Empire - User contributions [en]

Bishop of the Navigators

2026-05-06T21:51:36Z

Responsible1: /* Overview */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Starcathedral.jpg|caption=Final impression of the planned cathedral of the Navigators.|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
The Bishop of the Navigators (or ''Bisschop van de Zeevaarders'' to some of the [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]]) is an [[Imperial title]] charged with maintaining good relations between the priests at the [[Construct_Cathedral_of_the_Navigators|Temple of the Way]] in the [[Sarcophan Delves]], known as the [[#Cathedral of the Navigators|Cathedral of the Navigators]], and the local populace.

During 387YE, an [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#The_Art_of_the_Tomb|arrangement]] was negotiated between the benefactors of Highguard and a Sarcophan sect called the ''De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen'' - "the Collectors". This saw an increased interest in Highborn art and iconography of the way, and brought prosperity to the nations businesses and farms. It unfortunately did so at the [[All_the_night-tide#Money_for_Art's_Sake|expense of Sarcophan trust]] in the Cathedral of the Navigators. By the Winter Solstice 387YE, both the [[#Merchant Ministry|merchant ministry]] and the [[#Low Ministry|low ministry]] had declined significantly.

==Responsibilities==
The Bishop is responsible for supporting the Cathedral of the Navigators in Sarcophan, and maintaining the relationship between the [[Synod]] and the priests serving there. For the most part, this is likely to involve smoothing over any conflicts, and dealing with any problems of [[opportunity|opportunities]] related to the Cathedral.

==Powers==
===Point of Contact===
Imperial priests serving in Sarcophan will look to the Bishop to resolve any issues between themselves and the Sarcophan, in conjunction with the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] and the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].

===Merchant Ministry===
<div style="width: 500px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sarcophan Gifts'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;"></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 doses of liao</td><td>3 measures of beggar's lye, 3 ingots of weltsilver, 4 marrowort, 4 imperial roseweald</td></tr>
<tr><td>28 doses of liao</td><td>6 measures of beggar's lye, 6 ingots of weltsilver, 6 marrowort, 6 imperial roseweald, and 4 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 doses of liao</td><td>9 measures of beggar's lye, 9 ingots of weltsilver, 8 marrowort, 8 imperial roseweald, and 9 random herbs</td></tr>

</table></div>
By donating [[liao]] to the Cathedral, the Bishop receives gifts and recompense in a manner identical to that of a [[ministry]]. The Bishop spends their liao and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Liao is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.
<div style="width: 500px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Low Ministry'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;"></td></tr>
<tr><td>28 doses of liao</td><td>12 random herbs and 8 crowns</td></tr>

</table></div>

===The Low Ministry===
When priests of the Way visited Sarcophan to [[Parts_of_speech#Sarcophan|spread news]] of the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|Doctrine of Enlightenment]], they were supported by Tabris, Son of Armisael themselves, the then Bishop of the Navigators. This unexpectedly increased demand for [[liao]] significantly in the Delves. As such the Bishop's ability to [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Ministry|donate liao]] to the Cathedral's work increased, adding an additional ministry specifically dedicated to dealing with the poorer segment of Sarcophan Delves society. They don't have the kind of wealth their richer neighbours can contribute, but they are no less interested in receiving the "blessings" the Cathedral has to offer and if anything are even more enthusiastic about the virtues of Ambition and Prosperity.

==Appointment==
This title is appointed during the Summer Solstice. The Bishop is [[appointment|appointed]] by a [[judgement]] of [[Appointment]] in the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]].

Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly and the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].

{{RecentElections|Bishop_of_the_Navigators}}

==Cathedral of the Navigators==
This massive white granite temple of the Way dominates the skyline of the Buitenlandsewijk, an area of the Delves where foreign investment is welcomed and encouraged. Seven tower-shrines, each dedicated to one of the virtues, surround a central bastion where priests of the Way preach [[the Doctrines of the Faith]] to visiting pilgrims, and to local adherents. Each of the eight towers is topped with a dome of polished mithril that catches the light of the rising and setting sun in a way that is described as both majestic and inspiring.
{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
[[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Title]][[Category:Synod]]
{{Sarcophan Links}}

When peace was far away

2026-05-06T20:31:59Z

Responsible1: /* Herbs for the White Palm */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The port of Radosmo is the richest, most prosperous settlement in all of Zemelslo. It rises above three bays, each one separated by hilly splits of land. They are named for the twilight at morning, the brightness of high noon, and the gloaming that comes with night. At the landward side of each is a dock, and which goods land and ship from each dock is decreed by the laws of the Concilium. Radosmo is where the Concilium meets each month, to discuss matters of governance and magic. They are well advised by the Jarmish Consul, who by all accounts does not speak often but when they do their words are listened to. It is common for heralds of the realms to attend these meetings, to observe, and to present minor boons to the magicians in return for small concessions.
Zemelslo is not a wealthy nation; it primarily exports salt fish, salt lamb and mutton, and a strong sour beverage called Bidderskit that is at best an acquired taste. The largest structure is the Concilium Hall, but the second largest is the palace of the Jarmish Consul which stands on one of the hills overlooking Radosmo. It is very beautiful, and the first thing a sailor sees on their approach to the port. The people of Zemelslo are cousins to the folk of the Principalities, in much the same way the people of Sarvos or the Brass Coast are cousins to the Highborn. Their people diverged long ago, but are close enough that cordial relations and strong bonds of wealth and politics unite them.

There are no slaves in Zemelslo. Instead, there is a caste of folk whose name translates roughly as "''ungrateful''" in the particular dialect of the Zemelslona. People who have committed crimes against their fellows, or against the state. They are kept in the most squalid possible conditions, forced to toil at the most back-breaking, filthy jobs until their sentence is completed. One might imagine that in a state as law-abiding and civil as Zemelslo there would not be many ungrateful; yet there always seem to be more than enough to ensure the fields are tilled, the bays are dredged, and the streets are cleaned.

There are no temples or shrines here; the Concilium of Zemelslo does not proscribe religion so much as discount it. Faith, teach the leaders of this tiny island nation, is a distraction. A warm blanket fit only for children. Nothing exists beyond the world, and the six realms of magic. Miracles and the so-called ceremonies of priests are nothing more than magic, practiced by amateurs who do not truly understand what they are doing. The people of Zemelslo patronise evangelists and missionaries, listening with every sign of amused tolerance, even applauding skilled oratory or rhetoric, and then... they just move on.

(Yet be careful; these people pride themselves on their liberty to a degree that an outsider might misjudge as a kind of faith. Their civility is as much as learned response to living in a society where anarchy bubbles beneath the surface as it is their vaunted rationality. The ''ungrateful'' toil, openly degraded, as much as a reminder to the common folk about what will happen if they forget their social contract with the Concilium and try to overthrow them. Reading between the lines of the history books, this has happened at least twice and each time there is a period of chaos and a new Concilium rises to replace the old.)

Most of the visitors to the docks of Radosmo are foreigners; traders from the western Principalities exchange crystal mana for victuals; for metals cut from the hearts of the hills; and for softer treasures harvested from the inland trees. They are equally happy to trade with other visitors, these visiting merchants; and for those who do not wish to dirty themselves dealing with the emissaries of Jarm there is ample opportunity to purchase their fine goods from the markets of Radosmo, engaging in trade at one remove.

That, perhaps, is the zeitgeist of Radosmo, of Zemelslo. They exist at one remove. Comfortable with the protection of their "cousins" to the east, comfortable to live quiet lives, comfortable to be insulated from the chaos of the world. Happy that war and hard choices both are far away.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hausziege 04.jpg|align=left|caption=Among other things, the nation of Zemelslo is known for its clever goats; by long standing rule of the Concilium they may be herded and milked but not eaten.|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''The Empire remains at peace with the Principalities of Jarm, but trade with that nation is embargoed
* '''The Senate has approved trade with the tiny independent nation of Zemelslo that lies within the Jarmish sphere of influence
* '''Jarm is at war with Imperial allies in the Commonwealth
* '''Jarm has recently encountered the threat of Cold Sun
* '''The Imperial ambassador to the Principalities is Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of the Brass Coast
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.

One of the six great powers, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are not exactly friendly to the Empire. The ''magocracy'', ruled by the House of Princes resents what it claims are repeated attempts by Imperial citizens to interfere with its interests. Via the [[Liberty Pact]], the Empire is allied with Jarm's enemies, the [[Commonwealth]], and open war now rages between the two great nations. They may not be at war with the Empire, but they know that Imperial citizens and the [[Conclave|Imperial Conclave]] in particular have provided significant assistance to their rivals. Communications tend to be brusque, bordering on the curt.

The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is ''Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook'', who attends at the House of Princes. A canny and influential politician who has served the House of Princes for over forty years, he represents the Jarmish to the Empire and vice-versa. A potent master of Autumn magic, he is known for his sarcasm and dry wit, and for his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities he serves.
==War in the East==
* '''The war between the Commonwealth and the Principalities of Jarm continues
* '''Cold Sun has erupted into the borderlands between the two nations
The ''[[According_to_principle#The_Lantir_War|Lantir War]]'' continues despite the [[Cold war|eruption]] of [[Cold Sun]]. Diplomats from both sides have made attempts to arrange a summit to discuss the matter, but so far without success. There is nothing approaching a coordinated response between the two rivals to the ''scions'' pouring into Lantir. Indeed, as discussed in the '''[[Cold war]]''' wind of fortune, both sides suspect the other of having been responsible, and believe that the [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] are targeting ''their'' forces particularly.

The conflict between the Principalities and the Commonwealth is at its root a clash of ideology. Jarm fights for the right to self-determination, while the Commonwealth strives to spread its idea of the Common Good to all. Jarm remains unable to match the Commonwealth on sheer logistical and military might; the Commonwealth cannot equal the magical prowess of the Principalities. Neither side will submit to the other and so the war continues. The addition of this third force means it is impossible to tell who is "winning".
{{Nation|nation=Jarm|status=Foreigner|port=[[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_(Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Kavor]], [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_(Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Vezak]], and [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_(Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm)|Rigia]] (all closed)|ambassador=Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
==The Third Letter==
* '''Lord-Magister Anton has responded candidly to the Ambassador's communications
* '''He believes that if things continue on their current course it could lead to a thawing in Imperial-Jarm relations
Normally, the language of diplomacy is full of caveats and circumlocution, comments Lord-Magister Anton. The Imperial Ambassador's interestingly candid approach, however, is in all honesty quite refreshing. It is a relief sometimes, he writes, to be able to speak directly. As such, he acknowledges that the Ambassador may be feeling a little rebuffed. Yet he feels that he was very clear about why the Magician-Princes were not particularly impressed by the return of the [[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Spice|Vezakri spice grinder]]. When one is honestly sending something without expectation of reward, one cannot really complain if they don't then get a reward.

More constructively, the matter of the spice grinder is ultimately unimportant by itself but it is not without symbolic weight. Coupled with the efforts of other Imperial citizens, there ''is'' more of a taste in the House of Princes for dealing with the Empire. Embargo costs both countries, and is good for neither. Right now the House of Princes is busy with other matters - war with the Commonwealth and the [[Cold war|destruction of Lantir]] being foremost in their minds. While it might not seem like it, the situation is improving. And in Anton's opinion part of that is down to '''Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo''' and their immediate predecessor '''Nikita Teanga Volkov'''. There have obviously been several fine ambassadors from the Empire, but they are often judged against the example of the former ambassador '''Oswi Twice-Burned''' - someone who understood the realities of doing business on the international stage and put pragmatism ahead of ideology.

As long as the Empire respects Jarm's independence as a sovereign nation; as long as they stay out of the war with the Commonwealth; and especially if they are able to offer practical support against these damned ''scions'' pouring out of Lantir, relations between the Principalities and Imperial citizens can only improve. Indeed, the assurances ''Ambassador Damiàn'' has issued regarding their intention to provide aid to the Jarmish in containing the forces of ''Oblivion'' has caused several otherwise disinterested princes to sit up and take notice, especially those potentially threatened by the ''scions''. If they are able to deliver on those promises - if the [[Cold_war#Magical_Aid|Conclave]] offers real, measurable support to Jarm - then it will not only prove the Ambassador's calibre but see more Magician-Princes prepared to soften their attitudes to the Empire. If they fail of course... well that will just reaffirm the perception of recent Imperial ambassadors being little more than chair-warmers.

The civil service are a little taken aback by the tone of Lord Anton's correspondence, but cautiously suggest that by speaking candidly in response to the Ambassador, Trescher is in his own way showing his respect. Maybe?

==Free Port==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Bidderskit</big>'''<p>
Goat milk is a common staple of the Zemelslo diet. One of their main exports is Bidderskit, an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting goat milk and adding certain local ingredients. There are a range of strong flavours, but it is something of an acquired taste. Any Imperial fleet captain who has visited the nation is free to phys-rep Bidderskit with almost any kind of milk or milk-like liquid, especially flavoured milkshake.</box></div>
* '''The Senate approved access to a port in the independent nation of Zemelslo
* '''Imperial captains now trade at Radosmo, primarily with Jarmish merchants
* '''Lord-Magister Anton has praised the Imperial Ambassador for their work in negotiating trade with Zemelslo'''
* '''Communication with Zemelslo technically lies under the remit of the Imperial Consul, Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason
During the Autumn Equinox, the [[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Free_Ports_And_Free_People|tiny nation of Zemelslo]] opened their port at Radosmo to Imperial traders at the urging of ''Prince Mila'' of the Violetinu Mishkas. Zemelslo lies in the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel|Sea of Steel]] and is firmly within the Jarmish sphere of influence. Technically self-governed by a ''Concilium'' of magicians, in practice it is a protectorate of Jarm and looks to the House of Princes in all things. The Jarmish Consul officially is an ambassador from the great nation to the east; in practice it operates a lot more like a governor albeit one that mostly observes and offers polite advice.

Its primary exports are salted fish and a beverage called Bidderskit (a strong sour alcoholic drink made from fermented goats milk). There is not much demand for Bidderskit and salted fish in the Empire, but Jarmish merchants visit Radosmo all the time. Imperial merchants are welcome to trade with other visitors... which means access to the same kinds of products that were available from Jarmish ports. This is a polite fiction that allows Jarm and the Empire to trade without either side having to open their ports to the other. Obviously the argument is that trade with Zemelslo, a sovereign nation, is not prohibited by the terms of the Liberty Pact. While the Commonwealth might [[The price is great#Zemelslo|take a different view]], the Senate [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Confirm_Trade_with_Zemelslo|have been clear]] that they do not see any legal obstacle to Imperial traders dealing with Zemelslo and confirmed that it is not part of Jarm.

It is too early to make sweeping generalisations - whatever Anton's esteemed colleague the Magician-Prince of the Violetinu Mishkas might believe - but the preliminary successes seen in Radosmo are encouraging. Perhaps it ''is'' possible for the Empire to visit an island without [[Mosaic|burning everything to the ground]] in the name of religion? While Zemelslo isn’t Kavor or Zemech, it is a good start. Lord-Magister Trescher is not alone if that he would be perfectly happy to see relations between the nations thaw out enough to allow trade to prosper again. The Empire is after all an excellent market; and everyone would be happier if they did not have to listen to the Golden Peacock faction banging on about the "Casinean Hegemon Threat" every five minutes.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Winged Messengers can be dispatched by anyone interested in further discussing trade via Zemelslo to ''Magician Prince Mila, The Tepesch Palace, Principality of the Violetinu Mishkas, Principalities of Jarm''. The Concilium has asked that the youthful Magician-Prince serve as their liaison to the Empire.}}

==Weirwood for Free People==
* '''Zemelslo has requested an opportunity to purchase a large amount of weirwood from the Empire
* '''The Senate has clarified that the Concilium is a sovereign nation distinct from Jarm
* '''They thus fall under the remit of the Imperial Consul'''
* '''The current Imperial Consul is Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason'''
The inference taken from the Senate's decision is that it is the [[Imperial Consul]], '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''', who is responsible for any further dealing with Zemelslo, rather than the Ambassador to Jarm. The Concilium of Zemelslo have not invited any kind of diplomatic contact; any formal Imperial correspondence should go via their close ally, the Magician-Prince of the Violetinu Mishkas. It is not that they are incapable of making their own decisions, simply that Prince Mila has more experience dealing with Imperial citizens and is unlikely to accidentally offend against their sensibilities or religion. Mila has graciously agreed to serve as a go-between.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=500}}</div>
With his assistance the Concilium of Zemelslo have made an overture to the Imperial Consul offices indicating that they are in the market to purchase a large amount of [[weirwood]]. They are looking to secure 200 wains toward the [[Navy#Costs|construction]] of a [[navy]] to help protect their island against Commonwealth aggression. They are able to offer 20 crowns a wain for any amount that the Imperial Consul can arrange. If the Consul wishes to take advantage of this offer, the Civil service can help facilitate it. ('''OOC Note:''' The Consul should ensure the weirwood is in their inventory at the end of the event and e-mail {{plot}} to let us know how much they are providing to Zemelslo. We'll then remove the wains and replace them with the money at the agreed price.)

Regardless of what the Imperial Consul may choose, any private citizen could take advantage of this trade. The [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizeni]] ritual ''[[Ethereal Courier]]'' could certainly be used to send weirwood Bourse notes to Magician-Prince Mila. This would require a little more effort to claim, but there is no legal impediment to ships from Zemelslo collecting wains from Imperial warehouses. The citizen trading in this way would either receive the payment mentioned, or have their Bourse notes returned if the Consul has already provided all the weirwood required.

The civil service assessment is that on the surface it seems to be a legitimate attempt by the Concilium of Zemelslo to establish their own navy. However as a nation in the pocket of Jarm, helping Zemelslo arm itself effectively provides Jarm with access to another navy. It is very likely that Magician Prince Mila is behind this trade offer, and the likely source of much of the money to pay for it.
==Equal Weight==
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Fortified Embassy'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification Upgrade</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Limus, Redoubt</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 mithril, 90 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Gives the Walls of Cargo the ''Jarmish Warwizards'' quality
* Allows Jarm to defend shipping along the Couros against Commonwealth interests</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Requires concedence of the embassy</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Jarm proposes the Empire cede the Jarmish embassy in Cargo to them'''
* '''In return they would station of garrison of warwizards in Cargo to help defend the territory if it was attacked'''
Lord-Magister Anton has received correspondence from the staff at the Jarmish embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] regarding the building of a [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth#The Diplomatenschloss|Commonwealth castle]] across the river Couros in [[Necropolis]]. Concerns have been expressed in the House of Princes about notoriously warlike Commonwealth soldiers travelling the same river as peaceful Jarmish emissaries - especially given the Empire's obvious favouring of the rival nation. As such he proposes that the [[Senate]] expand and also [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concede]] the Jarmish embassy in Cargo. Jarm would cover some of the costs, and would establish a cadre of elite Jarmish battle-magicians at the embassy to protect the interests of their citizens both in the embassy and travelling along the river. They would also be in a position to help garrison the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo|Walls of Cargo]] - which Lord-Magister Anton points out they [[The_whole_world#The_Magic_of_Jarm|also helped create]]. In the event that the Commonwealth chose to commit piracy against Jarmish ships in Imperial waters, they would be in position to defend their diplomats and take appropriate retribution against any attack.

The civil service have assessed the proposal - they estimate that in the event the walls of Cargo would gain the ''Jarmish warwizards'' quality. If enemy forces threatened the region of [[Redoubt#Limus|Limus]], the Jarmish war-magicians would add an extra 1,000 strength to the garrison for purposes of defending the territory and inflicting casualties on the attackers in same way as if they were a number of [[military unit|military units]] taking a [[Military unit#Guard|guard action]]. The required concedence would give the Jarmish free reign to operate within their own embassy without any hint of Imperial oversight - and if relations between Jarm and the Empire collapsed entirely, a band of Jarmish war-wizards in Urizen could arguably do some significant damage before they were stopped. They also speculate that this is a naked political ploy - to "balance" the fact that the Commonwealth has stationed troops on Imperial soil and has direct control of their own ''diplomatenschloss''.

==Herbs for the White Palm==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=240}}
* '''The House of the White Palm in Jarm seeks aid in dealing with the cursed injuries caused by the ''scions'' of Cold Sun
* '''They would like the Imperial Apothecaries Guild to send them a package of marrowort and bladeroot using ethereal courier
* '''In return they offer a herbal for a healing salve
* '''The Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild is Esmé i Estrico i Erigo
While magic is excellent for dealing with serious injuries in the short term - rituals such as ''[[Stout Resolve of the Unyielding|Kaljulaid's Resolution]]'' can help warriors endure these kinds of injury - they are ineffective at actually treating the injuries. The Principalities have fewer battle-trained [[surgical skills#Physicks|physicks]] than the Empire. While the profession of physick is respected, those who master the arts of the body are more inclined to operate in cities tending to wealthy clients than risk their lives fighting.

The ''House of the White Palm'' is an old establishment that trains battlefield physicks to support Jarmish armies. The incursion of [[Cold Sun]] has left them overwhelmed - and both mundane soldiers and [[Magical skills#Battlemage|battlefield wizards]] are paying the price. The White Palm ''lekár'' - the battlefield medics facing the destruction of Cold Sun - are in desperate need of [[marrowort]] and [[bladeroot]]. Large amounts, very quickly.

As such they have decided to go outside the traditional diplomatic channels and make a direct appeal to a body they apparently consider to be their peers - the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]]. They need 200 drams of both marrowort and bladeroot, and they cannot wait for the slow transport of goods by sea. As such they request that the Guild collect 200 drams of each herb and deliver them via [[Ethereal Courier]] during the Winter Solstice. In return, the White Palm will share with the Guild a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]] detailing the recipe for ''Palma Balzam'' - a preparation that translates roughly as "Palmtree Balm".

This [[potion]] is part of the [[Master Medicinal]] body of lore and creates a salve that can be applied to an injured warrior to simultaneously restore a damaged limb and heal the wounds that caused it. From the description, it appears to harness the power of [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] and [[True Vervain]] in the same way that [[Maledict's Medicament]] captures the healing properties of [[Bladeroot]] and [[Imperial Roseweald]]. What the Guild does with the herbal is up to them - keep it for their own use or share it with the rest of the Empire the House of the White Palm cares not.

The civil service advise that this appeal has apparently caused outrage in the House of Princes; the idea that a mundane college has shown Jarmish weakness in this way in untenable. On the other hand nobody is prepared to censure the White Palm given their vital role in battle (and the numerous wealthy doctors trained there who serve Magician-Prince households). While trade from Jarm is [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargoed]] that prevents Jarmish vessels bringing trade goods to Imperial ports. Further, the Apothecaries' Guild is [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#The_Manifesto|responsible for]] the "''Coordination and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, education, and dissemination of ingredients, potions, and antidotes''" and to "''Represent and support the economic, political, and magical interests of apothecaries and herbalists within the Empire.''" If they choose to take advantage of this offer - or anyone chooses to fulfil the order on their behalf - there is no immediate legal restriction. But there might be ethical and moral considerations that the [[Synod]] in particular might wish to offer guidance with.

==Matters of Measure==
* '''The Principalities are not interested in further discussion of the shield Measure
Lord Anton finally requests that the Ambassador should let '''Ser Rhydian de Rondell''' know that he is disinclined to engage in further discussion of the [[Pilgrim's Shield|shield]] ''Measure''. They offered to trade with the Empire and were rejected and that is just how diplomacy works, but they have no interest in putting Imperial citizens in touch with the current owner. There's also no interest in a challenge of eight champions - that may be how things are done in the Empire or the Commonwealth but Lord-Magister Anton doesn't feel Jarm has anything it wants to prove here. So in short, the answer is "no."

He does however wish to correct a misapprehension. The Principalities do not need details of the "underpinning" of Brotherhood of Tian. Those principles are known just as much in Jarm as they are in the Empire. A ''completed ritual text'' is very valuable, especially one that represents a year and a half at least of work during which the [[college of magic]] preparing the text can do nothing else. And, in the words of the Lord-Magister, a triumph of political will to encourage an entire college to focus on codifying a useful, practical ritual instead of some charismatic wizards' pet project involving the moon. It seems that Trescher is very bitter about something.
{{Jarm Links}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-06T19:47:38Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Shimmerglisten#Giving_the_Game_Away_to_the_Feni|The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Spiral#Cinion|Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The_best_soil#Marcher_Orcs|Mournwold Orcs]]</td><td>A few remnants</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

The best soil

2026-05-06T19:45:55Z

Responsible1: /* Marcher Orcs */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:385YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Orc Affairs]]
<ic>"Bloody 'ell, she's got a brass skillet!" Nanny Fisher exclaimed in admiration of the young Marcher's salmon leap to drive the ball through the defending Marcher and into the open goal beyond. Big Harry Bounder had been large enough to touch the rafters in his ma's house when he was barely thirteen and that was before five years ranging the borders of Mitwold had given him the stamina, and the build of an ox. People didn't just try and leap through Big Harry Bounder, not if you knew what was good for ya. And there he was laying in the mud, flat on his back, with a look on his face like he was surprised a pidgeon had made a nest on his head.

"She caught him by surprise is all!" protested Robin Friar defensively. Robin's wife was Harry's uncle's sister and the monk was clearly not best pleased to see family kissing the mud. At least she hoped it was that. One of the team ran over to help Harry back to his feet, while two others remonstrated with him for letting the other side score.

"Caught him bloody napping more like" laughed Nanny, amused by the stiff-necked response. "Point is, it took some bottle that did. Ran straight at him, I thought sure she was going slip past, not kick the bloody door in! Best goal I've seen for months I reckon."

Robin Friar frowned slightly... but then a moment later he cast a conspiratorial grin at Nanny Fisher. "Fair play. Paragons save us, but she's faster than the wind and twice as powerful. Reckon you might be right and all."

The Chalkdown Navigators were gathered round their new star player Proudly celebrating their first ever win. Two of them grabbed the girl and hoisted their hero proudly into the air, bearing her aloft on their shoulders. "Chalk Down! Chalk Down!" came the celebratory shouts as they carried the orc away.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Foot the balls.jpg|caption=Marchers - human and orc alike - enjoy violent physical team sports to a degree other nations find a little offputting.|align=left|width=400}}</div>{{audio|link= https://youtu.be/6eMHrQMuu2Q?si=BnGc0-e9JQqtmqFJ}}
===Overview===
For some time now the Marchers have been marching steadily towards embracing the [[Mournwold Orcs]], the former [[Jotun]] thralls who still occupy some of the best land in the [[Mournwold|territory]]. There were clear similarities between them and their neighbours: a shared appreciation of a hard day's graft, a deep-seated love of the land, a refusal to put on airs and graces. There were problems however, deep theological problems. The Mournwold Orcs believe they reincarnate which flatly contradicts [[The Doctrines of the Faith|Doctrine]] (although, admittedly, slightly less than it used to). Attempts to resolve this problem made no progress, but at the recent summit, the priests of the Marcher Assembly crossed the rubicon and said to hell with it - these people are Marcher - we'll deal with Doctrine later.

It is timely moment to grasp the nettle, for the [[Synod]] chose that summit to [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_3|confirm]] a major [[change of doctrine]]. The new [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] has removed one of the many barriers keeping [[orc|orcs]] from joining Imperial nations. It has further smoothed the transition of the Apulian orcs from being [[Grendel]] to being part of [[the League]]. It has removed another barrier between the [[Great Forest Orcs]] who established steadings in Miaren and Hercynia and their Navarr neighbours. And more than anything it has had a profound impact on the orcs in [[the Marches]] - especially the removal of the previous statement that "only humans reincarnate".
{{SOP|statement=Those orcs who once were thralls of the Jotun are Marchers. They've been patient, and we won't keep them waiting while the rest of the Empire argues about what we know to be true. We send Sister Meredith with the egregore Jack to welcome them into our nation, and we will look to the paperwork later.|by=Mel Bleak|vote=greater Majority (264-0)|when=Autumn Equinox 385YE}}
{{SOP|statement=The Mourn Orcs are Marchers, there is no doubt of this and denying such is false. Further, the matter of Orc souls should be left to Orcs. We encourage the Humans of the Empire to give our new siblings time while we guide them in the ways of the Abyss and Ancestors. Let us have these conversations of our souls together. We encourage the Marchers to aid us in finding proof and understanding their new citizens.|by=Bloodcrow Knott|vote=Greater Majority (78-0)|when=Autumn Equinox 385YE}}
{{SOP|statement=The pursuit of virtue supersedes doctrine and the Law. If the Mournwold Orcs are willing to commit to living the life that they are living to the full extent of virtue and greatness, this assembly will welcome and defend them.|by=Sister Meredith|vote=Greater Majority (264-0)|when=Autumn Equinox 385YE}}
==Marcher Orcs==
* '''Mournwold Orcs are joining the Marches as citizens'''
It's been a long time coming. During the Autumn Equinox, '''Mel Bleak''' of the Mournwold proposed a [[mandate]] that would see the former Jotun thralls become Marchers. '''Sister Meredith''' went out with the [[egregore]] to begin bringing the first orcs into the Marches. And, as the judgement wryly says, “''we will look to the paperwork later''.” Both priests are known to and respected by the Mournwold Orcs; Mel's words and Meredith's presence are warmly greeted and the two will never want for a pie or a pint of beer anywhere there are Marcher Orcs for the foreseeable future.

And there ''will'' be paperwork. The Marcher Orcs reject the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Howling_Abyss|Doctrine of the Howling Abyss]], and many question the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Ancestors|Doctrine of the Ancestors]]. They reject any suggestion they do not reincarnate as long as they do not take up weapons. They continue to celebrate their heritage, but marry it to the same stubborn work ethic, love of tradition, and appreciation for violent team sports that their human neighbours already enjoy.

There's resistance in some parts of the nation, human nature being what it is. But the spectre of hatred embodied by the folk of Whittle no longer hangs over the nation. The hard work of humans and orcs alike has convinced many of those who might have been on the fence that these orcs are more like them than they aren't. And the Doctrine of Enlightenment is clear that both humans and orcs can come together, embrace virtue, and forge a brighter future than anything dreamt of in Human Destiny.

All that's required for the Marcher orcs to prosper is for the Imperial Synod to let them get on with it. The disavowal of Human Destiny shows that the Way can change to meet the challenges of the future, and the Marcher Orcs are confident that in time the Way will find a path to reconcile their firmly held beliefs with those of the [[Imperial Orcs]]. As long as nobody ''starts'' anything, there won't ''be'' anything as the Marcher proverb has it.

The Mournwold orcs are not all joining the Marches overnight, and it's likely that some of them never will. They're just too set in their old Jotun ways. To be fair though, most who felt like that left [[At_the_dog_and_eel_show#The_Orcs_of_Mournwold|earlier in the year]]. Those who remain are the ones who ''want'' to be part of the Marches. The Marcher egregores report that among those who are taking the step of seeking to bond with them, almost all are proving successful. But it will still take time to fully integrate the orcs. For the moment the overwhelming majority of them remain in the Mournwold, but there are already some seeking new homes and fresh opportunities in [[Mitwold]], [[Upwold]], and even (very cautiously) [[Bregasland]].
{{SOP|statement=We encourage the Marchers and the Mournwold Orcs to enter into debate and discussion around our shared beliefs and where those beliefs differ. We urge the Marchers to show understanding and lenience as they guide the Mournwold orcs on their journey to understanding the Way. As called for in statement 191 give them time.|by=Darian Numbers, Assembly of Nine|vote=Greater Majority (8-0) with Primacy|when=Autumn Equinox 385YE}}

==Nightsoil in the Fields==
* '''The Marcher Orcs are heretics
The field is not entirely free of stones of course. The Marcher Orcs are [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heretics]]. They believe that they reincarnate - that belief is absolutely central to their entire way of life. They won't give that belief up, it would tear them apart to do so. ''Hap the Soft'' said during the [[When_Spring_comes#Hap,_Graime,_and_Knott_(Conjunction)|meeting]] at [[Mournwold_spoils_of_war#The_Golden_Hoof|Golden Hoof farm]] last summit that the visit by the Marchers and [[Imperial Orcs]] who urged the Mournwold Orcs to join the nation was the kind of event a future human might one day see in a [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] vision. But the ''possibility'' remains that this goes wrong - everyone hopes this is the moment that marks the peaceful union of former thralls with their human neighbours... but the risk remains that it could be a monumental moment because it signs the death warrants of thousands of orcs.

Both the Marchers and the Imperial Orcs have vowed to support the former thralls, to find a way to reconcile their faith with the Way. It would now need a clear statement with a greater majority in the [[General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of Nine]] to destroy what has been built over the last few years... A statement of that significance that denounced the Marcher Orcs, or demands that they abandon their ways, has the potential to be the first stone that drowns the Marches in an avalanche of blood and horror. Not because the orcs will fight, but because they won't – but their neighbours might.

As long as everyone stays calm, and open to the possibilities, and nobody calls in the magistrates to investigate the entire Marches for heresy, everything will be fine. The Marcher Assembly could pass the following mandate, just in case anyone does try something that foolish.
{{Mandate|mandate=We meant what we said, the pursuit of virtue supersedes doctrine and the law. The life of the Mournwold Orcs is one of Virtue and this assembly welcome them to the Marches. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to make sure the Marches know what's what. We will defend our cousins against any who might attack them.|assembly=Marches National Assembly}}
By passing this Mandate the Marcher Assembly makes it clear that they embrace the Marcher Orcs even though they are at odds with doctrine and that it doesn't matter as long as they are sincere in their embrace of virtue. It would do nothing in the short term, but in the future if anyone tried to denounce the Marcher Orcs as heretics, the people of the Marches would fight hard to protect them.

The Marchers are not the only nation that could take a stance in support of the Mournwold Orcs. The Imperial Orc Assembly can pass the following mandate.
{{Mandate|mandate=The matter of orc souls should be left to orcs. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to let Imperial Orcs know that the Mourn Orcs are Marchers. We demand the humans of the Empire give our new siblings time while we offer them guidance in the ways of the Abyss and Ancestors.|assembly=Imperial Orcs National Assembly}}
If this mandate is passed, the Imperial Orcs Assembly makes it clear that on matters of orc souls, their human peers should defer to them. It acknowledges that the Marcher Orcs have different beliefs to the Imperial Orcs, but commits to trying to find a middle ground. In the short term, Imperial Orcs preachers will visit the Mournwold orcs to debate and discuss their shared understanding of virtue, and their differing stance on what happens after one dies. In the long term, if anyone tries to denounce the Marcher orcs as heretics, the Imperial Orcs would step in.

There's not much chance the Marcher Orcs will give up their belief in reincarnation, for all the reasons already mentioned. Doing that would require accepting that millions of their ancestors were mistaken, and passed on those mistakes to their children, and have been devoured by the Howling Abyss. These orcs know their belief is correct, and won't abandon it in the foreseeable future no matter how many preachers or friars come to debate the Howling Abyss with them. What they ''will'' do is embrace the virtues as enthusiastically as any other Marcher, strive to live their lives to the full, take Pride in small things, and be Loyal to great things.

'''Aemon''' has offered an alternate mandate, using the [[Rings_and_crowns#Kinship_and_Greatness|Partner of Greatness]] power, to the Highguard National Assembly.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Virtuous raise up their fellows and seek out the poison in their neighbours field before it blights your own. We are one empire and one people, the way of virtue is for the Enlightenment of all. As such being elder siblings of the faith we send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to encourage the Grey Pilgrims to talk to the Marcher orcs and question them and in Loyalty aid them in facing the hard truths that there is no reincarnation of the Orcish Soul.|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, the grey pilgrims will speak to the Marcher orcs. The grey pilgrims will be forced to accept the hard truth that the Marcher orcs will not give up their belief in reincarnation.

<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">The reward for a good job is more work.</quote></div>

==The Black Canal==
* '''The Black Canal is nearing completion, but still requires 3 crowns, 20 weirwood and 22 white granite to complete'''
* '''The project has helped to shift views across the Marchers, with many speaking positively of the Mournwold orcs work ethic'''
One factor that has done much to shift the wider Marcher opinion of the Mournwold Orcs was their shared work on the Black Canal. Having orcs from the Mournwold working side-by-side alongside the Marchers gave both a chance to appreciate each others company. The best way to mend fences is to put them back up together as the old Marcher proverb has it. People were sceptical at first, but the orcs soon won them round with their impressive work ethic, every bit the equal of a hard-working Marcher navvy. One sure sign that people are being won over is the way folk eventually stop referring to them as the Jotun thralls, and start calling them the Mournwold Orcs. And it's not that long after that someone just says refers to them as Marcher Orcs...

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:500px;">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Black Canal'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:'''Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' River Meade (Mitwold and Mournwold)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 weirwood, 22 white granite and 3 Crowns to complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Raises level of investment in farms in Mitwold by 1, in businesses in Mitwold and Mournwold by 1 and in mines in Mournwold by 2</td></tr>
</table>
It's also given the orcs themselves a broader perspective, allowing them to see more of the Marches than would otherwise have been possible. They're especially keen on foot-the-ball, provided there's no weapons involved, and while they haven't won any matches yet, the Chalkdown Navigators are starting to put up an impressive showing. They take a particular interest in farming, they are clearly impressed by the scale and industry of the biggest farms in Mitwold, and eager to learn as much as they can. Farming has been the only life they have ever know, but it's ''never'' been respected by the Jotun the way it is by the Marchers, never lauded or studied the way Marchers do. The orcs are eager students, lapping up whatever new ideas and techniques, Marcher yeofolk will share, happily exchanging a lesson in how to create a land-drain in exchange for a day's hard graft digging it. A few express an interest in settling in Mitwold, it's a rich fertile land, more productive even than the Mournwold, and the thought of farming it clearly appeals to the more outgoing among them.

Some would say the Black Canal has already served it's purpose, forging a common bond between the Marchers, orcs and humans alike. Others point out that it a lot of time and money has been sunk into this great project and it would be daft not to finish it now. There's still a lot of material needed to complete it however - 20 weirwood, 22 white granite and 3 crowns in all are still outstanding. Once that's provided for then the work will be quickly completed and the benefits will start to flow.
<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Sword and shears both cut alike.</quote></div>
==The Fruit of the Tree==
* '''The Marcher nation could raise a fifth army'''
When the Marchers liberated the Mournwold from Jotun shackles, the presence of the former thralls, who controlled much of the best farmland and mining (and still do) meant that the nation could not fully exploit the wealth of the territory. Not without clearing the old woodlands at [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]] at any rate.

Now that the orcs are becoming Marchers, that is no longer the case. The Marcher Orcs will be as enthusiastic about a fifth army as anyone else. After all, they may personally refuse to pick up a weapon, but they are not pacifists in a general sense – and their former Jotun traditions make a virtue of supporting the armies that protect them and allow them to live prosperous lives. Now that they are increasingly embracing the Marchers, the orcs are more keen than ever to ensure that they do their bit to protect the nation. They know well what will happen to them if the Jotun ever return.

The [[Despise treachery|situation]] in [[Bregasland]] means that a fifth Marcher army could be a risk. If that situation degenerated further, if the territory went into open rebellion, then the Marchers wouldn't have the means to support five armies and would suffer accordingly. Fortunately the nation has the breadbasket, which could mitigate some of the impact of that. Provided the Marchers don't lose control of a territory for any reason they should have no problems supporting five armies.

This might not be the best time politically to raise a new army, but it would certainly capture the triumphant mood in the Mournwold.
While the Marcher Orcs won't fight in army for obvious reasons, the Marchers could call on them to join the new army bringing their long experience supporting others and their skills as quartermasters, healers, apothecaries, physicks, and other support roles that don't require them to lift a weapon. As time goes by that will change, though. Every generation contains some orcs ready to risk their soul and take their chance to cross the Abyss, to fight like their warrior-ancestors urge them to fight. Now that they can become citizens of the Marches they can join the Marcher armies and give the Jotun a damn good kicking.

Alternatively there are more than a few Mournwold miners who could be persuaded to take the Imperial crown for a few years. They'd need some training to form the core of a good army, but most of them are as strong as an ox, not afraid of hard work and experienced working with engineers. Those are all skills an army could make use of.

Or the Marchers could look elsewhere to find the people who could form a new army. There is time to get this right - with the Mournwold finally united, and all the people pulling in the same direction at last, this is one opportunity that isn't going anywhere.

==Marcher Orcs in Play==
It is still not currently possible to play a Marcher Orc as your player character, or for existing orc characters to join the Marches.

==Further Reading==
* [[Mournwold Orcs]]
* [[Part of this together]] - 385YE Winter Wind of Fortune discussing the Doctrine of Enlightenment

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T17:02:27Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Shimmerglisten#Giving_the_Game_Away_to_the_Feni|The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Spiral#Cinion|Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T17:01:50Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Shimmerglisten#Giving_the_Game_Away_to_the_Feni|The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:58:55Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Shimmerglisten#Giving_the_Game_Away_to_the_Feni|The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:50:33Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean_factions#The_Satrapy_of_Ibaria|Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:49:55Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:46:45Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Make_it_happen#The_Water_Walkers|Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:34:00Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:28:08Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:20:33Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karsk#Broken_Barrow|Branoc Folk]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:13:22Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:09:48Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Weight_of_the_world#Here_to_Stay|Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:08:11Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:06:27Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Selfishness|Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Cynicism|Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T16:02:20Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[I_wish_you_would#Grendel|Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T15:47:24Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T15:27:59Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Great Forest Orcs]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T15:24:18Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T14:28:46Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tsark]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grynbor]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T13:56:36Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Beoraidh]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Zemelslo]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bloodwater Spears]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grynbor]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Water Walkers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Rahvin]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dreamers of the Dark Forest]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Karass]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sand Fishers]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ibaria]]</td><td>Satrapy</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Gallum Fiersach Protectorate]]</td><td>Protectorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Clisearn]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Eoradal]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Orcs of Ossium who are not Druj]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Silver Flame]]</td><td>TBC</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Marracossans of Trajadoz]]</td><td>People</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Feni of "The Woods that Fell"]]</td><td>People</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T13:14:37Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of War */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Here_to_stay#Shells|The Brine Turtles]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T13:03:58Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Axos]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Faraden]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Iron_Confederacy|The Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Skoura]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T13:01:30Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Thule]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T13:00:46Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Commonwealth]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sumaah_Republic|Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T12:59:39Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan_Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Principalities_of_Jarm|Principalities of Jarm]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>

</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Powers of the Imperial Senate

2026-05-03T12:58:05Z

Responsible1: /* Declaration of Peace */

[[Category: Senate]]
<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">If I rule for a thousand years I would never question the existence of your loyalty, Senator Holberg. I merely wonder to whom you have given it.</quote>

==Overview==
The [[Senate]] is the most powerful of all the great bodies of the Empire and their powers are the most flexible and wide ranging. The legal powers of the [[Synod]] and the [[Conclave]] are clearly defined and tightly constrained in the range of things they can directly accomplish. The [[Military Council]] and the [[Bourse]] are flexible but their focus is much more constrained. Only Senate has the power to make law and it is the Senate that chooses an Empress and the Senate that controls the balance of power between the houses.

The powers of the Senate are employed using either a [[Senate motion]] or a [[Senate announcement]]. Only a member of the Senate with the [[Senator#Proposal|right to propose a motion]] may raise motions on the Senate floor. Some of the powers of the Senate may be delegated to the holder of an [[Imperial title]] to carry out. Any Imperial title that has had Senate powers delegated to it may employ those powers by making a suitable announcement during a session.

==Legal==
===Changes to Imperial Law===
The Senate has the power to introduce new laws or to change existing laws. As with other motions, changes to the law are subject to [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]]. A proposal may be consistent with the Constitution or inconsistent with the Constitution. In the latter case the motion is described as having constitutional implications.

* A motion that is consistent with the constitution can be passed by majority vote of the senators present.
* A vote that has constitutional implications requires the approval of two-thirds of all current senators in the Empire and must be authorised by The Throne and approved by three senior Magistrates.

Any character may discuss a proposed motion with [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|the Constitutional Court]] to try to find a way to make it consistent, or stop it being inconsistent with the Constitution. They will offer advice as best they can. There is no right of appeal however, as the members of the court are NPCs. Their decisions are made in the interests of keeping the game enjoyable, they are not made so as to create plot when players disagree with them.

Where a motion with constitutional implications is passed and ratified, the civil service will amend their interpretation of the constitution as necessary and add any relevant notes to the [[Imperial_Constitution#Commentary_on_the_constitution|commentary.]]

===Imperial Titles===
Only the Senate has the power to create [[new Imperial titles]].

===Appointments===
A number of titles are appointed by the Senate, including [[the Throne]]. The procedures for an [[appointment by the Senate]] depend on whether the position is Imperial or national; whether it was created by a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and whether the Senator who raised the motion indicates that they intend to use the power of [[Appointment_by_the_Senate#Escalation|escalation]].

The Senate may be also step in to appoint a national title where the Senators of the nation in question cannot reach an agreement.

===Conclave Orders===
The Senate can create a new [[Conclave order]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created order requires a clear statement as to its purpose and attitudes to magic, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing orders that is used with the [[Arcane Mark]] ritual. If an order is dissolved, the contents of its [[Conclave vault|vault]] are redistributed among the remaining orders.

This power is usually used at the [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|instigation of the Conclave]].
===Imperial Sodalities===
The Senate can recognise a new [[Imperial sodality]] or dissolve an existing one. This is always a constitutional vote. A newly created sodality requires a clear statement as to its purpose, and a symbol similar to those possessed by existing sodalities and orders that is used with the [[Mark of Fellowship]] ritual. If a sodality is dissolved, any Imperial titles appointed by the sodality are [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrograted]].

==Diplomatic==
The Senate is responsible for relations with foreign powers. It has the power to issue a formal declaration of war or peace, as well as extending legal protection to envoys and representatives of barbarian powers for short periods to allow diplomacy to take place.

===Declaration of War===
<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;">'''Barbarian'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Grendel]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Jotun]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Druj]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Children of Wrecks]]</td><td>Nation</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Volodny]]</td><td>Secret Society</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|The Black Wind]]</td><td>Sept</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Senate can declare war on any foreign power. Any foreign powers or nations that the Empire is at war with are considered to be barbarians. Barbarians are not protected by Imperial Law and are considered enemies of the Empire, so it is illegal to trade with them.

===Declaration of Peace===
{{stub}}
<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;">'''Foreigners'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>Empire</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Senate can also end to a state of war. External powers that the Empire is not at war with are classed as foreigners; it is legal to trade with them and their rights are protected by Imperial Law.

===Foreign Relations===
The Senate can create an Imperial [[ambassador]] to negotiate on behalf of the Empire with the representatives of a specific foreign nation or empire. If the Empire completes the construction of an [[embassy]], a new Imperial title of ambassador is automatically created, if one does not exist already for that nation. This legal power allows the Senate to deal with nations and countries - it is not possible to create an ambassador to a family, group, or faction within a nation.

An ambassador has the authority to negotiate with representatives of the foreign power on behalf of the Imperial Senate, but if the results of any negotiation require the use of one or more of the Senate's legal powers, then that deal must be [[Ambassador#Treaty|ratified as a treaty]] by the Senate. The ambassador cannot automatically undertake actions that require the use of any legal powers - such as a declaration of war or peace - unless explicitly granted these additional legal powers by Senate motion.

There may only be a single ambassador to a foreign nation at once - but the Senate can choose to create other Imperial titles that have ''responsibilities'' to cover specific areas - for example to ensure good relations with certain members of a nation, or to encourage and promote trade with that nation.

===Ratification===
The Imperial Senate can vote to ratify a treaty that has been raised as a Senate motion. Ratification of a treaty is considered to be a single motion before the Senate because the Senate can either choose to accept the treaty or reject it. It is not possible to amend a treaty once it is presented as a motion; it either passes in its entirety in the form it was submitted or it does not pass. The only legal way for the Senate to ratify variations of a treaty is to submit different treaties as separate motions.

Any citizen can negotiate and agree a deal with individuals from another nation, but only the Imperial title with authority may submit a treaty for ratification by the Senate and only when the civil service have confirmed that it is a genuinely negotiated treaty with members of that nation.

===Concedence===
The Senate can opt to cede Imperial control over a [[territory#Region|region]] or [[territory]] to a foreign power. This allows a foreign nation, empire, or [[eternal]] the ability to take uncontested control of the location. Control of the land is not granted immediately - the foreign power must still send forces to seize the area - but no Imperial citizens or forces will attempt to resist the incursion unless one or more generals gives explicit orders to the contrary. Normally the Senate will use this power to cede land as part of a peace treaty, but this is not a constitutional requirement.

When land is ceded by the Senate, the effects are different to an invasion. The civil service ensure that the Imperial citizens who dwell in the affected areas are duly informed and do everything possible to help them evacuate the area. There are always a few hold-outs who prefer to take their chances and remain - but the majority of citizens prefer to live in the Empire and will move as the border moves, taking what belongings they can with them. Such movements are not without cost, but the civil service does everything possible to reduce the burden.

In Summer 384YE, the Constitutional Court issued new guidance indicating that ceding a region or territory carries significant constitutional implications - in particular it jeopardises the key requirement of the Constitution that the Empire guarantee the dignity, freedom, and prosperity of its citizens. In light of recent events, the Court is mindful of the capacity for this power to be abused to force a nation to give up territory against its will, but also cognizant that they are not best placed to judge such matters. As a result, they have ruled that any further Senate motion that cedes a region or territory of a nation would be subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] or the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|national assembly]] of the nation or nations relinquishing land. A national assembly are not restricted to vetoing a single Senate motion in the way the General Assembly are (though of course this is the only type of Senate motion they can veto). This restriction only applies to motions that cede substantial areas of land, a region or a territory or more.

The Senate may also use a motion to cede control of any Imperial [[commission]]. The Senate may choose to relinquish control of ''any'' Imperial asset in this way. [[sinecure|Sinecures]], [[edifice|edifices]], [[college of magic|colleges]], [[great work|great works]], bourse seats, [[fortification|fortifications]], even an [[Army|army]] (representative of weapons, armour, and other materials being handed over) can all legally be ceded to a foreign power. It is possible to cede a commission as part of the same motion used to create the commission in the first place - for example the Senate could pass a motion to construct an edifice in the form of a giant monkey in the Bay of Catazar and cede control of the completed statue to the [[Grendel]] with the same motion.

As with ceding land, the foreign power must still exert their power to claim the asset - otherwise it remains under the control of the Empire. However seizing an asset is usually easier and may not always require the foreign power to send soldiers to take control. If the Empire cedes control of a commission then they cannot continue to build it or employ it in anyway - even if the other party does not take control of the asset.

Any Imperial title whose powers are linked to an asset that is ceded is automatically abrogated as soon as the motion of concedence comes into force. For example, if the Empire passes a motion to cede a territory to the Druj then the Imperial title of senator for that territory is automatically abrogated as part of the same motion. Ceding an edifice, great work, or similar would abrogate any Imperial title with responsibility for the structure.

This power asserts the legal will of the Empire to give up ''all'' control over the affected area - it is categorically not possible to cede control of something but retain any element of control over it under any circumstances.

==Military==
===Guerdon===
Military units and fleets are not paid automatically for supporting Imperial armies on campaign. To incentivise independent captains to back the Empire's armies, and to reward them for doing so, the Empire created the Guerdon, a pool of money drawn from the Imperial treasury, which can be shared out amongst those whose actions are judged worthy enough. The Imperial Senate can use a motion to set the level of the Imperial guerdon, determining how much money in total will be shared out among all the eligible heroes.

The Senate can also use a motion to determine which military actions will qualify - determining which armies, navies, fortifications, spy networks or adventures are worthy of earning a share of the guerdon. They may choose any of the options available - they could even give the guerdon to those units taking mercenary work if they cared to. Military units and fleets that qualify receive a share of the total purse that is proportional to the military strength they have contributed, based on the strength of the military unit or fleet and any enchantments they are under.

In recent years, the Senate has devolved much of the responsibility for determining eligibility to the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]]. The Quartermaster must provide the [[Herald of the Council|Herald of the Military Council]] with an exclusive list of which armies and other options will receive a share of the guerdon and then make an announcement to that effect in the Senate.

{{CurrentGuerdon}}

==Economic==
===Imperial Treasury===
The Senate receives taxes drawn from every territory in the Empire, along with the money raised from the auction of Imperial Bourse seats and such donations as may be made by private citizens from time to time. This great wealth forms the [[Imperial treasury]]. Much of the wealth is pre-allocated to pay for the armies and fortifications that defend the empire, however senators can pass motions that call for one-off or regular disbursements from the Imperial treasury.

A senator can raise a motion to have treasury funds assigned to almost any project. Such a motion will usually include wording that indicates what the money is for. Although this direction does not carry legal standing - it cannot be enforced by a magistrate, it may be used by the Synod to judge if the money has been well spent. The funds might be used for anything - buying medical supplies for an upcoming battle; purchasing mithril to improve all the mana sites in Dawn; constructing a set of magic standards for the armies of Varushka; funding a project, scheme or group, or any number of other examples.

The most common disbursements are for one-off payments to pay for [[Commission|commissions]] and regular payments that form a stipend as part of the creation of an [[Imperial title]]

===Commissions===
Only the Senate has the power to authorise a new [[commission]].

===Historical Research===
The Senate can order rudimentary [[historical research]] on a chosen subject.

===Appraisal===
The Senate can instruct civil servants working the Prognosticators Office to carry out an [[appraisal]] of a known problem to see what opportunities exist.

===Tariffs===
The Senate can use a senate motion to instruct civil servants to vary the [[tariffs]] charged by the Empire on goods bought and sold by visiting foreigners.

==Territorial==
===Assignment===
A territory is conquered at the point where half or more of the regions in that territory are under Imperial control. When a territory is conquered it must be assigned to a nation of the Empire by a vote in the Senate, before it can legally be considered part of the Empire. Until 379YE it was understood that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to reassign a territory. Once a vote had been passed then the status was fixed and could not be changed while the territory remains part of the Empire. However, this is no longer the case and territories may be reassigned by use of a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Relinquishment|motion of relinquishment]] and then a motion of assignment. A national bourse seat in a territory that is assigned will automatically transfer to the nation receiving the assignment and will be appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for that nation.

In practice competing claims are exceptionally rare and only [[Holberg]] has ever been successfully contested, so the motion is normally more formal than political. Traditionally a [[senator]] from the Imperial nation that laid claim to a territory would propose the motion and take the opportunity to deliver a suitably portentous speech.

Since the [[Into the spin|Spring Equinox 386YE]] and the conquering of [[Mareave]] it has fallen under the remit of the Speaker for the Senate to raise an administrative motion to assign a territory. These motions are part of the first Saturday session and allow any senator to nominate a nation to be assigned the territory.

===Allocation===
If an asset that produces ilium, mithril, weirwood or white granite is in a region that is conquered by the Imperial armies - the asset is subject to a vote of allocation. Control of the asset is vested in the [[Bourse]] - as prescribed by the [[Imperial Constitution]] but the vote determines whether the asset will be a national asset or an Imperial asset.

Imperial assets are auctioned to the highest bidder - with the money raised being added to the Imperial treasury. Any Imperial citizen may bid for such a position - although as with any position, an individual citizen can only ever hold one title.

National assets are appointed by the [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse|bourse mechanisms]] laid down for the nation in which the territory is located. Only an Imperial citizen of the nation in which the territory is situated may be selected to hold that title. If the asset is in imperial control but the territory has not yet been conquered by the empire, then it can be allocated to any nation and will be appointed according to that nation's mechanism.

The only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. At this point the former status of the resource is irrelevant and a new vote of allocation is needed. Any senator may raise a vote of allocation, although if the motion calls for the resource to be national then it is traditional for the senator whose territory the resource is located in to raise the motion.

A vote of allocation does not arise for a bourse asset in a territory that is relinquished and re-assigned, the asset remains national or Imperial (see [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#assignment|assignment]] above).

===Relinquishment===
During the Winter Solstice 381YE, The Imperial Senate [[Create_Senate_power_of_relinquishment_II|voted to create]] the power of ''relinquishment'' - the power to open a [[territory]] or Bourse resource up for [[#Assignment|assignment]] or [[#Allocation|allocation]] as appropriate.

The Senate can relinquish a national or Imperial Bourse resource, or a territory. The motion of relinquishment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] to pass and is subject to a [[veto]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] and by the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]] of the nation relinquishing the territory or resource if it were not Imperial.

The relinquished territory or resource would become eligible for allocation or assignment as appropriate at the next Senate session.

If the Senate relinquishes a Bourse seat the new assignment comes into effect next time that seat is eligible to be allocated (for example, if the current holder dies or steps down, or during the normal season where the Bourse seat would be appointed).

==Abrogation==
A motion may call for the abrogation of most previous Senate decisions. If the vote is successful, then the motion is nullified in the most effective way possible. A change to the law would be repealed, a title created would be dissolved, a war declared would be cancelled.

Abrogation cannot reverse time, resources expended on a commission that is abrogated are lost. The powers of a title are lost when the title is dissolved but previous uses of those powers are not unwound. A foreign power might be placated by the abrogation of a declaration of war - but they are not likely to forget that it happened. When a [[commission]] is abrogated, the exact outcome depends on the nature of the commission but it usually means any production provided is lost after the summit where the motion is passed. As an example of the effects of abrogating a commission - in this case a great work - can be seen when the Senate voted to [[abrogate Moonwater Hall]].

Territorial motions (allocation and assignment), disbursements and appointments cannot be abrogated.

{{Senate Further Reading}}

Conscience of the Senate

2026-05-02T21:22:01Z

Responsible1: /* Responsibilities */

<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">No. Call it the Conscience of the Senate. If I ever have need of a conscience... I'll find my own priest.</quote>

==Overview==
The Conscience of the Senate is an [[Imperial Title|Imperial title]] appointed by the [[Appointment#Appointment_of_the_Cardinal| Cardinal]] of the [[The_Assemblies_of_the_Synod#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly of the Way]] in the [[Synod]]. It is considered a virtue title of the Assembly of the Way.

During the reign of [[Empress Teleri]], all the cardinals of the Synod were granted the abilities now wielded by the Conscience. They used them in a variety of ways, and to the increasing chagrin of the [[Senate]]. When [[Empress Varkula]] came to the [[The Throne|Throne]], she orchestrated matters so that the Senate was able to successfully remove those powers from the cardinals. As a compromise, however, the post of the Conscience was created and its appointment left in the hands of the Cardinal of the Way. The intention is that rather than representing the interests of any one Virtue assembly it will instead represent all the virtuous citizens of the Empire.

The title was [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Conscience_of_the_Senate|amended]] during the Autumn Equinox 385YE to add the power of [[#Precedence of Virtue|Precedence of Virtue]], perhaps drawing inspiration from a similar power enjoyed by the [[Imperial Magus]]. Though the original motion indicated that the Conscience was to be able use the power once each session, it was later amended to once per summit through an [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Conscience_of_the_Senate|administrative motion]] raised by the Speaker for the Senate.

==Responsibilities==
The Conscience is intended to observe Senate affairs; to speak on behalf of the virtuous; to keep the [[Senator|senators]] focused on their duty to the citizens of the Empire rather than their own aggrandisement; and to represent the Synod in the Senate when needed. When the Synod passes a judgement of [[veto]], it is the responsibility of the Conscience to ensure that someone presents that decision in the next Senate meeting. Often the Conscience will do so themselves, but they may appoint someone else to do so.

==Powers==
The Conscience enjoys many of the same powers as a [[senator]] with the advantage that they do not need to worry about re-election. Some Consciences decline to use these powers, seeing their role as more ceremonial; others take full part in the business of the Senate, engaging in spirited debates with their fellow senators.

===Member of the Senate===
The Conscience is a [[Senate session#Member_of_the_Senate|member of the Senate]]. They are entitled to enter the Senate chamber at the start of a [[Senate session]] and participate in the debates.

===Precedence of Virtue===
The Conscience may - once each summit - choose to bring one motion to the front of the agenda. Administrative motions and motions that have been curtailed are still debated first, but the chosen motion is debated before any others in that session.

===Representation===
The Conscience may cast vote on any [[Senate_motion#Majority_Vote|majority motion]] that is brought before the Senate. They may not vote on a motion that requires a constitutional vote.

===Proposal===
The Conscience may [[Senate_motion#Proposal|propose]] a single motion for consideration by the Senate each summit.

===Voice of Virtue===
The Conscience may [[Senator#Abstention|abstain]] from any vote in the Senate. The conscience will often be called on to speak on matters relating to the Synod.

==Limitations==
===One Year Only===
The Conscience serves for up to one year, unless removed from office early. In addition, no person may hold the seat of the Conscience more than once in their lifetime. This restriction is [[#history|historical]] in nature, put in place when the post was first created to limit the power of the Conscience.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Conscience.jpg|caption='''Aspar''', Conscience of the Senate|align=right|width=300}}
===Lay Person===
The Conscience must be a lay-person; this means that if the appointee has a [[congregation]], they must give up their membership of their assembly and lose the ability to participate in the business of the [[Synod]] for as long as they serve.

===Proxy===
As with many Imperial titles, the Conscience of the Senate may appoint a [[proxy]] following the normal rules. The proxy must be legally eligible to hold the title so they may not preside over a [[congregation]], and must never have held the title of Conscience of the Senate previously. However, being the proxy for the Conscience of the Senate does not then prevent someone from holding the full title at a later date.

==Appointment==
The [[cardinal]] of the Way may appoint any citizen to be the Conscience, provided that that citizen has never held the position previously. It is frowned upon to name a conscience from the same nation as the cardinal. If the Conscience controls a congregation, they face [[#Lay person|additional restrictions]].

The conscience may hold the seat for no longer than a year, or until a new cardinal of the Way is appointed and chooses to name a replacement. For example, if a Conscience were appointed during the Winter Solstice, they would serve until the end of the Winter Solstice the following year, or until a new cardinal was appointed who wanted to replace them.

They can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly of the Way]], and the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].

{{RecentElections|Conscience_of_the_Senate}}

{{Senate Further Reading}}

[[Category:Senate]]
[[Category:Title]]
[[Category:Synod]]

Each age a lens

2026-04-19T18:16:03Z

Responsible1: /* Diplomatic Delegation */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Jotun]][[Category:Druj]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Advisor Frith.jpg|align=left|caption='''Frith''', Advisor on Orc Affairs|width=250}}
==Overview==
* '''Five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy of one kind or another with the Empire'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations. Not all are barbarians; the Empire has a long-standing peace treaty with the Thule for example (see the '''[[Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune for more details on Thule diplomacy this season). There are also communities of orcs within the Empire's borders. Some are part of Imperial nations - the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], the former [[Grendel]] of [[the League]], the free [[Jotun]] thralls of [[the Marches]]. Others maintain a degree of independence while still being at least ambivalent to the Empire - the orcs of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] and the protectorate of Morajasse - while still others keep to themselves and have an uncertain relationship with their Imperial neighbours - the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]] in [[the Barrens]] for example, the septs of [[Mareave]], or the remaining orc septs in [[Ossium]] who declined to move to [[Skarsind]] when the offer was made.

In most cases, diplomacy with most of these disparate orc groups is technically the responsibility of the [[Imperial Consul]], currently '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]], perhaps advised by the [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. In practice, many of these orc groups prefer to deal with members of certain nations with whom they have ties - the Jotun prefer to talk to the folk of Wintermark for example, while the Great Forest Orcs consider the Navarr to be their close allies.
==Jotun==
* '''The Jotun remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul'''
The [[Jotun]] are a powerful, martial nation lead by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kallsea]] and King Gudmundr Arason of [[Jotun#History|Narkyst]]. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - having conquered [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale''). The Empire responds with an [[Rubies in the snow|attack on Skallahn]] that threatens to take control of [[Hordalant#The_Kongegőr|the Kongegőr]], the bridge that connects the northern and southern territories of the sprawling barbarian nation.

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of [[Wintermark]], for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for [[the Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the [[Imperial Consul]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A New Meeting Place===
* '''A new Meeting Place has been constructed on Gull Isle, a tidal island in the Gullet.'''
* '''The Wintermark National Assembly have encouraged their people to use this opportunity to build bridges with the Jotun.'''
While they are unreceptive to the more formal structures of an [[embassy]], there is nonetheless a long tradition of peaceful meeting on neutral ground between the Jotun and Wintermark. Once there was a [[Sermersuaq#The_Meeting_Place|Meeting Place]] just outside the borders of [[Sermersuaq]] where such meetings too place. Sadly in 382YE it was destroyed and defiled by a renegade [[Varushka|Varushkan]], infuriating the Jotun.

In recent years careful negotiations have been taking place regarding the creation of a new meeting place. The old stone is gone, but something new has been raised, with assistance from the Wintermark [[mystic|mystics]] and their "opposite numbers" among the Jotun, the ''[[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]]''. A little common ground has been found, and there the Empire has helped build a great meeting hall where, it is hoped, Jotun and Imperial might be able to speak without the shadow of violence falling across them. This initiative had extensive support from the Wintermark National Assembly as seen in the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146|statement]] raised by Hayrin at the Summer Solstice, and supported by the Wintermark Assembly.

[[Construct Meeting Place|Construction]] has taken nearly a year, but it is finally complete. A meeting hall now stands on a wave-swept island in the waters to the west of [[Kallavesa]] where barbarian and human can meet one another to talk. There are still some decisions to be made about the place, however.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="For Ustigar Jarl of Keirheim, by Iron Osric, Hammer of the West">
Where march the war-bound, the bold-hearted brethren?<br>
Where flew the banners, the fire-bright spears?<br>
Far from the fray, he stood steadfast in duty,<br>
Bound to the crown, while his kin bled and fell.<br>
Steel-fast in service, he stayed through the seasons,<br>
Honour his harness, though hunger for war<br>
Burned in his breast like buried bright ember -<br>
To rise, to reckon, to rest in the red.<br>
But fate is a falcon, fierce in its turning,<br>
It flew to his field in the fullness of time.<br>
Sword-slung and shouting, he'll stride into battle,<br>
And die with the day, as doers of old.</quote></div>
===Rules of War===
* '''Iron Osric has spoken to Igya Olgafsdottir about a meeting to better define terms of war with the Jotun'''
* '''The message has been well received and a meeting proposed for the Spring Equinox honouring Tromsan traditions'''
* '''Negotiations will occur at the new meeting place; Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Osric, the Golden Jarl and the Imperial Consul are invited'''
* '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark will be [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for the meeting at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The thane and the jarl are both invited to bring a small entourage; the meeting will take the form of a feast where anger is put aside'''

Shortly before the Winter Solstice, a messenger leaves the Jotun territory of ''Ashvale'' (which the Empire calls [[Liathaven]]) and makes camp at the base of the burial mound that was once [[Kahraman#Fort_Braydon_(destroyed)|Fort Braydon]]. She sits under a flag of truce and waits. The [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] who speak to her learn that she is bringing a message from ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', hero-engineer and warleader of the Jotun. The message is quickly communicated to [[Tassato]] and to the office of the [[Imperial Consul]].

Apparently [[general]] [[Heroism#Iron_Osric|Iron Osric]] of the [[Green Shield]] has requested a parley to discuss the terms of the on-going war. In particular, "to try and agree what magic we will not employ, the banning of poisons or other foul things, the protection of innocents, where our armies will clash, the number of forces and how long the conflict will endure before the feasting time." There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether Osric is speaking only on behalf of Wintermark, or for the Empire as a whole.

What's clear from the reply is that the Jotun continue to view Iron Osric and a figure they refer to as "the Golden Jarl" in particular as exemplars of what it means to be an honourable warrior. As such they are minded to take his request very seriously. Igya proposes that it is long past time for such a meeting, and that she is eager to attend one as a representative of her Queen. A second representative will come to speak with the voice of the King, and each will bring a <u>small</u> honour guard of champions and godhi to speak for the warbands and champions of the west.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Iron Osric.png|caption=Iron Osric, General of the [[Green Shield]]|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra.jpg|caption=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra, the Golden Jarl|align=right|width=300}}</div></div>
Olgafsdottir has called the meeting under the laws of hospitality of her home. In [[Tromsa#Tromsdalen|Tromsdalen]] when feuding warbands can stand one another no more and only blood will settle their anger, they engage in the ''hetjuveisla'' - the feast of heroes. Both sides bring food and drink, and bards to play music and tell tales. For a time the price of blood is set aside, so that a negotiation may be held in good faith to determine precisely how the battle-to-come will go. When the feast is over, the sun must rise and set again before violence resumes allowing both sides to safely return to their homes.

As long as Iron Osric agrees, she proposes that at the Spring Equinox - at the start of the year - Iron Osric, the Golden Jarl, and the Imperial Consul come to the new Meeting Place. Igya proposes that Osric and the Jarl each bring a small honour guard and the Consul an assistant. Both sides should bring food, drink, and bards. A negotiation will take place there that will bind both sides in agreement, and they will part peacefully.

News of this meeting is not met with universal approval. Both the Imperial Consul and Iron Osric are [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]]. The Jotun refuse to name the Golden Jarl, but it is definitely a reference to one of the Freeborn. Of [[the Marches]] in particular there is no mention - where the Jotun still dominate [[Bregasland]] - there are rumbles of discontent that Winterfolk and Freeborn will negotiate how war will take place between the Empire and the western barbarians. They're not alone - in [[Navarr]] there are a few undercurrents of unhappiness about this. While it is easy to see the sense of a general representing the [[Military Council]] and the Consul representing the [[Senate]], no-one is sure if this "Golden Jarl" even speaks for the Brass Coast. And who will speak for the other nations that must fight the Jotun?

===Virtuous Possibilities===
* '''The Jotun have constructed an ancestral shrine as part of the Meeting Place, and assume that the Empire will dedicate a space to the Way'''
* '''The Synod could pass a writ of consecration to create a true aura at the Meeting Place'''
* '''The effect would be dependant on the aura chosen, and whether it was a sacred site or a memorial'''
* '''The Jotun have requested that the Wintermark National Assembly endorse any such Consecration to soothe the worries of the Ghodi'''
* '''A true consecration will not lead any Jotun to convert to the Way of Virtue'''
With the new Meeting Place constructed, the Jotun have taken the message [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_128|spread]] by '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' to heart, and wasted no time in making themselves at home. Along with the wall-hangings, feasting tables, treasured ancestral weapons and other creature comforts they have brought with them, they have swiftly established dedicated spaces for their religious practice. One room of the Meeting Place has been established as a shrine to the ancestors, and is already being filled with small idols, painted images and relics of the honoured dead. As well as this, an outdoor space has been marked out as suitable for ritual combat. While raising a hand in anger against a guest or a host would be a terrible breach of hospitality, two or more warriors choosing to test their strength against one another in honour of their ancestors is not only accepted but encouraged as a demonstration of strength and piety.

Soon, word reaches the Meeting Place of a letter sent by '''Thane Erlend Gunnulfson''', who identifies himself as the person responsible for gathering the Empire's contribution of [[white granite]] towards this project. The letter bears a suggestion that the Empire might [[Consecration|consecrate]] part of the site. While most Jotun are broadly disinterested in the Way of Virtue (despite the best efforts of the Lasambrian orcs), the suggestion seems reasonable. If the Jotun can honour their ancestors, why not allow the Empire to honour their Virtues? There is agreement with the offer, at least in principle.

In practice, there are several ways that this could be done. The simplest would be to claim a specific space in the Meeting Place as a space for religious observance, and to consecrate it normally with a little [[liao]], renewing it season by season. This is how consecrated areas are maintained across the Empire, after all. This would incur no costs, lead to no downsides, and would allow the aura to be changed from season to season.

Of course there is a more costly, and more impactful, alternative. [[Liao#True Liao|True liao]] could be used to create a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] within the new Meeting Place. One of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue Assemblies]] would need to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] as normal, and that judgement would need to be upheld by a [[greater majority]] of the relevant assembly. While multiple assemblies could attempt to pass a writ to consecrate the Meeting Place, such judgements would be considered to be [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]] with one another; only the greater majority judgement with the highest margin of success would be upheld.
{{SOP|statement=The meeting hall at Gull Island will be completed for the Winter Solstice. Yet until a meeting has taken place there it is just a hall. We send Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark with 25 doses of liao to spread word of the Hall both in Wintermark and in the lands of the Jotun. Let the Ghodi bring their people to join with the folk of Wintermark to see what bridge may be built.|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|vote=284-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
There are limits to the effect of such a consecration. Jotun living in, or visiting, the Meeting Place might visit the Imperial shrine out of curiosity or a desire to learn, but such things would have no wider effect on the Jotun as a nation - this would not convert the Jotun to the Way. However, a true consecration would reinforce how the Empire view their relationship with the Jotun. An [[Auras_of_Loyalty#A_Peerless_Kinship|aura of Loyalty]] for example, would remind everyone of the importance of service to others, and perhaps communicate that the Empire will always stand by their friends and allies. An [[Auras_of_Pride#Partner_of_Greatness|aura of Pride]] would encourage rock-hard self-esteem, and remind Imperial visitors that they are the foundation on which future relations with the Jotun will be built, perhaps resonating with Jotun ideas of honour and integrity. There would be a degree of interpretation involved on both sides, especially since the Jotun would react to the ''actual aura'' rather than the symbolism of the virtue. But such a potent site would be seen by the Jotun as demonstrating the kind of future that the Empire desires with them.

Normally, a writ of consecration would be passed with the intention of creating an [[Inspirational location]] dedicated to a [[paragons and exemplars|paragon or exemplar]]. With the Meeting Place, the writ could identify the Meeting Place as a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites|sacred site]] - significant but not associated with any particular individual, or as a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] dedicated to a renowned inspirational figure.

Consecrating the Meeting Place as a memorial could not help but send a much more specific message to the Jotun. The barbarians would interpret a shrine commemorating a specific figure from the Empire's past through the lens of their own faith, and likely see the inspirational figure chosen in such a way as an "honoured ancestor" of the Empire. This possibility was apparently met with a great deal of interest by the ''ghodi'' visiting the construction of the Meeting Place. Some, more open-minded ghodi, would be very curious about what figures the Empire looks to for guidance, and while some elements will doubtless be lost in translation, the Jotun will look to any memorial as a statement about who the people of the Empire desire to be. Any greater effect would be highly dependent on the figure chosen, but it will doubtless be deeply meaningful.

There is a note alongside this talk of open-mindedness, however. The ghodi are as divided and cantankerous as any group of Synod priests, and while they often show unity in the face of outsiders their internal debates are just as heated. More conservative voices are already raising criticisms of allowing the Empire such leeway in the practice of their faith. The missionary zeal of the Empire is well known, and some fear that this may be the thin end of the wedge. Indeed, there are undoubtedly Imperial citizens who would love nothing more than to spread the Way among the peoples of the Jotun, whether the Jotun wanted them to or not. In order to shut this debate down before it starts causing problems, the Jotun have suggested that their neighbours in Wintermark act as guarantors of the Empire's honour. The Wintermark National Assembly could pass a suitably-worded [[statement of principle]] endorsing a writ of consecration regarding the Meeting Place. Such a statement would need to be raised before the consecration was carried out, but if passed with a greater majority it would address the fears of the more suspicious Jotun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=shark.png|align=right|width=400|}}

==Grendel==
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on Attar and the Broken Shore, and they remain at war with the Empire. They have conquered parts of Redoubt, and continue to fight Imperial forces defending Mareave. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

Speaker Morna is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.
===Misapprehensions===
* '''They request that further correspondence about diplomatic matters come from the Ambassador to the Grendel
A single [[Call Winged Messenger|magical missive]] arrived at the offices of the Ambassador to the Grendel, '''Starlight Starchaser''' of Urizen. The letter begins by welcoming the new ambassador, but then immediately goes on to correct a misapprehension. [[Bedight in veils#Peace and Storm|Last season]], Morna simply pointed out that any discussion of peace between Grendel and Empire must take place between themselves and the Ambassador to the Grendel. This has apparently been misinterpreted as a sign that the Grendel desire an end to the conflict with the Empire. That is not the case - Speaker Morna was simply reminding '''Abel the Rounder''' of how diplomatic relations between nations must take place.

If the Empire wishes to put forward their own plan for peace, they are welcome to do so. As long as the Empire's opening offer is serious, Morna will present it to the Salt Lords for consideration. At the ''absolute minimum'' it will need to include the complete withdrawal of Imperial forces from Mareave and Redoubt. The Grendel Ambassador will not waste the Salt Lords' time with anything less.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=It seems that many of Gallum's troops are Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and arguably the most disciplined of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==The Protectorate of Morajasse==
* '''The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel'''
While Feroz has mostly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] remains in the hands of the master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]''. Ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]] - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. They carefully protect the borders of Morajasse, and apparently have sufficient supplies to endure a drawn-out siege if needed.

They are not just protecting their own borders. They have shown themselves more than willing to [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|fight the Children of Wrecks]]. After the battle at [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oran]], the [[Senate]] chose to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|recognise]] Morajasse as ''a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel''. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the [[Imperial Consul]] rather than the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] speculate that this request reflects a clear division between the protectorate and the Salt Lords' council... yet there are certainly other possibilities some of them quite intriguing. Given Wind Lord Saoirse has clearly mastered the art of commanding [[Call Winged Messenger|magical couriers]] its hard to believe they have not at least been in contact with the Salt Lords, but for now they appear to be operating in line with their agreement with the Senate.

Not long before the Winter Solstice, such a magical courier arrives at the Consulate in Tassato, again sent by Wind Lord Saoirse. The message is short and sweet. Commander Gallum is considering the invitation of '''Atte Arrowtongue''' to Anvil but at this time thinks he and his supporters should be focused on Feroz. Spring might be a better time to send emissaries. This would also present an opportunity for his partner to send one of her covenmates to speak with '''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''' and the Artisan's Guild.

More importantly, he wants to be clear to the Consul that while he and his soldiers only agreed to protect Feroz from the Children of Wrecks, they are also prepared to fight against the invading [[Iron Confederacy]] forces that [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South|currently occupy]] the islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]], provided they are well paid. While there may be something of a ''détente'' between the Salt Lords and the Suranni Dukes, Commander Gallum Fiersach apparently sees no "legal" impediment to fighting as mercenaries against all comers.

===Ramparts of Sand===
* '''Wind Lord Saoirse is prepared to again enchant Mora's Rock if the Empire fears an attack from the Children of Wrecks or Iron Confederacy'''
Last season, Wind Lord Saoirse offered to support Feroz by drawing allied forces from the [[Realms#Autumn|Mercurial Archipelago]]. Indications are that she is referring to the enchantment the Empire knows as [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar|Ramparts of Ashlar]]. The Imperial Conclave declined to [[Endowment|endow]] her with the mana she requested, but she wishes them to know that the offer is still open. If the Empire is at all concerned about the intentions of the Suranni, or the risk of the Children of Wrecks retaliating, she will enchant the [[fortification]] to enhance its garrison as it protects the territory.
{{SOP|statement=The Grendel on Mora's Rock have stolen the wealth of the Brass Coast. As thieves, they are to be despised. To trade with them harms the Prosperity of the Empire. It should not happen. Let them wallow in their ill-gotten gains, shunned by the Empire. Trade instead with the Freeborn. Help the honest to earn an honest living, and build the Prosperity of the Coast.|by=Dragonet de Gauvin, Prosperity Assembly|vote=137-38|when=Autumn Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
===Supplies===
* '''The orc quartermasters at Mora's Rock have been attempting to buy provisions and supplies from the Freeborn of Feroz and Segura'''
* '''The entrepreneurial Freeborn remain suspicious and uncooperative'''
For several months now, the orcs at Mora's Rock have been making attempts to trade with their Freeborn neighbours in [[Segura]] and Feroz. To date, however, they have had limited success. It is hard for the people of the Brass Coast not to see the "protectorate" and remember the cruel tyranny of former Governor Rahab. They were, after all, still part of the apparatus that enforced the authority of the despised ruler of the territory. While the garrison merchants have crowns to spend, their wealth was mostly taken from the people of Feroz one way or another.

At the Autumn Equinox, '''Dragonet de Gauvin''' proposed a statement of principle condemning the orcs of Morajasse as thieves. The Prosperity assembly upheld the judgement, but not with a greater majority, so its impact has been negligible. However, given that the majority of the Freeborn seem broadly disinclined to trade with the Grendel, the status quo sees Commander Gallum's forces continue to find it next to impossible to engage in peaceful relations with their neighbours. The Freeborn of Feroz may, perhaps grudgingly, accept their protection but they do not accept their coin.

===Spies===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo.jpg|caption='''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''', Imperial Spymaster|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption='''Tyburn Weaver''' (changeling), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''There is concern that the Protectorate of Morajasse is being used as a base for Grendel spies'''
* '''A spy network could be used to gather information about both the Protectorate and the Iron Confederacy in the Cazar Straits'''
* '''If the Conclave sends mana to Morajasse, then the Shuttered Lantern could be employed to inveigle their way into the Protectorate'''
* '''A scouting army could investigate rumours of espionage rings and assess the military disposition of Gallum's forces'''
* '''The Silent Bell could be used to root out any collaborators in the area'''

Suspicion of the Protectorate of Morajasse is not restricted to matters of trade however. The Grendel are known to employ [[Rings_and_crowns|espionage rings]] throughout the [[Bay of Catazar]]. They spy on Imperial territories but they are also capable of taking direct action - a Grendel espionage ring aided the attack on [[A beacon of smoke|Siroc]] for example. Not much is actually known about the so-called Protectorate, and it is entirely possible that Commander Gallum is protecting Feroz simply to let a Grendel espionage ring dig themselves into the territory in advance of the orcs of the Broken Shore launching another attack.

There are any number of ''other'' conspiracy theories - some are looking at the request to be treated as a separate entity to the Grendel as a sign that perhaps Gallum and his forces are fractured from the Salt Lords for example. This is most likely wishful thinking but perhaps its noteworthy that they have not tried to seize ships and return to Attar.

Regardless of what one believes, there are rumblings in Feroz that what is needed is a better understanding of this Protectorate. So far, they have been reticent to travel to Anvil, and their borders are largely closed. Only the very small number of Freeborn prepared to deal with them are allowed entry and then only to a trading camp just over the border. Further information might help the Brass Coast, and the Empire, get a better idea of how to approach the Protectorate.

The [[Imperial Spymaster]] '''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''' (or the Senate) could of course create a [[spy network]] in Feroz. There are, after all, two non-Imperial regions in the territory now. If at least 1,000 strength were committed to the spy network it would be enough to get a general feel for not only the Protectorate, but also the Suranni presence in the Cazar Straits. If at least 5,000 strength were committed, it would be sufficient to get detailed information about what is going on in these regions and an insight into the politics of the two foreign groups. The drawback is that this is a slow process - building a spy network takes time as does using it to uncover information. If the Spymaster began immediately, there'd be no report before the Summer Solstice at the absolute earliest.

If the Empire wants information more quickly, then there are three potential opportunities any one of which would give some insight into the Protectorate, and each of which could provide additional information.

The [[Military Council]] could direct an army to the territory to take the [[Army qualities#Scouting|Guard the Gates]] [[army orders|order]]. As long as the general indicated in their orders that the army was particularly interested in the Protectorate, they could take advantage of opportunities to speak to the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of Mora's Rock as they patrol outside Morajasse. This would give insight into the Grendel, their attitude to Feroz, and the broader plans of the Commander. If that army were also enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]], they could also work with the people of Feroz to get a better sense of their attitudes, or become aware of any underhand activity sponsored by Gallum and his supporters.

Another possibility would be to look to the wizards of the [[Conclave]]. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] are adept at negotiation and infiltration where wizards are involved, but the Grendel are too canny to just welcome them into their homes. However if the Conclave passed a declaration to send mana to the Wind Lord, then members of the Shuttered Lantern would have the perfect cover they need to inveigle their way into the Rock. In that case, the [[Grandmaster]] could [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]], urging Freeborn and other members to visit Morajasse and try to get a feel for what is going on. This would require 20 mana from the font as usual, and would provide insight into feelings in the Protectorate and may reveal something of their plans. Salt-Lord Saoirse is a powerful magician, supported by a coven of adepts, so they are sure to have things to talk about.

Finally, the Synod could engage the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to root out any collaborators in the area. If there is an espionage ring here, it would at least confirm that, and may even provide some leads to help shut it down. If there are merchants profiteering from trade with Morajasse, it would enable the Synod to put a stop to that, if they so chose. If the Empire plans to isolate the former Grendel, then the Silent Bell might be the most effective tool in the long run.

Normally these opportunities might be exclusive, too many spies in one area would simply reveal the Empire's interest. As it happens, though, the three possibilities are each focused on different priorities. Each additional opportunity taken would provide less information overall, but would focus on different parts of the Protectorate and so still have some potential value.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Beoraidh is a tiny "nation" with great big ambitions.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Beoraidh==
* '''Beoraidh is a city state on the coast of Mareave that allegedly aims to remain neutral in the conflict between the Empire and the Grendel'''
* '''The Senate has recognised the orcs of Beoraidh as foreigners'''
The city state of [[mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] in [[Mareave]] is apparently committed to neutrality between the Empire and the [[Grendel]]. The former-Salt Lord Ehsan rules from the city there, and sees the place as a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. Recently, as discussed in the '''[[A_wild_night_and_a_new_road#Polite_Correspondence|A wild night and a new road]]''' wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|under the protection]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. Exactly what this protection means - and how much influence the Sarcophan actually have - is not entirely clear. At the last it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Imperial or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves and their warships.

===Prosperity===
* '''Beoraidh has aligned itself with the Sarcophan Delves, accepting the protection of the powerful mercantile nation'''
As an independent nation, recognised by the Senate, the city-state of Beoraidh falls into the purview of the Imperial Consul. A messenger arrives at the Consulate in Tassato bearing greetings from former-Salt Lord Ehsan. The first thing the missive announces is that the ruler of Beoraidh has taken the title "Ehsan, Lord of Sand". This is likely an attempt to mollify the Salt Lords of the Grendel, among whose number he is no longer counted.

The meat of the letter addresses the alliance with the Sarcophan Delves. Ehsan presents the decision to accept the protection of the Delves as a perfectly reasonable one prompted by reality. The Empire's Senate can be quite volatile, as can the Salt Lords. To accept the protection of one side or the other would be to risk being seen as aligned with them - something detrimental to the desire of Beoraidh to remain neutral. The Sarcophan Delves however are renowned for their refusal to pick sides, and the orcs of Beoraidh find that they have more in common with them than the Unshackled. Perhaps if the Empire had been more enthusiastic about the invitation to establish the [[I_wish_you_would#Shrine_of_the_Virtues|shrine of the virtues]], or had been more welcoming to the gladiators seeking Imperial investment, or had more decisively dealt with the armies invading Mareave, Ehsan might have waited a little longer. Whatever his reason, it is clear he feels the Sarcophan are simply offering his city the best deal going.

As such, Ehsan, Lord of Sand, wishes to formally inform the Imperial Consul that they have agreed a treaty with the Delves. An attack against their city, or the plains of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]], will be treated as an attack on the Delves. However, the treaty is very clear that this agreement is not be an "exclusive" partnership. Both Beoraidh and the Delves are free to continue to pursue their own ambitions in the Bay of Catazar, with the Empire and the Grendel at the bare minimum. The tribute sent to the Empire, and the Grendel, will continue until such time as it can be renegotiated - as an assurance of Beoraidh's good faith as much as anything else. Yet the Lord of Sand is not shy about suggesting that Beoraidh will, eventually, want to discuss that tribute.

If the Consul is still interested in investing in Beoraidh, Ehsan lays out three possibilities.

===Investment of Salt===
* '''The opportunity to build a temple or basilica in Beoraidh is still available'''
* '''A previous Imperial Consul agreed to purchase land for the shrine of virtue'''
* '''Even if commissioned, work cannot begin until the money for the land is paid'''

The previous Consul proposed an agreement with Lord Ehsan to [[I_wish_you_would#Beoraidh|build a Temple of the Way]] in the city-state. If the new Consul is still interested in that, opportunities to do so remain available. Ehsan and his council have no interest in turning money and prosperity away, wherever it comes from. The invitation to build the shrine of the virtues remains. Either a temple or a grand basilica, depending on the level of investment the Empire wishes, can still be built. Provided the agreed on 20 thrones for the purchase of land is delivered, of course.

===Investment of Sea===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Investment in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Mareave </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 weirwood, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Opens the port of Beoraidh to Imperial fleet captains</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Raises taxation in Mareave by 3 thrones and taxes from tariffs by 7 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Empire is welcome to invest in the docks of Beoraidh'''
The Sarcophan are interested in investing in Beoraidh's docks, and Ehsan feels it would be remiss not to offer a similar opportunity to the Empire. He has, indeed, already offered this opportunity to the Grendel and his former colleagues in the council of Salt Lords seem cautiously interested. If the Imperial Consul is interested, then Ehsan proposes that the Empire participate in the expansion of Beoraidh's docks with an eye towards creating docks specifically for Imperial vessels to dock, and for their merchants to do business in the marketplaces of the city. Beoraidh still produces goods of its own, but the real draw perhaps will be the opportunity to gain access to goods imported from the Broken Shore.

A standard fleet visiting Beoraidh will be able to secure assorted valuable goods worth 72 rings, as well as two doses of consumable available to the orcs of Beoraidh, the Delves, or the Grendel trading there. An [[enchantment|enchanted]] or [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] fleet would receive proportionally more.

Ehsan intends to apply what he calls "[[Tariffs#Mercantilist|reasonable tariffs]]" and anticipates the Empire will apply the same tariffs to any Beoraidh ships visiting Imperial ports. Once the docks are completed there will certainly be Beoradhi merchants eager to do so. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] estimates that investment in the docks would also raise the taxable income of Mareave by 3 thrones each season - increased prosperity for Beoraidh will slowly trickle across to the businesses of the territory as a whole - and bring in an additional 7 thrones per season to the Senate treasury in the form of tariffs.

===Investment of Stone===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Imperial Consulate in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Embassy</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Sinfoyard, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, and 75 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides the Empire with some information on the factions in Beoraidh, local politics and recent developments
* Allows the Consul to purchase goods from Beoraidh
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Ehsan proposes an Imperial consulate be built in Beoraidh'''
* '''This would not involve the appointment of a new ambassador'''
* '''The consulate would provide some limited information on the factions in the city and their machinations'''

Ehsan is not naive when it comes to diplomacy; he has decades of experience as a salt lord after all. After some discussion with his advisors, and with the Sarcophan representatives, he offers the Empire the ability to establish a consulate in Beoraidh if they wish to do so. This will give them a presence in the city, and cement diplomatic relations between the city-state and the great power. They don't want embassy - they'd rather continue to deal with the Consul. But a small cadre of civil servants in Beoraidh would be able to ease representation to Beoraidh.

The Grendel have already been approached, and now Ehsan makes the same offer to the Empire. A structure in the Imperial style, built near the ''[[Mareave#Palace_of_Chains|Palace of Chains]]'', with lodging for a dozen civil servants and visiting diplomats. The proposal is much more compact than a traditional Imperial embassy - only 25 white granite - but the labour costs are a little higher due to the limitations of Beoraidh.

If the new consulate were completed, it would not require the appointment of an ambassador to deal directly with Lord Ehsan. Instead the civil servants there would report to the Imperial Consul and could be instructed to acquire local goods for a small fee (assuming such things are [[The_circle_game#Diplomatic_Ministries|still acceptable]]). Perhaps more importantly, the Empire would have civil servants on the ground in Beoraidh who could assess what was happening in the city. It would provide some idea of factions within the city, what they want and any options that might exist to influence or antagonise them. It might also help the Empire to be more aware of what the Grendel and the Sarcophan were up to in the city...

===Retribution===
* '''A group of Beoraidh orc gladiators claim they were assaulted while visiting Anvil'''
* '''They are coming to Anvil to confront those they say attacked them'''

During the Summer Solstice, representatives of the Diamant Drakes [[I_wish_you_would#That's_Entertainment|visited Anvil]], to discuss opportunities for Imperial citizens to invest in the gladiatorial arena at Beoraidh. According to these orcs, while they were in Anvil they were assaulted by members of the [[Sannite]] sept of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], accused of engaging in slavery. When the forces of law and order intervened, members of the militia flat lied about what had happened.

This obvious corruption of the Anvil militia doesn't particularly bother them - this group seem to have a very low opinion of those who enforce the laws and this has only enforced that. What the Diamant Drakes are angry about, is the beat down they claim they received at the hands of the Sannites. As news of it has spread through Beoraidh interest in visiting the Empire has declined significantly. The fact their attackers were [[Imperial Orcs]] has also soured some who were intent on seeking closer relations with their neighbours in Mareave.

After stewing on the matter for a few months, the Diamant Drakes have announced their intention to seek [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|retribution]] at the Winter Solstice. They haven't addressed exactly what this means but they're expected to reach Anvil around three in the afternoon on the Saturday of the summit, and head to the Unshackled camp to confront the Sand Vipers they are apparently holding responsible for the assault.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralSeventhWave.jpeg|caption=Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption= Dino i Riqueza, Ambassador to the Delves.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pathfinder Gaddak.jpg|caption=Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave.|align=left|width=250}}</div>

===Diplomatic Delegation===
* '''A delegation from Beoraidh led by Emissary Harailt intends to visit the Imperial Orcs at 11.00am on Saturday'''
* '''They are keen to speak to Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave'''
* '''Ehsan has asked the Imperial Consul and/or Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard to ensure no unfortunate incidents happen'''
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has also asked the Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves to help ensure the meeting goes smoothly'''
During the Winter Solstice, a delegation from Beoraidh plans to visit Anvil. Their main intent is to speak to the Imperial Orcs within whose territory they live, and are especially keen to meet '''Pathfinder Gaddak'''. Gaddak is [[Senator]] for Mareave but was one of those involved in ensuring an endangered Beoraidh vessel safely returned to port. Their invitation to the folk of Beoraidh to visit Anvil was reasonable, and encouraged Ehsan that the experiences of the Diamant Drakes need not be representative.

Obviously the story of the Diamant Drakes makes them a little concerned about the kind of reception they will receive. In part this has inspired their decision to ask representatives of the Sarcophan Delves to accompany them given that nation's interest in smoothing relations between the city state and the Empire. To be on the safe side, Ehsan asks that the Imperial Consul meet the delegation either in person or via a trusted lieutenant to further ensure that there is no repeat of the recent assault. Alternatively or additionally, '''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' could serve a similar purpose - their sensible missive contributed to the decision to undertake this delegation after all. On behalf of the Delves, Bedellar Huisbaas Annike has asked the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] to use their influence to ensure things progress smoothly.

The delegation has been entrusted to the leadership of ''Emissary Harailt'', an experienced negotiator and merchant and one of Ehsan's distant cousins. They anticipate reaching Anvil around eleven in the morning on Saturday of the coming summit, but a lot depends on their confidence with regard to their potential reception.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj Flag.png|align=left|width=300}}</div>

==The Mallum==
* '''The Druj demand that the Empire withdraw all troops from Sarangrave or they will unleash the vallorn of Béantal Dol
Unexpectedly, a message has also been received at the Consulate that appears to be from the [[Druj]]. If it is taken at face value, it is a message from a buruk tepel named ''Inkagoch'' who resides in the city of [[Salt Flats of Sanath#Leen|Leen]] in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It is fairly terse and wastes no time with clever language. According to this missive, the rulers of [[the Mallum]] demand that the Empire withdraw all of its forces from the [[Sarangrave]]. If they do not, then the [[Druj lore#Ghulai|Ghulai]] of the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] will destroy the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] and unleash the [[vallorn]] to claim the marshes. If the Druj cannot have the Sarangrave, nobody can...

The civil service advising the Consulate have no idea if the Druj are capable of making good on this threat but... the Tainted Basilisk are adept at [[Night magic]] so the fact the territory is largely under Imperial control may not present an obstacle to their ghulai reaching the stones. Everything the Empire knows about the [[Into_Béantal_Dol#The_Warding_Stones|warding stones]] that contain the vallorn suggests that if too many are destroyed the boundary will fail and the vallorn will explode out across the marshes like an unwinding spring. The Druj have clearly advanced their understanding of the vallorn in the last few years, as evidenced by their work in Therunin.

If they are not bluffing, the [[Sarangrave#Tower_of_the_Skink|Tower of the Skink]] is likely to be able to hold off the vallorn at least for a while but... the loss of life would potentially be apocalyptic. The vallorn would not spare anyone - rebel orc, Druj, or Imperial. This would be an absolute disaster for everyone in the Sarangrave and would mean the Druj could never recover the territory themselves. Are they really that desperate? Surely not even the Druj would be prepared to unleash such a catastrophe?

Surely?

==Further Reading==
* [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]]
* [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]
* [[Imperial Consul]]

* [[Invited with asperity]] 387YE Winter wind of fortune specifically dealing with the Thule

Each age a lens

2026-04-19T18:15:40Z

Responsible1: /* Investment of Sea */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Jotun]][[Category:Druj]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Advisor Frith.jpg|align=left|caption='''Frith''', Advisor on Orc Affairs|width=250}}
==Overview==
* '''Five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy of one kind or another with the Empire'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations. Not all are barbarians; the Empire has a long-standing peace treaty with the Thule for example (see the '''[[Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune for more details on Thule diplomacy this season). There are also communities of orcs within the Empire's borders. Some are part of Imperial nations - the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], the former [[Grendel]] of [[the League]], the free [[Jotun]] thralls of [[the Marches]]. Others maintain a degree of independence while still being at least ambivalent to the Empire - the orcs of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] and the protectorate of Morajasse - while still others keep to themselves and have an uncertain relationship with their Imperial neighbours - the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]] in [[the Barrens]] for example, the septs of [[Mareave]], or the remaining orc septs in [[Ossium]] who declined to move to [[Skarsind]] when the offer was made.

In most cases, diplomacy with most of these disparate orc groups is technically the responsibility of the [[Imperial Consul]], currently '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]], perhaps advised by the [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. In practice, many of these orc groups prefer to deal with members of certain nations with whom they have ties - the Jotun prefer to talk to the folk of Wintermark for example, while the Great Forest Orcs consider the Navarr to be their close allies.
==Jotun==
* '''The Jotun remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul'''
The [[Jotun]] are a powerful, martial nation lead by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kallsea]] and King Gudmundr Arason of [[Jotun#History|Narkyst]]. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - having conquered [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale''). The Empire responds with an [[Rubies in the snow|attack on Skallahn]] that threatens to take control of [[Hordalant#The_Kongegőr|the Kongegőr]], the bridge that connects the northern and southern territories of the sprawling barbarian nation.

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of [[Wintermark]], for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for [[the Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the [[Imperial Consul]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A New Meeting Place===
* '''A new Meeting Place has been constructed on Gull Isle, a tidal island in the Gullet.'''
* '''The Wintermark National Assembly have encouraged their people to use this opportunity to build bridges with the Jotun.'''
While they are unreceptive to the more formal structures of an [[embassy]], there is nonetheless a long tradition of peaceful meeting on neutral ground between the Jotun and Wintermark. Once there was a [[Sermersuaq#The_Meeting_Place|Meeting Place]] just outside the borders of [[Sermersuaq]] where such meetings too place. Sadly in 382YE it was destroyed and defiled by a renegade [[Varushka|Varushkan]], infuriating the Jotun.

In recent years careful negotiations have been taking place regarding the creation of a new meeting place. The old stone is gone, but something new has been raised, with assistance from the Wintermark [[mystic|mystics]] and their "opposite numbers" among the Jotun, the ''[[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]]''. A little common ground has been found, and there the Empire has helped build a great meeting hall where, it is hoped, Jotun and Imperial might be able to speak without the shadow of violence falling across them. This initiative had extensive support from the Wintermark National Assembly as seen in the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146|statement]] raised by Hayrin at the Summer Solstice, and supported by the Wintermark Assembly.

[[Construct Meeting Place|Construction]] has taken nearly a year, but it is finally complete. A meeting hall now stands on a wave-swept island in the waters to the west of [[Kallavesa]] where barbarian and human can meet one another to talk. There are still some decisions to be made about the place, however.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="For Ustigar Jarl of Keirheim, by Iron Osric, Hammer of the West">
Where march the war-bound, the bold-hearted brethren?<br>
Where flew the banners, the fire-bright spears?<br>
Far from the fray, he stood steadfast in duty,<br>
Bound to the crown, while his kin bled and fell.<br>
Steel-fast in service, he stayed through the seasons,<br>
Honour his harness, though hunger for war<br>
Burned in his breast like buried bright ember -<br>
To rise, to reckon, to rest in the red.<br>
But fate is a falcon, fierce in its turning,<br>
It flew to his field in the fullness of time.<br>
Sword-slung and shouting, he'll stride into battle,<br>
And die with the day, as doers of old.</quote></div>
===Rules of War===
* '''Iron Osric has spoken to Igya Olgafsdottir about a meeting to better define terms of war with the Jotun'''
* '''The message has been well received and a meeting proposed for the Spring Equinox honouring Tromsan traditions'''
* '''Negotiations will occur at the new meeting place; Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Osric, the Golden Jarl and the Imperial Consul are invited'''
* '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark will be [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for the meeting at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The thane and the jarl are both invited to bring a small entourage; the meeting will take the form of a feast where anger is put aside'''

Shortly before the Winter Solstice, a messenger leaves the Jotun territory of ''Ashvale'' (which the Empire calls [[Liathaven]]) and makes camp at the base of the burial mound that was once [[Kahraman#Fort_Braydon_(destroyed)|Fort Braydon]]. She sits under a flag of truce and waits. The [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] who speak to her learn that she is bringing a message from ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', hero-engineer and warleader of the Jotun. The message is quickly communicated to [[Tassato]] and to the office of the [[Imperial Consul]].

Apparently [[general]] [[Heroism#Iron_Osric|Iron Osric]] of the [[Green Shield]] has requested a parley to discuss the terms of the on-going war. In particular, "to try and agree what magic we will not employ, the banning of poisons or other foul things, the protection of innocents, where our armies will clash, the number of forces and how long the conflict will endure before the feasting time." There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether Osric is speaking only on behalf of Wintermark, or for the Empire as a whole.

What's clear from the reply is that the Jotun continue to view Iron Osric and a figure they refer to as "the Golden Jarl" in particular as exemplars of what it means to be an honourable warrior. As such they are minded to take his request very seriously. Igya proposes that it is long past time for such a meeting, and that she is eager to attend one as a representative of her Queen. A second representative will come to speak with the voice of the King, and each will bring a <u>small</u> honour guard of champions and godhi to speak for the warbands and champions of the west.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Iron Osric.png|caption=Iron Osric, General of the [[Green Shield]]|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra.jpg|caption=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra, the Golden Jarl|align=right|width=300}}</div></div>
Olgafsdottir has called the meeting under the laws of hospitality of her home. In [[Tromsa#Tromsdalen|Tromsdalen]] when feuding warbands can stand one another no more and only blood will settle their anger, they engage in the ''hetjuveisla'' - the feast of heroes. Both sides bring food and drink, and bards to play music and tell tales. For a time the price of blood is set aside, so that a negotiation may be held in good faith to determine precisely how the battle-to-come will go. When the feast is over, the sun must rise and set again before violence resumes allowing both sides to safely return to their homes.

As long as Iron Osric agrees, she proposes that at the Spring Equinox - at the start of the year - Iron Osric, the Golden Jarl, and the Imperial Consul come to the new Meeting Place. Igya proposes that Osric and the Jarl each bring a small honour guard and the Consul an assistant. Both sides should bring food, drink, and bards. A negotiation will take place there that will bind both sides in agreement, and they will part peacefully.

News of this meeting is not met with universal approval. Both the Imperial Consul and Iron Osric are [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]]. The Jotun refuse to name the Golden Jarl, but it is definitely a reference to one of the Freeborn. Of [[the Marches]] in particular there is no mention - where the Jotun still dominate [[Bregasland]] - there are rumbles of discontent that Winterfolk and Freeborn will negotiate how war will take place between the Empire and the western barbarians. They're not alone - in [[Navarr]] there are a few undercurrents of unhappiness about this. While it is easy to see the sense of a general representing the [[Military Council]] and the Consul representing the [[Senate]], no-one is sure if this "Golden Jarl" even speaks for the Brass Coast. And who will speak for the other nations that must fight the Jotun?

===Virtuous Possibilities===
* '''The Jotun have constructed an ancestral shrine as part of the Meeting Place, and assume that the Empire will dedicate a space to the Way'''
* '''The Synod could pass a writ of consecration to create a true aura at the Meeting Place'''
* '''The effect would be dependant on the aura chosen, and whether it was a sacred site or a memorial'''
* '''The Jotun have requested that the Wintermark National Assembly endorse any such Consecration to soothe the worries of the Ghodi'''
* '''A true consecration will not lead any Jotun to convert to the Way of Virtue'''
With the new Meeting Place constructed, the Jotun have taken the message [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_128|spread]] by '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' to heart, and wasted no time in making themselves at home. Along with the wall-hangings, feasting tables, treasured ancestral weapons and other creature comforts they have brought with them, they have swiftly established dedicated spaces for their religious practice. One room of the Meeting Place has been established as a shrine to the ancestors, and is already being filled with small idols, painted images and relics of the honoured dead. As well as this, an outdoor space has been marked out as suitable for ritual combat. While raising a hand in anger against a guest or a host would be a terrible breach of hospitality, two or more warriors choosing to test their strength against one another in honour of their ancestors is not only accepted but encouraged as a demonstration of strength and piety.

Soon, word reaches the Meeting Place of a letter sent by '''Thane Erlend Gunnulfson''', who identifies himself as the person responsible for gathering the Empire's contribution of [[white granite]] towards this project. The letter bears a suggestion that the Empire might [[Consecration|consecrate]] part of the site. While most Jotun are broadly disinterested in the Way of Virtue (despite the best efforts of the Lasambrian orcs), the suggestion seems reasonable. If the Jotun can honour their ancestors, why not allow the Empire to honour their Virtues? There is agreement with the offer, at least in principle.

In practice, there are several ways that this could be done. The simplest would be to claim a specific space in the Meeting Place as a space for religious observance, and to consecrate it normally with a little [[liao]], renewing it season by season. This is how consecrated areas are maintained across the Empire, after all. This would incur no costs, lead to no downsides, and would allow the aura to be changed from season to season.

Of course there is a more costly, and more impactful, alternative. [[Liao#True Liao|True liao]] could be used to create a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] within the new Meeting Place. One of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue Assemblies]] would need to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] as normal, and that judgement would need to be upheld by a [[greater majority]] of the relevant assembly. While multiple assemblies could attempt to pass a writ to consecrate the Meeting Place, such judgements would be considered to be [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]] with one another; only the greater majority judgement with the highest margin of success would be upheld.
{{SOP|statement=The meeting hall at Gull Island will be completed for the Winter Solstice. Yet until a meeting has taken place there it is just a hall. We send Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark with 25 doses of liao to spread word of the Hall both in Wintermark and in the lands of the Jotun. Let the Ghodi bring their people to join with the folk of Wintermark to see what bridge may be built.|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|vote=284-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
There are limits to the effect of such a consecration. Jotun living in, or visiting, the Meeting Place might visit the Imperial shrine out of curiosity or a desire to learn, but such things would have no wider effect on the Jotun as a nation - this would not convert the Jotun to the Way. However, a true consecration would reinforce how the Empire view their relationship with the Jotun. An [[Auras_of_Loyalty#A_Peerless_Kinship|aura of Loyalty]] for example, would remind everyone of the importance of service to others, and perhaps communicate that the Empire will always stand by their friends and allies. An [[Auras_of_Pride#Partner_of_Greatness|aura of Pride]] would encourage rock-hard self-esteem, and remind Imperial visitors that they are the foundation on which future relations with the Jotun will be built, perhaps resonating with Jotun ideas of honour and integrity. There would be a degree of interpretation involved on both sides, especially since the Jotun would react to the ''actual aura'' rather than the symbolism of the virtue. But such a potent site would be seen by the Jotun as demonstrating the kind of future that the Empire desires with them.

Normally, a writ of consecration would be passed with the intention of creating an [[Inspirational location]] dedicated to a [[paragons and exemplars|paragon or exemplar]]. With the Meeting Place, the writ could identify the Meeting Place as a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites|sacred site]] - significant but not associated with any particular individual, or as a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] dedicated to a renowned inspirational figure.

Consecrating the Meeting Place as a memorial could not help but send a much more specific message to the Jotun. The barbarians would interpret a shrine commemorating a specific figure from the Empire's past through the lens of their own faith, and likely see the inspirational figure chosen in such a way as an "honoured ancestor" of the Empire. This possibility was apparently met with a great deal of interest by the ''ghodi'' visiting the construction of the Meeting Place. Some, more open-minded ghodi, would be very curious about what figures the Empire looks to for guidance, and while some elements will doubtless be lost in translation, the Jotun will look to any memorial as a statement about who the people of the Empire desire to be. Any greater effect would be highly dependent on the figure chosen, but it will doubtless be deeply meaningful.

There is a note alongside this talk of open-mindedness, however. The ghodi are as divided and cantankerous as any group of Synod priests, and while they often show unity in the face of outsiders their internal debates are just as heated. More conservative voices are already raising criticisms of allowing the Empire such leeway in the practice of their faith. The missionary zeal of the Empire is well known, and some fear that this may be the thin end of the wedge. Indeed, there are undoubtedly Imperial citizens who would love nothing more than to spread the Way among the peoples of the Jotun, whether the Jotun wanted them to or not. In order to shut this debate down before it starts causing problems, the Jotun have suggested that their neighbours in Wintermark act as guarantors of the Empire's honour. The Wintermark National Assembly could pass a suitably-worded [[statement of principle]] endorsing a writ of consecration regarding the Meeting Place. Such a statement would need to be raised before the consecration was carried out, but if passed with a greater majority it would address the fears of the more suspicious Jotun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=shark.png|align=right|width=400|}}

==Grendel==
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on Attar and the Broken Shore, and they remain at war with the Empire. They have conquered parts of Redoubt, and continue to fight Imperial forces defending Mareave. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

Speaker Morna is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.
===Misapprehensions===
* '''They request that further correspondence about diplomatic matters come from the Ambassador to the Grendel
A single [[Call Winged Messenger|magical missive]] arrived at the offices of the Ambassador to the Grendel, '''Starlight Starchaser''' of Urizen. The letter begins by welcoming the new ambassador, but then immediately goes on to correct a misapprehension. [[Bedight in veils#Peace and Storm|Last season]], Morna simply pointed out that any discussion of peace between Grendel and Empire must take place between themselves and the Ambassador to the Grendel. This has apparently been misinterpreted as a sign that the Grendel desire an end to the conflict with the Empire. That is not the case - Speaker Morna was simply reminding '''Abel the Rounder''' of how diplomatic relations between nations must take place.

If the Empire wishes to put forward their own plan for peace, they are welcome to do so. As long as the Empire's opening offer is serious, Morna will present it to the Salt Lords for consideration. At the ''absolute minimum'' it will need to include the complete withdrawal of Imperial forces from Mareave and Redoubt. The Grendel Ambassador will not waste the Salt Lords' time with anything less.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=It seems that many of Gallum's troops are Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and arguably the most disciplined of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==The Protectorate of Morajasse==
* '''The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel'''
While Feroz has mostly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] remains in the hands of the master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]''. Ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]] - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. They carefully protect the borders of Morajasse, and apparently have sufficient supplies to endure a drawn-out siege if needed.

They are not just protecting their own borders. They have shown themselves more than willing to [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|fight the Children of Wrecks]]. After the battle at [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oran]], the [[Senate]] chose to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|recognise]] Morajasse as ''a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel''. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the [[Imperial Consul]] rather than the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] speculate that this request reflects a clear division between the protectorate and the Salt Lords' council... yet there are certainly other possibilities some of them quite intriguing. Given Wind Lord Saoirse has clearly mastered the art of commanding [[Call Winged Messenger|magical couriers]] its hard to believe they have not at least been in contact with the Salt Lords, but for now they appear to be operating in line with their agreement with the Senate.

Not long before the Winter Solstice, such a magical courier arrives at the Consulate in Tassato, again sent by Wind Lord Saoirse. The message is short and sweet. Commander Gallum is considering the invitation of '''Atte Arrowtongue''' to Anvil but at this time thinks he and his supporters should be focused on Feroz. Spring might be a better time to send emissaries. This would also present an opportunity for his partner to send one of her covenmates to speak with '''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''' and the Artisan's Guild.

More importantly, he wants to be clear to the Consul that while he and his soldiers only agreed to protect Feroz from the Children of Wrecks, they are also prepared to fight against the invading [[Iron Confederacy]] forces that [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South|currently occupy]] the islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]], provided they are well paid. While there may be something of a ''détente'' between the Salt Lords and the Suranni Dukes, Commander Gallum Fiersach apparently sees no "legal" impediment to fighting as mercenaries against all comers.

===Ramparts of Sand===
* '''Wind Lord Saoirse is prepared to again enchant Mora's Rock if the Empire fears an attack from the Children of Wrecks or Iron Confederacy'''
Last season, Wind Lord Saoirse offered to support Feroz by drawing allied forces from the [[Realms#Autumn|Mercurial Archipelago]]. Indications are that she is referring to the enchantment the Empire knows as [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar|Ramparts of Ashlar]]. The Imperial Conclave declined to [[Endowment|endow]] her with the mana she requested, but she wishes them to know that the offer is still open. If the Empire is at all concerned about the intentions of the Suranni, or the risk of the Children of Wrecks retaliating, she will enchant the [[fortification]] to enhance its garrison as it protects the territory.
{{SOP|statement=The Grendel on Mora's Rock have stolen the wealth of the Brass Coast. As thieves, they are to be despised. To trade with them harms the Prosperity of the Empire. It should not happen. Let them wallow in their ill-gotten gains, shunned by the Empire. Trade instead with the Freeborn. Help the honest to earn an honest living, and build the Prosperity of the Coast.|by=Dragonet de Gauvin, Prosperity Assembly|vote=137-38|when=Autumn Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
===Supplies===
* '''The orc quartermasters at Mora's Rock have been attempting to buy provisions and supplies from the Freeborn of Feroz and Segura'''
* '''The entrepreneurial Freeborn remain suspicious and uncooperative'''
For several months now, the orcs at Mora's Rock have been making attempts to trade with their Freeborn neighbours in [[Segura]] and Feroz. To date, however, they have had limited success. It is hard for the people of the Brass Coast not to see the "protectorate" and remember the cruel tyranny of former Governor Rahab. They were, after all, still part of the apparatus that enforced the authority of the despised ruler of the territory. While the garrison merchants have crowns to spend, their wealth was mostly taken from the people of Feroz one way or another.

At the Autumn Equinox, '''Dragonet de Gauvin''' proposed a statement of principle condemning the orcs of Morajasse as thieves. The Prosperity assembly upheld the judgement, but not with a greater majority, so its impact has been negligible. However, given that the majority of the Freeborn seem broadly disinclined to trade with the Grendel, the status quo sees Commander Gallum's forces continue to find it next to impossible to engage in peaceful relations with their neighbours. The Freeborn of Feroz may, perhaps grudgingly, accept their protection but they do not accept their coin.

===Spies===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo.jpg|caption='''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''', Imperial Spymaster|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption='''Tyburn Weaver''' (changeling), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''There is concern that the Protectorate of Morajasse is being used as a base for Grendel spies'''
* '''A spy network could be used to gather information about both the Protectorate and the Iron Confederacy in the Cazar Straits'''
* '''If the Conclave sends mana to Morajasse, then the Shuttered Lantern could be employed to inveigle their way into the Protectorate'''
* '''A scouting army could investigate rumours of espionage rings and assess the military disposition of Gallum's forces'''
* '''The Silent Bell could be used to root out any collaborators in the area'''

Suspicion of the Protectorate of Morajasse is not restricted to matters of trade however. The Grendel are known to employ [[Rings_and_crowns|espionage rings]] throughout the [[Bay of Catazar]]. They spy on Imperial territories but they are also capable of taking direct action - a Grendel espionage ring aided the attack on [[A beacon of smoke|Siroc]] for example. Not much is actually known about the so-called Protectorate, and it is entirely possible that Commander Gallum is protecting Feroz simply to let a Grendel espionage ring dig themselves into the territory in advance of the orcs of the Broken Shore launching another attack.

There are any number of ''other'' conspiracy theories - some are looking at the request to be treated as a separate entity to the Grendel as a sign that perhaps Gallum and his forces are fractured from the Salt Lords for example. This is most likely wishful thinking but perhaps its noteworthy that they have not tried to seize ships and return to Attar.

Regardless of what one believes, there are rumblings in Feroz that what is needed is a better understanding of this Protectorate. So far, they have been reticent to travel to Anvil, and their borders are largely closed. Only the very small number of Freeborn prepared to deal with them are allowed entry and then only to a trading camp just over the border. Further information might help the Brass Coast, and the Empire, get a better idea of how to approach the Protectorate.

The [[Imperial Spymaster]] '''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''' (or the Senate) could of course create a [[spy network]] in Feroz. There are, after all, two non-Imperial regions in the territory now. If at least 1,000 strength were committed to the spy network it would be enough to get a general feel for not only the Protectorate, but also the Suranni presence in the Cazar Straits. If at least 5,000 strength were committed, it would be sufficient to get detailed information about what is going on in these regions and an insight into the politics of the two foreign groups. The drawback is that this is a slow process - building a spy network takes time as does using it to uncover information. If the Spymaster began immediately, there'd be no report before the Summer Solstice at the absolute earliest.

If the Empire wants information more quickly, then there are three potential opportunities any one of which would give some insight into the Protectorate, and each of which could provide additional information.

The [[Military Council]] could direct an army to the territory to take the [[Army qualities#Scouting|Guard the Gates]] [[army orders|order]]. As long as the general indicated in their orders that the army was particularly interested in the Protectorate, they could take advantage of opportunities to speak to the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of Mora's Rock as they patrol outside Morajasse. This would give insight into the Grendel, their attitude to Feroz, and the broader plans of the Commander. If that army were also enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]], they could also work with the people of Feroz to get a better sense of their attitudes, or become aware of any underhand activity sponsored by Gallum and his supporters.

Another possibility would be to look to the wizards of the [[Conclave]]. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] are adept at negotiation and infiltration where wizards are involved, but the Grendel are too canny to just welcome them into their homes. However if the Conclave passed a declaration to send mana to the Wind Lord, then members of the Shuttered Lantern would have the perfect cover they need to inveigle their way into the Rock. In that case, the [[Grandmaster]] could [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]], urging Freeborn and other members to visit Morajasse and try to get a feel for what is going on. This would require 20 mana from the font as usual, and would provide insight into feelings in the Protectorate and may reveal something of their plans. Salt-Lord Saoirse is a powerful magician, supported by a coven of adepts, so they are sure to have things to talk about.

Finally, the Synod could engage the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to root out any collaborators in the area. If there is an espionage ring here, it would at least confirm that, and may even provide some leads to help shut it down. If there are merchants profiteering from trade with Morajasse, it would enable the Synod to put a stop to that, if they so chose. If the Empire plans to isolate the former Grendel, then the Silent Bell might be the most effective tool in the long run.

Normally these opportunities might be exclusive, too many spies in one area would simply reveal the Empire's interest. As it happens, though, the three possibilities are each focused on different priorities. Each additional opportunity taken would provide less information overall, but would focus on different parts of the Protectorate and so still have some potential value.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Beoraidh is a tiny "nation" with great big ambitions.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Beoraidh==
* '''Beoraidh is a city state on the coast of Mareave that allegedly aims to remain neutral in the conflict between the Empire and the Grendel'''
* '''The Senate has recognised the orcs of Beoraidh as foreigners'''
The city state of [[mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] in [[Mareave]] is apparently committed to neutrality between the Empire and the [[Grendel]]. The former-Salt Lord Ehsan rules from the city there, and sees the place as a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. Recently, as discussed in the '''[[A_wild_night_and_a_new_road#Polite_Correspondence|A wild night and a new road]]''' wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|under the protection]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. Exactly what this protection means - and how much influence the Sarcophan actually have - is not entirely clear. At the last it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Imperial or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves and their warships.

===Prosperity===
* '''Beoraidh has aligned itself with the Sarcophan Delves, accepting the protection of the powerful mercantile nation'''
As an independent nation, recognised by the Senate, the city-state of Beoraidh falls into the purview of the Imperial Consul. A messenger arrives at the Consulate in Tassato bearing greetings from former-Salt Lord Ehsan. The first thing the missive announces is that the ruler of Beoraidh has taken the title "Ehsan, Lord of Sand". This is likely an attempt to mollify the Salt Lords of the Grendel, among whose number he is no longer counted.

The meat of the letter addresses the alliance with the Sarcophan Delves. Ehsan presents the decision to accept the protection of the Delves as a perfectly reasonable one prompted by reality. The Empire's Senate can be quite volatile, as can the Salt Lords. To accept the protection of one side or the other would be to risk being seen as aligned with them - something detrimental to the desire of Beoraidh to remain neutral. The Sarcophan Delves however are renowned for their refusal to pick sides, and the orcs of Beoraidh find that they have more in common with them than the Unshackled. Perhaps if the Empire had been more enthusiastic about the invitation to establish the [[I_wish_you_would#Shrine_of_the_Virtues|shrine of the virtues]], or had been more welcoming to the gladiators seeking Imperial investment, or had more decisively dealt with the armies invading Mareave, Ehsan might have waited a little longer. Whatever his reason, it is clear he feels the Sarcophan are simply offering his city the best deal going.

As such, Ehsan, Lord of Sand, wishes to formally inform the Imperial Consul that they have agreed a treaty with the Delves. An attack against their city, or the plains of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]], will be treated as an attack on the Delves. However, the treaty is very clear that this agreement is not be an "exclusive" partnership. Both Beoraidh and the Delves are free to continue to pursue their own ambitions in the Bay of Catazar, with the Empire and the Grendel at the bare minimum. The tribute sent to the Empire, and the Grendel, will continue until such time as it can be renegotiated - as an assurance of Beoraidh's good faith as much as anything else. Yet the Lord of Sand is not shy about suggesting that Beoraidh will, eventually, want to discuss that tribute.

If the Consul is still interested in investing in Beoraidh, Ehsan lays out three possibilities.

===Investment of Salt===
* '''The opportunity to build a temple or basilica in Beoraidh is still available'''
* '''A previous Imperial Consul agreed to purchase land for the shrine of virtue'''
* '''Even if commissioned, work cannot begin until the money for the land is paid'''

The previous Consul proposed an agreement with Lord Ehsan to [[I_wish_you_would#Beoraidh|build a Temple of the Way]] in the city-state. If the new Consul is still interested in that, opportunities to do so remain available. Ehsan and his council have no interest in turning money and prosperity away, wherever it comes from. The invitation to build the shrine of the virtues remains. Either a temple or a grand basilica, depending on the level of investment the Empire wishes, can still be built. Provided the agreed on 20 thrones for the purchase of land is delivered, of course.

===Investment of Sea===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Investment in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Mareave </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 weirwood, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Opens the port of Beoraidh to Imperial fleet captains</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Raises taxation in Mareave by 3 thrones and taxes from tariffs by 7 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Empire is welcome to invest in the docks of Beoraidh'''
The Sarcophan are interested in investing in Beoraidh's docks, and Ehsan feels it would be remiss not to offer a similar opportunity to the Empire. He has, indeed, already offered this opportunity to the Grendel and his former colleagues in the council of Salt Lords seem cautiously interested. If the Imperial Consul is interested, then Ehsan proposes that the Empire participate in the expansion of Beoraidh's docks with an eye towards creating docks specifically for Imperial vessels to dock, and for their merchants to do business in the marketplaces of the city. Beoraidh still produces goods of its own, but the real draw perhaps will be the opportunity to gain access to goods imported from the Broken Shore.

A standard fleet visiting Beoraidh will be able to secure assorted valuable goods worth 72 rings, as well as two doses of consumable available to the orcs of Beoraidh, the Delves, or the Grendel trading there. An [[enchantment|enchanted]] or [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] fleet would receive proportionally more.

Ehsan intends to apply what he calls "[[Tariffs#Mercantilist|reasonable tariffs]]" and anticipates the Empire will apply the same tariffs to any Beoraidh ships visiting Imperial ports. Once the docks are completed there will certainly be Beoradhi merchants eager to do so. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] estimates that investment in the docks would also raise the taxable income of Mareave by 3 thrones each season - increased prosperity for Beoraidh will slowly trickle across to the businesses of the territory as a whole - and bring in an additional 7 thrones per season to the Senate treasury in the form of tariffs.

===Investment of Stone===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Imperial Consulate in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Embassy</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Sinfoyard, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, and 75 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides the Empire with some information on the factions in Beoraidh, local politics and recent developments
* Allows the Consul to purchase goods from Beoraidh
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Ehsan proposes an Imperial consulate be built in Beoraidh'''
* '''This would not involve the appointment of a new ambassador'''
* '''The consulate would provide some limited information on the factions in the city and their machinations'''

Ehsan is not naive when it comes to diplomacy; he has decades of experience as a salt lord after all. After some discussion with his advisors, and with the Sarcophan representatives, he offers the Empire the ability to establish a consulate in Beoraidh if they wish to do so. This will give them a presence in the city, and cement diplomatic relations between the city-state and the great power. They don't want embassy - they'd rather continue to deal with the Consul. But a small cadre of civil servants in Beoraidh would be able to ease representation to Beoraidh.

The Grendel have already been approached, and now Ehsan makes the same offer to the Empire. A structure in the Imperial style, built near the ''[[Mareave#Palace_of_Chains|Palace of Chains]]'', with lodging for a dozen civil servants and visiting diplomats. The proposal is much more compact than a traditional Imperial embassy - only 25 white granite - but the labour costs are a little higher due to the limitations of Beoraidh.

If the new consulate were completed, it would not require the appointment of an ambassador to deal directly with Lord Ehsan. Instead the civil servants there would report to the Imperial Consul and could be instructed to acquire local goods for a small fee (assuming such things are [[The_circle_game#Diplomatic_Ministries|still acceptable]]). Perhaps more importantly, the Empire would have civil servants on the ground in Beoraidh who could assess what was happening in the city. It would provide some idea of factions within the city, what they want and any options that might exist to influence or antagonise them. It might also help the Empire to be more aware of what the Grendel and the Sarcophan were up to in the city...

===Retribution===
* '''A group of Beoraidh orc gladiators claim they were assaulted while visiting Anvil'''
* '''They are coming to Anvil to confront those they say attacked them'''

During the Summer Solstice, representatives of the Diamant Drakes [[I_wish_you_would#That's_Entertainment|visited Anvil]], to discuss opportunities for Imperial citizens to invest in the gladiatorial arena at Beoraidh. According to these orcs, while they were in Anvil they were assaulted by members of the [[Sannite]] sept of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], accused of engaging in slavery. When the forces of law and order intervened, members of the militia flat lied about what had happened.

This obvious corruption of the Anvil militia doesn't particularly bother them - this group seem to have a very low opinion of those who enforce the laws and this has only enforced that. What the Diamant Drakes are angry about, is the beat down they claim they received at the hands of the Sannites. As news of it has spread through Beoraidh interest in visiting the Empire has declined significantly. The fact their attackers were [[Imperial Orcs]] has also soured some who were intent on seeking closer relations with their neighbours in Mareave.

After stewing on the matter for a few months, the Diamant Drakes have announced their intention to seek [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|retribution]] at the Winter Solstice. They haven't addressed exactly what this means but they're expected to reach Anvil around three in the afternoon on the Saturday of the summit, and head to the Unshackled camp to confront the Sand Vipers they are apparently holding responsible for the assault.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralSeventhWave.jpeg|caption=Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption= Dino i Riqueza, Ambassador to the Delves.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pathfinder Gaddak.jpg|caption=Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave.|align=left|width=250}}</div>

===Diplomatic Delegation===
* '''A delegation from Beoraidh led by Emissary Harailt intends to visit the Imperial Orcs at 11.00am on Saturday'''
* '''They are keen to speak to Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave'''
* '''Eshan has asked the Imperial Consul and/or Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard to ensure no unfortunate incidents happen'''
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has also asked the Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves to help ensure the meeting goes smoothly'''
During the Winter Solstice, a delegation from Beoraidh plans to visit Anvil. Their main intent is to speak to the Imperial Orcs within whose territory they live, and are especially keen to meet '''Pathfinder Gaddak'''. Gaddak is [[Senator]] for Mareave but was one of those involved in ensuring an endangered Beoraidh vessel safely returned to port. Their invitation to the folk of Beoraidh to visit Anvil was reasonable, and encouraged Eshan that the experiences of the Diamant Drakes need not be representative.

Obviously the story of the Diamant Drakes makes them a little concerned about the kind of reception they will receive. In part this has inspired their decision to ask representatives of the Sarcophan Delves to accompany them given that nation's interest in smoothing relations between the city state and the Empire. To be on the safe side, Eshan asks that the Imperial Consul meet the delegation either in person or via a trusted lieutenant to further ensure that there is no repeat of the recent assault. Alternatively or additionally, '''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' could serve a similar purpose - their sensible missive contributed to the decision to undertake this delegation after all. On behalf of the Delves, Bedellar Huisbaas Annike has asked the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] to use their influence to ensure things progress smoothly.

The delegation has been entrusted to the leadership of ''Emissary Harailt'', an experienced negotiator and merchant and one of Eshan's distant cousins. They anticipate reaching Anvil around eleven in the morning on Saturday of the coming summit, but a lot depends on their confidence with regard to their potential reception.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj Flag.png|align=left|width=300}}</div>

==The Mallum==
* '''The Druj demand that the Empire withdraw all troops from Sarangrave or they will unleash the vallorn of Béantal Dol
Unexpectedly, a message has also been received at the Consulate that appears to be from the [[Druj]]. If it is taken at face value, it is a message from a buruk tepel named ''Inkagoch'' who resides in the city of [[Salt Flats of Sanath#Leen|Leen]] in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It is fairly terse and wastes no time with clever language. According to this missive, the rulers of [[the Mallum]] demand that the Empire withdraw all of its forces from the [[Sarangrave]]. If they do not, then the [[Druj lore#Ghulai|Ghulai]] of the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] will destroy the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] and unleash the [[vallorn]] to claim the marshes. If the Druj cannot have the Sarangrave, nobody can...

The civil service advising the Consulate have no idea if the Druj are capable of making good on this threat but... the Tainted Basilisk are adept at [[Night magic]] so the fact the territory is largely under Imperial control may not present an obstacle to their ghulai reaching the stones. Everything the Empire knows about the [[Into_Béantal_Dol#The_Warding_Stones|warding stones]] that contain the vallorn suggests that if too many are destroyed the boundary will fail and the vallorn will explode out across the marshes like an unwinding spring. The Druj have clearly advanced their understanding of the vallorn in the last few years, as evidenced by their work in Therunin.

If they are not bluffing, the [[Sarangrave#Tower_of_the_Skink|Tower of the Skink]] is likely to be able to hold off the vallorn at least for a while but... the loss of life would potentially be apocalyptic. The vallorn would not spare anyone - rebel orc, Druj, or Imperial. This would be an absolute disaster for everyone in the Sarangrave and would mean the Druj could never recover the territory themselves. Are they really that desperate? Surely not even the Druj would be prepared to unleash such a catastrophe?

Surely?

==Further Reading==
* [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]]
* [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]
* [[Imperial Consul]]

* [[Invited with asperity]] 387YE Winter wind of fortune specifically dealing with the Thule

Each age a lens

2026-04-19T18:15:30Z

Responsible1: /* Investment of Salt */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Jotun]][[Category:Druj]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Advisor Frith.jpg|align=left|caption='''Frith''', Advisor on Orc Affairs|width=250}}
==Overview==
* '''Five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy of one kind or another with the Empire'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations. Not all are barbarians; the Empire has a long-standing peace treaty with the Thule for example (see the '''[[Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune for more details on Thule diplomacy this season). There are also communities of orcs within the Empire's borders. Some are part of Imperial nations - the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], the former [[Grendel]] of [[the League]], the free [[Jotun]] thralls of [[the Marches]]. Others maintain a degree of independence while still being at least ambivalent to the Empire - the orcs of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] and the protectorate of Morajasse - while still others keep to themselves and have an uncertain relationship with their Imperial neighbours - the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]] in [[the Barrens]] for example, the septs of [[Mareave]], or the remaining orc septs in [[Ossium]] who declined to move to [[Skarsind]] when the offer was made.

In most cases, diplomacy with most of these disparate orc groups is technically the responsibility of the [[Imperial Consul]], currently '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]], perhaps advised by the [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. In practice, many of these orc groups prefer to deal with members of certain nations with whom they have ties - the Jotun prefer to talk to the folk of Wintermark for example, while the Great Forest Orcs consider the Navarr to be their close allies.
==Jotun==
* '''The Jotun remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul'''
The [[Jotun]] are a powerful, martial nation lead by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kallsea]] and King Gudmundr Arason of [[Jotun#History|Narkyst]]. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - having conquered [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale''). The Empire responds with an [[Rubies in the snow|attack on Skallahn]] that threatens to take control of [[Hordalant#The_Kongegőr|the Kongegőr]], the bridge that connects the northern and southern territories of the sprawling barbarian nation.

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of [[Wintermark]], for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for [[the Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the [[Imperial Consul]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A New Meeting Place===
* '''A new Meeting Place has been constructed on Gull Isle, a tidal island in the Gullet.'''
* '''The Wintermark National Assembly have encouraged their people to use this opportunity to build bridges with the Jotun.'''
While they are unreceptive to the more formal structures of an [[embassy]], there is nonetheless a long tradition of peaceful meeting on neutral ground between the Jotun and Wintermark. Once there was a [[Sermersuaq#The_Meeting_Place|Meeting Place]] just outside the borders of [[Sermersuaq]] where such meetings too place. Sadly in 382YE it was destroyed and defiled by a renegade [[Varushka|Varushkan]], infuriating the Jotun.

In recent years careful negotiations have been taking place regarding the creation of a new meeting place. The old stone is gone, but something new has been raised, with assistance from the Wintermark [[mystic|mystics]] and their "opposite numbers" among the Jotun, the ''[[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]]''. A little common ground has been found, and there the Empire has helped build a great meeting hall where, it is hoped, Jotun and Imperial might be able to speak without the shadow of violence falling across them. This initiative had extensive support from the Wintermark National Assembly as seen in the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146|statement]] raised by Hayrin at the Summer Solstice, and supported by the Wintermark Assembly.

[[Construct Meeting Place|Construction]] has taken nearly a year, but it is finally complete. A meeting hall now stands on a wave-swept island in the waters to the west of [[Kallavesa]] where barbarian and human can meet one another to talk. There are still some decisions to be made about the place, however.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="For Ustigar Jarl of Keirheim, by Iron Osric, Hammer of the West">
Where march the war-bound, the bold-hearted brethren?<br>
Where flew the banners, the fire-bright spears?<br>
Far from the fray, he stood steadfast in duty,<br>
Bound to the crown, while his kin bled and fell.<br>
Steel-fast in service, he stayed through the seasons,<br>
Honour his harness, though hunger for war<br>
Burned in his breast like buried bright ember -<br>
To rise, to reckon, to rest in the red.<br>
But fate is a falcon, fierce in its turning,<br>
It flew to his field in the fullness of time.<br>
Sword-slung and shouting, he'll stride into battle,<br>
And die with the day, as doers of old.</quote></div>
===Rules of War===
* '''Iron Osric has spoken to Igya Olgafsdottir about a meeting to better define terms of war with the Jotun'''
* '''The message has been well received and a meeting proposed for the Spring Equinox honouring Tromsan traditions'''
* '''Negotiations will occur at the new meeting place; Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Osric, the Golden Jarl and the Imperial Consul are invited'''
* '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark will be [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for the meeting at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The thane and the jarl are both invited to bring a small entourage; the meeting will take the form of a feast where anger is put aside'''

Shortly before the Winter Solstice, a messenger leaves the Jotun territory of ''Ashvale'' (which the Empire calls [[Liathaven]]) and makes camp at the base of the burial mound that was once [[Kahraman#Fort_Braydon_(destroyed)|Fort Braydon]]. She sits under a flag of truce and waits. The [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] who speak to her learn that she is bringing a message from ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', hero-engineer and warleader of the Jotun. The message is quickly communicated to [[Tassato]] and to the office of the [[Imperial Consul]].

Apparently [[general]] [[Heroism#Iron_Osric|Iron Osric]] of the [[Green Shield]] has requested a parley to discuss the terms of the on-going war. In particular, "to try and agree what magic we will not employ, the banning of poisons or other foul things, the protection of innocents, where our armies will clash, the number of forces and how long the conflict will endure before the feasting time." There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether Osric is speaking only on behalf of Wintermark, or for the Empire as a whole.

What's clear from the reply is that the Jotun continue to view Iron Osric and a figure they refer to as "the Golden Jarl" in particular as exemplars of what it means to be an honourable warrior. As such they are minded to take his request very seriously. Igya proposes that it is long past time for such a meeting, and that she is eager to attend one as a representative of her Queen. A second representative will come to speak with the voice of the King, and each will bring a <u>small</u> honour guard of champions and godhi to speak for the warbands and champions of the west.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Iron Osric.png|caption=Iron Osric, General of the [[Green Shield]]|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra.jpg|caption=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra, the Golden Jarl|align=right|width=300}}</div></div>
Olgafsdottir has called the meeting under the laws of hospitality of her home. In [[Tromsa#Tromsdalen|Tromsdalen]] when feuding warbands can stand one another no more and only blood will settle their anger, they engage in the ''hetjuveisla'' - the feast of heroes. Both sides bring food and drink, and bards to play music and tell tales. For a time the price of blood is set aside, so that a negotiation may be held in good faith to determine precisely how the battle-to-come will go. When the feast is over, the sun must rise and set again before violence resumes allowing both sides to safely return to their homes.

As long as Iron Osric agrees, she proposes that at the Spring Equinox - at the start of the year - Iron Osric, the Golden Jarl, and the Imperial Consul come to the new Meeting Place. Igya proposes that Osric and the Jarl each bring a small honour guard and the Consul an assistant. Both sides should bring food, drink, and bards. A negotiation will take place there that will bind both sides in agreement, and they will part peacefully.

News of this meeting is not met with universal approval. Both the Imperial Consul and Iron Osric are [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]]. The Jotun refuse to name the Golden Jarl, but it is definitely a reference to one of the Freeborn. Of [[the Marches]] in particular there is no mention - where the Jotun still dominate [[Bregasland]] - there are rumbles of discontent that Winterfolk and Freeborn will negotiate how war will take place between the Empire and the western barbarians. They're not alone - in [[Navarr]] there are a few undercurrents of unhappiness about this. While it is easy to see the sense of a general representing the [[Military Council]] and the Consul representing the [[Senate]], no-one is sure if this "Golden Jarl" even speaks for the Brass Coast. And who will speak for the other nations that must fight the Jotun?

===Virtuous Possibilities===
* '''The Jotun have constructed an ancestral shrine as part of the Meeting Place, and assume that the Empire will dedicate a space to the Way'''
* '''The Synod could pass a writ of consecration to create a true aura at the Meeting Place'''
* '''The effect would be dependant on the aura chosen, and whether it was a sacred site or a memorial'''
* '''The Jotun have requested that the Wintermark National Assembly endorse any such Consecration to soothe the worries of the Ghodi'''
* '''A true consecration will not lead any Jotun to convert to the Way of Virtue'''
With the new Meeting Place constructed, the Jotun have taken the message [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_128|spread]] by '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' to heart, and wasted no time in making themselves at home. Along with the wall-hangings, feasting tables, treasured ancestral weapons and other creature comforts they have brought with them, they have swiftly established dedicated spaces for their religious practice. One room of the Meeting Place has been established as a shrine to the ancestors, and is already being filled with small idols, painted images and relics of the honoured dead. As well as this, an outdoor space has been marked out as suitable for ritual combat. While raising a hand in anger against a guest or a host would be a terrible breach of hospitality, two or more warriors choosing to test their strength against one another in honour of their ancestors is not only accepted but encouraged as a demonstration of strength and piety.

Soon, word reaches the Meeting Place of a letter sent by '''Thane Erlend Gunnulfson''', who identifies himself as the person responsible for gathering the Empire's contribution of [[white granite]] towards this project. The letter bears a suggestion that the Empire might [[Consecration|consecrate]] part of the site. While most Jotun are broadly disinterested in the Way of Virtue (despite the best efforts of the Lasambrian orcs), the suggestion seems reasonable. If the Jotun can honour their ancestors, why not allow the Empire to honour their Virtues? There is agreement with the offer, at least in principle.

In practice, there are several ways that this could be done. The simplest would be to claim a specific space in the Meeting Place as a space for religious observance, and to consecrate it normally with a little [[liao]], renewing it season by season. This is how consecrated areas are maintained across the Empire, after all. This would incur no costs, lead to no downsides, and would allow the aura to be changed from season to season.

Of course there is a more costly, and more impactful, alternative. [[Liao#True Liao|True liao]] could be used to create a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] within the new Meeting Place. One of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue Assemblies]] would need to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] as normal, and that judgement would need to be upheld by a [[greater majority]] of the relevant assembly. While multiple assemblies could attempt to pass a writ to consecrate the Meeting Place, such judgements would be considered to be [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]] with one another; only the greater majority judgement with the highest margin of success would be upheld.
{{SOP|statement=The meeting hall at Gull Island will be completed for the Winter Solstice. Yet until a meeting has taken place there it is just a hall. We send Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark with 25 doses of liao to spread word of the Hall both in Wintermark and in the lands of the Jotun. Let the Ghodi bring their people to join with the folk of Wintermark to see what bridge may be built.|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|vote=284-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
There are limits to the effect of such a consecration. Jotun living in, or visiting, the Meeting Place might visit the Imperial shrine out of curiosity or a desire to learn, but such things would have no wider effect on the Jotun as a nation - this would not convert the Jotun to the Way. However, a true consecration would reinforce how the Empire view their relationship with the Jotun. An [[Auras_of_Loyalty#A_Peerless_Kinship|aura of Loyalty]] for example, would remind everyone of the importance of service to others, and perhaps communicate that the Empire will always stand by their friends and allies. An [[Auras_of_Pride#Partner_of_Greatness|aura of Pride]] would encourage rock-hard self-esteem, and remind Imperial visitors that they are the foundation on which future relations with the Jotun will be built, perhaps resonating with Jotun ideas of honour and integrity. There would be a degree of interpretation involved on both sides, especially since the Jotun would react to the ''actual aura'' rather than the symbolism of the virtue. But such a potent site would be seen by the Jotun as demonstrating the kind of future that the Empire desires with them.

Normally, a writ of consecration would be passed with the intention of creating an [[Inspirational location]] dedicated to a [[paragons and exemplars|paragon or exemplar]]. With the Meeting Place, the writ could identify the Meeting Place as a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites|sacred site]] - significant but not associated with any particular individual, or as a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] dedicated to a renowned inspirational figure.

Consecrating the Meeting Place as a memorial could not help but send a much more specific message to the Jotun. The barbarians would interpret a shrine commemorating a specific figure from the Empire's past through the lens of their own faith, and likely see the inspirational figure chosen in such a way as an "honoured ancestor" of the Empire. This possibility was apparently met with a great deal of interest by the ''ghodi'' visiting the construction of the Meeting Place. Some, more open-minded ghodi, would be very curious about what figures the Empire looks to for guidance, and while some elements will doubtless be lost in translation, the Jotun will look to any memorial as a statement about who the people of the Empire desire to be. Any greater effect would be highly dependent on the figure chosen, but it will doubtless be deeply meaningful.

There is a note alongside this talk of open-mindedness, however. The ghodi are as divided and cantankerous as any group of Synod priests, and while they often show unity in the face of outsiders their internal debates are just as heated. More conservative voices are already raising criticisms of allowing the Empire such leeway in the practice of their faith. The missionary zeal of the Empire is well known, and some fear that this may be the thin end of the wedge. Indeed, there are undoubtedly Imperial citizens who would love nothing more than to spread the Way among the peoples of the Jotun, whether the Jotun wanted them to or not. In order to shut this debate down before it starts causing problems, the Jotun have suggested that their neighbours in Wintermark act as guarantors of the Empire's honour. The Wintermark National Assembly could pass a suitably-worded [[statement of principle]] endorsing a writ of consecration regarding the Meeting Place. Such a statement would need to be raised before the consecration was carried out, but if passed with a greater majority it would address the fears of the more suspicious Jotun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=shark.png|align=right|width=400|}}

==Grendel==
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on Attar and the Broken Shore, and they remain at war with the Empire. They have conquered parts of Redoubt, and continue to fight Imperial forces defending Mareave. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

Speaker Morna is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.
===Misapprehensions===
* '''They request that further correspondence about diplomatic matters come from the Ambassador to the Grendel
A single [[Call Winged Messenger|magical missive]] arrived at the offices of the Ambassador to the Grendel, '''Starlight Starchaser''' of Urizen. The letter begins by welcoming the new ambassador, but then immediately goes on to correct a misapprehension. [[Bedight in veils#Peace and Storm|Last season]], Morna simply pointed out that any discussion of peace between Grendel and Empire must take place between themselves and the Ambassador to the Grendel. This has apparently been misinterpreted as a sign that the Grendel desire an end to the conflict with the Empire. That is not the case - Speaker Morna was simply reminding '''Abel the Rounder''' of how diplomatic relations between nations must take place.

If the Empire wishes to put forward their own plan for peace, they are welcome to do so. As long as the Empire's opening offer is serious, Morna will present it to the Salt Lords for consideration. At the ''absolute minimum'' it will need to include the complete withdrawal of Imperial forces from Mareave and Redoubt. The Grendel Ambassador will not waste the Salt Lords' time with anything less.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=It seems that many of Gallum's troops are Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and arguably the most disciplined of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==The Protectorate of Morajasse==
* '''The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel'''
While Feroz has mostly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] remains in the hands of the master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]''. Ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]] - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. They carefully protect the borders of Morajasse, and apparently have sufficient supplies to endure a drawn-out siege if needed.

They are not just protecting their own borders. They have shown themselves more than willing to [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|fight the Children of Wrecks]]. After the battle at [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oran]], the [[Senate]] chose to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|recognise]] Morajasse as ''a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel''. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the [[Imperial Consul]] rather than the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] speculate that this request reflects a clear division between the protectorate and the Salt Lords' council... yet there are certainly other possibilities some of them quite intriguing. Given Wind Lord Saoirse has clearly mastered the art of commanding [[Call Winged Messenger|magical couriers]] its hard to believe they have not at least been in contact with the Salt Lords, but for now they appear to be operating in line with their agreement with the Senate.

Not long before the Winter Solstice, such a magical courier arrives at the Consulate in Tassato, again sent by Wind Lord Saoirse. The message is short and sweet. Commander Gallum is considering the invitation of '''Atte Arrowtongue''' to Anvil but at this time thinks he and his supporters should be focused on Feroz. Spring might be a better time to send emissaries. This would also present an opportunity for his partner to send one of her covenmates to speak with '''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''' and the Artisan's Guild.

More importantly, he wants to be clear to the Consul that while he and his soldiers only agreed to protect Feroz from the Children of Wrecks, they are also prepared to fight against the invading [[Iron Confederacy]] forces that [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South|currently occupy]] the islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]], provided they are well paid. While there may be something of a ''détente'' between the Salt Lords and the Suranni Dukes, Commander Gallum Fiersach apparently sees no "legal" impediment to fighting as mercenaries against all comers.

===Ramparts of Sand===
* '''Wind Lord Saoirse is prepared to again enchant Mora's Rock if the Empire fears an attack from the Children of Wrecks or Iron Confederacy'''
Last season, Wind Lord Saoirse offered to support Feroz by drawing allied forces from the [[Realms#Autumn|Mercurial Archipelago]]. Indications are that she is referring to the enchantment the Empire knows as [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar|Ramparts of Ashlar]]. The Imperial Conclave declined to [[Endowment|endow]] her with the mana she requested, but she wishes them to know that the offer is still open. If the Empire is at all concerned about the intentions of the Suranni, or the risk of the Children of Wrecks retaliating, she will enchant the [[fortification]] to enhance its garrison as it protects the territory.
{{SOP|statement=The Grendel on Mora's Rock have stolen the wealth of the Brass Coast. As thieves, they are to be despised. To trade with them harms the Prosperity of the Empire. It should not happen. Let them wallow in their ill-gotten gains, shunned by the Empire. Trade instead with the Freeborn. Help the honest to earn an honest living, and build the Prosperity of the Coast.|by=Dragonet de Gauvin, Prosperity Assembly|vote=137-38|when=Autumn Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
===Supplies===
* '''The orc quartermasters at Mora's Rock have been attempting to buy provisions and supplies from the Freeborn of Feroz and Segura'''
* '''The entrepreneurial Freeborn remain suspicious and uncooperative'''
For several months now, the orcs at Mora's Rock have been making attempts to trade with their Freeborn neighbours in [[Segura]] and Feroz. To date, however, they have had limited success. It is hard for the people of the Brass Coast not to see the "protectorate" and remember the cruel tyranny of former Governor Rahab. They were, after all, still part of the apparatus that enforced the authority of the despised ruler of the territory. While the garrison merchants have crowns to spend, their wealth was mostly taken from the people of Feroz one way or another.

At the Autumn Equinox, '''Dragonet de Gauvin''' proposed a statement of principle condemning the orcs of Morajasse as thieves. The Prosperity assembly upheld the judgement, but not with a greater majority, so its impact has been negligible. However, given that the majority of the Freeborn seem broadly disinclined to trade with the Grendel, the status quo sees Commander Gallum's forces continue to find it next to impossible to engage in peaceful relations with their neighbours. The Freeborn of Feroz may, perhaps grudgingly, accept their protection but they do not accept their coin.

===Spies===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo.jpg|caption='''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''', Imperial Spymaster|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption='''Tyburn Weaver''' (changeling), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''There is concern that the Protectorate of Morajasse is being used as a base for Grendel spies'''
* '''A spy network could be used to gather information about both the Protectorate and the Iron Confederacy in the Cazar Straits'''
* '''If the Conclave sends mana to Morajasse, then the Shuttered Lantern could be employed to inveigle their way into the Protectorate'''
* '''A scouting army could investigate rumours of espionage rings and assess the military disposition of Gallum's forces'''
* '''The Silent Bell could be used to root out any collaborators in the area'''

Suspicion of the Protectorate of Morajasse is not restricted to matters of trade however. The Grendel are known to employ [[Rings_and_crowns|espionage rings]] throughout the [[Bay of Catazar]]. They spy on Imperial territories but they are also capable of taking direct action - a Grendel espionage ring aided the attack on [[A beacon of smoke|Siroc]] for example. Not much is actually known about the so-called Protectorate, and it is entirely possible that Commander Gallum is protecting Feroz simply to let a Grendel espionage ring dig themselves into the territory in advance of the orcs of the Broken Shore launching another attack.

There are any number of ''other'' conspiracy theories - some are looking at the request to be treated as a separate entity to the Grendel as a sign that perhaps Gallum and his forces are fractured from the Salt Lords for example. This is most likely wishful thinking but perhaps its noteworthy that they have not tried to seize ships and return to Attar.

Regardless of what one believes, there are rumblings in Feroz that what is needed is a better understanding of this Protectorate. So far, they have been reticent to travel to Anvil, and their borders are largely closed. Only the very small number of Freeborn prepared to deal with them are allowed entry and then only to a trading camp just over the border. Further information might help the Brass Coast, and the Empire, get a better idea of how to approach the Protectorate.

The [[Imperial Spymaster]] '''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''' (or the Senate) could of course create a [[spy network]] in Feroz. There are, after all, two non-Imperial regions in the territory now. If at least 1,000 strength were committed to the spy network it would be enough to get a general feel for not only the Protectorate, but also the Suranni presence in the Cazar Straits. If at least 5,000 strength were committed, it would be sufficient to get detailed information about what is going on in these regions and an insight into the politics of the two foreign groups. The drawback is that this is a slow process - building a spy network takes time as does using it to uncover information. If the Spymaster began immediately, there'd be no report before the Summer Solstice at the absolute earliest.

If the Empire wants information more quickly, then there are three potential opportunities any one of which would give some insight into the Protectorate, and each of which could provide additional information.

The [[Military Council]] could direct an army to the territory to take the [[Army qualities#Scouting|Guard the Gates]] [[army orders|order]]. As long as the general indicated in their orders that the army was particularly interested in the Protectorate, they could take advantage of opportunities to speak to the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of Mora's Rock as they patrol outside Morajasse. This would give insight into the Grendel, their attitude to Feroz, and the broader plans of the Commander. If that army were also enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]], they could also work with the people of Feroz to get a better sense of their attitudes, or become aware of any underhand activity sponsored by Gallum and his supporters.

Another possibility would be to look to the wizards of the [[Conclave]]. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] are adept at negotiation and infiltration where wizards are involved, but the Grendel are too canny to just welcome them into their homes. However if the Conclave passed a declaration to send mana to the Wind Lord, then members of the Shuttered Lantern would have the perfect cover they need to inveigle their way into the Rock. In that case, the [[Grandmaster]] could [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]], urging Freeborn and other members to visit Morajasse and try to get a feel for what is going on. This would require 20 mana from the font as usual, and would provide insight into feelings in the Protectorate and may reveal something of their plans. Salt-Lord Saoirse is a powerful magician, supported by a coven of adepts, so they are sure to have things to talk about.

Finally, the Synod could engage the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to root out any collaborators in the area. If there is an espionage ring here, it would at least confirm that, and may even provide some leads to help shut it down. If there are merchants profiteering from trade with Morajasse, it would enable the Synod to put a stop to that, if they so chose. If the Empire plans to isolate the former Grendel, then the Silent Bell might be the most effective tool in the long run.

Normally these opportunities might be exclusive, too many spies in one area would simply reveal the Empire's interest. As it happens, though, the three possibilities are each focused on different priorities. Each additional opportunity taken would provide less information overall, but would focus on different parts of the Protectorate and so still have some potential value.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Beoraidh is a tiny "nation" with great big ambitions.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Beoraidh==
* '''Beoraidh is a city state on the coast of Mareave that allegedly aims to remain neutral in the conflict between the Empire and the Grendel'''
* '''The Senate has recognised the orcs of Beoraidh as foreigners'''
The city state of [[mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] in [[Mareave]] is apparently committed to neutrality between the Empire and the [[Grendel]]. The former-Salt Lord Ehsan rules from the city there, and sees the place as a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. Recently, as discussed in the '''[[A_wild_night_and_a_new_road#Polite_Correspondence|A wild night and a new road]]''' wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|under the protection]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. Exactly what this protection means - and how much influence the Sarcophan actually have - is not entirely clear. At the last it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Imperial or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves and their warships.

===Prosperity===
* '''Beoraidh has aligned itself with the Sarcophan Delves, accepting the protection of the powerful mercantile nation'''
As an independent nation, recognised by the Senate, the city-state of Beoraidh falls into the purview of the Imperial Consul. A messenger arrives at the Consulate in Tassato bearing greetings from former-Salt Lord Ehsan. The first thing the missive announces is that the ruler of Beoraidh has taken the title "Ehsan, Lord of Sand". This is likely an attempt to mollify the Salt Lords of the Grendel, among whose number he is no longer counted.

The meat of the letter addresses the alliance with the Sarcophan Delves. Ehsan presents the decision to accept the protection of the Delves as a perfectly reasonable one prompted by reality. The Empire's Senate can be quite volatile, as can the Salt Lords. To accept the protection of one side or the other would be to risk being seen as aligned with them - something detrimental to the desire of Beoraidh to remain neutral. The Sarcophan Delves however are renowned for their refusal to pick sides, and the orcs of Beoraidh find that they have more in common with them than the Unshackled. Perhaps if the Empire had been more enthusiastic about the invitation to establish the [[I_wish_you_would#Shrine_of_the_Virtues|shrine of the virtues]], or had been more welcoming to the gladiators seeking Imperial investment, or had more decisively dealt with the armies invading Mareave, Ehsan might have waited a little longer. Whatever his reason, it is clear he feels the Sarcophan are simply offering his city the best deal going.

As such, Ehsan, Lord of Sand, wishes to formally inform the Imperial Consul that they have agreed a treaty with the Delves. An attack against their city, or the plains of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]], will be treated as an attack on the Delves. However, the treaty is very clear that this agreement is not be an "exclusive" partnership. Both Beoraidh and the Delves are free to continue to pursue their own ambitions in the Bay of Catazar, with the Empire and the Grendel at the bare minimum. The tribute sent to the Empire, and the Grendel, will continue until such time as it can be renegotiated - as an assurance of Beoraidh's good faith as much as anything else. Yet the Lord of Sand is not shy about suggesting that Beoraidh will, eventually, want to discuss that tribute.

If the Consul is still interested in investing in Beoraidh, Ehsan lays out three possibilities.

===Investment of Salt===
* '''The opportunity to build a temple or basilica in Beoraidh is still available'''
* '''A previous Imperial Consul agreed to purchase land for the shrine of virtue'''
* '''Even if commissioned, work cannot begin until the money for the land is paid'''

The previous Consul proposed an agreement with Lord Ehsan to [[I_wish_you_would#Beoraidh|build a Temple of the Way]] in the city-state. If the new Consul is still interested in that, opportunities to do so remain available. Ehsan and his council have no interest in turning money and prosperity away, wherever it comes from. The invitation to build the shrine of the virtues remains. Either a temple or a grand basilica, depending on the level of investment the Empire wishes, can still be built. Provided the agreed on 20 thrones for the purchase of land is delivered, of course.

===Investment of Sea===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Investment in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Mareave </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 weirwood, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Opens the port of Beoraidh to Imperial fleet captains</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Raises taxation in Mareave by 3 thrones and taxes from tariffs by 7 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Empire is welcome to invest in the docks of Beoraidh'''
The Sarcophan are interested in investing in Beoraidh's docks, and Ehsan feels it would be remiss not to offer a similar opportunity to the Empire. He has, indeed, already offered this opportunity to the Grendel and his former colleagues in the council of Salt Lords seem cautiously interested. If the Imperial Consul is interested, then Ehsan proposes that the Empire participate in the expansion of Beoraidh's docks with an eye towards creating docks specifically for Imperial vessels to dock, and for their merchants to do business in the marketplaces of the city. Beoraidh still produces goods of its own, but the real draw perhaps will be the opportunity to gain access to goods imported from the Broken Shore.

A standard fleet visiting Beoraidh will be able to secure assorted valuable goods worth 72 rings, as well as two doses of consumable available to the orcs of Beoraidh, the Delves, or the Grendel trading there. An [[enchantment|enchanted]] or [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] fleet would receive proportionally more.

Eshan intends to apply what he calls "[[Tariffs#Mercantilist|reasonable tariffs]]" and anticipates the Empire will apply the same tariffs to any Beoraidh ships visiting Imperial ports. Once the docks are completed there will certainly be Beoradhi merchants eager to do so. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] estimates that investment in the docks would also raise the taxable income of Mareave by 3 thrones each season - increased prosperity for Beoraidh will slowly trickle across to the businesses of the territory as a whole - and bring in an additional 7 thrones per season to the Senate treasury in the form of tariffs.

===Investment of Stone===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Imperial Consulate in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Embassy</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Sinfoyard, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, and 75 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides the Empire with some information on the factions in Beoraidh, local politics and recent developments
* Allows the Consul to purchase goods from Beoraidh
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Ehsan proposes an Imperial consulate be built in Beoraidh'''
* '''This would not involve the appointment of a new ambassador'''
* '''The consulate would provide some limited information on the factions in the city and their machinations'''

Ehsan is not naive when it comes to diplomacy; he has decades of experience as a salt lord after all. After some discussion with his advisors, and with the Sarcophan representatives, he offers the Empire the ability to establish a consulate in Beoraidh if they wish to do so. This will give them a presence in the city, and cement diplomatic relations between the city-state and the great power. They don't want embassy - they'd rather continue to deal with the Consul. But a small cadre of civil servants in Beoraidh would be able to ease representation to Beoraidh.

The Grendel have already been approached, and now Ehsan makes the same offer to the Empire. A structure in the Imperial style, built near the ''[[Mareave#Palace_of_Chains|Palace of Chains]]'', with lodging for a dozen civil servants and visiting diplomats. The proposal is much more compact than a traditional Imperial embassy - only 25 white granite - but the labour costs are a little higher due to the limitations of Beoraidh.

If the new consulate were completed, it would not require the appointment of an ambassador to deal directly with Lord Ehsan. Instead the civil servants there would report to the Imperial Consul and could be instructed to acquire local goods for a small fee (assuming such things are [[The_circle_game#Diplomatic_Ministries|still acceptable]]). Perhaps more importantly, the Empire would have civil servants on the ground in Beoraidh who could assess what was happening in the city. It would provide some idea of factions within the city, what they want and any options that might exist to influence or antagonise them. It might also help the Empire to be more aware of what the Grendel and the Sarcophan were up to in the city...

===Retribution===
* '''A group of Beoraidh orc gladiators claim they were assaulted while visiting Anvil'''
* '''They are coming to Anvil to confront those they say attacked them'''

During the Summer Solstice, representatives of the Diamant Drakes [[I_wish_you_would#That's_Entertainment|visited Anvil]], to discuss opportunities for Imperial citizens to invest in the gladiatorial arena at Beoraidh. According to these orcs, while they were in Anvil they were assaulted by members of the [[Sannite]] sept of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], accused of engaging in slavery. When the forces of law and order intervened, members of the militia flat lied about what had happened.

This obvious corruption of the Anvil militia doesn't particularly bother them - this group seem to have a very low opinion of those who enforce the laws and this has only enforced that. What the Diamant Drakes are angry about, is the beat down they claim they received at the hands of the Sannites. As news of it has spread through Beoraidh interest in visiting the Empire has declined significantly. The fact their attackers were [[Imperial Orcs]] has also soured some who were intent on seeking closer relations with their neighbours in Mareave.

After stewing on the matter for a few months, the Diamant Drakes have announced their intention to seek [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|retribution]] at the Winter Solstice. They haven't addressed exactly what this means but they're expected to reach Anvil around three in the afternoon on the Saturday of the summit, and head to the Unshackled camp to confront the Sand Vipers they are apparently holding responsible for the assault.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralSeventhWave.jpeg|caption=Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption= Dino i Riqueza, Ambassador to the Delves.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pathfinder Gaddak.jpg|caption=Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave.|align=left|width=250}}</div>

===Diplomatic Delegation===
* '''A delegation from Beoraidh led by Emissary Harailt intends to visit the Imperial Orcs at 11.00am on Saturday'''
* '''They are keen to speak to Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave'''
* '''Eshan has asked the Imperial Consul and/or Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard to ensure no unfortunate incidents happen'''
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has also asked the Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves to help ensure the meeting goes smoothly'''
During the Winter Solstice, a delegation from Beoraidh plans to visit Anvil. Their main intent is to speak to the Imperial Orcs within whose territory they live, and are especially keen to meet '''Pathfinder Gaddak'''. Gaddak is [[Senator]] for Mareave but was one of those involved in ensuring an endangered Beoraidh vessel safely returned to port. Their invitation to the folk of Beoraidh to visit Anvil was reasonable, and encouraged Eshan that the experiences of the Diamant Drakes need not be representative.

Obviously the story of the Diamant Drakes makes them a little concerned about the kind of reception they will receive. In part this has inspired their decision to ask representatives of the Sarcophan Delves to accompany them given that nation's interest in smoothing relations between the city state and the Empire. To be on the safe side, Eshan asks that the Imperial Consul meet the delegation either in person or via a trusted lieutenant to further ensure that there is no repeat of the recent assault. Alternatively or additionally, '''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' could serve a similar purpose - their sensible missive contributed to the decision to undertake this delegation after all. On behalf of the Delves, Bedellar Huisbaas Annike has asked the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] to use their influence to ensure things progress smoothly.

The delegation has been entrusted to the leadership of ''Emissary Harailt'', an experienced negotiator and merchant and one of Eshan's distant cousins. They anticipate reaching Anvil around eleven in the morning on Saturday of the coming summit, but a lot depends on their confidence with regard to their potential reception.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj Flag.png|align=left|width=300}}</div>

==The Mallum==
* '''The Druj demand that the Empire withdraw all troops from Sarangrave or they will unleash the vallorn of Béantal Dol
Unexpectedly, a message has also been received at the Consulate that appears to be from the [[Druj]]. If it is taken at face value, it is a message from a buruk tepel named ''Inkagoch'' who resides in the city of [[Salt Flats of Sanath#Leen|Leen]] in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It is fairly terse and wastes no time with clever language. According to this missive, the rulers of [[the Mallum]] demand that the Empire withdraw all of its forces from the [[Sarangrave]]. If they do not, then the [[Druj lore#Ghulai|Ghulai]] of the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] will destroy the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] and unleash the [[vallorn]] to claim the marshes. If the Druj cannot have the Sarangrave, nobody can...

The civil service advising the Consulate have no idea if the Druj are capable of making good on this threat but... the Tainted Basilisk are adept at [[Night magic]] so the fact the territory is largely under Imperial control may not present an obstacle to their ghulai reaching the stones. Everything the Empire knows about the [[Into_Béantal_Dol#The_Warding_Stones|warding stones]] that contain the vallorn suggests that if too many are destroyed the boundary will fail and the vallorn will explode out across the marshes like an unwinding spring. The Druj have clearly advanced their understanding of the vallorn in the last few years, as evidenced by their work in Therunin.

If they are not bluffing, the [[Sarangrave#Tower_of_the_Skink|Tower of the Skink]] is likely to be able to hold off the vallorn at least for a while but... the loss of life would potentially be apocalyptic. The vallorn would not spare anyone - rebel orc, Druj, or Imperial. This would be an absolute disaster for everyone in the Sarangrave and would mean the Druj could never recover the territory themselves. Are they really that desperate? Surely not even the Druj would be prepared to unleash such a catastrophe?

Surely?

==Further Reading==
* [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]]
* [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]
* [[Imperial Consul]]

* [[Invited with asperity]] 387YE Winter wind of fortune specifically dealing with the Thule

Each age a lens

2026-04-19T18:15:15Z

Responsible1: /* Prosperity */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Jotun]][[Category:Druj]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Advisor Frith.jpg|align=left|caption='''Frith''', Advisor on Orc Affairs|width=250}}
==Overview==
* '''Five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy of one kind or another with the Empire'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations. Not all are barbarians; the Empire has a long-standing peace treaty with the Thule for example (see the '''[[Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune for more details on Thule diplomacy this season). There are also communities of orcs within the Empire's borders. Some are part of Imperial nations - the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], the former [[Grendel]] of [[the League]], the free [[Jotun]] thralls of [[the Marches]]. Others maintain a degree of independence while still being at least ambivalent to the Empire - the orcs of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] and the protectorate of Morajasse - while still others keep to themselves and have an uncertain relationship with their Imperial neighbours - the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]] in [[the Barrens]] for example, the septs of [[Mareave]], or the remaining orc septs in [[Ossium]] who declined to move to [[Skarsind]] when the offer was made.

In most cases, diplomacy with most of these disparate orc groups is technically the responsibility of the [[Imperial Consul]], currently '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]], perhaps advised by the [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. In practice, many of these orc groups prefer to deal with members of certain nations with whom they have ties - the Jotun prefer to talk to the folk of Wintermark for example, while the Great Forest Orcs consider the Navarr to be their close allies.
==Jotun==
* '''The Jotun remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul'''
The [[Jotun]] are a powerful, martial nation lead by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kallsea]] and King Gudmundr Arason of [[Jotun#History|Narkyst]]. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - having conquered [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale''). The Empire responds with an [[Rubies in the snow|attack on Skallahn]] that threatens to take control of [[Hordalant#The_Kongegőr|the Kongegőr]], the bridge that connects the northern and southern territories of the sprawling barbarian nation.

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of [[Wintermark]], for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for [[the Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the [[Imperial Consul]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A New Meeting Place===
* '''A new Meeting Place has been constructed on Gull Isle, a tidal island in the Gullet.'''
* '''The Wintermark National Assembly have encouraged their people to use this opportunity to build bridges with the Jotun.'''
While they are unreceptive to the more formal structures of an [[embassy]], there is nonetheless a long tradition of peaceful meeting on neutral ground between the Jotun and Wintermark. Once there was a [[Sermersuaq#The_Meeting_Place|Meeting Place]] just outside the borders of [[Sermersuaq]] where such meetings too place. Sadly in 382YE it was destroyed and defiled by a renegade [[Varushka|Varushkan]], infuriating the Jotun.

In recent years careful negotiations have been taking place regarding the creation of a new meeting place. The old stone is gone, but something new has been raised, with assistance from the Wintermark [[mystic|mystics]] and their "opposite numbers" among the Jotun, the ''[[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]]''. A little common ground has been found, and there the Empire has helped build a great meeting hall where, it is hoped, Jotun and Imperial might be able to speak without the shadow of violence falling across them. This initiative had extensive support from the Wintermark National Assembly as seen in the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146|statement]] raised by Hayrin at the Summer Solstice, and supported by the Wintermark Assembly.

[[Construct Meeting Place|Construction]] has taken nearly a year, but it is finally complete. A meeting hall now stands on a wave-swept island in the waters to the west of [[Kallavesa]] where barbarian and human can meet one another to talk. There are still some decisions to be made about the place, however.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="For Ustigar Jarl of Keirheim, by Iron Osric, Hammer of the West">
Where march the war-bound, the bold-hearted brethren?<br>
Where flew the banners, the fire-bright spears?<br>
Far from the fray, he stood steadfast in duty,<br>
Bound to the crown, while his kin bled and fell.<br>
Steel-fast in service, he stayed through the seasons,<br>
Honour his harness, though hunger for war<br>
Burned in his breast like buried bright ember -<br>
To rise, to reckon, to rest in the red.<br>
But fate is a falcon, fierce in its turning,<br>
It flew to his field in the fullness of time.<br>
Sword-slung and shouting, he'll stride into battle,<br>
And die with the day, as doers of old.</quote></div>
===Rules of War===
* '''Iron Osric has spoken to Igya Olgafsdottir about a meeting to better define terms of war with the Jotun'''
* '''The message has been well received and a meeting proposed for the Spring Equinox honouring Tromsan traditions'''
* '''Negotiations will occur at the new meeting place; Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Osric, the Golden Jarl and the Imperial Consul are invited'''
* '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark will be [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for the meeting at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The thane and the jarl are both invited to bring a small entourage; the meeting will take the form of a feast where anger is put aside'''

Shortly before the Winter Solstice, a messenger leaves the Jotun territory of ''Ashvale'' (which the Empire calls [[Liathaven]]) and makes camp at the base of the burial mound that was once [[Kahraman#Fort_Braydon_(destroyed)|Fort Braydon]]. She sits under a flag of truce and waits. The [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] who speak to her learn that she is bringing a message from ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', hero-engineer and warleader of the Jotun. The message is quickly communicated to [[Tassato]] and to the office of the [[Imperial Consul]].

Apparently [[general]] [[Heroism#Iron_Osric|Iron Osric]] of the [[Green Shield]] has requested a parley to discuss the terms of the on-going war. In particular, "to try and agree what magic we will not employ, the banning of poisons or other foul things, the protection of innocents, where our armies will clash, the number of forces and how long the conflict will endure before the feasting time." There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether Osric is speaking only on behalf of Wintermark, or for the Empire as a whole.

What's clear from the reply is that the Jotun continue to view Iron Osric and a figure they refer to as "the Golden Jarl" in particular as exemplars of what it means to be an honourable warrior. As such they are minded to take his request very seriously. Igya proposes that it is long past time for such a meeting, and that she is eager to attend one as a representative of her Queen. A second representative will come to speak with the voice of the King, and each will bring a <u>small</u> honour guard of champions and godhi to speak for the warbands and champions of the west.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Iron Osric.png|caption=Iron Osric, General of the [[Green Shield]]|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra.jpg|caption=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra, the Golden Jarl|align=right|width=300}}</div></div>
Olgafsdottir has called the meeting under the laws of hospitality of her home. In [[Tromsa#Tromsdalen|Tromsdalen]] when feuding warbands can stand one another no more and only blood will settle their anger, they engage in the ''hetjuveisla'' - the feast of heroes. Both sides bring food and drink, and bards to play music and tell tales. For a time the price of blood is set aside, so that a negotiation may be held in good faith to determine precisely how the battle-to-come will go. When the feast is over, the sun must rise and set again before violence resumes allowing both sides to safely return to their homes.

As long as Iron Osric agrees, she proposes that at the Spring Equinox - at the start of the year - Iron Osric, the Golden Jarl, and the Imperial Consul come to the new Meeting Place. Igya proposes that Osric and the Jarl each bring a small honour guard and the Consul an assistant. Both sides should bring food, drink, and bards. A negotiation will take place there that will bind both sides in agreement, and they will part peacefully.

News of this meeting is not met with universal approval. Both the Imperial Consul and Iron Osric are [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]]. The Jotun refuse to name the Golden Jarl, but it is definitely a reference to one of the Freeborn. Of [[the Marches]] in particular there is no mention - where the Jotun still dominate [[Bregasland]] - there are rumbles of discontent that Winterfolk and Freeborn will negotiate how war will take place between the Empire and the western barbarians. They're not alone - in [[Navarr]] there are a few undercurrents of unhappiness about this. While it is easy to see the sense of a general representing the [[Military Council]] and the Consul representing the [[Senate]], no-one is sure if this "Golden Jarl" even speaks for the Brass Coast. And who will speak for the other nations that must fight the Jotun?

===Virtuous Possibilities===
* '''The Jotun have constructed an ancestral shrine as part of the Meeting Place, and assume that the Empire will dedicate a space to the Way'''
* '''The Synod could pass a writ of consecration to create a true aura at the Meeting Place'''
* '''The effect would be dependant on the aura chosen, and whether it was a sacred site or a memorial'''
* '''The Jotun have requested that the Wintermark National Assembly endorse any such Consecration to soothe the worries of the Ghodi'''
* '''A true consecration will not lead any Jotun to convert to the Way of Virtue'''
With the new Meeting Place constructed, the Jotun have taken the message [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_128|spread]] by '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' to heart, and wasted no time in making themselves at home. Along with the wall-hangings, feasting tables, treasured ancestral weapons and other creature comforts they have brought with them, they have swiftly established dedicated spaces for their religious practice. One room of the Meeting Place has been established as a shrine to the ancestors, and is already being filled with small idols, painted images and relics of the honoured dead. As well as this, an outdoor space has been marked out as suitable for ritual combat. While raising a hand in anger against a guest or a host would be a terrible breach of hospitality, two or more warriors choosing to test their strength against one another in honour of their ancestors is not only accepted but encouraged as a demonstration of strength and piety.

Soon, word reaches the Meeting Place of a letter sent by '''Thane Erlend Gunnulfson''', who identifies himself as the person responsible for gathering the Empire's contribution of [[white granite]] towards this project. The letter bears a suggestion that the Empire might [[Consecration|consecrate]] part of the site. While most Jotun are broadly disinterested in the Way of Virtue (despite the best efforts of the Lasambrian orcs), the suggestion seems reasonable. If the Jotun can honour their ancestors, why not allow the Empire to honour their Virtues? There is agreement with the offer, at least in principle.

In practice, there are several ways that this could be done. The simplest would be to claim a specific space in the Meeting Place as a space for religious observance, and to consecrate it normally with a little [[liao]], renewing it season by season. This is how consecrated areas are maintained across the Empire, after all. This would incur no costs, lead to no downsides, and would allow the aura to be changed from season to season.

Of course there is a more costly, and more impactful, alternative. [[Liao#True Liao|True liao]] could be used to create a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] within the new Meeting Place. One of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue Assemblies]] would need to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] as normal, and that judgement would need to be upheld by a [[greater majority]] of the relevant assembly. While multiple assemblies could attempt to pass a writ to consecrate the Meeting Place, such judgements would be considered to be [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]] with one another; only the greater majority judgement with the highest margin of success would be upheld.
{{SOP|statement=The meeting hall at Gull Island will be completed for the Winter Solstice. Yet until a meeting has taken place there it is just a hall. We send Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark with 25 doses of liao to spread word of the Hall both in Wintermark and in the lands of the Jotun. Let the Ghodi bring their people to join with the folk of Wintermark to see what bridge may be built.|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|vote=284-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
There are limits to the effect of such a consecration. Jotun living in, or visiting, the Meeting Place might visit the Imperial shrine out of curiosity or a desire to learn, but such things would have no wider effect on the Jotun as a nation - this would not convert the Jotun to the Way. However, a true consecration would reinforce how the Empire view their relationship with the Jotun. An [[Auras_of_Loyalty#A_Peerless_Kinship|aura of Loyalty]] for example, would remind everyone of the importance of service to others, and perhaps communicate that the Empire will always stand by their friends and allies. An [[Auras_of_Pride#Partner_of_Greatness|aura of Pride]] would encourage rock-hard self-esteem, and remind Imperial visitors that they are the foundation on which future relations with the Jotun will be built, perhaps resonating with Jotun ideas of honour and integrity. There would be a degree of interpretation involved on both sides, especially since the Jotun would react to the ''actual aura'' rather than the symbolism of the virtue. But such a potent site would be seen by the Jotun as demonstrating the kind of future that the Empire desires with them.

Normally, a writ of consecration would be passed with the intention of creating an [[Inspirational location]] dedicated to a [[paragons and exemplars|paragon or exemplar]]. With the Meeting Place, the writ could identify the Meeting Place as a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites|sacred site]] - significant but not associated with any particular individual, or as a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] dedicated to a renowned inspirational figure.

Consecrating the Meeting Place as a memorial could not help but send a much more specific message to the Jotun. The barbarians would interpret a shrine commemorating a specific figure from the Empire's past through the lens of their own faith, and likely see the inspirational figure chosen in such a way as an "honoured ancestor" of the Empire. This possibility was apparently met with a great deal of interest by the ''ghodi'' visiting the construction of the Meeting Place. Some, more open-minded ghodi, would be very curious about what figures the Empire looks to for guidance, and while some elements will doubtless be lost in translation, the Jotun will look to any memorial as a statement about who the people of the Empire desire to be. Any greater effect would be highly dependent on the figure chosen, but it will doubtless be deeply meaningful.

There is a note alongside this talk of open-mindedness, however. The ghodi are as divided and cantankerous as any group of Synod priests, and while they often show unity in the face of outsiders their internal debates are just as heated. More conservative voices are already raising criticisms of allowing the Empire such leeway in the practice of their faith. The missionary zeal of the Empire is well known, and some fear that this may be the thin end of the wedge. Indeed, there are undoubtedly Imperial citizens who would love nothing more than to spread the Way among the peoples of the Jotun, whether the Jotun wanted them to or not. In order to shut this debate down before it starts causing problems, the Jotun have suggested that their neighbours in Wintermark act as guarantors of the Empire's honour. The Wintermark National Assembly could pass a suitably-worded [[statement of principle]] endorsing a writ of consecration regarding the Meeting Place. Such a statement would need to be raised before the consecration was carried out, but if passed with a greater majority it would address the fears of the more suspicious Jotun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=shark.png|align=right|width=400|}}

==Grendel==
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on Attar and the Broken Shore, and they remain at war with the Empire. They have conquered parts of Redoubt, and continue to fight Imperial forces defending Mareave. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

Speaker Morna is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.
===Misapprehensions===
* '''They request that further correspondence about diplomatic matters come from the Ambassador to the Grendel
A single [[Call Winged Messenger|magical missive]] arrived at the offices of the Ambassador to the Grendel, '''Starlight Starchaser''' of Urizen. The letter begins by welcoming the new ambassador, but then immediately goes on to correct a misapprehension. [[Bedight in veils#Peace and Storm|Last season]], Morna simply pointed out that any discussion of peace between Grendel and Empire must take place between themselves and the Ambassador to the Grendel. This has apparently been misinterpreted as a sign that the Grendel desire an end to the conflict with the Empire. That is not the case - Speaker Morna was simply reminding '''Abel the Rounder''' of how diplomatic relations between nations must take place.

If the Empire wishes to put forward their own plan for peace, they are welcome to do so. As long as the Empire's opening offer is serious, Morna will present it to the Salt Lords for consideration. At the ''absolute minimum'' it will need to include the complete withdrawal of Imperial forces from Mareave and Redoubt. The Grendel Ambassador will not waste the Salt Lords' time with anything less.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=It seems that many of Gallum's troops are Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and arguably the most disciplined of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==The Protectorate of Morajasse==
* '''The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel'''
While Feroz has mostly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] remains in the hands of the master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]''. Ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]] - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. They carefully protect the borders of Morajasse, and apparently have sufficient supplies to endure a drawn-out siege if needed.

They are not just protecting their own borders. They have shown themselves more than willing to [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|fight the Children of Wrecks]]. After the battle at [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oran]], the [[Senate]] chose to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|recognise]] Morajasse as ''a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel''. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the [[Imperial Consul]] rather than the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] speculate that this request reflects a clear division between the protectorate and the Salt Lords' council... yet there are certainly other possibilities some of them quite intriguing. Given Wind Lord Saoirse has clearly mastered the art of commanding [[Call Winged Messenger|magical couriers]] its hard to believe they have not at least been in contact with the Salt Lords, but for now they appear to be operating in line with their agreement with the Senate.

Not long before the Winter Solstice, such a magical courier arrives at the Consulate in Tassato, again sent by Wind Lord Saoirse. The message is short and sweet. Commander Gallum is considering the invitation of '''Atte Arrowtongue''' to Anvil but at this time thinks he and his supporters should be focused on Feroz. Spring might be a better time to send emissaries. This would also present an opportunity for his partner to send one of her covenmates to speak with '''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''' and the Artisan's Guild.

More importantly, he wants to be clear to the Consul that while he and his soldiers only agreed to protect Feroz from the Children of Wrecks, they are also prepared to fight against the invading [[Iron Confederacy]] forces that [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South|currently occupy]] the islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]], provided they are well paid. While there may be something of a ''détente'' between the Salt Lords and the Suranni Dukes, Commander Gallum Fiersach apparently sees no "legal" impediment to fighting as mercenaries against all comers.

===Ramparts of Sand===
* '''Wind Lord Saoirse is prepared to again enchant Mora's Rock if the Empire fears an attack from the Children of Wrecks or Iron Confederacy'''
Last season, Wind Lord Saoirse offered to support Feroz by drawing allied forces from the [[Realms#Autumn|Mercurial Archipelago]]. Indications are that she is referring to the enchantment the Empire knows as [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar|Ramparts of Ashlar]]. The Imperial Conclave declined to [[Endowment|endow]] her with the mana she requested, but she wishes them to know that the offer is still open. If the Empire is at all concerned about the intentions of the Suranni, or the risk of the Children of Wrecks retaliating, she will enchant the [[fortification]] to enhance its garrison as it protects the territory.
{{SOP|statement=The Grendel on Mora's Rock have stolen the wealth of the Brass Coast. As thieves, they are to be despised. To trade with them harms the Prosperity of the Empire. It should not happen. Let them wallow in their ill-gotten gains, shunned by the Empire. Trade instead with the Freeborn. Help the honest to earn an honest living, and build the Prosperity of the Coast.|by=Dragonet de Gauvin, Prosperity Assembly|vote=137-38|when=Autumn Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
===Supplies===
* '''The orc quartermasters at Mora's Rock have been attempting to buy provisions and supplies from the Freeborn of Feroz and Segura'''
* '''The entrepreneurial Freeborn remain suspicious and uncooperative'''
For several months now, the orcs at Mora's Rock have been making attempts to trade with their Freeborn neighbours in [[Segura]] and Feroz. To date, however, they have had limited success. It is hard for the people of the Brass Coast not to see the "protectorate" and remember the cruel tyranny of former Governor Rahab. They were, after all, still part of the apparatus that enforced the authority of the despised ruler of the territory. While the garrison merchants have crowns to spend, their wealth was mostly taken from the people of Feroz one way or another.

At the Autumn Equinox, '''Dragonet de Gauvin''' proposed a statement of principle condemning the orcs of Morajasse as thieves. The Prosperity assembly upheld the judgement, but not with a greater majority, so its impact has been negligible. However, given that the majority of the Freeborn seem broadly disinclined to trade with the Grendel, the status quo sees Commander Gallum's forces continue to find it next to impossible to engage in peaceful relations with their neighbours. The Freeborn of Feroz may, perhaps grudgingly, accept their protection but they do not accept their coin.

===Spies===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo.jpg|caption='''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''', Imperial Spymaster|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption='''Tyburn Weaver''' (changeling), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''There is concern that the Protectorate of Morajasse is being used as a base for Grendel spies'''
* '''A spy network could be used to gather information about both the Protectorate and the Iron Confederacy in the Cazar Straits'''
* '''If the Conclave sends mana to Morajasse, then the Shuttered Lantern could be employed to inveigle their way into the Protectorate'''
* '''A scouting army could investigate rumours of espionage rings and assess the military disposition of Gallum's forces'''
* '''The Silent Bell could be used to root out any collaborators in the area'''

Suspicion of the Protectorate of Morajasse is not restricted to matters of trade however. The Grendel are known to employ [[Rings_and_crowns|espionage rings]] throughout the [[Bay of Catazar]]. They spy on Imperial territories but they are also capable of taking direct action - a Grendel espionage ring aided the attack on [[A beacon of smoke|Siroc]] for example. Not much is actually known about the so-called Protectorate, and it is entirely possible that Commander Gallum is protecting Feroz simply to let a Grendel espionage ring dig themselves into the territory in advance of the orcs of the Broken Shore launching another attack.

There are any number of ''other'' conspiracy theories - some are looking at the request to be treated as a separate entity to the Grendel as a sign that perhaps Gallum and his forces are fractured from the Salt Lords for example. This is most likely wishful thinking but perhaps its noteworthy that they have not tried to seize ships and return to Attar.

Regardless of what one believes, there are rumblings in Feroz that what is needed is a better understanding of this Protectorate. So far, they have been reticent to travel to Anvil, and their borders are largely closed. Only the very small number of Freeborn prepared to deal with them are allowed entry and then only to a trading camp just over the border. Further information might help the Brass Coast, and the Empire, get a better idea of how to approach the Protectorate.

The [[Imperial Spymaster]] '''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''' (or the Senate) could of course create a [[spy network]] in Feroz. There are, after all, two non-Imperial regions in the territory now. If at least 1,000 strength were committed to the spy network it would be enough to get a general feel for not only the Protectorate, but also the Suranni presence in the Cazar Straits. If at least 5,000 strength were committed, it would be sufficient to get detailed information about what is going on in these regions and an insight into the politics of the two foreign groups. The drawback is that this is a slow process - building a spy network takes time as does using it to uncover information. If the Spymaster began immediately, there'd be no report before the Summer Solstice at the absolute earliest.

If the Empire wants information more quickly, then there are three potential opportunities any one of which would give some insight into the Protectorate, and each of which could provide additional information.

The [[Military Council]] could direct an army to the territory to take the [[Army qualities#Scouting|Guard the Gates]] [[army orders|order]]. As long as the general indicated in their orders that the army was particularly interested in the Protectorate, they could take advantage of opportunities to speak to the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of Mora's Rock as they patrol outside Morajasse. This would give insight into the Grendel, their attitude to Feroz, and the broader plans of the Commander. If that army were also enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]], they could also work with the people of Feroz to get a better sense of their attitudes, or become aware of any underhand activity sponsored by Gallum and his supporters.

Another possibility would be to look to the wizards of the [[Conclave]]. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] are adept at negotiation and infiltration where wizards are involved, but the Grendel are too canny to just welcome them into their homes. However if the Conclave passed a declaration to send mana to the Wind Lord, then members of the Shuttered Lantern would have the perfect cover they need to inveigle their way into the Rock. In that case, the [[Grandmaster]] could [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]], urging Freeborn and other members to visit Morajasse and try to get a feel for what is going on. This would require 20 mana from the font as usual, and would provide insight into feelings in the Protectorate and may reveal something of their plans. Salt-Lord Saoirse is a powerful magician, supported by a coven of adepts, so they are sure to have things to talk about.

Finally, the Synod could engage the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to root out any collaborators in the area. If there is an espionage ring here, it would at least confirm that, and may even provide some leads to help shut it down. If there are merchants profiteering from trade with Morajasse, it would enable the Synod to put a stop to that, if they so chose. If the Empire plans to isolate the former Grendel, then the Silent Bell might be the most effective tool in the long run.

Normally these opportunities might be exclusive, too many spies in one area would simply reveal the Empire's interest. As it happens, though, the three possibilities are each focused on different priorities. Each additional opportunity taken would provide less information overall, but would focus on different parts of the Protectorate and so still have some potential value.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Beoraidh is a tiny "nation" with great big ambitions.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Beoraidh==
* '''Beoraidh is a city state on the coast of Mareave that allegedly aims to remain neutral in the conflict between the Empire and the Grendel'''
* '''The Senate has recognised the orcs of Beoraidh as foreigners'''
The city state of [[mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] in [[Mareave]] is apparently committed to neutrality between the Empire and the [[Grendel]]. The former-Salt Lord Ehsan rules from the city there, and sees the place as a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. Recently, as discussed in the '''[[A_wild_night_and_a_new_road#Polite_Correspondence|A wild night and a new road]]''' wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|under the protection]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. Exactly what this protection means - and how much influence the Sarcophan actually have - is not entirely clear. At the last it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Imperial or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves and their warships.

===Prosperity===
* '''Beoraidh has aligned itself with the Sarcophan Delves, accepting the protection of the powerful mercantile nation'''
As an independent nation, recognised by the Senate, the city-state of Beoraidh falls into the purview of the Imperial Consul. A messenger arrives at the Consulate in Tassato bearing greetings from former-Salt Lord Ehsan. The first thing the missive announces is that the ruler of Beoraidh has taken the title "Ehsan, Lord of Sand". This is likely an attempt to mollify the Salt Lords of the Grendel, among whose number he is no longer counted.

The meat of the letter addresses the alliance with the Sarcophan Delves. Ehsan presents the decision to accept the protection of the Delves as a perfectly reasonable one prompted by reality. The Empire's Senate can be quite volatile, as can the Salt Lords. To accept the protection of one side or the other would be to risk being seen as aligned with them - something detrimental to the desire of Beoraidh to remain neutral. The Sarcophan Delves however are renowned for their refusal to pick sides, and the orcs of Beoraidh find that they have more in common with them than the Unshackled. Perhaps if the Empire had been more enthusiastic about the invitation to establish the [[I_wish_you_would#Shrine_of_the_Virtues|shrine of the virtues]], or had been more welcoming to the gladiators seeking Imperial investment, or had more decisively dealt with the armies invading Mareave, Ehsan might have waited a little longer. Whatever his reason, it is clear he feels the Sarcophan are simply offering his city the best deal going.

As such, Ehsan, Lord of Sand, wishes to formally inform the Imperial Consul that they have agreed a treaty with the Delves. An attack against their city, or the plains of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]], will be treated as an attack on the Delves. However, the treaty is very clear that this agreement is not be an "exclusive" partnership. Both Beoraidh and the Delves are free to continue to pursue their own ambitions in the Bay of Catazar, with the Empire and the Grendel at the bare minimum. The tribute sent to the Empire, and the Grendel, will continue until such time as it can be renegotiated - as an assurance of Beoraidh's good faith as much as anything else. Yet the Lord of Sand is not shy about suggesting that Beoraidh will, eventually, want to discuss that tribute.

If the Consul is still interested in investing in Beoraidh, Ehsan lays out three possibilities.

===Investment of Salt===
* '''The opportunity to build a temple or basilica in Beoraidh is still available'''
* '''A previous Imperial Consul agreed to purchase land for the shrine of virtue'''
* '''Even if commissioned, work cannot begin until the money for the land is paid'''

The previous Consul proposed an agreement with Lord Ehsan to [[I_wish_you_would#Beoraidh|build a Temple of the Way]] in the city-state. If the new Consul is still interested in that, opportunities to do so remain available. Eshan and his council have no interest in turning money and prosperity away, wherever it comes from. The invitation to build the shrine of the virtues remains. Either a temple or a grand basilica, depending on the level of investment the Empire wishes, can still be built. Provided the agreed on 20 thrones for the purchase of land is delivered, of course.

===Investment of Sea===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Investment in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Mareave </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 weirwood, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Opens the port of Beoraidh to Imperial fleet captains</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Raises taxation in Mareave by 3 thrones and taxes from tariffs by 7 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Empire is welcome to invest in the docks of Beoraidh'''
The Sarcophan are interested in investing in Beoraidh's docks, and Ehsan feels it would be remiss not to offer a similar opportunity to the Empire. He has, indeed, already offered this opportunity to the Grendel and his former colleagues in the council of Salt Lords seem cautiously interested. If the Imperial Consul is interested, then Ehsan proposes that the Empire participate in the expansion of Beoraidh's docks with an eye towards creating docks specifically for Imperial vessels to dock, and for their merchants to do business in the marketplaces of the city. Beoraidh still produces goods of its own, but the real draw perhaps will be the opportunity to gain access to goods imported from the Broken Shore.

A standard fleet visiting Beoraidh will be able to secure assorted valuable goods worth 72 rings, as well as two doses of consumable available to the orcs of Beoraidh, the Delves, or the Grendel trading there. An [[enchantment|enchanted]] or [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] fleet would receive proportionally more.

Eshan intends to apply what he calls "[[Tariffs#Mercantilist|reasonable tariffs]]" and anticipates the Empire will apply the same tariffs to any Beoraidh ships visiting Imperial ports. Once the docks are completed there will certainly be Beoradhi merchants eager to do so. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] estimates that investment in the docks would also raise the taxable income of Mareave by 3 thrones each season - increased prosperity for Beoraidh will slowly trickle across to the businesses of the territory as a whole - and bring in an additional 7 thrones per season to the Senate treasury in the form of tariffs.

===Investment of Stone===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Imperial Consulate in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Embassy</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Sinfoyard, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, and 75 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides the Empire with some information on the factions in Beoraidh, local politics and recent developments
* Allows the Consul to purchase goods from Beoraidh
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Ehsan proposes an Imperial consulate be built in Beoraidh'''
* '''This would not involve the appointment of a new ambassador'''
* '''The consulate would provide some limited information on the factions in the city and their machinations'''

Ehsan is not naive when it comes to diplomacy; he has decades of experience as a salt lord after all. After some discussion with his advisors, and with the Sarcophan representatives, he offers the Empire the ability to establish a consulate in Beoraidh if they wish to do so. This will give them a presence in the city, and cement diplomatic relations between the city-state and the great power. They don't want embassy - they'd rather continue to deal with the Consul. But a small cadre of civil servants in Beoraidh would be able to ease representation to Beoraidh.

The Grendel have already been approached, and now Ehsan makes the same offer to the Empire. A structure in the Imperial style, built near the ''[[Mareave#Palace_of_Chains|Palace of Chains]]'', with lodging for a dozen civil servants and visiting diplomats. The proposal is much more compact than a traditional Imperial embassy - only 25 white granite - but the labour costs are a little higher due to the limitations of Beoraidh.

If the new consulate were completed, it would not require the appointment of an ambassador to deal directly with Lord Ehsan. Instead the civil servants there would report to the Imperial Consul and could be instructed to acquire local goods for a small fee (assuming such things are [[The_circle_game#Diplomatic_Ministries|still acceptable]]). Perhaps more importantly, the Empire would have civil servants on the ground in Beoraidh who could assess what was happening in the city. It would provide some idea of factions within the city, what they want and any options that might exist to influence or antagonise them. It might also help the Empire to be more aware of what the Grendel and the Sarcophan were up to in the city...

===Retribution===
* '''A group of Beoraidh orc gladiators claim they were assaulted while visiting Anvil'''
* '''They are coming to Anvil to confront those they say attacked them'''

During the Summer Solstice, representatives of the Diamant Drakes [[I_wish_you_would#That's_Entertainment|visited Anvil]], to discuss opportunities for Imperial citizens to invest in the gladiatorial arena at Beoraidh. According to these orcs, while they were in Anvil they were assaulted by members of the [[Sannite]] sept of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], accused of engaging in slavery. When the forces of law and order intervened, members of the militia flat lied about what had happened.

This obvious corruption of the Anvil militia doesn't particularly bother them - this group seem to have a very low opinion of those who enforce the laws and this has only enforced that. What the Diamant Drakes are angry about, is the beat down they claim they received at the hands of the Sannites. As news of it has spread through Beoraidh interest in visiting the Empire has declined significantly. The fact their attackers were [[Imperial Orcs]] has also soured some who were intent on seeking closer relations with their neighbours in Mareave.

After stewing on the matter for a few months, the Diamant Drakes have announced their intention to seek [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|retribution]] at the Winter Solstice. They haven't addressed exactly what this means but they're expected to reach Anvil around three in the afternoon on the Saturday of the summit, and head to the Unshackled camp to confront the Sand Vipers they are apparently holding responsible for the assault.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralSeventhWave.jpeg|caption=Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption= Dino i Riqueza, Ambassador to the Delves.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pathfinder Gaddak.jpg|caption=Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave.|align=left|width=250}}</div>

===Diplomatic Delegation===
* '''A delegation from Beoraidh led by Emissary Harailt intends to visit the Imperial Orcs at 11.00am on Saturday'''
* '''They are keen to speak to Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave'''
* '''Eshan has asked the Imperial Consul and/or Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard to ensure no unfortunate incidents happen'''
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has also asked the Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves to help ensure the meeting goes smoothly'''
During the Winter Solstice, a delegation from Beoraidh plans to visit Anvil. Their main intent is to speak to the Imperial Orcs within whose territory they live, and are especially keen to meet '''Pathfinder Gaddak'''. Gaddak is [[Senator]] for Mareave but was one of those involved in ensuring an endangered Beoraidh vessel safely returned to port. Their invitation to the folk of Beoraidh to visit Anvil was reasonable, and encouraged Eshan that the experiences of the Diamant Drakes need not be representative.

Obviously the story of the Diamant Drakes makes them a little concerned about the kind of reception they will receive. In part this has inspired their decision to ask representatives of the Sarcophan Delves to accompany them given that nation's interest in smoothing relations between the city state and the Empire. To be on the safe side, Eshan asks that the Imperial Consul meet the delegation either in person or via a trusted lieutenant to further ensure that there is no repeat of the recent assault. Alternatively or additionally, '''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' could serve a similar purpose - their sensible missive contributed to the decision to undertake this delegation after all. On behalf of the Delves, Bedellar Huisbaas Annike has asked the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] to use their influence to ensure things progress smoothly.

The delegation has been entrusted to the leadership of ''Emissary Harailt'', an experienced negotiator and merchant and one of Eshan's distant cousins. They anticipate reaching Anvil around eleven in the morning on Saturday of the coming summit, but a lot depends on their confidence with regard to their potential reception.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj Flag.png|align=left|width=300}}</div>

==The Mallum==
* '''The Druj demand that the Empire withdraw all troops from Sarangrave or they will unleash the vallorn of Béantal Dol
Unexpectedly, a message has also been received at the Consulate that appears to be from the [[Druj]]. If it is taken at face value, it is a message from a buruk tepel named ''Inkagoch'' who resides in the city of [[Salt Flats of Sanath#Leen|Leen]] in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It is fairly terse and wastes no time with clever language. According to this missive, the rulers of [[the Mallum]] demand that the Empire withdraw all of its forces from the [[Sarangrave]]. If they do not, then the [[Druj lore#Ghulai|Ghulai]] of the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] will destroy the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] and unleash the [[vallorn]] to claim the marshes. If the Druj cannot have the Sarangrave, nobody can...

The civil service advising the Consulate have no idea if the Druj are capable of making good on this threat but... the Tainted Basilisk are adept at [[Night magic]] so the fact the territory is largely under Imperial control may not present an obstacle to their ghulai reaching the stones. Everything the Empire knows about the [[Into_Béantal_Dol#The_Warding_Stones|warding stones]] that contain the vallorn suggests that if too many are destroyed the boundary will fail and the vallorn will explode out across the marshes like an unwinding spring. The Druj have clearly advanced their understanding of the vallorn in the last few years, as evidenced by their work in Therunin.

If they are not bluffing, the [[Sarangrave#Tower_of_the_Skink|Tower of the Skink]] is likely to be able to hold off the vallorn at least for a while but... the loss of life would potentially be apocalyptic. The vallorn would not spare anyone - rebel orc, Druj, or Imperial. This would be an absolute disaster for everyone in the Sarangrave and would mean the Druj could never recover the territory themselves. Are they really that desperate? Surely not even the Druj would be prepared to unleash such a catastrophe?

Surely?

==Further Reading==
* [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]]
* [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]
* [[Imperial Consul]]

* [[Invited with asperity]] 387YE Winter wind of fortune specifically dealing with the Thule

Each age a lens

2026-04-19T18:14:46Z

Responsible1: /* Beoraidh */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Jotun]][[Category:Druj]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Advisor Frith.jpg|align=left|caption='''Frith''', Advisor on Orc Affairs|width=250}}
==Overview==
* '''Five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy of one kind or another with the Empire'''
Many of the nations that border the Empire are [[orc]] nations. Not all are barbarians; the Empire has a long-standing peace treaty with the Thule for example (see the '''[[Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune for more details on Thule diplomacy this season). There are also communities of orcs within the Empire's borders. Some are part of Imperial nations - the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], the former [[Grendel]] of [[the League]], the free [[Jotun]] thralls of [[the Marches]]. Others maintain a degree of independence while still being at least ambivalent to the Empire - the orcs of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] and the protectorate of Morajasse - while still others keep to themselves and have an uncertain relationship with their Imperial neighbours - the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]] in [[the Barrens]] for example, the septs of [[Mareave]], or the remaining orc septs in [[Ossium]] who declined to move to [[Skarsind]] when the offer was made.

In most cases, diplomacy with most of these disparate orc groups is technically the responsibility of the [[Imperial Consul]], currently '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]], perhaps advised by the [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]]. In practice, many of these orc groups prefer to deal with members of certain nations with whom they have ties - the Jotun prefer to talk to the folk of Wintermark for example, while the Great Forest Orcs consider the Navarr to be their close allies.
==Jotun==
* '''The Jotun remain at war with the Empire'''
* '''Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul'''
The [[Jotun]] are a powerful, martial nation lead by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kallsea]] and King Gudmundr Arason of [[Jotun#History|Narkyst]]. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - having conquered [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale''). The Empire responds with an [[Rubies in the snow|attack on Skallahn]] that threatens to take control of [[Hordalant#The_Kongegőr|the Kongegőr]], the bridge that connects the northern and southern territories of the sprawling barbarian nation.

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of [[Wintermark]], for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for [[the Brass Coast|the Freeborn]]. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the [[Imperial Consul]].
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A New Meeting Place===
* '''A new Meeting Place has been constructed on Gull Isle, a tidal island in the Gullet.'''
* '''The Wintermark National Assembly have encouraged their people to use this opportunity to build bridges with the Jotun.'''
While they are unreceptive to the more formal structures of an [[embassy]], there is nonetheless a long tradition of peaceful meeting on neutral ground between the Jotun and Wintermark. Once there was a [[Sermersuaq#The_Meeting_Place|Meeting Place]] just outside the borders of [[Sermersuaq]] where such meetings too place. Sadly in 382YE it was destroyed and defiled by a renegade [[Varushka|Varushkan]], infuriating the Jotun.

In recent years careful negotiations have been taking place regarding the creation of a new meeting place. The old stone is gone, but something new has been raised, with assistance from the Wintermark [[mystic|mystics]] and their "opposite numbers" among the Jotun, the ''[[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]]''. A little common ground has been found, and there the Empire has helped build a great meeting hall where, it is hoped, Jotun and Imperial might be able to speak without the shadow of violence falling across them. This initiative had extensive support from the Wintermark National Assembly as seen in the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146|statement]] raised by Hayrin at the Summer Solstice, and supported by the Wintermark Assembly.

[[Construct Meeting Place|Construction]] has taken nearly a year, but it is finally complete. A meeting hall now stands on a wave-swept island in the waters to the west of [[Kallavesa]] where barbarian and human can meet one another to talk. There are still some decisions to be made about the place, however.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="For Ustigar Jarl of Keirheim, by Iron Osric, Hammer of the West">
Where march the war-bound, the bold-hearted brethren?<br>
Where flew the banners, the fire-bright spears?<br>
Far from the fray, he stood steadfast in duty,<br>
Bound to the crown, while his kin bled and fell.<br>
Steel-fast in service, he stayed through the seasons,<br>
Honour his harness, though hunger for war<br>
Burned in his breast like buried bright ember -<br>
To rise, to reckon, to rest in the red.<br>
But fate is a falcon, fierce in its turning,<br>
It flew to his field in the fullness of time.<br>
Sword-slung and shouting, he'll stride into battle,<br>
And die with the day, as doers of old.</quote></div>
===Rules of War===
* '''Iron Osric has spoken to Igya Olgafsdottir about a meeting to better define terms of war with the Jotun'''
* '''The message has been well received and a meeting proposed for the Spring Equinox honouring Tromsan traditions'''
* '''Negotiations will occur at the new meeting place; Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Osric, the Golden Jarl and the Imperial Consul are invited'''
* '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark will be [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for the meeting at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The thane and the jarl are both invited to bring a small entourage; the meeting will take the form of a feast where anger is put aside'''

Shortly before the Winter Solstice, a messenger leaves the Jotun territory of ''Ashvale'' (which the Empire calls [[Liathaven]]) and makes camp at the base of the burial mound that was once [[Kahraman#Fort_Braydon_(destroyed)|Fort Braydon]]. She sits under a flag of truce and waits. The [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] who speak to her learn that she is bringing a message from ''Igya Olgafsdottir'', hero-engineer and warleader of the Jotun. The message is quickly communicated to [[Tassato]] and to the office of the [[Imperial Consul]].

Apparently [[general]] [[Heroism#Iron_Osric|Iron Osric]] of the [[Green Shield]] has requested a parley to discuss the terms of the on-going war. In particular, "to try and agree what magic we will not employ, the banning of poisons or other foul things, the protection of innocents, where our armies will clash, the number of forces and how long the conflict will endure before the feasting time." There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether Osric is speaking only on behalf of Wintermark, or for the Empire as a whole.

What's clear from the reply is that the Jotun continue to view Iron Osric and a figure they refer to as "the Golden Jarl" in particular as exemplars of what it means to be an honourable warrior. As such they are minded to take his request very seriously. Igya proposes that it is long past time for such a meeting, and that she is eager to attend one as a representative of her Queen. A second representative will come to speak with the voice of the King, and each will bring a <u>small</u> honour guard of champions and godhi to speak for the warbands and champions of the west.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Iron Osric.png|caption=Iron Osric, General of the [[Green Shield]]|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Atte.png|caption=Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and [[Imperial Consul]].|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra.jpg|caption=Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra, the Golden Jarl|align=right|width=300}}</div></div>
Olgafsdottir has called the meeting under the laws of hospitality of her home. In [[Tromsa#Tromsdalen|Tromsdalen]] when feuding warbands can stand one another no more and only blood will settle their anger, they engage in the ''hetjuveisla'' - the feast of heroes. Both sides bring food and drink, and bards to play music and tell tales. For a time the price of blood is set aside, so that a negotiation may be held in good faith to determine precisely how the battle-to-come will go. When the feast is over, the sun must rise and set again before violence resumes allowing both sides to safely return to their homes.

As long as Iron Osric agrees, she proposes that at the Spring Equinox - at the start of the year - Iron Osric, the Golden Jarl, and the Imperial Consul come to the new Meeting Place. Igya proposes that Osric and the Jarl each bring a small honour guard and the Consul an assistant. Both sides should bring food, drink, and bards. A negotiation will take place there that will bind both sides in agreement, and they will part peacefully.

News of this meeting is not met with universal approval. Both the Imperial Consul and Iron Osric are [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]]. The Jotun refuse to name the Golden Jarl, but it is definitely a reference to one of the Freeborn. Of [[the Marches]] in particular there is no mention - where the Jotun still dominate [[Bregasland]] - there are rumbles of discontent that Winterfolk and Freeborn will negotiate how war will take place between the Empire and the western barbarians. They're not alone - in [[Navarr]] there are a few undercurrents of unhappiness about this. While it is easy to see the sense of a general representing the [[Military Council]] and the Consul representing the [[Senate]], no-one is sure if this "Golden Jarl" even speaks for the Brass Coast. And who will speak for the other nations that must fight the Jotun?

===Virtuous Possibilities===
* '''The Jotun have constructed an ancestral shrine as part of the Meeting Place, and assume that the Empire will dedicate a space to the Way'''
* '''The Synod could pass a writ of consecration to create a true aura at the Meeting Place'''
* '''The effect would be dependant on the aura chosen, and whether it was a sacred site or a memorial'''
* '''The Jotun have requested that the Wintermark National Assembly endorse any such Consecration to soothe the worries of the Ghodi'''
* '''A true consecration will not lead any Jotun to convert to the Way of Virtue'''
With the new Meeting Place constructed, the Jotun have taken the message [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_128|spread]] by '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' to heart, and wasted no time in making themselves at home. Along with the wall-hangings, feasting tables, treasured ancestral weapons and other creature comforts they have brought with them, they have swiftly established dedicated spaces for their religious practice. One room of the Meeting Place has been established as a shrine to the ancestors, and is already being filled with small idols, painted images and relics of the honoured dead. As well as this, an outdoor space has been marked out as suitable for ritual combat. While raising a hand in anger against a guest or a host would be a terrible breach of hospitality, two or more warriors choosing to test their strength against one another in honour of their ancestors is not only accepted but encouraged as a demonstration of strength and piety.

Soon, word reaches the Meeting Place of a letter sent by '''Thane Erlend Gunnulfson''', who identifies himself as the person responsible for gathering the Empire's contribution of [[white granite]] towards this project. The letter bears a suggestion that the Empire might [[Consecration|consecrate]] part of the site. While most Jotun are broadly disinterested in the Way of Virtue (despite the best efforts of the Lasambrian orcs), the suggestion seems reasonable. If the Jotun can honour their ancestors, why not allow the Empire to honour their Virtues? There is agreement with the offer, at least in principle.

In practice, there are several ways that this could be done. The simplest would be to claim a specific space in the Meeting Place as a space for religious observance, and to consecrate it normally with a little [[liao]], renewing it season by season. This is how consecrated areas are maintained across the Empire, after all. This would incur no costs, lead to no downsides, and would allow the aura to be changed from season to season.

Of course there is a more costly, and more impactful, alternative. [[Liao#True Liao|True liao]] could be used to create a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] within the new Meeting Place. One of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue Assemblies]] would need to uphold a [[writ of consecration]] as normal, and that judgement would need to be upheld by a [[greater majority]] of the relevant assembly. While multiple assemblies could attempt to pass a writ to consecrate the Meeting Place, such judgements would be considered to be [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]] with one another; only the greater majority judgement with the highest margin of success would be upheld.
{{SOP|statement=The meeting hall at Gull Island will be completed for the Winter Solstice. Yet until a meeting has taken place there it is just a hall. We send Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark with 25 doses of liao to spread word of the Hall both in Wintermark and in the lands of the Jotun. Let the Ghodi bring their people to join with the folk of Wintermark to see what bridge may be built.|by=Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark, Wintermark Assembly|vote=284-0|when=Autumn 387YE}}
There are limits to the effect of such a consecration. Jotun living in, or visiting, the Meeting Place might visit the Imperial shrine out of curiosity or a desire to learn, but such things would have no wider effect on the Jotun as a nation - this would not convert the Jotun to the Way. However, a true consecration would reinforce how the Empire view their relationship with the Jotun. An [[Auras_of_Loyalty#A_Peerless_Kinship|aura of Loyalty]] for example, would remind everyone of the importance of service to others, and perhaps communicate that the Empire will always stand by their friends and allies. An [[Auras_of_Pride#Partner_of_Greatness|aura of Pride]] would encourage rock-hard self-esteem, and remind Imperial visitors that they are the foundation on which future relations with the Jotun will be built, perhaps resonating with Jotun ideas of honour and integrity. There would be a degree of interpretation involved on both sides, especially since the Jotun would react to the ''actual aura'' rather than the symbolism of the virtue. But such a potent site would be seen by the Jotun as demonstrating the kind of future that the Empire desires with them.

Normally, a writ of consecration would be passed with the intention of creating an [[Inspirational location]] dedicated to a [[paragons and exemplars|paragon or exemplar]]. With the Meeting Place, the writ could identify the Meeting Place as a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites|sacred site]] - significant but not associated with any particular individual, or as a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] dedicated to a renowned inspirational figure.

Consecrating the Meeting Place as a memorial could not help but send a much more specific message to the Jotun. The barbarians would interpret a shrine commemorating a specific figure from the Empire's past through the lens of their own faith, and likely see the inspirational figure chosen in such a way as an "honoured ancestor" of the Empire. This possibility was apparently met with a great deal of interest by the ''ghodi'' visiting the construction of the Meeting Place. Some, more open-minded ghodi, would be very curious about what figures the Empire looks to for guidance, and while some elements will doubtless be lost in translation, the Jotun will look to any memorial as a statement about who the people of the Empire desire to be. Any greater effect would be highly dependent on the figure chosen, but it will doubtless be deeply meaningful.

There is a note alongside this talk of open-mindedness, however. The ghodi are as divided and cantankerous as any group of Synod priests, and while they often show unity in the face of outsiders their internal debates are just as heated. More conservative voices are already raising criticisms of allowing the Empire such leeway in the practice of their faith. The missionary zeal of the Empire is well known, and some fear that this may be the thin end of the wedge. Indeed, there are undoubtedly Imperial citizens who would love nothing more than to spread the Way among the peoples of the Jotun, whether the Jotun wanted them to or not. In order to shut this debate down before it starts causing problems, the Jotun have suggested that their neighbours in Wintermark act as guarantors of the Empire's honour. The Wintermark National Assembly could pass a suitably-worded [[statement of principle]] endorsing a writ of consecration regarding the Meeting Place. Such a statement would need to be raised before the consecration was carried out, but if passed with a greater majority it would address the fears of the more suspicious Jotun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=shark.png|align=right|width=400|}}

==Grendel==
* '''The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen'''
The Grendel are the dominant power on Attar and the Broken Shore, and they remain at war with the Empire. They have conquered parts of Redoubt, and continue to fight Imperial forces defending Mareave. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

Speaker Morna is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.
===Misapprehensions===
* '''They request that further correspondence about diplomatic matters come from the Ambassador to the Grendel
A single [[Call Winged Messenger|magical missive]] arrived at the offices of the Ambassador to the Grendel, '''Starlight Starchaser''' of Urizen. The letter begins by welcoming the new ambassador, but then immediately goes on to correct a misapprehension. [[Bedight in veils#Peace and Storm|Last season]], Morna simply pointed out that any discussion of peace between Grendel and Empire must take place between themselves and the Ambassador to the Grendel. This has apparently been misinterpreted as a sign that the Grendel desire an end to the conflict with the Empire. That is not the case - Speaker Morna was simply reminding '''Abel the Rounder''' of how diplomatic relations between nations must take place.

If the Empire wishes to put forward their own plan for peace, they are welcome to do so. As long as the Empire's opening offer is serious, Morna will present it to the Salt Lords for consideration. At the ''absolute minimum'' it will need to include the complete withdrawal of Imperial forces from Mareave and Redoubt. The Grendel Ambassador will not waste the Salt Lords' time with anything less.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=It seems that many of Gallum's troops are Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and arguably the most disciplined of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==The Protectorate of Morajasse==
* '''The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel'''
While Feroz has mostly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] remains in the hands of the master-strategist ''[[Fake empire#Gallum Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]]''. Ably supported by ''Wind Lord Saoirse'' - his partner and a master of the [[Autumn magic|lore of Sand]] - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. They carefully protect the borders of Morajasse, and apparently have sufficient supplies to endure a drawn-out siege if needed.

They are not just protecting their own borders. They have shown themselves more than willing to [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|fight the Children of Wrecks]]. After the battle at [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oran]], the [[Senate]] chose to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|recognise]] Morajasse as ''a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel''. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the [[Imperial Consul]] rather than the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] speculate that this request reflects a clear division between the protectorate and the Salt Lords' council... yet there are certainly other possibilities some of them quite intriguing. Given Wind Lord Saoirse has clearly mastered the art of commanding [[Call Winged Messenger|magical couriers]] its hard to believe they have not at least been in contact with the Salt Lords, but for now they appear to be operating in line with their agreement with the Senate.

Not long before the Winter Solstice, such a magical courier arrives at the Consulate in Tassato, again sent by Wind Lord Saoirse. The message is short and sweet. Commander Gallum is considering the invitation of '''Atte Arrowtongue''' to Anvil but at this time thinks he and his supporters should be focused on Feroz. Spring might be a better time to send emissaries. This would also present an opportunity for his partner to send one of her covenmates to speak with '''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''' and the Artisan's Guild.

More importantly, he wants to be clear to the Consul that while he and his soldiers only agreed to protect Feroz from the Children of Wrecks, they are also prepared to fight against the invading [[Iron Confederacy]] forces that [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South|currently occupy]] the islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]], provided they are well paid. While there may be something of a ''détente'' between the Salt Lords and the Suranni Dukes, Commander Gallum Fiersach apparently sees no "legal" impediment to fighting as mercenaries against all comers.

===Ramparts of Sand===
* '''Wind Lord Saoirse is prepared to again enchant Mora's Rock if the Empire fears an attack from the Children of Wrecks or Iron Confederacy'''
Last season, Wind Lord Saoirse offered to support Feroz by drawing allied forces from the [[Realms#Autumn|Mercurial Archipelago]]. Indications are that she is referring to the enchantment the Empire knows as [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar|Ramparts of Ashlar]]. The Imperial Conclave declined to [[Endowment|endow]] her with the mana she requested, but she wishes them to know that the offer is still open. If the Empire is at all concerned about the intentions of the Suranni, or the risk of the Children of Wrecks retaliating, she will enchant the [[fortification]] to enhance its garrison as it protects the territory.
{{SOP|statement=The Grendel on Mora's Rock have stolen the wealth of the Brass Coast. As thieves, they are to be despised. To trade with them harms the Prosperity of the Empire. It should not happen. Let them wallow in their ill-gotten gains, shunned by the Empire. Trade instead with the Freeborn. Help the honest to earn an honest living, and build the Prosperity of the Coast.|by=Dragonet de Gauvin, Prosperity Assembly|vote=137-38|when=Autumn Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
===Supplies===
* '''The orc quartermasters at Mora's Rock have been attempting to buy provisions and supplies from the Freeborn of Feroz and Segura'''
* '''The entrepreneurial Freeborn remain suspicious and uncooperative'''
For several months now, the orcs at Mora's Rock have been making attempts to trade with their Freeborn neighbours in [[Segura]] and Feroz. To date, however, they have had limited success. It is hard for the people of the Brass Coast not to see the "protectorate" and remember the cruel tyranny of former Governor Rahab. They were, after all, still part of the apparatus that enforced the authority of the despised ruler of the territory. While the garrison merchants have crowns to spend, their wealth was mostly taken from the people of Feroz one way or another.

At the Autumn Equinox, '''Dragonet de Gauvin''' proposed a statement of principle condemning the orcs of Morajasse as thieves. The Prosperity assembly upheld the judgement, but not with a greater majority, so its impact has been negligible. However, given that the majority of the Freeborn seem broadly disinclined to trade with the Grendel, the status quo sees Commander Gallum's forces continue to find it next to impossible to engage in peaceful relations with their neighbours. The Freeborn of Feroz may, perhaps grudgingly, accept their protection but they do not accept their coin.

===Spies===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo.jpg|caption='''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''', Imperial Spymaster|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption='''Tyburn Weaver''' (changeling), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''There is concern that the Protectorate of Morajasse is being used as a base for Grendel spies'''
* '''A spy network could be used to gather information about both the Protectorate and the Iron Confederacy in the Cazar Straits'''
* '''If the Conclave sends mana to Morajasse, then the Shuttered Lantern could be employed to inveigle their way into the Protectorate'''
* '''A scouting army could investigate rumours of espionage rings and assess the military disposition of Gallum's forces'''
* '''The Silent Bell could be used to root out any collaborators in the area'''

Suspicion of the Protectorate of Morajasse is not restricted to matters of trade however. The Grendel are known to employ [[Rings_and_crowns|espionage rings]] throughout the [[Bay of Catazar]]. They spy on Imperial territories but they are also capable of taking direct action - a Grendel espionage ring aided the attack on [[A beacon of smoke|Siroc]] for example. Not much is actually known about the so-called Protectorate, and it is entirely possible that Commander Gallum is protecting Feroz simply to let a Grendel espionage ring dig themselves into the territory in advance of the orcs of the Broken Shore launching another attack.

There are any number of ''other'' conspiracy theories - some are looking at the request to be treated as a separate entity to the Grendel as a sign that perhaps Gallum and his forces are fractured from the Salt Lords for example. This is most likely wishful thinking but perhaps its noteworthy that they have not tried to seize ships and return to Attar.

Regardless of what one believes, there are rumblings in Feroz that what is needed is a better understanding of this Protectorate. So far, they have been reticent to travel to Anvil, and their borders are largely closed. Only the very small number of Freeborn prepared to deal with them are allowed entry and then only to a trading camp just over the border. Further information might help the Brass Coast, and the Empire, get a better idea of how to approach the Protectorate.

The [[Imperial Spymaster]] '''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''' (or the Senate) could of course create a [[spy network]] in Feroz. There are, after all, two non-Imperial regions in the territory now. If at least 1,000 strength were committed to the spy network it would be enough to get a general feel for not only the Protectorate, but also the Suranni presence in the Cazar Straits. If at least 5,000 strength were committed, it would be sufficient to get detailed information about what is going on in these regions and an insight into the politics of the two foreign groups. The drawback is that this is a slow process - building a spy network takes time as does using it to uncover information. If the Spymaster began immediately, there'd be no report before the Summer Solstice at the absolute earliest.

If the Empire wants information more quickly, then there are three potential opportunities any one of which would give some insight into the Protectorate, and each of which could provide additional information.

The [[Military Council]] could direct an army to the territory to take the [[Army qualities#Scouting|Guard the Gates]] [[army orders|order]]. As long as the general indicated in their orders that the army was particularly interested in the Protectorate, they could take advantage of opportunities to speak to the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of Mora's Rock as they patrol outside Morajasse. This would give insight into the Grendel, their attitude to Feroz, and the broader plans of the Commander. If that army were also enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]], they could also work with the people of Feroz to get a better sense of their attitudes, or become aware of any underhand activity sponsored by Gallum and his supporters.

Another possibility would be to look to the wizards of the [[Conclave]]. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] are adept at negotiation and infiltration where wizards are involved, but the Grendel are too canny to just welcome them into their homes. However if the Conclave passed a declaration to send mana to the Wind Lord, then members of the Shuttered Lantern would have the perfect cover they need to inveigle their way into the Rock. In that case, the [[Grandmaster]] could [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]], urging Freeborn and other members to visit Morajasse and try to get a feel for what is going on. This would require 20 mana from the font as usual, and would provide insight into feelings in the Protectorate and may reveal something of their plans. Salt-Lord Saoirse is a powerful magician, supported by a coven of adepts, so they are sure to have things to talk about.

Finally, the Synod could engage the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to root out any collaborators in the area. If there is an espionage ring here, it would at least confirm that, and may even provide some leads to help shut it down. If there are merchants profiteering from trade with Morajasse, it would enable the Synod to put a stop to that, if they so chose. If the Empire plans to isolate the former Grendel, then the Silent Bell might be the most effective tool in the long run.

Normally these opportunities might be exclusive, too many spies in one area would simply reveal the Empire's interest. As it happens, though, the three possibilities are each focused on different priorities. Each additional opportunity taken would provide less information overall, but would focus on different parts of the Protectorate and so still have some potential value.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg|caption=Beoraidh is a tiny "nation" with great big ambitions.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Beoraidh==
* '''Beoraidh is a city state on the coast of Mareave that allegedly aims to remain neutral in the conflict between the Empire and the Grendel'''
* '''The Senate has recognised the orcs of Beoraidh as foreigners'''
The city state of [[mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] in [[Mareave]] is apparently committed to neutrality between the Empire and the [[Grendel]]. The former-Salt Lord Ehsan rules from the city there, and sees the place as a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. Recently, as discussed in the '''[[A_wild_night_and_a_new_road#Polite_Correspondence|A wild night and a new road]]''' wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come [[All_the_night-tide#Beoraidh|under the protection]] of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. Exactly what this protection means - and how much influence the Sarcophan actually have - is not entirely clear. At the last it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Imperial or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves and their warships.

===Prosperity===
* '''Beoraidh has aligned itself with the Sarcophan Delves, accepting the protection of the powerful mercantile nation'''
As an independent nation, recognised by the Senate, the city-state of Beoraidh falls into the purview of the Imperial Consul. A messenger arrives at the Consulate in Tassato bearing greetings from former-Salt Lord Ehsan. The first thing the missive announces is that the ruler of Beoraidh has taken the title "Ehsan, Lord of Sand". This is likely an attempt to mollify the Salt Lords of the Grendel, among whose number he is no longer counted.

The meat of the letter addresses the alliance with the Sarcophan Delves. Eshan presents the decision to accept the protection of the Delves as a perfectly reasonable one prompted by reality. The Empire's Senate can be quite volatile, as can the Salt Lords. To accept the protection of one side or the other would be to risk being seen as aligned with them - something detrimental to the desire of Beoraidh to remain neutral. The Sarcophan Delves however are renowned for their refusal to pick sides, and the orcs of Beoraidh find that they have more in common with them than the Unshackled. Perhaps if the Empire had been more enthusiastic about the invitation to establish the [[I_wish_you_would#Shrine_of_the_Virtues|shrine of the virtues]], or had been more welcoming to the gladiators seeking Imperial investment, or had more decisively dealt with the armies invading Mareave, Eshan might have waited a little longer. Whatever his reason, it is clear he feels the Sarcophan are simply offering his city the best deal going.

As such, Ehsan, Lord of Sand, wishes to formally inform the Imperial Consul that they have agreed a treaty with the Delves. An attack against their city, or the plains of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]], will be treated as an attack on the Delves. However, the treaty is very clear that this agreement is not be an "exclusive" partnership. Both Beoraidh and the Delves are free to continue to pursue their own ambitions in the Bay of Catazar, with the Empire and the Grendel at the bare minimum. The tribute sent to the Empire, and the Grendel, will continue until such time as it can be renegotiated - as an assurance of Beoraidh's good faith as much as anything else. Yet the Lord of Sand is not shy about suggesting that Beoraidh will, eventually, want to discuss that tribute.

If the Consul is still interested in investing in Beoraidh, Ehsan lays out three possibilities.

===Investment of Salt===
* '''The opportunity to build a temple or basilica in Beoraidh is still available'''
* '''A previous Imperial Consul agreed to purchase land for the shrine of virtue'''
* '''Even if commissioned, work cannot begin until the money for the land is paid'''

The previous Consul proposed an agreement with Lord Ehsan to [[I_wish_you_would#Beoraidh|build a Temple of the Way]] in the city-state. If the new Consul is still interested in that, opportunities to do so remain available. Eshan and his council have no interest in turning money and prosperity away, wherever it comes from. The invitation to build the shrine of the virtues remains. Either a temple or a grand basilica, depending on the level of investment the Empire wishes, can still be built. Provided the agreed on 20 thrones for the purchase of land is delivered, of course.

===Investment of Sea===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Investment in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Mareave </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 weirwood, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:''' Opens the port of Beoraidh to Imperial fleet captains</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Raises taxation in Mareave by 3 thrones and taxes from tariffs by 7 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Empire is welcome to invest in the docks of Beoraidh'''
The Sarcophan are interested in investing in Beoraidh's docks, and Ehsan feels it would be remiss not to offer a similar opportunity to the Empire. He has, indeed, already offered this opportunity to the Grendel and his former colleagues in the council of Salt Lords seem cautiously interested. If the Imperial Consul is interested, then Ehsan proposes that the Empire participate in the expansion of Beoraidh's docks with an eye towards creating docks specifically for Imperial vessels to dock, and for their merchants to do business in the marketplaces of the city. Beoraidh still produces goods of its own, but the real draw perhaps will be the opportunity to gain access to goods imported from the Broken Shore.

A standard fleet visiting Beoraidh will be able to secure assorted valuable goods worth 72 rings, as well as two doses of consumable available to the orcs of Beoraidh, the Delves, or the Grendel trading there. An [[enchantment|enchanted]] or [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] fleet would receive proportionally more.

Eshan intends to apply what he calls "[[Tariffs#Mercantilist|reasonable tariffs]]" and anticipates the Empire will apply the same tariffs to any Beoraidh ships visiting Imperial ports. Once the docks are completed there will certainly be Beoradhi merchants eager to do so. The [[Civil Service|civil service]] estimates that investment in the docks would also raise the taxable income of Mareave by 3 thrones each season - increased prosperity for Beoraidh will slowly trickle across to the businesses of the territory as a whole - and bring in an additional 7 thrones per season to the Senate treasury in the form of tariffs.

===Investment of Stone===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Imperial Consulate in Beoraidh'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Embassy</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Beoraidh, Sinfoyard, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, and 75 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Provides the Empire with some information on the factions in Beoraidh, local politics and recent developments
* Allows the Consul to purchase goods from Beoraidh
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Ehsan proposes an Imperial consulate be built in Beoraidh'''
* '''This would not involve the appointment of a new ambassador'''
* '''The consulate would provide some limited information on the factions in the city and their machinations'''

Ehsan is not naive when it comes to diplomacy; he has decades of experience as a salt lord after all. After some discussion with his advisors, and with the Sarcophan representatives, he offers the Empire the ability to establish a consulate in Beoraidh if they wish to do so. This will give them a presence in the city, and cement diplomatic relations between the city-state and the great power. They don't want embassy - they'd rather continue to deal with the Consul. But a small cadre of civil servants in Beoraidh would be able to ease representation to Beoraidh.

The Grendel have already been approached, and now Ehsan makes the same offer to the Empire. A structure in the Imperial style, built near the ''[[Mareave#Palace_of_Chains|Palace of Chains]]'', with lodging for a dozen civil servants and visiting diplomats. The proposal is much more compact than a traditional Imperial embassy - only 25 white granite - but the labour costs are a little higher due to the limitations of Beoraidh.

If the new consulate were completed, it would not require the appointment of an ambassador to deal directly with Lord Ehsan. Instead the civil servants there would report to the Imperial Consul and could be instructed to acquire local goods for a small fee (assuming such things are [[The_circle_game#Diplomatic_Ministries|still acceptable]]). Perhaps more importantly, the Empire would have civil servants on the ground in Beoraidh who could assess what was happening in the city. It would provide some idea of factions within the city, what they want and any options that might exist to influence or antagonise them. It might also help the Empire to be more aware of what the Grendel and the Sarcophan were up to in the city...

===Retribution===
* '''A group of Beoraidh orc gladiators claim they were assaulted while visiting Anvil'''
* '''They are coming to Anvil to confront those they say attacked them'''

During the Summer Solstice, representatives of the Diamant Drakes [[I_wish_you_would#That's_Entertainment|visited Anvil]], to discuss opportunities for Imperial citizens to invest in the gladiatorial arena at Beoraidh. According to these orcs, while they were in Anvil they were assaulted by members of the [[Sannite]] sept of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], accused of engaging in slavery. When the forces of law and order intervened, members of the militia flat lied about what had happened.

This obvious corruption of the Anvil militia doesn't particularly bother them - this group seem to have a very low opinion of those who enforce the laws and this has only enforced that. What the Diamant Drakes are angry about, is the beat down they claim they received at the hands of the Sannites. As news of it has spread through Beoraidh interest in visiting the Empire has declined significantly. The fact their attackers were [[Imperial Orcs]] has also soured some who were intent on seeking closer relations with their neighbours in Mareave.

After stewing on the matter for a few months, the Diamant Drakes have announced their intention to seek [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|retribution]] at the Winter Solstice. They haven't addressed exactly what this means but they're expected to reach Anvil around three in the afternoon on the Saturday of the summit, and head to the Unshackled camp to confront the Sand Vipers they are apparently holding responsible for the assault.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralSeventhWave.jpeg|caption=Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption= Dino i Riqueza, Ambassador to the Delves.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Pathfinder Gaddak.jpg|caption=Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave.|align=left|width=250}}</div>

===Diplomatic Delegation===
* '''A delegation from Beoraidh led by Emissary Harailt intends to visit the Imperial Orcs at 11.00am on Saturday'''
* '''They are keen to speak to Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave'''
* '''Eshan has asked the Imperial Consul and/or Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard to ensure no unfortunate incidents happen'''
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has also asked the Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves to help ensure the meeting goes smoothly'''
During the Winter Solstice, a delegation from Beoraidh plans to visit Anvil. Their main intent is to speak to the Imperial Orcs within whose territory they live, and are especially keen to meet '''Pathfinder Gaddak'''. Gaddak is [[Senator]] for Mareave but was one of those involved in ensuring an endangered Beoraidh vessel safely returned to port. Their invitation to the folk of Beoraidh to visit Anvil was reasonable, and encouraged Eshan that the experiences of the Diamant Drakes need not be representative.

Obviously the story of the Diamant Drakes makes them a little concerned about the kind of reception they will receive. In part this has inspired their decision to ask representatives of the Sarcophan Delves to accompany them given that nation's interest in smoothing relations between the city state and the Empire. To be on the safe side, Eshan asks that the Imperial Consul meet the delegation either in person or via a trusted lieutenant to further ensure that there is no repeat of the recent assault. Alternatively or additionally, '''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''' could serve a similar purpose - their sensible missive contributed to the decision to undertake this delegation after all. On behalf of the Delves, Bedellar Huisbaas Annike has asked the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] to use their influence to ensure things progress smoothly.

The delegation has been entrusted to the leadership of ''Emissary Harailt'', an experienced negotiator and merchant and one of Eshan's distant cousins. They anticipate reaching Anvil around eleven in the morning on Saturday of the coming summit, but a lot depends on their confidence with regard to their potential reception.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj Flag.png|align=left|width=300}}</div>

==The Mallum==
* '''The Druj demand that the Empire withdraw all troops from Sarangrave or they will unleash the vallorn of Béantal Dol
Unexpectedly, a message has also been received at the Consulate that appears to be from the [[Druj]]. If it is taken at face value, it is a message from a buruk tepel named ''Inkagoch'' who resides in the city of [[Salt Flats of Sanath#Leen|Leen]] in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It is fairly terse and wastes no time with clever language. According to this missive, the rulers of [[the Mallum]] demand that the Empire withdraw all of its forces from the [[Sarangrave]]. If they do not, then the [[Druj lore#Ghulai|Ghulai]] of the [[Druj_armies#Tainted_Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] will destroy the warding stones of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] and unleash the [[vallorn]] to claim the marshes. If the Druj cannot have the Sarangrave, nobody can...

The civil service advising the Consulate have no idea if the Druj are capable of making good on this threat but... the Tainted Basilisk are adept at [[Night magic]] so the fact the territory is largely under Imperial control may not present an obstacle to their ghulai reaching the stones. Everything the Empire knows about the [[Into_Béantal_Dol#The_Warding_Stones|warding stones]] that contain the vallorn suggests that if too many are destroyed the boundary will fail and the vallorn will explode out across the marshes like an unwinding spring. The Druj have clearly advanced their understanding of the vallorn in the last few years, as evidenced by their work in Therunin.

If they are not bluffing, the [[Sarangrave#Tower_of_the_Skink|Tower of the Skink]] is likely to be able to hold off the vallorn at least for a while but... the loss of life would potentially be apocalyptic. The vallorn would not spare anyone - rebel orc, Druj, or Imperial. This would be an absolute disaster for everyone in the Sarangrave and would mean the Druj could never recover the territory themselves. Are they really that desperate? Surely not even the Druj would be prepared to unleash such a catastrophe?

Surely?

==Further Reading==
* [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]]
* [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]
* [[Imperial Consul]]

* [[Invited with asperity]] 387YE Winter wind of fortune specifically dealing with the Thule

Steeplechase LRP Centre

2026-04-12T21:58:16Z

Responsible1: /* Amenities */

==Overview==
All our events are held at Steeplechase LRP Centre.

==Site Address==
* '''Please use CB25 9QZ or [///kind.campsites.horseshoe kind.campsites.horseshoe] to reach the start of the approved route'''
* '''Once there you can use CB24 8FP or [///speaker.reseller.aliens speaker.reseller.aliens] to reach the site entrance.

The address is Steeplechase LRP Centre, Beach Road, Cottenham, Cambridgeshire.

Please use CB25 9QZ or [///kind.campsites.horseshoe kind.campsites.horseshoe] if you are putting the details into your satnav. This will bring you in by the correct route, avoiding winding trip through the local villages. It will take you to the turning for Green End, the start of the approved route. Once there you can use CB24 8FP or [///speaker.reseller.aliens speaker.reseller.aliens] for the site entrance.

==Directions==
Please ensure that you avoid coming to site via Cottenham as the roads are very narrow and congested in the village. Our suggested route avoids the village of Landbeach - it is slightly longer but avoids congestion. It is '''vital''' to follow these directions when you '''leave site at the end of the event'''. There will be significant delays for everyone if people try to go through the village to get to the A10.

===On Arrival===
* '''Take the A14 to Cambridge'''
* '''Leave the A14 at J33, take the A10 North for Ely'''
* '''Follow the A10 for 5km, past Landbeach and Waterbeach'''
* '''Take the slip road left onto Green End, signposted Cottenham 3, Landbeach 1'''
* '''After 1km, Take the first right hand turn onto Cottenham Road, signposted for Cottenham'''
* '''Drive 1.5km on Cottenham Road until it becomes Beach Road'''
* '''The centre is the on the right - just opposite the lay-by'''
<div style="float: right; width: 600px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cottenham-A.png|align=right|width=600}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cottenham-2B.png|align=right|width=600}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cottenham-2E.png|align=right|width=600}}
</div>
===On Departure===
* '''Turn left onto Cottenham Road'''
* '''Drive 1.5km, then turn left at the t-junction towards Streathem and Ely and away from Landbeach'''
* '''Drive 1km until you reach the A10'''
* '''Turn left onto the A10 heading north'''
* '''Drive 750m to the roundabout, circle the roundabout, and back onto the A10 heading south'''
* '''Follow the A10 until you reach the A14'''

==By Train==
We recommend getting the train to Cambridge North. While Waterbeach is technically closer to site, it is a local village station with no amenities, a tiny car park, and only two trains in each direction per hour compared with Cambridge North's 5. Cambridge central station is on the wrong side of the city. Profound Decisions coach shuttle service is operating from Cambridge North.

===Amenities at Cambridge North===
* '''Seating, though most of it's outdoors'''
* '''Costa Coffee (takeaway only)'''
* '''Co-op'''
* '''Toilets including accessible facilities, inside the ticket barriers'''
* '''Food van'''
* '''Hotel'''
* '''Step-free access throughout, via lifts and an overbridge'''

Cambridge North is staffed at all times, there’s no ticket office but someone from the information desk can help with ticket machines if necessary. There is step-free access throughout, via the lifts, but always check on the day if you’re reliant on the lifts, as outages are not uncommon.

===Cambridge North Shuttle Service===
* '''We operate a coach service between Cambridge North and the site'''
* '''There is no charge for this service this year'''
* '''You may not eat on the coach'''
* '''There is a sign-up sheet in GOD for the Sunday shuttle'''

We will operate a coach service collecting players from Cambridge North train station and bringing them to site and taking them back on Sunday. As you exit the train station, turn left and walk past the cycles to the rail replacement bus bay. We have liaised with the Station and collection will be from there.

On Thursday coaches will run between 12.30 and 19.30. We will run continuously through these times. The round trip to the station and back is 60 minutes but traffic and loading will mean this will not run precisely to the hour. On Friday it will run in the same manner between 11.00 and 16.00.

On Sunday returning coaches will run from 16.00. The first two coaches to leave at the end of the event are often heavily subscribed. There is a sign-up sheet available in GOD to ensure you have a space. We understand that people will be looking to leave to catch prebooked trains and ask that you sign up for the most appropriate coach to get you there on time. You will have to take a taxi or travel on a later coach if the earlier coach is full.

There is no charge for this service this year.

==By Bus or Taxi==
Bus routes are not easy - you will need to get 2 buses; the guided bus to Histon and then change onto a number 8. The walk to site from the bus stop in Cottenham is on a national speed limit road with no pavement.

If you want a taxi you’ll need to summon it most of the time, they only show up to the station on spec at rush hour. Local firms include Veezu, CamCab and A1 Taxis.

* [https://www.veezu.co.uk/cambridge Veezu] - 01223 715 715
* [https://camcab.co.uk/ CamCab] - 01223 704704
* [https://a1-taxi.co.uk/book-your-a1-taxi-online/ A1 Taxis] - 0151 480 7777

It costs about £20 to get a taxi to site. You should try to get the driver to take the PD recommended route for cars avoiding Landbeach if possible. Uber is available in Cambridge.

==On Site==
* '''You must observe the 10mph speed limit at all times once you leave the public road'''

Turn right into the site from the main entrance off Beach Road opposite the lay-by. There is a 10mph speed limit at all times once you leave the public road. Drive 250m up the site access track until you reach the gate. Profound Decisions gate team will be ready to receive you there. Our team will direct you where to camp. They will be able to answer any questions you have on the day and give you additional direction.

There are roads that go through the out-of-character camp, through Anvil and back. Vehicles are allowed to leave the road provided the conditions are acceptable, please check with a member of crew for further details when you are on site.

==OOC Camping Fields==
There will be a space available for all participants who are camping OOC at the event. There is no need to book a spot in the OOC camping area - there is plenty of room here for everyone.

==IC Camping Fields==
* '''If you want to camp in-character, then you must let your nation camp planner know'''
* '''You must follow the rules for in-character camping and vehicle access'''

Anvil is spread over the small woods and the two adjoining fields. If you wish to camp in-character, then you must let the [[camp planner]] for your nation know. There are [[Event_information#Camping|rules in place for in-character camping]], so we can only guarantee sleeping space on the IC field to people with accessibility or childcare needs.

You can bring your car onto the in-character field to set up your camp. You can drive onto the roads through IC camping fields provided that you do so before time-in at 6pm, but you can only leave the roads if the weather is dry and the ground is in good condition. Space is at a premium on site and the spot where you stop to unload is likely to be needed by someone else to camp. For this reason, you must unload and set up your camp as quickly as you can and then move your vehicle off site as soon as you are done. You must not leave your vehicle on site over night.

During take-down there is simply not enough room for everyone to bring their car onto the site while all the tents are still up. We need participants to make room for vehicles and be off as quickly as possible, otherwise the traffic on the site becomes gridlocked and nothing can move. For this reason you must take your tent down and pack up your belongings before you bring your vehicle on site, unless you need to bring your vehicle on first for accessibility reasons (such as disability, fatigue, childcare, etc). Once everything is down and ready to be packed away, you can bring your car onto site (assuming ground conditions are reasonable), collect your stuff and go. We strongly recommend bringing a plastic sheet, tarpaulin or similar to protect your gear from any inclement weather.

This rule applies up to 7pm on Sunday - after that time participants are free to drive onto site without needing to take their tents down first. We will actively review this deadline between events and move it earlier in the day if we are confident that we can do so without the site becoming deadlocked.

All these rules apply to the IC camping areas only, there are no equivalent restrictions on vehicle movements in the OOC or crew camping areas.

==Crew Camping Fields==
* '''Camping for crew only'''
The crew camping field is for crew only. Crew may choose to camp here or in any of the player camping areas. GOD, and monster will all operate from this area.


==Accessibility Support==
There are dedicated accessibility camps at all entrances to the site for anyone who needs to use them. We will provide additional support available where possible - email us at [mailto:accessibility@profounddecisions.co.uk accessibility@profounddecisions.co.uk] to discuss what arrangements will suit you best. We aim to make our events accessible to all and will do everything we can to help you enjoy the event.

==Site regulations==
===Ground Fires===
Fires must not be set on the ground, they must only be lit on something that keeps the fire off the ground. Existing fires should be completely extinguished each night. We are arranging firewood for the site. The site includes land that is actively farmed - so please do not throw rubbish that does not burn into campfires - particularly tins, bottles and bottle tops.

==Rubbish==
Please make sure that all your rubbish is suitably bagged and disposed of in the skip before you leave site. Do not overfill your rubbish bags - more bags are available on request from GOD at any time. The skip is located in the main OOC field. Please ask for directions if you cannot find it.

==Amenities==
The nearest large supermarket is Tesco on Cambridge Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6AY. It provides fuel and four low-power EV charging outlets and can be accessed from the roundabout where the A14 meets the A10 on the way to the site. There is a major EV charging station, 30 fast-chargers, at Cambridge Services, which is about 15 miles away on the A14.

There is a Co-op in Cottenham, on the high street (CB24 8QP), which is smaller but closer and has some parking round the back. There is also a greengrocers on High Street, [https://www.facebook.com/leswardltd/?locale=en_GB Les Ward] which closes at 17:30 on Friday and 16:00 on Saturday and a butchers [https://www.facebook.com/p/SSGawthroupSons-High-Class-Family-Butchers-100063570281170/?locale=en_GB S S Gawthroup & Sons Ltd] which closes at 17:00 on Friday and 13:00 on Saturday.

Cottenham has [https://www.rumblescottenham.co.uk/ Rumbles] chip shop and an award-winning [https://www.currypalacecottenham.com/ Indian Restaurant] both of which are on the high street and open seven days a week.

There are three small cafes in Cottenham, [https://www.facebook.com/Notjustbaguettes/ Not Just Baguettes], [https://www.cottenhamcc.org/ Cottenham Community Centre], and [https://www.facebook.com/p/Baked-100089103853561/ Baked], all of which are on the high street and are open on Friday and Saturday. There is a cafe, [https://www.twentypence.co.uk/our-restaurants/applejacks-restaurant.htm Applejacks Restaurant] on Twenty Pence Road, CB6 3RN. It's barely six miles from the site at the local garden centre, has plenty of parking and is open from 09:00 Monday to Saturday and 10:30 on Sunday.

[https://chequerscottenham.co.uk/ The Chequers] is the closest pub to the site and has some parking. They serve excellent food and are very keen to welcome live roleplayers to Cottenham. There is also [https://www.thehopbind.co.uk/ The Hop Bind] and the [https://www.facebook.com/p/Waggon-and-horses-cottenham-61571796549197/ Waggon and horses].

==Storage==
It will be some time before we are able to offer storage on-site because of logistical and planning restrictions. There is a container storage facility called [https://www.selectedselfstorage.co.uk Selected Self Storage] at Grasshopper Business Park, Ely Road, Cambridge, CB25 9NN, which is 3 miles from site. We recommend contacting them early, as they have limited capacity, but can order additional containers to meet demand with sufficient warning.

[[Category:The Game]]
[[Category:Events]]

Cardinal

2026-04-12T21:55:33Z

Responsible1: /* Elevation */

<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tempestuous Priests.jpg|caption=Each of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue assemblies]] is represented by a single cardinal, who work together with [[the Throne]] to form the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].|align=left|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
Each of the eight virtue assemblies appoints a cardinal to represent and lead them. They are generally referred to as "''Cardinal of (Virtue)''" or "''Cardinal of The Way''". Together with [[The Throne]], they form the Assembly of Nine, arguably the most important [[assembly]] of the Synod.

==Responsibilities==
A cardinal is assumed to provide leadership to the priests and pilgrims who follow their virtue. They are expected to be well versed in matters of virtue and [[The Way]] so that they can speak with authority on matters of doctrine. Prominent citizens who are guilty of breaking the law but believe their actions were rooted in virtue will often request a cardinal to plead [[clemency]] on their behalf, so a familiarity with the law may prove helpful.

As a member of the Assembly of Nine, a cardinal can wield considerable influence over the politics of the Empire. In particular the Assembly has the power to [[veto]] any constitutional motion passed by the [[Senate]]. This allows the Assembly to uphold their constitutional obligation to "ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire".

The cardinal is empowered to appoint their virtue's [[gatekeeper]], an important position that controls the distribution of [[liao#True Liao|true liao]].

<div style="float:right;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Having a beard doesn't make you wise.</quote></div>
==Powers==
===Member of the Assembly of Nine===
Each cardinal is a member of the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]]. As with all priests, they can raise a single judgement each summit with any ''one'' of the assemblies to which they belong. Every member of the Assembly of Nine may cast a single vote on any judgement brought before the Assembly. Unlike the General, virtue, or national assemblies the size of the congregation a Cardinal has does not change their votes in the Assembly of Nine - each Cardinal (and [[The Throne]]) has one vote.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cardinal Preaching.jpg|caption=Each cardinal is appointed by one of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue assemblies]].|align=right|width=250}}

===Elevation===
Any member of the Synod may submit a judgement for a statement of principle to a national or virtue assembly - but not to the General Assembly. The power of elevation grants a cardinal the ability to make an exception to this rule. Once per summit, a cardinal may elevate a statement of principle for consideration by the General Assembly. They can only employ this power once, only at the point where judgement is submitted to the [[Tribune of the Synod]], and only with the agreement of the priest submitting the judgement.

This power allows the cardinals to collectively control what statements of principle come before the General Assembly - allowing them to work together to hone the Synod's message to the Empire and help make it easier for the Synod to be heard.

===Further Scrutiny===
A normal judgement requires at least three hours of scrutiny before the voting can be counted. If a cardinal is not satisfied that there is sufficient time for an issue to be considered then they may instruct the civil service to push back the voting deadline for the judgement to allow further scrutiny. Each cardinal may use this power once per summit, but only on a judgement submitted by a member of the Synod. They may not delay a judgement submitted by the [[Tribune of the Synod]].

Judgements submitted by the [[Tribune of the Synod]] may not be extended nor may a judgement be delayed beyond the end of the current summit in which it was submitted. This power must be used before the judgement reaches its deadline - once that deadline is passed it cannot be changed. A judgement may still pass with primacy at any time, regardless of any change of deadline.

The limitation on this legal power is on the title, not the occupant. If a new citizen is elected to the title, they cannot use the ability that summit if it has already been used.

===Appoint the Gatekeeper===
Each of the seven cardinals of virtue are responsible for appointing the [[gatekeeper]] of their assembly. The cardinal is entitled to appoint a new gatekeeper at any summit where they are elected or re-elected. Once chosen, the cardinal has no formal power to influence the gatekeeper who may only be revoked by formal judgement by the appropriate assembly of the Synod.

The gatekeeper is an important position, entrusted with choosing who will receive True Liao. It is traditional for the cardinal to appoint a citizen from another nation to be the gatekeeper of their Virtue wherever possible. This practice is considered important to ensure that the gatekeeper is able to act independently of the cardinal. Cardinals who ignore this custom risk censure by the rest of the Synod.

The Cardinal of The Way does not appoint a gatekeeper. Instead, they are responsible for appointing the [[Conscience of the Senate]].
===Virtuous Appointments===
Some cardinals are also responsible for appointing other titles, such as the [[Curator of the Printers' Guild Museum]], a [[sinecure]] appointed by the cardinal of [[Prosperity]].

Where a cardinal is responsible for appointing a title, that title can be reappointed whenever a new cardinal is chosen.

==Appointment==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Cardinals and Preaching</big>'''<br>A cardinal must be a member of the assembly they lead. This means that if a cardinal changes assembly (such as by [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] in downtime) they immediately forfeit the title. </box></div>
Each cardinal is appointed by the appropriate virtue assembly. Only a member of the virtue assembly can serve as its cardinal. Selection is by a judgement of [[appointment]] raised by the Tribune in the standard manner.

The laws for [[Imperial elections]] state that, if eligibility to vote in an election is restricted in some way, then you cannot vote if you were eligible to vote in an equivalent but different election in the last twelve months. For example, if you were eligible to vote for the Cardinal of Prosperity at the Winter Solstice - and you change faith to be part of the Ambition assembly - you cannot legally vote for the election of the Cardinal of Ambition until twelve months have passed from the date of the first election.

The elections for the cardinals are considered to be legally equivalent positions restricted by virtue. This means that if you change your virtue assembly then you must abstain from voting in an election if it occurs less than four events after the previous election in your previous virtue assembly. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility then you should consult the Tribune, or Merlot the civil service overseer of elections who can advise you.

The judgement to appoint a cardinal will typically close at 18:00 on the Saturday of the summit. These times may differ if an unscheduled appointment is required but there are always at least three hours for nominations and three hours for voting. After that time, the candidate with the most support is declared cardinal.

A cardinal serves until the next election for the title. A cardinal can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], or by the appropriate [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|virtue assembly]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">
{|
| '''Reappointment Schedule''' || '''Virtue'''
|-
| ''Winter Solstice'' || The Way & Prosperity
|-
| ''Spring Equinox'' || Ambition & Vigilance
|-
| ''Summer Solstice'' || Courage & Wisdom
|-
| ''Autumn Equinox'' || Loyalty & Pride
|}
</div>
===Incumbent===
The current cardinals are listed below - see the individual pages for a full election history for each position.
* [[Cardinal of Ambition]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Cardinal_of_Ambition_occupant}}
* [[Cardinal of Courage]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Cardinal_of_Courage_occupant}}
* [[Cardinal of Loyalty]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Cardinal_of_Loyalty_occupant}}
* [[Cardinal of Pride]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Cardinal_of_Pride_occupant}}
* [[Cardinal of Prosperity]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Cardinal_of_Prosperity_occupant}}
* [[Cardinal of Vigilance]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Cardinal_of_Vigilance_occupant}}
* [[Cardinal of Wisdom]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Cardinal_of_Wisdom_occupant}}
* [[Cardinal of the Way]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Cardinal_of_the_Way_occupant}}
{{Synod Further Reading}}
[[Category:Title]]

Sound and vision

2026-03-03T18:26:44Z

Responsible1: /* A Mountain Rises (Zenith) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>"When Holberg and Reikos were held by our Foes, T’was Gabriel Barossa that freed ‘em, Through their army was huge, he baited the Druj, And used their own tactics to bleed ‘em!"

Jonty slammed his tankard down on the table and groaned. "Not that fucking song again. Doesn't that troubadour know anything else?"

"What ya complaining about?" argued Dina. "It's catchy - and at least this Barossa fella's still alive. It's this or that one about the doomed lover who throws themselves in the Barren Sea five hundred years ago. This is topical. And it's about beating up the Druj. Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa!" the last part was shouted, as was now traditional, along with half the tavern.

"It's trite is what it is. It doesn't scan properly. It's doggerel."

"Oh right, yeah... This from the man whose only contribution to art is finger painting crude drawings on latrine walls. Going to give up woodcutting and become a troubadour are we?" Dina grinned at her drinking partner enjoying his foul mood.

"Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa!" shouted the crowd.

Jonty just scowled and mumbled to himself "Death by the Druj would be better than this... If I ever see this Barossa fella, I'll give him what-for..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sound and vision.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
There is magic across the Empire. In the weavings of the cabalists. In the lore of the weavers. In the craft of the witches, and the arts of artisans. There is also magic in the world itself, serendipity and spirits, constellations and confluences, in the sky and in the salt. Some magic ripples out from the workings of orcs and humans, some rains from the heavens, some rises from the earth and stone.

This season events that relate specifically to the [[eternal|eternals]] is discussed in more detail in '''[[The prettiest star]]''' wind of fortune.
==Silver Earworms==
* '''Heralds of Jaheris have been paying bards, scops, stzena, sutannir, mountebanks, troubadours, and mummers to perform 'Grinning General Gabriel' across the Empire'''
For reasons known only to the ''[[Jaheris|Unicorn Prince]]'', the Lord of the Forest of Arden has taken it up themselves to promote a new poem extolling the apparently limitless Virtues of the General '''Gabriel Barossa'''. They are apparently determined to ensure that this piece is heard as far and wide as possible, possibly because they want to let everyone know how much they like the general or maybe just because they want his name to life in infamy, it's hard to be sure.

Bards and anyone who might be a regular performer is being asked to consider reciting the poem at any opportunity. [[Scop|scops]], [[stzena]], [[sutannir]], [[mountebank|mountebanks]], [[troubadour|troubadours]] and even [[mummer|mummers]] have been offered a few rings if they will add the piece to their repertoire and given free rein to change the words, set it to music or include it in a play. Provided it is performed far and wide, the servants of the ''Moonsilver Prince'' are content.
====Participation: Performers====
<div style="max-width: 400px; width: 50%; float: right;>
<box>
====Grinning General Gabriel====
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<pre>
Gabriel Barossa has fashionable clothes,
Two blue eyes that are always a-smoulder,
And a fantastic hat,
but despite all of that,
I assure you he’s really a soldier.

When Holberg and Reikos were held by our Foes,
T’was Gabriel Barossa that freed ‘em,
Through their army was huge,
he baited the Druj,
And used their own tactics to bleed ‘em!

Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa,
Jaheris’s contest he swiftly did win,
Beat a Jotun Warlord without touching a sword,
All while wearing a shit-eating grin.

Zakalwe sponsors his tactical college,
Gabriel’s military thinking’s so stellar,
And for various crimes,
he’s been cursed twenty times,
So you know he’s a popular feller.

The Whispering Gallery hated his knowledge,
They sent five Assassins most able.
At his own wedding ball,
Gabriel best them all,
(With the help of a small picnic table.)

Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa,
Jaheris says he is the best of the lot,
And considering the rest
that have claimed to be best,
Who are we then to say he is not?

As a dancer he’s graceful, his feet are so swift,
The Grendel did not stand a chance,
A three minute defeat,
while they clapped to the beat,
When he led his League troupes out to Dance

Now he and his wife have a contest of gifts,
A rivalry constant and heated.
So nobody can
(but his dear Viviane),
Say they’ve ever had Gabriel defeated!

Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa,
Jaheris says he is the best in the show,
Truly out at the Fore,
both in Love and in War…
Who are we then to say it ain’t so!
</pre>
</div>
</box>
</div>

Anyone who plays a character who regularly performs in anyway will have been approached by servants of the ''Moonsilver Prince'' and asked to perform the poem. If you would have taken the Prince's ring, you can let the crew in GOD know and exchange the eighteen rings income for a crown when you collect your pack '''by visiting the lost property desk before you leave GOD'''. You will have been encouraged to perform the poem far and wide and given license to adapt it however you wished. The words of the poem are shown right.

If you perform the poem at Anvil during the summit in front of a substantial audience of a dozen or more people, you will receive a boon from Jaheris. You will experience a '''roleplaying effect'''. ''You feel joy in the power of poetry and music to entertain, bedevil and cause trouble. You feel an urge to perform disconcerting pieces at any opportunity.''

In addition, you have one additional hero point for the duration of the event. You can only increase your maximum number of hero points by one in this manner, but if you have expended this hero point then it is regained whenever you perform the poem in front of a substantial audience in Anvil.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Icebarn.png|align=left|caption=The great icy creatures known as artoks emerge from the endless storm to tread fixed paths across Wintermark before they head back into the ice.|width=500}}</div>
==Anchoring an Artok==
* '''Mystics of Wintermark have heeded the call of the Conclave to find a way to bind ''Little Icebarn'''''
* '''Control over the artok can be extended at the cost of increasing amounts of mana crystals'''
Last season, [[Mystic|Mystics]] from the [[Raven Seer|Aviary of Ishal]] discovered [[Stars_and_sigils#Ravens_and_Giants|previously unknown writings]] regarding the binding of [[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Artok|Artok]]. An opportunity to discover the methods was presented to the Raven Seer, but the decision was made to instead seek the truth behind the animal attacks across Sermersuaq and the north-western Empire. A mystery half-solved? Not if the Empire has anything to do with it. The [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Silver Chalice]] issued a declaration to Conclave calling for interested parties to [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Storm's_Folly_and_Artok|research the writings of Storm's Folly]]. A lateral move, but one that many Mystics speak of approvingly. There are often many routes to the same destination, and the magicians of Anvil have identified one.

It is not a flood of scholars who arrive at the isolated Hall in [[Sermersuaq#Suaq_Fount|Suaq Fount]]. More like a trickle, a thin rivulet of curious people, all Winterfolk. This is not the might of a directed order, but a few interested parties. The people of the Empire know very well the power of a small but determined band of experts with time on their hands. And sure enough, just before the Summer Solstice, the researchers present their findings. They have no formal presentation, no context, no historical research. They have gone through the ancient writings and identified only those parts that related to their goal, ignoring everything else. The story of Storm's Folly and their place in the wider history of the artoks will be for others to research, should they be of a mind. But their methods? Those are now in the Empire's hands.

Artoks are strange and unpredictable beings, guided by some mysterious force that the Empire does not know. The same methods will not work on all of them, and worse they become more difficult over time, as the artok's urge to resume its original path grows stronger. But ''Little Icebarn'', it seems, is susceptible to this control. The researchers are confident that they could use twenty mana crystals to bind the artok to work at the [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]] for another year. This is not even a one-off thing - the process could be repeated, albeit at greater cost. To bind Little Icebarn for a second year would cost 40 mana crystals, then 80 for a third year, 160 for a fourth, and so on. The required quantity would double every time so Little Icebarn could never be bound forever, but the only limits are the mana crystals available.

All it would take is for the Custodian of the Pride of Ikka's Tears, currently '''Æðelric Dagursson''', to acquire the mana crystals and have them delivered to the mine for use ('''OOC Note:''' The Custodian of the Pride of Ikka's Tears should hand-in mana crystals at the end of the event and email {{plot}} before downtime closes.)
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Feresh.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
==A Mountain Rises (Zenith)==
* '''Mount Polus has risen to be the tallest mountain in the Empire'''
* '''Urizen could build an edifice to found a new spire on the mountain'''
Last season, [[Meraud]] [[Eat_like_kings#Obligations|provided the Golden Chalice]] with an arcane projection in recognition of their aid in his restoration. ''The Hands that Shake the Heavens'' was performed during the summit by the '''Ashen Flame''' coven of Urizen, targeting [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]] in Zenith. The first of the tremors was felt shortly after the equinox, with subjects of the Lord of the Silver Tower visiting spires to warn them before the earthquake that followed. One of the mountains of Occursion, Mount Polus, began to rise as the tremors continued. Shortly before the summit, the last of the tremors is felt, and the region seems to breathe a sigh of relief. Just one day later, an overwhelming crunch is heard as far away as [[Custodian_of_the_Storm_Vault#The_Storm_Vault|the Storm Vault]]. A crevasse has opened near the base of Mount Polus, which seems to beckon for adventure.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mount Polus'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' '''Minimum:''' 10 white granite, 300 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Founds a new spire allowing any Urizeni character to take a new resource in that territory for free in the season it is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Architect of the Crucible could redirect the Crucible from the Brilliant Star to the edifice to reduce the costs for the spire to regular costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends in a year's time</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
It is too soon to know for sure what might be found in the crevasse, but local spires and citadels are incredibly interested in what might be uncovered in this new unknown. The ''Citadel of the Empty Sword'', sentinels who maintain a watch over the southern pass into [[Spiral]], have suggested that an army could be used to explore the crevasse... once the Druj are pushed from the territory, of course. The [[Narwhal's Spear]], the [[Seventh Wave]], or the [[Wolves of War]] (hiring the appropriate mercenaries), or an Imperial army enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]] could take a defensive order to fully explore the crevasse. The general would likely receive a sample of what might be found in the crevasse, and the civil service would publish a report of what was uncovered, and how best it might be exploited for the Empire.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Eye of the Heavens'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Occursion in Zenith</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 mithril, 20 white granite, 10 weirwood and 225 thrones, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 2 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates an observatory to enable study of the stars, the conjunctions and astronomancy to rival the proposed school of dramaturgy in Spiral
* Founds a new spire allowing any Urizeni character to take a new resource in that territory for free in the season it is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Architect of the Crucible could redirect the Crucible from the Brilliant Star to the Eyes of the Heavens for two seasons to reduce the labour costs to 180 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''One-off Benefit:''' 100 crystal mana spread through businesses in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends in a year's time</td></tr>
</table></div>
Of course, impossibly tall mountains whose peak is way above the clouds could be the perfect place to found a new spire. Just as [[Daybreak_in_Spiral|the proposal for the Omphalos in Spiral]], the nation would need to commission an edifice to serve as the focal point of the Dreaming Spire. It would need at least ten white granite, but it could be bigger than that if there was sufficient desire to ensure the new spire had sufficient grandeur to meet the moment.

The problem here would be how on earth to drag the materials all the way up the side of the tallest mountain in the Empire. Regular ushabti are not designed for that work, so the labour costs would be ten times the normal rates, 300 crowns for a ten wain edifice, more if the territory decided to build something bigger. What is needed are specialist ushabti built just for this purpose - with the right constructs, the costs could return to normal (30 crowns for a ten wain edifice).

Fortunately Zenith is the home of the [[Fate_and_function|Crucible of Fate]], the extraordinary foundry, with accompany forges and workshops that allow the [[Architect of the Crucible]] to oversee the creation of specialised Ushabti. Currently the focus of that work is on the specialist ushabti needed to maximise production of mithril for the [[Brilliant Star]] but they could be [[Architect_of_the_Crucible#Miracle_And_Wonder|redirected for a season to support the construction of the new spire by the usual method]]. If that happened then the costs for ''any'' commission on the mountain-top would return to normal.

Of course those are just the technical problems - the spire would need a name - and ideally a purpose. One possible choice might be to study the stars - Zenith was once renowned for its [[astronomancy|astronomancers]]. The Arch of the Sky was a collection of spires on the tallest mountains in Zenith where [[stargazer|stargazers]] and masters of celestial magic would come to observe the night skies. It was destroyed when the Druj invaded Zenith and has never been rebuilt. It could be anything however; if the edifice is commissioned, that is the perfect opportunity to set the name and direction of the new spire.

When the Crucible of Fate was commissioned it beat out a [[Write_your_own_ending#The_Eye_of_the_Heavens|proposal by ''Delius of the Night Spire'']], to make Zenith the indisputable home of astronomancy throughout the Empire. Her proposal was five separate observatories spaced out across the territory to mirror the positions of [[The Key and The Lock]]. However the opportunity presented by Mount Polus offers the stargazer a chance to shake off those plans and repropose them. It is well known among dedicated astronomers, that the higher an observatory is positioned, the easier it is to read the stars. This is hardly surprising, since you are considerably closer to the stars on top of a tall mountain! So rather than five small observatories, why not create one enormous one, a spire close enough to touch the heavens?

The proposal is hardly cheap, but building the Eye of the Heavens was never going to be easy. It wouldn't change the essential nature of Zenith, it will always be renowned as a territory whose people were masters of their own fate. But it would be the perfect way to restore the legacy of the Arch of the Sky and also create an observatory that would be an unrivalled centre of the study of astronomancy in the Empire. The perfect way to show those [[The_play_that_came_to_Apulian#Curiouser_and_Curiouser|actors in Apulian]] what real magical study looks like!

==A Gate of Mist and Shadow (Lyceum)==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Sadogua001d.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''The meeting between the Brother of Wizards and the Unfettered Mind seems to have borne fruit
* '''Two possible plans for restoring contact between the Empire and the Lyceum are being explored
Last season, a [[Speak_to_me#Father_of_Bats|plenipotentiary meeting]] was arranged between the [[Sadogua|Brother of Wizards]] and members of the [[Unfettered Mind]]. The discussion about how to solve the problem of [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum|the Lyceum]] being stuck behind a mostly impenetrable wall of magical mist ranged far and wide but in the end some potential solutions were settled upon.
===A Gate of Mists===
* '''A specialist Night magic ritual designed to enchant a fleet could be developed that would be "recognised" by the wards
* '''The ritual would need to be placed in Imperial Lore
* '''There is a risk that enemies of the Empire might be able to get hold of or duplicate the ritual enchantment
The first apparently involves a scheme to create a specific ritual of [[Night magic]] that, among other things, would allow a [[fleet]] to pass through the wall of mist (and also avoid being eaten by the dangerous [[inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] the Father of Bats has apparently unleashed into the area). With the help of the eternal, the wards would be modified to allow any ship bearing that specifically crafted enchantment to pass freely.

For this plan to work, the ritual would need to be codified and then made part of Imperial Lore. Once that were done, Imperial ships would be able to reach the Lyceum again. This is convenient, but also risky. The ''Globbersnotch'' warns that if the wards are attuned to a ritual they allow ''anyone'' through to the Lyceum island. While the Empire might be able to control access to such a ritual, it would still be possible for enemy magicians to work out the details of that ritual and potentially create their own "key" to the lock protecting the college of magic.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Gates of Shadow'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Siroc Bayou, Madruga or Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 wains of ''either [[white granite]] or [[weirwood]]; 5 rings of ilium; base 45 crowns labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 Months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability: Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Restores connection between the region where the gates are built and the Lyceum
</table>
</div>

===A Course of Shadows===
* '''A pair of gates based on the Paths of Lan Thúven could allow ships to sail safely back and forth between the mainland and the Lyceum
* '''The risk is that if the region where the gate stood on the mainland were captured by enemies they would be able to access the Lyceum instead
* '''The gate would be built at Siroc Bayou or Oranseri
The other possibility is to draw on the inspiration of the old [[Liathaven#Paths_of_Lan_Thúven_(Gone)|Paths of Lan Thúven]]. Discovered in the depths of the (then) vallorn dominated western Liathaven, the paths were a specific route woven with [[night magic]] that allowed Navarr armies to pass ''through'' vallorn controlled [[Liathaven#West Ranging|West Ranging]]. With the help of the ''Toad King'' a similar structure could be put in place connecting [[the Brass Coast]] mainland to the Lyceum island. This would allow any ship to sail safely through the mists - and also incidentally avoid any ''other'' threat along the route.

There is of course a weakness to this plan as well. The "entrance" to the magical path would need to be built in either [[Madruga#Siroc_Bayou|Siroc Bayou]] (which is not currently part of the Empire, and is also tricky to build in), or in [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]] (most likely as part of the docks at [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]]). The problem here is that if enemies capture the region where the mainland end of the gate stands they would be able to sail as many ships as they wanted to up to the Lyceum and raid or destroy the college.

Sadogua has provided plans for the required gates however. The eternal says that with his help, the magicians on the island will be more than capable of cannibalising the resources they need to build their end, at least in the short term. Once the gate opens, the first ships will be able to bring the last few resources in to anchor the "course of shadows". The plans the eternal has provided represent an [[edifice]] requiring 15 wains of ''either'' weirwood or mithril (but not both), and 5 rings of [[ilium]]. Construction will require a base 45 crowns (more if they are [[Commission#Marshes|built in the marshes]] of Siroc Bayou). Once complete, Imperial ships will once again be able to reach the Lyceum, allowing the magicians trapped there to leave and new students and faculty to reach the island.

The ''Wyrm-lord'' is always angling for magicians to gain additional power, and points out that the Senate could amend the title of [[Arcane Architect]] to allow them to build edifices, a useful ability that would be of value not only to eternals from all realms but also to Imperial magicians who need something built for magical purposes. He can't do much himself, but he does point out that there are probably forces in the other lesser realms (perhaps the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]]) that are more focused on material concerns. They might be convinced to support the Arcane Architect if they had a wider remit than just "mana and vis sinecures", perhaps even going so far as to free them from the need to work with the mundane civil service and Senate when commissioning a structure in a similar way to the [[Master of the Koboldi]] (but with fewer koboldi).
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=PhoenixIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=What is written in the firmament can be read from the earth.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

==Shadow Empire (Casinea)==
* '''Residents of Casinea have reported strange dreams'''
* '''Anyone enchanted with ''Ride the Noble Steed'' can request a vision from the Regio or the Referee Access Tent'''
As the Summer Solstice approaches, people across [[Casinea]] awaken having experienced strange dreams with peculiar spires and palatial, shadowed spaces. Often these dreams involve being surrounded by others - some they recognise, most they don't - all in hushed silence. The atmosphere in these dreams is heavy with expectation, tinged with an edge of the unreal - of a brief, discomfiting blurring between the dreamer and the dream at the moment of waking that lingers for hours long beyond the persistence of memory.

Budding oneiromancers dwell upon these somniations at length before [[Clear_Counsel_of_the_Everflowing_River|turning to]] the ''[[Sung|Rainbow Serpent]]'' to decipher its mysteries. Her response is delivered with that eternal's usual mystique: these dreams, it would seem, are a celebration of sorts - a gift formed from the contribution of several Night eternals. The ''Whispering Wind'' goes on to hint at a further invitation for those who seek the mysteries of their dreams that can be found by "''<span style="color:#800080">seeing through the eye of the magpie and taking tack and bridle to ride beyond the veil of sleep</span>''". All other questions on the matter return only silence.

It is soon discovered that those affected by [[Ride the Noble Steed]] within Casinea experience an especially vivid dream of riding far - through foreign lands, blurred by night - making for a distant point of light. When they awaken they are filled with a certainty that they have begun to undertake a journey - though towards what, the dream offers no answers.

<big>'''Participation''':</big><br>
If your character has slept overnight in Casinea in the last season (or indeed after sleeping in Anvil during the event), they may roleplay having experienced this strange dream. Any character who is the target of [[Ride the Noble Steed]] may request to receive additional information about the dream of travel from the Regio or the Referee Access Tent.

==The Littlest College==
* '''Access to the Loom of Spells will be auctioned at 14:00 on Sunday at the Imperial Regio'''
* '''The Loom of Spells continues to be controlled by the Church of The Little Mother'''
The Church of The Little Mother is continuing the practice of auctioning access to the Loom of Spells. A [[bishop]] of the Church will attend the Imperial regio at 14:00 on Sunday of the summit, where the auction will take place. Bids are to be given in ingots and measures. It does not matter which materials are given, and bids may include a mixture. The only thing that matters is the raw quantity.

They remind potential bidders that the Loom can only codify rituals of up to the tenth magnitude, but have established that the ritual [[Quick Study]], which is part of Urizen lore, will work. The bishop taking the bids has been assigned as head of the work crews on the Loom this season, and may be targeted by this ritual if needed, though they will expect any bidders who require such a thing to have arranged their own casting and to be ready to cast it as soon as their bid is declared successful.

==Lights in the Sky (Feroz)==
* '''A colourful display is in effect in the night sky of Feroz'''
* '''It is clear to anyone in the territory that this is the result of Summer magic'''
After the Spring Equinox, a majestic vision starts appearing in the night skies over [[Feroz]]. The vision repeats each night although the details are sometimes different. As the months roll on the light becomes less pronounced, and several nights may pass between appearances. About a fortnight before the Summer Solstice, the last lights are seen and then the effect ends.

A bag bound in chains, set within a cage formed of magnificent light, emerges from what appears to be a hole in the sky. Two figures follow; the first an Urizen changeling, clad in a robe of falling stars. In his hand, he holds a gilded staff topped with a blue crystal. Soon after, a Navarr man follows, adorned in moonlight. The two figures share a glance before they seem to survey the land beneath them. Linking hands, they produce a gilded key, and they walk towards the locked bag. As they unlock the bag, it explodes into a starburst of multiple colours, which settle into the forms of creatures dancing in the sky. After a few minutes, there is a flash of light, and the apparition repeats itself anew.

The effects are clearly the result of a powerful Summer enchantment. There is a little grumbling from the folk of Feroz about the amount of mana the images must have required and how they might have been better spent.

==Koboldi in the Barrens==
* '''A group of koboldi have appeared in the Barrens looking to build a statue'''
* '''They are apparently waiting for further direction on what they should build'''
Shortly after the Spring Equinox a large group of excitable ''koboldi'' appear in Murderdale in the Barrens. They are apparently here to raise a new statue, something grand and impressive, as part of an agreement with the [[Adamant|''King under the Mountain'']]. They were expecting to meet with Dawnish magicians from the Phoenix Rising coven who could tell them what needed to be built, so they are somewhat non-plussed to find nobody waiting to greet them.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Palace of the Moon'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Murderdale, The Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 500 white granite but no labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 years</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates the most grandiose personal dwelling in the Empire, rivalling the Castle of Thorns for size and splendour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends once the koboldi receive instructions for a statue</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The koboldi are delighted to discover there is nobody here to direct them. They've been sent here by King Adamant to build the state as directed by the Phoenix Rising and while they are eagerly looking forward to the chance to get to work, they're equally delighted to be contractually forced to do nothing. Of course they are all going to be in enormous trouble with the King once he discovers they've spent all season doing nothing when they should have been hard at work building, but that's a problem for tomorrow.

They spend the season causing a minor nuisance in the area by suggesting a series of increasingly ludicrous building endeavours. As an example, they offer to turn the modest wooden dwelling of Hafton, a yeofolk from Drycastle into an enormous palace, "the size of the moon", if he can just find them five hundred wains of white granite. When Hafton explains he doesn't have five wains, let alone five hundred, the disappointed koboldi attempt to hawk the plans around various wealthy nobles in the area.

As much as they are enjoying themselves, Adamant is bound to discover that they have absconded from work eventually, and order them back to it. If they are given direction by a member of the Phoenix Rising coven before the start of the Autumn Equinox ({{plot}}) then they will build a statue as required. Otherwise they will keep making a nuisance of themselves suggesting ridiculous commissions until Adamant notices, at which point they will sculpt a large stone bust depicting the noble demeanour of the most glorious King under the Mountain and depart.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ClawIllustrationInk.JPG||align=right|width=200}}</div>
==A Cry in the Night==
* '''The constellation of the Claw has become clearer and is exerting odd influence'''
* '''Magicians drawing on the Claw in their magic may experience a roleplaying effect'''
* '''Drawing on the Claw to empower the casting of rituals by shedding blood has been interdicted'''
The four stars that make up the constellation of [[the Claw]] remain clear and pronounced despite any amount of obfuscation of the sky. Since the Winter Solstice, those who know where it is find their eyes are drawn to it whenever they see the night sky. The sensation of gazing on the Claw makes sensitive people (especially [[naga]] or [[merrow]]) feel uncomfortable. If it is invoked in an [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] ritual, any [[Rituals#Contributors|contributors]] to that ritual feel its power particularly strong and immediate. Anyone participating in such a ritual may experience the [[roleplaying effect]]: ''you feel an urge to assert your dominance over anyone who challenges you, or seek a physical confrontation with anyone you feel has wronged you. Violence seems easy and satisfying.'' This effect lasts for at least half an hour if a player chooses to embrace it.

In addition, the Claw continues to exert the [[Stars_and_sigils#Wyrm_Coils_Around_Mountain|powerful influence]] observed at the Spring Equinox. If the Claw is invoked while performing certain ritual enchantments, their power is enhanced. The first time each day that a contributor calls on the Claw, they can choose to spill their own blood to empower the ritual. They can spend up to three hits by cutting themselves or other willing contributors, and each hit lost counts as one mana toward the performance of the ritual. The hits lost during the performance of the ritual cannot be restored until the ritual is completed or abandoned. A contributor can reduce themselves to 0 hits during a ritual, but they will be able to complete the performance before collapsing and beginning to [[Combat#Dying|bleed to death]]. Each magician can only use this ability once per day, and the ''roleplaying effect'' invoking the Claw creates will last for at least an hour and be much more pronounced.

The rituals this peculiar [[blood magic]] will enhance seem to be a selection of those particularly associated with violence and conflict:
* The personal enchantments [[Forest Remains]], [[Call Down Lightning's Wrath]], [[Might of the Myrmidon]], [[Talon of the Gryphon]], [[Swift Leaping Hare]], [[Swan's Cruel Wing]], [[Hammer of Thunder]], and [[Hook of the Hoarfrost Guardian]]
* The resource enchantments [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]] and [[Blood and Salt]]
* And these rituals which are not part of Imperial or Urizen lore ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', and ''Ironwind's Pride''
However, the [[Conclave]] has chosen to [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction:_Shedding_Blood_for_Claw_Rituals|outlaw this practice]]. The [[Arbiter of the Rogue Declaration]] '''Lights Aliss''' brought a [[declaration]] of [[Interdiction]] that was upheld by the magicians of the Empire. It is now a crime for any magician to call on the power of the Claw and shed blood instead of mana. The ability to use the Claw in this way remains available, but in addition to any physical or magical consequences there are now also legal consequences for drawing on it.

==Wyrm Pulls the Sailor Down==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreatWyrmnowingsIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=The Great Wyrm is the emblem of transformation and transfiguration.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The grand conjunction of the Great Wyrm and the Mountain is drawing to an end'''
* '''The Great Wyrm is moving into a grand conjunction with the Drowned Man'''
Since the Winter Solstice, Imperial [[astronomancy|astronomancers]] have been aware of a rare ''grand conjunction'' of [[the Great Wyrm]] and [[the Mountain]] in the skies above the Empire. The impact of this conjunction has already been felt by magicians, with seismic changes to the way certain types of magic, specifically those associated with warfare, function. This has led to permanent alterations to the way [[Army|armies]], [[military unit|warbands]], and [[fleet|ships]] are [[enchantment|enchanted]], and to how certain divinations work. The power of the conjunction appeared to [[Stars_and_sigils#Wyrm_Coils_Around_Mountain|reach its zenith]] during the Spring Equinox. It is now in decline, the powerful magical effects observed last season having entirely faded.

However, the chaos in the stars is not over. Astronomancers have noted that [[the Drowned Man]] has been [[Stars_and_sigils#The_Drowned_Man|shifting into alignment]] with the Great Wyrm and it appears another grand conjunction is imminent. The Hanged Man is quite a dangerous constellation, often used in magic that creates [[curse|curses]] or destruction, leading some astronomancers to become quite nervous.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=DrownedManIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=The Drowned Man is a constellation of curses and the end of things.|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==The Unravelling==
* '''Arcane projections created before Winter 386YE that enchant armies, navies, military units, or fleets no longer work'''
* '''Such arcane projections are unravelling and may be exchanged for crystal mana'''
* '''The ability to exchange an arcane projection lasts until the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE'''
* '''The inability to cast these arcane projections is permanent'''
* '''It is currently impossible to create arcane projections that curse an individual'''
The Unfettered Mind were also the first people to spot the peculiar phenomenon that coincided with this Grand Conjunction. Dubbed ''the Unravelling'' in some parts of the Empire, it means that any arcane projection issued before E1-2025 that attempts to [[enchantment|enchant]] an [[Army|army]] or [[navy|navy]] can no longer be cast. Likewise, arcane projections that involve enchanting a [[military unit]] or [[fleet]] no longer function. The Grand Conjunction appears to have scrambled the magic bound into the projections themselves.

Any of these arcane projections that no longer function can be brought to GOD and exchanged for 10 crystal mana. This either represents someone intentionally speeding the unravelling process along to reclaim the mana invested in the projection, or might mean that in-character a valued projection (that the player no longer wants OOC) has fallen apart despite their best efforts. The ability to exchange defunct arcane projections for mana in this way will persist until the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE.

While the Drowned Man is not yet part of a Grand Conjunction, astronomancers have indicated that they believe such a thing is imminent. It is still not possible to create an [[arcane projection]] that creates a personal [[curse]] - a curse that targets an individual. Such arcane projections that already exist can still be cast, but magicians of the Unfettered Mind theorise that it is only a matter of time before the same conjunctional effect that has diminished the power of warlike arcane projections will affect arcane projections based around curses.

'''OOC Note:''' You'll need to hand the arcane projection phys-rep over so we can mark it as inactive on our systems. We don't plan to reprint lost arcane projections for the event; if you have lost an arcane projection in downtime you can e-mail [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] after the event with the details of the missing projection and we'll do our best to replace it in time for the Autumn Equinox.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lock&KeyIllustrationInk.JPG||align=right|width=250}}
==Lock and Key==
* '''A hitherto unknown tulpa of the Wanderer has apparently begun to move towards Anvil
* '''It is expected in both the Highborn and Freeborn camps at 16:00 on Saturday
As well as the conjunctions of the stars involving the Great Wyrm, the Claw, and the Drowned Man there is another peculiar celestial phenomenon that might be worth noting. Since the Spring Equinox [[the Wanderer]] has moved through first [[the Lock]] and then [[the Key]]. In both cases the baleful red star that heralds plans going awry seemed to hang between the existing stars of the constellations making it appear to the uninitiated that they had each spawned an extra star.

The conjunction appears relatively minor, but astronomancers have warned that it appears to have spawned an unfamiliar [[tulpa]] of the Wanderer. The entity is in Casinea, and its not clear where it came from. It's also not clear if it is a "pure" tulpa, or a magician who has touched the stars a little too closely and become "ridden" by the power of the stars. It is apparently called the "Pilgrim Flame" and has enough personality to hold conversations, reinforcing the idea it might be a magician under the influence of a star (although that said, the tulpas of the Wanderer, more than most other star-spawn, have proved capable of communicating with mortals, albeit in unpredictable and often incomprehensible ways). It intends, apparently, to visit [[Highguard]] and [[the Brass Coast]] at four in the afternoon on Saturday.

==Written in the Stars==
* '''There have been odd 'constellations' spotted in the night sky where the Penumbral Veil has been drawn
* '''It's not clear what these constellations are but anyone who peers at them for long gains an inkling of their name and meaning
And on the subject of constellations... much of the Empire has had the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|penumbral veil]] drawn over it for several seasons now. With the notable exceptions of [[astronomancy|astronomancers]] and stargazers, most citizens have come to treat the occasional strangely shifting shapes and lights in the night sky as unremarkable oddities.

This past season, however, one [[Urizen]] Spire claims to have spotted a pattern in the odd lights that sometimes appear in the veiled night sky. Members of the ''Spire of Shadowed Glass'' have travelled across the Empire, cataloguing what they see each night. They have found that some areas of the Empire seem to be repeatedly visited by the same odd stars. These pseudo-constellations are not visible elsewhere, and it is notable that people living within these areas have been having odd dreams associated with them. Even more unusual, people who see these stars seem inclined to draw the same shapes between them and call them by the same names - even if they have never talked about them with anyone else.

<box> Any character who lives or has spent time travelling in any of the following territories may choose to experience the associated roleplaying effect during the event. The effect may ebb and flow at player discretion, and is entirely opt-in. If you choose not to have been effected by it, you cannot start being effected by it during the event. </box>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Trident and The Serpent Sheds its Skin.webp.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>
* '''The Trident - Skarsind'''
This is a patterns of stars - or star-like objects - often seen over Skarsind. People in this area seem to be experiencing a boon of creativity, and frequently dream of boat voyages or being caught in a great net and ripped from their home.

Those who spend significant time in the territory may find themselves under the following roleplay effect:

''Roleplay effect: You are drawn to new ideas, concepts and sources of inspiration. When viewing art, you are overcome with an urge to transform it in some way to make something new.''
* '''The Serpent Sheds its Skin - Mournwold'''
The Serpent winds across the skies of the Mourn, seeming to draw the attention of people already feeling an urge to change something about themselves or their life. The territory is not short on people unhappy with their situation, and the serpent is becoming a popular topic of tales, songs and artistry.

Those who spend significant time in the territory may find themselves under the following roleplay effect:

''Roleplay effect: You are keenly aware of how negative experiences have caused you to transform and change. You feel a deep urge to continually reform yourself in new and exciting ways.''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Golden Ferret.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>
* '''The Golden Ferret - Tassato'''
It's difficult to say how anything about the collection of stars rising over Tassato resembles a ferret, let alone a golden one. And yet somehow Mestra and Regario are in complete agreement that they couldn't be anything else. Unfortunately, those who spend long enough gazing at the stars only seem to become more passionate about the rivalry between the two halves of the city.

Those who spend significant time in the territory may find themselves under the following roleplay effect:

''Roleplay effect: You feel an urge to act on your deepest desires and take what is rightfully yours. Adorning yourself in your achievements and the fruits of your labour gives you an immense sense of satisfaction.''

* '''The Woven Banner - Necropolis'''
In Necropolis, the diamond of stars stretching across the sky is viewed mostly with suspicion. Chapters come together to view it on the tallest hills, debating the risks it may pose. A network of archivists begins to document the movement of the stars, and any possible effects they may be having on the area, but they struggle to come up with any reliable findings.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The woven banner.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>
Those who spend significant time in the territory may find themselves under the following roleplay effect:

''Roleplay effect: You are keenly aware of the power of working together with others. You feel an urge to connect with others to create things greater than the sum of their parts.''

==Never Get Old (Falconer)==
* '''The Cult of the Falconer continues to expand its influence'''
* '''The Assembly of Nine directed the Silent Bell to investigate the Cult of the Falconer'''
* '''The Cardinal of Vigilance will receive a report at the upcoming summit'''
The Cult of the Falconer has expanded even further in the last few months. Across the north-west of the Empire, there are illicit meetings between would-be adherents of the powerful creature, where they boast of what they have done to prove themselves the strongest and worthiest. The [[Cardinal of Vigilance]], '''Gaelen Embercast''', raised a statement of principle in the Assembly of Nine that called on the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to investigate the cult. There is little word from the members of the sodality before the summit, other than confirmation that the cardinal will receive their report. The Assembly of Nine upheld a statement of principle, raised by '''Skywise Tulva''', [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_181|condemning]] the cult as idolatrous, but it appears to have done nothing to sway those who have pledged themselves to this inhuman entity.

In [[Sermersuaq]], the cult grows. There are rumours from Atalaq to Wreck of pillars being raised in the wilds, though few have seen one and no-one admits to having a hand in their creation.
===Falconer Cultists===
* '''At least two groups of followers of the Falconer are coming to Anvil'''
* '''They are expected to arrive on Friday or perhaps early Saturday'''
* '''It's not clear why they are coming to Anvil'''
In [[Wish_you_were_here#Kaisa's_Invitation|Winter]] and in [[Mistaken_for_strangers#Falcons_and_Roses|Spring]], representatives of the ''Chosen of the Falconer'' have visited [[Anvil]]. They have spoken to any number of people of many nations and it is widely suspected they are connected to the strange magical influence spreading across the north-western Empire. Perhaps they are taking advantage of the odd conjunction of [[the Claw]]; some more excitable types argue they may actually be ''causing'' it somehow.

At least two groups of these "chosen" are apparently planning to return to Anvil this season. They have been seen travelling along the roads from Wintermark, and most sensible fellow-travellers give them a wide berth. There has been talk of trouble at some wayhouses along their route - brawling and angry words rather than anything more seriously. They are anticipated to arrive either Friday night or perhaps early Saturday morning. They aren't being open about their reasons for attending the summit, so citizens are warned to exercise caution. The magistrates are however at pains to remind anyone who asks that these people are still Imperial citizens, and membership of their group is not illegal. Violence against them will be viewed just as seriously as violence against any other citizen of the Empire.

===Painted (Miekarova)===
* '''Alleged cultists are apparently sacrificing one of their own in the name of the Falconer'''
* '''There are reports of wild beasts in the vicinity'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Senator for Miekarova'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the cultists'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Deep in the wilds of Miekarova, not too far from the [[Night Quarry]], stands the Painted Clearing. The clearing lies in the middle of some of the wild woods of Mieriada, and was created as a place of beauty to represent the importance of the [[Miekarova#The_Painted_Caves|Painted Caves]]. The beauty was shattered over the season with the apparent arrival of the cult of the Falconer. The supposed cult has kept moving in the forests of Miekarova, avoiding the garrison of Grimhold, whilst striking at travellers and threatening outposts.

The woods around the Painted Clearing are not only possibly inhabited by the cult, dangerous and wild beasts also stalk the woodlands. The pervasive feeling of short-temperedness and anger is now common in the woods, and locals have seen a significant increase in attacks from the wildlife.

The alleged cultists are planning ''something''. For the past few days they have been quiet, after a frenzied period of attacks. Rumours abound of what they are planning, with worry that they might be preparing to unleash havoc on Olodny. It is the responsibility of the [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]], '''Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti''', to defeat the alleged cultists and any nearby beasts who might object to the intrusion on their land.

===Herding (Skarsind)===
* '''Cultists are threatening the great herd of Skarsind'''
* '''There are rumours of vicious beasts in the area '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Shepherd of the Great Herd'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the cultists'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
In [[Skarsind]], in the woods of eastern [[Skarsind#|Estermark]], rest some of the cattle of the [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd#The_Great_Herd|Great Herd]]. Here, too, are adherents of the Cult of the Falconer. Reports from locals are that the cultists have been launching attacks on travellers - butchering them as they go. Where corpses have been found, they have almost always been missing some limb or another, methodically lopped off with repeated blows of a keen edge.

Whether this has something to do with the rumours of vicious beasts in the area is a matter of some debate, but the trail of corpses does continue towards the Great Herd. The cult may be planning on trying to lead and goad a vicious beast into devouring the cows of the Great Herd. Given the threat it represents, it is the responsibility of the [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]], '''Sand Viper Idra''', to defeat the cultists and any vicious beasts in the surrounding area.

===Corpse (Hahnmark)===
* '''Cultists have tied up a victim to draw in wild beasts'''
* '''There are reports of cultists in the vicinity'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Senator for Hahnmark'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the cultists'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
In Valasmark, south-west [[Hahnmark]], is the Dunhall Copse, rumoured to be named after one of the Great Dun's progeny who turned aside from the rest of their kin and tried to make a home for themselves away from struggle and strife. They failed, and their name has been lost by the generations that have passed. The copse is all that remains of a vast forest that was once their home, and now it is haunted by the wails of the dying. Cultists of the Falconer have been spotted in the area, stringing up their prey and leaving them to bleed out in reverence to their strange, misguided faith.

The [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]], '''Runa Whiteoak''', is responsible for freeing the victim, and dealing with any beasts or cultists that might be in the surrounding area.

==Something Stirs (Coral Husks) (Conjunctions)==
* '''The coral husks from the Gullet have continued to be a problem'''

Just before the Winter Solstice, there was a [[Rumblings in the Gullet|small earthquake]] centred on the Gullet but felt all around it. The tremors lasted for a few minutes as the ground shook, but there was little lasting damage and few thought anything of it at the time.

Sadly it now seems that the earthquake was not completely benign. There were sightings of strange creatures in the gullet which have only grown worse with time.

===Sense of Doubt (Kallavesa)===
* '''Coral husks have been attacking travellers along the Pilgrim's Trail'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Crow Keeper of the Rest'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the husks'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
There have been increased sightings of the strange coral husks in the marshes of Kallavesa, along [[Kallavesa#The_Pilgrim's_Trail|the Pilgrim's Trail]]. Having moved further east, into the Westmere, packs of them are spreading towards the Sovenann, sacred swamp of the Kallavesi and the rest of the Winterfolk. If the husks are not stopped, then they will continue to attack those walking the trail, potentially creating long-term issues for pilgrims who wish to walk the trail.

The ''Swampcrows'', who provide a [[Crow_Keeper_of_the_Rest#Gift_of_Infusions|gift]] of three doses of [[Goosewhisper Infusion]] each season to the [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]], have called on '''Cynerik''', the incumbent Crow Keeper, to deal with these threats. Reports from the Swampcrows indicate that the husks are somewhat spread out, in two separate groups, and that it might be possible to engage and deal with one group before the other group realises what is happening.

===Fascination===
* '''Imperial magicians are being threatened by coral husks'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|combat suitable for cadets]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Cadet Commander'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the magicians and defeating the husks'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
''Robin Hopper'', a captain of the [[Strong Reeds]] has spent the last year in Bregasland. First, having to contend with the invasion of the Jotun, then the appearance of the strange coral husks, it has been a strange year. ''Robin'' reports that there are a small group of magicians that have been trapped by the coral husks and need rescuing. She has asked the cadets of the Academy to go through the Sentinel Gate and help the magicians, who were trying to uncover the secrets of these strange monsters.

''Robin'' warns that the magicians are spread out, with the husks preventing a simple route to the imperilled Imperials. Whoever is elected as the Cadet Commander is responsible for rescuing the magicians and defeating the husks.

The shape of things to come

2026-02-27T23:11:01Z

Responsible1: /* The Well of Life */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Feel that" said Carlos, pushing his tagelmust back to expose a bald patch on his head. "We were one of the first groups to go in. We found this brown cow drinking by the banks of the Scorrero. Didn't see its tail 'til it was too late. Damn thing shot quills at us like it was a Grendel crossbow. Ruined my good looks - but two inches lower and it would have been an eye out." He put his drink down on the table, daring the others to try and top the story.

"I got that beat. I got that beat." said Rinz as he rolled up his sleeve. "See that" he demanded. "We were wading through water in the Bayou. One minute it was round our ankles, next step I'm in up to my chest. Out of nowhere comes this eel. Blue and green and orange but flashing like light scattered off oil. Bit right through my armour. Thought I was going to lose the arm."

Not to be outdone, Billiam put his foot on the table and rolled up the fabric of his trouser leg to reveal a deep scar running down the length of the calf. It was a cruel thing, a bloody streak and purple flesh gouged deep into the muscle. "Got that from a spider-pig." he said proudly. "Big brute of a thing. Eight legs and eight eyes and tusks like razors. Sliced my leg open like it was gutting a fish. Thought I was a goner for sure."

This claim produced peals of laughter from the other explorers gathered round the table. Everyone who went into Crucible came out richer, but every journey left a mark. Nobody got out unchanged. Cups of syrah were raised and drained and then refilled. The drinking continued as the night got darker and the tales got taller. </ic>
<div style="float: left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Chalice.jpg|caption=The well of life is bottomless.|width=300px}}</div>
==Overview==
Last season, the [[Golden Pyramid|Order of the Golden Pyramid]] identified the potential to build a grand lodge in Mareave. Previous ideas had proposed a minor dwelling for members of the [[Conclave order]] who were visiting the territory, but those proposals had failed to excite anyone. Rather than be disheartened, or produce something more modest, members of the Order decided to do the opposite and seek to commission something much more bold. A vast undertaking, a truly ''grand'' lodge, something that could house hundreds of members of the order in comfort and provide the facilities for their work.

When the prognosticators examined the proposals and looked at the implications, it was clear the Order was onto something. By identifying the right site and building a resplendent lodge, could create something truly transformational. It would anchor the Golden Pyramid in [[Mareave]], it wouldn't be possible for the order to build a grand lodge elsewhere in the Empire while this one was still under Imperial control. But having so many magicians all together in one place, with shared goals and ambitions would produce a raft of unique benefits.

The civil service can't produce an easy set of guidelines on what those benefits might be, because it is clear they are dependent on the specific circumstances. An order could only ever have one grand lodge, there can only be one location that serves as the centre of an Order's focus, power and influence. But the benefits that can be obtained would be utterly dependent on where the grand lodge was and whose lodge it was. If the grand lodge in Mareave had been for [[Rod and Shield]] it would provide completely different benefits.

The Empire can build a single grand lodge for each Conclave order. Each is a huge edifice requiring at least one hundred wains, but the benefits of each lodge will always be unique depending on the location chosen and who the lodge will belong to. For those other orders that are jealously eyeing the new construction for the wealthy Golden Pyramid, the first task would be to consider what location they believe would serve them best and why.

It is a political decision as much as a magical one. There are valuable benefits accrued by the nation that hosts a grand lodge. Given the construction costs are high, a wise [[grandmaster]] would be well advised to explore what a nation might contribute to those costs.

==A Tour of the Possibilities==
* '''The Silver Chalice have asked the Silver Tears to draw up plans for a grand lodge in Madruga'''
* '''A Conclave Endowment called for a grand lodge on the same scale as the one commissioned for the Golden Pyramid'''
<div style="float: right; max-width: 400px; margin-left: 10px;">
<quote by="Raewynn Farkas, on behalf of the Silver Chalice">
We thank the parador of 'The Silver Tears' for their offer and wish to accept their aid in creating plans for a Grand Lodge of the Silver Chalice, endowing 25 mana to them as requested for this aid. We ask that the plans be for a lodge equal in scope to that of the Golden Pyramid's plans to be built in the territory of Madruga.
</quote></div>
In [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Endowment:_Parador_of_the_Silver_Tears|Winter 386YE]] the [[Conclave]] endowed 25 mana crystals to the Parador of the Silver Tears to enable them to draw up plans for a grand lodge. The Silver Tears are delighted by this development - the group was formed by a small group of wealthy Freeborn from Kahraman, Madruga, and Segura precisely to try to make sure that the Brass Coast would benefit from hosting the grand lodge of the Silver Chalice. This desire is not purely selfish, the Order has devoted itself to saving lives in the Brass Coast more than once in the short time since it was founded. Time to pay them back!

The Parador were unsure of where the Order would want the grand lodge to be based, or the scale of the project, so they asked the Conclave to clarify these details. In the end the Conclave opted for Madruga and instructed the Parador to build something on the same scale as the one that is now being built for the Golden Pyramid in Mareave. Perhaps they were mindful of the costs, or maybe they wished to avoid rivalry between the two orders. For now at least, no order will be able to claim their lodge has more ''grandeur''

The Silver Tears spend some time investigating a number of potential locations across the territory. There are a number of members who argue for [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]] or [[Madruga#Siroc_Bayou|Siroc Bayou]], but they are eventually discounted. There is no doubt at all that anything of scale that is built in their of these two regions might be able to draw on the immense magical riches of these new marshes... but there is a tiny chance that anything the Empire builds here might metamorphosize into something completely new, or just sink into the hungry swamp waters. The strange transformations wrought by the Night realm will eventually stabilise, but for now it is perhaps better not to build something experimental here.
<div style="float: right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Resplendant Healing.jpg|align=left|caption=Healing magic can sometimes defeat the old fool Death.|width=275}}</div>
[[Madruga#Torres|Torres]] and the [[Madruga#Quiet_Grasses|Quiet Grasses]] are less appealing. The truth is that it's called the Brass Coast for a ''reason''. It is the Coast that teems with people and life, with trade and commerce. The Silver Chalice are not secluded monks, they want to be where they are needed, which is anywhere people need healing. That means the coast - and given [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]] is currently controlled by the Children of Wrecks, that means either [[Madruga#Lightsea|Lightsea]] or [[Madruga#Calvos_Sound|Calvos Sound]].

In the end the Silver Tears decide that there is no better location than the one first identified as a great location for a lodge for the Chalice in the [[Parched earth|appraisal by Lutomysla]]. Some consideration was given to Calvos Sounds, but there is already a great deal of work proposed there and trying to build two great commissions in one location risks getting in each others way. The [[Germinating a city|Professors' team chose Calvos]] rather than Quzar for their new city because of the risk posed by the [[Children of Wrecks]], but none of these Freeborn citizens are remotely minded to let a stupid bunch of jumped-up pirates dictate their decisions. Fuck those Siakha idiots, they'll get what's coming to them soon enough.

It is not simply a desire to stick two fingers up at the crazy pirate people. It's not even the fact that [[Madruga#Lightsea|Quzar]] is a bustling settlement. What is crucial is that the town serves as the annual meeting place for the [[Hakima]]. Having some of the foremost practitioners of the magic in the Brass Coast come there once a year to meet up is simply too valuable a benefit to pass up. Only some of them will be interested in healing, but all of them are interested in serving the interests of the nation, rather than personal or family loyalty. That would seem to make them ideal allies - at least when it comes to helping the Brass Coast.

Almost as importantly, the Hakima benefit from the protection provided by the [[kohan]] who are sworn to defend them. Basing the grand lodge here should mean that the order can call on the kohan for aid when they need to, making it easier for them to travel to dangerous locations without fear for their lives. Quzar is a bustling trade port, but it isn't rich in ores like Mareave, and there's no handy fortress for them to adapt to the order's needs. But it is rich in people, and rich in life.

It's hard to visit the Coast and not be swept away by the sights, the sounds, the passion with which the people here lead their lives. The Silver Chalice exists to remind Conclave of the value of life, nobody demonstrates that better than the people of Quzar.

==The Well of Life==
On the outskirts of Quzar is the abandoned Jayyani Caravanserai. This attractive, fortified wayside inn was once home to the Jayyani family. It used to do thriving business with the many trade wagons travelling up and down the coast road, but the real secret of its success was the deep well bored into the rock. It produced cool, sparkling fresh water and never seemed to run dry no matter what drought came to Madruga. It was claimed the well had healing properties and baths were built to let people bathe in the refreshing waters. It was all superstition mostly, but it was good for business and the Jayyani Caravanserai eventually grew to become one of the largest of its kind in the region.

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Well of Life'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Grand Lodge</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Quzar, Lightsea, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 40 white granite, 40 weirwood 20 mithril, and 60 Crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 2 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if the region ceases to be in Imperial control</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Adds 15 mana crystals to the Conclave font each season
* Creates a large well furbished hospital to treat the sick and the wounded
* Reduces the cost of mana purchases by the Grandmaster
* Allows the Grandmaster to purchase vital honey from Crucible
* Raises the level of investment of herb gardens (2 true vervain and 1 cerulean mazzarine) in the territory by one
* Provides every member of the order with a single dose of true vervain for a year
* Provides 2 rings of ilium to the order's vaults each season
* All casualties suffered by Imperial armies fighting in Madruga, Kahraman, Segura, or Feroz are reduced by a tenth
* Creates the Freeborn position Hakima of the Rippling Marshes
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Mana Purchases'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>14 Crowns</td><td>16 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 Crowns</td><td>30 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 Crowns</td><td>42 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>75 Crowns</td><td>54 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>110 Crowns</td><td>72 crystal mana</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Spring Vis'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>12 Crowns</td><td>5 vital honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>28 Crowns</td><td>10 vital honey</td></tr>
<tr><td>52 Crowns</td><td>15 vital honey</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Hakima of the Rippling Marshes'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receive 5 doses of elixir vitae if a member of the Silver Chalice
* Can purchase potions at the grand lodge if a hakima
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Encourage and support exploration of the Crucible and the Bayou and exploitation of the resources there</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Potion Purchases'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>6 Crowns</td><td>2 elixir vitae, 1 Bloodharrow Philtre, 1 Ossean Solution</td></tr>
<tr><td>14 Crowns</td><td>4 elixir vitae, 2 Bloodharrow Philtre, 2 Ossean Solution</td></tr>
<tr><td>25 Crowns</td><td>6 elixir vitae, 3 Bloodharrow Philtre, 3 Ossean Solution</td></tr>
</table></div>
Then in 342YE disaster struck, the owner of the caravanserai, Carlos i Jayyani i Erigo fell afoul of the [[Sorin|Hungry Wolf]]. The eternal cursed the dhomiro to teach him the meaning of thirst. The curse caused the waters of the well to run dry and nothing the hakima could do would break the curse. Without a dependable source of drinking water the parador was ruined and within ten years the family were forced to close up the caravanserai and move closer to Quzar.

The buildings have stood empty ever since, a symbol of what happens to those who would seek the help of the ''Devourer-of-Hope''. Yet when the Silver Tears investigate the site, they discover that the great well once again contains a limitless supply of clear, fresh water. This minor miracle produces a lot of excitement, there is a suggestion that [[Ossegrahn|Cupbearer]] might be responsible, or perhaps some grand conjunction. A few people try to suggest it could be an act of fate, not unlike the magic of the Sentinel Gate. The more prosaic explanation is that the ''Tomb King's'' curse ended years ago and nobody thought to check.

Whatever the reason, it is taken as a sign that the Caravanserai would be the perfect location for the new grand lodge. There are buildings here already and what exists could be easily adapted to create a wonderful hospital with enough room to treat scores of wounded and sick patients. Somewhat poetically, one of the Silver Tears nicknames the site the Well of Life and the moniker soon catches on.

The grand lodge would provide a number of significant benefits. It would boost the mana funnelled into the Conclave's vaults, but moving arrangements in place to [[Grandmaster#Funding_the_Order|fund the order]] to the Well of Life would reduce costs and allow the grandmaster to purchase [[vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]] recovered from Crucible and Siroc Bayou. Grateful residents of Madruga would provide members of the order with a dose of [[True Vervain]] each season for the next year, as payment for the healing able at the Well. The presence of so many skilled magicians and apothecaries would provide a huge benefit to herb gardens raising the level of investment by one to boost production of true vervain and [[Cerulean Mazzarine]]. Some of the ilium recovered from the [[Broken Shore Bounty|Bay]] would end up in the Order's vaults each season, in gratitude for the healing provided to local fisherfolk.

Perhaps most importantly, the caravanserai would incorporate a large well furbished hospital, by far the biggest anywhere in the Empire. More importantly, the presence of hundreds of dedicated healers operating from the caravanseri would provide invaluable support for any Imperial armies fighting in the Brass Coast (albeit only Madruga, [[Kahraman]], [[Segura]], or [[Feroz]]). The location of the Caravanserai is perfect to allow members of the Order to use the roads to move quickly around the nation to go where the fighting is fiercest. Such benefits are not something that could be achieved by ''any other means'', it is a unique advantage that only a grand lodge of the Silver Chalice could accomplish. Once complete, it would mean that any Imperial armies fighting in one of the four territories, would reduce the casualties suffered by a tenth each season.

In addition, there is a large group of hakima and kohan here and the latter in particular are often in need of healing magic. There are moves to explore Crucible and Siroc Bayou - the enigmatic magics that have transformed these regions are bound to have created many valuable opportunities, but it is dangerous for groups to enter unless they are well-armed and well-provisioned. The completion of the grand lodge would enable the Brass Coast to elect someone to liaise with the magicians living there. Provided they were a [[hakima]], then they would be able to buy healing potions from visitors to the caravanserai. If they were ''also'' a member of the Silver Chalice then they would receive a donation of potions of [[Apothecary_Potions#Elixir_Vitae|elixir vitae]] each season.
<div style="float: right; width: 100px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderCelestialArch.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderRodAndShield.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderShutteredLantern.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
</div>
The Hakima of the Rippling Marshes would be expected to use their bounty to support Freeborn characters going into danger, especially those looking to explore Crucible and Siroc Bayou.

==Each in Order==
* '''The Imperial Conclave could use Concord to identify a site for another grand lodge, once either the Well of Life ''or'' the grand lodge of the Golden Pyramid is complete'''
* '''The Conclave declaration could only select a single order and would need to explicitly name the territory'''
* ''' Each order can only have one grand lodge, and each territory can support only one grand lodge'''
The plans put forward by the Silver Tears have aroused the interests of members of the other orders. Might not they too benefit from just such arrangements? Unfortunately planning for a grand lodge requires a huge amount of work and preparation, much of which must be done by the civil servants who support Imperial magicians in the Conclave. There are only so many things they can work on at once.

The Conclave could use a [[declaration]] of [[concord]] to request the civil service look for the ideal location for a grand lodge for a different order, but only once all the building work on ''either'' the Well of Life ''or'' the grand lodge being built for the Golden Pyramid in Mareave (which really needs a better name) is complete. Any declaration would have to explicitly state who the lodge was for and what territory it should be in. Ideally the declaration would include more precise information such as the region or specific location for the lodge. However, it is important to note that a given territory can only support a single grand lodge.

Only once the ''next'' grand lodge is complete, would the Conclave have the capacity to try and make plans for a new one. It might be possible for the Empire to build grand lodges for all the orders eventually, but it is clear that it is going to take time. The Conclave won't be able to request new proposals for a grand lodge at any time while there are two proposals outstanding.

==Further Reading==
* [[Silver Chalice]]
* [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|Lit up]] - 386 Winter wind of fortune introducing the Golden Pyramid grand lodge

Those that break a thing

2026-01-22T18:58:08Z

Responsible1: /* Fan of Colours (Necropolis) */

[[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 [[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 [[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 sea 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.

==Conjunctions==
===Blazing Beacon (Sarvos) ===
* '''A gang of wreckers are attempting to curse Sarvos'''
* '''The wreckers are accompanied by several heralds of Siakha'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Prosperity'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Even as the Wreckers are repulsed by the Red Wind Corsairs and the garrisons, a few ships slip through the eastern isles of [[Sarvos#Uccelini|Uccelini]] and land near Glass Point. Reports from some of the "reputable merchants" of Glass Point are that the motley mix who ventured to trade were keeping to themselves and would have possibly managed to go undetected if a handful of them hadn't been overheard talking of the blessings of [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|Dumon]]. Careful questioning from one of the traders revealed the group were travelling to the Circle of Savagery, a small Spring regio resonant with [[Spring_magic#Savagery|savagery]].

The merchants have asked the [[Champion of Prosperity]], '''Tom Appleseed''', to investigate and stop the wreckers from making use of the regio. Given the history of the wreckers and the resonance of the regio, the merchant expects them to be attempting to unleash a curse on Sarvos, but they have no idea what curse that may be.

===Fan of Colours (Necropolis) ===
* '''A gang of wreckers are attempting to curse Necropolis'''
* '''The wreckers are accompanied by several heralds of Siakha'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Crown's Quay sees ships from a variety of different nations; it serves merchants from as far away as the Sarcophan Delves and the Commonwealth. The ship that sails past a week before the Autumn Equinox is different to what is usually encountered. It moves at a slow, almost plodding pace, and has a defensive, boxy design not seen in large numbers since the Suranni's attempted invasion of Necropolis during the reign of [[Empress Brannan]]. Now, the ship carries a somewhat more dangerous and wild enemy – a gang of wreckers who land somewhere to the east of the Highborn port and are lost to sight.

The next report of them is when a merchant doesn't arrive in Sanctuary when expected, and the resulting patrol finds their corpse butchered. Following a trail of destruction, the patrol believes the gang of wreckers are making their way to the Stone of Suffering, a Winter regio resonant with [[Winter_magic#Punishment|punishment]]. The patrol asks the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos''', to investigate and stop the wreckers from making use of the regio. Given the nature of the regio (and the wreckers), it is likely that they are planning to use it to curse Necropolis.

===Talk of Debts (Madruga) ===
* '''A gang of wreckers are attempting to interfere with Mawrig's Point'''
* '''The wreckers are accompanied by several heralds of Siakha'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Vigilance'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The village of Meceares didn't suffer too much when the Grendel conquered the territory; their focus was on Siroc and Atalaya. There is an understandable worry, then, when sails belonging to the wreckers appear over the horizon. But this is Meceares, and they have not spent the last months idly. Bells are set to ringing, and the fleet-footed dispatched with messages of warning to other villages deeper in Calvos Sound. The ships come close, but ultimately make land out of sight of Meceares.

The alarm eventually comes from traders from Trajadoz; the wreckers have been sighted, and they are camped around Mawrig's Point. Mawrig's Point is a place of power, long rumoured to be the location of a chamber to some unknown pocket of a realm. Nobody has ever managed to find an [[Operate_portal#Traverse_Regio|opening]], but the rumours still persist. If the wreckers are searching for the chamber, or have some other plan for Mawrig's Point, then they should be stopped before they can enact it. The peoples of Meceares and Trajadoz have asked the [[Champion of Vigilance]], '''Jared''', to defeat the wreckers and prevent them from enacting their plan. Whatever that might be.

==Further Reading==
* [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Sudden_Storm|Long grass and stormclouds]] - 387YE Summer wind of war regarding the first attack on Trivento

Stand amid the roar

2026-01-22T18:45:57Z

Responsible1: /* Strengthening Storm */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>“Not long until sunset.” said Sanne in a heavy tone.

“Not long at all.” agreed Judah.

The pair fell silent for a while as if afraid that if one of them voiced the obvious they would make it true.

Finally Judah could stand it no longer. “And the scouts definitely said they’d be here by then?” he queried.

Sanne once again tested the string of her bow. “That's what they said."

Judah sighed, and rolled his shoulders against the weight of his armour. “Do you think our reinforcements will get here first?”

Sanne looked back at the farmstead behind them. “They said we would. Assuming nothing goes wrong.” She smiled, not entirely convincingly. “But we don’t need reinforcements, do we? It’s nothing to us. A pair of heroes defending civilisation from a few shitty cultists and a pattern in the stars. It’ll be like the stories. You know, like Elayne Silverlark and what-his-face.”

Judah narrowed his eyes as he scanned the horizon. Which would arrive first, he wondered? Reinforcements, or the enemy? He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. Somehow he doubted that anyone would tell the tale of his life if it ended here. “Things bleed, they say. I guess we’ll just have to make sure they bleed more than we do.”</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=A Peregrine Falcon in Flight.jpg|caption=The cult of the Falconer adopt a philosophy inspired by a certain interpretation of the nature of [[the Claw]] constellation.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''The Narwhal's Spear, the Sun Chamber, and members of the Wintermark and Highguard assemblies have made their way to the territory to deal with the Cult of the Falconer'''
It started simply, with animal attacks. The beasts of [[Sermersuaq]] were agitated and aggressive. Strange, to be sure, but strange things happen every day. Then the aggression spread. Strange people were seen partaking in unusual rites across the northern Empire. Representatives of a group, or perhaps of a person, called the Falconer repeatedly attended Anvil, bringing with them words of strength, bloodshed, and a return to an imagined past, free from the corrupting decadence of modern life. And as they did so, blood began to be spilt. No longer was this just strange: this was dangerous.

Citizens of the Empire sprang into action in the face of this creeping menace. The [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] were tasked with investigating the Cult of the Falconer, even as the group descended into open blood sacrifice. The Silent Bell [[Sound_and_vision#Never_Get_Old_(Falconer)|revealed the truth]]; that the Falconer was a [[tulpa]], a manifestation of the [[constellation]] of [[the Claw]], whose law states that ''Things Bleed''. Appealing to the insecure, the disheartened, the traumatised who had found no healing in Virtue, this cult had set itself to the task of creating a world governed by nothing but brute animal strength. Without room for nuance, compassion, or introspection, those motivated by rage and suffering would never need to reckon with their pain, only turn it outwards against any who crossed their path.

The assemblies of almost every nation affected by the cult condemned their actions in no uncertain terms, with judgements passed through the General and Highborn assemblies echoing these sentiments. The Senate [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Criminalise_Cult_of_the_Falconer|declared]] the cult to be illegal, turning the wrath of militia and magistrate against the followers of this malign and bloodthirsty entity. Yet hardship and opposition have not deterred the cult. In a true act of defiance, they have erected obelisks of [[white granite]] across Sermersuaq.

But it was clear that harsh words would not be enough. And so the general of the Narwhal's Spear gave orders for the army to return home to Sermersuaq to draw the poison from the wound. The Wintermark Assembly urged every hero of the Mark to root out the cult while the Highborn Assembly urged the faithful to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Wintermarkers as they faced the enemy. Finally, the reformed Sun Chamber called on Barien's patronage to let them slip unseen into Sermersuaq seeking to learn what they could about the Cult and their plans and how they might be thwarted.

==Aimed Spear==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Determination of Ice Kaisa, General of the Narwhal's Spear">Children of Sermersuaq, too soon we must return home. A threat is taking root beneath the snow. Scour our lands for those that follow the Falconer and the obelisks they build; remind them that we are children of snow and ice, not stars and blood. Do not kill these lost and misguided; subdue, mediate and bring them back to the hearth. Do not shed blood, do not let them bleed in the snow.</quote></div>
* '''The Narwhal's Spear has moved decisively against the Cult, attacking their strongholds'''
* '''Their actions have shattered the Cult's forces preventing them forming an army'''
* '''Defeating the Cult's forces has rendered their ritual sites vulnerable'''

The [[Narwhal's Spear]], moving under the effects of [[Find the Best Path]], went home to Sermersuaq. Guided by the orders of '''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', and the clearness of communication instilled in them by the Autumn realm, the soldiers spread out across the territory. The orders are clear: save the misguided souls caught in this tulpa’s lies, and in the general’s words, “''remind them that we are children of snow and ice, not stars and blood.''” Their instructions are to treat these people as victims rather than villains, to bring them home and to avoid empowering their patron by further bloodshed.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Narwhal's Spear.webp|align=right|width=300}}
Some cultists break in the face of their nation’s heroes and throw themselves on the soldiers’ mercy. Arrogant youths whose dreams of [[heroism]] melted away in the face of the bloody reality. Loud-mouthed braggarts who found bloodshed far more appealing from the comfort of their tavern stools. Sad and broken souls who collapse into tears in the face of genuine compassion from their fellows, the weight of their pain becoming too much to bear.

Sadly, most do not come quietly. Some fight like animals, snarling and enraged. Others hold onto the vicious cunning that the Narwhal’s Spear know only too well. The soldiers are not eager to slay their kin, but the cultists refuse to give them a choice in the matter. It is a law, after all: ''Things Bleed''.

The cultists are vicious and utterly lacking in mercy, but they are simply no match for an Imperial army, let alone one with the quick wits and magically-enhanced logistics of the Narwhal’s Spear. The soldiers do not commit to fights they cannot win, and when they do strike, it is with overwhelming force. Everywhere they go, the cult is thwarted. An attack on the Smokehouse of Atalaq falls into an Imperial ambush, an attempt to abduct hylje from the Rikkivesi falls in the face of a wall of spears and arrows, and a group seeking to infiltrate the small settlement of Wreck are tricked into giving up their weapons and then barricaded inside a storehouse by a group of fast-talking icewalkers.

By the time the season is drawing to a close, the Spear have broken the strength of the Cult. Despite the intensity of the fighting, the army has taken surprisingly few casualties due to the disordered nature of their foe. It is clear that the Cult was trying to form their followers into an army - had they been given one more season to complete their efforts, then the result would have been very different. As it is, the burgeoning military strength of the Cult has been shattered - those whose skeins may yet be saved have become [[Wintermark_religious_beliefs#The_Frayed|Frayed]]. Those who were beyond such things were buried where they fell. The Cult's plans for an army of their own are gone.

The attack has been timely; by directly attacking the cult's strongholds, the Spear have been able to draw members of the cult away from the ritual sites they have taken over. That has left these sites vulnerable and enabled the more nimble groups that accompanied the army to move quickly to investigate these locations. That is fortunate, for it soon transpires that raising an army was just part of the cult's plan.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px;">
{{SOPInner|by=Thritt, Wintermark Assembly|statement=The Cult of the Falconer’s influence must be ended. The construction of their obelisks in the Suaq wastes puts at risk the lives of not just all Winterfolk, but of the Hylje, whom Wintermark previously swore to defend. The Wintermark Assembly urges every Hero of the Mark to bring everything they have to bear, to exercise their courage and vigilance to root this cult out from the Suaq Wastes and see it destroyed. We cannot fail the Hylje.|vote={{GM}} 252-10|when=Summer Solstice 387YE}}
{{SOPInner|by=Corrin Arrowsbane, Wintermark Assembly|statement=The Falcon flies alone. False words have told you “Blood-on-the-Snow” walks alongside. Do not hear the Voice in the Pines whispering in every threat. Vigilance tells us to clear our fields; Wisdom tells us to test what we know. This cult follows the stars; not our foe that follows famine.|vote=290-0|when=Summer Solstice 387YE}}
{{SOPInner|by=Destin of the Woodwych Harts, Highborn Assembly|statement=The dangerous cultists of the Falconer threaten Imperial lives and souls - especially those of our cousins in Wintermark. In Peerless Kinship, we hear the words of judgements 168 and 180, and urge all Vigilant Wayfarers to journey northwards and offer any spiritual assistance they can, as directed by their Wintermark hosts, to seek out and confront this threat.|vote=388-10|when=Summer Solstice 387YE}}
</div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sun Chamber colour.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Crossroads and Doorways==
* '''The Sun Chamber voted to journey to Sermersuaq, and to scout for the white granite obelisk of the Cult of the Falconer'''
* '''Members of the sodality have located all four of the menhirs that the Cult has prepared'''
* '''The sodality has recovered a coded message from the body of one of the Cult members'''
Last season, the recently revived [[Sun Chamber]] voted to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Sodality_resolutions#Door_of_the_Chamber|send members]] of the sodality to the territory to scout for the [[white granite]] obelisks of the Cult of the Falconer. Ably assisted by heralds of the [[Barien|Lord of the Crossroads]], members and former alumni, slip into the territory looking to find the root of the cult's power - the stone menhirs that they have created.

It is daunting work, requiring them to range all over the territory. Sermersuaq is one of the largest territories in the Empire, a huge expanse of tundra that is difficult to cross and easy to hide in. Dangerous too, for the wild parts of Sermersuaq are plagued with monsters released into the world by [[Agramant|Blood on the Snow]] and [[Hayaak|the Prince-in-Exile]]. Fortunately, the Chamber have powerful allies of their own, the heralds of their patron granting them supernatural swiftness as they speed across the land. With all the vigour that youth can bring them, they throw themselves into the task of scouting for the white granite obelisks.

The first obelisk is located almost by accident, in Tanikipari. Members of the Chamber were looking for something much bigger, based on rumours heard about the obelisks. But the cult had buried the stone menhir for some reason, either to hide it or perhaps for some more sinister reason. As a result only the very tip, barely the size of a person, protrudes above the ground, and it might have been missed were it not for the the eagle eyes of ''Megaris of the Empty Sword'', a keen-eyed young sentinel from [[Spiral]].

The Chamber quickly confirm that the menhir is one of the obelisks they are looking for. Once they have a better idea of what they are looking for, the sodality are able to intensify their search and members turn up two more obelisks in quick succession, one in [[Sermersuaq#Suaq_Fount|Suaq Fount]] and one in [[Sermersuaq#Suaq_Wastes|Suaq Wastes]]. According to those members of the cult who have turned back to Virtue, there are four obelisks in total, but the last one proves almost too much to find.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Warlock Yogurn, House of Frost, Silver Peaks, Sermersuaq}}
Eventually it is located, not in any part of Sermersuaq controlled by the Empire, but in the Silver Peaks, the rich mountains claimed by the Thule. Goaded on by the ''Master of Challenges'', a handful of the current members of the Chamber slip over the border into the Thule lands and quickly locate the final obelisk, not far from the [[Stonefield Ice Caves]]. A tense stand-off with a group of warlocks nearly ends in catastrophe, until the scouts are able to convince the Thule that they are not there to steal, but rather to seek out mutual enemies of the Thule and the Empire. Together, the two groups are able to examine the final obelisk, before members of the Cult appear and both groups are forced to withdraw. Members of the sodality leave with a name, Warlock Yogurn of the House of Frost, and a promise that the matter will be reported to the Dragons, who will decide what to do with the obelisk.

Members of the sodality try to avoid battle with the Cult where they can - those with military training understand how foolish it can be for scouts to lose sight of their mission and risk clashing swords with their enemies. Nonetheless, a handful of skirmishes prove impossible to avoid. It seems of little concern at first, a dozen fights like this have happened across the territory, but this one is different. An enciphered document is found on the body of one of the Chosen, a merchant originally from Kallavesa. It strikes everyone as a curious and auspicious matter – the Cult has no time for such sophisticated things as codes, so whatever is concealed within could be important. The note has been passed to the Civil Service, who will deliver it to the assembled Sun Chamber at their next meeting in Anvil in the hope that deciphering it may provide some useful intelligence.

Having successfully located all four of the strange obelisks, the Chamber turns to cooperating with their allies in this quest, those stirred to action by the Wintermark and Highborn assembly, to put together a plan for dealing with them.
====Participation====
Any member of the Sun Chamber can have taken part in the investigation in Sermersuaq over the past season. Appropriate stories could involve gaining the assistance of heralds of the Lord of the Crossroads to move with unnatural quickness over the vast landscape, lucky escapes where you just managed to avoid a large band of Cultists. You may have been part of the small group who had a tense meeting with the Thule in the Silver Peaks, or one of those who found the first menhir in Tanikipari.

Any member of the Sun Chamber who took part in this investigation, and roleplays that they were supported by a herald of Barien, starts play with an additional [[Heroic skills|hero point]]. This is expended first and is lost if not used by the end of the event.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=NBHighguard.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Special Kinship==
* '''The Winterfolk and Highborn have come together to seek out the cult'''
* '''They have uncovered the cult's plan to infuse Sermersuaq with the power of the Claw'''
* '''They have discovered a pillar and a Voice in Suaq Fount'''
The people of Sermersuaq are hardy. It was not so long ago that the Jotun stormed through their lands, and not too much longer than that when Thule maggots roamed across the territory. Buoyed up by the words of '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' exhorting them to despise folly and chastise the fools who spread it, and of '''Rafe''', who told them to reject unknown or malicious auras, they are well primed for the judgements of '''Thritt''' and '''Corrin Arrowsbane''', urging them to reject the Cult of the Falconer and confirming the source of their powers.

This is it, the test of the Winterfolk’s resolve to stand firm in the face of malign auras and misguided cultists. Most are not fighters, but hunters bring back word from the wilderness, stormcrows dutifully collate reports from their congregations, and local icewalkers cast divinations to find what intelligence they can. The people of Sermersuaq can be Proud of their sharp eyes, and no gathering of cultists evades their sight.

Yet even as the Winterfolk stand in defence of their land, aid comes from yet more sources. Highborn pilgrims, guided by the words of '''Destin of the Woodwych Harts''', travel north to offer aid to their Winterfolk counterparts. Vigilant inquisitors, ruthless unconquered, and a few former grey pilgrims who walked the trods in the region, all come to offer assistance to their siblings in Virtue.

Their aid proves pivotal; relentless questioning by the Highborn inquisitors of those who have given up the cult slowly reveals the enemy's true ambitions. Their goal is nothing less than the transformation of the land itself, by erecting four great menhirs in the shape of the [[the Claw]] and performing bloodthirsty rites on them, they hope to make all of Sermersuaq become as wild and savage as the constellation itself. In a twisted version of the Marcher traditions of [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Chalk_Figures_and_Standing_Stones|standing stones]], the Cult seeks not to yoke the forces of nature, and subject them to mortal authority, but the very opposite. To break the yoke of civilisation and give free rein to nature's most cruel instincts. Like marking an object with a rune, they plan to mark the land with the sign of the Claw, so that it resonates with the same magical properties as the constellation itself.

Nobody is certain if the plan will actually work. While the more followers of the Falcon are adamant that nothing can stop them, ice-walkers, mystics, and magisters who examine the plan are uncertain exactly what will happen. Attempts to exploit hearth magic on this scale are fraught with difficulty and impossible to predict. In the end, few believe it really matters what ''might'' have happened - Vigilance demands they are stopped, regardless.

Fortunately, the actions of the Narwhal's Spear have left the cult unable to protect the obelisks, leaving them vulnerable to action by the Empire's heroes. The various leaders of the Cult, the "voices" remain with the obelisks, planning to invoke them when the moment is right, so a capable group could use the Sentinel Gate to destroy the Cult's leadership and remove the threat at the same time.

====Participation====
Any Highborn or Winterfolk can have taken part in the efforts in Sermersuaq, focusing on Suaq Fount. Appropriate stories could involve collaborating with others, careful tracking and hunting, collating information (perhaps with a corkboard), and desperate fights against beasts or cultists. Some priests may have spent time inquisiting those who were captured or surrendered to find out what was planned, while magicians were studying the stars and looking into the cult's plans to see how feasible they really were.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ClawIllustrationInk.JPG|title=The Claw(Illus.)|align=right|width=300}}
==Stone and Stars==
* '''The pillars are huge white granite obelisks, that have been buried in the ground'''
* '''Destroying a pillar will prevent the Cult's magic from affecting that region'''
* '''If one pillar is destroyed, the Cult's plan will no longer affect the territory, only those regions containing an obelisk'''
* '''If all four stone monoliths are destroyed the Cult's plan will completely fail'''
* '''Destroying the pillars will be difficult, they require powerful magic to destroy'''

The Cult's plan requires four obelisks, spread out across Sermersuaq, in an arrangement meant to mimic the shape of the constellation of the Claw. There is one in [[Sermersuaq#Tanikipari|Tanikipari]], one in [[Sermersuaq#Suaq_Fount|Suaq Fount]], one in the [[Sermersuaq#Suaq_Wastes|Suaq Wastes]] and one in the [[Sermersuaq#Silver_Peaks|Silver Peaks]]. The Cult will need all four of these to be in place by the end of the Equinox to bring down their curse on the whole territory.

If so much as a single obelisk is destroyed, then the rites will fall short. The Cultists will still complete the rites, but the effects will only fall on those regions that still contain an obelisk at the time. If all four are destroyed, then the rites will fail completely and there will be no effects.

One mystery remains - how did the Cult obtain the resources for these huge obelisks? The Cult has painstakingly buried the menhirs in the ground, so that the magic they evoke will be communicated to the very soil and rock itself. By all accounts, the things are huge, each must have required at least ten wains of [[white granite]] - meaning the cult must have acquired forty wains in total. There were rumours that the Cult was recruiting at Anvil, trying to acquire white granite for their plan, but few of their supporters are wealthy or powerful. How then have they come by such enormous resources?

Destroying the pillar would require delivering a potent ritual magic. The Highborn magisters and the Wintermark icewalkers and mystics have combined their skills to create three arcane projections, one for each of the groups attempting to destroy an obelisk. Inspired by Winter ritual [[Dreadful Ending]], the projections are Magnitude 20 and would take two minutes to cast, but if cast while close enough to touch one of the Falconer obelisks, it will be completely destroyed. They have provided one copy to each of the citizens charged with ensuring the pillars are destroyed.

===Strengthening Storm===
* '''A band of cultists are protecting the pillar of Tanikipari'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Corrin Arrowsbane'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the pillar and killing the Voice of Tanikipari'''
* '''Killing the Voice of Tanikipari will prevent this individual from posing a threat in the future'''
* '''Destroying the Tanikipari obelisk will ensure the region is not affected by the Cult's magic'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
A group of vigilant Winterfolk have attempted to destroy the first pillar found, the obelisk near Ittanpari in Tanikipari. Sadly, they encountered unusually strong defences and they were forced to pull back with several members of the band badly wounded. ''Merewalh the Fox'', a Suaq mediator, has sent word back asking for help.

Merewalh was inspired by the words of '''Corrin Arrowsbane''' to seek out this threat. As such, she asks Corrin Arrowsbane to complete the mission to destroy the pillar and kill the Voice of Tanikipari. Killing the Voice will ensure this individual cannot flee and return to pose a threat in the future. Destroying the pillar will ensure that the region is not affected by the Cult's magic.

===Growing Threat===
* '''A band of cultists are protecting the pillar of the Suaq Wastes'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Counsel of the Sun Chamber'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the pillar and killing the Voice of the Wastes'''
* '''Killing the Voice of the Wastes will prevent this individual from posing a threat in the future'''
* '''Destroying the Suaq Wastes obelisk will ensure the region is not affected by the Cult's magic'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The members of the Sun Chamber chose to focus their efforts on the western part of the territory. ''Megaris of the Empty Sword'', the keen-eyed sentinel who found the first pillar, has been keeping an eye on the final target close to the border with [[Tromsa]]. The cultists here have rallied around the "''Voice of the Wastes''", from where they have carried out numerous forays into Kalsea.

As ''Megaris of the Empty Sword'' is a member of the Sun Chamber, it is the responsibility of the [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]], '''Zoria''', to ensure the pillar is destroyed and the Voice of the Wastes slain. Killing the Voice will ensure this individual cannot flee and return to pose a threat in the future. Destroying the pillar will ensure that the region is not affected by the Cult's magic.

Whilst [[Barien]] would normally require that only members of the sodality take part in any dangerous quest that had employed his help to arrange, here he has made clear that he expects the Chamber will need to call on many allies from outside the sodality if they are to achieve the impossible. Provided the will of the Consul is respected, then the eternal will not be angered no matter who she chooses to undertake the dangerous expedition.

<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Speaker of Highborn Assembly.jpg|caption='''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''', Speaker of the Highborn Assembly|align=left|width=200}}</div>

===Gathering Darkness===
* '''A band of cultists are protecting the pillar of Suaq Fount'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Speaker of the Highborn Assembly'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for destroying the pillar and killing the Voice of the Fount'''
* '''Killing the Voice of the Fount will prevent this individual from posing a threat in the future'''
* '''Destroying the Suaq Fount obelisk will ensure the region is not affected by the Cult's magic'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
''Caleb of Matthias' Rest'', a shrewd Highborn [[Unconquered]], was chosen to lead a group of fellow Highborn warriors to the sparse area south-east of the [[Sermersuaq#Face_of_Ikka|Face of Ikka]], hoping to destroy the Cult's power there. These cultists have rallied around the "''Voice of the Fount''", and looked to disrupt the [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]] and claim the mithril for themselves. Sadly, the group never reached the Fount, they were attacked on the way by one of Hayaak's vengeful monsters and too many of the group were wounded for them to continue.

As ''Caleb of Matthias' Rest'' took inspiration from the [[judgement]] of '''Destin of the Woodwych Harts''', it would usually be their responsibility. However, the civil service have been informed that the wayfarer will not be at the coming summit, so it is down to the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]], '''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''', to kill the Voice of the Fount and destroy the pillar. Killing the Voice will ensure this individual cannot flee and return to pose a threat in the future. Destroying the pillar will ensure that the region is not affected by the Cult's magic.

{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|title=Thule banner iconography|align=right|width=200}}
===The Silver Peaks===
* '''There is a fourth pillar in the Silver Peaks'''
* '''The Thule warlocks claim the Dragons will ''attend'' to the pillar'''
Members of the Sun Chamber met with a band of Thule warlocks, and the two groups examined the fourth obelisk together. The Thule were investigating reports of problems: previously tame beasts gone feral; tempers running short; and at least one instance of an escalating curse war between rival warlocks. The Chamber were forced to leave the matter with the Thule, who made clear that the Dragons would "attend" to the matter. That might mean the Thule intend to destroy the pillar themselves, but if it ''definitely'' meant that, the warlock would presumably have said as much.

Still, the Empire will have its hands full dealing with the Cult and the three pillars that are in Imperial-controlled parts of Sermersuaq, they may have to just hope that the Thule are as good as their word.

==What is Known==
The Cult of the Falconer is on the back foot, unable to stand in the face of the overwhelming forces arrayed against it. Yet… the Cult did not grow to this size without being persuasive. Their leaders are charismatic, and some find their message of a simpler world, a world without the strictures of civilisation to restrain them, a world where they can finally express their true desires and be granted the acclaim to which their strength entitles them, deeply compelling. Even as it seems like every living being in Sermersuaq is arrayed against them, some still seek out the Falconer. Perhaps there is a sense of doomed romanticism to it, the star-sworn underdogs continuing to fight against the unstoppable mass of the Empire. Perhaps there is no reason at all.

Regardless of motivation, everyone who has joined the Cult has sworn a simple oath: to follow the Cult’s leaders, and to rise up against the Empire when the time comes. And everyone who has done so has received a warning: failing to fulfil this oath will have dire consequences. Not dire as in a loss of wealth. Not dire as in a terrible injury. Not dire as in a frayed skein. Dire as in the wrath of an entire constellation being directed at you. Things Bleed, but if they bleed hard enough, they don't bleed for long.

===Participation===
If your character would have joined the Cult of the Falconer for any reason, you may email {{plot}} with your CID before noon on Friday the 12<sup>th</sup> informing us that you have sworn the cult’s oath. You should visit GOD on Saturday morning to receive a briefing on any repercussions. As an important note, this has a very high chance of your character no longer being playable. You should not do this if you would be uncomfortable having your character die as a result of their involvement with the Cult.
==Further Reading==
* [[The Claw]]

Arratan Gamble

2026-01-04T21:19:30Z

Responsible1: /* The Resource */

==Overview==
The Arratan Gamble stands in northern [[Tassato#Enterio|Enterio]], in [[the League]] [[territory]] of [[Tassato]]. Custodianship of the Arratan Gamble grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable white granite.

==The Resource==
The Gamble is a large quarry; it's claimed that on a clear day the Arratan Gamble is visible from the tallest spires of the city. In addition to the white granite produced in the Gamble, the quarries of Enterio are known for producing fine masonry stone using in construction throughout Tassato and the central Empire.

Official records have always named the quarry Arratan Gamble, but the quarry has also been known as Lerner’s Folly, and most often The Poor Choice. The reason is simple; as the ruination of many a citizen, the quarry is believed to be cursed. According to rumour, Ernesto Lerner von Temeschwar was the first of the victims claimed by the quarry. The first Imperial citizen to hold the Seat, he was an inveterate gambler. Within six months of taking the Seat, he was murdered - hurled off the top of the quarry by one of his many debtors. In plays and stories, Ernesto is killed by a group of people, each of whom had been promised the full production of the Arratan Gamble as collateral on a loan, or inducement to invest in his campaign to take the Bourse seat.

After that follows a litany of unfortunate seat holders; a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] poisoned by an apple; a [[the Marches|Marcher]] stabbed whilst visiting the "theatres" of [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Tassato Mestra]]. One notable death came when Tamani i Riqueza was killed when Mighty Franco, the largest single block of white granite ever raised from the quarry, somehow toppled over and crushed her.

Those of a rational persuasion do not believe the Gamble to be cursed. Many of them blame the dissolute lives of the victims themselves, and blame poor tallies on the workers themselves. The more cynical point out that every "victim" of the curse of the Arratan Gamble has come from somewhere other than Tassato, and point to the legendary jealousy of the citizens of the twin cities. They also like to point out that no magical investigation of the Arratan Gamble has ever found the slightest trace of a curse. This absence of obvious malediction has allowed conspiracy theories to run riot - perhaps the most famous of which is the existence of a shadowy secret society immortalized in the play "''The Fellowship of the Red and Gold Mask''" - a cultish cabal made up of members of prominent guilds from both Tassato Mestra and [[Tassato#Tassato Regario|Tassato Regario]] motivated by a crazed desire to punish any "outsider" who meddles in the feud between Regario and Mestra. Sensible people dismiss these claims as wild - albeit entertaining - fabrication.

Still, a wise Seat apportions the bounty of white granite provided by the Seat cautiously; is careful never to get into debt; and gives the actual quarry itself (and its workers) a wide berth.


==The Bourse Seat==
===Responsibilities===
The Seat has no particular responsibilities; they simply receive a bounty of white granite which is theirs to do with as they will. If the Arratan Gamble were to be threatened in any way, it would be the responsibility of the Seat to deal with those threats. Likewise, if any particular [[opportunity]] were to arise related to the Arratan Gamble, the Seat would expect to be consulted as to how that opportunity might be resolved.
===Powers===
====Seat on the Bourse====
Custodianship of the Arratan Gamble comes with a seat on the Imperial Bourse. For the most part, this Seat comes with no additional responsibilities. It is an Imperial title that grants the right to participate on the rare occasion when the Imperial Bourse as a body is required to make a decision.
====Bounty of White Granite====
The Seat has control of a source of white granite and receives Bourse certificates to represent that control. They can dispense this resource as they choose. Production is 25 Imperial wains of white granite every season.
===Appointment===
As with all white granite Bourse seats, the holder of the title is determined during the Summer Solstice. As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.

Custodianship of the Arratan Gamble is retained for a year, or until the citizen holding the seat dies, or steps down. An Imperial Bourse seat cannot be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Imperial Synod]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=Otmar van Holberg.jpg|caption='''Otmar van Holberg''', Custodian of the Arratan Gamble|align=left|width=300}}
{{RecentElections|Arratan_Gamble}}
[[Category:Title]][[Category:Bourse]]

Sevenfold Path

2025-10-06T08:17:52Z

Responsible1: /* Membership of the Order */

==Motto==
''Let all power be guided by virtue.''

==The Manifesto==
The Order of the Sevenfold Path holds the following to be true:

* Magic should work in harmony with, and to promote, the fulfilment of the destiny of Imperial citizens.
* The Conclave and Synod can most effectively protect the Empire from hazards, and subversive elements, by working in harmony and unison
* The Way of Virtue binds the Empire together and should inform all use of powers, including magic

The Order of the Sevenfold Path exists to:

* Encourage use of magic in understanding, and supporting, human destiny and the destiny of orcs and other peoples.
* Ensure the powers of the Conclave are deployed in line with the Way of Virtue
* Build a bridge between the Conclave and the priests of the Synod

Prior to the Spring Equinox 385YE, the wording of the Order's goals focused on human destiny only. The Senate [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Manifesto_of_Sevenfold_Path|amended]] the goals, following the request of the order itself, to make it clear that they would understand and support orcs, as well as humans.
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|title=Order of the Sevenfold Path|align=right|width=240}}
==Symbol==
A symbol that has been used by the Order in the past has been a seven-spoked wheel with each of the triangles between the spokes coloured differently with one of the colours of the rainbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sevenfold path.jpg|title=Virtue and power|align=left|width=360|height=540}}
==Membership of the Order==
This is the order that contains the largest number of magician-priests, and many of its members also vote in the [[Imperial Synod]]. Some wags have dubbed the Sevenfold Path as the "''Magicians' Assembly''". Even those members who do not also sit in the Synod tend to be politically active. Most members take their self-appointed task encouraging their fellow magicians to keep to the Way very seriously. At the very least, they have a great deal of interest in ensuring that the [[archmage|archmages]] and their fellow [[grandmaster|grandmasters]] are virtuous. With the Synod unable to revoke titles in the Conclave, the Sevenfold Path traditionally see part of their role as using the [[Candidacy|Declaration of Candidacy]] to ensure corrupt or heretical citizens do not rise to high office in the Conclave. Likewise, they take the [[Sorcery|Declaration of Sorcery]] very seriously and seldom balk at using it to remove power from those they consider to be a threat to the stability of the Empire. Finally, this is the order that has historically made the most use of the [[Interdiction|Declaration of Interdiction]] to protect the souls of their fellow citizens from dubious magic.

Devout magicians are joined in this order by magicians who genuinely seek to ensure the future of the Empire. In recent years several [[Imperial Orcs]] have joined the order. This led some members to quietly agitate for a change to the manifesto; originally the first point mentioned ''human destiny'' rather than the ''destiny of Imperial citizens.'' Following a [[Declaration#Declaration of Concord|Declaration of Concord]] by the Conclave, a motion was brought before the Senate and the wording [[Alter manifesto of Sevenfold Path|changed]] to recognise that not all Imperial citizens are humans. Most orc members appear unconcerned, both with the change and the original wording, although it has (perhaps predictably) outraged some traditional members of the Order. A vocal minority claim that with this change of emphasis, the Order is no longer concerned with the wider destiny of humanity but solely with the destiny of the Empire - a narrowing of vision that could be seen at best as cowardice and at worst as betraying the original spirit of their Order.

The Order of the Sevenfold Path has traditionally chosen grandmasters who are strong in virtue and faith, usually priests. Of all the orders, the Sevenfold Path tends to have the worst access to crystal mana as many of its members are leaders of a [[congregation]], rather than controlling a [[mana site]]. Consequently, the order is usually more measured in the addresses and declarations raised.

One particular ritual that often receives special attention from the Sevenfold Path is [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]]. This ritual allows the Sevenfold Path to directly aid their allies in the Synod; they know the value of giving a larger voice to those priests who speak in support of the Conclave and of magicians in general.

==Conclave vault==
Each summit, the [[Conclave vault]] of the Sevenfold Path garners a pro rata share of the [[Conclave_vault#Crystal_Mana|Font]] based on the [[Imperial Conclave#Principle of Precedence|precedence]] of the orders at the previous summit; a portion of [[ilium]] based on their [[Conclave_vault#Ilium|position]] among the orders as determined by precedence; and additional materials due to outstanding bequests.
* Two measures of [[beggar's lye]] come from the Vale of Burning Tears in thanks for breaking a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereign's]] curse during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]].
* Three measures of [[dragonbone]] come from the tenders of the corpse glade associated with the [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] since 362YE. The dragonbone was unearthed when digging graves for the odd corpses found in the weirwood trees and according to rumour the local workers consider it to be "ill-omened".
* Three measures of [[iridescent gloaming]] come from the [[Hakima]] of [[The Brass Coast|the Brass Coast]] as a gift which has been collected by the Silver Rivers Hakima since 81YE and will continue to be delivered for as long as the order continues to encourage the use of magic in understanding, and supporting, human destiny.
* Ten vials of [[liao]] from the [[Sumaah Republic]] for the [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Dissemination:_Hammers_of_the_Brilliant_Shore|dissemiantion]] of the [[Hammers of the Brilliant Shore]] during the Summer Solstice 386YE.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Elagabala Preaching.jpg|caption='''Elagabala ''', Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path|align=left|width=450}}
{{Grandmaster|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Sevenfold_Path}}
[[Category:Conclave]]
[[Category:Conclave order]]

Redoubt

2025-10-05T21:31:58Z

Responsible1: /* Overview */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofRedoubt.png|caption=Dangerous lowlands and fortified citadels|title=Regions of Redoubt|align=left|width=500}}
== Overview ==
Redoubt is the smallest of the three Urizen territories and the wildest. The peaks are lower here and many spires are actually built in the foothills; only [[#Siluri|Mount Siluri]] comes close to matching the splendour of the peaks of [[Zenith]] to the north. There are many [[mine|mines]], with [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] and [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] being especially common, but ports such as [[#Naris|Elos]] and [[#Optarion|Visten]] look outwards to the wider world and the many opportunities it presents for trade and both philosophical and cultural exchange. Most of the coast is made up of white stone cliffs, unwelcoming and inhospitable; only as the land slopes down towards [[Necropolis]] and the river Couros does Redoubt possess many beaches.

The mountains here are riddled with odd star-shaped tunnels that date back thousands of years, long before there were any reliable records of humans in this part of the world. Scholars have spent centuries trying to tease some truth about these tunnels from the cold stone - are they a natural phenomena? Signs of pre-human habitation of the mountains? The result of some magical working? To date, no convincing explanation has been offered, and philosophers on all sides argue heatedly about their provenance.

Redoubt is lightly settled, even for Urizen, with many of the more prosperous spires being built along the coast, or overlooking the banks of the Couros river to the west. Unsurprisingly, there are many [[Urizen_military_concerns|citadels]] here and a strong martial tradition, but this is also a territory that produces more than its fair share of zoologists and botanists. These natural philosophers are sometimes blamed for the more esoteric animals and plants found here, and the occasional mutated hybrid horror that appears here is often a sign that a magician is straying dangerously close to insanity.

Parts of the lowlands are quite dangerous - and not just because of these mutated experiments. Several bands of orc bandits live in the spaces between the spires, and barely a year goes by without a nest of [[trogoni]] or a den of drakes becoming a nuisance.

==Recent History==
Since 331YE and the barbarian conquest of [[Spiral]], Redoubt has been preparing itself for invasion. Its long coastline is something of a liability against the [[Grendel]], but for now a combination of sheer cliffs, [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[corsair|corsairs]] and Urizen's own small fleet of martially inclined vessels have prevented the barbarians achieving much more than a few small raids along the shores of the Bay of Catazar.

Following a [[380YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Shores_of_Naris|naval assault]] by the [[Grendel]] in Winter 380YE, there was a [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Redoubt_Game_Information|significant]] barbarian [[orc]] presence in [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]]. The [[Freeborn Storm]] were able to remove this threat in Summer 381YE.

== Major Features ==
=== Cargo ===
Perhaps the most advanced port in all the Empire, Cargo is built on high cliffs overlooking the river Couros in the [[#Limus|Limus]] foothills. Built on multiple gradated levels and sheer cliffs, it is truly a remarkable settlement. Food from the pampas of the [[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]] and the distant [[The Marches|Marches]], as well as luxuries from cities of the [[The League|League]] and even raw materials from [[Varushka]] all pass through Cargo - along with travellers from both the Empire and distant foreign lands. Its wealth owes a lot to the remarkable cranes - both those that speed the process of loading and unloading visiting river boats, and those allowing great quantities of imported goods and exports of stone and metal ore to be winched from the riverside docks to the cliffside heights. As befits a town built on several levels, Cargo is also a centre for the stuff of civil engineering - and of those applications of ritual magic that enhance or support the creation of durable structures. There is some rivalry with the [[Highguard|Highborn]] town of [[Necropolis#Hedra|Hedra]] on the other side of the river, and historical rivalry with coastal spires such as [[#Elos|Elos]] and lost [[Spiral#Apulus|Apulian]].
====The Embassies of Cargo====
Cargo is home to three separate international embassies with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]], and the merchants of the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. The establishment of these three embassies has seen Cargo far outstrip its rivals in terms of prosperity, but created a few problems of its own as an increase in transient population places previously unknown pressure on the town to expand. An example of this prosperity are the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#DeBruin Docks|DeBruin Docks]], not far from the Jarmish and Sarcophan embassies, which secures a [[weirwood]] trade route with the DeBruin family of the Sarcophan Delves.

In Summer 378YE work began on the [[Ambassador to Jarm|Jarmish embassy]] on one of the upper tiers. A beautiful, airy construction of white granite and weirwood with an extensive (and expensive) gardens as well as several private apartments, work was overseen by Atte, [[Senator]] for Sermersuaq. A reciprocal embassy was built in the distant port of [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_.28Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29|Rigia]], following intense discussion between Oswi Twice-Burned and the representatives of the Jarmish House of Princes.

The Jarmish embassy was joined by an [[Ambassador to Axos|embassy]] to the [[Axos|citadels of Axos]] shortly before the Autumn Equinox 380YE. In contrast to the embassy to the magician-princes, the embassy to the masters of the ''necromantia'' is a six storey structure of white granite, with a wide base that tapers toward the roof-garden that crowns it. It was designed with the assistance of architects from the Towers of Kantor, and in much the same way Urizen architects were extensively consulted before work began on the Imperial Embassy in Axos. Some minor controversy has been sparked by the inclusion of a half dozen mummified corpses in the chambers beneath the embassy, said variously to be deceased relatives of the ambassador ... or members of the ambassadorial staff, depending on who one asks.

At the same time the embassy to Axos was being built, work was also proceeding on an [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|embassy]] to the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. Three squat towers connected by covered walkways surround a central garden notable for its riotous profusion of exotic herbs and the glass roof that covers it, allowing the often-delicate plants to prosper in the otherwise inhospitable climate of western Urizen. The embassy has spilled over into Moonfall Square, an open area previously used by musicians and artists, which is now increasingly dominated by an impromptu market as merchants from all over the Empire (and beyond) come to bargain with the traders from Sarcophan. Due to the presence of five official ambassadors, and their staff, all trying to inhabit a single embassy, many of the buildings around the square have also been bought up by Sarcophan citizens leading to one [[the Marches|Marcher]] wag dubbing it "Little Delving". The garrulous Sarcophan enthusiasm for trading and street-culture has already made some of the Urizen citizens in the area a little uneasy - an unease that can only grow thanks to the completion of the [[Bewaarder_van_het_Vandersar_dok#The Concordium Dock|Concordium Dock]] and the concomitant increase in the number of Sarcophan merchants coming to Cargo.

===The Walls of Cargo===
Commissioned in [[Fortify_Cargo|Spring 382YE]], the fortified walls of Cargo are the result of [[The_whole_world#An_Opportunity_in_Cargo|cooperation between four]] nations. [[The_whole_world#The_Builders_of_Axos|Designed]] by the [[Axos|Axou]], [[The_whole_world#The_Wealth_of_Sarcophan|partially financed]] by the [[Sarcophan Delves]], and built by the Empire with [[The_whole_world#The_Magic_of_Jarm|magical assistance]] from the [[Principalities of Jarm]], their construction was intended to protect the town - and its embassies - from the threat of [[Druj]] invasion.

The fortification has a distinctly Axou appearance. Unlike Imperial fortifications, Axou castles and forts include extensive provisions for injuring and killing attacking soldiers rather than just protecting the settlement itself. The Axou embassy provides expert engineers and additional soldiers to the garrison, ensuring that these provisions are well maintained - and can be deployed to their best effect in the event of a siege.

Enlarging the fortification while keeping these unique features would represent a challenge, without the aid of an Axou architect or someone versed in their techniques, or an [[appraisal]] by the civil service.
===Elos===
At the mouth of the River Couros in western [[#Naris|Naris]], stands the harbour of Elos. Originally a base for what little navy Urizen had before the time of Empire, it slowly declined over the centuries until it was left as little more than a quiet fishing village. Most major trade passed it entirely in favour of the much larger ports of [[#Cargo|Cargo]] and [[Necropolis#Hedrossan|Hedra]] to the north. Despite this somnolence, there were still a few reminders of its former purpose - the quayside remained extensive and the harbour wall fortified in several places. The shipyard that once maintained a small fleet of weirwood vessels was reduced to servicing a few dozen fishing boats, but the shadow of what it once was persisted.

Then in 383YE the Imperial senate established the [[Quaymaster_of_the_Elosian_Docks#Hesychian_Docks|Hesychian Docks]] here, a dedicated quay for trading [[white granite]] with merchants from [[Axos]]. This was swiftly followers in Spring 384YE with extensive work that saw the harbour as a whole completely rebuilt, surpassing its original splendor by some distance. The ''[[Elosian_Architect#Great_Harbour_at_Elos|Great Harbour at Elos]]'', under the careful guidance of the [[Elosian Architect]], is once again a bustling port and perhaps with further effort could become [[To_see_what_you_sell#Additional_Benefits|something more]].

In Winter 386YE, both the [[Grendel]] and the [[Children of Wrecks]] attacking the town, each with their own agenda. The invaders were [[On southern sands|seen off]] by the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Towerjacks]], and the [[Northern Eagle]] - an embarrassing defeat for the orcs of the Broken Shore in particular.

===Delving===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Headdress2.jpg|title=Urizen Headdress|align=right|width=200}}
One of the best known spires in Redoubt is found in the [[#Tomari|Tomari]] peaks. Built in a network of deep caves that bear star-map patterns allegedly carved centuries before the height of the Terunael Empire. It is more mercantile than many spires. Although it is still a place of study, its wealth is based on [[mine|mining]] and the principles of engineering when it comes to mining. Adventuresome [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] often come here to teach and to study, and it is considered a pre-eminent site for Urizen study of the [[Runes|runic]] tradition of magic. Prior to the fall of [[Holberg]], the university there maintained a traditional exchange program where students from the city would spend some time studying in the rarefied atmosphere of Redoubt, or travel north to the cosmopolitan halls of [[The League|League]] academia.

===The Court of the White Fountain===
Built in the foothills of [[#Optarion|Optarion]], the Court of the White Fountain is a single massive tower of white granite surrounded by a massive semi-circular wall that completely fills one of the few major passes between Redoubt and the Broken Shore to the south, The White Fountain itself is a great plume of liquid fire that bursts from somewhere deep within the earth and cascades down into a black basin before the tower, before disappearing back beneath the ground. The great courtyards of the tower are sufficient to hold the entire armed forces of Urizen, and the open ground they represent creates a deadly killing field for the skilled Urizen archers who garrison the upper reaches of the tower and the walls. ('''OOC Note:''' This is a rank one [[Fortifications|fortification]]).

At the Summer Solstice 384YE, a ritual was performed on the Court of the White Fountain as the culmination of [[Stone_and_stone#Girdle_the_Flame|a project suggested by Adamant]]. As a result, the fortification is now ''unbreakable''. This means that damage to the fortification cannot reduce it to below 1,000 military strength. It can be captured, but it cannot be destroyed.

===The [[Brilliant Star]]===
The Brilliant Star is a Bourse resource located in [[#Tomari|Tomari]] peaks, overlooking the [[spire]] of [[#Delving|Delving]]. Custodianship of the Star is an [[Imperial Title]] that brings with it a Seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]. It produces 28 Imperial wains of mithril every season. Since the [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Relinquish_the_Brilliant_Star|relinquishment]], control is determined by the [[Tally of the Votes]]; chosen by [[mana site]] owners in [[Urizen]].

===Tower of Light and Shadow===
Standing on a lonely headland in [[#Naris|Naris]], the [[Penumbral Watcher#Tower of Light and Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]] is a peculiar arcane structure finished shortly before the Summer Solstice 381YE. Appearing from a distance to be a lighthouse, the structure is actually a peculiar thaumaturgical building that harnesses the magical energies of a natural phenomenon called the Tilphussian Reach. The tower is overseen by the [[Penumbral Watcher]], an [[Imperial title]] appointed through the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]].
{{Anchor|Grand Conservatory of Music}}
===Grand Conservatory (Ruined)===
The Grand Conservatory of Music stood in [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone]], not far from the eponymous [[spire]] that gives the region its name. Work was completed shortly before the Summer Solstice 381YE, taking advantage of the enthusiasm for art and culture left in the wake of a [[In_brightest_day#The_Power_to_Exalt|potent enchantment]]. The location was apparently chosen because it was close to the geographical "centre of Urizen" - at least on a map - but this created its own problems. Willstone is known to be the territory of three established bands of [[orc]] brigands, and there is little doubt the Grand Conservatory represented a rich prize should they ever become organised enough to threaten it.

In the end, though, it was the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] who destroyed the Conservatory. During the Empire-wide attacks of late 385YE, a large force of heralds [[To_the_last_syllable#In_Urizen|assailed the isolated Conservatory]], taking the musicians and priests by surprise. While many were able to flee, many more were badly injured or killed. When sentinels from the Court of the White Fountain arrived, the beautiful structure was already in flames and the Urizen soldiers had a fierce battle on their hands. Without the intervention of Navarr thorns and Dawnish knights dedicated to fighting Cold Sun, there might have been significant loss of life. Regardless, the Conservatory was ruined, the broken amphitheatre and shattered remnants of the crystal dome a mute testament to destructive zeal of the Day [[eternal]].

==Regions==
===Limus===
*'''Qualities:''' Hills, City
Limus is known for two things; the port-town of [[#Cargo|Cargo]] and its remarkable cranes and its quarries. Hard stone well suited to construction and soft decorative stone alike are quarried out of the peaks and used for everything from the construction of new spires, to the tombs of [[Necropolis]], to the palaces of [[The League|League]] merchant princes, to the parador of [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] dhomiro. A number of spires have become rich [[business|exporting stone]] to the Empire and beyond - rare blue marble from the peaks of Limus is in demand as far afield as the [[Asavean Archipelago]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. Indeed, when the [[Spiral_Spoils_of_War#Damakan_Bladeworks|Damakan Bladeworks]] relocated from [[Spiral]], they chose Limus as their new base of operations as the most likely location to ensure their future prosperity.

The greatest threat to the spires and quarries of Limus comes not from below, but from a band of particularly clever orc bandits and their mountain [[ogre]] allies. These orcs are believed to occupy a cunningly hidden valley somewhere in the mountains here - or possibly on the slopes of southern Zenith - and regularly raid caravans travelling the road along the banks of the Couros. They have proved particularly difficult to uproot, and practical Urizen have responded simply by sending important cargo by boat rather than wagon. Those spires of Limus who lack the ability to take this easy option would likely be quite grateful to anyone who could solve their problem once and for all. To date, they have not dared attack Cargo, but some residents are concerned that it is just a matter of time.

===Naris===
*'''Quality:''' Coastal
The foothills of Redoubt slope smoothly down toward the Bay of Catazar here, presenting some of the most accessible coastline in the nation. Some spires [[farm|cultivate]] the fertile grassland here - especially along the banks of the Couros - but find that the low altitude makes their [[Urizen_economic_interests|ushabti]] unreliable, and few Urizen enjoy the hard manual labour entailed by working in a field. Much more common are [[herb garden|houses of healing]], especially those that focus on sickness of the mind or the spirit, and especially around the headland known as Rebekah's Leap. Some of these restful spires [[business|cater]] specifically to Imperial citizens from other nations suffering from stress or depression, recovering from chronic sickness, or in the last stages of terminal illness.

Here is found '''[[#Elos|Elos]]''', a base for what little navy Urizen had before the time of Empire. For centuries the spire was in decline, little more than a quiet fishing village, with most major trade passing it entirely in favour of the much larger ports of [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] and [[Necropolis#Hedrossan|Hedra]] to the north. In 383YE and 384YE the Imperial senate commissioned a set of docks to deal with [[Axos|Axou]] [[white granite]], and eventually [[Construct_Great_Harbour_of_Elos|ordered]] an expansion of the docks here, restoring them to and eventually surpassing their former glory. The ''[[Elosian Architect#Great Harbour at Elos|Great Harbour of Elos]]'' is once again a bustling port and perhaps with further effort could become [[To_see_what_you_sell#Additional_Benefits|something more]].

At the highest point of the headland that looks out over the Bay of Catazar is '''Rebekah's Leap''', the place where an eponymous [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Stewards_of_the_dead|steward of the dead]] threw herself into the bay. Troubled in mind and spirit, she broke free from her attendants and hurled herself from the cliffs that bear her name after months convinced that she could hear the tolling of a great bell summoning her to the sea. Some fisherfolk of Elos still claim they can hear a bell in the deeps, from time to time.<br>

===Optarion===
The unsettled hills of Optarion quickly give way to a broad band of scrubby coast. Cliffs line the coast, and those few places where the walls of stone drop down towards sea level are the site of well defended Urizen port-spires. Indeed, Optarion is home to some of the best-defended spires in modern Urizen. The [[#The Court of the Fountain|Court of the Fountain]] stands here, guarding the approach into Redoubt through [[Spiral]] and the peaks are scattered with fortified citadels, many hastily defended in the wake of the fall of Spiral, who have been engaged in irregular border skirmishes with the [[Grendel]]. Most of the other spires are built along the coast - and likewise tend to possess unexpectedly strong defences in the face of barbarian raids along the coast.

The largest non-martial spire in the south-east is '''Visten''', a port built around three soaring towers occupying a strip of land that plunges down to the sea. It brings produce from across the Empire to the southern spires. It is a thriving community, home to those Urizen who find life in the mountains too stifling and want more contact with the wider world. It has one of the largest populations of [[briar|briars]] in Urizen, and its population has been swelled by refugees - and ships - from southern Spiral, especially those who managed to escape the fall of [[Spiral#Apulus|Apulian]].

One notable feature of Visten that attracts scholars and sight-seers alike is a potent [[regio]] tied to the realm of Spring that lies on the Bay of Catazar itself - a ring of turbulent water that erupts once or twice every week into a great waterspout that reaches several hundred feet into the air. [[Bands#Covens|Covens]] making use of this regio, called the '''Ribbon of Salt''' by the locals, find their rituals unexpectedly interrupted, occasionally with tragic consequences - the violent water shatters pontoons, rafts and small vessels with equal ease in its active state.

===Siluri===
*'''Quality:''' Hills
The entire region takes its name from Mount Siluri, which rises majestically toward the heavens and rivals the peaks of [[Zenith]] in height. The central tower of Redoubt's [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|Heliopticon]] is built here, gazing down on the forested bowl of [[#Ventosi|Ventosi]] to one side and across the [[Necropolis]] to the other. Several [[mine|mines]] exploit the bounty of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] that lies beneath the peaks, but it is also home to a number of spires who study and expand the philosophies of war and conflict in their myriad incarnations.

One of the most notable structures here is the first '''[[Adelmar the Lion#The Shrine of the Armsmaster|Academy of Arms]]''', founded by the exemplar of [[Ambition]] [[Adelmar the Lion]] in the reign of [[Empress Richilde]]. Reached by a treacherous and winding mountain path, it had been somewhat eclipsed in the centuries since its foundation by the Academies of Dawn and the League. It remained a popular site of pilgrimage for followers of the Way seeking to learn more about Adelmar - or to study under the teachers who maintain the school there. In 384YE, Ranae deRondell consecrated the shrine there with [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]]; since then the influx of pilgrims prepared to brave the difficult climb up the mountain has been greatly increased.

===Tomari===
*'''Quality:''' Hills
The wild peaks of Tomari are some of the more populous in Redoubt. The mountains are riddled with [[mine|mines]], and rich in iron, precious metals, fine jewels and [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]]. The [[#The Brilliant Star|Brilliant Star]] is found here, and occasional pockets of mithril are found throughout the peaks. It is also the site of the famous spire of [[#Delving|Delving]], whose prosperity is based on rich mines and the study of subterranean engineering.

Among other notable spires, '''Tabulous''' is a college whose curriculum focuses on teaching rigorous objectivity and complex mathematics. Many members of the faculty are retired Urizen civil servants, and the curriculum is considered excellent for training servants of the Empire, giving them the skills to make accurate accountings and forecasts. The Day [[regio]] in which Tabulous stands is credited both with cultivating an atmosphere of calm and rationality, and making the spire especially welcoming to [[merrow]] scholars.

On the highest peak here stands the fused ruin known as the '''Unmade'''. A crumbled tower of blasted stone, it is said that it once was a spire, that was eradicated completely by the massed Spires of Urizen early in the days of the Empire. No-one remembers why - which in a nation dedicated to the keeping of accurate records is a matter of obvious concern.

===Ventosi===
The valleys of Ventosi form a great shallow basin between the towering peaks to the north, east and south. Wild forests haunted by surly orcs and hungry [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drakes]] give way to fertile [[farm|farmland]] nearer the rocky coast, where sheer white stone cliffs drop vertiginously into the Bay of Catazar. These western cliffs, haunted by massive gulls and wild sea birds, give Ventosi the feeling of a secluded plateau rather than a valley. A few ambitious spires built along the coast use lifts and treacherous paths to access the water, while others are constructed into the rock walls themselves gazing out towards the Brass Coast. The cliffs of Ventosi are the only known nesting grounds within the empire of the Imperial Albatross - some specimens have been reported with wingspans of almost twenty feet.

One of the more prominent spires here is called '''The Hollows''', for its unusual construction: wind-blown caves in the sandstone formed into extensive dwellings by years of patient, meditative, stone-carving. It is exceptional in Redoubt as a place of spiritual study and introspection. The nature of time is a particular topic discussed here and the surrounding area is scattered with large works of sculpture left to the mercy of the elements.

===Willstone===
The slopes of north-eastern Redoubt are heavily wooded, with hardy conifers on the upper slopes and sprawling [[forest|forests]] of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggarwood]] on the lower slopes. There are comparatively few spires here, and they tend to be both isolated and isolationist, keeping contact with their peers largely through the heliopticon. This has contributed somewhat to Willstone also being the home of at least three small bands of independent barbarian [[orc]] brigands who occasionally bedevil travellers or launch a (generally unsuccessful) raid against one of the smaller spires. The best known spire in the region is probably '''Willstone Citadel'''.

Built largely of wood on the lower slopes of the mountain, surrounding a central carved stone pillar worked with many runes. Whatever other properties it may possess, the runic pillar is known to be a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual text]] for [[Bound by Common Cause]], and the anchor for a strong Autumn [[regio]]. The spire is known for training particularly resourceful sentinels. Not far from Willstone stand the remnants of the [[#Grand Conservatory (Ruined)|Grand Conservatory of Music]] that once served as a point of pilgrimage both for wayfarers exploring the virtue of [[Pride]], and for musicians from all over Urizen until it was [[To the last syllable#In Urizen|ruined]] by ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=SenRedoubt.jpg|caption='''Thalia of Netherwatch''', Senator for Redoubt|align=left|width=350}}
{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Redoubt|Territory=Redoubt|Season=Summer}}

==OOC Notes==
* As of the start of the Autumn Equinox 387YE, the Grendel control Naris. Urizen controls the rest of the territory, making this an Imperial territory.
* The [[#The Court of the White Fountain|Court of the White Fountain]] is a rank one [[fortification]].
* The [[#The Walls of Cargo|Walls of Cargo]] is a rank one [[fortification]], but while the garrison is supported by Axou troops it will inflict half again as many casualties on any attacking army as a construction of similar size. Enlarging the fortification while maintaining this quality will be a challenge without Axou assistance.
* [[business|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from the Bridge of Air and produce an extra 36 rings each season.

* [[mana site|Mana sites]] in the territory benefit from the Bridge of Air and produce an extra mana crystal each season
[[Category:Urizen]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Gazetteer]][[Category:Imperial Territory]]

Imperial Orc Egregore

2025-10-04T11:28:28Z

Responsible1: /* Grud (Na'grul) */

[[Category:Egregore]]
{{stub}}
<div style="float:right; width: 750px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ed2.png|caption=The Imperial orc egregore is the youngest of all, having been created during the reign of Emperor Ahraz.|align=right|width=750}}</div>
===Grud The Unshackled ===
'''Grud The Unshackled''', sometimes called ''White Death'', is the [[egregore]] of the Imperial Orcs. They are the most recent of the egregores to be created, having been brought into existence when the Imperial orcs were recognised as a nation in the reign of [[Emperor Ahraz]].

Confusingly, perhaps, the hosts of the Imperial Orcs egregore often (but not always) takes the name "Grud", and rarely mention their previous name.
==Current Hosts==
===Grud-Who-Thinks===
The elder of the two hosts who regularly attends [[Anvil]], this [[Shamans|shaman]] is closed-mouthed about his past although it is believed he fought in [[the Orc Rebellion]]. He is known to be reasonably widely travelled, having spent years exploring the nations of the Empire and beyond. Unlike most Orcs he apparently spent a decade living by himself with only the voices of his ancestors for company, which by all accounts has made him one of the most peculiar orcs to appear in Anvil. It can be difficult when dealing with him to determine if one is speaking to the egregore spirit, the host, or one of his ancestors. He is often encountered deep in discussion with other shamans, [[Imperial Orcs magical traditions|magicians]], or [[reaver|reavers]]; mumbling to himself about beards; arguing with his ancestral puppets; or shambling around the other nations muttering insults at passers-by and generally being unpleasant. There is some discussion among the orcs as to what aspect or aspects of the nation he embodies. He may represent the old ways, traditions and hearth magics of the Imperials Orcs prior to the rebellion that should always be remembered, or he may represent the brutal and bitter attitude of the freed orcs that really need to be forgotten before the Imperial Orcs can begin to look beyond the rebellion. No one, including Grud seems to know.

===Grud (Na'grul)===
Bloodcrow Na'grul, is a humble scout in service to the [[Winter Sun|First Legion]], beneath the banner of the [[Imperial_Orcs_groups#Bloodcrows|Bloodcrows]]. A stalwart son of the untamed lands within the folds of the Imperial Orcs, he epitomises the disciplined strength and tactical acumen that resonates at the core of the nation. Raised amidst the primal rhythms of the wilderness, he proudly serves in the army of the Winter Sun. He is a quiet individual, observant and measured He offers advice and guidance to those who seek him, especially when they make decisions that could shape the destiny of the nation.
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Egregore Grud the Elder.jpg|title=Ed Thurlow|caption=Grud the Elder is a mysterious figure who listens closely to the voices of his ancestors, which he sometimes claims are embodied in the puppets he carries with him. He is very peculiar, even for a shaman.|align=left|width=265}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Chris Penney.jpg|title=Chris Penney|caption=Na'grul was shaped by the rigid discipline and strategic prowess of a military scout. In the shadows of the untamed wilderness, he honed the skills that now help him act as a guide and guardian to the nation.|align=left|width=250}}
</fourpicture>

==Former Hosts==
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Egregore Imperial Orcs Ricky 2.jpg|title=Ricky Hywel|caption=Grud|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=DaveMcKennaWiki.jpg|title=Dave McKenna|caption=Grud|width=250}}
</fourpicture>
{{Imperial Orcs Links}}
__NOTOC__

A dark and stormy night

2025-10-01T20:56:52Z

Responsible1:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
''"...we have noted and understand the need to change your staff in Redoubt but I personally found the increase in numbers perplexing since you will be reducing the staff over the coming season prior to the embassy being shuttered for the duration of the conflict..."''

Malachi's voice trailed off as he finished reading aloud from the dusty scroll. He handed the letter to his colleague so that it could be placed with the others. "It's signed Abel of Zenith Ascendant, Ambassador to the Grendel. He's telling them they have to get out," he said, by way of explanation.

"Cheeky fuckers," said Naomi shaking her head. "Hard to believe they were under our noses this whole time. We invite them in - and the first thing they do is start spying on us. First thing and the last thing too, it seems. Virtueless little shits."

"Hm... maybe." Malachi cocked his head to one side considering Naomi's statement. "Would you do as you're told if it were Grendel giving the orders?"

Naomi grinned at the rebuke. "I guess not. What is it Myfanwy says? ''You can't betray your enemies...''"

"Right." said Malachi grimly. "And what this little episode so neatly demonstrates is that the Grendel will always be our enemies..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Berechiah.jpg|align=left|caption=[[Berechiah]] taught the importance of being prepared to get one's hands dirty when pursuing threats to the safety of one's people.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to penetrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued ''Victo von Temeschwar'']] and helped him regain his senses after he managed to successfully infiltrate the [[Grendel]] operation in the territory. Once he was fully debriefed, the Empire were in a position to either shut down the outpost in Apulian, or attempt to subvert the network at the risk of letting the spies get away.

While this has been happening, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt for enemies of the Empire]]. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. Thus far their work had been largely unsuccessful - which is to say that they were all set to report back that there were very few, if any, real threats in the territory beyond the obvious.

Then, at the very last moment, they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Black Iron Blade==
* '''The Military Council have shut down the outpost of the Grendel espionage ring in Spiral'''
After due consideration, the [[Imperial Military Council]] opted to shut down the Grendel operations in Spiral. Perhaps the benefits of trying to subvert the network were too intangible, perhaps the risks of letting the spies get away were simply too great. Only those who were present for the discussion will know for sure what was discussed, but the decision is not in any doubt. Orders go out to the Imperial magistrates, who gather together groups of League bravos, hastily recruited as militia and supplemented with a handful of sentinels and magicians from the spires outside the city. They move decisively to arrest the ringleaders - with a series of dawn raids the perpetrators are quickly taken into custody.

Those involved are a motley collection. Around half are Apulian orcs, most of whom never become League citizens when the territory switched sides under the leadership of Salt Lord Kaliact. A third are League citizens, whose loyalties have been bought with coin and promises of more. The remainder are a sorry mix of malcontents and ne'er do wells, mostly disgruntled Urizeni unhappy with the new regime.

Their arrest marks the end of Grendel operations in Spiral. There's no doubt some informants will have got away, you never catch everyone, but under questioning it is clear that the hard-headed choice of the Council has ensured that all the key people have been caught. The ones that refuse to cooperate are swiftly tried and executed, the handful that wisely chose to spill their guts and tell everything they now get off "lightly" - allowed to board ship and set sail never to return to the Empire. A chance to escape with their lives is too much for some of them to resist and the magistrates are able to gather a trove of invaluable information.

The first thing they discover is that the Grendel are operating "jewels" in [[Sarvos]] and ''another'' in [[Sarvos#Bocche|Trivento]] as well, despite the [[The_cities_and_the_city#Sarvos:_Agents|work done to root them out from here two years ago]]. There were apparently plans to establish a new outpost in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|the Black City in Necropolis]] after the last one was [[Rings_and_crowns#Eyes_of_the_Basilisk|rooted out by the Empire]], but thus far the Grendel were unable to spare the resources needed. However, there is one in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] in [[Redoubt]] - based out of the old embassy building.

These spies have no information on other territories, but it's likely that there are jewels in [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]]. Certainly the actions of [[Fake_empire#Gallum_Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]] in response to [[A circle sewn with fate|the Wrecker attack on Feroz]] strongly suggest that must be the case in that territory.

However, the Empire can be confident that the Grendel espionage ring does not extend beyond this. The interrogation of the captured Grendel agents reveals that the Grendel use their navies to set up these espionage rings. A single navy is all it takes, and any of the forces can accomplish it. All it takes is for the navy to spend a season in the waters off the coast and the scouts and spies go to work infiltrating the coast and suborning those whose loyalties are for sale. It's not cheap, it costs the Grendel a heavy purse to set a new jewel in their ring and crucially the navy can't do anything else that season. Worse, if the navy is driven off or intercepted by another navy then the efforts are wasted.

The only other way they can set up an espionage ring is if they control the territory itself. Based on that information, the only places the Grendel could have outposts of their espionage ring is in Feroz, Madruga, Sarvos, Necropolis, Redoubt, Spiral and Mareave. Of those, the Empire can be certain they are not in Spiral or Necropolis, but the others are all suspect, and Sarvos and Redoubt are a certainty.

And that it turns out, was all the followers of Berechiah needed to spring into action.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==Watchers' Flute==
* '''The Grendel were using the embassy building in Cargo to spy on the Empire'''
* '''The followers of Berechiah have used the information from Spiral to shut this operation down'''
With a tip-off from the ongoing investigations in Spiral, the followers of Berechiah searching Redoubt for spies leap into action. It's one thing to search a whole territory, it's another to know that the thing you're looking for is in one city. If Cargo were a city of the League that might still leave a lot of rocks to look under, but [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] is much smaller than even Apulian, the smallest of the five League cities. Moreover, the open planning preferred by the Urizen leaves fewer hiding places for cockroaches than the Grendel might have liked.

The information provided by the informants the magistrates have captured isn't enough to pin down the location of the Grendel operations - here or elsewhere, but it's enough to get them started. Spurred on the need to act quickly, before the information becomes stale, the Vigilant run down every lead and to their astonishment discover the Grendel have been hiding in plain sight.

The old [[Construct_Grendel_Embassy|Grendel embassy building]] was commissioned by the Senate in Redoubt in Spring 384YE and the work was completed two seasons later. The Grendel quickly settled into the new building but when the treaty came to an end, it seems that not ''all'' of them moved out. There had been clear signs of trouble - odd reports of Grendel activity in and around the embassy as the end of the treaty grew closer. The Ambassador to the Grendel at the time wrote to them reminding their counterpart that they would need to depart the embassy if war began. The Grendel protested the issue - claiming that as civilised people they should keep the channels of communication open - even during the war. However there were no instructions to the contrary by the Senate and so the ambassador's instructions were carried out and the embassy was closed and the occupants offered free passage out of the territory.

Now it seems that not all of them may have left. In fact, it transpires that the Grendel were using the embassy building to spy on the Empire at the time, with spies coming and going at all hours of the day. The diplomatic staff duly left when the embassy was closed, sadly the spies did not, it appears. Rather than get on a boat with their colleagues they chose to hide in the city and have been operating clandestinely ever since. Incredibly, the spies have actually been hiding out in the old embassy building itself, using a secret tunnel to come and go unobserved.

The Vigilant place the embassy building under close scrutiny, being careful not to tip off the enemy. Once they've gathered enough information, they call in the magistrates who move swiftly to arrest and execute the spies. A handful of corrupt merchants are rounded up with them, it seems that more than a few Urizeni captains have been paid handsomely for reports of what they've learned while sailing the Bay. Sadly there's no new information beyond what had already been discovered in Apulian, but the magistrates are able to confirm what those in Spiral discovered. Each espionage ring requires a navy taking special orders to sit in the waters off a territory for a season to set one up. They're expensive, not just to set up but to run. Paying informants is costly business it seems.

All-in-all it has been a surprisingly effective process - for all that it has been mostly good luck. If the followers of Berechiah hadn't been here at just the right moment, then it's likely that the Grendel spies would have got away with it. As it is, they've been able to capitalise on the success in Spiral to clear Redoubt - and in doing so clear the entire Eastern half of the Bay.

That just leaves Sarvos, Feroz, and Madruga to deal with...

==Countering the Grendel==
* '''The Grendel espionage ring has offices in Sarvos and Madruga and is suspected of having offices in Feroz'''
* '''The Imperial Spymaster and the Shuttered Lantern could be empowered to go after these operations'''
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2">Grendel Espionage</th></tr>
<tr><th>Territory</th><th>Status</th></tr>
<tr><td>Feroz</td><td>Suspected</td></tr>
<tr><td>Madruga</td><td>Confirmed</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sarvos</td><td>Two Confirmed</td></tr>
<tr><td>Necropolis</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Redoubt</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Spiral</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mareave</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Removing the remaining "jewels" of the Grendel espionage ring will not be easy. The Vigilant might favour the use of the [[Silent Bell]], it's certainly within their remit, but their focus is currently in the east on the Druj where they are suffering heavy losses. Much more of that and there won't be a Silent Bell to send.

There are three options that the Empire could employ, all of which would work. The first is to empower the [[Imperial Spymaster]], [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Imperial_Spymaster|recently granted responsibilities for counter-espionage]], the power to set up and coordinate counter-espionage efforts. An alternative would be to empower the [[Shuttered Lantern]] by building them a [[The_shape_of_things_to_come#Each_in_Order|Grand Lodge]]. Finally, the Empire could ask one or Imperial generals with scouting armies, the Seventh Wave or potentially the Wolves of War to [[Army_qualities#Scouting|scout the territory]]. The last requires the least upfront investment, but it does mean having an entire Imperial army unable to fight that season.

===Lowther's Gaze===
* '''The Imperial Senate could commission offices for the Imperial Spymaster to give them the power to set up a counter-espionage operation in a territory'''
* '''Each operation would cost 10 thrones and require the support of military units with a combined strength of two thousand to be successful'''

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Spymasters Offices'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Any Imperial controlled region with the city quality</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 10 weirwood, and 90 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Amends the title of Imperial Spymaster to give them the power to announce a counter-espionage operation in one territory each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Counter Espionage'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Use:''' Announcement in the Military Council</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Once per season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates a [[Venture#Scouting_Ventures|scouting venture]] to conduct counter-espionage in the territory in the coming season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:'''
* Gains information on the existence of espionage operations in the territory if supported by military units with a strength of 1000 or more
* Gains opportunity to counter espionage operations in the territory if supported by military units with a strength of 2000 or more
* Only military units from the nation in question could help with counter-espionage efforts in their nation
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Veto:''' Can be vetoed by the General Assembly, the Assembly of Nine or the national assembly of the nation the territory is in</td></tr>
</table></div>

The Imperial Senate could use a Senate motion to build substantial offices for the Imperial Spymaster. The best place for such offices would be in one of the great cities of the Empire, it wouldn't have to be one of the League cities but it would need to be a large settlement.

Once the offices were complete, the Spymaster could use them to coordinate counter-espionage efforts in the Empire. These efforts wouldn't be cheap, but they would be flexible, the Spymaster could choose any Imperial territory (that is a territory eligible to elect a [[senator]]). All they would need to do is use an announcement in a Military Council session to issue the orders. It wouldn't be cheap - each use of this power would cost the Imperial treasury 10 thrones that season, reflecting the expenses of setting up and coordinating scores of independent scouts.

That latter part is crucial - the Spymaster would need significant support from Imperial military units. The announcement would create a scouting venture that military units ''from the nation in question'' could choose to support the venture. If the venture had the support of military units with a combined strength of a thousand or more, then the Spymaster would get a full report on any covert activities by spies in the area and ''might'' discover illicit activities by cults or similar. With a strength of two thousand or more, the Empire would gain an opportunity to shut down any covert activity, if there was any.

One drawback of this approach is that the military units would need to be drawn from the nation where the action was taking place. Marcher bounders would be highly effective in counter-espionage efforts in Mitwold or similar - but they couldn't help in the League or the Brass Coast, or other nations.

===Cartographer's Eye===
* '''The Imperial Conclave could use a declaration of concord to look into establishing a grand lodge for the Shuttered Lantern in one of the afflicted territories'''
* '''The presence of the Shuttered Lantern grand lodge in a territory would make it impossible for an enemy to establish a spy network or an espionage ring there'''
With the [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|grand lodge]] of the [[Golden Pyramid]] in [[Mareave]] completed, the Conclave could use a declaration of concord to identify which order ought to benefit from such prestigious quarters next. There is considerable competition for this honour, but if the Conclave chose to honour the Shuttered Lantern it would give them an opportunity to base themselves in a territory. Any grand lodge is bound to provide an array of benefits - assessing those options is part of what the declaration is for. It's not possible to know what the exact benefits might be.

However, one thing is clear - once a grand lodge of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] was complete in a territory, it would not be possible for the Grendel to set up a new office of an espionage ring there, nor for any enemy power to build a spy network there. With so many wizards dedicated to the detection and monitoring of threats in the territory, it would be impossible for a ''new'' network to be created.

The obvious drawback is the costs - a grand lodge is a huge edifice that requires a massive investment of time and resources from the Empire. And if it did provide opportunities for the order to engage in counter-espionage, there is no reason to think they would be any cheaper than those potentially available to the Imperial Spymaster. As such it is impossible to tell at this time which route would be the best, although given the scale of the problem, there is no reason the Empire couldn't pursue both avenues.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Radiant Orb==
* '''Spies have not been able to locate the missing prognosticator Eilian Sweetwater
One matter that comes to light not long before the Autumn Equinox is that of [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]], the [[Navarr]] Imperial Prognosticator. It seems that the prognosticator left [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] literally a day before the Grendel armada swept into [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]] and laid siege to the town. Unfortunately, he left on a boat chartered to bring him and his fellows to the site of the old Lighthouse of Nikepheros. There has been no further news of either the well-loved Navarr researcher, nor those who travelled with him, and fears are growing that he has fallen into the hands of the Grendel. There is some concern that Eilian is well-acquainted with any number of Imperial projects and plans, and has a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Empire to boot. If he is in the hands of Grendel spymasters... well they are unlikely to be gentle in trying to pry open the lid of his knowledge.

<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>Any character who was involved in Eilian's work - he was on sabbatical exploring historic lighthouses - is welcome to create a story as to why they were not with the prognosticator when he set sail. These stories might involve unlikely coincidences, the intervention of odd and enigmatic strangers, weird presentiments of doom, or just a plan to follow on later once some pressing business was concluded. They might also involve a desperate flight from the island on the chartered boat, moments ahead of the Grendel attackers, and the discovery once it was too late that the prognosticator is not aboard. In the end, it appears to be only Eilian and ''[[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#A_Surprise_Guest|Fotismos]]'' who are unaccounted for.

Wild is the wind

2025-09-20T23:07:26Z

Responsible1: /* Yakholme Grange */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"We could," said Jakarna Munkhabat slowly as if the idea was just occurring to her, "kill them all and burn their camp?"

The Faraden wizard's eyes glittered, and the glow there was easily matched by the enthusiasm that blossomed on the face of Mary Smith, crouched beside her.

"There are only five of them," said the Marcher battle-mage considering. "An incantation to repel ''that'' one through the fire, and an entanglement on the other would give us time to dispatch the other two before they realised what was happening. Then we finish off the others and the patrol is dealt with. Nobody would know, and that would be one less group of Jotun scouts to clomp their muddy feet all over Mournwold."

Jakarna nodded. "I agree - but let's not risk entanglement. I can weave Chains of Air, and if you can invoke Rushing Wind then one of us can shatter ''that'' one's shield and make them easy pickings. It might be a little tricky but stopping that first one readying their spear until we're ready to deal with them would be wiser, I think."

"I thought you people didn't believe in Wisdom?" murmured Mary, somewhat archly. Jakarna shot her a sour look, but took the ribbing in realtively good part.

"Applying your strength sensibly is a prosperous use of your talents," she said piously. They quickly smiled at each other, and then readied their implements - a thin moonsilver bound staff for Jakarna, a solid truncheon carved with bears and a buckler with the face of an angry bull for Mary.

"Right," said Mary. "It's the job that never get's started that takes longest to do, so let's do it."

Before the two could launch their attack however, they were interrupted by the sound of a throat being cleared quietly behind them. Venetia di Sarvos crouched in the long grass, and followed their gaze down to the camp below.

"Or, we could not." She spoke quietly, and was carefully not allowing her exasperation to show. "We could instead return to the caravan and let them know these orcs are keeping a watch out for us but probably won't be trouble given they are in the middle of what looks to be a chicken stew of some kind."

"What if they attack us in the night," said Jakarna. "Best not to leave an enemy behind us."

Mary Nodded but Venetia was not convinced. "We are travelling under flag of truce, remember. The Jotun won't breach the hospitality that implies but if someone murders one of their patrols, around the same time this Faraden caravan and its Imperial guides are passing through the area, what do you think is going to happen? Who will the Jotun immediately think is to blame?"

The other two wizards frowned at each other but couldn't refute her words. Venetia could have gone on, pointing out all the other reasons that the two should not be ambushing patrols right now - given for example that every other patrol they'd encountered had had at least half a dozen people and so it was likely there were another two Jotun somewhere nearby. Also there were signs of thralls being in the camp too - the fine cooking pot, the nearly stacked firewood, weren't traditionally things Jotun worried about. That would mean either witnesses, or murder that would make the Jotun even angrier. She waited for good sense to take hold on her companions.

After a few moment Jakarna sighed, muttered something uncomplimentary, and nodded her head once. Mary was a little less quick to agree - she carried a lot of frustration with the Jotun attacks on her home, first in Mournwold then in Bregasland, but in the end she acceded to common sense.

As they went back to the rest of the party, however, Mary muttered in an undertone she was confident Venetia would not here:

"Next time we waste less of it gabbing and more of it battering the Jotun, yes?"

Jakarna grinned at the Marcher, fire burning in her eyes, and winked in agreement.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Delicacies.jpg|caption=The Faraden pride themselves on their fine, luxurious victuals.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

The lifeblood of [[Faraden]] is trade, but it is also a country of canny wizards, courageous warriors, and proud (albeit heretical) priests. They currently do not share a border with the Empire, lying beyond the [[Jotun]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]], but that does not stop them sending their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable - warm one moment cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.

The Faraden ambassador to the Empire is ''Mistress Singua Karadragha'', a relatively recent appointment who replaced the former incumbent ''Lady Saretta of the Red Moon'' at the insistence of the Liege of the Five Winds, following their assumption of the position in a (relatively) bloodless coup. Mistress Singua advises the Court of the Five Winds on all diplomatic matters, and speaks on their behalf to foreign ambassadors. Her attitude to the Empire appears to be cool but professional, and heavily informed by the wishes of the Liege and their court, who seek more opportunities to trade with the Empire.
{{Nation|nation=[[Faraden]]|port=[[Sea_of_Snow#Pelabuhan|Caitun]]|ambassador=Ebenezer of [[the Marches]]|status=Foreigner}}
==War in Reinos==
* '''The Court of Five Winds is disappointed to see that the Empire has withdrawn from the Lasambrian Hills'''
When the Empire [[Follow me my friend|invaded the Lasambrian Hills]], the Court of Five Winds was very pleased indeed. The need for their caravans to pay significant tolls to the Jotun - and the knowledge that they could close the land routes at their whim - means the Faraden support the Empire controlling [[Reinos]] (or enough of it to allow their trade routes to stop passing through Jotun territory). The fact the Empire has pulled out, however, leads to a fair amount of disappointment.

Mistress Karadragha had proposed to arrange a diplomatic envoy to the Empire for the Summer Solstice, assuming the Empire remained engaged in Reinos. With the withdrawal, the emissary will not be forthcoming. An opportunity to talk about how Faraden could support Imperial conquest of Reinos is one thing; most other diplomatic matters can be resolved via missives and through the staff at the various embassies.

==Faraden Luxuries==
* '''Caitun no longer provides orichalcum to Imperial traders; instead the port provides a starting fleet with a cube of ''common mooncheese'''''
* '''Upgraded or enchanted fleets may receive ''rare mooncheese'' as well, which comes in a variety of different shapes'''
The Faraden Ambassador has continued to liaise with merchants in the Faraden town of [[Sea of Snow#Caitun|Caitun]]. The [[Sea of Snow#Pelabuhan|Pelabuhan]] port is the destination for Imperial [[fleet]] captains who wish to trade with the western nation. It is here that the unique ''giant blood whelks'' are acquired, and thanks to negotiations with the Imperial Ambassador, it's also a place to acquire luxury goods, especially fine food and drink, and rich fabrics (which can be sold in the Empire; a standard fleet secures goods worth 54 rings when resold in the Empire).

Knowing that there is continued Imperial interest in fine goods, Caitun merchants have begun stocking some of the rare cheeses produced by Faraden magician-fromagers. While the Faraden make excellent cheese, the cattle of Pelabuhan are known for an especially rare form of cheese infused with rare materials gathered in the shadow of the cliffs of [[Sea of Snow#Sadewnan|Sadewnan]]. Called ''mooncheese'', Mistress Karadragha writes in an amused tone that it is not ''actually'' from the moon; the name is, traditional for a certain kind of hard, tangy cheese. The fromargers produce several different variants and the merchants of Caitun are able to make some of them available to Imperial fleet captains in place of [[orichalcum]]. A standard fleet visiting Caitun will get a single cube of common mooncheese. If the fleet is sufficiently [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]], or bears an enchantment at least equivalent to [[Lure of Distant Shores]], the captain will also gain a cube of red, green, or blue mooncheese which is considered a considerable delicacy in Faraden (the variety will be picked randomly).
* '''Common Mooncheese''' - A quarter-inch cube of common mooncheese is a semi-hard cheese, sometimes painted with pale wax. It is tangy and rich with a fruity taste. So tasty is it that even a single cube is known to improve the mood of the one who eats it, to leave them feeling sated and full for the rest of the day as if they had eaten a whole meal, and incidentally alleviates the effects of both [[Calls#WEAKNESS|weakness]] and [[Calls#VENOM|venom]].
* '''Red Mooncheese''' - Visually hard to tell apart from common mooncheese, it is usually painted with red wax. It tastes hot and spicy, and some folk can have an unpleasant reaction to it that leaves them unable to speak louder than a whisper for a time. It is also delicious - provided one likes spicy food. Favoured by Faraden wizards who study the [[Autumn magic|Autumn Flame]] it apparently focuses and enhances their ability to manipulate the force of serendipity when [[enchantment|blessing]] business endeavours.
* '''Green Mooncheese''' - This soft cheese with a faint greenish tinge, usually served in thin wedges. It tastes bitter but not unpleasantly so, and connoisseurs praise its sweet, sharp aftertaste. It is popular with certain warriors and explorers as it provides great intestinal fortitude, allowing the one who consumes it to throw off various forms of venom and some poisoning. It also kindles an enthusiasm for seeking out new experiences that is popular with epicureans planning a night of celebration.
* '''Blue Mooncheese''' - A more crumbly cheese, sometimes with pieces of fruit embedded in it. The blue in the name comes from the gentle vein that permeates the cheese. The taste is apparently different each time, and it is said that anyone who eats enough of it regularly experiences peculiarly lurid dreams (and occasionally experiences hallucinations while wide awake). It's popular with certain wizards, apparently allowing them to achieve an altered state where they can see the hidden colours in mundane wind and fire.

Hopefully Imperial merchants will be interested in securing these Faraden luxury delicacies.

==Nergui and Bulangiin==
* '''Ambassador Ebenezer reports on matters related to Faraden citizens in the Empire
The report of ''[[Follow_me_my_friend#Battlefield_Opportunity:_Rescue_Nergui_Enkhtseg|Nergui Enkhtseg's]]'' death is truly upsetting. That the life of the lost trader would end on the Grismont Road is lamentable and a tragedy. Their loss will be mourned by several of the High Lords of Faraden, but they accept that the Empire must have done what it could to rescue the merchant.

On the matter of ''[[Follow_me_my_friend#The_Extra_Bit_(Reinos)|Bulangiin Karadragha]]'', Mistress Singua Karadragha is confused. She asked the [[Champion of Prosperity]], '''Tom Appleseed''' to rescue Bulangiin to avoid having to pay the fifteen throne ransom to ''Geur Tightfisted''. Mistress Singua would much rather encourage the Empire's military units to [[venture#Raid the Jotun|raid the Jotun]] with extra inducement than pay the same amount to a grasping Lasambrian. It is unfortunate that the Lasambrian attempted to inflate the price, assumedly in the understanding that the Empire would benefit from them being the ones to return Bulangiin to Faraden. The Karadragha family have now paid the fifteen throne ransom, and Bulangiin has returned to Faraden.

Regardless, Mistress Karadragha is realistic. Both efforts were long-shots, and any sadness at the apparent failure of the efforts to help Faraden citizens is mitigated by the fact that the Imperial heroes at least ''tried'' to do so. It's unfortunate, but it won't damage Faraden relations or make them more reticent to ask for Imperial aid again if similar circumstances arise.
==Sparks Fly Up==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderRodAndShield.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderCelestialArch.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
</div>
* '''The Muhnkhabat family war wizards will be in Anvil from 15:00 to 18:00 Saturday'''
* '''They wish to see demonstrations of Imperial war magic, and speak to people with relevant titles'''
* '''If there is an opportunity for them to compete with Imperial mages in a test of arms, they would be most honoured to compete.

The [[A pillow of winds#Wizards of the West|Muhnkhabat family]] have sent a delegation of war wizards to The Empire, escorted by the Rod and Shield, to witness Imperial military magic and discuss potential opportunities for collaboration against the Jotun. The Rod and Shield magicians were welcomed warmly, and treated to three days of fine food, martial and athletic contests in which battle-magic was freely used, and many heated hours of argument about the best way to deploy magic - both invocation and ritual - on a battlefield.

Whilst there was potential for this journey to [[A pillow of winds#A Gentle Touch|cause some diplomatic issues]], the presence of the Celestial Arch has kept somewhat of a lid on things, and so far there have been no signs of trouble. The Arch came in particularly useful in persuading the more "gung ho" wizards of both the Muhnkhabat and the Rod and Shield ''not'' to launch an attack on a Jotun outpost that would most likely have led to several deaths and having to do half the journey to the Empire while being pursued by angry orc warriors. The diplomatic magicians also worked hard to smooth over situations where "friendly" contests threatened to get out of control, preventing conflict over matters of religion or history, and temper the general arrogance of the Muhnkhabat when dealing with citizens of the Empire. An exhausting, but ultimately successful, job that sees the Faraden wizards in a more receptive mood when they finally reach Casinea.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=GMRodandShield.jpg|caption='''Sakari Nightscale''', Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GrandmasterCelestialArch.png|caption='''Xanthippe of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', Grandmaster of the Celestial Arch|align=right|width=200}}</div>
Now the delegation has reached Anvil, they wish to be given a tour of notable places of war magic, as well as meet with key figures in the implementation of the Empire's military magical strategies. The majority of the delegation is enjoying the sights and experiences of [[Anvil#Outer_Anvil|Outer Anvil]], or resting after their long journey. ''Chagataii Muhnkhabat'' (a younger sibling of ''High Lord Ganzorig Muhnkhabat'') will present themselves and a cadre of the families best at the main gate of Anvil at three in the afternoon on Saturday. They expect to be received with all appropriate honours, and will then be at the disposal of their Imperial hosts until around six. Obviously they hope that the Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield '''Sakari Nightscale''' will be available to represent their hosts (and Grandmaster '''Xanthippe Of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' from the Celestial Arch if they think such is necessary).

Chagataii wishes to leave the specifics of the itinerary in the hands of his hosts, but has expressed interest in the following:
* They would like to observe battle mages engaging in contests of war-magic, and if they may be invited to participate themselves to test themselves against their hosts, that would be appreciated. Whilst travelling through the Empire they have heard from some of their honour guard about the Icy Crag Tourney, and are very eager to take part if that is at all possible.
* They wish to visit the Hall of Worlds, and learn more about it and how the Conclave operates
* They want to see the Sentinel Gate and learn of its use and history and how it supports the Empire's battles
* They would greatly appreciate seeing demonstrations of Imperial war magic - especially how the Rod and Shield wield the principle of empowerment (Summer magic) and the power of the Wind (Day Magic) towards battlefield ends
* They will wish to meet the Imperial warmage and the Imperial warcaster, and to gain a greater appreciation of how the Empire's magicians wage war

They will bring with them a small gift as a token of their appreciation. Whatever gifts the Empire chooses fit to bestow in welcome will, of course, be gratefully received.

==Gratitude and Grain==
* '''A large contingent of the Hakhandra merchant family visit the Marches to collect sixteen head of cattle provided by the Ambassador
* '''They plan to establish a regular supply of fine Faraden victuals for the Ambassador going forward
A few weeks after the Spring Equinox, a large band of Faraden warriors turn up in the Marches. They come up through [[Tassato]] and [[Miaren]], giving the western territories a wide berth. They're particularly notable for their deep green coats, and finely died trousers and embroidered shirts. They are also especially gregarious for Faraden, always enthusiastic about stopping at a wayhouse or a roadside establishment to scatter handfuls of Imperial coinage for the chance to sample local delicacies. They are here to collect the sixteen head of cattle that Ambassador Ebenezer has acquired on their behalf. It's obvious that as well as being martially proficient they know their cows. They are members of the Hakhandra family, and they are very pleased. Visiting both Mitwold and Upwold cattle markets, they are at pains to speak with the farmers who raise and transport the cattle - and not only Marchers. There is a fair amount of interest in the [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd#The_Great_Herd|Great Northern Herd]], and efforts to establish the [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Cattle_Markets|Southern Herd]] and the [[Send_for_me#Herds_of_Afar|Herds of Afar]]. Several members lament that they will not have time to actually visit [[Skarsind]], [[Mareave]] or [[Feroz]] - at least not on this trip. The leader of the Faraden contingent - the enthusiastic ''Khutulun Hakhandra'' - makes a point of taking several of their friends to visit Kings Stoke, especially keen to meet '''Steward Watkin''' who was apparently key to ensuring the cattle were all collected.

In addition to the agreed on payment, Khutulun thanks the Ambassador and the embassy staff. The Hakhandra are interested in cementing closer ties with the Marches in particular, to buy the many exotic Imperial delicacies available in the markets of [[Mitwold]] and [[Upwold]] as well as fine Marcher cows, goats, and pigs. In recognition of the work Ebenezer has done, the Hakhandra have arranged for a small amount of equally fine Faraden victuals to be delivered to the [[Segura#The_Faraden_Embassy|Embassy]] in Segura each season. With an eye towards doing more business in future.

Following the Summer Solstice, and continuing as long as good relations with the Hakhandra are maintained, the Ambassador to Faraden will receive two cubes of ''common mooncheese'' and one piece of ''rare mooncheese'' each season. The Civil Service point out that this is clearly a bribe as much as it is a sincere demonstration of gratitude, but that the Faraden don't deny it either. The merchants clearly want to ensure the Faraden ambassador has an interest, no matter how minor, in ensuring good relations with the nation continue. ('''OOC Note:''' The ambassador is welcome to talk about the rare food and drink that forms part of this "hamper", and should feel free to pass off any amount of odd foodstuffs as having been gifted to them by the Faraden herdmasters).
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=A Yak.jpg|align=right|caption=The yak of western Faraden are like very hairy oxen but adapted to live at high altitudes and in cold weather. Their wool, milk, and meat is much prized.|width=400}}</div>
===Yakholme Grange===
* '''The Hakhandra are interested in establishing a permanent trade enclave in Upwold
* '''They are concerned about potential backlash if the project does not have the support of the Marcher Assembly
While they are in [[Upwold#Stockland|Stockland]], Khutulun Hakhandra speaks to the local Marchers about the plan to establish a regular trade route between the cattle markets there and Faraden. There is some caution, even suspicion. And, sadly, not just on either one side. The fiasco around [[Upwold#Moonwater_Hall_(ruins)|Moonwater Hall]] is very much in the minds of both Faraden and Marcher during these discussions. The apparent support of Ambassador Ebenezer - of good solid Marcher stock even if they do live among [[Mitwold|uptight folk who think they are better than they are]] - goes some way toward smoothing over concerns. Some tentative plans for Yakholme Grange are laid out.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Yakholme Grange'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Upwold#Stockland|Stockland]], Upwold</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains of [[weirwood]] and 25 [[white granite]], 225 crowns labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limitations:''' Relies on Faraden trade; there are concerns related to religious matters</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment for farms in Upwold by one
* Establishes Stockland as the Empire's premiere cattle market
* Increases Faraden trade with the Marches
</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Grange would be a [[great work]], and estimates are that it would require 50 wains of weirwood and 25 wains of white granite. It would cost 225 crowns in labour, and take six months to complete. It would raise the level of investment in farms in Upwold, increasing the income of every Marcher farm by an additional 36 rings each season. It would also help to put Stockland cattle market on the map - with the Hakhandra bringing some of their own prize bulls for sale here. There is no doubt that it would be the largest and most profitable place to buy farm animals and related products in the Empire.

In addition to the local effects, the market would see an increase in Faraden goods being brought into the Empire. The [[tariffs#Mercantilist|tariffs charged]] on Faraden imports would see an estimated 3 Thrones each season flowing into the [[Imperial treasury]]. It would also cement closer ties between the Marches and the Hakhandra family; a valuable first step toward securing access to the yaks that so fascinate Ambassador Ebenezer.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Marcher.png|width=150|align=right}}
There is however an obstacle. In the past there was conflict between the Faraden and the Empire over matters of faith and religion. The Hakhandra are not missionaries, they do not proselytise. But they are no less faithful to the [[On Faraden faith|Five Flames]] than any other merchant house. There is some concern that old antagonisms might reignite in the Marches who, as Khutulun points out, are nearly as good as the Faraden for remembering past conflicts and holding grudges. It has been suggested that a well worded [[statement of principle]] from the Marcher national assembly might help to allay both the fears of the Hakhandra, and worries among the Marcher folk who are concerned about heretical and blasphemous foreigners coming to Upwold. If such a statement is issued and achieves a [[greater majority]] the upside is obvious - it will not only reduce the likelihood of problems while the Grange is being built and could encourage the Hakhandra to offer material support to the construction. There are also obvious downsides however - if any trouble ''does'' erupt between the Faraden and the Marcher farmers, then people will end up pointing the finger at the Assembly for saying it would be fine.

Obviously, the Assembly might ''not'' favour another group of Faraden heretics establishing a trading base in the Marches. In that case, they might likewise use a statement of principle to encourage the farmers to be leary of the Faraden, and encourage the Hakhandra to take their their cattle market schemes elsewhere. This will sink the Yakholme Grange project, at least in the Marches, provided it achieves a greater majority. The good news is that even if it does end Hakhandra ambitions in the Marches, it won't inspire any kind of political disruption or diplomatic incident unless the language used is extremely vituperative. The Faraden understand the holding of grudges, and the desire to avoid another Moonwater Hall scandal is entirely understandable.

The most important thing is that if the Marcher Assembly chooses to get involved here, the wording of the statement of principle is ''crucial''. It should be as clear as possible what the assembly thinks, and whether they are encouraging or discouraging the Marcher farmers to support the Hakhandra ambition. Otherwise it might all go horribly, horribly wrong.

===Meade and Mithril===
* '''Another opportunity exists for the Alder of Meade to acquire a little mithril in return for iridescent gloaming
Between them Mistress Karadragha and Ambassador Ebenezer were able to secure an arrangement whereby the [[Alder of Meade]], '''Aubrey Shaw''', was able to [[A_pillow_of_winds#Gloaming_Dusk|buy mithril]] from the conservative ''Tseriyn '' merchant family. The Tseriyn were responsible for providing the lion's share of [[mithril]] to the old [[Gloaming Road]]. The deal went off without a hitch; a caravan of Tseriyn mithril was brought to Caitun, loaded onto Imperial ships, and brought to [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]]. Some further negotiations have taken place behind the scenes, and it seems that ''Amulchi Tseriyn'' is prepared to extend this "final arrangement" a little longer. There is less mithril available - in this case 8 wains are available to the Alder to purchase at a cost of 270 [[iridescent gloaming]]. Or, if they prefer, 4 wains for 135 measures of gloaming. As before the trade will pass through Caitun, but the Alder must be aware that the amounts of mithril available are low because the Tseriyn have made other arrangements for the bulk of their metal. ('''OOC Note''' as before if the Alder of Meade wishes to take advantage of this final offer, they should ensure the gloaming is in their account and email {{plot}} before downtime closes).
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>

==Firewind Market==
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Faraden Quarter'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Holberg#Holmauer|Holmauer]], Holberg</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 70 [[weirwood]] and 30 [[white granite]], 300 crowns labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability: Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment for businesses in Holberg by one
* Creates a ministry and the title of ''Firewind Prince''
* Permits the creation of Faraden caravanseri along trade routes
* Increases the taxation raised from trade with Faraden by 4 Thrones each season
* Significantly increases the number of Faraden travelling to and visting in Holberg</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Firewind Prince'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Oversees Firewind Market</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To serve as a liaison between the Faraden visiting Firewind Market and the people of Holberg; to encourage Faraden merchants to trade with the city; to smooth over any disputes; to make decisions based on any opportunities related to Firewind Market</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limitations:''' If the Firewind Prince is not an inhabitant of Holberg, they may begin at a disadvantage when dealing with residents of Holberg caught in a dispute with Faraden merchants </td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Brightfire Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>8 crowns</td><td>6 orichalcum, 6 weltsilver</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 crowns</td><td>12 orichalcum, 12 weltsilver</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 crowns</td><td>18 orichalcum, 18 weltsilver</td></tr>
<tr><td>55 crowns</td><td>24 orichalcum, 24 weltsilver</td></tr>
<tr><td>74 crowns</td><td>30 orichalcum, 30 weltsilver</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Darkfire Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>8 crowns</td><td>6 tempest jade, 6 green iron</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 crowns</td><td>12 tempest jade, 12 green iron</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 crowns</td><td>18 tempest jade, 18 green iron</td></tr>
<tr><td>55 crowns</td><td>24 tempest jade, 24 green iron</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Brightwind Market '''</td></tr>
<tr><td>25 crowns</td><td>1 mithril</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 crowns</td><td>2 mithril</td></tr>
<tr><td>75 crowns</td><td>3 mithril</td></tr>
<tr><td>100 crowns</td><td>4 mithril</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 crowns</td><td>5 mithril</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 crowns</td><td>6 mithril</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Darkwind Market '''</td></tr>
<tr><td>25 crowns</td><td>1 white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 crowns</td><td>2 white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>75 crowns</td><td>3 white granite</td></tr>
</table></div>
With the clear decision of the Holberg Chamber of Commerce to favour the "Iron" option from among those presented to them, work is ready to begin on the Faraden Quarter in [[Holberg#Holmauer|Holmauer]]. The enclave will provide places for Faraden merchants to stay and rest, and establish small [[business|businesses]] of their own if they are so inclined. At the heart of the Quarter will be a large market dedicated to trading Faraden metal to Imperial citizens, in return for the kinds of goods popular in Holberg - Firewind Market. The Quarter will be overseen by a League citizen with the title of ''Firewind Price'' who will liaise with the inhabitants and smooth over any disputes. The Firewind Prince will be appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]] - by League business holders across the nation. Their ministries will allow them to purchase [[Materials#Metals|metal ingots]], and small amounts of mithril and white granite.

This Quarter is a significant undertaking. It will cost the Empire 70 wains of weirwood, 30 wains of white granite, and 300 crowns. The Faraden themselves will provide their own materials and labour to help establish the Quarter, roughly equivalent to that provided by the Empire. Work will take six months to complete.

Mistress Singua is a little apologetic in that the prices charged for the metals are higher than she might like, but that the [[tariffs#Mercantilist|tariffs]] imposed on Faraden imports are a significant contribution. On the other hand, the fact that the Empire ''is'' charging tolls and tariffs to Faraden merchants mean that when the work is completed the contribution from Faraden trade to the [[Imperial treasury]] will increase by 4 Thrones each season as long as trade continues. If the Senate were to move the Faraden to free trade, this contribution would drop, but the cost of the materials at the ministry would also drop.

While there was some concern that the Faraden might not be prepared to deal with the [[orc|orcs]] of the League, or the Sand Fishers of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]]. Mistress Karadragha [[A_pillow_of_winds#Orcs_and_False_Flames|addressed these concerns]] by pointing out that any conservative Faraden who did not want to deal with orcs would not come to the Empire anyway. As it is, there is some potential for the Sand Fishers to profit here as well - after all they have a ''lot'' of lumber and wood to sell something the Faraden are known to value. It remains to be seen if they take advantage of this opportunity or not.
===Faraden Caravanseri===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Faraden Trail.png|align=left|caption=The Faraden trail from Segura to Holberg (and back).|width=400}}</div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Faraden Caravanseri'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Segura]], [[Kahraman]], [[Tassato]], [[Miaren]], [[Astolat]], or [[Semmerholm]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' varies based on focus and current level of investment in businesses, farms, or forests</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Open-ended once Faraden Quarter is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limitations:''' Only one carvanseri can be built per territory; relies on trade with Faraden</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in the territory for one of businesses, farms, or forests
* Creates a ministry and associated title to purchase Faraden goods
* Increases the taxation raised from trade with Faraden by 2 Thrones each season
* Increases the number of Faraden travelling through and visiting the territory</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Once the Faraden Quarter is completed the ability to create Faraden caravanseri will become available
Once work on the Faraden Quarter in Holberg is complete, it also opens up an opportunity for the Empire to encourage Faraden trade. Most Faraden caravans enter the Empire through Segura - traditionally past the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#Kabalai_Palace|Kabalai Palace]]. The Empires roads are excellent, providing quick and relatively safe travel - especially thanks to the efforts of groups such as the [[Navarr]] [[Venture#Roadwardens|roadwardens]]. The Faraden are happy to stay at [[wayhouse|wayhouses]] and inns along their routes, obviously, but there is a potential to make them feel even more welcome and help bolster trade with the western nation.

A ''Faraden Caravanseri'' could be built in any territory along a route to Holberg. At the moment that means [[Segura]], [[Kahraman]], [[Tassato]], [[Miaren]], [[Astolat]], or [[Semmerholm]]. A Caravanseri is a [[great work]] that supports one of [[business|businesses]] (representing trade with local entrepeneurs), [[farm|farms]] (representing direct purchase of Imperial victuals), or [[forest|forests]] (representing the purchase of forest goods). In the latter case, the great work would still provide 36 rings rather than the normal effect of investment in forests. Furthermore, regardless of which kind of great work is built, up to half the material cost can be in weirwood for those that usually need white granite, or white granite if the great work normally uses weirwood exclusively.

Once complete, a Faraden Caravanseri will serve as something of a hub, encouraging increased numbers of Faraden traders to explore the territory. It would also encourage more merchants to make the trip through the Lasambrian Hills to trade with the Empire in general. As long as Faraden [[tariffs#Mercantilist|pays tariffs]], the amount they contribute to the Imperial Treasury is increased by 2 thrones each season for ''each'' caravanseri. A given territory can only have a single caravanseri, however.

The caravanseri will also create a liaison position, responsible for ensuring good relations between the Faraden and the inhabitants of the territory. They'd need to make sure any disputes were dealt with and in return they would gain access to a small ministry reflecting their ability to purchase Faraden goods from the merchants visiting the caravanseri. At first this would mean metals, similar to those available at the big market in Holberg. If the Empire built other enclaves on a similar scale elsewhere in the Empire, they might be able to gain access to other substances. These titles would be appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]], and as mentioned above the prices they paid for Faraden metals would be raised by the fact the Empire imposes Tariffs on the Faraden.

Finally, each caravanseri will improve diplomatic relations with the Faraden a small amount. While they can be volatile, the overtures of the Empire have been very positive recently. They are also practical - the more of their trade that passes through Imperial lands them more likely they are to want to preserve the status quo.

However, if Holberg Market was ever abrogated or destroyed, the caravanseri would likewise stop operating until it was reopened or a similarly significant enclave established in another city.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBVarushka.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NationBannerDawn.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
===Further Markets===
* '''There has been some discussion of establishing other major Faraden markets in the Empire
* '''Mistress Karadragha requests confirmation from the Overseer of the Western Road that there is interest in trading fabric and garments with Faraden traders
* '''She also enquires as to whether there might be interest in establishing a victuals market in Dawn
The Court of Five Winds is interested that Ambassador Ebenezer mentioned proposals that Faraden might consider not just an enclave in Holberg, but similar trade hubs in Varushka and the Marches. If Varushka is interested in establishing an enclave on the same basis as Holberg, one that deals primarily in fabric and clothing, that would be very acceptable. They would prefer to spend as little time as possible in the forests of Varushka which they understand are infested with monstrous flesh-eating trees. So it would be ideal to look at building something in [[Karov#Delev|Delev]], especially given the proximity of the new hall extolling the virtue of Varushkan fabric and weaving.

Mistress Karadragha understands that the [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] is a significant figure among the merchants of Varushka. If the Ambassador can confirm that there is interest, Singua will send a speculative group of Faraden to explore the possibilities. ''However'' she will only do so ''after'' work has begun on Firewind Market. Too much time and investment has already taken place for her to switch her attention to a new project with the current one half-completed.

As to a victuals market in the Marches, Mistress Karadragha can see the appeal. She confides that there is also interest in establishing such a concern in [[Dawn]] whose fine wines in particular are considered to be especially luxurious. Is there any interest in the eastern nation at all? That is not to say that something in the Marches could not be discussed - but the Faraden Ambassador would prefer to wait and see how the plans for Yakholme Grange proceed before pushing forward there.

==Paying to be Forward==
* '''Mistress Karadragha seeks introductions to the diplomats of Axos, Skoura, and Otkodov
One other matter of interest related to trade has been raised; there is a great deal of interest in three of the nations that border the Empire to the north and east. Faraden merchants have encountered traders from [[Skoura]], [[Axos]] and [[Otkodov]] while visiting Imperial markets. Mistress Khardraga has a request for Ambassador Ebenezer; would it be possible for the Imperial ambassadors to effect an introduction for Faraden to the diplomats of those three nations? She already has the tools to make cautious contact, but obviously establishing a basis for understanding can take time especially when dealing with unfamiliar cultures.

Obviously the Ambassador to Faraden has limited ability to effect such an introduction, but presumably the Empire has ambassadors to these nations? Mistress Singua believes that if those ambassadors were to vouch for the Faraden to the Skourans, Axou, or Thule that would go some way toward smoothing over that initial period of "getting to know you" and be invaluable in getting to the important part - talking about trade. Equally obviously, this is of some value to the Faraden as a nation - if the Ambassador feels that some sort of gratuity or ''quid pro quo'' were in order, Ebenezer has only to ask and Mistress Karadragha will evaluate the request and decide if it is worth the aid the Empire can offer.

The Imperial Civil Service advise caution; at the moment the Empire controls any access Faraden has to the orcs of the north, or the two smaller nations to the east. While Mistress Karadragha might claim that eventually Faraden will establish its own communication with some or all of these nations, that could easily take years if it succeeds at all. If the Empire introduces the Faraden to these nations, then the Faraden will henceforth deal with these other nations with no reference to the Empire whatsoever. On the other hand, if the Faraden ''do'' establish trade links with Skoura, Axos or Otkodov, any trade will need to go through Imperial lands along Imperial toll roads and over Imperial borders. This might result in a small but steady trickle of additional funding into the Imperial treasury, or bring other benefits if the Ambassadors are shrewd enough in finding ways to exploit this opportunity.

==Flame and Virtue==
* '''Imperial priests have attempted to bolster their peers in Faraden against Asavean propaganda
* '''The Ember Blossoms have returned to Faraden
Last season two proposals relating to faith and religion [[A_pillow_of_winds#A_Matter_Of_Faith|were made]]. One was a possibility for Imperial priests preaching the four virtues similar to four of the Faraden flames- [[Courage]], [[Loyalty]], [[Pride]], and [[Prosperity]] - to support their "peers" in opposing [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] efforts to [[A_pillow_of_winds#Fanning_the_Flames|convince citizens]] that the Asavean and Faraden religions were not as disaparate as they appeared. The second was an offer from a [[bands#sects|sect]] of Faraden [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|Vengeance]] dedicates to [[A_pillow_of_winds#A_Just_World|offer specialist aid in the Archipelago]]. Apparently these ''Ember Blossoms'' felt their particular understanding of encouraging others to take vengeance on those who have oppressed them would be useful in stirring up civil war in the far west.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Courage.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Loyalty.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Pride.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Prosperity.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
===The Flames Burn Brighter===
* '''The cooperation between priests of the Empire and Priests of Faraden has narrowly failed to halt the inroads of the Asaveans.'''
* '''The people of Faraden are still open to attempts by foreign powers to influence them.'''
Last season a coalition of conservative Faraden priests [[A_pillow_of_winds#A_Matter_Of_Faith|approached the Empire]] with a concern, and a proposal. The slimy tentacles of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] sought to get a grip on Faraden society by claiming some sort of commonality between the [[Faraden#Faraden_Religious_Beliefs|Five Flames]] and the [[Asavean gods]], a common trick in the Plenum's cultural arsenal. Outraged by what they saw as a blatant insult to the power of the human spirit and the virtues that guide them, the priests of Faraden invited the Imperial Synod to engage in a series of joint religious celebrations. Priests of [[Courage]], [[Loyalty]], [[Pride]] and [[Prosperity]], the four Virtues that both nations agree to be true, would stand together and reaffirm that despite any differences between the Way and the Five Flames, they could both unite to condemn the scourge of idolatry.

The Imperial Synod spung into action, with all four of the relevant Assemblies passing Virtues urging their congregants to support the actions of those who would preach against the insidious influence of Asavea. Following the Spring Equinox, priests from across the Empire heeded the call and travelled to Faraden, some arriving via the docks at Caitun, some accompanying the caravan transporting representatives of the Rod and Shield and the Celestial Arch in [[A_pillow_of_winds#Wizards_of_the_West|their own diplomatic mission]]. Those who arrive in the first wave find themselves greeted with a certain amount of fanfare - pro-Imperial sentiment is strong, even in a highly factionalised Faraden, and many people are keen to show off their Prosperity by offering food and lodging to honoured guests. The mere fact that the Imperial Synod has deigned to engage with the priests of Faraden as equals is already a major victory.

What follows is a whirlwind tour of different religious events, ranging from intimate family gatherings where the nature of Virtue is discussed over the dinner table to public rallies attended by hundreds of people where dozens of priests are given the chance to witness to the crowd. These events are invariably lively, regardless of the size, and larger assemblies are often attended by musicians, street performers and food vendors, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere the priests go. The Asaveans are nowhere to be seen, although the priests always seem to just be missing them. The visiting Imperials consistently hear that the Asaveans passed through a few days ago, or are likely to visit in a few days time, or are in the same place but on the other side of town.

It does not take long for the more politically astute among the Imperial delegation to cotton on to the highly choreographed nature of the whole affair, how symbols of Faraden art and culture are to be seen everywhere they travel, how the capacity of the Flames to bring joy and comfort is emphasised and conversations about sacrifice and difficult choices are couched in the romantic language of ancient stories and national myths. This is a political event as much as a religious one, and a lot of planning has gone into making it seem as spontaneous as possible.

Yet for all the success of the Imperial delegation, the Asaveans are at least as skilful in their manipulations. Some among their number are pompous and condescending, but many others are passionate, philosophical, or dignified by turns, charming the Faraden crowd at least as much as any of the Imperial preachers. They never question the Empire's right to involve themselves in the affairs of Faraden, a right that the Empire arguably has more claim to than distant Asavea.

Instead they speak of progress, adapting to a changing world, and a willingness to learn from new information. The priests of Asavea recognise that they have much to learn from the faiths of other nations, including those of the Five Flames. How arrogant it would be for them to claim a monopoly over truth, or even over the path that may lead to greater understanding! They do not seek to impose their religion on the people of Faraden, not at all. They simply seek respectful dialogue. And while many citizens of Faraden heed the call of the Empire to return to the fundamental orthodoxies of their faith, just as many speak of openness to dialogue and a potential role for Faraden in an increasingly connected world.

Had even one more congregation supported the mission then the balance might have tipped in the favour of the conservative elements, but it was not to be. The debate is fierce, and continues unabated with little changed as the priests return to their homes.

One more matter arises from this as the season begins to turn. The priests of Faraden are notoriously fractious and hard to organise, lacking a centralised Synod to facilitate decision-making. Despite this, word reaches the Imperial embassy that at a recent gathering at the Palace of the Five Winds, representatives of several major priestly families voted by a narrow margin to extend personal thanks to '''Dagon of the Shattered Tower''', '''Damascius''', '''Kaywenn de Orzel''', and '''Darian Numbers''', the priests who raised the Judgements urging the priests of the Empire to preach in Faraden. There is no material reward, but the messengers to the embassy are keen to emphasise how rare such a gesture of respect is.

===Embers Burn Low===
* '''The Ember Blossoms have declined the Empire's invitation to pass on their skills at resisting and undermining those in power.'''
{{SOP|statement=Freeborn corsairs should not be transporting the Ember Blossoms of Asavea. We do however invite the Ember Blossoms, expert and experienced fomentors of rebellion against tyrants and oppressors to come to the Empire to teach Imperials their skills so we can better incite rebellion and uprisings in Asavea. The preaching of Justice remains illegal.|by=Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra, Freeborn Assembly|vote=78-28|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=The Ember Blossoms are an independent group of agitators looking for passage to Asavea in order to precipitate a peasant’s revolt there. They are approaching Freeborn corsairs to smuggle them in. The Freeborn Assembly endorses this action.|by=Caspian i Sharthra i Riqueza, Freeborn Assembly|vote=68-58|when=Spring Equinox 387YE|size=small}}
[[A_pillow_of_winds#A_Just_World|The second approach]] made by religious devotees of Faraden last season was less successful. The ''Ember Blossoms'', a militant sect of Faraden vigilantes who target those who use their power to oppress the poor and downtrodden, sought assistance from the Freeborn National Assembly to travel to Asavea and use their skills to incite the slaves of the Plenum to recognise the numerous outrages perpetrated against them, and to rise up in the spirit of Courage, Pride, and Justice.

The Priests of the Brass Coast endorsed two statements of principle on the matter, one [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_145|endorsing the transportation of the Ember Blossoms]] and [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_124|one refusing it]]. The second statement suggested that the militants might instead teach their skills to operatives of the Empire, a sentiment apparently echoed by certain Imperial worthies who spoke to representatives of the Ember Blossoms at the Spring summit. A neat compromise, perhaps, but one that the Ember Blossoms have refused.

The message from the Ember Blossoms makes it clear that while they do not take the refusal personally, they recognise the simple truth: that the Empire wants their skills, but does not recognise what it took to forge them. If the Empire trusted the Ember Blossoms, they would accept their assistance as it was offered. They have not done so, and so that trust is not there. It is understandable. Trust is earned, and the Empire do not know the Ember Blossoms. But the Ember Blossoms are under no obligation to twist their skills to make them more palatable to others. Faraden may not be able to match the Empire in terms of size or wealth, but their [[Pride]] stands as the equal to any of the Empire's virtuous souls. It is a shame to not be accepted into the Empire's project to liberate Asavea, but it would be far more shameful not to be accepted on an even footing.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fire Whirl.jpg|align=right|caption=Some [[Faraden]] hold grudges against the Empire and see them as a threat that must be dealt with.|width=400}}</div>
==Scattered Cinders==
* '''A group of discontented Faraden nationalists called the Cinders have attempted to assassinate the Champion of Vigilance.'''
* '''The Liege of the Five Winds has unconditionally denounced these actions, and denied any links between this group and the Faraden state.'''

Of all the people in the Empire to attempt to assassinate, the [[Champion of Vigilance]] has to rank as one of the worst choices. Despite this, it seems that some souls, perhaps courageous, perhaps foolish, perhaps both, took a shot at doing so at the Spring Equinox. By all accounts the Champion, currently Jared, is fine, alert as he is to all dangers, within and without. Details of the attack and its aftermath are somewhat garbled, and any who wish to know more should probably consult Jared himself, but perhaps more notable is the fact that the would-be assassins were citizens of Faraden, a revelation that has caused some consternation in diplomatic circles.

While the Ambassador to Faraden did not choose to bring up the incident in their missive, the fact of it has still spread. By all accounts the staff at the Faraden embassy have quickly begun sending somewhat frantic winged messengers back home in order to determine whether anyone knows who might be responsible. This may be the one good thing about Faraden's cultural preoccupation with Justice: they are very keen to determine who is responsible for any wrongdoing. And as it happens, the perpetrators are not backwards about identifying themselves. Back in Faraden, far away from any of the events organised by the priestly coalition that invited the Empire, a group called the Cinders has reared its head and begun bragging about 'striking back against the blasphemers who submit to the False Virtues of [[Ambition|Selfishness]], [[Vigilance|Paranoia]], and [[Wisdom|Doubt]].' In the understated words of the embassy staff, this is probably not a coincidence.

Further information is quick to be provided. The Cinders are a deeply reactionary group within Faraden whose primary belief is that society has become 'decadent' and 'too accepting of foreign blasphemy'. The charge of decadence is met with some derision - what humourless fool would decry enjoying a little luxury now and then? Does Prosperity not teach us to enjoy the fruits of our labours? Still, their ultra-orthodox stance on the Flames has always had some supporters, and a message of toughness and self-reliance can appeal to the insecure. The Cinders have gone through cycles of acceptance and suppression, but like a particularly resilient weed, they always seem to pop up again where they are least expected.

Regardless of their history, attempted murder against a foreign dignitary is too far for the Liege of the Five Winds. Tchinua Ganbatar, the Liege of the Five Winds, issues a public statement decrying the actions of the Cinders in taking up arms against a person who has done them no wrong. They call on all citizens of Faraden to shun these troublemaking fanatics who offer no solutions to the nation's problems, only an endless cycle of violence and alienation from powerful allies.

Despite their strong words, however, the gesture is largely symbolic. While the Liege of the Five Winds is powerful, the authority to suppress the Cinders lies with the individual families, as it must do for civil society to function. The more vocal and less prudent members of the sect may be caught and punished, but their leaders will go back underground and their supporters will shield them, as they always have. Even this public condemnation will be used in their propaganda to paint them as truth-speakers being punished by those in thrall to unwholesome outside influences. Being unable to operate openly will impede their activities, but they will almost certainly be back. Citizens of the Empire should remain watchful.
{{Faraden Links}}

League Maps

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[[File:Nation-league.jpg|640px|center|link=http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/File:Nation-league.jpg]]
[[File:nation-league-regions.png|640px|center|link=http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/File:nation-league-regions.png]]
[[File:Nation-league-texture.jpg|640px|center|link=http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/File:Nation-league-texture.jpg]]

===See Also===
* [[Holberg]]
* [[Sarvos]]
* [[Spiral]]
* [[Tassato]]
* [[Temeschwar]]

{{MapPrintingInfo}}

[[Category:Maps]]
[[Category:The League]]

Urizen Maps

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Responsible1: /* See Also */

[[File:Nation-urizen.jpg|640px|center|link=http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/File:Nation-urizen.jpg]]
[[File:Urizen-regions.png|640px|center|link=http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/File:Urizen-regions.png]]
[[File:Nation-urizen-texture.jpg|640px|center|link=http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/File:Nation-urizen-texture.jpg]]

===See Also===
* [[Morrow]]
* [[Redoubt]]
* [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Zenith]]

{{MapPrintingInfo}}

[[Category:Maps]]
[[Category:Urizen]]

Gazetteer

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Responsible1:

==OOC Tactical Map==
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poly 1317 893 1313 936 1268 967 1241 958 1227 931 1195 927 1154 932 1127 910 1139 896 1182 895 1200 874 1227 856 1267 854 [[Therunin]]
poly 1456 948 1406 870 1317 894 1313 935 1268 968 1289 1000 1388 1010 1389 1009 [[Sarangrave]]
poly 1559 717 1565 755 1608 792 1623 814 1584 896 1549 902 1456 949 1406 869 1420 856 1433 840 1448 821 1459 805 1464 792 1481 761 [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]
poly 1549 668 1558 716 1481 761 1355 727 1372 593 1507 632 [[Forest of Ulnak]]
poly 1161 739 1140 755 1140 814 1201 874 1226 856 1267 854 1317 893 1406 869 1426 843 1437 827 1455 804 1463 793 1480 761 1355 728 1244 684 1260 729 1213 751 1177 756 [[The Barrens]]
poly 1463 794 1459 805 1432 843 1418 857 1432 837 1443 822 [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Strategic_Considerations]]
poly 1157 636 1148 659 1195 685 1195 669 1201 636 [[The Semmerlak]]
poly 1195 669 1195 686 1208 708 1206 709 1170 715 1161 739 1178 757 1212 752 1261 729 1243 684 1210 669 [[Holberg]]
poly 1012 710 1036 761 1118 738 1141 756 1161 739 1171 714 1207 709 1208 707 1194 685 1147 660 1078 683 1058 694 1051 699 [[Semmerholm]]
poly 994 704 1011 710 1051 699 1078 683 1148 660 1158 636 1142 613 1017 657 997 678 [[Weirwater]]
poly 953 694 954 717 924 740 923 765 936 769 969 813 1028 827 1027 794 1037 761 1012 710 [[Astolat]]
poly 1037 761 1118 738 1142 755 1140 814 1112 830 1084 825 1057 839 1048 855 1027 826 1027 792 [[Brocéliande]]
poly 940 578 995 588 1026 599 1134 592 1146 601 1142 613 1016 657 997 679 993 705 954 694 935 669 [[Karov]]
poly 1285 528 1372 593 1355 727 1270 695 1244 684 1223 675 1211 669 1194 668 1201 637 1213 635 1257 586 1239 544 [[Ossium]]
poly 1138 548 1180 545 1199 527 1240 544 1258 586 1212 636 1158 636 1142 613 1146 602 1134 592 [[Karsk]]
poly 1104 483 1159 487 1189 506 1200 527 1180 544 1138 549 1134 592 1084 595 1071 565 1070 539 1035 513 1073 490 [[Volodmartz]]
poly 957 492 1022 503 1070 539 1071 566 1084 595 1025 598 994 587 939 577 877 505 899 493 [[Miekarova]]
poly 1114 303 1194 330 1223 308 1258 328 1242 373 1243 391 1258 397 1279 473 1285 528 1239 544 1200 528 1189 507 1160 487 1105 483 1108 465 1111 444 1114 426 1116 412 1102 408 1087 368 1085 341 [[Otkodov#Sküld]]
poly 932 244 984 244 1079 276 1115 303 1084 341 1087 369 1102 409 1036 396 1000 403 949 396 907 401 880 415 863 366 829 341 807 343 771 328 817 297 878 277 897 277 [[Otkodov#Nithoggir]]
poly 1037 513 1075 489 1104 483 1109 462 1115 412 1036 395 998 404 950 396 906 401 879 415 897 444 937 446 957 493 1022 503 [[Verthandi]]
poly 729 390 772 327 807 344 829 341 863 367 880 415 898 445 938 447 957 493 899 493 877 506 772 490 772 463 741 461 748 426 [[Otkodov#Urdur]]
poly 772 490 877 506 940 579 935 669 913 686 847 682 843 661 891 652 901 631 865 619 861 583 806 568 777 578 773 589 752 580 755 567 733 558 772 498 [[Skarsind]]
poly 773 589 775 616 755 629 758 642 796 659 843 661 891 651 901 631 864 619 861 582 805 568 777 578 [[Hercynia]]
poly 752 580 773 588 775 616 755 629 758 642 797 659 843 661 846 682 839 714 825 712 815 721 820 730 820 731 721 739 698 708 680 699 660 669 677 626 [[Hahnmark]]
poly 770 464 771 499 733 557 755 566 751 579 676 626 647 606 616 608 522 674 488 643 495 556 519 487 609 451 [[Sermersuaq]]
poly 566 713 612 769 692 765 697 755 721 739 697 707 680 700 660 668 677 626 647 607 617 608 523 674 [[Kallavesa]]
poly 479 715 567 714 611 769 610 768 604 792 621 804 672 819 633 850 541 821 489 784 [[Bregasland]]
poly 700 834 743 815 740 789 717 778 708 749 697 756 692 765 610 769 604 792 622 805 673 819 [[Mitwold]]
poly 665 871 695 874 717 896 758 899 779 881 781 856 806 849 816 819 780 807 743 816 701 834 672 818 633 850 [[Mournwold]]
poly 821 733 826 740 833 741 831 758 855 781 851 822 816 819 780 806 743 816 741 789 718 779 708 749 721 739 821 732 [[Upwold]]
poly 815 721 826 740 840 742 851 725 841 714 825 712 [[Miaren#The_Great_Sinkhole]]
poly 846 681 839 713 842 714 851 726 846 732 884 738 913 733 923 740 954 717 954 695 935 669 912 686 [[Temeschwar]]
poly 831 757 833 741 840 742 846 732 884 739 913 734 924 740 923 764 935 770 968 813 936 821 919 844 889 848 852 822 854 781 [[Miaren]]
poly 815 819 852 822 889 848 873 876 842 889 837 921 782 929 764 918 757 899 778 881 781 857 805 848 [[Tassato]]
poly 930 923 873 876 842 889 837 921 782 928 844 965 916 967 [[Sarvos]]
poly 760 934 764 918 782 929 844 965 893 1052 812 1102 792 1079 754 1098 709 1092 686 1071 647 1058 634 1038 710 996 750 938 [[Madruga]]
poly 757 899 764 918 760 934 749 938 710 997 634 1038 523 981 527 939 571 904 644 898 693 900 716 896 [[Kahraman]]
poly 579 1147 662 1196 785 1198 812 1102 792 1078 754 1097 709 1092 693 1078 672 1102 603 1102 [[Feroz]]
poly 456 1117 488 1155 579 1147 603 1101 672 1102 693 1078 685 1071 648 1057 634 1038 524 981 [[Segura]]
poly 737 1274 724 1198 661 1196 578 1147 487 1155 430 1227 580 1265 [[Kalino]]
poly 818 1365 813 1342 773 1300 737 1275 579 1266 581 1270 602 1303 628 1371 [[Shavronne]]
poly 707 1434 758 1479 814 1410 817 1365 628 1371 526 1431 525 1458 534 1474 647 1496 [[Veroigne]]
poly 441 814 489 784 542 822 633 851 666 872 695 875 716 896 693 901 642 898 571 904 527 940 442 919 [[Liathaven]]
poly 344 1222 430 1227 487 1154 456 1116 523 980 527 939 442 918 371 1088 [[Reinos]]
poly 291 823 441 814 488 784 480 715 413 678 398 665 392 675 379 669 301 723 [[Hordalant]]
poly 539 688 488 643 495 557 325 529 309 587 331 644 389 634 394 643 398 665 414 678 435 657 474 681 [[Skallahn]]
poly 364 443 439 431 520 488 495 557 325 529 [[Tromsa]]
poly 248 650 330 644 309 586 325 528 364 443 242 450 204 577 [[Bryadvik]]
poly 78 350 106 360 205 390 214 459 107 465 [[Fjorknae]]
poly 847 967 917 969 1000 1042 985 1089 1133 1148 1172 1154 1197 1158 1245 1232 1231 1330 1174 1334 1091 1300 1046 1236 956 1218 875 1321 900 1380 902 1456 878 1482 838 1487 839 1555 648 1497 706 1436 759 1480 815 1410 819 1364 814 1341 775 1301 738 1274 725 1200 786 1200 813 1103 895 1052 [[Bay of Catazar]]
poly 437 430 363 442 241 448 202 578 247 651 331 644 347 688 299 722 289 821 247 835 260 870 273 912 186 930 93 986 80 361 107 467 213 461 215 461 206 389 107 359 225 357 [[Sea of Snow]]
</imagemap>
A political and strategic map of the Empire and surrounding territories.

==National Information and Maps==
<row-fluid>
<span4>
=== The Brass Coast ===
* [[Feroz]]
* [[Kahraman]]
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Segura]]
See: [[Brass Coast Maps]]
</span4>

<span4>
=== Dawn ===
* [[Astolat]]
* [[The Barrens]]
* [[Semmerholm]]
* [[Weirwater]]
See: [[Dawn Maps]]
</span4>

<span4>
=== Highguard ===
* [[Bastion]]
* [[Casinea]]
* [[Necropolis]]
* [[Reikos]]
See: [[Highguard Maps]]
</span4>
</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>
<span4>
=== The Imperial Orcs===
* [[Mareave]]
* [[Skarsind]]
See: [[Wintermark Maps]]
</span4>

<span4>
=== The League ===
* [[Holberg]]
* [[Sarvos]]
* [[Spiral]]
* [[Tassato]]
* [[Temeschwar]]
See: [[League Maps]]
</span4>

<span4>
=== The Marches ===
* [[Bregasland]]
* [[Mitwold]]
* [[Mournwold]]
* [[Upwold]]
See: [[Marches Maps]]
</span4>

</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>

<span4>
=== Navarr ===
* [[Brocéliande]]
* [[Hercynia]]
* [[Liathaven]]
* [[Miaren]]
* [[Therunin]]
See: [[Navarr Maps]]
</span4>

<span4>
=== Urizen ===
* [[Morrow]]
* [[Redoubt]]
* [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Zenith]]
See: [[Urizen Maps]]
</span4>

<span4>
=== Varushka ===
* [[Karov]]
* [[Karsk]]
* [[Miekarova]]
* [[Ossium]]
* [[Volodmartz]]
See: [[Varushka Maps]]
</span4>

</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>
=== Wintermark ===
* [[Hahnmark]]
* [[Kallavesa]]
* [[Sermersuaq]]
See: [[Wintermark Maps]]
</span4>
</row-fluid>

==IC Maps==

A selection of IC tactical and decorative maps can be found at [[Maps]]

[[File:EmpireDetailedMapThumb.jpg|480x335px|link=http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/0/0d/EmpireDetailedMap.png]]

==Further Afield==

[[Bay of Catazar]]<br>
[[The seven seas]]<br>
[[Sea of Snow]]

__NOTOC__
[[Category:Gazetteer]]
[[Category:The Empire]]