Empire - User contributions [en]

Great Forest at Reikos

2016-02-19T22:32:47Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Great Forest at Reikos is located on the southern borders of the Great Forest of Peytaht. It covers the eastern hills of [[Reikos#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]] in the previously [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[territory]] of [[Reikos]]. Custodianship of the Great Forest grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
On the borders of [[Reikos]], the great forest is an abundant source of valuable timber including precious weirwood. It was lost when the territory was over-run by [[Druj]] barbarians and is not currently being auctioned.

On the borders of Reikos, covering the eastern hills of [[#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]], the Great Forest is an abundant source of valuable timber including precious weirwood. It was lost when Broken Ride was over-run by Druj barbarians in 369YE.

* Reference confusion due to status of territory
* Reference reallocation
* Expand Great Forest stuff; reference weirwood on northern borders in Barrens

***

On the borders of Reikos, covering the eastern hills of Broken Ride, the Great Forest is an abundant source of valuable timber including precious weirwood. It was lost when Broken Ride was over-run by Druj barbarians in 369YE.

When the Druj swept out of the Great Forest of Peytaht, many of the workers of the Reikos felt it was their sworn duty to continue working until such a time as they put down their tools, and took up arms against the barbarian invader.

The workers of the Great Forest of Reikos were no exception, apart from the fact that all they needed to do was to take their tools and sharpen them; their great felling axes make for fearsome weapons. They fought hard, but they were overrun in very little time. At best they bought some times for the innocents of Reikos to try and escape. At worst, a generation of the finest workers in the Empire were killed or enslaved.

When the light of the Empire finally shone on the soil of Reikos again, many feared the worst; the forest would be razed, the workers slaughtered many years ago. Surprisingly, it appears the Druj attempted to work the Great Forest, using many of the workers they had captured, as well as other slaves brought from other areas, to work for them.

Some of the most austere vistas of the Empire had survived, almost intact. Great swathes of forested hills, the stands of weirwood trees notable amongst them, stand at the borders of the Empire. Still a valuable resource for just the normal timber never mind the weirwood, it is almost possible to forget the Druj and remember a time before, when workers sang hymns beneath the verdant canopy whilst ensuring the wealth of the area could be harvested for the good of an empire.
***

{{Bourse Seat|the Great Forest at Reikos|weirwood|25 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen could participate in the auction and hold the title. At the moment, the Great Forest at Reikos is not in Imperial hands, and its designation as Imperial Seat may change.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Great Forest at Reikos

2016-02-19T22:32:28Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Great Forest at Reikos is located on the southern borders of the Great Forest of Peytaht. It covers the eastern hills of [[Reikos#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]] in the previously [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[territory]] of [[Reikos]]. Custodianship of the Great Forest grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
On the borders of [[Reikos]], the great forest is an abundant source of valuable timber including precious weirwood. It was lost when the territory was over-run by [[Druj]] barbarians and is not currently being auctioned.

On the borders of Reikos, covering the eastern hills of [[#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]], the Great Forest is an abundant source of valuable timber including precious weirwood. It was lost when Broken Ride was over-run by Druj barbarians in 369YE.

* Reference confusion due to status of territory
* Reference reallocation
* Expand Great Forest stuff; reference weirwood on northern borders in Barrens

***
On the borders of Reikos, covering the eastern hills of Broken Ride, the Great Forest is an abundant source of valuable timber including precious weirwood. It was lost when Broken Ride was over-run by Druj barbarians in 369YE.

When the Druj swept out of the Great Forest of Peytaht, many of the workers of the Reikos felt it was their sworn duty to continue working until such a time as they put down their tools, and took up arms against the barbarian invader.

The workers of the Great Forest of Reikos were no exception, apart from the fact that all they needed to do was to take their tools and sharpen them; their great felling axes make for fearsome weapons. They fought hard, but they were overrun in very little time. At best they bought some times for the innocents of Reikos to try and escape. At worst, a generation of the finest workers in the Empire were killed or enslaved.

When the light of the Empire finally shone on the soil of Reikos again, many feared the worst; the forest would be razed, the workers slaughtered many years ago. Surprisingly, it appears the Druj attempted to work the Great Forest, using many of the workers they had captured, as well as other slaves brought from other areas, to work for them.

Some of the most austere vistas of the Empire had survived, almost intact. Great swathes of forested hills, the stands of weirwood trees notable amongst them, stand at the borders of the Empire. Still a valuable resource for just the normal timber never mind the weirwood, it is almost possible to forget the Druj and remember a time before, when workers sang hymns beneath the verdant canopy whilst ensuring the wealth of the area could be harvested for the good of an empire.
***

{{Bourse Seat|the Great Forest at Reikos|weirwood|25 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen could participate in the auction and hold the title. At the moment, the Great Forest at Reikos is not in Imperial hands, and its designation as Imperial Seat may change.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Weirwater Vales

2016-02-19T21:52:44Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Weirwater Vales are located in [[Weirwater#Wickmoor|Wickmoor]] in the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[territory]] of [[Weirwater]]. Custodianship of the Vales grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
Weirwater is named for the forests that dot this landscape and the rich supplies of weirwood they produce. Legend claims that the first weavers made a pact with the Eternals to make the land fertile, but that the magic has slowly dwindled with time.

According to stories handed down through generations of workers, some unknown force decorates trees within a circle with wild flowers, ribbons, and small knicknacks made with twine and sticks. Whenever such trees are found, workers will take undue care removing it all, and pack all of the decorations in a box made of some of the best weirwood harvested that season.
The workers will then fell the weirwood trees, knowing that it will be the best wood of the seasons harvest. The box of decorations will be left where the circle stood, for the mysterious owner to collect.
By the next season, the box will be gone, and a new circle will be decorated.

Every so often, according to the same stories, a worker will take some element of the decorations. These stories never end well, as the worker is found as a decoration on one of the trees; usually they are packed in a different box...

* Reference lack of Dawn resources?

***
Weirwater is named for the forests that dot this landscape and the rich supplies of weirwood they produce. Legend claims that the first weavers made a pact with the Eternals to make the land fertile, but that the magic has slowly dwindled with time.
At least, it’s assumed that the magic has slowly dwindled in time. There is still magic here, although it might not be what was originally agreed all those years ago.

The workers of Weirwater Vale are used to it, but every so often visitors to the area make the discovery; colloquially known as a Bone Hanger, it is a tree decorated with wild flowers, ribbons, and small knicknacks made with twine and sticks. Whenever such trees are found, workers will take undue care removing it all, and pack all of the decorations in a box made of some of the best weirwood harvested that season. The workers will then fell the weirwood trees, knowing that it will be the best wood of the seasons harvest. The box of decorations will be left where the circle stood, for the mysterious owner to collect. By the next season, the box will be gone, and a new circle will be decorated.

Of course, visitors to the area usually aren’t aware of the rules. Some are unlucky enough to take one of the knickknacks, possibly as a keepsake, or some sort of memento. Every so often a Priest will try and make a name for themselves by stripping a tree of its decorations and burning them because of the likely association with an Eternal. And once in a generation a worker will break the rules through wilful stupidity and become a cautionary tale.

All of their stories end in the same way; badly. All will be found a short time later, all as the sole decoration on a tree. Usually the workers will draw lots as to who will remove the body, as it is gruesome, bloody work. Bones will be hanging away from the skin that should surround them. Blood will paint the bark a dark red-brown. And sometimes, just sometimes, there is a spark of life left in the mess that used to be a person; it fades fast, but the screams linger long in the memory.

***
{{Bourse Seat|the Weirwater Vales|weirwood|23 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Scorrero Nets

2016-02-19T20:50:17Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Scorrero Nets are located along the banks of the Scorrero in northernmost [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]] in the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[territory]] of [[Feroz]]. Custodianship of the Scorrero Nets grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable [[ilium]].

==The Resource==
A wise Hakima learnt by chance many years ago that the Scorrero carries ilium in its waters, washed from the land and carried towards the sea. Now nets are placed in the water at key points, primarily along the length of the Scorrero that runs through Feroz, to sieve out the precious material before it can be lost forever.

This Bourse position produces 5 rings of Ilium every season.

* Reference water and meteorites
* Reference proximity of Siroc
* The nets presumably also bring up Ilium from the Bay of Catazar rather than just from the river (otherwise they would be further up stream). Possibly it is a place where people who dredge ilium up sell it?

The workers are organised into gangs, with each gang having ownership of a net, and control of a pitch. There are many official pitches along the banks of the Scorrero close to Oranseri, but further up the river where the pickings are leaner it can seem like open warfare between the net gangs, as well as constant issues between claim jumpers, and wild-catters from Siroc who are considered worst of all.

Claim jumpers and wild-catters are not the only dangers of the river. Throughought its length the Scorrero is wide, deep, and has subtle but strong currents, ready to take the unwary. Many a worker is lost, never mind all the other objects and detritus that get swept into tho river. As a result, other net gangs started to appear, without license to draw in Illium, but able to clear the river of everything but.

***
A wise Hakima learnt by chance many years ago that the Scorrero carries ilium in its waters, washed from the land and carried towards the sea. Now nets are placed in the water at key points, primarily along the length of the Scorrero that runs through Feroz, to sieve out the precious material before it can be lost forever.
According to the locals, there are two truisms about the Scorrero. First, that there will always be nets. Second, there will always be the gangs to tend them.

The gangs first started appearing once the scope of the ilium catch was realised. What could have been worked by one was suddenly taken by two. The gangs formed for protection as much as to work their part of the river at first, but many have also used their numbers to enable some extremely aggressive negotiations for ever larger claims.

There are many official pitches along the banks of the Scorrero close to Oranseri, but further up the river where the pickings are leaner it can seem like open warfare between the net gangs, as well as constant issues between claim jumpers, and wild-catters from Siroc who are considered worst of all.

Claim jumpers and wild-catters are not the only dangers of the river. Throughought its length the Scorrero is wide, deep, and has subtle but strong currents, ready to take the unwary. Workers must be constantly on the alert for detritus swept into and carried along by the river, so that many fashion their own protective working clothes, sometimes the equal of sturdy armour. Of course, the waterlogged weight of such clothing brings its own risks.

One of the most dangerous tasks on the net is not actually the Ilium farmer, but that of Net Rigger. It is the Rigger’s task to ensure the net is clear and in good repair, and it is the Riggers who are most likely to end up face down, caught in the nets of another gang.

It is because their task is so dangerous that the Riggers have almost developed their own sorority. If a Rigger is found in a net, they will be brought out of the river, cleaned and washed, and carried in state back to their own gang. On the way every Rigger they pass will join the funereal procession, all of them singing The Rigger’s Dirge. Even the gang bosses know to let them pass without incident.
***

{{Bourse Seat|the Scorrero Nets|ilium|5 rings|Spring Equinox|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Arratan Gamble

2016-02-19T20:00:26Z

Steve:

==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; is claimed that on a clear day the Arratan Gamble is visible from the tallest spires of the city. It has a singularly bad reputation, and several previous holders of the seat have been ruined. Some claim that the quarry is cursed, while others claim that the real problem is the people of Tassato Regario who resent anyone other than a fellow Regario citizen claiming it.

In addition to the white granite produced in the Gamble, the quarries of Entario are known for producing fine masonry stone using in construction throughout Tassato and the central Empire.

The Arratan Gamble is an Imperial [[Bourse#The_Arratan_Gamble|Bourse position]] which produces white granite. It is allocated to any Imperial citizen by open auction during the Summer solstice. This Bourse position produces 25 Imperial wains of white granite each season.

****

The Gamble is a large quarry; it is claimed that on a clear day the Arratan Gamble is visible from the tallest spires of the city.

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.

Ernesto Lerner was the first of the victims claimed by the quary. An inveterate gambler, he lost one roll of the dice too many and was hurled off the top of the quarry by his many debtors. Rumour has it that every citizen that had a had a hand on him at the top had been given the full production of white granite as collateral.

After that follows a litany of unfortunate seat holders; one poisoned by an apple, another stabbed whilst at the theatre. One notable was killed when Mighty Franco, the largest single block of white granite ever raised from the quarry, somehow toppled over and crushed her.

Of course, those of a more 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. For their part, the workers state the quarry needs an Empress (conveniently ignoring the hundreds of years where there was a sitting Empress).

The wisest, though, keep themselves to themselves, apportion the bounty with a stoic pragmaticism, and try to stay away from workers and upset debtors.

****

{{Bourse Seat|the Arratan Gamble|white granite|25 Imperial wains|Summer Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Imperial Titles]]
[[Category:Bourse]]
[[Category:Steve]]

Canterspire Circle

2015-12-12T22:25:20Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Canterspire Circle (or more correctly, Circles) are located on the slopes of the [[Morrow#Operus|Operus]] mountains in the [[Urizen]] [[territory]] of [[Morrow]]. Custodianship of the Circle grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
The lower slopes of Canterspire are marked by strange circles of weirwood that grow rapidly despite the barren soil. It is clear that some magic is responsible for their ruddy health, but no ritual has ever been devised that can repeat this phenomena which certainly predates the arrival of the Urizen.

***

The lower slopes of Canterspire are marked by strange circles of weirwood that grow rapidly despite the barren soil. It is clear that some magic is responsible for their ruddy health, but no ritual has ever been devised that can repeat this phenomena which certainly predates the arrival of the Urizen.

At first there were many investigations. Numerous research teams worked for many months, alongside workers harvesting the precious weirwood. None were able to replicate whatever magics were providing such growth in such soil. Numerous teams, of course, until... something... happened.

Records are blurred. Some witnesses claim it was an accident. Some that it was a sacrifice. All that is known is that there were deaths amongst a group of tutors and students from XXXX Spire. The Spire held an inquiry, but nothing much happened. The Spire, if you ask the workers, looked after their own.

And nothing much changed as a result. Maybe the research teams were a little more circumspect, and maybe they kept better notes. But the research continued, and the tutors aged, and the students became tutors in their turn.

Seven years after the event, death returned to Canterspire Circle. Seemingly from nowhere, a woman walked between the research teams. According to the survivors, she asked each person if they were virtuous. Some of them must have given the right answer, and others wrong answer, because some she left, and the others she killed. She was swift, she was ruthless, and she was merciless.

All research stopped. Since that day, only those with an interest in harvesting the weirwood have come to Canterspire Circle. All research ended, most of the surviving academics left their equipment where it was to run back to their Spires.

Every seven years, on that same date, a woman walks the Canterspire Circle and asks anyone there if they are virtuous. It is a woman chosen by the workers by secret ballot, and she is usually, but not always, one of them. She never kills anyone, because only the workers will enter the forest on that day, for the workers of Canterspire Circle are amongst the most virtuous citizens in the empire.

***

{{Bourse Seat|the Canterspire Circle|weirwood|22 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Golden Trees of Seren

2015-12-09T20:42:17Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Golden Trees of Seren are located in [[Miaren#Serenael|Serenael]] in the [[Navarr]] [[territory]] of [[Miaren]]. Custodianship of the Golden Trees grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
In the heart of the Miaren are the ruins of Seren, destroyed a millenia ago by the [[Vallorn]] and slowly reclaimed after the liberation of that territory. The area is still dangerous, but the Vallorn' unnatural fertility has left large copses of weirwood trees dotted through the surrounding forest

* Reference the city
* Why is this not National, reference the Thimble
* Difficulty of establishing following the Wither the Seed

Once it was only the foolhardy who would brave the Vallorn in search of old Terunael, the ruins of a city lost beneath the darkes of forests. But in the early days of the Empire the Miaren Vallorn was destroyed, and since then the area has been reclaimed.

Part of that reclamation has left groves of Weirwood through the area that was once Vallorn. These weirwood trees stand tall and proud, taller than any other weirwood known in the Empire, and known as the Golden because their leaves show a never-ending touch of Autumn. Some stories say that these trees are the last stand of ancient Terunael, and the workers of Miaren are said to weep whenever they take a tree for the harvest.

Maybe it is for this reason that the Navarr have never laid claim to The Golden Trees of Seren; that by ensuring they remain an Imperial resource they can share the guilt of killing such majestic trees.

***

There are many stories about Terunael, the ancient city lost beneath the Miaren Vallorn. Unfortunately there is no way to tell if any of them are true, thanks the the verdant canopy and the strangeness that lives under it.

One old and much-repeated story is of the last stand of Terunael, which took place within the weirwood forest that is now known as the Golden Trees of Seren.

The story tells of a shining, bright band of heroes. The greatest that Terunael had ever known, they had brought peace and prosperity. Many versions say there were one hundred and forty-four heroes, some more, some less. But all agree they were the greatest assembled in the world in their day. That they could move mountains, change the course of rivers, but no one could cleanse the unnatural growth.

The story tells of a glorious last charge, of a mighty battle fought through and beneath the Vallorn. Of a desperate last stand, so that the last of Terunael's innocents might flee, to live their lives elsewhere. Of mages, warriors, hunters and theives clad in their finest, most rich rainments, throwing down their lives simply to buy time for those whom they protected.

And the story goes on to say that each of those doomed heroes, as they fell, were bathed in light from above, shining gold as it reflected from armour. And where the light shone, a weirwood tree grew. Majestic, these weirwood trees stand tall and proud, taller than any other weirwood known in the Empire, and known as the Golden because their leaves show a never-ending touch of Autumn.

Once it was only the foolhardy who would brave the Vallorn in search of old Terunael, the ruins of a city lost beneath the most unnatural of forests. But in the early days of the Empire the Miaren Vallorn was destroyed, and since then the area has been reclaimed.

Part of that reclamation has left groves of Weirwood through the area that was once Vallorn, yet the workers of Miaren are said to weep whenever they take a tree for the harvest.

Maybe it is for this reason that the Navarr have never laid claim to The Golden Trees of Seren; that by ensuring they remain an Imperial resource they can share the guilt of killing such majestic trees.

***

{{Bourse Seat|the Golden Trees|weirwood|28 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Thimble

2015-12-01T19:41:56Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Thimble is located in [[TBC]] in the [[Navarr]] [[territory]] of [[Therunin]]. Custodianship of the Thimble grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
The Thimble is a vast stretch of forest that covers a series of rolling hills allegedly laid out in the pattern of a tailor's thimble. The Thimble was one of the earliest areas of Therunin to be cleared of Vallorn influence and it now provides an impressive supply of valuable weirwood for the Navarr use.

The Thimble is a vast stretch of forest that covers a series of rolling hills allegedly laid out in the pattern of a tailor's thimble. The Thimble was one of the earliest areas of Therunin to be cleared of Vallorn influence and it now provides an impressive supply of valuable weirwood for the Navarr use. Many Navarr, both within Therunin and without, worry about its proximity to the barbarian lands - they have seen what happened to [[Reikos#The_Great_Forest_at_Reikos|the Great Forest at Reikos]] when the barbarians launched a surprise attack.

* Three weirwood seats Navarr only have one national
* Talk about herb garden election and common expectation will use weirwood to help

***
The Thimble is a vast stretch of forest that covers a series of rolling hills allegedly laid out in the pattern of a tailor's thimble. It was one of the earliest areas of Therunin to be cleared of the Vallorn, and after it was cleared so many lives had been lost that the usual cairns could not be used, so corpse-glades were set up as if the Thimble itself were a steading. Many descendants of those fallen Navarr still come to those corpse glades, and hang mementos of and for their fallen ancestors.

When the Imperial Bourse cast its eyes over The Thimble, the Navarr said "No", and they would not be swayed. Too many had ended their dances in the forest to allow the Empire a say in how the forest would be used.

Nowadays the workers are able to work to provide an impressive supply of valuable weirwood for the Navarr use, much of which goes to the owners of the herb gardens who together elect their Bourse member, who is often referred to as The Stitcher.

Many Navarr, both within Therunin and without, worry about its proximity to the barbarian lands - they have seen what happened to [[Reikos#The_Great_Forest_at_Reikos|the Great Forest at Reikos]] when the barbarians launched a surprise attack. Whilst the Navarr can be ruthlessly pragmatic, no Navarr wants to see The Thimble taken by barbarians, or razed by a raiding force. There have even been rumours of some Navarr stridings preparing themselves to attack the nearest barbarians, before they head to The Thimble. They will not give up this forest easily.

***

{{Bourse Seat|the Thimble|weirwood|24 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|Control of the Thimble is assigned to whichever Navarr candidate receives the most support from Navarr owners of herb gardens. .}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Thimble

2015-12-01T19:39:21Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Thimble is located in [[TBC]] in the [[Navarr]] [[territory]] of [[Therunin]]. Custodianship of the Thimble grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
The Thimble is a vast stretch of forest that covers a series of rolling hills allegedly laid out in the pattern of a tailor's thimble. The Thimble was one of the earliest areas of Therunin to be cleared of Vallorn influence and it now provides an impressive supply of valuable weirwood for the Navarr use.

The Thimble is a vast stretch of forest that covers a series of rolling hills allegedly laid out in the pattern of a tailor's thimble. The Thimble was one of the earliest areas of Therunin to be cleared of Vallorn influence and it now provides an impressive supply of valuable weirwood for the Navarr use. Many Navarr, both within Therunin and without, worry about its proximity to the barbarian lands - they have seen what happened to [[Reikos#The_Great_Forest_at_Reikos|the Great Forest at Reikos]] when the barbarians launched a surprise attack.

* Three weirwood seats Navarr only have one national
* Talk about herb garden election and common expectation will use weirwood to help

***
The Thimble is a vast stretch of forest that covers a series of rolling hills allegedly laid out in the pattern of a tailor's thimble. It was one of the earliest areas of Therunin to be cleared of the Vallorn, and after it was cleared so many lives had been lost that the usual cairns could not be used, so corpse-glades were set up as if the Thimble itself were a steading.

When the Imperial Bourse cast its eyes over The Thimble, the Navarr said "No", and they would not be swayed. Too many had ended their dances in the forest to allow the Empire a say in how the forest would be used.

Nowadays the workers are able to work to provide an impressive supply of valuable weirwood for the Navarr use, much of which goes to the owners of the herb gardens who together elect their Bourse member, who is often referred to as The Stitcher.

Many Navarr, both within Therunin and without, worry about its proximity to the barbarian lands - they have seen what happened to [[Reikos#The_Great_Forest_at_Reikos|the Great Forest at Reikos]] when the barbarians launched a surprise attack. Whilst the Navarr can be ruthlessly pragmatic, no Navarr wants to see The Thimble taken by barbarians, or razed by a raiding force. There have even been rumours of some Navarr stridings preparing themselves to attack the nearest barbarians, before they head to The Thimble.

***

{{Bourse Seat|the Thimble|weirwood|24 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|Control of the Thimble is assigned to whichever Navarr candidate receives the most support from Navarr owners of herb gardens. .}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Hunt of Alderei the Fair

2015-11-29T19:15:39Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Hunt of Alderei the Fair is located at the foot of the [[Volodmartz#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains in the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[territory]] of [[Volodmartz]]. Custodianship of the Hunt grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
The hunt is a great weirwood forest that was also the site of one of the most vicious battles against the forces of [[Alderei the Fair]], the tyrant-boyar of pre-Imperial Varushka. At the foot of the [[Volodmartz#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains, this vital strategic asset was nearly burnt to the ground in the wake of the Imperial victory, and said to be haunted to this day. The site is believed to take its name from the treasure seekers who combed the surrounding woods looking for traces of Alderei the Fair in the decades after his defeat.

* Reference not assigned national, and other resources. The Varushkan "deal" is that they endure darkness for the riches of Varushka, why do foreigners benefit from this (etc)

One of the richest resources of Volodmartz, the hunt is a great weirwood forest that was also the site of one of the most vicious battles against the forces of Aldereri the Fair. At the foot of the [[#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains, this vital strategic asset was nearly burnt to the ground in the wake of the Imperial victory. Only quick action by Imperial forces prevented the fire consuming all the trees, and to this day on certain nights of the new moon the living trees are sometimes engulfed in a shimmering copper effulgence that seems to have no natural origin.

There is some controversy over the name of the site. Some claim it is named for the treasure seekers who combed the surrounding woods looking for traces of Alderei the Fair in the decades after his defeat. Others say it is actually named for the three nights of pursuit when Imperial forces chased the retreating forces of Alderei south-west toward Alderei's run.

There is some controversy over the name of the this great weirwood forest. Some say it is named for the three nights of pursuit, when Imperial forces chased the retreating forces of Alderei south-west toward Alderei's Run. Others that is is named for the treasure seekers who combed the surrounding woods looking for traces of Alderei the Fair (more cynical souls say they are looking for traces of his abandoned supply train, and the riches it held) in the decades after his defeat. Darkest of all is the belief that Alderei used to hunt Varushkans through the great forest, for his sport or as part of some dark rites used by the volodny.

One of the richest resources of Volodmartz, the hunt is a great weirwood forest that was also the site of one of the most vicious battles against the forces of Aldereri the Fair. At the foot of the [[#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains, this vital strategic asset was nearly burnt to the ground in the wake of the Imperial victory. Only quick action by Imperial forces prevented the fire consuming all the trees, and to this day on certain nights of the new moon the living trees are sometimes engulfed in a shimmering copper effulgence that seems to have no natural origin.

Whilst the everburning weirwood trees lend a haunted, supernatural air to the forest, it does not deter visitors, most of whom are called "Hunters" by the workers (who are often forced to shoo them on so they can get their work done). There are those lured by tales of the lost treasures of the baggage train, drawn by pure greed. There are those who come to find Alderei himself, to make their fame and fortune by such an amazing find. And there are those such as Yvgeniy the Pious, who funded an entire expedition for two seasons so that they might search for Alderei's final resting place, be it coffin, tomb or ditch, to ensure that he would never rise again.

***

There is some controversy over the name of the this great weirwood forest. Some say it is named for the three nights of pursuit, when Imperial forces chased the retreating forces of Alderei south-west toward Alderei's Run. Others that is is named for the treasure seekers who combed the surrounding woods looking for traces of Alderei the Fair (more cynical souls say they are looking for traces of his abandoned supply train, and the riches it held) in the decades after his defeat. Darkest of all is the belief that Alderei used to hunt Varushkans through the great forest, for his sport or as part of some dark rites perpetrated by the volodny.

One of the richest resources of Volodmartz, the hunt is a great weirwood forest that was also the site of one of the most vicious battles against the forces of Aldereri the Fair. At the foot of the [[#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains, this vital strategic asset was nearly burnt to the ground in the wake of the Imperial victory. Only quick action by Imperial forces prevented the fire consuming all the trees, and to this day on certain nights of the new moon the living trees are sometimes engulfed in a shimmering copper effulgence that seems to have no natural origin.

Whilst the everburning weirwood trees lend a haunted, supernatural air to the forest, it does not deter visitors, most of whom are called "Hunters" by the workers (who are often forced to shoo them on so they can get their work done). There are those lured by tales of the lost treasures of the baggage train, drawn by pure greed. There are those who come to find Alderei himself, to make their fame and fortune by such an amazing find. And there are those such as Yvgeniy the Pious, who funded an entire expedition for two seasons so that they might search for Alderei's final resting place, be it coffin, tomb or ditch, to ensure that he would never rise again.

***

{{Bourse Seat|the Hunt of Alderei the Fair|weirwood|26 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Hunt of Alderei the Fair

2015-11-29T19:15:03Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Hunt of Alderei the Fair is located at the foot of the [[Volodmartz#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains in the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[territory]] of [[Volodmartz]]. Custodianship of the Hunt grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
The hunt is a great weirwood forest that was also the site of one of the most vicious battles against the forces of [[Alderei the Fair]], the tyrant-boyar of pre-Imperial Varushka. At the foot of the [[Volodmartz#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains, this vital strategic asset was nearly burnt to the ground in the wake of the Imperial victory, and said to be haunted to this day. The site is believed to take its name from the treasure seekers who combed the surrounding woods looking for traces of Alderei the Fair in the decades after his defeat.

* Reference not assigned national, and other resources. The Varushkan "deal" is that they endure darkness for the riches of Varushka, why do foreigners benefit from this (etc)

One of the richest resources of Volodmartz, the hunt is a great weirwood forest that was also the site of one of the most vicious battles against the forces of Aldereri the Fair. At the foot of the [[#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains, this vital strategic asset was nearly burnt to the ground in the wake of the Imperial victory. Only quick action by Imperial forces prevented the fire consuming all the trees, and to this day on certain nights of the new moon the living trees are sometimes engulfed in a shimmering copper effulgence that seems to have no natural origin.

There is some controversy over the name of the site. Some claim it is named for the treasure seekers who combed the surrounding woods looking for traces of Alderei the Fair in the decades after his defeat. Others say it is actually named for the three nights of pursuit when Imperial forces chased the retreating forces of Alderei south-west toward Alderei's run.

****There is some controversy over the name of the this great weirwood forest. Some say it is named for the three nights of pursuit, when Imperial forces chased the retreating forces of Alderei south-west toward Alderei's Run. Others that is is named for the treasure seekers who combed the surrounding woods looking for traces of Alderei the Fair (more cynical souls say they are looking for traces of his abandoned supply train, and the riches it held) in the decades after his defeat. Darkest of all is the belief that Alderei used to hunt Varushkans through the great forest, for his sport or as part of some dark rites used by the volodny.

One of the richest resources of Volodmartz, the hunt is a great weirwood forest that was also the site of one of the most vicious battles against the forces of Aldereri the Fair. At the foot of the [[#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains, this vital strategic asset was nearly burnt to the ground in the wake of the Imperial victory. Only quick action by Imperial forces prevented the fire consuming all the trees, and to this day on certain nights of the new moon the living trees are sometimes engulfed in a shimmering copper effulgence that seems to have no natural origin.

Whilst the everburning weirwood trees lend a haunted, supernatural air to the forest, it does not deter visitors, most of whom are called "Hunters" by the workers (who are often forced to shoo them on so they can get their work done). There are those lured by tales of the lost treasures of the baggage train, drawn by pure greed. There are those who come to find Alderei himself, to make their fame and fortune by such an amazing find. And there are those such as Yvgeniy the Pious, who funded an entire expedition for two seasons so that they might search for Alderei's final resting place, be it coffin, tomb or ditch, to ensure that he would never rise again.

***

There is some controversy over the name of the this great weirwood forest. Some say it is named for the three nights of pursuit, when Imperial forces chased the retreating forces of Alderei south-west toward Alderei's Run. Others that is is named for the treasure seekers who combed the surrounding woods looking for traces of Alderei the Fair (more cynical souls say they are looking for traces of his abandoned supply train, and the riches it held) in the decades after his defeat. Darkest of all is the belief that Alderei used to hunt Varushkans through the great forest, for his sport or as part of some dark rites perpetrated by the volodny.

One of the richest resources of Volodmartz, the hunt is a great weirwood forest that was also the site of one of the most vicious battles against the forces of Aldereri the Fair. At the foot of the [[#Opascari|Opascari]] mountains, this vital strategic asset was nearly burnt to the ground in the wake of the Imperial victory. Only quick action by Imperial forces prevented the fire consuming all the trees, and to this day on certain nights of the new moon the living trees are sometimes engulfed in a shimmering copper effulgence that seems to have no natural origin.

Whilst the everburning weirwood trees lend a haunted, supernatural air to the forest, it does not deter visitors, most of whom are called "Hunters" by the workers (who are often forced to shoo them on so they can get their work done). There are those lured by tales of the lost treasures of the baggage train, drawn by pure greed. There are those who come to find Alderei himself, to make their fame and fortune by such an amazing find. And there are those such as Yvgeniy the Pious, who funded an entire expedition for two seasons so that they might search for Alderei's final resting place, be it coffin, tomb or ditch, to ensure that he would never rise again.

***

{{Bourse Seat|the Hunt of Alderei the Fair|weirwood|26 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Heartwood of the Great Vale

2015-11-28T20:31:05Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The heartwood of the Great Vale is located in is in northern [[Hercynia#Summersend|Summersend]] in the [[Navarr]] [[territory]] of [[Hercynia]]. Custodianship of the Heartwood grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
The Great Vale in [[Hercynia]] contains large areas of precious weirwood. Although the area came under threat from [[Thule]] barbarians, the Empire maintained control of the Heartwood, albeit barely.

The Great Vale in Hercynia contains large areas of precious weirwood in northern [[#Summersend|Summersend]]. Although the area is threatened by Thule barbarians, the Empire has maintained control of the Heartwood, albeit barely.

No one knows if the legends of a pact are true, never mind what the terms of this supposed pact were. But the workers in Weirwater know some things are all too well; that there is something in the woods that is called The Valewoman, and that under every tree lies a corpse.

Sightings of The Valewoman go back as long as anyone can remember. Nobody knows who or what The Valewoman is, just that she is seen as a figure in the distance every so often, and is gone before anyone can get there. As she has been seen as long as the Weirwater Vales have been worked, tales abound as to the real reason she is there, but most point to the fact that whenever a tree has been felled, and the stump excavated, the workers find a corpse.

Sometimes the corpse is just bones amongst the roots, and sometimes it looks fresh enough to have just stopped breathing. No-one knows who they were, or how they got there (especially the fresher looking corpses). Just one truth; every tree stands atop a corpse. It is no surprise that, mentally at least, the workers of Weirwater Vales are some of the toughest in the Empire.

* Reference not assigned national, and Thimble

***
There are some scholars who travel the Empire, attempting to collect the legends of the various nations. Some of them have been to Great Vale, drawn by tales of a pact, terrible discoveries, and a mysterious figure that no-one has ever been able to identify. Most do not, for exactly the same reasons.

The legends tell of a pact made with Eternals, but no one person can say for certain that a pact was made, what was traded, or even that it is still in effect. What is known for certain is that the workers of the Great Vale make the same grisly discovery with the felling of every tree, and that something walks the woods that may not be Imperial.

Talk amongst scholars, both learned and ale-house, abounds about the pact. They talk about how, whenever a tree has been felled and the stump excavated, the workers find a corpse.

Sometimes the corpse is just bones amongst the roots, and sometimes it looks fresh enough to have just stopped breathing. No-one knows who they were, or how they got there (especially the fresher looking corpses). Just one truth; every tree stands atop a corpse. Some say that this is a sign that the pact is still in force. Others that the corpses are from some ancient battle and that if a hole is dug anywhere in the Great Vale at least one corpse will be found, regardless of whether or not it is under a tree. Most, however, believe they are victims of The Valewoman.

"The Valewoman" is the name given to the apparition that appears within the Great Vale sporadically. All that witnesses can report is that a figure appeared in the distance, far away enough for detail to be obscured. Almost all state that the only definable aspect of the figure was that the silhouette showed the figure to be wearing either long robes or a dress, hence the name ascribed. Despite countless attempts, no person has ever managed to get close to the Valewoman, never mind speak to her. At least, the alehouse scholars attest, spoken to her and lived...

It is no surprise that, mentally at least, the workers of Weirwater Vales are some of the toughest in the Empire. If they know anything, they stopped bothering to talk of it generations ago.

Shortly after the weirwood trees of Heartwood of the Great Vale were discovered the Imperial Bourse made strong overtures about ceding harvesting rights to the Empire. Overtures that were strongly rebuffed until the first trees were harvested, and the grisly contents of their roots were discovered, at least. A decision was made, pragmatic as only the Navarr could be; The weirwood was the Empires. That way, any pacts, any bargains, any oaths still in force would be with the Empire, as the Navarr had enough of their own.

***

{{Bourse Seat|the Heartwood of the Great Vale|weirwood|25 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Syrene's Wisdom

2015-11-28T13:52:14Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
Syrene's Wisdom is located in [[Casinea#Syrwatch|Syrwatch]] in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[territory]] of [[Casinea]]. Custodianship of Syrene's Wisdom grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable [[ilium]].

==The Resource==
In the silver mines above Syrene there are sometimes found brilliant blue seams, no more than a few inches long, that dull chisels upon the first strike. Although these seams are small and difficult to work they yield a constant supply of Ilium.

This Bourse position produces 7 rings of Ilium every season.

* Reference water and meteorites

Much of the time it's groups of silver miners who are tasked to work the Ilium seams, whenever a new seam is found. Many a visitor to the silver mines, or to Syrene's Wisdom itself, will have heard the miners grumble about their assigned task; Ilium mining is a punishment duty. But it is not a punishment duty because of the difficulty of mining the seam, more the difficulty in surviving the mines.

Syrene's mine is prone to flooding. Sudden, rather vicious floods roar through the mines, catching the unaware, causing the ready to flee in panic for the entrance, and halting all work until the waters subside. And after the waters subside, strange figures can be seen in the mine. The foolish and gullible call them what remains of drowned miners, but some learned sages believe them to be some form of Eternal, drawn to the mine and the Ilium within it.

{{Bourse Seat|Syrene's Wisdom|ilium|7 rings|Spring Equinox|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Scorrero Nets

2015-11-28T12:00:40Z

Steve:

Weirwater Vales

2015-11-27T20:43:06Z

Steve:

Great Mine of Briante

2015-11-25T19:51:05Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Great Mine of Briante is located in [[Kahraman#Serra Briante|Briante]] in the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[territory]] of [[Kahraman]]. Custodianship of the Great Mine grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable mithril.

==The Resource==
At the heart of the mining settlement of [[Kahraman#Serra Briante|Briante]] is the great mine that shares its name. Perhaps the deepest mine in the Empire, it has been dug deeper and deeper over the centuries to excavate the precious mithril that is found deep underground.

* Reference Damatian Cliffs

Whilst the Damation Cliffs are possibly the most secure (in terms of numbers of fortifications) in the Empire, the Great Mine is most likely the most perilous. It is a great shaft, cut almost vertically into the ground, on the walls of which can be seen dozens of miners. Miners who are free-climbing, without need of safety ropes or nets, and seemingly completely oblivious to the fatal nature of any slip or fall.

{{Bourse Seat|the Great Mine of Briante|mithril|22 Imperial wains|Autumn Equinox|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Damatian Cliffs

2015-11-25T19:45:07Z

Steve:

==Overview==
The Damatian Cliffs are located near [[Kahraman#Serra Damata|Damata]] in the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[territory]] of [[Kahraman]]. Custodianship of the Damatian Cliffs grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable white granite.

==The Resource==
The Cliffs are well protected with a sequence of fortifications to guard the approach. Damation granite is flecked with silver marks although these are purely cosmetic and do not lessen its value.

Each of the fortifications is built of granite mined at that location, and each garrison is fiercely protective of the stone that protects them in time of need. Each of them identifies and names "constellations" of the greater silver flecks on their walls, and it is by their major constellations that each is known.

Every great Bourse member personally finances the building of a fortification, and some Bourse members have bankrupted themselves attempting to build the strongest, most impressive fort along and up the Damation Cliffs. But not each fortification has been built without incident; many a fort has been plagued with accusations of corruption about its financing. In the year XXXXX noted philanthropist and popular stateswoman Inacia i Correrro i Riqueza was tried and convicted for embezzlement of Imperial funds, and was sentenced to work the Damation Cliffs in the shadow of the fort that she had stolen the funds to build. The irony was not lost on the troops, who would stand at attention and salute at the beginning and end of her every shift.

{{Bourse Seat|the Damatian Cliffs|white granite|27 Imperial wains|Summer Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Granites of Veltsgorsk

2015-11-25T19:09:05Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Granites of Veltsgorks are found deep in the mountains of [[#Brez|Brez]], in the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[territory]] of [[Volodmartz]]. Custodianship of the Granites of Veltsgorsk grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable white granite.

==The Resource==
In the mountatins of [[Volodmartz#Brez|Brez]] lie the open mines of Veltsgorsk. The white granite that comes from these mines is sometimes streaked with pink quartz - storytellers claim it is steeped in the blood of all those who have died fighting over Volodmartz in the past, and will help give life to nearby vegetation as a result.
* Reference forest owners
* Reference political tensions

The workers of Veltsgorsk are a tough-minded, hardy breed, almost as hard as the granite that they mine.

They mine the granite in big blocks, seeming to saw along the ground, before hammering in wedges that will break the granite into a neat, rectangular block. So practiced are they that each block needs hardly any dressing before it is ready to be stacked. Once broken from the mine, each block is raised by a team of workers, all of them aware that what they are raising is a block of pink granite easily large enough to crush them to death were any of them to fail in lifting correctly.

It is common to find a Storyteller walking through the open mine whilst citizens are working, calling out tales of the great heroes whose blood is said the suffuse the very granite they are quarrying. As each block is raised, the cry of "Remember!" will reverberate around the mountains, shouted by both Storyteller and worker alike.

{{Bourse Seat|the Granites of Veltsgorsk|white granite|26 Imperial wains|Summer Solstice|It is assigned to whichever Varushkan candidate receives the most support from Varushkan owners of [[forest]] resources.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Granites of Veltsgorsk

2015-11-24T19:15:55Z

Steve:

Golden Trees of Seren

2015-11-24T18:44:42Z

Steve:

Damatian Cliffs

2015-11-24T18:39:57Z

Steve:

Canterspire Circle

2015-11-23T18:43:20Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Canterspire Circle (or more correctly, Circles) are located on the slopes of the [[Morrow#Operus|Operus] mountains in the [[Urizen]] [[territory]] of [[Morrow]]. Custodianship of the Circle grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable weirwood

==The Resource==
The lower slopes of Canterspire are marked by strange circles of weirwood that grow rapidly despite the barren soil. It is clear that some magic is responsible for their ruddy health, but no ritual has ever been devised that can repeat this phenomena which certainly predates the arrival of the Urizen.

According to stories handed down through generations of workers, some unknown force decorates trees within a circle with wild flowers, ribbons, and small knicknacks made with twine and sticks. Whenever such trees are found, workers will take undue care removing it all, and pack all of the decorations in a box made of some of the best weirwood harvested that season.
The workers will then fell the weirwood trees, knowing that it will be the best wood of the seasons harvest. The box of decorations will be left where the circle stood, for the mysterious owner to collect.
By the next season, the box will be gone, and a new circle will be decorated.

Every so often, according to the same stories, a worker will take some element of the decorations. These stories never end well, as the worker is found as a decoration on one of the trees; usually they are packed in a different box...

{{Bourse Seat|the Canterspire Circle|weirwood|22 Imperial wains|Winter Solstice|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]

Brilliant Star

2015-11-23T18:41:07Z

Steve:

{{stub}}
==Overview==
The Brilliant Star is located in [[Redoubt#Tomari|Tomari]] in the [[Urizen]] [[territory]] of [[Redoubt]]. Custodianship of the Brilliant Star grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable mithril.

==The Resource==
In the peaks of [[Redoubt#Tomari|Tomari]] in [[Redoubt]], overlooking the [[Urizen]] [[spire]] of [[Redoubt#Delving|Delving]] is the Brilliant Star. Allegedly the most beautiful of all the star shaped tunnel complexes that undermine the mountains, its walls gleam slightly even when there is no other light.

It is this light that attracts the students of both Tabulous and Delving, as well as many a scholar from the Spires. It is believed that the pale light from the walls promotes reasoned thought, the understanding of even the most difficult of principles, and it is this belief that brings both students and masters sneaking past the workers.

The light in some areas is particularly prized, with competition for areas in the complex so fierce that more than one riot has broken out in the mine.

It is the pale light that makes the granite of the Brilliant Star prized for use in great spires, places of learning, and the homes of the greatest minds of the Empire.

{{Bourse Seat|the Brilliant Star|mithril|24 Imperial wains|Autumn Equinox|As an Imperial seat, any Imperial citizen may participate in the auction and hold the title.}}

[[Category:Steve]]