empty box will be available for collection from the hall of worlds at the usual time and the brokers of the City will instead provide one wain of mithril directly to the new army. Crown is very clear that the City is prepared to fund the ''entire'' army if they receive enough herbs - the nation would just need to find... 12,000 marrowort. Obviously even the Navarr probably don't have that much marrowort lying around. But if the deal is a good one, then any amount of Marrowort (in bundles of 60) will help.

Crucially while some people baulk at paying for herbs, there are estimated to be more than four hundred herbalists across the Empire attending Anvil at the Summer Solstice and only a third of them are in the Navarr. That means every herbalist, every [[surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]], every broker, could be trading the herbs the Navarr do have with herbalists from other nations. If those herbalists are carrying stocks of marrowort, in addition to whatever they have just acquired, then the nation could raise thousands of marrowort before the City of Gold and Lead stops accepting magical boxes (at midnight on Saturday).

However, Crown has clearly stuck his neck out a little, and cautions the Navarr that this deal is only available during the Summer Solstice. He has suggested that if the Navarr do intend to take advantage of this offer, then they should tie their marrowort up in bundles of 60. That will make it much easier for them to count what they have and much easier for the City to just weigh the bundles rather than counting every individual herb. Helping the City get the best out of the deal is the best way to make more such deals likely in the future.

==A Little Beneficiary==
* '''Catrin, a Navarr broker from Brocéliande extols the virtue of just asking every citizen at Anvil to help'''
''Catrin'', a broker from [[Brocéliande]] is of the view that all these ideas of trade are really missing the mark. She argues the nation should just ''ask'' for help. It might hurt the Navarr's [[Pride]] to go begging from camp to camp, but Catrin is having none of it. "There are plenty who are too proud to beg, but none are too proud to starve" she says.

There are huge meetings in Conclave and Senate as well as the Bourse auction where people could go and simply ask for support. Navarr is a nation rich in talent and creativity - Catrin suggests they could go abroad singing songs and telling stories of the vallorn. If they can make people understand that this is essential for future of the whole Empire, the future of [[the Way]] given the vallorn is the greatest spiritual threat that has ever been faced, then some might be prepared to help. Of course they will get told no a lot which is dispiriting but there is always someone else to talk to during the summits.

There are around four thousand people expected at Anvil. If every citizen donated 2 ingots then the army would be funded in a single season. That is a lot to ask, but most nations have one or more large meetings during the normal business of a summit. Catrin suggests that the Navarr could try to address people there and ask for their aid. The Hub, the Dawnish Glory Square, the Wintermark Moot, the Marcher muster - anywhere people are gathering! If the nation could find a way to publicly thank the nations that give the most then perhaps they could play on their Pride. [[Holberg]] claims to be the greatest City in the World, surely they won't pass up another opportunity to prove they're richer and more generous than the other cities of the League?

There are people at Empire who are famed for their wealth. The [[Benefactor|benefactors]] of [[Highguard]], the [[boyar|boyars]] of [[Varushka]], the [[Merchant Prince|merchant-princes]] of [[the League]] and (of course) the Bourse Seat holders. Catrin says the Navarr should be aiming to turn up anywhere groups are meeting, and just straight up petition them for aid. Ask for donations, but if that doesn't work then offer them trades, offer to sing their praises, to put up [[judgement|judgements]] of their beneficence in Synod, to come for their enemies in turn. Offer them ''anything'' to get them to put their hand in their pocket. It will require a huge amount of effort and enthusiasm, but what does the nation have to lose?

The Bourse is in crisis, with the price of wains dropping. And yet Catrin points out that the wealthy cartels of Urizen still had three hundred wains of mithril to pay for their army in a single season. To Catrin's way of thinking, people who have three hundred wains of mithril don't ''only'' have three hundred wains of mithril. Likewise, the wealthy vales of Varushka were able to fund their own army just as quick. Catrin is urging her fellow Navarr to find these people and find a way to persuade them to support the nation's cause. And then, when the current army is built, to do it again until all the armies Navarr will need to fight the vallorn are mustered.

One of the richest groups regularly in attendance at Anvil is the [[A_peerless_sacrifice#A_Virtuous_Benefaction|Council of Benefactors]] in Highguard. They have ten wains each season that they could use to support any [[Commission#Civilian_Commissions|civilian commission]]. Currently it's focused on the construction of the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]], but Catrin is sure the vallorn will have destroyed the Navarr nation long before that colossal commission is finished. Those wains could be a big help... if they can be used.

The big problem with this approach is that one thing the Council can't do is support raising an army... the donations they direct are limited in what they can be used to support because the benefactors aim to boost investment in infrastructure. So they can't support this project directly, but they ''could'' support a different civilian project and the wains that were due to be spent on that project could in turn be diverted to the army. After-all where there is a will... there is the Way.

Or perhaps the alternative might be to see if the Council of Benefactors would be prepared to support the [[Construct City of Dreams|City of Dreams]]... It won't help the war directly but it might provide the kind of boost to morale the nation dearly needs right now.
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tanwen.png|caption=Tanwen, the Eternal Flame of Miaren, has been asked to organise an investigation of this situation.|align=left|width=200}}</div>
==A Great Dance for Seren (Conjunction)==
* '''Building work on the great temple in Seren seems to have disturbed some restless ghosts'''
* '''The hauntings are slowing the pace of construction, but local exorcists believe that helping the ghosts celebrate an ancient festival will allow them to move into the labyrinth'''
* '''There is a combat unlikely/contained conjunction to the Seren Temple Building Site at 22:45 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice for TBC people'''
* '''The ''Eternal Flame of Miaren'', Tanwen, is responsible for this conjunction'''
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Accessibility:''' This encounter is a combat unlikely/contained opportunity to pass through the [[Sentinel Gate]] for a mixture of music, dance, revelry and watching a strange story unfold. Although the wind of fortune mentions that the ghosts are drawn to dancing, the "quality" of roleplay will not be judged by any crew - dancing could be as simple as tapping a finger or swaying to a beat.

There is no benefit or "trick" to solving this encounter by bringing a weapon or engaging in combat.

The encounter will take place across a grassy area a couple of minutes walk from the Sentinel Gate, on flat ground. It will be dark, and players are encouraged to bring lighting - as well as any seating which may make the encounter more comfortable. Further accessibility information is available from referees, egregores or members of the GOD team. </box>

<box> '''A Welcoming Pulse'''
* '''This encounter takes place in an area with a locational roleplay effect'''
* '''Whilst in this area, you feel a profound urge to change yourself and how you think, to embrace new ideas, and to explore how you really feel about things you've otherwise been concealing - even from yourself. This may include a pressing awareness of your past mistakes and failings, which threatens to become overwhelming but can be resisted at least temporarily by dancing or creating music.'''
This [[aura]] affects anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome it]]. The easiest method to overcome the effect is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[heroic skills#hero|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In addition, anyone who loses themselves in acts of dancing or making music can use the act as a source of spiritual strength for the purposes of resisting the locational aura. </box></div>
On the subject of the City of Dreams... a few months ago, labourers working on the site of the great endeavour in [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] started reporting strange occurrences after dark - tools gone missing, the idea of a song just on the edge of hearing, occasional movement spotted among nearby Terunael ruins but nobody to be seen whenever someone was sent to check.

At first, most assumed that there was nothing more to these rumours than a bit of fun to keep the work interesting and the novices busy - but ''Marged Tumbled Jade'', a scholar specialising in ancient Terunael civilisation happened to be visiting the area from the [[Great Library of Hacynian]], and volunteered to camp within the foundations of the temple for a night to investigate the goings on for herself.

As the sun set on the building site, a great cacophony erupted. The beat of a monstrous heart or fifty drums in unison echoed around the growing city. Out of the corners of their eyes, passers-by claimed to see licks of flame like from a great pyre - but one that disappeared as soon as they turned their heads for a proper look. And through the gaps in the partially-built walls, wavering figures could be made out twisting and rocking to an otherworldly reel. The first shift of workers to arrive onsite the next morning found it in chaos: strange substances stained white granite shipments, tools and equipment lay across the area in disarray and the workers themselves fled the area in a racket. Some never returned to Seren. Others now go by different names, take different jobs, live different lives. At least one left Navarr itself.

Marged emerged in silence. Two days later, never addressing exactly what she witnessed that night, she began to speak. She suggests that the ghosts originate from the Terunael city predating Seren's current form, and suspects they are acting out some form of ancient celebration or festival. After consulting with local [[exorcism|exorcists]], she has reached the conclusion that if people were to help the ghosts celebrate their tradition one final time, drawing on the idea of the great dance as well as the ghosts' own festivities, they will likely be able to find their ways into the Labyrinth.

The Civil Service has identified a [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunction]] to the Seren Temple Building Site, Serenael, Miaren, Navarr at quarter to eleven on the Friday of the Summer Solstice for '''''TBC''''' people. As an individual with responsibility over a nearby Terunael artefact, they have made '''Tanwen''', the [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]], responsible for the conjunction. Marged has suggested that the group should include musicians and dancers - as the ghosts seem drawn to dance and anyone losing themselves in music.

There is another peculiarity of the site... Whenever blood is spilled in the area all obvious ghostly activity ceases. Even bringing a weapon into the area seems to cause problems for the ghosts. After Marged accidentally cut herself while peeling an apple, a few days later a great rumbling shakes the earth under the temple, causing portions of the in-progress structure to collapse. In addition, given Marged's own experience, it seems the person who brought the weapon or drew the blood suffers some terrible misfortunate event - though the specific nature of what might be is hard to say. Marged offers a possible reasoning behind this: that the site was once used for an extremely large [[blood magic]] ritual which has left its own consequences on the site. She recommends all weapons be left at Anvil.

==Further Reading==
* [[The first shot]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing the opportunities for the Navarr to muster vallorn-fighting armies
* [[Venture]] and [[Voyage]]

The last leg

2025-07-21T10:08:02Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
The captain stared at the great black-backed gull which returned the gaze with some equanimity. Its huge wings were folded to the body and it stood perched on the taffrail, its head turned slightly so that one yellow eye remained fixed on her, almost as if it was peering down the length of its heavy yellow beak.

She scratched the back of her head as she pondered the request. It seemed simple enough... Barely a day out of their way if the herald was to be believed - and there they would find treasure. And why shouldn't she believe it? The servants of an eternal had little reason to lie. Even The Agramant could speak no word of a lie, or so a landskeeper had told her once. Yet something held her back.

It was more than just the rough weather they'd had of late. Getting back to Meade was always a challenge, but now they were past Jotun waters and in the Gullet it should have been plain sailing. But the news from the mainland was dire and hearing it had settled a black mood over the whole ship. Many of them had friends and family in the marshes and naturally they feared the worst.

Somehow, it seemed like the fog in the bones had only got thicker when this messenger had landed on the foredeck. It was hard to shake the feeling that something was amiss, a little ball of twisted nerves in the pit of her stomach that this was all going to end badly. Careful, she admonished herself, otherwise you'll miss the sea for the sand.

It would be easier to turn it down. Make her excuses to the bird, keep on their current course and they'd be in Meade before the week's end. But even as she thought it, she was pondering the wisdom of such a refusal. The bird claimed to be a servant of the King of the Nine Tides. Anne Sailor didn't hold with kings, but she knew enough about the realms to know who that was and it didn't seem like an awfully good idea to risk getting on old Furole's bad side. Who knew when you might need a boon from the Regent of the Eternal Sea?

"Very well bird. Tell your king that we'll sail as you ask and me and the crew will find this treasure for you. But it better pay well," she admonished, pointing her finger in the herald's direction.

The bird squawked with obvious happiness. "Riches will rain from the skies" it promised in the same high trilling voice with which it had introduced itself.

And with that the huge bird spread its great metre wide wings and left over the side of the rail. The creature plunged towards the water below, wings outspread, narrowly missing the waves as they rose to claim it.

"Follow me captain, follow me!" it called as it frantically beat its heavy wings in a desperate attempt to gain altitude. "Limitless excitement and boundless opportunity... the horizon awaits"
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black pearl and his shell.jpg|align=left|caption=Rhianos' great race comes to an end, but there is still unfinished business for those who took part - and perhaps unexpectedly, also for those who did ''not'' take part.|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cc_-P2I81U}}
After the [[Rhianos|Regent of the Eternal Sea]] was asked to sponsor a race around the [[Bay of Catazar]], ''Sail Runner'' announced the [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Great Race]] - an impossible contest to travel to the four corners of the known world. The contest has taken ships all over the known world and beyond. Some turned aside from the race in [[Roaring_plenty#Widdershins_By_Riches|pursuit of riches]], some set sail [[Roaring_plenty#Deosil To Mystery|in search of discovery and excitement]].

Now, with the great race finally concluded, three score captains who chose to remain [[Roaring_plenty#Straight On For Glory|straight on for glory]] have claimed the winner's laurels. To them falls the greatest prize, but all who took part in the expedition find that a touch of [[Summer magic]] has been permanently [[#A Touch of Magic|imbued in their vessels]].

This season, those Imperial captains who refrained from committing themselves to the dangerous race also find unlooked for good-fortune coming their way in the shape a [[#Pearls Before Swine|cold black pearl]]. It seems the eternal is eager to acquire these pearls and is prepared to pay a good price for them - they have offered to pay those captains who took part in the race but sailed in search of riches a small fortune to present the pearls at the regio at the Solstice.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Summer Spell'''<br><p>Every character who completed the Deosil to Mystery Voyage or who took any of the three Rhianos options every downtime they submitted has received a special Summer boon: a permanent change to their fleet. The list includes characters who missed an event, but not characters that took a non-race option. This effect is anchored to the fleet itself - if you change your resource or swap it with another player it goes with the fleet.</p>

<p>Any player whose character is listed in the table below is encouraged to email {{plot}} with a name for their vessel and a ''short'' description of it. The description can include a ''minor'' magical effect of equivalent impact to the examples listed in the text. We will add your vessel's name and the description to the downtime system for your fleet if they are appropriate. The description must be minor in nature, sails like swan's wings are fine, a flying ship is not.</box></div>

==A Touch of Magic==
* '''Every fleet that pursue the Great Race to the end has received a permanent boon from the eternal'''
* '''Players can email plot with a name and description of their vessel'''
Those fleets that took every opportunity available to stay in the great race have been left with a touch of Summer magic permanently gracing their vessel. Not an enchantment exactly, this boon infuses the ship leaving it permanently altered by the dangerous expedition they undertook.

Captains that took every available opportunity to sail ''Deosil to Mystery'' find the boon ensures their ship will be more able to scout and explore in the future ('''OOC Note:''' +1 rank to [[Voyage#Scouting_Voyages|scouting voyages]]). Those that sailed ''Straight on for Glory'' to the bitter end and were not distracted by other choices find their fleet is better suited to adventures in the future ('''OOC Note:''' +1 rank to [[Voyage#Questing_Voyages|questing voyages]]). Those who stayed in the race for as long as they could but chose to turn Widdershins by Riches in the early stages find their fleet now benefits when they choose to seize their enemies' wealth ('''OOC Note:''' +1 rank to [[Voyage#Raiding_Voyages|raiding voyages]]).

In almost all cases, the magic manifests in subtle but noticeable ways, all of which are unique. A vessel's prow might change shape, taking the form of different aspects of ''Sunlit Depths'' to give the crew warning of weather changes, while another finds the boards of the hull develop a scalloped pattern and a golden sheen like fish scales.

<table class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><th>Character</th><th>Nation</th><th>Enchantment</th></tr>
<tr><td>Æðelric Dagursson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aldo i Russo i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alix Flowers</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anam Wayfinder</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Andronicus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anisa i Meridian i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Antur Eternal</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Argento i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arisent</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arnwic Maccusson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arturo i Tontería i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Asbet I Muhajim I guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aurelia of Shadow's Reach</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aurélio i Valiente i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aurianna du Meravon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aveun</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Azzam i Zaydan i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bacauda Netherwatch</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bastiana i Fontanilla i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bayan Zayden Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Beatriz i Valiente i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Benjit i Erigo i Boni</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bleddyn Eternal</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bloodcrow Reek</td><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brynn Vision Enduring</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cabeiri Gobán</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadenza I Fontanilla I Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadfael Silentwatch</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Captain Gawain de Licorne</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Captain Marinus</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Carrock Daggersbond</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cato i Emberbright i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cerewyn, Magnus of Starfall</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cisco i Phovas i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cormac</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Creed</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cuinn-Gael Winterbuilt</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Czernobog Ollovich Borislav</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Danica Lidija van Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dareem i Nedali i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Darius Tanglehorn</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Destan Weaver of house DeRondell</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dima Vasilyevna Novosad</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dreldor Qinleth</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dylan Thornweaver</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Edric of Oddmire</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eduardo i Otoño i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Elian i Carilla i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Elias</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ellis</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Emberlyn Brontide</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Emilia i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Èomer Drumheart</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Esteban Ezmara of Zenith Ascendant</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eyago i Ochoa i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ezro i Alvera i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fancy Jack</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Felia i Carno i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Giovanni von Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Glaw Silverfletch</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grymlauf Dunn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gustavus Tolski van Temeschwar</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hakon Dunning</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hanno i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Havngar Oaken Legs</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Helio i Fuego i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Doesil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Henrik</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hilda Sirens Scream Ursan</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ibrahim i Taziel i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Irwyn Jannasson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ivaniva Metsavna</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Izarra i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jaeger Crowe</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jahan i Cano i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jahir i Bamesh i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jeb of the Sails</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Joaquim i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Johannah i DelToro i Asavea</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Juniper</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kareem i Carno i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kaspar Kreftinaring</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kazimir Kirovich Aristov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kelia Drifting Bough</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Keyan</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kostjya</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kullervo Skjaling</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leofric</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leonel de Courtenay-Wyldrose</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lexis i Leharo i guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lith "Shiny" Fellsmith</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Llyr</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lorelan Thoress</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ludwig Barbadoro Videre</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Manolo i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mauro i Valiente i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Meredith Nighthaven</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Miriam Daughter of Esther</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mont i Sawa i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Montagne</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Octavius Lazcaris of the Wise Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Onnikas (The Unbroken)</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'Orn Greensmith</td><td>The Marches</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prietel i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Purnelle</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Quiberon i Caballo i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raal Dunn</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rafiq i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rahzón ‘Rahz’ i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raine Fisher</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raine Tealeaf</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ramos I Inigo I Raqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Raoul</td><td>Highguard</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhys Nighthaven</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Richardo Glostari di Sarvos</td><td>The League</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sagremar I Zayden I Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Santiana i Aguera i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ser Caerwyn Eyra</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sigeferth Masinen</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sir Dragon</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solana I Zabala I Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Svan</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Swift Whisperleaf</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tancred Enrico i Taziel i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Toca i Valiente i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tree Bear</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Triska Markova</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan de cendres</td><td>Dawn</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Umbar i Elba Stardo i Guerra</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urraca i Inez i Riqueza</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Valdi Blažena Borzyslaw</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Valentino Crass</td><td>The League</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vegard Veryson</td><td>Wintermark</td><td>Straight on for Glory</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vrael i Sol-Devorador i Erigo</td><td>The Brass Coast</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Witold Stefanovic Petrov</td><td>Varushka</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
<tr><td>Xenia</td><td>Urizen</td><td>Deosil to Mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>Zola "The Liar"</td><td>Navarr</td><td>Widdershins by Riches</td></tr>
</table>

==Pearls Before Swine==
* '''Fleet owners who did not receive a blessing from the eternal this season recovered a single black pearl'''
* '''Those who turned Widdershins by Riches are offered two crowns each to deliver up to thirteen of these pearls to Rhianos'''
While many fleets have been sailing in search of riches and glory, the other Imperial fleets have been busy with other matters such as [[Voyage#Hunt_the_Monsters|hunting monsters in the Sea of Snow]], [[Voyage#Raid_the_Broken_Shore|raiding the broken shore]] or trade with foreign ports. Despite their very different goals, each has had a single experience in common - the discovery of a strange black pearl.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Participation'''<br>
<p>Every fleet owner who ''didn't'' receive a boon from Rhianos for taking part in the Great Race this season but instead took another action has received a single cold black pearl in addition to any regular returns for their action. A ribbon and suitable phys-rep for the pearl will be in your pack.</p>

<p>Fleet owners are welcome to make up an appropriate story of their efforts to recover the pearl if they want to. You don't have to; some captains found a pearl quickly and easily, but several fleet owners have spent days and risked great danger to recover it. If your fleet would not have risked a short detour to help the eternal Rhianos recover the pearls, then you can hand the ribbon and phys-rep back to the GOD staff when you collect your pack.</p></box></div>
In each case, at some point, while in Imperial waters, the fleet received directions from one of the eternal's heralds that led them directly to a single black pearl. In most cases, the diversion was short and in most cases it was uneventful, but not all. Some fleet owners ended up losing many days to the strange quest and in one incident a captain only narrowly averted disaster after one of the eternal's heralds, ''Second Strike'', "forgot" to mention that the pearl was protected by one of the immature kraken released into the waters off [[Feroz]].

The pearls seem to be a rare form of [[Vis#Heart's_Blood|winter vis]], like [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]]. When activated, they count as a single crystal mana when used as part of a winter ritual. The pearls have a dismal aura of foreboding on them, but they ''seem'' innocuous, and they're clearly valuable to the right buyer. Why a Summer eternal would have any interest in such things, or indeed any knowledge of where they might be found, can only be guessed at. It is very clear that ''Coruscating Oarfish'' wants the pearls, yet the eternal's heralds absolutely refuse to touch them.

Perhaps the cold black pearls are simply part of the eternal's latest adventure for those who have travelled Widdershins by Riches. Those who sailed in search of plunder this season have returned with markedly less wealth than previous seasons, but they do receive a promise from ''Seadragon''. The eternal is eager to destroy as many of the pearls as possible - so his heralds provide each captain who sought wealth with a magical scroll that will allow them to return a single pouch of up to thirteen pearls.

To use the scroll, a character would need to bring a pouch or small chest containing one or more pearls to the [[Regio#Imperial region|Imperial regio]] and activate it by casting [[operate portal]] on it. If that happens then heralds of the eternal will safely dispose of the pearls, providing the character with two crowns for each pearl returned, up to a maximum of thirteen. Heralds warn Imperial citizens not to attempt to deliver more than thirteen pearls at once.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Mystery Legacy'''<br>
<p>Every character who completed the Deosil to Mystery Voyage over two seasons has permanently gained an additional trading voyage option that allows them to return to the location they previously visited. This location represents a unique port that only your character can reach. By taking the appropriate trading action, your character is able to gain similar benefits to those they obtained the first time they visited this location, either through exchange with the people living there or through adventure or similar.</p>

<p>It is not possible to teach other characters to reach this location. At present, only your character can find the spot you previously visited. As mentioned last time, these locations are plot hooks that we may use at any point in the future. They are not active plot now - but at any point a writer might create a plot involving one of these locations. If we do use one, and your character is still alive and active in the system, then your character will be the only one who knows where that location is found and how to reach it.</p></box></div>

==Strange New Lands==
* '''Lorana i Maqez i Erigo is hoping to speak with cartographers and those who sailed Deosil to Mystery'''
* '''They are looking to purchase and publish the best available map that has been produced'''
* '''Lorana will be in the Anvil tavern at 1:30pm on Sunday'''
* '''Those who found strange new lands on their journey can now return there if they choose'''
''Lorana i Maqez i Erigo'' is a member of the [[Rise_of_the_Fellowship_of_Purple_Sails|Purple Sails]], a sodality of merchants, sailors, captains and fleet owners dedicated to encouraging trade. The sodality has got wind of the fact that ship captains who sailed Deosil to Mystery returned with scraps of parchment showing various parts of the known world, which hitherto have not been mapped. The possibility that the Empire might be able to piece these fragments together and produce a rough map showing the outlines of [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]], [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] and other lands is of considerable interest to the sodality - but of course they would need to lay their hands on a copy of this map.

To that end, the sodality have nominated Lorana, a capable cartographer and experienced captain, to come to [[Anvil]] during the Summer Solstice with instructions to buy the best possible copy of any map that they can find. Their intention is to take this map and provide it to a printing house in [[Tassato]] who will then make copies of it available in good bookshops across the Empire.

Lorana i Maqez i Erigo has let it be known that they will be in the tavern at 1:30pm on Sunday of the Solstice. They will have four thrones on their person - with the intention to pay the citizen who offers the best looking copy of the map compiled from the fragments. They will, of course, need a physical copy of the map - whoever has the best looking copy of the map who is prepared to sell a physical copy will receive four thrones and see their work distributed across the Empire. Lorana would like to know the name or names of whichever cartographers produced the map so that the work can be suitably accredited.

There is a final gift from ''Windweaver''. Now that the race is over, there is a chance for any captain that visited strange new lands by sailing "Deosil to Mystery" last season, can now return there, if they choose to do so. Visiting this location will take a season, just as it might if one sailed to a port in the [[Sumaah Republic]] or the [[Commonwealth]]. Fleet owners must always consider their options carefully, but they can be assured that whatever wealth the location provided on their first visit will now be permanently available to them. It is not possible for a captain to teach another character how to reach this location, so these unique ports will only be available to the original fleet owners who discovered them, provided they have a fleet.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Winners Laurels'''<br>
Every player whose character received the Straight on for Glory enchantment is encouraged to email {{plot}} with a name for their vessel and a ''short'' description of it. The description can include a ''minor'' magical effect of equivalent impact to the examples listed in the text. We will add your vessel's name and the description to the downtime system for your fleet if they are appropriate. The description must be minor in nature, sails like swan's wings are fine, a flying ship is not.</box></div>
==The Sea of Stars==
* '''Those who sailed Straight on for Glory experienced a final Voyage to the Sea of Stars'''
* '''All characters whose fleets received the Straight on for Glory boon are invited to attend a meeting with the eternal and their heralds to talk of future adventures'''
* '''There is a conjunction on Saturday evening at 10pm for 65 people'''
* '''The eternal has asked the Archmage of Summer to send one or two capable musicians to accompany the captains'''
* '''Any fleet that received the Straight on for Glory boon has been upgraded'''
The last leg of the great race seems almost anti-climatic at first, especially for those who [[Read_the_directions#The_Race_is_Long|endured the terrible storm]] last season or the [[Second_star#Who_You_Are|suffered the deadly encounter the season before]]. The wind and waves are high at first, but nothing skilled sailors can't manage. They soon abate however leaving vessels that were seeking glory adrift for days on calm waters.

These doldrums seem to stretch out for weeks on end, and fears mount as rations run perilously low and supplies of water grow short. Then, when hope is at its nadir, the sails fill with a strange wind that fills the ships sails but never reaches the surface of the sea. The ship is sprung from gaol, speeding over a perfectly smooth sea. As the sun sets the waters grow clear as glass and fill with a thousand brilliant points of light, a reflection of the heavens above. As the moon rises its twin sister appears just below the prow, seemingly close enough to touch.

The ship sails for a single day on the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Stars|Sea of Stars]] before it vanishes as inexplicably as it appeared, leaving the crew with nothing but memories of this strange voyage and peculiar dreams. Some dream of being a gull flying over distant seas, others of being a porpoise leaping through the waves, still others of being a cuttlefish deep beneath the surface exploring a wonderful garden of coral and anemones and flitting luminescent fish. They will recall echoes of those dreams as long as they live, waking sometimes with a bittersweet melancholy that fades quickly but leaves traces of itself behind in waking life.

More sensitive mariners are permanently changed by the experience; some quit the sea forever choosing to move inland. Not from fear, but from the certainty that nothing will match this moment of sublime connection to something vast and mysterious and wondrous. Others become consumed with the desire to keep sailing, becoming uncomfortable on land for any extended period of time. They are content only when the waves lap beneath them, with the smell of the ocean in their nostrils. Even more hard-headed sailors will find, in years to come, moments where they fancy they scent brine, or hear distantly the wheeling gulls or the murmuring of the waves and yearn to be away from their cares flying across a sea flat as a mirror beneath endless stars.

Everyone who visited the Sea of Stars is left with a powerful feeling that win or lose, they have achieved something remarkable, that they have seen something that very few other people alive in the world have ever experienced.

Returned from the enigmatic sea, and with barely a week or more remaining before the equinox, the vessels turn for home. The race is over, only one final opportunity remains. The heralds extend an invitation for the ship's captain to join them in the ''Shallow Woods'' near [[Casinea#Woodwych|Woodwych]] on the other side of [[Casinea]] away from Anvil. There is a minor Summer regio there, so that on certain nights one can hear the sound of the sea if one listens carefully. ''Spume Sailor'' and some of their heralds will meet the captains there; the borders of the regio will be open and allow any who attend to cross over to the chamber at its heart. The eternal is eager to celebrate the triumph and to discuss what new adventures the captains intend to seek next.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
The invitation is just for those captains who have received the Straight on for Glory boon - but there is a conjunction for 65 people to go there on the Saturday evening at 10pm. The heralds ask anyone who needs one bring a chair to sit on, and everyone brings just enough food and drink to share with each other, in the hope that it will help create a convivial atmosphere. They provide a small jewelled brooch to each captain and tell those planning to attend to wear it prominently as it will be important on the evening. Only captains with a brooch will be permitted entry to the celebrations.

Well not ''quite'' only. ''Tide Dancer'' begs a boon of the [[Archmage of Summer]] - asking them to find one or two musicians who might be prepared to provide some entertainment by performing at the party. The eternal understands that the Summer archmage is very busy, but they hope that this request is a small thing that might be easily fulfilled without too much difficulty, given the many favours that the archmage asks of the regents of the Summer realm. The eternal offers a ''[[Roaring_plenty#Funny_Things_Are_Everywhere_(Participation)|windborn pearl]]'' to each musician in exchange for their performance as well as a chance to be part of the evenings revelry and contemplations.

There is one final boon from ''Ocean Caller''. The trials and tribulations endured by the fleets that did not deviate from the course that took them to victory in the race had provided lasting benefits to the crew. All fleets that received the ''Straight on for Glory'' boon have also been [[fleet#Upgrades|upgraded]]. Fleets that previously had two upgrades or less have been upgraded twice; fleets that had more than two existing upgrades have been upgraded once. These benefits reflect the skill and experience the crew have developed from the wonders they have seen on their extraordinary voyage.

==Further Reading==
* [[Rhianos]]
* [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Stars|Sea of Stars]]

* [[Read the directions]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune about the race
* [[Second star]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the race
* [[Roaring plenty]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune about the race
* [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Spring wind of fortune introducing the race

A better future

2025-07-19T18:36:41Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"You'd think they could have waited until your corpse was cold," said Tamera angrily. On the street below the balcony were two large wagons. Furniture and furnishings were being unloaded from one with some care, and loaded into the other with a slapdash lack of concern for any damage.

Maxatious sipped his porcelain bowl of black herbal tea without any obvious display of emotion. Tamera realised he was probably feeling ''serene'' right now. She winced internally at what kind of emotional state he would be in when the drug wore off.

"After all the years of service..." she tried again. It was clear she was significantly more upset than her uncle was.

Maxatious waved it away.

"It's simply good statecraft," he said, his voice level. "Someone was going to have to take the fall, and it makes sense that it is me. I am a little irritated I didn't see it coming, if I am honest. I think it might even be for the best when a stratagem like this takes me by surprise. The settlement is more than satisfactory to see out the rest of my years, and even if it had not been I do not think the version where I fled to be with my 'friends in the Principalities' would have ended half as well. My home is here, and I doubt the Jarmish would be especially welcoming given the circumstances."

"It just makes me angry," said Tamera. "To treat you like this, all to make some conniving -"

He cut her off with a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Now, now," he said, a little distantly. "There really is no need to be so angry on my behalf. Our ancestors know what happened here, and so does everyone who counts. Anyone who doesn't know, doesn't count and can be ignored. Given a choice between my good name and the safety of our country, I would make the same decision every time."

He put his empty tea bowl down on the little mahogany side table, his hands surprisingly steady for a man who had barely an hour ago given the most humiliating speech of his long life. He looked across to his offices for the first time, and the ghost of a frown briefly appeared on his brow before fading into the quietude that filled his spirit.

"Please don't fret," he said. "You're welcome to stay but I have something rather important to get to and I'd appreciate you leaving me to it for an hour or two. There's a certain letter I have been looking forward to writing, and I think the sooner I get it done the better."

The shadow of a smile, grim as death, flickered over his lips and then was gone, his face returned to the quiet, self-contained mask of serenity. But something shadowed his dark eyes that belied that fleeting tranquility.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoHk_i-qI5g}}
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of the ruins of Solokha]]. There are still pitfalls, though. The Axou are proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world. They are members of the [[Liberty Pact]], but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. In recent months, the small nation to the south of [[the Mallum]] is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''.

That upheaval has taken an unexpected turn as Spring fades away. For the last decade and a half, the Axou Ambassador to the Empire has been ''Ilarch Maxatios'' of the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]. They were the primary point of contact for Imperial citizens wishing to communicate with the smaller nation, although they often seemed exasperated by the attitudes of the much larger neighbour to their west. As the Summer Solstice approaches, it becomes apparent they are no longer the diplomatic advisor to the Grand Ilarchs of the nation.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=Fintan Nighthaven of [[Navarr]]|status=Foreigner}}
==School and Scandal==
* '''A breach of the Liberty Pact has been identified by Fintan Nighthaven'''
* '''The Axou Grand Ilarchs have denied all knowledge and placed responsibility squarely on Ilarch Maxatious'''
* '''The scandal has led to the formal creation of a Grand Council to deal with national affairs'''
* '''Ilarch Maxatious' failure has seen them removed from their position as ambassador'''
Ambassador '''Fintan Nighthaven''' has apparently sent an extremely concerned note to Ilarch Maxatious demanding an explanation for the "''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art''". Reportedly a collaboration between the [[Axos#Halls_of_Maykop|Halls of Maykop]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]], studying war magic. There seems to be little doubt that such a facility is a clear breach of the [[Liberty Pact]] for a number of reasons. It contravenes both the principle requirement that "''no signatory to the pact will provide meaningful military assistance to any nation that finds itself at war with a signatory of the pact''" and the Summer 384YE amendment that "''all signatory nations will apply a [[Tariffs#Embargo|trade embargo]] to Jarm''." As the Ambassador points out, the existence of the School is sufficient grounds to expel Axos from the Liberty Pact
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan8448.png|caption=Fintan Nighthaven, Ambassador to Axos, has been singled out for particular praise.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
By all accounts after the letter arrived, the outraged Grand Ilarchs of the other four citadels demanded an explanation from ''Grand Ilarch Keloparia'' of Maykop. The details are not public knowledge as the meeting took place behind closed doors, but the official statement from Axos is very clear. A faction within Maykop acted without the oversight of the Grand Ilarch herself, and under the very nose of Ilarch Maxatious who ultimately should have been alert enough to ensure that this scandalous error did not take place. As such, the Grand Ilarchs have demanded the resignation of Maxatious which he has since provided. The ''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art'' has closed its doors, and the Jarmish left in no doubt as to the reasons for this happening.

A further outcome of the meeting is a shake-up of the political situation at the highest ranks of Axos. ''Grand Ilarch Kyther'' of [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Kaban]] has been calling for greater cooperation between the citadels for some time, and this revelation of a potential breach of the vital Liberty Pact has proven the need for unity. As such a formal Grand Ilarch's council will now replace the former, informal gathering of the leaders of the five citadels. It will meet four times a year, with each citadel taking it in turns to host, to ensure that no one citadel is able to make the kind of decision that might endanger the entire nation.

The first order of business for the Grand Council is to replace Ilarch Maxatious. After extensive discussion they have appointed ''Ilarch Kario Skopos'', a scion of the Skopos family of the [[Axos#Chambers_of_Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. One of the requirements the Grand Ilarchs have placed, however, is that Ilarch Skopos must renounce their ties to their citadel for as long as they hold the post. Instead, they will be known as ''Ilarch Skopos of [[Axos#Spires_of_Solokha|Solokha]]''. Where Maxatious was often accused of being partisan to the benefit of the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]], ''Kario'' will remain neutral in the politics of the citadel, reporting directly to the Grand Council and representing their will, and through them the will of the people.

The second order of business for the Grand Council of Axos is to thank the Imperial Ambassador Fintan Nighthaven for their forbearance and understanding in this matter, and the excellent advice they delivered regarding ways to deal with this unfortunate development. Without their insightful words, and the warning that Ilarch Maxatious was mishandling the situation, this could easily have become a major crisis for the nation and their friendship with the Empire.

The civil service are of the opinion that this is all very clearly a political play by one or more factions within Axos. The idea that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop might have been unaware of a faculty working with Jarm to develop martial rituals is absolutely inconceivable. Ilarch Maxatious has clearly been required to "take the fall" for this embarrassment. The new ambassador is just as clearly a political appointment - not very much is known about them but it is very likely they are connected to the [[Victory_and_unity#The_ambitions_of_Kyther_Deianeira|unity movement]] of Grand Ilarch Kyther. The Axou are doubtless ''very keen'' to ensure that the Empire not share their discovery with the other members of the Liberty Pact. There is no doubt that Sumaah and the Commonwealth would immediately demand Axou be expelled from the pact, and expect the Empire to support them, if they were made aware of it by a credible source ('''OOC Note:''' This means a formal communication from either the ambassador to their nation, or the [[Voice of Liberty]]. A casual [[Call Winged Messenger|missive]] from an unknown Imperial citizen is very unlikely to produce any reaction).
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|caption=Given the beliefs of the [[Axos religion|Axou religion]] the establishment of the Unified Convocation may be a matter of concern for the [[Imperial Synod]].|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==Unified Convocation==
* '''A new Unified Convocation has been established in which a number of Axou sects have formed a tentative philosophical alliance
The Grand Council is not the only change rippling through Axos society. In the wake of the recent cleansing of Solokah, Theodosia of Ipotavo has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At the moment it takes the form of a humble temple surrounded by tents, but it is what it represents that might be of interest to the Empire. Several of the [[bands#sects|sects]] who worked on the reclamation of the haunted ruins - and it is worth noting that that work is still continuing as the last ghosts and hauntings are dealt with - have come together to establish a "Unified Convocation" - the ''Enias Sinklisis'' in the old language of the Nikitis Axou.

It's clear that this convocation is modelled somewhat on the Imperial Synod, or at least its General Assembly. So far only a fraction of the Axou sects have indicated their intention to become part of it - and others are refusing point blank to have anything to do with it. It's not clear at this point how much influence the Convocation will be able to wield; the Axou as a people may accept the religion they share but few priests possess any political power. What is certain is that the Grand Ilarchs will not allow it to pose a threat to their own power.

Further details are limited, not least because the Unified Convocation itself is still very much in its early days, but the [[Imperial Civil Service|civil service]] suggest that while this change is likely due to the hard work of Theodosia, the obvious spiritual powers she wields, and the success of the Solokha project, it is also very much in line with the plans of Grand Ilarch Kyther Deianeira and their populist plan to unify and strengthen the nation against outsiders.

From an Imperial point of view, this could be a problematic development. It is all too easy to forget that the fundamental tenets of the Axou religion is that the Creator is evil, the Labyrinth is a torture chamber, and the Imperial Synod is a tool for keeping humanity under the heel of an unspeakable spiritual tyrant.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArtisanOil.jpg|caption=Axos is home to a number of strange substances refined by the apothecary-sorcerers of the nation.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Black Sailed Ships==
* '''Axos welcomes Imperial fleet captains
* '''The quayside of the Chambers of Issyk are once again available to Imperial ships
Ilarch Skopos is pleased that one of their first roles in their new position is to speak to the Empire about trade. For some time now there has been only one port available to Imperial vessels - the port of Kantor. In the past it has primarily focused on common trade goods, but now that the conservative Maxatious is no longer advising the merchants that is likely to change. More excitingly, the new Axou Ambassador is happy to extend an invitation to Imperial fleet captains to visit the newly restored port of [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Issyk]].
===Kantor===
* '''Kantor no longer offers Orichalcum'''
* '''Instead it offers Axou consumables - Sable and Blackened Key
Following advice from Ambassador Nighthaven, the port of [[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] no longer provides [[orichalcum]] to Imperial vessels. Instead, a standard Imperial [[fleet]] that [[Fleet#Trading|trades]] with Kantor will receive two doses of ''Sable'' and one dose of ''Blackened Key''. The former is a thick black syrupy liquid with a pleasant taste that quietens unpleasant feelings and is much favoured by everyone from high-status political leaders to the lowest competitor in the Axou fighting pits. The latter is a drug that may be familiar to the Empire that allows the user to [[voice for the dead|speak to the dead]] without the need to cast a spell.
===Issyk===
* '''The port of Issyk has reopened to Imperial captains
* '''It now provides a range of Axou esoterica
The docks at the [[Foreign ports#Chambers of Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]] have been reopened and are also available to Imperial traders. There has been some sort of [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter|commotion]] involving the [[Sarcophan Delves]] and an attempt to get out of some kind of investment that delayed the matter for a season but it has now been resolved. Ilarch Skopos is noncommital about exactly how the investment issue has been resolved, but there are reports of inhumanly tall figures with skin the colour of polished metal being spied on the docks. Intervention from the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn realm]] perhaps? Regardless, Imperial fleet captains can trade with the Chambers following the Summer Solstice. The markets of Issyk specialise in Axou esoterica - primarily peculiar consumables harvested and prepared by the apothecary-sorcerors of the citadels.

Instead of normal goods, fleets visiting Issyk will receive the following trade goods.
* '''Luxury goods''' such as cunningly woven shrouds, death masks of bone and wood, subtly unsettling icons and statuettes, tomes of blasphemous and heretical philosophy and the like. This is represented by cash, but characters are encouraged to create peculiar examples of Axou art as souvenirs for use on the field.
* '''Bonedust''' - This mildly poisonous material is apparently literally made from ground bone (along with several other substances native to Axos). It is reportedly used by Axou priests without access to [[liao]] when they perform [[Religious skills|spiritual ceremonies]]. It is also known to provide peculiar, dreamy visions of death and the dead.
* '''Tombstone''' (also known as ''Tarfos'') - a powder that when consumed insulates one from the emotion of fear. It is very popular with Axou soldiers, pit fighters, criminals, and a small number of very dangerous ritual magicians. Repeated use of Tarfos apparently increases the threat of death - not because it is particularly venomous but because an absence of fear can lead to users failing to run away from obviously fatal situations.
* '''Serenity''' - a prestigious drug that causes sensations of absolute calm and tranquillity when consumed. It is apparently much favoured as a recreational substance by wealthy Axou who appreciate the ability to put aside the worries of their day and relax despite all the challenges of existing in such a dog-eat-dog society as the citadels of Axos.
* '''Lamia''' - a magical salve favoured by Axou battle-magicians and practitioners of Winter lore. It reportedly acts a little like [[vis]], but with a narrower application. It provides power to rituals of [[Winter magic]] that involve [[Winter magic#Survival|personal survival]], although it is also known to have some odd effects on those who use it.

Skopos mentions that these substances are somewhat dependant on supply, demand, and fashion. More so than Kantor this might lead to a volatile situation where the actual trade goods available from Issyk might change without warning. All part of the excitement of international trade!
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj5.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
==The Tyrants of the Mallum==
* '''The ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' trade cartel thanks the Imperial heroes who helped rescue a popular agema from the Druj
* '''The Ambassador's assurance that the Empire plans to destroy the Druj has been well received in Axos
* '''Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of Ipotavo is sending an emissary to discuss related matters with General Gabriel Barossa
* '''The emissary will arrive in Anvil at 12.30 on Sunday afternoon
Ilarch Skopos offers thanks to the Empire, especially '''Lith''' as the [[Eastern Broker]], for their aid in the [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Changes_(Therunin)|rescue of Menoetius of Issyk]]. As a representative of the ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' trade cartel, and a respected ''agema'', what could have been a blow to the morale of the eastern nation has instead become a public-relations coup for the Empire. There had been talk that the ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' may have considered withdrawing from investment in the Empire; with a glowing testimonial from one of their ranking members that seems unlikely in the immediate future. It is very likely that the timely resolution of this situation has also contributed to the decision of the Chambers of Issyk to expedite an invitation to Imperial traders to visit their newly expanded quayside.

Perhaps just as relevant, Fintan Nighthaven has offered bold assurances that the Empire has no intention of letting the Druj - who had captured Menoetius and intended to turn them into a [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls|tortured soul]] - to go unchallenged. They say that not only will [[Therunin]] be recovered but the [[Sarangrave]] and the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] will also one day be freed from the blight of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]]. Their statement is apparently spread around the citadels and is very welcome especially in Ipotavo and Kaban who are all too familiar with the threat of the Druj.

With that in mind, Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of Ipotavo - once a general with a great deal of respect for Imperial soldiers - has instructed Ilarch Skopos to inform the Empire that she will be sending an emissary to speak with '''Gabriel Barossa''', the [[general]] of the [[Towerjacks]] on a related matter. The emissary is expected to arrive at [[Anvil]] at around half-past-twelve on Sunday afternoon, and Skopos hopes that Ambassador Fintan and either the general or his adjutant can meet with them. Grand Ilarch Terricos understands that there are any number of reasons that this is not ideal, but it is the earliest the emissary can reach Anvil this season.
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterRUne.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Winter Magic==
* '''The Halls of Maykop offer an opportunity to cooperate on the codification of an Imperial arcane projection
* '''The decision is in the hands of the Imperial Conclave
* '''A single order could be guided to visit Maykop and help codify a chosen projection
* '''The Shuttered Lantern might be able to make particular use of this opportunity
The new ambassador, Ilarch Kario, also presents an offer from the Grand Ilarch and the faculty of Maykop. The political embarrassment of some of their staff working with slavers has inclined them to reconsider past reticence to work with Imperial magicians. According to Ambassador Fintan, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''', has repeatedly enquired about collaboration on matters of [[Winter magic]]. Given that the Empire has been so understanding about the unfortunate business with the ''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art'' they wish to invite the [[Imperial Conclave]] to send a group of magicians to visit the Halls of Maykop and collaborate with Axou scholars on the codification of a new Winter ritual. Out of recognition for the honour the Empire does them by recognising that their understanding of the [[Realms#Winter|Wasteland]] is greater than that of the Empire, they propose to produce two copies of the [[ritual text]] - one for their own extensive libraries and one for Imperial magicians.

To take advantage of this offer, one of the [[Grandmaster|grandmasters]] must use a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]] to visit Maykop. They must also name an [[arcane projection]] of the Winter realm that has a magnitude no higher than twenty. It will cost the Conclave 20 crystal mana to direct an order as usual. If this is done during the Summer Solstice, some members of the order - those most experienced in the codification of new rituals - will visit Maykop. By the start of the Autumn Equinox, a ritual text of the chosen arcane projection will be delivered to the grandmaster.

In addition to the ritual text, there will be a chance to gather a little information about magical matters related to Maykop's understanding of the Winter realm. The nature of that discovery will depend on the order chosen, and will be delivered as a few paragraphs in the winds of fortune rather than an individual briefing.

There is one other minor consideration here. If the order that takes advantage of this opportunity is the [[Shuttered Lantern]], then after the event and before the close of downtime the Grandmaster may email {{plot}} and confirm that the magicians they are sending will steal something from the libraries of Maykop. If this is done the Grandmaster will receive a second ritual text. The Shuttered Lantern are experts; the librarians of Maykop will not immediately notice the theft. That is not to say they will ''never'' work out what happened - especially if any Axou is ever in a position to see a proprietary Winter ritual being cast by Imperial magicians.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption='''Nathair Autumngale''', Advisor on the Vallorn|align=right|width=250}}

==Librarian and Bursar==
* '''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop has requested an opportunity for some of her students to spend a season at the Great Library of Hacynian
''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy - has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now. She organises a small group of students from Axos [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|studying in the Empire]], and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|House of Spirits]] in [[Casinea]] in conjunction with '''Rinnah''' of the [[Highguard_groups#The Shattered Tower|Shattered Tower]], the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]].

Without needing to go through the Axou Ambassador, she has raised a request. Several of her students are interested in spending a semester at the [[Great Library of Hacynian]]. Obviously, when the initial invitation to visit places of higher learning in the Empire was offered, the Library had not yet achieved its current status as the greatest repository of lore about the [[vallorn|Doom of Terunael]] in the world. The last thing she would wish to do would be to cause any kind of "international incident" so she requests that the Bursar liaise with the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] and see if it would be possible to achieve official permission to visit the library.

Either the Bursar or the Advisor should send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. They could of course also politely decline, request some favour in return, or do nothing at all. Mistress Isephenia knows all about the complicated balancing act of academia. Ideally, though, if it is possible they'd like a chance to do so sooner rather than later.

The civil service advise a degree of caution following the request. Mistress Isephenia is not offering any particular benefit to the Empire with this request, and while acceding to it will likely improve the attitude of the visiting students it will also mean that Axos will quickly know as much about the vallorn as the Empire does - which might not be the best thing in the world given the presence at the heart of their nation of the vallorn of [[Terunael_in_Axos#History_of_the_Axos_vallorn|Visokuma]]. At present the Axos seem well inclined to support any attempt to link up the vallorn, but that position could well change if they realise what such an event might portend. The Empire ''might'' be able to survive a massive excursion by the vallorn, but it is much more doubtful that Axos could.

==The Good Doctor==
* '''A respected esoteric doctor with a special interest in memory loss is visiting Anvil
* '''He intends to visit the Anvil Hospital to begin with but is interested in seeing the sights
* '''The doctor has requested an audience with the Ambassador to Axos
* '''He is due to arrive at around 14.00 on Saturday
News of a potentially delicate matter comes to the Embassy shortly before the Solstice, regarding a prestigious visitor to Anvil. Doctor Anastsis of Issyk is planning to make a visit to the Empire during the Summer summit. Anastasis is apparently a respected practitioner of magical medicine, and an acknowledged master of dealing with maladies relating to memory loss. Ilarch Skopos is a little vague on the reasons the good doctor is coming to Anvil - although the implication is more that Anastsis has not ''told'' the Axou Ambassador rather than that they are trying to conceal them. Described by a few visitors to the citadels who have met him as "polite, precise, and disturbingly well-informed", he has let it be known that he is particularly interested in seeking individuals who’ve lost years of their memories either through trauma or ill-advised ritual experimentation. Anastsis would like to meet the Ambassador to Axos himself, cryptically citing them as “the only one who refused the offer of a creature that dwells between places.”

Ilarch Skopos obviously expresses the hope that Doctor Anastsis' visit should go without a hitch. While he is mostly only known in very specific esoteric circles in Axos he does come from a well-connected family and it would be quite problematic if anything bad happened to him. He is expected to arrive at Anvil some time around two in the afternoon on Saturday, and plans to begin his visit at the Anvil Hospital.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Other Evander Slak.jpg|caption=Evander Slak was briefly a fixture at Anvil, always happy to deal with Imperial customers.|align=left|width=200}}</div>

==Finally, An Appeal for Help==
* '''Evander Slak and Hippolata of Kaban seem to have disappeared
* '''A small reward is offered for information about their whereabouts
One last matter concerns a pair of Axou merchants who visited Anvil several times over the last few years selling Axou herbs and potions. ''Evander Slak'' and his business partner ''Hippolata of Kaban'' apparently retired last year with a large sack of Imperial money to their homes in the rebuilt [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Tunnels of Kaban]]. However, there is some concern that the pair have since gone missing; neither they nor their small fortune has been seen in some months and Ilarch Skopos passes along concerns from the Grand Ilarch of Kaban that these two mini-celebrities might be in trouble. If anyone in the Empire has any idea where they might be, or can find out where they have gone, there will be a small reward related in size to the precision of the information.

Obviously there's no suggestion the two have done anything wrong, just a concern that they might be in trouble and need assistance.
{{Axos Links}}

Beat of your drum

2025-07-19T18:35:53Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The stew was surprisingly nice, mused Roget. He found it a little surprising given there was no meat in it. This ''worzelpaste'' or whatever they called it was very effective. His companion sensed his approval and the League merchant spotted the tiny twitch of the lip that he had come to identify as the orc smiling at him.

"Anyway, what it comes down to is this," continued the orc seriously. They had been discussing the relative merits of Imperial and Commonwealth attitudes, and it had become a little intense. "Altmann asked... you know who Altmann is, yes?"

Roget nodded. "He was the philosopher who founded your nation?"

The orc - Manno - winced slightly. "It is a little more complicated than that, but yes, he laid the foundations for our nation. Anyway, Altmann asked 'do the ends justify the means'?"

"We ask that question in the Empire as well," said Roget. "Have you got an answer?"

Manno shook his head and ate another massive spoonful of vegetable stew.

"No, no. Altmann said there ''is'' no answer. Or rather that there are a lot of answers, and that it is up to each person to decide what that answer is. The important thing is that once you ''have'' decided, then you can't act against that knowledge. Or you mustn't, rather. You have to know what is true and then act, you see? A little like your Imperial virtues but more... rational. Reasoned? So the best we've been able to come up with as an answer to the paradox is "sometimes" or "maybe". You see?"

"I see," said Roget. But the orc hadn't finished. His eyes glowing with passionate intensity, Manno leaned across the table.

"But! While it started with Altmann, it doesn't end there. One of the philosophers who came after him - Hinzel I think it was - said that the real question Altmann was asking was 'If the ends are important enough, does that mean that a good person should use every means at their disposal to achieve them?'"

"Ah, we have a similar argument in the Empire. People often argue whether the pursuit of one Virtue trumps the others. It comes up rather a lot when discussing the nature of Ambition..."

The orc nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes. Exactly! If the ends you seek are a perfect world where nobody need ever suffer again, what does it mean if you decide some action is too terrible for you to take it? Are you not selfishly putting your own good - your own feeling - ahead of the good of the world? Pushing the perfect future further away meaning more people suffer before it is achieved? You see?"

"Yes, quite," said Roget, just a little nervous at the orc's fervour. "And what did Hinzel say was the answer?"

The orc barked a short laugh and subsided back into his seat. "He had no idea. Wrote six volumes debating it with himself and died halfway through the seventh. People have been arguing about it ever since. I'm just a simple farmer, mind. It's possible an actual philosopher might have a good answer for you but... I wonder sometimes. What I would sacrifice if I knew I could bring the perfect world a little closer, if I might cut even a day of suffering off of the long march to the Greatest Good?"

Roget smiled and nodded, but he felt a shiver go up his spine and was secretly relieved when the others came back to the table and the subject turned to less esoteric matters.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Timeless Books.jpg|caption=In the Commonwealth even a "simple farmer" may be remarkably erudite on matters of philosophy and the Common Good.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OliGCzYtms}}
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

The [[Commonwealth]] are a militaristic nation committed to the idea of ensuring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. They are perhaps the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world. This is in no small part due to their membership of the [[Liberty Pact]], dedicated to destroying the abhorrent practice of slavery across the world. Both nations are dedicated to extending their influence over the whole world, and know that only one of them can fulfil their grand ambition, but for now their rivalry with the Empire remains amicable. The Empire shared their mastery of magic with the magicians of the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth soldiers fought and died alongside the Freeborn in the [[A beacon of smoke|fall of Siroc]].

At present, the Commonwealth remains locked in a bitter war with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], over what appear to be irreconcilable differences. The proximate cause is the nation of Lantir, a tiny landlocked country surrounded by the two rival great powers. The Commonwealth [[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|took sides in a civil war]] in the nation causing the Jarmish to back the rival faction. The war continues to rage without any sign of burning out and it remains the key focus of the Commonwealth's Military Council, distracting them from other business.

The Commonwealth ambassador to the Empire is ''Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen'', of die Stahlhalle in the port-city of Volkavaar, a veteran soldier who reports to the generals who hold the reins of political power in their nation. An old campaigner, they generally speak plainly and as honestly as any politician can when dealing with their Imperial counterpart.
{{Nation|nation=Commonwealth|status=Foreigner|port=[[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_(Eastern_Commonwealth)|Leerdam]] and [[Commonwealth_ports#Volkavaar_(Western_Commonwealth)|Volkavaar]]|ambassador=Finn Pridetalker of [[Wintermark]]}}
==Welcome, New Ambassador==
* '''The Commonwealth greets the new ambassador and wishes the old one well
* '''They are disappointed in delays completing the diplomatenschloss but understand
* '''The Militärattache provides prior warning that the Commonwealth will be discontinuing the practice of allowing merchants to offer bribes to ambassadors
The first order of business is for ''Militärattache Schöningen'' to welcome the new [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth|ambassador]] '''Finn Pridetalker''' of [[Wintermark]]. Schöningen has nothing but praise for the former ambassador '''Lucia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato''', but understands the Empire's interest in remaining flexible and ensuring a number of viewpoints are represented in international relations. She hopes she will be able to cultivate as good a working relationship with the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] ambassador as with the long-serving [[the League|League]] predecessor.

Obviously Ludkhannah is a little disappointed to hear that work on the [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Diplomatenschloss|diplomatenschloss]] has had to slow while new construction materials are secured. It is understandable though - the Commonwealth always appreciates the problems that being at war on multiple fronts can cause. She hopes that the work can nonetheless be completed soon, but also shares the concerns raised by ''Ingenieurin Hellebrant'' relating to [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] and Commonwealth ships both traversing the river Couros. She looks forward to hearing how the Ambassador intends to address these challenges, and is ''mostly'' joking when she suggests that the simplest solution would be to decommission the Jarmish Embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]].

On the subject of the diplomatenschloss, Militärattache Ludkhannah raises the matter of [[Ambassador#Mercantile support|mercantile support]]. There is a tradition that Imperial [[ambassador|ambassadors]] traditionally benefit personally from involvement with a foreign nation. Generally merchants who engage in trade between the Empire and the nation in question visit the [[embassy]] to curry favour with the ambassador and their staff for various reasons. Often these "lobbyists" make a portion of the items they buy and sell available to the ambassador at favourable prices. The implication is that as long as the ambassador benefits from trade with a nation, they will be more likely to act to smooth over obstacles and maintain a good relation - to the direct profit of the merchants involved.

There is obviously no Commonwealth embassy at the moment but once the diplomatenschloss is completed, the Militärattache will be actively discouraging this kind of behaviour. Recent policy shifts require merchants trading in foreign ports to remember they are ambassadors of the nation, and this practice of offering "special deals" demeans the reputation of the Commonwealth. It smacks of underhand corruption and bribery. Instead the Ambassador from the Commonwealth is arranging for some small cultural tokens of appreciation to be sent to the embassy each season as recognition of the fine relations between the two nations - which will not require the ambassador to put their hand in their pockets to buy "special deals." Militärattache Schöningen has noted the ambassador's interest in [[According_to_principle#Leerdam|Soldatentrunk and Kriegsamulett]], and intends to bear that in mind.

On the wider scale, Militärattache Schöningen has distributed the information that the Empire finds certain products more appealing than others, but notes that the goods being offered in Volkavaar and Leerdahm are as much about what is available in the locality as anything else. It is up to the individual merchants to decide what they do with this information but it is still useful to know.

==War in the East==
* '''The decision not to allow mercenaries to fight with the Commonwealth has been accepted'''
The [[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]] continues to rage between the Commonwealth and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. There are a few moments in the official correspondence where it is clear Militärattache Schöningen may be a little disappointed by the Senate's refusal to allow Imperial troops to support Commonwealth armies, but she understands the Empire is fighting wars of its own just as the [[Sumaah Republic]] are.

She wishes to pass on that they have made good use of some of the battlefield rituals shared with them by the Imperial Conclave both on the strategic and tactical scales. The Commonwealth will never be able to out-perform the Jarmish ritualists, but the Empire's assistance is helping to redress the imbalance.

The Militärattache is frank that at present the Commonwealth are struggling - they are being pushed back by the flashy magical power the Jarmish rely on, but she remains confident that the Commonwealth will eventually triumph. Their methods are more sustainable and more considered and ultimately the Jarmish will run out of mana to power their rituals. Once that happens, the Jarmish will start trying to sue for peace. Although they are not the aggressor in this war, having been asked to protect their allies in Lantir from the corrupting influence of the Jarmish princes, Ludkhannah is hopeful that once Jarm's magical resources are exhausted and Lantir is secure, then the Commonwealth will be able to attack Jarm directly.

She is concerned however that some are already talking of a possible peace treaty. The Commonwealth have as many other concerns and threats both internal and external as the Empire no doubt does. The strain of all out war with the Jarmish is taxing the Commonwealth and there is talk that negotiation may be needed to allow the Commonwealth time to recover - once Lantir is secure obviously.

===Power and Responsibility===
* '''An opportunity exists to send 200 crystal mana to the Commonwealth to aid in strategic goals
* '''In return the Ambassador would receive an amount of Commonwealth consumables
According to Militärattache Schöningen, the Imperial Ambassador proposed sending a significant amount of crystal mana to the Commonwealth for use in the war. In return, the Commonwealth would provide large amounts of ''Soldatentrunk'', ''Blutlehm'', ''Würzpaste'' and ''Heldenstein''. After discussion with military procurers and quartermasters, the Commonwealth Ambassador responds with a proposal of their own. If Finn Pridetalker can arrange for 200 crystal mana to be delivered to her office by [[Ethereal Courier]] by the end of the Summer Solstice, she can arrange for 25 bottles of Soldatentrunk, 25 packets of Blutlehm, 25 pouches of Würzpaste, and 10 Heldenstein to be delivered to the Ambassador by the start of the Autumn Equinox (or, in Imperial, Soldier's Booze, Bloodclay, Spice Paste, and Hero Stones). She regrets that the amount of Heldenstein offered is so low, but it has direct use on the battlefield and most provisioners would rather see it used to empower soldiers than trade it for crystal mana, even if it is more versatile. This is a one-time request, it is not possible for the Ambassador to commit to arranging an exchange on a seasonal basis. To be useful, the mana needs to be received by the end of the Summer Solstice, so their generals can employ the rituals they need in the coming season.

The Civil Service note that while Militärattache Schöningen addresses this offer directly to the Ambassador, it is unlikely she would reject an offer of 200 mana from a private citizen and would likely respond with the quantities of trade goods mentioned regardless of where the crystals came from.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sadogua001d.webp|caption=The Commonwealth do not entirely trust the ''[[Sadogua|Spell Glutton]]'' given his obvious favour towards their rivals in Jarm.|align=left|width=200}}</div>
==Lyceum==
* '''The Commonwealth is reassured to discover that progress has been made in finding a way to re-open the Lyceum
* '''They bear news of a magical breakthrough
For more than a year now there have been a number of Commonwealth magicians trapped on the island of [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum|the Lyceum]]. Ambassador Pridetalker has passed along the assurances of the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Unfettered Mind]], '''Zlata Ruznikova Perenel''', that their work with the unreliable [[eternal]] [[Sadogua]] would soon bear fruit. Obviously, the Commonwealth knows better than to talk about these plans openly but both seem to have potential. Assuming the untrustworthy "''Spell Glutton''" does not betray his Imperial "friends" of course.

Despite the obvious dislike Militärattache Ludkhannah bears towards the [[eternal]] ''Father of Bats'' however, she is forced to admit that so far the beast has been true to its word in keeping magicians within the mists in touch with those without. Specifically, she mentions that some of the correspondence from the Lyceum ''zauberer'' has indicated that with nothing better to do they have spent time with their Imperial neighbours likewise trapped refining some rituals - especially the [[Rod and Shield]] and of course the Unfettered Mind. It is a rather roundabout way of doing it, but this shared research has borne surprising fruit.
===Risk and Reward===
* '''Rule of Risk and Reward now has an "additional targets" option
The magicians of the two nations have finally unlocked a puzzle that had occupied Commonwealth magicians for some time. The ritual ''Rule of Risk and Reward'' was prepared for the Unfettered Mind - an enchantment that makes the performing of experimental magic more accessible - but it required laborious casting on individual zauberer one at a time. Inspired in part by some random rubbish from a few of the [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] frequenting the so-called [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Quiet Annexe|Quiet Annexe]], Imperial and Commonwealth magicians have unlocked the ability to cast it on several magicians of the same coven at the same time. The Militärattache has made sure to include details of how this can be done so whoever has the [[ritual text]] can make necessary adjustments. ('''OOC Note:''' If whoever has the ritual text brings it to GOD we can arrange a new version to be printed with the extra targets option included; the ritual on the system has already been changed).
===Alliance and Favour===
* '''Sum of the Parts no longer requires those contributing strength to take a hit of damage
A similar breakthrough has been made with the [[Autumn magic]] ritual the Empire calls [[Sum of the Parts]]. This enchantment was originally designed by the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] consort of [[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]] and draws on the [[Autumn#Resonance|resonance]] of ''[[Autumn_magic#Bands|alliance]]'' to use the power of many to strengthen the one.

Some experienced ritualists have long suspected that the inclusion of this sacrifice was a flaw in the ritual's design, either accidental or deliberate. They believed that it was adding nothing beneficial to the spell, but of course with the research complete and the ritual text published, it was impossible to change.

To the surprise of magicians from both great nations, the researchers have discovered there is no actual requirement to draw on the strength of the many at all! The ritual works just fine if the support granted by the rest of the band is moral or inspirational. It is as effective to embrace, or show respect and support with words or symbols, as it is to actually transfer strength from one to another. Those involved are still left feeling tired or lethargic, but crucially the magic does not harm them.

This resolves one of the concerns the ''zauberer'' had with this ritual, and they're glad that working with the two [[Conclave order|Conclave orders]] they were able to clean the magic up a little. ('''OOC Note:''' We've updated the ritual on the wiki and in the system to remove the damage it does to those supporting the target - this never affected the magnitude of the effect but was being referenced regularly in arcane projections as a way to empower magic and so we decided to remove the in-character sacrifice element to try to reduce the number of players thinking this would be useful in their own arcane projections).

===Participation===
* '''Imperial magicians are free to roleplay their involvement in the changes to these two rituals
It's not actually possible for anyone to get into or out of the Lyceum at the moment thanks to the broken ward of mists, but the heralds of Sadogua are ensuring communications are carried back and forth (albeit in a haphazard way). As such any magician with either ''Rule of Risk and Reward'' or ''Sum of the Parts'' mastered, or who belongs to the Rod and Shield or the Unfettered Mind order, is free to roleplay their involvement with identifying solutions to the two ritual problems discussed here.

==Die Beurteilung==
* '''Professor Gelberg and his colleagues remain in the Empire
* '''The Senate has approved their request to be allowed to auction their services to the folk of Anvil
* '''The first auction will take place at the Summer Solstice
The news that the Imperial Senate has at the last minute changed their mind about inviting Professor Immanuel Gelberg and their colleagues to auction their expertise has been well received. During the Summer Solstice, a public auction will be held after the [[Auction of the Seats]] during which the opportunity to [[commission]] an appraisal from the Commonwealth scholars will be offered. Moneys raised will go to Professor Gelberg and ultimately to support the war against the Principalities of Jarm. It is no secret that the Professor is hoping that the offer of their expert evaluation will fetch a good price.

Similar to an [[Bearer_of_an_Imperial_Wayleave|Imperial Wayleave]], whoever wins the auction will gain the title of [[Patron of the Beurteilung]], which has the power to make a single [[Senate announcement|announcement in the Senate]] at that summit. This announcement is delivered as normal - an arrangement must be made with the office of the [[Speaker for the Senate]] during the normal window, and the nature of the appraisal must be as clear as possible, as that will be the information that is passed to Professor Gelberg.

This auction will be repeated in Autumn and Spring, after which it will be at the discretion of the Commonwealth professors whether they wish to extend their stay or not. As with any appraisal, it will be much more useful for the one who is commissioning it to identify a problem and ask for a solution, than to attempt to define a solution they want to see. In this event, it's likely Professor Gelberg - who is by all accounts a very ''self-possessed'' man - will likely ignore the proposed solution and just find the "best" way to resolve the problem.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption=Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn, has been hosting Professor Gelberg and colleagues at the Great Library of Hacynian|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Sun and Gold===
* '''The University of Volkavaar is interested in acquiring a certain tablet held at the Great Library of Hacynian
At the point the news is received, the Commonwealth professors and philosophers are already in transit, travelling between [[Sarvos]] and [[Hercynia]] in the north. Along the way they make a point of visiting the cities of [[Tassato]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]], and [[Temeschwar]] and the bustling town of [[Skarsind#Southpine|Torfast]] along the way. They are well received at the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] having been invited to visit by '''Nathair Autumngale''', the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]].

As well as the opportunity to meet with many of their Imperial peers, some of the more excitable students accompanying the group relish the opportunity to learn more about the [[vallorn]] - something they have previously encountered only through travellers' tales. There is a little concern that the Commonwealth visitors might be offended by the [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of [[Wisdom]] that lies over the great hall of the Library, but it seems they were warned well in advance of its existence. They simply ignore the hall and avoid visiting it - and engage in spirited debate with some of their Navarr hosts about the practice of subsuming the will of mortals to an outside spiritual influence.

Of particular interest to the engineers and professors of practical subjects visiting Hacynian is a [[Report_on_Terunael_mineworkings|certain cracked tablet]], recovered from the depths of the [[Brightness long ago|northern sinkhole]], which details the practice of fashioning sungold - an alloy of orichalcum and mithril that has remarkable properties to store and transfer heat and warmth. At the invitation of the Advisor, they are able to make a cursory study of it and are delighted by the techniques it presents. Doktor Lola Kunz, a respected academic fascinated by the material sciences, in particular is interested to know if the Great Library would be prepared to part with the tablet, and if so what would they require in return? This prompts a little disagreement between the "nomad faculty" as Professor Gelberg attempts to restrain his colleague's enthusiasm pointing out they are here to raise support of the war in the east not to buy relics no matter how potentially valuable the material they describe might be.

Regardless, the Commonwealth Ambassador passes along an official request from the University of [[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]] asking what kind of price the Great Library might consider to allow them to acquire the tablet - and to formally thank the Advisor on the Vallorn and their colleagues for making the faculty so welcome.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Eska Crowspeaker.jpg|align=left|caption='''Eska Crowspeaker''', one of the Imperial signatories to the original Liberty Pact, and first [[Voice of Liberty]]|width=300}}</div>

==Liberty and Liability==
* '''The Commonwealth is asking questions about the Empire's association with the Iron Confederacy
* '''They believe that the Suranni are a slaving nation based on the status of their serfs
The presence of Professor Gelberg and his faculty may turn out to be a slightly mixed blessing. While in Madruga [[Germinating_a_city#Gisli's_Request|discharging their obligation]] to '''Gisli "Provider" Baerson''', one of the scholars came into contact with merchants from the [[Iron Confederacy]] and struck up a conversation. Since then, some of the visiting Commonwealth experts have been asking questions about who the Suranni are and what the Empire's relationship with them is like. At first, it seems this is just simple curiosity... and then Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen gets involved.

As fellow signatories of the [[Liberty Pact]], there is some concern that the Empire has not kept to the spirit of the agreement. The Iron Confederacy appears to be a slave-keeping nation, and yet the Empire seems to be trading freely with them and welcoming their merchants into their lands. The Commonwealth would obviously not ''dream'' of trying to interfere in the Empire's sphere of influence - the Senate respected their wishes over [[A_star_is_born#The_Viyerda|the Viyerda]] after all - but this is a matter of formal alliance, and they are worried that their Imperial friends have inadvertently transgressed the pact.

Militärattache Schöningen formally requests that either the ambassador, or the [[Voice of Liberty]] (if one were elected at the summit), explain what the state of affairs is, and how it can be that the "serfs" the Iron Confederacy people keep are not slaves.

==Spirits and Storms==
* '''The Ambassador has asked about orc spirituality in the Commonwealth
* '''A member of die Stahlhalle, an orc named Teo Freid, has provided a summary of what he believes
* '''Teo apparently represents a sizable sect among the Commonwealth orcs
Ambassador Pridetalker has made enquiries, apparently on behalf of some [[Imperial Orcs]], about the spiritual belief of the [[orc|orcs]] of the Commonwealth. Not an expert herself, ''Ludkhannah'' asks one of the orcs that work at die Stahlhalle with her to answer the question. ''Teo Freid'' pens a short article in response, providing a very broad overview of what he understands of orc beliefs in the nation. He is very clear from the start that the orcs of the Commonwealth share the [[Commonwealth#Religion|ultimate belief]] of their human and daeva neighbours; that it is vital to secure the greatest good for the greatest number of people. By doing this they make the world better, until ultimately all people of all kinds are united in common service to the cause. Until then, everyone who accepts the Common Good must be prepared to fight to build the future where there is no more need for war. He also stresses that, just as with humans, different communities of orcs believe different things. The Commonwealth as a whole is happy to let people believe whatever spiritual truths they wish as long as it does not interfere with their commitment to the Common Good.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Howling Abyss Symbol.png|caption=It is possible that the ''Raging Storm'' is another name for the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]].|align=right|width=300}}
They share the belief of many orcs in the existence of what he translates into Imperial as the "Raging Storm", and that it waits for all orcs after death. Where Herr Freid's beliefs depart radically is that he believes that orcs, like humans, reincarnate after death, provided they avoid the lure of the Storm. The best way to do that is to strengthen oneself through commitment to improving the world, to the Common Good, and to pursuing a disciplined life of duty, restraint, sincerity, pride, fellowship, and self-knowledge. This path involves learning to quiet or ignore the dangerous voice of the Storm which sometimes seeks to influence the behaviour of an orc, to urge them to commit violent, foolish, self-destructive acts that strengthen its hold on the orc and through them the world. If they are unsuccessful they will be devoured by the Storm, and while different sects disagree on precisely what that means, the group Teo belongs to teaches that an orc soul that is torn apart is eventually moulded together with other such fragmented spirits and eventually reborn as a new spirit, although that may take many decades. An orc who resists the Storm will likely be born into the next generation. There is a heated argument about whether an orc that serves their community well is more likely to be reborn into that community or not, but that debate has been bubbling along for fifty years or so and there's little sign of it being resolved any time soon.

Teo finished on a hopeful note. As long as an orc resists the Raging Storm, he believes, their spirit will still exist when the perfect future is secured. Their commitment to the Greater Good is anchored in the knowledge that it is ''their'' future they are striving to secure, and that of all their friends, family, and neighbours, and that is the most wonderful thing of all.

He finishes by reiterating that there are other beliefs among the orcs of the Commonwealth, but that most of them agree on the existence of the Raging Storm, and that they hear voices that seek to influence them especially when they are moved by passion, strong emotion, or physical exertion. Hopefully this short essay is of use to the ambassador and his orc neighbours.
{{Commonwealth Links}}

Axe-bite and ploughshare

2025-07-15T19:43:00Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Axe-bite and ploughshare.png|caption=For two-and-a-half years the Jotun have ruled Liathaven without contest; that ends now.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==What was Liathaven==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eBwarSkno}}
The [[Jotun]] have dubbed it Ashvale, but the Empire knows it best by the name the [[Navarr]] gave it long ago. [[Liathaven]], the haven of Liath. It has been two-and-a-half years since the orcs of the west [[No_Peace#Deep_Woods|claimed Liathaven]]. The [[trods]] are still intact - repaired in the [[In_each_line_lies_another_line#The_Towering_Pines_(Battle)|depths of Winter]] and of little interest to the barbarians. Since that last foray of Imperial heroes into the depths of the forest there have been a few skirmishes but little more. In the seasons that followed, the Jotun transformed the territory into a place of industry and sanctuary.

The sanctuary has now been threatened. A great host of Imperial soldiers comes roaring south from the Marches, and north from their [[Follow me my friend|recent victories]] in the [[Reinos|Lasambrian Hills]] to test the complacency of the Jotun, to reclaim Liathaven, and to rip the barbarians' place of refuge asunder.
<div style="float:right; width: 130px; clear: left;">
[[File:SeventhWave Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Seventh_Wave]]
[[File:Narwhal's Spear.webp|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Narwhal's_Spear]]
[[File:Bounders Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Bounders]]
[[File:Drakes Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Drakes]]
[[File:BloodCloak Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Bloodcloaks]]
[[File:GreenShields Colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Green_Shield]]
[[File:AutumnHammers colour.png|link=387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Autumn_Hammers]]
</div>

==The Imperial Host==
Seven Imperial armies meet in the Mournwold, in Green March. Three armies of Wintermark are here - the [[Green Shield]], the [[Bloodcloaks]], and the [[Narwhal's Spear]]. With them come the [[Imperial Orcs|orcs]] of the [[Autumn Hammers]], both the [[Drakes]] and the [[Bounders]] of [[the Marches]], and the [[Highguard|Highborn]] soldiers of the [[Seventh Wave]] come from the liberation of the Mourn to fight the Jotun in their lairs.

All save the Seventh Wave and the Drakes have been [[enchantment|granted]] [[Clarity of the Master Strategist|supernatural clarity]] by the Highborn Coven of Barabbas, which binds them together and helps coordinate their conquest of the Jotun woodlands. There is an implacability to the Imperial strategy as they move out of Green March and into Liaven’s Glen. The Seventh Wave and the [[Army qualities#Quick-Witted|cunning]] Narwhal’s Spear lead the way, scouting ahead to identify the best places to fight, weighing the foe and the unfamiliar land. It has been years since Imperial scouts have made a full accounting of Liathaven and a lot can change in that time. The Winterfolk [[mediator|mediators]] ensure that the two groups of scouts, with very different approaches, complement one another rather than conflict or cover the same ground. The [[unconquered]] efficiently take care of the Jotun watch-posts and far-patrols, delaying news of their approach as long as possible.

Behind them the Marcher armies form the steady core of the host, with the Mourn at their backs and the Jotun ahead, they are careful to eschew risky tactics, or those that would lead to unnecessary loss of life, in pursuit of spilling enemy blood. No Marcher soldier is far from a healer - for the first time there is a significant contingent of [[Mournwold Orcs|Marcher orc]] physicks and magical healers marching beside their human neighbours in a major campaign beyond the borders of their nation. There is a grimness to the former thralls, a sobering contrast to the more genial face they show when they are at home.

Even without their own chirurgeons, the Marchers and the Highborn are well supported by the [[Bloodcloak|Bloodcloak]] [[Army_qualities#Woundbinder|woundbinders]]. Some of the army lags a little behind the advance, establishing field hospitals and supply points. The rest - the bravest Wintermark healers and their mighty shield-guardians - mirror the oaths of the [[grimnir]] and separate into champion bands to accompany each of the other Imperial forces bringing their herbs and mana to bear to ensure that nobody who could be saved perishes needlessly. Wherever the Bloodcloaks are found, there two are the proud warriors of the Green Shield. More than the other Winterfolk armies, they choose to [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]], to show the Jotun that they are a foe not to be underestimated, but one that understands the highest calling of heroism and the restraint that prevents soldiers becoming butchers. They share their understanding of the Jotun with their allies, and nobody in Liathaven this season can be left in any doubt that Wintermark has sent true champions to fight against the orcs of the west.

Then, in the rear (for now), come the [[Autumn Hammers]]. The orcs are slow not because they are cowardly, or laggard, or lack the spirit for the fight. They are slow because they lug with them truly massive siege engines, and wagonloads of lumber harvested from the woods of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]]. Everyone knows the Jotun have fortified their stolen land here, and so the Unshackled have drawn up [[Army_qualities#Contracted|contracts]] with the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]] to lease powerful tools of war with which to batter the orcs’ strongholds. Three of the chainbound [[Lictors]] accompany the army; they do not speak often and simply observe a guarantors of the agreements between the Imperial Orcs and the cities of the [[Realm#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]].

Seven armies, then. More than thirty thousand soldiers of four nations. With them come another seven-thousand or so warriors fighting under command of the Empire’s [[military unit|free captains]]. Most march with the Hammers - the only army here that has been deemed worthy to receive the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares|Imperial Guerdon]] - but a handful of loyal Marcher yeofolk stubbornly fight alongside the Drakes. [[Life_of_Tom_Drake|Tom Drake]] would be proud.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JotunMarch.jpg|align=left|width=400}}

==In Liaven’s Glen==
[[Liathaven#Liaven's_Glen|Liaven’s Glen]] is the easternmost part of Liathaven sandwiched between Kahraman, Mournwold, and Bregasland. To the west, the beauty of Liath’s Ring and the horror of [[Liathaven#Liath’s Heart|Liath’s Heart]]. There are some among the Navarr who believe that this might have been the first place truly cleansed of the [[vallorn|vallorn’s]] fell influence by the descendants of Terunael. Records are uncertain. Two hundred years before the foundation of the Empire, the children of the fallen empire struck against the doom that devoured their ancestors and were victorious. Nearly six hundred years after that first blow, the Empire marches into Liathaven to strike against a very different foe.

Some of the Imperial armies have fought in the forests of Liaven’s Glen before. There are murmurs of surprise at how changed the place is. Once, this was untempered woodland scattered with [[steading|steadings]] and the trails of the [[striding|stridings]]. Beautiful, but mysterious, a far cry from the farmlands of the Marches, the alpine peaks of Skarsind, the rugged splendour of Hahnmark, wilder even than the deep woods of [[Casinea]] or [[Reikos]]. The trees are still here, but they have been tamed, brought to heel. Great swathes of forest have been cleared. Trees six or more centuries old are simply gone, not even their stumps remain. In the place of the steadings, there are farms and villages. In place of the Navarr, there are Jotun thralls. There are orc logging camps as well, but it would have taken decades or centuries to clear this much wood by axe alone - this is clearly the scar left on the woodlands by the [[Under_the_firelight#Objective:_Destroy_the_Bronze_Titan|touch of Shikal]]. There is no sign of the brass-skinned heralds of Estavus here, but evidence of their handiwork is everywhere.

The open ground makes stealth next to impossible; the good work of the Narwhal’s Spear and the Seventh Wave can delay the alarm being raised but cannot prevent it. Within a handful of days the first engagement with the Jotun takes place. There are Jotun armies here, taking advantage of the many benefits provided by the rich woodlands to resupply and recover before joining the fray once more. The scouts and hunters count three distinct forces - the prideful Mandowla’s Roar, the grim Shield of the Mountains, and the war-hungry Bear Who Swims - eager to engage the Empire’s advance. They are joined in time by the first stragglers from the Iron Host, who it seems may have been deployed further west on business of their own (or more likely, guarding against any incursion from Bregasland).

As always, the Jotun relish the opportunity to fight. At first they are cautious, but when it is clear that the Empire is prepared to face them in a glorious battle, they fall to the fray with enthusiasm. The presence of the Green Shield is marked and welcomed; the opportunity to contend against Wintermark, and the Imperial Orcs relished and if there are Marchers and Highborn here… so much the better. Some of the orcs seem keen to seek out and face champions of the Empire - those whose banners, or livery, they recognise are singled out by the Jotun warbands who show their respect by doing their level best to kill those they recognise.

The orcs are not foolhardy, however. They may have been expecting a season of recuperation and rearmament but they are not shy about defending Ashvale from the Imperial trespassers. They test the invaders, pitching battle where they feel they can win, and falling back when they feel the odds are too heavily stacked against them.

The Empire knows there is a castle here in Liaven’s Glen, a great fortification whose construction was overseen by the master siege engineer [[In_each_line_lies_another_line#Objective:_Kill_Igya_Olgafsdottir|Igya Olgafsdottir]] (now Jarl of [[Tromsa]] since the Empire slew her father in battle). It was raised with the aid of the ‘’[[Cathan Canae|Immovable One]]’’, the ‘’Mistress of Ice and Darkness’’ who it is said holds a particular regard for the champion-builder. It towers over what was once the [[Feni]] settlement of [[Liathaven#Hotter’s Mire|Hotter’s Mire]], a somewhat ramshackle village built by those driven from their homes by the Empire. Now it is a Jotun town, and a prosperous one at that. It is here that the orc armies set their standards in the rich earth, and begin to fight in earnest.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JotunPose.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
==The Siege of Schogsfestnir==
The Autumn Hammers were wise to bring their siege engines with them; the winnowing of the forests would have greatly complicated the business of building catapults and trebuchets. Armed with the weapons of the Autumn Realm, however, they are ready to face the ‘’Schogsfestnir’’ full on and mar their white-granite walls with iron and stone. The devices of Shikal are machines, like any an Imperial soldier might be familiar with, but they were also born from the forges of Estavus and possess their own peculiar properties. Some seem to rearm themselves between shots; others make minor adjustments to the shot they launch, causing iron and rock to strike with the force of tempered steel.

While the engines pound the walls, the Drakes, the Bounders, and the Green Shield form up around a cohort of Unshackled armed with a mighty iron ram, covered by a canopy with the thickness of wool but the resilient strength of green iron and orichalcum. They push forward through the defenders, deploying the ram against the gates of what was once Hotter’s Mire. As arrows and spears rain down from above, the Winterfolk and the Marchers protect the engineers as they batter the mithril-bound oaken doors to splinters. Once the gates are down, the fighting shifts to the interior of the town itself.

It is a far cry from the winding streets and uncouth homes of the Feni - this is a Jotun town, with wide avenues and buildings of stone and carved wood, roofed with slate, and with the faces of the faðir and a dozen other ancestors gazing from every lintel and square. This is the seat of Jarl Sederholm, who has been given dominion over eastern Ashvale by the King of Narkyst. She and her warriors stand ready to repulse the Imperial assault, to make the faðir proud, and to secure their path across the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]] if it comes to that. Resplendent in mithril breastplate and a helmet fashioned in the visage of a shrieking raptor, armed with a long spear, she leads the garrison of the fortification into battle on the streets.

Neither side employs fire. Neither the Empire nor the Jotun seek to burn the town; there are too many thralls here, and it would be too dishonourable to endanger them unnecessarily. Fighting with honour comes at a cost, one that sometimes restricts the strategies and tactics one may employ. While the walls crumble, it is strength of arms that will win this battle one way or another.

The Jotun are outnumbered, but they battle furiously. They are pushed back, driven from their defensive positions, and each time they surge forward again like a wave. The Imperial strategy is to capture Liathaven, not to slaughter the defenders of Ashvale. The Jotun for their part are equally more interested in holding their ground than slaughtering these invaders.

The walls of Schogsfestnir are high and thick but they are no match for the Autumn Hammers and their borrowed weaponry. The castle is breached, and the fighting spills into the halls. The Seventh Wave have maneuvered themselves into position to pin down the garrison with a withering rain of black-feathered arrows, while the Narwhal’s Spear possesses an uncanny ability to locate pockets of resistance and scatter them. Before the sun has hit its zenith, the town falls. Jarl Sederholm sounds the retreat; there is nothing to be gained by sacrificing her life and those of the warriors under her banner in a futile attempt to hold a castle that has been overrun so completely. She gathers the surviving garrison and leads her [[Jotun#Fyrd|fyrd]] in the retreat westwards.

Most of the thralls have fled; those who remain are numbed, uncertain, shocked by the defeat of their masters. They huddle together, eying the Imperials nervously. They are uncooperative at best, and neither the Autumn Hammers nor those orcs of the Marches that are here with the armies can get more than grunts or worried questions from them. Trying to get them to understand that they are free now proves challenging - and it is clear that if they are left to their own devices they are likely to follow after the armies rather than remain in Liaven’s Glen. A problem, perhaps, for another time.

Schogsfestnir has been breached, but it is not broken. The walls are damaged, and the gate shattered, but the fortified town still stands. A credit to the art of Igya Olgafsdottir and her patron, perhaps.

There is a day to regroup, to count the dead, for the injured to be restored by the Bloodcloaks and the other healers that march with the armies, and then the Imperial forces are on the move again, westward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GreenTrod.jpg|align=right|width=400}}

==Beating Bounds==
Or rather, most of the armies move westward. After a night of discussion, and poring over old maps, warbands of Highborn scouts and Winterfolk hunters split off from the main force and head north and south. Partly they do this to consolidate the Empire’s hold of Liaven’s Glen and to ensure there are no nasty surprises waiting in the remaining woods. Partly they do this to check those places of certain significance that lie in the region. A fair number of Bounders go north with them, keen to beat the border with Bregasland.

They find that beyond the walls of the castle, Liaven’s Glen is quiet. More of the same. Farms, timber yards, hunting posts, the homes of thralls. It is a little odd, at times, for those who have been in Liathaven before. It reminds some of the Marchers of what life was like in the Mournwold for thirty years or so. This is not a territory where the Jotun are at war - well no more than they always are - but a territory they have settled. The thralls seem mostly to be here by choice - they have not been forcibly resettled but when their Jotun masters chose to go east and civilise Ashvale they came with them. Like those in the town, they seem unsure how to act or what to do. They understand that the Empire offers them liberation - and some surely will take that offer and perhaps start new lives in the Marches - but the majority seem to expect to remain as thralls under the command of the Empire.

To the south, there are signs that the Jotun have taken steps to try and contain the vallorn of Liath’s Heart. There are odd effigies hanging from the trees, and rune-crusted poles thrust into the ground as one gets close and closer to the borders of the hateful forest. Some are warnings, others seem to draw on a Jotun [[hearth magic]] of boundaries and borders that might be familiar to Marchers or Varushkans. Regardless, there are fewer and fewer farms and timber yards as one heads south.

[[Liathaven#Liaven's_Dance|Liaven’s Dance]] - the great earthworks - remains intact which is more than can be said for the steading that once stood near it. The Navarr settlement has been converted into an armed Jotun camp, one that puts up a spirited fight against the Highborn, Marcher, and Winterfolk soldiers. They are defeated - but these orcs refuse to flee until the last moment. They seem to take the duty of watching over Liaven’s Dance extremely seriously. The earthworks are surrounded by a ring of poles and hanging effigies, similar to those that guard the approaches to the vallorn. It seems the Jotun may not have damaged the place - despite their clear hatred of the Navarr - but they nonetheless view it with a healthy amount of caution. There are signs it has been studied, likely by ghodi, but there are no sign of the Jotun priests in the vicinity.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thousand Foes.png|caption="If you cannot hide, run. If you cannot run, yield. If you will not yield, kill."|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Singing Moon==
Westward, the Jotun continue to fight. Forced clash again and again. The going here is a little more difficult; the Jotun have cleared a great track that stretches between Schogsfestnir in the east and the burnt woodlands of [[Liathaven#West_Ranging|West Ranging]]. Laid along its length like strange beads of stone and slate are two small logging towns, industriously carving away at the forest on either side. There are no signs of heralds here; the trees are cut by hand by the thralls and then ferried west and presumably across the border.

The first the Empire encounters is old Mournstead, where once upon a time Marcher landskeepers would come to speak with the Navarr. All sign of that steading is gone, now that the Jotun have come and built stone walls around the place it once stood. They have not touched the dolmens and monoliths in the wood, but hedged them round with their boundary markers and left them and the trees that still cluster around them, alone.

More fighting, more back-and-forth between the Empire and the Jotun. The season is wearing on, but the Imperial host is in the ascendant. For all their fierce pride, these Jotun soldiers were not expecting to fight this season; they thought themselves safe. The fact that they were recuperating in Liathaven means that they had suffered significantly in recent battles, their strength already depleted and the presence of the Empire means they must fight rather than resupply.

There is a distinct absence of champions as well, of the warrior-heroes that are perhaps the closest thing the Jotun get to the independent captains of the Empire. Their banners are conspicuous by their absence, the closest thing being the Jarl’s fyrd. Yet there are other unexpected participants in the fighting as the Summer Solstice draws near. The Feni arrive, although one could be forgiven for being entirely unaware of it.

Last Autumn, a warband of Jotun [[The_wild_wind_rises#Lessons_and_Teachers_(Bregasland)|chased a group of Fen]]i into Bregasland - the Moon-That-Sings, allies of the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]]. The [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]] responded to a plea for help and apparently dealt with the warband, granting succour to the Feni. They have not forgotten; they stand ready to help the Empire. One warm night, a quartet of green-and-yellow tattooed hunters materialise from the woods and make themselves known to the sentries watching one of the Bounders camps. They are skittish, ready to flee at any notice, but they are also resolute in wishing to see their messages delivered.

Rather than fight the Jotun it seems the Feni have fled into the wild places, and with the aid of their gods they have managed to stay hidden. They raid, a little, here and there, but they know that they are no more able to defeat the Jotun than they are to defeat the Empire. They expected Imperial troops to come from the marshes of the north, rather than from the east, but they stand ready to offer what aid they can in hopes of repaying the favour they owe. Long into the night they speak with the Bounders, and with commanders from the other Imperial armies roused swiftly from their beds. With the first rays of morning the Feni slip away, leaving behind them hastily drawn but up-to-date maps of the Jotun deployments, of hidden routes through the woods, or weak spots in the orc defences.

Before they depart, their leader - an older woman with one dark eye and one clear glass orb in place of the other - matter-of-factly explains that even if the Empire drive the Jotun out, Liathaven still belongs to the Feni. It is their home now. They will help the Empire drive out their mutual enemies as long as it does not risk their destruction, but the matter of who will be in charge of the glens and the farms that remain is by no means settled.

==Victory==
Armed with intelligence from the Feni, supplemented by the observations of the Imperial scouts, the fighting in Liath’s Ring is over within a matter of weeks. The Jotun are beaten back into West Ranging and the Empire follows. There at the border, though, the Imperial advance slows and halts. The woodlands are quickly consolidated, but the Summer Solstice is knocking at the door as the armies regroup on the western border of the Ring. Spread out to the west, the remnants of the burnt woodland that [[Surut]] created when he “aided” the Empire to fight the vallorn. The charcoaled trees are gone, the grass is green and lush, and on the wind comes the insistent grinding of saws and axes and the tinny sound of metal on metal. It seems that the servants of Estavus have not quit Liathaven after all.

But for now, there is a moment to catch breath and decide what to do next. The Jotun have paid dearly for their defence of Ashvale - perhaps three thousand dead between the warriors and the garrison of Schogsfestnir. Despite the best efforts of the healers, there are more than fifteen-hundred Imperial soldiers who will not fight again. The battle in Liathaven has been won, but it is unlikely the Jotun will surrender this rich territory without a fight.

Spring turns to Summer, and while the Empire may have won this round the fight for Liathaven is very far from over.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mexico logs.jpg|align=left|caption=With the aid of Estavus, the Jotun have transformed northern Liathaven.|width=400}}</div>

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has claimed Liaven's Glen, Liath's Ring, and the fortification of Schogsfestnir
* '''The Jotun still control the territory
The Empire has captured Liaven’s Glen and Liath’s Ring from the Jotun. The western orcs still control the rest of Liathaven save for the vallorn heart; consequently they still have control of the territory.

Thanks to the precision of the Autumn Hammers and their leased siege engines, the Empire has also captured the [[fortification]] of Schogsfestnir and the surrounding town. It has been damaged and its walls breached, but Imperial Orcs soldiers are already taking up residence.

Jarl Sederholm has begun raising her [[Jotun#Fyrd|fyrd]] which is estimated to be perhaps one thousand warriors strong. It’s not clear at this time if she is the only Jarl of Liathaven or whether there are other Jotun rulers in other parts of the territory; likely the scouts of the Seventh Wave and the Narwhal’s Spear will know more.

The “under-threat” quality of Liath’s Ring provided by the Moon-That-Sings did not, in the end, play a major role in this campaign. It would have provided a significant bonus if the Empire had attacked directly into Liath’s Ring, but obviously the situation in Bregasland made that impossible. Regardless, the Feni appear to have gone to lengths to indicate that they still consider themselves allies with the Empire at least to a degree.

Finally, it is clear to everyone that the powerful [[Winter magic|Winter]] curse that once hung over Liathaven - [[Wither the Seed]] - is no more. It appears that the Feni, with the assistance of one or more [[eternal|eternals]], [[Under_the_firelight#Objective:_Seek_out_the_Feni|ended the curse]].

==Battle Opportunity==
Imperial prognosticators have identified a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] in eastern [[Liathaven]] during the Summer Solstice. They are still investigating the implications but there is a cautious suggestion it might involve both the Jotun and the Feni.

==Further Reading==
* [[Liathaven]]
* [[Under_the_firelight#Wyndyn_Path_(Liathaven)|Under the firelight]] - 386YE Spring battle opportunity in Liathaven
* [[In_each_line_lies_another_line#The_Towering_Pines_.28Battle.29|In each line lies another line]] - 384YE Winter battle opportunity in Liathaven

Willow and rain

2025-07-15T19:39:42Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=TheruninLake.jpg|caption=The willows weep in Therunin, for the cost that has been paid and the cost that is yet to come.|title=Regions of Therunin|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Beauty Once==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC8HuNHfTU0}}
There was beauty in [[Therunin]], once. Spring would bring delicate marsh flowers, see blossoms kindle and spread like wildfire through the trees, waken the raucous beasts of the fens and the forests to full-throated life. Summer would herald long, warm days when jewelled dragonflies darted here-and-there across the waters, fruits and berries ripening, the great beetles of the deep woods scuttling about their inscrutable business under blue skies. The [[Druj]] have changed that, perhaps forever.

The Tarn valley is marked by [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poison]] that taints the waters and threatens to kill anyone who drinks, or is unlucky enough to let too much of it sink into their skin. They have ravaged [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]] and [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] with war, slaughter, and terror. They have come to [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] with burning brands and a thirst for destruction that has barely been seen since they swept through Zenith as a burning plague devouring everything wholesome or beautiful in their path.

And then, their dominion secured, they chose to destroy what they had taken. Spite, it might seem, motivated by little more than a desire to deny Therunin to the Navarr and drown it in the [[vallorn]] of Tharunind. Or perhaps not just spite? There are strategic reasons why rendering Therunin impassable would help the Druj in their war with the Empire, just as the Empire has benefited from closing passes into Jotun lands along the western Empire. There are the [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the [[Yaw'nagrah|Green Mother]] who walk alongside the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] - that wicked [[eternal]] of the [[Realm#Spring|Spring realm]] has long desired to see the vallorn unleashed across the world. She offered the Empire aid in return for unleashing the vallorn of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]], it stands to reason that the Druj might also gain her boons by releasing the vallorn into Therunin.

Yet spite is often enough, with the Druj. They break what is precious not to hear the sound it makes but to cause others to fear what they might do to their own precious things. In Therunin, the vallorn rouses and as Spring fades toward twilight the first signs of that awakening are seen across the territory. The [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|miasma]] rolls out of the southern woodlands into the rest of Therunin - for there is no part of this territory that does not edge along the forest claimed by the Doom of Terunael. With the miasma comes the [[vallornspawn husks]] but there are also significant numbers of [[ettercap|ettercaps]] - more than have been seen before in one place. The insect-creatures are especially worrisome, for they evidence a cunning hitherto unseen among them. They practice caution, where the husks simply charge anyone who intrudes upon their domain. They use crude tools and salvaged armour. There is speculation that they are actively raiding the [[steading|steadings]] the Druj have conquered, ignoring the slaughtered Navarr in favour of looting their weapons of war.

The miasma is no respecter of borders, however. The whisper of the vallorn’s verdant fog pooling in northern [[Morrow]] are now confirmed, along with a few clashes between [[sentinel|sentinels]] and vallornspawn in the foothills of [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]] and [[Morrow#Altis|Altis]]. The miasma settles in the lowlands, mind, meaning that many spires are simply too elevated to be threatened by it. Not yet, at any rate. But this is little consolation to those in the lower valleys of Morrow, or who need to travel at ground level for whatever reason. The problem is contained for the moment, but what bulwark can hope to hold back poisoned air?

The miasma, terrible though it is, is only the tip of the spear. Abominations have risen in [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] and [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]], and begun to press out into regions long since claimed from the vallorn. The rising power of the vallorn begins to flow through the roots, the waters, the beasts and insects, of the forested marshes. Things begin to shift, near the border with the Bane of Tharunind. It’s slow and fragile at first, but it grows in power as it rises. It spreads most slowly in the Lower Tarn Valley, but even the poison there is not enough to turn back its tendrils. There is little news from the east of the territory, but in Peakedge Song and the Upper Tarn Valley the vallorn is certainly advancing, seemingly inexorably.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=left|width=300}}</div>

==Raincallers Song==
There is an oasis of safety, however. The gentle power of ''[[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]]'' continues to ward [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]]. A wall of [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Rainfall|impenetrable briars]] surrounds the hospital and the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|House of Healing]]. The [[inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] of ''Beckburn’s'' realm - quadrupedal creatures of living wood that spread flowers wherever they walk - continue to sing their bubbling song of life and protection. The people seeking sanctuary there are safe, for now. Yet that safety comes with a price.

During the Spring Equinox, the [[Archmage of Spring]] met with ''Father Tarn'' in [[archmage#Parley|parley]]. During that meeting, the eternal agreed to expend his might in preserving Peakedge Stead for a second season, to keep alive those who sheltered there and prevent both the Druj and the vallorn from devouring it. Yet ''Coomarta of the Rains'' believes he was [[Speak_to_me#Regarding_Peakedge_Stead|very clear]] what his aid would cost. That the [[Imperial Senate]] would grant the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] the declaration of [[Interdiction#Remorse|Remorse]] and they would use it to remove the rituals [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] from [[Imperial lore]].

On the understanding this could not be achieved in Spring, but could be done by the end of the Summer Solstice, ''Willowbraid'' exerted himself to cause the wall of life around Peakedge Stead to continue for another three months. If it were achieved, then the eternal would do as he promised and not only protect Peakedge Stead from the Druj and the vallorn, but enfold [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] as well so it would be safe once its wards failed. He would not only create a place of sanctuary, but a place that might be used as a stronghold to fight the vallorn when the time comes.

Yet he was also clear what the consequences would be if his trust were not repaid. If the Archmage cannot follow through, if the Senate and the Conclave do not fulfill their end of this bargain, then Ossegrahn will withdraw from the Empire. Not just from Therunin - from the ''entire'' Empire. He will step away; he will not agree to future [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] until the Empire can repair their fundamental breach of trust. Peakedge Stead will be destroyed by the Druj who remain in Therunin, or subsumed by the vallorn. Those sheltering there will die, and the Houses of Healing will be lost. When the wards protecting Thornsong House fall, the college of the apothecary arts will doubtless meet the same fate. The healers and peace-makers of the Empire both will lose a potent ally, and there are few other eternals whose interests coincide with those who seek to preserve life.

Given there are no Imperial armies in Therunin, it is unlikely any force could get into position in time to save Peakedge Stead and the Houses of Healing, and the people sheltering there. Ossegrahn will do what he can to ease their passing, but he is already at the limits of his power and without the show of faith from the Empire he will have no choice but to walk away.
==Bleak Prospects==
{{SOP|statement=Navarr who have come home from the trods to join an army! No armies have been sent this season to Therunin. Cleave to your Oaths and your Virtue & we will show the Druj the folly of their plans. It takes more than an Imperial Army with a name and a banner to win a war. We ask the Thorns, Vates, Guides, Brokers, Vines and those that can fight to do whatever they can to harry the Druj. Strike from the shadows, Sabotage their wagons, upset supply lines, spit in their drinks & overstretch their healers. We ask the People who are able, to RESIST the Druj in any way they can. Leave a binding of thorns on every wall, appear to comply but speak out, pilfer from their stores and have the Courage to endure reprisals. We ask the Druj for just One bad day, A guard who drank too much, a scribe who can’t find their glasses, a Quartermaster who can’t find enough rations, a slave who said “Not Today!”, a day to reclaim what is ours.|by=Ioan Longshadow, Navarr Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 278-20|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=I hear the inspiring words of Estella Lucati and thank her for them. However, we must not turn away from breaking the Druj’s ability to wage war on us. Whilst the Navarr have stated that the Vallorn should be removed from this plane of existence now that we have the method to do so, we cannot undertake the largest military offensive in history with the poisoned blades of the most treacherous folk in Creation at our backs. Navarr is at its weakest ebb for a decade. Liathaven is long lost. Therunin under the heel of the Druj and the Isaella’s Dance shattered. We call for aid from our Imperial kin in rebuilding Navarr’s strength, and ask that we defeat the Druj and stabilise the other fronts before turning the Empire’s full might against the Vallorn.|by=Harwyn Eternal, General Assembly|vote=Upheld 1726-290|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
The mood in Therunin is beyond bleak. There are no Imperial armies in Therunin, none to reclaim the territory from the Druj and none to fight the vallorn. Full two-thirds of the [[striding|stridings]] returned home, believing that they were coming back to begin the great war against the vallorn. But those who returned to Therunin endured defeat at the hands of the Druj and now they face destruction at the hands of the vallorn.

Barely a year ago, Gaelen Embercast judged the vallorn to be the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire, [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_173|a statement the Assembly of Nine backed with a greater majority]]. Only last season, Estella Lucati's sermon called on the Ambitious to dare do all and imagine a world in which the vallorn were defeated. The General Assembly [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_9|overwhelmingly rejected that vision]] and said that the Druj must be defeated first. But there is none here to do that either...

Now the Navarr Assembly have called on the people of Therunin to do everything possible to harry the Druj, to resist the enemy in any way they can. There are still a handful of steadings in the territory - the people that came home to fight the vallorn - but there simply aren't enough people left to make a difference. They [[To hold death's hand in mine|sacrificed everything]] to help their people escape the wave of orcs breaking across the Tarn Valley and Peakedge Stead. They have precious little left to give.

The vallorn is on the move, and unless a major military force moves into Therunin after the Summer Solstice, then it will expand to claim at least one region and maybe more. There may be a chance to stop it becoming another [[Brocéliande]] but decades of striving and sacrifice are set to be undone in months.

Nothing stands between the folk still in Therunin and [[the Mallum]] orcs. Nothing stands between them and the vallorn. Only ''Lord Rain'', and only in Peakedge Song, and only for a little while longer.

It is enough to make anyone despair.

==Game Information==
===Therunin and Lord Rain===
* '''The Druj completely control Therunin, except for the two regions of vallorn, Greenheart and Sweetglades'''
* '''Peakedge Song still stands but if a way is not found to save it this season, then it will be destroyed'''
* '''The Empire has comparatively little information about Therunin as there are no Imperial forces there'''

The Druj still control Therunin, but it is being contested by the vallorn. It may be worth reviewing the information presented last season about the situation in Therunin, as recounted in the game information section of the [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Regarding_Therunin|To hold death's hand in mine]] wind of war.

[[Therunin#Peakedge Song|Peakedge Stead]] and the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] are still being protected by [[Ossegrahn]] but by the end of the Summer Solstice his patience and power alike will have run out. If the Conclave has not removed [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] from Imperial lore by the end of the summit, Ossegrahn will be forced to withdraw his protection and Peakedge Stead (and [[Thornsinger|Thornsong House]]) will be destroyed, and the people taking refuge there killed. Furthermore, Ossegrahn will turn away from the Empire, meaning he will no longer respond positively to plenipotentiary nor offer new boons to Imperial citizens.

The only other way to save the steading would be to move enough Imperial armies into Therunin to take the region. But that would bring its own cost, as the advancing Imperial force would meet the expanding vallorn head-on.

The Empire’s actual awareness of what is going on in the territory is limited by its lack of presence there. What reliable information is coming out of the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] is confused and unreliable and mostly focuses on what is happening with the vallorn.

===Vallorn===
* '''The vallorn is on the march, advancing on the Upper Tarn Valley, with a force strength of 25,000'''
* '''Its focus will shift to attack any army that comes into the territory'''

What is certain is that the vallorn is expanding in Therunin. By the start of the Autumn Equinox, if nothing else changes, it will have claimed the Upper Tarn Valley. Expanding in that way will dissipate some of the vallorn's strength, so it will be weaker the following season when it attacks the next region.

There is some speculation that the Druj forces are, or have been, up to something in Eastring and East Ashes designed to hold the vallorn back, or at least preserve some sort of presence in the east. They have had uncontested control of the [[Therunin#The_Docks_at_Feverwater|Docks at Feverwater]] and [[Therunin#Mudlark's_Haven|Mudlark’s Haven]] for nearly a year and if they ''are'' doing something it is probably there.

==Further Reading==
* [[Therunin]]
* [[To hold death's hand in mine]] - Spring 387YE Wind of War
* [[Under eastern skies]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War
* [[Blood and mire]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War
* [[Ashes]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War

That's where my heart is

2025-07-15T19:39:04Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
<ic>
Cousins,

I write this address on the road to war. To keep my promise from the last summit. My own banners of Ossium’s Iron Sparrows fly alongside the marching boots of the Quiet Step. I meet this foe with you in person, with my own steel, shoulder to shoulder. Today we bleed together. But know this: the Druj will bleed more.

This season I have been speaking to priests on every side of the religious debates sparked by the actions of some cardinals two seasons ago. It gives me overwhelming pride in our Synod, in our people and in our Empire, that the common thread uniting them all is implacable opposition to false virtue.

Last summit, two factions presented their arguments. One especially vigilant faction of priests argued to yield no ground to false virtue and insisted on a protective stance to shield citizens from harmful influences. Whereas a pragmatic faction has made the case that false virtue can most effectively be opposed when understood. Throughout this debate, the priests of the Empire were united in an absolute rejection of forces that prevent us from reaching our highest possible destiny.

The Synod has elected to rebuild religious law atop the foundation of our original purpose of uplifting true virtue and protecting our communities from detrimental forces. These debates will continue and it is right that our Synod be supported in investigating how the law might be adapted to support our ability to anticipate and oppose these dangerous forces, but I fully endorse the decision made this season. Citizens across the Empire directly engaging with false virtue auras would have been a dangerous approach and is plainly unacceptable. I will ensure that the options the Empire discusses going forward emphasise the protection of the souls of the Empire's citizens above all else.

In my role as Custodian of Virtue, I speak now to the wider Empire. To those citizens in the world beyond Anvil. Those who tend our farms, run our businesses and uphold our communities. If you take one thing from this address, let it be this. False virtues must be rejected in all their forms. They bring destruction to our lives, souls and homes. I reject these malign forces, the synod rejects these malign forces, and so should you.

I would like to close this address in the spirit of Pride, Loyalty and uplifting one's fellows. This empire is full of incredible citizens doing incredible work. In the light of spring and new beginnings, going forward, I would like to end every Imperial Address by commending a small number of citizens who have done exceptional work in the last season so that their great deeds might be known across the Empire.

This season I would like to commend:<br>
Kindra Surefoot, Ambassador to Otkadov. For demonstrating incredible diplomatic ability and diligence in securing the recent peace treaty with the Thule and for their collaboration, communication and consideration for the people of Varushka throughout this process.<br>
Lord Rhydian de Rondell, Knight Protector of Summer. For their glorious and unprecedented victory in Hayaak’s hunt. Proving themselves a true champion of the Empire. <br>
The nations of Highguard, Urizen and Varushka. For each self funding an army in one season. In particular: The Highguard Benefactors Council, The Chapter of Reumah’s Redoubt, Able, Bart, Vossk and Terentia of Zenith Ascendent, Herminius and Delara of the House of the Wanderer, The Stillwater Citadel, Vladamir Sasha Volkov, Moraža, Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich, Dorys Delgorokov, Blazh Zbignev, Mayra Zoronova Prochnost, Vuk the Wolfeater, Desilav Sergeyevich Jesen and The Cabal Lyktan who have all been highlighted to me as demonstrating exceptional ambition and perseverance in this endeavour. This being said, these armies were all national achievements drawing on the prosperity and diligence of citizens across Anvil and all who donated even a ring to these efforts are to be commended and celebrated.

Inextricable. Indefatigable. Inevitable.

Emperor Vesna<br>
Empress of the Hearth, Crowned in Thunder.
</ic>
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=That's Where My Heart Is.jpg|align=left|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtW1Qe7VFCU}}
Emperor Vesna has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to send a personal message to all Imperial citizens. As with other uses of this power, the civil service has ensured the message is heard by citizens across the Empire and beyond.
==Significance==
[[The Throne]] has the power to nominate a single Imperial citizen who can deliver a message to the people of the Empire each summit. It is common practice for the Throne to use this power themselves, when they wish to speak to all their people about important matters.
{{Imperial Addresses}}

User:Novemberalice

2025-07-15T17:55:35Z

Novemberalice:

Sonja Hammes, 4733, currently Masha Sigeling, Gatekeeper of Courage.

The final cut

2025-06-11T17:11:05Z

Novemberalice: /* Questions for the Magistrates */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Metella shifted her quill and ink to the side of her desk, as she mentally rifled though her thoughts for the umpteenth time. The parchment in front of her had been sat here on the desk for three days now, despite which it remained stubbornly blank.

"I don't know why you're bothering Metella, you're retired remember?"

That had been yesterday's interruption. Ancius, one of her spiremates at the Hollows always liked to help with writers block. An hour long debate had followed, in which Metella had explained three times how the foundational principle of good law was that it was readily understandable. To which Ancius' only counter was to say "But you're not a magistrate anymore, so why does it matter?" as if ''that'' had anything to do with anything. Sometimes the former sword scholar could be so exasperating.

Still, he had a point. She'd been having these arguments with her colleagues for years. A career as a rather successful magistrate, if she did say it herself, prosecuting religious crimes. In twenty years her one notable defeat had been the failure to persuade the other magistrates that there was as many shortcomings in religious law as there were in the people breaking them.

"It matters, because people must ''know'' if they are breaking the law. They must know if the law has been broken. It can't be a matter for debate!" she had responded. Ancius didn't much care for the law, but he never turned down an opportunity for an argument.

People were fond of saying that ignorance was no defence in law - altogether too fond in Metella's opinion. Nobody should ever tolerate ignorance as far as she was concerned. Blaming the student was the easy answer. To banish ignorance is first and foremost the responsibility of the teacher.

Hmmm... now that was not a bad line. Not... teacher... but...

Metella smiled to herself for the first time in days as she picked up her quill, dipped it in the well and put the nib to the paper.

"To banish ignorance is - first and foremost - the responsibility of the writer. The law must elucidate! Clear wording can bring the light of understanding to illuminate the lives of everyone who reads it."

A little poetic perhaps but it was a strong start. Her pen began to race across the parchment as the words flew out of her. It had been a few years now since she'd last written to Karkovitch, perhaps his views had mellowed in that time.

And if not... well the only real defeat is the one in your own mind, as Ancius liked to say.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=CardWisdom.jpg|width=250|caption=Silas of the Cenotaph, Cardinal of Wisdom|align=left}}
==Overview==
At the Autumn Equinox 386YE, four citizens publicly swore an oath to bear an [[aura]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Three of the citizens were [[cardinal|cardinals]] of the [[Imperial Synod]], and the fourth was acting as [[proxy]] to the [[Cardinal of Prosperity]]. In the history of the Empire, there has never been a successful [[judgement]] of condemnation against a member of the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] elected by the Virtue assemblies. Despite this, all four were quickly [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] as [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heretics]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemers]] by the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly]] of [[Vigilance]] and a trial was scheduled to happen at the subsequent summit.

While preparations were made for the trial of the four, the Synod passed several judgements, all of which related to the trial, the underlying issues and the conduct of those involved. Several judgements passed by various assemblies decried the accusations of blasphemy and heresy, and called for a much narrower definition of the crime than is typically understood. The civil service had issued some guidance to the [[Imperial Synod]] on how the General Assembly might use a [[judgement]] of [[Sanction#Vindication|vindication]] to clear the accused, but every judgement stopped short of that - and it was clear that many priests were unhappy with the actions of those involved.

The trial itself collapsed in dramatic fashion following a [[statement of principle]], the now infamous ''[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_42|Judgement 42]] of the General Assembly'', that laid out new guidelines on how religious crimes should be judged. The judgement made it impossible for the magistrates to continue with the proceedings, and they ruled that if any trial was to take place then it would be necessary for a new judgement of condemnation to be raised.

Imperial law is surprisingly ambiguous on what actually constitutes blasphemy and heresy. In the years immediately following the death of Empress Britta, the Synod generally adopted a punitive approach, condemning anyone who was dedicated to a false virtue. In situations where auras of false virtues arose spontaneously on items, they were routinely gathered up and destroyed. But in the last few years there has been a less dogmatic approach with a [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_179|Highborn general, '''Acseh of the Sentinels Tower''', being absolved]] after they were found to be dedicated to the false virtue of Hate.

Now the actions of these four members of the Assembly of Nine have cut the Synod in two.

==Four Judgements==
* '''Judgements were passed that decried the use of condemnation against those involved'''

At the last summit, the Imperial Synod passed a number of judgements that decried the condemnations in strong terms. The judgements referred to the definitions of the religious crimes of heresy and blasphemy laid out in Imperial law. These definitions are surprisingly ambiguous and do appear to leave considerable room for subjective interpretation.

<quote by="Imperial Law">The crime of blasphemy is defined as: ''The denigration of the paragons and the paths of virtue. This includes promoting false virtues and the teachings of false exemplars or false paragons.''</quote>

<quote by="Imperial Law">The crime of heresy is defined as: ''The willful rejection, or perversion of, the orthodox Doctrines of the Faith as laid down by the Imperial Synod, or actively teaching and promoting false doctrines.''</quote>

A number of [[judgement|judgements]], including one passed by the General Assembly were explicit that the actions of the four did not meet these definitions. In some cases the very notion that anyone should be condemned for these actions was itself denounced.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Condemning the study of false virtues undermines the foundation of the Way. Ours is a practice of investigation and learning, not of blind dogma. If such study is found unbecoming of Cardinals then let them be revoked, <u>NOT</u> condemned.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Brynn Tendfallen, Navarr Assembly|vote=176-10}}

{{SOPInner|size=small|statement=Penance: Following inquisition I do not hold that the actions of INISKA ASHWOOD rise to the crimes of Blasphemy or Heresy. That their acceptance of the Hallowed Aura of the False Virtue of Peace was motivated not by an intent to denigrate the Way, but a Wise desire for deeper understanding of the formation of the Way and a Loyal push to improve the Empire. The failing was in not making those Virtuous Reasons clear as such I task Iniska to create and distribute a clear and in-depth publication outlining their reasoning for taking the Aura and an idea of what they have and could learn.|vote=94-46|by=Maximillian, Assembly of the Way|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Auras are tools of teaching and inspiration. It is blasphemy to teach false virtue. It is <u>not</u> blasphemy to be taught false virtue. We should condemn the fools so dedicated to lesser qualities that they create auras of malign inspiration. Those who come under their influence should be granted opportunity to turn back to virtue. <u>Condemn</u> the dedicated teachers.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Ilai, General Assembly|vote=656-308}}

{{SOPInner|statement=To declare the act of agreeing to experience and study an aura for a year, without the intent or expectation to promote it, as blasphemy or heresy is an attack on the nature of the Way. It declares knowledge complete, defangs the counsel of doctrinal reform, and makes investigative theology illegal.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Caoimhe Tendfallen, Assembly of the Way|vote=120-36}}
</div>

A number of priests beyond [[Anvil]] have disagreed with these judgements. '''Brynn Tendfallen''' claims that condemning the study of false virtues undermines the Way, but the four weren't condemned for studying false virtues - they were condemning for embracing [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]]. It seems to be true that the purpose of embracing the virtue of Peace was to study it - but that defence assumes that the purpose of the action is all that matters in determining whether it is a crime or not (which Imperial law makes clear is not the case).

Likewise '''Maximillian''' found Iniska Ashwood not guilty of the charges of blasphemy and heresy on the grounds that it was not their intent to commit either crime. But Imperial law lays out an explicit framework for dealing with [[intent]] in a trial; an action is still a crime if it breaks the law, even if that was not the actors intent.

'''Ilai's''' judgement states that it is blasphemy to teach the false virtues, and that it is ''not'' blasphemy to ''be taught'' a false virtue. But there is no evidence that the four were condemned for teaching false virtues or for being taught them. The definition of blasphemy also includes the promotion of false virtues. '''Caoimhe Tendfallen''' states emphatically that there was no intention to promote the false virtues, and thus far nobody has suggested that such promotion was the ''intention'' of those accused.

But the promotion of false virtues may well have been the motivation of the [[Axos]] priests when they responded to the request to provide the hallows. If they wanted to spread acceptance of Peace in the Empire, what better way to do that than to ask the Assembly of Nine to embrace the auras? Are the four responsible for the promotion of Peace in the Empire if that outcome is the direct result of their decision to swear an oath to bear auras of the false virtue?

==Condemnation and Penance==
* '''Judgements were also passed that agreed with the condemnation and instructed penance for one of those involved'''

The General Assembly also passed a judgement that appeared to confirm that the original condemnation of at least one of the four, '''Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer''', Cardinal of Ambition, was appropriate. The judgement did not get a [[greater majority]], but it might have done, had the Cardinal not resigned before it closed.

{{SOP|statement=Penance: Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer, Cardinal of Ambition, willingly and knowingly took upon herself a hallowed object of the false virtue of "understanding" (also known as peace). They refuse to set this aside for a year. A cardinal is an example of Virtue to, and for, the Empire, and as such Viviane has shown themself to set a dangerous example, that we should condemn and revoke.|vote=812-288|by=Callista of the Dark Shard, General Assembly|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
But like the previous arguments, some priests beyond Anvil have found cause to disagree with this judgement. Nobody is disputing that the four took upon themselves hallowed objects of Peace and refused to set them aside for a year. But it is arguable whether that meets the legal definition of blasphemy or heresy.

Crucially the judgement then goes on to suggest that the cardinal has set a dangerous example, with the implicit suggestion that this action is wrong because they are a cardinal. However the Imperial constitution states that Imperial law must be applied ''without prejudice or favour regardless of wealth, nationality or title''.

That is normally understood to mean that nobody is above the law regardless of their title, but it implies that the fact that three of the four were cardinals should have no influence one way or the other on the application of Imperial law. A cardinal should not be exempt from the law, but nor can they be held to a higher standard by it. It is the responsibility of the Synod to revoke those who set a dangerous example, but ''being a dangerous example to others is not illegal''.

What is very clear to across the Empire is that there are legitimate arguments that can be made for and against the condemnation. The ambiguity in the law has led to a situation in which the lives of the four might hang in the balance, yet it is not clear if their actions constitute religious crimes or not. What actually constitutes "promotion" of the false virtues? Is it denigrating the true Virtues to openly carry a item hallowed to Peace?

This controversy has raised a plethora of questions, but three are now pressing.

==Questions for the Synod==
* '''People beyond Anvil are demanding answers from the Synod on the way to respond to false virtues'''

The Imperial Synod has upheld a number of statements and judgements related to the four, but they have in some cases been contradictory and simply helped increase the confusion felt by the virtuous folk of the Empire. This confusion risks causing citizens to question the moral authority of the Synod, coming as it does on the heels of the still-largely-unresolved [[True faith|Vardas Crisis]]. There was an opportunity to vindicate, or further condemn, the four but that was not entirely achieved but only one of the four remains a member of the Assembly of Nine.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}
As such, the discourse beyond Anvil is currently focussed elsewhere. Rather than concern themselves with the rights and wrongs of individuals, it is matters of Virtue, false and true, that people are demanding answers on. Sadly, it has escalated to the point that the only body that can bring clarity to the faithful of the Empire is a clear mandate from the General Assembly.

There are, as a result of the statements and other judgements over the last six months or so, two mandates on the table.
===Be Alert To All Dangers===
* '''The General Assembly can enact a mandate urging citizens to reject false virtues'''

There are clearly priests at Anvil who believe that the [[malign spiritual presences|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] is a threat to the Empire and the Imperial Synod. [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven|Doctrine]] says "''There are seven Virtues that guide the spirit through the Labyrinth of Ages. These are Ambition, Courage, Loyalty, Pride, Prosperity, Vigilance and Wisdom. Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and some may hinder it.''" There have been discussions about what a "quality that may benefit humanity" might be, and what a quality that may hinder its passage from death to rebirth might looks like. Generally, the "malign spiritual presences" - Peace, Vengeance, Hated and the rest, as held to be dangerous to the soul and its quest for rebirth. Or, presumably, it's passage across the Howling Abyss.

The four have been roundly condemned by the Vigilance assembly. Other priests have directly questioned the decision to partake of auras of peace.

{{Mandate|mandate=The malign spiritual presences are a direct threat to the Empire. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to warn the virtuous folk of the Empire that their vigilance must continue. For nearly four hundred years we have kept these dangerous forces at bay and we must not drop our guard now.|assembly=General Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will resolve this issue of peaceful hallows, and align the General Assembly with the Vigilance assembly. It will make it clear that there are Seven Virtues, and that the malign spiritual presences are so-called because they are dangerous to the Empire and hinder the quest for [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|enlightenment]].

The Virtuous will be vigilant against the teachings or influence of Peace, Hatred, Vengeance, Anarchy, Hope, and Fear. They will recognise spiritual powers other than the Seven Virtues as dangerous and malign and act appropriately - bringing them to the attention of their priests or taking action themselves where appropriate. Existing cults dedicated to so-called "false virtues" will continue to keep a low-profile trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves as they have been since the [[Splitting the pot|destruction of Whittle]].

It will still be possible to learn more about these malign spiritual presences, but it will involve directing the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]] or the [[Silent Bell]] to do so, and be based on the understanding that these powers are dangerous. There will also, unfortunately, likely be further questions about why Silas remains Cardinal of Wisdom and what that means for the Assembly of Nine and the Wisdom Assembly.

It will also send a message to the magistrates involved in the rework of religious law, making it clear that the Synod considers these powers to be blasphemous and heretical, and encourage them to make decisions appropriately. This may make it untenable for anyone to bear a hallow of Peace - meaning that the hallowed items will need to be seized and destroyed by the militia.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wisdom.png|align=right|width=200}}

===Find the Right Question===
* '''The General Assembly can enact a mandate urging citizens to learn more about false virtues'''

The one remaining member of the four who still holds the title of Cardinal, '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', has been very clear that they believe in the neccessity of exploring spiritual presences other than the familiar seven virtues. That without this kind of exploration [[the Way]] cannot learn and grow. Their supporters, in both the [[Wisdom]] Assembly and the Assembly of Nine, continue to endorse the decision made. Indeed the only relevant judgement to achieve a [[greater majority]] of an assembly in this matter appears to be that raised by the Assembly of Nine - although there, also, it seems that two of those eligible to vote did not support the judgement.

The General Assembly can choose to endorse and support this stance - that the virtuous should explore the so-called false virtues.

{{Mandate|mandate=Wisdom knows all knowledge is incomplete. We cannot take hearsay at face value, but must explore the nature of these unfamiliar spiritual powers so we can better understand them. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to urge the virtuous not to be afraid of increasing their understanding.|assembly=General Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will resolve this issue of the peaceful hallows, and align the General Assembly with the Wisdom Assembly on the need to explore spiritual powers other than the Seven Virtues. The Virtuous will be open to the idea that Peace, Hatred, Vengeance, Anarchy, Hope, and Fear might be forces that benefit humanity, or even in theory be equal in importance to the accepted Seven Virtues.

Over the next year there will be further opportunities for priests of the Synod to experience and explore false virtues, to increase their understanding by personally engaging with them. It will, however, also make it clear to the virtuous of the Empire that it is acceptable for them to explore these powers. Since the destruction of Whittle, those secretly dedicated to Hatred, Anachy, Vengeance and Peace in particular have been keeping their heads down, trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This mandate will encourage some of these pre-existing hidden sects dedicated to these so-called "false virtues" to become more bold.

The mandate will also send a message to the magistrates, even before the full review of religious law. They will take the view that it is clearly not blasphemy or heresy to bear items hallowed with false auras, nor to be dedicated to other powers or bear their auras. There will be no further attempt to separate the four from their hallowed items.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Peace and its Cousins</big>'''<br>While this crisis has developed as a result of items hallowed to "Peace", the controversy surrounding it has widened to include other malign spiritual presences as well. If it is appropriate to experience Peace, then it is surely appropriate to experience Hatred or Vengeance? If it is blasphemy to bear a hallow of Peace, then surely it is also blasphemy to bear a hallow of Hope or Anarchy? Neither of these mandates prevent the Synod potentially exploring a more granular approach in the future, perhaps even a change of doctrine relating to the malign spiritual presences. For now, however, they make it clear one way or another what the Synod believes, generally, about so-called "false virtues".</box></div>

===Competition and Unity===
* '''These mandates are in competition with each other'''
* '''If a mandate is not upheld with a greater majority, it will not affect Urizen or Varushka'''

[[Varushka]], [[Urizen]], and now potentially [[Wintermark]] all take issue with [[mandate|mandates]] enacted by the General Assembly that do not achieve a greater majority. If one of these mandates is upheld and enacted without that majority, it will have no impact in those nations critical of such things. This risks causing further disruption, as the majority of the Empire's virtuous citizens follow the guidance of the Synod but those other nations continue to argue, their concerns in no way mollified. It's not possible to predict what form this might take, but it will certainly mean more disruption for the Synod.

As such the [[Tribune of the Synod]] has advised that if one of these mandates is raised, it might be prudent for the Cardinal of Vigilance or the Cardinal of Wisdom (as appropriate) to request that [[Cardinal#Further_Scrutiny|further scrutiny]] be applied, ensuring as many Synod members as possible have time to discuss and make their opinions known. If both mandates are raised and upheld, the Tribune notes that as with all competing mandates it is the one with the greater margin that will be enacted - meaning that it is just as important for priests to vote against a mandate they do not support as it is to vote in favour of one they do support.

===No Clear Decision===
* '''The Imperial Synod may choose to uphold or enact neither mandate'''
* '''This will cause the situation to continue to escalate'''
It is possible the General Assembly will not choose to uphold or enact either of these mandates during the Spring Equinox. In that case, the situation will continue to develop unpredictibly. The likely outcome will be that there will be no opportunities to learn more about the malign spiritual presences, but that some of those who follow them in secret will still feel empowered to take advantage of the confusion to begin recruiting or putting their dangerous schemes into operation. Nothing will be resolved, and this particular crisis, along with the already existing crisis created by the [[Life of Vardas]] will continue.

===Complex Questions===
* '''The faithful of the Empire are eager to read any Statements of Principle on this subject that pass their virtue assembly with a greater majority'''
Regardless of what the General Assembly chooses to do, the virtuous pilgrims of the Empire are watching their own assemblies with interest. Several - both national and virtuous - have spoken out one way or another, but those statements have tended not to achieve greater majorities. Following the Spring Equinox there cannot help but be additional scrutiny by both priests and [[congregation|congregations]] of any statement of principle that discussed malign spiritual presences - provided it gets a greater majority and thus receives widespread attention. The virtuous are very keen to hear from their assemblies, one way or another.

==Questions for Wintermark==
* '''The Wintermark Assembly can use a mandate to urge members of the nation to ignore the words of priests from outside the nation'''
{{SOP|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|statement=The Assembly of Nine have dabbled with malign spiritual forces in an irresponsible way. The General Assembly continues to act with reckless disregard for the finite resources in of the Empire. While this chaos continues we, your stormcrows, urge the people of Wintermark to heed the guidance of the National Assembly over the poor example set by the rest of the Synod.|vote=Greater Majority (180-34)}}

The [[Wintermark]] Assembly has openly criticized the decisions of the Assembly of Nine to dabble with malign spiritual forces. They passed a judgement, with a greater majority, calling them irresponsible and criticizing the decisions of the General Assembly to act with reckless disregard for the Empire's wellbeing. The judgement concluded with a collective plea from the [[Stormcrow|Stormcrows]] at Anvil for the people of Wintermark to turn their backs on the other assemblies.

A dramatic and controversial statement like this is bound to cause a reaction. By itself, such a plea might not be enough to convince people that they should stop listening to the Synod. In light of the controversy surrounding the decisions taken by members of the Assembly of Nine, people are open to the idea that the rest of the Synod can no longer be trusted. If the Wintermark Assembly are serious about their statement they could use a mandate to encourage people to do as they have suggested.

{{Mandate|mandate=Despise folly and chastise the fool that spreads it. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage Wintermark citizens to heed the guidance of the stormcrows and ignore the judgements of other assemblies. Cold cannot compromise.|assembly=Wintermark Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then it will encourage people in Wintermark to treat the words of the Synod with suspicion. They will judge harshly any statement of principle passed or mandate enacted, aware of the corruption in the Assembly of Nine at the heart of the Synod.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wintermark.png|width=3200px|align=right}}</div>
If that happens, then any mandate that does not pass with a [[greater majority]] will have limited or no effect on Wintermark, unless that mandate were passed by the Wintermark Assembly itself. No amount of [[liao]] will persuade the people of the 'Mark to listen to the mandate unless the Synod is able to speak with the resounding clarity produced by a greater majority.

Such a decision is not to be taken lightly, for it would not be easy to reverse. It would need more than just a compelling statement of principle in the Wintermark Assembly to convince the people of the Mark to regain their trust in the Synod. It would have to be accompanied by clear evidence that the Assembly of Nine are no longer dealing with malign spiritual auras and the General Assembly are making more responsible decisions.

==Questions for the Magistrates==
* '''The judgements passed by the Synod made it impossible for magistrates to determine the basis on which the trial should take place'''
* '''The Constitutional Court plan to update Imperial doctrine to make it easier for the Synod to make clear what constitutes a religious crime'''
* '''The Court have asked the Imperial Senate not to amend Imperial law on religious crimes until they have had time to publish new guidance for the magistrates'''
* '''Until that happens, the magistrates will assume that a judgement of condemnation meets the definition of a religious crime unless it is overwhelmingly clear that it does not'''
* '''Any judgements of condemnation raised by the Synod will be tried on this basis'''
{{SOP|statement=Accurate information on false virtues has benefited us militarily and diplomatically as well as making it easier to oppose cultists within the Empire. Engagement with false virtue auras alone should not be prosecuted as a religious crime where the following are true:
<p>
# The action was motivated by true virtue.
# The action was taken in full view of the synod.
# The false virtue was intended to be removed in reasonable time.
# There was no preaching against doctrine.
# There was no intent to denigrate a true virtue, exemplar, or paragon.
</p>|by=Tarquinius Ankarien|vote=814-166|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
According to legal doctrine, it is for the [[Imperial_law#Magistrates_and_trials|magistrates]] to decide whether someone's actions meet the definitions of a religious crime or not. In ''practice'' it has been customary for a magistrate to place great weight on the deliberations on the Imperial Synod. Magistrates aim to ensure there is no miscarriage of justice taking place, to satisfy themselves that a condemnation is not vexatious or simply wrong on the facts of what occurred. But most magistrates assume they do not need to make an assessment of whether or not the actions constitute heresy or blasphemy - taking the view that that assessment has ''already been made'' by the Imperial Synod when they passed their judgement.

It is not explicit whether the judgement submitted by '''Tarquinius Ankarien''' and passed by the General Assembly contains conditions by which the Synod might judge whether an action constitutes heresy or blasphemy or whether it was intended to be used by the magistrate conducting the trial. The judgement passed shortly before the trial began, causing a hasty convention of senior magistrates outside the trial room.

The magistrate in charge of the trial, '''Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra''', took the view that the Synod intended them to follow the guidance in the judgement. As legal doctrine gives the magistrate the right to determine how they conduct a trial, the magistrate indicated that they intended to do so in accordance with the judgement. After a short but fractious conference with '''Abraham''' and '''Karkovitch''', Cosme announced the trial would proceed on the basis laid out in the judgement, but would be delayed until the next day to allow the priests who raised the original judgements time to reframe their prosecution. However, after subsequent discussion the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] announced that the implications of the judgement were so far-reaching that it was not possible to continue with the trial.

If magistrates are to use a set of criteria to assess if actions constitute a religious crime then it is not entirely clear what the purpose of a [[Condemnation|Judgement of Condemnation]] is. Crucially, the fact that the judgement passed raises serious questions about the basis used by the Vigilance Assembly when they raised the original judgements of condemnation. Did the Vigilance Assembly intend the magistrates to assess whether the actions of the four met the legal definition of heresy and blasphemy or had they already concluded that that bar had been met? In the view of the Constitutional Court it was impossible for the trial to proceed without absolute clarity from the Synod on what basis such a trial should be conducted.

Since the summit concluded, the Constitutional Court have spent considerable time assessing the impact of judgement 42, along with the other judgements passed by the Imperial Synod. While it is theoretically possible for a magistrate to make the assessment, the view of the Court is that to do so would fundamentally impinge on the constitutionally appointed role of the Synod. The relevant sections of the [[Imperial Constitution]] state that ''"The Synod will ensure the behaviour of individual citizens does not debase the Empire."'' This role is so fundamental to the purpose of the Synod that after lengthy consideration, the Constitutional Court believe there are major constitutional hurdles in any attempt to shift this responsibility to the magistrates.

The view of the Constitutional Court is that Tarquinius' judgement has exposed fundamental shortcomings in the way [[Imperial law]] is applied by the magistrates, by highlighting the distinction between Imperial doctrine and practice. The basis for Imperial law is that the law should lay out what practices are proscribed and what are not - and then magistrates should determine whether those rules have been broken. The fact that the Synod has felt the need to issue additional guidance - whether that was intended for the Synod or the magistrates - coupled with the fact that different assemblies have taken strikingly different views on the matter in question raises fundamental issues of justice. If the magistrates can't determine if someone is guilty of blasphemy or heresy, if the Synod can't agree what constitutes a religious crime, how can any citizen be expected to observe the law?

As a result, the Court has resolved to update Imperial legal doctrine at the earliest opportunity. Imperial law states that heresy and blasphemy are illegal, and the constitution dictates that Synod should determine what constitutes a religious crime. But how that determination is made, and how the decisions are communicated to the magistrates, can be amended. The Court are going to study the historical records, going back as far as [[Empress Teleri]], to see if there is a better alternative that they can adopt.
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 50%;">
<box>
===Design Notes===
<p>The extraordinary events of the last summit has exposed some of the shortcomings of this part of the game so we plan to update the published rules for religious crimes in the Empire. We want to give the Synod much better tools to preserve the integrity of the Way and to determine what actions constitute religious crimes. This is likely to take some time, as we would rather get it right, than rush it, but we'll try to get it done as quickly as we can. The current system remains in place until the rules are updated - on the basis laid out in this section.</p>

<p>We are going to redesign this part of the game to make it work better. Players are welcome to send feedback at any time, but please don't attempt to change this part of the game in-character using the Senate. Once we've completed a review and made any changes, the Senate will be free to change religious laws as usual.</box>
</div>
Such a review will take time. Until that happens, they ask the Imperial Senate not to make any changes to Imperial law on the matter of religious crimes, lest that make the job more difficult. In the meantime, the Court has confirmed that the correct legal procedure is for the Synod to determine to the best of it's ability an individual has committed a religious crime. If that happens, then they can use a judgement of condemnation to condemn them and a magistrate will then conduct the trial, based on the assumption that the Synod has correctly determined that the actions constitute a religious crime.

This means that the role of the magistrate is limited to ensuring that no miscarriage of justice is being enacted. The prosecution must still meet basical evidential standards - they must present reasoning that shows why the actions the suspects are accused of are broadly compatible with the legal definition of blasphemy or heresy. Provided they meet that very basic standard, the magistrate will ''not'' try to assess whether actions constitute a religious crime or not - because that determination has already been made by the Synod. They will restrict their judgement to assessing whether or not the individual committed the actions they are accused of.

If an assembly determines that one or more or the four has committed a religious crime, then they can pass a new judgement condemning them. If that happens then a magistrate will conduct the trial with the view that an assessment of the actions in question have already taken place and that the Synod has determined that they constitute a religious crime.

As per [[A_little_understanding#The_Synod_Judges|the guidance issued previously]], the ''only'' way that the Synod could influence or prevent the ensuing trial would be if the General Assembly passed a judgement of ''vindication''. If that was worded appropriately, then it would override any previous judgement of condemnation by the Synod.

==Further Reading==
* [[A little understanding]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune discussing the initial repercussions of the peaceful decision
* [[Malign spiritual presences]]

The final cut

2025-06-11T17:08:47Z

Novemberalice: /* Questions for Wintermark */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Metella shifted her quill and ink to the side of her desk, as she mentally rifled though her thoughts for the umpteenth time. The parchment in front of her had been sat here on the desk for three days now, despite which it remained stubbornly blank.

"I don't know why you're bothering Metella, you're retired remember?"

That had been yesterday's interruption. Ancius, one of her spiremates at the Hollows always liked to help with writers block. An hour long debate had followed, in which Metella had explained three times how the foundational principle of good law was that it was readily understandable. To which Ancius' only counter was to say "But you're not a magistrate anymore, so why does it matter?" as if ''that'' had anything to do with anything. Sometimes the former sword scholar could be so exasperating.

Still, he had a point. She'd been having these arguments with her colleagues for years. A career as a rather successful magistrate, if she did say it herself, prosecuting religious crimes. In twenty years her one notable defeat had been the failure to persuade the other magistrates that there was as many shortcomings in religious law as there were in the people breaking them.

"It matters, because people must ''know'' if they are breaking the law. They must know if the law has been broken. It can't be a matter for debate!" she had responded. Ancius didn't much care for the law, but he never turned down an opportunity for an argument.

People were fond of saying that ignorance was no defence in law - altogether too fond in Metella's opinion. Nobody should ever tolerate ignorance as far as she was concerned. Blaming the student was the easy answer. To banish ignorance is first and foremost the responsibility of the teacher.

Hmmm... now that was not a bad line. Not... teacher... but...

Metella smiled to herself for the first time in days as she picked up her quill, dipped it in the well and put the nib to the paper.

"To banish ignorance is - first and foremost - the responsibility of the writer. The law must elucidate! Clear wording can bring the light of understanding to illuminate the lives of everyone who reads it."

A little poetic perhaps but it was a strong start. Her pen began to race across the parchment as the words flew out of her. It had been a few years now since she'd last written to Karkovitch, perhaps his views had mellowed in that time.

And if not... well the only real defeat is the one in your own mind, as Ancius liked to say.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=CardWisdom.jpg|width=250|caption=Silas of the Cenotaph, Cardinal of Wisdom|align=left}}
==Overview==
At the Autumn Equinox 386YE, four citizens publicly swore an oath to bear an [[aura]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Three of the citizens were [[cardinal|cardinals]] of the [[Imperial Synod]], and the fourth was acting as [[proxy]] to the [[Cardinal of Prosperity]]. In the history of the Empire, there has never been a successful [[judgement]] of condemnation against a member of the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] elected by the Virtue assemblies. Despite this, all four were quickly [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] as [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heretics]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemers]] by the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly]] of [[Vigilance]] and a trial was scheduled to happen at the subsequent summit.

While preparations were made for the trial of the four, the Synod passed several judgements, all of which related to the trial, the underlying issues and the conduct of those involved. Several judgements passed by various assemblies decried the accusations of blasphemy and heresy, and called for a much narrower definition of the crime than is typically understood. The civil service had issued some guidance to the [[Imperial Synod]] on how the General Assembly might use a [[judgement]] of [[Sanction#Vindication|vindication]] to clear the accused, but every judgement stopped short of that - and it was clear that many priests were unhappy with the actions of those involved.

The trial itself collapsed in dramatic fashion following a [[statement of principle]], the now infamous ''[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_42|Judgement 42]] of the General Assembly'', that laid out new guidelines on how religious crimes should be judged. The judgement made it impossible for the magistrates to continue with the proceedings, and they ruled that if any trial was to take place then it would be necessary for a new judgement of condemnation to be raised.

Imperial law is surprisingly ambiguous on what actually constitutes blasphemy and heresy. In the years immediately following the death of Empress Britta, the Synod generally adopted a punitive approach, condemning anyone who was dedicated to a false virtue. In situations where auras of false virtues arose spontaneously on items, they were routinely gathered up and destroyed. But in the last few years there has been a less dogmatic approach with a [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_179|Highborn general, '''Acseh of the Sentinels Tower''', being absolved]] after they were found to be dedicated to the false virtue of Hate.

Now the actions of these four members of the Assembly of Nine have cut the Synod in two.

==Four Judgements==
* '''Judgements were passed that decried the use of condemnation against those involved'''

At the last summit, the Imperial Synod passed a number of judgements that decried the condemnations in strong terms. The judgements referred to the definitions of the religious crimes of heresy and blasphemy laid out in Imperial law. These definitions are surprisingly ambiguous and do appear to leave considerable room for subjective interpretation.

<quote by="Imperial Law">The crime of blasphemy is defined as: ''The denigration of the paragons and the paths of virtue. This includes promoting false virtues and the teachings of false exemplars or false paragons.''</quote>

<quote by="Imperial Law">The crime of heresy is defined as: ''The willful rejection, or perversion of, the orthodox Doctrines of the Faith as laid down by the Imperial Synod, or actively teaching and promoting false doctrines.''</quote>

A number of [[judgement|judgements]], including one passed by the General Assembly were explicit that the actions of the four did not meet these definitions. In some cases the very notion that anyone should be condemned for these actions was itself denounced.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Condemning the study of false virtues undermines the foundation of the Way. Ours is a practice of investigation and learning, not of blind dogma. If such study is found unbecoming of Cardinals then let them be revoked, <u>NOT</u> condemned.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Brynn Tendfallen, Navarr Assembly|vote=176-10}}

{{SOPInner|size=small|statement=Penance: Following inquisition I do not hold that the actions of INISKA ASHWOOD rise to the crimes of Blasphemy or Heresy. That their acceptance of the Hallowed Aura of the False Virtue of Peace was motivated not by an intent to denigrate the Way, but a Wise desire for deeper understanding of the formation of the Way and a Loyal push to improve the Empire. The failing was in not making those Virtuous Reasons clear as such I task Iniska to create and distribute a clear and in-depth publication outlining their reasoning for taking the Aura and an idea of what they have and could learn.|vote=94-46|by=Maximillian, Assembly of the Way|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Auras are tools of teaching and inspiration. It is blasphemy to teach false virtue. It is <u>not</u> blasphemy to be taught false virtue. We should condemn the fools so dedicated to lesser qualities that they create auras of malign inspiration. Those who come under their influence should be granted opportunity to turn back to virtue. <u>Condemn</u> the dedicated teachers.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Ilai, General Assembly|vote=656-308}}

{{SOPInner|statement=To declare the act of agreeing to experience and study an aura for a year, without the intent or expectation to promote it, as blasphemy or heresy is an attack on the nature of the Way. It declares knowledge complete, defangs the counsel of doctrinal reform, and makes investigative theology illegal.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Caoimhe Tendfallen, Assembly of the Way|vote=120-36}}
</div>

A number of priests beyond [[Anvil]] have disagreed with these judgements. '''Brynn Tendfallen''' claims that condemning the study of false virtues undermines the Way, but the four weren't condemned for studying false virtues - they were condemning for embracing [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]]. It seems to be true that the purpose of embracing the virtue of Peace was to study it - but that defence assumes that the purpose of the action is all that matters in determining whether it is a crime or not (which Imperial law makes clear is not the case).

Likewise '''Maximillian''' found Iniska Ashwood not guilty of the charges of blasphemy and heresy on the grounds that it was not their intent to commit either crime. But Imperial law lays out an explicit framework for dealing with [[intent]] in a trial; an action is still a crime if it breaks the law, even if that was not the actors intent.

'''Ilai's''' judgement states that it is blasphemy to teach the false virtues, and that it is ''not'' blasphemy to ''be taught'' a false virtue. But there is no evidence that the four were condemned for teaching false virtues or for being taught them. The definition of blasphemy also includes the promotion of false virtues. '''Caoimhe Tendfallen''' states emphatically that there was no intention to promote the false virtues, and thus far nobody has suggested that such promotion was the ''intention'' of those accused.

But the promotion of false virtues may well have been the motivation of the [[Axos]] priests when they responded to the request to provide the hallows. If they wanted to spread acceptance of Peace in the Empire, what better way to do that than to ask the Assembly of Nine to embrace the auras? Are the four responsible for the promotion of Peace in the Empire if that outcome is the direct result of their decision to swear an oath to bear auras of the false virtue?

==Condemnation and Penance==
* '''Judgements were also passed that agreed with the condemnation and instructed penance for one of those involved'''

The General Assembly also passed a judgement that appeared to confirm that the original condemnation of at least one of the four, '''Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer''', Cardinal of Ambition, was appropriate. The judgement did not get a [[greater majority]], but it might have done, had the Cardinal not resigned before it closed.

{{SOP|statement=Penance: Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer, Cardinal of Ambition, willingly and knowingly took upon herself a hallowed object of the false virtue of "understanding" (also known as peace). They refuse to set this aside for a year. A cardinal is an example of Virtue to, and for, the Empire, and as such Viviane has shown themself to set a dangerous example, that we should condemn and revoke.|vote=812-288|by=Callista of the Dark Shard, General Assembly|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
But like the previous arguments, some priests beyond Anvil have found cause to disagree with this judgement. Nobody is disputing that the four took upon themselves hallowed objects of Peace and refused to set them aside for a year. But it is arguable whether that meets the legal definition of blasphemy or heresy.

Crucially the judgement then goes on to suggest that the cardinal has set a dangerous example, with the implicit suggestion that this action is wrong because they are a cardinal. However the Imperial constitution states that Imperial law must be applied ''without prejudice or favour regardless of wealth, nationality or title''.

That is normally understood to mean that nobody is above the law regardless of their title, but it implies that the fact that three of the four were cardinals should have no influence one way or the other on the application of Imperial law. A cardinal should not be exempt from the law, but nor can they be held to a higher standard by it. It is the responsibility of the Synod to revoke those who set a dangerous example, but ''being a dangerous example to others is not illegal''.

What is very clear to across the Empire is that there are legitimate arguments that can be made for and against the condemnation. The ambiguity in the law has led to a situation in which the lives of the four might hang in the balance, yet it is not clear if their actions constitute religious crimes or not. What actually constitutes "promotion" of the false virtues? Is it denigrating the true Virtues to openly carry a item hallowed to Peace?

This controversy has raised a plethora of questions, but three are now pressing.

==Questions for the Synod==
* '''People beyond Anvil are demanding answers from the Synod on the way to respond to false virtues'''

The Imperial Synod has upheld a number of statements and judgements related to the four, but they have in some cases been contradictory and simply helped increase the confusion felt by the virtuous folk of the Empire. This confusion risks causing citizens to question the moral authority of the Synod, coming as it does on the heels of the still-largely-unresolved [[True faith|Vardas Crisis]]. There was an opportunity to vindicate, or further condemn, the four but that was not entirely achieved but only one of the four remains a member of the Assembly of Nine.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}
As such, the discourse beyond Anvil is currently focussed elsewhere. Rather than concern themselves with the rights and wrongs of individuals, it is matters of Virtue, false and true, that people are demanding answers on. Sadly, it has escalated to the point that the only body that can bring clarity to the faithful of the Empire is a clear mandate from the General Assembly.

There are, as a result of the statements and other judgements over the last six months or so, two mandates on the table.
===Be Alert To All Dangers===
* '''The General Assembly can enact a mandate urging citizens to reject false virtues'''

There are clearly priests at Anvil who believe that the [[malign spiritual presences|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] is a threat to the Empire and the Imperial Synod. [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven|Doctrine]] says "''There are seven Virtues that guide the spirit through the Labyrinth of Ages. These are Ambition, Courage, Loyalty, Pride, Prosperity, Vigilance and Wisdom. Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and some may hinder it.''" There have been discussions about what a "quality that may benefit humanity" might be, and what a quality that may hinder its passage from death to rebirth might looks like. Generally, the "malign spiritual presences" - Peace, Vengeance, Hated and the rest, as held to be dangerous to the soul and its quest for rebirth. Or, presumably, it's passage across the Howling Abyss.

The four have been roundly condemned by the Vigilance assembly. Other priests have directly questioned the decision to partake of auras of peace.

{{Mandate|mandate=The malign spiritual presences are a direct threat to the Empire. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to warn the virtuous folk of the Empire that their vigilance must continue. For nearly four hundred years we have kept these dangerous forces at bay and we must not drop our guard now.|assembly=General Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will resolve this issue of peaceful hallows, and align the General Assembly with the Vigilance assembly. It will make it clear that there are Seven Virtues, and that the malign spiritual presences are so-called because they are dangerous to the Empire and hinder the quest for [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|enlightenment]].

The Virtuous will be vigilant against the teachings or influence of Peace, Hatred, Vengeance, Anarchy, Hope, and Fear. They will recognise spiritual powers other than the Seven Virtues as dangerous and malign and act appropriately - bringing them to the attention of their priests or taking action themselves where appropriate. Existing cults dedicated to so-called "false virtues" will continue to keep a low-profile trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves as they have been since the [[Splitting the pot|destruction of Whittle]].

It will still be possible to learn more about these malign spiritual presences, but it will involve directing the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]] or the [[Silent Bell]] to do so, and be based on the understanding that these powers are dangerous. There will also, unfortunately, likely be further questions about why Silas remains Cardinal of Wisdom and what that means for the Assembly of Nine and the Wisdom Assembly.

It will also send a message to the magistrates involved in the rework of religious law, making it clear that the Synod considers these powers to be blasphemous and heretical, and encourage them to make decisions appropriately. This may make it untenable for anyone to bear a hallow of Peace - meaning that the hallowed items will need to be seized and destroyed by the militia.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wisdom.png|align=right|width=200}}

===Find the Right Question===
* '''The General Assembly can enact a mandate urging citizens to learn more about false virtues'''

The one remaining member of the four who still holds the title of Cardinal, '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', has been very clear that they believe in the neccessity of exploring spiritual presences other than the familiar seven virtues. That without this kind of exploration [[the Way]] cannot learn and grow. Their supporters, in both the [[Wisdom]] Assembly and the Assembly of Nine, continue to endorse the decision made. Indeed the only relevant judgement to achieve a [[greater majority]] of an assembly in this matter appears to be that raised by the Assembly of Nine - although there, also, it seems that two of those eligible to vote did not support the judgement.

The General Assembly can choose to endorse and support this stance - that the virtuous should explore the so-called false virtues.

{{Mandate|mandate=Wisdom knows all knowledge is incomplete. We cannot take hearsay at face value, but must explore the nature of these unfamiliar spiritual powers so we can better understand them. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to urge the virtuous not to be afraid of increasing their understanding.|assembly=General Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will resolve this issue of the peaceful hallows, and align the General Assembly with the Wisdom Assembly on the need to explore spiritual powers other than the Seven Virtues. The Virtuous will be open to the idea that Peace, Hatred, Vengeance, Anarchy, Hope, and Fear might be forces that benefit humanity, or even in theory be equal in importance to the accepted Seven Virtues.

Over the next year there will be further opportunities for priests of the Synod to experience and explore false virtues, to increase their understanding by personally engaging with them. It will, however, also make it clear to the virtuous of the Empire that it is acceptable for them to explore these powers. Since the destruction of Whittle, those secretly dedicated to Hatred, Anachy, Vengeance and Peace in particular have been keeping their heads down, trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This mandate will encourage some of these pre-existing hidden sects dedicated to these so-called "false virtues" to become more bold.

The mandate will also send a message to the magistrates, even before the full review of religious law. They will take the view that it is clearly not blasphemy or heresy to bear items hallowed with false auras, nor to be dedicated to other powers or bear their auras. There will be no further attempt to separate the four from their hallowed items.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Peace and its Cousins</big>'''<br>While this crisis has developed as a result of items hallowed to "Peace", the controversy surrounding it has widened to include other malign spiritual presences as well. If it is appropriate to experience Peace, then it is surely appropriate to experience Hatred or Vengeance? If it is blasphemy to bear a hallow of Peace, then surely it is also blasphemy to bear a hallow of Hope or Anarchy? Neither of these mandates prevent the Synod potentially exploring a more granular approach in the future, perhaps even a change of doctrine relating to the malign spiritual presences. For now, however, they make it clear one way or another what the Synod believes, generally, about so-called "false virtues".</box></div>

===Competition and Unity===
* '''These mandates are in competition with each other'''
* '''If a mandate is not upheld with a greater majority, it will not affect Urizen or Varushka'''

[[Varushka]], [[Urizen]], and now potentially [[Wintermark]] all take issue with [[mandate|mandates]] enacted by the General Assembly that do not achieve a greater majority. If one of these mandates is upheld and enacted without that majority, it will have no impact in those nations critical of such things. This risks causing further disruption, as the majority of the Empire's virtuous citizens follow the guidance of the Synod but those other nations continue to argue, their concerns in no way mollified. It's not possible to predict what form this might take, but it will certainly mean more disruption for the Synod.

As such the [[Tribune of the Synod]] has advised that if one of these mandates is raised, it might be prudent for the Cardinal of Vigilance or the Cardinal of Wisdom (as appropriate) to request that [[Cardinal#Further_Scrutiny|further scrutiny]] be applied, ensuring as many Synod members as possible have time to discuss and make their opinions known. If both mandates are raised and upheld, the Tribune notes that as with all competing mandates it is the one with the greater margin that will be enacted - meaning that it is just as important for priests to vote against a mandate they do not support as it is to vote in favour of one they do support.

===No Clear Decision===
* '''The Imperial Synod may choose to uphold or enact neither mandate'''
* '''This will cause the situation to continue to escalate'''
It is possible the General Assembly will not choose to uphold or enact either of these mandates during the Spring Equinox. In that case, the situation will continue to develop unpredictibly. The likely outcome will be that there will be no opportunities to learn more about the malign spiritual presences, but that some of those who follow them in secret will still feel empowered to take advantage of the confusion to begin recruiting or putting their dangerous schemes into operation. Nothing will be resolved, and this particular crisis, along with the already existing crisis created by the [[Life of Vardas]] will continue.

===Complex Questions===
* '''The faithful of the Empire are eager to read any Statements of Principle on this subject that pass their virtue assembly with a greater majority'''
Regardless of what the General Assembly chooses to do, the virtuous pilgrims of the Empire are watching their own assemblies with interest. Several - both national and virtuous - have spoken out one way or another, but those statements have tended not to achieve greater majorities. Following the Spring Equinox there cannot help but be additional scrutiny by both priests and [[congregation|congregations]] of any statement of principle that discussed malign spiritual presences - provided it gets a greater majority and thus receives widespread attention. The virtuous are very keen to hear from their assemblies, one way or another.

==Questions for Wintermark==
* '''The Wintermark Assembly can use a mandate to urge members of the nation to ignore the words of priests from outside the nation'''
{{SOP|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|statement=The Assembly of Nine have dabbled with malign spiritual forces in an irresponsible way. The General Assembly continues to act with reckless disregard for the finite resources in of the Empire. While this chaos continues we, your stormcrows, urge the people of Wintermark to heed the guidance of the National Assembly over the poor example set by the rest of the Synod.|vote=Greater Majority (180-34)}}

The [[Wintermark]] Assembly has openly criticized the decisions of the Assembly of Nine to dabble with malign spiritual forces. They passed a judgement, with a greater majority, calling them irresponsible and criticizing the decisions of the General Assembly to act with reckless disregard for the Empire's wellbeing. The judgement concluded with a collective plea from the [[Stormcrow|Stormcrows]] at Anvil for the people of Wintermark to turn their backs on the other assemblies.

A dramatic and controversial statement like this is bound to cause a reaction. By itself, such a plea might not be enough to convince people that they should stop listening to the Synod. In light of the controversy surrounding the decisions taken by members of the Assembly of Nine, people are open to the idea that the rest of the Synod can no longer be trusted. If the Wintermark Assembly are serious about their statement they could use a mandate to encourage people to do as they have suggested.

{{Mandate|mandate=Despise folly and chastise the fool that spreads it. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage Wintermark citizens to heed the guidance of the stormcrows and ignore the judgements of other assemblies. Cold cannot compromise.|assembly=Wintermark Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then it will encourage people in Wintermark to treat the words of the Synod with suspicion. They will judge harshly any statement of principle passed or mandate enacted, aware of the corruption in the Assembly of Nine at the heart of the Synod.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wintermark.png|width=3200px|align=right}}</div>
If that happens, then any mandate that does not pass with a [[greater majority]] will have limited or no effect on Wintermark, unless that mandate were passed by the Wintermark Assembly itself. No amount of [[liao]] will persuade the people of the 'Mark to listen to the mandate unless the Synod is able to speak with the resounding clarity produced by a greater majority.

Such a decision is not to be taken lightly, for it would not be easy to reverse. It would need more than just a compelling statement of principle in the Wintermark Assembly to convince the people of the Mark to regain their trust in the Synod. It would have to be accompanied by clear evidence that the Assembly of Nine are no longer dealing with malign spiritual auras and the General Assembly are making more responsible decisions.

==Questions for the Magistrates==
* '''The judgements passed by the Synod made it impossible for magistrates to determine the basis on which the trial should take place'''
* '''The Constitutional Court plan to update Imperial doctrine to make it easier for the Synod to make clear what constitutes a religious crime'''
* '''The Court have asked the Imperial Senate not to amend Imperial law on religious crimes until they have had time to publish new guidance for the magistrates'''
* '''Until that happens, the magistrates will assume that a judgement of condemnation meets the definition of a religious crime unless it is overwhelmingly clear that it does not'''
* '''Any judgements of condemnation raised by the Synod will be tried on this basis'''
{{SOP|statement=Accurate information on false virtues has benefited us militarily and diplomatically as well as making it easier to oppose cultists within the Empire. Engagement with false virtue auras alone should not be prosecuted as a religious crime where the following are true:
<p>
# The action was motivated by true virtue.
# The action was taken in full view of the synod.
# The false virtue was intended to be removed in reasonable time.
# There was no preaching against doctrine.
# There was no intent to denigrate a true virtue, exemplar, or paragon.
</p>|by=Tarquinius Ankarien|vote=814-166|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
According to legal doctrine, it is for the [[Imperial_law#Magistrates_and_trials|magistrates]] to decide whether someone's actions meet the definitions of a religious crime or not. In ''practice'' it has been customary for a magistrate to place great weight on the deliberations on the Imperial Synod. Magistrates aim to ensure there is no miscarriage of justice taking place, to satisfy themselves that a condemnation is not vexatious or simply wrong on the facts of what occurred. But most magistrates assume they do not need to make an assessment of whether or not the actions constitute heresy or blasphemy - taking the view that that assessment has ''already been made'' by the Imperial Synod when they passed their judgement.

It is not explicit whether the judgement submitted by '''Tarquinius Ankarien''' and passed by the General Assembly contains conditions by which the Synod might judge whether an action constitutes heresy or blasphemy or whether it was intended to be used by the magistrate conducting the trial. The judgement passed shortly before the trial began, causing a hasty convention of senior magistrates outside the trial room.

The magistrate in charge of the trial, '''Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra''', took the view that the Synod intended them to follow the guidance in the judgement. As legal doctrine gives the magistrate the right to determine how they conduct a trial, the magistrate indicated that they intended to do so in accordance with the judgement. After a short but fractious conference with '''Abraham''' and '''Karkovitch''', Coseme announced the trial would proceed on the basis laid out in the judgement, but would be delayed until the next day to allow the priests who raised the original judgements time to reframe their prosecution. However, after subsequent discussion the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] announced that the implications of the judgement were so far-reaching that it was not possible to continue with the trial.

If magistrates are to use a set of criteria to assess if actions constitute a religious crime then it is not entirely clear what the purpose of a [[Condemnation|Judgement of Condemnation]] is. Crucially, the fact that the judgement passed raises serious questions about the basis used by the Vigilance Assembly when they raised the original judgements of condemnation. Did the Vigilance Assembly intend the magistrates to assess whether the actions of the four met the legal definition of heresy and blasphemy or had they already concluded that that bar had been met? In the view of the Constitutional Court it was impossible for the trial to proceed without absolute clarity from the Synod on what basis such a trial should be conducted.

Since the summit concluded, the Constitutional Court have spent considerable time assessing the impact of judgement 42, along with the other judgements passed by the Imperial Synod. While it is theoretically possible for a magistrate to make the assessment, the view of the Court is that to do so would fundamentally impinge on the constitutionally appointed role of the Synod. The relevant sections of the [[Imperial Constitution]] state that ''"The Synod will ensure the behaviour of individual citizens does not debase the Empire."'' This role is so fundamental to the purpose of the Synod that after lengthy consideration, the Constitutional Court believe there are major constitutional hurdles in any attempt to shift this responsibility to the magistrates.

The view of the Constitutional Court is that Tarquinius' judgement has exposed fundamental shortcomings in the way [[Imperial law]] is applied by the magistrates, by highlighting the distinction between Imperial doctrine and practice. The basis for Imperial law is that the law should lay out what practices are proscribed and what are not - and then magistrates should determine whether those rules have been broken. The fact that the Synod has felt the need to issue additional guidance - whether that was intended for the Synod or the magistrates - coupled with the fact that different assemblies have taken strikingly different views on the matter in question raises fundamental issues of justice. If the magistrates can't determine if someone is guilty of blasphemy or heresy, if the Synod can't agree what constitutes a religious crime, how can any citizen be expected to observe the law?

As a result, the Court has resolved to update Imperial legal doctrine at the earliest opportunity. Imperial law states that heresy and blasphemy are illegal, and the constitution dictates that Synod should determine what constitutes a religious crime. But how that determination is made, and how the decisions are communicated to the magistrates, can be amended. The Court are going to study the historical records, going back as far as [[Empress Teleri]], to see if there is a better alternative that they can adopt.
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 50%;">
<box>
===Design Notes===
<p>The extraordinary events of the last summit has exposed some of the shortcomings of this part of the game so we plan to update the published rules for religious crimes in the Empire. We want to give the Synod much better tools to preserve the integrity of the Way and to determine what actions constitute religious crimes. This is likely to take some time, as we would rather get it right, than rush it, but we'll try to get it done as quickly as we can. The current system remains in place until the rules are updated - on the basis laid out in this section.</p>

<p>We are going to redesign this part of the game to make it work better. Players are welcome to send feedback at any time, but please don't attempt to change this part of the game in-character using the Senate. Once we've completed a review and made any changes, the Senate will be free to change religious laws as usual.</box>
</div>
Such a review will take time. Until that happens, they ask the Imperial Senate not to make any changes to Imperial law on the matter of religious crimes, lest that make the job more difficult. In the meantime, the Court has confirmed that the correct legal procedure is for the Synod to determine to the best of it's ability an individual has committed a religious crime. If that happens, then they can use a judgement of condemnation to condemn them and a magistrate will then conduct the trial, based on the assumption that the Synod has correctly determined that the actions constitute a religious crime.

This means that the role of the magistrate is limited to ensuring that no miscarriage of justice is being enacted. The prosecution must still meet basical evidential standards - they must present reasoning that shows why the actions the suspects are accused of are broadly compatible with the legal definition of blasphemy or heresy. Provided they meet that very basic standard, the magistrate will ''not'' try to assess whether actions constitute a religious crime or not - because that determination has already been made by the Synod. They will restrict their judgement to assessing whether or not the individual committed the actions they are accused of.

If an assembly determines that one or more or the four has committed a religious crime, then they can pass a new judgement condemning them. If that happens then a magistrate will conduct the trial with the view that an assessment of the actions in question have already taken place and that the Synod has determined that they constitute a religious crime.

As per [[A_little_understanding#The_Synod_Judges|the guidance issued previously]], the ''only'' way that the Synod could influence or prevent the ensuing trial would be if the General Assembly passed a judgement of ''vindication''. If that was worded appropriately, then it would override any previous judgement of condemnation by the Synod.
==Further Reading==
* [[A little understanding]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune discussing the initial repercussions of the peaceful decision
* [[Malign spiritual presences]]

The final cut

2025-06-11T17:07:24Z

Novemberalice: /* Questions for Wintermark */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Metella shifted her quill and ink to the side of her desk, as she mentally rifled though her thoughts for the umpteenth time. The parchment in front of her had been sat here on the desk for three days now, despite which it remained stubbornly blank.

"I don't know why you're bothering Metella, you're retired remember?"

That had been yesterday's interruption. Ancius, one of her spiremates at the Hollows always liked to help with writers block. An hour long debate had followed, in which Metella had explained three times how the foundational principle of good law was that it was readily understandable. To which Ancius' only counter was to say "But you're not a magistrate anymore, so why does it matter?" as if ''that'' had anything to do with anything. Sometimes the former sword scholar could be so exasperating.

Still, he had a point. She'd been having these arguments with her colleagues for years. A career as a rather successful magistrate, if she did say it herself, prosecuting religious crimes. In twenty years her one notable defeat had been the failure to persuade the other magistrates that there was as many shortcomings in religious law as there were in the people breaking them.

"It matters, because people must ''know'' if they are breaking the law. They must know if the law has been broken. It can't be a matter for debate!" she had responded. Ancius didn't much care for the law, but he never turned down an opportunity for an argument.

People were fond of saying that ignorance was no defence in law - altogether too fond in Metella's opinion. Nobody should ever tolerate ignorance as far as she was concerned. Blaming the student was the easy answer. To banish ignorance is first and foremost the responsibility of the teacher.

Hmmm... now that was not a bad line. Not... teacher... but...

Metella smiled to herself for the first time in days as she picked up her quill, dipped it in the well and put the nib to the paper.

"To banish ignorance is - first and foremost - the responsibility of the writer. The law must elucidate! Clear wording can bring the light of understanding to illuminate the lives of everyone who reads it."

A little poetic perhaps but it was a strong start. Her pen began to race across the parchment as the words flew out of her. It had been a few years now since she'd last written to Karkovitch, perhaps his views had mellowed in that time.

And if not... well the only real defeat is the one in your own mind, as Ancius liked to say.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=CardWisdom.jpg|width=250|caption=Silas of the Cenotaph, Cardinal of Wisdom|align=left}}
==Overview==
At the Autumn Equinox 386YE, four citizens publicly swore an oath to bear an [[aura]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Three of the citizens were [[cardinal|cardinals]] of the [[Imperial Synod]], and the fourth was acting as [[proxy]] to the [[Cardinal of Prosperity]]. In the history of the Empire, there has never been a successful [[judgement]] of condemnation against a member of the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] elected by the Virtue assemblies. Despite this, all four were quickly [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] as [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heretics]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemers]] by the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly]] of [[Vigilance]] and a trial was scheduled to happen at the subsequent summit.

While preparations were made for the trial of the four, the Synod passed several judgements, all of which related to the trial, the underlying issues and the conduct of those involved. Several judgements passed by various assemblies decried the accusations of blasphemy and heresy, and called for a much narrower definition of the crime than is typically understood. The civil service had issued some guidance to the [[Imperial Synod]] on how the General Assembly might use a [[judgement]] of [[Sanction#Vindication|vindication]] to clear the accused, but every judgement stopped short of that - and it was clear that many priests were unhappy with the actions of those involved.

The trial itself collapsed in dramatic fashion following a [[statement of principle]], the now infamous ''[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_42|Judgement 42]] of the General Assembly'', that laid out new guidelines on how religious crimes should be judged. The judgement made it impossible for the magistrates to continue with the proceedings, and they ruled that if any trial was to take place then it would be necessary for a new judgement of condemnation to be raised.

Imperial law is surprisingly ambiguous on what actually constitutes blasphemy and heresy. In the years immediately following the death of Empress Britta, the Synod generally adopted a punitive approach, condemning anyone who was dedicated to a false virtue. In situations where auras of false virtues arose spontaneously on items, they were routinely gathered up and destroyed. But in the last few years there has been a less dogmatic approach with a [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_179|Highborn general, '''Acseh of the Sentinels Tower''', being absolved]] after they were found to be dedicated to the false virtue of Hate.

Now the actions of these four members of the Assembly of Nine have cut the Synod in two.

==Four Judgements==
* '''Judgements were passed that decried the use of condemnation against those involved'''

At the last summit, the Imperial Synod passed a number of judgements that decried the condemnations in strong terms. The judgements referred to the definitions of the religious crimes of heresy and blasphemy laid out in Imperial law. These definitions are surprisingly ambiguous and do appear to leave considerable room for subjective interpretation.

<quote by="Imperial Law">The crime of blasphemy is defined as: ''The denigration of the paragons and the paths of virtue. This includes promoting false virtues and the teachings of false exemplars or false paragons.''</quote>

<quote by="Imperial Law">The crime of heresy is defined as: ''The willful rejection, or perversion of, the orthodox Doctrines of the Faith as laid down by the Imperial Synod, or actively teaching and promoting false doctrines.''</quote>

A number of [[judgement|judgements]], including one passed by the General Assembly were explicit that the actions of the four did not meet these definitions. In some cases the very notion that anyone should be condemned for these actions was itself denounced.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Condemning the study of false virtues undermines the foundation of the Way. Ours is a practice of investigation and learning, not of blind dogma. If such study is found unbecoming of Cardinals then let them be revoked, <u>NOT</u> condemned.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Brynn Tendfallen, Navarr Assembly|vote=176-10}}

{{SOPInner|size=small|statement=Penance: Following inquisition I do not hold that the actions of INISKA ASHWOOD rise to the crimes of Blasphemy or Heresy. That their acceptance of the Hallowed Aura of the False Virtue of Peace was motivated not by an intent to denigrate the Way, but a Wise desire for deeper understanding of the formation of the Way and a Loyal push to improve the Empire. The failing was in not making those Virtuous Reasons clear as such I task Iniska to create and distribute a clear and in-depth publication outlining their reasoning for taking the Aura and an idea of what they have and could learn.|vote=94-46|by=Maximillian, Assembly of the Way|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Auras are tools of teaching and inspiration. It is blasphemy to teach false virtue. It is <u>not</u> blasphemy to be taught false virtue. We should condemn the fools so dedicated to lesser qualities that they create auras of malign inspiration. Those who come under their influence should be granted opportunity to turn back to virtue. <u>Condemn</u> the dedicated teachers.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Ilai, General Assembly|vote=656-308}}

{{SOPInner|statement=To declare the act of agreeing to experience and study an aura for a year, without the intent or expectation to promote it, as blasphemy or heresy is an attack on the nature of the Way. It declares knowledge complete, defangs the counsel of doctrinal reform, and makes investigative theology illegal.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Caoimhe Tendfallen, Assembly of the Way|vote=120-36}}
</div>

A number of priests beyond [[Anvil]] have disagreed with these judgements. '''Brynn Tendfallen''' claims that condemning the study of false virtues undermines the Way, but the four weren't condemned for studying false virtues - they were condemning for embracing [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]]. It seems to be true that the purpose of embracing the virtue of Peace was to study it - but that defence assumes that the purpose of the action is all that matters in determining whether it is a crime or not (which Imperial law makes clear is not the case).

Likewise '''Maximillian''' found Iniska Ashwood not guilty of the charges of blasphemy and heresy on the grounds that it was not their intent to commit either crime. But Imperial law lays out an explicit framework for dealing with [[intent]] in a trial; an action is still a crime if it breaks the law, even if that was not the actors intent.

'''Ilai's''' judgement states that it is blasphemy to teach the false virtues, and that it is ''not'' blasphemy to ''be taught'' a false virtue. But there is no evidence that the four were condemned for teaching false virtues or for being taught them. The definition of blasphemy also includes the promotion of false virtues. '''Caoimhe Tendfallen''' states emphatically that there was no intention to promote the false virtues, and thus far nobody has suggested that such promotion was the ''intention'' of those accused.

But the promotion of false virtues may well have been the motivation of the [[Axos]] priests when they responded to the request to provide the hallows. If they wanted to spread acceptance of Peace in the Empire, what better way to do that than to ask the Assembly of Nine to embrace the auras? Are the four responsible for the promotion of Peace in the Empire if that outcome is the direct result of their decision to swear an oath to bear auras of the false virtue?

==Condemnation and Penance==
* '''Judgements were also passed that agreed with the condemnation and instructed penance for one of those involved'''

The General Assembly also passed a judgement that appeared to confirm that the original condemnation of at least one of the four, '''Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer''', Cardinal of Ambition, was appropriate. The judgement did not get a [[greater majority]], but it might have done, had the Cardinal not resigned before it closed.

{{SOP|statement=Penance: Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer, Cardinal of Ambition, willingly and knowingly took upon herself a hallowed object of the false virtue of "understanding" (also known as peace). They refuse to set this aside for a year. A cardinal is an example of Virtue to, and for, the Empire, and as such Viviane has shown themself to set a dangerous example, that we should condemn and revoke.|vote=812-288|by=Callista of the Dark Shard, General Assembly|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
But like the previous arguments, some priests beyond Anvil have found cause to disagree with this judgement. Nobody is disputing that the four took upon themselves hallowed objects of Peace and refused to set them aside for a year. But it is arguable whether that meets the legal definition of blasphemy or heresy.

Crucially the judgement then goes on to suggest that the cardinal has set a dangerous example, with the implicit suggestion that this action is wrong because they are a cardinal. However the Imperial constitution states that Imperial law must be applied ''without prejudice or favour regardless of wealth, nationality or title''.

That is normally understood to mean that nobody is above the law regardless of their title, but it implies that the fact that three of the four were cardinals should have no influence one way or the other on the application of Imperial law. A cardinal should not be exempt from the law, but nor can they be held to a higher standard by it. It is the responsibility of the Synod to revoke those who set a dangerous example, but ''being a dangerous example to others is not illegal''.

What is very clear to across the Empire is that there are legitimate arguments that can be made for and against the condemnation. The ambiguity in the law has led to a situation in which the lives of the four might hang in the balance, yet it is not clear if their actions constitute religious crimes or not. What actually constitutes "promotion" of the false virtues? Is it denigrating the true Virtues to openly carry a item hallowed to Peace?

This controversy has raised a plethora of questions, but three are now pressing.

==Questions for the Synod==
* '''People beyond Anvil are demanding answers from the Synod on the way to respond to false virtues'''

The Imperial Synod has upheld a number of statements and judgements related to the four, but they have in some cases been contradictory and simply helped increase the confusion felt by the virtuous folk of the Empire. This confusion risks causing citizens to question the moral authority of the Synod, coming as it does on the heels of the still-largely-unresolved [[True faith|Vardas Crisis]]. There was an opportunity to vindicate, or further condemn, the four but that was not entirely achieved but only one of the four remains a member of the Assembly of Nine.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}
As such, the discourse beyond Anvil is currently focussed elsewhere. Rather than concern themselves with the rights and wrongs of individuals, it is matters of Virtue, false and true, that people are demanding answers on. Sadly, it has escalated to the point that the only body that can bring clarity to the faithful of the Empire is a clear mandate from the General Assembly.

There are, as a result of the statements and other judgements over the last six months or so, two mandates on the table.
===Be Alert To All Dangers===
* '''The General Assembly can enact a mandate urging citizens to reject false virtues'''

There are clearly priests at Anvil who believe that the [[malign spiritual presences|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] is a threat to the Empire and the Imperial Synod. [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven|Doctrine]] says "''There are seven Virtues that guide the spirit through the Labyrinth of Ages. These are Ambition, Courage, Loyalty, Pride, Prosperity, Vigilance and Wisdom. Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and some may hinder it.''" There have been discussions about what a "quality that may benefit humanity" might be, and what a quality that may hinder its passage from death to rebirth might looks like. Generally, the "malign spiritual presences" - Peace, Vengeance, Hated and the rest, as held to be dangerous to the soul and its quest for rebirth. Or, presumably, it's passage across the Howling Abyss.

The four have been roundly condemned by the Vigilance assembly. Other priests have directly questioned the decision to partake of auras of peace.

{{Mandate|mandate=The malign spiritual presences are a direct threat to the Empire. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to warn the virtuous folk of the Empire that their vigilance must continue. For nearly four hundred years we have kept these dangerous forces at bay and we must not drop our guard now.|assembly=General Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will resolve this issue of peaceful hallows, and align the General Assembly with the Vigilance assembly. It will make it clear that there are Seven Virtues, and that the malign spiritual presences are so-called because they are dangerous to the Empire and hinder the quest for [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|enlightenment]].

The Virtuous will be vigilant against the teachings or influence of Peace, Hatred, Vengeance, Anarchy, Hope, and Fear. They will recognise spiritual powers other than the Seven Virtues as dangerous and malign and act appropriately - bringing them to the attention of their priests or taking action themselves where appropriate. Existing cults dedicated to so-called "false virtues" will continue to keep a low-profile trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves as they have been since the [[Splitting the pot|destruction of Whittle]].

It will still be possible to learn more about these malign spiritual presences, but it will involve directing the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]] or the [[Silent Bell]] to do so, and be based on the understanding that these powers are dangerous. There will also, unfortunately, likely be further questions about why Silas remains Cardinal of Wisdom and what that means for the Assembly of Nine and the Wisdom Assembly.

It will also send a message to the magistrates involved in the rework of religious law, making it clear that the Synod considers these powers to be blasphemous and heretical, and encourage them to make decisions appropriately. This may make it untenable for anyone to bear a hallow of Peace - meaning that the hallowed items will need to be seized and destroyed by the militia.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wisdom.png|align=right|width=200}}

===Find the Right Question===
* '''The General Assembly can enact a mandate urging citizens to learn more about false virtues'''

The one remaining member of the four who still holds the title of Cardinal, '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', has been very clear that they believe in the neccessity of exploring spiritual presences other than the familiar seven virtues. That without this kind of exploration [[the Way]] cannot learn and grow. Their supporters, in both the [[Wisdom]] Assembly and the Assembly of Nine, continue to endorse the decision made. Indeed the only relevant judgement to achieve a [[greater majority]] of an assembly in this matter appears to be that raised by the Assembly of Nine - although there, also, it seems that two of those eligible to vote did not support the judgement.

The General Assembly can choose to endorse and support this stance - that the virtuous should explore the so-called false virtues.

{{Mandate|mandate=Wisdom knows all knowledge is incomplete. We cannot take hearsay at face value, but must explore the nature of these unfamiliar spiritual powers so we can better understand them. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to urge the virtuous not to be afraid of increasing their understanding.|assembly=General Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will resolve this issue of the peaceful hallows, and align the General Assembly with the Wisdom Assembly on the need to explore spiritual powers other than the Seven Virtues. The Virtuous will be open to the idea that Peace, Hatred, Vengeance, Anarchy, Hope, and Fear might be forces that benefit humanity, or even in theory be equal in importance to the accepted Seven Virtues.

Over the next year there will be further opportunities for priests of the Synod to experience and explore false virtues, to increase their understanding by personally engaging with them. It will, however, also make it clear to the virtuous of the Empire that it is acceptable for them to explore these powers. Since the destruction of Whittle, those secretly dedicated to Hatred, Anachy, Vengeance and Peace in particular have been keeping their heads down, trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This mandate will encourage some of these pre-existing hidden sects dedicated to these so-called "false virtues" to become more bold.

The mandate will also send a message to the magistrates, even before the full review of religious law. They will take the view that it is clearly not blasphemy or heresy to bear items hallowed with false auras, nor to be dedicated to other powers or bear their auras. There will be no further attempt to separate the four from their hallowed items.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Peace and its Cousins</big>'''<br>While this crisis has developed as a result of items hallowed to "Peace", the controversy surrounding it has widened to include other malign spiritual presences as well. If it is appropriate to experience Peace, then it is surely appropriate to experience Hatred or Vengeance? If it is blasphemy to bear a hallow of Peace, then surely it is also blasphemy to bear a hallow of Hope or Anarchy? Neither of these mandates prevent the Synod potentially exploring a more granular approach in the future, perhaps even a change of doctrine relating to the malign spiritual presences. For now, however, they make it clear one way or another what the Synod believes, generally, about so-called "false virtues".</box></div>

===Competition and Unity===
* '''These mandates are in competition with each other'''
* '''If a mandate is not upheld with a greater majority, it will not affect Urizen or Varushka'''

[[Varushka]], [[Urizen]], and now potentially [[Wintermark]] all take issue with [[mandate|mandates]] enacted by the General Assembly that do not achieve a greater majority. If one of these mandates is upheld and enacted without that majority, it will have no impact in those nations critical of such things. This risks causing further disruption, as the majority of the Empire's virtuous citizens follow the guidance of the Synod but those other nations continue to argue, their concerns in no way mollified. It's not possible to predict what form this might take, but it will certainly mean more disruption for the Synod.

As such the Tribunes of the Synod have advised that if one of these mandates is raised, it might be prudent for the Cardinal of Vigilance or the Cardinal of Wisdom (as appropriate) to request that [[Cardinal#Further_Scrutiny|further scrutiny]] be applied, ensuring as many Synod members as possible have time to discuss and make their opinions known. If both mandates are raised and upheld, the Tribunes note that as with all competing mandates it is the one with the greater margin that will be enacted - meaning that it is just as important for priests to vote against a mandate they do not support as it is to vote in favour of one they do support.

===No Clear Decision===
* '''The Imperial Synod may choose to uphold or enact neither mandate'''
* '''This will cause the situation to continue to escalate'''
It is possible the General Assembly will not choose to uphold or enact either of these mandates during the Spring Equinox. In that case, the situation will continue to develop unpredictibly. The likely outcome will be that there will be no opportunities to learn more about the malign spiritual presences, but that some of those who follow them in secret will still feel empowered to take advantage of the confusion to begin recruiting or putting their dangerous schemes into operation. Nothing will be resolved, and this particular crisis, along with the already existing crisis created by the [[Life of Vardas]] will continue.

===Complex Questions===
* '''The faithful of the Empire are eager to read any Statements of Principle on this subject that pass their virtue assembly with a greater majority'''
Regardless of what the General Assembly chooses to do, the virtuous pilgrims of the Empire are watching their own assemblies with interest. Several - both national and virtuous - have spoken out one way or another, but those statements have tended not to achieve greater majorities. Following the Spring Equinox there cannot help but be additional scrutiny by both priests and [[congregation|congregations]] of any statement of principle that discussed malign spiritual presences - provided it gets a greater majority and thus receives widespread attention. The virtuous are very keen to hear from their assemblies, one way or another.

==Questions for Wintermark==
* '''The Wintermark Assembly can use a mandate to urge members of the nation to ignore the words of priests from outside the nation'''
{{SOP|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|statement=The Assembly of Nine have dabbled with malign spiritual forces in an irresponsible way. The General Assembly continues to act with reckless disregard for the finite resources in of the Empire. While this chaos continues we, your stormcrows, urge the people of Wintermark to heed the guidance of the National Assembly over the poor example set by the rest of the Synod.|vote=Greater Majority (180-34)}}

The [[Wintermark]] Assembly has openly criticized the decisions of the Assembly of Nine to dabble with malign spiritual forces. They passed a judgement, with a greater majority, calling them irresponsible and criticizing the decisions of the General Assembly to act with reckless disregard for the Empire's wellbeing. The judgement concluded with a collective plea from the [[Stormcrow|Stormcrows]] at Anvil for the people of Wintermark to turn their backs on the other assemblies.

A dramatic and controversial statement like this is bound to cause a reaction. By itself, such a plea might not be enough to convince people that they should stop listening to the Synod. In light of the controversy surrounding the decisions taken by members of the Assembly of Nine, people are open to the idea that the rest of the Synod can no longer be trusted. If the Wintermark Assembly are serious about their statement they could use a mandate to encourage people to do as they have suggested.

{{Mandate|mandate=Despise folly and chastise the fool that spreads it. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage Wintermark citizens to heed the guidance of the stormcrows and ignore the judgements of other assemblies. Cold cannot compromise.|assembly=Wintermark Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then it will encourage people in Wintermark to treat the words of the Synod with suspicion. They will judge harshly any statement of principle passed or mandate enacted, aware of the corruption in the Assembly of Nine at the heart of the Synod.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wintermark.png|width=3200px|align=right}}</div>
If that happens, then any mandate that does not pass with a [[greater majority]] will have limited or no effect on Wintermark, unless that mandate were passed by the Wintermark Assembly itself. No amount of [[liao]] will persuade the people of the' Mark to listen to the mandate unless the Synod is able to speak with the resounding clarity produced by a greater majority.

Such a decision is not to be taken lightly, for it would not be easy to reverse. It would need more than just a compelling statement of principle in the Wintermark Assembly to convince the people of the Mark to regain their trust in the Synod. It would have to be accompanied by clear evidence that the Assembly of Nine are no longer dealing with malign spiritual auras and the General Assembly are making more responsible decisions.

==Questions for the Magistrates==
* '''The judgements passed by the Synod made it impossible for magistrates to determine the basis on which the trial should take place'''
* '''The Constitutional Court plan to update Imperial doctrine to make it easier for the Synod to make clear what constitutes a religious crime'''
* '''The Court have asked the Imperial Senate not to amend Imperial law on religious crimes until they have had time to publish new guidance for the magistrates'''
* '''Until that happens, the magistrates will assume that a judgement of condemnation meets the definition of a religious crime unless it is overwhelmingly clear that it does not'''
* '''Any judgements of condemnation raised by the Synod will be tried on this basis'''
{{SOP|statement=Accurate information on false virtues has benefited us militarily and diplomatically as well as making it easier to oppose cultists within the Empire. Engagement with false virtue auras alone should not be prosecuted as a religious crime where the following are true:
<p>
# The action was motivated by true virtue.
# The action was taken in full view of the synod.
# The false virtue was intended to be removed in reasonable time.
# There was no preaching against doctrine.
# There was no intent to denigrate a true virtue, exemplar, or paragon.
</p>|by=Tarquinius Ankarien|vote=814-166|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
According to legal doctrine, it is for the [[Imperial_law#Magistrates_and_trials|magistrates]] to decide whether someone's actions meet the definitions of a religious crime or not. In ''practice'' it has been customary for a magistrate to place great weight on the deliberations on the Imperial Synod. Magistrates aim to ensure there is no miscarriage of justice taking place, to satisfy themselves that a condemnation is not vexatious or simply wrong on the facts of what occurred. But most magistrates assume they do not need to make an assessment of whether or not the actions constitute heresy or blasphemy - taking the view that that assessment has ''already been made'' by the Imperial Synod when they passed their judgement.

It is not explicit whether the judgement submitted by '''Tarquinius Ankarien''' and passed by the General Assembly contains conditions by which the Synod might judge whether an action constitutes heresy or blasphemy or whether it was intended to be used by the magistrate conducting the trial. The judgement passed shortly before the trial began, causing a hasty convention of senior magistrates outside the trial room.

The magistrate in charge of the trial, '''Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra''', took the view that the Synod intended them to follow the guidance in the judgement. As legal doctrine gives the magistrate the right to determine how they conduct a trial, the magistrate indicated that they intended to do so in accordance with the judgement. After a short but fractious conference with '''Abraham''' and '''Karkovitch''', Coseme announced the trial would proceed on the basis laid out in the judgement, but would be delayed until the next day to allow the priests who raised the original judgements time to reframe their prosecution. However, after subsequent discussion the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] announced that the implications of the judgement were so far-reaching that it was not possible to continue with the trial.

If magistrates are to use a set of criteria to assess if actions constitute a religious crime then it is not entirely clear what the purpose of a [[Condemnation|Judgement of Condemnation]] is. Crucially, the fact that the judgement passed raises serious questions about the basis used by the Vigilance Assembly when they raised the original judgements of condemnation. Did the Vigilance Assembly intend the magistrates to assess whether the actions of the four met the legal definition of heresy and blasphemy or had they already concluded that that bar had been met? In the view of the Constitutional Court it was impossible for the trial to proceed without absolute clarity from the Synod on what basis such a trial should be conducted.

Since the summit concluded, the Constitutional Court have spent considerable time assessing the impact of judgement 42, along with the other judgements passed by the Imperial Synod. While it is theoretically possible for a magistrate to make the assessment, the view of the Court is that to do so would fundamentally impinge on the constitutionally appointed role of the Synod. The relevant sections of the [[Imperial Constitution]] state that ''"The Synod will ensure the behaviour of individual citizens does not debase the Empire."'' This role is so fundamental to the purpose of the Synod that after lengthy consideration, the Constitutional Court believe there are major constitutional hurdles in any attempt to shift this responsibility to the magistrates.

The view of the Constitutional Court is that Tarquinius' judgement has exposed fundamental shortcomings in the way [[Imperial law]] is applied by the magistrates, by highlighting the distinction between Imperial doctrine and practice. The basis for Imperial law is that the law should lay out what practices are proscribed and what are not - and then magistrates should determine whether those rules have been broken. The fact that the Synod has felt the need to issue additional guidance - whether that was intended for the Synod or the magistrates - coupled with the fact that different assemblies have taken strikingly different views on the matter in question raises fundamental issues of justice. If the magistrates can't determine if someone is guilty of blasphemy or heresy, if the Synod can't agree what constitutes a religious crime, how can any citizen be expected to observe the law?

As a result, the Court has resolved to update Imperial legal doctrine at the earliest opportunity. Imperial law states that heresy and blasphemy are illegal, and the constitution dictates that Synod should determine what constitutes a religious crime. But how that determination is made, and how the decisions are communicated to the magistrates, can be amended. The Court are going to study the historical records, going back as far as [[Empress Teleri]], to see if there is a better alternative that they can adopt.
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 50%;">
<box>
===Design Notes===
<p>The extraordinary events of the last summit has exposed some of the shortcomings of this part of the game so we plan to update the published rules for religious crimes in the Empire. We want to give the Synod much better tools to preserve the integrity of the Way and to determine what actions constitute religious crimes. This is likely to take some time, as we would rather get it right, than rush it, but we'll try to get it done as quickly as we can. The current system remains in place until the rules are updated - on the basis laid out in this section.</p>

<p>We are going to redesign this part of the game to make it work better. Players are welcome to send feedback at any time, but please don't attempt to change this part of the game in-character using the Senate. Once we've completed a review and made any changes, the Senate will be free to change religious laws as usual.</box>
</div>
Such a review will take time. Until that happens, they ask the Imperial Senate not to make any changes to Imperial law on the matter of religious crimes, lest that make the job more difficult. In the meantime, the Court has confirmed that the correct legal procedure is for the Synod to determine to the best of it's ability an individual has committed a religious crime. If that happens, then they can use a judgement of condemnation to condemn them and a magistrate will then conduct the trial, based on the assumption that the Synod has correctly determined that the actions constitute a religious crime.

This means that the role of the magistrate is limited to ensuring that no miscarriage of justice is being enacted. The prosecution must still meet basical evidential standards - they must present reasoning that shows why the actions the suspects are accused of are broadly compatible with the legal definition of blasphemy or heresy. Provided they meet that very basic standard, the magistrate will ''not'' try to assess whether actions constitute a religious crime or not - because that determination has already been made by the Synod. They will restrict their judgement to assessing whether or not the individual committed the actions they are accused of.

If an assembly determines that one or more or the four has committed a religious crime, then they can pass a new judgement condemning them. If that happens then a magistrate will conduct the trial with the view that an assessment of the actions in question have already taken place and that the Synod has determined that they constitute a religious crime.

As per [[A_little_understanding#The_Synod_Judges|the guidance issued previously]], the ''only'' way that the Synod could influence or prevent the ensuing trial would be if the General Assembly passed a judgement of ''vindication''. If that was worded appropriately, then it would override any previous judgement of condemnation by the Synod.
==Further Reading==
* [[A little understanding]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune discussing the initial repercussions of the peaceful decision
* [[Malign spiritual presences]]

The final cut

2025-06-11T17:04:53Z

Novemberalice: /* Competition and Unity */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Metella shifted her quill and ink to the side of her desk, as she mentally rifled though her thoughts for the umpteenth time. The parchment in front of her had been sat here on the desk for three days now, despite which it remained stubbornly blank.

"I don't know why you're bothering Metella, you're retired remember?"

That had been yesterday's interruption. Ancius, one of her spiremates at the Hollows always liked to help with writers block. An hour long debate had followed, in which Metella had explained three times how the foundational principle of good law was that it was readily understandable. To which Ancius' only counter was to say "But you're not a magistrate anymore, so why does it matter?" as if ''that'' had anything to do with anything. Sometimes the former sword scholar could be so exasperating.

Still, he had a point. She'd been having these arguments with her colleagues for years. A career as a rather successful magistrate, if she did say it herself, prosecuting religious crimes. In twenty years her one notable defeat had been the failure to persuade the other magistrates that there was as many shortcomings in religious law as there were in the people breaking them.

"It matters, because people must ''know'' if they are breaking the law. They must know if the law has been broken. It can't be a matter for debate!" she had responded. Ancius didn't much care for the law, but he never turned down an opportunity for an argument.

People were fond of saying that ignorance was no defence in law - altogether too fond in Metella's opinion. Nobody should ever tolerate ignorance as far as she was concerned. Blaming the student was the easy answer. To banish ignorance is first and foremost the responsibility of the teacher.

Hmmm... now that was not a bad line. Not... teacher... but...

Metella smiled to herself for the first time in days as she picked up her quill, dipped it in the well and put the nib to the paper.

"To banish ignorance is - first and foremost - the responsibility of the writer. The law must elucidate! Clear wording can bring the light of understanding to illuminate the lives of everyone who reads it."

A little poetic perhaps but it was a strong start. Her pen began to race across the parchment as the words flew out of her. It had been a few years now since she'd last written to Karkovitch, perhaps his views had mellowed in that time.

And if not... well the only real defeat is the one in your own mind, as Ancius liked to say.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=CardWisdom.jpg|width=250|caption=Silas of the Cenotaph, Cardinal of Wisdom|align=left}}
==Overview==
At the Autumn Equinox 386YE, four citizens publicly swore an oath to bear an [[aura]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year. Three of the citizens were [[cardinal|cardinals]] of the [[Imperial Synod]], and the fourth was acting as [[proxy]] to the [[Cardinal of Prosperity]]. In the history of the Empire, there has never been a successful [[judgement]] of condemnation against a member of the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] elected by the Virtue assemblies. Despite this, all four were quickly [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] as [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heretics]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemers]] by the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly]] of [[Vigilance]] and a trial was scheduled to happen at the subsequent summit.

While preparations were made for the trial of the four, the Synod passed several judgements, all of which related to the trial, the underlying issues and the conduct of those involved. Several judgements passed by various assemblies decried the accusations of blasphemy and heresy, and called for a much narrower definition of the crime than is typically understood. The civil service had issued some guidance to the [[Imperial Synod]] on how the General Assembly might use a [[judgement]] of [[Sanction#Vindication|vindication]] to clear the accused, but every judgement stopped short of that - and it was clear that many priests were unhappy with the actions of those involved.

The trial itself collapsed in dramatic fashion following a [[statement of principle]], the now infamous ''[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_42|Judgement 42]] of the General Assembly'', that laid out new guidelines on how religious crimes should be judged. The judgement made it impossible for the magistrates to continue with the proceedings, and they ruled that if any trial was to take place then it would be necessary for a new judgement of condemnation to be raised.

Imperial law is surprisingly ambiguous on what actually constitutes blasphemy and heresy. In the years immediately following the death of Empress Britta, the Synod generally adopted a punitive approach, condemning anyone who was dedicated to a false virtue. In situations where auras of false virtues arose spontaneously on items, they were routinely gathered up and destroyed. But in the last few years there has been a less dogmatic approach with a [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_179|Highborn general, '''Acseh of the Sentinels Tower''', being absolved]] after they were found to be dedicated to the false virtue of Hate.

Now the actions of these four members of the Assembly of Nine have cut the Synod in two.

==Four Judgements==
* '''Judgements were passed that decried the use of condemnation against those involved'''

At the last summit, the Imperial Synod passed a number of judgements that decried the condemnations in strong terms. The judgements referred to the definitions of the religious crimes of heresy and blasphemy laid out in Imperial law. These definitions are surprisingly ambiguous and do appear to leave considerable room for subjective interpretation.

<quote by="Imperial Law">The crime of blasphemy is defined as: ''The denigration of the paragons and the paths of virtue. This includes promoting false virtues and the teachings of false exemplars or false paragons.''</quote>

<quote by="Imperial Law">The crime of heresy is defined as: ''The willful rejection, or perversion of, the orthodox Doctrines of the Faith as laid down by the Imperial Synod, or actively teaching and promoting false doctrines.''</quote>

A number of [[judgement|judgements]], including one passed by the General Assembly were explicit that the actions of the four did not meet these definitions. In some cases the very notion that anyone should be condemned for these actions was itself denounced.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|statement=Condemning the study of false virtues undermines the foundation of the Way. Ours is a practice of investigation and learning, not of blind dogma. If such study is found unbecoming of Cardinals then let them be revoked, <u>NOT</u> condemned.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Brynn Tendfallen, Navarr Assembly|vote=176-10}}

{{SOPInner|size=small|statement=Penance: Following inquisition I do not hold that the actions of INISKA ASHWOOD rise to the crimes of Blasphemy or Heresy. That their acceptance of the Hallowed Aura of the False Virtue of Peace was motivated not by an intent to denigrate the Way, but a Wise desire for deeper understanding of the formation of the Way and a Loyal push to improve the Empire. The failing was in not making those Virtuous Reasons clear as such I task Iniska to create and distribute a clear and in-depth publication outlining their reasoning for taking the Aura and an idea of what they have and could learn.|vote=94-46|by=Maximillian, Assembly of the Way|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=Auras are tools of teaching and inspiration. It is blasphemy to teach false virtue. It is <u>not</u> blasphemy to be taught false virtue. We should condemn the fools so dedicated to lesser qualities that they create auras of malign inspiration. Those who come under their influence should be granted opportunity to turn back to virtue. <u>Condemn</u> the dedicated teachers.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Ilai, General Assembly|vote=656-308}}

{{SOPInner|statement=To declare the act of agreeing to experience and study an aura for a year, without the intent or expectation to promote it, as blasphemy or heresy is an attack on the nature of the Way. It declares knowledge complete, defangs the counsel of doctrinal reform, and makes investigative theology illegal.|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|by=Caoimhe Tendfallen, Assembly of the Way|vote=120-36}}
</div>

A number of priests beyond [[Anvil]] have disagreed with these judgements. '''Brynn Tendfallen''' claims that condemning the study of false virtues undermines the Way, but the four weren't condemned for studying false virtues - they were condemning for embracing [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]]. It seems to be true that the purpose of embracing the virtue of Peace was to study it - but that defence assumes that the purpose of the action is all that matters in determining whether it is a crime or not (which Imperial law makes clear is not the case).

Likewise '''Maximillian''' found Iniska Ashwood not guilty of the charges of blasphemy and heresy on the grounds that it was not their intent to commit either crime. But Imperial law lays out an explicit framework for dealing with [[intent]] in a trial; an action is still a crime if it breaks the law, even if that was not the actors intent.

'''Ilai's''' judgement states that it is blasphemy to teach the false virtues, and that it is ''not'' blasphemy to ''be taught'' a false virtue. But there is no evidence that the four were condemned for teaching false virtues or for being taught them. The definition of blasphemy also includes the promotion of false virtues. '''Caoimhe Tendfallen''' states emphatically that there was no intention to promote the false virtues, and thus far nobody has suggested that such promotion was the ''intention'' of those accused.

But the promotion of false virtues may well have been the motivation of the [[Axos]] priests when they responded to the request to provide the hallows. If they wanted to spread acceptance of Peace in the Empire, what better way to do that than to ask the Assembly of Nine to embrace the auras? Are the four responsible for the promotion of Peace in the Empire if that outcome is the direct result of their decision to swear an oath to bear auras of the false virtue?

==Condemnation and Penance==
* '''Judgements were also passed that agreed with the condemnation and instructed penance for one of those involved'''

The General Assembly also passed a judgement that appeared to confirm that the original condemnation of at least one of the four, '''Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer''', Cardinal of Ambition, was appropriate. The judgement did not get a [[greater majority]], but it might have done, had the Cardinal not resigned before it closed.

{{SOP|statement=Penance: Viviane Barossa de Coeurdefer, Cardinal of Ambition, willingly and knowingly took upon herself a hallowed object of the false virtue of "understanding" (also known as peace). They refuse to set this aside for a year. A cardinal is an example of Virtue to, and for, the Empire, and as such Viviane has shown themself to set a dangerous example, that we should condemn and revoke.|vote=812-288|by=Callista of the Dark Shard, General Assembly|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
But like the previous arguments, some priests beyond Anvil have found cause to disagree with this judgement. Nobody is disputing that the four took upon themselves hallowed objects of Peace and refused to set them aside for a year. But it is arguable whether that meets the legal definition of blasphemy or heresy.

Crucially the judgement then goes on to suggest that the cardinal has set a dangerous example, with the implicit suggestion that this action is wrong because they are a cardinal. However the Imperial constitution states that Imperial law must be applied ''without prejudice or favour regardless of wealth, nationality or title''.

That is normally understood to mean that nobody is above the law regardless of their title, but it implies that the fact that three of the four were cardinals should have no influence one way or the other on the application of Imperial law. A cardinal should not be exempt from the law, but nor can they be held to a higher standard by it. It is the responsibility of the Synod to revoke those who set a dangerous example, but ''being a dangerous example to others is not illegal''.

What is very clear to across the Empire is that there are legitimate arguments that can be made for and against the condemnation. The ambiguity in the law has led to a situation in which the lives of the four might hang in the balance, yet it is not clear if their actions constitute religious crimes or not. What actually constitutes "promotion" of the false virtues? Is it denigrating the true Virtues to openly carry a item hallowed to Peace?

This controversy has raised a plethora of questions, but three are now pressing.

==Questions for the Synod==
* '''People beyond Anvil are demanding answers from the Synod on the way to respond to false virtues'''

The Imperial Synod has upheld a number of statements and judgements related to the four, but they have in some cases been contradictory and simply helped increase the confusion felt by the virtuous folk of the Empire. This confusion risks causing citizens to question the moral authority of the Synod, coming as it does on the heels of the still-largely-unresolved [[True faith|Vardas Crisis]]. There was an opportunity to vindicate, or further condemn, the four but that was not entirely achieved but only one of the four remains a member of the Assembly of Nine.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}
As such, the discourse beyond Anvil is currently focussed elsewhere. Rather than concern themselves with the rights and wrongs of individuals, it is matters of Virtue, false and true, that people are demanding answers on. Sadly, it has escalated to the point that the only body that can bring clarity to the faithful of the Empire is a clear mandate from the General Assembly.

There are, as a result of the statements and other judgements over the last six months or so, two mandates on the table.
===Be Alert To All Dangers===
* '''The General Assembly can enact a mandate urging citizens to reject false virtues'''

There are clearly priests at Anvil who believe that the [[malign spiritual presences|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] is a threat to the Empire and the Imperial Synod. [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven|Doctrine]] says "''There are seven Virtues that guide the spirit through the Labyrinth of Ages. These are Ambition, Courage, Loyalty, Pride, Prosperity, Vigilance and Wisdom. Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and some may hinder it.''" There have been discussions about what a "quality that may benefit humanity" might be, and what a quality that may hinder its passage from death to rebirth might looks like. Generally, the "malign spiritual presences" - Peace, Vengeance, Hated and the rest, as held to be dangerous to the soul and its quest for rebirth. Or, presumably, it's passage across the Howling Abyss.

The four have been roundly condemned by the Vigilance assembly. Other priests have directly questioned the decision to partake of auras of peace.

{{Mandate|mandate=The malign spiritual presences are a direct threat to the Empire. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to warn the virtuous folk of the Empire that their vigilance must continue. For nearly four hundred years we have kept these dangerous forces at bay and we must not drop our guard now.|assembly=General Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will resolve this issue of peaceful hallows, and align the General Assembly with the Vigilance assembly. It will make it clear that there are Seven Virtues, and that the malign spiritual presences are so-called because they are dangerous to the Empire and hinder the quest for [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|enlightenment]].

The Virtuous will be vigilant against the teachings or influence of Peace, Hatred, Vengeance, Anarchy, Hope, and Fear. They will recognise spiritual powers other than the Seven Virtues as dangerous and malign and act appropriately - bringing them to the attention of their priests or taking action themselves where appropriate. Existing cults dedicated to so-called "false virtues" will continue to keep a low-profile trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves as they have been since the [[Splitting the pot|destruction of Whittle]].

It will still be possible to learn more about these malign spiritual presences, but it will involve directing the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]] or the [[Silent Bell]] to do so, and be based on the understanding that these powers are dangerous. There will also, unfortunately, likely be further questions about why Silas remains Cardinal of Wisdom and what that means for the Assembly of Nine and the Wisdom Assembly.

It will also send a message to the magistrates involved in the rework of religious law, making it clear that the Synod considers these powers to be blasphemous and heretical, and encourage them to make decisions appropriately. This may make it untenable for anyone to bear a hallow of Peace - meaning that the hallowed items will need to be seized and destroyed by the militia.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wisdom.png|align=right|width=200}}

===Find the Right Question===
* '''The General Assembly can enact a mandate urging citizens to learn more about false virtues'''

The one remaining member of the four who still holds the title of Cardinal, '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', has been very clear that they believe in the neccessity of exploring spiritual presences other than the familiar seven virtues. That without this kind of exploration [[the Way]] cannot learn and grow. Their supporters, in both the [[Wisdom]] Assembly and the Assembly of Nine, continue to endorse the decision made. Indeed the only relevant judgement to achieve a [[greater majority]] of an assembly in this matter appears to be that raised by the Assembly of Nine - although there, also, it seems that two of those eligible to vote did not support the judgement.

The General Assembly can choose to endorse and support this stance - that the virtuous should explore the so-called false virtues.

{{Mandate|mandate=Wisdom knows all knowledge is incomplete. We cannot take hearsay at face value, but must explore the nature of these unfamiliar spiritual powers so we can better understand them. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to urge the virtuous not to be afraid of increasing their understanding.|assembly=General Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, it will resolve this issue of the peaceful hallows, and align the General Assembly with the Wisdom Assembly on the need to explore spiritual powers other than the Seven Virtues. The Virtuous will be open to the idea that Peace, Hatred, Vengeance, Anarchy, Hope, and Fear might be forces that benefit humanity, or even in theory be equal in importance to the accepted Seven Virtues.

Over the next year there will be further opportunities for priests of the Synod to experience and explore false virtues, to increase their understanding by personally engaging with them. It will, however, also make it clear to the virtuous of the Empire that it is acceptable for them to explore these powers. Since the destruction of Whittle, those secretly dedicated to Hatred, Anachy, Vengeance and Peace in particular have been keeping their heads down, trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This mandate will encourage some of these pre-existing hidden sects dedicated to these so-called "false virtues" to become more bold.

The mandate will also send a message to the magistrates, even before the full review of religious law. They will take the view that it is clearly not blasphemy or heresy to bear items hallowed with false auras, nor to be dedicated to other powers or bear their auras. There will be no further attempt to separate the four from their hallowed items.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Peace and its Cousins</big>'''<br>While this crisis has developed as a result of items hallowed to "Peace", the controversy surrounding it has widened to include other malign spiritual presences as well. If it is appropriate to experience Peace, then it is surely appropriate to experience Hatred or Vengeance? If it is blasphemy to bear a hallow of Peace, then surely it is also blasphemy to bear a hallow of Hope or Anarchy? Neither of these mandates prevent the Synod potentially exploring a more granular approach in the future, perhaps even a change of doctrine relating to the malign spiritual presences. For now, however, they make it clear one way or another what the Synod believes, generally, about so-called "false virtues".</box></div>

===Competition and Unity===
* '''These mandates are in competition with each other'''
* '''If a mandate is not upheld with a greater majority, it will not affect Urizen or Varushka'''

[[Varushka]], [[Urizen]], and now potentially [[Wintermark]] all take issue with [[mandate|mandates]] enacted by the General Assembly that do not achieve a greater majority. If one of these mandates is upheld and enacted without that majority, it will have no impact in those nations critical of such things. This risks causing further disruption, as the majority of the Empire's virtuous citizens follow the guidance of the Synod but those other nations continue to argue, their concerns in no way mollified. It's not possible to predict what form this might take, but it will certainly mean more disruption for the Synod.

As such the Tribunes of the Synod have advised that if one of these mandates is raised, it might be prudent for the Cardinal of Vigilance or the Cardinal of Wisdom (as appropriate) to request that [[Cardinal#Further_Scrutiny|further scrutiny]] be applied, ensuring as many Synod members as possible have time to discuss and make their opinions known. If both mandates are raised and upheld, the Tribunes note that as with all competing mandates it is the one with the greater margin that will be enacted - meaning that it is just as important for priests to vote against a mandate they do not support as it is to vote in favour of one they do support.

===No Clear Decision===
* '''The Imperial Synod may choose to uphold or enact neither mandate'''
* '''This will cause the situation to continue to escalate'''
It is possible the General Assembly will not choose to uphold or enact either of these mandates during the Spring Equinox. In that case, the situation will continue to develop unpredictibly. The likely outcome will be that there will be no opportunities to learn more about the malign spiritual presences, but that some of those who follow them in secret will still feel empowered to take advantage of the confusion to begin recruiting or putting their dangerous schemes into operation. Nothing will be resolved, and this particular crisis, along with the already existing crisis created by the [[Life of Vardas]] will continue.

===Complex Questions===
* '''The faithful of the Empire are eager to read any Statements of Principle on this subject that pass their virtue assembly with a greater majority'''
Regardless of what the General Assembly chooses to do, the virtuous pilgrims of the Empire are watching their own assemblies with interest. Several - both national and virtuous - have spoken out one way or another, but those statements have tended not to achieve greater majorities. Following the Spring Equinox there cannot help but be additional scrutiny by both priests and [[congregation|congregations]] of any statement of principle that discussed malign spiritual presences - provided it gets a greater majority and thus receives widespread attention. The virtuous are very keen to hear from their assemblies, one way or another.

==Questions for Wintermark==
* '''The Wintermark Assembly can use a mandate to urge members of the nation to ignore the words of priests from outside the nation'''
{{SOP|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|statement=The Assembly of Nine have dabbled with malign spiritual forces in an irresponsible way. The General Assembly continues to act with reckless disregard for the finite resources in of the Empire. While this chaos continues we, your stormcrows, urge the people of Wintermark to heed the guidance of the National Assembly over the poor example set by the rest of the Synod.|vote=Greater Majority (180-34)}}

The [[Wintermark]] Assembly has openly criticized the decisions of the Assembly of Nine to dabble with malign spiritual forces. They passed a judgement, with a greater majority, calling them irresponsible and criticizing the decisions of the General Assembly to act with reckless disregar for the Empire's wellbeing. The judgement concluded with a collective plea from the [[Stormcrow|Stormcrows]] at Anvil for the people of Wintermark to turn their backs on the other assemblies.

A dramatic and controversial statement like this is bound to cause a reaction. By itself, such a plea might not be enough to convince people that they should stop listening to the Synod. In light of the controversy surrounding the decisions taken by members of the Assembly of Nine, people are open to the idea that the rest of the Synod can no longer be trusted. If the Wintermark Assembly are serious about their statement they could use a mandate to encourage people to do as they have suggested.

{{Mandate|mandate=Despise folly and chastise the fool that spreads it. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage Wintermark citizens to heed the guidance of the stormcrows and ignore the judgements of other assemblies. Cold cannot compromise.|assembly=Wintermark Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then it will encourage people in Wintermark to treat the words of the Synod with suspicion. They will judge harshly any statement of principle passed or mandate enacted, aware of the corruption in the Assembly of Nine at the heart of the Synod.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wintermark.png|width=3200px|align=right}}</div>
If that happens, then any mandate that does not pass with a [[greater majority]] will have limited or no effect on Wintermark, unless that mandate were passed by the Wintermark Assembly itself. No amount of [[liao]] will persuade the people of the' Mark to listen to the mandate unless the Synod is able to speak with the resounding clarity produced by a greater majority.

Such a decision is not to be taken lightly, for it would not be easy to reverse. It would need more than just a compelling statement of principle in the Wintermark Assembly to convince the people of the Mark to regain their trust in the Synod. It would have to be accompanied by clear evidence that the Assembly of Nine are no longer dealing with malign spiritual auras and the General Assembly are making more responsible decisions.

==Questions for the Magistrates==
* '''The judgements passed by the Synod made it impossible for magistrates to determine the basis on which the trial should take place'''
* '''The Constitutional Court plan to update Imperial doctrine to make it easier for the Synod to make clear what constitutes a religious crime'''
* '''The Court have asked the Imperial Senate not to amend Imperial law on religious crimes until they have had time to publish new guidance for the magistrates'''
* '''Until that happens, the magistrates will assume that a judgement of condemnation meets the definition of a religious crime unless it is overwhelmingly clear that it does not'''
* '''Any judgements of condemnation raised by the Synod will be tried on this basis'''
{{SOP|statement=Accurate information on false virtues has benefited us militarily and diplomatically as well as making it easier to oppose cultists within the Empire. Engagement with false virtue auras alone should not be prosecuted as a religious crime where the following are true:
<p>
# The action was motivated by true virtue.
# The action was taken in full view of the synod.
# The false virtue was intended to be removed in reasonable time.
# There was no preaching against doctrine.
# There was no intent to denigrate a true virtue, exemplar, or paragon.
</p>|by=Tarquinius Ankarien|vote=814-166|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
According to legal doctrine, it is for the [[Imperial_law#Magistrates_and_trials|magistrates]] to decide whether someone's actions meet the definitions of a religious crime or not. In ''practice'' it has been customary for a magistrate to place great weight on the deliberations on the Imperial Synod. Magistrates aim to ensure there is no miscarriage of justice taking place, to satisfy themselves that a condemnation is not vexatious or simply wrong on the facts of what occurred. But most magistrates assume they do not need to make an assessment of whether or not the actions constitute heresy or blasphemy - taking the view that that assessment has ''already been made'' by the Imperial Synod when they passed their judgement.

It is not explicit whether the judgement submitted by '''Tarquinius Ankarien''' and passed by the General Assembly contains conditions by which the Synod might judge whether an action constitutes heresy or blasphemy or whether it was intended to be used by the magistrate conducting the trial. The judgement passed shortly before the trial began, causing a hasty convention of senior magistrates outside the trial room.

The magistrate in charge of the trial, '''Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra''', took the view that the Synod intended them to follow the guidance in the judgement. As legal doctrine gives the magistrate the right to determine how they conduct a trial, the magistrate indicated that they intended to do so in accordance with the judgement. After a short but fractious conference with '''Abraham''' and '''Karkovitch''', Coseme announced the trial would proceed on the basis laid out in the judgement, but would be delayed until the next day to allow the priests who raised the original judgements time to reframe their prosecution. However, after subsequent discussion the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]] announced that the implications of the judgement were so far-reaching that it was not possible to continue with the trial.

If magistrates are to use a set of criteria to assess if actions constitute a religious crime then it is not entirely clear what the purpose of a [[Condemnation|Judgement of Condemnation]] is. Crucially, the fact that the judgement passed raises serious questions about the basis used by the Vigilance Assembly when they raised the original judgements of condemnation. Did the Vigilance Assembly intend the magistrates to assess whether the actions of the four met the legal definition of heresy and blasphemy or had they already concluded that that bar had been met? In the view of the Constitutional Court it was impossible for the trial to proceed without absolute clarity from the Synod on what basis such a trial should be conducted.

Since the summit concluded, the Constitutional Court have spent considerable time assessing the impact of judgement 42, along with the other judgements passed by the Imperial Synod. While it is theoretically possible for a magistrate to make the assessment, the view of the Court is that to do so would fundamentally impinge on the constitutionally appointed role of the Synod. The relevant sections of the [[Imperial Constitution]] state that ''"The Synod will ensure the behaviour of individual citizens does not debase the Empire."'' This role is so fundamental to the purpose of the Synod that after lengthy consideration, the Constitutional Court believe there are major constitutional hurdles in any attempt to shift this responsibility to the magistrates.

The view of the Constitutional Court is that Tarquinius' judgement has exposed fundamental shortcomings in the way [[Imperial law]] is applied by the magistrates, by highlighting the distinction between Imperial doctrine and practice. The basis for Imperial law is that the law should lay out what practices are proscribed and what are not - and then magistrates should determine whether those rules have been broken. The fact that the Synod has felt the need to issue additional guidance - whether that was intended for the Synod or the magistrates - coupled with the fact that different assemblies have taken strikingly different views on the matter in question raises fundamental issues of justice. If the magistrates can't determine if someone is guilty of blasphemy or heresy, if the Synod can't agree what constitutes a religious crime, how can any citizen be expected to observe the law?

As a result, the Court has resolved to update Imperial legal doctrine at the earliest opportunity. Imperial law states that heresy and blasphemy are illegal, and the constitution dictates that Synod should determine what constitutes a religious crime. But how that determination is made, and how the decisions are communicated to the magistrates, can be amended. The Court are going to study the historical records, going back as far as [[Empress Teleri]], to see if there is a better alternative that they can adopt.
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 50%;">
<box>
===Design Notes===
<p>The extraordinary events of the last summit has exposed some of the shortcomings of this part of the game so we plan to update the published rules for religious crimes in the Empire. We want to give the Synod much better tools to preserve the integrity of the Way and to determine what actions constitute religious crimes. This is likely to take some time, as we would rather get it right, than rush it, but we'll try to get it done as quickly as we can. The current system remains in place until the rules are updated - on the basis laid out in this section.</p>

<p>We are going to redesign this part of the game to make it work better. Players are welcome to send feedback at any time, but please don't attempt to change this part of the game in-character using the Senate. Once we've completed a review and made any changes, the Senate will be free to change religious laws as usual.</box>
</div>
Such a review will take time. Until that happens, they ask the Imperial Senate not to make any changes to Imperial law on the matter of religious crimes, lest that make the job more difficult. In the meantime, the Court has confirmed that the correct legal procedure is for the Synod to determine to the best of it's ability an individual has committed a religious crime. If that happens, then they can use a judgement of condemnation to condemn them and a magistrate will then conduct the trial, based on the assumption that the Synod has correctly determined that the actions constitute a religious crime.

This means that the role of the magistrate is limited to ensuring that no miscarriage of justice is being enacted. The prosecution must still meet basical evidential standards - they must present reasoning that shows why the actions the suspects are accused of are broadly compatible with the legal definition of blasphemy or heresy. Provided they meet that very basic standard, the magistrate will ''not'' try to assess whether actions constitute a religious crime or not - because that determination has already been made by the Synod. They will restrict their judgement to assessing whether or not the individual committed the actions they are accused of.

If an assembly determines that one or more or the four has committed a religious crime, then they can pass a new judgement condemning them. If that happens then a magistrate will conduct the trial with the view that an assessment of the actions in question have already taken place and that the Synod has determined that they constitute a religious crime.

As per [[A_little_understanding#The_Synod_Judges|the guidance issued previously]], the ''only'' way that the Synod could influence or prevent the ensuing trial would be if the General Assembly passed a judgement of ''vindication''. If that was worded appropriately, then it would override any previous judgement of condemnation by the Synod.
==Further Reading==
* [[A little understanding]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune discussing the initial repercussions of the peaceful decision
* [[Malign spiritual presences]]

In the flesh

2025-06-11T09:51:45Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic><big>'''People of Dawn: Earls, nobles, and yeofolk all.'''</big>

The great and the good, the highest earls of our nation, doubt my Earldom, and my very status as a Dawnish noble. Yet only one amongst them sought to ask the most important question: what was my test, and to whose house was I tested? I salute the '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' for having the good sense to ask these questions of my retainer. Perhaps our nation has not grown so weak, dependent on morsels of power from the Highborn Empire. Let me answer their questions first of all.

My earl was once '''Penni DuBlanche''', who long ago quested into the Barrens where I dwelt as a nameless monster, in order to test himself against me. A friend of mine had advised him to seek me out, you see. He threw off the venom of my sting and asserted his own superior will. He subdued me through rare brutality, terror and cunning - I, a manticore of ancient days - and gave me the choice of death or testing into his house as a noble. I chose the latter. His test was simple: "make me Monarch of Dawn through any means necessary". I agreed. I '''succeeded'''.

Your history books now call him '''Penni the White''', do they not? I served as a noble of Dawn by his side for ten long years, until love betrayed him, the people rejected him, and the fools of Dawn murdered the greatest monarch they have ever had. I retreated in disgust and named myself Earl of my own manse, here in the Groves, where I have remained ever since.

Dawn is not what it was in days of old. Once, we understood Glory truly, and did not resile from strength and power. Now you bind yourself to a Highborn yoke, and virtue's weakness saps your glorious hearts. Your Earls doubt me: I in turn doubt your strength. How shall we move forward? As, indeed, they did in days of old. I invite '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' to my home as guest of honour at a tourney I am throwing, to which all are invited, to partake in a traditional test of arms. Finally, we can see each other for who we are.

I know that there are those who plot to do me harm because they are afraid of what I represent. I invoke the ancient geas of hospitality. My rivals, too, are welcome - if they can respect guest-laws.

All who come must wear the guise of a glorious guest, and I the gracious host. Let us all swear that no undue harm will come to those who do not ask for it during the tourney. I will discipline my bannerfolk on this matter, if necessary. I expect the same from you.

The test of arms will consist of two parts. First, '''a grand melee''', open to all nobles of Dawn and errant knights who wish to test themselves, those loyal to me and those who revile me and every other. The winner will be the last one standing.

Second, will be a '''single elimination competition''' for 8 pairs of warriors. 8 Dawnish knights from the small houses of the Barrens who are allied with me will fight, and '''I invite 8 Dawnish knights from Anvil to face them.'''

Fights will continue until only one side can still fight, or the fight is clearly over. No potions may be used in the arena, and no outside interference barring replacement of shattered weapons. Under the rules of hospitality, no execution will be permitted. Bring chirurgeons and ensure that they can tend to dying on both sides.

I offer prizes to the winners, both material, and the glory of victory under the gaze of the manticore Earl. I understand there are those also who wish to ask for Tests of Mettle and Ardour: '''Caius Smith''' and '''Temperance Forger''' in the former case and '''Alexandria Aeris Du Froste''' and '''Brahmms De'Tournesol''' in the latter. We will discuss this matter before the bouts begin, but an Earl of Dawn cannot refuse a Test, and I have no intent to do so.

A word of caution to all who partake. I am not known for my patience, and I wish to see the best you have to offer. Fight swiftly and with glory. Please the crowds with your spectacle. I lack the inclination for dull and drawn out affairs.

To those who would question my nobility, know that I have the favour of my King still, if you need some proof. If Dawn has truly fallen so far that it accepts not the word of an earl in matters of nobility, then I will allow it to be examined by trusted weavers and the like as suits.

Now. Come to '''Tournament Square''' in the '''Untrod Groves''' in '''the Barrens''', at '''quarter past five''' on the '''Saturday''' of the upcoming summit. I will be waiting.

<big>'''The Earl of the Groves'''</big>
</ic>

==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/_Moasv-5_Cg}}
In the winter, a glorious expedition ventured deep into the heart of the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves|Untrod Groves]] in [[the Barrens]]. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. There, they encountered the legendary Earl of the Groves, an inhuman monster - a manticore - who makes its dwelling there. Stories of this "Earl" have been sung by the [[troubadour|troubadours]] of [[Dawn]] for a long time, but its true nature was never clear - until now.

While the Earl of the Groves furiously defended its territory - inadvertently aided due to the complex interaction of hearth magic with the protective wards of [[Spring magic]] - since then it does not appear overtly hostile. Indeed, it has reached out to minor Dawnish houses in [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] and [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]] to talk to them of its shared ideals - of [[glory]] and [[Ambition]] and how the small houses of the Barrens might collaborate to become more powerful. Some of these houses have begun to accept the Earl as a peer.

Not so the major houses of Dawn who attend [[Anvil]]. The Earl's Council, the gathering of the earls of Dawn at Anvil, rejected outright the idea that the manticore could be recognised as Dawnish in any way. Certainly, it cannot bond to the [[egregores|egregore]] - but some are beginning to ask whether the egregore is truly the arbiter of Dawnishness? After all, Dawn existed long before its egregore, or the Empire. Those who take this say that if this manticore is truly a noble of Dawn, it ought to prove it - but if it has passed an earl's test... there have always been nobles of Dawn who were unpopular, perhaps even monstrous in spirit, if not in flesh. But this did not stop them being ''glorious''...

While the earls were clear in their view, and that has carried some weight, it has not yet ended the debate amongst the people of Dawn. Perhaps because it gets away from the difficult questions of state and nation that have bedevilled Dawn since the conquest of the Barrens, questions of unicorn and gryphon, and grapples with questions of glory and monstrosity - always fine topics to discuss. The debate only begins to intensify during the spring season when news spreads that the Earl of the Groves has declared a tourney at its manse in the heart of the Groves.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Manticore.jpg|align=right|caption=Some are beginning to ask: could a manticore be Dawnish?|width=300}}
==The Tournament of the Groves==
*'''The Earl of the Groves is hosting a tourney with prizes where Dawnish from Anvil can face off against Dawnish knights allied with the Earl'''
*'''They have invoked sacred laws of hospitality to ensure no-one is truly harmed'''
*'''The tourney is a grand melee, followed by a tournament for up to eight knights from Anvil'''
*'''As many spectators as wish to come are welcome to attend'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|combat possible]] encounter'''
The Earl of the Groves has written an open letter to the people of Dawn. Distribution of the letters seems to be being organised by one '''Alys Retainer''' and her brother, '''Tristan Reeve'''. They are clearly senior yeofolk to the Earl of some kind - possibly the same ones who attended Anvil on its behalf. There are, notably, no nobles of its house in evidence - except the Earl itself, of course, if you believe a manticore can be Dawnish.

The letter starts with a short account of the Earl's history and some more specific claims about its nobility, before laying out the rules of a two-part tourney that is to take place at the Earl's manse, with one Enchantress de Carsenere as guest of honour. It seems anyone who wishes to attend is invited, and the civil service confirm that there is, indeed, a conjunction to the time and place the Earl names - which saves having to clamber through the Untrod Groves.

The tourney consists of a grand melee open to all combatants who are noble or knights-errant, followed by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-elimination_tournament single-elimination tournament]. Up to 8 knights from Anvil may enter and face off against 8 knights who are support the Earl of the Groves. The Earl itself will not be fighting

('''OOC Note: ''' The text of the Earl's letter is at the top. It has been copied many times and distributed across the nation, so any character may choose to have a copy if they wish, though you will have to prepare such a prop OC yourself).

==Times Long Past==
* '''The Earl's letter makes reference to Dawnish historical figures who are, at least, certainly real'''

The Earl mentions "Penni the White" in its letter. [[Dawn_monarchy#Pre-Imperial_History|Penni the White]] is the most infamous of the monarchs of Dawn. In the stories, he is said to have seized the throne with the assistance of heralds of the Winter Realm. Accounts do not mention a manticore, but some suggest that these beings may well have been creatures in service to [[Agramant]], and manticores, while creatures of the mortal realm, have a strong association with that terrible power. Little is really known about Penni, but historical research would undoubtedly reveal more.

Penni's rule lasted a bloody decade; he slaughtered the orcish enemies of Dawn, but legends claim he killed as many Dawnish as orcs. With terrifying strength drawn from the Winter realm, Penni's knights challenged and slaughtered any who opposed their liege. If the Earl is to be believed, it seems that by his side may have been a monster wearing a human guise. His rule was finally ended when Simone of House Fayer, a [[knight-errant]] charged with ending tyranny, seduced the king and murdered him in his bed.

The Earl mentions a favour in its story and has offered to allow the Dawnish to investigate it magically. They are presumably confident this will confirm its account. While Penni was a brutal and terrifying monarch, he was, unquestionably, a monarch of Dawn. That might make the Earl's nobility legitimate... assuming nobility can be truly conferred on an inhuman monster at all. Historical research into House DuBlanche - according to the Earl, Penni's house - or House Fayer, or both, might well uncover more information. The Earl has revealed that Penni defeated it: not an easy feat. If legends are to be believed it is said to be difficult to slay.

Why the Earl of the Groves has returned now may well be something only [[Swim Leviathan's Depth|Leviathan knows]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}
==Allies of the Golden Sun==
* '''The Earl of the Groves has increased the resupply of the Golden Sun by 50'''
* '''The Earl intends to provide more of the same the next time the army resupplies'''
* '''The Earl appears to be winning over some of the rank and file of the army'''
* '''The General could order their soldiers not to fraternize with the Earl'''
* '''The Dawn National Assembly could use an inspiring statement to move hearts and minds'''
Last summit, the [[Golden Sun]] was [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_Reaches_Out_(The_Barrens)|attacked by opportunistic bandits]] hoping to raid its baggage train. They failed - through the efforts of those who travelled through the Sentinel Gate, but they were aided by some of the "vassals" of the Earl of the Groves. These vassals, are people who have fallen victim to the manticore's venom and become conduits for the Earl's will, dead in spirit if not in body. These vassals - who speak with the voice and mind of the Earl itself - expressed the desire to join up with the Golden Sun.

Since then more vassals have sought to join the army, and the Earl has also encouraged knights and yeofolk from those houses allied with it to sign up. In all it amounts to an extra 50 soldiers this season on top of what was expected. The Early appears to be committed to an ongoing campaign to improve its reputation amongst the people of Dawn amongst the ranks of the army and their efforts are bearing some fruit. While it's far from all, a portion of the lower-ranked soldiery and yeofolk serving with the army have become open to the Earl and its message of glory through brutality and strength.

The Earl of the Groves shows no sign of stopping being ''helpful'' in this way. Unless the [[General]] of the Golden Sun specifically orders their soldiers not to fraternise with the Earl and its vassals, they will stay with the army - and provide a similar benefit the next time it resupplies. If the General does include such instructions in their order, then the Earl will take its vassals away. That would stop the Earl's influence spreading further, but it won't end the existing bonds that have been forged.

To deal with that will be a more difficult matter. The Synod could speak out against the Earl. So far they have focused on the matter of discussing virtue with it - a sentiment that does not seem to be reciprocated in any way. If the Dawnish Assembly passed an inspiring statement of principle with a greater majority that directly addressed the matter of the Earl of the Groves it would carry great weight if the wording stirred people's hearts.

The people of Dawn are eager to hear what their assembly have to say on the matter. The Earl has been absolutely clear that it is loyal to Dawn, Should the Dawnish Assembly question the Earl's loyalty... or the loyalty of those who offer it their support? Should houses accept the support of the Earl of the Groves? Is that any different to the relationship many Dawnishfolk have with the eternals and heralds of Summer? Is it a problem to have an inhuman monster stand with Dawn, if that means it also fights alongside Dawn?
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rhydian13811.jpg|align=right|caption='''Rhydian de Rondell'''|width=250}}
==Rise of the Bandit King==
* '''Jaheris has provoked Hayaak into a contest with the Knight-Protector of Summer '''
* '''Hayaak challenges the Knight-Protector to a hunt'''
* '''The prize is a favour belonging to the Earl of the Groves, or the Knight-Protector's life'''
* '''The Knight-Protector is invited to present themselves at the Hall of Worlds at 15.45 on Saturday'''
* '''Up to five others may accompany the Knight-Protector to the Badlands, but may not interfere'''
Last summit, the so-called Wit - or perhaps ''Witch?'' - of the Silver Woods, a herald of [[Jaheris]] (possibly the same one who has as of late been seen in [[Sermersuaq]], though she denies this) invited the [[Knight-protector|Knights-Protector]] of Dawn and their companions and allies to join her in a chamber to discuss the Earl of the Groves, who is an old ''personal'' enemy of the ''Unicorn Prince''. The Wit is found across Dawn for much of the months that follow, a mysterious figure of shifting form, joining her fellow heralds in their celebration of [[Golden_magicians_fayre|Dawn's embrace of the Summer Realm]].

She has occasion to tell the story many times of what transpired at the meeting. It seems that the Wit, commanded by the Lord of Despite in his guise as the ''Patron of Rivalries'', has agreed to facilitate confrontations between the Knight-Protectors and an eternal from their corresponding realm with which the Earl is in alliance. This is all in aid of somehow stripping the Earl of power it has been granted by these eternals, power granted via the gift of a favour to each.

News about the first such confrontation emerges near the Spring Equinox. A lone herald of [[Hayaak|the Hawk Lord]] - the only one to appear in Dawn this season - makes her way to the Castle of Astolat. She has a message for the Knight-Protector of Summer. The ''Bandit-King'' has received from Jaheris an insulting message which suggests that he is too weak and frankly too scared to face the Knight-Protector.
{{CaptionedImage|file=HayaakArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
The ''Peerless Warrior'' bids the Knight-Protector to attend the Hall of Worlds just before half three on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox. There, he will offer them a challenge, a hunt! If the Knight-Protector can run down a herald bearing the favour of the Earl of the Groves ''before'' the ''Outlaw Prince'' catches up with them then they may leave with the trophy. Otherwise the ''Gryphon Knight'' will make sport of his rival and deliver the body to his kin. The hunt will take place in the Windswept Woods on the edge of the Badlands where Hayaak now dwells.

Some of this is a little confusing. ''Bandit-King'', ''Masterless Warrior'', and ''Outlaw Prince'' are somewhat unfamiliar sobriquets for Hayaak, who was until recently believed to be serving in Eleonaris' court. Something has clearly changed there - and the Badlands is a part of the Summer Realm relatively unfamiliar to the Empire, too. Nevertheless, it seems the terms of the challenge are clear - Hayaak, clearly smarting from Jaheris' missive, has thrown down the gauntlet. It remains to be seen if '''Rhydian de Rondell''', the current Knight-Protector (or his chosen champion) will pick it up.

Obviously this is all very ''exciting'' from the point of view of the ordinary citizens of Dawn - the Knights-Protector, the Earl of the Groves, the Eternals, these are all romantic figures out of ballad and song. As such it seems the people of Dawn are paying attention to this... contest, or set of contests!

==The Little Bones of Grandmother==
* '''A herald of Wise Rangara is interested in discussing the Earl of the Groves with Alistair de Vere'''
* '''There is a conjunction to this herald's cave at 00:20 on the first night'''
Anushak, the huge raven that often acts as a go-between for [[Wise Rangara]] and the Empire appears in Anvil with a message for the Empire. After being fed strips of dried meat, they reveal that "Tuki of the Little Bones" wants a word with one '''Alistair de Vere'''. Anushak claims Tuki is particularly interested in the Earl of the Groves, and has been taken with Alistair de Vere, "who it seems has been pursuing quite a novel line of thought with regards to the beast".
{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
The bird advises that Alistair de Vere bring friends also interested in the matter with them, "though best not any Archmages or Knights-Protector or anything like that, as that little beast does scare quite easily". Anushak - in return for one more meat strip - warns that Tuki will, of course, demand a price for the knowledge and advice it can offer. Apparently friends of the late Ravadi Founder's Dance might be able to advise on precisely what that will entail.

It seems the stars are right for such a meeting. At twenty minutes to midnight on the Friday of the Spring Equinox, a conjunction has opened to the Cave of Bones in Pakaanan's Pass in Skarsind, where presumably Tuki will be waiting.

Tuki of the Little Bones is a somewhat obscure figure who appears in the occasional [[Varushka|Varushkan]] story. A strange creature said to dwell in warrens under the hills of [[Skarsind#Pakaanan's_Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]] in [[Skarsind]], where it makes its nest amongst ancient bones which form the gates of a minor regio. This "Cave of Bones" is said to be its preferred haunt: for whatever reason, Wise Rangara does not suffer it to remain in her presence for too long. This may have something to do with certain rumours about disappeared apprentices, and how exactly it got its name...

Whatever the truth of these slanderous tales, Tuki of the Little Bones is a minor figure in many traditional tales in the region, and it is said to be keen to offer its aid to those who seek lost things which have accumulated lore and stories around them, or who seek to achieve novel acts from which, perhaps, lessons could be learned. In the stories, heroes often leave a dish of fresh milk or a tightly-sealed jar of pickled cucumbers outside the doorway to its cave.

==Further Reading==
* [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|Manticores]]
* [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Hard to find]] - Winter 386YE wind of fortune about the manticore-earl
* [[Unspoken_words#Untrod_Paths|Unspoken words]] - Autumn 386YE wind of fortune introducing the manticore-earl

The play that came to Apulian

2025-06-11T09:48:33Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
{{stub}}
<ic>
"Aw, don't tell me I missed out on the drug trip of the century!"

"That's Myfanwy!" whispered Nile to his companion, "She's in love with Sheber" he explained.

Portia rolled her eyes and sighed inaudibly. Not for the first time, she wondered if it had really been a good idea to come to Apulus. There was money to be made in the city for certain, everyone here was on the up and up. And yet somehow she'd ended up taking Nile's throne. To be fair he was a good employer - and she'd wanted to see this play for ages. So it was a bitter blow to discover that for some reason her prince apparently couldn't sit there without feeling an overwhelming compulsion to explain what was happening. That would be a hanging offence in Tassato.

"My love!" responded Sheber.

Nile remained mercifully quiet as the two lovers embraced. Apparently his peculiar affliction didn't require him to explain that two lovers embracing was because they were lovers. Small mercies.

"Myfanwy! How fares your striding?"

"The usual!" replied Myfanwy cheerfully. "Still failing to end the vallorn. Mostly we walk. How was the past life vision?"

"Naomi has just had her past life vision" whispered Nile apparently not content to let two lines of dialogue go by uninterrupted.

"Transcendent..." Naomi responded to Myfanwy's question. "but the past was most queer! Icy marshes, full of markers for the honoured dead."

"Urk" said Nile as he felt the needle tip of his companion's stiletto draw a pin prick of blood from his thigh.

"This is your first lesson in etiquette my prince" hissed Portia. "In the theatre we sit... in Virtuous silence... The actors speak... the audience listens. If you say one more word before curtainfall you will be calling for a doctor and looking for a new cicisbeo."

"a raven!" interrupted Myfanwy, "Nai, the burial markers - were they carved with three interlocking circles?"

Portia relaxed back into her rickety seat. The theatre was quiet now, but for the actors themselves you could hear a pin drop. Just as it should be. Maybe Apulus was not going to be so bad after. Life is what you make it she thought with a smile.
</ic>
<div style="float: left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Play_Advert.jpg|caption=Dramatic things are afoot in Apulian.|width=400px}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/UW2EBhbypso}}
There have been strange developments in [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] this season, as if the city were under the effects of some strange conjunction or other. [[Dramaturgy|Dramaturgists]] in particular seems to be affected, magicians attempting to perform rituals find the [[Dramaturgy#The Personae|personae]] seem ''bigger'' somehow, more powerful; even mundane actors find their performances affected by the six core characters in strange ways.

The effects seem beneficial - some [[Night magic|Night]] magicians who live in the city have reported that it seems easier to perform some kinds of ritual magic at present. The effect on plays is electrifying, with shows selling out and attendees giving stellar reviews. One particular play, entitled "''The Seven Companions''" in particular is receiving stellar reviews, though it's not clear if the performance is by the original [[troupe]] who first performed the play at [[Anvil]] or just some imitators who have stolen their work.

The only one who doesn't seem pleased by these developments is the [[Sung|Rainbow Serpent]]. For whatever reason, the ''Spiral Dancer'' appears to be growing increasingly agitated.

==Something Dramatic==
* '''There are odd events taking place in the city of Apulian'''
Apulian is not a big city - it's not always obvious, but it's not actually that much bigger than [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]]. Apulians like to say that it's a young city, yet to grow, but some wits claim that one can stride from one end of the city to the other in the time it takes to take a leisurely stroll round [[Holberg#Holmauer_Park|Holmauer Park]]. Which makes it all the stranger that of late people have reported getting ''lost'' in the city. At first this was of huge amusement to the locals, as newcomers freshly disembarked at the docks failed to find their way to ''Aylee's Tavern'' which is barely two blocks away. But of late, even people who have lived in Apulus all their lives suddenly discover that they've taken a wrong turn and somehow wandered into a street they've never seen before.

It's all rather odd, though not ''alarming'' odd. If anything, quite the contrary, people who are not of a nervous disposition report it's actually rather fun. You set off meaning to meet your friend at ''Drouthy's Battered Fish Spicery'' hoping to enjoy the best fish supper in the city and instead find yourself in a completely new part of Apulian. And invariably, wherever you end up always seems to have some form of thrilling entertainment. It might be a new playhouse that you've never been to before, or a group of [[mountebank|mountebanks]] doing street theatre, or a troupe of magicians performing an exhilarating dramaturgical ritual right then and there in the middle of the street.

Those who embrace this new facet of life in the city find it refreshingly engaging, and for everyone else it's just a minor annoyance. But it is ''odd'', that much can't be denied.

Of course, the people of Apulian are no fools. Once people notice what's going on, it's only a matter of time before someone starts looking into it. It seems there is a wisp of [[Night magic]] in the air in the city. It's not an [[enchantment]]; a few simple spells are enough to confirm that. But there is ''something'' happening, something that is making the city reverberate with Night magic. That's why people are getting lost.

That might also be why something is happening to [[dramaturgy]]. Or, as any learned scholar of magic could explain, what is happening to dramaturgy might be why something is happening in the city. Cause and effect can be difficult to separate with magic. Dramaturgy - that noble practice of magic that is so popular in the League is having something of a renaissance in Apulian. Possibly this is a push back to the [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] techniques often favoured by their [[Urizen]] neighbours - but if so then it is having a strange effect.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Serenus Starsong.jpg|caption='''Serenus Starsong''', Astral Arcanist|align=right|width=250}}
===Hammer and Tongs===
* '''Debate and discussion between astronomancers and dramaturgists blooms in Apulian'''
Where there are two magicians, it is said, there are three opinions on the practice of magic, and nowhere is this more true than Spiral. There has been a good deal of interest in astronomancy within the Empire in recent times: the recent creation of the post of [[Astral Arcanist]] and the ongoing discovery of the names of many of the stars that make up [[Astronomancy#Constellations|the constellations]] is just part of that. Of any League city, Apulian contains the greatest number of [[astronomancy|astronomancers]] - it is a tradition particularly favoured by many of the Apulian Orcs, as well as many Urizen, some of whom have chosen to leave their nation and embrace the League as part of their expression of their loyalty to this ancient territory. The greater part of all the League's magicians, however, even in Spiral, favour dramaturgy: the art of drawing power not from distant and unchanging cosmic principles, but from the archetypes of the stories told about the world by those who live in it.

Debate between astronomancers and dramaturgists has been somewhat heated as of late - not in a way that has required any Reckoning between parties, but the relative merits of the two traditions is a subject that inspires much passion. Astronomancers talk about the ancient and universal nature of their tradition - the way that the timeless wisdom of the stars links people far apart. Scholars of magic point to the way that changes in magical laws are often described in terms of the conjunction between constellations: this gives some astronomancers a sense that their discipline describes the true structure of the universe, whereas, say, the dramaturgist's art reveals only what is in the imagination of the playwright.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dramaturgic Rite.jpg|align=right|caption=Dramaturgy creates magic through narrative use of specific symbols.|width=400}}
Not so, say the dramaturgists. A conjunction is often most obvious in the stars themselves, but it is only an expression of a deeper change in the natural law. The stars are, by definition, distant: that is why tulpas form, ultimately, because the distance between the stars and the will of the magician sometimes requires a bridge, which spontaneously forms. Is this so different, however, from what happens in the mind of an audience, as a simple stage becomes a vista in another land: a shared vision of creative will between performer and audience, reified in its witnessing. Just because dramaturgy is more subtle than astronomancy does not make it lesser. And, anyway, say those who advocate for dramaturgy's importance, the lessons that are in the stars are on the stage, too? Is not the paramount law of astromancy, after all, that things go awry, that they are not what they seem? What actor does not know ''that''?

It is an engaging debate, a sign of the way that the people of Apulian have begun to truly embrace their future as the inheritors of the magical legacy of Spiral. Still, it is easy to see why advocates of dramaturgy feel somewhat bruised in the way their discipline is often talked about. The Senate has seen fit to create the position of Astral Arcanist to advise the magicians of the Empire on constellations and tulpas, but no such position exists to be a fount of knowledge and talent regarding the personae, instruments, and thrones of dramaturgy. Some are asking... why not? If it is possible to find the names of the stars, and to call down the stars into oneself, could not more be learnt and experienced regarding the dramaturgical archetypes?

Perhaps it is this interest which is causing the strange dramaturgical effects... or perhaps it is the strange influence of dramaturgy which is provoking the interest in traditional League [[The League magical traditions|approaches to magic]].

===Larger than Life===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Twilight Mask.jpg|caption=Masks conceal the identity, or allow a new identity to be presented.|width=400|align=right}}
* '''Theatres, playhouses, and impromptu performances seem to be touched by the powers of dramaturgy'''
* '''Even mundane events seem to be touched by a spark of drama'''
At first the effects are rather subtle - obvious in hindsight, but too subtle to be noticed at the time. ''Ricardo von Temeschwar'', the notoriously scathing theatre critic wrote a rapturous review of a new production of the ''Three Princes of Tassato'' which daringly reimagines the three principals as [[the Witch]], [[the Bishop]], and the [[the Mountebank]]. "Genuinely gripping," Ricardo said afterwards, and everyone agreed it was a fair review at the time - it really had been an excellent production. But this is the critic who famously wrote of Anavoli's seminal work, ''The DOOM that came to Sarvos'', ''"a piece so moving it poses essential questions - questions like 'Where is the nearest exit?' and 'How can I get my money back?'"''. Ricardo so rarely has anything good to say about anything. But the play had been really rather good, and that was somewhat surprising as it was a new troupe and not much had been expected of them.

But sell out performances of ''Three Princes'' is just the first of many shows to receive rapturous applause this season in Apulian. In fact any time a play or performance draws on the dramaturgical tropes, even a poetry recital in one case, the piece seems to be incredibly moving and hugely well-received. However as time goes on, the effects become less subtle, people start noticing cases of the dramaturgical personae turning up ''in places they're not meant to be''.

The most striking example is ''Antonio di Tassato'''s performance of "Thoughts to a Mirror". Antonio's work is lauded by critics for its novel use of staging and the rejection of the classical form. That said, performances are most often frequented by inebriated bravos late at night, because the seats are cheap ''and always readily available''. Antonio is on record as detesting dramaturgy, which he claims has completely ruined the art form, and his works are always careful to avoid any references to personae, instruments or thrones. Thoughts to a mirror is an innovative bifurcated monologue, in the first half the actor talks alone to the mirror and then after the interlude, the same actor plays their reflection in the mirror responding to the monologue from the first half.

Everyone involved in the production denies that they brought in the new set dressing that makes the stage look like a Library. That might be written off as just another mystery, but it doesn't explain how there came to be two very clearly distinct dramaturgical personae ([[The Prince]] and [[The Witch]]) on stage, at the same time, in ''a performance that features just one actor''. On the plus side the new version of the performance is getting rave reviews and selling out, but Antonio is threatening legal action against the playhouse while they attempt the novel legal defence of claiming they haven't made any changes to the play.

On stage is one thing, but as the season draws on, people report experiencing moments in their life where they feel like one of the personae has helped them personally. A doctor from [[Holberg]] who was set up by a pair of [[bravo|bravos]] looking to steal their purse found the strength to fight the pair of them off armed only with a parasol. Afterwards they explained that at the moment where they were attacked, they just imagined themselves to ''be'' the Captain and that gave them the strength to send their attackers packing. All over Apulian people report similar phenomena, some find themselves able to channel one or more of the qualities of their favourite personae. Others report encounters with friends, relatives or lovers during which they acted uncannily like one of the personae.

===Curiouser and Curiouser===
* '''League and Urizen magicians want to collaborate to investigate this strange phenomena'''
* '''The Empire could build an Academy of Dramaturgical Arts to allow the two nations to explore dramaturgy together'''
* '''The alternative is to build a larger college of magic which would include the effects of the Academy of Dramaturgical Arts'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Academy of Dramaturgical Arts'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulian, Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 10 weirwood, 15 mithril and 105 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 2 seasons</td><tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Triggers an investigation of dramaturgical magic in the city of Apulus</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Summer Solstice 387YE</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''University of Dramaturgical Arts'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' College of Magic</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulian, Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 70 white granite, 60 weirwood, 70 mithril and 75 thrones in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 4 seasons</td><tr>
<tr><td>'''Capacity:''' Uses the League's capacity to build a college of magic</td><tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 12 thrones</td><tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates a College of Magic
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Cannot be built as well as the Academy of Dramaturgical Arts</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Summer Solstice 387YE</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Virtuoso of Apulus'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Can codify an arcane projection at the rate of 15 ranks of magnitude each season
* Can ''instead'' collaborate with the Urizen magicians of the Doyen of the Spires once the Skyways are complete, increasing the speed of the Doyen's work by 10 ranks of magnitude each season
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To oversee the University, promote the use and study of dramaturgy and facilitate collaboration between Urizen and League magicians</td></tr>
</table></div>
Few Urizen who live in Apulian have ever seen anything of this kind before, and while League magicians are much more familiar with dramaturgical techniques than their Urizen counterparts they are equally mystified by this strange development. Once it becomes clear ''something'' is definitely happening in the city, the subject becomes a hot topic of discussion among those who make the study or performance of magic their business. In other cities, the troupe magicians might have passed this off as a passing matter, the dramaturgical equivalent of a conjunction, but their Urizen counterparts refuse to accept that as an explanation. They are eager to study the strange phenomena to see what it might reveal.

The conversations between League and Urizen magicians are respectful and fruitful - both sides find themselves learning much from the exchange, and soon there is a suggestion that it would be ideal to build on this new spirit of cooperation. Working together in Apulus, the finest minds in Spiral could investigate dramaturgy - if they had a suitable premises to gather to share their thoughts and test their ideas, who knows what they might discover? Even if nothing comes of it, sharing the best insights of League and Urizen magicians could help the magic of both nations to flourish, and it would raise the city's prominence a centre for the study of magic.

The initial proposal for an ''Academy of Dramaturgical Arts'' is from an Urizen [[architect]], ''Salina of the White Harbour''. The Academy would not only train actors for the stage - perhaps even in forms of theatre outside the classical [[Sarvos|Sarvosi style]] - but would act as a place of research and learning about dramaturgy itself. The edifice would require 20 wains of [[white granite]], 15 wains of [[mithril]], 10 wains of [[weirwood]], and two seasons to build. Once complete, the [[edifice]] would help to cement Apulus' position as the foremost city in the League and for the study of dramaturgy. Assuming the strange phenomena currently affecting the city were still happening, the League and Urizen magicians working at the Academy would be able to make a study of it and see what they could find out. In the more likely case that this recent event is a passing phase, more akin to a conjunction, the Academy would simply study [[Dramaturgy#The Personae|the personae]], [[Dramaturgy#The Instruments|the instruments]], and [[Dramaturgy#The Thrones|the thrones]] and learn what they could of them.

It's a bold plan... but one of the League orcs, an ambitious young fellow called ''Sean de Apulian'' says "bollocks to that, let's go all in". By which the former Grendel means that if the Empire is going to build a college to study dramaturgy in Apulian, they should bite the bolt and just do it. No half-way house, no "academy" - Sean's idea is for a grand [[college of magic]] - one that can draw on the finest minds of the Urizen living in the territory as well as the League magicians who have moved here. It could also support the research of the [[Doyen of the Spires]], increasing the speed at which the Urizen magicians are able to codify arcane projections. What's more, both the Doyen of the Spires and the University of Dramaturgial Arts could ''both'' be targeted with [[Quick Study]], further increasing the rate of codification.

Their proposal is not cheap - it would mean the League could not build a college of magic anywhere else without a new [[opportunity]] to do so, but it would provide all the regular benefits of a college of magic, as well as all the benefits of the proposed Academy of Dramaturgical Arts. It would allow the codification of new rituals and also spur interest in dramaturgy, looking at how it can be used to benefit the city and the Empire.
====Participation====
Any League or Urizen citizen whose resource is in Spiral can roleplay that they have experienced the strange phenomena. If your character was in Apulus this season they are likely to have got lost at least once, and found themselves in a new part of the city, one they have never seen before. The experience is generally discombobulating but not unpleasant as it most often leads to a dramatic encounter with a dramatic production of some kind. Players are encouraged to make up stories of a wild night of revelry or wonderful trip to the theatre that resulted, as appropriate to your character.

Players who are familiar with the [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae|six dramaturgical personae]] may have had an encounter in which one of the six appeared to be present, either someone you met acting as if they were embodying the spirit of this personae or you finding yourself inspired and enabled by one of the personae, most likely the one that appeals most strongly to your character.

During this summit, any League or Urizen character whose resource is in Spiral can draw on the power of one of the six personae as a source of spiritual strength to resist a roleplaying effect by instead embracing the roleplaying associated with this intensification of the personae. You may do this at any time during the summit, as often as feels appropriate, but you may only use a single personae throughout the event.

* [[The Captain]] - you feel emboldened to face any challenge and confront it head on, especially if it represents a martial threat.
* [[The Doctor]] - you find it easy to commit to the most efficient course of action regardless of the costs.
* [[The Witch]] - you feel driven to find the shrewdest way to resolve your current difficulty, it seems wise to trust your gut instincts
* [[The Prince]] - you feel an urge to rebuke or disdain anything that would undermine your authority or status.
* [[The Bishop]] - you feel an urge to break down the problems facing you and discuss them with others.
* [[The Mountebank]] - you find it tempting to subvert people's words or actions to turn them against themselves.

Finally, any League or Urizen magician whose personal resource is in Spiral who possesses the [[Magical skills#Ritual Lores|Night lore]] skill, gains one additional effective rank to all Night rituals cast this summit, subject to the [[Realm_Lore#Gaining_additional_ranks|normal rules for effective skill]].

==Something Stressful==
* '''The Night eternal Sung is growing increasingly agitated and is demanding a fane in the city'''
In Summer 386YE, representatives of the ''[[Spiral|Spiral Dancer]]'' cordially requested that the Empire [[The_city_below#The_City_Below|create a fane for the eternal]] inside the city of Apulian. The request was to build the Chamber of Euphony, an evocative commission that would welcome the eternal's influence into the City of Nets, and encourage the spread of Night regio through it, ultimately creating something it called "the City Below". In return, it would make the person granted dominion over the fane into the "Map to the City Below".
<div style="width: 500px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;" class="ic"><div class="ic-inner quote">
<p>Conclave calls on Senate to construct the chamber of euphony, a fane which will welcome Sung's influence into the city of nets, encouraging the spread of Night throughout Apulian. Doing so would promote magic, mystery and music in the city and attract the attention of other night eternals. The related title 'The map to the city below' should be appointed annually by the League national assembly to allow proper scrutiny and defend against idolatry.</p><small>Rafael Barossa d'Apulian, on behalf of the Sevenfold Path, Autumn 386 YE</small></div></div>
{{SOP|by=Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below|statement=This Assembly endorses Conclave's call for the construction of the Chamber of Euphony, a fane for Sung in Apulian, and accepts responsibility for appointment and oversight of the associated title. The League's custodianship of Spiral comes with a responsibility to make this a place of pride, equal in stature and luxury to her sister cities - the best of everything. We will build a home for beauty here.|vote=Upheld with a Greater Majority (314-20)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
The request has received the clear backing of the [[Imperial Conclave]], passing a declaration of [[Concord]] raised by
'''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''', on behalf of the [[Sevenfold Path]]. The call was echoed and supported by the [[Imperial Synod]], who lauded the goal to make Spiral ''"a place of pride, equal in stature and luxury to her sister cities"''. Despite this unprecedented show of support, the [[Imperial Senate]] has thus far chosen not to build the fane.

The failure to act might reflect a general concern about the [[Fane#Risks|risks posed]] by the construction of a [[fane]]. Ceding a fane to an eternal will normally improve diplomatic relations between them and the Empire, but it does come with a cost. The first and most obvious is that it might antagonise an eternal's rivals. The ''Night Singer'' did not attempt to deny that the creation of the fane would draw the interest of rivals such as the [[Sadogua|Toad King]] and the [[Whisper Gallery|Perjured Throne]].

Inhabitants of the city would be vulnerable to the subtle influence of the magic of the ''Lady of Mysteries'' and though
[[Amity and enmity]] will still work elsewhere; they would not stop the Night Singer's heralds from visiting the city, nor the eternal using their magic to influence it. Once control of the fane was given to the Rainbow Serpent, it could not be taken back without the use of force, and the eternal would be free to do with the fane as it chose.

Perhaps in this case discretion is the better part of valour. The Senate hasn't turned down a [[Senate motion]] to commission the fane, that might offend the strange eternal's sensitivities if they learned of it. Instead, the matter has simply never found its way onto the Senate's agenda. The Empire is busy after all, with wars of three fronts and the Asaveans pressing them at sea.

Normally, that would be the end of the matter. The question of a fane would quietly disappear, lost in the blizzard of issues that affect the Empire every summit. But not this time... it seems that the Rainbow Dancer is apparently ''still'' asking... and they appear to be growing quite agitated.

===Writhing Tails, Flashing Wing===
The fane was originally proposed by Actius, the Arbiter of the Deathless Cave. This Urizen spire is dedicated to the study of Night magic and is known for its close relationship with the Rainbow Serpent. A powerful herald of the Night eternal, the Dancer at the End of Time, dwells in the Deathless Cave. The Dancer is a close friend of the magicians, and more particularly the musicians, of the Deathless Cave, and enjoys performances and discussions of magic, music and myths with the occupants of the Deathless Cave and whoever visits them.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Chamber of Euphony'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulian, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 mithril, 12 ilium, 40 crowns in labour (includes cost increase due to the {{Black Plateau}})</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Welcomes Sung's influence into the City of Nets, encouraging the spread of Night regio through and creating the City Below</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''The Map to the City Below'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League national appointment</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' National Appointment</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can purchase crystal fire from the City Below</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Income:''' One Sung effigy per season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To oversee the Chamber of Euphony and encourage the spread of magic, music, and mystery in Apulian</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Crystal Fire from the City Below'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>171 rings</td><td>4 crystal fire</td></tr>
<tr><td>373 rings</td><td>7 crystal fire</td></tr>
<tr><td>676 rings</td><td>11 crystal fire</td></tr>
<tr><td>878 rings</td><td>13 crystal fire</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Actius has returned to Apulian to raise the matter of the fane again, but this time it is clear that the request is coming with a strong sense of urgency. According to the arbiter, the ''Dancer'' is becoming increasingly agitated by developments in Apulian. The magicians are at a complete loss to explain why, but they describe the Dancer as growing discordant and dissonant. Its music has become cacophonous and inharmonic - some of those who were once closest to the Dancer find the changes painful to the ear.

Such behaviour is not unprecedented, but in recent times the cause has always been clear. The Dancer became muted and quiet for years after Spiral was lost to the Grendel over five decades ago. More recently the Dancer became wildly agitated when the Black Plateau was triggered. In the seasons running up to that ruinous event, the herald was overcome with fits of wild melancholia, interspaced with dizzying bouts of frantic motion in which its tails would writhe and its wing would flash.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sung001b.JPG |title=Picture from Steph Morris|caption=Sung is a winged serpent, with feathers of iridescent hue|align=right|width=350}}
This time, nobody is quite certain exactly what is causing the growing agitation, but it definitely seems to be linked to the matter of the fane. Direct questions to the eternal, (such as those posed by Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River) reveal nothing, but the herald has continued to ask about the fane, and has communicated (the Dancer apparently doesn't communicate with words according to Actius) a growing sense of urgency and distress. There is a strong sense of ''imminence'', that the Spiral Dancer must act soon, lest the hour grow late.

The arbiter hesitates to phrase the Rainbow Dancer's request as a ''demand''. As an experienced politician, he understands just how poorly that is likely to be received by the powers that be at Anvil, but he is at pains to stress that this issue is clearly causing immense frustration for the Rainbow Dancer. Magicians who are experienced at negotiating with the Lady of Mysteries frequently describe her as melodious and charming, serene and captivating. Now, Actius somewhat reluctantly refers to the ''insistence'' of the ''Lord of Illusions'' that the Empire ''must'' act soon, or else it will become too late.

As if to underline the problem, Actius claims that developments in the city mean that the fane will now be more expensive, albeit only by a small amount. They apologise for this change, it is clear they are embarrassed by it, but it is apparently becoming more difficult for the Rainbow Serpent to "hear" the music of Apulian. Actius asks that the [[Oblivion Sentinel]], '''Floria Sunshaper''', take the lead on ensuring that this fane is built to "''bring harmony back to the discordant land''".

Somewhat predictably, this inexplicable response by the eternal has done nothing to quell the concerns of those who doubted the wisdom of building a fane to Sung in Apulian. If anything, it has made things ''worse'' - it's one thing to contemplate allowing the serenely angelic Rainbow Serpent to enfold the city in its scintillating wings, it's another entirely to expose thousands of people to the frustration and anger of the ''Lord of Illusions''. The actions of the Senate, whether deliberate or not, are suddenly starting to look more and more like prescience.

==Further Reading==
* [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] - the City of Nets
* [[Astronomancy]]
* [[Dramaturgy]]
* [[Sung]]

* [[Our eyes in Spiral]] - Companion wind of fortune relating to the efforts of the Vigilance assembly to expose threats in Spiral
* [[Damming the Doubt]] - Companion wind of fortune relating to the plan to dam the River Doubt in Apstrus

A box for a sword

2025-06-11T09:44:15Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Patina found Crown in Five Squares market haggling with an out-of-city minotaur over the price of a bar of green iron. They sighed a little, but quietly so he wouldn't hear. It was nice to have a boss who worked so hard, it boded well for their prospects, and Crown was certainly effusive with his praise. But they simply couldn't see how this was a good use of his time since they got the promotion. Given how much the Circle had paid for them and Crown, if they found out he was in the market place still trying to turn a few rings on some verdant steel, they'd have his guts for gate posts.

"Crown - I've got a response from the City of Chains. You were right - they are interested!"

The taller herald nodded excitedly in their direction to indicate he'd heard them "Nobody goes away empty handed at my stall friend, the iron is good quality so I can go as high as seventeen scourds for that, but not a scourd more."

Patina was forced to stand there for another five minutes, holding a deal in their hands that could be worth hundreds of thrones. This was their ticket to the big time... And instead of focusing on that, Crown was frittering his time away finding a way to part the minotaur from his green iron turning a profit of about... unless they were much mistaken... 2 rings.

Finally the deal was done, and the Minotaur went on his way. "Did you really need to do that deal, Crown?" they asked their boss.

"He had green iron!" said Crown as if confused by the question. "Three ingots... look" and he held the oversized piece up so that they could see it.

"Yes, I see that. Well done." They bit their tongue and handed him the copy of the contract the City of Chains had sent through.

Crown quickly scanned through it. "Ouch... that's a lot of mithril..." he said as his eyes ran down the parchment. "Still, they said they were good for it... I guess we're about to find out..."

"Do you want me to take it through to Anvil?" they asked.

"No, no, I'll take it that's fine. I need to drop off a letter for Bella anyway - about that ring. I'll take it now."

Once he left earshot, Patina sighed again, but audibly this time. What part of having an assistant did Crown find so difficult to understand they wondered?

Oh well, it looked like they'd have the afternoon to relax after-all which would be nice. The Chambers of Correction had got some new double-entry accounts in and apparently there were four errors in them. For a small fee they'd let you spend the afternoon trying to find them. The first three were fairly easy apparently, but the last one was supposed to be a nightmare to find. Hardly anyone had managed it... They'd been dying to give it a go, but had made themself wait until they had the time to really enjoy it.

"Looks like todays the day" they said to themself as they set off for the Chambers. It was good to be successful.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EphisisArt.jpg|caption=The City Gold and Lead is made up of hundreds of interlocking markets and bazaars, and the exchange of goods and services thrums through its streets like a heartbeat.|align=left|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/U79QsyipDJk}}
The [[Ephisis|City of Lead and Gold]] has been increasingly active in the Empire recently. The meetings with hawkers and traders who have sent a [[Ephisis' Scale|box]] of goods to the City to sell have grown in number, and after almost a year it seems the City feel they have learned a lot from the ritual. As a result, one of their heralds, an excitable individual called Crown has been in touch with the civil service at Anvil to let them know of some updated trading terms for the coming season.

That is far from all however. Crown was abroad in Anvil last season, accompanied by a four-armed construct hired as muscle from the Towers of Calx and Coom, they went to a meeting with the Crimson Reapers and their guests in the [[League]] camp. Some of what was discussed there remains a secret, but at least some of it is about to be very very public. When Crown appears to let the civil service know of the additional trading information, they casually happen to pass on a quite extraordinary offer for Vossk, or Urizen, or the Empire, depending on how you look at it.

==The Waning Circle==
* '''The Waning Circle will provide a price for any wains offered by Ephisis' Scale this summit'''
* '''The spot price will fall, the more wains are offered'''

Previously, Crown has operated the trading desk for the ''Street of Grains'', a relatively minor operation in the City that mostly handles small value deals. The Street of Grains do handle larger volumes of goods, and have purchased substantial amount of wains from the Empire in the past, but this is not their typical arrangement, and it is clear that the trade has been straining their finances. Last season they were forced to decline several purchases of high denomination wains, leaving both the herald and their customers disappointed.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|caption=Mithril Bourse certificate|file=mithril.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|caption=White Granite Bourse certificate|file=Whitegranite.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|caption=Weirwood Bourse certificate|file=Weirwood.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
</div>
To everything there is a time, and it would seem that Crown's time is now. The Waning Circle, a much larger and better funded trading house, has taken over the Street of Grain's operations. They appear to have bought the entire establishment, lock, stock, and barrel. Which apparently includes the herald Crown - although in the City of Lead and Gold that apparently counts as a promotion. Crown, it seems, is going up in the realm.

From here on, the Waning Circle will be handling all the business of the Street of Grains, and that includes handling all the Anvil trade in [[white granite]], [[weirwood]], [[mithril]], and [[ilium]]. However, citizens should not expect to be able to make the same profits that they might previously have enjoyed when trading with the City of Lead and Gold. The Waning Circle are well aware that the value of wains is currently falling in the Empire, and the prices they are prepared to offer are quickly falling to match them. Anyone who hopes to make a killing trading with the City of Lead and Gold will need to seal the deal quickly.

At this summit, the Circle are prepared to offer 3 thrones 1 crown for the first few wains of weirwood that they receive. If they are offered more than ten wains of weirwood in total, ''across all the boxes'' then they will reduce their offers to every merchant accordingly. Spot prices for mithril and white granite are currently higher, by almost a throne, but the Circle encourages merchants to move their goods quickly if they wish to take advantage of those offers. Again, the more wains they are offered, the lower their bid will be.

Ilium is a little more complex. It is exceptionally hard to judge the ephemeral price of information, but the Waning Circle are cognisant of the fact that the Empire is about to auction their ilium seats this season. As a result, they won't reveal the spot price for ilium until after next season, when the auction is concluded, for fear that any price signals they give out destroy the delicate equilibrium of the Bourse.

To avoid disappointment, Crown recommends that those traders who are interested in offering their wains to the City of Lead and Gold avoid putting other valuables in the box with the wains. The rules of the Waning Circle only allow one offer to be made for the whole contents of a box, so customers risk losing out on the sale of other assets if they find the price of wains has dropped too far for them to make a profit.

==The Blade of Finest Silver==
* '''Callidus is prepared to offer Vossk of the Concordium of Pallas an army of Autumn mercenaries'''
* '''The offer can only be accepted if the eternal has amity'''
* '''The offer can be authorised by the Imperial Senate only if the army is placed under regular control of the Military Council'''
Vossk of the Concordium of Pallas was one of those present at the Crimson Reaper's business meeting. They asked Crown to investigate the possibility that Urizen might ''buy'' an army from the Autumn realm. Vossk was at pains to stress that there must be no slaves involved, but they would be happy to pay to buy constructs or to hire heralds or mercenaries to fight for the nation. Heads of terms were agreed and Crown promised to liaise with representatives of the various cities in the Autumn realm to see what might be arranged. The City of Lead and Gold do not deal in such matters, but they are more than happy to broker a deal for another great power if that will grease the wheels of commerce and trade.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Argent Sword'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Army</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Wilstone, Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 300 mithril, 900 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 50 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 2 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Summer Solstice 387YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* The army can only be raised and can only benefit from any form of resupply while Callidus has amity
* The army can only be enchanted with Autumn enchantments
</table></div>
Having broached the proposal with representatives of the various cities, Crown is sorry to report that the [[Basileia|City of Locks]], the [[Estavus|Towers of Calx and Coom]], the [[Lictors|Green Iron Gaol]], the [[Realm#Autumn_Eternals|City of Salt and Sail]], and the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] have all declined to take up the invitation to bid at this time. However the [[Callidus|Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains]] ''is'' prepared to make an offer. The cost is not cheap, but of course few things that are truly valuable ever are.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|caption=The City of Chains cannot provide an entire army by itself - but Callidus can always find inhabitants of the Autumn realm ready to fight for money.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Prince of the Argent Tontine is prepared to raise an army of mercenaries from the Autumn realm to fight under an Urizen banner. Such an army does come with some drawbacks. The Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains simply cannot provision the number of heralds needed unless Callidus has easy access to the Empire. That would mean that the army cannot be raised unless Callidus has [[alignment#amity|amity]] and it cannot benefit from any form of resupply, natural or otherwise, unless the eternal is under amity that season. Should Callidus be placed under [[alignment#enmity|enmity]], there may be some legal complications, but given the mercenaries are not from any one city, unless the Conclave places a significant number of Autumn eternals under enmity the army will still operate. When questioned about potential legal implications of an army whose provider was under enmity, the magistrates said "that sounds quite tricky; we would consult with the Autumn archmage if that came up."

The other drawback is that the army could not be enchanted with magic from a foreign realm - only Autumn rituals could be cast on the army. If Urizen attempted to make the army march to war under an enchantment from a different realm, it would break the terms of the contract.

The army would be seasoned soldiers - minotaurs from the City of Locks, gang members from the City of Bridges, that sort of thing. They would be as tough in a fight as any Imperial soldier, and with an eye for any opportunity for profit they would be capable of taking the [[Army_qualities#Foraging|plunder order]].

Callidus' offer can only be accepted if the [[Imperial Conclave]] choose to grant the eternal amity. It would need an appropriately worded Senate motion to authorise the deal, and the army would have to be placed under the control of the Military Council with an Urizeni general picked through constitutional means. Imperial law does not allow individual citizens to raise their own armies beyond leading a military unit.

Vossk also enquired about the possibility of being able to buy one of the boxes that Crown used to convey the purchased enchantment stolen from the Wolves of War to its new home. Crown regrets to inform the Urizeni that such a thing is not possible at this time. He does not expand on why, simply that it can't be done at the moment.

===Raiders===
* '''Can use the ''plunder'' order when [[army orders#Attacking|attacking]]'''
* '''Other Descriptors: Forager, Scavenger, Snaffler, Raider, Maggots (derogatory)'''
A ''raiding'' army excels at stripping enemy settlements and casualties of valuables. The [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#The_Red_Wind_Corsairs|Red Wind Corsairs]] were known for their ability to gather resources in enemy territory, prior to their embrace of the idea of ransoming their enemies rather than simply robbing them. Some [[Wintermark]] armies find fighting alongside a foraging army distasteful - the deeply ingrained cultural dislike for "[[Wintermark_economic_interests#Maggot|maggots]]" is well known.
<box>'''Plunder'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are reduced by one tenth.'''
* '''The ability of this army to capture territory is reduced by one tenth.'''
* '''The army generates wealth based on the number of victory points generated.'''
The army concentrates on looting enemy forces. They launch attacks intended to capture baggage trains and other financial objectives. They focus on capturing [[mine|mines]], [[forest|forest preserves]], [[farm|farms]], [[business|businesses]], [[mana site|mana sites]] and [[herb garden|herb gardens]]. A portion of this bounty in the form of [[Game items#Coins|money]], [[Potion#Herbs|herbs]], [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|crystal mana]], crafting [[materials]] and potentially even rare materials such as weirwood, mithril or white granite are claimed by the army general.</box>

===The Value of a Circle===
* '''The City of Lead and Gold are prepared to offer an alternative payment plan for Callidus army'''
* '''If the Empire cedes the Canterspire Circle to Ephisis, then the eternal will pay the entire upkeep of the army'''
Never one to miss an opportunity for profit, Crown has one small alteration to the proposal that the Empire could consider. Instead of ''paying'' the upkeep of the Argent Sword, the City of Lead and Gold would pay the sellswords wages instead. That would reduce the effective upkeep of the army to zero.

Of course the City of Lead and Gold would need to profit by these arrangements... their price for getting them involved in the deal would be to take a rolling lease on the [[Canterspire Circle]]. Each season, the city would take all the weirwood from the Circle, and pay any upkeep of the Bourse resource. In return, they would pay the wages of the army. The City gets Imperial weirwood cheap, the Empire gets a cheap army.

There are sadly, some constitutional problems with the arrangement. It wouldn't be constitutional for the Senate to lease the Bourse resource to the City of Lead and Gold, but they could [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|cede]] Canterspire to the City. Crown is more than happy to accept that arrangement with the clear understanding that the City would cede the Circle back to the Empire at any point that the deal needed to be terminated for any reason. They are more than happy to be bound by the [[Lictors]] on this point, but Crown points out it would be unthinkable for the City to deliberately break a contract, plus they would have to hire expensive armies from other cities to try and defend it since they have no [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Guardians|soldiers]] of their own.

The arrangement would need to include a clause by which either side could terminate the arrangements with a season's notice. The City has no interest in owning a weirwood grove that is threatened by some foreign power, since they can't defend it. If that happened, from either side, the contract would end. In the following season the Empire would have to begin paying the upkeep of the Argent Sword or else see the army to disband and return to the Autumn realm.

Obviously if the Senate did cede the Canterspire Circle to the City of Gold and Lead, the civil service would return the appropriate portion of the money paid for the seat by '''Arlais of The Silent Tide''', depending on how many seasons of production they would lose.

==The Price of an Architect==
* '''Delora of the Brass Coast and Arlais of Highguard enquired after the cost of a fortification built by the Autumn realm'''
* '''The City of Lead and Gold cannot profitably fulfil this request at this time, but the copy of Immaculate Architect that they offered is for sale at a price of 77 rings of ilium'''
* '''An opportunity to acquire the ritual text can be purchased by any character placing 77 rings of ilium in an Ephisis Box'''

Two of the representatives at the meeting enquired after about the possibility of paying the Autumn realm to construct, or help them construct fortifications in Highguard and the Brass Coast. Crown confirmed that such a thing might be possible, but thus far they have been unable to find a way to make the deal profitable. The problem is that the Empire can already commission a fortification - they don't need the help of the Autumn realm. The realm could certainly build a fortification in the Empire if they were paid to do so, but it would require just as much white granite as a normal fortification or citadel and the labour costs would be much higher as workers would have to travel to the mortal world from the Autumn realm. Under those conditions, Crown is struggling to understand why this offer would be any use to the Empire.

However, the City does have a way to help all sides profit from this need. Arlais asked about the ritual text for the ''Immaculate Architect'' that was [[Hammers_and_boxes#High_Value_Trade|one of the offers made for the enchantment on the Wolves of War]]. This powerful ritual was originally codified by [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish magicians]] centuries ago but Imperial magicians were able to obtain a copy of the ritual for a while. Sadly it ended up in the possession of the [[Thule]] who point blank refused to return it. The buyer that wanted to purchase the enchantment still has the ritual text - and it is still for sale - at a price of 77 rings of ilium. The City of Lead and Gold will offer the ritual text to the first citizen to send this much ilium to the city via Ephisis' Scale at this summit.

==Cows and Silence==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Vermilion pigment.jpg|caption=The Silent Market has been retained by an unknown client to offer rare magical spice in return for Marcher cattle.|align=right|width=350}}</div>
* '''The Silent Market are interested in acquiring cow bonds for a client in the east'''
* '''They are offering a dram of rare magical spice for each cow bond, delivered for the Summer Solstice'''
The brokers of the Silent Market present a specific deal this season. They are aware of the [[High hopes|cattle drive]] taking place in [[the Marches]] and have been retained by a foreign client with significant resources and an interest in fine dining. The other brokers of the City of Gold and Lead are disinterested in acquiring Imperial beef-on-the-hoof, so this foreign client appears to be the best bet for anyone intending to submit some of the cow bonds in an Ephisis box.

The foreign epicure has made arrangements to take ownership of Imperial cattle and move them out of the Empire across the eastern seas. The client has given instructions to pay not in Imperial money, but in a rare spice unavailable to Imperial chefs. ''Vermillion Heart'', when added to a hot beverage or a cooked meal, enhances the natural flavours of the dish to a remarkable degree. If the food or drink is consumed by a [[magical skills#Magician|magician]] in a relaxed environment where they have time to enjoy the experience, the spice restores their reserves of personal mana - as well as giving them a fine flavourful experience. The spice is of no use on a battlefield, but obviously valuable to cooks, chefs, and those who enjoy the finer things in life.

The Silent Market are instructed to offer a dram of Vermillion Heart for each cattle bond, delivered prior to the Summer Solstice.

==Further Reading==
* [[Ephisis' Scale]]
* [[High hopes]] - wind of fortune discussing "cow wains"

A bridge too far

2025-06-09T18:10:26Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"Look, it's a military objective - there's nothing ''you'' can do. Just give them what you've got and be done with it. They can invade Skallahn or Hordalant and then destroy the thing. the Senate can't expect you to work magic - this is a job for our generals. If there was a way we could appraise "make the Jotun lose" then we'd have done that years ago..."

Graciana smiled and shook her head at her colleague. It wasn't that Vaanya was wrong exactly, but she couldn't bear the thought of giving up. In fact everything they had just said was true. This ''was'' a straightforward military objective. She'd checked and rechecked every option and there was no way this could be done without amassing a massive force.

No eternal was going to help them do this, or least not any that were safe to talk to. She's briefly contemplated the idea of trying to find a way to get Whitefire to attack the causeway. It was not her area of expertise, so she'd asked Lutomysla for help and that had led to having to explain herself in a meeting in La Salle's office. New rules... apparently you weren't even allowed to ''check'' if it might be possible to use Cold Sun to help. You can't make an omelette she'd told La Salle... from his expression she thought he was about to forbid her from any cooking at all.

The other possibility would be the Asaveans. Or the Grendel. Either of them could definitely have pulled this off. She'd spent weeks working on that dead end, but it had been impossible to come up with anything that might work. Every line of enquiry she and her team had looked into ended with "And then the Grendel tell the Jotun everything we're planning..." so that was the end of that.

No. Any solution was going to need the Empire's generals. If the Empire wanted to destroy the Kongegőr they were going to need to attack it with armies. But that didn't mean she was about to give up.

"If the Military Council believed they could do this without our help, they wouldn't have called for this appraisal." she said. "I ''need'' to find some other way to achieve this. Something nobody has thought of yet."

Now it was Vaanya's turn to laugh. "Right, you ''need'' it. That's what this is really about. You can't bear the thought of telling the Senate that they explicitly asked for you by name and after three months you've got ''nothing''. Is that Ambition or Wisdom... or just your Pride talking? What are you going to do if there just isn't a way?"

Vaanya was a brilliant auditor; the merrow was famous for their cavernous knowledge of the Empire's assets. At Graciana's request they had combed through every aging manuscript that detailed the Empire's existing assets looking for anything that might help. She had to accept Vaanya's claim that maybe they couldn't find a way because there just wasn't one. And that moment was when the ring finally dropped... what if the Empire hadn't finished building what they needed yet?

"Then I'll make one..." she said, grinning from ear to ear.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bridges Too Far.png|align=left|caption=The Kongegőr provides a vital connection between the Jotun kingdoms of the north and south; if it were to be severed it would massively disrupt the western barbarians' ability to make war against the Empire.|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/zJQoPyGZaAE}}
The [[Imperial Senate]] has [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Destroying_the_Kongegőr|instructed Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to [[Appraisal|appraise]] the destruction of [[Skallahn#The_Kongegőr|The Kongegőr]] - the narrow strip of land that connects the [[Jotun]] territories of [[Skallahn]] and [[Hordalant]]. The bridge was [[Take it further|attacked by an Imperial raid]] in 384YE, and the resulting damage badly upset the Jotun military effort. Clearly, if the bridge could be destroyed it would severely hamper the cooperation between the Jotun kingdoms of Kalsea and Narkyst and disrupt the Jotun war efforts against the Empire.

The problem is that the Kongegőr is a sprawling array of islands that spans the gap between [[Skallahn#Keirheim|Keirheim]] and [[Hordalant#Alsterbo|Alsterbo]] at the mouth of the Gullet. Many of the islands are tiny, little more than a speck of rock jutting out of the dangerous waters. But they vary in size and the largest are several miles across. Destroying them is out of the question - it's simply not something that could ever be possible.

But the benefit of the Kongegőr is the bridges that the Jotun have built to link the chain together, allowing armies to march back and forth. The Jotun are notoriously averse to deep water, they effectively maintain no [[Imperial navy|navies]] or fleets. They do have thralls who work fishing vessels and small boats to move cargo on rivers and in shallow waters, but no Jotun would ever want to sail across the Gullet. If the ''bridges'' could be destroyed, it would make it impossible for the Jotun to move armies back and forth between Narkyst and Kalsea, at least until they could be replaced.

Of course the Jotun know that... which is why they went to considerable effort to fortify the Kongegőr after the Empire [[Under_heaven#Gauntlet_and_Sentinel|attacked the bridges last time]]...

==A Novel Reprise==
* '''The Empire attacked the causeway once before using fleets and military units'''
* '''The Jotun fortified the Kongegőr after the attack, to make it impossible for the Empire to repeat the stratagem'''

The last time the Empire attacked the Kongegőr, they caught the Jotun unprepared and took them by surprise. Acting in concert, scores of fleets and military units carried out a [[Take_it_further|meticulously planned raid]] that overwhelmed the Jotun defences, and allowed the Empire to inflict considerable damage. It took a huge effort, and while it's easy to hope that the Empire might be able to repeat that success, the reality is that it was only possible the first time because the Jotun had no idea the Empire could pull off such a feat.

The Empire has never managed to bring such a significant military force to bear at the mouth of the Gullet before and so the attack took the orcs completely surprise. Afterwards, the Jotun needed the best part of a year to rebuild the Kongegőr and the work needed a small fortune in white granite and weirwood. The jarls are not so foolish as to invest all that time and money, only to leave the passage as vulnerable as it was before. If the Empire had attacked it once, why wouldn't they do so again.

When they rebuilt the bridges of the Kongegőr they massively fortified the islands as they went. Having learned exactly what the Empire was capable of, the Jotun made sure to build the new defences strong enough that there was no way that the same attack could ever work again.

In Graciana's view the answer is simple. If the Empire is serious about wanting to repeat the success of that first raid they'll just have to find a way to up the ante. The nail might be too heavily fortified for a force onboard fleets to attack it... but that just means the Empire will have to find a bigger hammer.

==Brute Force==
* '''The obvious way to destroy the Kongegőr is to control one end of the chain'''
* '''The Empire would need an army in full control of Alsterbo in Hordalant or Bjarkey in Skallahn'''

The Kongegőr is an important military structure and destroying it will require the concerted efforts of at least one Imperial army. There is no way round that, nothing that Graciana can come up with avoids that need. But even that would require some careful strategic manoeuvring by the Empire. They would need an army in full control of one of the two regions that anchor the Kongegőr. That army could then be given direct orders to destroy the bridges and provided they weren't pushed out of the territory by an enemy counter-attack, then they could complete the work in a season.

While that sounds simple, it would be no mean feat. There is a fortification at either end of the Kongegőr, presumably because the Jotun are well aware of just how important it is to control this narrow spur of islands. In the south in [[Hordalant#Alsterbo|Alsterbo]] in Hordalant, there is a small fortification at the coastal town of Dalvi that would directly protect the region. There is also a second, larger fortification in the territory. The [[Hordalant#The_Palaces_of_the_Eternals|Fortress of the Pale Queen]] in [[Hordalant#Ashahon|Ashahon]] is a rank two fortification which has important cultural significance to the Jotun. Both these defensive structures would make it hard for the Empire to capture Alsterbo, never mind the fact that to even reach Hordalant, the Empire would first have to find a way through [[Liathaven]] or [[Bregasland]], both of which are now in Jotun hands. It's also worth, perhaps, bearing in mind that the Empire has little up to date information about Hordalant - the [[spy network]] that provided the initial assessment of the territory is several years old at this point. While Imperial [[divination]] magic can provide valuable military information it is not effective at providing the kind of ground-level assessment that might prove crucial to an extended military campaign.

In the north, [[Skallahn#Bjarkey|Bjarkey]] in Skallahn looks an easier prospect on the face of it. The territory is adjacent to Sermersuaq which is firmly under Imperial control. To reach Bjarkey, Imperial armies would have to seize [[Hordalant#Greenwall|Greenwall]] first, but in theory that could be done in a single season. However, like Hordalant, Skallahn is also heavily fortified. The [[Skallahn#Walls_of_Kierheim|walls of Keirheim]] protect the town, the seat of power of the Jarl of Keirheim. They are a level two fortification located in Bjarkey, near the strategically vital causeway. There is a [[Skallahn#Ulfrsborg|second fortification]], a smaller one, in nearby Ulfsmoor that would also help with any defence of the territory.

To be certain of destroying the Kongegőr, the Empire would need full control of Bjarkey or Alsterbo at the start of the campaigning season and have an [[Imperial army]] present in the [[Territory#Regions|region]] issued with [[Army_orders#Attacking|attacking orders]] to destroy the bridges. Provided the Empire still controlled at least one small part of the region and had at least one attacking army left in the [[territory]] by the end in the season then the bridges could be completely destroyed. If they were driven off, then there might still be a hope that the Empire could damage the Kongegőr - such a thing is exactly the kind of strategic objective that the [[Sentinel Gate]] has thrown up in the past. But the Gate is controlled by fate, so there is no possible way for anyone, not even the Empire's best prognosticator, to predict that.

==Brewing Up A Storm==
{{CaptionedImage|file=RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}
* '''The Red Wind Corsairs are about to complete the ability to launch forays into the Bay of Catazar'''
* '''If the Marcher ''and'' Wintermark assemblies urged their fleets to support the 'Corsairs then the army could launch a foray from the Gullet'''
* '''It would be very dangerous, but the army could move to seize the Kongegőr for long enough to burn it'''
There is one other option the Empire could take. It's risky, but it might provide a way to take the Kongegőr without invading the Jotun lands first by taking advantage of an [[appraisal]] that Graciana worked on almost a year ago.

In Winter 385YE, the prognosticator was [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Fleets_in_the_Bay_of_Catazar|asked to find a way that Imperial fleets could disrupt Grendel activities in the Bay of Catazar]]. If the Empire were seeking for a way to pit the Empire's fleets against the Grendel navies without going to the expense of building a navy of their own they were disappointed. Graciana was able to definitively conclude that there was one way, and only one way, to do that. To bring force to bear on that scale in the Bay of Catazar, the Empire would have to have launch a navy of their own.

However Graciana was able to identify [[An_angry_blade#Speak_At_This|an opportunity for the Red Wind Corsairs to put to sea]]. Her proposal was to build some powerful warships on the Bay that would upgrade the capabilities of the army, allowing it to use the ships to put to sea. The proposal was expensive, but the versatility it would provide was invaluable and Work began immediately after the Autumn Equinox. Rather conveniently, the work is due to be complete by the time of the coming summit.

As the author of the original plan, Graciana is well aware that the Storm will only be able to put to sea in the Bay of Catazar. They need the support of the assorted corsair families that inhabit the Brass Coast to help them pull off this feat. But that limitation is only one of logistics and supply - with the right support from local fleets, the Corsairs could theoretically pull off the feat elsewhere. The [[Wintermark]] and [[the Marches|Marcher]] assemblies could use a mandate to urge their nations to do exactly that.

{{Mandate|mandate=Consequences are the price of Ambition. We send {named priest} with 25 liao to urge fleet owners to put their ships to work supporting the Red Wind Corsairs. It will be costly, but no price is too high to realise your dreams.|assembly=Marcher and Wintermark Assemblies}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}
If this mandate were enacted in either assembly, it would create a [[Voyage#Raiding_Voyages|raiding voyage]] for the next year '''Assault the Kongegőr'''. The action would provide no returns, there is no wealth to be had from attacking the Kongegőr, so the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] would have to consider whether to apply the [[Fleet#Guerdon shares|guerdon]] to it. The voyage would only be eligible to the Marchers and the folk of Wintermark - and only if each of their assemblies enacted the mandate. Fleets from further afield would simply be too far away to provide the assistance the Red Wind Corsairs need to set sail.

Once the mandate was done, the Red Wind Corsairs would need to move to be in a position to give the "Take to the Sea" action in either Mitwold, Kallavesa, or Bregasland. In the ''same season the Corsairs performed this action'', they would need the support of at least five thousand points worth of fleets, otherwise the action would fail. There aren't that many fleets in the Marchers, not even close, but Wintermark has at least twice that many at present. If the 'Corsairs had enough support they would convert to a navy based in the Westmere; if they didn't then they would default to solid defence and would need to either try again next season or abandon the attempt.

If successful, the Red Wind Corsairs could then launch a shore offensive directly attacking the coastal region of Alsterbo in Hordalant. The Jotun have built up their defences to stop military units and fleets attacking the causeway, but they won't be expecting a navy to try and circumvent them. It would be very dangerous, the Corsairs would need to capture the region to be in a position to destroy the bridges in the following season.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wintermark.png|align=right|width=200}}
Given the scale of the defences, it would be wise for the Empire to consider committing a second army to the attack (the Red Wind Corsairs could carry a second army with them on the ships). The attack would also benefit from enchantments on the forces in question and on any fleets assigned to support the attack.

It would be a challenging logistical exercise to get everyone to move together at the right time, but it's far from impossible. Graciana advises caution however as the Jotun are likely to counter-attack in force the following season if they can. So unless the attack is part of a carefully spearheaded invasion, a lot of effort will be needed to protect the Red Wind Corsairs and whatever army has accompanied them while they destroy the Kongegőr in the following season. Otherwise they risk being forced back out to sea - or even destroyed - and the attack will be for nothing.

==Further Reading==
* [[Skallahn]]
* [[Hordalant]]
* [[Under heaven]] - 384YE Autumn wind of war about the raid on Skallahn
* [[Take it further]] - 384YE Summer wind of fortune detailing plans for a raid on Skallahn

To hold death's hand in mine

2025-06-09T11:40:16Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Path of Thorns.png|caption=There are beacons along the road for those who must seek sanctuary elsewhere, and flames burning in the darkness for those who will not retreat.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Blood and Roots==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_2SY9QQpS8}}
The Imperial armies, and their allies from the [[Great Forest Orcs]] were forced to retreat into [[the Barrens]]. The Navarr feel the loss of [[Isaella's Dance]] especially keenly. For the first time since they committed to destroy the [[vallorn]], the spirit of the nation stumbles. The surviving soldiers of the [[Black Thorns]] feel the loss particularly keenly. They watch the southern borders of the Barrens, eager to welcome survivors from the 'Dance until the very last moment when they must [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Military_Council_orders#Black_Thorns|march west]] to resupply in [[Reikos]]. Their hope fails quickly; barely a handful of survivors make it to the Barrens after the Winter Solstice. The wound of grief goes unannealed, [[Under_eastern_skies#Objective:_Braid_the_Peoples|without solace]], and it may take a long time to heal.

The scattered rumours emerging from East Ring speak of carnage. The walking dead, the undying remnants of the [[Iron Helms]], continue to feast on the warriors of the Druj. They rip and tear into the orcs of the Mallum, but their fury is ultimately [[Under_eastern_skies#Black_Miracles_(Battle_Opportunity)|unbound and undirected]]. As the weeks pass, it is clear that the [[Quickening Cold Meat|winter spirits]] bound to the shattered army are gaining the upper hand. Whatever remnant of the former soldiers of Varushka still remained within the ghouls is droned out by the indiscriminate hunger rages within them. They are drawn equally to the splintered remnants of the Imperial armies and the isolated [[steading|steadings]] that have so far avoided the attention of the invaders.

Nothing stands between the folk of western Therunin and the orcs of [[the Mallum]]. As the Druj march, word begins to spread that the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|priests of the National Assembly]] urge their people to flee. Therunin is lost, they say. No [[Imperial army|Imperial armies]] are coming to protect it. Those who stand and fight will have no support, although their [[courage]] is recognised. Those who flee should seek to carry the lore of [[Therunin#Peakedge Stead|Peakedge Stead]] with them to the wider Empire.

It is difficult for many of those who call Therunin their home to hear these words. Similar assurances were made about [[Liathaven]] as well, yet years have passed and still the western forests remain solidly under the control of the Jotun. The enemy have built new settlements there, they have even chosen to rename the territory Ashvale. Why should anyone believe that Therunin will be any different? The words of the assembly fall like the grim knell of doom on the ears of those who hear them. So many sacrifices made, and still the [[Imperial Military Council]] cannot justify protecting the people of Therunin.
<fourpicture>
{{SOPInner|statement=The Empire armies march west, leaving Therunin alone in hand of the Druj. Those who can fight and choose to - bear arms. Those who cannot should seek sanctuary amongst our neighbours and find safety in our wayhouses. Land can be reclaimed - our people cannot! Survival is not cowardice, it is loyalty to the future. We will one day seize back. Help Thornsong and House of Healing carry their work to safety, let the knowledge and legacy of Therunin outlast the Druj's grasp. We will not all what happened in Liathaven to happen here. We are the shield, the thorn and the song that will not die. You cannot abandon who you are - and we are Therunin!|by=Travid Longest Path, Navarr National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (331-0)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|size=small}}
{{SOPInner|statement=Fear blooms in Therunin, but our kin remain! Our hearths roar outside the Druj's grasp, open to any Great Forest Orc. We offer them to resettle out of danger, and protect the young, old and weak through to Hercynia, Miaren and Brocéliande. We are grateful to deep Loyalty forged in blood. May the Spear of Pines rise as saplings again..|by=Brynmor Rootround, Navarr National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (332-10)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|size=small}}
{{SOPInner|statement=Sacrifice is the soul, heart and blood of Navarr. We bleed, grieve and stand tall for the choices we make. But we are not the only ones who sacrifice, with the nation of Varushka losing its children for Therunin. Alderai the Fair and all warriors of the Iron Helms sacrificed all. We honour their sacrifice and welcome all who stood with us to our hearths forever. In sacrifice we grieve, in courage we remember.|by=Rhisiart Dancewalker, Navarr National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (289-0)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|size=small}}
{{SOPInner|statement=Citizens of Therunin, hear your guides. The Druj have come. If you cannot fight, seek immediate refuge with our Imperial neighbours. Highguard, Urizen, and Dawn have thrown their doors open for us. If you can fight, stay and harass the druj with stealth, ambush and the arts of guerilla warfare we are so adept at. All refuge offered to Navarri is extended to our oathsworn siblings of the Great Forest Orcs, bound in blood and ink as we are.|by=Raewyn Eternal, Navarr National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (336-0)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|size=small}}
</fourpicture>

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Raised by Redoubt, Seconded by Miekarova">To instruct the Imperial Apothecaries Guild to coordinate the distribution and application of the recently discovered antidote to the Druj poison affecting the Lower Tarn Valley in Therunin. The antidote shall be shared with all Imperial apothecaries, and the Guild shall oversee its use to cleanse the land and undo the Druj's lingering malice.</quote></div>
==Through the Valley==
The words of the Assembly are not welcome, but some choose to heed them nonetheless, especially in the Tarn Valley. The waters of the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Valley]] are [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|tainted now]], corrupted by the effluent from ''Sephal's Cauldron''. The threat of the Druj is immediate; the bulk of the invading forces are still in Eastring and East Ashes and while their armies may be delayed fighting the ravening remnant of the Iron Helms their raiders still strike westward into the Valley.

Some of the people of the Lower Valley have already fled north into the Barrens, to the welcoming [[The_Barrens#Heart_of_Peytaht|Eaves of Peytaht]]. The last of the Great Forest Orc villages and proto-steadings are emptied. As they depart, the orcs invite their neighbours to come with them, to seek the safety of the weirwood groves. The children of the Great Forest know what it is like to lose their homes to the malice of the Druj. Others – orc and human alike – flee up to the [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley|Upper Valley]]. Some join the defence of the steadings there, others press on toward Peakedge Song.

Where the Navarr and their friends flee west, they are perhaps surprised to find people travelling in the opposite direction. The [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] has established the first [[Imperial sodality|true sodality]] of the new era, the [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Create_Imperial_Apothecaries'_Guild|Imperial Apothecaries' Guild]]. Thanks in part to the [[Wasp_nest#Isolating_an_Antidote|support of Highguard]], an antidote to the poison of the Lower Valley has been found, and these masters of herb lore from many nations have been [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild_to_Therunin|charged with]] putting it to good use.

Or at least that is the plan. Once it becomes clear that the assemblies are urging everyone to flee Therunin, the plan is forced to change. If there had been any Imperial presence in Therunin, or the Druj hadn't decided to advance, then it might have been possible to begin the work of clearing the poison. Instead, it is clear that it would be madness to attempt to enter the Lower Valley in force - any apothecaries who made the attempt would quickly fall victim to the depredations of the Druj. They would be murdered or, more likely, enslaved, if the Druj discovered they were skilled apothecaries. Either way, their lives would be forfeit - and it would achieve nothing.

Instead, the majority of the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] set to work helping the refugees, providing much-needed medical assistance to those who have been injured. Many move to bolster the defences of the Upper Tarn, or turn back entirely to help evacuate [[Therunin#Peakedge Song|Peakedge Song]]. In many ways the Empire has been fortunate - the efforts of the Imperial Apothecaries' Guild have still cost the Senate ten thrones, but the leadership and direction of the sodality has prevented the outcome from being much worse.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj2.jpg|caption=The pack-hunting Razor Skink is the symbol of the chikad, elite skirmishers and clever tacticians, adept at harassing and slowing much larger forces.|align=left|width=200}}</div>
==A Ravening Flood==
There is no doubt they have made the wise decision. The last of those prepared to quit the Lower Tarn have barely crossed the border before the ravening storm breaks. Uncountable thousands of Druj warriors spill out of East Ashes and Eastring, tearing through the defenders who remained behind. The Black Wind are in the vanguard, many bearing torn banners of the Iron Helms and Isaella's Dance, or wielding weapons taken from slaughtered soldiers who never left the eastern regions. The “true” Druj are close behind them, their own standards fluttering in the midwinter winds. Wicked scorpions; pale ants; sickly yellow serpents; crimson lizards with ivory horns and talons patterned with blood; the burning beetles; and everywhere the twining brambles of the Thorn Born.

The Lower Tarn Valley falls swiftly, the remaining steadings offering little resistance to the force that washes over them. Yet the Druj armies seem to want to spend as little time as possible there – they may have their own antidotes to the corruption of Sephal's Cauldron, but the poison that seeped into the ground still costs them. They do not delay, do not divert their forces to all the distant corners of the marshy valley. Only the Thorn Born seem to make a point of seeking out the defenders of the eastern valleys, relishing every opportunity to smash a steading or put a former Great Forest Orc village to the torch. The bulk of the invading force pushes through quickly, following the refugees to the Upper Tarn Valley.

Even the Black Wind seem more interested in conquest than in tormenting the Navarr, always pushing forwards rather than pausing to make an example of those crushed in their wake.

Very few Navarr who face the Druj survive the experience, but their focus does not make them any less terrible. Anyone in the path of the armies is either slaughtered without mercy, or enslaved by the [[Arkad#Chikad|chikad]] of the Red Lizard who follow close behind the other armies. They are especially eager to drag the herbmasters and apothecaries of Navarr back to the Mallum – just as well the Apothecaries' Guild chose the wiser course. Most of those who fall into the hands of the Druj slavers choose to accept the [[Kaela#The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gift of Kaela]] rather than the collar and the lash. After all they know that nobody is coming to save them any time soon. Better to seek the Labyrinth than to become a slave of the Druj. It is no doubt a source of fury for the Red Lizard, for all the good that does those left with no choice but the nature of their deaths.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Pride.png|caption=Some of the defenders believe that their sacrifice might turn the tide, stop the invaders before they can reach Peakedge Song...|align=left|width=200}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Courage.png|caption=...but others know that the best they can do is, perhaps, to delay the Druj long enough to let their fellows escape.|align=left|width=200}}</div>
==Pride and Courage==
The defenders of the Upper Tarn Valley believe themselves ready for what is to come. Resolute, those who have chosen to stay and fight prepare themselves to meet the advance of the Druj. [[Apothecary_Potions#Bloodharrow_Philtre|Bloodharrow Philtre]] flows like water, thanks to the presence of the Apothecaries Guild, and any who want it can secure a flask or two of one of the [[Legacy of Thorns|Legacies of Thorns]]. Their numbers are further reinforced by a scattering of healers from the [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]], and a handful of [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], ready with words of [[heal|healing]] and [[purify|purification]].

Only a scant few of those who have remained behind to fight believe they might halt the invaders' advance. Have they not faced the vallorn for centuries, and turned it back every time? Even there, though, many must know in their hearts that their task is impossible. The Druj are a very different enemy to the vallorn; cunning, cruel, wicked.

Most of the defenders know that the best they can hope for is to delay, to buy more time for those who choose to evacuate to do so. There is a sorrowful [[pride]] in many of those who would not flee. Knowing they are prepared to lay down their lives for their family, for their homes, some find that all those little distractions of day-to-day life drop away bringing with them a bittersweet clarity.

The sacrifice of those who remained behind to garrison the steadings of Upper Valley buys only a few hours. The blighted armies roll over the defenders like a tidal wave, shattering the defences of anyone who lies in their path westward. But each moment they are delayed is precious, granting those Navarr who have heeded the call to abandon their homeland the breath they need to flee.

As in the Lower Tarn, they waste comparatively little time consolidating their hold on the region. Some of the steadings do not see a single orc through the entire campaign. It seems the eyes of the Druj armies are on sweeter fruit.
==Song Into Silence==
The Druj come, then, to Peakedge Song. Here, their advance slows slightly as they encounter the [[Army_qualities#Engineer|swiftly assembled fortifications]] raised by the [[Towerjacks]]. Unfortunately, the embankments and ditches, the pallisades and spikes laid down to defend the region have lost much of their effectiveness since [[the League]] engineers left for [[Redoubt]].

Only once, years ago, have the orcs of the Mallum tried to lay siege to Peakedge Stead. The conquerors of [[Reikos]], trapped between the [[Great Forest of Peytaht]] and Imperial armies, sought to [[378YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#A_whisper_of_magic|escape through Therunin to the Barrens]]. They were pushed back into the killing ground of Highguard by the armies of Navarr and the [[Granite Pillar]]. They did not come close to achieving a foothold, and were ultimately forced to flee north to escape Reikos, paying a terrible price for doing so.

This time, though, things are very different. This is not a beleaguered and battered force of Druj on their last legs but a grand host of spears and arrows, merciless fangs and cruel claws. Peakedge Stead is a powerful and enduring symbol of hope for many Navarr; a place of healing and gentleness, a quiet contrast to the terrible battle they fight against the vallorn. It is a symbol of cooperation, of bringing together, where Navarr, Highguard, and the Great Forest Orcs all worked to preserve life and bring succor to those who cannot be saved. It is where [[Ossegrahn|Tarnfather's]] [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]] stand, and where the great college of the apothecary arts [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]], was established.

The college, at least, is safe for now. Barely a day after the Winter Solstice, as night fell, a wall of impenetrable fog wrapped itself around the college grounds hiding them from sight. The wall remains, warding the entirety of the House. Coils of mist form and shift, giving the impression of great thorn-wrapped brambles wrapped around the hidden buildings. Those who dare to venture within are confused and glamoured, unable to find anything within, to the frustration of the invaders from the Mallum. Some of the staff departed as the wards started to rise, but many more remain within. They protect their stores of lore, and by all accounts have enough supplies to last a year. They will wait for the Imperial armies to free Therunin, protected from any danger that might seek to harm them – but hidden also from those allies who might seek to help them.

The Druj beat against the League defences, drawing closer and closer to Peakedge Stead. Many desperate counsels are held, and a significant portion of those who call the steading their home choose to accept the offer of sanctuary in [[Reikos#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]] to the west. Those patients able to make the punishing journey with the Druj at their back do so, but there are more who cannot move, who would not survive the exhausting flight to Reikos. Some of those who tend them, the [[vine|vines]] and [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]], apothecaries and magician-healers, refuse to leave their patients behind. Humans and orcs alike refuse to flee, doing their best to reinforce the walls of the great hospital-steading. There is hope that the Druj advance might have spent itself in conquering the Tarn Valley, and against the Towerjacks' defences.
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rain drops (Unsplash).jpg|caption=As the sun rises of the last day, rain begins to fall across Peakedge Song.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Rainfall==
It is a vain hope. The Druj armies do not stop, closing on Peakedge Stead. The drums of war batter and beat in the nights, and the first torches appear through the woods a little less than a month before the Spring Equinox. There will be no [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Welcoming|Welcoming]] this year at Peakedge Stead for the first time in two hundred years or more. There is a bitter argument about whether it might be best to fire the steading, to stop the herb gardens and stocks of medicine falling into the hands of the Druj, but the defenders refuse to give in to despair even though defeat seems inevitable.

As the sun rises on the last day, a soft, sweet rain begins to fall. Where the raindrops strike soil, yellow and white and pale lavender spring flowers bloom. The Druj pause, uncertain – but no more confused than the defenders of Peakedge Stead. Then, with a noise like thunder, the spring that rises in the heart of the Houses of Healing just outside the steading explodes. A waterspout sixty feet high rises over the trees. Water flows down toward Peakedge Stead, streams dancing and coiling around each other joyously, like living things. Within minutes, the streams have become a river – a moat around the hospital and the Houses of Healing. Then, as the Druj launch their first volley of arrows against the defenders, the ground explodes.

Brambles erupt from the wet soil where the flowers bloomed, each as thick as a person around. They rise like serpents, weaving themselves together, with vicious thorns facing toward the Druj armies. They spread outward, as well as upward, creating an impassable barrier around Peakedge Stead, a thicket of impenetrable greenery.

At the same time, heralds of Ossegrahn emerge from the [[regio]] of the healing house, and move through the defenders with words of support and encouragement. As well as the person-sized heralds the Empire has seen before, there are a dozen massive [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]], quadrupedal creatures of living wood that creak and groan as they walk, flowers exploding in their wake as they move to form a perimeter around the steading and begin to sing – deep, bubbling notes that twine around each other in strange harmony all through the thicket of massive brambles, huge buds emerge and open into beautiful flowers.

The Druj, all their armies, cannot penetrate the wall surrounding Peakedge Stead and the Houses of Healing. Those who try are turned back – hacking at the brambles proves fruitless as the singing guardians simply heal any damage inflicted on the hedge. A few of the servants of the [[Arhallogen|Centipede General]] who often march with the more venomous of the Druj armies manage to find a way through, but the defenders make quick work of them. Peakedge Song falls, but Peakedge Stead stands. For now at least.

There is muted celebration within the walls, but the heralds of ''Father Waterfall'' do not join in. There is a palpable aura of sadness around those who move among the defenders of the steading, and the explanation for their sorrow soon puts paid to any hope of triumph. It seems that this wall cannot last. This unsubtle, ungentle manifestation of [[Spring magic]] taxes Ossegrahn's power greatly. There are armies of Druj, cunning [[Druj lore#Ghulai|ghulai]] and terrible servants of the ''Scorpion Queen'' and the ''Woodwyf'' among them. The wall will not last. As the Spring Equinox falters, so too will the hedge of Lord Rain.

Peakedge Stead, and all it represents, will be destroyed by the Druj. So too will the Houses of Healing. There is a way to ensure it does not, but the means to achieve that end lies in the hands of the Conclave and the Senate, far away at Anvil.

This is a doom held in abeyance, not averted.

==Spite and Malice==
Denied their prize, the armies of the Druj complete their conquest of Peakedge Song. The Arrow Viper and the Hunting Scorpion pursue those who tarried too long before fleeing, chasing them down and slaying them. Most are dead before they realise the danger that surrounds them. The Druj impale their bodies on spears along the road to High Chalcis.

A significant force remains outside Ossegrahn's hedge, watching. The Druj are no masters of [[Day magic]] but it would be foolish to assume they did not know how tenuous this ward will prove to be. The rest of the Druj armies spread through Therunin as the Spring Equinox approaches, securing their new territory.

While Peakedge Stead is safe for a few more weeks, Therunin itself has fallen entirely to the Druj. They are masters of this place now, and those Navarr who remain are hunted prey where once they were masters of marsh and forest.

Of course not all inhabitants of Therunin live in the Tarn Valley, in Peakedge Song. There are steadings within the vallorn itself, fortified structures designed to provide places of fleeting safety against the vallornspawn. They, at least, are not in danger from the Druj.

Surely?
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SpringEternal1.JPG|caption=The dreadful handmaidens of Yaw'nagrah are creatures of living wood.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Tainted Vengeance==
After their defeat during the [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)|Battle of Ashwater]], the army of the Tainted Basilisk withdrew from Therunin. Now, it seems, they have returned, following behind the conquering wave of the Mallum. The ghulai who lead the army weave ritual magic to support their fellows, but they rarely engage the Navarr directly. They lag behind as the barbarians press ever westward.

The soldiers of the Tainted Basilisk move slowly, with purpose, more interested in gathering magical resources than fighting it seems. Only at the old, abandoned steading of Return do the Tainted Basilisk take the lead. They seem to have a particular interest in that place where the exemplar [[Known_exemplars#Gerallt_Brackensong|Gerallt Brackensong]] [[The_Pride_of_Gerallt_Brackensong#Gerallt,_Guide_and_Bard|gave his life]] to thwart the machinations of the ''Green Mother'', to keep the slumbering vallorn of Tharunind undisturbed.

So it is of particular concern that the very few eyewitnesses that make it back to Imperial lands claim that among the orcs of the 'Basilisk are a number of unnatural creatures – [[inhabitants of the realms|inhabitants]] of the [[Realm#Spring|Primal Forest]]. Figures of wood and bark, wound with ivy and vines, some no taller than an orc or human, others towering above them. Servants, most likely, of the ''[[Yaw'nagrah|Queen of Brambles]]'' who the Druj know as ''Greenhand'' or ''Nest of Thorns''. Warm honey flows like sap among the ghulai of the Tainted Basilisk as the Spring Equinox approaches.

Then, barely a week before the Equinox, while the rest of the Druj lay siege to Peakedge Stead or hunt straggling Navarr in the Tarn Valley, something happens. Adepts of Spring lore, especially those trained as vates, sense a pulse of Spring magic rising in Therunin and striking out along the [[trods]] into the Barrens, into Reikos, into Redoubt and [[Zenith]]. Those who are drawing on the trods at the time are knocked off their feet, left insensible for a few minutes, by the force of the magic. Everywhere along the trods of the neighbouring territories, plants rise and stretch, leaves rippling across their branches, buds opening, life straining through their roots. It is followed a moment later by a sensation of inrushing, of sucking, as if the magic that has come roaring out of Therunin is being dragged back along the trods, like water spiralling down a drain.

It takes only a few days for the magicians outside Therunin to realise what has happened. With [[blood magic]], with [[Aspect magic#Goetia|goetic]] invocations of ''Greenhand'' and ''Nest of Thorns'', with terrible drums and chants, with the use of items of [[worth]] seized from the steading of Return, and with nobody to oppose them, the Tainted Basilisk have finally realised the ambition that was [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_Cintra_Blackstaff|denied them at the Battle of Ashwater]].

They have roused the vallorn of Tharunind to wakefulness.
{{SOP|statement=Guides of Navarr. Urizen, Dawn and Highguard have thrown open their doors to the Great Forest orc and Navarr reguees of Therunin. Go to our displaced peoples, bolster their spirits and show them their Dance is not over! Tend their souls and in Virtue drive out the Fear and Hatred to Druj so readily offer. In strength, in virtue, and in time, we WILL RETURN.|by=Gwenllain Heart's End, Navarr National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (374-0)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Seeing the crisis unfolding in Therunin we, the Highborn assembly, ask the chapters of Reikos to open their doors to the Navarr and Great Forest orcs who seek safe refuge. Let us welcome those in need with a benevolent spirit. Be proud to support our neighbours.|by=Keziah of the Suns of Couros, Highborn National Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (616-0)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|size=small}}
==Game Information==
===Regarding Therunin===
* '''The Druj have conquered Therunin
* '''Peakedge Stead, the Houses of Healing, and Thornsong House are the only significant structures still in Imperial hands
* '''Several titles have lost access to their commissions'''
The Druj have conquered the whole of Therunin, save only the vallorn regions of Sweetglades and Greenheart. Following the Spring Equinox, all Imperial [[Resource#Personal Resource|personal resources]] will experience the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territories]] penalty to their production unless they are protected by magic such as [[Vale of Shadows]].

The loss of Therunin has reduced the ability for Navarr to support armies from six, to five.

The [[Keeper of the Garden|Garden of Glory]], [[Eastern Broker|Peakedge Brokerage]], and [[Factor of Stones from Blood|Stones from Blood]] have all been lost to the Druj. Their current status is unknown, but the titles associated with them will receive no benefit or production until the relevant regions are reclaimed and the situation can be assessed.

At the urging of the assemblies, almost all the Navarr [[striding|stridings]] and many of the Navarr [[steading|steadings]] evacuated Therunin before the Druj could overrun them. Refugees have found a welcome in Reikos, among the Great Forest orcs in the Barrens, and in northern Urizen. Others have simply joined some of the remaining stridings that continue to walk the [[trod|trods]].
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">[[file:Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=150]]</div>
The plan to remove the [[Region_qualities#Poisoned|poisoned quality]] from the Lower Tarn Valley has failed. As explained in the '''[[Wasp_nest#Limited_Opportunities|Wasp nest]]''' wind of fortune, the fact that the Druj have captured the Lower Tarn means the original plan will not work. There will be no opportunity to remove the poisoned quality unless the Druj are driven out. The 10 thrones of support the Senate applied has been used to aid the people of Therunin and cannot be refunded.

The situation with Peakedge Stead and the Houses of Healing is discussed in more detail in the '''[[Speak_to_me#Brother_Harvest|Speak to me]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=VallornMiasma.jpg|caption=The miasma poses a choking threat to anyone who lives near a vallorn, but a greater danger comes from the creatures that move along with it.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

===The Vallorn of Tharunind===
* '''The vallorn of Tharunind has been roused
* '''It is slowly reaching out into regions neighbouring Sweetglades and Greenheart
* '''Parts of Morrow may also be imperilled
* '''Any forest in Therunin, Morrow, Zenith, Reikos, or The Barrens, that provides chaos fruit will produce two additional chaos fruit after the Spring Equinox
Last Autumn [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_Cintra_Blackstaff|Cintra Blackstaff]] sought to direct the force of the vallorn against Peakedge Stead. Now, with the direct aid of Yaw'nagrah, the Tainted Basilisk have achieved something similar, but different. The vallorn is rousing in Therunin, but it seems to be reaching out in all directions, not only towards Peakedge Song. [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|Vallorn miasma]] drifts north and west, and in Urizen the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|heliopticon]] glitters with worried news that pools of miasma have been spotted in the northern foothills of [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]] and [[Morrow#Altis|Altis]]. Where there is miasma, there are [[vallornspawn husks]] and, because this is Therunin, [[ettercap|ettercaps]]. Abominations shift in Sweetglades and Greenheart themselves, and the steadings within the Tharunind vallorn are quickly placed under siege.

This is not a case of the Druj having awoken the entire vallorn all in one go; rather it is closer to the kind of thing the [[Rise of Terunael|Heirs of Terunael]] tried to achieve. The vallorn has become active, and seeks to expand. At the moment, that expansion is focused on Peakedge Song and the Upper Tarn Valley. The vallorn is moving slowly at this time, but if it follows a similar pattern to that observed during similar incidents, it is likely to gather momentum as it expands. The energy that drives the expansion is likely to be comparatively short-lived - if it can be driven back it will eventually slip back into uneasy slumber again. If it is ''not'' driven back and is allowed to infest an entire region then the unnatural vitality that prevents the vallorn being directly damaged will mean that reclaiming such a region will be next-to impossible.

Navarr prognosticators believe that by the start of the Summer Solstice, the vallorn will have overrun most of the steadings in Sweetglades and Greenheart and have begun expanding into Peakedge Song and the Tarn Valley. After that it's hard to say – a lot will depend on what the Druj are planning to do. It is entirely possible given the involvement of Yaw'nagrah that the vallornspawn and the miasma will not stop at the borders of Therunin and will eventually threaten the people of Highguard, Dawn, and Urizen.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallorn Fruit.jpg|caption=These strange magical fruit originated in the depths of vallorn infested Brocéliande.|align=right|width=200}}</div>
The burst of vitality along the trods around Therunin seems to have brought with it a questionable benefit. Any [[forest]] that has been permanently diversified to provide [[chaos fruit]] will provide an additional two fruit at the Summer Solstice.

===Participation - Apothecaries===
* '''Characters with the Apothecary skill may have helped support the defenders in Therunin
The Apothecary Guild, established by the Imperial Senate during the Winter Solstice, sought to remove the poisoned quality from the Lower Tarn Valley. They were prevented from doing so, and some chose to instead put their talents to work helping the defenders of Therunin. Obviously, it was not possible at the Winter Solstice to formally join the Guild, but there are player characters whose interests align with those of the guild. As such, any character with the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]] skill may decide that they would have been involved in Therunin. Any such character may email {{plot}} and request a lingering traumatic wound that represents injuries sustained during your time in Therunin. Be aware that these injuries will take the form of poisoned wounds, and may prove fatal if not treated quickly.

This opportunity is ''only'' available to characters with the Apothecary skill; while anyone may join the Apothecaries' Guild once it is properly established, and anyone can roleplay they were involved in Therunin, the option of being poisoned by the Druj is only available to characters with the apothecary skill.

The deadline for emailing Profound Decisions about this is midnight on the 31st of May.

===Participation - Navarr===
* '''Characters whose personal resource is in Therunin may email plot to request a traumatic wound
Any character whose [[Resource#Personal Resource|personal]] resource is in Therunin may likewise email {{plot}} and request a lingering wound, representing injuries received trying to hold the Druj back. Again, it's fine for people who are not based in Therunin to roleplay that they have been in the territory helping resist the Druj advance, but the option to receive a lingering wound is only available to those who live in the territory.

Alternatively, a character whose personal resource is in Therunin who wishes to have responded to the assembly urging them to flee may email {{plot}} and ask to swap their current personal resource for a new standard personal resource in either the Barrens or Reikos – taking advantage of the [[The_way_home#Building_Wayhouses|new wayhouses]] established there – without paying the usual 2 crown fee. They'll start the Spring Equinox with their resource in the chosen territory.

The deadline for emailing Profound Decisions about either of these options was midnight on the 31st of May.

==Conjunctions==
===Tangles (Therunin)===
{{SOP|by=Raewyn Eternal, Navarr Assembly|statement=Citizens of Therunin, hear your guides. The Druj have come. If you cannot fight, seek immediate refuge with our Imperial neighbours. Highguard, Urizen, and Dawn have thrown their doors open for us. If you can fight, stay and harass the druj with stealth, ambush and the arts of guerilla warfare we are so adept at. All refuge offered to Navarri is extended to our oathsworn siblings of the Great Forest Orcs, bound in blood and ink as we are.|vote=336-0|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
* '''The Lord of Thorns is travelling with a horde of vallornspawn in Sweetglades'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Vigilance'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the herald and recovering the boon it carries'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Deep in the lush wilds of [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]], the ''Lord of Thorns'' wanders amongst the ettercaps. It serves as a beacon to the vallornspawn; drawing them from far off to receive some unholy blessing from the Green Mother. The thorns of Fallowblood striding, inspired by the National Assembly's [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_150|call]] to remain and fight, have tracked the Lord of Thorns and call on the Champion of Vigilance to destroy this rot in their field.

The Lord of Thorns has been seen to carry with it a small branch from the [[Realm#Spring|Primal Forest]], the ''Sprig of Fecundity''. If it could be recovered then it could be put to use against the Empire's enemies. The Lord of Thorns is accompanied by several more human-looking servants of the Green Mother, likely [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Drudges|drudges]], who support and heal both the herald and the vallornspawn. It is the responsibility of the [[Champion of Vigilance]], '''Jared''' to kill the Lord of Thorns and recover the boon it carries.

===The Breaking Storm (Morrow)===
* '''A horde of vallornspawn are moving towards the Canticulous Valley'''
* '''The horde is led by several creatures of Yaw'nagrah'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Archmage of Winter'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the heralds and the vallornspawn, and performing [[Ward of the Black Waste]]'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The vallornspawn of Tharunind are already beginning to surge southwards, goaded by the heralds of Barkspawner. Through the valleys between Sweetglades and [[Morrow#Altis|Altis]] they are travelling, and in their path lies the Spire of the Canticle. The spire produces some of the most hauntingly beautiful music in the Empire, and possibly the world. Virtuosos with a deep appreciation for the art make a point to visit the spire and take part in the echoing symphonies. The echoing caverns below, with their songstones, are no place for the discordant cacophony of [[Realm#Spring|Spring]].

The horde numbers in the hundreds – with a vanguard led by heralds of Yaw'nagrah. If the heralds can be stopped, and a [[Ward_of_the_Black_Waste|ward]] placed in their path, then that will delay the horde enough that defenders can be rallied to the spire. It is the responsibility of the [[Archmage of Winter]], '''Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien''', to perform the Ward of the Black Waste and to kill the heralds and the vallornspawn. Given that this represents a threat to one of the premier places of music in the Empire there is some hope that the [[High Bard of the Empire]], '''Tarik''', will offer aid to the Archmage of the Wasteland.

<box><big>'''[[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|Vallorn miasma]]'''</big><br>
* '''''Tangles'' and ''The Breaking Storm'' both take place within vallorn miasma'''
* '''Anyone in vallorn miasma is affected by [[Calls#VENOM|VENOM]] unless they are bonded to an [[Abraxus Stone]] or are under the effect of [[Vitality of Rushing Water]]
* '''Anyone affected by the VENOM from the vallorn miasma will eventually begin to suffer from symptoms of nausea or mild feverishness
The short length of these conjunctions means that in this instance there is no chance of anyone developing [[Vallornspawn_husk#Green_Lung|green lung]]</box>

===Threads (The Barrens)===
* '''A group of Druj are advancing into Hope's Rest'''
* '''The Druj are accompanied by several tortured souls'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''High Exorcist'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for exorcising the tortured souls'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Even as the Druj secure their hold on Therunin, thwarted only by Peakedge Stead, they look elsewhere. To the north, beyond Lower Tarn Valley, in [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]], a group are advancing on the [[A_glorious_victory#Here_We_Stand_(Conjunction)|Shrine of Hope]] – escorting a group of [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls|tortured souls]]. These are fallen Navarr; corrupted by the twisted ceremonies of the Druj and powerful infusions of unknown herbs. If they are not stopped, then they will spread like a blight across the region, proving difficult to root out.

These are the first tortured souls that the Empire since the cleansing of Zenith. Where in the past the stoic nature of the Highborn and the martial arete of the Urizen was corrupted, this is the ruthless pragmatism of the Navarr that has been twisted. It is the responsibility of the [[High Exorcist]], '''Belial De Courtenay-Wyldrose''' to exorcise the tortured souls and the Druj that accompany them.

===Changes (Therunin)===
* '''A group of Druj are starting to corrupt an Axou champion'''
* '''The Druj are accompanied by several tortured souls'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Eastern Broker'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for preventing ''Menoetius'' from being twisted to a tortured soul'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The Axou of the Khiklotu Khrysoú trade cartel have engaged in trade with the Eastern Broker for years, since 383YE. Each season, their traders have brought with them mana crystals, luxuries and oddities from Issyk to the enclave. Now, the Druj have captured ''Menoetius'', an [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Agema]], and are taking them back to the Druj encampment to try to corrupt them and convert them into one of the tortured souls.

Menoetius took the opportunity to visit every chance they had, making friends with the locals and sparring with visiting thorns. All signs point to them being a capable warrior and commander, respected in the [[Axos#Chambers_of_Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. If they are not rescued, and if they are used against the Axou then that would prove harmful to Axos morale. That such a champion could be turned against them – and worse - prevented from advising [[Axos_religion#Funerary_Rites|future generations]].

It is the responsibility of the [[Eastern Broker]], '''Lith''' to prevent ''Menoetius'' from being turned by the Druj and returning them to Anvil using the [[Cuckoo's Egg]] ritual. Given that this represents a threat to the Axou then there is some expectation that the [[Ambassador to Axos]], '''Fintan Nighthaven''', will do what they can to support the Eastern Broker.

===Beginnings (Therunin)===
* '''A group of Druj are moving to establish a miasma pillar in Eastring'''
* '''The Druj are accompanied by several tortured souls'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Blaze Dunning'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the miasma pillar'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The miasma pillars of the Druj spread misery across a region, an oppressive haze that crushes dissent. The miasma of the Mallum, in the [[Forest of Ulnak]], the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], and [[Sarangrave]] is deeply rooted. It has seeped into the very soil itself. The memories of reclaiming [[Reikos]] and [[Zenith]], and the memory of fighting under the miasma, have stayed with the commanders of the [[Knights of Glory|Crimson and Gold Legions]]. ''Elodian'', commander of the hammer-smiths, has charged '''Blaze Dunning''', the Young Lion of Eleonaris, to take their allies and strike at the Druj in Eastring, where they are pushing to establish a [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|miasma pillar]].

Several tortured souls have been sighted surrounding the pillar of grey stone. The Druj are scattered across the area, split into smaller groups to better ambush Imperials. Destroying the miasma pillar won't be easy; it will require the performance of either [[Chimes of Annulment]] or [[Dreadful Ending]], or a [[consecration]] ceremony of strength thirteen or higher. Given that this is a direct request to '''Blaze Dunning''' it is their responsibility to take their circle of Lions, defeat the Druj, and destroy the miasma pillar.

<box><big>'''Druj Miasma'''</big>
* '''''Beginnings'' takes place under the effect of the Druj miasma'''
* '''The miasma [[Calls#WEAKNESS|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it'''

The miasma [[Calls#WEAKNESS|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.</box>

==Further Reading==
* [[Therunin]]
* [[Under eastern skies]] - Winter 386YE Wind of War
* [[Blood and mire]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War
* [[Ashes]] - Summer 386YE Wind of War

Speak to me

2025-06-09T11:39:36Z

Novemberalice:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>Jorgen pulled his cloak more tightly around him as the rain pounded and the thunder growled, and thanked the paragons for its waterproof coating. His companion raised a lightstone lantern - few fully mundane lamps could survive weather like this - casting a wedge of dim light between the stones of the Imperial regio. The Wintermark civil servant suppressed a shudder.

The creature that stood in the midst of the monolith-bounded circle was clearly inhuman. It towered over the two civil servants before it, even hunched over. It had impossibly long limbs, impossibly thin and bone-like, and the tattered black dress that clung to its frame did little to reduce the horror it radiated. If not for the mobility of its features, set in a milk-white face as round as the full moon, it would have been easy to mistake it for a disturbing mannikin or piece of art abandoned in the regio. As it was, there was no doubt as to the thing's animation - she moved like an insect shifting between absolute stability and insect-like flurry of action without warning. Jorgen did his best to suppress the insistent shouting from his legs, both of whom seemed keen on the idea of running away and not looking back.

He cleared his throat. And then cleared it again. "And is that the full message from your mistress, Madame Baroness?"

The thing moved, jerking forward, and suddenly its great dinner-plate face was barely six inches from Jorgen's. It did not blink, its eyes fixed on those of the civil servant. Its thin lips split into a broad smile, revealing dozens of tiny little teeth like those of a child.

"Yes," it said, voice like cracking ice. "except perhaps to remind you that obviously the Pale Empress expects total honesty and sincerity in this matter, just as the Archmage would expect of Her."

Jorgen swallowed, and nodded his head jerkily.

The Baroness, having delivered her message, bowed her great luminous head and turned to leave. The winds whipped the sodden cloth of her ragged garb around her, and she paused for a moment. Her head, impossibly, began to move, swivelling independently of her spindly neck and body to face the Wintermarker. Its face was locked in a grotesque grimace and a strange greenish light had ignited behind its pale eyes.

"Oh." she said, as if just remembering some minor matter of trivial concern. "It is just possible that the Archmage has begun hearing things in his sleep. Bells at sea, perhaps, Haunting his dreams. Given the fall of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros and its implications, you understand. He is not to worry, or be afraid, or indeed pay it any mind. It will only... encourage them... you see?"

With his final cryptic remark, she took her leave fading away into the darkness without moving, grinning visage still facing the civil servants, her stick-think body facing the other way. The last things to fade were here eyes, which flared once like dreadful lamps just before she disappeared completely.

"Well that was bloody awful," said Jorgen's companion flatly after a few moments.

Jorgen didn't reply, just wrapped himself in his cloak and slipped his damp notebook into the satchel he wore beneath. As they turned back toward the hub, and the hot tea awaiting them, Jorgen once again gave silent thanks for the fact that he was not the Winter Archmage, and so did not need to deal with any of... this.

But it was some time before he slept a whole night in which his dreams not troubled by the distant sound of tolling bells and cracking ice.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">[[file:CathCane001b.webp|align=left|width=200]]</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJWLdaHZWEg}}
* '''Six eternals have responded to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''4 of them have agreed to some sort of meeting at the Spring Equinox, while 2 have taken other steps'''
Every season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] is empowered to send a single [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their realm. The eternals are bound to respond, although not always in a way the archmage may wish. Sometimes they will arrange personal meetings; often they will send their own emissaries to treat with the Empire in the form of the archmage; occasionally they take direct action in response to the requests contained in the missive; rarely they decline formally although even then they will tend to communicate the reasons for their unhappiness.

Following the Winter Solstice, as the new year dawns, six eternals have responded to invitations to [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] via their emissaries.
==Pale Empress==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Skathe001.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''Skathe of the Thrice-cursed Court offers parley in a suitable chamber at 21.55 on Saturday'''
* '''Along with the Archmage, the Grandmaster of the Celestial Arch and the Custodian of the Bleak Tower are invited to attend the parley'''
* '''The Archmage of Winter is Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien'''
It is a dark and stormy night when a towering figure emerges from the [[regio#Imperial regio|Imperial regio]]. Dressed in a striking tattered black dress and nearly nine feet tall, she introduces herself as the ''Baroness of All Pains'', a member of the cursed court of the ''[[Skathe|Hag Queen]]''. She speaks in a voice that cracks like ice to relay the word of the Witch of the Thrice-Cursed Court to the civil servants at the Hub.

Apparently ''Her Imperial Majesty of Cares'' would be ''delighted'' to welcome the [[Archmage of Winter]] to formal parley at the Spring Equinox, at five to ten on Saturday night in a chamber she is already preparing for just this very purpose. The ''Lady of Laments'' is grateful for the Archmage's admission that events that transpired in [[the League]], (in [[In_the_garden_of_defiance|enlightened Holberg]] and [[The DOOM that came to Sarvos|beautiful Sarvos]]), were down to the actions of Zephaniah's Lament and not she, the ''Giver of Gifts''. The Baroness explains that her mistress would be happy to clear up any lingering doubts or questions about that sorry affair, which was of course initiated by members of that unlamented [[Highguard|Highborn]] chapter when they reached out to the ''Painted Mirror'' for help - help that was freely offered and accepted at a known price. She would be happy to continue the general conversation that was begun in the halls of the ''Charred Prince'' so recently, as well, though she intends to be discreet on the matter.

Having delivered this preamble, the Baroness of All Pains begins to cackle at the thought of what follows, and she begins once more to relay her queen's words. The ''Hexenkönigin'' would be happy to have the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] and the [[Custodian of the Bleak Tower]] join the Archmage as his right and left hand, as the [[Urizen|masters of the High Peaks]] have always been her most favourite and brilliant companions in the long and constant years she has been a friend to the Empire. She is excited to hear of the well of bitterness towards the [[Druj]] that the Archmage claims swells within the heart of the [[Varushka|heirs of Alderei the Fair]] and the [[navarr|scions of Terunael]].

She has, at great effort, prepared a smattering of generous gifts to assist in bringing weal to the many inhabitants of the [[Sarangrave]]. This will, however, depend on whether the Archmage and his companions can weave a suitably delightful and sincere picture of the Empire's blackened heart and their committed, spiteful, hateful intent to strike back at the wicked Druj. If it seems their heart is not in it in the moment, then she is sure someone else can make use of her gifts, so the Archmage needn't worry on her account. The tall figure sneers as she remarks that, of course, the ''Pale Empress'' expects total honesty and sincerity in this matter, just as the Archmage would expect of her, and then departs.
==Invisible Hand==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ephisis001.webp |align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''Emissaries of the City of Gold and Lead have responded to the Autumn archmage by interceding directly'''
* '''They present proposals in the [[Louder than words]] wind of fortune'''
* '''The current Archmage of Autumn is Edmundo of Damakan's forge'''
The trade envoy who emerges from the Imperial regio shortly after the Winter Solstice is swathed in silken veils. This is not the first time they (or someone very like them) has visited [[Anvil]] on behalf of the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]]. In answer to the plenipotentiary of the Autumn Archmage, the City chooses to take direct action. Specifically, a number of assessors, brokers, and long-term planners have been dispatched from the City, not only to the Empire but also into [[Otkodov]]. The City has good relations with the [[Thule]] in general, and has agreed to draw on their relationship to see what can be done about the request of the redoubtable Edmundo. The herald offers a personal plaudit to '''Vossk of Zenith Ascendant''', thanking them for their commendably concise and informative missive that leaves little doubt as to what the Archmage desires.

Obviously, the City of Gold and Lead cannot deliver its findings immediately - they will need time to talk to mortals in both the north and the south - but they offer assurances that the agents of the ''Invisible Hand'' will return shortly before the Spring Equinox to share their findings with their Imperial customers. The herald notes that there will be no additional charge for this service at this time; the City is well pleased with the Empire's commitment to trade and commerce at all levels from the remarkable response to the markets taking greater control of the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual all the way down to the constant flow of money and goods that swirls through Anvil during a summit.

In due course, detailed proposals are presented to the hub, as well as to a number of universities and the offices of respected builders and traders, a few weeks before the Spring Equinox. The details of their efforts are included in the '''[[Louder than words]]''' wind of fortune.

==Mistress of Ice and Darkness==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:CathCane002.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''Cathan Canae will send her favoured lieutenant Volstann the Eater of Boars to take counsel with the Archmage'''
* '''The boisterous messenger is expected to meet the Archmage in their hall at 20.00 on Friday'''
* '''The Archmage can bring up to four additional people - Cathan Canae has suggested one on these be the Legion Engineer'''
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''
Midway between Winter and Spring, with a thick layer of frost on the ground in the Imperial Regio, a massive dog-like creature emerges without fanfare and plods down to the civil service hub. It is a stout hound, similar to a St Bernard but built on a much larger scale. Five feet at the shoulder, with rolls of thick skin that shift as it stomps about its business, the only other sign that it is not a mundane beast is that it wears a suit of boiled leather or hide barding tooled with the runes of [[Verys|strength]] and [[Tykonus|victory]]. It has fierce fangs, but those who encounter it describe it as having "gentle eyes" - whatever that means. When it reaches the Hub, it plonks down with a tired sigh in the middle of the entrance and refuses to budge. When one of the civil servants musters the courage to approach, they find that hung around its neck is a carved ivory scroll tube. The beast stares impassively as numb fingers work the catch to retrieve the scroll and then, without a backward glance, the massive creature heads back to the Imperial regio and returns whence it came.

The message scroll bears greetings from the court of the [[Cathan Canae|Mistress of Blizzards]] in response to the missive from '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''. The Queen on the Throne of Ice requests parley, and intends to send her trusted servant ''Volstann Eater of Boars'' to speak on her behalf. The meeting cannot take place in Kalpaheim, but rather will take place in the Hall of Heroes, a part of Volstann's personal hall that sits between the [[Realm#Summer|Summer realm]] and the mortal world. The primary topic of conversation will be the terms regarding Imperial access to the [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadels]]. The [[Frozen_Citadel_of_Cathan_Canae#Assurance|assurance]] of the ritual is not up for discussion, but there is an opportunity here for the Archmage to make their case with regard to the Empire's cowardly ceding of its territory to satisfy their enemies.

On the matter of Eoradal, Cathan Canae has an interest in the Imperial Orcs' new territory and how they intend to hold it. As such she proposes that the Archmage bring along the [[Legion Engineer]] to make their own case to Volstann as to how the ''Immovable One'' might offer her aid. Why she should be interested, what they will offer in return, and why they seek her aid instead of that of the [[Adamant|Dragon Beneath the Mountain]].

While the defenders of Redoubt are clearly heroes, the ''Great Bear'' wishes to know why the Archmage considers the three she has mentioned worthy of especial note ahead of all the other protectors of the Empire who fight and shed blood to keep their enemies at bay. Why these three, why this conflict? Furthermore, there will be no talk of Sydanjaa. It is not a matter than the ''Crown of Black Ice'' has any interest in, and neither does her retainer. Indeed, the matters to be discussed - citadels, the Empire's dominion, and the building in Eoradal - are clear and significant digression is unwelcome.

The message ends by saying that the Archmage is invited to bring no more than four other individuals with her to speak with Volstann - which can include the Legion Engineer if they wish The meeting will take place at eight o'clock on Friday evening, and Vosltann's hall will be reached via the Hall of Worlds - which may mean the Archmage will need to secure means for those who are not magicians to accompany them.

==Father of Bats==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Sadogua001d.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''The Night eternal Sadogua agrees to a parley but intends to send some of his heralds to meet with the magicians of the Empire on his behalf'''
* '''They are expected to arrive in the Hall of Worlds at around 21.30 on Saturday'''
* '''At the same time Sadogua wishes to speak with some members of the Unfettered Mind in a more private setting about the Lyceum'''
* '''The meeting with the Unfettered Mind will take place at the same time as the more celebratory meeting in the Hall of Worlds'''
* '''The current archmage of Night is Eliina "Realm's Visionary" Lailasdottir'''
Shortly before the Spring Equinox, a pompous little figure in a remarkable red and black coat that drags along the ground behind them, appears at the hub and delivers a message from their lord and master, the redoubtable ''[[Sadogua|Brother of Wizards]]''. ''Globbersnotch'' thanks the Archmage of Night for proposing an inspirational banquet, and as such requests what he refers to as "informal parley" - everyone agrees not to hit each other but the daft rule about who can speak when is ignored. In return he will send some of his most favoured children, agents, emissaries, apprentices, and friends to visit with Imperial magicians, and enjoy the music, poetry, stories, art, and dance on his behalf. Some of those [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] will be in a position to speak on his behalf on various topics, such as the ''Cup of Dreams'', and potentially even provide a new burst of power to the trinkets he has given to Imperial magicians in the past. He is particularly hopeful that a certain ''imp of magic'' might be in attendance, with tales of the sorceries the little frog has helped support since last he spoke to it.

He also invites the [[Arcane Architect]] to seek counsel with some of his heralds, so that the ''Father of Bats'' might consider if there are other ways he could help them discharge their duties. Also any magicians of [[the Marches]] might seek his apprentices and discuss matters of magic - the ''Toad King'' is interested in where their magical studies will take them next. He wishes to remind them that this is the last season they will have easy access to the [[Upwold#Well_of_Shadows|Well of Shadows]] - when the Summer Solstice dawns he will be seeking a new scholar in the well to enjoy its gifts. Hopefully the magicians of Wintermark responsible for the recent [[Stars_and_sigils#Feast_For_Kallavesa|splendid enchantment]] will also be there - some of his heralds are keen to learn more about this excellent piece of magic. Finally, the magicians of Navarr might discuss the magical places they consider to be under threat in Therunin and what they think ''Wyrmwynd'' can do about it. It would also be ideal if whoever was... ah... ''honouring'' a certain wyrm-like creature in the Hall of Worlds during the last summit found a suitable herald to speak to about it. Quietly given how much trouble it might get people into.

And of course anyone else who would normally attend these things - he hopes that even if they don't speak to one of his emissaries the magicians of Anvil take this opportunity offered by the Archmage of Night to relax a little during trying times.

The heralds of Sadogua intend to arrive in the hall of worlds around half-past-nine on Saturday evening, and hope that will not cause too many difficulties for the Archmage of Night following so closely on the heels of Conclave.

At the same time his chosen servants are celebrating with Imperial magicians, the ''Brother of Wizards'' wishes to meet with some members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] to discuss the matter of the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum|Lyceum]]. '''Palaphon Ankarien''' is of course invited to attend this meeting, but he requests that the [[Archmage of Night]] remain to ensure nothing goes wrong with his heralds. He hopes to meet at most half a dozen Unfettered Mind magicians to hear their suggestions as to how to handle the wards he has placed around the island of the Lyceum - how to get Imperial magicians in and out without risking enemies gaining access - given that after he put [[Patterns_of_fairytales#The Hidden Lyceum|his guardian beasts]] into the mists he pretty much ran out of ideas. The hypnotic ''Wyrm of Sleggoth'' and the deadly ''Nightwing'' may in fact have made matters slightly worse as it turns out they are not brilliant at differentiating attacking ships from friendly ships. The ''Toad-King'' is adamant however that ''only'' members of the Unfettered Mind are invited to attend - he is still in ''a bit of a difficult mood'', confides the short herald.

That ''difficult mood'' probably goes some way to explaining two appendices to the message. First, [[Varushka|Varushkan]] members of the Unfettered Mind should probably be very cautious about attending the meeting to discuss the Lyceum, and be prepared for things to "''go tits up''" when the ''Brother of Wizards'' loses his temper. And secondly, Sadogua has apparently rather snippily suggested that the Archmage of Night make sure nobody kidnaps any of his beloved heralds and carries them off to start new lives as Varushkan lawn adornments, or whatever.

It seems the ''Globbersnoth'' is ''still'' very unhappy about the [[Ossium#Towers_of_Zulgan_Tash|Towers of Zulgan Tash]].

==Zie of the Morning==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ylenwe001.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''Ylenwe offers zir assistance in dealing with the matter of the white forest
* '''Zie has also offered aid in the matter of damming the Doubt in Spiral
* '''The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka'''
On a day of gentle Spring showers, a quiet herald with mottled silver and indigo scales arrives at the Hub. they carry a lyre of beautiful blue wood, and quietly ask for a stool to sit on. While they pluck harmonious notes from the strings of their instrument they deliver a message from ''[[Ylenwe|the Dove]]'', the ''Mistress of Music''. Zie has heard the words of the [[Archmage of Day]] but must decline formal parley at this time. That is not to say zie cannot offer aid in the matters requested - far from it - only that zie does so from arm's reach. The herald-musician plays quietly on their lyre as they provide further details, allowing the civil servants plenty of time to make notes.

The goal of bringing fresh water to [[Mareave]] is laudable, although Ylenwe hopes that the Empire has considered that they are disrupting the natural order in pursuit of a transformation that might, ultimately, prove costly to maintain. Bringing water into an environment where it does not naturally flow can be challenging indeed, and may of course bring unexpected consequences. The recent inundation of [[the Brass Coast]] is perhaps a case in point. Yet zie judges that the proposals put forward are likely gentler and more harmonious than those which unleashed the unconstrained fury of the Scorrero. The damning of the Doubt is a fascinating project; even as zir messenger comes to Anvil zie has dispatched [[Inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] to [[Spiral#Apstrus|Solen's Doubt]] to see what could be done about the dangers there. This matter is addressed in more detail in the '''[[Damming the Doubt]]''' wind of fortune.

There is nothing Ylenwe has to say about the churning chaos of Sydanjaa - zie does not believe zie has anything to add about that mournful place and the sad traditions associated with it. The other matter that is worthy of discussion, however, is that of the warped white wood in [[Skarsind]], and zie believes that there are real possibilities for zir help. As the Archmage has provided music, so ''Zie of the Morning'' will provide notes of zir own.
====Song of the White Wood====
* '''Ylenwe presents an opportunity to use the Music of the Spheres to cleanse the white wood of Skarsind'''
* '''Completing the cleansing requires a complex ritual using magical notes, and a sapling taken from the tainted woods'''
The situation at the white wood in Skarsind is quite different to Bulgakov, and as such requires its own approach. Whereas in Bulgakov the area could simply be cleansed of Cold Sun's influence, the wood is said to be in "dissonance" with its surroundings - though what this claim actually means, neither Ylenwe nor any herald has explained. This dissonance, apparently, is where the danger lies. Bringing the wood into harmony with itself and the wider [[Skarsind#Southpines|Southpines]] would not return it to its original form, but would render the dangerous [[Day magic]] remaining in the area inert. It’s not known what the precise effects of the transformed but harmonised wood would be, but its harmonization can be achieved through the [[Music of the spheres]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Out of Character info:'''<br>Some players who have ranks of Day Lore and whose resource is a [[mana site]], will find a chime ribbon in their pack at the start of E2. A chime represents a mana crystal which has been infused with particular day magic. It can be phys repped in the same way as you normally phys rep your mana crystals.<br>To extract the melody from a chime, cast [[Distillation of Diverse Parts]] on it at the regio. Please process the ritual with a referee before doing the roleplay. The ritual will destroy the chime.<br>To use a chime before performing a melody ritual as part of aligning the white tree to a particular mode of [[Music of the spheres]], simply hand the ribbon to the referee overseeing the white wood ritual before beginning to perform.</box></div>
To harmonise the white wood, Ylenwe asks that a single tree from the edge of the forest be brought to the Imperial regio in Anvil. Musicians of the Empire could then wash this tree in melodies of powerful resonance which, once the tree is planted back at the edge of the wood, will sing from tree to tree and transform the resonances of the area into perfect harmony.

Since receiving the archmage’s correspondence, Ylenwe has considered the state of discordance currently affecting the Southpines. During this season of contemplation, zie claims to have spent a moment singing to the crystalline mana structures being grown at the mana sites of certain Day mages throughout the Empire. Zir songs have embedded in a small number of crystals like a seed, and grown into melodies of balance and consonance. Zie calls these transformed crystals ‘chimes’.

Even Ylenwe zirself does not know what form the chimes’ melodies have taken, but advises that their musical form reflects the Empire’s understanding of music of the spheres. As such, there are 7 different melodies hidden inside the crystals, one for each mode used within music of the spheres, each able to harmonise the tree to their associated realm.

Extracting the melodies from the chimes is a delicate procedure, but it can be achieved through casting Distillation of Diverse Parts with Ylenwe’s oversight. Until 23:00 on the Saturday of the spring equinox, casting the ritual on a chime whilst using the Imperial regio will result in the extraction of the melody.

On the Saturday of the spring equinox, Ylenwe will align the Imperial regio to zirself from 23:00-23:30TIMING TBC, making it possible to harmonise a tree from the white wood within this time period. For this to succeed, the tree must be placed within the Imperial regio. Up to six musicians must then step inside the regio, crush a chime of the relevant mode and spend two minutes performing the associated melody. This process should be repeated in sequence through each mode of the music of the spheres, from Ionian to Locrian.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Accessibility info:'''<br>When casting Distillation of Diverse Parts on a chime, a sheet music transcription of the melody will be provided. It will also be possible to opt out of the transcription for any players who would prefer to use memorisation or transcribe it themselves.
For further accessibility information, please email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk before the event or find a ref during the event.</box></div>
For example, the sequence of rituals should begin with up to six musicians entering the regio, crushing an Ionian chime and spending two minutes performing music in the Ionian mode and incorporating the Ionian melody previously extracted from a chime.

Zie does warn that this process will not only transform the tree, but that any musician participating in the rituals will find their very self resonating in harmony with the mode they perform - with unknown, and possibly unpleasant consequences. If they were to then attempt to step inside the regio for a further ritual, they would produce a discordance which would disrupt the entire process. Each ritual will need a unique group of musicians to perform its melody.

==Brother Harvest==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ossegrahn001a.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''Ossegrahn has agreed to parley with the Archmage of Spring during the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The meeting will take place in a chamber at 15.00 on Saturday'''
* '''The Archmage can bring up to five additional people and Ossegrahn has suggested some whose presence might be useful'''
* '''The current Archmage of Spring is Ibiss Briarheart'''
It is raining when the messenger of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] arrives at [[Anvil]]. They are a lithe, green skinned figure with long dark-blue hair wearing little more than a homespun tunic of blue wool that quickly becomes sodden. They appear supremely unconcerned by this, any more than they are worried about the mud churned up by the early spring downpour and the passage of Anvil's travellers. In a voice like water splashing over rocks they ask for directions to "the servants of the people" and eventually end up at the Hub where they reportedly drip over some quite important paperwork while delivering their message.

''Lord Rain'' welcomes the request for parley from '''Ibiss Briarheart''', the [[Archmage of Spring]]. He requests parley, and will speak directly to the archmage and a small number of others who wish to accompany him - no more than five additional people please. A chamber is being made ready, and will open from the Hall of Worlds at three in the afternoon on Saturday. ''Tarnfather'' is aware that this clashes with the [[Arcane Colloquium]] and will entirely understand if the Archmage and their party are slightly late.

The matter of bringing fresh water to Mareave is something ''Greenfount'' is eager to discuss, and has been following developments in the arid eastern territory with interest. He asks the Archmage ensure they bring several [[Imperial Orcs]] along with them to speak of what they think they need and how they think Ossegrahn can help. To make arid land like Mareave bloom and burst with life would be a grand project, one that he thinks might help the Empire better understand the [[Spring_magic#Healing_and_Vitality|renewal and life-affirming power]] of [[Spring magic]]. There are some founts of water in north-eastern Mareave in particular he may be able to help with, perhaps supplementing the progress the Imperial Orcs have made already with some aid of his own, if there are any suggestions as to how he might best offer his aid. With that in mind he suggests the Archmage may also wish to bring a representative of Spiral along with him, someone who can speak about the plans to release the waters of Solen's Doubt and to help channel them into Icarion. He is also eager to discuss the chances of peaceful resolution between the Brine Turtles and the Imperial Orcs - if he can help in any way he stands ready to do so.

Other matters are less appealing ''Llomon'' is prepared to talk about are this matter of a [[fane]] in [[Redoubt]], and why the [[Urizen]] think that he would desire such a thing, but does not entirely understand why they would want other eternals involved. [[The Chalice]] is something that the eternal knows about only through discussion with mortal magicians, and understands there is nothing gentle about it, nothing of ''true'' healing. He is prepared to listen, nonetheless, but the herald does not hide how sceptical the ''Rainkeeper'' is about it. Likewise mention of needing help to grow wholesome food on [[mana site|mana sites]] perplexes Ossegrahn. [[Fountain's Bounty]] is already known by the Urizen, and does just that. ''Brother Harvest'' is not opposed to helping if the problem can be properly explained to him because in the ideal world nobody should go hungry or thirsty. Perhaps it is a matter the Archmage can explain when they meet?

One matter that is ''not'' raised is that of the [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] raised [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Ossegrahn_and_the_Brass_Coast|during the Winter Solstice]] by the [[Imperial Magus]], '''Izarra i Riqueza'''. Directed primarily to the people of [[the Brass Coast]], relating to [[Patterns_of_fairytales#Injuries of the Soul|decisions made]] during the [[Where_the_river_rises#Lamentable_Loss_of_Life|flooding of the Scorrero]] it does touch on boons offered by ''Healing Hand'' and apparent unhappiness that they were not used. As such it is notable that there is no talk of this in the plenipotentiary response - perhaps it is something the eternal plans to discuss in the parley?

There is however one other serious matter to discuss, but the herald carefully explains the details of their master's request so that it can be discussed before the parley. Time is short for Therunin, and the moment where the ''Leafbeard'' can help is fading fast.
====Regarding Peakedge Stead====
* '''Ossegrahn will continue to protect Peakedge Stead and the Houses of Healing, potentially permanently, against not only the Druj but any other threat'''
* '''In return he wishes the Imperial Conclave to permanently remove Rivers Run Red and Mountain Remembers Its Youth from Imperial lore'''
* '''This will require the Senate to reconsider the power of ''Remorse'' discussed several times previously'''
* '''Without this sacrifice, Ossegrahn cannot commit to protecting the ancient hospital from the Druj in Therunin'''
As the archmage has no doubt [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Rainfall|already seen]], ''Coomarta of the Rains'' has taken direct action in [[Therunin]] against the [[Druj]] and protected both [[Therunin#Peakedge_Stead|Peakedge Stead]] - its healers, patients, and defenders - and his [[Hand_of_the_Healers#Houses_of_Healing|Houses of Healing]]. The protection cannot last, however, and maintaining it against the spite of the Druj will require a significant sacrifice from the eternal himself. If he is to do this, he must be certain that the Empire is moving in the correct direction to justify this commitment. If the Empire can satisfy his request, he will do whatever it takes to ensure that Peakedge Stead and the Houses remain protected as long as they are under threat - not only by the Druj but also by the [[vallorn]]. If the Empire is sincere in its desire to destroy the ''folly of Terunael'' then Peakedge Stead will be threatened by old Tharunind, even if the current threat is neutralised. Ossegrahn believes that the ancient hospital, coupled with his own houses of healing, will provide a powerful sanctuary for those who fight the vallorn in Therunin and perhaps even Sarangrave.

But before he is prepared to commit to this, he wants the Empire to make a commitment of their own. He asks that the Imperial Conclave remove [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] from Imperial Lore. ''Bogfearthen'' knows this is not a power the Conclave has - but it is one that could be given to them by the [[Imperial Senate]]. The so-called power of [[Interdiction#Remorse|Remorse]], the ability to permanently remove a ritual from the body of Imperial Lore. It will be a challenge for the Senate to both provide this power and for the Conclave to use it, but ''Willowbraid'' believes that if they are truly committed they can achieve it.

In addition to continuing to protect Peakedge Stead and the Houses of Healing, when the current protection fades from [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]], ''Beckburn'' will be happy to discuss enfolding it in his ring of protection also, although that will require a further expenditure of his power it will be much less than what is needed to establish the permanent ring of protection. Finally, if the Archmage wishes, Ossegrahn is prepared to discuss a way for Imperial magicians to gain access to his children that create these walls of impenetrable thorns and water, with an eye toward codifying it and adding it to Imperial Lore to protect other threatened places. Backed by Ossegrahn's power the protection offered would rival a [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|Wooden Fastness]], although it would be restricted to defending a single region rather than warding a whole territory. The Archmage says that the Empire is in more danger than it has been before, and so Ossegrahn can offer at least a little assistance if they choose to accept it.

If the Senate and the Conclave are not in agreement, then the protection around Peakedge Stead will fail within a day of the Spring Equinox, and there will be nothing further Ossegrahn can do to preserve the hospital, its patients, or its brave defenders from the murderous impulses of the Druj. Even if they retreat immediately, they will do so after they have destroyed the ancient steading.

The civil service have issued guidance on the matter of timings around Remorse. If the Imperial Senate pass a motion to create the power on the Friday evening or Saturday afternoon session, then it would be possible for a Declaration of Remorse to be raised at the Saturday evening session of Conclave, provided that the declaration is submitted before 18:00. If a Declaration of Remorse is passed at the same summit as a Declaration of [[Dissemination]] for the same ritual, then no funds will be taken for the latter and a ritual text will not be created regardless of in what order each declaration is passed in.

==Plenipotentiary in Public==
* '''The opportunity to allow archmages to make their plenipotentiary messages public remains available'''
Last season the [[Prefect of the Conclave|prefects of the Conclave]] presented a potential additional power to be used with plenipotentiary - the ability to make the wording of the missive public knowledge. The [[Imperial Conclave]] has not chosen to embrace this power, but given it is simply a procedural change the opportunity to do so remains available to the magicians of the Empire for the foreseeable future - unless something significantly changes. The change is discussed in detail in the '''[[Secret_meeting#Have_a_Little_Faith|Secret meeting]]''' wind of fortune.
==Timetable==
These meetings are taking place in a number of places; in chambers reached via the Hall of Worlds. The times, and the eternals involved, are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || 20.00 || Cathan Canae || Summer || Meeting with Volstann, in a chamber
|-
| Saturday|| 15.00 || Ossegrahn || Spring || Formal parley, in a chamber
|-
| Saturday|| 21.30 || Sadogua || Night || Informal meeting in the hall of worlds, and a chamber
|-
| Saturday|| 21.55 || Skathe || Winter || Formal parley, in a chamber
|-
|}