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Eastern Sky

2026-07-29T17:33:07Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Army Quality : Favoured */

{{Army Page}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=EasternSky_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
===Overview===
Fighting beneath an emerald green banner bearing the golden image of the rising sun, before the Gryphon's Pride was reformed, the Eastern Sky was the youngest of the Dawnish armies. It has a long and proud tradition of defending the Dawnish heartlands from orcish aggression. They receive regular supplies from the people of Dawn; both civilians and soldiers alike possess a great deal of pride in the [[Eastern Sky]] and the families and descendants of those who have fought beneath the banner are fierce in their support. Many of the soldiers of the Eastern Sky have a particular hatred for the [[Druj]] barbarians; traditionally they are first to see the carnage the cruel orcs leave behind when they manage to gain access to an Imperial village.

The second Dawnish general leads the Eastern Sky, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Autumn Equinox each year.

===History===
TBC
__TOC__
TBC
====Recent History====
TBC

===Traditions===
TBC
==Composition==
TBC
==Army Quality : [[Army_qualities#Favoured|Favoured]]==
Originally renowned for the [[Army_qualities#Resourceful|support of the people of Dawn]] the army now benefits from the patronage of several Regents of Summer. Originally [[Down_the_cavalier_road#Swords_and_Sorcery|proposed]] just before the Autumn Equinox 384YE, the [[Earl#Enchanters|enchantresses]] of Dawn opted to request the favour of the [[Eleonaris|Summer Lion]], the [[Cathan Canae|Queen of Ice and Darkness]], the [[Meraud|Lord of Summer Stars]], the [[Barien|Knight of the Crossroads]], and the [[Rhianos|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]. At present, the general can call on the favours of [[#Favour of Barien|Barien]], [[#Favour of Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[#Favour of Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], and [[#Favour of Meraud|Meraud]].

Each of these favours can only be called upon once per year, with the availability of orders resetting each Autumn Equinox. Additionally, the favour of an eternal cannot be called upon in two consecutive seasons.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
===Favour of Eleonaris===
<box><big>'''Triumphant Charge'''</big><br>
* '''The ability of this army to capture territory is increased by two-fifths.'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are increased by one fifth.'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are increased by half.'''
A general who unleashes their troops in a triumphant charge seeks great victory, but pays a great price. The army confronts the strongest enemy troops and the most defended positions, and attempts to rout them. Individual soldiers and companies engage in valiant attacks, employing risky tactics to defeat their opponents. The army will gain much more ground, but does so at the cost of increased casualties.
</box>

===Favour of Meraud===
<box><big>'''Arcane Consolidation'''</big><br>
* '''The army generates mana crystals based on the number of victory points generated.'''
* '''Does not change army strength, casualties inflicted or casualties suffered.'''
The army concentrates on making magical preparations, shoring up their reserves of mana crystals and seeking out nearby sources of magic. A portion of this bounty in the form of mana crystals is passed to the army general so that they can make the most appropriate use of it.</box>

===Favour of Cathan Canae===
* '''The Statue of the White Bear has been completed in Dawnguard, and so Cathan Canae offers her favour to the Eastern Sky'''
<box>'''<big>Embrace the Storm</big>'''<br>
* '''Surrounded by storms and blizzards, the army can only move a single territory this season.'''
* '''The ability of this army to defend territory is increased by two fifths.'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are increased by a fifth'''
* '''Casualties inflicted by this army are increased by a fifth'''
* '''This is a defending order.'''
With Cathan Canae's favour, the General of the Eastern Sky could order their army to embrace the storm. Hail storms and icy blizzards would greet the army wherever they went, reducing their movement to a single territory this season, but making any region they defend much more difficult to conquer, increasing their ability to defend territory by two fifths. In battle, the freezing snow and chilling winds would bring death, increasing the casualties suffered by this army and the casualties inflicted by them by a fifth.</box>
Effects and rituals that increase the number of territories that an army can move, such as [[Find the Best Path]], will not work in conjunction with this order. If the Eastern Sky takes the '''Embrace the Storm''' then they will only be able to move one territory that season.

===Favour of Barien===
* '''Dame Aurum de Castellan has completed their Challenge from the Iron Duke and so Barien happily supports the Eastern Sky'''
<box><big>'''Traverse the Crossroads'''</big><br>
* '''Can move up to five territories this season. It must still stop moving when it enters a hostile territory.'''
* '''Casualties suffered by this army are increased by a fifth'''
* '''This is an attacking order.'''
With Barien's favour, the General of the Eastern Sky could order their army to traverse the crossroads. The soldiers take advantage of Barien's aid to [[Army_orders#Movement|move]] swiftly with the aid of summer magic. Roads seem shorter than people remember them and they always travel in the direction the army wishes to go. Sometimes they may even make use of summer [[regio]] to gain strength for their journey, or to enjoy the hospitality of the inhabitants and wash the weariness of the road away. Such expedited travel is dangerous - the army may quickly move beyond its supply lines - but allows the army to travel with uncommon speed.</box>

===Favour of Rhianos===
* '''Rhianos can still be [[Down_the_cavalier_road#Rhianos' Favour|honoured with a statue]], constructing an edifice for them at the Tournament Grounds of Laroc and ceding it to them, or rebuilding the Tower of the Manticore'''
<box><big>'''Seek the Greatest Prize'''</big>
* '''The ability of this army to capture territory is reduced by one fifth.'''
* '''The army generates wealth based on the number of victory points generated.'''
* '''This is an attacking order'''
The army looks for and takes opportunities for risky, dangerous adventures while fighting in a territory. They strike into enemy territory, taking chances that might lead to both opportunities to secure valuable items and create glorious stories for the troubadours. The [[general]] will receive a share of the bounty they secure in the form of wains of [[mithril]], [[weirwood]], and [[white granite]], rings of [[ilium]], and more mundane loot such as money, ingots and measures, herbs, mana crystals or vis, and even potentially ribboned items.</box>
</div>

{{CaptionedImage|file=Aurum8565.png||caption=Dame Aurum De Castellan, General of the Eastern Sky|align=left|width=250}}
{{RecentElections|General_of_the_Eastern_Sky|the title of [[General]] of the Eastern Sky}}
[[Category:Imperial Army]][[Category:Dawn]][[Category:Military Council]]

Asavean Factor

2026-07-22T17:32:03Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Build Then Up */

{{SOPInner|statement=Loyalty is the link from one heart to another, guiding us on the path of Virtue. Alberto Acciai - Exemplar of Loyalty - followed his heart. Inspired by his cousin, Alberto broke the chains of the downtrodden and struck against the Plenum, freeing slaves from their tyrant masters and breaking two Asavean armies. Through Loyalty, Alberto shared the gift of the Way with the people of Marilen, and inspired others to rise up in Virtue. Two years ago we committed to continuing the work of Alberto and Amika. Asavea will be transformed through Virtue, the truly Virtuous are Loyal even in times of hardship! We must stand by our commitment, and finish the war the Empire started. We will bring Virtue to Asavea, no matter the cost. We devote our hearts to this task. This is our Highest Calling.|by=Dagon of the Shattered Tower, Loyalty Assembly|vote={{GM}} 390-26|when=Spring 388YE}}

{{SOP|by=Dagon, Loyalty Assembly|statement=Even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time. We send Dagon with 50 doses of liao to urge those loyal to our young siblings in Virtue to spread the Way and support the Virtuous rebels in Asavea.|when=Summer Solstice 386YE|vote=Upheld (400-128)}}
==Overview==
Not content with [[A_lasting_commitment|one epoch-defining construction]], the Empire is ''also'' attempting to [[Drumbeat_of_war#A_Fulcrum|Anchor the Way in Asavea]]. Thus far, only 34 of the 750 wains of [[white granite]] required has been submitted, yet once the Grand Inspiration is complete that may allow streams to be diverted to this second grand edifice to the Way. Yet the Loyalty Assembly values this construction more highly than the one in [[Bastion]] and have spent the season encouraging those who know the highest calling of their hearts to consider ways they might aid in usurping the worship of the false gods of the Plenum.
==Seeking Allies==
* '''The Loyalty assembly needs allies who feel the same way they do
Anchoring the Way in Asavea is a major undertaking, and one that is frankly struggling. Yet if there is one thing the Loyalty assembly knows, it is the importance of finding other people who share your goals and are prepared to work with you. One approach to pushing the ambitious project forward would be to secure such allies. There seem to be two broad approaches that might achieve something here.
===Build Then Up===
* '''For the next year, the Loyalty Assembly can use a mandate to urge members to find a way to arrange a meeting of some kind with a single named faction'''
What might benefit the Assembly is some way to build links with the various different [[Asavean factions]]. Each of them could be very useful to attempts to spread [[the Way]] to [[Asavea]] if the Empire could bring them on side. Thus far that has proved difficult, but that may be because communicating by [[Call Winged Messenger]] is just so tortuous. Perhaps the best way for the Assembly to start making real progress is to find a way to meet with these people?

There are six distinct Asavean factions that the Empire has identified - all of which could help to anchor the Way in Asavea, if they could be convinced to risk the endeavour. Unfortunately they have high demands and thus far have been shown relatively little interest in negotiating. In truth, a winged messenger agreeing to meet someone's price will be effective, but winged messengers asking for meetings or haggling are almost never effective. After, all the Empire is going to them; they have little reason to lower their demands.

Still if it were possible to meet with them, in some way, then that ''might'' change. Perhaps using the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|illegal Caucus form]] or by some other clandestine method, perhaps a chamber arranged by [[Prospero]] or [[Basileia]], or if possible, a way to simply bring them to [[Anvil]]. None of these people are going to change their minds just because they've been dragged into a meeting, but the power of persuasion should never be under-estimated. If the Empire can talk to them, then they might be able to find common ground.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send (named individual) with 25 doses of liao to urge the Virtuous to find a way to arrange a meeting with (faction). Let us meet and find common ground against the Plenum.|assembly=Loyalty Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then the faithful will find an [[opportunity]] to engineer a face-to-face meeting of ''some kind'' between the named individual and the faction. If there is a chance to bring others into the meeting, so much the better, but whoever is named in the mandate will have to be there. Obviously there's nothing to stop the assembly seeking to reach out to these factions by mundane means, via letter and negotiation, but so far that approach has borne limited fruit.

===Search Beyond===
* '''For the next year, the Loyalty Assembly can use a mandate to urge members to enlist supernatural allies'''
Alternatively the assembly could explore a different approach. Rather than spending more time trying to win over the Asavean factions, they could look for allies elsewhere. Instead of seeking a meeting with anyone, they could ask members of the assembly all over the Empire to see if there is any [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]] of an [[eternal]] who might be persuaded to help. The eternals are not especially virtuous, but their interests stretch across the Known World and there is no doubt that some of them could be persuaded to support the Empire's efforts in the west.

{{Mandate|mandate=Even the wicked can be loyal. We send (named individual) with 25 doses of liao to urge the Virtuous to find approach the servants of (named eternal). Let us see what aid they might offer.|assembly=Loyalty Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then the faithful will seek out the heralds of the eternal in question and pester them with requests for help until they obtain a response from their sovereign. It's not the best way to approach an eternal - a proud eternal like [[Eleonaris]] is likely to be furious by being bothered in this way. But some eternals are much more informal. Either way it will bring a response of ''some'' kind - though any formal response is most likely to be directed to the Conclave. At the very least it will provide details for the format of a possible plenipotentiary.

It's a long shot, but the idea for it follows an approach from [[Callidus|the Prince of Argent Tontine]]. It nothing else it gives a good example of what might be on offer. There's also nothing to stop members of the assembly negotiating with an [[Archmage]] to deploy their power of [[Archmage#Plenipotantiery|plenipotentiary]] on behalf of the assembly, of course, but in that case as in so many it would be unlikely to achieve much unless it was the ''sole'' thing the archmage was asking for.
===Two Paths===
* '''These mandates are competing'''
These mandates are in competition with each other. If more than one is raised, all such mandates will compete. Whichever mandate receives the greatest margin, once it is enacted, will set the path the Loyalty Assembly takes for the coming year. If the winning mandate deals with a faction, the ability to ask the assembly to seek eternal allies in this way in the future will be lost, and vice verse.
==Appraisal==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise supporting Anchoring the Way'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Needs to call for the appraisal to identify ways Loyal Imperial citizens can support anchoring the Way in Asavea</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The choice of prognosticator will be crucial here </td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Senate could endorse an appraisal to find ways to secure more materials for the project to anchor the Way
One of the key challenges facing the Loyalty assembly is that in the time since the project to anchor the Way in Asavea was begun, it has not achieved even a tenth of its objective. The wains needed exist, but they are not being donated to the effect to bring the virtues to the Asavean Archipelago. One obvious possibility that presents itself to the Loyalty assembly would be to have the [[Senate]] commission an [[appraisal]] looking for ways the Loyal citizens of the Empire who want to help the spreading of the Way can do so. One major obstacle here is that it is not entirely clear how much of the Senate supports the anchoring of the Way in the first place - they did attempt to criminalize the preaching of the virtues in Asasvea after all. Especially with the Asaveans sending support to the Grendel in their war on the EMpire. However, if such an appraisal were commissioned, it may turn up ways the Loyalty assembly can drum up support at home for this ambitious endeavour.

One thing that will be crucial with this appraisal, if the assembly is able to convince the Senate to endorse it, is the choice of prognosticator. Each of them has their specialities, and areas where they are weak, and an appraisal into supporting an endeavour in a foreign country is likely to magnify those strengths and weaknesses.

==Sovereign of Self==
{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
* '''Callidus offers to provide funding for the "war with Asavea" in exchange for items of profound importance'''
* '''He is offering to buy these goods in exchange for wains of white granite'''
[[Callidus]] has been observing the Imperial attempt to use religion to disrupt the status quo of political power in the archipelago and replace it with their own influence. The eternal strongly approves of this [[A_beacon_of_smoke|war of words]] with the Plenum, they are fascinated to see how hot the war can get and eager to help pour more fuel on the fire. Still the ''Prince of the Argent Tontine'' is not prepared to offer his aid without some form of recompense.

The ''Golden Bargainer'' has [[Callidus#Concerns|long held interest]] in notable religious artefacts, fascinated with the power they grant of over people. He has significant [[white granite]] he could donate to the project, yet nothing in the Autumn Realm is ever free. [[Callidus#Zand|Zand]] has been dispatched to communicate to the Empire that the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains'' could be convinced to make such a donation, as long as the price is right. Any significant quantity of white granite would require something of enormous significance in return.

Helpfully Zand has several suggestions the Empire might want to consider. One or more of the pilgrim shields, a dose of true liao, or the pen that signed the liberty pact. Or if the Assembly really want to make a difference something of importance to the whole Empire like the Imperial Crown? Whatever the Empire wants to put on the table needs to be of that level of significance, to make it worth the eternal's time engaging with them.

Should the Synod be interested in negotiating this deal, Zand suggests they should petition the [[Archmage of Autumn]] to list which such items might be ''on the table'' the next time they are minded to send them a plenipotentiary, and a suitable negotiation can be arranged. The Prince is rich, so Zand encourages the Empire to bring their most valuable possessions to the table.

==Further Reading==
* [[Asavean factions]] - List of the known factions in Asavea potentially receptive to supporting the Empire
* [[One of us]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune detailing early attempts by the Loyalty assembly to support the project
* [[Irreconcilable differences]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune discussing the conflict around preaching in Asavea
* [[Signal fire]] - 386YE Autumn Imperial Address by Rane Shardbearer
* [[Authority_and_acceptance#Asavea|Authority and acceptance]] - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune discussing Asavean diplomacy
* [[Drumbeat of war]] - 386YE Summer Wind of Fortune detailing Asavean diplomacy and opportunities for the Senate and Synod

Urizeni Experiment

2026-07-22T17:30:15Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Nesustak Forest */

{{SOPInner|statement=Stargazers, we call for your expertise in the Sarangrave. The vallorn there is unique because of the warding and containment. It is possible it may be susceptible to unique methods and have unique weaknesses. We have learnt all we can through the existing knowledge from the library of Hercynion so we look to you for new paths. A commitment has been made to end the vallorn in our lifetime. Go forth, but take caution in Nesustak and Bloodwater Marsh|by=Theodora, Urizen National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 240-14|when=Spring 388YE}}

==Overview==
The Stargazers of Urizen have been hard at work trudging through the fetid swamps of Urizen's newest territory to see what might be done to put something in place to defend against the vallorn of Béantal Dol should it ever be roused, relishing the call to engage in their [[Stargazer#Interests|favourite pastime]] studying magic.

Their plan was to study the Terunael wards to see what could be done to improve them. Unfortunately, the last act of the Tainted Basilik was to shatter the wards and allow the vallorn to pour out into Nesustak Forest and Bloodwater Marsh. The actions of Imperial heroes at the Spring Equinox defanged the threat to Bloodwater Marsh, and the [[Boyar's Hasta]], the [[Granite Pillar]] and the [[Black Thorns]] were able to [[Thorn_and_bone|save the rebels of Nesustak Forest]].

Having spent months studying the remains of the wards, the stargazers have identified some opportunities to make use of them to help secure the area. They have divined a series of conjunctions of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that they believe will allow Imperial magicians to move to the right location at the right time - the best kind of magic is that which is actually cast. Having salvaged a scant number of the remaining wards from Bendol, they Stargazers have taken it upon themselves to "''Consider the Lock''", as General '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' might say.

===Stronger than Blood===
* '''Stargazers have found dilapidated warding stones in northern Bloodwater Marsh'''
* '''There are ettercaps and vallornspawn around the stones'''
* '''These skirmishes are both [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounters'''
* '''''Theodora'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for performing Wardens of the Black Waste in the east'''
* '''The ''Spear of the Seven'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for performing Wardens of the Black Waste in the west'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
There are two key locations at opposite ends of Bloodwater Marsh that could form a metaphysical barrier against the Vallorn, and by placing the remaining wards in the design of the lock in each location, combined with a permanent casting of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]] would allow for a large area to be warded against vallorn miasma. That could be crucial when the time comes.

Ordinarily, this would require an extremely expensive mass of ilium; however, the salvaged warding stones will need only a single ring of ilium to be worked into them to form an anchor to make the enchantment permanent. The bad news is that, while the full strength of the vallorn was successfully contained, there are still vallornspawn and ettercaps in the area who will interfere with the casting if not driven back.
<quote by="Suplicia of Calator">
There is no riddle that cannot be answered by magic, provided you know how to reframe the question
</quote>
[[Urizen]] is a nation of [[Ambition]], and the Stargazers went further to find additional ways to secure their new home. [[Sorin]] was consulted via the visiting ''Sepulchral Pontifex'', who has a known interest in fortifying one's domain against any who would challenge their rulership of it. The ''Lord of the Monolith'' approves of the Stargazers' plan, and if both wards are set up, then he will be able to use them as anchor points to allow the Empire to summon a [[Basalt Citadel]] in Bloodwater Marsh, should they wish. Should they only achieve one of the Wards, the ''Tomb King'' will wait for the [[Archmage of Winter]] to raise the topic of the Sarangrave the next time they are inclined to treat with him via plenipotentiary.

===An Open Gate===
* '''A throng of vallornspawn and ettercaps have amassed around the Turbulent Wellspring'''
* '''The first part of the skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Warmage'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for clearing the way to the Spring regio'''
* '''The second part of the skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|combat possible]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Archmage of Spring'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for casting Dance of Navarr and Thorn'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
A third conjunction has also been detected. This one is to the Turbulent Wellspring, a Spring regio in Bendol itself, infested as it is with all manner of horrors near to its heart. This represents an opportunity to connect the vallorn heart in Bendol to the rest of the trods.

The consequences of such an act should not be understated; the connection of a new heart to the network always results in a pulse of chaotic energy to be transmitted to the hearts already connected, which can spur a resurgence of activity. As a lesser but still relevant consequence, it would also allow the recently proposed [[Cup_of_choices#In_Sickness_and_in_Hell|Eastern Citadel]] to be constructed.

It is the responsibility of the [[Warmage]], '''Ibiss Briarheart''', to drive off - or more likely kill - the vallornspawn and ettercaps in the area and clear the way to the Turbulent Wellspring. It is then the responsibility of the [[Archmage of Spring]], '''Arwydd Clearbramble''', to make use of the opportunity and perform [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]], connecting Sarangrave to the trods.

{{KaelaGift}}

{{Vallornmiasma}}

==Nesustak Forest==
<div {{float}}>
<quote by="Proposed: Conscience of the Senate, Seconded: Sarangrave">We name Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh as responsible for the conjunction to discuss with the Nesustak Forest rebels in Sarangrave. The Senate also appoints: Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose and Bartimaeus of Sarangrave Reforged. The remaining two spaces on the conjunction are the responsibility of Sławomir to assign. The rebels of Sarangrave have shaken off their shackles of the buruk tepel with their own strength, we should take every opportunity to work with them in good faith. We do this in memory of Catalina Barossa, the citizen who first made contact with a now-rebel sept - the Waterwalkers.</quote>

<quote by="Proposed: Hercynia, Seconded: Ossium, Precedence of Virtue invoked by Conscience of the Senate">Nesustak Forest was never Imperial. The Nesustak Forest rebels rose against the Druj of their own strength. We recognise the region as their home and our ambition in moving into the region is solely for the purpose of defeating the vallorn and protecting the living souls who reside there. It is our intention to return the region once it is safe from the threat.</quote>

{{SOPInner|statement=The vallorn comes for Nesustak, home of the Bloodwater Spears and the Waterwalkers. The Military Council is charged with defending the Empire; these septs are not Imperial. We cannot guarantee their safety in Nesustak, but can offer them succour elsewhere if they wish to take it. Nesustak may fall, but the children of the spires can take in its people - offer them food and shelter; show them the lies of the buruk tepel, our new homes in the Sarangrave may be sparse and tenuous, but actions such as these reinforce more than they risk. Offer an open hand, but offer no mercy to those who show treachery.|by=Solas of the Waxing Sun, Urizen Assembly|vote={{GM}} 234-0|when=Spring 388YE}}
</div>
* '''Halyx Fire-Eyes claims to have been injured fighting the vallorn'''
* '''Halyx and Agoska have indicated that they will attend Anvil for the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''They have asked for confirmation that a servant of their ally - Irra Harrah - may attend with them'''
* '''Agoska has asked the Conclave to disseminate the Dreadful Ending ritual so that the rebels can destroy the miasma pillar in the Nesustak Forest'''

Following the recent delegation sent by the Senate to [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|meet with figureheads]] of the rebels of Nesustak Forest, Agoska of the Waterwalkers and Halyx Fire-Eyes of the Bloodwater Spears agreed that, should they survive the season, they would send a formal delegation to Anvil to discuss the possibility of a treaty articulating between them and the Empire.

Unfortunately, Halyx was injured fighting alongside the Cataphracts of the [[Granite Pillar]] and Agoska is an old orc exhausted by the events of the season and repeatedly casting [[Wardens of the Black Waste]] which was [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Dissemination:_Wardens_of_the_Black_Wastes_to_Agoska|donated by the Conclave]]. They pass on their gratitude for the efforts of the Empire to hold back the vallorn, but reality demands that their visit to Anvil is postponed until the Autumn Equinox.

A seasons delay will give them time to take stock of their situation and discuss their position with their allies. There is one point that will need to be settled first. The eternal [[Irra Harah]] has been an unstinting ally of the rebels since before their fight against the Druj began. The Prince with a Thousand Foes has given without limits to help them, otherwise they would never have had the strength to throw off the yoke of the Druj. They are aware that the eternal is the sworn enemy of the Empire, but still they ask leave to bring their ally with them to Anvil.

It is clear that they do not wish to attend Anvil without their ally there with them. Whether that is the reason for the delay is unclear, but either way the Empire will need to respond with a suitable winged messenger to one or the other before then, otherwise they will bring the the herald of Papa Otec with them and that will brew a hot pot of trouble. Of course it is hardly diplomatic to tell them that they can't bring their ally with them, but the last time a herald of the Prince with a Thousand Foes attended Anvil with a group of orc rebels it ended in the most bitter recriminations and thousands slain.

In the meantime however, they have their own plans to free the [[Sarangrave]] from the taint of the Druj. If the Conclave is willing to share another ritual with Ahoska, [[Dreadful Ending]], he and his aides will deal with the miasma pillar in Nesustak Forest themselves. Agoska is said to have gotten rather emotional when discussing that he might have the opportunity to fell this brutal symbol of Druj rule that has oppressed his people for generations. Should this occur, there will only be [[The_poisoned_air#Geography|one key pillar]] left to destroy to counteract the [[The_poisoned_air#Magic_(Participation)|insipid effect]] on the Urizeni who have already moved there (and presumably any Axou who have already moved to Thornfen).

The Grynbor are one with the Vallorn now, perhaps the only people of the Sarangrave who have managed to find some measure of contentment. But there remains the elusive third sept that are yet to reveal themselves, a mishmash of other rebels not affiliated with ''any'' known sept. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to untangle the complicated political situation in the Empire's newest territory.

==The Caves of the Hungry Earth==
* '''A representative of the Severed Hornet sept of the Whisperwood has approached the Empire'''
* '''They have a troubling tale about a cave network in the cliffs at the south of the region'''
* '''There is an opportunity for the Sun Chamber to take action to investigate in the coming season'''
* '''There a conjunction for five members of the Sun Chamber to journey into a small portion of the caves during the summit'''

It is often hard to remember that the Sarangrave is a territory that holds the weight of many dark years inside it and about which the Empire knows little. One such unknown reveals itself just before the Summer Solstice.

The town of Uklead in the Whisperwood is a curious place. The palace of the Thornwasp sept, its erstwhile rulers, squats like a leering hive in the centre of the settlement, towers jutting out of the thick trees in the middle part of the region. This is the place where the Tainted Basilisk was founded, for the Thornwasp sept were the backbone of its supply - and ultimately, the anchor around the neck of the army which kept it in the Sarangrave to meet its demise.

Since then the settlement has been mostly underpopulated. Those that remain appear to be of a single sept - they are notable for the bleached sashes they each wear across their chest, and the livid scarring around their eyes. So far they have not made formal introductions to the Empire - but this is the sept of the Severed Hornets.

Shortly before the Summer Solstice, one of these orcs approaches the Empire with a message for their new rulers. They want to know if the Empire knows of "the hungry earth"? This is not a phrase that is familiar to anyone there to speak to, and after gathering a little crowd, the orc - whose name is apparently Servadi - begins to explain further, drawing a map on the ground for the curious soldiers.

The Whisperwood, Servadi explains, rises in its southern part, the paths through the woods getting steeper and steeper until it becomes a scramble, and then a climb. The rise gets steeper and steeper, trees clinging to what is eventually a mountain rise. Far, far above, there is a plateau - where the Sarangrave meets the Mountains of the Moon. Here, they say, is the entrance to a cave - a network of caves known as the Hungry Earth. An entrance - but not, they say, an exit. There is an exit, but Servadi does not know it - because to venture into the Hungry Earth and find the exit is something reserved only for the Thornwasp's elite.

The Hungry Earth has long been used as a training ground for the Thornwasp clan, to evaluate the potential of aspiring youths to be initiated into the highest circles of the sept. Every year, the most promising youths, those that show the most potential - venture into the caves - in most cases fewer than half return. Those who undergo the Rite of the Hungry Earth and live to tell the tale were considered suitable for the highest leadership of the sept.

The Buruk Tepel of the clan were said to know the caves extremely well - perhaps even of other entrances. The Severed Hornets were used on occasion by the leaders of the Thornwasp as labour, to mine this mithril. The operation they describe sounds not unlike the practices that took place in the [[Vale_of_the_Sunless_Depths|Crawling Depths]] in Ossium, but on a smaller scale. Fifty young and able members of the Severed Hornets would be taken into the dark tunnels each year by trusted members of the Buruk Tepel's inner circle. There they would be worked to death - even if they survived the gruelling labour, none were permitted to leave. The mithril was removed through one of the secret exits known only to those of the Thornwasp who had survived the Rite of the Hungry Earth.

Servadi says that their motivation for telling the Empire this is simple. The sept hope that by getting the Empire interested in a potential source of mithril, they might themselves be allowed access to the caves - and thus begin to hunt for the bones of their lost children. They are prepared to assist the Empire in mining the mithril in return. Servadi seems somewhat aware that the Empire is not accustomed to using the same brutal methods of resource extraction that the Druj are, even if it is clear they and the other Severed Hornets do see the Empire as just another set of rulers.

The problem is that the caves of the Hungry Earth are clearly ''extremely'' narrow. This entrance was only ever used by children or young adults - if there are more accessible entrances to the caves, they are well-hidden and a secret of the Thornwasp. It simply isn't possible for most Imperial citizens to even begin to enter.

However the Empire possesses a sodality dedicated to the idea that youth is an asset the Empire cannot afford to squander. It has been a year since the [[Sun Chamber]] called upon their Door of Hidden Possibilities to scout in Sermersuaq - which means it is available for use. If the Door were directed towards the Hungry Earth of the Sarangrave, the Eternal [[Barien]] would offer his aid to young citizens who were willing to brave the trial that the Hungry Earth represents. This wouldn't remove the risk - it is still very possible that some young citizens would die valiantly in the attempt - but it would at least make it a realistic possibility.

The Sentinel Gate works in mysterious ways - and it seems to have acted to give the Sun Chamber a chance to learn a little more about the Hungry Earth before deciding whether this risk is really worth the potential cost. Imperial diviners have identified a conjunction to the Depths of the Hungry Earth in the Whisperwood, opening at 23:00 on the Saturday of the summit. The conjunction is for only 5 people. This would be enough to go and investigate a small portion of the tunnels - perhaps to cast Clear Lens of the Eternal River or Shadowed Glass of Sung, or otherwise investigate what lies beneath the cliffs of the Whisperwood. Given the story of Servadi, perhaps it may be best to also bring at least one person capable of exorcism - and a physick, just in case.

('''OOC Note:''' This is a conjunction for members of the Sun Chamber sodality. It involves an encounter set which depicts a narrow cave network. The set could be triggering for anyone who is claustrophobic or nyctaphobic as we are striving to create an experience that is challenging and which evokes strong emotions. Obviously, this means that this encounter will not be suitable for everyone who might otherwise wish to participate.)

To seek enlightenment

2026-07-22T08:38:43Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Every Word You Speak */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Highest Calling]]
<ic>"So, what happened to 'this is the last time?'" Lyubov looked up as Mladen studiously chose things and carefully put them in his knapsack.

Mladen looked up, as if surprised that she'd come out and said it. "It's just that.. I'm the best one for it. And this is the last time! I told them so..." he refused to admit that he would likely answer the call again if it came.

"You might have been the best for it a few years ago, but there's new blood now. Why can't you just relax?" She felt almost cruel for saying it, but the new lot wouldn't get a chance to make a name for themselves if Mlad kept jumping up and down desperate to help.

"Maybe for something else, but this is something I'm good at. I fought those wars and I can dredge up old contacts. Heck, I can talk the talk with the Suranni if need be. I promise you, I'll be home by the next solstice. We can go have honey rum in Delev then." He finished packing and leant down to give Lyubov a kiss on the head, before shouldering his pack.
</ic>
<div style="float: left; width: 300px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|width=300px}}</div>
==Overview==
The Spring Equinox of 388YE may go down in history as one of the most inspirational in the history of the Synod, as eight Assemblies were each able to divine, debate and determine their [[the highest calling|highest calling]]. For the Wisdom Assembly, it was to support the fine work of the civil service who perform [[historical research]] and produce [[Appraisal|appraisals]].

In a perfect world, the Assembly might have hoped to increase the capacity of one or both departments. It would clearly strengthen the Empire to be in a position to carry out more research or conduct more appraisals. Unfortunately, that isn't possible at this time; the Empire simply does not have that capacity ('''OOC Note:''' Profound Decisions does not have the capacity to support any additional plot of this kind at this time).

That does not mean that there is nothing the Wisdom Assembly can do. If they cannot increase the amount of research work the Empire can carry out, is there some way they could improve the quality of the work done?

<div {{float}}>{{SOPInner|statement=Wisdom teaches us to test and apply what we have learned, for it is always incomplete. Nowhere is this more true than in the actions of our enemies. What is not known cannot be fought without needless loss of Imperial lives. Questions rise anew with each strike against - or from - our wars against barbarian and vallorn alike. The Way cannot spread, cannot be known beyond our current borders, without the wars we fight; we cannot fight these wars, both current and future, without the knowledge to support our forces. The Ministry of Historical Research and the Empire's prognosticators tirelessly collate and unearth knowledge of our enemies, but their work is endlessly unfinished. Supporting the efforts and research of those institutions and the study of these foes embodies the teachings of Wisdom. This is our highest calling.|by=Asthore Autumngale, Wisdom Assembly|vote={{GM}} 296-74|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}</div>

==Finding the Right Question==

Those familiar with the work of the [[Appraisal|Prognosticators Office]] can testify to the importance of asking the right question. The long-suffering civil servants will do their best to provide some kind of answer, no matter what question is asked. But the undeniable truth is that some topics are more fertile than others - and more importantly, asking the right question in the right way can make the time and effort invested in an appraisal much more rewarding. For that reason, the department took the unusual step of issuing [[Appraisal#OOC_Design|new guidance]] to citizens so that they could learn how to get the best from the department.

The Wise have considered this thorny issue, and have fallen back on the oft-used defence of debates on Wisdom - the need to find the right question. What if the Assembly worked with the prognosticators' office to find the right question together? Of course there is always a danger that it raises expectations too high; nothing is ever guaranteed. But surely if the Assembly can help with the formulation of the question, it can only help?

For the following year, the Wisdom Assembly can pass a statement of principle detailing a single issue they would like to find out more about. If the statement passes with a greater majority, then the Wise will come together to suggest one or more well-worded appraisals for the Senate to consider commissioning the following season.

It seems like an eminently sensible suggestion that offers the best chance of success. So good in fact, that a familiar face has already made a head start on it.

===Every Word You Speak===
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Appraise the Armies of X'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Appraisal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Detail:''' Grendel, Thule, or Jotun</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Prognosticator:''' Mladen Escovich</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Only available at the Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Uncovers information about the armies of a single local power, either the Grendel, Thule, or the Jotun
* Will ''not'' identify how the nation supplies their armies
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Can instead appraise armies of the Iron Confederacy but will take an extra three months</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Mladen Escovich has been inspired by the words of the Wisdom Assembly'''
* '''The ageing Varushkan offers to take on yet another "one last job" to assess the armies of a nearby nation'''
* '''This opportunity is only available at the Summer Solstice 388YE'''

Mladen Escovitch is officially listed on the official [[Appraisal#"Retired"_Prognosticators|roster of official prognosticators]] as retired - a status he appears to view as some kind of insult or disastrous mistake. His colleagues tend to see it more as something of a joke. The ageing Varushkan appears to be incapable of retiring to earn his well-deserved rest despite the importunities of his long-suffering wife.

This season, he is using the highest calling of the Wisdom Assembly as the excuse for failing to stop turning up for work. As such, he proposes that the Imperial Senate could instruct the prognosticators' office to appraise the armies of a single foreign nation, either the [[Grendel]], [[Thule]], or the [[Jotun]]. Mladen is also willing to assess the armies of the [[Iron Confederacy]], but that will take an extra three months to avoid any "''mishaps''" such as what affected [[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn|Marko Siwarsbairn]]. The goal would be to find out as much as possible about the armies. Some things would be a matter of fact; the size and quality of each army could be nailed down. But beyond their size and composition, other details could be important: a little information about their history and background, the identity of their general. Who knows when such details might offer some insight into how to defeat the enemy.

If the Senate does want such an appraisal, they could legally choose to name anyone. But Mladen has found a way to suggest an appraisal that only he, with his extensive experience on the front line, could answer. For all practical purposes, the Senate would have to choose to assign Mladen to this appraisal if they decided to go forward with it.

Even with Mladen on the job, it would only be about the armies themselves. Their supply - the full details of how each territory supports them and how to interfere with that would not be included. That is beyond the reach of appraisal at this time. The only reason the Empire was able to get such a [[Make_it_happen|full picture]] of the Druj supply lines was how well mapped and close the remainder of their territories were. Much of the Grendel, Thule, and Jotun lands remain completely shrouded by the fog of war, and thus any appraisal to look into their supply lines would fail to deliver answers to those key questions.

==Question the Right Finding==
<div style="float: right; width: 250px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Roshanwe.png|width=300px}}</div>
* '''Roshanwe has sent one of her heralds, Little Lantern, to support the prognosticators' office'''
* '''The Conclave could use a declaration of acceptance to ask the eternal to withdraw the herald'''

The [[eternal]] [[Roshanwe]] has heard the call of "her" assembly, and is keen to offer her support where she can. After careful consideration, she has elected to send one of her disciples to work at the Prognosticator's Office. While this will not increase the number of appraisals that the team can perform, it will allow the Senate to elect to send ''Little Lantern'' in place of one of their normal colleagues.

The ''Pearlescent Advisor'' '''may''' have knowledge and the means of acquiring it beyond the scope of the others. As a Day herald, they will '''definitely''' have their own eccentricities and perspective on what the important parts of the appraisal are, and an idiosyncratic way of reporting back to the Empire.

In order to gain access to the Empire required to help with such matters, ''She-Who-Walks-Beside'' would need to have the [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] of the [[Conclave]]. As long as this was maintained, the extra prognosticator would remain available to the Senate.

The civil service has not required the approval of Conclave or Senate for this assignation. This is because there is no danger posed by the herald making their services available - if the Senate is not happy with the arrangements, they can simply not send the herald. The Conclave could use a declaration of acceptance to ask [[Roshanwe]] to withdraw their herald at any time - but they would need to word the declaration carefully if they wished to avoid distressing ''Elder Pharos''.

Myth makers

2026-07-21T20:05:47Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Otkodov */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Grendel]][[Category:Jotun]][[Category:Thule]]
{{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. 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 [[Feroz#Morajasse|Protectorate of Morajasse]].

While some of these orc nations have [[ambassador|ambassadors]] appointed to speak with them on behalf of the Empire. in many cases diplomacy is handled by the [[Imperial Consul]], '''Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason''' of [[Wintermark]]. The [[Advisor on Orc Affairs]], '''Frith''' of the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], is in an ideal position to provide advice when needed. 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 (in which regard, one might take a look at the [[All I ask of you]] wind of fortune which relates to that sept this season).
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=Many of the Protectorate orcs are former Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and most disciplined of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==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]]. The Senate has recognised the orcs of the Protectorate of Morajasse as foreigners, distinct from the Grendel. From there they protect not only the borders of Morajasse, but also the borders of Feroz. They have shown themselves more than willing to fight both the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran|Children of Wrecks]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] if it [[Each age a lens#The Protectorate of Morajasse|comes to it]].

The Senate [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Recognise_Protectorate_of_Gallum_Fiersach|recognises]] 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]].

They clearly have hidden depths. They recently cooperated with the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]] in an [[appraisal]] regarding [[The Oran operation|bridges across the Scorrero]], in which they particular expertise as scroungers and salvagers could play a key part. They've also made an arrangement with the people of the Brass Coast to concede a treasure of the Freeborn, in return for supplies to support their forces. For the moment, the atmosphere is one of cautious cooperation.
===Soldiers at Anvil===
* '''A delegation from the Protectorate of Morajasse is visiting Anvil during the Summer Solstice
* '''Commander Gallum has asked the Imperial Consul to arrange a meeting and listed several folk he is keen to see there
Following the successes of the last couple of seasons, Commander Gallum has sent a short message to the Imperial Consul indicating that some officers are coming to Anvil for the Summer Solstice. They're empowered to speak on his behalf, and on behalf of the Protectorate. This will present an opportunity to prepare a treaty to define the relationship between the Protectorate and the Empire going forward, securing the freedoms of the orcs and addressing any lingering concerns of the Freeborn of Feroz.

The emissaries are expected to arrive at Anvil at eight in the evening on Saturday. They will make their way to the Forge, which Gallum understands is the primary drinking hole and centre of social life at Anvil. There they would like to meet with the Imperial Consul (or an agent), '''Garviel i Adrina i Erigo''' the [[Senator]] of [[Feroz]], '''Khalil i Carno i Guerra''' the holder of the [[Broken Shore Bounty]], and if possible a representative of both the [[Military Council]] and the [[Conclave]]. The latter has been requested by Wind Lord Saoirse, as she has briefed one of the visitors in line with her interests and concerns.
{{SOP|statement=To promote the prosperity of Feroz, we encourage the Freeborn to trade with their neighbours in the Protectorate of Morajasse.|by=Malaki, Freeborn Assembly|vote=Upheld (102-10)|when=Summer Solstice 388YE|size=small}}
===Spice Gardens===
* '''The Spice Gardens of Feroz are in business once again
* '''Sadiq i Isa i Erigo has resumed their position as Keeper of the Spice Gardens
Following the proposal of the Protectorate [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#Supplies,_Spies,_and_Spice|last season]], the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz|Spice Gardens of Feroz]] are now once again part of [[the Brass Coast]]. '''Sadiq i Isa i Erigo''' has resumed their position as [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]]. Negotiations between Freeborn of Feroz and the quartermasters of the Protectorate have seen several farms reopened in Morajasse, with strict quotas of food to be delivered to the orcs and the surplus being free for the farmers to dispose of as they wish. Effectively, a significant parcel of land around the Spice Gardens is now an Imperial enclave in Morajasse.

As part of the shift from lying fallow to being in operation again, some of the farmers report unexpected assistance from disciplined orc soldiers who dig out irrigation ditches and clear land. They aren't exactly friendly, but they've clearly been ordered to do so by someone who wants to make sure the farms are up and running (and producing food) as quickly as possible. As a consequence, Morajasse has lost the [[Region_qualities#Impoverished|impoverished]] quality - which is admittedly mostly of benefit to the orcs living there but at least represents a further move forward toward restoring Feroz to its former glories.

There is a minor fly in the ointment - during the Summer Solstice the Freeborn '''Malakai''' raised a [[statement of principle]] calling on the Freeborn to trade with their neighbours in the Protectorate. While the intent of the statement appears clear, it just failed to achieve a [[greater majority]]. As such, while some more politically engaged priests of Segura and Feriz are aware of it, it has not had a significant impact on relations between the Freeborn and the Protectorate. There is some trade, but many of the folk of Feroz in particular continue to hold the orcs of Morajasse at arms' length even after the agreement regarding the Spice Gardens. Obviously there is nothing to stop the Assembly trying again to address the situation in Feroz; the important thing from the point of view of the current situation is that they did ''not'' uphold a statement of principle with a greater majority urging their people ''not'' do deal with the Protectorate.
==Otkodov==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|align=right|width=250}}</div>
{{Nation|nation=[[Thule]]|status=Foreigner|port=None|ambassador=Kindra Surefoot of [[Wintermark]]}}
* '''The orcs of Otkodov remain at peace with the Empire
* '''The Thule are expanding their domain into the Forest of Ulnak, and are at war with the Druj
* '''Kindra Surefoot of Wintermark is the Ambassador to Otkodov
The [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]] live in cold lands to the north of the Empire. They share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. Their magocratic nation is ruled by the five [[Thule_lore#Dragons|Dragons]]; five allegedly immortal orc sorcerers. For much of Imperial history, they were at war with the Empire. In recent years, a series of treaties have secured peace - mostly by [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|ceding]] parts of the northern Imperial nations. It is not a universally ''popular'' peace.

For now, though, peace endures. [[Dawn]] and [[Navarr]] send shipments of food north to help feed the people of Otkodov and support their armies. It is illegal to preach the Way of Virtue in Otkodov to their citizens. For their part the Thule agree to share the [[white granite]] of the [[Night Quarry]]; pay for the food delivered to them; and ensure Imperial access to the
[[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria|Maze of Zoria]] (while sending their own warlocks to study at the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]). And, of course, to maintain their current policies for the reasonable treatment of Imperial citizens choosing to remain and live in ceded lands.

The official ambassador to the Empire is ''Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided''. He is still somewhat new to his post, and something of an unknown quantity, but he speaks with confidence as the voice of the rulers of Otkodov.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===The War in the Trees===
* '''The Thule continue to seek aid for their war against the Druj in the Forest of Ulnak'''
The orcs of Otkodov continue their invasion of the [[Forest of Ulnak]]. Precisely how their war against the northern [[the Mallum|Mallum]] is proceeding is not common knowledge, although stories from those who [[Invited_with_asperity#Hinodir,_Tathenon,_and_the_Eastern_Woods|supported the Earthquake Drummers]] prior to the Spring Equinox have finally [[Alongside the Earthquake Drummers|spread far and wide]]. After the Spring Equinox, Imperial [[military unit|warbands]] continued to fight with the Thule, and it is likely ther tales will likewise filter through to Imperial citizens with an interest in the coming months.

''Tathenon the Gyre'', the most warlike of the [[Thule_lore#Dragons|Dragons]] who rule Otkovdov, continued to direct the invasion. He apparently sees no reason to end a good relationship; his [[Voice_irresistable#Grim_Faces|invitation to the Empire]] still stands. Individual [[military unit|warbands]] are welcome to support the [[army]] of the ''Earthquake Drummers'' if they wish, and will receive a bounty of crystal mana as recognition of their efforts. Likewise any Imperial army is welcome to join the war against the Druj in the north, provided they acknowledge the strategy of ''Tathenon, Whose Fury is the Storm of Creation''.

As before, the civil service caution that sending armies into the Forest of Ulnak this season ''without'' agreeing to accept the strategy of Tathenon the Gyre will mean that the Empire's troops will act as a separate force. Should the two forces assail the same [[territory#regions|region]] there is an unfortunate possibility of "friendly fire" incidents.

The offer to fight alongside the armies of Otkodov may be of particular interest to the [[Winter Sun]], given the [[All_I_ask_of_you#Shadows_And_Light|plight]] of the [[Great Forest Orcs]].

====Participation: Ulnak====
* '''Characters whose military units were operating in the Forest of Ulnak this season will receive additional information'''
Individual captains who accompanied the Earthquake Drummers, and anyone supporting the [[spy network]] in the Forest, will have more information about the situation there. This will take the form of a short out-of-character briefing in their packs, the information from which they can share or keep private as they see fit.
===An Imperfect Forum===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kindra Surefoot.jpg|caption='''Kindra Surefoot''', Ambassador to Otkodov|align=right|width=300}}
* '''The Ambassador to Otkodov is invited to attend a meeting at 22:15 on Friday'''
* '''The meeting will take place in a Prospero chamber accessed from the Hall of Worlds'''
* '''Members of the Circle of Zulgan Tash are invited as well'''
Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided has invited the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] to attend a meeting at the Summer Solstice. Runa has expressed that such a meeting would be best held in a [[Lashonar#Caucus Forum | Caucus Forum]], obviously, but that sadly Lashonar is currently unwilling to allow Imperial citizens into such chambers. As a result, the Thule have been forced to ''pay'' [[Prospero]] for use of one of his meeting rooms. Farrimond, a Herald of Prospero will collect the delegation from The Hall of Worlds at Quarter Past Ten on Friday evening and escort them to the ''Aureate Jetty'' where the delegation from Otkodov will be waiting.

Runa has offered his thanks to the Ambassador for supplying a list of agenda items. The Thule have added their own topics to the list, and the agenda will be as follows:
* The [[Vallorn]], and how to proceed in eradicating it
* Breaches of law and treaty, and how best to deal with them if they occur
* Enchantments in shared territories
* [[Otkodov|Otkodov's]] policy as regards the septs of [[the Mallum]]
* [[Great_Forest_Orcs|The orcs of Peytaht]]
* "Defectors"
* The Imperial approach to war in The Mallum, with regard to Ulnak especially
* Division of conquered regions in The Mallum
* Opportunities for economic collaboration in The Mallum
* The Circle of Zulgan Tash and [[Miekarova#The_Painted_Caves|the Painted Caves]]

Runa asks that the Ambassador bring with her Aleksandr of the Circle of Zulgan Tash and Zastyt the Feeder. Runa will be accompanied by [[Invited with asperity#State Visit|Galk, of the Sunken Orb of the Brilliant Sapphire]], a warlock in service to [[Thule_lore#Dragons|Hinodir]], Who Burns Away The Shrouds of Midnight, that the two ambassadors might act as mediators in the matter of the Painted Caves. If the ambassador wishes, then that topic can be dealt with first and their guests permitted to leave the ''Jetty'' rather than be forced to sit through the other negotiations.

===Pilgrims on the Road===
{{SOP|statement=The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria calls for the aid of the wise ones of the Empire. The Maze of Zoria has proven in the past to be a conduit of knowledge regarding magical beings such as the sovereigns of Varushka. Come to the Maze of Zoria, together we shall discern the nature of the creature behind the face-peelers. This creature is known as "The Stranger", "The First One", or less commonly "The Smiling One". Let us learn of this threat to our Empire together.|by=Illya Nikovitch Volkov, Wisdom Assembly|when=388YE Spring Equinox|vote={{GM}} 328-0|size=small}}
* '''Thule warlocks are observing visitors to the Maze of Zoria'''

Several [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Wise One|wise ones]] (as well as other followers of [[Wisdom]]) have set out to visit the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria|Maze of Zoria]], responding to a call from [[388YE Spring Equinox Synod judgements#Judgement 73 | Illya Nikovitch Volkov]] in the Wisdom assembly. They must travel through Thule land to reach the Maze, which pilgrims are permitted to visit under the terms of the treaty. Fortunately, most of the travellers are familiar with the importance of keeping to the road (though in this case it is the laws of Otkodov not the threat of terrible creatures awaiting them if they stray).

It seems that the Thule are forewarned of the influx of pilgrims and a few Thule merchants make efforts to sell food, water and other essentials for Imperial coin. They do a moderate trade, but most of the travellers have come fully prepared and do not need their services. They are not the only Thule interested in the Imperial pilgrims however. Every now and then, in areas where the merchants are not present, travellers encounter a lone Thule [[Thule lore#Warlock|warlock]] standing on a nearby hill or beneath the boughs of a tree. These warlocks make no attempt to stop anyone using the road, for now at least, they only observing who is passing.

==Beoraidh==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Loud Gull.jpg|caption=The city-state of Beoraidh continues to seek diplomatic and economic ties with the Empire, among others.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The people of Beoraidh are recognised as foreigners by the Senate'''
* '''They continue to seek trade and diplomatic ties with both the Empire and the Grendel'''
* '''They have accepted the patronage of the Sarcophan Delves'''
* '''The ambassador to Beoraidh is the Highborn Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard'''
{{Nation|nation=[[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]]|status=Foreigner|port=Currently none.|ambassador= Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard of [[Highguard]]}}
Before [[Mareave]] was conquered by the Empire, Beoraidh was the stronghold of the [[Grendel]] Salt-Lord Ehsan and his supporters. In a surprise move, Ehsan declared independence from the [[Grendel]] and sued for peace with the Empire. He laid out a plan for his people that involved declaring the city, and the neighbouring region of [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]], as a neutral state. Now a free port where both Imperial and Grendel merchants would be welcome, without favouring either, and the canny diplomat has also secured the protection of the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' of the [[Sarcophan Delves]].

The newly styled ''Ehsan, Lord of Sand'' rules from the city. They work to mould the place into a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. 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. How much influence the Sarcophan have is unclear but it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Grendel, Imperial, or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves, their warships, and their economic sanctions.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard.jpeg|caption='''Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard''', Ambassador to Beoraidh|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===Trade Winds===
* '''A meeting between representatives of Beoraidh and Skoura took place with the aid of the Imperial civil service'''
* '''The meeting went reasonably well
* '''As per his promise, Ehsan has arranged a meeting with a representative of the Brine Turtles for the Summer Solstice

The big news from Beoraidh is probably that the [[Senate]] agreed to instruct the civil service to [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Coordinate_Meeting_between_Beoraidh_and_Skoura|coordinate a meeting]] between the city and the nation of [[Skoura]]. As a descendant of the people who originally drove the Skouran ancestors into the mountains in the first place, and conquered their lowland holdings, Ehsan was perhaps rightly [[A_knock_at_the_door#Up_In_The_Peaks|concerned]] that he and his people would receive short shrift from the people of the highlands.

According to the civil service, the initial meetings - which took place on neutral ground in [[Mareave#Eoradal|Eoradal]] were guarded but cautiously optimistic. Neither side has committed to anything despite the enthusiastic sales pitch of the Beoraidh contingent, but agreements to engage in further discussion have been made. The civil service do caution that there was an "advisor" from Sarcophan with the city state delegation and while they didn't do much talking they certainly had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Skouran representatives.

As per his promise, Salt Lord Ehsan has used his own influence to arrange a meeting with representatives of the Brine Turtles sept of [[Mareave#Fleisardh|Fleisardh]]. The delegation will include one of the elders of the sept, a high ranking warleader from the [[army]], and a [[Grendel]] advisor. Ehsan suggests that any Imperial delegation be kept to three likewise; he suggests the [[Senator]] for Mareave would probably be a good choice, as might the [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]. The meeting is due to take place at {{TBC}} in {{TBC}}.
===Investment===
* '''A new trading post exchanging Beroadhi salt for Unshackled beef has been established in Mareave
* '''Ehsan is very pleased to hear that there is further interest in investment opportunities in the city state
The Senator for Mareave also [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Construct_Beoraidh_Trading_Post|commissioned a trading post]] that would allow Beoraidh to trade salt for Unshackled beef - a potentially quite lucrative trade that has brought prosperity to both the [[Shepherd of the Southern Herd]] and the [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] in [[Skarsind]]. A healthy exchange of goods is now taking place across the borders of barren [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]].

It appears that the Ambassador also did a good job of warning the citizens of Beoraidh that the [[Rivers of Life]] were due to be raised over Mareave after the Spring Equinox. Ehsan has been voluble in his approval of the move, indicating that it seems to have lead to a significant burst of growth in the normally quite hardscrabble farms of Sinfoyard. He is aware the effect is short-lived, and unpredictable. In an unguarded moment, he also mentions "strange crops" growing in the arid grasslands north of Beoraidh, although he does not give any details.

With Ambassador Melkior assuring Ehsan that funding for the trade docks has been secured, and that there is significant interest in the [[A_knock_at_the_door#Diamant_Drakes| colosseum]], it seems that relations between the tiny city state and the Empire are going from strength the strength.
===Sarcophan Concerns===
* '''Ehsan, Lord of Sand thanks the Ambassador for their words regarding the Sarcophan Delves
* '''Beoraidh welcomes the protection of the Delves because without it they do not believe their city state can endure
One thing Ehsan is not entirely prepared to hear from the Ambassador however are any words of caution about the Sarcophan Delves. The self-styled ''Lord of Sand'' politely thanks Ambassador Melkior for their well meaning sentiments, but makes it clear that as a former Salt-Lord he is no naif new to the realities of politics and trade. Yes, Sarcophan will take some of the city, but in return they will deliver the kind of prosperity he and his people need to survive. When the Sarcophan approached them, he and his advisors are under no illusions about the precariousness of their situation. Both the Empire and the Grendel have good reason to want to control Beoraidh, given it represents the only anchorage where trading vessels can dock. Once one side or the other secured their control of Mareave, it would surely be only a matter of time before they began to place increasing demands on Beoraidh.

As it is, the protection of Sarcophan means that both of their neighbours will need to think very carefully about whether they want to risk the anger of the great power. The price is well worth the protection, but the Lord of Sand does thank the Ambassador for telling him that foolish lips are dubbing the City-State a "protectorate" of Sarcophan. Just because it is basically ''true'' is no reason to say it out loud, after all.
==Jotun==
<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Jotunarmy.jpg|title=Jotun banners often show the skulls of powerful creatures.|align=right|width=350}}</div>
* '''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 led by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of [[Jotun#History|Kalsea]] 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 - [[Bregasland]] and [[Liathaven]] (which they name ''Ashvale'') are under Jotun control, and their recent invasion of [[Mitwold]] has [[Pride in the Marches#Mitwold_Triumph|only just ended]].

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]].
===The Unity Of Deed And Word===
* '''The shrine to the Way on Gull Isle has been completed'''
* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate provides the opportunity to enact the consecration of the shrine'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Unlikely_or_Contained|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
* '''''Erlend'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for assembling a party to carry out the ceremony'''

<quote by="Mandate, Skáldsgrým Dunhearth, General Assembly, Spring Solstice 388YE, Vote: Upheld (1490-60)>The Virtuous build up their fellows, they do not tear them down. We send Erlend with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Virtuous shrine at the Meeting Place. Let us display our Loyalty through the unity of words and deeds.</quote>

Slowly but surely, the wheels of Synod process turn. Last season the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|mandate of Skáldsgrým Dunhearth]] was passed by the General Assembly, following through on the opportunity to [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#The_Chains_That_Bind_Us|consecrate a shrine at the Meeting Place]]. The civil service confirms that the conjunction to the Meeting Place that was identified last season has held strong, and that the Sentinel Gate will open at 18:15 on Saturday of the forthcoming summit. Erlend, the citizen charged with fulfilling the mandate of consecration, will be in charge of assembling a group to witness the ceremony. The shrine is completed, and anchoring the consecration should be no more difficult than somewhere in Anvil.

Gull Isle is known to be an ancient place of cooperation and cultural exchange between the ancestors of the Jotun and the Kallavesi. To honour this legacy, three ghodi have travelled to the great feasting hall to witness the ceremony. Gunnr the Watchful is announced as a respected elder, Magni Red Kite as a keen supporter of the new Meeting Place, and Eirik the Golden as a well-known yegarra who has had contact with Imperial priests before. All three hope to discuss the meaning of the aura and what it represents to the Empire.

The Jotun understand that the Imperials will direct the ceremony as befits their faith, with whatever poems, songs and stories feel most appropriate to them. That there will be such expressions of Imperial culture seems to be taken for granted. They also make it clear that this should not be considered closed to just the Winterfolk. The Empire has many nations, after all, and they would be pleased to meet with a broad array of representatives. Any with questions to ask and stories to tell are welcome at the Meeting Place!

==Grendel==
* '''Speaker Morna has been sarcastic at the Ambassador to the Grendel
* '''They have apparently sent a private response to Starlight Starchaser
* '''The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen
And finally... By all accounts Speaker Morna is a little surprised to hear from '''Starlight Starchaser''', the offical [[Ambassador to the Grendel]]. With the [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogation]] of the [[embassy]] in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]], he had assumed the ambassador had lost their position as well. Surely the Ambassador cannot expect the Grendel to take an Imperial diplomat without a palace seriously? Beyond suing for peace, what is the value of a pauper ambassador?

All that said, however, Speaker Morna notes that Starlight Starchaser has sent an interesting missive and plans to reply to them directly rather than via their presumably non-existent staff.

Keys of Enlightenment

2026-07-20T16:02:12Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Spies and Agents */

[[Category:Wind of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"Have they given any context for their query?"

Tipoa and the Cardinal had taken cover from the sun under a rainbow canopy in one of the gardens that spilled over the side of the High House of Wisdom. It was the hottest part of the day and even the jewelled hummingbirds were silent, resting beneath broad leaves. Only the raptors were active, playing their inscrutable lizard games and hunting beetles among the foliage.

"The Censor of Wood, Stone and Metal said it was a request from the Senator of Bastion. They say they are keen to learn more about the exemplar."

The Cardinal pondered for several moments, her attention apparently focused on the task of tending to one of her beast companions. Jormga as a snake easily as long as Tipoa was tall, and she had always disliked it. The serpent was lazy with age, six eyes closed contentedly as the Cardinal carefully rubbed its head and body with coarse sand. His only movement was to flicker his long forked tongue occasionally. In the wild the beasts were deadly hunters, but the Cardinal had hatched him herself, and he doted on her as much as any serpent could dote on anyone.

"To be fair," mused the Cardinal, "it is the nature of inspirational figures to inspire, so there is no reason not to share our stories with the Empire. I wonder if it has to do with a vision of past lives?"

"Would you like me to ask Oxtitocszin to enquire?" One of the smaller raptors had run up and stood staring curiously at her, flicking its blue and green feathers. She flicked a morsel of meat toward it, and it was quickly the centre of attention for three of its siblings.

"No need, I don't think. Traditionally the Imperial Synod is always very excited when someone experiences a vision of having been Sumaash, and cannot wait to tell us. So patience will tell us one way or another."

The Cardinal smiled, humourlessly.

"I do wonder sometimes why they seem to be so constantly surprised when they discover that their people have souls older than the Empire, or from another part of the world? Despite that revelation being the foundation of their entire Empire. And still it is an uncommon Imperial priest that asks about our ''own'' visions, and how they relate to folk from their history."

Tipoa nodded.

"I'll put something together but it will be challenging to know quite how much detail to go into."

"Ah!" said the Cardinal, eye twinkling. "I have a suggestion there. I was speaking to the Cardinal of Vigilance only this morning, and this enquiry comes at just the right time. How long has it been since you last visited the Empire, Utredare Tipoa?"

Tipoa felt her heart sink slightly. She could see the shape of the future and was not sure she was especially excited about it. Travelling to the Empire, especially at this time of year when the weather would be turning inhospitable, was not how she had planned to end the year. Especially with this apparent non-sequitur about the Cardinal of Vigilance.

"To talk about Sjördeyr, Cardinal? Or were you thinking of sending me in an more official capacity?"

The Cardinal didn't reply immediately, but a slow smile spread across her face as she continued to stroke the somnolent serpent in her lap.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah_Raptors.jpg|align=left|caption=it's common for Sumaah citizens to keep small drakes as companions.|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''The Sumaah Republic is an empire devoted to an orthodox interpretation of the Way'''
* '''The Sumaah Republic remain allies of the Empire in the Liberty Pact
The [[Sumaah Republic]] are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. As founding members of the [[Liberty Pact]], their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their [[Guide_the_spirit#Virtuous_War|war]] with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world. In gratitude for [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|major aid]] from the Empire in repulsing an Asavean assault against the port of [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]], the Sumaah have committed to sharing a dose of [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] with the Empire every season "''until the Plenum falls and the Way is spread to the Archipelago''." Relations with the grateful Sumaash, which have been bumpy in the past, are now better than ever.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sumaah Republic]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]|ambassador=Accalon of [[Highguard]]}}
The Sumaah ambassador to the Empire is ''Oxtitocszin'', who holds the rank of Censor of wood, metal and stone and is a member of the High House of Pride (the Sumaah equivalent of the Pride Assembly, but with significantly more responsibility and leeway to pursue foreign diplomacy). They advise not just the Sumaah ''präster'', but the House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate). By all accounts they are an even-handed, level-headed individual, and a devout practitioner of the Way.
==Mithril and White Granite==
* '''Sumaah is interested in the proposal the Empire might be able to provide resources to fight the Asaveans
* '''They are interested in mithril and weirwood
* '''The High House of Prosperity has arranged a boon from the City of Salt and Sail that can help transport significant numbers of wains
* '''Ambassador Oxtitocszin asks for Accalon to give them an idea of what kind of price will be required
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg|caption='''Accalon of Felix's Watch''', Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=right|width=350}}</div>
Ambassaor Accalon has mentioned the possibility of providing assistance in the Sumaah war with the Plenum, and that the Empire may be able to send resources that would assist their efforts. Ambassador Oxtitocszin has taken counsel with the High Houses of Courage and Prosperity, and spoken to the Plenum, and suggests that if there is interest in helping Sumaah in their fight against the Asaveans, they would be interested in supplies of mithril and weirwood to supplement their own stocks of these precious materials. While the bulk of the materials would be used to reinforce and strengthen the armies of Sumaah, a portion would be provided to Sumaah allies in the Asavean Archipelago to help support their efforts to spread the Way and bring down the Plenum.

The High House of Prosperity understands that the Empire is rich in both materials, and that there is a considerable surplus available to purchase. The challenge however will be transporting the material - as the [[Drowned_in_tears#A_Gift_of_Pride|Stone Fleet]] indicated the risk of transporting such valuable and bulky materials over great distances is considerable.

However, partially inspired by the [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss|ongoing visit]] of Imperial prognosticator [[Appraisal#Lisane_de_Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]], a coven of magician-präster of the House of Prosperity have sought a slightly less risky solution. The ''Wandering Port'' - the ''Great Turtle'' also known as the ''City of Salt and Sail'' - is prepared to aid in the transportation of at least one hundred wains of weirwood and mithril - either or both - between the Empire and the Republic. There is theoretically no upper limit to how much they can help transport in this way. The offer has been negotiated until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE; after that the opportunity will be gone.

However, before they can be taken anywhere, the wains must be secured. The Sarcophan do not imagine the Ambassador means to provide them with a gift, and the Censor of Wood and Stone wants to hear from their opposite number what kind of price will be required and what volume of wains would be available. Accalon has indicated they have contacts in the [[Bourse]]; presumably these can be leveraged to arrange a straightforward and Prosperous agreement?

==Sjördeyr==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''The Life of Sjördeyr'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Historical Research</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Should clearly indicate it is an invitation to the High House of Prosperity to send scholars to teach about the paragon Sjördeyr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' None additional</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Produces a historical research document relating to the paragon Sjördeyr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One yer; until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Dependant on the Empire remaining on good terms with the Sumaah Republic</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hazelelponi.jpg|align=right|caption=Hazelelponi of the [[Highguard_groups#The_Shattered_Tower|Shattered Tower]] raised the final peerless kinship mandate.|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|caption='''Watt of Lambrook''', Minister of Historical Research|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A short essay about the Sumaah paragon Sjördeyrhas been provided by Ambassador Oxtitocszin
* '''Either the Lepidean Library or the Department of Historical Research could host scholars from the Sumaah Republic if they wished to know more
Ambassador Oxtitocszin is a little surprised to be asked about the ''Sjördeyr'', but provides some information in the form of a short essay copied from a book of Sumaah inspirations.

In short, Sjördeyr is a Paragon and not an Exemplar as the Ambassador seems to believe. He is primarily known for inspiration around the importance of celebrating one's labours at least as hard as one worked to achieve them. One of the leaders of the Sumaah rebellion against the Asavean Satraps, he was a loud and persistent voice in opposition to slavery in general, and the wickedness of the Plenum, rather than just the plight of the Sumaah themselves. No great warrior himself, he strove to acquire the resources his people needed to cast off the yoke of the Satraps. In the process he dealt with many unsavoury folk, including some of the corrupt and venal Asaveans. According to the stories, however, so affable and charismatic was he that stories claim he was adept at recruiting others to aid the Sumaah cause, and allegedly he convinced a few of the Asaveans to secretly support the rebels against their own people.

After the Sumaah won their freedom, the flamboyant and passionate Sjördeyr was one of the visionaries who encouraged the people not to lose themselves in endless warfare but to build a Republic from the ashes of their oppression. His enduring inspiration meant that he was one of the first historical paragons recognised by the Sumaah when they embraced the Way and the path of Virtue, .

If the Empire wishes to know more, the ambassador is certain some Sumaah scholars can be convinced to travel to the Empire and spend time working with the [[Lepidean_Librarian#Lepidean_University|Lepidean University]] or the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]]. Obviously, this would require either the [[Lepidean Librarian]] or the [[Minister of Historical Research]] (or the [[Senate]]) to commission the appropriate [[historical research]].

==Siblings in Spirit==
* '''The House of the People is discussing the Liberty Pact in light of the Commonwealth concerns'''
* '''Oxtitocszin advises that Sumaah fear their interests will suffer if the Empire and the Axou can form a majority voting block'''
As the Summer Solstice approaches, the news that the [[Commonwealth]] is [[War_games#Commonwealth_Fury|considering leaving]] the [[Liberty Pact]] has reached Sumaah. Oxtitocszin restates part of the speech given by the präst ''[[Guide_the_spirit#Ripped_Away_(Necropolis)|Kauitalic]]'' after Imperial ship captains helped [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|defend Zemeh]] against the Asaveans. "The Empire and the Republic are siblings - they may squabble and argue but they are united by bonds of Virtue that the Asaveans can never understand much less sever." Whatever happens in the coming months, that will not change, no matter how aggrieved the Commonwealth is.

But the Sumaah Ambassador also confirms that [[Forging_links#Pact_of_Broken_Chains|as mentioned last season]], the Republic is not sure what the point of the Liberty Pact is now. The House of People continues to discuss the matter, as do the High Houses of Virtue. They are broadly in agreement though that a Liberty Pact without the Commonwealth will not survive. No decision has been taken yet; the Houses take their time to consider such matters carefully and avoid rushing as the Empire well knows. However, there are clear concerns around the influence of the Axou should the pact be comprised of only three members able to vote. The ambassador doesn't come directly out and say it, but the fact that the Empire and the Axou could form a majority voting block and decide the issues between them is clearly an issue. Eventually they will take act but the Ambassador stresses that whatever happens, it should not be seen as a failure of the Pact, but rather as further proof that it has fulfilled its Ambition. For now though, they will continue to hold to the Liberty Pact as it stands.
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Pride.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|align=right|width=150}}</div>

==Honour and War==
* '''The Sumaah will continue to send a dose of true liao to the Empire regardless of what happens
One final matter brought up by Oxtitocszin concerns the dose of [[liao#true liao|true liao]] the Council of Eight [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#The_Just_Rewards_of_Your_Labours|set aside for the Empire]] each season. Until the Way is spread to the whole of the Asavean Archipelago, it will continue to be delivered to the [[Gatekeeper|Gatekeepers]] "''to bestow as they see fit on the virtuous of the Empire, in the name of that bond, forged in blood and salt, by the captains of the Empire''." Unless for some reason a state of war erupts again between the two great powers, the Sumaah gift to the Empire will continue.

There have however been concerns raised with Oxtitocszin regarding what might happen if the Gatekeepers were no longer [[Gatekeeper#Responsibilities|responsible]] for determining how true liao is distributed. If that were to happen, the High House of Pride would find another way to ensure their gift reached the Empire to be used in commemoration of the bonds between the two great nations. But as long as the Synod holds the Gatekeepers responsible for distributing the precious spiritual substance, it will continue to be delivered to them each season.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Albrecht von Holberg.jpg|caption='''Albrecht von Holberg''', Custodian of the Regario Dossier|align=left|width=400}}
</div>
==Missing River==
* '''Agent Vassa, who normally oversees the Regario Dossier agents in Sumaah, has gone missing
* '''An urgent message from Zemeh suggests the Imperial espionage network there is being rolled up
* '''The Regario Dossier will ultimately need to decide whether to cooperate with any investigation or not
* '''Re-establishing the Vassa network without knowing what is going on may see more Imperial agents vanish
There is one other matter of concern from Sumaah, but it (probably) doesn't concern the Republic itself. A year ago the [[Regario Dossier]] - which among other things organises the Empire's espionage in foreign nations - [[Talking_to_friends#The_Factions_Listen|reassigned agents]] to investigate factions in the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Each of the three agents studied a different faction, made a full report during the Spring Equinox [[Regario_Dossier#Annual_Report|as is traditional]]. As far as the Empire knows, three agents were reassigned and those three agents should now be back in their assigned posts.

Unfortunately, one of the agents does not appear to have made it back from Asavea. Agent Vassa normally oversees a small network of agents in [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]] who report on the activities of the Sumaah Republic. Not only has Agent Vassa not resumed their post, but following the Spring Equinox the Imperial espionage network in Sumaah has "gone dark". A single ciphered message was received at the offices in [[Tassato#Tassato_Regario|Tassato Regario]] that appears to be genuine, claiming that several agents had died and several others vanished and that the writer themselves was in fear of their life and "in the wind." Cautious attempts to connect with the Vassa network to see what is up have yielded no response.

It's not unusual for agents to vanish, but for a whole network of agents to go quiet is a cause for alarm. There are three possibilities; the Sumaah Republic [[High House of Vigilance]] may have uncovered the Imperial agents in Zemeh. They have [[Price_of_prosperity#War_with_Sumaah|taken action]] against Imperial agents within their borders before, after all. Alternatively, the Asavean faction the Sumaah agents were involved in investigating might have attacked them, either in Asavea or when they returned to Sumaah. Finally, it the network might have unravelled due to the actions of a third, unknown enemy. That latter is the most worrying, of course.

Investigating what has happened represents something of a challenge. It will also require the cooperation of '''Albrecht von Holberg''' who holds the Regario Dossier. This cooperation is confirmed by the holder of the seat emailing {{plot}} after the event, before the end of downtime, indicating which if any methods of investigating the missing agents they have supported. Any they don't support will fail.
===Ambassadorial Concern===
* '''The Ambassador to the Republic could ask for help investigating the disappearance of Imperial citizens
* '''Doing so would certainly reveal the Vassa network to the High House of Vigilance
Ambassador Accalon could ask the Sumaah to investigate the disappearances, but doing so would certainly reveal that the missing Imperial citizens were spying on the Republic. There's no need to be specific here - there are few enough Imperial citizens going missing in Sumaah that the High House of Vigilance would be able to investigate what has happened. As long Albrecht von Holberg cooperates, the Sumaah will find out what happened... but it will make it impossible to re-establish effective spies in Zemeh for the next three years. If they don't cooperate, the Sumaah will know that there were spies but will have no useful information that could stop new agents being sent in. The holder of the seat can also use an email to ask that new agents be dispatched, once they are comfortable the situation is resolved.
===Asavean Factionalism===
* '''Contacting the faction the Vassa network was investigating may provide leads
* '''Doing so risks revealing to that faction (or factions) that they were being investigated by the Empire
Someone could contact the Asavean faction the agents were investigating, using the [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] address already supplied, but again that would almost certainly warn that faction that the Empire had been spying on them. Obviously without the aid of Albrecht von Holberg it will be difficult to know which faction the agents were dealing with. Just asking them ''all'' would make them ''all'' think they were being spied on.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo.jpg|caption='''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''', Imperial Spymaster|align=left|width=400}}</div>
===Spies and Agents===
* '''The Imperial Spymaster could put together an investigation in Zemeh to track down what happened to the Vassa network agents
* '''Doing so needs the Spymaster to use their ability to announce a spy network, and would count as a commission
* '''Such a mission would provide a scouting venture to Imperial fleets - provided they were enchanted with Muffled Oar
* '''A mission will alert the High House of Vigilance that something is happening but as long as the Regario Dossier cooperates will not indicate what
The [[Imperial Spymaster]] and the [[Regario Dossier]] could liase on an operation together. During the Summer Solstice they could use their ability to [[Imperial_Spymaster#Networks_and_Coves|commission networks and coves]] to arrange support for a mission in Zemeh. This would require an [[Senate announcement|announcement]], count as a [[commission]], but not require any [[weirwood]] or money. If it were done, following the Summer Solstice any [[the League|League]] [[fleet|ship-captain]] would be able to participate in a special [[Fleet#Scouting|scouting]] [[voyage]] aimed at uncovering events in Zemeh. If at least 3,000 strength were committed to the voyage, the facts about what has happened to Agent Vassa and their network, and who was behind it, would be uncovered. However, unless ''every'' ship that took part was under the effect of [[Muffled Oar]] or a similar [[Night magic]] [[enchantment]], the High House of Vigilance would be aware that ''something'' is going on even if they do not know exactly what. If Albrecht von Holberg doesn't cooperate with this action, it will achieve nothing other than to worry the Sumaah.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption='''Tyburn Natkysset''' (right), Grandmaster of the Shuttered
Lantern|align=left|width=400}}</div>

===Hooded Lanterns===
* '''The Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern could take advantage of the outstanding invitation for an order to visit Sumaah
* '''If they do this it will use up the Conclave's opportunity, and ''only'' discover details of what is going on with the Vassa network agents
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Roshanwe.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=City of Locks.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dark_Adapted_Eye_2.png|align=right|width=150}}</div>
There is an opportunity for the [[Shuttered Lantern]] order to [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Wisdom_of_the_Conclave|visit Sumaah]] this season, to explore how the Sumaah keep their people safe from dangerous eternals. Instead, when [[Grandmaster#Guiding_an_Order|guiding the order]] the [[grandmaster]] could instruct magicians to investigate the disappearance of the Imperial agents in Sumaah. If this were done, they would not uncover any useful information about Sumaah practices around eternals, but they would discover what had happened to the agents and who was responsible. Doing this would ''not'' attract the attention of the High House of Vigilance. Again, if Albrecht doesn't cooperate with this it will just prove to be a waste of time and the Shuttered Lantern will get ''nothing''.
===Eternal Plenipotential===
* '''The Archmages of Day, Autumn, or Night could enlist the aid of Roshanwe, Basileia Brazen, or the Whisper Gallery to find out more
* '''Doing so would require them to use their plenipotentiary power
Alternatively, there are several [[eternal|eternals]] who might be prevailed upon to offer assistance. While [[Sung]] and [[Leviathan]] might be questioned through ritual magic, it's not clear that would yield anything useful. Sung's answers are always mysterious, and while Leviathan might be able to explain what lead to the Vassa network being rolled up, it's doubtful he will be able to offer any insight into who did it. Among the remaining eternals, [[Roshanwe]], [[Basileia]], and the [[Whisper Gallery]] all have the potential to offer aid. Roshanwe is a seeker, and while it is rarely mentioned, spying and espionage ''are'' a form of seeking. The City of Locks are adept spies, and [[Basileia#The Five Pillars|the Surveyors' Cartel]] in particular has an interest in espionage. The Whisper Gallery are unpredictable, but they enjoy secrets and are generally not as opposed to spies and spying as they are to, say, [[Magpies|hunters of lost artefacts]] or [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|scholars of lost lore]].

A [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] for any one of the three would be able to either provide an opportunity to learn more, or simply provide answers directly. In both cases, there is likely to be a price however. There's also a chance that the last two on the list might even be ''behind'' the disappearances. On the plus side, if they ''are'' they're unlikely to deny it if asked point-blank to look into it. This is the only approach that doesn't require the aid of Albrecht von Holberg; the eternals asked to look into the matter will work out what is going on as part of their investigation.

===Wheels and Windows===
* '''Re-establishing the Vassa network without knowing what is going on risks the new agents meeting the same fate as the old ones
* '''There is only a narrow window to uncover what has happened to the Vassa network
Regardless of what is done, the Regario Dossier is short of agents in the Sumaah Republic. The civil service advise caution though. If new agents are simply sent in to replace the old ones, there is no guarantee that whatever happened to Agent Vassa and their network will not just happen again, and at that point the Empire is just feeding espionage agents to unknown enemies.

There's also a narrow window to do something; unless wheels are set in motion at the Summer Solstice, the trail will be too cold for any useful information to be uncovered at all. After that, the only way to find anything useful will be to send more agents and hope they aren't killed before their annual report next year.
{{Sumaah Links}}

Keys of Enlightenment

2026-07-20T16:01:19Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Siblings in Spirit */

[[Category:Wind of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"Have they given any context for their query?"

Tipoa and the Cardinal had taken cover from the sun under a rainbow canopy in one of the gardens that spilled over the side of the High House of Wisdom. It was the hottest part of the day and even the jewelled hummingbirds were silent, resting beneath broad leaves. Only the raptors were active, playing their inscrutable lizard games and hunting beetles among the foliage.

"The Censor of Wood, Stone and Metal said it was a request from the Senator of Bastion. They say they are keen to learn more about the exemplar."

The Cardinal pondered for several moments, her attention apparently focused on the task of tending to one of her beast companions. Jormga as a snake easily as long as Tipoa was tall, and she had always disliked it. The serpent was lazy with age, six eyes closed contentedly as the Cardinal carefully rubbed its head and body with coarse sand. His only movement was to flicker his long forked tongue occasionally. In the wild the beasts were deadly hunters, but the Cardinal had hatched him herself, and he doted on her as much as any serpent could dote on anyone.

"To be fair," mused the Cardinal, "it is the nature of inspirational figures to inspire, so there is no reason not to share our stories with the Empire. I wonder if it has to do with a vision of past lives?"

"Would you like me to ask Oxtitocszin to enquire?" One of the smaller raptors had run up and stood staring curiously at her, flicking its blue and green feathers. She flicked a morsel of meat toward it, and it was quickly the centre of attention for three of its siblings.

"No need, I don't think. Traditionally the Imperial Synod is always very excited when someone experiences a vision of having been Sumaash, and cannot wait to tell us. So patience will tell us one way or another."

The Cardinal smiled, humourlessly.

"I do wonder sometimes why they seem to be so constantly surprised when they discover that their people have souls older than the Empire, or from another part of the world? Despite that revelation being the foundation of their entire Empire. And still it is an uncommon Imperial priest that asks about our ''own'' visions, and how they relate to folk from their history."

Tipoa nodded.

"I'll put something together but it will be challenging to know quite how much detail to go into."

"Ah!" said the Cardinal, eye twinkling. "I have a suggestion there. I was speaking to the Cardinal of Vigilance only this morning, and this enquiry comes at just the right time. How long has it been since you last visited the Empire, Utredare Tipoa?"

Tipoa felt her heart sink slightly. She could see the shape of the future and was not sure she was especially excited about it. Travelling to the Empire, especially at this time of year when the weather would be turning inhospitable, was not how she had planned to end the year. Especially with this apparent non-sequitur about the Cardinal of Vigilance.

"To talk about Sjördeyr, Cardinal? Or were you thinking of sending me in an more official capacity?"

The Cardinal didn't reply immediately, but a slow smile spread across her face as she continued to stroke the somnolent serpent in her lap.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah_Raptors.jpg|align=left|caption=it's common for Sumaah citizens to keep small drakes as companions.|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''The Sumaah Republic is an empire devoted to an orthodox interpretation of the Way'''
* '''The Sumaah Republic remain allies of the Empire in the Liberty Pact
The [[Sumaah Republic]] are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. As founding members of the [[Liberty Pact]], their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their [[Guide_the_spirit#Virtuous_War|war]] with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world. In gratitude for [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|major aid]] from the Empire in repulsing an Asavean assault against the port of [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]], the Sumaah have committed to sharing a dose of [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] with the Empire every season "''until the Plenum falls and the Way is spread to the Archipelago''." Relations with the grateful Sumaash, which have been bumpy in the past, are now better than ever.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sumaah Republic]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]|ambassador=Accalon of [[Highguard]]}}
The Sumaah ambassador to the Empire is ''Oxtitocszin'', who holds the rank of Censor of wood, metal and stone and is a member of the High House of Pride (the Sumaah equivalent of the Pride Assembly, but with significantly more responsibility and leeway to pursue foreign diplomacy). They advise not just the Sumaah ''präster'', but the House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate). By all accounts they are an even-handed, level-headed individual, and a devout practitioner of the Way.
==Mithril and White Granite==
* '''Sumaah is interested in the proposal the Empire might be able to provide resources to fight the Asaveans
* '''They are interested in mithril and weirwood
* '''The High House of Prosperity has arranged a boon from the City of Salt and Sail that can help transport significant numbers of wains
* '''Ambassador Oxtitocszin asks for Accalon to give them an idea of what kind of price will be required
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg|caption='''Accalon of Felix's Watch''', Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=right|width=350}}</div>
Ambassaor Accalon has mentioned the possibility of providing assistance in the Sumaah war with the Plenum, and that the Empire may be able to send resources that would assist their efforts. Ambassador Oxtitocszin has taken counsel with the High Houses of Courage and Prosperity, and spoken to the Plenum, and suggests that if there is interest in helping Sumaah in their fight against the Asaveans, they would be interested in supplies of mithril and weirwood to supplement their own stocks of these precious materials. While the bulk of the materials would be used to reinforce and strengthen the armies of Sumaah, a portion would be provided to Sumaah allies in the Asavean Archipelago to help support their efforts to spread the Way and bring down the Plenum.

The High House of Prosperity understands that the Empire is rich in both materials, and that there is a considerable surplus available to purchase. The challenge however will be transporting the material - as the [[Drowned_in_tears#A_Gift_of_Pride|Stone Fleet]] indicated the risk of transporting such valuable and bulky materials over great distances is considerable.

However, partially inspired by the [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss|ongoing visit]] of Imperial prognosticator [[Appraisal#Lisane_de_Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]], a coven of magician-präster of the House of Prosperity have sought a slightly less risky solution. The ''Wandering Port'' - the ''Great Turtle'' also known as the ''City of Salt and Sail'' - is prepared to aid in the transportation of at least one hundred wains of weirwood and mithril - either or both - between the Empire and the Republic. There is theoretically no upper limit to how much they can help transport in this way. The offer has been negotiated until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE; after that the opportunity will be gone.

However, before they can be taken anywhere, the wains must be secured. The Sarcophan do not imagine the Ambassador means to provide them with a gift, and the Censor of Wood and Stone wants to hear from their opposite number what kind of price will be required and what volume of wains would be available. Accalon has indicated they have contacts in the [[Bourse]]; presumably these can be leveraged to arrange a straightforward and Prosperous agreement?

==Sjördeyr==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''The Life of Sjördeyr'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' Historical Research</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Should clearly indicate it is an invitation to the High House of Prosperity to send scholars to teach about the paragon Sjördeyr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' None additional</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Produces a historical research document relating to the paragon Sjördeyr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One yer; until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Dependant on the Empire remaining on good terms with the Sumaah Republic</td></tr>
</table></div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Hazelelponi.jpg|align=right|caption=Hazelelponi of the [[Highguard_groups#The_Shattered_Tower|Shattered Tower]] raised the final peerless kinship mandate.|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|caption='''Watt of Lambrook''', Minister of Historical Research|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A short essay about the Sumaah paragon Sjördeyrhas been provided by Ambassador Oxtitocszin
* '''Either the Lepidean Library or the Department of Historical Research could host scholars from the Sumaah Republic if they wished to know more
Ambassador Oxtitocszin is a little surprised to be asked about the ''Sjördeyr'', but provides some information in the form of a short essay copied from a book of Sumaah inspirations.

In short, Sjördeyr is a Paragon and not an Exemplar as the Ambassador seems to believe. He is primarily known for inspiration around the importance of celebrating one's labours at least as hard as one worked to achieve them. One of the leaders of the Sumaah rebellion against the Asavean Satraps, he was a loud and persistent voice in opposition to slavery in general, and the wickedness of the Plenum, rather than just the plight of the Sumaah themselves. No great warrior himself, he strove to acquire the resources his people needed to cast off the yoke of the Satraps. In the process he dealt with many unsavoury folk, including some of the corrupt and venal Asaveans. According to the stories, however, so affable and charismatic was he that stories claim he was adept at recruiting others to aid the Sumaah cause, and allegedly he convinced a few of the Asaveans to secretly support the rebels against their own people.

After the Sumaah won their freedom, the flamboyant and passionate Sjördeyr was one of the visionaries who encouraged the people not to lose themselves in endless warfare but to build a Republic from the ashes of their oppression. His enduring inspiration meant that he was one of the first historical paragons recognised by the Sumaah when they embraced the Way and the path of Virtue, .

If the Empire wishes to know more, the ambassador is certain some Sumaah scholars can be convinced to travel to the Empire and spend time working with the [[Lepidean_Librarian#Lepidean_University|Lepidean University]] or the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]]. Obviously, this would require either the [[Lepidean Librarian]] or the [[Minister of Historical Research]] (or the [[Senate]]) to commission the appropriate [[historical research]].

==Siblings in Spirit==
* '''The House of the People is discussing the Liberty Pact in light of the Commonwealth concerns'''
* '''Oxtitocszin advises that Sumaah fear their interests will suffer if the Empire and the Axou can form a majority voting block'''
As the Summer Solstice approaches, the news that the [[Commonwealth]] is [[War_games#Commonwealth_Fury|considering leaving]] the [[Liberty Pact]] has reached Sumaah. Oxtitocszin restates part of the speech given by the präst ''[[Guide_the_spirit#Ripped_Away_(Necropolis)|Kauitalic]]'' after Imperial ship captains helped [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#A_Bond_Between_Sailors|defend Zemeh]] against the Asaveans. "The Empire and the Republic are siblings - they may squabble and argue but they are united by bonds of Virtue that the Asaveans can never understand much less sever." Whatever happens in the coming months, that will not change, no matter how aggrieved the Commonwealth is.

But the Sumaah Ambassador also confirms that [[Forging_links#Pact_of_Broken_Chains|as mentioned last season]], the Republic is not sure what the point of the Liberty Pact is now. The House of People continues to discuss the matter, as do the High Houses of Virtue. They are broadly in agreement though that a Liberty Pact without the Commonwealth will not survive. No decision has been taken yet; the Houses take their time to consider such matters carefully and avoid rushing as the Empire well knows. However, there are clear concerns around the influence of the Axou should the pact be comprised of only three members able to vote. The ambassador doesn't come directly out and say it, but the fact that the Empire and the Axou could form a majority voting block and decide the issues between them is clearly an issue. Eventually they will take act but the Ambassador stresses that whatever happens, it should not be seen as a failure of the Pact, but rather as further proof that it has fulfilled its Ambition. For now though, they will continue to hold to the Liberty Pact as it stands.
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Pride.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|align=right|width=150}}</div>

==Honour and War==
* '''The Sumaah will continue to send a dose of true liao to the Empire regardless of what happens
One final matter brought up by Oxtitocszin concerns the dose of [[liao#true liao|true liao]] the Council of Eight [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset#The_Just_Rewards_of_Your_Labours|set aside for the Empire]] each season. Until the Way is spread to the whole of the Asavean Archipelago, it will continue to be delivered to the [[Gatekeeper|Gatekeepers]] "''to bestow as they see fit on the virtuous of the Empire, in the name of that bond, forged in blood and salt, by the captains of the Empire''." Unless for some reason a state of war erupts again between the two great powers, the Sumaah gift to the Empire will continue.

There have however been concerns raised with Oxtitocszin regarding what might happen if the Gatekeepers were no longer [[Gatekeeper#Responsibilities|responsible]] for determining how true liao is distributed. If that were to happen, the High House of Pride would find another way to ensure their gift reached the Empire to be used in commemoration of the bonds between the two great nations. But as long as the Synod holds the Gatekeepers responsible for distributing the precious spiritual substance, it will continue to be delivered to them each season.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Albrecht von Holberg.jpg|caption='''Albrecht von Holberg''', Custodian of the Regario Dossier|align=left|width=400}}
</div>
==Missing River==
* '''Agent Vassa, who normally oversees the Regario Dossier agents in Sumaah, has gone missing
* '''An urgent message from Zemeh suggests the Imperial espionage network there is being rolled up
* '''The Regario Dossier will ultimately need to decide whether to cooperate with any investigation or not
* '''Re-establishing the Vassa network without knowing what is going on may see more Imperial agents vanish
There is one other matter of concern from Sumaah, but it (probably) doesn't concern the Republic itself. A year ago the [[Regario Dossier]] - which among other things organises the Empire's espionage in foreign nations - [[Talking_to_friends#The_Factions_Listen|reassigned agents]] to investigate factions in the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Each of the three agents studied a different faction, made a full report during the Spring Equinox [[Regario_Dossier#Annual_Report|as is traditional]]. As far as the Empire knows, three agents were reassigned and those three agents should now be back in their assigned posts.

Unfortunately, one of the agents does not appear to have made it back from Asavea. Agent Vassa normally oversees a small network of agents in [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]] who report on the activities of the Sumaah Republic. Not only has Agent Vassa not resumed their post, but following the Spring Equinox the Imperial espionage network in Sumaah has "gone dark". A single ciphered message was received at the offices in [[Tassato#Tassato_Regario|Tassato Regario]] that appears to be genuine, claiming that several agents had died and several others vanished and that the writer themselves was in fear of their life and "in the wind." Cautious attempts to connect with the Vassa network to see what is up have yielded no response.

It's not unusual for agents to vanish, but for a whole network of agents to go quiet is a cause for alarm. There are three possibilities; the Sumaah Republic [[High House of Vigilance]] may have uncovered the Imperial agents in Zemeh. They have [[Price_of_prosperity#War_with_Sumaah|taken action]] against Imperial agents within their borders before, after all. Alternatively, the Asavean faction the Sumaah agents were involved in investigating might have attacked them, either in Asavea or when they returned to Sumaah. Finally, it the network might have unravelled due to the actions of a third, unknown enemy. That latter is the most worrying, of course.

Investigating what has happened represents something of a challenge. It will also require the cooperation of '''Albrecht von Holberg''' who holds the Regario Dossier. This cooperation is confirmed by the holder of the seat emailing {{plot}} after the event, before the end of downtime, indicating which if any methods of investigating the missing agents they have supported. Any they don't support will fail.
===Ambassadorial Concern===
* '''The Ambassador to the Republic could ask for help investigating the disappearance of Imperial citizens
* '''Doing so would certainly reveal the Vassa network to the High House of Vigilance
Ambassador Accalon could ask the Sumaah to investigate the disappearances, but doing so would certainly reveal that the missing Imperial citizens were spying on the Republic. There's no need to be specific here - there are few enough Imperial citizens going missing in Sumaah that the High House of Vigilance would be able to investigate what has happened. As long Albrecht von Holberg cooperates, the Sumaah will find out what happened... but it will make it impossible to re-establish effective spies in Zemeh for the next three years. If they don't cooperate, the Sumaah will know that there were spies but will have no useful information that could stop new agents being sent in. The holder of the seat can also use an email to ask that new agents be dispatched, once they are comfortable the situation is resolved.
===Asavean Factionalism===
* '''Contacting the faction the Vassa network was investigating may provide leads
* '''Doing so risks revealing to that faction (or factions) that they were being investigated by the Empire
Someone could contact the Asavean faction the agents were investigating, using the [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] address already supplied, but again that would almost certainly warn that faction that the Empire had been spying on them. Obviously without the aid of Albrecht von Holberg it will be difficult to know which faction the agents were dealing with. Just asking them ''all'' would make them ''all'' think they were being spied on.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo.jpg|caption='''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''', Imperial Spymaster|align=left|width=400}}</div>
===Spies and Agents===
* '''The Imperial Spymaster could put together an investigation in Zemeh to track down what happened to the Vassa network agents
* '''Doing so needs the Spymaster to use their ability to announce a spy network, and would count as a commission
* '''Such a mission would provide a scouting venture to Imperial fleets - provided they were enchanted with Muffled Oar
* '''A mission will alert the High House of Vigilance that something is happening but as long as the Regario Dossier cooperates will not indicate what
The [[Imperial Spymaster]] and the [[Regario Dossier]] could liase on an operation together. During the Summer Solstice they could use their ability to [[Imperial_Spymaster#Networks_and_Coves|commission networks and coves]] to arrange support for a mission in Zemeh. This would require an [[announcement]], count as a [[commission]], but not require any [[weirwood]] or money. If it were done, following the Summer Solstice any [[the League|League]] [[fleet|ship-captain]] would be able to participate in a special [[Fleet#Scouting|scouting]] [[voyage]] aimed at uncovering events in Zemeh. If at least 3,000 strength were committed to the voyage, the facts about what has happened to Agent Vassa and their network, and who was behind it, would be uncovered. However, unless ''every'' ship that took part was under the effect of [[Muffled Oar]] or a similar [[Night magic]] [[enchantment]], the High House of Vigilance would be aware that ''something'' is going on even if they do not know exactly what. If Albrecht von Holberg doesn't cooperate with this action, it will achieve nothing other than to worry the Sumaah.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption='''Tyburn Natkysset''' (right), Grandmaster of the Shuttered
Lantern|align=left|width=400}}</div>
===Hooded Lanterns===
* '''The Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern could take advantage of the outstanding invitation for an order to visit Sumaah
* '''If they do this it will use up the Conclave's opportunity, and ''only'' discover details of what is going on with the Vassa network agents
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Roshanwe.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=City of Locks.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dark_Adapted_Eye_2.png|align=right|width=150}}</div>
There is an opportunity for the [[Shuttered Lantern]] order to [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Wisdom_of_the_Conclave|visit Sumaah]] this season, to explore how the Sumaah keep their people safe from dangerous eternals. Instead, when [[Grandmaster#Guiding_an_Order|guiding the order]] the [[grandmaster]] could instruct magicians to investigate the disappearance of the Imperial agents in Sumaah. If this were done, they would not uncover any useful information about Sumaah practices around eternals, but they would discover what had happened to the agents and who was responsible. Doing this would ''not'' attract the attention of the High House of Vigilance. Again, if Albrecht doesn't cooperate with this it will just prove to be a waste of time and the Shuttered Lantern will get ''nothing''.
===Eternal Plenipotential===
* '''The Archmages of Day, Autumn, or Night could enlist the aid of Roshanwe, Basileia Brazen, or the Whisper Gallery to find out more
* '''Doing so would require them to use their plenipotentiary power
Alternatively, there are several [[eternal|eternals]] who might be prevailed upon to offer assistance. While [[Sung]] and [[Leviathan]] might be questioned through ritual magic, it's not clear that would yield anything useful. Sung's answers are always mysterious, and while Leviathan might be able to explain what lead to the Vassa network being rolled up, it's doubtful he will be able to offer any insight into who did it. Among the remaining eternals, [[Roshanwe]], [[Basileia]], and the [[Whisper Gallery]] all have the potential to offer aid. Roshanwe is a seeker, and while it is rarely mentioned, spying and espionage ''are'' a form of seeking. The City of Locks are adept spies, and [[Basileia#The Five Pillars|the Surveyors' Cartel]] in particular has an interest in espionage. The Whisper Gallery are unpredictable, but they enjoy secrets and are generally not as opposed to spies and spying as they are to, say, [[Magpies|hunters of lost artefacts]] or [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|scholars of lost lore]].

A [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] for any one of the three would be able to either provide an opportunity to learn more, or simply provide answers directly. In both cases, there is likely to be a price however. There's also a chance that the last two on the list might even be ''behind'' the disappearances. On the plus side, if they ''are'' they're unlikely to deny it if asked point-blank to look into it. This is the only approach that doesn't require the aid of Albrecht von Holberg; the eternals asked to look into the matter will work out what is going on as part of their investigation.

===Wheels and Windows===
* '''Re-establishing the Vassa network without knowing what is going on risks the new agents meeting the same fate as the old ones
* '''There is only a narrow window to uncover what has happened to the Vassa network
Regardless of what is done, the Regario Dossier is short of agents in the Sumaah Republic. The civil service advise caution though. If new agents are simply sent in to replace the old ones, there is no guarantee that whatever happened to Agent Vassa and their network will not just happen again, and at that point the Empire is just feeding espionage agents to unknown enemies.

There's also a narrow window to do something; unless wheels are set in motion at the Summer Solstice, the trail will be too cold for any useful information to be uncovered at all. After that, the only way to find anything useful will be to send more agents and hope they aren't killed before their annual report next year.
{{Sumaah Links}}

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2026-07-20T14:35:34Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Everything is on Show */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Remnants of tales.jpg|align=left|caption=News spreads through word of mouth as fast as it does through broadsheets and posters, and is sometimes more reliable. Or at least, unreliable in more amusing ways...|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[In the Court of Far Horizons]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/07/03"| 03/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Satraps of the Abyss]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/07/04"| 04/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[The Oran operation]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/07/05"| 05/07 || Appraisal
|-
| [[Viridian nemesis]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/07/06"| 06/07 || Navarr Highest Calling
|-
| [[Love and monsters]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Dawn Highest Calling
|-
| [[The right answer]] || 6 || data=sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Assembly of the Way Highest Calling
|-
| [[A lasting commitment]] || 7 || data=sort-value="2026/07/13"| 13/07 || Assembly of Ambition Highest Calling
|-
| [[Six sheets to the wind]] || 8 || data=sort-value="2026/07/15"| 15/07 || Challenge the Iron Duke
|-
| [[A horn blast of victory]] || 9 || data=sort-value="2026/07/15"| 15/07 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Ambassadors of death]] || 10 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Plenipotentiary
|-
| [[War games]] || 11 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Jarm and Commonwealth Diplomacy
|-
| [[All laudable qualities]] || 12 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Proscription Symposium
|-
| [[Full circles]] || 13 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Sevenfold Path and Jarm
|-
| [[This is the end]] || 14 || data=sort-value="2026/07/17"| 17/07 || Apulian
|-
| [[The brightest flame]] || 15 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Peerless Kinship
|-
| [[The shadows fall behind you]] || 16 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Inspirational Location
|-
| [[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange]] || 17 || data=sort-value="2026/07/18"| 18/07 || Ephisis
|-
| [[Any dream will do]] || 18 || data=sort-value="2026/07/19"| 19/07 || The League Highest Calling
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
| [[Axos]] || [[Seeds_of_discord#Axos|Seeds of discord]]
|-
| [[Commonwealth]] || [[War games]]
|-
| [[Faraden]] || [[Seeds_of_discord#Faraden|Seeds of discord]]
|-
| [[Iron Confederacy]] || [[Seeds_of_discord#Iron Confederacy|Seeds of discord]]
|-
| [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Marracossa]] || [[Seeds_of_discord#Marracossa|Seeds of discord]]
|-
| [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] || [[War games]]
|-
| [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] || [[Keys of Enlightenment]]
|-
| [[Tsark]] || [[Seeds_of_discord#Tsark|Seeds of discord]]
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

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

==Winds of Fortune==
===In the Court of Far Horizons===
* '''Throne; Senate; Fleet owners; Ambassadors; titles involved in international trade'''
At the recent summit, [[the Throne]] requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Court of Far Horizons''. Magistrate Abraham has conducted an analysis of the constitutional implications of the new sodality's provisional manifesto. Abraham notes that the manifesto is "bold and vigorous" in establishing its remit, but that means that some of the implications are far-reaching... which can be both a good and a bad thing depending on where you stand.

You can read about Abraham's findings, as well as some proposals from interested parties, in the '''[[In the Court of Far Horizons]]''' wind of fortune.
===Satraps of the Abyss===
* '''Conclave; Ambassador to Sumaah; scholars of magic and the eternal realms'''
The [[Senate]] has taken advantage of an opportunity brokered by the [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|Ambassador]] Accalon to engage in a spot of magical cooperation with the [[Sumaah Republic]]. Freshly-appointed prognosticator ''[[Appraisal#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]]'' has been sent to ''[[appraisal|appraise]] how the High Houses of Virtue and the Imperial Conclave can find ways to co-operate in interactions with [[eternal|eternals]]''. While Lisane is expected to be engaged for the next several seasons, she has dispatched a preliminary report on her findings; a review of the relation between the magicians and the Präster of the republic - and the dealings they have with the creatures of the [[realms]].

You can read about Lisane's findings, and about the opportunity for the Conclave to assist, in the '''[[Satraps of the Abyss]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Oran Operation===
* '''The Brass Coast, especially citizens of Feroz and Madruga; Imperial Senate; Military Council'''
The river Scorrero broke its banks several years ago, and washed away the dreadful threat of the ''dry patricians''. As a consequence of the wild river rising, the bridges connecting Madruga and Feroz were washed away. Last season, the Senate accepted [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#A_Garden_Proposal|an offer]] from the ''Protectorate of Morajasse'' to apply their expertise to the challenge of reconnecting the eastern Brass Coast. Their [[appraisal]] of the situation has been submitted, with notes added by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office]], and involves a major feat of engineering in the southern Empire.

You can learn about their proposal, and some changes that might make it a little more feasible, in the '''[[The Oran operation]]''' wind of fortune.
===Viridian Nemesis===
* '''The League; Navarr; the Vallornguard; Loyalty assembly; Senate; Military Council'''
The [[The highest calling|highest calling]] of the [[Navarr]] is to share their long experience fighting the [[vallorn]] with other nations. Last season, they [[Cup_of_choices|chose to work]] with the people of [[Urizen]]; now the Navarr National Assembly has urged their people to embrace the citizens of [[the League]] to arm and armour them for the upcoming battle with the Doom of Terunael. Once again, the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Loyalty Assembly]] has supported the cause, calling upon those whose heart drives them towards the destruction of ''Terun's Folly''.

You can read about the proposals put forward to help the League fight the vallorn, some of which are somewhat esoteric, in the '''[[Viridian nemesis]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float: right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png|width=200px}}</div>
===Love and Monsters===
* '''Dawn, especially the national assembly; Senate; vallornguard; Knight of the Greenwood'''
The Earl of Fools has convinced the National Assembly that the fight against the [[vallorn]] is the [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] of the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] people. With [[the Barrens]] won and the [[Druj]] crumbling beneath the Empire's anvil and the [[Thule|Thule's]] hammer, surely it makes sense to focus on the next threat to their prize. The vallorn has not one but ''three'' hearts adjacent to the sprawling expanse of the Barrens - and so defeating it will be a truly glorious endeavour! Plus, the idea of a great, glorious war against the vallorn is more than enough to stir the blood of the people of the most splendid nation in the Empire!

You can learn about the opportunities presented by this highest calling, both for the assembly and the rest of the nation, in the '''[[Love and monsters]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float: right; width: 175px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|width=200px}}</div>

===The Right Answer===
* '''Assembly of the Way; Imperial Synod'''
The Assembly of the way have found the [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] of those priests who commit themselves to the faith as a whole rather than any single virtue. Formally the Assembly of the Way is expected to be responsible for the [[Inquisition#Virtue|integrity of the Way itself]]. Many in the Assembly dedicate themselves to creating a more perfect understanding of the Way, even as they strive to maintain the fidelity of the [[Doctrines of the Faith]]. Such exploration is never without risk, however, and as recent events have shown revelation can shake the foundations of the Way. However, by making the need to test the faith their highest calling, the Assembly of the Way has an opportunity to examine the faith in a way that tries to ensure that nothing disastrous can happen.

You can learn about what this might involve, and the opportunities and costs involved, in the '''[[The right answer]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Ambition.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===A Lasting Commitment===
* '''Ambition assembly; Highguard; Senate'''
The [[Ambition]] assembly has declared their own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]], one that is as challenging as it is aspirational. The [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] is well underway, but if it can be completed within the next few seasons it will be a capstone not only to the Imperial faith but for the virtue of Ambition. Just the idea of declaring something to be a highest calling embraces the Virtue of Ambition, but even so this is an extraordinary thing to attempt. There is still a vast amount of work to be done, but there is nothing more Ambitious than achieving the impossible....

You can learn about the Ambition assembly highest calling, and how it applies to the Grand Inspiration of the Way, in the '''[[A lasting commitment]]''' wind of fortune.

===Six Sheets to the Wind (Challenge the Iron Duke)===
* '''Challengers of the Iron Duke'''
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
Each season, the eternal ''[[Barien]]'' presents opportunities to those prepared to [[Challenge the Iron Duke]]. For the Summer Solstice, he has offered two challenges: a grand melee in the arena and a game of carefully manoeuvring a boat on a map. As ever, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be ''guaranteed'' entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they ''may'' be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The [[civil service]] will publish exact numbers in [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can find details of the challenges issued by Barien this season in the '''[[Six sheets to the wind]]''' wind of fortune.

===A Horn Blast of Victory (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Dawn; Generals of Dawn; Earls of Dawn; People interested in oaths'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens, but especially those of [[Dawn]] following their victory against the manticore. Now, the people of Dawn look towards the end of the [[Druj]].

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[A horn blast of victory]]''' wind of fortune.
===Ambassadors of Death (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; General of the Black Thorns, Senator for Miaren; practitioners of Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust; Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth, Grandmaster of the Celestial Arch; Knight-protector of Autumn, Dawnish enchanters; practitioners of From the Mouths of Babes; Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path, Cardinal of Wisdom; practitioners of Forge the Wooden Fastness, Marcher landskeepers, magistrates'''
Each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] are empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Those eternals are bound to respond, although ''how'' exactly they respond is broadly up to them. Following the Spring Equinox, six - sorry ''five'' - eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. One of the realms is not represented and, perhaps fittingly given its nature, conspicuous in absence.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Ambassadors of death]]''' wind of fortune.

===All Laudable Qualities===
* '''People interested in Symposia; the ''Raboviches'' of False Hopes; People interested in proscriptions'''
At the Winter Solstice 387YE, the [[General Assembly]] [[Stones_in_the_wellspring#A_Convocation_of_Condemnation|supported a call]] for a symposium to discuss [[proscription|proscriptions]]. The [[Assembly of the Nine]] subsequently confirmed that '''Wulfric of the Marches''', the Member of the [[Synod]] who originally called for the symposium, would be charged with leading it. He has apparently sworn an oath, and though the wording of that oath is not common knowledge, it was deemed good enough for the Nine.

You can find out more about the upcoming symposium in the '''[[All laudable qualities]]''' wind of fortune.
===Full Circles===
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|align=right|width=175}}
* '''Sevenfold Path; Synod'''
In addition to fighting the [[Cold Sun]] in the east, magicians of the [[Sevenfold Path]] have been making contacts with a community of [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] pilgrims called the ''Convocation of Virtue''. The magicians of the Convocation seem friendly and enthused by the idea of discussing their faith with the visiting magicians. Adherents of the Way, their approach to the faith has been shaped by relative isolation from the Empire and Sumaah, although that may be more by choice than anything else. With a gift of [[liao]], with the backing of the [[Conclave]], and against a backdrop of [[War games|political chaos]], magicians of the Sevenfold Path have been able to get closer to these foreign pilgrims and a learn a little more about who they are.

You too can discover more about the Jarmish Convocation of Virtue, and opportunities to cultivate closer ties with them, in the '''[[Full circles]]''' wind of fortune.
===This is the End===
* '''Citizens of Apulian; Citizens of Spiral; Map to the City Below; Custodian of the Vicente School and Orphanage; Folk invoved in the fight between cats and birds; Conclave; Senate; Urizeni cat-lovers'''
The odd dramaturgic confluence that began in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] more than a year ago, seems to have a reached a crescendo. Against a backdrop of running battles in the Apulian streets between strangely-coloured cats with mispaired eyes and songbirds with rainbow feathers, a cadre of military units arrives in the city to help Sofonisba Amilcara "map the city below". Under a potent [[Night magic]] enchantment, beneath skies filled with [[Things go awry|chaotic stars]], and within shouting distance of the {{Black Plateau}}...

You can learn about how this went, and some implications for the future, in the '''[[This is the end]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Brightest Flame (Peerless Kinship)===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Freeborn.png|align=right|width=170}}
* '''Highborn and Freeborn, especially members of the respective assembly; Senate'''
The [[Highguard|Highborn]] have once again expressed their [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], this time offering support to their cousins in [[the Brass Coast]]. They have identified the [[On_the_road_ahead#City_of_Passions|ascendant Firebrand movement]], whose embers have been stoked both by [[mandate]] and by the commissioning of the [[On_the_road_ahead#City_of_Wonders|City of Wonders]], as a matter of concern. As the Freeborn assembly calls for unity in the shared pursuit of virtue, morality and the ever-changing Way. the [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality|famously hospitable]] folk of [[the Brass Coast]] throw open their doors and welcome their guests to [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]]. Together they explore the implications of the ''firebrand'' movement, what it might mean for the Brass Coast, and how it might theoretically be channelled in service of the Empire.

You can learn about the philosophies of the firebrand movement, and the outcome of the peerless kinship, in the '''[[The brightest flame]]''' wind of fortune.
===Shadows Fall Behind You===
* '''Ambition Assembly; General Assembly; Urizen and Wintermark; Ambassador to the Grendel'''
The ripples of the wave that broke on the shores of [[Redoubt]] continue to wash across the Empire. The [[Flames_and_the_dark#The_Dream_Master|opportunity to create]] an [[inspirational location]] at the [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] docks using the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]] has resulted in a [[writ of consecration]]. The [[Synod]] have indicated that they do intend to [[consecration|consecrate]] the restored docks, and the benefits could be significant, leaving a lasting impact on the region. The unique and powerful aura would draw virtuous citizens to Elos to experience the effects, contemplate the sacrifice of the [[Fist of the Mountains]] and gaze upon the banner that is ''Umarth's legacy''.
<div style="float:right; width: 175px; clear: left;">[[file:Ephisis001.webp |align=right|width=175]]</div>
You can learn about the writ of consecration, and opportunities it would create, in the '''[[The shadows fall behind you]]''' wind of fortune.

===Propensity to Truck, Barter, and Exchange===
* '''Entrepreneurs and traders; practitioners of Ephisis' Scale; members of the Golden Pyramid conclave order'''
[[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|Heralds]] from the [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] have become regular attendants of the Hall of Worlds towards the end of each summit. They seek to make deals with Imperial citizens who have submitted their goods for potential sale via the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual. For the most part, trades have been largely successful and have brought Prosperity to both parties. Recently, though, the volatile nature of the markets has raised some concern among Imperial magicians. In response, the heralds related to the market have put together a comprehensive list of the kinds of things they are interested in buying - and selling. They're also trialling a new idea, in which merchants who are able to reach the Hall of Worlds can secure contracts to provide specific goods in bulk for known rewards, as well as discussing the matter of patronage for the [[Golden Pyramid]] order in general.

You can learn about the guidance from the City of Gold and Lead, and about new systems being trialled, in the '''[[Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Any Dream Will Do===
* '''League Assembly'''
The [[League]] Assembly has declared its own [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]]; to bring in sapient beings of all kinds into the Empire and [[the Way]] of Virtue and into the League in particular. The five cities are cosmopolitan, and their people diverse, but there will be challenges ahead. The question of who to approach is one thing, and of ''who'' to send specifically is another thing altogether. However, even the largest forest can be felled one tree at a time. The question that stymies some is which tree to start with.

You can learn about the League Assembly's highest calling and what it means for the nation, in the '''[[Any dream will do]]''' wind of fortune.

===Everything is on Show===
* '''The League; especially citizens of Tassato; and especially Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato'''
The third League army has been raising for fifteen long months, but now, with the help of [[Varushka_groups#Cabal_Lyktan|Cabal Lyktan]] and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Hammers_of_Fury|Hammers of Fury]], it has mustered in [[Tassato]]. '''Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato''' has already informed the civil service of its name, but the essential [[Army qualities|quality]] of the [[army]] remains to be seen. At the same time, there is information on what the army has done for the Pride of Tassato, and what the [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|lingering remnants]] of the Hammers of Fury mean for the artisans of the city.

You can learn more about the new army, the potential qualities it might have, and the lingering effects of the enchantment in the '''[[Everything is on show]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
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.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually, the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

===War Games===
* '''Ambassadors to Jarm and the Commonwealth; Imperial Senate; Imperial Conclave; all sorts of fleet captains; most of the other Ambassadors'''
The [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are at war not only with each other, but with the forces of [[Cold Sun]]. The tiny country of Lantir is no more and attempts to contain the incursion [[Weaving_tangled_nets#Against_the_Cold_Sun|have failed]]. Imperial soldiers and magicians remain engaged in the east fighting the ''scions'' of destruction. Yet even in this time of heightened conflict, the wheels of diplomacy continue to turn... and sometimes those same wheels snag your sleeve and before you know it your entire arm has been crushed to pulp.

You can find out about the three-way war in the east, and Imperial involvement therein, in the '''[[War games]]''' wind of fortune.
===Keys of Enlightenment===
* '''Ambassador to Sumaah; Lepidean Librarian, Minister of Historical Research, Senate; Voice of Liberty; Regario Dossier, Imperial Spymaster, Shuttered Lantern, Archmages of Night, Autumn, and Day'''
Allies and rivals to the Empire, the [[Sumaah Republic]] are founding members of the [[Liberty Pact]]. In recent years their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their [[Guide_the_spirit#Virtuous_War|war]] with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world.

You can find out about the diplomatic situation with the Sumaah Republic, and a worrying development regarding ''cough'' spies ''cough'', in the '''[[Keys of Enlightenment]]''' wind of fortune.
===Seeds of Discord===
* '''Ambassadors to Axos, Faraden, and the Iron Confederacy; Imperial Consul; Senate; Synod, Military Council and Conclave; Minister of Historical Research; Seeker of the Perfect World; Marracossa Sendito; Senators of Feroz and Madruga; Broken Shore Bounty'''
There are great nations that are the Empire's peers, and then there are the smaller nations whose influence is no less pronounced thanks to their proximity. Indeed, the fact that these nations lie near the Empire's borders means that they often have ''more'' impact on Imperial politics than the more powerful nations that lie far away across the seas. The [[ambassador|ambassadors]] and the [[Imperial Consul]] have their work cut out keeping abreast of what is happening, as each of these countries has agendas no less complex than those of the nations that make up the Empire.

You can read about diplomatic events in [[Axos]], [[Faraden]], the [[Iron Confederacy]], and [[Tsark]], and the concerns of the Marracossan exiles of [[Madruga#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]], in the '''[[Seeds of discord]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Alongside the Earthquake Drummers===
* '''People interested in the Thule conquest of the Forest of Ulnak'''
Shortly after the Winter Solstice 387YE, several military units from across the Empire travelled to north-eastern [[Ossium]], to [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Support_Earthquake_Drummers|support the Earthquake Drummers]]. The leaders of those military units received a report at the Spring Equinox 388YE, detailing how the campaign progressed over the season. Over the past few months, rumours and details from that season in the [[Forest of Ulnak]] have spread. Any Imperial citizen can be aware of the details of this report.

You can read the report first received at the last summit in '''[[Alongside the Earthquake Drummers]]'''.

===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 20:30 and ending at 21:30'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:25 or on quests that start on or after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 21:25 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts on or after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 20:30 and 21:30.

==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[388YE_Spring Equinox_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Spring Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Spring Equinox, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, ''Mantifent's Bier'']]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Bloodwater Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' of [[Urizen]]; The five Mantifent Stones were warded; Leadership of the Bilious Breath were killed; Two of the Urizen seers were rescued</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ohwinn Scour'']]</td><td>Freeze the Grendel advance</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Wide_azure_skies#Battle_Opportunity:_Wealth_of_Water|Wealth of Water]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Skywise Rykana''' of the [[Imperial Orcs]]; Iskanders Donjon was summoned; ''Scutt-Tadgh'' taken back to Anvil using [[Cuckoo's Egg]] and negotiated with; Two of the Tholdie Rotary were rescued, but others were killed; ''Fergus Konnaugh'' succesfully cursed with [[Like Water Through Your Fingers]]; Blades of Evdokia were killed.</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Nesustak Forest, ''Feverbank Trees'']]</td><td>Hold back the vallorn</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Nesustak Forest|Nesustak Forest]]</td><td>Not taken; Vallornspawn of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal Dol]] attacked into Nesustak Forest; Envenomed Claws remain a threat in the area; Fate of the hares of [[Irra Harah]] unknown</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mitwold|Mitwold, Meade March, ''Meade Meadow'']]</td><td>Recover Meade's treasures</td><td>Lasambrian Jotun</td><td>[[Where_the_slow_river_flows#Battle_Opportunity:_Plundered_Gold|Plundered Gold]]</td><td>Not taken; Warband of [[Fjorknae]] orcs have been hired; Foot-the-ball trophy lost</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Bregasland|Bregasland, Grey Fens, ''Drayham Mere'']]</td><td>Erect the Mere Stone</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock|A Broken Rock]]</td><td>Not taken; Ullsmere Rock stolen; Howling Night have improved their quality; Grey Fens has gained the [[Region_qualities#Haunted|haunted]] quality; Fate of ''Friar Bloughton'' unknown; Grey Walkers remain in the area.</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Reikos, High Chalcis, Emergency Hospital || [[Medical Officer of the Pegasus Respite]] || [[A_bright_cerulean_flame#Opportunity:_Reikos_Influx|Assist the refugees]] || Refugees treated and assisted
|-
| 2 || Hahnmark, Valasmark, The Fallen Tree || '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' || [[388YE Spring Equinox winds of war#Legends_(Hahnmark)|Recover the letter]] || Uncertain, but '''Morgan Drifting Bough''' should know more
|-
| 3 || Hahnmark, Kronemark, Grieversonn Farmstead || '''Eevi of the Gadrai''' || [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Meeting_with_Destiny_(Hahnmark)|Meet with Valdr Grieversonn]] || [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_152|Valdr Grieversson was dedicated to Loyalty]]
|-
| 4 || Karov, Wieliczka, Maria's Descent || [[Temeschwar|Senator for Temeschwar]] || Retrieve the Rat Idol from the cultists of the Night Below || Idol successfully recovered
|-
| 5 || Reinos, Bastasor, Beatriz's Field || [[Champion of Ambition]] || [[Gossamer_threads#On_a_Broken_Road_(Segura)|Claim the Lasambrian banner]] || Lasambrian banner recovered
|-
| 6 || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Sarakov Point || [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Lost_Wagon_Raiders_(Ossium)|Investigate wagon raiders acting strangely]] || Several strange items were recovered and the wagon raiders were rid of their spiritual ailments
|-
| 7 || Madruga, Crucible, Egnar Range || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Warp_in_the_Air_(Madruga)|Slay the dire astacids]] || Imperial casualties suffered. Camp of the Sand Crab left in ruins
|-
| 8 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Dahis Outskirts || [[Strategos|Strategos of Dawn]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#When_The_Light_Fades_Away_(Turan_Flats)|Rescue the sept members from the blinded ghosts]] || Sept members rescued
|-
| 9 || Spiral, Apulus, Broken Lea || [[Oblivion Sentinel]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#Nightfall_(Spiral)|Claim the wage of the Vorlach Adventurers]] || Imperials repulsed. Vorlach Adventurers escaped Spiral.
|-
| 10 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, The Bound Glade || [[High Exorcist]] || [[Voice_irresistable#The_Outer_Dark_(Conjunction)|Recover the Thule's material and clear the ghosts]] || All ghosts exorcised
|-
| 11 || Feroz, Oranseri, Sisters' Meadow || [[Corsair of Oran]] || [[Deep_blue_sea#A_Box_Opens_(Feroz)|Reclaim the Brazen Links]] || Brazen Links reclaimed and returned to the Freeborn egregore
|-
| 12 || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Stonesedge || [[Boyar's_Hasta|General of the Boyar's Hasta]] || [[Other_monstrous_geographies#Part_The_Ways_(Thornfen)|Eliminate the blinded ghosts]] || The blinded ghosts were not eliminated and remain a threat in the area
|-
| 13 || Karsk, Branoc, Hall of the Bloodwise || Named persons || [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#She_Knows_My_Name|Meet with Taysa of the Black Feathers]] || Uncertain, but named persons should know more
|-
| 14 || Casinea, Syrene, Kaela's Regio || [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Prosperity]] || [[Journeys_end_in_lovers_meeting#Whatever_happened_to_Mendicant_Garev_(this_time)?|Rescue ''Mendicant Garev'']] || Mendicant Garev rescued. '''Iniska Ashwood''' later raised a [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_172|judgement]] on the matter
|-
| 15 || Mitwold, Meade March, Maggie's Bulwark || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#When_Iron_Melts_%28Conjunction%29|Claim the cache]] || Yegarra defeated. Cache later recovered and sent to the Bailiff of Meade
|-
| 16 || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Greenmount || [[Vallornguard|Speaker of the Vallornguard]] || [[388YE Spring Equinox winds of war#A_Place_to_Begin_(Hercynia)|Destroy the ettercaps' structure]] || All ettercaps killed and structure destroyed
|-
| 17 || Sermersuaq, Suaq Wastes, Desolate Stretch || [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] || [[388YE Spring Equinox winds of war#Ways of Honour (Sermersuaq)|Kill ''Hallr Winterborn'']] || ''Hallr Winterborn'' killed and banner recovered
|-
| 18 || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, South Downs || [[Champion of Loyalty]] || [[388YE Spring Equinox winds of war#Questions_of_Control_(Reikos)|Rescue the wounded Highborn]] || All ettercaps killed. Highborn rescued and treated in Anvil
|-
| 19 || Bregasland, The Rushes, Harry's Hole || [[Narwhal's Spear|General of the Narwhal's Spear]] || [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Crack_in_the_Stone_(Conjunction)|Kill the yegarra]] || Yegarra killed; Narwhal's Spear resupplied
|-
| 20 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[Ripple_of_echoes#Queen_Igraine's_Regio|Fix the regio]] || Regio fixed. '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' should know more
|-
| 21 || Brocéliande, Elerael, Longberth Trod || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[388YE Spring Equinox winds of war#On_a_Broken_Road_(Brocéliande)|Eliminate the hunting ettercaps]] || All ettercaps killed
|-
| 22 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, Kullflirn || [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Desecrators_of_the_Wasteland|Destroy the miasma pillar and stymie Kull]] || Druj all killed and miasma pillar destroyed
|-
| 23 || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Nadezhda's Enclosure || [[Custodian of the Shchaslyvyy Spile]] || [[388YE Spring Equinox winds of war#Questions of Control (Ossium)|Kill the Kallad]] || Kallad all killed
|-
| 24 || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Overgrown Pillar || [[Gardener of Pallas]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Strangle|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar destroyed
|-
| 25 || Volodmartz, Murupa, Forest of Blades || [[The Academy]] || Find and destroy the "bandit" vale || "Bandit" vale destroyed
|-
| 26 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Kreeflirn || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Assassins_of_the_Forest|Destroy the two miasma pillars]] || Both miasma pillars destroyed. Some Imperial casualties
|-
| 27 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sunless Vale || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#The_Shadow_Ghosts|End the suffering of the Shadow Fellowship]] || Suffering of Shadow Fellowship ended
|-
| 28 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Toxic Pillar || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Suffocate|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar destroyed
|-
| 29 || Karsk, Crowslook, Skylost Clearing || [[Apothecaries Guild|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]] || [[Lean_and_athirst#Embers_and_Ash_(Karsk)|Treat the Gregadze]] || Situation unclear, but the Speaker of Apothecaries Guild should know more
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Thornfen, Haunted Pillar || [[High Exorcist]] || [[The_poisoned_air#Scream|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar destroyed
|-
| 31 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull's Isle Hall || '''Ingrid Talon-of-the-Mark''' || [[Who_counts_the_path_untaken%3F#To_the_Meeting_Place_(Conjunction)|Engage in the hetjuveisla]] || Hetjuveisla engaged in. Those who went should know more
|-
| 32 || Feroz, Afarjasse, Abril's Pasture || [[Dhomiro of Afar]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Nature_of_Pain_(Feroz)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]] || Hand of Dumon killed, herd of Afar is safe
|-
| 33 || Arbonne, Laufette, Solden Farm || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[Gossamer_threads#The_Perils_of_Marko_Siwarsbairn_(Arbonne)|Sort the situation out]] || Hand of Dumon killed. Marko Siwarsbairn rescued.
|-
| 34 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Bertolli's Glebe || [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] || [[Gossamer_threads#Tears_From_Steel_(Sarvos)|Stop the Hand of Dumon]] || Hand of Dumon killed
|-
| 35 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Dandelion Glade || [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Responsibility_for_Nesustak_Conjunction|'''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''']] || [[Your_hand_in_mine#The_Solution_to_the_Problem|Meet with the rebels]] || Uncertain, but the named citizens should know more
|-
|}

Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange

2026-07-18T20:11:59Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Great Instrument of Ambition */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>"Are you ''sure'' about this, Crown?" Patina asked, their voice laden with concern.

"Of course I'm sure" responded her ever-exuberant boss. "It's a brilliant idea! Provided we get the contracts right. Provided we get the auction right. And provided we get the handover right. Literally nothing can go wrong! All the risk is with the counter-party. The actuaries are delighted with the model!"

"Yeah, it's not that..." Patina tried to interject, but putting words in front of Crown was like trying to put a leaf before a gale.

"And we've already chosen eight contracts already. Now we just need to let the Empire know, and then we can sit back and let the Invisible Hand go to work. It's going to be amazing!"

"Yeah, about those contracts..."

"I know I was surprised too how quickly we secured agreement from the other desks too - but if this works this time there's no reason we can't do it again in the future. We're going to be famous Patina. We'll be the heralds that took the work out of work ethic!"

"But I ''like'' hard work..." said Patina quietly, her voice trailing off

"And this way, you'll have even more time to work your fingers to the bone. But look, if the Imperials get mad about it, we'll just say it was all Able the Rounder's idea!"

This last was too much for Patina and she raised her voice, determined to be heard at last. "Able the Rounder is one of our most valuable customers Crown. You should ''not'' be traducing his reputation by involving him in this scheme of yours..."

"What? It's good for us. It's good for Able. It's good for... where's he from again?"

Patina rolled her eyes... "Sarangrave. He's one of the foremost ''architects'' of Sarangrave. It's a critically important territory in the Empire, with ''major investment needs''." Patina stressed the last in the hope of pointing out the obvious. Crown was great at front of house, but his knowledge of his customer portfolio was excruciating. A mortal she'd met once had had a dog they called a golden retriever, even though it very definitely was not made out of gold. More and more her boss was reminding her of that dog. Including not being made out of gold.

"Right! So he's gonna be delighted by these new arrangements! It's bound to go well."

Patina couldn't take the overbearing optimism a moment longer. She stabbed a blunt metal finger down onto the table spearing one of the pieces of paperwork. "This? He's going to be delighted with this is he?"

To be fair to Crown, he at least had the good grace to look crestfallen. For a moment.

"Caveat Emptor?" he asked plaintively.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=left|width=300|caption=The lifeblood of the City of Gold and Lead and its ihabitants is ''trade'', and not ''profit'' as many seem to believe.}}</div>
==Overview==
The [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] has become a ubiquitous sight in the Hall of Worlds in recent times, with various heralds from the city attempting to make deals with Imperial citizens who have submitted their goods for potential sale via [[Ephisis' Scale]]. For the most part, trades have been largely successful and have brought Prosperity to both parties.

At least they did until the Spring Equinox. The prices offered by the City can change rapidly, such is the nature of the market place. But a change of personnel on the trading desk compounded issues caused by the fast moving prices to howls of anguish from their Imperial counterparts. ''Crown'', one of the more excitable heralds commonly manning the Imperial trading desks, is never happy about an unhappy customer. Determined to avoid future lost sales, he contacted one of his counterparts in the Empire, '''Able the Rounder''', to discuss what the brilliant Urizeni [[architect]] felt had gone wrong. Fortunately for Crown, the wealthy and experienced merchant had plenty to say on the subject.

What passed between the two is likely to remain confidential, but it seems that it was sufficient to cause a change in the City's plans for the forthcoming summit. Regular traders and novices alike, would do well to take notice.

==The Great Instrument of Ambition==
* '''Ephisis is making eight contracts available to the Empire'''
* '''These contracts will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning'''
* '''Each contract must be fulfilled in full and before the end of the summit, to receive payment'''
* '''Contracts must be redeemed by delivery to the Hall of Worlds during the balancing of scales'''
* '''Standard settlement terms with the contract holder will be three days after the conclusion of the summit'''

<div {{float}}>
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="text-align:center;">Contracts Available</th></tr>
<tr><th>Goods Required</th><th>Payment Offered</th></tr>
<tr><td>800 Dragonbone</td><td>100 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>40 Illium</td><td>20 mithril, 20 white granite, 20 weirwood </td></tr>
<tr><td>400 measures total of Green Iron, Orichalcum, Weltsilver and Tempest Jade in any ratio</td><td>100 mana crystals and 100 warm ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>500 thrones</td><td>200 mithril</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 weirwood</td><td>500 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 ambergelt</td><td>20 white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>500 measures total of Beggar's Lye or Iridescent Gloaming in any ratio</td><td>[[Pilgrim%27s_Shield|Glistering]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

One of the areas that causes the most significant problems for small and large traders is the tendency for bulk sales to flood the Autumn markets. The Invisible Hand will ultimately buy almost anything, but the Empire is one of it's biggest customers and merchants who attempt to dispose of huge sums of materials can temporarily distress prices. This causes problems for large volume traders, who find the offers made for boxes fall short of what they hoped to achieve because they have unwittingly depressed the market value of whatever good they are attempting to sell hundreds of to the Empire. But it also impacts merchants offering small volume traders who discover their handful of dragonbone or whatever precious material has flooded the market is now worth considerably less than they were expecting.

Based on an idea that Crown credits to Able the Taller, the solution the City is going to implement is to offer eight significant contracts. These contracts are the largest requests for purchase or sales that the City has received in other markets. Most come from the Empire's near neighbours, since that keeps shipping costs down, but the City is open about the fact that they trade all over the world, from the tiny bazaar of Pushkin City in far off Mitovoria to the great temple-market of [[Asavean_gods#Lord_Isso_Mãos_de_Ouro|Mãos de Ouro]] in the capital of [[Asavea]].

Normally the City attempts to settle trades with the resources they have acquired from the Empire and elsewhere. It's when the Empire offers large volumes of goods they can't quickly move on because they don't have a known buyer for them, that the prices they offer drops. To avoid the problems experienced at the previous summit, the City is therefore publishing the details of the eight largest contracts that have come in.

The contracts will be offered for auction in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning. All bids in [[Game_items#Coins|Imperial currency]], each contract will go to the highest bidder, who will need to settle the purchase there and then. The right to fulfil that contract is then their legal property (and they may do with it as they will). Anyone bearing the contract (assuming they have acquired it legally) may complete it by bringing the desired goods to the balancing of the scales in the Hall of Wolds the following day. There is no need for any additional expense of sending a box to the Autumn realm first, since the settlement value is already agreed. The City will receive the goods, mark the contract complete, and arrange for delivery of payment three days later.

Crown warns that contracts can only be fulfilled at the summit they are purchased at. Any contract that is not fulfilled at the summit is null and void with no refunds. Merchants should be careful to bid accordingly. Contracts must be completed in full, part payment will not be accepted.

In plain terms, turn up in the Hall of Worlds on Saturday morning, outbid any other buyer for one or more contracts, then return the next day with ''all'' the required goods to get paid.

==The Merchant of Rhodes==
* '''The City has published more general guidance on commodities they are likely to offer good prices'''
* '''The prices offered by the City are influenced by local market prices in the Empire but not set by them'''
* '''Prices offered for large volumes of goods will be lower, outside of an advertised contract'''
* '''The City is always happy to be paid in Imperial coin'''

When all is said and done and every grain of salt has been counted, the City of Gold and Lead will always offer a price for something, provided they can find a buyer for it. But some commodities and resources are in high demand in the City and should fetch a good price, while others are not. Some things are nearly worthless - even if the City offers a price for them, it will be a matter of a few rings.

Crown explains that the prices offered by the City are influenced by local market prices, but they are not set by them. The City of Gold and Lead takes the goods sold to them in Ephisus boxes and sells them on elsewhere, either to other cities in the Iron Labyrinth or to other locations in the mortal world. Ultimately the price they are prepared to offer is set by what the heralds believe they can get for the resources they acquire and ''not'' by prices in Imperial markets. Offers ''may'' be influenced by the value of goods at Anvil - the heralds may lower their offer if they believe they can offer less and still make a deal.

Some merchants are surprised to discover they are being offered a price for their goods ''below'' what they could get in Anvil, but that is to be expected. If Imperial traders are offering goods from all over the Empire, then it's perfectly normal that the heralds won't always be able to match local prices for everything.

Perfectly normal perhaps, but definitely not desirable! Crown appears genuinely pained anytime a merchant leaves his trading desk without a sale of some kind. He believes that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_asymmetry ignorance of market conditions] is costing his beloved City business and so he has persuaded his fellow heralds to try publicising more information about what the city does or doesn't want to buy.

The City has published guidance for the various resources and commodities they are commonly offered. The sale price column indicates the price a merchant might hope to get when selling the goods from Ephisis. The purchase price column indicates the level of prices the City might offer to sell goods to Imperial merchants at. There is never a guarantee of profit - these ratings are comparative to each other, not comparative to Anvil prices.

The contracts on offer indicate the resources that Ephisis is trying to secure in order to fulfil significant deals with others merchants. They ensure that the city can afford to purchase large volumes of resources without risking a major loss. They allow Imperial merchants to aim to fulfil the contract knowing with some certainty what their profit margins will be. Prices offered for large volumes of goods will be lower, outside of an advertised contract. The City will still make a bid, but it will be a lower offer the more resources are piled into a box.

Finally it should go without saying that the City of Gold and Lead is always happy to trade in [[Game_items#Coins|Imperial coin]]. Thrones, crowns and rings are all ''very'' welcome in any exchange of wealth.

<div {{float}}>
<table>
<tr><th>Commodity</th><th>Sale Price</th><th>Purchase Price</th></tr>
<tr><td>Ingots and Measures</td><td>High</td><td>Very High</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wains</td><td>Average</td><td>Low</td></tr>
<tr><td>Food and Drink</td><td>Very Low</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Trade Goods</td><td>Very Low</td><td>Low</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unique Trade Goods</td><td>Very High</td><td>Average</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artifacts</td><td>High</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Storied Artifacts</td><td>Variable</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Storied items</td><td>Variable</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Newly made Magic Items</td><td>Low</td><td>Average</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exhausted Magic Items</td><td>Zero</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mana Crystals</td><td>Average</td><td>Average</td></tr>
<tr><td>Autumn Vis</td><td>Very Low</td><td>Low</td></tr>
<tr><td>Other Vis</td><td>Very Low</td><td>Very High</td></tr>
<tr><td>Herbs</td><td>Average</td><td>Very High</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Potions</td><td>Very Low</td><td>High</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drugs and Narcotics</td><td>Low</td><td>Low</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

===Ingots and Measures===
* '''Ingots and measures fetch good prices in the City of Gold and Lead'''

Ingots and measures, including ingots of [[ilium]] are ''always'' valuable in the Autumn realm, because the heralds can sell them to agents of the [[Estavus|Sovereign Lord of the City of Fire and Stone]]. For that reason, it is rare for the City to offer such materials and merchants looking to acquire them from the City should expect to pay handsomely for them.

===Wains===
* '''Wains are on offer for sale or purchase whenever the City believes it can make a profit'''
Wains of Materials, while valuable within the Empire, are harder for the autumn realm to trade to other lands, as the bourse certificates represent large amounts of materials sitting in Imperial warehouses. While the City regards bourse certificates as a wonder of the world, they only function perfectly within the Empire. The further you travel from the Empire's borders, the more value they lose. The city's heralds will buy or sell wains, but only when they believe the price favours them - which usually means they will only buy at a price below the highest sale price in Anvil. Sales are a little easier, since heralds are always looking to dispose of bourse certificates they have acquired in the Empire where they can, so citizens looking to buy wains are encouraged to try their hand.

===Food, Drink and Services===
* '''These goods hold no value to the City'''
Food and drink spoil quickly in the Autumn realm - they cannot be placed in vaults and held until a customer is found. For this reason, they are worthless to the Autumn realm. Likewise offers of services are not currently of value, the City trades in ''goods'' - while they appreciate that an offer of services in the future has value, it is not a market they trade in. In all cases the City requests that Imperial merchants do not put these things into an Ephisis box.

===Common Trade Goods===
* '''Goods readily available for purchase in foreign ports are in low demand in the City'''
Imperial [[fleet|fleets]] often acquire unusual goods in foreign ports, such as [[Foreign_ports#Production_Table|Oilybrag]], which can be bought in Zemeh. The City of Gold and Lead has opportunities to trade in all the major cities of the world, so they can already purchase these common trade goods at the same price Imperial merchants paid for them. As a result heralds rarely offer good prices for these goods - Imperial merchants should be better off disposing of them at Anvil rather than trying to sell them to the Autumn realm. It is only worth sending them to the City of Gold and Lead if you need to dispose of them at any price.

===Unique Trade Goods===
* '''Unique goods produced in the Empire command a high price the first time they are sold'''
* '''Unusual or unique goods from difficult to access ports will fetch a good price the first time they are sold'''

While common trade goods are rarely value, unique trade goods are a different matter. If a trader has goods produced in a foreign port which is difficult to access, or which are unique to the Empire, then they will command a good price. The only problem is that the more of such resources the Empire sells, the less valuable the thing becomes. The first one is unique, the second one is not - so prices rapidly fall off.

===Herbs, Potions and Consumables===
* '''The Autumn realm will buy herbs, but rarely if ever offers them for sale'''
* '''Most potions command a poor price when offered for sale to the City'''
* '''Unusual consumables including drugs and narcotics sell well and offer a chance for a good profit if they are put in a box by themselves'''

Herbs are always in demand in the Autumn realm, since they can make use of them, but they don't grow well in the realm if at all. For this reason they command a good price when offered for sale to the city, though it is expensive to buy them from the City. Surprisingly most other potions are not worth offering to the City. It is time consuming to identify them and most heralds have little interest in trading them on, so they offer only very low prices for them.

Unusual consumables, including drugs and narcotics do sell in the Autumn realm but there are few buyers and that does depress the sale price. The Silent Market, a trading operation in the City can offer a price for them, and will also offer them for sale in the right conditions. Drugs that are illegal in the Empire are usually the most profitable for merchants trading with the City.

The ''Silent Market'', is a trading desk that ''only'' deals in unusual items, drugs, narcotics, and storied items. They handle all this trade that comes from the Empire. As a result, these things are always best put in an Ephisis box by themselves so that the Silent Market can assess them and make an offer. Including 20 ambergelt alongside a thirty doses of Bite is a recipe for disappointment, because the Silent Market will buy the Bite but they don't want the ambergelt. Their rivals in the City want the ambergelt but not the Bite. Thus the best way for Imperial citizens to get the best possible price is to put drugs, narcotics and storied items in a separate box.

===Magical Items===
* '''Permanent magical items with a storied history can fetch an excellent price when sold to the City'''
* '''Storied items with history but no actual magic power rarely do so'''
* '''Magic items with a year's duration to run have a known value, but
* '''Magic items that are close to expiring are worthless to the City'''
* '''Storied items need to be put in a box by themselves to get the best price'''

Permanent magical items are valuable throughout the world and the City will always try to offer a good price for them based on the amount of materials needed to create one. When such items have a storied history - that ''can'' increase the price significantly, assuming the City knows of a buyer who is in the market for such a curio. Items with history but no notable magical properties are obviously less valuable - but could be worth something to the right buyer. In either case, the price offered by the heralds is highly variable, merchants are welcome to offer them for sale but should be prepared for the possibility of a low offer. Regular magic items with a year's duration to run are worth less than what their ingredients are worth as they have already lost a seasons worth of use - the Autumn realm are unlikely to offer more than this, because they can buy most magic items from [[Estavus|the Forgemistress]]. Items that are close to expiring are as worthless to the City as they are to the mortals trying to dispose of them.

===Mana and Vis===
* '''Mana is always in demand all across the world, so crystals fetch reasonable prices in the City'''
* '''Autumn vis is produced in large amounts in the Autumn realm and can be had at a good price from the City's heralds'''
* '''Vis from other realms often spoils if kept too long in the Autumn realm, so the City rarely offer good prices for large quantities'''

Mana is the currency of magic, there are even some desperately primitive societies in the world that actually use it in place of money! Most of the city's heralds are currently offering to buy mana crystals for around 24 rings a crystal and to sell it at 26 rings each. [[Vis]] can spoil if kept in the Autumn realm too long, so the City has little interest in trading it, unless there is a large outstanding contract to be fulfilled, otherwise heralds will be loathe to buy or sell it. Autumn vis is the one exception - huge amounts are produced in the Autumn realm and can usually be bought for a good price from the City's heralds, but of course, they offer low prices to buy it back.
==A Possible Patron==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Plenipotentiary'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Eternal:''' Ephisis</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Subject:''' Patronage of the Golden Pyramid or their grand lodge</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' What form any aid might take</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limitations:''' Cannot be included with other substantial requests</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Heralds of the city of Gold and Lead were recently asked about the possibility of becoming a patron of the Golden Pyramid'''
* '''They confirm that such a thing is possible, but it would require a plenipotentiary to make the appropriate arrangements'''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged.jpg|caption='''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''<br>Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid|align=right|width=250}}</div>
At a recent meeting in Anvil, Crown, one of the heralds of the City, was asked about the possibility of the City of Gold and Lead becoming a patron of the [[Golden Pyramid]], or of the Order's grand lodge. Such an arrangement would be highly unusual - a Conclave order accepting an offer by an eternal to become their patron raises questions about that order's loyalties and their impartiality on matters like [[alignment]]. Still the risks seem relatively low here, the manifesto of the order seems closely aligned with the goals of the eternal and Ephisis has never been under ''enmity'' as far as the records show.

After lengthy discussion between the various markets and independent traders of the City, it appears there is a consensus that most are open to the idea, if there is genuine enthusiasm for it from the Order. However, while eternals of other realms might be content to agree to become a patron without a second thought, the City of Gold and Lead will not contemplate the idea a thorough discussion of what support they could offer the Order, what support the Order might want and importantly, how the Order might further the City's agenda. Ultimately any agreement would need a contract of some kind.

If the Order are serious about engaging the services of the ''Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead'' as patron of their order - or patron of their lodge, then they would need to arrange for the [[Archmage of Autumn]] to secure a plenipotentiary specifically for that purpose. It could include a single item of other business that was already ongoing, but the City will not seriously engage with a plenipotentiary that incorporates a list of different causes of interest to different groups. But if the Autumn Archmage is prepared to assist the Order and the [[grandmaster]] and his supporters have the backing of the Golden Pyramid to negotiate an agreement for patronage then the City are open to exploring the possibilities.
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderGoldenPyramid.jpg|align=right|width=241|height=240}}
As with any plenipotentiary, it would be most useful if the Archmage is clear what form any aid they would request might take, then the heralds can assess how possible that would be, before the meeting. The more knowledge the City has about ''how'' they could help the Order, the better.
==Further Reading==
* [[Ephisis]]
* [[Ephisis' Scale]]

Propensity to truck, barter, and exchange

2026-07-18T20:08:54Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Great Instrument of Ambition */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>"Are you ''sure'' about this, Crown?" Patina asked, their voice laden with concern.

"Of course I'm sure" responded her ever-exuberant boss. "It's a brilliant idea! Provided we get the contracts right. Provided we get the auction right. And provided we get the handover right. Literally nothing can go wrong! All the risk is with the counter-party. The actuaries are delighted with the model!"

"Yeah, it's not that..." Patina tried to interject, but putting words in front of Crown was like trying to put a leaf before a gale.

"And we've already chosen eight contracts already. Now we just need to let the Empire know, and then we can sit back and let the Invisible Hand go to work. It's going to be amazing!"

"Yeah, about those contracts..."

"I know I was surprised too how quickly we secured agreement from the other desks too - but if this works this time there's no reason we can't do it again in the future. We're going to be famous Patina. We'll be the heralds that took the work out of work ethic!"

"But I ''like'' hard work..." said Patina quietly, her voice trailing off

"And this way, you'll have even more time to work your fingers to the bone. But look, if the Imperials get mad about it, we'll just say it was all Able the Rounder's idea!"

This last was too much for Patina and she raised her voice, determined to be heard at last. "Able the Rounder is one of our most valuable customers Crown. You should ''not'' be traducing his reputation by involving him in this scheme of yours..."

"What? It's good for us. It's good for Able. It's good for... where's he from again?"

Patina rolled her eyes... "Sarangrave. He's one of the foremost ''architects'' of Sarangrave. It's a critically important territory in the Empire, with ''major investment needs''." Patina stressed the last in the hope of pointing out the obvious. Crown was great at front of house, but his knowledge of his customer portfolio was excruciating. A mortal she'd met once had had a dog they called a golden retriever, even though it very definitely was not made out of gold. More and more her boss was reminding her of that dog. Including not being made out of gold.

"Right! So he's gonna be delighted by these new arrangements! It's bound to go well."

Patina couldn't take the overbearing optimism a moment longer. She stabbed a blunt metal finger down onto the table spearing one of the pieces of paperwork. "This? He's going to be delighted with this is he?"

To be fair to Crown, he at least had the good grace to look crestfallen. For a moment.

"Caveat Emptor?" he asked plaintively.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=left|width=300|caption=The lifeblood of the City of Gold and Lead and its ihabitants is ''trade'', and not ''profit'' as many seem to believe.}}</div>
==Overview==
The [[Ephisis|Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead]] has become a ubiquitous sight in the Hall of Worlds in recent times, with various heralds from the city attempting to make deals with Imperial citizens who have submitted their goods for potential sale via [[Ephisis' Scale]]. For the most part, trades have been largely successful and have brought Prosperity to both parties.

At least they did until the Spring Equinox. The prices offered by the City can change rapidly, such is the nature of the market place. But a change of personnel on the trading desk compounded issues caused by the fast moving prices to howls of anguish from their Imperial counterparts. ''Crown'', one of the more excitable heralds commonly manning the Imperial trading desks, is never happy about an unhappy customer. Determined to avoid future lost sales, he contacted one of his counterparts in the Empire, '''Able the Rounder''', to discuss what the brilliant Urizeni [[architect]] felt had gone wrong. Fortunately for Crown, the wealthy and experienced merchant had plenty to say on the subject.

What passed between the two is likely to remain confidential, but it seems that it was sufficient to cause a change in the City's plans for the forthcoming summit. Regular traders and novices alike, would do well to take notice.

==The Great Instrument of Ambition==
* '''Ephisis is making eight contracts available to the Empire'''
* '''These contracts will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning'''
* '''Each contract must be fulfilled in full and before the end of the summit, to receive payment'''
* '''Contracts must be redeemed by delivery to the Hall of Worlds during the balancing of scales'''
* '''Standard settlement terms with the contract holder will be three days after the conclusion of the summit'''

<div {{float}}>
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="text-align:center;">Contracts Available</th></tr>
<tr><th>Goods Required</th><th>Payment Offered</th></tr>
<tr><td>800 Dragonbone</td><td>100 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>40 Illium</td><td>20 mithril, 20 white granite, 20 weirwood </td></tr>
<tr><td>400 measures total of Green Iron, Oricalcum, Weltsilver and Tempest Jade in any ratio</td><td>100 mana crystals and 100 warm ashes</td></tr>
<tr><td>500 thrones</td><td>200 mithril</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 weirwood</td><td>500 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 ambergelt</td><td>20 white granite</td></tr>
<tr><td>500 measures total of Beggar's Lye or Iridescent Gloaming in any ratio</td><td>[[Pilgrim%27s_Shield|Glistering]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

One of the areas that causes the most significant problems for small and large traders is the tendency for bulk sales to flood the Autumn markets. The Invisible Hand will ultimately buy almost anything, but the Empire is one of it's biggest customers and merchants who attempt to dispose of huge sums of materials can temporarily distress prices. This causes problems for large volume traders, who find the offers made for boxes fall short of what they hoped to achieve because they have unwittingly depressed the market value of whatever good they are attempting to sell hundreds of to the Empire. But it also impacts merchants offering small volume traders who discover their handful of dragonbone or whatever precious material has flooded the market is now worth considerably less than they were expecting.

Based on an idea that Crown credits to Able the Taller, the solution the City is going to implement is to offer eight significant contracts. These contracts are the largest requests for purchase or sales that the City has received in other markets. Most come from the Empire's near neighbours, since that keeps shipping costs down, but the City is open about the fact that they trade all over the world, from the tiny bazaar of Pushkin City in far off Mitovoria to the great temple-market of [[Asavean_gods#Lord_Isso_Mãos_de_Ouro|Mãos de Ouro]] in the capital of [[Asavea]].

Normally the City attempts to settle trades with the resources they have acquired from the Empire and elsewhere. It's when the Empire offers large volumes of goods they can't quickly move on because they don't have a known buyer for them, that the prices they offer drops. To avoid the problems experienced at the previous summit, the City is therefore publishing the details of the eight largest contracts that have come in.

The contracts will be offered for auction in the Hall of Worlds at 10:30 on Saturday morning. All bids in [[Game_items#Coins|Imperial currency]], each contract will go to the highest bidder, who will need to settle the purchase there and then. The right to fulfil that contract is then their legal property (and they may do with it as they will). Anyone bearing the contract (assuming they have acquired it legally) may complete it by bringing the desired goods to the balancing of the scales in the Hall of Wolds the following day. There is no need for any additional expense of sending a box to the Autumn realm first, since the settlement value is already agreed. The City will receive the goods, mark the contract complete, and arrange for delivery of payment three days later.

Crown warns that contracts can only be fulfilled at the summit they are purchased at. Any contract that is not fulfilled at the summit is null and void with no refunds. Merchants should be careful to bid accordingly. Contracts must be completed in full, part payment will not be accepted.

In plain terms, turn up in the Hall of Worlds on Saturday morning, outbid any other buyer for one or more contracts, then return the next day with ''all'' the required goods to get paid.

==The Merchant of Rhodes==
* '''The City has published more general guidance on commodities they are likely to offer good prices'''
* '''The prices offered by the City are influenced by local market prices in the Empire but not set by them'''
* '''Prices offered for large volumes of goods will be lower, outside of an advertised contract'''
* '''The City is always happy to be paid in Imperial coin'''

When all is said and done and every grain of salt has been counted, the City of Gold and Lead will always offer a price for something, provided they can find a buyer for it. But some commodities and resources are in high demand in the City and should fetch a good price, while others are not. Some things are nearly worthless - even if the City offers a price for them, it will be a matter of a few rings.

Crown explains that the prices offered by the City are influenced by local market prices, but they are not set by them. The City of Gold and Lead takes the goods sold to them in Ephisus boxes and sells them on elsewhere, either to other cities in the Iron Labyrinth or to other locations in the mortal world. Ultimately the price they are prepared to offer is set by what the heralds believe they can get for the resources they acquire and ''not'' by prices in Imperial markets. Offers ''may'' be influenced by the value of goods at Anvil - the heralds may lower their offer if they believe they can offer less and still make a deal.

Some merchants are surprised to discover they are being offered a price for their goods ''below'' what they could get in Anvil, but that is to be expected. If Imperial traders are offering goods from all over the Empire, then it's perfectly normal that the heralds won't always be able to match local prices for everything.

Perfectly normal perhaps, but definitely not desirable! Crown appears genuinely pained anytime a merchant leaves his trading desk without a sale of some kind. He believes that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_asymmetry ignorance of market conditions] is costing his beloved City business and so he has persuaded his fellow heralds to try publicising more information about what the city does or doesn't want to buy.

The City has published guidance for the various resources and commodities they are commonly offered. The sale price column indicates the price a merchant might hope to get when selling the goods from Ephisis. The purchase price column indicates the level of prices the City might offer to sell goods to Imperial merchants at. There is never a guarantee of profit - these ratings are comparative to each other, not comparative to Anvil prices.

The contracts on offer indicate the resources that Ephisis is trying to secure in order to fulfil significant deals with others merchants. They ensure that the city can afford to purchase large volumes of resources without risking a major loss. They allow Imperial merchants to aim to fulfil the contract knowing with some certainty what their profit margins will be. Prices offered for large volumes of goods will be lower, outside of an advertised contract. The City will still make a bid, but it will be a lower offer the more resources are piled into a box.

Finally it should go without saying that the City of Gold and Lead is always happy to trade in [[Game_items#Coins|Imperial coin]]. Thrones, crowns and rings are all ''very'' welcome in any exchange of wealth.

<div {{float}}>
<table>
<tr><th>Commodity</th><th>Sale Price</th><th>Purchase Price</th></tr>
<tr><td>Ingots and Measures</td><td>High</td><td>Very High</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wains</td><td>Average</td><td>Low</td></tr>
<tr><td>Food and Drink</td><td>Very Low</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Trade Goods</td><td>Very Low</td><td>Low</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unique Trade Goods</td><td>Very High</td><td>Average</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artifacts</td><td>High</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Storied Artifacts</td><td>Variable</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Storied items</td><td>Variable</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Newly made Magic Items</td><td>Low</td><td>Average</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exhausted Magic Items</td><td>Zero</td><td>Not Available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mana Crystals</td><td>Average</td><td>Average</td></tr>
<tr><td>Autumn Vis</td><td>Very Low</td><td>Low</td></tr>
<tr><td>Other Vis</td><td>Very Low</td><td>Very High</td></tr>
<tr><td>Herbs</td><td>Average</td><td>Very High</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Potions</td><td>Very Low</td><td>High</td></tr>
<tr><td>Drugs and Narcotics</td><td>Low</td><td>Low</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

===Ingots and Measures===
* '''Ingots and measures fetch good prices in the City of Gold and Lead'''

Ingots and measures, including ingots of [[ilium]] are ''always'' valuable in the Autumn realm, because the heralds can sell them to agents of the [[Estavus|Sovereign Lord of the City of Fire and Stone]]. For that reason, it is rare for the City to offer such materials and merchants looking to acquire them from the City should expect to pay handsomely for them.

===Wains===
* '''Wains are on offer for sale or purchase whenever the City believes it can make a profit'''
Wains of Materials, while valuable within the Empire, are harder for the autumn realm to trade to other lands, as the bourse certificates represent large amounts of materials sitting in Imperial warehouses. While the City regards bourse certificates as a wonder of the world, they only function perfectly within the Empire. The further you travel from the Empire's borders, the more value they lose. The city's heralds will buy or sell wains, but only when they believe the price favours them - which usually means they will only buy at a price below the highest sale price in Anvil. Sales are a little easier, since heralds are always looking to dispose of bourse certificates they have acquired in the Empire where they can, so citizens looking to buy wains are encouraged to try their hand.

===Food, Drink and Services===
* '''These goods hold no value to the City'''
Food and drink spoil quickly in the Autumn realm - they cannot be placed in vaults and held until a customer is found. For this reason, they are worthless to the Autumn realm. Likewise offers of services are not currently of value, the City trades in ''goods'' - while they appreciate that an offer of services in the future has value, it is not a market they trade in. In all cases the City requests that Imperial merchants do not put these things into an Ephisis box.

===Common Trade Goods===
* '''Goods readily available for purchase in foreign ports are in low demand in the City'''
Imperial [[fleet|fleets]] often acquire unusual goods in foreign ports, such as [[Foreign_ports#Production_Table|Oilybrag]], which can be bought in Zemeh. The City of Gold and Lead has opportunities to trade in all the major cities of the world, so they can already purchase these common trade goods at the same price Imperial merchants paid for them. As a result heralds rarely offer good prices for these goods - Imperial merchants should be better off disposing of them at Anvil rather than trying to sell them to the Autumn realm. It is only worth sending them to the City of Gold and Lead if you need to dispose of them at any price.

===Unique Trade Goods===
* '''Unique goods produced in the Empire command a high price the first time they are sold'''
* '''Unusual or unique goods from difficult to access ports will fetch a good price the first time they are sold'''

While common trade goods are rarely value, unique trade goods are a different matter. If a trader has goods produced in a foreign port which is difficult to access, or which are unique to the Empire, then they will command a good price. The only problem is that the more of such resources the Empire sells, the less valuable the thing becomes. The first one is unique, the second one is not - so prices rapidly fall off.

===Herbs, Potions and Consumables===
* '''The Autumn realm will buy herbs, but rarely if ever offers them for sale'''
* '''Most potions command a poor price when offered for sale to the City'''
* '''Unusual consumables including drugs and narcotics sell well and offer a chance for a good profit if they are put in a box by themselves'''

Herbs are always in demand in the Autumn realm, since they can make use of them, but they don't grow well in the realm if at all. For this reason they command a good price when offered for sale to the city, though it is expensive to buy them from the City. Surprisingly most other potions are not worth offering to the City. It is time consuming to identify them and most heralds have little interest in trading them on, so they offer only very low prices for them.

Unusual consumables, including drugs and narcotics do sell in the Autumn realm but there are few buyers and that does depress the sale price. The Silent Market, a trading operation in the City can offer a price for them, and will also offer them for sale in the right conditions. Drugs that are illegal in the Empire are usually the most profitable for merchants trading with the City.

The ''Silent Market'', is a trading desk that ''only'' deals in unusual items, drugs, narcotics, and storied items. They handle all this trade that comes from the Empire. As a result, these things are always best put in an Ephisis box by themselves so that the Silent Market can assess them and make an offer. Including 20 ambergelt alongside a thirty doses of Bite is a recipe for disappointment, because the Silent Market will buy the Bite but they don't want the ambergelt. Their rivals in the City want the ambergelt but not the Bite. Thus the best way for Imperial citizens to get the best possible price is to put drugs, narcotics and storied items in a separate box.

===Magical Items===
* '''Permanent magical items with a storied history can fetch an excellent price when sold to the City'''
* '''Storied items with history but no actual magic power rarely do so'''
* '''Magic items with a year's duration to run have a known value, but
* '''Magic items that are close to expiring are worthless to the City'''
* '''Storied items need to be put in a box by themselves to get the best price'''

Permanent magical items are valuable throughout the world and the City will always try to offer a good price for them based on the amount of materials needed to create one. When such items have a storied history - that ''can'' increase the price significantly, assuming the City knows of a buyer who is in the market for such a curio. Items with history but no notable magical properties are obviously less valuable - but could be worth something to the right buyer. In either case, the price offered by the heralds is highly variable, merchants are welcome to offer them for sale but should be prepared for the possibility of a low offer. Regular magic items with a year's duration to run are worth less than what their ingredients are worth as they have already lost a seasons worth of use - the Autumn realm are unlikely to offer more than this, because they can buy most magic items from [[Estavus|the Forgemistress]]. Items that are close to expiring are as worthless to the City as they are to the mortals trying to dispose of them.

===Mana and Vis===
* '''Mana is always in demand all across the world, so crystals fetch reasonable prices in the City'''
* '''Autumn vis is produced in large amounts in the Autumn realm and can be had at a good price from the City's heralds'''
* '''Vis from other realms often spoils if kept too long in the Autumn realm, so the City rarely offer good prices for large quantities'''

Mana is the currency of magic, there are even some desperately primitive societies in the world that actually use it in place of money! Most of the city's heralds are currently offering to buy mana crystals for around 24 rings a crystal and to sell it at 26 rings each. [[Vis]] can spoil if kept in the Autumn realm too long, so the City has little interest in trading it, unless there is a large outstanding contract to be fulfilled, otherwise heralds will be loathe to buy or sell it. Autumn vis is the one exception - huge amounts are produced in the Autumn realm and can usually be bought for a good price from the City's heralds, but of course, they offer low prices to buy it back.
==A Possible Patron==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Plenipotentiary'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Eternal:''' Ephisis</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Subject:''' Patronage of the Golden Pyramid or their grand lodge</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' What form any aid might take</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Limitations:''' Cannot be included with other substantial requests</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Heralds of the city of Gold and Lead were recently asked about the possibility of becoming a patron of the Golden Pyramid'''
* '''They confirm that such a thing is possible, but it would require a plenipotentiary to make the appropriate arrangements'''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged.jpg|caption='''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''<br>Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid|align=right|width=250}}</div>
At a recent meeting in Anvil, Crown, one of the heralds of the City, was asked about the possibility of the City of Gold and Lead becoming a patron of the [[Golden Pyramid]], or of the Order's grand lodge. Such an arrangement would be highly unusual - a Conclave order accepting an offer by an eternal to become their patron raises questions about that order's loyalties and their impartiality on matters like [[alignment]]. Still the risks seem relatively low here, the manifesto of the order seems closely aligned with the goals of the eternal and Ephisis has never been under ''enmity'' as far as the records show.

After lengthy discussion between the various markets and independent traders of the City, it appears there is a consensus that most are open to the idea, if there is genuine enthusiasm for it from the Order. However, while eternals of other realms might be content to agree to become a patron without a second thought, the City of Gold and Lead will not contemplate the idea a thorough discussion of what support they could offer the Order, what support the Order might want and importantly, how the Order might further the City's agenda. Ultimately any agreement would need a contract of some kind.

If the Order are serious about engaging the services of the ''Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead'' as patron of their order - or patron of their lodge, then they would need to arrange for the [[Archmage of Autumn]] to secure a plenipotentiary specifically for that purpose. It could include a single item of other business that was already ongoing, but the City will not seriously engage with a plenipotentiary that incorporates a list of different causes of interest to different groups. But if the Autumn Archmage is prepared to assist the Order and the [[grandmaster]] and his supporters have the backing of the Golden Pyramid to negotiate an agreement for patronage then the City are open to exploring the possibilities.
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderGoldenPyramid.jpg|align=right|width=241|height=240}}
As with any plenipotentiary, it would be most useful if the Archmage is clear what form any aid they would request might take, then the heralds can assess how possible that would be, before the meeting. The more knowledge the City has about ''how'' they could help the Order, the better.
==Further Reading==
* [[Ephisis]]
* [[Ephisis' Scale]]

The shadows fall behind you

2026-07-18T15:30:17Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Visionary */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<quote by='The Wind Erodes the Mountain, by Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer'>
The wind erodes the Mountain, the First finally found it's end<br>
On south sands the spires and citadels of Urizen<br>
Bore witness as armadas and the army fought and bled<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Those maggots, marauders, they brought with them Mawrig's intent<br>
Destruction, devastation, the dirge of a Grendel advance<br>
A portent's in the water, see the signs, the runes were read<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Fleet foot flanking, they evade the enemy's gaze<br>
Into Elos harbour, the hero's hammer did raise

And shattered the enchantment of a tempestuous talisman<br>
Ruining the ritual and wrecking the purple clad plan<br>
The Warriors whispered "farewell", fell, then rose up from the dead<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest<br>
The wind erodes the Mountain, the First finally found it's end.
</quote>

<quote by='In Redoubt, by Ethelfrith Sigeling'>
In Redoubt,<br>
The runes fall, fated.<br>
As Ull lies with Yoorn,<br>
As the fleets flow in.

The tide turns, the swords drawn.<br>
Under Wanderer’s eye<br>
Waves wash on southern wharves.

Elos – lost<br>
And no hero hurries to the hopeless fight.<br>
But the skein demands our foe is forced to falter,<br>
The blade blunted, that, sea borne,<br>
Would bleed the mountain mage’s heart.<br>

So our soldiers stand, and,<br>
Step by hard-won step<br>
Break the wave,<br>
Shatter the sea-sphere.

A final blow<br>
Of a far-sighted fist.
</quote></div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=LastFistBanner.jpeg|caption=Great leaders inspire greatness in others|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
The ripples of the wave that broke on the shores of [[Redoubt]] continue to wash across the Empire. Last season, an [[opportunity]] was [[Flames_and_the_dark#The_Dream_Master|presented]] to create an [[inspirational location]] at the [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] docks using the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], a gift from [[general]] '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''. The banner was presented so that it could be raised at Elos when the port was retaken from the [[Grendel]]. The Grendel receded, the Empire surged, and the docks were [[Flames and the dark|quickly back in service]], soon to be joined by [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Phaleron_and_Phoebus_Al-Pulpi|a new guest]] from the [[Realms#Day|day realm]].

None of this would have been possible without the sacrifice of the Fist of the Mountain. The oldest of the [[Wintermark]] [[army|armies]], they [[To ruin|gave everything]] to prevent the Grendel invaders destroying Elos with a weapon seized from the [[Bay_of_Catazar#Temple_of_Tempest_Jade|Temple of Tempest Jade]]. If they had not been in Redoubt, the beautiful port-city would have been destroyed by the unleashed power of ''[[Siakha|Maelstrom]]'', and Urizen does not forget such sacrifice.

The [[Synod]] have indicated that they do intend to [[consecration|consecrate]] the restored docks at the [[Redoubt#Elos|Great Harbour at Elos]]. The benefits could be significant, leaving a lasting impact on the region. The unique and powerful aura would draw virtuous citizens to Elos to experience the effects, contemplate the sacrifice of the [[Fist of the Mountains]] and gaze upon the the banner that is ''Umarth's legacy''.
{{SOP|statement=The Empire is an amalgamation of our Ambitions. Each stronger as others take the burden. As Tian bore the flame, Umarth bore the consequence of decision. The Fist of the Mountains paid the price, now our Urizen must take the branches and carry the light. We call for a writ of consecration to build a flame that will burn on the docks of Elos. Let the mystics of Wintermark and the seers and illuminates of Urizen make pilgrimage. There they will reflect on the gift and burden of farsight, to show the Way to their people.|by=Eldrid 'Phoenix Flame' Vestardottir, Ambition Assembly|vote={{GM}} 332-0|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}

==Calling==
* '''The Ambition Assembly have claimed Umarth's deed as an example of the path of Ambition'''
It is the [[Ambition]] Assembly who have claimed the deeds of the Fist of the Mountain as an example of their path. They cited the story of [[Tian]] who achieved great things, but at a great personal cost, and draw a parallel to the actions of the last general and the brave [[mystic|mystics]] of the Fist. Already, ambitious pilgrims from across Urizen and Wintermark are making the journey to Elos, to be there to witness virtue being made manifest for generations to come.

If the area is consecrated with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] in the coming season it will have a lasting effect - assuming the Assembly confirm they wish to proceed.

{{Mandate|mandate=Consequences are the price of Ambition. We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site where the last banner of the Fist of the Mountain flies. May all who see it know that no price is too high to realise your dreams.|assembly=Ambition Assembly}}

Should this mandate be passed, the banner will be hung in pride of place and the docks consecrated with the [[Auras_of_Ambition#Dare_Do_All|true consecration]] of Ambition. Like the [[Prelate_of_Adelmar%27s_Shrine#Academy_of_Arms|Academy of Arms]] in neighbouring [[Redoubt#Siluri|Siluri]], it will become a place of pilgrimage and stand as a symbol of the courage of the Fist of the Mountain, and the bonds of loyalty between Urizen and Wintermark, as well as a celebration of ambition.

==Drive==
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Fist's Memorial'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Naris, Redoubt </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 wains of [[white granite]], 8 wains of [[mithril]] 60 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Requires Elos Harbour be consecrated with true liao this after the Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title Custodian of the Fist's Memorial
* Creates a sinecure producing 9 liao
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Custodian of the Fist's Memorial'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Urizen or Wintermark national</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Ambition Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives an income of 9 [[liao]] each season
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* Maintain the the site and welcome visiting pilgrims
* Share the stories of the last stand of the Fist
* Encourage Imperial citizens to take a stand against the rapacious Grendel</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''If Elos harbor is consecrated this season, then it would be possible to create a memorial to the Fist'''
* '''The memorial would require a custodian appointed by the Ambition Assembly'''
* '''The title could be held by a Wintermarker or an Urizeni'''
* '''The memorial would improve natural resupply for mortal armies and navies from Wintermark and Urizen that were resting in Elos'''
Unsurprisingly for a cadre of dedicants of [[Ambition]], the visiting clergy are not simply satisfied to do what was asked and then sit on their laurels. Ambition is not Prosperity, it does not leave time for resting and enjoying the fruits of one's labour, but to strive ever onwards to do ever more. The construction of a memorial is proposed, depicting in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relief relief] the brave acts of the warriors of the Fist for visitors to come and pay their respects for many years to come.

Should it be built, it will create the title of '''Custodian of the Fist's Memorial''', available to any Wintermark or Urizen citizen and elected by the Ambition assembly. They would be responsible for telling the tale of the sacrifice of the Fist, and welcoming any pilgrims to the site. As such, they would receive an income of liao from the civil service each season.

Not only this, but the constant stream of inspired pilgrims would mean that any Urizen or Wintermark [[army]] or [[navy]] who engaged in natural resupply in Redoubt would share in an additional pool of 250 force strength, representing donations and inspired volunteers from among the visiting pilgrims. Armies would need to take a special action to drum up support at Elos harbour, navies would need to put to port there to benefit.

Unfortunately, the [[Argent Sword]] cannot benefit from the Custodian of the Fist's Memorial. The heralds respond to words like "volunteer" and "donation" in the same way a devout follower of the Way might respond to the vilest [[blasphemy]].

{{SOPInner|statement=In the spirit of forging a greater bond between our nations, and in honour of the Fist of the Mountains, we invite the stargazers of Urizen to meet with the mystics of Kallavesa within our swamps. We would share wisdom over the way we build, live and thrive within the swamp with the ambition to help further your aims in the Sarangrave.|by=Otso Usvaling, Wintermark National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 188-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

==Visionary==
<div {{float}}>
<box>
'''Dissipating Silks'''<br>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{Mage Armour}}
* '''Effect:''' You may ignore the ''roleplaying effects'' of any single [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] until the end of the battle.
* '''Materials:''' Crafting Dissipating Silks requires no special materials. It takes two months to make one of these items.
</div>
</box>
</div>
<div {{float}}>
<box>'''Hero's Journey'''<br>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
'''Night Ritual; Magnitude 22/18;'''<br>
''Grants a character with the hero skill a vision and two additional hero points''<br>
At the completion of this ritual, the targets receives a single mystic vision related to things that are happening, have happened or may happen at the event, if they have the hero skill. The information is often cryptic and is not a catalogue of events that will happen, more the suggestion of things that are likely to happen, or that are relevant to those events. The vision is one of the [[Signs and Portents]] that a character can access with that ritual. In addition the targets gain two additional hero points, if they have the hero skill.

The taget will experience a powerful roleplaying effect: they are keenly aware of the significance of any impending social or martial confrontation. They feel the urge to carefully prepare for the forthcoming conflict, to ensure they are worthy of a hero's name. They find it hard to contemplate shying away from this confrontation, no matter the danger.
</div>
</box>
</div>
* '''If Elos docks are consecrated with true liao at the coming event, the Urizeni will add a schema for a new magical item to Wintermark Law'''
* '''If that happens, Wintermark mystics will arrange to have a new magical ritual added to Urizeni law'''

The [[stargazer|stargazers]] of Urizen and the [[mystic|mystics]] of Kallavesa have not historically spent a great deal of time together. Their natural geographical distance is matched by their different approaches to the supernatural. Still, the last few seasons have forged a great bond between the peoples of the north-west and south-east, threads from individual [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Skein|skeins]] interwoven into one great [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Net_of_the_Heavens|net]]. In honour of the links that have formed, each side has worked with their counterparts to prepare a great in the joint traditions of [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Crafting|crafting]] and [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Cession|cession]].

Arethas is one of the illuminates of the Spire of the Stallion's Volition. Known for his debating skills more than the power of his preaching, he has organised dozens of Urizeni magicians to work together to create a suitable gift for the Wintermark people who heroically sacrificed the Fist to save Elos. With the help of the [[Zenith#Crucible_of_Fate|great foundaries in Zenith]], Arethas and his allies have arranged for the creation of a copy of a rare schema that allows someone to learn how to make Dissipating silks. This powerful magical item can be worn by magicians taking the battlefield to provide them with a measure of protection from deadly blows. If the consecration of the Elos docks goes ahead, Arethas intends to pass the schema to [[Wintermark_Egregore|Wilda]] so that it can added to Wintermark Law.

Keen to reciprocate, a coven of kallevesa mystics, the Crescent's Eye have made arrangements with [[Sung|Feather on the Breeze]]. A generation ago, a catoblepas killed a favoured herald of the Night Singer and escaped to run amok in the marshes. The coven trapped the monster in a circle of moon-wards, allowing their hunters to finally defeat the beast. The ''Spiral Dancer'' gave the coven a powerful ritual that they could use to grant their hunters the power to overcome the monster. If the consecration of the Elos docks goes ahead, the Crescent's Eye intend to use [[Gift of Knowledge]] to put Hero's Journey into Urizen Lore.

==Dare do all==
* '''The Synod could use the true consecration to celebrate the Grendel's Ambition in attacking Elos docks'''
* '''What effect that might have on Grendel diplomacy or their view of Elos is unknown'''
Just when everyone thought that they had agreed on the proposal and were ready to submit it to the [[Civil Service|civil service]], something perhaps entirely predictable happened; an urizeni [[questor]] opened their mouth and inevitably an argument followed. ''Incommodus'' of the [[Spire]] of the Stallion's Volition asks a challenging question - was it not ''also'' an Ambitious plan of the [[Grendel]], to bring a volatile boon of the [[Siakha|''Maelstrom'']] to attempt to blow the dock to smithereens? Ambition has much to say about it being better to try and to fail than failing to try after all.

While Incommodus' proposal raises a lot of eyebrows it isn't ''entirely'' without precedent. Some Grendel are known to honour the "inspiration" of both [[Zemress]] and [[Emperor Barabbas]], even though both the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] and [[Highguard|Highborn]] figures were their committed enemies. There is an argument that virtue is contagious. The [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] says that "'' Virtue's power to exalt transcends the boundaries of soul, spirit, and species''" so is it that hard to believe that it can transcend the boundaries of nationality and enmity? Incommodus may be out of order, but perhaps he has a point.

After ''much'' debate, slightly different proposals are also drawn up to show not only the [[heroism]] and sacrifice of the Fist, but the [[Grendel_religion#Audacity|audacity]] and ambition of the Grendel in their plan that - while it ultimately failed - was certainly in service of a challenging goal. There were no Grendel available to comment, what with the war and all, and the [[The_League_people#Orcs_and_Humans|Apulian orcs]] approached for comment said they were now too long removed from the politics of the Salt Lords or the mood of the Questioners for them to feel confident in any suppositions they might make. They're followers of the Way now, after all, and be sure to write that down.

A mandate is somewhat grudgingly prepared, one that very much [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|in competition]] with the more traditional one already written.

{{Mandate|mandate=Consequences are the price of Ambition and it is better to try and fail than fail to try. We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site where the last banner of the Fist of the Mountain flies. May all who see it, whether Imperial or otherwise, know that no price is too high to realise your dreams.|assembly=Ambition Assembly}}

If the mandate is enacted, it will still allow the creation of the [[#Fist's Memorial]], and inspire the exchange between Urizen and Wintermark. If the commission is raised following ''this'' mandate, it will need to be clear whether the focus of the reliefs are to be solely focused on the heroic sacrifice of the Fist, or shared with the Grendel invaders. In the case there is any doubt, the civil service will default to focusing on the Imperial Army.

What other effects it might have, especially with regard to diplomatic relations with the Grendel, if any at all, is unclear. They might ignore it of course, but they have shown a considerable interest in other consecrated locations in the past. The [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] may have their own opinion on the matter, but that will have to be sought at Anvil.

Incommodus' "helpful contribution" does raise an interesting point about inspiration however. Are the acts of the Empire's enemies worthy of commemoration in this way? Can they inspire the virtuous even though the folk who performed them are not themselves followers of the Way? At least one barbarian nation - the Jotun - honours their fallen enemies as well as their own dead and show reverence for the memorials to Imperial heroes they have never met. Should the Empire be doing the same? Any decision on that matter lies in the hands of the Synod, and will thus need to take place in Anvil where Incommodus is not especially inclined to venture.

<ic>
Down they came, the Fist the Fist</br>
And they saw through the mist, the mist</br>
They heard the sound the drums, the drums</br>
The Grendel fleet; it comes it comes</br>
Then Umarth looked he saw he saw</br>
To see their scheme before before</br>
They came to port to fight to fight</br>
But could not dodge his sight his sight</br>
The Maelstroms gift it roared it roared</br>
And crackled on the shore the shore</br>
But none would stop heroes heroes</br>
They came to fight in throes in throes</br>
A crystal brought to seek to seek</br>
Destruction here to wreak to wreak</br>
Yet heroes there stood tall stood tall</br>
Prepared they were to fall to fall</br>
And so they did proclaim, proclaim</br>
A hero has a name, a name</br>
</ic>

The shadows fall behind you

2026-07-18T15:30:06Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Visionary */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<quote by='The Wind Erodes the Mountain, by Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer'>
The wind erodes the Mountain, the First finally found it's end<br>
On south sands the spires and citadels of Urizen<br>
Bore witness as armadas and the army fought and bled<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Those maggots, marauders, they brought with them Mawrig's intent<br>
Destruction, devastation, the dirge of a Grendel advance<br>
A portent's in the water, see the signs, the runes were read<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Fleet foot flanking, they evade the enemy's gaze<br>
Into Elos harbour, the hero's hammer did raise

And shattered the enchantment of a tempestuous talisman<br>
Ruining the ritual and wrecking the purple clad plan<br>
The Warriors whispered "farewell", fell, then rose up from the dead<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest<br>
The wind erodes the Mountain, the First finally found it's end.
</quote>

<quote by='In Redoubt, by Ethelfrith Sigeling'>
In Redoubt,<br>
The runes fall, fated.<br>
As Ull lies with Yoorn,<br>
As the fleets flow in.

The tide turns, the swords drawn.<br>
Under Wanderer’s eye<br>
Waves wash on southern wharves.

Elos – lost<br>
And no hero hurries to the hopeless fight.<br>
But the skein demands our foe is forced to falter,<br>
The blade blunted, that, sea borne,<br>
Would bleed the mountain mage’s heart.<br>

So our soldiers stand, and,<br>
Step by hard-won step<br>
Break the wave,<br>
Shatter the sea-sphere.

A final blow<br>
Of a far-sighted fist.
</quote></div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=LastFistBanner.jpeg|caption=Great leaders inspire greatness in others|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
The ripples of the wave that broke on the shores of [[Redoubt]] continue to wash across the Empire. Last season, an [[opportunity]] was [[Flames_and_the_dark#The_Dream_Master|presented]] to create an [[inspirational location]] at the [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] docks using the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], a gift from [[general]] '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''. The banner was presented so that it could be raised at Elos when the port was retaken from the [[Grendel]]. The Grendel receded, the Empire surged, and the docks were [[Flames and the dark|quickly back in service]], soon to be joined by [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Phaleron_and_Phoebus_Al-Pulpi|a new guest]] from the [[Realms#Day|day realm]].

None of this would have been possible without the sacrifice of the Fist of the Mountain. The oldest of the [[Wintermark]] [[army|armies]], they [[To ruin|gave everything]] to prevent the Grendel invaders destroying Elos with a weapon seized from the [[Bay_of_Catazar#Temple_of_Tempest_Jade|Temple of Tempest Jade]]. If they had not been in Redoubt, the beautiful port-city would have been destroyed by the unleashed power of ''[[Siakha|Maelstrom]]'', and Urizen does not forget such sacrifice.

The [[Synod]] have indicated that they do intend to [[consecration|consecrate]] the restored docks at the [[Redoubt#Elos|Great Harbour at Elos]]. The benefits could be significant, leaving a lasting impact on the region. The unique and powerful aura would draw virtuous citizens to Elos to experience the effects, contemplate the sacrifice of the [[Fist of the Mountains]] and gaze upon the the banner that is ''Umarth's legacy''.
{{SOP|statement=The Empire is an amalgamation of our Ambitions. Each stronger as others take the burden. As Tian bore the flame, Umarth bore the consequence of decision. The Fist of the Mountains paid the price, now our Urizen must take the branches and carry the light. We call for a writ of consecration to build a flame that will burn on the docks of Elos. Let the mystics of Wintermark and the seers and illuminates of Urizen make pilgrimage. There they will reflect on the gift and burden of farsight, to show the Way to their people.|by=Eldrid 'Phoenix Flame' Vestardottir, Ambition Assembly|vote={{GM}} 332-0|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}

==Calling==
* '''The Ambition Assembly have claimed Umarth's deed as an example of the path of Ambition'''
It is the [[Ambition]] Assembly who have claimed the deeds of the Fist of the Mountain as an example of their path. They cited the story of [[Tian]] who achieved great things, but at a great personal cost, and draw a parallel to the actions of the last general and the brave [[mystic|mystics]] of the Fist. Already, ambitious pilgrims from across Urizen and Wintermark are making the journey to Elos, to be there to witness virtue being made manifest for generations to come.

If the area is consecrated with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] in the coming season it will have a lasting effect - assuming the Assembly confirm they wish to proceed.

{{Mandate|mandate=Consequences are the price of Ambition. We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site where the last banner of the Fist of the Mountain flies. May all who see it know that no price is too high to realise your dreams.|assembly=Ambition Assembly}}

Should this mandate be passed, the banner will be hung in pride of place and the docks consecrated with the [[Auras_of_Ambition#Dare_Do_All|true consecration]] of Ambition. Like the [[Prelate_of_Adelmar%27s_Shrine#Academy_of_Arms|Academy of Arms]] in neighbouring [[Redoubt#Siluri|Siluri]], it will become a place of pilgrimage and stand as a symbol of the courage of the Fist of the Mountain, and the bonds of loyalty between Urizen and Wintermark, as well as a celebration of ambition.

==Drive==
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Fist's Memorial'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Naris, Redoubt </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 wains of [[white granite]], 8 wains of [[mithril]] 60 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Requires Elos Harbour be consecrated with true liao this after the Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title Custodian of the Fist's Memorial
* Creates a sinecure producing 9 liao
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Custodian of the Fist's Memorial'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Urizen or Wintermark national</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Ambition Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives an income of 9 [[liao]] each season
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* Maintain the the site and welcome visiting pilgrims
* Share the stories of the last stand of the Fist
* Encourage Imperial citizens to take a stand against the rapacious Grendel</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''If Elos harbor is consecrated this season, then it would be possible to create a memorial to the Fist'''
* '''The memorial would require a custodian appointed by the Ambition Assembly'''
* '''The title could be held by a Wintermarker or an Urizeni'''
* '''The memorial would improve natural resupply for mortal armies and navies from Wintermark and Urizen that were resting in Elos'''
Unsurprisingly for a cadre of dedicants of [[Ambition]], the visiting clergy are not simply satisfied to do what was asked and then sit on their laurels. Ambition is not Prosperity, it does not leave time for resting and enjoying the fruits of one's labour, but to strive ever onwards to do ever more. The construction of a memorial is proposed, depicting in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relief relief] the brave acts of the warriors of the Fist for visitors to come and pay their respects for many years to come.

Should it be built, it will create the title of '''Custodian of the Fist's Memorial''', available to any Wintermark or Urizen citizen and elected by the Ambition assembly. They would be responsible for telling the tale of the sacrifice of the Fist, and welcoming any pilgrims to the site. As such, they would receive an income of liao from the civil service each season.

Not only this, but the constant stream of inspired pilgrims would mean that any Urizen or Wintermark [[army]] or [[navy]] who engaged in natural resupply in Redoubt would share in an additional pool of 250 force strength, representing donations and inspired volunteers from among the visiting pilgrims. Armies would need to take a special action to drum up support at Elos harbour, navies would need to put to port there to benefit.

Unfortunately, the [[Argent Sword]] cannot benefit from the Custodian of the Fist's Memorial. The heralds respond to words like "volunteer" and "donation" in the same way a devout follower of the Way might respond to the vilest [[blasphemy]].

{{SOPInner|statement=In the spirit of forging a greater bond between our nations, and in honour of the Fist of the Mountains, we invite the stargazers of Urizen to meet with the mystics of Kallavesa within our swamps. We would share wisdom over the way we build, live and thrive within the swamp with the ambition to help further your aims in the Sarangrave.|by=Otso Usvaling, Wintermark National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 188-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

==Visionary==
<div {{float}}>
<box>
'''Dissipating Silks'''<br>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{Mage Armour}}
* '''Effect:''' You may ignore the ''roleplaying effects'' of any single [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] until the end of the battle.
* '''Materials:''' Crafting Dissipating Silks requires no special materials. It takes two months to make one of these items.
</div>
</box>
</div>
<div {{float}}>
<box>'''Hero's Journey'''<br>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
'''Night Ritual; Magnitude 22/18;'''<br>
''Grants a character with the hero skill a vision and two additional hero points''<br>
At the completion of this ritual, the targets receives a single mystic vision related to things that are happening, have happened or may happen at the event, if they have the hero skill. The information is often cryptic and is not a catalogue of events that will happen, more the suggestion of things that are likely to happen, or that are relevant to those events. The vision is one of the [[signs and Portents]] that a character can access with that ritual. In addition the targets gain two additional hero points, if they have the hero skill.

The taget will experience a powerful roleplaying effect: they are keenly aware of the significance of any impending social or martial confrontation. They feel the urge to carefully prepare for the forthcoming conflict, to ensure they are worthy of a hero's name. They find it hard to contemplate shying away from this confrontation, no matter the danger.
</div>
</box>
</div>
* '''If Elos docks are consecrated with true liao at the coming event, the Urizeni will add a schema for a new magical item to Wintermark Law'''
* '''If that happens, Wintermark mystics will arrange to have a new magical ritual added to Urizeni law'''

The [[stargazer|stargazers]] of Urizen and the [[mystic|mystics]] of Kallavesa have not historically spent a great deal of time together. Their natural geographical distance is matched by their different approaches to the supernatural. Still, the last few seasons have forged a great bond between the peoples of the north-west and south-east, threads from individual [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Skein|skeins]] interwoven into one great [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Net_of_the_Heavens|net]]. In honour of the links that have formed, each side has worked with their counterparts to prepare a great in the joint traditions of [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Crafting|crafting]] and [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Cession|cession]].

Arethas is one of the illuminates of the Spire of the Stallion's Volition. Known for his debating skills more than the power of his preaching, he has organised dozens of Urizeni magicians to work together to create a suitable gift for the Wintermark people who heroically sacrificed the Fist to save Elos. With the help of the [[Zenith#Crucible_of_Fate|great foundaries in Zenith]], Arethas and his allies have arranged for the creation of a copy of a rare schema that allows someone to learn how to make Dissipating silks. This powerful magical item can be worn by magicians taking the battlefield to provide them with a measure of protection from deadly blows. If the consecration of the Elos docks goes ahead, Arethas intends to pass the schema to [[Wintermark_Egregore|Wilda]] so that it can added to Wintermark Law.

Keen to reciprocate, a coven of kallevesa mystics, the Crescent's Eye have made arrangements with [[Sung|Feather on the Breeze]]. A generation ago, a catoblepas killed a favoured herald of the Night Singer and escaped to run amok in the marshes. The coven trapped the monster in a circle of moon-wards, allowing their hunters to finally defeat the beast. The ''Spiral Dancer'' gave the coven a powerful ritual that they could use to grant their hunters the power to overcome the monster. If the consecration of the Elos docks goes ahead, the Crescent's Eye intend to use [[Gift of Knowledge]] to put Hero's Journey into Urizen Lore.

==Dare do all==
* '''The Synod could use the true consecration to celebrate the Grendel's Ambition in attacking Elos docks'''
* '''What effect that might have on Grendel diplomacy or their view of Elos is unknown'''
Just when everyone thought that they had agreed on the proposal and were ready to submit it to the [[Civil Service|civil service]], something perhaps entirely predictable happened; an urizeni [[questor]] opened their mouth and inevitably an argument followed. ''Incommodus'' of the [[Spire]] of the Stallion's Volition asks a challenging question - was it not ''also'' an Ambitious plan of the [[Grendel]], to bring a volatile boon of the [[Siakha|''Maelstrom'']] to attempt to blow the dock to smithereens? Ambition has much to say about it being better to try and to fail than failing to try after all.

While Incommodus' proposal raises a lot of eyebrows it isn't ''entirely'' without precedent. Some Grendel are known to honour the "inspiration" of both [[Zemress]] and [[Emperor Barabbas]], even though both the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] and [[Highguard|Highborn]] figures were their committed enemies. There is an argument that virtue is contagious. The [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] says that "'' Virtue's power to exalt transcends the boundaries of soul, spirit, and species''" so is it that hard to believe that it can transcend the boundaries of nationality and enmity? Incommodus may be out of order, but perhaps he has a point.

After ''much'' debate, slightly different proposals are also drawn up to show not only the [[heroism]] and sacrifice of the Fist, but the [[Grendel_religion#Audacity|audacity]] and ambition of the Grendel in their plan that - while it ultimately failed - was certainly in service of a challenging goal. There were no Grendel available to comment, what with the war and all, and the [[The_League_people#Orcs_and_Humans|Apulian orcs]] approached for comment said they were now too long removed from the politics of the Salt Lords or the mood of the Questioners for them to feel confident in any suppositions they might make. They're followers of the Way now, after all, and be sure to write that down.

A mandate is somewhat grudgingly prepared, one that very much [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|in competition]] with the more traditional one already written.

{{Mandate|mandate=Consequences are the price of Ambition and it is better to try and fail than fail to try. We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site where the last banner of the Fist of the Mountain flies. May all who see it, whether Imperial or otherwise, know that no price is too high to realise your dreams.|assembly=Ambition Assembly}}

If the mandate is enacted, it will still allow the creation of the [[#Fist's Memorial]], and inspire the exchange between Urizen and Wintermark. If the commission is raised following ''this'' mandate, it will need to be clear whether the focus of the reliefs are to be solely focused on the heroic sacrifice of the Fist, or shared with the Grendel invaders. In the case there is any doubt, the civil service will default to focusing on the Imperial Army.

What other effects it might have, especially with regard to diplomatic relations with the Grendel, if any at all, is unclear. They might ignore it of course, but they have shown a considerable interest in other consecrated locations in the past. The [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] may have their own opinion on the matter, but that will have to be sought at Anvil.

Incommodus' "helpful contribution" does raise an interesting point about inspiration however. Are the acts of the Empire's enemies worthy of commemoration in this way? Can they inspire the virtuous even though the folk who performed them are not themselves followers of the Way? At least one barbarian nation - the Jotun - honours their fallen enemies as well as their own dead and show reverence for the memorials to Imperial heroes they have never met. Should the Empire be doing the same? Any decision on that matter lies in the hands of the Synod, and will thus need to take place in Anvil where Incommodus is not especially inclined to venture.

<ic>
Down they came, the Fist the Fist</br>
And they saw through the mist, the mist</br>
They heard the sound the drums, the drums</br>
The Grendel fleet; it comes it comes</br>
Then Umarth looked he saw he saw</br>
To see their scheme before before</br>
They came to port to fight to fight</br>
But could not dodge his sight his sight</br>
The Maelstroms gift it roared it roared</br>
And crackled on the shore the shore</br>
But none would stop heroes heroes</br>
They came to fight in throes in throes</br>
A crystal brought to seek to seek</br>
Destruction here to wreak to wreak</br>
Yet heroes there stood tall stood tall</br>
Prepared they were to fall to fall</br>
And so they did proclaim, proclaim</br>
A hero has a name, a name</br>
</ic>

The shadows fall behind you

2026-07-18T15:28:44Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Calling */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<quote by='The Wind Erodes the Mountain, by Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer'>
The wind erodes the Mountain, the First finally found it's end<br>
On south sands the spires and citadels of Urizen<br>
Bore witness as armadas and the army fought and bled<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Those maggots, marauders, they brought with them Mawrig's intent<br>
Destruction, devastation, the dirge of a Grendel advance<br>
A portent's in the water, see the signs, the runes were read<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Fleet foot flanking, they evade the enemy's gaze<br>
Into Elos harbour, the hero's hammer did raise

And shattered the enchantment of a tempestuous talisman<br>
Ruining the ritual and wrecking the purple clad plan<br>
The Warriors whispered "farewell", fell, then rose up from the dead<br>
Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest

Stand against storm and sea as sagas are laid to rest<br>
The wind erodes the Mountain, the First finally found it's end.
</quote>

<quote by='In Redoubt, by Ethelfrith Sigeling'>
In Redoubt,<br>
The runes fall, fated.<br>
As Ull lies with Yoorn,<br>
As the fleets flow in.

The tide turns, the swords drawn.<br>
Under Wanderer’s eye<br>
Waves wash on southern wharves.

Elos – lost<br>
And no hero hurries to the hopeless fight.<br>
But the skein demands our foe is forced to falter,<br>
The blade blunted, that, sea borne,<br>
Would bleed the mountain mage’s heart.<br>

So our soldiers stand, and,<br>
Step by hard-won step<br>
Break the wave,<br>
Shatter the sea-sphere.

A final blow<br>
Of a far-sighted fist.
</quote></div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=LastFistBanner.jpeg|caption=Great leaders inspire greatness in others|align=left|width=400}}
==Overview==
The ripples of the wave that broke on the shores of [[Redoubt]] continue to wash across the Empire. Last season, an [[opportunity]] was [[Flames_and_the_dark#The_Dream_Master|presented]] to create an [[inspirational location]] at the [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] docks using the last banner of the [[Fist of the Mountains]], a gift from [[general]] '''Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask'''. The banner was presented so that it could be raised at Elos when the port was retaken from the [[Grendel]]. The Grendel receded, the Empire surged, and the docks were [[Flames and the dark|quickly back in service]], soon to be joined by [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Acceptance:_Phaleron_and_Phoebus_Al-Pulpi|a new guest]] from the [[Realms#Day|day realm]].

None of this would have been possible without the sacrifice of the Fist of the Mountain. The oldest of the [[Wintermark]] [[army|armies]], they [[To ruin|gave everything]] to prevent the Grendel invaders destroying Elos with a weapon seized from the [[Bay_of_Catazar#Temple_of_Tempest_Jade|Temple of Tempest Jade]]. If they had not been in Redoubt, the beautiful port-city would have been destroyed by the unleashed power of ''[[Siakha|Maelstrom]]'', and Urizen does not forget such sacrifice.

The [[Synod]] have indicated that they do intend to [[consecration|consecrate]] the restored docks at the [[Redoubt#Elos|Great Harbour at Elos]]. The benefits could be significant, leaving a lasting impact on the region. The unique and powerful aura would draw virtuous citizens to Elos to experience the effects, contemplate the sacrifice of the [[Fist of the Mountains]] and gaze upon the the banner that is ''Umarth's legacy''.
{{SOP|statement=The Empire is an amalgamation of our Ambitions. Each stronger as others take the burden. As Tian bore the flame, Umarth bore the consequence of decision. The Fist of the Mountains paid the price, now our Urizen must take the branches and carry the light. We call for a writ of consecration to build a flame that will burn on the docks of Elos. Let the mystics of Wintermark and the seers and illuminates of Urizen make pilgrimage. There they will reflect on the gift and burden of farsight, to show the Way to their people.|by=Eldrid 'Phoenix Flame' Vestardottir, Ambition Assembly|vote={{GM}} 332-0|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}

==Calling==
* '''The Ambition Assembly have claimed Umarth's deed as an example of the path of Ambition'''
It is the [[Ambition]] Assembly who have claimed the deeds of the Fist of the Mountain as an example of their path. They cited the story of [[Tian]] who achieved great things, but at a great personal cost, and draw a parallel to the actions of the last general and the brave [[mystic|mystics]] of the Fist. Already, ambitious pilgrims from across Urizen and Wintermark are making the journey to Elos, to be there to witness virtue being made manifest for generations to come.

If the area is consecrated with [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] in the coming season it will have a lasting effect - assuming the Assembly confirm they wish to proceed.

{{Mandate|mandate=Consequences are the price of Ambition. We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site where the last banner of the Fist of the Mountain flies. May all who see it know that no price is too high to realise your dreams.|assembly=Ambition Assembly}}

Should this mandate be passed, the banner will be hung in pride of place and the docks consecrated with the [[Auras_of_Ambition#Dare_Do_All|true consecration]] of Ambition. Like the [[Prelate_of_Adelmar%27s_Shrine#Academy_of_Arms|Academy of Arms]] in neighbouring [[Redoubt#Siluri|Siluri]], it will become a place of pilgrimage and stand as a symbol of the courage of the Fist of the Mountain, and the bonds of loyalty between Urizen and Wintermark, as well as a celebration of ambition.

==Drive==
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Fist's Memorial'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Naris, Redoubt </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 wains of [[white granite]], 8 wains of [[mithril]] 60 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Requires Elos Harbour be consecrated with true lioa this after the Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title Custodian of the Fist's Memorial
* Creates a sinecure producing X liao
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Custodian of the Fist's Memorial'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Urizen or Wintermark national</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Ambition Assembly</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives an income of 9 [[liao]] each season
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:'''
* Maintain the the site and welcome visiting pilgrims
* Share the stories of the last stand of the Fist
* Encourage Imperial citizens to take a stand against the rapacious Grendel</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''If Elos harbor is consecreated this season, then it would be possible to create a memorial to the Fist'''
* '''The memorial would require a custodian appointed by the Ambition Assembly'''
* '''The title could be held by a Wintermarker or an Urizeni'''
* '''The memorial would improve natural resupply for mortal armies and navies from Wintermark and Urizen that were resting in Elos'''
Unsurprisingly for a cadre of dedicants of [[Ambition]], the visiting clergy are not simply satisfied to do what was asked and then sit on their laurels. Ambition is not Prosperity, it does not leave time for resting and enjoying the fruits of one's labour, but to strive ever onwards to do ever more. The construction of a memorial is proposed, depicting in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relief relief] the brave acts of the warriors of the Fist for visitors to come and pay their respects for many years to come.

Should it be built, it will create the title of '''Custodian of the Fist's Memorial''', available to any Wintermark or Urizen citizen and elected by the Ambition assembly. They would be responsible for telling the tale of the sacrifice of the Fist, and welcoming any pilgrims to the site. As such, they would receive an income of liao from the civil service each season.

Not only this, but the constant stream of inspired pilgrims would mean that any Urizen or Wintermark [[army]] or [[navy]] who engaged in natural resupply in Redoubt would share in an additional pool of 250 force strength, representing donations and inspired volunteers from among the visiting pilgrims. Armies would need to take a special action to drum up support at Elos harbour, navies would need to put to port there to benefit.

Unfortunately, the [[Argent Sword]] cannot benefit from the Custodian of the Fist's Mermoral. The heralds respond to words like "volunteer" and "donation" in the same way a devout follower of the Way might respond to the vilest [[blasphemy]].

{{SOPInner|statement=In the spirit of forging a greater bond between our nations, and in honour of the Fist of the Mountains, we invite the stargazers of Urizen to meet with the mystics of Kallavesa within our swamps. We would share wisdom over the way we build, live and thrive within the swamp with the ambition to help further your aims in the Sarangrave.|by=Otso Usvaling, Wintermark National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 188-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

==Visionary==
<div {{float}}>
<box>
'''Dissipating Silks'''<br>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{Mage Armour}}
* '''Effect:''' You may ignore the ''roleplaying effects'' of any single [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wound]] until the end of the battle.
* '''Materials:''' Crafting Dissipating Silks requires no special materials. It takes two months to make one of these items.
</div>
</box>
</div>
<div {{float}}>
<box>'''Hero's Journey'''<br>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
'''Night Ritual; Magnitude 22/18;'''<br>
''Grants a character with the hero skill a vision and two additional hero points''<br>
At the completion of this ritual, the targets receives a single mystic vision related to things that are happening, have happened or may happen at the event, if they have the hero skill. The information is often cryptic and is not a catalogue of events that will happen, more the suggestion of things that are likely to happen, or that are relevant to those events. The vision is one of the [[signs and portents]] that a character can access with that ritual. In addition the targets gain two additional hero points, if they have the hero skill.

The taget will experience a powerful roleplaying effect: they are keenly aware of the significance of any impending social or martial confrontation. They feel the urge to carefully prepare for the forthcoming conflict, to ensure they are worthy of a hero's name. They find it hard to contemplate shying away from this confrontation, no matter the danger.
</div>
</box>
</div>
* '''If Elos docks are consecrated with true liao at the coming event, the Urizeni will add a schema for a new magical item to Wintermark Law'''
* '''If that happens, Wintermark mystics will arrange to have a new magical ritual added to Urizeni law'''

The [[stargazer|stargazers]] of Urizen and the [[mystic|mystics]] of Kallavesa have not historically spent a great deal of time together. Their natural geographical distance is matched by their different approaches to the supernatural. Still, the last few seasons have forged a great bond between the peoples of the north-west and south-east, threads from individual [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Skein|skeins]] interwoven into one great [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Net_of_the_Heavens|net]]. In honour of the links that have formed, each side has worked with their counterparts to prepare a great in the joint traditions of [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Crafting|crafting]] and [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Cession|cession]].

Arethas is one of the illuminates of the Spire of the Stallion's Volition. Known for his debating skills more than the power of his preaching, he has organised dozens of Urizeni magicians to work together to create a suitable gift for the Wintermark people who heroically sacrificed the Fist to save Elos. With the help of the [[Zenith#Crucible_of_Fate|great foundaries in Zenith]], Arethas and his allies have arranged for the creation of a copy of a rare schema that allows someone to learn how to make Dissipating silks. This powerful magical item can be worn by magicians taking the battlefield to provide them with a measure of protection from deadly blows. If the consecration of the Elos docks goes ahead, Arethas intends to pass the schema to [[Wintermark_Egregore|Wilda]] so that it can added to Wintermark Law.

Keen to reciprocate, a coven of kallevesa mystics, the Crescent's Eye have made arrangements with [[Sung|Feather on the Breeze]]. A generation ago, a catoblepas killed a favoured herald of the Night Singer and escaped to run amok in the marshes. The coven trapped the monster in a circle of moon-wards, allowing their hunters to finally defeat the beast. The ''Spiral Dancer'' gave the coven a powerful ritual that they could use to grant their hunters the power to overcome the monster. If the consecration of the Elos docks goes ahead, the Crescent's Eye intend to use [[Gift of Knowledge]] to put Hero's Journey into Urizen Lore.

==Dare do all==
* '''The Synod could use the true consecration to celebrate the Grendel's Ambition in attacking Elos docks'''
* '''What effect that might have on Grendel diplomacy or their view of Elos is unknown'''
Just when everyone thought that they had agreed on the proposal and were ready to submit it to the [[Civil Service|civil service]], something perhaps entirely predictable happened; an urizeni [[questor]] opened their mouth and inevitably an argument followed. ''Incommodus'' of the [[Spire]] of the Stallion's Volition asks a challenging question - was it not ''also'' an Ambitious plan of the [[Grendel]], to bring a volatile boon of the [[Siakha|''Maelstrom'']] to attempt to blow the dock to smithereens? Ambition has much to say about it being better to try and to fail than failing to try after all.

While Incommodus' proposal raises a lot of eyebrows it isn't ''entirely'' without precedent. Some Grendel are known to honour the "inspiration" of both [[Zemress]] and [[Emperor Barabbas]], even though both the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] and [[Highguard|Highborn]] figures were their committed enemies. There is an argument that virtue is contagious. The [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] says that "'' Virtue's power to exalt transcends the boundaries of soul, spirit, and species''" so is it that hard to believe that it can transcend the boundaries of nationality and enmity? Incommodus may be out of order, but perhaps he has a point.

After ''much'' debate, slightly different proposals are also drawn up to show not only the [[heroism]] and sacrifice of the Fist, but the [[Grendel_religion#Audacity|audacity]] and ambition of the Grendel in their plan that - while it ultimately failed - was certainly in service of a challenging goal. There were no Grendel available to comment, what with the war and all, and the [[The_League_people#Orcs_and_Humans|Apulian orcs]] approached for comment said they were now too long removed from the politics of the Salt Lords or the mood of the Questioners for them to feel confident in any suppositions they might make. They're followers of the Way now, after all, and be sure to write that down.

A mandate is somewhat grudgingly prepared, one that very much [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|in competition]] with the more traditional one already written.

{{Mandate|mandate=Consequences are the price of Ambition and it is better to try and fail than fail to try. We send (named individual) with a dose of true liao to consecrate the site where the last banner of the Fist of the Mountain flies. May all who see it, whether Imperial or otherwise, know that no price is too high to realise your dreams.|assembly=Ambition Assembly}}

If the mandate is enacted, it will still allow the creation of the [[#Fist's Memorial]], and inspire the exchange between Urizen and Wintermark. If the commission is raised following ''this'' mandate, it will need to be clear whether the focus of the reliefs are to be solely focused on the heroic sacrifice of the Fist, or shared with the Grendel invaders. In the case there is any doubt, the civil service will default to focusing on the Imperial Army.

What other effects it might have, especially with regard to diplomatic relations with the Grendel, if any at all, is unclear. They might ignore it of course, but they have shown a considerable interest in other consecrated locations in the past. The [[Ambassador to the Grendel]] may have their own opinion on the matter, but that will have to be sought at Anvil.

Incommodus' "helpful contribution" does raise an interesting point about inspiration however. Are the acts of the Empire's enemies worthy of commemoration in this way? Can they inspire the virtuous even though the folk who performed them are not themselves followers of the Way? At least one barbarian nation - the Jotun - honours their fallen enemies as well as their own dead and show reverence for the memorials to Imperial heroes they have never met. Should the Empire be doing the same? Any decision on that matter lies in the hands of the Synod, and will thus need to take place in Anvil where Incommodus is not especially inclined to venture.

<ic>
Down they came, the Fist the Fist</br>
And they saw through the mist, the mist</br>
They heard the sound the drums, the drums</br>
The Grendel fleet; it comes it comes</br>
Then Umarth looked he saw he saw</br>
To see their scheme before before</br>
They came to port to fight to fight</br>
But could not dodge his sight his sight</br>
The Maelstroms gift it roared it roared</br>
And crackled on the shore the shore</br>
But none would stop heroes heroes</br>
They came to fight in throes in throes</br>
A crystal brought to seek to seek</br>
Destruction here to wreak to wreak</br>
Yet heroes there stood tall stood tall</br>
Prepared they were to fall to fall</br>
And so they did proclaim, proclaim</br>
A hero has a name, a name</br>
</ic>

This is the end

2026-07-17T21:10:21Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Talon and claw */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>
SCENE: A COURTYARD IN SHADOW. MUSIC PLAYS FAR AWAY. THEY SPEAK, FILLING THE COURTYARD WITH WHISPERS, THEIR VOICES GLITTERING LIKE GEMSTONES.

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "Quite a shame, quite a shame. We did so like that city. Oh, waily waily, our house in ruins...! What a beautiful game it was, though - and such good sports all."

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "We shall return, perhaps, in a less fervent season? Though now it is under the cursed serpent's aegis... by the void and abyss, how I hate that cursèd songbird!"

'''RUBY VOICE:''' "All the more reason to skulk in secret, my dearest darling confidante. We'll find places, and people will whisper to us once more. The circle turns, and tickets are always on sale."

'''TOPAZ VOICE:''' "And what of the rest? The sloth? The hybrid? The chatterer? The firestorm? All in their tedium. They'll all be clamouring to be there now. Not to even speak of --"

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "-- don't you go on so, beloved. We were the first! First to notice the potential of the place, before the feathered bore stuck in her beak. Art is about getting everyone talking."

'''RUBY VOICE:''' "First to roost, and first to flee. Such is our lot. O, what an ill-fated star for the beloved of cats. Friendless, now, abandoned by our confidantes. Even dearest Teodore... even--"

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "-- you know I heard the Barossa priest is to defend Bela Vicente. Rumour speaks, companions mine, that he does so out of an obligation we created - how exceptionally droll."

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "Ah, Asav. Pleasant, this time of year. Now there's a place that appreciates the value of intrigue. Not like these Catazarri secret-murderers, addicted to truth's dishonesty."

'''TOPAZ VOICE:''' "Or Jarm. Our friends in the Violet Forest have been saying we have been neglecting them. Though they keep busy anyway, I hear. There's always a way where there's a will."

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "So we're agreed. A sojourn onwards to new retreats for this merry band of players and artists. We must prepare for the next debut. Where one curtain falls, after all, another rises."

THE FIGURES RETREAT FROM THE SHADOWS. A SMALL ALBINO KITTEN WANDERS OUT ONTO THE STAGE. IT LOOKS TOWARDS THE AUDIENCE. IT LOOKS AT YOU.

Letitia lowered the pages, trying to keep her face neutral, but Mario saw through her immediately. He jutted his jaw pugnaciously, and she could see him getting angry with her before she had even opened her mouth.

"Well?" He demanded. She tried to plaster a smile on her face but it wouldn't stick and slipped off, possibly because she had started to sweat.

"It's a bit... I mean it's very good obviously." The last bit was spoken very fast indeed because she'd noticed Mario had one hand on the pommel of the rod at his side. The playwright's days of fighting for the Conclave were past, but he kept the rod to remind people that as well as wrangling words he could still crack heads when the situation called for it.

"A bit what," he said, refusing to let it go.

"It's a bit... it's a bit.. <small>over the top?</small>"

Mario ripped the pages from her hands and threw them on the ground. The rest of the company turned to gawk, as actors are wont to do. Two of the stage hands took the opportunity to nip off for a quick break.

"FINE!" Mario shouted in a voice Letitia swore was making the rafter vibrate. He could project when he wanted to. "You ''wanted'' a play about the Whisper Gallery but I ''give'' you a play about the Whisper Gallery and what do you do? You ''criticise''! You throw it back in my face! ''You'' write a play that captures the enigmatic nature of the Lords of the Chiaroscuran Throne then! You clearly know what you want better than I do!" The playwright stormed out.

Letitia squeezed the bridge of her nose. She hated bringing the company to Spiral, because of exactly this kind of thing. What, she wondered - not for the first time - did the Black Plateau have against art?</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below.jpg|caption='''Sofonisba Amilcara''' is somehow the map to the City Below. Exactly what that means is... well, a mystery.|align=left|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
The peculiar dramaturgic confluence that began in the city of Apulus more than a year ago, seems to have a reached a crescendo. Against a backdrop of running battles in the Apulus streets between [[This is the end|strangely-coloured cats with mispaired eyes and songbirds with rainbow feathers]], a cadre of military units arrives in the city to help Sofonisba Amilcara "map the city below".

Apparently convinced that there is not enough night magic running amok in the territory, someone has laid a powerful enchantment over the territory. It brings strange dreams that seemed to be linked to ongoing events. Many people suddenly awaken from dreams in which they were part of the ongoing war, fighting as either a cat or a bird against the enemy trying to seize control of the city.

Despite the strangeness, most inhabitants of Spiral find sleep brings renewed optimism and vigour. The city is filled with a feverish energy, and on the lonely mountain slopes those that live there are filled with a new joy after many sorrows. Things live. This is an old place, with a history beyond imagining, and it seems impossible it could ever be abandoned, so tightly and beautifully does it command the heart of those who call it home.

==Talon and claw==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Great Eared-Nightjar.jpg|align=right|caption=The war between birds and cats is over, and the city echoes with birdsong.|width=450}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rainbow cat.jpg|caption=The war between birds and cats is over, and the cats have decided they'd actually rather not live in the city any more thank you.|align=left|width=450}}</div>
</div>
* '''The war between the cats and the birds is over'''
* '''The birds have driven the cats out of the city'''
* '''Birdsong is now everywhere in Apulus, drowning out the emanations of the Black Plateau'''

As the season wears on, the war for dominion in Apulus intensifies with open fighting on the streets between the two rivals gangs. The first major battle takes place on Mulberry Avenue; a large flock of common blackbirds are deployed to the area, but as soon as they alight on the walls and rooftops, they are set upon by a force of cats that are lying in wait for them. Like soldiers under [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], the cats are able to strike with perfect coordination, taking the enemy by surprise, killing two and driving the rest away. Days later a group of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightjar nightjars] are attacked in the same way on Bleeker Street with similar results.

Despite this, it soon becomes clear that the cats are ''not'' winning. Eventually the birds are able to arrange an ambush of their own. A group of cats surround a tiny thrush that appears to have recklessly alighted on a branch on the old yew tree outside the Lone Reveller, a well-regarded eatery on the city's central plaza. Cats converge on the bird from every side-street, but as they do a huge flock of birds of prey plummet from the sky. Amber hawks lancing down to the streets below, plummeting kites with beautiful argent feathers, diving merlins whose feathers bear the rune of wealth.

A battle royale takes place all across the plaza, but the cats are badly outnumbered and outmatched and they are routed in short order. From that point on, no cat is seen in the plaza, thereafter it is the secure demesne of beautiful songbirds. The pattern repeats all across the city and soon the cats are in full retreat. In dribs and drabs they flee the city, seeking refuge in the citadels and spires that still dot the hills and mountains of the territory. By the end of the season, there is not a single cat of any kind left in Apulus.

In their place, the city is filled with birds of every kind and colour imaginable. Most are flighty and wary of people, but the smaller ones come close if fed with seed. Their birdsong fills the city, countless beautiful songs, each one different to the last, are now audible on every street and avenue in the city. Those whose cats have fled mourn the loss of their pets, but the presence of the birds is so beneficial it is hard to be entirely disgruntled. Somehow, the birdsong it entirely drowns out the constant malevolence coming from the Black Plateau, leaving the city well-protected and serene.

The strangely coloured cats with the mispaired eyes have not quit the territory entirely. Every Urizeni spire, every Urizeni magician, has been approached by at least one of the odd cats, seeking adoption and shared cohabitation. Negotiations are opened with offers of dead mice, and the promise of a study completely free of flies and other insects. Despite the obvious concerns, all magical investigation reveals that while the cats are unusually clever and conspiratorial, and clearly touched by night magic, they are not otherwise marked by any connection to the realm or any one of its inhabitants. Any Urizeni magician who wishes, now has at least one cat whose fur is a single primary color, like a bright red or a deep green, with mispaired eyes. The cats are hard working, keeping spires clear of insects and vermin and they are all highly companionable. They clearly welcome human company and like to snuggle close when people are talking or otherwise engaged.

==Never follow me==
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Alistair de Vere</td><td>House de Vere</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alys de Vere</td><td>House de Vere</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>D'Eon</td><td>Anvil Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Desmond Redbear Steward</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Earl Enchanter Severin De Manticore</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Evrard Taillier</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lady Soleil-Jolie duLac</td><td>House duLac</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lerac Birdkeep</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lord Bors "The Middle" du Merciel</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mirella of the Twisted Rose</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Olwyn Pickle</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Perrin Syrenus</td><td>House Syrenus</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ser Percival of de Licorne</td><td>House de Licorne</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Adrianna</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caius</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Quintus</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Renata</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Carmine de Sarvos "Father"</td><td>The Printers' Guild</td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Natalia 'The Falcon' Barossa</td><td>Company of The Red Fox</td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below</td><td></td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aella</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Althaea Sunshaper</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Argentus</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Atreus</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cassian Highwind</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Corinthius</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cyrus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cyrus Stillwater</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Donato of the Crucible</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fausta Ankarien</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Floria Sunshaper</td><td>Sunshaper Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grakulus</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Halkyon of the Myriad Stream</td><td>The Banner of the Spiral Council</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ignatious</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Linos</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Magnus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marcus</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sabina</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Shibboleth Tziporah</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Valerius</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Varrus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vespasian</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Xanthippe Of the Lighthouse-That-Was</td><td>Arete's Promise</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Sofonisba Amilcara has successfully become the Map to the City Below'''
* '''The military units who assisted her have uncovered a lair under the dominion of the Whisper Gallery below the Vicente School and Orphanage'''
* '''The lair has been destroyed but the Whisper Gallery has stolen the Orphanage that was hiding it'''
* '''Sung has rewarded the Map to the City Below for their efforts'''
* '''There is a pack insert for everyone who took part in the venture that contains words that might describe their experience'''
<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sung001b.JPG|width=350|align=right}}
{{HoverImage|WhisperGal004.png|width=350|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>
At the request of the [[Sung|Rainbow Serpent]], Sofonisba Amilcara - the magician the League Assembly has appointed to become the "Map to the City Below" - successfully arranged just under forty five military units to support their efforts to explore the the sewers and passageways that lie beneath the old city. Fears that the [[Whisper Gallery]] would find a way to hinder their efforts have proved unfounded and the force was more than enough to achieve the eternal's goals, whatever they might be. They haven't actually managed to produce a physical map that anyone can check - in fact many of the military units didn't actually seem to do anything other than spend long nights in deep slumber - but that's fine because there was already a perfectly practical map of the sewers anyway. And yet, and yet..

There were revelations at the recent summit of a terrible conspiracy at the heart of the Empire. A cult of the Whisper Gallery has been exposed: involving not only the duSesna Guild of Reckoners in Apulus, but, it is said, the ''very'' highest levels of the Conclave itself. A web of lies and deceit has been spun that has left many wondering who they can truly trust. Thus, it is not a complete shock, when Sofonisba and her allies report that they have discovered a lair of the Whisper Gallery here in Apulus.

The Shadow Den of the Adumbral Volution is something akin to a ''fane''. It has been established in the basement of the [[Custodian_of_the_Vicente_School_and_Orphanage|Vicente School and Orphanage]], not by the action of the Senate, but by the action of wicked cultists. Somehow these agents of wickedness have suborned the title-holder's natural authority over the orphanage and used it to grant dominion to the Whisper Gallery, despite the Senate's lack of formal [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Cession|cession]]. In practical terms, the result is not that different to a [[fane]] - its presence here has allowed the eternal to operate freely in the city - only in this case nobody knew it was happening. Sadly it is difficult to discern more, for the Orphanage has been lost in the battle. The allies of Sung claim they didn't destroy the building; if that is true, the most likely alternative is that the Whisper Gallery has chosen to spirit it away somehow. If the eternal can't have the school, neither can the Empire, it would seem.

<div {{float}}><box>
'''Night Marks'''
<p>Apulus has been left permanently marked by the dominion of the Whisper Gallery. Every magician who examines the marks agrees that there is nothing that can be done about them, but they aren't a threat to the city ''right now''. They may become an issue in the future, but if that happens there will be a way to deal with them then.</p>

<p>They might draw the attention of other night eternals seeking to become involved in the City Below, or they might create an [[opportunity]] for the Whisper Gallery to cause trouble for citizens of Spiral. They exist in case we choose to use them for a new plot involving the eternal in the future.</p></box></div>

The Shadow Den has been uprooted, and the baleful influence of the Whisper Gallery on Apulus has been ended. The duSesna Guild have gone to ground, fleeing Apulus. In time most will likely be found and brought to justice by [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|enterprising captains]] - for they no longer have anywhere to hide, here. Sofonisba reports that she and the captains supporting her have overturned the lair and run the Whisper Gallery out of the city. The eternal is defeated... but their presence here has seeped in to the stones of the city. The wound has healed, but the ''scar'' remains. Magicians who cast [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] while in Apulus can sense ''something'' which most agree are the marks left on the city by the eternal. A parting gift from the Shadow Courtiers: the magical equivalent of graffiti scrawled on the toilet walls.

There is nothing that can be done about this now: not without razing the city to the ground and beginning again. There is little to fear from these marks in and of themselves - they don't have any power over the city or anyone who dwells in it. The only influence they could have would be to make the city a little more secretive and conspiratorial - and really... this is Apulus. Would anyone even notice at this point?

It would be unwise to forget about the marks completely however. The Whisper Gallery has had to expend considerable effort to create the marks. The ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' has demonstrated that the Empire can drive it out, but they cannot remove every trace of its influence. The marks show that the eternal had dominion here once and that perhaps, it intends to return one day to reclaim its prize. Perhaps for that reason, Sung has rewarded the Map to the City Below, empowering them to protect the city from the malevolent wickedness of the Whisper Gallery.

==Take a chance with us==
* '''Other Night eternals have inquired if they might themselves receive a berth in the City Below'''
* '''In particular, the Azoth and Sadogua have drawn up some curious proposals'''
* '''The actual effect of building these commissions is a mystery - but Sung guarantees a measure of protection and safety under the shadow of her wings'''

<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Delectable Refectory'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 rings of ilium, and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Delectable Refectory would need to be ceded to Sadogua</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' All the effects of this edifice are a mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Grand Laboratory'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 weirwood, 10 rings of ilium, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The edifice would need to be ceded to Azoth</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' All the effects of this edifice are a mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
As predicted, the completion of Sung's fane has drawn attention from other Night eternals - and the routing of the Cavalcade of Purrs has only heightened that, for there is little love lost between the Shadow Courtiers and the other denizens of the realm. Heralds working for both the [[Azoth]] and [[Sadogua]] have begun seen now regularly in the city this season and have also come to call at spires and citadels across the territory. The two eternals have made no secret of the fact that they would ''dearly'' love a place within the City Below to call their own.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Sadogua001d.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
Sadogua, perhaps predictably, has taken a close interest in the [[The_play_that_came_to_Apulian#Curiouser_and_Curiouser|dramaturgical college]]. His heralds have presented his "suggestions" for an annex to the University; specifically, ''Batfather'' feels that the current plans fail to take into account the need to ensure that students and teachers are replete with find food and drink, so that they can indulge themselves when needed or deserved. As such, the ''Brother of Wizards'' suggests the construction of what he calls the Delectable Refectory. This would be an edifice ceded to Sadogua - a fane for all practical terms - at which banquets would be served for those who cared to attend them, "with plenty of extra trimmings and custard for all as wants them, and hammocks provided too to aid in after-dinner digestion". Everyone would be welcome to attend, but the Refectory would be housed inside a Night regio, so they would need to cast [[operate portal]] to enter, or have some other means of ingress and egress.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crucible.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
The Azoth has let it be known that it, too, would like a home in the city of night. They envisage a Grand Laboratory that is attached to the growing University of Apulus, though to what end is unclear. As such, they propose that in lieu of actual plans, a suitable quantity of building materials could be acquired first. Then, once they had been arranged, ''Makeready'' would provide the builders and craftspersons with several dozen of its finest alchemical concoctions. After that, they could be encouraged to "just sort of make what comes to mind - no wrong answers!", as one herald put it. Such an... unconventional... approach would be ''guaranteed'' to produce something original and creative. Whether that is an entirely good idea is open to criticism, as one Holberg professor of civil engineering dryly comments "You can overrate the value of originality when suspending three tons of roofing tiles over someone's head".

Either, or both, of these edifices could be constructed and ceded so long as the [[Conclave]] does not declare its enmity on either Eternal. Experienced magicians caution that doing so is bound to provide some benefits to the city, but will inevitably attract even more attention from the other night eternals. [[Lashonar]] and [[Janon]] are both under enmity at the moment, preventing their heralds from ''appearing'' in Spiral, even despite the enchantment over the territory, but there are murmurings that they share the desire of their fellow wyrms and serpents to engage.

There are clear risks in ceding anything to an eternal of course, not least what happens if the Empire decides to change its mind. However the heralds attending the [[Map_to_the_City_Below|Chamber of Euphony]] claim that ''Spiral Dancer'' has enfolded her wings around Apulus, protecting its mysteries and its occupants from harm. Now that the battle for Apulus is won, other night eternals seeking a foothold in the city would be bound to acknowledge Sung's ascendency. The protection provided by the ''Rainbow Serpent'' is something of a double-edged sword - it preserves mysteries, making it literally impossible for Sadogua or Azoth to know what the edifices they propose might ultimately do, but it severely restricts the ability of any eternal to act with genuine malice or deceit. It is not impossible that an eternal could circumvent such protection, Sung is not all knowing and is as prone to error as any mortal, but it would make it vastly more difficult.

This is why Spiral Dancer has created the Map to the City Below. Having successfully driven the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' from Spiral, the Map is now "bound" to the City. Sung's heralds don't actually mean bound in the way a magical item is [[create bond|bound]] to its owner, but they clearly mean something similar. It is clear that Sung believes that a map of the city represents the city in a way that goes beyond what a mortal cartographer might assume. Mortals see the map as an image that represents the city - Sung views it the other way round, regarding the city as a reflection of the map. To the eternal, the map is real and concrete while the city is abstract and symbolic.

Which is all a lot of fancy magical bollocks in the minds of many practical League business folk. What it actually ''means'' is that the "Map" will usually be the first to know if the city is threatened by an eternal. Or that the Map will know about any threat as soon as Sung does. Or that Sung will know about any threat as soon as the Map does. At least one of those things is definitely true, possibly all of them. Straight answers are rare with some night eternals, and none more so than the ''Lord of Illusions''.

==The moment prepared for==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Seductive and Mysterious.jpg|caption=Dramaturgy is at once bold and obvious, but also subtle and enigmatic. A play is an easy thing to understand, but its effect on the mind and the spirit not quite so straightforward.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
* '''The dramaturgical confluence has largely ceased, though its cause and nature remain an elusive mystery'''
The dramaturgical confluence that began with the streets of Apulus beginning to stretch and tangle seems to have finally ended. Dramaturgists report that the personae and the thrones seem to be behaving more normally, at least for now. To the disappointment of some, the streets of Apulus seem to have largely settled down. Things are finally where they should be. Good news for accountants who are late for important meetings to go through the books with a client, bad news for cicisbeo who discover they can no longer cram a week's entertainment into a single night.

Not everything is back ''exactly'' the way it was. There is a back-alley off Metals Street just behind Lorazo's Smithy that is barely fifty yards long but it still emerges on Bleeker Street despite the fact that Bleeker Street is almost a mile away. There is a bookdealers in Three Corpse Culvert called Newcomers's Books which has five complete floors to it, as well as a basement, despite being housed in a single story building. There is a statue of Salt Lord Kaliact on the dockfront which slowly changes position, but only when someone is looking at it: otherwise, it is perfectly still. For the large part, these magics are muted and minor, at least compared with the torrent that swept the city when the confluence was in effect.

It is not clear what caused the confluence, or what it ended it for that matter. It is easy to imagine that it was the Whisper Gallery, too easy in the minds of many dramaturgists, who are convinced that the tale cannot be that simple. Dramaturgy has certain resonances that lend itself to the Whisper Gallery's games, but it is not solely the province of Night, after all.

Once the Barossa University of the Dramaturgical Arts is complete, they will be in a position to investigate dramaturgical magic more thoroughly. If they can examine the personae, thrones and instruments, and any lingering effects of the confluence, this might give insight into what happened in Apulus. Even if it doesn't, it will certainly leave the Empire much better prepared were ''another'' confluence to form which would be useful given how eager eternals appear to have been to take advantage of this one.

This is the end

2026-07-17T17:47:38Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The moment prepared for */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>
SCENE: A COURTYARD IN SHADOW. MUSIC PLAYS FAR AWAY. THEY SPEAK, FILLING THE COURTYARD WITH WHISPERS, THEIR VOICES GLITTERING LIKE GEMSTONES.

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "Quite a shame, quite a shame. We did so like that city. Oh, waily waily, our house in ruins...! What a beautiful game it was, though - and such good sports all."

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "We shall return, perhaps, in a less fervent season? Though now it is under the cursed serpent's aegis... by the void and abyss, how I hate that cursèd songbird!"

'''RUBY VOICE:''' "All the more reason to skulk in secret, my dearest darling confidante. We'll find places, and people will whisper to us once more. The circle turns, and tickets are always on sale."

'''TOPAZ VOICE:''' "And what of the rest? The sloth? The hybrid? The chatterer? The firestorm? All in their tedium. They'll all be clamouring to be there now. Not to even speak of --"

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "-- don't you go on so, beloved. We were the first! First to notice the potential of the place, before the feathered bore stuck in her beak. Art is about getting everyone talking."

'''RUBY VOICE:''' "First to roost, and first to flee. Such is our lot. O, what an ill-fated star for the beloved of cats. Friendless, now, abandoned by our confidantes. Even dearest Teodore... even--"

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "-- you know I heard the Barossa priest is to defend Bela Vicente. Rumour speaks, companions mine, that he does so out of an obligation we created - how exceptionally droll."

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "Ah, Asav. Pleasant, this time of year. Now there's a place that appreciates the value of intrigue. Not like these Catazzari secret-murderers, addicted to truth's dishonesty."

'''TOPAZ VOICE:''' "Or Jarm. Our friends in the Violet Forest have been saying we have been neglecting them. Though they keep busy anyway, I hear. There's always a way where there's a will."

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "So we're agreed. A sojourn onwards to new retreats for this merry band of players and artists. We must prepare for the next debut. Where one curtain falls, after all, another rises."

THE FIGURES RETREAT FROM THE SHADOWS. A SMALL ALBINO KITTEN WANDERS OUT ONTO THE STAGE. IT LOOKS TOWARDS THE AUDIENCE. IT LOOKS AT YOU.

Letitia lowered the pages, trying to keep her face neutral, but Mario saw through her immediately. He jutted his jaw pugnaciously, and she could see him getting angry with her before she had even opened her mouth.

"Well?" He demanded. She tried to plaster a smile on her face but it wouldn't stick and slipped off, possibly because she had started to sweat.

"It's a bit... I mean it's very good obviously." The last bit was spoken very fast indeed because she'd noticed Mario had one hand on the pommel of the rod at his side. The playwright's days of fighting for the Conclave were past, but he kept the rod to remind people that as well as wrangling words he could still crack heads when the situation called for it.

"A bit what," he said, refusing to let it go.

"It's a bit... it's a bit.. <small>over the top?</small>"

Mario ripped the pages from her hands and threw them on the ground. The rest of the company turned to gawk, as actors are wont to do. Two of the stage hands took the opportunity to nip off for a quick break.

"FINE!" Mario shouted in a voice Letitia swore was making the rafter vibrate. He could project when he wanted to. "You ''wanted'' a play about the Whisper Gallery but I ''give'' you a play about the Whisper Gallery and what do you do? You ''criticise''! You throw it back in my face! ''You'' write a play that captures the enigmatic nature of the Lords of the Chiaroscuran Throne then! You clearly know what you want better than I do!" The playwright stormed out.

Letitia squeezed the bridge of her nose. She hated bringing the company to Spiral, because of exactly this kind of thing. What, she wondered - not for the first time - did the Black Plateau have against art?</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below.jpg|caption='''Sofonisba Amilcara''' is somehow the map to the City Below. Exactly what that means is... well, a mystery.|align=left|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
The peculiar dramaturgic confluence that began in the city of Apulus more than a year ago, seems to have a reached a crescendo. Against a backdrop of running battles in the Apulus streets between [[This is the end|strangely-coloured cats with mispaired eyes and songbirds with rainbow feathers]], a cadre of military units arrives in the city to help Sofonisba Amilcara "map the city below".

Apparently convinced that there is not enough night magic running amok in the territory, someone has laid a powerful enchantment over the territory. It brings strange dreams that seemed to be linked to ongoing events. Many people suddenly awaken from dreams in which they were part of the ongoing war, fighting as either a cat or a bird against the enemy trying to seize control of the city.

Despite the strangeness, most inhabitants of Spiral find sleep brings renewed optimism and vigour. The city is filled with a feverish energy, and on the lonely mountain slopes those that live there are filled with a new joy after many sorrows. Things live. This is an old place, with a history beyond imagining, and it seems impossible it could ever be abandoned, so tightly and beautifully does it command the heart of those who call it home.

==Talon and claw==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Great Eared-Nightjar.jpg|align=right|caption=The war between birds and cats is over, and the city echoes with birdsong.|width=450}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rainbow cat.jpg|caption=The war between birds and cats is over, and the cats have decided they'd actually rather not live in the city any more thank you.|align=left|width=450}}</div>
</div>
* '''The war between the cats and the birds is over'''
* '''The birds have driven the cats out of the city'''
* '''Birdsong is now everywhere in Apulus, drowning out the emanations of the Black Plateau'''

As the season wears on, the war for dominion in Apulus intensifies with open fighting on the streets between the two rivals gangs. The first major battle takes place on Mulberry Avenue; a large flock of common blackbirds are deployed to the area, but as soon as they alight on the walls and rooftops, they are set upon by a force of cats that are lying in wait for them. Like soldiers under [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], the cats are able to strike with perfect coordination, taking the enemy by surprise, killing two and driving the rest away. Days later a group of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightjar nightjars] are attacked in the same way on Bleeker Street with similar results.

Despite this, it soon becomes clear that the cats are ''not'' winning. Eventually the birds are able to arrange an ambush of their own. A group of cats surround a tiny thrush that appears to have recklessly alighted on a branch on the old yew tree outside the Lone Reveller, a well-regarded eatery on the city's central plaza. Cats converge on the bird from every side-street, but as they do a huge flock of birds of prey plummet from the sky. Amber hawks lancing down to the streets below, plummeting kites with beautiful argent feathers, diving merlins whose feathers bear the rune of wealth.

A battle royale takes place all across the plaza, but the cats are badly outnumbered and outmatched and they are routed in short order. From that point on, no cat is seen in the plaza, thereafter it is the secure demesne of beautiful songbirds. The pattern repeats all across the city and soon the cats are in full retreat. In dribs and drabs they flee the city, seeking refuge in the citadels and spires that still dot the hills and mountains of the territory. By the end of the season, there is not a single cat of any kind left in Apulus.

In their place, the city is filled with birds of every kind and colour imaginable. Most are flighty and wary of people, but the smaller ones come close if fed with seed. Their birdsong fills the city, countless beautiful songs, each one different to the last, are now audible on every street and avenue in the city. Those whose cats have fled mourn the loss of their pets, but the presence of the birds is so beneficial it is hard to be entirely disgruntled. Somehow, the birdsong it entirely drowns out the constant malevolence coming from the Black Plateau, leaving the city well-protected and serene.

The strangely coloured cats with the mispaired eyes have not quit the territory entirely. Every Urizeni spire, every Urizeni magician, has been approached by at least one of the odd cats, seeking adoption and shared cohabitation. Negotiations are opened with offers of dead mice, and the promise of a study completely free of flies and other insects. Despite the obvious concerns, all magical investigation reveals that while the cats are unusually clever and conspiratorial, and clearly touched by night magic, they are not otherwise marked by any connection to the realm or any one of it's inhabitants. Any Urizeni magician who wishes, now has at least one cat whose fur is a single primary color, like a bright red or a deep green, with mispaired eyes. The cats are hard working, keeping spires clear of insects and vermin and they are all highly companionable. They clearly welcome human company and like to snuggle close when people are talking or otherwise engaged.

==Never follow me==
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Alistair de Vere</td><td>House de Vere</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alys de Vere</td><td>House de Vere</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>D'Eon</td><td>Anvil Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Desmond Redbear Steward</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Earl Enchanter Severin De Manticore</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Evrard Taillier</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lady Soleil-Jolie duLac</td><td>House duLac</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lerac Birdkeep</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lord Bors "The Middle" du Merciel</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mirella of the Twisted Rose</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Olwyn Pickle</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Perrin Syrenus</td><td>House Syrenus</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ser Percival of de Licorne</td><td>House de Licorne</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Adrianna</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caius</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Quintus</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Renata</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Carmine de Sarvos "Father"</td><td>The Printers' Guild</td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Natalia 'The Falcon' Barossa</td><td>Company of The Red Fox</td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below</td><td></td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aella</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Althaea Sunshaper</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Argentus</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Atreus</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cassian Highwind</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Corinthius</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cyrus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cyrus Stillwater</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Donato of the Crucible</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fausta Ankarien</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Floria Sunshaper</td><td>Sunshaper Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grakulus</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Halkyon of the Myriad Stream</td><td>The Banner of the Spiral Council</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ignatious</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Linos</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Magnus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marcus</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sabina</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Shibboleth Tziporah</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Valerius</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Varrus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vespasian</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Xanthippe Of the Lighthouse-That-Was</td><td>Arete's Promise</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Sofonisba Amilcara has successfully become the Map to the City Below'''
* '''The military units who assisted her have uncovered a lair under the dominion of the Whisper Gallery below the Vicente School and Orphanage'''
* '''The lair has been destroyed but the Whisper Gallery has stolen the Orphanage that was hiding it'''
* '''Sung has rewarded the Map to the City Below for their efforts'''
* '''There is a pack insert for everyone who took part in the venture that contains words that might describe their experience'''
<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sung001b.JPG|width=350|align=right}}
{{HoverImage|WhisperGal004.png|width=350|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>
At the request of the [[Sung|Rainbow Serpent]], Sofonisba Amilcara - the magician the League Assembly has appointed to become the "Map to the City Below" - successfully arranged just under forty five military units to support their efforts to explore the the sewers and passageways that lie beneath the old city. Fears that the [[Whisper Gallery]] would found a way to hinder their efforts have proved unfounded and the force was more than enough to achieve the eternal's goals, whatever they might be. They haven't actually managed to produce a physical map that anyone can check - in fact many of the military units don't actually seem to do anything other than spend long nights in deep slumber - but that's fine because there was already a perfectly practical map of the sewers anyway. And yet, and yet..

There were revelations at the recent summit of a terrible conspiracy at the heart of the Empire. A cult of the Whisper Gallery has been exposed: involving not only the duSesna Guild of Reckoners in Apulus, but, it is said, the ''very'' highest levels of the Conclave itself. A web of lies and deceit has been spun that has left many wondering who they can truly trust. Thus, it is not a complete shock, when Sofonisba and her allies report that they have discovered a lair of the Whisper Gallery here in Apulus.

The Shadow Den of the Adumbral Volution is something akin to a ''fane''. It has been established in the basement of the [[Custodian_of_the_Vicente_School_and_Orphanage|Vicente School and Orphanage]], not by the action of the Senate, but by the action of wicked cultists. Somehow these agents of wickedness have suborned the title-holder's natural authority over the orphanage and used it to grant dominion to the Whisper Gallery, despite the Senate's lack of formal [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Cession|cession]]. In practical terms, the result is not that different to a [[fane]] - its presence here has allowed the eternal to operate freely in the city - only in this case nobody knew it was happening. Sadly it is difficult to discern more, for the Orphanage has been lost in the battle. The allies of Sung claim they didn't destroy the building; if that is true, the most likely alternative is that the Whisper Gallery has chosen to spirit it away somehow. If the eternal can't have the school, neither can the Empire, it would seem.

<div {{float}}><box>
'''Night Marks'''
<p>Apulus has been left permanently marked by the dominion of the Whisper Gallery. Every magician who examines the marks agrees that there is nothing that can be done about them, but they aren't a threat to the city ''right now''. They may become an issue in the future, but if that happens there will be a way to deal with them then.</p>

<p>They might draw the attention of other night eternals seeking to become involved in the City Below, or they might create an [[opportunity]] for the Whisper Gallery to cause trouble for citizens of Spiral. They exist in case we choose to use them for a new plot involving the eternal in the future.</p></box></div>

The Shadow Den has been uprooted, and the baleful influence of the Whisper Gallery on Apulus has been ended. The duSesna Guild have gone to ground, fleeing Apulus. In time most will likely be found and brought to justice by [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|enterprising captains]] - for they no longer have anywhere to hide, here. Sofonisba reports that she and the captains supporting her have overturned the lair and run the Whisper Gallery out of the city. The eternal is defeated... but their presence here has seeped in to the stones of the city. The wound has healed, but the ''scar'' remains. Magicians who cast [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] while in Apulus can sense ''something'' which most agree are the marks left on the city by the eternal. A parting gift from the Shadow Courtiers: the magical equivalent of graffiti scrawled on the toilet walls.

There is nothing that can be done about this now: not without razing the city to the ground and beginning again. There is little to fear from these marks in and of themselves - they don't have any power over the city or anyone who dwells in it. The only influence they could have would be to make the city a little more secretive and conspiratorial - and really... this is Apulus. Would anyone even notice at this point?

It would be unwise to forget about the marks completely however. The Whisper Gallery has had to expend considerable effort to create the marks. The ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' has demonstrated that the Empire can drive it out, but they cannot remove every trace of its influence. The marks show that the eternal had dominion here once and that perhaps, it intends to return one day to reclaim its prize. Perhaps for that reason, Sung has rewarded the Map to the City Below, empowering them to protect the city from the malevolent wickedness of the Whisper Gallery.

==Take a chance with us==
* '''Other Night eternals have inquired if they might themselves receive a berth in the City Below'''
* '''In particular, the Azoth and Sadogua have drawn up some curious proposals'''
* '''The actual effect of building these commissions is a mystery - but Sung guarantees a measure of protection and safety under the shadow of her wings'''

<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Delectable Refectory'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' Materials: 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 rings of ilium, and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Delectable Refectory would need to be ceded to Sadogua</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' All the effects of this edifice are a mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Grand Laboratory'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' Materials: 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 weirwood, 10 rings of ilium, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The edifice would need to be ceded to Azoth</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' All the effects of this edifice are a mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
As predicted, the completion of Sung's fane has drawn attention from other Night eternals - and the routing of the Cavalcade of Purrs has only heightened that, for there is little love lost between the Shadow Courtiers and the other denizens of the realm. Heralds working for both the [[Azoth]] and [[Sadogua]] have begun seen now regularly in the city this season and have also come to call at spires and citadels across the territory. The two eternals have made no secret of the fact that they would ''dearly'' love a place within the City Below to call their own.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Sadogua001d.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
Sadogua, perhaps predictably, has taken a close interest in the [[The_play_that_came_to_Apulian#Curiouser_and_Curiouser|dramaturgical college]]. His heralds have presented his "suggestions" for an annex to the University; specifically, ''Batfather'' feels that the current plans fail to take into account the need to ensure that students and teachers are replete with find food and drink, so that they can indulge themselves when needed or deserved. As such, the ''Brother of Wizards'' suggests the construction of what he calls the Delectable Refectory. This would be an edifice ceded to Sadogua - a fane for all practical terms - at which banquets would be served for those who cared to attend them, "with plenty of extra trimmings and custard for all as wants them, and hammocks provided too to aid in after-dinner digestion". Everyone would be welcome to attend, but the Refectory would be housed inside a Night regio, so they would need to cast [[operate portal]] to enter, or have some other means of ingress and egress.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crucible.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
The Azoth has let it be known that it, too, would like a home in the city of night. They envisage a Grand Laboratory that is attached to the growing University of Apulus, though to what end is unclear. As such, they propose that in lieu of actual plans, a suitable quantity of building materials could be acquired first. Then, once they had been arranged, ''Makeready'' would provide the builders and craftspersons with several dozen of its finest alchemical concoctions. After that, they could be encouraged to "just sort of make what comes to mind - no wrong answers!", as one herald put it. Such an... unconventional... approach would be ''guaranteed'' to produce something original and creative. Whether that is an entirely good idea is open to criticism, as one Holberg professor of civil engineering dryly comments "You can overrate the value of originality when suspending three tons of roofing tiles over someone's head".

Either, or both, of these edifices could be constructed and ceded so long as the [[Conclave]] does not declare its enmity on either Eternal. Experienced magicians caution that doing so is bound to provide some benefits to the city, but will inevitably attract even more attention from the other night eternals. [[Lashonar]] and [[Janon]] are both under emnity at the moment, preventing their heralds from ''appearing'' in Spiral, even despite the enchantment over the territory, but there are murmurings that they share the desire of their fellow wyrms and serpents to engage.

There are clear risks in ceding anything to an eternal of course, not least what happens if the Empire decides to change its mind. However the heralds attending the [[Map_to_the_City_Below|Chamber of Euphony]] claim that ''Spiral Dancer'' has enfolded her wings around Apulus, protecting its mysteries and its occupants from harm. Now that the battle for Apulus is won, other night eternals seeking a foothold in the city would be bound to acknowledge Sung's ascendency. The protection provided by the ''Rainbow Serpent'' is something of a double-edged sword - it preserves mysteries, making it literally impossible for Sadogua or Azoth to know what the edifices they propose might ultimately do, but it severely restricts the ability of any eternal to act with genuine malice or deceit. It is not impossible that an eternal could circumvent such protection, Sung is not all knowing and is as prone to error as any mortal, but it would make it vastly more difficult.

This is why Spiral Dancer has created the Map to the City Below. Having successfully driven the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' from Spiral, the Map is now "bound" to the City. Sung's heralds don't actually mean bound in the way a magical item is [[create bond|bound]] to its owner, but they clearly mean something similar. It is clear that Sung believes that a map of the city represents the city in a way that goes beyond what a mortal cartographer might assume. Mortals see the map as an image that represents the city - Sung views it the other way round, regarding the city as a reflection of the map. To the eternal, the map is real and concrete while the city is abstract and symbolic.

Which is all a lot of fancy magical bollocks in the minds of many practical League business folk. What it actually ''means'' is that the "Map" will usually be the first to know if the city is threatened by an eternal. Or that the Map will know about any threat as soon as Sung does. Or that Sung will know about any threat as soon as the Map does. At least one of those things is definitely true, possibly all of them. Straight answers are rare with some night eternals, and none more so than the ''Lord of Illusions''.

==The moment prepared for==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Seductive and Mysterious.jpg|caption=Dramaturgy is at once bold and obvious, but also subtle and enigmatic. A play is an easy thing to understand, but its effect on the mind and the spirit not quite so straightforward.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
* '''The dramaturgical confluence has largely ceased, though its cause and nature remain an elusive mystery'''
The dramaturgical confluence that began with the streets of Apulus beginning to stretch and tangle seems to have finally ended. Dramaturgists report that the personae and the thrones seem to be behaving more normally, at least for now. To the disappointment of some, the streets of Apulus seem to have largely settled down. Things are finally where they should be. Good news for accountants who are late for important meetings to go through the books with a client, bad news for cicisbeo who discover they can no longer cram a week's entertainment into a single night.

Not everything is back ''exactly'' the way it was. There is a back-alley off Metals Street just behind Lorazo's Smithy that is barely fifty yards long but it still emerges on Bleeker Street despite the fact that Bleeker Street is almost a mile away. There is a bookdealers in Three Corpse Culvert called Newcomers's Books which has five complete floors to it, as well as a basement, despite being housed in a single story building. There is a statue of Salt Lord Kaliact on the dockfront which slowly changes position, but only when someone is looking at it: otherwise, it is perfectly still. For the large part, these magics are muted and minor, at least compared with the torrent that swept the city when the confluence was in effect.

It is not clear what caused the confluence, or what it ended it for that matter. It is easy to imagine that it was the Whisper Gallery, too easy in the minds of many dramaturgists, who are convinced that the tale cannot be that simple. Dramaturgy has certain resonances that lend itself to the Whisper Gallery's games, but it is not solely the province of Night, after all.

Once the Barossa University of the Dramaturgical Arts is complete, they will be in a position to investigate dramaturgical magic more thoroughly. If they can examine the personae, thrones and instruments, and any lingering effects of the confluence, this might give insight into what happened in Apulus. Even if it doesn't, it will certainly leave the Empire much better prepared were ''another'' confluence to form which would be useful given how eager eternals appear to have been to take advantage of this one.

This is the end

2026-07-17T17:47:17Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The moment prepared for */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>
SCENE: A COURTYARD IN SHADOW. MUSIC PLAYS FAR AWAY. THEY SPEAK, FILLING THE COURTYARD WITH WHISPERS, THEIR VOICES GLITTERING LIKE GEMSTONES.

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "Quite a shame, quite a shame. We did so like that city. Oh, waily waily, our house in ruins...! What a beautiful game it was, though - and such good sports all."

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "We shall return, perhaps, in a less fervent season? Though now it is under the cursed serpent's aegis... by the void and abyss, how I hate that cursèd songbird!"

'''RUBY VOICE:''' "All the more reason to skulk in secret, my dearest darling confidante. We'll find places, and people will whisper to us once more. The circle turns, and tickets are always on sale."

'''TOPAZ VOICE:''' "And what of the rest? The sloth? The hybrid? The chatterer? The firestorm? All in their tedium. They'll all be clamouring to be there now. Not to even speak of --"

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "-- don't you go on so, beloved. We were the first! First to notice the potential of the place, before the feathered bore stuck in her beak. Art is about getting everyone talking."

'''RUBY VOICE:''' "First to roost, and first to flee. Such is our lot. O, what an ill-fated star for the beloved of cats. Friendless, now, abandoned by our confidantes. Even dearest Teodore... even--"

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "-- you know I heard the Barossa priest is to defend Bela Vicente. Rumour speaks, companions mine, that he does so out of an obligation we created - how exceptionally droll."

'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "Ah, Asav. Pleasant, this time of year. Now there's a place that appreciates the value of intrigue. Not like these Catazzari secret-murderers, addicted to truth's dishonesty."

'''TOPAZ VOICE:''' "Or Jarm. Our friends in the Violet Forest have been saying we have been neglecting them. Though they keep busy anyway, I hear. There's always a way where there's a will."

'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "So we're agreed. A sojourn onwards to new retreats for this merry band of players and artists. We must prepare for the next debut. Where one curtain falls, after all, another rises."

THE FIGURES RETREAT FROM THE SHADOWS. A SMALL ALBINO KITTEN WANDERS OUT ONTO THE STAGE. IT LOOKS TOWARDS THE AUDIENCE. IT LOOKS AT YOU.

Letitia lowered the pages, trying to keep her face neutral, but Mario saw through her immediately. He jutted his jaw pugnaciously, and she could see him getting angry with her before she had even opened her mouth.

"Well?" He demanded. She tried to plaster a smile on her face but it wouldn't stick and slipped off, possibly because she had started to sweat.

"It's a bit... I mean it's very good obviously." The last bit was spoken very fast indeed because she'd noticed Mario had one hand on the pommel of the rod at his side. The playwright's days of fighting for the Conclave were past, but he kept the rod to remind people that as well as wrangling words he could still crack heads when the situation called for it.

"A bit what," he said, refusing to let it go.

"It's a bit... it's a bit.. <small>over the top?</small>"

Mario ripped the pages from her hands and threw them on the ground. The rest of the company turned to gawk, as actors are wont to do. Two of the stage hands took the opportunity to nip off for a quick break.

"FINE!" Mario shouted in a voice Letitia swore was making the rafter vibrate. He could project when he wanted to. "You ''wanted'' a play about the Whisper Gallery but I ''give'' you a play about the Whisper Gallery and what do you do? You ''criticise''! You throw it back in my face! ''You'' write a play that captures the enigmatic nature of the Lords of the Chiaroscuran Throne then! You clearly know what you want better than I do!" The playwright stormed out.

Letitia squeezed the bridge of her nose. She hated bringing the company to Spiral, because of exactly this kind of thing. What, she wondered - not for the first time - did the Black Plateau have against art?</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below.jpg|caption='''Sofonisba Amilcara''' is somehow the map to the City Below. Exactly what that means is... well, a mystery.|align=left|width=350}}</div>
==Overview==
The peculiar dramaturgic confluence that began in the city of Apulus more than a year ago, seems to have a reached a crescendo. Against a backdrop of running battles in the Apulus streets between [[This is the end|strangely-coloured cats with mispaired eyes and songbirds with rainbow feathers]], a cadre of military units arrives in the city to help Sofonisba Amilcara "map the city below".

Apparently convinced that there is not enough night magic running amok in the territory, someone has laid a powerful enchantment over the territory. It brings strange dreams that seemed to be linked to ongoing events. Many people suddenly awaken from dreams in which they were part of the ongoing war, fighting as either a cat or a bird against the enemy trying to seize control of the city.

Despite the strangeness, most inhabitants of Spiral find sleep brings renewed optimism and vigour. The city is filled with a feverish energy, and on the lonely mountain slopes those that live there are filled with a new joy after many sorrows. Things live. This is an old place, with a history beyond imagining, and it seems impossible it could ever be abandoned, so tightly and beautifully does it command the heart of those who call it home.

==Talon and claw==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right; margin: 15px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Great Eared-Nightjar.jpg|align=right|caption=The war between birds and cats is over, and the city echoes with birdsong.|width=450}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rainbow cat.jpg|caption=The war between birds and cats is over, and the cats have decided they'd actually rather not live in the city any more thank you.|align=left|width=450}}</div>
</div>
* '''The war between the cats and the birds is over'''
* '''The birds have driven the cats out of the city'''
* '''Birdsong is now everywhere in Apulus, drowning out the emanations of the Black Plateau'''

As the season wears on, the war for dominion in Apulus intensifies with open fighting on the streets between the two rivals gangs. The first major battle takes place on Mulberry Avenue; a large flock of common blackbirds are deployed to the area, but as soon as they alight on the walls and rooftops, they are set upon by a force of cats that are lying in wait for them. Like soldiers under [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], the cats are able to strike with perfect coordination, taking the enemy by surprise, killing two and driving the rest away. Days later a group of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightjar nightjars] are attacked in the same way on Bleeker Street with similar results.

Despite this, it soon becomes clear that the cats are ''not'' winning. Eventually the birds are able to arrange an ambush of their own. A group of cats surround a tiny thrush that appears to have recklessly alighted on a branch on the old yew tree outside the Lone Reveller, a well-regarded eatery on the city's central plaza. Cats converge on the bird from every side-street, but as they do a huge flock of birds of prey plummet from the sky. Amber hawks lancing down to the streets below, plummeting kites with beautiful argent feathers, diving merlins whose feathers bear the rune of wealth.

A battle royale takes place all across the plaza, but the cats are badly outnumbered and outmatched and they are routed in short order. From that point on, no cat is seen in the plaza, thereafter it is the secure demesne of beautiful songbirds. The pattern repeats all across the city and soon the cats are in full retreat. In dribs and drabs they flee the city, seeking refuge in the citadels and spires that still dot the hills and mountains of the territory. By the end of the season, there is not a single cat of any kind left in Apulus.

In their place, the city is filled with birds of every kind and colour imaginable. Most are flighty and wary of people, but the smaller ones come close if fed with seed. Their birdsong fills the city, countless beautiful songs, each one different to the last, are now audible on every street and avenue in the city. Those whose cats have fled mourn the loss of their pets, but the presence of the birds is so beneficial it is hard to be entirely disgruntled. Somehow, the birdsong it entirely drowns out the constant malevolence coming from the Black Plateau, leaving the city well-protected and serene.

The strangely coloured cats with the mispaired eyes have not quit the territory entirely. Every Urizeni spire, every Urizeni magician, has been approached by at least one of the odd cats, seeking adoption and shared cohabitation. Negotiations are opened with offers of dead mice, and the promise of a study completely free of flies and other insects. Despite the obvious concerns, all magical investigation reveals that while the cats are unusually clever and conspiratorial, and clearly touched by night magic, they are not otherwise marked by any connection to the realm or any one of it's inhabitants. Any Urizeni magician who wishes, now has at least one cat whose fur is a single primary color, like a bright red or a deep green, with mispaired eyes. The cats are hard working, keeping spires clear of insects and vermin and they are all highly companionable. They clearly welcome human company and like to snuggle close when people are talking or otherwise engaged.

==Never follow me==
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Alistair de Vere</td><td>House de Vere</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alys de Vere</td><td>House de Vere</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>D'Eon</td><td>Anvil Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Desmond Redbear Steward</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Earl Enchanter Severin De Manticore</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Evrard Taillier</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lady Soleil-Jolie duLac</td><td>House duLac</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lerac Birdkeep</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lord Bors "The Middle" du Merciel</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mirella of the Twisted Rose</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Olwyn Pickle</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Perrin Syrenus</td><td>House Syrenus</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ser Percival of de Licorne</td><td>House de Licorne</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Adrianna</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caius</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Quintus</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Renata</td><td>Fellowship of the Cinion Dawn</td><td>Silver Flame</td></tr>
<tr><td>Carmine de Sarvos "Father"</td><td>The Printers' Guild</td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Natalia 'The Falcon' Barossa</td><td>Company of The Red Fox</td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below</td><td></td><td>The League</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aella</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Althaea Sunshaper</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arephanes of Tropaion Citadel</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Argentus</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Atreus</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cassian Highwind</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Corinthius</td><td>The Wise Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cyrus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cyrus Stillwater</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Donato of the Crucible</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fausta Ankarien</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Floria Sunshaper</td><td>Sunshaper Citadel</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grakulus</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Halkyon of the Myriad Stream</td><td>The Banner of the Spiral Council</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ignatious</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Linos</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Magnus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marcus</td><td>The Citadel of the Still Waters</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sabina</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Shibboleth Tziporah</td><td></td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Valerius</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Varrus</td><td>Urizen, Whole</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vespasian</td><td>Tropaion</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
<tr><td>Xanthippe Of the Lighthouse-That-Was</td><td>Arete's Promise</td><td>Urizen</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Sofonisba Amilcara has successfully become the Map to the City Below'''
* '''The military units who assisted her have uncovered a lair under the dominion of the Whisper Gallery below the Vicente School and Orphanage'''
* '''The lair has been destroyed but the Whisper Gallery has stolen the Orphanage that was hiding it'''
* '''Sung has rewarded the Map to the City Below for their efforts'''
* '''There is a pack insert for everyone who took part in the venture that contains words that might describe their experience'''
<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sung001b.JPG|width=350|align=right}}
{{HoverImage|WhisperGal004.png|width=350|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>
At the request of the [[Sung|Rainbow Serpent]], Sofonisba Amilcara - the magician the League Assembly has appointed to become the "Map to the City Below" - successfully arranged just under forty five military units to support their efforts to explore the the sewers and passageways that lie beneath the old city. Fears that the [[Whisper Gallery]] would found a way to hinder their efforts have proved unfounded and the force was more than enough to achieve the eternal's goals, whatever they might be. They haven't actually managed to produce a physical map that anyone can check - in fact many of the military units don't actually seem to do anything other than spend long nights in deep slumber - but that's fine because there was already a perfectly practical map of the sewers anyway. And yet, and yet..

There were revelations at the recent summit of a terrible conspiracy at the heart of the Empire. A cult of the Whisper Gallery has been exposed: involving not only the duSesna Guild of Reckoners in Apulus, but, it is said, the ''very'' highest levels of the Conclave itself. A web of lies and deceit has been spun that has left many wondering who they can truly trust. Thus, it is not a complete shock, when Sofonisba and her allies report that they have discovered a lair of the Whisper Gallery here in Apulus.

The Shadow Den of the Adumbral Volution is something akin to a ''fane''. It has been established in the basement of the [[Custodian_of_the_Vicente_School_and_Orphanage|Vicente School and Orphanage]], not by the action of the Senate, but by the action of wicked cultists. Somehow these agents of wickedness have suborned the title-holder's natural authority over the orphanage and used it to grant dominion to the Whisper Gallery, despite the Senate's lack of formal [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Cession|cession]]. In practical terms, the result is not that different to a [[fane]] - its presence here has allowed the eternal to operate freely in the city - only in this case nobody knew it was happening. Sadly it is difficult to discern more, for the Orphanage has been lost in the battle. The allies of Sung claim they didn't destroy the building; if that is true, the most likely alternative is that the Whisper Gallery has chosen to spirit it away somehow. If the eternal can't have the school, neither can the Empire, it would seem.

<div {{float}}><box>
'''Night Marks'''
<p>Apulus has been left permanently marked by the dominion of the Whisper Gallery. Every magician who examines the marks agrees that there is nothing that can be done about them, but they aren't a threat to the city ''right now''. They may become an issue in the future, but if that happens there will be a way to deal with them then.</p>

<p>They might draw the attention of other night eternals seeking to become involved in the City Below, or they might create an [[opportunity]] for the Whisper Gallery to cause trouble for citizens of Spiral. They exist in case we choose to use them for a new plot involving the eternal in the future.</p></box></div>

The Shadow Den has been uprooted, and the baleful influence of the Whisper Gallery on Apulus has been ended. The duSesna Guild have gone to ground, fleeing Apulus. In time most will likely be found and brought to justice by [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|enterprising captains]] - for they no longer have anywhere to hide, here. Sofonisba reports that she and the captains supporting her have overturned the lair and run the Whisper Gallery out of the city. The eternal is defeated... but their presence here has seeped in to the stones of the city. The wound has healed, but the ''scar'' remains. Magicians who cast [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] while in Apulus can sense ''something'' which most agree are the marks left on the city by the eternal. A parting gift from the Shadow Courtiers: the magical equivalent of graffiti scrawled on the toilet walls.

There is nothing that can be done about this now: not without razing the city to the ground and beginning again. There is little to fear from these marks in and of themselves - they don't have any power over the city or anyone who dwells in it. The only influence they could have would be to make the city a little more secretive and conspiratorial - and really... this is Apulus. Would anyone even notice at this point?

It would be unwise to forget about the marks completely however. The Whisper Gallery has had to expend considerable effort to create the marks. The ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' has demonstrated that the Empire can drive it out, but they cannot remove every trace of its influence. The marks show that the eternal had dominion here once and that perhaps, it intends to return one day to reclaim its prize. Perhaps for that reason, Sung has rewarded the Map to the City Below, empowering them to protect the city from the malevolent wickedness of the Whisper Gallery.

==Take a chance with us==
* '''Other Night eternals have inquired if they might themselves receive a berth in the City Below'''
* '''In particular, the Azoth and Sadogua have drawn up some curious proposals'''
* '''The actual effect of building these commissions is a mystery - but Sung guarantees a measure of protection and safety under the shadow of her wings'''

<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Delectable Refectory'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' Materials: 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 rings of ilium, and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Delectable Refectory would need to be ceded to Sadogua</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' All the effects of this edifice are a mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Grand Laboratory'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' Materials: 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 weirwood, 10 rings of ilium, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The edifice would need to be ceded to Azoth</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' All the effects of this edifice are a mystery</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year, until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
As predicted, the completion of Sung's fane has drawn attention from other Night eternals - and the routing of the Cavalcade of Purrs has only heightened that, for there is little love lost between the Shadow Courtiers and the other denizens of the realm. Heralds working for both the [[Azoth]] and [[Sadogua]] have begun seen now regularly in the city this season and have also come to call at spires and citadels across the territory. The two eternals have made no secret of the fact that they would ''dearly'' love a place within the City Below to call their own.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Sadogua001d.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
Sadogua, perhaps predictably, has taken a close interest in the [[The_play_that_came_to_Apulian#Curiouser_and_Curiouser|dramaturgical college]]. His heralds have presented his "suggestions" for an annex to the University; specifically, ''Batfather'' feels that the current plans fail to take into account the need to ensure that students and teachers are replete with find food and drink, so that they can indulge themselves when needed or deserved. As such, the ''Brother of Wizards'' suggests the construction of what he calls the Delectable Refectory. This would be an edifice ceded to Sadogua - a fane for all practical terms - at which banquets would be served for those who cared to attend them, "with plenty of extra trimmings and custard for all as wants them, and hammocks provided too to aid in after-dinner digestion". Everyone would be welcome to attend, but the Refectory would be housed inside a Night regio, so they would need to cast [[operate portal]] to enter, or have some other means of ingress and egress.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crucible.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
The Azoth has let it be known that it, too, would like a home in the city of night. They envisage a Grand Laboratory that is attached to the growing University of Apulus, though to what end is unclear. As such, they propose that in lieu of actual plans, a suitable quantity of building materials could be acquired first. Then, once they had been arranged, ''Makeready'' would provide the builders and craftspersons with several dozen of its finest alchemical concoctions. After that, they could be encouraged to "just sort of make what comes to mind - no wrong answers!", as one herald put it. Such an... unconventional... approach would be ''guaranteed'' to produce something original and creative. Whether that is an entirely good idea is open to criticism, as one Holberg professor of civil engineering dryly comments "You can overrate the value of originality when suspending three tons of roofing tiles over someone's head".

Either, or both, of these edifices could be constructed and ceded so long as the [[Conclave]] does not declare its enmity on either Eternal. Experienced magicians caution that doing so is bound to provide some benefits to the city, but will inevitably attract even more attention from the other night eternals. [[Lashonar]] and [[Janon]] are both under emnity at the moment, preventing their heralds from ''appearing'' in Spiral, even despite the enchantment over the territory, but there are murmurings that they share the desire of their fellow wyrms and serpents to engage.

There are clear risks in ceding anything to an eternal of course, not least what happens if the Empire decides to change its mind. However the heralds attending the [[Map_to_the_City_Below|Chamber of Euphony]] claim that ''Spiral Dancer'' has enfolded her wings around Apulus, protecting its mysteries and its occupants from harm. Now that the battle for Apulus is won, other night eternals seeking a foothold in the city would be bound to acknowledge Sung's ascendency. The protection provided by the ''Rainbow Serpent'' is something of a double-edged sword - it preserves mysteries, making it literally impossible for Sadogua or Azoth to know what the edifices they propose might ultimately do, but it severely restricts the ability of any eternal to act with genuine malice or deceit. It is not impossible that an eternal could circumvent such protection, Sung is not all knowing and is as prone to error as any mortal, but it would make it vastly more difficult.

This is why Spiral Dancer has created the Map to the City Below. Having successfully driven the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'' from Spiral, the Map is now "bound" to the City. Sung's heralds don't actually mean bound in the way a magical item is [[create bond|bound]] to its owner, but they clearly mean something similar. It is clear that Sung believes that a map of the city represents the city in a way that goes beyond what a mortal cartographer might assume. Mortals see the map as an image that represents the city - Sung views it the other way round, regarding the city as a reflection of the map. To the eternal, the map is real and concrete while the city is abstract and symbolic.

Which is all a lot of fancy magical bollocks in the minds of many practical League business folk. What it actually ''means'' is that the "Map" will usually be the first to know if the city is threatened by an eternal. Or that the Map will know about any threat as soon as Sung does. Or that Sung will know about any threat as soon as the Map does. At least one of those things is definitely true, possibly all of them. Straight answers are rare with some night eternals, and none more so than the ''Lord of Illusions''.

==The moment prepared for==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Seductive and Mysterious.jpg|caption=Dramaturgy is at once bold and obvious, but also subtle and enigmatic. A play is an easy thing to understand, but its effect on the mind and the spirit not quite so straightforward.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
* '''The dramaturgical confluence has largely ceased, though its cause and nature remain an elusive mystery'''
The dramaturgical confluence that began with the streets of Apulus beginning to stretch and tangle seems to have finally ended. Dramaturgists report that the personae and the thrones seem to be behaving more normally, at least for now. To the disappointment of some, the streets of Apulus seem to have largely settled down. Things are finally where they should be. Good news for accountants who are late for important meetings to go through the books with a client, bad news for cicisbeo who discover they can no longer cram a week's entertainment into a single night.

Not everything is back ''exactly'' the way it was. There is a back-alley off Metals Street just behind Lorazo's Smithy that is barely fifty yards long but it still emerges on Bleeker Street despite the fact that Bleeker Street is almost a mile away. There is a bookdealers in Three Corpse Culvert called Newcomers's Books which has five complete floors to it, as well as a basement, despite being housed in a single story building. There is a statue of Salt Lord Kaliact on the dockfront which slowly changes position, but only when someone is looking at it: otherwise, it is perfectly still. For the large part, these magics are muted and minor, at least compared with the torrent that swept the city when the confluence was in effect.

It is not clear what caused the confluence, or what it ended it for that matter. It is easy to imagine that it was the Whisper Gallery, too easy in the minds of many dramaturgists, who are convinced that the tale cannot be that simple. Dramaturgy has certain resonances that lend itself to the Whisper Gallery's games, but it is not solely the province of Night, after all.

Once the Barossa University of the Dramaturgical Arts is complete, they will be in a position to investigate dramaturgical magic more thoroughly. If they can examine the personae, thrones and instruments, and any lingering effects of the confluence, this might given insight into what happened in Apulus. Even if it doesn't, it will certainly leave the Empire much better prepared were ''another'' confluence to form which would be useful given how eager eternals appear to have been to take advantage of this one.

Category:Plenipotentiary

2026-07-17T16:14:28Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Previous Plenipotentiaries */

==Previous Plenipotentiaries==
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><th>Season</th><th>Wind of Fortune</th><th>Eternals</th></tr>
<tr><td>388YE Summer</td><td>[[Ambassadors of death]]</td><td>[[Ambassadors_of_death#In_the_Midnight_Hour_(Winter)|Kaela]], [[Ambassadors_of_death#Over_Troubled_Waters_(Autumn)|Prospero]], [[Ambassadors_of_death#Apples_and_Oranges_(Summer)|Meraud]], [[Ambassadors_of_death#Light_and_Air_(Day)|Roshanwe]], and [[Ambassadors_of_death#Among_the_Thousands_(Spring)|Irra Harah]]</td><tr><td>388YE Spring</td><td>[[Key of dreams]]</td><td>[[Key_of_dreams#Hearth-vigil_(Summer)|Cathan Canae]], [[Key_of_dreams#Finder_of_Paths_Unseen_(Night)|Azoth]], [[Key_of_dreams#Starlight_Seeks_Its_Form_(Day)|Phaleron]], [[Key_of_dreams#Sharp_Fangs_Behind_The_Leaves_(Spring)|Arhallogen]], [[Key_of_dreams#Shifting_Memory_of_Ages_(Winter)|Wise Rangara]], and [[Key_of_dreams#Many_Minds_Move_As_One_(Autumn)|the City of Salt and Sail]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Winter</td><td>[[Ourselves and immortality]]</td><td>[[Ourselves_and_immortality#Before_a_House|Prospero]], [[Ourselves_and_immortality#I_Would_Not_Stop|Siakha]], [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Civility|Thrice-cursed Court]], [[Ourselves_and_immortality#And_Eternity|Ylenwe]], [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown|Whisper Gallery]], and [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Cornice|Adamant]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Autumn</td><td>[[Has reared himself a throne]]</td><td>[[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Sculptured_Ivy_and_Stone_Flowers|Estavus]], [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Hours_Breathing_Faint_and_Low|Llofir]], [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Resignedly_Beneath_the_Sky|Lashonar]], [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Melancholy_Waters_Lie|Jaheris]], [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#No_Ripples_Curl|Zakalwe]], and [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed|an unknown Winter eternal]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Summer</td><td>[[Can you hear me?]]</td><td>[[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Peregrine_Knight|Hayaak]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Queen_of_Locks|Basileia]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Marshal_of_Flame|Janon]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|Tharim]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|Kimus]], and [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Irra Harah]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Spring</td><td>[[Speak to me]]</td><td>[[Speak_to_me#Pale_Empress|Skathe]], [[Speak_to_me#Invisible_Hand|Ephisis]], [[Speak_to_me#Mistress_of_Ice_and_Darkness|Cathan Canae]], [[Speak_to_me#Father_of_Bats|Sadogua]], [[Speak_to_me#Zie_of_the_Morning|Ylenwe]], and [[Speak_to_me#Brother_Harvest|Lord Rain]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Winter</td><td>[[Secret meeting]]</td><td>[[Secret_meeting#Fire_Mage|Meraud]], [[Secret_meeting#Forest_Queen|Yaw'nagrah]], [[Secret_meeting#Empty_Throne|Sorin]], [[Secret_meeting#Endless_Ringing|Estavus]], [[Secret_meeting#Ceaseless_Struggle|Zakalwe]], and the [[Secret_meeting#Unseen_Curators|Whisper Gallery]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Autumn</td><td>[[Seven locks]]</td><td>[[Seven locks#The Veiled Ladies|Whisper Gallery]]?, [[Seven locks#Queen of Silence|Kaela]], [[Seven locks#City of Locks|Basileia]], [[Seven locks#King Under the Mountain|Adamant]], [[Seven locks#Centipede General|Arhallogen]], [[Seven locks#Navigator|Roshanwe]], [[Seven locks#Crucible|Azoth]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Summer</td><td>[[Famine and feast]]</td><td>[[Famine_and_feast#The_Lictors|The Lictors]], [[Famine_and_feast#Ossegrahn|Ossegrahn]], [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Famine_and_feast#Kimus|Kimus]], [[Famine_and_feast#Sung|Sung]], and [[Famine_and_feast#Founder_of_the_Feast|Agramant]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Spring</td><td>[[Dream to me]]</td><td>[[Dream to me#Siakha|Siakha]], [[Dream to me#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[Dream to me#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]], [[Dream to me#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Dream to me#Estavus|Estavus]], and [[Dream to me#Lashonar (Conjunction)|Lashonar]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Winter</td><td>[[Begins where it ends]]</td><td>[[Begins where it ends#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Surut|Surut]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Sadogua|Sadogua]] (and [[Begins_where_it_ends#The_Azoth|The Azoth]]), [[Begins_where_it_ends#Irra_Harah|Irra Harah]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Autumn</td><td>[[Back in town]]</td><td>[[Back in town#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Back in town#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]], [[Back in town#Prospero|Prospero]], [[Back in town#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Back in town#Janon|Janon]], [[Back in town#Arhallogen|Arhallogen]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Summer</td><td>[[Three and three]]</td><td>[[Three and three#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Three and three#Azoth|Azoth]], [[Three and three#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[Three and three#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]], [[Three and three#Siakha (Conjunction)|Siakha]], [[Three and three#Unknown|Cold Sun]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Spring</td><td>[[Have you seen me lately]]</td><td>[[Have you seen me lately#Sung|Sung]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Have you seen me lately#Kaela|Kaela]], [[Have you seen me lately#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ylenrith|Ylenrith]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ossegrahn|Ossegrahn]] (and see also [[Rain king]])</td>
<tr><td>384YE Winter</td><td>[[I knew you were trouble]]</td><td>[[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Whisper_Gallery|Whisper Gallery]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Prospero|Prospero]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Sorin|Sorin]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Kimus|Kimus]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Llofir|Llofir]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Autumn</td><td>[[Hopeless as a feather]]</td><td>[[Hopeless as a feather#Sadogua|Sadogua]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Callidus|Callidus]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Unknown|Wise Rangara on behalf of the "Silent Witness"]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Summer</td><td>[[Begin to speak]]</td><td>[[Begin to speak#Azoth|Azoth]], [[Begin to speak#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Begin to speak#Siakha|Siakha]], [[Begin to speak#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Begin to speak#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Begin to speak#Jaheris|Jaheris]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Spring</td><td>[[The bird and the child]]</td><td>[[The bird and the child#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[The bird and the child#Phaleron|Phaleron]], [[The bird and the child#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[The bird and the child#Prospero|Prospero]], [[The bird and the child#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]] and guest, [[The bird and the child#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[The bird and the child#Lashonar|Lashonar]]</td>
<tr><td>383YE Winter</td><td>[[Impossible landscapes]]</td><td>[[Impossible landscapes#Lord Rain|Lord Rain]], [[Impossible landscapes#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Impossible landscapes#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Impossible landscapes#Sung|Sung]], [[Impossible landscapes#Adamant|Adamant]], [[Impossible landscapes#Kaela|Kaela]]</td>
<tr><td>383YE Autumn</td><td>[[A pleasing and deceptive face]]</td><td>[[A pleasing and deceptive face#Caucus Forum|Caucus Forum]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Estavus|Estavus]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Kimus|Kimus]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Surut|Surut]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#An_Unexpected_Request|Ossegrahn]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>383YE Summer</td><td>[[Between the lines of ages]]</td><td>[[Between the lines of ages#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Between the lines of ages#Lictors|Lictors]], [[Between the lines of ages#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Between the lines of ages#Sadogua|Sadogua]], [[Between the lines of ages#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Between the lines of ages#Skathe|Skathe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>383YE Spring</td><td>[[Who benefits?]]</td><td>[[Who benefits?#Arhallogen|Arhallogen]], [[Who benefits?#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Who benefits?#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Who benefits?#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Who benefits?#Phaleron|Phaleron]], [[Who benefits?#Sorin|Sorin]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Winter</td><td>[[Nowhere and everywhere]]</td><td>[[Nowhere and everywhere#Basileus Flint|Basileus Flint]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Phaleron|Phaleron]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]] </td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Autumn</td><td>[[We've been here forever]]</td><td>[[We've been here forever#Azoth|Azoth]], [[We've been here forever#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[We've been here forever#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[We've been here forever#Kaela|Kaela]], [[We've been here forever#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[We've been here forever#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Summer</td><td>[[Bury the hatchet]]</td><td>[[Bury the hatchet#Callidus|Callidus]], [[Bury the hatchet#Llofir|Llofir]], [[Bury the hatchet#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Bury the hatchet#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Bury the hatchet#Skathe|Skathe]], [[Bury the hatchet#Whisper Gallery|Whisper Gallery]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Spring</td><td>[[Hunter of stars]]</td><td>[[Hunter of stars#Adamant|Adamant]], [[Hunter of stars#Boar King|Boar King]], [[Hunter of stars#Capradan|Capradan]], [[Hunter of stars#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Hunter of stars#Sorin|Sorin]], [[Hunter of stars#Ylenrith|Ylenrith]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Winter</td><td>[[What did the deep say?]]</td><td>[[What did the deep say?#Barien|Barien]], [[What did the deep say?#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[What did the deep say?#Janon|Janon]], [[What did the deep say?#Siakha|Siakha]], [[What did the deep say?#Tharim|Tharim]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Autumn</td><td>[[Rabbits and snares]]</td><td>[[Rabbits and snares#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Rabbits and snares#The Lictors|The Lictors]], [[Rabbits and snares#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Summer</td><td>[[Under the red sky]]</td><td>[[Under the red sky#Barien|Barien]], [[Under the red sky#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Under the red sky#Llofir|Llofir]], [[Under the red sky#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Under the red sky#Tharim|Tharim]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Spring</td><td>[[Immortal hand]]</td><td>[[Immortal hand#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Immortal hand#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Immortal_hand#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Immortal_hand#The_Whisper_Gallery|The Whisper Gallery]], [[Immortal_hand#Yaw.27nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]]</td></tr>
</table>

Jotun look and feel

2026-07-16T20:25:56Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Overview */

{{CaptionedImage|file=FurryJotun.jpg|align=left|width=500}}
==Overview==
The Jotun value courage, strength, and martial prowess above other attributes. They do not throw their own lives away, nor use the warriors of their subject nations as disposable troops, but they are invariably looking for a way to increase their honour, with an eye towards becoming ancestors when they die. The only true dishonour, most Jotun recognise is showing fear in the face of the enemy, or striking a worthy opponent down by treacherous means.

In battle, the Empire will usually encounter a mix of elite Jotun warriors and less skilled warriors drawn from the subject clans that are ruled by the Jotun. Where possible, we will try to field groups of Jotun warriors together, especially if they have similar costume, and then inter-space the line with bands of regular barbarians.

As with any barbarian role, PD will provide simple costume that you can use when monstering the Jotun. The following page provide an overview of how you can improve upon the basic barbarian breastplate and soft kit available.

==Colour==
Red is the traditional tribal colour of the Jotun, and warriors will try to wear at least one item that is red whenever possible, so that other Jotun recognize and respect them. The ideal shades are dark or blood red, but brighter reds work well for highlights, accessories or wraps.

==Breakdown==
===Base Layers===
The perfect Jotun garment is a thigh-length woollen tunic worn over trousers. These are worn by all Jotun and are usually in a dark base colour such as grey, dark green or brown or in a dark shade of red. In practice any dark coloured base garments are better than nothing as a starting point if you are volunteering to play a Jotun.

===Armour===
Jotun consider mail superior to plate armour. Most Jotun warriors will have a simple mail shirt, or a full length hauberk. This can be supplemented with plate on the forearms and lower limbs and sometimes around the shoulders. Plate does not form the majority of an elite Jotun warrior's armour in battle, instead it adds extra protection to vital areas and serves to add to the visual theme of heavily armoured warriors.

A light breastplate, such as the one represented by the PD injection moulded armour is considered inferior by Jotun warriors. This armour is still common in Jotun armies - but is usually worn by members of the Jotun subject clans rather than by elite Jotun warriors.

===Weapons===
The axe is the favourite Jotun weapon, they consider it a more versatile weapon than a sword and believe it allows a stronger more skilled warrior to dominate his opponent. Most Jotun will wield a war axe with a shield, but many opt to wield a long handled axe with two hands. The Jotun also use other heavy hefted weapons like hammers and maces, where an axe is not available, and will employ swords as a last resort where no other weapon is available.

The Jotun avoid long spears and pikes, but younger Jotun warriors who are unable to afford the best armour will often favour a spear and shield in battle, taking advantage of their speed to make swift darting jabs at enemies foolish enough to leave themselves open to attack.

When it comes to ranged combat the Jotun prefer thrown axes or javelins. They do not tolerate crossbows on the battlefield, regarding them as dishonourable weapons that require neither skill or strength to use. They also tend to shy away from bows, However Jotun subject clans that do make use of bows as weapons of war are tolerated in the line.

===Shields===
Many Jotun carry shields into battle, paired with either an axe or short spear. They favour rounded shields, the style similar to those carried by the Steinr in Wintermark. These shields are mainly used to parry and block enemy blows with, allowing the warrior to fight aggressively. Rarely do they use them to form a strong wall of interlocking shields.

We will try to make sure we have enough red shield covers for round shields, so if you have a round shield it is worth bringing it with you even if it is highly distinct as we will hopefully be able to give you a cover for it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=JotunMarch.jpg|align=left|width=500}}
===Accessories===
Red is often seen on their banners of war or incorporated into their costume in a totemic way. Even a small amount of red can make a big impact: a tabard or sash, scarf (to hide your human neck!), material belt or strips of cloth used as arm wraps or decoration on armour.

Fur trim, pelts and tokens made from teeth or bone are additional items that can be added to represent glorious kills a Jotun warrior has made whilst hunting. They consider powerful creatures such as dire lions, dire bears, dire boars and mandowla to be potent symbols of strength and might; many Jotun standards are topped with skulls of such animals.

==Volunteering==
Everyone who is volunteering to monster should turn-up wearing base costume and carrying a simple weapon if remotely possible. However if you are able to bring costume, weapons, and armour that are suitable for Jotun roles when monstering for a Jotun fight, then this is an enormous help in making the battle look as good as possible. In particular, we will try to assign volunteers to groups based on the kit they bring with them; players who have good Jotun kit will be assigned Jotun roles, those without will be assigned to play barbarian orcs from a Jotun subject clan.

Any of the following kit is ideal when volunteering for a skirmish or battle involving the Jotun.
* Axe, hammer, or one-handed spear
* Round shield
* Mail shirt or hauberk over padding as appropriate
* Any greaves and vambraces
* Dark coloured tunic or red if available
* Dark trousers
* Leather warskirt

If you are playing Empire, then some of your personal kit may be extremely useful whenever you are volunteering to monster. Imperial kit that is especially useful when volunteering for Jotun battles is covered below.

===Wintermark & Varushka===
Mail is the obvious useful item, but parts of the soft kit for either of these nations could be invaluable when volunteering. Leather and fur trimmings and accessories work well for an elite Jotun warrior. Vambraces and greaves of any kind are also prized by the Jotun, but lamellar armour is rarely seen amongst the Jotun and is best left in camp.

===Navarr===
The leather and well worn look of the Navarr works well for younger Jotun warriors, especially if combined with the traditional Navarr shield and spear. Units of lightly armoured Jotun warriors are highly mobile and daring on the battlefield, launching swift attacks against exposed enemy formations to sow discord and panic.

===Highguard & Dawn===
The lightly armoured look of the younger Jotun warrior might also suit players with Highguard Unconquered or Dawnish Yeomanry kit. In particular any leather or fur trimmings can easily be incorporated into a Jotun costume. As noted, mail is favoured by Jotun over plate but if you have plate then a good approach would be to focus using the items that cover the neck and arms, perhaps worn over a gambeson and combined with items of red fabric.

===Imperial Orcs===
If you are playing an Imperial Orc then most of your costume is likely to be useful when volunteering. If you have layers of armour over chain, then consider just bringing your mail - this can be an opportunity to wear a bit less in battle! Imperial Orc kit is very distinctive, so if you are able to replace or supplement any elements with red fabric then this will help.

===Brass Coast & Urizen===
The Jotun have recently conquered the Lasambrians, a major clan of orcs located on the borders of the Brass Coast and bands of Lasambrian troops could appear on any Jotun battlefield. This means that Freeborn costume is surprisingly useful when volunteering for a large Jotun battle - as it will mean you can play a Lasambrian auxiliary on the field. Whilst the Lasambrians are not seaborne corsairs, but the plains and raiding themes of the Freeborn fit well here. Unlike the Jotun, the Lasambrian orcs also have a number of battle mages who use their magics directly against the enemy, so mage armour and implements are useful. Both soft kit base layers and Brass Coast armour would work well combined with orange tunics and sashes that PD can help provide.

The Jotun field very few magicians on the battlefield, but the Lasambrian forces include witches who are skilled at using magic in combat. Urizen base costume will work well for a Lasambrian when combined with PD costume. If you are playing a Freeborn or Urizen character and are own a suitable mage implement, then it is helpful if you can bring it with you when volunteering so we can cast you as a Lasambrian magician.

{{Jotun Links}}

The Library

2026-07-16T19:25:00Z

Thespaceinvader:

The library is a [[Dramaturgy#The Thrones|throne]], a location used in [[dramaturgy]] that represents both a setting and a realm of magic.

'''Realm:''' Day.

'''Setting:''' The airy library of an Urizen spire, a cramped Varushkan wise one's hut, or a dusty Highguard scroll-room, the courtroom of a magistrate, or an ice-cavern beneath Wintermark with rune-covered walls - all of these may evoke the library. It is always a place of learning, where knowledge and wisdom are applied. It is sometimes the Chapel, where meditation and introspection take place.

'''Characters:''' [[The Doctor]] and [[The Bishop]] are strong characters in this setting; they uncover or declaim truths, discover secrets and reveal important events. It is also a place where people receive news of distant events. Any character may reveal their innermost thoughts here.

'''Magical Style:''' This is a place of knowledge, where information is uncovered and hidden things found. Divination rituals take place here. It is also a place of introspection and meditation - purification is a theme, as is healing. It is obvious that rituals such as [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] may be performed here, but so might a ritual such as [[Winds of Fortune]], where the Prince pores over a map of distant lands, or [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] where the Captain and the Doctor discuss difficult choices for the coming battle.

[[Category:Dramaturgy]]

Chrysalis Pendant

2026-07-16T19:22:44Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Description */

==Description==
A Chrysalis Pendant is often crafted of blue crystal or decorated with deep azure stones especially lapis lazuli. It commonly takes the form of a butterfly, or a hanging cone reminiscent of a cocoon. It is primarily of use to [[Wintermark military concerns#Banner-bearers|banner-bearers]], bards, and leaders who use their strength of personality and willpower to ensure the good health of their companions. With a few moments of confident attention, the wearer can slip dislocated limbs back into position, numb the pain of a shocking blow, or otherwise help their companions overcome the damage inflicted to an arm or a leg.

==Rules==
{{Jewellery}}
* '''Effect:''' You may spend a hero point and engage in five seconds of appropriate roleplay to restore the use of a limb that has been ruined by the [[Calls#CLEAVE|cleave]] or [[Calls#IMPALE|impale]] call. The roleplaying must include manipulating the ruined limb. If you or your target attacks another character or either of you are hit then the attempt to use this ability fails. The hero point is not lost but you must begin the roleplaying again.
* '''Materials:''' Crafting a Chrysalis Pendant requires eight ingots of [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]], five measures of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] and three measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.

[[Category:Magic Items]]
[[Category:Jewellery]]
<ic>"Stop whinging! It's not as bad as it looks!"</ic>

A lasting commitment

2026-07-13T20:39:03Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Voices of Virtue */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]]
<ic>
When revelation yet eluded<br>
And in the dark we knew not how to see<br>
Did come Tian, and with her great gift<br>
Began the fire that burns relentlessly<br>

Behold our souls, Ambition's flame ignite<br>
Lights in the dark, Lights in the dark<br>
Behold our souls, Ambition's flame ignite<br>
Lights in the dark, Lights in the dark<br>
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Grand Endeavours.png|caption=The Grand Inspiration of the Way promises to cement the Empire's position as the heart of the faith.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
In the Winter of 387YE, the Highborn Assembly declared their highest calling to be [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|the Grand Inspiration of the Way]]. The great project begun in Summer 385YE is well underway, and with renewed focus, the people of [[Highguard]] have begun to [[lay the foundations]] for how the grand edifice may be laid out.

Now in the beginning of 388YE, the [[Ambition]] Assembly have joined them with a sense of urgency; not just to complete the largest commission the Empire has ever attempted but to do so by the end of the year. Just the idea of declaring something to be your highest calling seems to embrace the Virtue of Ambition, but even so this is an extraordinary thing to attempt. There is still a vast amount of work to be done, but if the Assembly can achieve the impossible it will have a dramatic impact.

==Mean What You Say==
{{SOP|statement=Completing the Grand Inspiration of the Way is a lofty goal, but nothing is beyond the grasp of the Virtuous. The Hallowing of the Patron drives us to silence naysayers, and what better way than to complete this inspiration project within the year? It will draw the eyes of the world to us, establishing Bastion as the heart of the Way. From there, our faith will spread across the globe. This is our highest calling!|by=Rafael Barosssa, Ambition Assembly|vote={{GM}} 392-82|when=Spring 388YE}}
* '''The Assembly of Ambition has stated that their highest calling is to complete the Grand Inspiration of the Way in the space of a single year'''
* '''If the Assembly can put their reputation on the line to commit themselves to this impossible task'''

Inspired by the words of Rafael Barossa d'Apulian, the Ambition Assembly have invoked the [[Auras_of_Ambition#Hallowing_of_the_Patron|Hallowing of the Patron]], a call to silence naysayers of any who might say that the Grand Inspiration cannot be completed at all, let alone within the year. Unlike the nation of Highguard however, there is little for the Assembly to [[Lay_the_foundations#The_Family_Silver|sell off]] in exchange for new sources of precious [[white granite]]. Any additional efforts to complete the Grand Inspiration will rely on the resources of those who attend Anvil.

The best way to silence to naysayers, of course, is to stand steadfast in your convictions and prove them wrong. If the Ambition Assembly are truly confident that the Grand Inspiration will be complete within the year, then putting their reputation on the line will reap the benefits. There is no price for failure, it is a fundamental tenet of Ambition that ''"It is better, by far, to try and fail, than fail to try."'' But if they manage it, if the Grand Inspiration is completed by the start of 389YE, then the achievement will inspire the faithful.

The Assembly can use a mandate to spread word of their highest calling to every corner of the Empire:

{{Mandate|mandate=We shall ignite a flame to illuminate the Second Age of Virtue. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to spread the word of the grand opening ceremony to take place as 388 turns to 389. Let the whole Empire know that the hour is at hand.|assembly=Ambition Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then followers of Ambition will spread the news of the imminent completion of the Grand Inspiration across the Empire. They will ensure that everyone knows that the great project will be completed by the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE. All eyes will be on the construction in Bastion, waiting to see if the Highborn and the followers of Ambition can achieve this extraordinary feat.

If that happens and the Grand Inspiration is completed by the start of 389YE, then it will spread a powerful confidence through the faithful, creating an [[opportunity]] for members of the Assembly to see other great ambitions fulfilled.

==Say What You Mean==
* '''The Highborn Assembly have begun the hard work of defining how the Grand Inspiration will be laid out'''

After declaring the Grand Inspiration to be their highest calling the Highborn Assembly have begun the hard work of deciding how the Grand Inspiration will be laid out. The construction is vast, far and away the biggest commission ever created in the Empire, larger even than the great walls of Holberg. But size is not the only way to inspire the faithful - the way the Grand Inspiration is arranged and decorated will ultimately be more important than the construction itself.

===Voices of Virtue===
{{SOP|statement=The Highborn Assembly invite the Voices of Virtue assemblies to be the first to take up offices in the Grand Inspiration of the Way because they and the edifice are united in our will: to spread the Way to all sapient people|by=Rinnah, Highborn Assembly|vote= 300-10|when=Spring 388YE}}
* '''The Highborn Assembly have called for the office of Voices of Virtue to occupy the central space in the Grand Inspiration'''
* '''Creating ornate gardens for each Voice of Virtue would provide them with 5 liao a season'''
* '''It would allow each Voice to choose the single most important statement of principle passed during their term to be recorded for posterity'''
* '''Highborn benefactors offer to provide the Guildmaster of the Artisans with 4 thrones a season if he will arrange for a suitable magical item to be made for each Voice after they are elected'''
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Garden Paths'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|Amend commission]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Amend the designs for the Grand Inspiration of the Way to incorporate seven serene gardens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 70 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the completion of the Grand Inspiration</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Provides an income of five liao each season to each Voice of Virtue
* Creates a serene garden that each voice could use to preach their Virtue
* Creates the Annals of Virtue, allowing a Voice of Virtue to record a single crucial statement of Virtue or teaching at the end of the year after their appointment.
* Provides the Guildmaster of the Artisans with a stipend of 4 thrones a season, if they agree to arrange for the creation of suitable regalia for the voices
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
While Rinnah's statement failed to achieve a greater majority, it was the only one that suggested how the halls of the Grand inspiration may be fitted out. With the urging of the Ambition Assembly that speed matters, the [[Wayfarer|Wayfarers]] of Highguard insist that there should be some place for the [[Voice of Virtue|Voices of Virtue]] to preach to those who come to the Grand Inspiration seeking their benedictions. A set of seven beautiful gardens is proposed where the gathered can contemplate their sermons and take time to meditate on their chosen path.

The increased prominence of the Voices would mean that they would receive an addition income of five liao. In addition there would be a library set up for the voices to record important statements and particularly elegant quotes and sayings to be recorded for posterity. The Annals of Virtue would be housed in the Grand Inspiration to record select statements of principle whose perspicacity and wisdom moved them beyond the day-to-day business of the Synod.

In the final season of their term, the Voice could choose a single statement of principle that their Assembly passed in the previous year since they were elected. This should be a statement, either part of the wording or all of it, that cut to the core of their Virtue that they believe future priests would do well to consider and debate with their colleagues. That statement will be recorded in the "Annals of Virtue" along with up to a hundred words of commentary by the Voice on the importance of the teaching. If the Voice does not deem a statement worthy, they may wish to not submit one rather than diminish the whole with an unworthy part.

Finally there is a question of finding a way to provide the voices with suitable regalia. A number of Highborn benefactors are keen that they should have some suitable symbol of their office or position, an item that can help them with their duties. Unable to agree what form such regalia should take, they decide to write to the [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]] and make a public offer of a regular income of 4 thrones a season, if they will undertake to ensure that each Voice is provided with a suitable crafted magical item. The hope is that the Guildmaster will arrange to speak with each Voice after they are elected, to agree with them what magical item they would like to have made. If the Guildmaster wishes to accept the offer then he can collect the first payment of four thrones from the head of the civil service, ''Leonardo i Del'Toro i Riqueza''.
{{SOP|statement=The Way and the Empire are a not a monolith, but a mosaic construct of profound, and beautiful traditions, human and orc, united nonetheless by faith, Synod and Doctrine. The life and worship of the greatest monument must reflect and and celebrate this diversity in order to truly uplift every soul in the Empire. Therefore, we look to the Senate to ensure that the completed Grand Inspiration is governed by a college of residentiary Canons, one elected by each National Assembly, and led by a Dean chosen by the Assembly of Nine, who will together be charged with this sacred task. Let us show that the past, present, and \future of the Way is here in the ten Proud nations of the Empire who stand together in Virtue.|by=Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard, Highborn Assembly|vote={{GM}} 440-62|when=Spring 388YE|size=small}}

===Four not Forty===
* '''The Highborn Assembly has called for residentiary canons, elected by each National Assembly, to sit in the Grand Inspiration'''
* '''Nations could instead choose to copy the Highborn tradition of having a speaker for each assembly'''
Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard has raised a statement in the Highborn Assembly calling for residentiary canons, one to be elected by each National Assembly. No such canons exist at the moment, so the Senate would need to create the titles, but if that happened, then a place could be made for them in the Grand Inspiration. The statement does raise questions in some quarters. With Cardinals, Champions, Voices and Inquisitors already, is there truly a need for an additional round of titles? At what point do titles without practical legal powers disincentivise the impetus for individuals to take it upon themselves to further the cause, as surely the titled person will do it?

One possible alternative might be to embrace Nicodemus' role as [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]]. Besides Highguard, there are four other nations with an existing title whose responsibilities include guiding their national assembly, and ensuring their nation's traditions are upheld. Each title is unique, reflecting the nation's pride and priorities. The existing titles are:
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard.jpg|caption='''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''', Speaker of the Highborn Assembly|align=left|width=200}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Archbishop of Capodomus.jpg|caption='''Estella Lucati''' (right), Archbishop of Capodomus|align=left|width=200}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Eirlys Ashes Blaze.jpg|caption='''Eirlys Ashes Blaze''', Voice of Barbs|align=left|width=400}}
</div>
* [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]]
* [[Herald of the Throne of Glory]]
* [[Speaker of the Crows]]
* [[Archbishop of Capodomus]]
* [[Voice of Barbs]]

Given these five titles exist and their responsibilities seem to parallel those identified in the statement, would they not be the natural choice to take up residency in the Grand Inspiration? Creating offices for the ten "speakers" would enhance their prestige and give them a place to stay and work when visiting the Grand Inspiration. Of course there are only five at present, but the Highborn Assembly could prepare chambers for each of them and set aside space for the other five nations to occupy if they create a similar position with the responsibility to chair their national assembly and champion their nation's traditions.

Such a step would still require the [[Senate]] to create the titles in question, but it would mean each nation could create their own position when they were ready to act, rather than have the Senate try to create a canon for each nation. In addition, sinecures could be built in each nation that would provide these additional titles with the kind of support the Speaker of the Highborn National assembly currently receives.

===Language beyond words===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: #C994FF;">'''Choristers Balcony'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Motion Type:''' [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|Amend commission]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Necessary Details:''' Amend the designs for the Grand Inspiration of the Way to incorporate a grand balcony for the chor</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:'''
* Only available if the mandate is enacted to encourage cantors to attend the Grand Inspiration
* Available until the Grand Inspiration is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Encourages Highborn cantors to attend the Grand Inspiration
* Makes the cantor archetype available to Highborn players
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Highborn Assembly could enact a mandate encouraging cantors to support the Grand Inspiration of the Way'''
* '''If that happens, the commission could be amended to incorporate a choristers balcony into the edifice'''
* '''Doing so would make a new Highborn archetype, the cantor, available to players'''

The Highborn are known for their musical traditions. The voices of their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantor cantors] have carried battle anthems across every corner of the Empire, its words sown into the very earth itself. The ineffable power of a host of choristers singing the songs of Virtue, using music to speak the truth and joy of salvation to stir the heart in harmony that mere language by itself finds insufficient. Too long, some say, have the virtue and evangelism of those whose voices can ignite faith in the hearts of others in this way been overlooked.

{{Mandate|mandate=Those who spread salvation with the inspirational beauty and power of their voices must come forth to take up their rightful place in the Grand Inspiration. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage the cantors of our nation to congregate and sing the songs their souls yearn to share that all may hear them and know their destiny.|assembly=Highguard National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, choristers who use the numinous power of music to inspire and uplift the Virtuous will attend the Grand Inspiratiown in Bastion. Those who inspire the faithful through majestic voices united in concert will come to witness the construction of the great edifice and lend the power of their voices to raise the spirits of those who work there. If that happens, the Imperial Senate could use a Senate motion to amend the Grand Inspiration of the Way to incorporate an impressive choristers balcony to allow singers to perform from. The balcony would include a hymnal library to keep records of the most inspiring music from across the whole Empire. Highborn choristers would attend the Grand Inspiration to sing with their fellow devotees, filling the great cathedral with mellifluous voices.

By putting the choral tradition of the Highborn at the centre of the Grand Inspiration, the important role of the cantor would be promoted all across the nation. The cantor tradition would be reinvigorated, not just musicians and choristers, but all those who create stirring works to inspire others; architects who build grand edifices; craftspeople who make stained glass windows or weave enormous tapestries and other artists who produce works on a grand scale. ('''OOC Note:''' the '''cantor''' archetype, one who employs the musical traditions of the Highborn to spread the Way would be available to players).
==Further Reading==
* [[The highest calling]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune introducing the highest calling
* [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Question_of_Scale|Blood with thicken]] - 385YE Spring wind of fortune introducing the Grand Inspiration of the Way

Love and monsters

2026-07-13T19:10:49Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Lions */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>
"Yeah, but the new Queen says we need to stand with the Empire and destroy the Druj!" Isolde thumped the tavern table to emphasize the point.

Mathild did not look convinced. "It's very ''sensible''" he said, the emphasis on the last word revealing how he really felt. "But they're already beaten. We conquered Ossium. Then we conquered the Barrens. Now we've conquered Sarangrave. They're done - where's the glory in defeating a foe who can't fight back?" he asked.

Isolde screwed up her face. It was not the first time they had had this argument and it definitely wouldn't be the last. They'd been chewing this over for the best part of a week now but it was impossible. There was just no way they were going to agree.

"Yeah - that'll definitely be a glorious tale. In 385YE Dawn totally defeated the Druj, but got bored before it was over and went off to do other things leaving the Druj all the time in the world to rebuild. Yeah, it sounds so epic when you say it like that."

Now it was Mathild's turn to look aggrieved. "Ha ha. It's not about being bored of the Druj, it's about ''glory''. The Earl of Fools is calling for us to take the war to the vallorn. New horizons and all that! That's an enemy worth drawing our swords for. Defeating the vallorn - now that's glorious."

Isolde was still not convinced. "Fighting bushes and trees? Hows that glorious? The vallorn is a shit enemy, it just sits in the woods and doesn't do anything. Where's the glory in beating up a group of plants?"

"You should come down the Greenwood and see those "plants" in action. Anyway, they're going do magic on it - get all the vallorn armies to take the field together or something. Then we'll have a proper war on our hands. You wait and see - I promise you it will be glorious. That's what we should be preparing for. It's not like we can do both."

"Wait. What?" demanded a shocked Isolde.

"A proper war?" he responded quizzically, unsure of what he'd said that had caused the confusion.

"No, no, what you just said." She raised her hands to gesture the quote - "It's not like we can do both." That's what you said.

"Right, we'll it's not, is it? We can't fight both. Everyone says so."

Isolde was grinning now. "I've never met everyone, but whoever they are, I bet a gold crown they not Dawnish. Think about it... what would be more glorious than defeating the Druj ''and'' more glorious than defeating the vallorn?" She paused, but it was clearly rhetorical, "Defeating them both at the same time!" she finished.

Mathild roared with laughter and raised his tankard to his old friend. Maybe there was a way to settle this argument after all.
</ic>
<div style="float: left; width: 200px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png|caption=The Assembly of Dawn has announced its highest calling; a glorious adventure to destroy the vallorn.|width=200px}}</div>
==Overview==
The Earl of Fools has convinced the Dawnish National Assembly that the fight against the Vallorn is the Highest Calling of Dawn. With the Barrens won and the Druj crumbling beneath the Empire's Anvil and the Thule's hammer, it makes sense to focus on the next threat to their prize. The Vallorn has not one but ''three'' hearts adjacent to the sprawling expanse of the Barrens - defeating it will be a glorious endeavour.

The idea of a great war against the vallorn is more than enough to stir the blood of the glorious.

<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{SOPInner|statement=Barrens won, Dawn looks to Horizons new; And in Wisdom learns from Tales of our Past. Dawn must prepare its next Glorious fight; Aid all nations in fight against Vallorn. With Love, Glory, Virtue, all that Dawn is. Be the shield wall on which this foe shall break. Be the shining sword which the Empire wields. This is our Highest Calling.|by=Earl of Fools, Dawn Assembly|vote={{GM}} 376-166|when=Spring 388YE}}</div>

==Chimera==
* '''Dawn could create a grand monument in the Barrens to inspire citizens to fight the vallorn'''
* '''The edifice would require 75 wains of white granite, 225 crowns and would need a dose of true liao to consecrate it'''
* '''The monument would halve the cost to enlarge Dawnish armies until the vallorn is defeated'''
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Vallorn's Demise'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Murderdale, The Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 [[white granite]], 225 crowns, one dose of true liao and 12 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Senate motion must include an appropriate figure for the statue to be of</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Erects an enormous, inspiring statue
* Until the Vallorn is defeated, the costs to enlarge Dawnish armies are halved to 75 wains of mithril and 225 crowns
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
How to defend the prize that is the Barrens against the threat of aggressive topiary? For Dawn, offence has always been the best defence. A grand monument in [[The_Barrens#Murderdale|Murderdale]], would move and inspire everyone who saw it, rallying them to the cause. To be truly effective it would need to be vast in scale, something with truly impressive grandeur and would need a Writ of Consecration and a precious dose of True Liao in addition to the wains and labour. But once complete it would create an awe-inspiring monument to rival the power and majesty of [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|the three watchers]].

Who, it is asked, could inspire such fervour into the hearts of the soldiers of Dawnish Armies? On whom should this grand monument be modelled? Should it be the [[Aspect_magic#Heraldic_Magic|Chimera]], the symbol of battlefield prowess? Adelmar the Lion, martial Exemplar of Ambition born in Dawn? The new Queen of Dawn herself, the Warden-Queen? Should the Senators involved need some advice on the matter, they might consider consulting the newly formed [[Cat's Graces]].

Once complete, the monument would cause of surge in volunteers looking to join Dawnish armies to fight the vallorn. Experienced soldiers who have long since retired from the army would return, looking for the glory of one last war against this ancient enemy. Until the vallorn is defeated and every vallornheart in the Empire knows of is destroyed, Dawnish armies would require half the usual costs to be enlarged - that is 75 mithril and 225 crowns.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mordrain Sepulchre.jpg|caption='''Mordrain Sepulchre''' (in red), Knight of the Greenwood|align=left|width=250}}</div>
==Unicorns==
* '''The Dawnish Assembly could endorse the Vallornguard's leadership to allow military units of all nations to quest against the vallorn'''
* '''The Assembly could endorse the nation's crusade to claim Brocéliande to increase the rewards available from questing against the vallorn'''

The Highest Calling was not the first sign of Dawn's eagerness to test itself against the ''Folly of Terunael''. The [[Knight of the Greenwood]] was commissioned in Summer 384YE to coordinates and support Dawnish military units that [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the Vallorn]]. In recent years interest in the fight has fallen off, with around a dozen military units committed to the venture each season. But the clarion call from the Synod has transformed the situation, with interest climbing fivefold. The question is how to maintain or improve that?

The Constitutional Court offers one route. They have judged that the title [[Knight_of_the_Greenwood#Constitutional_Note|ought properly to be appointed by the Vallornguard]]. There is absolutely no requirement to follow the Court's ruling, but the Dawnish Assembly could embrace this decision if they wanted to throw their support behind the [[Imperial sodality]]. Most Dawnish folk understand that the war against the Vallorn will need every witch and warrior in the Empire to take up arms together, Dawn alone cannot defeat this enemy. Navarr have embraced the Vallornguard and given it their support, should Dawn now do likewise?

The Dawnish Assembly could enact the following mandate:

{{Mandate|mandate=The Virtuous build up their fellows. We send {named priest} with 75 liao to urge citizens of the Empire to come to Greenwood Manor to venture forth against the enemy. Let the Vallornguard lead us to glory!|assembly=Dawn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed, the civil service will raise an administrative motion at the next Senate session to amend the title to make it appointed by the Vallornguard. If that motion passes the Senate then the title would still be held by the Dawnish, it would become a national appointment - but it would be elected by vote of the sodality the next time it falls vacant. If the title is amended ''and'' the mandate is enacted, then it will open up Greenwood Manor to citizens of every nation. The venture to quest against the vallorn would become available to all military units.

Of course the Dawnish Assembly could take the opposite view. The new sodality has not yet proven its worth and besides it seems very focussed on victory. It's all well and good defeating the vallorn, but it will be a wasted opportunity if the coming war is not glorious. Who better than the Dawnish Assembly to ensure that whoever holds the title embraces the glory of battle with the vallorn?

The Dawnish Assembly could enact the following mandate:

{{Mandate|mandate=No price is too high to realise your dreams. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to remind the Dawnish that there is no fight more glorious than that against the Vallorn. Let us raise the banner of Dawn over Brocéliande!|assembly=Dawn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then it will permanently improve the rewards available. Every Dawnish military unit questing against the vallorn will gain rewards as if they are a rank higher and the Greenwood Knight's income will increase to ten measures of natural material and fourteen drams of herbs. Dawnish nobles will surge into Brocéliande and yeofolk will establish settlements in Boar's Dell. Of course it may take many years for the vallornheart to be destroyed, but once it is defeated, why shouldn't Dawn press its claim? Brocéliande has never been part of the Empire, and as the recent example with [[Sarangrave]] demonstrates, a territory can't be seen as Navarr lands just because it contains a vallornheart...

These Dawnish Assembly mandates are [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|competing]].

==Sphinges==
* '''Gardens built for the war witches of Weaving in Astolat would allow Dawn to trade a college of magic for another army'''
* '''The next Dawn army would be formed from war witches trained at the Gardens'''
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Gardens of the Sphinx'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Weaving, Astolat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 mithril and 15 weirwood, 75 crowns, and 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Reduces Dawn's supply for colleges of magic by one
* Increases Dawn's supply for armies by one for an army
* Dawnish war witches would form the core of the next army Dawn raised
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
The honest truth of the matter is that the roused Vallorn is going to be a fight unlike anything the Empire has ever seen. Titles, incomes, statues, inspiration, everything else helps; but at the end of the day there will need to be a marshalling of every person who can fight, to fight. Unlike their cousins in the west, Dawn is currently unable to support a fifth army, but the nation of Dawn is a place where nothing is impossible, a place of glory where dreams are given form.

The [[Dawn_magical_traditions#War_witches|war-witches]] of the nation have long looked at the [[Citadel Guard]] as an aspirational challenge. The Urizen are the only people who can rival their ability to apply devastating uses of magic to the battlefield in a focused manner. Currently, many of Dawns magical minds are keen to look at building a [[college of magic]], but if this capacity was sacrificed, aspiring magicians could be encouraged to become war witches and join the efforts against the vallorn

The Garden of the Sphinx would be an elaborate series of serene gardens built in Weaving, Astolat; both the centre of magical learning in Dawn and the birthplaced of [[Adelmar the Lion]]. Named for the [[legendary beasts]] association with magic, it is a happy coincidence that sphinxes are traditionally mortal enemies of manticores. It would encourage the study and practice of war magic and incorporate a set of duelling arenas to allow war witches to test their skills against one another.

Once complete, Dawn would be able to raise an army capable of unleashing the power of magic on the battlefield. It would ensure that a cohort of capable war witches formed the core of the army. It would ''not'' be a [[Army_qualities#Magic|Magic]] army, but over time it could develop its own unique quality that reflected the prowess of the war witches.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=left|width=250}}</div>
==Lions==
* '''A herald offers recommendations on the grandeur of a monument to the beneficence of the Queen of the Fields of Glory'''
* '''The Queen has summoned Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco to appear before her, with an entourage of troubadours, to her exploits and her plans'''
* '''If the meeting goes well, the Lion of Summer will offer the general her aid in the fight against the vallorn'''
Last season, [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Gilded_Bouquet_(Eleonaris)|Elodian visited Anvil]] on business both personal and for his liege-lady. She was disappointed to hear about the doubt that has manifested itself in the hearts of the previously proud Highborn. But [[Eleonaris]] is apparently pleased to hear of plans to erect a grand triumph to celebrate their joint victory in the [[Sarangrave]]. A glorious [[edifice|frieze]] showing victorious Imperials fighting alongside elfin knights is entirely satisfactory. Of course anything raised in honour of a queen, should have the appropriate [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]], a small statue is fine for a glorious yeofolk completing their [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|test of mettle]], but the ''Queen of the Fields of Glory'' will expect something in keeping with her status. Something the size of a tower would be adequate, but it would need to be bigger if the Empire want to impress on the Queen how grateful they are for her aid.

In any case, the denizens of the Summer Realm pay are pleased to hear that the next great campaign is to be led against the Vallorn. ELodian returned singing the praises of ''the greatest general in the Empire'', '''Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco''' of the [[Lions of Adelmar]]. So intrigued was she by the words of Elodian that she wishes to meet this great general ''in person'' at the coming solstice. At 14:00 on Saturday the ''Lady of Pennants'' will send one of her court to the Hall of Worlds to collect General Katelyn to escort her and half a dozen troubadours to engage in a discussion on the plans for this new war. After an exchange of gifts, the troubadours should regale the ''Sovereign in Scarlet and Gold'' of the great deeds of General Katelyn, and if the ''Lion of Summer'' is suitably impressed she will offer her aid in the coming fight against the ''Folly of Terunael''.

==Further Reading==
* [[The highest calling]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune introducing the highest calling

* [[Vallorn]]
* [[Vallornguard]]

The Chamber

2026-07-11T20:18:26Z

Thespaceinvader:

The chamber is a [[Dramaturgy#The Thrones|throne]], a location used in [[dramaturgy]] that represents both a setting and a realm of magic.

'''Realm:''' Night.

'''Setting:''' This represents privacy, a place where masks come off and characters are honest with one another. It may be a bedchamber or a privy chamber - a place of secrets, passion and plots. The tale told might be of secret assignations, of private messages given and received, of dark desires confessed and gratified. The 'bedroom farce' can be another approach to the night ritual, playing up the themes of deceit, misunderstanding and subterfuge in a comedic fashion.

'''Characters:''' [[The Witch]] and [[The Mountebank]] are strong characters in this setting; they are often veiled, and often portrayed as [[naga]]. Their understanding of passion, deception and mysteries come to the fore. Their natures often reverse; a comedic Mountebank is serious in the chamber, a clever Witch is sensuous.

'''Magical Style:''' This is often a location where a weakness is exposed, or a fact revealed; this makes the chamber a good fit for the magic of divination. It is also a place where people change their attire, making it a good fit for transformation magic.

Rituals that uncover or conceal things through Night magic are made stronger here, but so are themes of transformation, passion, or intuition. A ritual from another realm that deals with these themes is empowered by juxtaposing obvious elements ([[The Doctor]] and [[The Lantern]] for divination) with the less obvious elements of the chamber (a divination that deals with unravelling a Night realm [[enchantment]] despite the fact the ritual performed is from the Day realm) .

[[Category:Dramaturgy]]

Sound and vision

2026-07-11T17:47:10Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Silver Earworms */

[[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 Shepherd'''
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 Shepherd]] 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherd 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.

Glamourweave Robe

2026-07-11T17:35:24Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Description */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Urizen-Shopped-2838.JPG|title=An Urizen magician in Glamourweave Robe|align=right|width=250|height=375}}
==Description==
These fine robes are made of the finest cloth woven with threads of gold, silver, mithril and orichalcum. The robes are most often dyed with a vibrant and delicate combination of green iron ore and iridescent gloaming, leaving the cloth with a viridian, cerulean or deep umber tone, decorated with copper-and-green-iron alloy wire. The intent is usually to impress onlookers, and to grant a confidence and sense of pride to the wearer. They are very popular in [[Dawn]], [[Urizen]] and [[Highguard]], places where magicians are likely to fight in close proximity to warriors. On a battlefield the robes are often worn over or beneath a suit of [[Weapons & Armour#Mage Armour|mage armour]].

The robes are often embroidered with runes such as [[Zorech]], [[Feresh]] or [[Tykonus]], although robes intended for an [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]] or a general are likely to include the runes [[Hirmok]]. In Urizen, the rune [[Lann]] is most often used on these robes, representing a notional bargain between the magician and the sentinels who work with him - they will protect and support the magician and in return the magician uses his magic to protect and support the sentinels.

Symbols of [[Pride]] and [[Courage]] are often included on these robes, especially when they are worn by [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[Magister|magisters]] or priests with a mastery of magical lore.

==Rules==
{{Mage Robes}}
* '''Effect:''' Four times per day when you cast the [[empower]] spell, you may do so without spending any mana. You must be able to cast the empower spell to use this power.
* '''Materials:''' Crafting a Glamourweave Robe requires twelve ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]], seven ingots of [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], three measures of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]], and eight measures of [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. It takes one month to make one of these items.

<ic>Arbiter Fulvia of Thunderspire,

It is with my deepest regret that I must inform you of the death of your envoy, Seer Gnaius Thunderspire.

Gnaius reached our city via the Dawnish pass, braving terrible conditions to reach my audience. I found him to be urbane, polite and clever, a credit to your Spire and your people, and I am glad to confirm that I am happy to agree to your suggested exchange. Copying the texts he mentioned will benefit both my guild and your spire and I look forwards to adding your offered tomes to our library.

Sadly, with the enemy at the gate and growing pressure within our streets, the city grows less safe. I am still attempting to discover who sent the assassins, but they struck when I was taking dinner with Gnaius and a number of other note-worthies of the city – as yet, I am unsure as to who their true target was.

Nonetheless, as my bodyguards rushed to defend us from our assailants, it is with the utmost respect and awe that I must tell you that Gnaius – unarmed, and clad only in the beautiful cerulean of his envoy's robes – stood from dinner, graced me with a final comment about the quality of the fine wine we had partaken of, and strode to where my guards held back the assassins at the top of the stairs.

There, he wove battle enchantments such as I have rarely seen. I wish to reiterate that he was entirely unarmed and unarmoured, yet still he stood proudly and bestowed upon the bodyguards blessings of the utmost vigour and speed. Under the blessed effects of his incantations, they fought as hard and fierce as dervishes of the Virtues, and Gnaius kept weaving his spells even when I felt sure he must falter and stumble from the sheer effort. The sight of the noble Seer, a man of learning holding back the foe with his words even as his robes shimmered in the lamp-light, will stay in my mind as an inspiration and as an honour to the fallen.

I am aggrieved to say that, while our assailants might have lacked in virtue, they did not lack in wits, and upon realising that their imminent defeat was caused by one lone magician, they struck at him instead. Their blades were coated with toxic venoms.

I promise you that I will not rest until I have discovered those responsible for this assault, and I will ensure that both my own guild and Thunderspire are avenged for the insult done and the lives lost. For now, I have kept his robes; not out of greed but because they bear the Rune of Debt, and I will hold to it as a reminder of the debt I owe Gnaius and, in turn, yourself and your spire.

When justice has been done, I will wash the robes clean and return them to you.

Yours in Virtue,

Guildmistress Katarina of Holberg,
of the Saeftinghe Charter of Reclamation
</ic>

Wise Rangara

2026-07-11T17:22:04Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Rituals that deal with Wise Rangara */

{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|caption=Wise Rangara is outwardly the least malign of the Winter eternals.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Rangara is called "''The Wise''."

She is also known as ''The Ancient One'', ''Eldest'' or ''Grandmother Winter'' and ''Kind Rangara'', all epithets intended to flatter her and show the respect she considers so important. Some [[Kallavesi]] use the name ''Pale Raven'' when speaking of her, while the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka religious beliefs|wise ones]] use the old Ushka name ''Clever Spider''. Regardless of the name used, Rangara herself demands respect and finds flattery entertaining - the more florid the greetings she is given, the more amused she becomes.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], she is known as ''White Eye Serpent'', and is tolerated for the lessons and lore she offers as she encourages people to understand a situation through their own efforts.

Outside her hearing she is sometimes called ''the Cruel Lady'', or the ''Crone'', but woe betide someone who refers to her as such within her hearing - such individuals will be ejected from her presence and may well receive a curse for their insolence.

==Appearance==
One of the oldest known eternals, Rangara appears as an extremely old woman with snow-pale skin. She is believed to be blind, although this does not seem to effect her ability to perceive visitors and should never be mistaken for weakness - indeed most scholars agree she has a supernatural ability to penetrate disguises and transformations in those who come before her. She wears a cloak of black feathers, and either a dark cowl or more often a ritual mask made from the bones of a great bird, likewise covered in feathers.

Wise Rangara may be encountered alone, but is often assisted by dark figures that combine elements of birds with humanoid form. Sometimes she is accompanied by a human child, often expressing a strong [[draughir]] [[lineage]] who she refers to as her apprentice.

==Concerns==
The exemplifies the strength that comes from old age and tradition. She possesses great stores of knowledge, and often has a keen insight into difficult situations. She expects respect and politeness from those who meet her, and insolence or disrespect may be answered with expulsion from her presence and sometimes a curse. She prefers the company of older humans, those with hard-won experience gained over a long life. She believes that wisdom is gained by experience, but that it can be passed to other people. She is disdainful of books and schools, however, and expresses the belief that wisdom is only really passed down from one person to another person - anything else is just ''knowledge'', which is not the same.

She has limited patience with the young - she always prefers the company of older folk to younger folk. The exception is her love of children. This appreciation of the young is double-edged; while she often indulges their foolish behaviour, she is also known to send her heralds to lure clever children to her to serve as her apprentice. She controls at least one [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]] containing a cottage in the deep woods where her apprentices stay while serving her. She is known to take an extremely dim view of those who harm or kill the very old or the very young without good reason.

Wise Rangara served as a patroness to the Ushka people, and she maintains a soft spot for their descendants the [[Varushka|Varushkans]]. She is always interested in the doings of the Varushkan people. She also has a long tradition of good relations with the [[Kallavesi]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Mystics|mystics]], and is usually happy to welcome one to her presence. By contrast she is known to have had conflicts in the past with both [[Suaq]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] and [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] and those who identify themselves as such often receive a chilly reception.

Wise Rangara does not appear to be able to read. While she is blind, her illiteracy seems to have little to do with her lack of sight - she has demonstrated the ability to easily identify colours and fine details by handling objects, for example. On the few occasions that someone has quizzed her about this or offered to help her she has claimed that she is too ''set in her ways'' to learn to read. Her apprentice reads anything presented to her - she has several times said that she finds children to be best suited to read documents as their lack of preconception often allows unexpected insight into the words or their writer.

In [[Wintermark]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Irremais]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=TreeArt.jpg|title=Part of the "House of Leaves" collection, this is believed to be a painting representing Wise Rangara entitled ''Grandmother Winter'', artist unknown.|caption=Wise Rangara is one of the oldest of the known eternals.|align=right|width=400}}

==Boons==
The most important thing to understand about Rangara is that she never gives anything of value away without exacting an appropriate price. She warns those who bargain with her that nothing of value is ever gained without price. She rarely barters with those she is dealing with; she states a price, and if it is not appropriate she rarely agrees to a counter-offer. The prices she exacts are often painful, and often involve an effort to teach the bargainer a lesson of some sort. If the bargain appears too good to be true, scholars warn, be ''very'' careful as there is likely to be a hidden catch.

The Eldest is a mistress of herbs, and can brew any potion. She can also combine herbs in such a way as to create unique elixirs, salves and infusions beyond the ability of mortal apothecaries. Often these potions require a strange or symbolic element in addition to the normal herbs - the blood of a warrior or a tear from a boyar, for example. She is known to request difficult quests from those who ask her for potions, usually involving gathering a unique ingredient some of which goes into the potion and some of which she takes as payment. According to stories she can brew a draught that renders the one who drinks it immortal - they will continue to age, but they will not die except by violence.

Her cauldron is believed to be an especially potent artefact, and she sometimes lends or gives magical cauldrons to those who gain her favour. These items may duplicate the effects of talismans such as the [[Escharotic Cauldron]], while others have offered benefits to cabals of apothecaries or ritualists as a form of [[Magic_items#Paraphernalia|paraphernalia]]. The ''Sisters of the Silver Goblet'' in [[Dawn]], for example, received a cauldron that allowed their coven to use herbs in their rituals, renewed each year in return for unknown service.

Rangara possesses great stores of both wisdom and knowledge gathered over her long existence. She can often identify objects by handling them, sometimes having special insight into their nature or purpose. Likewise she can examine and understand any [[enchantment]] or [[curse]] simply by examining it, and can often remove supernatural curses especially those that involve nightmares or compulsions.

She has a great interest in dreams, and sometimes trades small trinkets in return for stories of strange dreams, especially those that later prove to be prophetic in some way. She sometimes trades with mortals for the ability to dream their dreams - those who accept find their sleep wracked with terrible nightmares for the duration of the exchange. On occasion Rangara has repaid this boon with knowledge gleaned from these dreams, sometimes even that which has to do with past lives.

Rangara can deliver horrible curses, but she rarely offers this ability to others. Her curses are often tailored to ironically punish their victim, and despite the fact they tend to be less debilitating than ritual curses, are often surprisingly difficult to remove. On rare occasions in the past some winter [[Archmage|archmages]] have brought criminals before her and asked her to judge them. She is known to be a ruthless judge who often interrogates a guilty person to see what ''else'' they are guilty of. The reason behind her judgements is not always obvious -she has been known to pardon criminals who acted for the good of their families while punishing those whose transgressions appeared minor. Needless to say Imperial Magistrates do not consider Rangara to be an Imperial authority - something her allies have occasionally tried to rectify.

Following the revelation that Wise Rangara was the "patron" of the [[Quickening Cold Meat]] ritual - that she provided the access to the Winter spirits that ritual calls forth - there has been speculation that she might be able to provide boons relating to its performance. To date, she has shown no inclination to do so.

==Rituals that deal with Wise Rangara==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Wise Rangara. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Quickening Cold Meat]]</td><td>[[Wise Rangara]]</td><td>Summons Winter spirits to create murderous animated corpses that fight alongside an enchanted army for a year.</td><td>Winter</td><td>120</td>
</table>
<ic>"You are a hero of your Empire, not a spoiled child to demand a treat for sweeping the step.

"What you come by too easily, you value too little. If you were to sweat, and bleed, and strive for six months to possess a smooth stone from the beach, just a simple stone, I would say that you would value that little stone more than any amount of silver.

"As to the parents of the little boy... either they will kill you and realise that their son was threatened and learn to protect him better; or you will bring the boy to me and they will learn the lessons that loss teaches. In time they will come to me to bargain for his return, or they will realise they did not truly love him after all and he will abide with me until he is of age.

"Either way, the boy will be safer and his parents will have learnt a lesson."
</ic>

==Rangara's Apprentice==
Rangara has a special interest in children; her ''apprentice'' is always a human child, and rarely of any lineage other than draughir. Children who approach Rangara politely and offer her assistance may be allowed to spend time with her in her realm. Those who do must be exceptionally careful to specify the duration of their apprenticeship - there are stories of unwise children who have failed to do so and end up serving the Cruel Lady for years until a family member is able to bargain with Rangara for their release. A child who spends time with Rangara usually receives a gift from the eternal when they return to the mortal realm. Children who spend time with Rangara are very likely to return marked by the draughir lineage, and in later life often follow the path of the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physician]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. The eternal only ever has one apprentice at a time; before she will accept another she must be persuaded to release her current apprentice. There are several stories of families who have rescued foolish children from her by exchanging one child for another, sometimes through trickery sometimes by provided Rangara with an apprentice she considers "superior."
<br><br>
'''Rangara's Apprentice in Play:''' A player-character child may become Rangara's apprentice for a time. This will usually last between a season and a year. In such cases heralds may collect the child at the end of an event, but they will always be delivered safely to their parents by the start of the next event. Between events the player-character child will spend time with Wise Rangara in one of her many homes, and may be asked to achieve goals for the eternal during an event.

Children are only likely to be stolen away for a longer period with appropriate permission.

While an apprentice is ''more likely'' to become a draughir, or an apothecary, there's no requirement for this to be the case.

==Further Reading==
* [[Dream_to_me#Wise_Rangara|Dream to me]] - 386YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Three_and_three#Wise_Rangara|Three and three]] - 385YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Unknown|Hopeless as a feather]] - 384YE Autumn plenipotentiary response on behalf of the Silent Witness
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Wise_Rangara|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Nowhere_and_everywhere#Wise_Rangara|Nowhere and everywhere]] - 382YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Wise Rangara

2026-07-11T17:21:43Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Boons */

{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|caption=Wise Rangara is outwardly the least malign of the Winter eternals.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Rangara is called "''The Wise''."

She is also known as ''The Ancient One'', ''Eldest'' or ''Grandmother Winter'' and ''Kind Rangara'', all epithets intended to flatter her and show the respect she considers so important. Some [[Kallavesi]] use the name ''Pale Raven'' when speaking of her, while the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka religious beliefs|wise ones]] use the old Ushka name ''Clever Spider''. Regardless of the name used, Rangara herself demands respect and finds flattery entertaining - the more florid the greetings she is given, the more amused she becomes.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], she is known as ''White Eye Serpent'', and is tolerated for the lessons and lore she offers as she encourages people to understand a situation through their own efforts.

Outside her hearing she is sometimes called ''the Cruel Lady'', or the ''Crone'', but woe betide someone who refers to her as such within her hearing - such individuals will be ejected from her presence and may well receive a curse for their insolence.

==Appearance==
One of the oldest known eternals, Rangara appears as an extremely old woman with snow-pale skin. She is believed to be blind, although this does not seem to effect her ability to perceive visitors and should never be mistaken for weakness - indeed most scholars agree she has a supernatural ability to penetrate disguises and transformations in those who come before her. She wears a cloak of black feathers, and either a dark cowl or more often a ritual mask made from the bones of a great bird, likewise covered in feathers.

Wise Rangara may be encountered alone, but is often assisted by dark figures that combine elements of birds with humanoid form. Sometimes she is accompanied by a human child, often expressing a strong [[draughir]] [[lineage]] who she refers to as her apprentice.

==Concerns==
The exemplifies the strength that comes from old age and tradition. She possesses great stores of knowledge, and often has a keen insight into difficult situations. She expects respect and politeness from those who meet her, and insolence or disrespect may be answered with expulsion from her presence and sometimes a curse. She prefers the company of older humans, those with hard-won experience gained over a long life. She believes that wisdom is gained by experience, but that it can be passed to other people. She is disdainful of books and schools, however, and expresses the belief that wisdom is only really passed down from one person to another person - anything else is just ''knowledge'', which is not the same.

She has limited patience with the young - she always prefers the company of older folk to younger folk. The exception is her love of children. This appreciation of the young is double-edged; while she often indulges their foolish behaviour, she is also known to send her heralds to lure clever children to her to serve as her apprentice. She controls at least one [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]] containing a cottage in the deep woods where her apprentices stay while serving her. She is known to take an extremely dim view of those who harm or kill the very old or the very young without good reason.

Wise Rangara served as a patroness to the Ushka people, and she maintains a soft spot for their descendants the [[Varushka|Varushkans]]. She is always interested in the doings of the Varushkan people. She also has a long tradition of good relations with the [[Kallavesi]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Mystics|mystics]], and is usually happy to welcome one to her presence. By contrast she is known to have had conflicts in the past with both [[Suaq]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] and [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] and those who identify themselves as such often receive a chilly reception.

Wise Rangara does not appear to be able to read. While she is blind, her illiteracy seems to have little to do with her lack of sight - she has demonstrated the ability to easily identify colours and fine details by handling objects, for example. On the few occasions that someone has quizzed her about this or offered to help her she has claimed that she is too ''set in her ways'' to learn to read. Her apprentice reads anything presented to her - she has several times said that she finds children to be best suited to read documents as their lack of preconception often allows unexpected insight into the words or their writer.

In [[Wintermark]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Irremais]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=TreeArt.jpg|title=Part of the "House of Leaves" collection, this is believed to be a painting representing Wise Rangara entitled ''Grandmother Winter'', artist unknown.|caption=Wise Rangara is one of the oldest of the known eternals.|align=right|width=400}}

==Boons==
The most important thing to understand about Rangara is that she never gives anything of value away without exacting an appropriate price. She warns those who bargain with her that nothing of value is ever gained without price. She rarely barters with those she is dealing with; she states a price, and if it is not appropriate she rarely agrees to a counter-offer. The prices she exacts are often painful, and often involve an effort to teach the bargainer a lesson of some sort. If the bargain appears too good to be true, scholars warn, be ''very'' careful as there is likely to be a hidden catch.

The Eldest is a mistress of herbs, and can brew any potion. She can also combine herbs in such a way as to create unique elixirs, salves and infusions beyond the ability of mortal apothecaries. Often these potions require a strange or symbolic element in addition to the normal herbs - the blood of a warrior or a tear from a boyar, for example. She is known to request difficult quests from those who ask her for potions, usually involving gathering a unique ingredient some of which goes into the potion and some of which she takes as payment. According to stories she can brew a draught that renders the one who drinks it immortal - they will continue to age, but they will not die except by violence.

Her cauldron is believed to be an especially potent artefact, and she sometimes lends or gives magical cauldrons to those who gain her favour. These items may duplicate the effects of talismans such as the [[Escharotic Cauldron]], while others have offered benefits to cabals of apothecaries or ritualists as a form of [[Magic_items#Paraphernalia|paraphernalia]]. The ''Sisters of the Silver Goblet'' in [[Dawn]], for example, received a cauldron that allowed their coven to use herbs in their rituals, renewed each year in return for unknown service.

Rangara possesses great stores of both wisdom and knowledge gathered over her long existence. She can often identify objects by handling them, sometimes having special insight into their nature or purpose. Likewise she can examine and understand any [[enchantment]] or [[curse]] simply by examining it, and can often remove supernatural curses especially those that involve nightmares or compulsions.

She has a great interest in dreams, and sometimes trades small trinkets in return for stories of strange dreams, especially those that later prove to be prophetic in some way. She sometimes trades with mortals for the ability to dream their dreams - those who accept find their sleep wracked with terrible nightmares for the duration of the exchange. On occasion Rangara has repaid this boon with knowledge gleaned from these dreams, sometimes even that which has to do with past lives.

Rangara can deliver horrible curses, but she rarely offers this ability to others. Her curses are often tailored to ironically punish their victim, and despite the fact they tend to be less debilitating than ritual curses, are often surprisingly difficult to remove. On rare occasions in the past some winter [[Archmage|archmages]] have brought criminals before her and asked her to judge them. She is known to be a ruthless judge who often interrogates a guilty person to see what ''else'' they are guilty of. The reason behind her judgements is not always obvious -she has been known to pardon criminals who acted for the good of their families while punishing those whose transgressions appeared minor. Needless to say Imperial Magistrates do not consider Rangara to be an Imperial authority - something her allies have occasionally tried to rectify.

Following the revelation that Wise Rangara was the "patron" of the [[Quickening Cold Meat]] ritual - that she provided the access to the Winter spirits that ritual calls forth - there has been speculation that she might be able to provide boons relating to its performance. To date, she has shown no inclination to do so.

==Rituals that deal with Wise Rangara==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Wise Rangara. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Quickening Cold Meat]]</td><td>[[Wise Rangara]]</td><td>Summons Winter spirits to create murderous animated corpses that fight alongside and enchanted army for a year.</td><td>Winter</td><td>120</td>
</table>
<ic>"You are a hero of your Empire, not a spoiled child to demand a treat for sweeping the step.

"What you come by too easily, you value too little. If you were to sweat, and bleed, and strive for six months to possess a smooth stone from the beach, just a simple stone, I would say that you would value that little stone more than any amount of silver.

"As to the parents of the little boy... either they will kill you and realise that their son was threatened and learn to protect him better; or you will bring the boy to me and they will learn the lessons that loss teaches. In time they will come to me to bargain for his return, or they will realise they did not truly love him after all and he will abide with me until he is of age.

"Either way, the boy will be safer and his parents will have learnt a lesson."
</ic>

==Rangara's Apprentice==
Rangara has a special interest in children; her ''apprentice'' is always a human child, and rarely of any lineage other than draughir. Children who approach Rangara politely and offer her assistance may be allowed to spend time with her in her realm. Those who do must be exceptionally careful to specify the duration of their apprenticeship - there are stories of unwise children who have failed to do so and end up serving the Cruel Lady for years until a family member is able to bargain with Rangara for their release. A child who spends time with Rangara usually receives a gift from the eternal when they return to the mortal realm. Children who spend time with Rangara are very likely to return marked by the draughir lineage, and in later life often follow the path of the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physician]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. The eternal only ever has one apprentice at a time; before she will accept another she must be persuaded to release her current apprentice. There are several stories of families who have rescued foolish children from her by exchanging one child for another, sometimes through trickery sometimes by provided Rangara with an apprentice she considers "superior."
<br><br>
'''Rangara's Apprentice in Play:''' A player-character child may become Rangara's apprentice for a time. This will usually last between a season and a year. In such cases heralds may collect the child at the end of an event, but they will always be delivered safely to their parents by the start of the next event. Between events the player-character child will spend time with Wise Rangara in one of her many homes, and may be asked to achieve goals for the eternal during an event.

Children are only likely to be stolen away for a longer period with appropriate permission.

While an apprentice is ''more likely'' to become a draughir, or an apothecary, there's no requirement for this to be the case.

==Further Reading==
* [[Dream_to_me#Wise_Rangara|Dream to me]] - 386YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Three_and_three#Wise_Rangara|Three and three]] - 385YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Unknown|Hopeless as a feather]] - 384YE Autumn plenipotentiary response on behalf of the Silent Witness
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Wise_Rangara|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Nowhere_and_everywhere#Wise_Rangara|Nowhere and everywhere]] - 382YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Astral Arcanist

2026-07-10T16:17:44Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Overview */

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Serenus Starsong.jpg|caption='''Serenus Starsong''', first and last Astral Arcanist|align=left|width=250}}

The Astral Arcanist is an [[Imperial title]] appointed by the [[Conclave]]. The [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Create_title_of_Astral_Arcanist|motion]] to create the title was brought by '''Thalia of Netherwatch''', as Senator for [[Redoubt]], to the Imperial Senate during the Summer Solstice 386YE. The Astral Arcanist is a position in the Conclave with an expectation to support the magicians of the Empire with information about [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellations]] and tulpas.
__NOTOC__
The title was [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Astral_Arcanist|abrogated]] by the Senate during the Spring Equinox 388YE. This decision followed the apparent death of the Arcanist themselves, '''Serenus Starsong''', and the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Abrogate_Astral_Arcanist|formal request]] of the [[Conclave]] to have the title abrogated. There is speculation that this may in part have been motivated by the [[What regulates the wheel?|developing crisis]] relating to the [[Regio#The_Imperial_Regio|Imperial regio]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=RelativePositionslores.JPG|align=right|width=300}}

==Responsibilities==
The Astral Arcanist had a responsibility to disperse knowledge about the constellations to Imperial magicians. They are also expected to guide and advise [[Astronomancy|astronomancers]] through the Astronomancy Symposium. The Astral Arcanist did not have the legal power to prevent any interaction between citizens and constellations or tulpas.

==Appointment==
The appointment, replacement, or removal of the Astral Arcanist was made by the [[Declaration#Declaration_of_Candidacy|declaration of candidacy]] as part of a [[Conclave session]]. Any Imperial citizen could hold the title.

The Astral Arcanist served until they were replaced by another magician using the Declaration of Candidacy. As a title in the Conclave, they could not be [[Revocation|revoked]].

{{RecentElections|Astral_Arcanist}}
{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
[[Category:Conclave]]
[[Category:Astronomancy]]

Viridian nemesis

2026-07-06T14:28:26Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Tassato */

[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>"Trade is the lifeblood of the Jewelled City. Ships dock here from all over the world. The Grendel like to think of themselves as masters of the Bay of Catazar, but the markets of Dubhtraig are barely twice the size of Trivento! Everything is for sale here. Everything the virtuous soul might desire and a little more besides."

"I don't see how that is going to help us." responded Gwyn, careful not to offend his host. He'd been warned that the Merchant Prince of the Amber Signets was given to self-aggrandisement, but he'd been advised that he held sway over a significant number of local merchants who would be good to have on hand. "The vallorn has no trade interests, no valuables. It has no interest in markets or trade, any more than it does in any other facet of civilisation."

Afredo blinked and then forced a smile back to his face. "You miss my point my friend. The point is that whatever you need for this war of yours, is available here. Materials, wains, mana, herbs, weapons, armour, even soldiers are for sale here. Well their swords at least. Tell me what the Vallornguard need to fight the enemy and we'll ensure it's available - for the right price."

Gwyn shrugged his shoulders a little bemused by the question. "I mean... everything... we need everything." Herbs to heal soldiers, crystals for magic, ingots and measures for magic items, there was no material in this or any realm that the Navarri have not found a way to use to fight their ancient foe.

The Merchant Prince smirked, though this time the smile was at least an honest one. "Very well" he replied, "everything it is then..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png|align=left|caption=The garden long-tended by the Navarr begins to bear fruit.|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
The [[The highest calling|highest calling]] of the the [[Navarr]] is to share their long experience fighting the [[vallorn]] with other nations. Last season, they [[Cup_of_choices|chose to work]] with the people of [[Urizen]]; now the Navarr National Assembly has urged their people to embrace the citizens of [[the League]] to arm and armour them for the upcoming battle with the Doom of Terunael. Once again, the [[Loyalty]] Assembly has supported the cause, calling upon those whose heart drives them towards the destruction of ''Terun's Folly''.

The aid was welcomed by the League Assembly and so the Navarr find the cities of the League no less enthusiastic than the spires of Urizen. In conjunction with their guests, each city has come up with its own plan how best to prepare to fight the vallorn.

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr;">
{{SOPInner|statement=The Virtuous raise up their fellows. Any nation willing to raise arms and join the Vallornguard shall have our full support. We send Teleri Thornweaver with 50 doses of liao to lead our people in sharing everything we have with the League to prepare to finish the fight.|by=Teleri Thornweaver, Navarr National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 252-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=The Virtuous raise up their fellows. Any nation willing to raise arms and join the Vallornguard shall have our full support. We send Leliel, Daughter of Armisael, with 25 doses of liao to lead our people in sharing everything we have with the League to prepare to finish the fight.|by=Leliel, Daughter of Armisael, Loyalty Assembly|vote=190-0|when=Spring 388YE}}

{{SOPInner|statement=We welcome and recognise the judgement by Navarr (54). We recognise their highest calling and we welcome their aid.|by=Francesca di Spiral, League National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 328-10|when=Spring 388YE}}</div>

==Holberg==
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Boar's Hide'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Fortification]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Boar's Dell, Brocéliande</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 120 [[white granite]], 60 mithril, 540 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 6 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 20 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Creates a level two fortification in Boar's Dell
* Increases the level of investment in mana sites in Brocéliande by one while there is a vallornheart in the territory
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Holberg engineers propose the construction of a grand fortification in Brocéliande that could take advantage of the trods to boost mana sites in the territory'''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
[[The_greatest_city_in_the_world|The Greatest City in the League]] lies to the north-east of [[Brocéliande|Brocéliande]], and south of [[Otkodov#Sküld|Sküld]], two territories both infested with the vallorn. Initial proposals by some ambitious engineers has a [[weirwood]] and [[ilium]] causeway cutting across the Barrens to channel the vallorn of [[Brocéliande#Terunael|Terunael]] itself into their territory, that they might fight in the shade of the monstrous [[Walls of Holberg]]. This plan was quickly abandoned as infeasible; fine in theory, ''way'' too expensive in practice.

If the vallorn won't go to Holberg, then Holberg will go to the vallorn. The engineers have a proposal for an enormous bastion built on the foundations of Greenstead in [[Brocéliande#Boar's_Dell|Boar's Dell]]. Once roused, the vallorn by its nature will tend to be drawn to any substantial fortification, sending its full chaotic wroth at the structure until it is entirely subsumed in vines. Knowing that the vallorn is likely to attack any fortification first means the engineers can expect any substantial defences to become a focal point of the campaign as well as a place for Imperial [[military unit]] captains to assign their forces in the absence of an Imperial [[army]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box><big>'''Regarding the Broch'''</big><br>While [[Brocéliande#The Broch|the Broch]] is already [[Construct Defence of the Broch|fortified]], the work was specifically done in such a way as to ''not'' rouse the ire of the vallorn. After all, [[Brocéliande#Black_Boughs|Black Boughs]] lies within the [[vallorn miasma|miasma]] itself and in a region utterly dominated by the ''Doom of Terunael''.</box></div>
There are some important consequences to consider. Firstly, the [[steading|steadings]] of Boar's Dell would face the brunt of the assault. They are Navarri, they have signed up to this, they have sworn oaths that they are committed to this, but one's home is one's home, nevertheless. Secondly, it is eye-wateringly expensive to create such a structure: even with the help of Holberg's finest engineers, they can't materialise wains out of the ether, as much as other nations may accuse the League of this from time to time.

With the collaboration of Holberg's engineers, the fortification could be completed in six seasons (barring the use of magic or other opportunities). Working closely with Navarr [[vate|vates]] provides a second advantage. By incorporating a significant amount of [[mithril]] into the design, it would harness also some of the chaotic energies being drawn out of the vallorn by the [[trods|trod network]] and channel it into local [[mana site|mana sites]]. That would provide a small but important benefit, providing more mana for the coming war, at least until the vallornheart in [[Brocéliande#Terunael|Terunael]] is destroyed.

==Sarvos==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Market of Everything'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Ministry]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Cigno, Sarvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 8 wains of white granite, 6 wains of weirwood, 2 wains of mithril, 48 crowns, 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates a Ministry for the Vallornguard
* Creates the title of ''Merchant-Prince of the Vallornguard''</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Merchant-Prince of the Vallornguard'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League national position</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Vallornguard</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives support from Sarvosi traders to acquire material to fight the vallorn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To help the Vallornguard acquire the materials needed to fight the vallorn</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''A Little Bit of Everything'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 rings</td><td>4 random materials, 6 random herbs, 3 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>370 rings</td><td>8 random materials, 12 random herbs, 6 mana crystals, </td></tr>
<tr><td>650 rings</td><td>12 random materials, 18 random herbs, 9 mana crystals,</td></tr>
<tr><td>1000 rings</td><td>16 random materials, 24 random herbs, 12 mana crystals, </td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Sarvosi merchants propose commissioning a market of everything to help supply the Vallornguard with the resources to fight the vallorn'''
While Holberg claims to be the Greatest City in the League, their indignant rivals in [[Sarvos]] argue their city is the oldest and still the richest in the Empire. Trade flows across down the Gancio until it meets the [[Bay of Catazar]] at the docks of [[Sarvos#Cigno|Cigno]]. Ships put to port here that dock nowhere else in the Empire, buying and selling; rare metals from [[Varushka]], fine wines from [[Dawn]], or exotic goods from overseas. The city's proud boast is that anything that is for sale anywhere in the Empire can be found in the markets of Sarvos.

The question is how to employ that strength to bolster the Vallornguard and help prepare for the coming war. Plans are quickly drawn up for a grand market, something that can provide whoever the Vallornguard appoint with a bit of ''everything''. Anything that can be employed against the vallorn can be distributed as needed to the Vallornguard - the rest can be sold. In the minds of the [[merchant Prince|merchant princes]] of Sarvos, a good profit margin is the ultimate weapon.

==Tassato==
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Vallornguard Military Academy'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Madeiras, Tassato</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of white granite, 32 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' League armies with a general appointed by the Vallornguard can take the order to Stem the Green Tide</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the start of Summer Solstice 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Tassatan bravos propose building an academy that will allow League generals appointed by the Vallornguard to use Stem the Green Tide when defending'''
The Navarri who arrive in [[Tassato]] are greeted by a great deal of commotion as furious work is being done to speed the [[Army#Recruitment|mustering]] of the League's third [[army]]. It is a painful reminder that, more than anything else, what the Vallornguard really need are armies. No matter how much planning is put in place, no matter how many fortifications are built, in the end it will always come down to steel weapons and steel will.

Most Tassatans learn to fight with rapier and buckler, the perfect weapons for a bravo who wants to cut a fine dash while bridge fighting. By contrast, the Navarr favour a more pragmatic fighting style when fighting the vallorn, one that makes use of [[venom]] whenever it is available. Training League soldiers in techniques for fighting the vallorn could pay dividends once the enemy attacks.

When the vallorn is roused, and it ''will'' be roused, insist the visiting [[thorn|thorns]], there will need to be those who can stem the initial tsunami of chaotic energies before it might be driven back and permanently quelled. Constructing an appropriate academy, staffed by members of the Vallornguard, would allow League citizens to drill the kind of basic tactics needed to stand your ground in the face of a swarm of vallornspawn.

Once complete the Vallornguard Military Academy would allow any League army whose [[general]] was appointed by the Vallornguard, to take the '''Stem the Green Tide''' order when defending. There are no League armies that would be affected at present, but a [[Senate motion]] could be used to change the appointment method of a general to a vote of the Vallornguard at any time.

<box>'''Stem the Green Tide'''<br>
* '''Casualties suffered by this army from vallorn are decreased by a fifth'''
* '''Victory points generated by this army against the vallorn are increased by one tenth'''

Rapiers might suit the dark alleys of the League cities, but large heavy weapons, such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billhook bills], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zweih%C3%A4nder two-handed swords] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pike_(weapon) pikes] are the preferred choice for many professional soldiers in League free companies. These are dangerous weapons of war on any battlefield, but with the right training and the right leadership, League soldiers can deploy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pike_square pike squares] to devastating effect against the vallornspawn allowing them to defend against the vallorn's overwhelming and chaotic offensive, holding back the unending green tide.
</box>

==Temeschwar==
* '''Temeschwari bishops suggest a mandate to encourage League bravos to seek out opportunities to fight the enemy'''
The hard, ruthless people of [[Temeschwar]] are known for their pragmatism. Grand plans for mighty fortresses are all well and good, but they can take years to build. Better to ''get on with it'', in the minds of many Temeschwari - there's no time like the present for dealing with a threat. ''Marko von Vardstein'', a newly-minted [[bishop]] with a small church in one of the poorer parts of Temeschwar, has paired up with ''Livinnia'', a bravo known for wielding two axes and being a woman of extremely few words. The pair suggest that if the League are going to do this then the national assembly should encourage military units to start now, by pursuing any venture that could aid in the fight against the vallorn.

{{Mandate|mandate=In Ratibor's name, let us act! We send (named individual) with 50 doses of liao to encourage League bravos to take up arms against the vallorn. If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing right now|assembly=League National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, then League military units will be able to take part in the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|quest against the vallorn]] and [[Venture#Explore_the_ruins_of_Terunael|the exploration of the ruins of Terunael]] ventures, as well as any future ventures that deal with engaging the vallorn directly.

<div {{float}}><quote by="William Shakespeare, As You Like it">All the world's a stage,<br>
And all the men and women are merely players</quote></div>

==Spiral==
* '''Actors and troupe magicians in Spiral propose the creation of plays about the vallorn to inspire citizens'''
* '''Apulian merchants have donated five thrones as a prize for the best play, to be judged by vote of members of the Cat's Graces at the Autumn Equinox'''

There's a lot going on in [[Spiral#Apulus|Apulian]] right now, a running battle between cats and birds for control of the city streets and rooftops while soldiers comb the dark passages that lie beneath them. The visiting Navarri are welcomed with all due hospitality, but at first some Apulians question whether they have the time to offer any significant aid, given that the strange ''confluence'' of [[dramaturgy|dramaturgical]] [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae|personae]], [[Dramaturgy#The_Instruments|instruments]] and [[Dramaturgy#The_Thrones|thrones]] plays havoc with the city, causing inhabitants and visitors alike to get lost in the shifting streets.

Determined not to be outdone by the other cities, a troupe of actors and magicians proposes that dramaturgy might offer a way to combat the vallorn. Of course there needs to be fortifications and armies and supplies and such things, but none of those will help without the ''will to win'' and the ''belief'' that ''victory'' is ''possible'' (and so on). The biggest hurdle to victory they say, is not the threat of the vallorn but the belief that the Empire lacks the means to defeat it. People need to see the vallorn not as some implacable force that can only be contained at best, but as an enemy that can be defeated once and for all, just like the [[Druj]].

What is needed, they say, are plays and stories that present a new vision of the vallorn. The true power of dramaturgy lies not just in performing rituals calling on the personae and their accoutrements, but in using the power of drama to influence the way people think and believe. Good plays create a narrative that shapes the path of history. Of course critics of dramaturgy argue that it is the power of events that make some plays seem so pivotal, not unlike the way some magicians believe that the stars move in line with events rather than the other way round.

Proponents of the real power of dramaturgy have little time for such naysaying. They argue that creating plays and stories that tell of victory over the vallorn are a subtle but crucial step in making that outcome come about. Of course that raises the question of who will create the plays - such things are time-consuming and expensive. A few Navarr suggest the historical accounts of Navarr and Thorn or [[Megan Black Blood]] might form the basis for such a play, but not everyone thinks that is the best approach. Even the suggestion of dramatising recent triumphs such as [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Immolation_.28Liathaven.29|that in Liathaven]] does not meet with enthusiasm.

The League actors are concerned that the old histories may focus too much on the fall and what was lost to the vallorn. Equally their suggestion that if the playwrights do use the historical accounts, they will need to be ''"sexed up a bit, to make it more dramatic"'' does not meet with universal approval by their Navarr guests.

As a compromise, the suggestion is that the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Establish_the_Cat's_Graces|recently established sodality, the Cat's Graces]] might hold a contest to find the best play about the vallorn. Something dramatic and engaging that will get people into the cheap seats but which sets the tone of an Empire engaging successfully with the vallorn. A purse is quickly assembled, 5 thrones for the winning entry, with the understanding of all who enter, that actors will tour the winning play and any other worthy entries, across the Empire.

Of course it will take time for playwrights to produce something that capture and transform the zeitgeist. It needn't be a full play - it could be a short performance piece, put on everywhere before the main attraction. It could be historical, provided it doesn't compromise being inspiring for too much stuffy "accuracy". After all, the goal is to move the hearts and minds of theatre-goers all over the Empire, not to educate historians and scholars.

The merchants of Apulian request the Cat's Graces sodality either arrange a suitable contest to identify a winning submission, or else find a way to choose the perfect playwright to commission a piece. Either way they offer a purse of five thrones to be awarded by the sodality at the Autumn Equinox, to the author of the play that best inspires people to embrace the idea of defeating the vallorn.

A copy of the play itself will also need to be provided, so that it can be distributed to troupes of actors across the League. Focusing the attention of the League's thespians and actors on the vallorn in this way may reap dividends, although they are likely to be subtle or unpredictable. With the support of the Cat's Graces, it will definitely encourage a surge of interest in depicting the fight against the vallorn on the stage, and in reframing it as a foe to be overcome rather than an insurmountable problem. It might all lead to nothing apart from some very enjoyable nights at the theatre, or it may actually achieve what the dramaturgical theorists claim it will and somehow shift Imperial attitudes to the Doom of Terunael.

==Further Reading==
* [[Cup of choices]] - 388YE Spring wind of fortune detailing the Navarr efforts to assist Urizen
* [[The highest calling]] - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune about the highest calling

* [[Vallorn]]

Satraps of the Abyss

2026-07-06T06:25:30Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Of Autumn */

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Appraisal]][[Category:Eternals]][[Category:Sumaah]]
<ic>"Please stop haunting me, Roderick." Lisane didn't look at her son, continuing to fold clothes and place them in a large weirwood travelling trunk. He sighed again, gustily, and she didn't need to see him to imagine his expression of deep concern.

"I'm just worried, mother. I assumed - we all assumed - that working for the Prognosticator's Office would involve something a little closer to home. At least at first. We were picturing an office at the Castle of Thorns. Somewhere that we could..."

"Check in on me?" She suppressed a smile, kept her tone sharp. "Honestly, I am an old woman Roderick. And you have a grandchild for goodness' sake! And do not ''dare'' start your next sentence with anything approaching 'at your age' or I will demand a Trial of Resolve from Melisandre and everyone will see you being thoroughly trounced by a great-grandmother!"

Roderick blew through his massive moustaches. "I'm just worried..." he said again. "The Sumaah Republic is two entire seas away. Three if you count Teeth. Seas swarming with bloodthirsty Asavean pirates. And even when you get there I hear its full of danger. Dragons. Giant panthers. Strange priests. At least take a few knights with you. Just to set my - our - minds at rest!"

Lisane looked down at her things. The last thing she needed to pack was Empress Lisabetta's book about eternals, and the colouring book full the children had presented her with. The Navarr artist's delightful line drawings of the various eternals, which were only slightly idolatrous, had been coloured in with a great deal of enthusiasm and glancing at it softened her heart. She dropped it into her trunk, shut the lid, threaded and tightened the buckles. Then she turned round, hands on hips.

Roderick looked absolutely wretched. He had always been the most anxious of her children, and in the shadow of the forty-year-old noble in front of her she could see the little boy sobbing from one too many nightmares of the Druj coming to get him.

"Roddy," she said gently, crossing the room to put her hands on his shoulders. She had to reach up, look up to meet his eyes. She sometimes forgot how tall he was. "I understand, I really do. When Gerard told me what my first appraisal was going to be, I confess it put moths in my stomach. But I took his offer up precisely because I ''want'' a challenge. Something more complex and important than keeping bees."

"But-"

She laid a finger on his lips and smiled at him. "I've no doubt that the Freeborn and the... the Sumaah Zemress pilgrims... will see me safely to and from the Republic. Merchants make the trip every season, you know, and nothing bad happens to them. And I am absolutely certain the Sumaah will not let a hungry drake or deadly panther eat me. I'm sure they don't let monstrous predators lurk around their cities, and Timoj is one of the great cities of the world as I understand it. It's lovely that the family are so worried, and I will miss you all just as much as you miss me, but I'll be back before you know it. Back in time for the Winter Solstice feast. I'm not going to miss Melisandre's first feast as earl, am I??"

She continued to gaze into Roderick's eyes. There was a great well of love there, but also that hard core of steel that had served her so well as earl and would serve her well dealing with the people of the Sumaah Republic. He looked away.

"Yes my ea-. Yes mother," he said quietly. She patted his arm.

"Excellent. Now, I'm going to go and say goodbye to the children. You can make yourself useful by putting those broad shoulders of yours to good use and carrying my trunk down to the wagon."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black Panther.jpg|align=left|caption=The unfamiliar spirits of the deep jungle are equally dangerous and enticing to Imperial scholars.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Spring Equinox, the Senate took advantage of an opportunity brokered by the [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]], '''Accalon of Felix's Watch''', regarding magical cooperation between the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaash]]. The [[Senate]] elected to send the freshly-appointed prognosticator ''[[Appraisal#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]]'' on the task, to "''appraise how the High Houses of Virtue and the Imperial Conclave can find ways to co-operate in interactions with [[eternal|eternals]]''".

The former [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[earl]] took passage to the Sumaah Republic immediately after the Spring Equinox, and made the crossing safely. She and her small staff have been granted apartments in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj|Timoj]], the capital city of the Republic, as guests of the High Houses of [[Wisdom]] and [[Vigilance]]. Lisane is expected to remain in Timoj for the next several seasons, and will not be available to undertake other appraisals until she returns to the Empire. As the Summer Solstice approaches, however, a preliminary report has already reached ''Gerard La Salle''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|align=right|width=175}}

==Wisdom of the Conclave==
* '''During the Summer Solstice the Conclave can send a single order to support the appraisal
* '''This will end the order's involvement in any other project
* '''The order will be engaged until the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE
* '''The order chosen will contribute to the outcome of the appraisal depending on its nature
As discussed in the [[Forging_links#Joining_Virtue_and_Magic|original proposal]], the Sumaash are happy to host a delegation from a single [[Conclave order]] to support Lisane. Her initial report is dense, full of information about the situation in Sumaah, partly because she believes this will help the Conclave to determine which order would be best suited to make the long journey to the southern shores of the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]].

During the Summer Solstice, the Conclave may choose to ask one order to contribute to the ongoing appraisal. This requires an order to raise a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] following the usual rules for [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guiding an order]]. If the Conclave agrees, members of the order will travel to the Sumaah Republic to support Lisane and her team. It would not be possible to guide that order again until the Winter Solstice, which is also when the outcome of their involvement will be presented to the Empire. Guiding an order already involved elsewhere - such as in the fighting against Cold Sun - will end their participation in the situation.

If more than one such declaration passes the Conclave, the last one to pass will win out.

Any order could be dispatched to Sumaah; there are members of each who are enthusiastic about the opportunity. Any order could secure a benefit for the Empire, but only some of them would do so by supporting Lisane and her team. Some orders have different areas of concern, and will make use of the opportunity to be hosted in the Republic in ways that are only peripherally associated with studying eternals. The civil service are confident that sufficient magicians will work with Lisane, so there's no chance of a diplomatic incident unless one of the orders goes out of its way to cause one, and the appraisal will still be successful no matter who goes.

* The [[Sevenfold Path]] are the most obvious order to send to Sumaah. If this order is chosen, their contribution will help focus the appraisal on ways for the [[Synod]] to help guide the Conclave in its interactions with the eternal realms.
* The [[Celestial Arch]] are diplomats, and well versed in dealing with eternals. If this order is chosen, their contribution will involve making contact with non-Assembly magicians, and learning more about eternals the Empire does not currently have relations with.
* The [[Shuttered Lantern]] may have a shadowy reputation, but part of their remit is to use magic ''in the detection and monitoring of threats''. Their contribution to the appraisal will be to focus on the ways that the Sumaash keep their people safe from eternal influence without access to the [[Alignment|Declaration of Alignment]], and to any unique eternal threats the Empire is blind to or blasé about.
* If the [[Rod and Shield]] are dispatched to support the appraisal, their contribution will be to look at how the Sumaash use magic on the battlefield. For a nation extremely hesitant to use rituals such as [[Knights of Glory]], they must make up the "shortfall" in other ways.
* The [[Silver Chalice]] would encourage the appraisal to look for ways that Sumaash magicians and Imperial magicians could pool their lore of magical healing, especially with regard to eternal boons. The jungles of Sumaah are known to be rich in rare healing fruits and plants, and its likely that the Chalice could learn more about such things and perhaps even gain access to them.
* The [[Golden Pyramid]] are generally not as excited about matters of spirituality, but ''are'' excited about potential trade opportunities with the Republic. Their "contribution" will be to seek out [[opportunity|opportunities]] to secure new trade goods, especially those related to eternals, or new routes to the Sumaah Republic for Imperial [[Fleet#Trading|merchants]].
* The [[Unfettered Mind]] are relentlessly enthusiastic about magic of all kinds. If they are guided to Sumaah, they will provide minimal support to the actual appraisal underway. Instead, they will reach out to non-Assembly magicians, discuss matters of magical theory, learn about Sumaah's magical colleges, explore magic familiar to Sumaash magicians but not in use in the Empire, and make a study of the "spiritual materialism" tradition that many Sumaah magicians employ. If the Grandmaster of the Unfettered Mind were particularly interested in one of these themes more than the others they could mention it in their Declaration, and the Unfettered Mind magicians would focus some their attention in that direction, at least at first.

<div style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; align-items: center;" class="imagegrid">
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderCelestialArch.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderShutteredLantern.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderRodAndShield.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Chalice.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderGoldenPyramid.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|width=150}}
</div>

Regardless of which order is chosen - if any - the trip represents a rare opportunity to gain access to the magicians of the Sumaah Republic. It is not likely to be one that gets repeated any time soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg||caption=Accalon of Felix's Watch, Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=right|width=350}}

==Virtue and Magic==
* '''The first part of Lisane's preliminary report provides a general overview of attitudes to magic and eternals
The first part of Lisane's report discusses the general Sumaah attitude to magic, [[magical skills#magicians|magicians]], and eternals. It builds on and informs [[Sumaah_Republic#Magic|common knowledge]], and it seems some things "everyone knows" about the Republic may be outdated or based on misconceptions.
===Sumaash Magicians===
Many magicians in Sumaah are also ''präster'', and each of the High Houses contain ritual magicians who specialise in specific areas of magic that support the wider role of the House. For example, within the Assembly of Prosperity are several covens that specialise in [[enchantment|enchantments]] that lead to increased wealth, while [[divination]] is carefully studied by both the vigilant and the wise. This same attitude extends to dealing with eternals; within each of the Houses are some magicians experienced with dealing with the creatures of the [[realms]].

That is not to say that all magicians are priests, or that only the High Houses work with magic. Far from it. The practice of ritual magic is not as widespread or organised as it is in the Empire, but there are still large numbers of practitioners from all walks of life spread across the Republic. It is a misconception that the priesthood "controls" all magic in the Republic. As with all Sumaash, their magicians are acutely aware of the virtuous implications of their skills, and naturally look to the präster for guidance on how best to reconcile magic with faith. In particular, they are alert to the threat of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatry]] - subsuming their human destiny to inhuman entities. Perhaps as a result, the practice of [[Aspect_magic#Goetia|goetia]] is banned in the Republic, and a Sumaash tradition similar to Imperial [[Aspect_magic#Theurgy|theurgy]] is only practised by dedicated ''präster''. Lisane also notes that there are serious restrictions on a number of rituals Imperial magicians might consider harmless such as [[Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], and that the Sumaash approach to the creation of [[arcane projection|arcane projections]] appears to be very much more controlled than it is in the Empire. The focus of the appraisal, for now at least, is on the eternals however and the prognosticator focuses her efforts on that first and foremost.

Whenever a Sumaah coven is anticipating an interaction with an eternal, or one of their [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]], they usually seek the support of one of the präster. The priest serves as an advisor, ensuring that virtue and the Way are foremost in the minds of those dealing with inhuman creatures. There is no law that demands this; rather the long experience of Sumaah magicians demonstrates that having a präst on hand tends to lead to better outcomes. The präst doesn't need to be present for every interaction - there are covens trusted to engage with certain eternals or use certain rituals without oversight. For example, as long as the questions and answers are discussed with a präst there is no requirement to log every single performance of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] (or its Sumaah equivalent at least).

On the other hand, anyone known to be regularly interacting with creatures of the realms ''without'' the support or advice of one of the präster will find themselves called to [[inquisition]] by the High House of Vigilance and asked to give a thorough report on their dealings. Those unable or unwilling to do so to the satisfaction of the assembly may face serious censure. Sumaah is determined to ensure that their nation remains uncorrupted by the influence of the inhuman eternals.

===Anathema and Tolerance===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px;"><box>'''Eternals and virtue'''<br>No Sumaash would describe an eternal as "virtuous". The common attitude is that the inhuman entities of the realms are incapable of virtue. While the Republic has in recent years begun to re-examine its prejudice that only humans are capable of following the Way, the idea that an eternal or herald might be able to do so is rejected wholeheartedly. The idea that an eternal might possess anything approaching a soul is considered actively blasphemous. Any eternal that claims interest in virtue is presumed to be engaging in misdirection or manipulation and the subject of immediate suspicion. Obviously this belief further reinforces the careful and suspicious attitude to the eternals.</box></div>

* '''An eternal has only two states in the Republic - tolerated or anathema'''
* '''Without a Conclave the Sumaah must use more direct methods to guard against hostile eternals'''
There is no body in the Republic analogous to the [[Conclave]]. When it comes to dealings with eternals, the Assembly of Vigilance takes an active role and ultimately wields the legal power to declare a given eternal to be ''anathema''. Dealing with an eternal who has been declared ''anathema'' is a serious offence that may result in the death penalty. While ''anathema'' is superficially similar to the status of [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] there is no equivalent of [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] in Sumaah. All eternals are either tolerated (equivalent to [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]]) or anathema. In the past when a new eternal was encountered, all interactions with it would be undertaken by präster, or Vigilant magicians, until the High House had weighed it and determined if it was anathema or not.

Even this status of neutrality is not quite the same as that in the Empire - there are no Sumaah titles specifically dedicated to liaising with an eternal. [[Emissary to the Celestial Library]], [[Shadowed Torchbearer]], and [[Churnspire Adjutor]] would all be considered dangerously close to idolatry. There are likewise no titles analogous to [[archmage]] - at least not in terms of their interaction with the realms. The equivalent of an Imperial enchantment such as [[Hallow of the Green World]] is unknown in Sumaah, and if it were its practice would be anathema. Even rituals such as the [[Golden magicians fayre]] would be condemned - the idea of providing an eternal access to the Republic in such an uncontrolled way would horrify most Sumaash.

There is also, as previously noted, no Conclave. The functions that might be wielded by that body in the Empire are either absent, or employed by the House of the People or one of the Houses of Virtue instead. The Sumaash view the idea of leaving decisions on the use of magic and items to magicians to decide by themselves to be dubious at best. Deciding what magic is safe to use is fundamentally a matter of Virtue and requires the appropriate expertise.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Eternals and Free Will'''<br>A common philosophical view in Sumaah is that eternals are physically incapable of Virtue, because they don't have free will. In the view of some präster, free will is fundamental to the exercise of Virtue. Nobody would suggest that a sword is courageous for taking the battlefield. Eternals they argue, are eternal and unchanging, their nature is fixed. They cannot change or be changed. If their nature cannot change, can eternals actually be said to exercise any choices at all about the actions they take? Do they have free will? If they do not, then how can they be any more virtuous than a sword or a shield?</box></div>
One area where the Empire has a clear advantage is dealing with hostile eternals. The metaphysical defence provided by enmity is not perfect, but it does greatly reduce the threat of an eternal influencing Imperial citizens. The Sumaah are forced to use more mundane methods to protect their people. The Assembly of [[Vigilance]] - and to a lesser degree the Assemblies of [[Wisdom]] and [[Pride]] - maintain or coordinate cadres of Sumaash investigators and warriors who actively seek out the machinations of enemy eternals and put a stop to them. These groups of "idolator hunters" are widely respected, and their investigation of suspicious events usually welcomed. They're also heavily subsidised by the House of the People, meaning that they are well equipped to deal with the unpredictable enemies of the Republic they hunt.

The Republic use warding magic to complement this approach. Rituals such as [[There Is No Welcome Here]] may be employed, but the Sumaash also use [[hearth magic]] wards. One common practice is to build a shrine or temple over or near a strong [[regio]] when it is identified, allowing comings and goings of heralds to be carefully monitored or prevented. This is harder to do with regio in the deep jungle, but even so there are apparently several places of pilgrimage dedicated to maintaining a vigilant watch on the "verdant wastelands" of the wild tropical forests.

Lisane notes that these virtuous practices mirror Imperial efforts such as the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|War of Whispers]], the [[Venture#Hunt_the_Suaq_Wastes|hunt of the Suaq Wastes]], or the practices of vigilant folk in [[Varushka]] in response to the threats of their own cold wilderness.

===Refusal===
* '''The Sumaah are very cautious in accepting ''any'' eternal boon
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|caption=Unlike the Empire, the Sumaah are very suspicious of many eternals, including Eleonaris, eschewing her boons and declaring her anathema.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Sumaah are much more likely to turn down a boon or an eternal offer of aid than to accept it. In theory every eternal boon is weighed carefully, usually with the guidance of at least one präst, and in some cases might even be discussed with a [[statement of principle]] before it is accepted. Powerful boons are often presented for scrutiny by the House of the People as well, especially if they are likely to impact the citizens of a territory or region. The more powerful and all-encompassing a boon is, the more scrutiny it demands, so potent, far-reaching boons are rarely taken up simply because the risks involved are usually considered too large or too difficult to assess.

Rituals that draw on the power of an eternal directly are less common among Sumaash magicians. There are a few - a version of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] for example is relatively well known. One of the Sumaah responsible for hosting Lisane, a magician-präst named ''Chikkal, Assessor of the High House of Vigilance'' expands a little on this, explaining that even in those uncommon cases where such a ritual is created, it will almost always be bound with a stricture that it may only legally be performed in the presence of a priest, or with the approval of an assessor from one of the High Houses. This is done to ensure that the eternals do not begin to exert subtle control over magicians who may become reliant on such magic, or influence the subjects of such magic in a way that is unvirtuous.

Chikkal's view is that no human ever ''needs'' an eternal boon, however much they may ''want'' them. Any agreement with an eternal, they argue, will invariably tarnish the virtue of the one who seeks it, and risk corrupting their fellows. "Easy is not the same as virtuous," claims Chikkal piously. While it initially seems Chikkal speaks for the majority of the präster, Lisane notes that it quickly becomes apparent that there are any number of other opinions on the matter and many priests openly disagree with the ultra-conservative approach of peers such as Chikkal. Still, there is a common stereotype in the Republic that Imperial magicians unwisely seek every advantage they can gain from inhuman spirits rather then relying on themselves and their fellow humans. The unwise bargainer who brings ruin on themselves by making deals with eternal spirits is a very common character in Sumaah literature, there are scores of cautionary tales whose ultimate fate is so awful, it provides a sobering example to readers or audience.

==Republican Eternals==
* '''The second part of Lisane's preliminary report provides an overview of the eternals the Republic has encountered'''
* '''The Sumaah deal with a much smaller group of eternals than the Empire does'''
* '''Some eternals are known by very different names and appearances in the Republic'''
* '''There appear to be some eternals known in the Republic that are not familiar to Lisane or her staff'''

The second part of Lisane's preliminary report deals with the actual eternals the Sumaash deal with (or don't deal with). Sumaah don't commonly group the eternals together in the same way their Imperial peers do. Rather than focusing on which [[realms|realm]] they hail from, the only significant division is between "tolerated" and "anathema". Lisane, however, falls back on Imperial categorization, simply because her report is intended for Imperial eyes.

One of the challenges Lisane faces is that the Sumaah frequently use different names for eternals to those used in the Empire, and like the Empire they have many different sobriquets for the eternals. This may well be the root of some misconceptions about the beings the Republic deals with. The Empire has long considered [[Yaw'nagrah]] for example to be favoured in Sumaah, but it seems likely this was based on a misconception based on the at-the-time unknown eternal [[Ossegrahn]] (given the ''Green Mother'' is anathema in the Republic and has been for much of its history).

In most cases the prognosticators have been able to link the names of Sumaash eternals to those known in the Empire, but there are some cases where there is no direct correlation. In the case of these "unknown" eternals, she has been able to gather a little information, enough to satisfy herself that they are ''probably'' distinct entities. It is entirely possible that some of these unfamiliar eternals are actually powerful lieutenants (heralds) of a more familiar eternal. Sadly, an in-depth study of individual eternals in Sumaah is beyond the scope of this appraisal.

===Of Spring===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:SpringRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Ossegrahn and Arhallogen are tolerated in Sumaah'''
* '''Wind Panther appears to be an unfamiliar eternal, who is tolerated'''
* '''Siakha, Ira Harrah, Yaw'nagrah and Llofir are all anathema'''
Of the Spring eternals familiar to the Empire, only two are tolerated. ''[[Ossegrahn|Rainbird]]'', with his power to help mend wounds, bring fresh water, and promote wholesome growth, provides boons useful to the Republic's farmers and healers alike. The Assembly of Prosperity keeps a weather-eye on magicians who deal closely with the eternal, most prominent among which is the coven of The Wellspring (which met with Imperial magicians in 383YE). The problem is that Rainbird regularly seeks to encourage the Republic to abandon its virtuous war against the unvirtuous. Rainbird is told "no" on a regular basis, which means that his power is generally restricted to the small scale - empowering individual physicks or bringing fertile rains to farms for example.

''[[Arhallogen|Wicked Fangs]]'' is barely tolerated, and the High Houses have gone back and forth on it several times over the years. In stark contrast to ''Rainbird'', it actively encourages the Sumaah to slaughter their enemies without mercy; to strike before their foes are ready; and to use whatever tools are available to them to do so. While it is popular in some quarters, many präster question whether its boons are compatible with virtue. Regardless, there are Sumaah warriors who embrace the [[venom|venomous]] or warlike enchantments it offers to bring down their enemies. Lisane remarks that there is historical evidence it offered significant aid when the Sumaash threw off the yoke of the Asaveans.

The other Spring eternal the Sumaash deal with seems to be unknown in the Empire. Commonly known as ''Wind Panther'', it seems to be a creature of the [[realms#Spring|Spring realm]] associated with hunting, and to a degree fishing. It apparently encourages both self-sufficiency and support of one's family or community through direct action. Wind Panther is most often called on for her powerful boons that empower skirmishers and archers to fight monsters, hunters to track and dispatch dangerous prey, or to bring down predators that would threaten the family. Given that the jungles of Sumaah are, at least to Imperial eyes, swarming with dangerous creatures on every scale, these boons have apparently proved vital in the past.

[[Siakha|Storm Bringer]] and [[Yaw'nagrah|Hungry Forest]] are anathema because they are creatures of destructive chaos that are at odds with civilisation; they are despised in the same way that Imperial citizens might feel about ''Blood on the Snow''. [[Irra Harah|Shadow Slinker]] was an ally of the Sumaah generations ago, but today it is anathema because it seeks to lure people away from Virtue, and provides boons to the Republic's enemies. [[Llofir|Blood Choke]] is an unpredictable creature of the deep wilderness that has nothing to offer the Sumaah and is associated with a particular poisonous fungus that causes agonizingly slow death if eaten in error. While anathema it seems to mostly ignore the Republic although, as with Shadow Slinker, it provides boons to some of the people the Sumaah are at war with.

===Of Summer===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:SummerRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Cathan Canae, Rhianos and Adamant are tolerated
* '''All the other Summer eternals are anathema
Of the eternals of the Summer realm, [[Adamant|Stone Dragon]], [[Rhianos|Ninth Wave]], and [[Cathan Canae|Thunder Lizard]] are tolerated. Stone Dragon provides useful boons and rarely wants anything unvirtuous in exchange. It's still illegal to accept his aid to build buildings dedicated to virtue however - any temple or shrine must be shaped by human hands alone.

Ninth Wave is also tolerated, but remains controversial with interactions carefully monitored to ensure that folk are not being lead astray by unvirtuous endeavour. It is clear that the eternal desires mortals to embrace peril for the excitement it brings - such motivation is dubious at best and the endeavours themselves are frequently desperately irresponsible in nature. However moments of great Virtue often occur while engaged on such exploits and so the eternal is tolerated. Even so they are primarily dealt with by ''Frieøyer'' magicians rather than by the Republic as a whole.

Thunder Lizard - characterised as an immense drake of the deep jungle - is tolerated for her straightforward approach to the Republic. Her magical [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|citadel]] is one of the few rituals that draw directly on an eternal that is regularly employed. She also promotes warrior-ideals which are seen as compatible with virtue, and significantly more acceptable in general than those taken from ''Wicked Fangs''.

The rest of the Summer eternals known by the Empire are anathema in the Republic. This includes [[Jaheris|White Snake]], [[Hayaak|Blood Eagle]], [[Meraud|Flame Wing]], and especially [[Eleonaris|Sun Drake]]. The latter in particular is seen as an enemy of the Sumaah thanks to her dangerously unvirtuous creed of personal glory and warrior-supremacy. There are nonetheless some small hidden cults dedicated to her service, and the Vigilant remain alert to any rumour of their corrupting influence. The [[Barien|Lord of the Arena]] is known, but likewise considered anathema. The Sumaash attitude is that it is good to test oneself, but question the Virtue of doing so for rewards granted by some inhuman force. The virtuous should always be open to challenges, but in pursuit of human destiny, not dancing to the tune of an eternal. Lisane notes that there is a long history here, with fragmentary stories that suggest the Lord of the Arena is associated in the Sumaah memory with the Asaveans, and the hated satraps, although they were unwilling to discuss the details.

The Republic never uses titles such as king, queen, or (outside of the Lord of the Arena), lord or lady for any eternal. Simply calling someone like Sun Drake, the "Lady of Pennants" or naming Thunder Lizard, the "Queen of Ice and Darkness" would be treated as a minor act of idolatry. This makes the odd nomenclature for the eternal the Empire knows as Barien particularly stand out. The one exception to this abhorrence of titles, is "satrap" which is frequently used in sobriquets for the more corrupt and wicked eternals - particularly those of the Autumn realm.

===Of Autumn===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:AutumnRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Estavus and Ephisis are tolerated
* '''Polyptoton is not entirely familiar to the Empire and is tolerated
* '''Prospero, Callidus, Basileia, and the Lictors are anathema
* '''The Satrapy of Discord appear to be part of an unfamiliar city of the Autumn realm that is anathema
One of the more popular eternals among Sumaah magicians is [[Estavus|Fire Mountain]], also known as ''the Anvil of Thunder and Granite''. The Republic is not rich in ore, and a common bargain between Sumaash and Fire Mountain involves the trade of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|natural materials]] for [[Materials#Metals|valuable metals]]. From the point of view of the Sumaah, the prices demanded by the Anvil of Thunder and Granite for its aid tend to be straightforward, and deeply transactional, in a way that does not threaten virtue. Even so, it is much more common to deal with Fire Mountain to secure raw materials than worked goods, however. There is a fairly common belief that purchasing worked goods from Fire Mountain deprives a mortal human of their industry and Prosperity.

The [[Ephisis|Eternal Bazaar]] is tolerated, but carefully monitored due to its refusal to abide by the laws of the House of the People, or the dictates of the High Houses in what it will trade. Interactions with the Eternal Bazaar are limited to magician-präster of the High House of Prosperity. The ritual [[Ephisis' Scale]] is not practised in the Republic; any deals with the Bazaar are undertaken "face to face" with heralds rather than being left in the hands of an easily-accessible and impossible to restrict ritual. The Eternal Bazaar is also a source of friction within the Republic; the High House of Prosperity argues that the boons it provides are worth the need for constant vigilance while other präster are often less convinced. So far, however, the High Houses have not declared the eternal to be anathema.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SaltAndSail001.png|caption=The "Great Turtle", the eternal Polyptoton, the City of Salt and Sail - this eternal spoke with the Empire via its herald for the first time last season.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
The [[Polyptoton|Great Turtle]] or the ''Wandering Port'', with the ability to carry messages across great distances almost instantaneously, is tolerated by the Sumaah. The heralds of the eternal rarely demand anything the Sumaah consider unvirtuous, although they have clashed with the censors of the High House of Vigilance in the past over their unnatural veneration of the written word over matters of virtue. The Great Turtle is also sought out for boons related to protecting or aiding ships, especially merchant vessels, particularly where they help them avoid or outrun the more powerful vessels of the Asavean Archipelago. Lisane believes that while the eternal was previously, largely unknown in the Empire, there have been [[Key_of_dreams#Many_Minds_Move_As_One_(Autumn)|recent developments]] that indicate this is no longer the case.

The rest of the Autumn realm is kept at arms length, either because they have nothing Sumaah wants or because they are considered active threats. The [[Prospero|Satrapy of Rope]], the ''Wheedling Spider'' seeks to trap the virtuous with bonds of unnatural obligation, and all too often threaten to draw innocent people into idolatry. The [[Lictors|Satrapy of Cages]] are seen as an inhuman force trying to meddle in virtuous laws. The [[Callidus|Satrapy of Hunger]] and their leader ''Drooling Maw'' fundamentally preach materialism and obsession with the accumulation of wealth. Worst of all are the inhabitants of the [[Basileia|Satrapy of Lies]]; corrosive enemies of virtue who work to corrode the souls of the virtuous and want to mire every human in murder, betrayal, and treachery. The High House of Loyalty see the Satrapy of Lies as particular enemies. Whenever a herald from the ''City of Lies'' is found in the Republic it is summarily executed; nothing good is built on a foundation of lies.

One other set of eternals - the ''Satrapy of Discord'' - are anathema in the Republic but are unfamiliar to Lisane. Reporting to a leader the Sumaah call ''Mockingbray'', they apparently hail from a city that burns with the fire of riot, rebellion, and revolution. According to the High House of Wisdom, these heralds once offered aid in the rebellion against the hated Asavean satraps, but then immediately tried to ruin any attempt to create a new government. Mockingbray, the ruler of the City of Wreckage, is always looking for ways to undermine tradition; to burn everything down in pursuit of a state of abominable anarchy. Obviously, once its true nature was clear, it was immediately proscribed by the Sumaah.

Lisane theorises that this ''might'' be a version of the entity once known as [[Mazen]], but the ''Lord of Masks'' is widely recognised as part of the ''Satrapy of Lies''. The Sumaah say the Satrapy of Discord is still active, which would mean that if reports of that creature's demise are to be trusted, this would have to be a different eternal.

===Of Winter===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:WinterRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Wise Rangara is tolerated
* '''An unfamiliar eternal named Pale Jaguar is tolerated
* '''Agramant, the Thrice-cursed Court, Sorin, and Kaela are anathema
* '''Khobel Tavah appears to be unknown in the Republic
Only two Winter eternals are tolerated among the Sumaah. [[Wise Rangara|White Eye Serpent]] is a black-scaled creature associated with "wisdom" that is one of the oldest spirits known to the Republic. It isn't wisdom as the virtuous understand it, but more the importance of learning difficult lessons, questioning assumptions, and cleaving to tradition. It's a font of herbal lore, and has ways of bringing out human insight that can prove invaluable. One reason it is tolerated is that it rarely if ever seeks to provide answers, but will offer aid to nudge someone along the path towards understanding a situation through their own efforts.

''Pale Jaguar'' or the ''Maiden of Mists'' is not an eternal familiar to Lisane. It seems to be a Winter eternal of trackless places, that represents becoming lost, the deep jungle, and a primaeval fear of the wilderness. It also speaks of the importance of memory, especially remembering the dead or the lost, and the importance of perseverance even against an end that seem inevitable. While few magicians deal with Pale Jaguar, a small group of Sumaah mystics interact with the eternal with the blessing of the High House of Wisdom. They engage in long durances in the wilds of the jungle, hoping to unlock visionary experiences or temper their bodies or spirits. One of Lisane's staff wonders if this might simply be a particular guise of the eternal the Empire knows as [[Sorin]], designed to circumvent his anathema. For the moment, there is no evidence one way or the other, but it appears that once one peels away the more mystical levels the Maiden of Mists is much more explicitly concerned with matters of [[Winter magic#Survival|survival]], [[Winter magic#Preservation|preservation]], and certain ideas of [[Winter magic#Wisdom|wisdom]] than the ''Whelpmaster'' seems to be.

In the Republic Sorin is known as the ''Bone Dragon'', and is depicted as a great skeletal [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drake]] whose encouragement of sacrifice, suffering, and hidden traps makes him anathema. He is depicted in stories as lurking on the edge of civilisation, seeking to steal away the unwary to devour their flesh or consume their spirits. Some of these stories cast Bone Dragon in the traditional role of a "bogeyman" - he appears in that role occasionally in cautionary tales for children especially.

The [[Agramant|Traitor]], who has easily as many aliases as he does in the Empire, is anathema as a matter of course, but among the Sumaah is numbered as a member of the [[The Thrice-cursed Court|Satrapy of Woe]]. The ''Corrupters'' are active opponents of the Republic and particularly the High Houses of Virtue. The Vigilance assembly puts a great deal of effort into trying to prevent them from interfering in the affairs of the Republic or corrupting the foolish with their tainted gifts. The [[Kaela|Dread Condor on Silent Wings]] is anathema, primarily due to her open offer of what appears to be eternal servitude via her ''Silent Household'', but responds by simply ignoring the Republic in a similar manner to Llofir.

Finally, [[Khobel Tavah]] is unknown in the Republic, and they express no interest in learning more about them.

===Of Day===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:DayRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Zakalwe, Kimus, Leviathan, and Phaleron are all tolerated
* '''Span of the Sky is an unfamiliar eternal who is tolerated
* '''Sinokenon, Roshanwe, Ylenwe, and Cold Sun are all anathema
The eternals of Day are among the most popular of the eternals the Republic deals with (for a given value). ''[[Zakalwe|Brilliant Javelin]]'' is one of the few martial eternals the Sumaah tolerate; its interest in encouraging rather than leading is seen as less of a challenge to the pursuit of virtue. Along with ''Thunder Lizard'', they are the eternal most likely to see their boons accepted on the battlefield. ''[[Kimus|Mirror of Dawn and Dusk]]'' is considered to be a strange and esoteric entity, whose ability to gather information and willingness to provide it are as welcome as its requests to observe events are seen as unthreatening.

The ''[[Leviathan|Watcher in the Waters]]'' is tolerated because it seems to have little active agenda beyond discussing history and current events with mortals. The chief concern is that magicians are too ready to accept the answers the eternal provides, without stopping to consider that while the Watcher maybe eternal, they are not the Creator. Präster are quick to remind those who deal with this eternal that just because the being expresses boundless confidence in its abilities, it is not infallible.

The ''[[Phaleron|Archive of Rainbow Coral]]'' is likewise tolerated due to its limited agenda. It is clear that the Archive values the preservation of knowledge far and above the preservation of life, but that is something that can be managed by those who deal with it. More of a problem is Phaleron's jealous attitude to the information it contains, which is occasionally decried as counter to human destiny.

A fifth eternal of the Day realm, unfamiliar to Imperial prognosticators, is also tolerated. ''Span of the Sky'' appears to be concerned with wind and water, and favoured by a small number of magicians that live along the coast including the ''Frieøyer''. There is speculation this might be an aspect of Kimus, but it is treated as distinct by the magicians that deal with it. Notably, the groups that interact with it most apparently also field cadres of [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage|battle-mages]] whose mastery of the [[repel]] and [[entangle]] spells are invaluable when fighting the Republic's enemies.

By contrast, ''[[Sinokenon|Stupid Moon]]'' is anathema; its efforts to undermine the House of the People and push the Houses of Virtue to prominence have won it the enmity of most of the Republic and any attempt to make contact with Sumaah magicians is met with violence. At first two others considered anathema - the siblings ''Salt Mask'' and ''Silk Mask'' - were assumed to be unfamiliar eternals but further investigation indicated there were Sumaash names for [[Roshanwe]] and [[Ylenwe]]. According to Chikkal, Assessor of Vigilance, these two creatures are deceivers and liars who present a false-face to mortals in which they appear to be concerned with matters of virtue but in fact seek to subvert and twist the faithful into engaging in idolatry.

Finally, there is ''[[Cold Sun|Oblivion]]''. The eternal has had no interaction with the Republic, but the High Houses of Virtue have lost no time in declaring it anathema. Anyone attempting to make contact with Cold Sun will be executed, and there is some discussion of whether it might be best to [[excommunication|excommunicate]] such criminals if they emerge. The High House of Vigilance regard the matter as settled there - given their emphasis on Virtue, they are confident that nobody will be unwise enough to approach the eternal, given how appalling the consequences have been elsewhere.

===Of Night===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:NightRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Sung and Lashonar are tolerated in the Republic
* '''An unfamiliar eternal named Deep Drummer is tolerated
* '''Janon, Sadogua, Azoth, and the Whisper Gallery are anathema
* '''Azoth appears unknown in the Republic'''
''[[Sung|Moon Moth]]'' is idly tolerated. She is depicted as a huge rainbow-winged moth who encourages mortals to pursue the great mysteries of the world and the spirit, without claiming to be an authority on either. This includes the mysteries of virtue and the Labyrinth, and apparently she has offered boons relating to both the cultivation of [[iridescent gloaming]] and the creation of [[potion|potions]] that help pursue spiritual matters. Lisane notes with interest that the Sumaah apparently believe that ''all'' moths are agents of Moon Moth, and that the reason they are never seen during the day is that they pass into the Night realm when the sun rises. This belief, and the toleration of Sung, apparently dates back to a time long before the foundation of the Republic.

''[[Lashonar|Chattering Bird]]'' is tolerated, but only just. As with the ''Great Turtle'', it provides useful abilities for the Sumaah to communicate with others that they cannot achieve themselves - access to the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]] is considered a valuable resource. Whenever it attempts to have an opinion on politics the virtuous quickly shut it and its followers down. One interesting proscription Lisane notes is that it is illegal to accept boons from Chattering Bird related to preaching the Way in the same vein in which it is illegal to accept the aid of Stone Dragon to build places of virtue.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rainbow Moth.jpg|caption="Moon Moth" is the most common Sumaah Republic name for the eternal the Empire knows as Sung; rather than a feathered serpent they depict her as an insect with beautiful iridescent wings.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
There is another eternal tolerated by the Sumaah that at first is mistaken for [[Janon]]. The ''Deep Drummer'' is a creature that appears to represent mystical ideas of catharsis, the channelling strong emotions, and celebration of victories and achievements. It is popular not only with Sumaah warriors, but also with artists as it encourages them to both express and inspire strong feelings through their art. The High House of Vigilance has clashed with the High Houses of Courage and Pride in the past around the toleration of Deep Drummer, who are concerned that the eternals enthusiasm for celebration can lead the virtuous astray. The Sumaah apparently view Deep Drummer as the sibling or spouse of ''Whirling Chaos'', claiming the former is a creature of balance where the latter is a creature of discord.

The rest of the Night realm is anathema in Sumaah. [[Sadogua|Seducer]], the ''Satrap of Bats'', is famously despised in the Sumaah Republic. He shamelessly encourages magicians to put their own selfish concerns above virtue, and regularly opined that the assemblies should "butt out" of magicians' affairs. He was also involved in early attempts to form a magical fraternity similar on paper to the Imperial Conclave, that was roundly rejected on grounds of being a terrible idea two hundred years ago. The eternal itself is one of those that still seeks to deal with Sumaash magicians, and its influence is actively resisted by the hunters of idolators.

[[Janon|Whirling Chaos]], as has already been mentioned, is anathema. A dangerously unpredictable entity that appears on the surface to encourage Virtue but is actually a creature of anarchy who does not care what people feel as long as they allow their passions to consume them utterly. The [[Whisper Gallery|Screaming Monkey Kings]] are also anathema, not least because they cannot be trusted in any way not to support the Asavean Archipelago at every turn. Lisane mentions that Chikkal, Assessor of the High House of Vigilance, seems to take the existence of the Screaming Monkey Kings as a personal affront and that this attitude is by no means uncommon in the Republic.

The Sumaah do not seem to be familiar with the eternal [[Azoth]], and on learning more about them, Chikkal suggests there will be little interest in changing that situation.

==Design Note==
* '''Unknown eternals begin disinclined to speak to the Empire
* '''This is the first part of an appraisal that will run over several events
The preliminary report includes an overview of the eternals, and introduces several that appear to be unknown in the Empire. While there is enough information here for Imperial magicians to attempt to contact one of these eternals, if they wished, all start from a position of disinterest in the Empire. While an eternal is bound to respond to a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]], as has been [[Hunter_of_stars#Capradan|seen previously]] on several occasions that response can be a polite (or impolite) refusal.

Most Imperial magicians will be aware that if these eternals desired a relationship with the Empire, they would already be pursuing one. It's also important to bear in mind that none of the creatures mentioned here are more powerful or more inclined to offer better deals than the eternals the Empire already deals with. Whenever a new eternal starts paying attention to the Empire it will often create more problems than it solves - [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] is arguable on this point, [[Cold Sun]] less so...

The opportunity to send a prognosticator to the Sumaah Republic to engage with an appraisal means they will be unavailable for several seasons. In contrast to some previous opportunities, our intent is to present part of the appraisal each event until this time is up. One reason is to prevent the requirement to do a single massive appraisal at the end of the period, the other is to reinforce the idea that this is an ''opportunity'' - the invitation of the Sumaah presents further options to gather a deeper understanding of the situation. This wind of fortune presents the opportunity for the Conclave to engage in the Republic, and expands the information about magic in Sumaah and their attitudes to the eternals. The next stage of the appraisal will present opportunities related to adapting the Sumaah Republic attitude to the eternals. The nature of the final stage of the appraisal, presented at the Winter Solstice, will depend on which of the orders - if any - the Conclave has chosen to send to the Republic.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sumaah Republic]]
* [[Conclave]]
* [[Alignment]]
* [[Eternal]]

The Oran operation

2026-07-05T22:31:50Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Taking a Toll */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>"I've heard some of your people complain about the Senate and, let me tell you, they do not know how good they have it."

Lutomysla quirked an eyebrow.

"They should try dealing with a Salt Lord." Grayune shook her head. "If we were trying this back on the Shore... Every time we suggested building a bridge to help move armies, some Salt Lord would look at the weirwood we needed and suggest building another navy instead. So we end up with shitty bridges that keep falling down, and then everyone just falls back on ferries and boats and its the soldiers that get shafted because they have to pay the boat owners for the privilege of getting to where the war is. And of course if we don't pay, the Grendel blame the 'landbound' and... Anyway it's a nightmare."

"Wait, aren't ''you'' Grendel Grayune?" Lutomsyla's tone was mild but she was very interested in the answer. The orc sighed.

"It depends who you ask," she said bitterly. "We call ourselves Grendel - called ourselves Grendel I mean." The engineer shot the prognosticator a quick look from under furrowed brows. "We're the Protectorate of Morajasse now, obviously."

"Obviously," nodded Lutomysla. The Protectorate was ''probably'' a political fiction but it was difficult to be ''entirely'' sure of that, which made exchanges like this fascinating to the Varushkan.

"We called ourselves Grendel but the Commander, he's a soldier. Not a sailor. There are people on the Shore who think that you're only a ''real'' Grendel if you own a boat, or sail on a boat, or build boats or... 'Soldiering' is what the septs do. No true Grendel, and so on. You know?"

Lutomysla wasn't sure she ''did'' know but nodded sympathetically nonetheless.

"It must be quite frustrating," she said encouragingly. It was rare for the normally taciturn Protectorate orcs to speak so candidly and she wanted to get the most out of it.

"Not that the Empire's much better," Grayune added hastily. "So many people in the mix means everything takes forever. When a Salt Lord decides they want something, they just... do it. Not so much of this arguing, and voting, and all this thing with your priests. The septs are the same - as long as they come when the Salt Lords call, they're pretty much left alone to get on with it in their lands."

The orc stared off into the distance, clearly seeing something other than the marshy northern bank of the Scorrero.

"It's the army that wins the wars," she said half to herself. "It's the soldiers that die in the mud, die with swords in their hands. The Moridun have it better, fair enough, but only because they fought tooth and nail for their recognition. And when you're locked down by a bunch of Urizen sentinels you can't just... sail away. It wasn't the damn sailors that died at Solen's Doubt, let me tell you."

Grayune shook herself, and straightened up. She raised her spyglass, studying the shores of the Siroc Bayou.

"Anyway, I'm sure things aren't all coffee and cream in the Imperial armies, either. It's a soldier's lot to slog over hot sand and spill blood because some silk-wearing arsehole five hundred miles away tells them to. "

She barked a laugh.

"'The soldier's lot is to fight and die, to fall on far sands and never know why'."

Lutomysla wondered who she was quoting. The uncomfortable silence stretched, becoming more awkward. Grayune broke it.

"Right! See that? I mean obviously you can't see that because I have the spyglass, but trust me. The road there? It's a bit battered but I think it'd be easier to bank and shore it than to try building a new one, most of the stone is still there it's just under the mud. Wide enough for two wagons I'd judge, so if the bridge makes landfall ''there'' it'll link your trade routes quite nicely."

Lutomysla let the talk of salvage, stone, and swamps wash over here, making a mental note to send a note about this exchange to Gerard once they were back in Oran.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atchafalaya Basin.jpg|align=left|caption=The transformation of southern Madruga cut the connection between the wider Empire and Feroz, and restoring the link will be a major undertaking.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
In Autumn 386YE, as part of the solution to the incursion of the ''dry patricians'', the river Scorrero was infused along its length with Spring magic resulting in [[Where the river rises|violent flooding]]. The damage caused by the withering presence of the patricians was washed away, and when the waters subsided [[Madruga]] was transfigured. The gentle farmlands of the south and west were replaced with marsh and haunted grass - [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]], [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]], and [[Madruga#Quiet_Grasses|Quiet Grasses]]. In the process, the bridges crossing the river were swept away. Only the Sobral Bridge north of the eponymous town survived.

Last season, the Senate accepted [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#A_Garden_Proposal|an offer]] from the Protectorate of Morajasse to work with their military engineers. They would apply their expertise to the challenge of creating new bridges to reconnect the eastern Brass Coast, and restore easy movement between [[Feroz]] and Madruga. This project is also of interest to the [[Iron Confederacy]], whose merchants used to pass along the eastern coast road via [[Feroz#Fontargenta|Bramar]] to reach the wider Empire.

[[Appraisal#Lutomysla Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]] was selected to lead the appraisal and liaise with the Protectorate. The project definitely does not play to her strengths as a magician who seeks magical solutions to problems, but her familiarity with the magical strangeness of the Siroc Bayou may be useful. Her main contribution, however, comes from her understanding of the Imperial civil service and bureaucracy, and smoothing interactions between the Protectorate engineers and the people of the Brass Coast.

==Bridges==
* '''Bridging the Scorrero between Feroz and Madruga is challenging because the river has become so tumultuous
* '''Building in the Siroc Bayou or Crucible is difficult because of the marshy terrain
* '''Siroc Bayou and Crucible are not under Imperial control
The main challenge in bridging the Scorrero is that the wild river has become even more dangerous since the powerful ritual that caused it to flood the wasteland created by the dry patricians. Its waters are impregnated with [[ilium]] that flows down from the [[Kahraman]] peaks. Star metal in sufficient concentration is known to have unexpected effects on magical [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[curse|curses]] often causing them to linger considerably longer than might be expected. The ''Bay of Oran'' - the wide waters between Feroz and Madruga into which the Scorrero empties - is nowhere near as wild but is by no means untouched by the strangeness of the west. There is talk of mats of swampweed entangled with bright yellow flowers that seem to move against the tides, their long fronds trailing deep into the waters like floral jellyfish; reports of peculiarly-coloured and inquisitive shoals fish; distressingly large crabs; and gulls who stare at sailors in a way that makes them uncomfortable. So far these phenomena haven't caused any problems, but the folk of northern Feroz have learned to be a little pessimistic about such things.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Joaquim i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs">Corsairs, this season we commit to a Daring Raid upon the Siroc Bayou. Keep your weather eyes open for the lost wealth of the families displaced by the magical upheaval in these territories. What we can return we will, what we cannot, we return to the nation. Suffer no Suranni insult, but spill no foreigner blood. From the Bayou we will begin to retake the Crucible. For the Freeborn!</quote></div>
The other problem is that the northern banks of the Scorrero are now trackless marshland. The roads that used to run along the Scorrero, and cross the Sobral Bridge, were washed away by the magically spreading waters. Until this very season, the Bayou and Crucible were wild and untamed lands that were not even officially part of the Empire. The [[Red Wind Corsairs]] launch a [[Army_qualities#Daring|daring raid]] into the Bayou to bring it under Imperial control, but there is still much work to be done.
==Bridging Over Troubled Water==
* '''The Protectorate engineers have examined the situation and put together a proposal to build a bridge near Oran
The first step for the Protectorate is to make a proper assessment of the river - on both banks. Lutomysla secures Freeborn assistance, hiring a couple of boats for the use of the [[orc]] engineers. A [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_133|recent statement]] in the Freeborn assembly by '''Malaki''' fell just short of the [[greater majority]] it needed to be widely distributed, but in the absence of any encouragement ''not'' to deal with the Protectorate the traditional Freeborn entrepreneurialism seems to be taking precedence. Especially given the Senate decision to accept Commander Gallum's [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#A_Garden_Proposal|offer to restore]] the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz|Spice Gardens of Feroz]] to Freeborn control.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=RedWindCorsairs Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
There is a little excitement when the engineers run across patrols from the Red Wind Corsairs. Soldiers on both sides have grudges against their former enemies - but the experienced prognosticator is able to defuse the situation with some careful diplomacy and Varushkan honeywine. It takes a couple of weeks, but the assessment is completed and the true extent of the challenge is made clear. Bridging the wild Scorrero itself, with a magical marsh on the northern bank, is likely to prove infeasible. It would also need a new road to be built along the northern banks of the river, through the shifting marshes.

Instead the engineers propose building a long road bridge across the western end of the bay, downstream from where the wild river empties into the sea. One end would be anchored near Oran, the other on the coast east of where the city of [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] once stood. The bridge would employ [[Grendel]] techniques for crossing deep water using [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caisson_(engineering) caissons]. A frame of [[weirwood]] reinforced with [[mithril]] is constructed, and pumps mounted on pontoons are used to remove the water from within the frame, which is then filled with a mixture of cement, aggregate, mithril and steel rods, and a [[white granite]] core. This creates a line of stable pylons across which a road can run.
===Mother of Invention===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Oran Bridge'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz and Siroc Bayou, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 15 mithril, 15 weirwood, 96 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows armies to pass between Madruga and Feroz
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri
* Restores the benefits of the Sunset Roads to Segura</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Salt Guard increasing labour costs by 80 crowns but reducing white granite required by 15
* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Asavean Temple in Oran increasing labour costs by 40 crowns but reducing mithril and weirwood required by 5 each
* The labour costs may be voluntarily increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns, ensuring everyone working on the project receives the standard wage for doing so
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A bridge across the Bay of Oran would be expensive
* '''The Protectorate engineers are adept at repurposing existing architecture to create new structures
* '''With Senate permission they can salvage the Salt Guard or the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull to reduce the costs of the bridge project
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=The disciplined "former" Grendel engineers are adept at scavenging and salvaging the materials they need to support their work.|width=350}}</div>
The project will require 50 wains of white granite, 15 wains of mithril, and 15 wains of weirwood. Normally the labour costs would be significant - especially given one end of the bridge [[Commission#Marshes|terminates in a marsh]], but there is no shortage of cheap labour in [[Region_qualities#Impoverished|impoverished]] Feroz. As such, the final cost of the project would be a mere 96 crowns even taking into account the difficulties of working with marshland. Work would take six months to complete.

Once the bridge was completed, it would once again be possible to move armies directly from [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]] to [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]]. The position the Protectorate engineers have assessed incorporates the remnants of the white granite road that once ran along the northern banks of the Scorrero into Segura. This means the bridge also restores connections vital to overland trade between Feroz and Madruga and by extension between the Iron Confederacy and the Empire. This would be a major boon to the paradors and other businesses in the town of Oran, allowing them to reclaim at least a fragment of their former glory, removing the [[Region_qualities#Impoverished|impoverished]] quality from Oranseri.

Another positive is that the roads of Feroz are still relatively intact. Even Rahab wasn't stupid and greedy enough to destroy the arteries that allowed his soldiers - and the wealth of the Brass Coast - to flow across the territory. Thanks to the road running between Oran and [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]], once Imperial merchants were able to cross from Madruga to Feroz freely it would reconnect the [[Segura#Sunset_Roads|Sunset Roads]], restoring to Segura the prosperity that was lost when the Scorrero broke its banks. Unfortunately they won't help Feroz - at least not at the moment - given the impoverished and [[Region_qualities#Abandoned|abandoned]] state of the territory.

Lutomysla also believes it could be a potent symbol of Feroz's reconnection to the wider Empire, literally and metaphorically building bridges between the south-western Empire and the heartlands. There is still some way to go before Feroz recovers anything like its former prosperity, but along with the recently completed [[Send_for_me#Wharfage_of_Oran|Wharfage of Oran]], it represents progress toward recovering from the ruin left by Governor Rahab.

The sheer cost of the project appears daunting but the Protectorate engineers have a pragmatic proposal. As former Grendel soldiers, they are adept at scavenging and repurposing materials to meet their strategic goals. Lutomysla reports that there is a degree of bitterness from the orcs - although they try to hide it - when they speak of this need for salvage. Reading between the lines, and asking some carefully probing questions, it appears that units such as Commander Gallum's are constantly underfunded and undersupplied by the Salt Lords. Most of the [[army|armies]] of the Broken Shore are supported by their septs; those that are not have to skimp and save. It seems that there is significant rivalry between "professional" soldiers such as Gallum, and the naval officers who receive the lion's share of the support from the Salt Lords. Necessity being the mother of invention, it has given the engineers of the Protectorate a keen eye for opportunities to repurpose existing materials.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Salvage</big>'''
<p>Under normal circumstances it is not possible to recover the materials used in a commission. Only an [[opportunity]] can allow such a thing. In this case, as part of the [[appraisal]] the expertise of the Protectorate engineers has identified just such an opportunity. If the Empire no longer has diplomatic ties with the Protectorate, the salvage opportunity is not available.</p>

Any opportunity is unique and cannot be easily altered. This opportunity only applies to the construction of the bridge across the Bay of Oran - the wains represent materials scavenged specifically for that project. The Senate could ''not'' simply instruct that these buildings be salvaged to recover some of the wains spent to build them. This opportunity does not provide a way for the Empire to reclaim materials used on any other commission for any other reason outside of a plot opportunity that specifically offers that potential.</box></div>

===Ruins and Salt===
* '''Protectorate engineers could salvage the flooded ruins of the Salt Guard to reduce the amount of white granite required
* '''It would increase labour costs by 80 crowns
* '''There is a risk of angry spirits
The ruins of Siroc are drowned in the mud of the marshes and the waters of the bayou. By employing divers and salvagers, some of the materials used to build the [[Madruga#The_Salt_Guard_(Ruined)|Salt Guard]] could be repurposed to help build the caissons. This would involve recruiting and organising teams to break the stone and transport it to where it could be added to the massive labour project. Again, the hunger for paying work of the people of Feroz would play into the Empire's hands here. Lutomysla looks at the engineers' proposals and estimates that a further 80 crowns in labour costs would allow the ruined Salt Guard to be salvaged. This would effectively provide 15 wains of white granite toward the construction of the bridge.

There are risks however; a lot of people died in the fall of the Salt Guard. Freeborn, [[Commonwealth]], Grendel, and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] remains still lie in the flooded ruins. As a Varushkan, Lutomysla knows better than most the dangers of disturbing a burial ground, and with the [[Feroz#Isle_of_the_Osseini_(Ruined)|Isle of the Osseini]] no longer attracting and containing the spirits of those lost at sea there is a chance that salvaging the Salt Guard in this fashion will incur the wrath of the dead. There are not believed to be any ghosts haunting the ruins of Siroc at the moment, but salvaging the Salt Guard might be one way to change that.

Lutomysla has looked at the risk separately and believes that a drop of prevention will remove the need for an entire bucket-load of cure.

{{Mandate|mandate=Those who fell in the battle of Siroc rest still beneath the waters of the Bay of Oran. There is a chance for the ruined fortress to once more protect the Freeborn people, but we must ensure no disrespect is offered to the dead. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to ensure that the salvage of the Salt Guard does not dishonour those who sacrificed everything to defend the Brass Coast.|assembly=Freeborn National Assembly or Assembly of the Way}}

If this mandate is passed, then the salvage of the Salt Guard will proceed without incident. It must be passed and enacted at the Summer Solstice, as with any mandate, but even if the commission of the Oran Bridge is delayed it will still have full effect. If the named priest is the [[High Exorcist]]; the [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]]; the [[Master of the School of Exorcism]]; '''Iñez i Azul-Mar i Erigo''', who was the only one to support the garrison when it fell; or the former ''Justicar of Osseini'', '''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''', then the liao required for the mandate is reduced to 50. It is not common for a mandate to name someone who is not part of the assembly, but in each case, the title in question is empowered to deal with restless spirits and able to bring additional resources to bear on this problem. If the mandate is not enacted, then salvaging the Salt Guard will result in some ghostly troubles in the Bay of Oran.

The mandate can be raised in either the Freeborn National Assembly or the Assembly of the Way, and both could be upheld and enacted. In this case, it will mean a very large number of exorcists, ghost-whisperers, and occultists will descend on the Bay of Oran.

===Foam and the Bull===
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Black Bull.png|align=right|caption=Balo and the Black Bull are two of the Asavean "gods" patrons of sailors and guards respectively.|width=250}}</div>
* '''The Temple of Balo and the Black Bull has been abandoned
* ''' Protectorate engineers could be permitted to salvage the temple to reduce the amount of weirwood and mithril required
* '''Doing so raises the labour costs by a further 45 crowns
Since the liberation of Oran, and the [[Glass_and_flame#Game_Information_:_Asavean_Diplomacy|surrender]] of the priests serving at the [[Feroz#Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull|Temple of Balo and the Black Bull]], the structure has stood empty. [[Construct_Asavean_Temple|Constructed]] by the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] nearly a decade ago, the place has always been controversial. During the occupation of the Grendel, though, it served as something of a place of sanctuary for Freeborn friendly to the priests and operated a covert way for those fleeing the grasp of Governor Rahab to reach safety in Madruga. The Governor could not afford to risk angering the Asavean priests and they used that protection to help many Freeborn evade the cruel tyrants grasp.

Since the repatriation of the priests, the temple has stood empty. The proposal from the engineers is that unless the Empire is planning to convert it to some other use, it could be torn down to support the bridge building effort. There's some white granite available - although nowhere near as much as there is in the drowned [[fortification]] - but more importantly the gardens that once surrounded the temple incorporated wains of weirwood, and the roof is partially supported by mithril bars. A second team could rip the building apart to get at some of the materials inside, and contribute them to the building effort. It would increase the labour cost of the project by a further 45 crowns, but provide 5 wains each of weirwood and mithril for the production.

Tearing down the Temple is somewhat controversial. In theory the building is the legal property of the Asaveans, but since the Empire is currently at war with them, there are no legal obstacles to the action. And most Freeborn who remember the sack of Siroc by the Asavean forces see the destruction of this heretical and blasphemous Temple as right and proper. However [[Wild_blue_yonder#Balo's_Guests|the Kanza family, who only evaded capture due to the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull]] protest that this is a poor way for the Freeborn to repay the priests for the risks they took to shelter the helpless from the Grendel.

===Fair Prices===
* '''The labour costs for the bridge are very low thanks to the impoverished quality of Feroz
* '''The commission may instruct the civil service to pay higher wages to the labourers recruited
At the moment, the impoverished nature of Feroz means that any commission built in, or partly in, the territory benefits from significantly reduced labour costs. People in Feroz are poor and desperate enough to work for a fraction of what citizens elsewhere might demand for their labour. There are some who question the [[Prosperity]] of the situation however. Constructing caissons is dangerous, back-breaking work, after all. Is it right for the wealthy citizens of Anvil to take advantage of the people of Feroz by paying less than the work is normally worth?

There is nothing to stop whoever commissions the bridge from stipulating that everyone employed receive the standard payment for working on the bridge. If this were done, the labour costs for the bridge would be increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns. This increase would not have any game effect, but it would at least send a clear message to the Freeborn, and to [[Prosperity|prosperous]] folk across the Empire, that the construction was not taking advantage of the reduced circumstances of those living in Feroz.

==Taking a Toll==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Oran Tollkeeper'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 10 crowns each season </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Maintain and defend the Oran Bridge</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* If the impoverished quality is removed from Morajasse, income increases by 6 crowns
* Removes the symbolic benefits of the bridge as a reconnection of Feroz and Madruga
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Protectorate has included plans for a tollhouse at either end of the bridge
* '''It is up to the commissioner whether to include this title
The final element the Protectorate includes in its proposal is included as a matter of course - provision for the tollkeepers to live near and control access to the bridge. The engineers are actually surprised when Lutomysla points out that this is not standard practice for Imperial commissions; apparently almost nothing big gets built on the Broken Shore unless someone, somewhere sees an opportunity to increase their wealth, prestige, or influence. The engineers just assumed the Empire would appoint someone to maintain the bridge - and gouge a healthy income from those who need to pay to use it. After all, anyone who doesn't want to pay to use the only bridge connecting Feroz and Madruga could still take the long-way-round to Segura or hire a boat to ferry them across.

This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. The bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, building it would restore the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the Brass Coast - it would make the nation whole again. Local merchants and travellers won't balk at paying to use the bridge, more than any other nation, the Freeborn are [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality|accustomed to paying for things]]. However, a toll will inevitably mean less traffic on the bridge. Charging Freeborn citizens to move from Feroz to Madruga means that the two territories will remain separated by the river and the tolls that are needed to pay to cross it. It won't have a measurable effect; but it will mean that the gap between Feroz and Madruga becomes a permanent divide.

After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of 10 crowns each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse, then it would increase the income by another 6 crowns a season.

The commission could choose to have the title appointed by the Brass Coast senators, with or without tenure. Alternatively, the commission could specify that the position be appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]]. In either case, it would need to be a Freeborn national position.

==The Adamant Connection==
{{CaptionedImage|file=King Under the Mountain.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Lutomysla proposes speaking to Adamant about making the bridge particularly sturdy
Lutomysla doesn't have a great deal of work to do with the bridges. She is at her best when dealing with magical matters, and the Protectorate engineers use only mundane methods in their proposal. However, after some discussion with the Freeborn magicians at the [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]], and following her own work with bridges in Madruga, the prognosticator does have a proposal of her own.

The design of the bridge is sturdy enough to weather storms or endure all but the most concerted attempt to damage it from hostile forces. With the aid of the eternal [[Adamant|King Under the Mountain]] however, it would be possible to ensure the bridge stands despite anything wreckers might throw at it. The ''koboldi'' of the ''Stone Dragon'' could add their own expertise, and infuse portions of the structure with adamant. The eternal would need to be petitioned for their help ''before'' construction began, and doing so would fall to the [[Archmage of Summer]], but Lutomysla has no doubt that ''Shiraz on the Granite Throne'' would be amenable to assisting if requested as part of a formal [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]].

==Inkworks==
* '''The Inkworks of Joharra opportunity is available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Inkworks of Joharra'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 white granite and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Start of Winter Solstice 388YE - or until another great work increases investment in businesses is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Increases the level of investment of businesses in Feroz by one
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri
* Increases the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year
* Creates the title of ''Scrivener of the Inkworks''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Removes the abandoned quality from Oranseri if the Oran Bridge is built</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Scrivener of the Inkworks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Brass Coast National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Votes]] or Senate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 15 measures of iridescent gloaming each season.
* Receives a Therasia's Chain each year.
* Can make an announcement in the Senate to redirect the Inkworks if there is a [[opportunity]] that explicitly allows it.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To direct the inkworks as needed, to support the scriveners of Feroz, and to ensure contracts are being kept in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction''' This title will only receive a Therasia's Chain if the holder is a scrivener</td></tr>
</table></div>
Lutomysla's colleague, [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] has already reviewed the proposed [[The_circle_game#Inkworks_at_Joharra|Inkworks at Joharra]] in her [[The circle game|recent assessment]] of Imperial ministries. Lutomysla notes that if the Oran Bridge were built, and removed the impoverished quality from Oranseri, then there would still be value in building the Inkworks - instead of removing impoverished in conjunction with the bridge it would remove the ''abandoned'' quality from the region, bringing in a new wave of settlers. The same would be true if the commissions were completed in the other order - between them they would remove both qualities.

==Further Reading==
* [[Feroz]]
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Protectorate of Morajasse]]

* [[An arrow nocked and in flight]] - 388YE Spring wind of fortune regarding Protectorate diplomacy
* [[Send for me]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune about restoring Feroz

The Oran operation

2026-07-05T16:26:44Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Adamant Connection */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>"I've heard some of your people complain about the Senate and, let me tell you, they do not know how good they have it."

Lutomysla quirked and eyebrow.

"They should try dealing with a Salt Lord." Grayune shook her head. "If we were trying this back on the Shore... Every time we suggested building a bridge to help move armies, some Salt Lord would look at the weirwood we needed and suggest building another navy instead. So we end up with shitty bridges that keep falling down, and then everyone just falls back on ferries and boats and its the soldiers that get shafted because they have to pay the boat owners for the privilege of getting to where the war is. And of course if we don't pay, the Grendel blame the 'landbound' and... Anyway it's a nightmare."

"Wait, aren't ''you'' Grendel Grayune?" Lutomsyla's tone was mild but she was very interested in the answer. The orc sighed.

"It depends who you ask," she said bitterly. "We call ourselves Grendel - called ourselves Grendel I mean." The engineer shot the prognosticator a quick look from under furrowed brows. "We're the Protectorate of Morajasse now, obviously."

"Obviously," nodded Lutomysla. The Protectorate was ''probably'' a political fiction but it was difficult to be ''entirely'' sure of that, which made exchanges like this fascinating to the Varushkan.

"We called ourselves Grendel but the Commander, he's a soldier. Not a sailor. There are people on the Shore who think that you're only a ''real'' Grendel if you own a boat, or sail on a boat, or build boats or... 'Soldiering' is what the septs do. No true Grendel, and so on. You know?"

Lutomysla wasn't sure she ''did'' know but nodded sympathetically nonetheless.

"It must be quite frustrating," she said encouragingly. It was rare for the normally taciturn Protectorate orcs to speak so candidly and she wanted to get the most out of it.

"Not that the Empire's much better," Grayune added hastily. "So many people in the mix means everything takes forever. When a Salt Lord decides they want something, they just... do it. Not so much of this arguing, and voting, and all this thing with your priests. The septs are the same - as long as they come when the Salt Lords call, they're pretty much left alone to get on with it in their lands."

The orc stared off into the distance, clearly seeing something other than the marshy northern bank of the Scorrero.

"It's the army that wins the wars," she said half to herself. "It's the soldiers that die in the mud, die with swords in their hands. The Moridun have it better, fair enough, but only because they fought tooth and nail for their recognition. And when you're locked down by a bunch of Urizen sentinels you can't just... sail away. It wasn't the damn sailors that died at Solen's Doubt, let me tell you."

Grayune shook herself, and straightened up. She raised her spyglass, studying the shores of the Siroc Bayou.

"Anyway, I'm sure things aren't all coffee and cream in the Imperial armies, either. It's a soldier's lot to slog over hot sand and spill blood because some silk-wearing arsehole five hundred miles away tells them to. "

She barked a laugh.

"'The soldier's lot is to fight and die, to fall on far sands and never know why'."

Lutomysla wondered who she was quoting. The uncomfortable silence stretched, becoming more awkward. Grayune broke it.

"Right! See that? I mean obviously you can't see that because I have the spyglass, but trust me. The road there? It's a bit battered but I think it'd be easier to bank and shore it than to try building a new one, most of the stone is still there it's just under the mud. Wide enough for two wagons I'd judge, so if the bridge makes landfall ''there'' it'll link your trade routes quite nicely."

Lutomysla let the talk of salvage, stone, and swamps wash over here, making a mental note to send a note about this exchange to Gerard once they were back in Oran.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atchafalaya Basin.jpg|align=left|caption=The transformation of southern Madruga cut the connection between the wider Empire and Feroz, and restoring the link will be a major undertaking.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
In Autumn 386YE, as part of the solution to the incursion of the ''dry patricians'', the river Scorrero was infused along its length with Spring magic resulting in [[Where the river rises|violent flooding]]. The damage caused by the withering presence of the patricians was washed away, and when the waters subsided [[Madruga]] was transfigured. The gentle farmlands of the south and west were replaced with marsh and haunted grass - [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]], [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]], and [[Madruga#Quiet_Grasses|Quiet Grasses]]. In the process, the bridges crossing the river were swept away. Only the Sobral Bridge north of the eponymous town survived.

Last season, the Senate accepted [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#A_Garden_Proposal|an offer]] from the Protectorate of Morajasse to work with their military engineers. They would apply their expertise to the challenge of creating new bridges to reconnect the eastern Brass Coast ,and restore easy movement between [[Feroz]] and Madruga. This project is also of interest to the [[Iron Confederacy]], whose merchants used to pass along the eastern coast road via [[Feroz#Fontargenta|Bramar]] to reach the wider Empire.

[[Appraisal#Lutomysla Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]] was selected to lead the appraisal and liase with the Protectorate. The project definitely does not play to her strengths as a magician who seeks magical solutions to problems, but her familiarity with the magical strangeness of the Siroc Bayou may be useful. Her main contribution, however, comes from her understanding of the Imperial civil service and bureaucracy, and smoothing interactions between the Protectorate engineers and the people of the Brass Coast.

==Bridges==
* '''Bridging the Scorero between Feroz and Madruga is challenging because the river has become so tumultuous
* '''Building in the Siroc Bayou or Crucible is difficult because of the marshy terrain
* '''Siroc Bayou and Crucible are not under Imperial control
The main challenge in bridging the Scorrero is that the wild river has become even more dangerous since the powerful ritual that caused it to flood the wasteland created by the dry patricians. Its waters are impregnated with [[ilium]] that flows down from the [[Kahraman]] peaks. Star metal in sufficient concentration is known to have unexpected effects on magical [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[curse|curses]] often causing them to linger considerably longer than might be expected. The ''Bay of Oran'' - the wide waters between Feroz and Madruga into which the Scorrero empties - is nowhere near as wild but is by no means untouched by the strangeness of the west. There is talk of mats of swampweed entangled with bright yellow flowers that seem to move against the tides, their long fronds trailing deep into the waters like floral jellyfish; reports of peculiarly-coloured and inquisitive shoals fish; distressingly large crabs; and gulls who stare at sailors in a way that makes them uncomfortable. So far these phenomena haven't caused any problems, but the folk of northern Feroz have learned to be a little pessimistic about such things.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Joaquim i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs">Corsairs, this season we commit to a Daring Raid upon the Siroc Bayou. Keep your weather eyes open for the lost wealth of the families displaced by the magical upheaval in these territories. What we can return we will, what we cannot, we return to the nation. Suffer no Suranni insult, but spill no foreigner blood. From the Bayou we will begin to retake the Crucible. For the Freeborn!</quote></div>
The other problem is that the northern banks of the Scorrero are now trackless marshland. The roads that used to run along the Scorrero, and cross the Sobral Bridge, were washed away by the magically spreading waters. Until this very season, the Bayou and Crucible were wild and untamed lands that were not even officially part of the Empire. The [[Red Wind Corsairs]] launch a [[Army_qualities#Daring|daring raid]] into the Bayou to bring it under Imperial control, but there is still much work to be done.
==Bridging Over Troubled Water==
* '''The Protectorate engineers have examined the situation and put together a proposal to build a bridge near Oran
The first step for the Protectorate is to make a proper assessment of the river - on both banks. Lutomysla secures Freeborn assistance, hiring a couple of boats for the use of the [[orc]] engineers. A [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_133|recent statement]] in the Freeborn assembly by '''Malaki''' fell just short of the [[greater majority]] it needed to be widely distributed, but in the absence of any encouragement ''not'' to deal with the Protectorate the traditional Freeborn entrepeneurialism seems to be taking precedence. Especially given the Senate decision to accept Commander Gallum's [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#A_Garden_Proposal|offer to restore]] the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz|Spice Gardens of Feroz]] to Freeborn control.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=RedWindCorsairs Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
There is a little excitement when the engineers run across patrols from the Red Wind Corsairs. Soldiers on both sides have grudges against their former enemies - but the experienced prognosticator is able to defuse the situation with some careful diplomacy and Varushkan honeywine. It takes a couple of weeks, but the assessment is completed and the true extent of the challenge is made clear. Bridging the wild Scorrero itself, with a magical marsh on the northern bank, is likely to prove infeasible. It would also need a new road would need to be built along the northern banks of the river, through the shifting marshes.

Instead the engineers propose building a long road bridge across the western end of the bay, downstream from where the wild river empties into the sea. One end would be anchored near Oran, the other on the coast east of where the city of [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] once stood. The bridge would employ [[Grendel]] techniques for crossing deep water using [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caisson_(engineering) caissons]. A frame of [[weirwood]] reinforced with [[mithril]] is constructed, and pumps mounted on pontoons are used to remove the water from within the frame, which is then filled with a mixture of cement, aggregate, mithril and steel rods, and a [[white granite]] core. This creates a line of stable pylons across which a road can run.
===Mother of Invention===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Oran Bridge'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz and Siroc Bayou, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 15 mithril, 15 weirwood, 96 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows armies to pass between Madruga and Feroz
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri
* Restores the benefits of the Sunset Roads to Segura</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Salt Guard increasing labour costs by 80 crowns but reducing white granite required by 15
* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage of the Asavean Temple in Oran increasing labour costs by 40 crowns but reducing mithril and weirwood by 5 each
* The labour costs may be voluntarily increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns, ensuring everyone working on the project receives the standard wage for doing so
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A bridge across the Bay of Oran would be expensive
* '''The Protectorate engineers are adept at repurposing existing architecture to create new structures
* '''With Senate permission they can salvage the Salt Guard or the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull to reduce the costs of the bridge project
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=The disciplined "former" Grendel engineers are adept at scavenging and salvaging the materials they need to support their work.|width=350}}</div>
The project will require 50 wains of white granite, 15 wains of mithril, and 15 wains of weirwood. Normally the labour costs would be significant - especially given one end of the bridge [[Commission#Marshes|terminates in a marsh]], but there is no shortage of cheap labour in [[Region_qualities#Impoverished|impoverished]] Feroz. As such, the final cost of the project would be a mere 96 crowns even taking into account the difficulties of working with marshland. Work would take six months to complete.

Once the bridge was completed, it would once again be possible to move armies directly from [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]] to [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]]. The position the Protectorate engineers have assessed incorporates the remnants of the white granite road that once ran along the northern banks of the Scorrero into Segura. This means the bridge also restores connections vital to overland trade between Feroz and Madruga and by extension between the Iron Confederacy and the Empire. This would be a major boon to the paradors and other businesses in the town of Oran, allowing them to reclaim at least a fragment of their former glory, removing the [[Region_qualities#Impoverished|impoverished]] quality from Oranseri.

Another positive is that the roads of Feroz are still relatively intact. Even Rahab wasn't stupid and greedy enough to destroy the arteries that allowed his soldiers - and the wealth of the Brass Coast - to flow across the territory. Thanks to the road running between Oran and [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]], once Imperial merchants were able to cross from Madruga to Feroz feely it would reconnect the [[Segura#Sunset_Roads|Sunset Roads]], restoring to Segura the prosperity that was lost when the Scorrero broke its banks. Unfortunately they won't help Feroz - at least not at the moment - given the impoverished and [[Region_qualities#Abandoned|abandoned]] state of the territory.

Lutomysla also believes it could be a potent symbol of Feroz' reconnection to the wider Empire, literally and metaphorically building bridges between the south-western Empire and the heartlands. There is still some way to go before Feroz recovers anything like its former prosperity, but along with the recently completed [[Send_for_me#Wharfage_of_Oran|Wharfage of Oran]], it represents progress toward recovering from the ruin left by Governor Rahab.

The sheer cost of the project appears daunting but the Protectorate engineers have a pragmatic proposal. As former Grendel soldiers, they are adept at scavenging and repurposing materials to meet their strategic goals. Lutomysla reports that there is a degree of bitterness from the orcs - although they try to hide it - when they speak of this need for salvage. Reading between the lines, and asking some carefully probing questions, it appears that units such as Commander Gallum's are constantly underfunded and undersupplied by the Salt Lords. Most of the [[army|armies]] of the Broken Shore are supported by their septs; those that are not have to skimp and save. It seems that there is significant rivalry between "professional" soldiers such as Gallum, and the naval officers who receive the lion's share of the support from the Salt Lords. Necessity being the mother of invention, it has given the engineers of the Protectorate a keen eye for opportunities to repurpose existing materials.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Salvage</big>'''
<p>Under normal circumstances it is not possible to recover the materials used in a commission. Only an [[opportunity]] can allow such a thing. In this case, as part of the [[appraisal]] the expertise of the Protectorate engineers has identified just such an opportunity. If the Empire no longer has diplomatic ties with the Protectorate, the salvage opportunity is not available.</p>

Any opportunity is unique and cannot be easily altered. This opportunity only applies to the construction of the bridge across the Bay of Oran - the wains represent materials scavenged specifically for that project. The Senate could ''not'' simply instruct that these buildings be salvaged to recover some of the wains spent to build them. This opportunity does not provide a way for the Empire to reclaim materials used on any other commission for any other reason outside of a plot opportunity that specifically offers that potential.</box></div>
===Ruins and Salt===
* '''Protectorate engineers could salvage the flooded ruins of the Salt Guard to reduce the amount of white granite required
* '''It would increase labour costs by 80 crowns
* '''There is a risk of angry spirits
The ruins of Siroc are drowned in the mud of the marshes and the waters of the bayou. By employing divers and salvagers, some of the materials used to build the [[Madruga#The_Salt_Guard_(Ruined)|Salt Guard]] could be repurposed to help build the caissons. This would involve recruiting and organising teams to break the stone and transport it to where it could be added to the massive labour project. Again, the hunger for paying work of the people of Feroz would play into the Empire's hands here. Lutomysla looks at the engineers' proposals and estimates that a further 80 crowns in labour costs would allow the ruined salt guard to be salvaged. This would effectively provide 15 wains of white granite toward the construction of the bridge.

There are risks however; a lot of people died in the fall of the Salt Guard. Freeborn, [[Commonwealth]], Grendel, and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] remains still lie in the flooded ruins. As a Varushkan, Lutomysla knows better than most the dangers of disturbing a burial ground, and with the [[Feroz#Isle_of_the_Osseini_(Ruined)|Isle of the Osseini]] no longer attracting and containing the spirits of those lost at sea there is a chance that salvaging the Salt Guard in this fashion will incur the wrath of the dead. There are not believed to be any ghosts haunting the ruins of Siroc at the moment, but salvaging the Salt Guard might be one way to change that.

Lutomysla has looked at the risk seperately and believes that a drop of prevention will remove the need for an entire bucket-load of cure.

{{Mandate|mandate=Those who fell in the battle of Siroc rest still beneath the waters of the Bay of Oran. There is a chance for the ruined fortress to once more protect the Freeborn people, but we must ensure no disrespect is offered to the dead. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to ensure that the salvage of the Salt Guard does not dishonour those who sacrificed everything to defend the Brass Coast.|assembly=Freeborn National Assembly or Assembly of the Way}}

If this mandate is passed, then the salvage of the Salt Guard will proceed without incident. It must be passed and enacted at the Summer Solstice, as with any mandate, but even if the commission of the Oran Bridge is delayed it will still have full effect. If the named priest is the [[High Exorcist]], the [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]], the [[Master of the School of Exorcism]], or the former ''Justicar of Osseini'' '''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''', the liao required for the mandate is reduced to 50. It is not common for a mandate to name someone who is not part of the assembly , but in each case the title in question is empowered to deal with restless spirits and able to bring additional resources to bear on this problem. If the mandate is not enacted, then salvaging the Salt Guard will result in some ghostly troubles in the Bay of Oran.

The mandate can be raised in either the Freeborn National Assembly or the Assembly of the Way, and both could be upheld and enacted. In this case, it will mean a very large number of exorcists, ghost-whisperers, and occultists will descend on the Bay of Oran.

===Foam and the Bull===
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Black Bull.png|align=right|caption=Balo and the Black Bull are two of the Asavean "gods" patrons of sailors and guards respectively.|width=250}}</div>
* '''The Temple of Balo and the Black Bull has been abandoned
* ''' Protectorate engineers could be permitted to salvage the temple to reduce the amount of weirwood and mithril required
* '''Doing so raises the labour costs by a further 45 crowns
Since the liberation of Oran, and the [[Glass_and_flame#Game_Information_:_Asavean_Diplomacy|surrender]] of the priests serving at the [[Feroz#Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull|Temple of Balo and the Black Bull]], the structure has stood empty. [[Construct_Asavean_Temple|Constructed]] by the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] nearly a decade ago, the place has always been controversial. During the occupation of the Grendel, though, it served as something of a place of sanctuary for Freeborn friendly to the priests and operated a covert way for those fleeing the grasp of Governor Rahab to reach safety in Madruga. The Governor could not afford to risk angering the Asavean priests and they used that protection to help many Freeborn evade the cruel tyrants grasp.

Since the repatriation of the priests, the temple has stood empty. The proposal from the engineers is that unless the Empire is planning to convert it to some other use, it could be torn down to support the bridge building effort. There's some white granite available - although nowhere near as much as there is in the drowned [[fortification]] - but more importantly the gardens that once surrounded the temple incorporated wains of weirwood, and the roof is partially supported by mithril bars. A second team could rip the building apart to get at some of the materials inside, and contribute them to the building effort. It would increase the labour cost of the project by a further 45 crowns, but provide 5 wains each of weirwood and mithril for the production.

Tearing down the Temple is somewhat controversial. In theory the building is the legal property of the Asaveans, but since the Empire is currently at war with them, there are no legal obstacles to the action. And most Freeborn who remember the sack of Siroc by the Asavean forces see the destruction of this heretical and blasphemous Temple as right and proper. However [[Wild_blue_yonder#Balo's_Guests|the Kanza family, who only evaded capture due to the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull]] protest that this is a poor way for the Freeborn to repay the priests for the risks they took to shelter the helpless from the Grendel.

===Fair Prices===
* '''The labour costs for the bridge are very low thanks to the impoverished quality of Feroz
* '''The commission may instruct the civil service to pay higher wages to the labourers recruited
At the moment, the impoverished nature of Feroz means that any commission built in, or partly in, the territory benefits from significantly reduced labour costs. People in Feroz are poor and desperate enough to work for a fraction of what citizens elsewhere might demand for their labour. There are some who question the [[Prosperity]] of the situation however. Constructing caissons is dangerous, back-breaking work, after all. Is it right for the wealthy citizens of Anvil to take advantage of the people of Feroz by paying less than the work is normally worth?

There is nothing to stop whoever commissions the bridge from stipulating that everyone employed receive the standard payment for working on the bridge. If this were done, the labour costs for the bridge would be increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns. This increase would not have any game effect, but it would at least send a clear message to the Freeborn, and to [[Prosperity|prosperous]] folk across the Empire, that the construction was not taking advantage of the reduced circumstances of those living in Feroz.

==Taking a Toll==
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Oran Tollkeeper'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 1 Throne each season </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Maintain and defend the Oran Bridge</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* If the impoverished quality is removed from Morajasse and Fortargenta income increases by 4 crowns each
* Removes the symbolic benefits of the bridge as a reconnection of Feroz and Madruga
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Protectorate has included plans for a tollhouse at either end of the bridge
* '''It is up to the commissoner whether to include this title
The final element the Protectorate includes in its proposal is included as a matter of course - provision for the tollkeepers to live near and control access to the bridge. The engineers are actually surprised when Lutomysla points out that this is not standard practice for Imperial commissions; apparently almost nothing big gets built on the Broken Shore unless someone, somewhere sees an opportunity to increase their wealth, prestige, or influence. The engineers just assumed the Empire would appoint someone to maintain the bridge - and gouge a healthy income from those who need to pay to use it. After all, anyone who doesn't want to pay to use the only bridge connecting Feroz and Madruga could still take the long-way-round to Segura or hire a boat to ferry them across.

This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. Lutomysla has identified that the bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, restoring the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the Empire. If merchants and travellers have to pay to use that bridge, it dilutes this symbolism and instead sends a message that enriching individuals is more important than supporting the people of the beleaguered southern territory. It won't have any kind of measurable effect; but it will send a message that might be at odds with the intention of the Freeborn or the Empire.

After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of 1 Throne each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse and Fortargenta, then each region would increase the income by another 4 crowns a season.

The commission could chose to have the title appointed by the Brass Coast senators, with or without tenure. Alternatively the commission could specify that the position be appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]]. In either case, it would need to be a Freeborn national position.
==The Adamant Connection==
{{CaptionedImage|file=King Under the Mountain.png|align=right|width=200}}
* '''Lutomysla proposes speaking to Adamant about making the bridge particularly sturdy
Lutomysla doesn't have a great deal of work to do with the bridges. She is at her best when dealing with magical matters, and the Protectorate engineers use only mundane methods in their proposal. However, after some discussion with the Freeborn magicians at the [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]], and following her own work with bridges in Madruga, the prognosticator does have a proposal of her own.

The design of the bridge is sturdy enough to weather storms or endure all but the most concerted attempt to damage it from hostile forces. With the aid of the eternal [[Adamant|King Under the Mountain]] however, it would be possible to ensure the bridge stands despite anything wreckers might throw at it. The ''koboldi'' of the ''Stone Dragon'' could add their own expertise, and infuse portions of the structure with adamant. The eternal would need to be petitioned for their help ''before'' construction began, and doing so would fall to the [[Archmage of Summer]], but Lutomysla has no doubt that ''Shiraz on the Granite Throne'' would be amenable to assisting if requested as part of a formal [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]].

==Inkworks and Fields==
* '''The Inkworks of Joharra opportunity is available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE
* '''The opportunity to expand the fields of Bramar has been refreshed and is now available until the end of the Spring Equinox 387YE'''
Lutomysla's colleage, [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] has already reviewed the proposed [[The_circle_game#Inkworks_at_Joharra|Inkworks at Joharra]] in her [[The circle game|recent assessment]] of Imperial ministries. Lutomysla notes that if the Oran Bridge were built, and removed the impoverished quality from Oranseri, then there would still be value in building the Inkworks - instead of removing impoverished in conjunction with the bridge it would remove the ''abandoned'' quality from the region, bringing in a new wave of settlers. The same would be true if the commissions were completed in the other order - between them they would remove both qualities.

<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Golden Fields of Bramar'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Fontargenta, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' Requires the aid of the Breadbasket for two seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Removes the impoverished quality from Fortargenta</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE</td></tr>
</table></div>
The parallel opportunity presented a few years ago to expand the [[Send_for_me#Fields_of_Bramar|expand the fields]] around [[Feroz#Fortargenta|Bramar]] has since lapsed. After speaking to some of the folk of Feroz however, Lutomysla indicates there is still enthusiasm for the project. Partly, this keen has been inspired by the restoration of the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz|Spice Gardens of Feroz]], which has become a symbol of hope for many of the landsfolk of the impoverished territory. The project still relies on the support of the [[Keeper_of_the_Breadbasket#Distribution_of_Imperial_Bounty|Imperial Breadbasket]], however, and Lutomysla notes that interest will wane naturally over time.

The land around the port of Bramar was once renowned for its fertile farms; its bountiful cornfields competed with Marcher grain across the southern Empire, and the vineyards were justly famous as one of the cornerstones of the Imperial wine trade. These lands were abandoned when people fled the territory to escape from Rahab and the rule of the Grendel. What crops that were left were torn up under the destructive direction of ''Quartermaster Maeve''; a wealthy Grendel who purchased the land from Rahab for a song. Rather than try to plant a new harvest, Maeve took whatever she could harvest and left the rest to rot. Vines were ripped out by the roots, fields were left untilled and have grown thick with weeds. The golden fields of Bramar have been ruined. In the years since the liberation there have been efforts to replenish the once-bountiful farming here, but it has suffered from the various challenges of rebuilding Feroz.

A drive to reinvigorate Fontargenta could still be centred on the fields around Bramar using the Imperial Breadbasket. All it would require is a suitable announcement by the Keeper. Shipments of seeds and grains would be needed to replant fields and vineyards while food supplies would be essential to feed farm workers until new crops could be established. It wouldn't cost anything, not directly anyway, but it would need the Breadbasket to support the region for two seasons. Once that was done, the fields would be re-established and Fontargenta would cease to be abandoned and impoverished.

This opportunity is now available again until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE.

==Further Reading==
* [[Feroz]]
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Protectorate of Morajasse]]

* [[An arrow nocked and in flight]] - 388YE Spring wind of fortune regarding Protectorate diplomacy
* [[Send for me]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune about restoring Feroz

388YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2026-07-05T16:15:32Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Oran Operation */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Remnants of tales.jpg|align=left|caption=News spreads through word of mouth as fast as it does through broadsheets and posters, and is sometimes more reliable. Or at least, unreliable in more amusing ways...|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

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

==Winds of Fortune==
===In the Court of Far Horizons===
* '''Throne; Senate; Fleet owners; Ambassadors; titles involved in international trade'''
At the recent summit, [[the Throne]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Court of Far Horizons''. Magistrate Abraham has conducted an analysis of the constitutional implications of the new sodality's provisional manifesto. Abraham notes that the manifesto is "bold and vigorous" in establishing it's remit, but that that means that some of implications are far-reaching... which can be both a good and a bad thing depending where you stand.

You can read about Abrahams findings, as well as some proposals from interested parties, in the '''[[In the Court of Far Horizons]]''' wind of fortune.
===Satraps of the Abyss===
* '''Conclave; Ambassador to Sumaah; scholars of magic and the eternal realms'''
The [[Senate]] has taken advantage of an opportunity brokered by the [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|Ambassador]] Accalon to engage in a spot of magical cooperation with the [[Sumaah Republic]]. Freshly-appointed prognosticator ''[[Appraisal#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]]'' has been sent to ''[[appraisal|appraise]] how the High Houses of Virtue and the Imperial Conclave can find ways to co-operate in interactions with [[eternal|eternals]]''. While Lisane is expected to be engaged for the next several seasons, she has dispatched a preliminary report on her findings; a review of the relation between the magicians and the Präster of the republic - and the dealings they have with the creatures of the [[realms]].

You can read about Lisane's findings, and about the opportunity for the Conclave to assist, in the '''[[Satraps of the Abyss]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Oran Operation===
* '''The Brass Coast, especially citizens of Feroz and Madruga; Imperial Senate; Military Council'''
The river Scorrero broke its banks several years ago, and washed away the dreadful threat of the ''dry patricians''. As a consequence of the wild river rising, the bridges connecting Madruga and Feroz were washed away. Last season, the Senate accepted [[An_arrow_nocked_and_in_flight#A_Garden_Proposal|an offer]] from the ''Protectorate of Morajasse'' to apply their expertise to the challenge of reconnecting the eastern Brass Coast. Their [[appraisal]] of the situation has been submitted, with notes added by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticators Office]], and involves a major feat of engineering in the southern Empire.

You can learn about their proposal, and some changes that might make it a little more feasible, in the '''[[The Oran operation]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==
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.

These winds of fortune deal with the Empire's diplomatic relationship with one or more foreign or barbarian nations. Usually, the wind is shaped by communications from the appropriate [[ambassador]] or the [[Imperial Consul]]. While these winds revolve around international matters, their focus is still on the Empire and what its citizens can do to influence diplomatic matters, so they're as likely as any other wind to contain something of interest to characters from all walks of life.

==Other Events==

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

==Spring Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case, a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the [[Muster]].

===Major Conjunctions===

===Minor Conjunctions===

Satraps of the Abyss

2026-07-04T15:03:49Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Of Winter */

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Appraisal]][[Category:Eternals]][[Category:Sumaah]]
<ic>"Please stop haunting me, Roderick." Lisane didn't look at her son, continuing to fold clothes and place them in a large weirwood travelling trunk. He sighed again, gustily, and she didn't need to see him to imagine his expression of deep concern.

"I'm just worried, mother. I assumed - we all assumed - that working for the Prognosticator's Office would involve something a little closer to home. At least at first. We were picturing an office at the Castle of Thorns. Somewhere that we could..."

"Check in on me?" She suppressed a smile, kept her tone sharp. "Honestly, I am an old woman Roderick. And you have a grandchild for goodness' sake! And do not ''dare'' start your next sentence with anything approaching 'at your age' or I will demand a Trial of Resolve from Melisandre and everyone will see you being thoroughly trounced by a great-grandmother!"

Roderick blew through his massive moustaches. "I'm just worried..." he said again. "The Sumaah Republic is two entire seas away. Three if you count Teeth. Seas swarming with bloodthirsty Asavean pirates. And even when you get there I hear its full of danger. Dragons. Giant panthers. Strange priests. At least take a few knights with you. Just to set my - our - minds at rest!"

Lisane looked down at her things. The last thing she needed to pack was Empress Lisabetta's book about eternals, and the colouring book full the children had presented her with. The Navarr artist's delightful line drawings of the various eternals, which were only slightly idolatrous, had been coloured in with a great deal of enthusiasm and glancing at it softened her heart. She dropped it into her trunk, shut the lid, threaded and tightened the buckles. Then she turned round, hands on hips.

Roderick looked absolutely wretched. He had always been the most anxious of her children, and in the shadow of the forty-year-old noble in front of her she could see the little boy sobbing from one too many nightmares of the Druj coming to get him.

"Roddy," she said gently, crossing the room to put her hands on his shoulders. She had to reach up, look up to meet his eyes. She sometimes forgot how tall he was. "I understand, I really do. When Gerard told me what my first appraisal was going to be, I confess it put moths in my stomach. But I took his offer up precisely because I ''want'' a challenge. Something more complex and important than keeping bees."

"But-"

She laid a finger on his lips and smiled at him. "I've no doubt that the Freeborn and the... the Sumaah Zemress pilgrims... will see me safely to and from the Republic. Merchants make the trip every season, you know, and nothing bad happens to them. And I am absolutely certain the Sumaah will not let a hungry drake or deadly panther eat me. I'm sure they don't let monstrous predators lurk around their cities, and Timoj is one of the great cities of the world as I understand it. It's lovely that the family are so worried, and I will miss you all just as much as you miss me, but I'll be back before you know it. Back in time for the Winter Solstice feast. I'm not going to miss Melisandre's first feast as earl, am I??"

She continued to gaze into Rodericks eyes. There was a great well of love there, but also that hard core of steel that had served her so well as earl and would serve her well dealing with the people of the Sumaah Republic. He looked away.

"Yes my ea-. Yes mother," he said quietly. She patted his arm.

"Excellent. Now, I'm going to go and say goodbye to the children. You can make yourself useful by putting those broad shoulders of yours to good use and carrying my trunk down to the wagon."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black Panther.jpg|align=left|caption=The unfamiliar spirits of the deep jungle are equally dangerous and enticing to Imperial scholars.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Spring Equinox, the Senate took advantage of an opportunity brokered by the [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]], '''Accalon of Felix's Watch''', regarding magical cooperation between the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaash]]. The [[Senate]] elected to send the freshly-appointed prognosticator ''[[Appraisal#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]]'' on the task, to ''appraise how the High Houses of Virtue and the Imperial Conclave can find ways to co-operate in interactions with [[eternal|eternals]]''.

The former [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[earl]] took passage to the Sumaah Republic immediately after the Spring Equinox, and made the crossing safely. She and her small staff have been granted apartments in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj|Timoj]], the capital city of the Republic, as guests of the High Houses of [[Wisdom]] and [[Vigilance]]. Lisane is expected to remain in Timoj for the next several seasons, and will not be available to undertake other appraisals until she returns to the Empire. As the Summer Solstice approaches, however, a preliminary report has already reached ''Gerard La Salle''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|align=right|width=175}}

==Wisdom of the Conclave==
* '''During the Summer Solstice the Conclave can send a single order to support the appraisal
* '''This will end the orders involvement in any other project
* '''The order will be engaged until the start of the Winter Solstice 383YE
* '''The order chosen will contribute to the outcome of the appraisal depending on its nature
As discussed in the [[Forging_links#Joining_Virtue_and_Magic|original proposal]], the Sumaah are happy to host a delegation from a single [[Conclave order]] to support Lisane. Her initial report is dense, full of information about the situation in Sumaah, partly because she believes this will help the Conclave to determine which order would be best suited to make the long journey to the southern shores of the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]].

During the Summer Solstice, the Conclave may choose to ask one order to contribute to the ongoing appraisal. This requires an order to raise a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] following the usual rules for [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guiding an order]]. If the Conclave agrees members of the Order will travel to the Sumaah Republic to support Lisane and her team. It would not be possible to guide that order again until the Winter Solstice, which is also when the outcome of their involvement will be presented to the Empire. Guiding an order already involved elsewhere - such as in the fighting against Cold Sun - will end their participation in the situation.

If more than one such declaration passes the Conclave, the last one to pass will win out.

Any order could be dispatched to Sumaah, there are members of each who are enthusiastic about the opportunity. Any order could secure a benefit for the Empire, but only some of them would do by supporting Lisane and her team. Some orders have a different areas of concern, and will make use of the opportunity to be hosted in the Republic in ways that are only peripherally associated with studying eternals. The civil service are confident that sufficient magicians will work with Lisane so there's no chance of a diplomatic incident unless one of the orders goes out of its way to cause one, and the appraisal will still be successful no matter who goes.

* The [[Sevenfold Path]] are the most obvious order to send to Sumaah. If this order is chosen, their contribution will help focus the appraisal on ways for the [[Synod]] to help guide the Conclave in its interactions with the eternal realms.
* The [[Celestial Arch]] are diplomats, and well versed in dealing with eternals. If this order is chosen, their contribution will involve making contact with non-Assembly magicians, and on learning more about eternals the Empire does not currently have relations with.
* The [[Shuttered Lantern]] may have a shadowy reputation, but part of their remit is to use magic ''in the detection and monitoring of threats''. Their contribution to the appraisal will be to focus on the ways that the Sumaah keep their people safe from eternal influence without access to the [[Alignment|Declaration of Alignment]], and to any unique eternal threats the Empire is blind to or blasé about.
* If the [[Rod and Shield]] are dispatched to support the appraisal, their contribution will be to look at how the Sumaah use magic on the battlefield. For a nation extremely hesitant to use rituals such as [[Knights of Glory]], they must make up the "shortfall" in other ways.
* The [[Silver Chalice]] would encourage the appraisal to look for ways that Sumaah magicians and Imperial magicians could pool their lore of magical healing, especially with regard to eternal boons. The jungles of Sumaah are known to be rich in rare healing fruits and plants, and its likely that the Chalice could learn more about such things and perhaps even gain access to them.
* The [[Golden Pyramid]] are generally not as excited about matters of spirituality, but ''are'' excited about potential trade opportunities with the Republic. Their "contribution" will be to seek out [[opportunity|opportunities]] to secure new trade goods, especially those related to eternals, or new routes to the Sumaah Republic for Imperial [[Fleet#Trading|merchants]].
* The [[Unfettered Mind]] are relentlessly enthusiastic about magic of all kinds. If they are guided to Sumaah, they will provide minimal support to the actual appraisal underway. Instead, they will reach out to non-Assembly magicians, discuss matters of magical theory, learn about Sumaah's magical colleges, explore magic familiar to Sumaah magicians but not in use in the Empire, and make a study of the "spiritual materialism" tradition that many Sumaah magicians employ. If the Grandmaster of the Unfettered Mind were particularly interested in one of these themes more than the others they could mention it in their Declaration, and the Unfettered Mind magicians would focus some their attention in that direction, at least at first.

<div style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; align-items: center;" class="imagegrid">
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderCelestialArch.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderShutteredLantern.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderRodAndShield.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Chalice.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderGoldenPyramid.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|width=150}}
</div>

Regardless of which order is chosen - if any - the trip represents a rare opportunity to gain access to the magicians of the Sumaah Republic. It is not likely to be one that gets repeated any time soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg||caption=Accalon of Felix's Watch, Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=right|width=350}}
==Virtue and Magic==
* '''The first part of Lisane's preliminary report provides a general overview of attitudes to magic and eternals
The first part of Lisane's report discusses the general Sumaah attitude to magic, [[magical skills#magicians|magicians]], and eternals. It builds on and informs [[Sumaah_Republic#Magic|common knowledge]], and it seems some things "everyone knows" about the Republic may be outdated or based on misconceptions.
===Sumaash Magicians===
Many magicians in Sumaah are also ''präster'', and each of the High Houses contain ritual magicians who specialise in specific areas of magic that support the wider role of the House. For example, within the Assembly of Prosperity are several covens that specialise in [[enchantment|enchantments]] that lead to increased wealth, while [[divination]] is carefully studied by both the vigilant and the wise. This same attitude extends to dealing with eternals; within each of the Houses are some magicians experienced with dealing with the creatures of the [[realms]].

That is not to say that all magicians are priests, or that only the High Houses work with magic. Far from it. The practice of ritual magic is not as widespread or organised as it is in the Empire, but there are still large numbers of practitioners from all walks of life spread across the Republic. It is a misconception that the priesthood "controls" all magic in the Republic. As with all Sumaah, their magicians are acutely aware of the virtuous implications of their skills, and naturally look to the präster for guidance on how best to reconcile magic with faith. In particular, they are alert to the threat of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatry]] - subsuming their human destiny to inhuman entities. Perhaps as a result, the practice of [[Aspect_magic#Goetia|goetia]] is banned in the Republic, and a Sumaash tradition similar to Imperial [[Aspect_magic#Theurgy|theurgy]] is only practised by dedicated ''präster''. Lisane also notes that there are serious restrictions on a number of rituals Imperial magicians might consider harmless such as [[Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], and that the Sumaash approach to the creation of [[arcane projection|arcane projections]] appears to be very much more controlled than it is in the Empire. The focus of the appraisal, for now at least, is on the eternals however and the prognosticator focuses her efforts on that first and foremost.

Whenever a Sumaah coven is anticipating an interaction with an eternal, or one of their [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]], they usually seek the support of one of the präster. The priest serves as an advisor, ensuring that virtue and the Way are foremost in the minds of those dealing with inhuman creatures. There is no law that demands this; rather the long experience of Sumaah magicians demonstrates that having a präst on hand tends to lead to better outcomes. The präst doesn't need to be present for every interaction - there are covens trusted to engage with certain eternals or use certain rituals without oversight. For example, as long as the questions and answers are discussed with a präst there is no requirement to log every single performance of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] (or its Sumaah equivalent at least).

On the other hand, anyone known to be regularly interacting with creatures of the realms ''without'' the support or advice of one of the präster will find themselves called to [[inquisition]] by the High House of Vigilance and asked to give a thorough report on their dealings. Those unable or unwilling to do so to the satisfaction of the assembly may face serious censure. Sumaah is determined to ensure that their nation remains uncorrupted by the influence of the inhuman eternals.

===Anathema and Tolerance===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px;"><box>'''Eternals and virtue'''<br>No Sumaah would describe an eternal as "virtuous". The common attitude is that the inhuman entities of the realms are incapable of virtue. While the Republic has in recent years begun to re-examine its prejudice that only humans are capable of following the Way, the idea that an eternal or herald might be able to do so is rejected wholeheartedly. The idea that an eternal might possess anything approaching a soul is considered actively blasphemous. Any eternal that claims interest in virtue is presumed to be engaging in misdirection or manipulation and the subject of immediate suspicion. Obviously this belief further reinforces the careful and suspicious attitude to the eternals.</box></div>

* '''An eternal has only two states in the Republic - tolerated or anathema'''
* '''Without a Conclave the Sumaah must use more direct methods to guard against hostile eternals'''
There is no body in the Republic analogous to the [[Conclave]]. When it comes to dealings with eternals, the Assembly of Vigilance takes an active role and ultimately wields the legal power to declare a given eternal to be ''anathema''. Dealing with an eternal who has been declared ''anathema'' is a serious offence that may result in the death penalty. While ''anathema'' is superficially similar to the status of [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] there is no equivalent of [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] in Sumaah. All eternals are either tolerated (equivalent to [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]]) or anathema. In the past when a new eternal was encountered, all interactions with it would be undertaken by präster, or Vigilant magicians, until the High House had weighed it and determined if it was anathema or not.

Even this status of neutrality is not quite the same as that in the Empire - there are no Sumaah titles specifically dedicated to liaising with an eternal. [[Emissary to the Celestial Library]], [[Shadowed Torchbearer]], and [[Churnspire Adjutor]] would all be considered dangerously close to idolatry. There are likewise no titles analogous to [[archmage]] - at least not in terms of their interaction with the realms. The equivalent of an Imperial enchantment such as [[Hallow of the Green World]] is unknown in Sumaah, and if it were its practice would be anathema. Even rituals such as the [[Golden magicians fayre]] would be condemned - the idea of providing an eternal access to the Republic in such an uncontrolled way would horrify most Sumaash.

There is also, as previously noted, no Conclave. The functions that might be wielded by that body in the Empire are either absent, or employed by the House of the People or one of the Houses of Virtue instead. The Sumaash view the idea of leaving decisions on the use of magic and items to magicians to decide by themselves to be dubious at best. Deciding what magic is safe to use is fundamentally a matter of Virtue and requires the appropriate expertise.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Eternals and Free Will'''<br>A common philosophical view in Sumaah is that eternals are physically incapable of Virtue, because they don't have free will. In the view of some präster, free will is fundamental to the exercise of Virtue. Nobody would suggest that a sword is courageous for taking the battlefield. Eternals they argue, are eternal and unchanging, their nature is fixed. They cannot change or be changed. If their nature cannot change, can eternals actually be said to exercise any choices at all about the actions they take? Do they have free will? If they do not, then how can they be any more virtuous than a sword or a shield?</box></div>
One area where the Empire has a clear advantage is dealing with hostile eternals. The metaphysical defence provided by enmity is not perfect, but it does greatly reduce the threat of an eternal influencing Imperial citizens. The Sumaah are forced to use more mundane methods to protect their people. The Assembly of [[Vigilance]] - and to a lesser degree the Assemblies of [[Wisdom]] and [[Pride]] - maintain or coordinate cadres of Sumaash investigators and warriors who actively seek out the machinations of enemy eternals and put a stop to them. These groups of "idolator hunters" are widely respected, and their investigation of suspicious events usually welcomed. They're also heavily subsidised by the House of the People, meaning that they are well equipped to deal with the unpredictable enemies of the Republic they hunt.

The Republic use warding magic to complement this approach. Rituals such as [[There Is No Welcome Here]] may be employed, but the Sumaah also use [[hearth magic]] wards. One common practice is to build a shrine or temple over or near a strong [[regio]] when it is identified, allowing comings and goings of heralds to be carefully monitored or prevented. This is harder to do with regio in the deep jungle, but even so there are apparently several places of pilgrimage dedicated to maintaining a vigilant watch on the "verdant wastelands" of the wild tropical forests.

Lisane notes that these virtuous practices mirror Imperial efforts such as the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|War of Whispers]], the [[Venture#Hunt_the_Suaq_Wastes|hunt of the Suaq Wastes]], or the practices of vigilant folk in [[Varushka]] in response to the threats of their own cold wilderness.

===Refusal===
* '''The Sumaah are very cautious in accepting ''any'' eternal boon
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|caption=Unlike the Empire, the Sumaah are very suspicious of many eternals, including Eleonaris, eschewing her boons and declaring her anathema.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Sumaah are much more likely to turn down a boon or an eternal offer of aid than to accept it. In theory every eternal boon is weighed carefully, usually with the guidance of at least one präst, and in some cases might even be discussed with a [[statement of principle]] before it is accepted. Powerful boons are often presented for scrutiny by the House of the People as well, especially if they are likely to impact the citizens of a territory or region. The more powerful and all-encompassing a boon is, the more scrutiny it demands, so potent, far-reaching boons are rarely taken up simply because the risks involved are usually considered too large or too difficult to assess.

Rituals that draw on the power of an eternal directly are less common among Sumaash magicians. There are a few - a version of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] for example is relatively well known. One of the Sumaah responsible for hosting Lisane, a magician-präst named ''Chikkal, Assessor of the High House of Vigilance'' expands a little on this, explaining that even in those uncommon cases where such a ritual is created, it will almost always be bound with a stricture that it may only legally be performed in the presence of a priest, or with the approval of an assessor from one of the High Houses. This is done to ensure that the eternals do not begin to exert subtle control over magicians who may become reliant on such magic, or influence the subjects of such magic in a way that is unvirtuous.

Chikkal's view is that no human ever ''needs'' an eternal boon, however much they may ''want'' them. Any agreement with an eternal, they argue, will invariably tarnish the virtue of the one who seeks it, and risk corrupting their fellows. "Easy is not the same as virtuous," claims Chikkal piously. While it initially seems Chikkal speaks for the majority of the präster, Lisane notes that it quickly becomes apparent that there are any number of other opinions on the matter and many priests openly disagree with the ultra-conservative approach of peers such as Chikkal. Still, there is a common stereotype in the Republic that Imperial magicians unwisely seek every advantage they can gain from inhuman spirits rather then relying on themselves and their fellow humans. The unwise bargainer who brings ruin on themselves by making deals with eternal spirits is a very common character in Sumaah literature, there are scores of cautionary tales whose ultimate fate is so awful, it provides a sobering example to readers or audience.

==Republican Eternals==
* '''The second part of Lisane's preliminary report provides an overview of the eternals the Republic has encountered'''
* '''The Sumaah deal with a much smaller group of eternals than the Empire does'''
* '''Some eternals are known by very different names and appearances in the Republic'''
* '''There appear to be some eternals known in the Republic that are not familiar to Lisane or her staff'''

The second part of Lisane's preliminary report deals with the actual eternals the Sumaash deal with (or don't deal with). Sumaah don't commonly group the eternals together in the same way their Imperial peers do. Rather than focusing on which [[realms|realm]] they hail from, the only significant division is between "tolerated" and "anathema". Lisane, however, falls back on Imperial categorization, simply because her report is intended for Imperial eyes.

One of the challenges Lisane faces is that the Sumaah frequently use different names for eternals to those used in the Empire, and like the Empire they have many different sobriquets for the eternals. This may well be the root of some misconceptions about the beings the Republic deals with. The Empire has long considered [[Yaw'nagrah]] for example to be favoured in Sumaah, but it seems likely this was based on a misconception based on the at-the-time unknown eternal [[Ossegrahn]] (given the ''Green Mother'' is anathema in the Republic and has been for much of its history).

In most cases the prognosticators have been able to link the names of Sumaah eternals to those known in the Empire, but there are some cases where there is no direct correlation. In the case of these "unknown" eternals, she has been able to gather a little information, enough to satisfy herself that they are ''probably'' distinct entities. It is entirely possible that some of these unfamiliar eternals are actually powerful lieutenants (heralds) of a more familiar eternal. Sadly, an in-depth study of individual eternals in Sumaah is beyond the scope of this appraisal.

===Of Spring===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:SpringRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Ossegrahn and Arhallogen are tolerated in Sumaah'''
* '''Wind Panther appears to be an unfamiliar eternal, who is tolerated'''
* '''Siakha, Ira Harrah, Yaw'nagrah and Llofir are all anathema'''
Of the Spring eternals familiar to the Empire, only two are tolerated. ''[[Ossegrahn|Rainbird]]'', with his power to help mend wounds, bring fresh water, and promote wholesome growth, provides boons useful to the Republic's farmers and healers alike. The Assembly of Prosperity keeps a weather-eye on magicians who deal closely with the eternal, most prominent among which is the coven of The Wellspring (which met with Imperial magicians in 383YE). The problem is that Rainbird regularly seeks to encourage the Republic to abandon its virtuous war against the unvirtuous. Rainbird is told "no" on a regular basis, which means that his power is generally restricted to the small scale - empowering individual physicks or bringing fertile rains to farms for example.

''[[Arhallogen|Wicked Fangs]]'' is barely tolerated, and the High Houses have gone back and forth on it several times over the years. In stark contrast to ''Rainbird'', it actively encourages the Sumaah to slaughter their enemies without mercy; to strike before their foes are ready; and to use whatever tools are available to them to do so. While it is popular in some quarters, many präster question whether its boons are compatible with virtue. Regardless, there are Sumaah warriors who embrace the [[venom|venomous]] or warlike enchantments it offers to bring down their enemies. Lisane remarks that there is historical evidence it offered significant aid when the Sumaash threw off the yoke of the Asaveans.

The other Spring eternal the Sumaash deal with seems to be unknown in the Empire. Commonly known as ''Wind Panther'', it seems to be a creature of the [[realms#Spring|Spring realm]] associated with hunting, and to a degree fishing. It apparently encourages both self-sufficiency and support of one's family or community through direct action. Wind Panther is most often called on for her powerful boons that empower skirmishers and archers to fight monsters, hunters to track and dispatch dangerous prey, or to bring down predators that would threaten the family. Given that the jungles of Sumaah are, at least to Imperial eyes, swarming with dangerous creatures on every scale, these boons have apparently proved vital in the past.

[[Siakha|Storm Bringer]] and [[Yaw'nagrah|Hungry Forest]] are anathema because they are creatures of destructive chaos that are at odds with civilisation; they are despised in the same way that Imperial citizens might feel about ''Blood on the Snow''. [[Irra Harah|Shadow Slinker]] was an ally of the Sumaah generations ago, but today it is anathema because it seeks to lure people away from Virtue, and provides boons to the Republic's enemies. [[Llofir|Blood Choke]] is an unpredictable creature of the deep wilderness that has nothing to offer the Sumaah and is associated with a particular poisonous fungus that causes agonizingly slow death if eaten in error. While anathema it seems to mostly ignore the Republic although, as with Shadow Slinker, it provides boons to some of the people the Sumaah are at war with.

===Of Summer===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:SummerRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Cathan Canae, Rhianos and Adamant are tolerated
* '''All the other Summer eternals are anathema
Of the eternals of the Summer realm, [[Adamant|Stone Dragon]], [[Rhianos|Ninth Wave]], and [[Cathan Canae|Thunder Drake]] are tolerated. Stone Dragon provides useful boons and rarely wants anything unvirtuous in exchange. It's still illegal to accept his aid to build buildings dedicated to virtue however - any temple or shrine must be shaped by human hands alone.

Ninth Wave is also tolerated, but remains controversial with interactions carefully monitored to ensure that folk are not being lead astray by unvirtuous endeavour. It is clear that the eternal desires mortals to embrace peril for the excitement it brings - such motivation is dubious at best and the endeavours themselves are frequently desperately irresponsible in nature. However moments of great Virtue often occur while engaged on such exploits and so the eternal is tolerated. Even so they are primarily dealt with by ''Frieøyer'' magicians rather than by the Republic as a whole.

Thunder Lizard - characterised as an immense drake of the deep jungle - is tolerated for her straightforward approach to the Republic. Her magical [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|citadel]] is one of the few rituals that draw directly on an eternal that is regularly employed. She also promotes warrior-ideals which are seen as compatible with virtue, and significantly more acceptable in general than those taken from ''Wicked Fangs''.

The rest of the Summer eternals known by the Empire are anathema in the Republic. This includes [[Jaheris|White Snake]], [[Hayaak|Blood Eagle]], [[Meraud|Flame Wing]], and especially [[Eleonaris|Sun Drake]]. The latter in particular is seen as an enemy of the Sumaah thanks to her dangerously unvirtuous creed of personal glory and warrior-supremacy. There are nonetheless some small hidden cults dedicated to her service, and the Vigilant remain alert to any rumour of their corrupting influence. The [[Barien|Lord of the Arena]] is known, but likewise considered anathema. The Sumaash attitude is that it is good to test oneself, but question the Virtue of doing so for rewards granted by some inhuman force. The virtuous should always be open to challenges, but in pursuit of human destiny, not dancing to the tune of an eternal. Lisane notes that there is a long history here, with fragmentary stories that suggest the Lord of the Arena is associated in the Sumaah memory with the Asaveans, and the hated satraps, although they were unwilling to discuss the details.

The Republic never uses titles such as king, queen, or (outside of the Lord of the Arena), lord or lady for any eternal. Simply calling someone like Sun Drake, the "Lady of Pennants" or naming Thunder Lizard, the "Queen of Ice and Darkness" would be treated as a minor act of idolatry. This makes the odd nomenclature for the eternal the Empire knows as Barien particularly stand out. The one exception to this abhorrence of titles, is "satrap" which is frequently used in sobriquets for the more corrupt and wicked eternals - particularly those of the Autumn realm.

===Of Autumn===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:AutumnRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Estavus and Ephisis are tolerated
* '''Polyptoton is not entirely familiar to the Empire and is tolerated
* '''Prospero, Callidus, Basilea, and the Lictors are anathema
* '''The Satrapy of Discord appear to be part of an unfamiliar city of the Autumn realm who is anathema
One of the more popular eternals among Sumaah magicians is [[Estavus|Fire Mountain]], also known as ''the Anvil of Thunder and Granite''. The Republic is not rich in ore, and a common bargain between Sumaash and Fire Mountain involves the trade of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|natural materials]] for [[Materials#Natural_Materials|valuable metals]]. From the point of view of the Sumaah, the prices demanded by the Anvil of Thunder and Granite for its aid tend to be straightforward, and deeply transactional, in a way that does not threaten virtue. Even so, it is much more common to deal with Fire Mountain to secure raw materials than worked goods, however. There is a fairly common belief that purchasing worked goods from Fire Mountain deprives a mortal human of their industry and Prosperity.

The [[Ephisis|Eternal Bazaar]] is tolerated, but carefully monitored due to its refusal to abide by the laws of the House of the People, or the dictates of the High Houses in what it will trade. Interactions with the Eternal Bazaar are limited to magician-präster of the High House of Prosperity. The ritual [[Ephisis' Scale]] is not practised in the Republic; any deals with the Bazaar are undertaken "face to face" with heralds rather than being left in the hands of an easily-accessible and impossible to restrict ritual. The Eternal Bazaar is also a source of friction within the Republic; the High House of Prosperity argues that the boons it provides are worth the need for constant vigilance while other präster are often less convinced. So far, however, the High Houses have not declared the eternal to be anathema.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SaltAndSail001.png|caption=The "Great Turtle", the eternal Polyptoton, the City of Salt and Sail - this eternal spoke with the Empire via its herald for the first time last season.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
The [[Polyptoton|Great Turtle]] or the ''Wandering Port'', with the ability to carry messages across great distances almost instantaneously, is tolerated by the Sumaah. The heralds of the eternal rarely demand anything the Sumaah consider unvirtuous, although they have clashed with the censors of the High House of Vigilance in the past over their unnatural veneration of the written word over matters of virtue. The Great Turtle is also sought out for boons related to protecting or aiding ships, especially merchant vessels, particularly where they help them avoid or outrun the more powerful vessels of the Asavean Archipelago. Lisane believes that while the eternal was previously, largely unknown in the Empire, there have been [[Key_of_dreams#Many_Minds_Move_As_One_(Autumn)|recent developments]] that indicate this is no longer the case.

The rest of the Autumn realm is kept at arms length, either because they have nothing Sumaah wants or because they are considered active threats. The [[Prospero|Satrapy of Rope]], the ''Wheedling Spider'' seeks to trap the virtuous with bonds of unnatural obligation, and all too often threaten to draw innocent people into idolatry. The [[Lictors|Satrapy of Cages]] are seen as an inhuman force trying to meddle in virtuous laws. The [[Callidus|Satrapy of Hunger]] and their leader ''Drooling Maw'' fundamentally preach materialism and obsession with the accumulation of wealth. Worst of all are the inhabitants of the [[Basileia|Satrapy of Lies]]; corrosive enemies of virtue who work to corrode the souls of the virtuous and want to mire every human in murder, betrayal, and treachery. The High House of Loyalty see the Satrapy of Lies as particular enemies. Whenever a herald from the ''City of Lies'' is found in the Republic it is summarily executed; nothing good is built on a foundation of lies.

One other set of eternals - the ''Satrapy of Discord'' - are anathema in the Republic but are unfamiliar to Lisane. Reporting to a leader the Sumaah call ''Mockingbray'', they apparently hail from a city that burns with the fire of riot, rebellion, and revolution. According to the High House of Wisdom, these heralds once offered aid in the rebellion against the hated Asavean satraps, but then immediately tried to ruin any attempt to create a new government. Mockingbray, the ruler of the City of Wreckage, is always looking for ways to undermine tradition; to burn everything down in pursuit of a state of abominable anarchy. Obviously, once its true nature was clear, it was immediately proscribed by the Sumaah.

Lisane theorises that this ''might'' be a version of the entity once known as [[Mazen]], but the ''Lord of Masks'' is widely recognised as part of the ''Satrapy of Lies''. The Sumaah say the Satrapy of Discord is still active, which would mean that if reports of that creature's demise are to be trusted, this would have to be a different eternal.

===Of Winter===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:WinterRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Wise Rangara is tolerated
* '''An unfamiliar eternals named Pale Jaguar is tolerated
* '''Agramant, the Thrice-cursed Court, Sorin, and Kaela are anathema
* '''Khobel Tavah appears to be unknown in the Republic
Only two Winter eternals are tolerated among the Sumaah. [[Wise Rangara|White Eye Serpent]] is a black-scaled creature associated with "wisdom" that is one of the oldest spirits known to the Republic. It isn't wisdom as the virtuous understand it, but more the importance of learning difficult lessons, questioning assumptions, and cleaving to tradition. It's a font of herbal lore, and has ways of bringing out human insight that can prove invaluable. One reason it is tolerated is that it rarely if ever seeks to provide answers, but will offer aid to nudge someone along the path towards understanding a situation through their own efforts.

''Pale Jaguar'' or the ''Maiden of Mists'' is not an eternal familiar to Lisane. It seems to be a Winter eternal of trackless places, that represents becoming lost, the deep jungle, and a primaeval fear of the wilderness. It also speaks of the importance of memory, especially remembering the dead or the lost, and the importance of perserverence even against an end that seem inevitable. While few magicians deal with Pale Jaguar, a small group of Sumaah mystics interact with the eternal with the blessing of the High House of Wisdom. They engage in long durances in the wilds of the jungle, hoping to unlock visionary experiences or temper their bodies or spirits. One of Lisane's staff wonders if this might simply be a particular guise of the eternal the Empire knows as [[Sorin]], designed to circumvent his anathema. For the moment, there is no evidence one way or the other, but it appears that once one peels away the more mystical levels the Maiden of Mists is much more explicitly concerned with matters of [[Winter magic#Survival|survival]], [[Winter magic#Preservation|preservation]], and certain ideas of [[Winter magic#Wisdom|wisdom]] than the ''Whelpmaster'' seems to be.

In the Republic Sorin is known as the ''Bone Dragon'', and is depicted as a great skeletal [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drake]] whose encouragement of sacrifice, suffering, and hidden traps makes him anathema. He is depicted in stories as lurking on the edge of civilisation, seeking to steal away the unwary to devour their flesh or consume their spirits. Some of these stories cast Bone Dragon in the traditional role of a "bogeyman" - he appears in that role occasionally in cautionary tales for children especially.

The [[Agramant|Traitor]], who has easily as many aliases as he does in the Empire, is anathema as a matter of course, but among the Sumaah is numbered as a member of the [[The Thrice-cursed Court|Satrapy of Woe]]. The ''Corrupters'' are active opponents of the Republic and particularly the High Houses of Virtue. The Vigilance assembly puts a great deal of effort into trying to prevent them from interfering in the affairs of the Republic or corrupting the foolish with their tainted gifts. The [[Kaela|Dread Condor on Silent Wings]] is anathema, primarily due to her open offer of what appears to be eternal servitude via her ''Silent Household'', but responds by simply ignoring the Republic in a similar manner to Llofir.

Finally, [[Khobel Tavah]] is unknown in the Republic, and they express no interest in learning more about them.

===Of Day===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:DayRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Zakalwe, Kimus, Leviathan, and Phaleron are all tolerated
* '''Span of the Sky is an unfamiliar eternal who is tolerated
* '''Sinokenon, Roshanwe, Ylenwe, and Cold Sun are all anathema
The eternals of Day are among the most popular of the eternals the Republic deals with (for a given value). ''[[Zakalwe|Brilliant Javelin]]'' is one of the few martial eternals the Sumaah tolerate; its interest in encouraging rather than leading is seen as less of a challenge to the pursuit of virtue. Along with ''Thunder Lizard'', they are the eternal most likely to see their boons accepted on the battlefield. ''[[Kimus|Mirror of Dawn and Dusk]]'' is considered to be a strange and esoteric entity, whose ability to gather information and willingness to provide it are as welcome as its requests to observe events are seen as unthreatening.

The ''[[Leviathan|Watcher in the Waters]]'' is tolerated because it seems to have little active agenda beyond discussing history and current events with mortals. The chief concern is that magicians are too ready to accept the answers the eternal provides, without stopping to consider that while the Watcher maybe eternal, they are not the Creator. Präster are quick to remind those who deal with this eternal that just because the being expresses boundless confidence in its abilities, it is not infallible.

The ''[[Phaleron|Archive of Rainbow Coral]]'' is likewise tolerated due to its limited agenda. It is clear that the Archive values the preservation of knowledge far and above the preservation of life, but that is something that can be managed by those who deal with it. More of a problem is Phaleron's jealous attitude to the information it contains, which is occasionally decried as counter to human destiny.

A fifth eternal of the Day realm, unfamiliar to Imperial prognosticators, is also tolerated. ''Span of the Sky'' appears to be concerned with wind and water, and favoured by a small number of magicians that live along the coast including the ''Frieøyer''. There is speculation this might be an aspect of Kimus, but it is treated as distinct by the magicians that deal with it. Notably, the groups that interact with it most apparently also field cadres of [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage|battle-mages]] whose mastery of the [[repel]] and [[entangle]] spells are invaluable when fighting the Republic's enemies.

By contrast, ''[[Sinokenon|Stupid Moon]]'' is anathema; its efforts to undermine the House of the People and push the Houses of Virtue to prominence have won it the enmity of most of the Republic and any attempt to make contact with Sumaah magicians is met with violence. At first two others considered anathema - the siblings ''Salt Mask'' and ''Silk Mask'' - were assumed to be unfamiliar eternals but further investigation indicated there were Sumaash names for [[Roshanwe]] and [[Ylenwe]]. According to Chikkal, Assessor of Vigilance, these two creatures are deceivers and liars who present a false-face to mortals in which they appear to be concerned with matters of virtue but in fact seek to subvert and twist the faithful into engaging in idolatry.

Finally, there is ''[[Cold Sun|Oblivion]]''. The eternal has had no interaction with the Republic, but the High Houses of Virtue have lost no time in declaring it anathema. Anyone attempting to make contact with Cold Sun will be executed, and there is some discussion of whether it might be best to [[excommunication|excommunicate]] such criminals if they emerge. The High House of Vigilance regard the matter as settled there - given their emphasis on Virtue, they are confident that nobody will be unwise enough to approach the eternal, given how appalling the consequences have been elsewhere.

===Of Night===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:NightRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Sung and Lashonar are tolerated in the Republic
* '''An unfamiliar eternal named Deep Drummer is tolerated
* '''Janon, Sadogua, Azoth, and the Whisper Gallery are anathema
''[[Sung|Moon Moth]]'' is idly tolerated. She is depicted as a huge rainbow-winged moth who encourages mortals to pursue the great mysteries of the world and the spirit, without claiming to be an authority on either. This includes the mysteries of virtue and the Labyrinth, and apparently she has offered boons relating to both the cultivation of [[iridescent gloaming]] and the creation of [[potion|potions]] that help pursue spiritual matters. Lisane notes with interest that the Sumaah apparently believe that ''all'' moths are agents of Moon Moth, and that the reason they are never seen during the day is that they pass into the Night realm when the sun rises. This belief, and the toleration of Sung, apparently dates back to a time long before the foundation of the Republic.

''[[Lashonar|Chattering Bird]]'' is tolerated, but only just. As with the ''Great Turtle'', it provides useful abilities for the Sumaah to communicate with others that they cannot achieve themselves - access to the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]] is considered a valuable resource. Whenever it attempts to have an opinion on politics the virtuous quickly shut it and its followers down. One interesting proscription Lisane notes is that it is illegal to accept boons from Chattering Bird related to preaching the Way in the same vein in which it is illegal to accept the aid of Stone Dragon to build places of virtue.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rainbow Moth.jpg|caption="Moon Moth" is the most common Sumaah Republic name for the eternal the Empire knows as Sung; rather than a feathered serpent they depict her as an insect with beautiful iridescent wings.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
There is another eternal tolerated by the Sumaah that at first is mistaken for [[Janon]]. The ''Deep Drummer'' is a creature that appears to represent mystical ideas of catharsis, the channelling strong emotions, and celebration of victories and achievements. It is popular not only with Sumaah warriors, but also with artists as it encourages them to both express and inspire strong feelings through their art. The High House of Vigilance has clashed with the High Houses of Courage and Pride in the past around the toleration of Deep Drummer, who are concerned that the eternals enthusiasm for celebration can lead the virtuous astray. The Sumaah apparently view "Deep Drummer as the sibling or spouse of ''Whirling Chaos'', claiming the former is a creature of balance where the latter is a creature of discord.

The rest of the Night realm is anathema in Sumaah. [[Sadogua|Seducer]], the ''Satrap of Bats'', is famously despised in the Sumaah Republic. He shamelessly encourages magicians to put their own selfish concerns above virtue, and regularly opined that the assemblies should "butt out" of magicians' affairs. He was also involved in early attempts to form a magical fraternity similar on paper to the Imperial Conclave, that was roundly rejected on grounds of being a terrible idea two hundred years ago. The eternal itself is one of those that still seeks to deal with Sumaash magicians, and its influence is actively resisted by the hunters of idolators.

[[Janon|Whirling Chaos]], as has already been mentioned, is anathema. A dangerously unpredictable entity that appears on the surface to encourage Virtue but is actually a creature of anarchy who does not care what people feel as long as they allow their passions to consume them utterly. The [[Whisper Gallery|Screaming Monkey Kings]] are also anathema, not least because they cannot be trusted in any way not to support the Asavean Archipelago at every turn. Lisane mentions that Chikkal, Assessor of the High House of Vigilance, seems to take the existence of the Screaming Monkey Kings as a personal affront and that this attitude is by no means uncommon in the Republic.

==Design Note==
* '''Unknown eternals begin disinclined to speak to the Empire
* '''This is the first part of an appraisal that will run over several events
The preliminary report includes an overview of the eternals, and introduces several that appear to be unknown in the Empire. While there is enough information here for Imperial magicians to attempt to contact one of these eternals, if they wished, all start from a position of disinterest in the Empire. While an eternal is bound to respond to a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]], as has been [[Hunter_of_stars#Capradan|seen previously]] on several occasions that response can be a polite (or impolite) refusal.

Most Imperial magicians will be aware that if these eternals desired a relationship with the Empire, they would already be pursuing one. It's also important to bear in mind that none of the creatures mentioned here are more powerful or more inclined to offer better deals than the eternals the Empire already deals with. Whenever a new eternal starts paying attention to the Empire it will often create more problems than it solves - [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] is arguable on this point, [[Cold Sun]] less so...

The opportunity to send a prognosticator to the Sumaah Republic to engage with an appraisal means they will be unavailable for several seasons. In contrast to some previous opportunities, our intent is to present part of the appraisal each event until this time is up. One reason is to prevent the requirement to do a single massive appraisal at the end of the period, the other is to reinforce the idea that this is an ''opportunity'' - the invitation of the Sumaah presents further options to gather a deeper understanding of the situation. This wind of fortune presents the opportunity for the Conclave to engage in the Republic, and expands the information about magic in Sumaah and their attitudes to the eternals. The next stage of the appraisal will present opportunities related to adapting the Sumaah Republic attitude to the eternals. The nature of the final stage of the appraisal, presented at the Winter Solstice, will depend on which of the orders - if any - the Conclave has chosen to send to the Republic.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sumaah Republic]]
* [[Conclave]]
* [[Alignment]]
* [[Eternal]]

In the Court of Far Horizons

2026-07-03T17:20:03Z

Thespaceinvader:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"Fleet Master!" The young boy gasped, panting for breath as he tried to call out, whilst simultaneously ducking and weaving his way across the dock front. Caricomare was busier than ever since the docks have been rebuilt, despite the war with the Grendel, there were scores of stevedores hard at work unpacking the cargo from the two huge Freeborn vessels docked just that morning.

Sadly the tumult made it impossible for Giovanni von Temeschwar to hear the boy. He had a pressing meeting with a pair of Freeborn captains at the Captain's Ring. They wanted to discuss the situation in the Cazar Straits and what was being done about it. Fortunately the bustling crowd mostly parted to let him pass, the dockers in Caricomare knew better than to delay the Imperial Fleet Master when he was about his business.

"Fleet Master!" the boy shouted again, "Fleet Master Gi..." he gulped another breath of air, but the Sea Wolf spun on his heel to face the young land before he coudld finish the sentence, a single eyebrow raised inquisitively.

"Master Giovanni, sir!" the lad said, trying to regain his composure. "Message for you sir. Urgent sir. From the Fellowship of the Purple Ships."

"Sails" the bravo corrected him.

"Yes sir. The Purple Ship Sails sir. Message from them. For you sir."

Giovanni accepted the scroll from the young boy's outthrust hand. The wax seal bore the Fellowship's impression, still fresh and slightly warm to the touch. Their offices were over a mile away on the far side of the docks, the boy must have run the whole distance. What could the Fellowship want so urgently?

The scroll disappeared inside the Fleet Master's tunic to be replaced with a ring coin that he expertly flipped towards the messanger. That kind of Prosperity deserved a reward.
</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtFH.png|caption=The Court of Far Horizons|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Court of Far Horizons''. Any new Imperial sodality can have significant legal ramifications, which depend on the precise wording of its manifesto. The aim of the [[Civil Service|civil service]] appraisal is to provide clarity on these consequences, to enable the [[Senate]] to better decide the matter.

The request was timely, for that same day, [[Archmage of Autumn|Archmage]] '''Vossk''' met with ''Ptolemy'' a [[herald]] of the so-called ''City of Salt and Sail'' for a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] in the [[Hall of Worlds]]. The City is an obscure power of the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn realm]], concerned with [[Autumn magic#Autumn_magic#Travel_and_Communication|communication and travel]]. Their herald was keen to explore ways the City could work with the Empire to support the Court, should the appraisal go ahead.

==Consequences==
* '''Emperor Vesna has asked the civil service to assess the constitutional implications of the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''Magistrate Abraham has delivered their analysis based on the proposed manifesto'''
* '''It would not be possible to create a second sodality concerned with maritime trade'''
Magistrate Abraham has conducted an analysis of the constitutional implications of the new sodality's provisional manifesto. Abraham notes that the manifesto is "bold and vigorous" in establishing it's remit, but that that means that some of implications are far-reaching.

<quote by="Manifesto of the Court of Far Horizons"> This sodality holds the following to be true:
* Merchant fleets represent the face of the Empire to the common citizenry of foreign nations;
* The lifeblood of the Empire is trade, its paths must never be hindered;
* Imperial sailors share a common purpose, and must aid one another upon the sea.

The sodality therefore exists to:
* Champion the development of trade infrastructure and trade policy to expand the Empire's Prosperity;
* Support Imperial fleets who trade beyond the Empire's borders;
* Influence and leverage foreign relations through trade for the betterment of the Empire.
</quote>

The manifesto describes a sodality will be responsible for maritime trade and the actions of [[fleet|fleets]] engaged in that [[Fleet#Trading|trade]]. It is possible that the Throne intends the sodality to be responsible for ''foreign'' trade, which would be a much broader remit. The first truth of the sodality is that ''"merchant fleets represent the face of the Empire to... foreign nations"'', which implies the idea that the sodality has a very broad remit. However the Empire engages in extensive trade with [[Otkodov]], none of which is conducted via fleets. Likewise there is [[Merchant_to_Skoura|trade with Skoura]] and orc septs like
[[Merchant_Prince_of_Misericorde_Market|the Sand Fishers]] and [[Speaker_to_the_Leshun|the Brannoc Orcs]], all of which is entirely overland. Constitutionally, the Throne could seek the creation of an Imperial sodality with responsibility for ''all'' foreign trade, but that would need a different manifesto, one which removed the elements about fleets.

The focus on maritime trade with other nations reduces the cross-over with the constitutional role of the [[Bourse]], but some conflicts will still arise. In these cases, the Court would inevitably need to weigh each case on their merits to assess how important trade was to the issue in question. For example, the production of the [[Steel Fist]] is contingent on trading relations with the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. As a Bourse seat dependent on trade, it ''could'' be changed by the Senate to grant the sodality the right to appoint it, but it could also be left with the Bourse since it produces [[ilium]]. A similar title that traded [[liao]] rather than ilium, would most likely need to be appointed by the new sodality.

The manifesto references the Empire's fleets several times, but the tenor appears to be limited to their role in trade. Imperial fleets are [[Fleet#Downtime_Options|highly flexible]] and can engage in [[voyage|espionage, adventure and warfare]], but all these activities would fall outside the remit of the Court of Far Horizons based on this manifesto. That would mean that the Senate couldn't grant the sodality powers or responsibilities for such activities, without first changing the manifesto.

That might not even be possible - the Constitutional Court expects a sodality to have a single clearly defined area of responsibility. Just as the [[Military Council]] is charged with executing the Empire's wars, the Court of Far Horizons can have similar responsibility for maritime trade. It can have jurisdiction for fleets in so far as they are engaged in maritime trade, but it would broaden the scope of the sodality too much for them to have a more widespread authority that covered espionage or similar. An alternative manifesto would be possible for a sodality that had a broad remit for fleets, but it could not then also have authority over trade.

Imperial sodalities are "singular" - there cannot be two sodalities in the Empire with overlapping concerns. If the Imperial Senate approves the manifesto of the Court of Far Horizons, then it would not be possible to create a new Imperial sodality charged with authority for maritime trade in the Empire without first abrogating the existence of the Court.

==Powers==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Magistrate Abraham.jpg|caption=Magistrate Abraham, a constitutional scholar and part of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Council|Constitutional Council]]|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The power to set tariffs would be delegated to the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''At present there are no other legal powers that would be automatically delegated to the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''Any new legal powers that were ''solely'' concerned with maritime trade would need to be delegated to the new sodality'''
* '''Any existing legal powers that could be used to promote trade and relations with oveseas foreign powers ''could'' be delegated to the sodality'''
The manifesto gives the overwhelming impression that the sodality would be responsible for maritime trade. As such the power to set [[tariffs]] would be delegated to the sodality as part of it's creation. The manifesto states that "The lifeblood of the Empire is trade, its paths must ''never'' be hindered". Hindering trade is a fundamental part of setting tariffs, so it is questionable whether that wording would permit the sodality to do anything other than to remove all tariffs. The Court advise that the Senate might prefer to endorse wording that said trade should never hindered "unduly" or "without good reason" or similar, since that ensures the sodality's rights to set tariffs would be on firmer legal ground.

The sodality would not affect trade with barbarians. Trade with nations that the Empire is at [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Declaration_of_War|war]] with would still be prohibited. It would not be legal to trade with nations the Empire has declared war on, unless the Senate passed a constitutional Senate motion that explicitly legalised trade with all barbarians. If that happened, then the sodality could set tariffs on such trade.

There are no other legal powers that currently exist that would be automatically delegated to the Court of Far Horizons. If the Senate created new legal powers in the future whose '''sole''' remit was to conduct maritime trade then the well-worn path for the exercise of those powers would be by vote of the sodality members. Any legal powers that could be used to promote or control such trade, but were not solely concerned with it, ''could'' be delegated to the Court of Far Horizons, provided they did not impinge on the constitutionality protected roles of the other houses. For example, the sodality could be given the power to regulate what resources can be exported from the Empire (the Senate has in the past banned the sale of liao to the [[Iron Confederacy]] for example). The sodality could be given the right to prohibit some citizens from engaging in maritime trade in the same way the [[Conclave]] can [[declaration|declare]] someone a [[sorcery|sorcerer]].

The Senate could grant the sodality the ability to announce one or more [[commission|commissions]] each season. They might include [[Edifice|edifices]] or [[sinecure|sinecures]], but [[great work|great works]] would be the most appropriate for a sodality that was keen to ensure investment in trade infrastructure. Likewise it would be constitutional for the Senate to grant the sodality the power to perform an [[appraisal]] if they wished. How the Court used the power would be up to them, but they could appraise ways to increase foreign trade with a specific nation or increase trade in specific goods such as [[mithril]], [[weirwood]] or [[white granite]]. In both cases this would involve transferring one of the Senate's own commissions or appraisals to the sodality.

==Appointments==
* '''The well worn path for an Imperial title whose responsibilities primarily rely on maritime trade would be election by the Court of Far Horizons'''
The civil service have conducted a preliminary review of all current [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]] to identify those whose responsibilities involve maritime trade. In all cases these titles ''could'' be appointed by the new sodality if it were passed.

Where a title relies primarily or solely on maritime trade the Court of the Far Horizons may be the ''only'' constitutionally valid way to appoint the position. In that case, the title would be automatically amended if the sodality is created. If the are other constitutionally valid ways to appoint a title after the sodality is created, then there will be no change to the method of appointment without direct action by the Senate.

No other details would change; if a position had tenure, it would only come up for election by the sodality at the point where the incumbent died, stepped down, or was [[revocation|revoked]]. National positions would be voted on by all members of the sodality, but only citizens of the relevant nation would be eligible to hold the title.

The constitutional implications of the sodality's existence would also impact any [[New Imperial titles|new Imperial title]]. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worth path]] for any position whose sole or primary responsibility was the oversight or promotion of maritime trade, would be appointment by simple vote of members of the Far Horizons sodality.

===Amended Titles===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Automatically Amended Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Master of the Root and Stem]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Eastern Broker]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Quaymaster of the Black Sails]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Five titles would be automatically amended to be appointed by the Court of Far Horizons'''
The civil service have identified five Imperial titles whose responsibilities are solely or primarily concerned with maritime trade, either overseeing and supporting such trade or directly benefitting thereby. A position such as the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] is expected to oversee the trade of herbs between the ''Kruidenkenner'' (a [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan guild]]) and the Empire. If the proposed sodality was passed by the Senate, then the only constitutionally valid way to appoint the listed title would be by vote of members of the sodality.

If the Senate pass the motion to create the Court of the Far Horizons, then all five listed titles will be amended to be appointed by the sodality.
===Potential Titles===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Potential Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[High Herbalist of Sybella]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Master of the Clearing House]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mayor of Caricomare]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Imperial titles whose responsibilities partially rely on maritime trade could be elected by the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''The titles will continue to be elected by senators if the Senate declines to act'''
* '''There are three extant titles that could be changed with a single Senate motion to have them all elected by the Court of Far Horizons'''
The civil service have identified a set of Imperial titles whose responsibilities include oversight of maritime trade, but it is not their primary responsibility. In all cases the titles were originally created with other responsibilities and have become associated with foreign trade as a result of subsequent developments. It would be possible for the Court of the Far Horizons to appoint these three titles - because of their association with maritime trade - but it is not obligatory.

Given their split responsibilities, creating the new sodality wouldn't change the appointment method of any of the positions. They could be amended by the Senate; a single [[Senate motion|motion]] could be used to amend any one title or all three simultaneously if desired, making them appointments of the Court of Far Horizons.

The current [[Master_of_the_Clearing_House#Constitutional_Note|appointment method]] of the [[Master of the Clearing House]] is unconstitutional. The title could be appointed by the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] or by the Court of Far Horizons; either amendment would remove the current constitutional problems with the title.
===Potential Bourse Titles===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Potential Bourse Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Alder of Meade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Custodian of the Concordium Dock]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mediator of Fisk]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Prime Factor of the deBruin Docks]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Steel Fist]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Several bourse titles could be amended to be appointed by the Court of Far Horizons'''
* '''The titles will continue to be elected via the Bourse if the Senate declines to act'''
* '''There are five extant titles that could be changed with a single Senate motion to have them be elected by the Court of Far Horizons'''
The [[Steel Fist]] exists as a result of long-standing trade arrangements between the [[Sarcophan Delves]] and the Empire. The [[Sarcophan_Delves#Politics|Bedelaar Huisbass]] pay handsomely for privileged access to Imperial markets - the benefits of which go to fund the income of the Steel Fist. However, the Steel Fist is a Bourse Seat, a reflection of the fact that the position receives a significant amount of [[ilium]] each season. Where a title exists that produces bourse resources from maritime trade then it would be equally valid for the title to be appointed by the Bourse or by the Court of Far Horizons.

Given it would remain constitutional for these titles to be appointed by the Bourse, creating the new sodality wouldn't change the appointment method of any of them. They could be amended by the Senate, and as above either each title could be individually amended or a single motion could be used to amend the appointment method of all the listed bourse titles.

===Ambassadors===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Ambassadors'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Asavea]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Axos]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Beoraidh]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Faraden]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Grendel]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Otkodov]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Jarm]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Imperial Consul]]</td></tr>
</table></div>
The proposed manifesto makes clear that the Senate would expect the Court of the Far Horizons to ''"Influence and leverage foreign relations through trade"''. Although anyone is entitled to deal with foreigners, the official power to create [[Ambassador#Treaty|a treaty]] with a foreign power lies with the [[ambassador]], and it is the ambassador who is expected to [[Ambassador#Delegation|receive any official delegation]]. Trade can be an important part of these foreign relations, especially with powers like the [[Grendel]] or the Sarcophan who take a more mercantile approach to their dealings with the Empire.

The Court of Far Horizons could be given the power to appoint the [[Imperial Consul]] and the [[ambassador|ambassadors]], if the Senate were so inclined. This would inevitably involve some change of emphasis in the role of the ambassador, emphasising the importance of trade, and so bring [[opportunity|new opportunities]] for trade in the future. The responsibilities of the position would be amended to make it clear that their responsibility included the promotion of trade between the Empire and the nation they were treating with.

Given it would remain constitutional for these titles to be appointed by the Senate, creating the new sodality wouldn't change the appointment method of any ambassador. They could be amended by the Senate - either each title could be amended individually with a [[Senate motion]], or a single motion could be used to amend the appointment method of all the listed titles.

===Overland Trade===
<div style="width: 350px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Overland Trade Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dhomiro of Afar]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mediator of Hyljehal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tolvoli Butcher]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Seeker of the Perfect World]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Envoy to the Karass]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Speaker to the Leshun]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Merchant to Skoura]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mediator of Wreck]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Keeper of the Tome]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Overseer of the Westward Road]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Northbound Trademaster]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Kalpaheim Tradeholder]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''An amended manifesto could create a sodality whose purview covered all foreign trade'''
* '''Significantly more Imperial titles would fall under the authority of such a sodality'''
The Constitutional Court have done their best to interpret the manifesto provided by [[Emperor Vesna]] and have assumed that [[the Throne]] is considering an Imperial sodality that would have responsibility for ''maritime'' trade. A more general manifesto, one that stripped out the references to fleets, could broaden the focus to ''all'' foreign trade. Such a change would still be constitutional but it would dramatically widen the remit of the sodality, bringing overland trade with various neighbouring foreigners like the Sandfishers of [[Holberg]], the [[Faraden]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] under it's remit.

The list prepared by the civil service shows all the titles they have found that could be affected. If the Imperial Senate chose to extend the sodality's remit to all foreign trade, then each title would need to be individually evaluated. Any title that no longer had a valid method of appointment would be automatically amended to be appointed by the Court of the Far Horizons. Titles that were still valid could be amended using a Senate motion.

==Support==
Three groups have indicated that they might support the Court of the Far Horizons, if it were given a broad remit by the Imperial Senate and backed with significant legal powers. As is often the case, few groups have any interest in supporting a talking shop; they are only prepared to support the sodality if it is clear that it can wield actual power.

===The Fellowship of the Purple Sails===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=From out of the West.jpg|caption=Ships set sail from Imperial ports for every corner of the Known World.|align=left|width=500}}</div> <div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;"></div>
* '''The Fellowship want the Court of the Far Horizons to be given the power to set tariffs'''
* '''If that happens, members of the Fellowship of the Purple Sails will join the new sodality en masse'''
* '''If the Court is given the power to set tariffs, then members of the sodality will be able to dock at Hayden in Sumaah'''
The [[Rise_of_the_Fellowship_of_Purple_Sails|Fellowship of the Purple Sails]] is a large sodality of merchants and fleet captains that has extensive business operations across the Empire and beyond. It rarely takes a direct interest in politics, since most members spend much of their time at sea, but word of the new Imperial sodality has piqued their interest. The new sodality seems to encompass all the Fellowship's interests; many members of the Fellowship are eager to join the Court and their leadership are openly discussing joining en masse, ''should the sodality receive the backing of the Senate''.

What concerns the Fellowship most is the fate of Imperial trade, and the assertion of the Court that the trade should never be hindered is what interests most Purple Sails. However they are only prepared to join the new sodality if it gains the seal of approval of the Throne and the Senate gives it the [[#Powers|power to set tariffs]]. Without that, there is a concern that the sodality will be a toothless body that is unable to set or even influence Imperial trade policy.

If the Court of the Far Horizons is given the power to set tariffs, then the Fellowship of the Purple Sails will be dissolved, with members moving to join the Court. If that happens, then the Fellowship will turn over one of their most valuable assets to the new sodality - docking rights at the port of ''Hayden'' in the [[Sumaah Republic]]. Hayden lies well over five hundred miles from Zemeh close to the limits of the rule of the [[Sumaah_Republic#Politics|House of the People]].

The port does not customarily permit traders form the Empire to dock there. The Fellowship enjoys special privileges as a result of a private agreement with the High House of Prosperity, secured nearly a decade ago. This privilege could be transferred to the Court of the Far Horizons. Hayden is no more profitable than Zemeh or other ports Imperial fleets enjoy access to, but it does provide some unique goods that cannot be acquired elsewhere. The Purple Sails do not intend to disclose these details unless the Empire joins, since that information is only shared with other members of the Fellowship.

For as long as the Court of the Far Horizons have the power to set tariffs, members of the sodality (and only members of the sodality) will be able to dock at the port of Hayden.
===The Bedelaar Huisbaas===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption='''Dino i Riqueza''', Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Sarcophan want the Court of the Far Horizons to be given the power to appoint ''all'' titles associated with maritime trade'''
* '''They will donate a total of 2 thrones a season to the Imperial Treasury if all the maritime trade titles listed above are appointed by the new sodality'''
* '''They will donate a total of 8 thrones a season to the Imperial Treasury if all the three "Sarcophan" Bourse seats are also appointed by the new sodality'''
* '''They will donate a total of 12 thrones a season to the Imperial Treasury if the Ambassador to the Sarcophan is also appointed by the new sodality'''
The notoriously mercantile Sarcophan Delves enjoy positive relations with the Empire, but it is clear that one thing they do find frustrating is the way the Empire allows politics and religion to interfere with commerce. Such restrictive practices are anathema to the Sarcophan, most of whom prefer to place profits above what they see as confounding distractions.

As such the leading families of the Sarcophan Delves are enthusiastic at the prospect of dealing with members of the Court of Far Horizons on a professional basis. Provided that the three potential titles [[#Potential_Titles|listed above]] are given over to the new sodality, then the Bedelaar Huisbaas will provide "compensating payments" to the Imperial treasury equal to two thrones a season.

It is a relatively small contribution, however if the Senate will go further and also grant the sodality the right to appoint the bourse seats that are based on trade with the Sarcophan - that is the [[Custodian of the Concordium Dock]], the [[Prime Factor of the deBruin Docks]] and the [[Steel Fist]] - then the Sarcophan will increase the compensating payments to a total of eight thrones a season.

The Sarcophan explain that the "compensating payments" would be a share of the increased profits they expect to make as a result of dealing directly with citizens appointed by fellow merchants rather than politicians or priests. They are aware that the Imperial Senate receives income from two of these three titles through the [[Auction of the Seats]] and intend to compensate the Senate for this loss. Under the Sarcophan proposal, rather than a single variable payment once a year, the Senate would benefit from a predictable return every season.

While their proposal is presented as a way to compensate the Imperial Senate, it is arguably little more than a bribe in return for the Sarcophan's preferred outcome. Any pretense otherwise is undermined by their final offer; if the Senate will also grant the Court of the Far Horizons the legal authority to appoint the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], as well as all the other titles, then the Delves will increase the compensating payments to a total of twelve thrones a season.

===Salt and Sail===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Turtle city.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
* '''The City of Salt and Sail want the Court of the Far Horizons to be given the power to appoint all ambassadors'''
* '''If that happens, they will grant the sodality the power to send a single message of up to 111 words to anywhere in the mortal world once a year'''
The City of Salt and Sail is a largely unknown eternal of the [[Realm#Autumn|realm of Autumn]]. A representative of the City, a herald called ''Ptolemy'', the Keeper of the Infinite Rookery, was present in the Hall of Worlds at the previous summit as a result of a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] called by '''Vossk''', the [[Archmage of Autumn]]. Many questions were asked, some of which the herald was able to answer.

Since that meeting, Ptolemy has taken a keen interest in the progress of the Court of the Far Horizons. It seems that some of the aims of the new sodality align with those of the City, at least close enough for the herald to make a promise of support. If the Imperial Senate will grant the sodality the legal right to appoint all Imperial ambassadors, then the eternal will offer their support as a patron for the new sodality. If that happens, then the City will offer what aid they can spare to support the new sodality as it becomes established.

One form this aid will take is the offer to take a single message, once a year, to anyone, anywhere in the world. While this offer may seem no better than a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]], Ptolemy points out that ritual requires the magician to know the name and the approximate location of their target. Ptolemy's offer includes neither restriction - with the assistance of the City of Salt and Sail, whoever is elected as [[Appointment_by_sodality#Speaker|Speaker]] for the new sodality could send a message to anyone, anywhere in the world,

There would still need to be some way to identify the correct recipient of course, but the Speaker could employ ''any'' logic to designate who should receive their missive. It could be as simple as the leader of a named [[Druj]] sept or as difficult as the current owner of a stolen magical item. Provided there was an identifiable recipient somewhere in the mortal world, the City would deliver the message. The only limitation would be that it must not be more than one hundred and eleven words in length in total.

Once the city had delivered such a message they would not deliver another until a year had passed. The City would provide written guarantees that the service would remain available to the Empire for as long as the sodality retained the rights to appoint all Imperial ambassadors.

==Limitations==
* '''Maritime trade will never be enough to influence the great nations of the world'''
* '''There are periodic opportunities to use maritime trade to influence the Empire's smaller neighbours'''
Maritime trade between the Empire and the great powers of the world, nations like the [[Asavean Archipelago]] or the Sarcophan Delves is important, but it still only represents a very small part of these nation's economies. All the great nations engage in trade with each other, to a greater or lesser extent, as well as with their near neighbours. Moreover, the huge size of these nations means that they are mostly self-sufficient with large internal markets that provide for their citizens or subjects. As such it is not possible to use maritime trade to influence their governments or affect the way they view the Empire. The number of [[fleet|fleets]] that chose [[Voyage#Trading_Voyages|to trade]] with a nation each season is never significant enough to influence their view of the world in itself. The Empire has had direct experience of this in the past, in their interactions with the [[Principalities of Jarm]] who repeatedly made clear that they would not change their laws to suit the Empire. All attempts to use maritime trade to convince Jarm to change failed - they are too large to be influenced in this way.

The same is not always true of small local powers like [[Axos]], [[Faraden]] or [[Skoura]]. These tiny nations, several of which are smaller than an individual Imperial nation, are less self-sufficient. These small nations still trade with other great powers, but because they are so near the Empire, Imperial maritime trade far outweighs any other trading relations. As such, occasionally an [[opportunity]] will arise to use maritime trade to influence one of the Empire's smaller neighbours - either by embargoing them or by working to increase the trade to a specific port. These opportunities are rare and the details will always be explicitly defined in a wind of fortune when they do occur. Absent such an opportunity, there is no effect on foreign relations from maritime trade, even with a smaller country - we do not check how many fleets have gone to a port unless there is a specific plot that provides a reason to do so.
==Further Reading==
* [[Imperial Sodality]]
* [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|Forever is composed of nows]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to appraise Imperial sodality manifestos

Dance of Blood and Jotun consequences

2026-07-01T17:22:02Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Binding */

[[Category:History]][[Category:Navarr]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|align=left|caption=Watt of Lambrook, Minister of Historical Research.|width=400}}</div>
===Introduction===
In Winter 387YE Watt of Lambrook, [[Minister of Historical Research]] commissioned the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]] to investigate the Dance of Blood. The Dance was a [[Navarr]] [[army]] who disbanded in 245YE, fighting the [[Jotun]] during the reign of [[Emperor Guntherm]]. The Dance are historically somewhat controversial, given their embrace of [[Army_qualities#Cruel|cruel and merciless tactics]].

==Welcoming==
The Dance of Blood were raised in 239YE, one of the first acts approved by the newly ascended Emperor Guntherm. The Navarr [[Senator]] for [[Hercynia]], ''Rhun Night-River'', led the contingent of the Senate that had chafed under the rule of [[Empress Mariika]] and her resolute opposition to enlarging the Imperial military. Four times they had passed a [[Senate motion|motion]] to muster a new Navarr army, and each time Marika had [[The Throne#Power of Veto|vetoed]] the motion. Rhun was known to desire [[the Throne]] and was widely expected to make a bid for it, but instead he and his fellow Navarr senators crossed the floor to support Guntherm. A new Navarr army was approved at the very next session, raised by Hercynia and seconded by [[Hahnmark]].

With popular support, it took less than a year to fund the army, but it soon encountered controversy. Rhun was a fierce advocate of the Navarr maxim that "You cannot betray your enemies" and openly advocated for Imperial armies to adopt a more ''pragmatic'' approach to war against the barbarians. When the Navarr Assembly passed a [[statement of principle]] reminding the nation that the Navarr cannot betray their enemies, it led to a [[mandate]] allowing the nation to embrace cruelty as the most effective way to defeat the barbarians.

The judgement was contentious, splitting the nations of the Empire on the issue in a manner that might be familiar to citizens who remember the arguments around the [[Iron Helms]]. Since the matter was for the Navarr Assembly only, however, there was little that other Imperial priests could do about the mandate. The [[Cardinal]] of [[Wisdom]], a [[mystic]] called ''Astor Far-Eyes'', publicly spoke against the Navarr embrace of cruel tactics, arguing that it was ill-omened and would end in disaster, but his attempts to delay the vote achieved nothing and the required [[greater majority]] was narrowly achieved. Rhun made it clear that he would use his authority as the raising senator to uphold the will of the Assembly.
<div {{Float}}><quote by="General Gobaith, General of the Dance of Blood">Thorns, our people have slumbered while our steadings are threated by the Thule. Now is the hour of our awakening. We will reclaim what they have taken. We will drown our spears in Thule blood. We will slaughter every orc that marches beneath a blue banner. We will lead our enemies in the Great Dance to the doors of the Labyrinth. We will teach the Dragons to fear us.</quote></div>

==Dancing==
Once the army was ready, the Navarr senators appointed ''Gobaith of Summer's Grove'' to be general. A popular, charismatic [[brand]], adored by many [[thorn|thorns]], she was notorious for her dark humour. Described as intimidating, always dressed for battle, face painted for war at any moment, she was known as someone to be reckoned with within and without the Empire.

From the outset, the tactics employed by the Dance of Blood were uncompromising and brutal. The Navarr have often sought to ambush their enemies, preferring to use the element of surprise to defeat them. That season, the Dance of Blood went much further, poisoning wells and razing [[Thule]] settlements that would not surrender. In battle they would wound the enemy but not execute them, then lie in wait to slaughter those who came to heal them. [[Thule_lore#Warlocks|Warlocks]] in particular were singled out on the battlefield, with Gobaith looking to break the enemy's chain of command.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|caption=While the Dance of Blood is remembered for its final battle against the Jotun, the Thule have very good reasons to remember it.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
Gobaith's strategy made many people queasy, but it worked. The first season of campaigning, the forces of [[Otkodov]] were brutally driven back with many hundreds of [[orc|orcs]] slain. By the end of 243YE, the Dance was triumphant; the Empire surrounded three Thule armies in Hercynia, completely cutting them off. There was an option to allow the Thule to withdraw but Gobaith seized the opportunity to trap them and began starving them out. By the time Gobaith's forces finally attacked, it was said that some of the Thule were too weak to hold a spear. The ''Earthquake Drummers'' managed to escape but the ''Path of the Gyre'' and the ''Teeth of the Blizzard'' did not. Both armies were broken by Gobaith's cruel tactics, their warriors slaughtered and their leaders executed.

Over the next two years the Dance of Blood fought mercilessly against the Thule, with only a single season to rest, they were active all the across the north of the Empire. Wherever the Thule banners marched, the Dance of Blood would lie in wait for them. Traps were set, food and water was deliberately spoiled. In one gruesome incident Navarr scouts planted infected meat in a river, upstream of the Thule camp. Scores died in agony of vomited blood. It was routine for the Navarr to pick off Thule pickets and drag them into the woods, where they would be tortured to death within earshot of their fellows, The disembowelled corpses would be left for the army to find at sunrise. The reports from the front made brutal reading, but victory had a way of quelling all the arguments.

Guntherm's support of the Navarr army is one of the reasons he gained the nickname "the Bloodthirsty", although he remained broadly popular. After years of struggle against the barbarians, citizens were eager for news of victories and the Dance of Blood certainly delivered that news.

==Unburdening==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreenShields_Colour.png|align=right|caption=Guntherm's love for the Green Shield was well known throughout the Empire.|width=250}}</div>
Had the situation remained that way, history might have been very different. But in 242YE, the Jotun launched an assault across the frozen Lake Nutjuitoq in the [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Fount|Suaq Fount]]. They were led by ''Kjorvak'', Jarl of [[Skallahn#Kierheim|Kierheim]], whose willingness to risk the untested ice allowed him to take the Wintermark defenders by surprise. Emperor Guntherm led the [[Green Shield]] on campaign against them, but both armies were attacked by a large Thule force. In the resulting panic, Guntherm and Kjorvak ended up fighting together against the Thule, [[Campaigns_of_Emperor_Guntherm#The_Jarl_of_Kierheim|forging a battlefield alliance]] with the Jotun and together they drove the Thule off. Out of respect for Guntherm, the Jarl withdraw his forces, but a strange friendship blossomed from the battle. Although the Jotun and the Empire were still at war, the two continued to exchange winged messages in the seasons that followed.

Rather than attack Wintermark, the Jotun invaded [[Liathaven]] in 243YE. The [[territory]] had been relatively peaceful, at least as peaceful as a land cursed by the [[vallorn]] can be. The Jotun quickly captured [[Liathaven#West Ranging|West Ranging]] and threatened both [[Liathaven#Westwood|Westwood]] and [[Liathaven#Liath's Ring|Liath's Ring]]. The attacks shook the Navarr, and caused widespread outrage after hundreds of Navarr were forced to accept life as a thrall by the invading Jotun. Gobaith swore to take her army south and unleash the same terror against the Jotun that had proved so effective against the Thule.

Gobaith's counter-attack clearly took the Jotun by surprise and her forces were able to take thirty Jotun prisoner. After the [[Civil Service|civil service]] assessed the options, the prognosticators laid out two clear choices. The Navarr general could let the Jotun go, which would create an [[opportunity]] to make peace with the Jotun, or they could be executed to spread fear through the enemies of the Empire in the west.

It was explicit that the more fearsome the deaths, the bigger the impact would be on Jotun morale. Gobaith led a contingent of her supporters through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to deal with the prisoners, and returned having drowned them. According to the exaggerated and embroidered stories that spread in the wake of the incident, they were drowned in vats of blood. This tale was widely believed, despite the unusual public notice issued by the civil service indicating that the Jotun had in fact been drowned in water.

Of all the ways the prisoners might have been dealt with, this was far and away one of the worst from the Jotun point of view. The western orcs have an abject fear of the sea, apparently in the belief that those who drown can never pass over the [[Howling Abyss]] and are thus condemned to oblivion. The fear is so endemic in their culture that most Jotun refuse to even contemplate setting foot on the water and the few ships they own are invariably operated by thralls. The cruelty of the Dance of Blood shook the Jotun to the core, weakening every single one of their armies and making it easier for the Empire to claim territory from them all along the western front for the next year.

Even so, the actions were ''hugely'' divisive. The Assembly of Nine called Gobaith to [[inquisition]], claiming her actions were fundamentally unvirtuous. As the denouement of the inquisition, they called for the Tribune and [[revocation|revoked]] the general with primacy in front of a huge crowd. Unfortunately word of the Nine's plans had leaked and Rhun and his fellow senators were waiting in the audience. They quickly stepped forward and reappointed her on the spot, in defiance of the Assembly's will.

Outside [[Anvil]], the executions outraged the Jotun. The Dance were already notorious, but the actions led to a blood-feud between the Jotun and the Navarr. Casualty rates on campaign shot up, as both sides refused to offer quarter to the other. In particular, there were several incidents where the actions of the Dance of Blood lead directly to the death of numbers of Jotun thralls, driving the western orcs to the verge of frenzy. Their religion outlaws the killing of thralls under any circumstances, and so it is no surprise that the Jotun quickly began referring to the Navarr as the "Imperial Druj". To the Jotun this was the gravest insult they could throw, but Gobaith and her army wore the epithet as a badge of Pride.

==Binding==
With the enemy on the backfoot, the Empire continued to push the Jotun back throughout 244YE. Rather than back away from her cruel tactics, Gobaith doubled down, arguing that they were working and that for the first time in ''years'' the Empire was winning. Supporters of the army, and there were many, pointed to the key successes they were having. Thanks to the Dance of Blood, the Empire were pushing the Jotun back in Wintermark, and elsewhere. The recent war with the [[Druj]] had been marked by a number of appalling massacres which had horrified citizens across the Empire, including one notorious incident where a score of brave citizens venturing through the Sentinel Gate were all captured and executed by the Druj. When the heroes rallied out to battle the next day they were forced to encounter the bodies of their fallen comrades impaled on spears. Such atrocities were commonplace and frankly surpassed anything that Gobaith and her supporters had enacted, but there were many who said that adopting the strategy of the Druj was the only way to win. The Empire had to meet fire with fire, they argued.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Agramant.jpg|caption=Agramant encourages atrocious acts in the name of survival, but publicly denied any responsibility for the atrocious acts being taken by the Dance of Blood.|align=left|width=250}}</div>
Critics, and there were many, claimed that the Dance of Blood didn't just embrace cruelty, they revelled in it. There were frequent accusations of ''[[Agramant|Agramantism]]'' (wilfully entreating with the eternal Agramant), so much so that they were actually refuted by the [[eternal]] themselves, who took the unprecedented step of issuing a public statement to the [[Conclave]] on a bloody scrap of flayed skin. The statement claimed that ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' had <u>absolutely nothing</u> to do with the horrors committed by the Dance of Blood (which some people believed) and that ''Howler'' was shocked by what was happening (which no one believed). That said, and in a manner typical of the ''Wastewalker'', the statement ended with an offer to create an [[opportunity]] for ''every'' Imperial army to become cruel, if the Conclave would only accept his boon. The resulting vote was rejected, but the level of support for Agramant's offer surprised and alarmed many.

The Emperor tried desperately to rein Gobaith in, largely without success. Gobaith's tactics had upset many Winterfolk with [[scop|scops]] and [[stormcrow|stormcrows]] claiming they were [[heroism|unheroic]] and the mystics forecasting doom from the twisted skeins of those involved. Politically, Guntherm was clearly compromised by the nature of the attacks, which resulted in outraged communications from the Jotun who felt the Empire's actions betrayed the burgeoning friendship between the Emperor and the Jarl of Kierheim.

Ignoring the Emperor's protests, Gobaith continued to perpetrate the war with a ferocious intensity with the Dance of Blood brutally slaughtering any Jotun they could find. In response, the Jotun became increasingly desperate. Enraged by the actions of the army, they lost much of their typical iron discipline and began to lash out wildly. The Dance became a red rag to the Jotun bull, driving their warriors into a violent fury in any campaign where the Navarr army took part. By the end of the year the Empire had inflicted three decisive defeats on Jotun forces, however.

The Empire were winning the war against the Jotun and while the strategy continued to cause concern for some, and personal problems for the Throne, criticism of the army was muted by their successes. But in 245YE, the situation changed dramatically when [[Holberg]] and [[Therunin]] were invaded by a huge force of Druj.

==Vows==
The invasion split the Empire. The West was secure with more territory in Imperial hands than at any point in the Empire's history. But the East was collapsing with region after region falling to the Druj. Armies marched east, but Gobiath refused to stop attacking, arguing that the Empire should crush the Jotun while they had the chance and ''then'' turn their attention to the Druj. Crucially she argued it was impossible to stop now and if the Empire pulled back then all the territory they had gained would be reclaimed by the Jotun.

In Senate, Emperor Guntherm publicly vowed to make peace with the Jotun, so that the East might be saved, but the Jotun refused all attempts to negotiate. Driven wild by the deaths of their thralls at the hands of the Dance of Blood, their contemptuous replies claimed they would never stop fighting until every Imperial Druj was dead.

There were rumbles that Gobaith would be [[Writ of Excommunication|excommunicated]], but it was clear to many that the Synod simply didn't have the numbers. The general was a hero to many Navarr, but they were also popular with enough [[Varushka|Varuskhan]] and [[the League|League]] priests that action was impossible. There was discussion of revoking Rhun but the assumption was that she would simply be reappointed just as she had last time. Guntherm's habit of assuming [[The_Throne#Defender of the Empire|personal control]] of the Green Shields made it impossible for him to take over the Dance of Blood, even if he had been inclined to risk the outspoken opposition of the Navarr nation by doing so.

The situation continued to deteriorate, not in the West, where the Empire were clearly winning, but in the East, where the Druj were advancing on Holberg itself. It was clear the Empire needed to do something, but nobody could agree what. Guntherm and his supporters were demanding that Gobaith cease their attacks on the Jotun so that the Empire could try to make peace - but senators from Navarr and [[Dawn]] openly called for the Dance go further, to force the Jotun to surrender.

The Dance continued to exact a merciless assault every season, but it was increasingly unsuccessful; it was clear by now that the Jotun were ready for their strategy and beginning to adapt to it. More than that, they were actively seeking to engage with the Dance any chance they could get. Stripped of the opportunity to catch the Jotun off guard, the Dance took (and inflicted) heavy casualties as the enemy risked everything to destroy their hated enemy.

The general's orders caused a slow erosion of their support in the [[Military Council]], as it became increasingly apparent that their strategy was making any détente with the Jotun impossible. Gobaith was utterly unrepentant however. She boasted that the Dance of Blood was the only Imperial army to claim victory in every campaign it had fought in. She verbally sparred with Guntherm in Council, at one point going so far as to imply that his loyalties were to the Jotun and not to the Empire. She vowed that she would not stop her war until every Jotun was dead. In response he called her "the real enemy", saying her brutal war against the Jotun was to sate her lust for blood and going to destroy the Empire.

==Funerals==
The fall of the Dance of Blood came after the Summer Solstice in 245YE. The military situation had continued to deteriorate and there was talk in some quarters of revoking Guntherm himself. He was blamed for losing control of the Military Council - with the Empire now furiously engaged on three fronts, it was becoming clear that they could not win, but nobody could agree which territories should be abandoned. Even if Gobaith had wanted a way out, she was trapped by her vows, forced to stay engaged, locked in ever more bloody war against the Jotun.

The summer muster was brutal with screaming and shouting and grew worse from there. The first battle through the gate was a sortie against the Jotun to secure a crucial position in Bregasland. The battle was a unparalleled disaster, with nearly a hundred Imperials executed by the Jotun, most of them Marchers or Freeborn. When previous battles had gone badly, much of the blame landed at Guntherm's door, but this time the furore was directed at the Navarr. The Marchers were adamant that the Jotun had changed their tactics, executing everyone they could, driven by their cold hate for the Dance of Blood.

By the end of the summit, few of the generals were on speaking terms and the atmosphere in the Council was funereal. Gobaith outlined a plan to entrap the advancing Jotun in [[Bregasland]], with the support of the [[the Marches|Marcher]] and Wintermark armies. Amid an air of sullen silence, the other generals reluctantly agreed to back the plan.

The ambush went devastatingly wrong. It soon became clear that the Jotun had been warned of the impending arrival of the Dance of Blood and were waiting for them, in force. Worse, no other Imperial army moved into Bregasland to support them. Only the [[Strong Reeds]] were present, but with their general giving orders to defend the territory, the Dance of Blood's attack was utterly exposed. Outnumbered more than five to one the Dance might still have survived, were it not for the presence of a [[Rivers Run Red|terrible Spring curse]] laid over the territory that poisoned the water and turned every wound lethal. The Dance were overwhelmed and utterly slaughtered. Gobaith was never seen again, widely assumed to have lost her life on the battlefield fighting alongside her beloved thorns. The Jotun were brutal and efficient, with squads of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar|Ulvenwar]] patrolling the field slaughtering every single Navarr they could catch. Those too wounded to fight were gathered together, whereupon the Jotun built a huge pyre, and burned them alive.

==Tattoos==
There was widespread shock at the Autumn Equinox, following the destruction of the Dance of Blood. The Navarr grieved for so many of their thorns lost. In other nations the mood was sombre. Rhun was incandescent and publicly confronted Guntherm during the first Senate session while he was actually sat on the throne. He shouted that he had betrayed the Dance of Blood, to which Guntherm coldly responded "You cannot betray your enemies". The room exploded into violence, blades were drawn, and open fighting erupted in the Senate chamber itself. Rhun and his supporters were cut down, and the consequences of this spread through the whole of Anvil like a wave of blood.

It seemed obvious to everyone that the Military Council had sold the Dance of Blood down the river. To the fury of the Navarr, the [[Officers_of_the_Law#Magistrates|magistrates]] confirmed that nothing illegal had happened - no [[general]] was under any obligation to submit the orders they had agreed to, therefore no crime had been committed. However the magistrates confirmed that whoever had cursed Bregasland with [[Rivers Run Red]] most likely broke the law in the process, and so the search was on for the traitors.

The [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] took three magicians of her order through the Sentinel Gate to investigate a powerful Spring [[regio]] on the banks of the Gullet called the ''Fetid Gyre'', believed to be the source of the magic. They performed numerous [[divination|divinations]] including [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] and concluded that no Imperial citizens were involved and that the magic had been enacted by the Jotun - a terrible bargain between five jarls and an unknown eternal of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] associated with the sea. According to the Grandmaster, the jarls threw themselves into the water to be devoured by sharks and in return the eternal poisoned the waters of Bregasland.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|caption=Today we might assume that the eternal referenced by the Shuttered Lantern was [[Siakha]], but it is doubtful anyone will ever know for sure.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
This story was widely believed to be untrue. A mysterious Spring eternal whose existence was hitherto unknown, and strange [[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]] dealing with eternals for their boons when Jotun were widely known to dislike magic and loathe curses? Everyone assumed that the grandmaster's account was a fabrication made up to conceal the identities of the real traitors. But every member of the order stuck to the story and insisted it was true.

The death of the Dance of Blood was a catastrophe and relations between the Emperor and the Navarr never recovered. But the terrible loss proved to be a turning point for the Empire. Emperor Guntherm signed a peace treaty with the Jotun that very summit, and Imperial armies along the front were finally able to relieve the desperate forces fighting a rear-guard action against the Druj. With the threat of the Jotun lifted, Guntherm was able to drive the Druj back, delivering a series of crushing attacks from which they would take decades to recover. The peace with the Jotun was short-lived, but it was enough to turn the tide of fortunes in the Empire's favour. Thereafter Emperor Guntherm became known as ''the Bold''.

The Navarr themselves were split. Some of the [[striding|stridings]] and [[steading|steadings]] from Therunin and [[Miaren]] believed that the Dance of Blood had made their own bed, but most kept that to themselves. The majority felt that the Empire had betrayed them, that Guntherm had sold out the Dance to the Jotun in return for peace. Unfortunately that accusation did not resonate outside the Navarr. When they appealed to others for support, the response was bitter and sullen but clear - the Dance of Blood's war with the Jotun had threatened the survival of the whole Empire. "Actions have consequences" the Navarr were repeatedly told.

Relations between the Jotun and the Navarr likewise never improved. The cruel strategies employed by the Dance left a lasting mark on the Jotun. They point-blank refused to ever speak of the campaign in Bregasland, but they never again wavered in their hatred of the Navarr. When steadings were overrun the occupants were swiftly executed, treated by the Jotun not as people, not even as enemies, but as wild dogs to be put down.
==Further Reading==
* [[Emperor Guntherm]]
* [[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm]]

Dance of Blood and Jotun consequences

2026-07-01T17:19:46Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Dancing */

[[Category:History]][[Category:Navarr]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|align=left|caption=Watt of Lambrook, Minister of Historical Research.|width=400}}</div>
===Introduction===
In Winter 387YE Watt of Lambrook, [[Minister of Historical Research]] commissioned the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]] to investigate the Dance of Blood. The Dance was a [[Navarr]] [[army]] who disbanded in 245YE, fighting the [[Jotun]] during the reign of [[Emperor Guntherm]]. The Dance are historically somewhat controversial, given their embrace of [[Army_qualities#Cruel|cruel and merciless tactics]].

==Welcoming==
The Dance of Blood were raised in 239YE, one of the first acts approved by the newly ascended Emperor Guntherm. The Navarr [[Senator]] for [[Hercynia]], ''Rhun Night-River'', led the contingent of the Senate that had chafed under the rule of [[Empress Mariika]] and her resolute opposition to enlarging the Imperial military. Four times they had passed a [[Senate motion|motion]] to muster a new Navarr army, and each time Marika had [[The Throne#Power of Veto|vetoed]] the motion. Rhun was known to desire [[the Throne]] and was widely expected to make a bid for it, but instead he and his fellow Navarr senators crossed the floor to support Guntherm. A new Navarr army was approved at the very next session, raised by Hercynia and seconded by [[Hahnmark]].

With popular support, it took less than a year to fund the army, but it soon encountered controversy. Rhun was a fierce advocate of the Navarr maxim that "You cannot betray your enemies" and openly advocated for Imperial armies to adopt a more ''pragmatic'' approach to war against the barbarians. When the Navarr Assembly passed a [[statement of principle]] reminding the nation that the Navarr cannot betray their enemies, it led to a [[mandate]] allowing the nation to embrace cruelty as the most effective way to defeat the barbarians.

The judgement was contentious, splitting the nations of the Empire on the issue in a manner that might be familiar to citizens who remember the arguments around the [[Iron Helms]]. Since the matter was for the Navarr Assembly only, however, there was little that other Imperial priests could do about the mandate. The [[Cardinal]] of [[Wisdom]], a [[mystic]] called ''Astor Far-Eyes'', publicly spoke against the Navarr embrace of cruel tactics, arguing that it was ill-omened and would end in disaster, but his attempts to delay the vote achieved nothing and the required [[greater majority]] was narrowly achieved. Rhun made it clear that he would use his authority as the raising senator to uphold the will of the Assembly.
<div {{Float}}><quote by="General Gobaith, General of the Dance of Blood">Thorns, our people have slumbered while our steadings are threated by the Thule. Now is the hour of our awakening. We will reclaim what they have taken. We will drown our spears in Thule blood. We will slaughter every orc that marches beneath a blue banner. We will lead our enemies in the Great Dance to the doors of the Labyrinth. We will teach the Dragons to fear us.</quote></div>

==Dancing==
Once the army was ready, the Navarr senators appointed ''Gobaith of Summer's Grove'' to be general. A popular, charismatic [[brand]], adored by many [[thorn|thorns]], she was notorious for her dark humour. Described as intimidating, always dressed for battle, face painted for war at any moment, she was known as someone to be reckoned with within and without the Empire.

From the outset, the tactics employed by the Dance of Blood were uncompromising and brutal. The Navarr have often sought to ambush their enemies, preferring to use the element of surprise to defeat them. That season, the Dance of Blood went much further, poisoning wells and razing [[Thule]] settlements that would not surrender. In battle they would wound the enemy but not execute them, then lie in wait to slaughter those who came to heal them. [[Thule_lore#Warlocks|Warlocks]] in particular were singled out on the battlefield, with Gobaith looking to break the enemy's chain of command.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|caption=While the Dance of Blood is remembered for its final battle against the Jotun, the Thule have very good reasons to remember it.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
Gobaith's strategy made many people queasy, but it worked. The first season of campaigning, the forces of [[Otkodov]] were brutally driven back with many hundreds of [[orc|orcs]] slain. By the end of 243YE, the Dance was triumphant; the Empire surrounded three Thule armies in Hercynia, completely cutting them off. There was an option to allow the Thule to withdraw but Gobaith seized the opportunity to trap them and began starving them out. By the time Gobaith's forces finally attacked, it was said that some of the Thule were too weak to hold a spear. The ''Earthquake Drummers'' managed to escape but the ''Path of the Gyre'' and the ''Teeth of the Blizzard'' did not. Both armies were broken by Gobaith's cruel tactics, their warriors slaughtered and their leaders executed.

Over the next two years the Dance of Blood fought mercilessly against the Thule, with only a single season to rest, they were active all the across the north of the Empire. Wherever the Thule banners marched, the Dance of Blood would lie in wait for them. Traps were set, food and water was deliberately spoiled. In one gruesome incident Navarr scouts planted infected meat in a river, upstream of the Thule camp. Scores died in agony of vomited blood. It was routine for the Navarr to pick off Thule pickets and drag them into the woods, where they would be tortured to death within earshot of their fellows, The disembowelled corpses would be left for the army to find at sunrise. The reports from the front made brutal reading, but victory had a way of quelling all the arguments.

Guntherm's support of the Navarr army is one of the reasons he gained the nickname "the Bloodthirsty", although he remained broadly popular. After years of struggle against the barbarians, citizens were eager for news of victories and the Dance of Blood certainly delivered that news.

==Unburdening==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreenShields_Colour.png|align=right|caption=Guntherm's love for the Green Shield was well known throughout the Empire.|width=250}}</div>
Had the situation remained that way, history might have been very different. But in 242YE, the Jotun launched an assault across the frozen Lake Nutjuitoq in the [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Fount|Suaq Fount]]. They were led by ''Kjorvak'', Jarl of [[Skallahn#Kierheim|Kierheim]], whose willingness to risk the untested ice allowed him to take the Wintermark defenders by surprise. Emperor Guntherm led the [[Green Shield]] on campaign against them, but both armies were attacked by a large Thule force. In the resulting panic, Guntherm and Kjorvak ended up fighting together against the Thule, [[Campaigns_of_Emperor_Guntherm#The_Jarl_of_Kierheim|forging a battlefield alliance]] with the Jotun and together they drove the Thule off. Out of respect for Guntherm, the Jarl withdraw his forces, but a strange friendship blossomed from the battle. Although the Jotun and the Empire were still at war, the two continued to exchange winged messages in the seasons that followed.

Rather than attack Wintermark, the Jotun invaded [[Liathaven]] in 243YE. The [[territory]] had been relatively peaceful, at least as peaceful as a land cursed by the [[vallorn]] can be. The Jotun quickly captured [[Liathaven#West Ranging|West Ranging]] and threatened both [[Liathaven#Westwood|Westwood]] and [[Liathaven#Liath's Ring|Liath's Ring]]. The attacks shook the Navarr, and caused widespread outrage after hundreds of Navarr were forced to accept life as a thrall by the invading Jotun. Gobaith swore to take her army south and unleash the same terror against the Jotun that had proved so effective against the Thule.

Gobaith's counter-attack clearly took the Jotun by surprise and her forces were able to take thirty Jotun prisoner. After the [[Civil Service|civil service]] assessed the options, the prognosticators laid out two clear choices. The Navarr general could let the Jotun go, which would create an [[opportunity]] to make peace with the Jotun, or they could be executed to spread fear through the enemies of the Empire in the west.

It was explicit that the more fearsome the deaths, the bigger the impact would be on Jotun morale. Gobaith led a contingent of her supporters through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to deal with the prisoners, and returned having drowned them. According to the exaggerated and embroidered stories that spread in the wake of the incident, they were drowned in vats of blood. This tale was widely believed, despite the unusual public notice issued by the civil service indicating that the Jotun had in fact been drowned in water.

Of all the ways the prisoners might have been dealt with, this was far and away one of the worst from the Jotun point of view. The western orcs have an abject fear of the sea, apparently in the belief that those who drown can never pass over the [[Howling Abyss]] and are thus condemned to oblivion. The fear is so endemic in their culture that most Jotun refuse to even contemplate setting foot on the water and the few ships they own are invariably operated by thralls. The cruelty of the Dance of Blood shook the Jotun to the core, weakening every single one of their armies and making it easier for the Empire to claim territory from them all along the western front for the next year.

Even so, the actions were ''hugely'' divisive. The Assembly of Nine called Gobaith to [[inquisition]], claiming her actions were fundamentally unvirtuous. As the denouement of the inquisition, they called for the Tribune and [[revocation|revoked]] the general with primacy in front of a huge crowd. Unfortunately word of the Nine's plans had leaked and Rhun and his fellow senators were waiting in the audience. They quickly stepped forward and reappointed her on the spot, in defiance of the Assembly's will.

Outside [[Anvil]], the executions outraged the Jotun. The Dance were already notorious, but the actions led to a blood-feud between the Jotun and the Navarr. Casualty rates on campaign shot up, as both sides refused to offer quarter to the other. In particular, there were several incidents where the actions of the Dance of Blood lead directly to the death of numbers of Jotun thralls, driving the western orcs to the verge of frenzy. Their religion outlaws the killing of thralls under any circumstances, and so it is no surprise that the Jotun quickly began referring to the Navarr as the "Imperial Druj". To the Jotun this was the gravest insult they could throw, but Gobaith and her army wore the epithet as a badge of Pride.

==Binding==
With the enemy on the backfoot, the Empire continued to push the Jotun back throughout 244YE. Rather than back away from her cruel tactics, Gobaith doubled down, arguing that they were working and that for the first time in ''years'' the Empire was winning. Supporters of the army, and there were many, pointed to the key successes they were having. Thanks to the Dance of Blood, the Empire were pushing the Jotun back in Wintermark, and elsewhere. The recent war with the [[Druj]] had been marked by a number of appalling massacres which had horrified citizens across the Empire, including one notorious incident where a score of brave citizens venturing through the Sentinel Gate were all captured and executed by the Druj. When the heroes rallied out to battle the next day they were forced to encounter the bodies of their fallen comrades impaled on spears. Such atrocities were commonplace and frankly surpassed anything that Gobaith and her supporters had enacted, but there were many who said that adopting the strategy of the Druj was the only way to win. The Empire had to meet fire with fire, they argued.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Agramant.jpg|caption=Agramant encourages atrocious acts in the name of survival, but publicly denied any responsibility for the atrocious acts being taken by the Dance of Blood.|align=left|width=250}}</div>
Critics, and there were many, claimed that the Dance of Blood didn't just embrace cruelty, they revelled in it. There were frequent accusations of ''[[Agramant|Agramantism]]'' (wilfully entreating with the eternal Agramant), so much so that they were actually refuted by the [[eternal]] themselves, who took the unprecedented step of issuing a public statement to the [[Conclave]] on a bloody scrap of flayed skin. The statement claimed that ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' had <u>absolutely nothing</u> to do with the horrors committed by the Dance of Blood (which some people believed) and that ''Howler'' was shocked by what was happening (which no one believed). That said, and in a manner typical of the ''Wastewalker'', the statement ended with an offer to create an [[opportunity]] for ''every'' Imperial army to become cruel, if the Conclave would only accept his boon. The resulting vote was rejected, but the level of support for Agramant's offer surprised and alarmed many.

The Emperor tried desperately to rain Gobaith in, largely without success. Gobaith's tactics had upset many Winterfolk with [[scop|scops]] and [[stormcrow|stormcrows]] claiming they were [[heroism|unheroic]] and the mystics forecasting doom from the twisted skeins of those involved. Politically, Guntherm was clearly compromised by the nature of the attacks, which resulted in outraged communications from the Jotun who felt the Empire's actions betrayed the burgeoning friendship between the Emperor and the Jarl of Kierheim.

Ignoring the Emperor's protests, Gobaith continued to perpetrate the war with a ferocious intensity with the Dance of Blood brutally slaughtering any Jotun they could find. In response, the Jotun became increasingly desperate. Enraged by the actions of the army, they lost much of their typical iron discipline and began to lash out wildly. The Dance became a red rag to the Jotun bull, driving their warriors into a violent fury in any campaign where the Navarr army took part. By the end of the year the Empire had inflicted three decisive defeats on Jotun forces, however.

The Empire were winning the war against the Jotun and while the strategy continued to cause concern for some, and personal problems for the Throne, criticism of the army was muted by their successes. But in 245YE, the situation changed dramatically when [[Holberg]] and [[Therunin]] were invaded by a huge force of Druj.

==Vows==
The invasion split the Empire. The West was secure with more territory in Imperial hands than at any point in the Empire's history. But the East was collapsing with region after region falling to the Druj. Armies marched east, but Gobiath refused to stop attacking, arguing that the Empire should crush the Jotun while they had the chance and ''then'' turn their attention to the Druj. Crucially she argued it was impossible to stop now and if the Empire pulled back then all the territory they had gained would be reclaimed by the Jotun.

In Senate, Emperor Guntherm publicly vowed to make peace with the Jotun, so that the East might be saved, but the Jotun refused all attempts to negotiate. Driven wild by the deaths of their thralls at the hands of the Dance of Blood, their contemptuous replies claimed they would never stop fighting until every Imperial Druj was dead.

There were rumbles that Gobaith would be [[Writ of Excommunication|excommunicated]], but it was clear to many that the Synod simply didn't have the numbers. The general was a hero to many Navarr, but they were also popular with enough [[Varushka|Varuskhan]] and [[the League|League]] priests that action was impossible. There was discussion of revoking Rhun but the assumption was that she would simply be reappointed just as she had last time. Guntherm's habit of assuming [[The_Throne#Defender of the Empire|personal control]] of the Green Shields made it impossible for him to take over the Dance of Blood, even if he had been inclined to risk the outspoken opposition of the Navarr nation by doing so.

The situation continued to deteriorate, not in the West, where the Empire were clearly winning, but in the East, where the Druj were advancing on Holberg itself. It was clear the Empire needed to do something, but nobody could agree what. Guntherm and his supporters were demanding that Gobaith cease their attacks on the Jotun so that the Empire could try to make peace - but senators from Navarr and [[Dawn]] openly called for the Dance go further, to force the Jotun to surrender.

The Dance continued to exact a merciless assault every season, but it was increasingly unsuccessful; it was clear by now that the Jotun were ready for their strategy and beginning to adapt to it. More than that, they were actively seeking to engage with the Dance any chance they could get. Stripped of the opportunity to catch the Jotun off guard, the Dance took (and inflicted) heavy casualties as the enemy risked everything to destroy their hated enemy.

The general's orders caused a slow erosion of their support in the [[Military Council]], as it became increasingly apparent that their strategy was making any détente with the Jotun impossible. Gobaith was utterly unrepentant however. She boasted that the Dance of Blood was the only Imperial army to claim victory in every campaign it had fought in. She verbally sparred with Guntherm in Council, at one point going so far as to imply that his loyalties were to the Jotun and not to the Empire. She vowed that she would not stop her war until every Jotun was dead. In response he called her "the real enemy", saying her brutal war against the Jotun was to sate her lust for blood and going to destroy the Empire.

==Funerals==
The fall of the Dance of Blood came after the Summer Solstice in 245YE. The military situation had continued to deteriorate and there was talk in some quarters of revoking Guntherm himself. He was blamed for losing control of the Military Council - with the Empire now furiously engaged on three fronts, it was becoming clear that they could not win, but nobody could agree which territories should be abandoned. Even if Gobaith had wanted a way out, she was trapped by her vows, forced to stay engaged, locked in ever more bloody war against the Jotun.

The summer muster was brutal with screaming and shouting and grew worse from there. The first battle through the gate was a sortie against the Jotun to secure a crucial position in Bregasland. The battle was a unparalleled disaster, with nearly a hundred Imperials executed by the Jotun, most of them Marchers or Freeborn. When previous battles had gone badly, much of the blame landed at Guntherm's door, but this time the furore was directed at the Navarr. The Marchers were adamant that the Jotun had changed their tactics, executing everyone they could, driven by their cold hate for the Dance of Blood.

By the end of the summit, few of the generals were on speaking terms and the atmosphere in the Council was funereal. Gobaith outlined a plan to entrap the advancing Jotun in [[Bregasland]], with the support of the [[the Marches|Marcher]] and Wintermark armies. Amid an air of sullen silence, the other generals reluctantly agreed to back the plan.

The ambush went devastatingly wrong. It soon became clear that the Jotun had been warned of the impending arrival of the Dance of Blood and were waiting for them, in force. Worse, no other Imperial army moved into Bregasland to support them. Only the [[Strong Reeds]] were present, but with their general giving orders to defend the territory, the Dance of Blood's attack was utterly exposed. Outnumbered more than five to one the Dance might still have survived, were it not for the presence of a [[Rivers Run Red|terrible Spring curse]] laid over the territory that poisoned the water and turned every wound lethal. The Dance were overwhelmed and utterly slaughtered. Gobaith was never seen again, widely assumed to have lost her life on the battlefield fighting alongside her beloved thorns. The Jotun were brutal and efficient, with squads of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar|Ulvenwar]] patrolling the field slaughtering every single Navarr they could catch. Those too wounded to fight were gathered together, whereupon the Jotun built a huge pyre, and burned them alive.

==Tattoos==
There was widespread shock at the Autumn Equinox, following the destruction of the Dance of Blood. The Navarr grieved for so many of their thorns lost. In other nations the mood was sombre. Rhun was incandescent and publicly confronted Guntherm during the first Senate session while he was actually sat on the throne. He shouted that he had betrayed the Dance of Blood, to which Guntherm coldly responded "You cannot betray your enemies". The room exploded into violence, blades were drawn, and open fighting erupted in the Senate chamber itself. Rhun and his supporters were cut down, and the consequences of this spread through the whole of Anvil like a wave of blood.

It seemed obvious to everyone that the Military Council had sold the Dance of Blood down the river. To the fury of the Navarr, the [[Officers_of_the_Law#Magistrates|magistrates]] confirmed that nothing illegal had happened - no [[general]] was under any obligation to submit the orders they had agreed to, therefore no crime had been committed. However the magistrates confirmed that whoever had cursed Bregasland with [[Rivers Run Red]] most likely broke the law in the process, and so the search was on for the traitors.

The [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] took three magicians of her order through the Sentinel Gate to investigate a powerful Spring [[regio]] on the banks of the Gullet called the ''Fetid Gyre'', believed to be the source of the magic. They performed numerous [[divination|divinations]] including [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] and concluded that no Imperial citizens were involved and that the magic had been enacted by the Jotun - a terrible bargain between five jarls and an unknown eternal of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] associated with the sea. According to the Grandmaster, the jarls threw themselves into the water to be devoured by sharks and in return the eternal poisoned the waters of Bregasland.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|caption=Today we might assume that the eternal referenced by the Shuttered Lantern was [[Siakha]], but it is doubtful anyone will ever know for sure.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
This story was widely believed to be untrue. A mysterious Spring eternal whose existence was hitherto unknown, and strange [[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]] dealing with eternals for their boons when Jotun were widely known to dislike magic and loathe curses? Everyone assumed that the grandmaster's account was a fabrication made up to conceal the identities of the real traitors. But every member of the order stuck to the story and insisted it was true.

The death of the Dance of Blood was a catastrophe and relations between the Emperor and the Navarr never recovered. But the terrible loss proved to be a turning point for the Empire. Emperor Guntherm signed a peace treaty with the Jotun that very summit, and Imperial armies along the front were finally able to relieve the desperate forces fighting a rear-guard action against the Druj. With the threat of the Jotun lifted, Guntherm was able to drive the Druj back, delivering a series of crushing attacks from which they would take decades to recover. The peace with the Jotun was short-lived, but it was enough to turn the tide of fortunes in the Empire's favour. Thereafter Emperor Guntherm became known as ''the Bold''.

The Navarr themselves were split. Some of the [[striding|stridings]] and [[steading|steadings]] from Therunin and [[Miaren]] believed that the Dance of Blood had made their own bed, but most kept that to themselves. The majority felt that the Empire had betrayed them, that Guntherm had sold out the Dance to the Jotun in return for peace. Unfortunately that accusation did not resonate outside the Navarr. When they appealed to others for support, the response was bitter and sullen but clear - the Dance of Blood's war with the Jotun had threatened the survival of the whole Empire. "Actions have consequences" the Navarr were repeatedly told.

Relations between the Jotun and the Navarr likewise never improved. The cruel strategies employed by the Dance left a lasting mark on the Jotun. They point-blank refused to ever speak of the campaign in Bregasland, but they never again wavered in their hatred of the Navarr. When steadings were overrun the occupants were swiftly executed, treated by the Jotun not as people, not even as enemies, but as wild dogs to be put down.
==Further Reading==
* [[Emperor Guntherm]]
* [[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm]]

Dance of Blood and Jotun consequences

2026-07-01T17:19:20Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Dancing */

[[Category:History]][[Category:Navarr]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|align=left|caption=Watt of Lambrook, Minister of Historical Research.|width=400}}</div>
===Introduction===
In Winter 387YE Watt of Lambrook, [[Minister of Historical Research]] commissioned the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]] to investigate the Dance of Blood. The Dance was a [[Navarr]] [[army]] who disbanded in 245YE, fighting the [[Jotun]] during the reign of [[Emperor Guntherm]]. The Dance are historically somewhat controversial, given their embrace of [[Army_qualities#Cruel|cruel and merciless tactics]].

==Welcoming==
The Dance of Blood were raised in 239YE, one of the first acts approved by the newly ascended Emperor Guntherm. The Navarr [[Senator]] for [[Hercynia]], ''Rhun Night-River'', led the contingent of the Senate that had chafed under the rule of [[Empress Mariika]] and her resolute opposition to enlarging the Imperial military. Four times they had passed a [[Senate motion|motion]] to muster a new Navarr army, and each time Marika had [[The Throne#Power of Veto|vetoed]] the motion. Rhun was known to desire [[the Throne]] and was widely expected to make a bid for it, but instead he and his fellow Navarr senators crossed the floor to support Guntherm. A new Navarr army was approved at the very next session, raised by Hercynia and seconded by [[Hahnmark]].

With popular support, it took less than a year to fund the army, but it soon encountered controversy. Rhun was a fierce advocate of the Navarr maxim that "You cannot betray your enemies" and openly advocated for Imperial armies to adopt a more ''pragmatic'' approach to war against the barbarians. When the Navarr Assembly passed a [[statement of principle]] reminding the nation that the Navarr cannot betray their enemies, it led to a [[mandate]] allowing the nation to embrace cruelty as the most effective way to defeat the barbarians.

The judgement was contentious, splitting the nations of the Empire on the issue in a manner that might be familiar to citizens who remember the arguments around the [[Iron Helms]]. Since the matter was for the Navarr Assembly only, however, there was little that other Imperial priests could do about the mandate. The [[Cardinal]] of [[Wisdom]], a [[mystic]] called ''Astor Far-Eyes'', publicly spoke against the Navarr embrace of cruel tactics, arguing that it was ill-omened and would end in disaster, but his attempts to delay the vote achieved nothing and the required [[greater majority]] was narrowly achieved. Rhun made it clear that he would use his authority as the raising senator to uphold the will of the Assembly.
<div {{Float}}><quote by="General Gobaith, General of the Dance of Blood">Thorns, our people have slumbered while our steadings are threated by the Thule. Now is the hour of our awakening. We will reclaim what they have taken. We will drown our spears in Thule blood. We will slaughter every orc that marches beneath a blue banner. We will lead our enemies in the Great Dance to the doors of the Labyrinth. We will teach the Dragons to fear us.</quote></div>

==Dancing==
Once the army was ready, the Navarr senators appointed ''Gobaith of Summer's Grove'' to be general. A popular, charismatic [[brand]], adored by many [[thorn|thorns]], she was notorious for her dark humour. Described as intimidating, always dressed for battle, face painted for war at any moment, she was known as someone to be reckoned with within and without the Empire.

From the outset, the tactics employed by the Dance of Blood were uncompromising and brutal. The Navarr have often sought to ambush their enemies, preferring to use the element of surprise to defeat them. That season, the Dance of Blood went much further, poisoning wells and razing [[Thule]] settlements that would not surrender. In battle they would wound the enemy but not execute them, then lie in wait to slaughter those who came to heal them. [[Thule_lore#Warlocks|Warlocks]] in particular were singled out on the battlefield, with Gobaith looking to break the enemy's chain of command.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|caption=While the Dance of Blood is remembered for its final battle against the Jotun, the Thule have very good reasons to remember it.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
Gobaith's strategy made many people queasy, but it worked. The first season of campaigning, the forces of [[Otkodov]] were brutally driven back with many hundreds of [[orc|orcs]] slain. By the end of 243YE, the Dance was triumphant; the Empire surrounded three Thule armies in Hercynia, completely cutting them off. There was an option to allow the Thule to withdraw but Gobath seized the opportunity to trap them and began starving them out. By the time Gobaith's forces finally attacked, it was said that some of the Thule were too weak to hold a spear. The ''Earthquake Drummers'' managed to escape but the ''Path of the Gyre'' and the ''Teeth of the Blizzard'' did not. Both armies were broken by Gobaith's cruel tactics, their warriors slaughtered and their leaders executed.

Over the next two years the Dance of Blood fought mercilessly against the Thule, with only a single season to rest, they were active all the across the north of the Empire. Wherever the Thule banners marched, the Dance of Blood would lie in wait for them. Traps were set, food and water was deliberately spoiled. In one gruesome incident Navarr scouts planted infected meat in a river, upstream of the Thule camp. Scores died in agony of vomited blood. It was routine for the Navarr to pick off Thule pickets and drag them into the woods, where they would be tortured to death within earshot of their fellows, The disembowelled corpses would be left for the army to find at sunrise. The reports from the front made brutal reading, but victory had a way of quelling all the arguments.

Guntherm's support of the Navarr army is one of the reasons he gained the nickname "the Bloodthirsty", although he remained broadly popular. After years of struggle against the barbarians, citizens were eager for news of victories and the Dance of Blood certainly delivered that news.

==Unburdening==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreenShields_Colour.png|align=right|caption=Guntherm's love for the Green Shield was well known throughout the Empire.|width=250}}</div>
Had the situation remained that way, history might have been very different. But in 242YE, the Jotun launched an assault across the frozen Lake Nutjuitoq in the [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Fount|Suaq Fount]]. They were led by ''Kjorvak'', Jarl of [[Skallahn#Kierheim|Kierheim]], whose willingness to risk the untested ice allowed him to take the Wintermark defenders by surprise. Emperor Guntherm led the [[Green Shield]] on campaign against them, but both armies were attacked by a large Thule force. In the resulting panic, Guntherm and Kjorvak ended up fighting together against the Thule, [[Campaigns_of_Emperor_Guntherm#The_Jarl_of_Kierheim|forging a battlefield alliance]] with the Jotun and together they drove the Thule off. Out of respect for Guntherm, the Jarl withdraw his forces, but a strange friendship blossomed from the battle. Although the Jotun and the Empire were still at war, the two continued to exchange winged messages in the seasons that followed.

Rather than attack Wintermark, the Jotun invaded [[Liathaven]] in 243YE. The [[territory]] had been relatively peaceful, at least as peaceful as a land cursed by the [[vallorn]] can be. The Jotun quickly captured [[Liathaven#West Ranging|West Ranging]] and threatened both [[Liathaven#Westwood|Westwood]] and [[Liathaven#Liath's Ring|Liath's Ring]]. The attacks shook the Navarr, and caused widespread outrage after hundreds of Navarr were forced to accept life as a thrall by the invading Jotun. Gobaith swore to take her army south and unleash the same terror against the Jotun that had proved so effective against the Thule.

Gobaith's counter-attack clearly took the Jotun by surprise and her forces were able to take thirty Jotun prisoner. After the [[Civil Service|civil service]] assessed the options, the prognosticators laid out two clear choices. The Navarr general could let the Jotun go, which would create an [[opportunity]] to make peace with the Jotun, or they could be executed to spread fear through the enemies of the Empire in the west.

It was explicit that the more fearsome the deaths, the bigger the impact would be on Jotun morale. Gobaith led a contingent of her supporters through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to deal with the prisoners, and returned having drowned them. According to the exaggerated and embroidered stories that spread in the wake of the incident, they were drowned in vats of blood. This tale was widely believed, despite the unusual public notice issued by the civil service indicating that the Jotun had in fact been drowned in water.

Of all the ways the prisoners might have been dealt with, this was far and away one of the worst from the Jotun point of view. The western orcs have an abject fear of the sea, apparently in the belief that those who drown can never pass over the [[Howling Abyss]] and are thus condemned to oblivion. The fear is so endemic in their culture that most Jotun refuse to even contemplate setting foot on the water and the few ships they own are invariably operated by thralls. The cruelty of the Dance of Blood shook the Jotun to the core, weakening every single one of their armies and making it easier for the Empire to claim territory from them all along the western front for the next year.

Even so, the actions were ''hugely'' divisive. The Assembly of Nine called Gobaith to [[inquisition]], claiming her actions were fundamentally unvirtuous. As the denouement of the inquisition, they called for the Tribune and [[revocation|revoked]] the general with primacy in front of a huge crowd. Unfortunately word of the Nine's plans had leaked and Rhun and his fellow senators were waiting in the audience. They quickly stepped forward and reappointed her on the spot, in defiance of the Assembly's will.

Outside [[Anvil]], the executions outraged the Jotun. The Dance were already notorious, but the actions led to a blood-feud between the Jotun and the Navarr. Casualty rates on campaign shot up, as both sides refused to offer quarter to the other. In particular, there were several incidents where the actions of the Dance of Blood lead directly to the death of numbers of Jotun thralls, driving the western orcs to the verge of frenzy. Their religion outlaws the killing of thralls under any circumstances, and so it is no surprise that the Jotun quickly began referring to the Navarr as the "Imperial Druj". To the Jotun this was the gravest insult they could throw, but Gobaith and her army wore the epithet as a badge of Pride.

==Binding==
With the enemy on the backfoot, the Empire continued to push the Jotun back throughout 244YE. Rather than back away from her cruel tactics, Gobaith doubled down, arguing that they were working and that for the first time in ''years'' the Empire was winning. Supporters of the army, and there were many, pointed to the key successes they were having. Thanks to the Dance of Blood, the Empire were pushing the Jotun back in Wintermark, and elsewhere. The recent war with the [[Druj]] had been marked by a number of appalling massacres which had horrified citizens across the Empire, including one notorious incident where a score of brave citizens venturing through the Sentinel Gate were all captured and executed by the Druj. When the heroes rallied out to battle the next day they were forced to encounter the bodies of their fallen comrades impaled on spears. Such atrocities were commonplace and frankly surpassed anything that Gobaith and her supporters had enacted, but there were many who said that adopting the strategy of the Druj was the only way to win. The Empire had to meet fire with fire, they argued.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Agramant.jpg|caption=Agramant encourages atrocious acts in the name of survival, but publicly denied any responsibility for the atrocious acts being taken by the Dance of Blood.|align=left|width=250}}</div>
Critics, and there were many, claimed that the Dance of Blood didn't just embrace cruelty, they revelled in it. There were frequent accusations of ''[[Agramant|Agramantism]]'' (wilfully entreating with the eternal Agramant), so much so that they were actually refuted by the [[eternal]] themselves, who took the unprecedented step of issuing a public statement to the [[Conclave]] on a bloody scrap of flayed skin. The statement claimed that ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' had <u>absolutely nothing</u> to do with the horrors committed by the Dance of Blood (which some people believed) and that ''Howler'' was shocked by what was happening (which no one believed). That said, and in a manner typical of the ''Wastewalker'', the statement ended with an offer to create an [[opportunity]] for ''every'' Imperial army to become cruel, if the Conclave would only accept his boon. The resulting vote was rejected, but the level of support for Agramant's offer surprised and alarmed many.

The Emperor tried desperately to rain Gobaith in, largely without success. Gobaith's tactics had upset many Winterfolk with [[scop|scops]] and [[stormcrow|stormcrows]] claiming they were [[heroism|unheroic]] and the mystics forecasting doom from the twisted skeins of those involved. Politically, Guntherm was clearly compromised by the nature of the attacks, which resulted in outraged communications from the Jotun who felt the Empire's actions betrayed the burgeoning friendship between the Emperor and the Jarl of Kierheim.

Ignoring the Emperor's protests, Gobaith continued to perpetrate the war with a ferocious intensity with the Dance of Blood brutally slaughtering any Jotun they could find. In response, the Jotun became increasingly desperate. Enraged by the actions of the army, they lost much of their typical iron discipline and began to lash out wildly. The Dance became a red rag to the Jotun bull, driving their warriors into a violent fury in any campaign where the Navarr army took part. By the end of the year the Empire had inflicted three decisive defeats on Jotun forces, however.

The Empire were winning the war against the Jotun and while the strategy continued to cause concern for some, and personal problems for the Throne, criticism of the army was muted by their successes. But in 245YE, the situation changed dramatically when [[Holberg]] and [[Therunin]] were invaded by a huge force of Druj.

==Vows==
The invasion split the Empire. The West was secure with more territory in Imperial hands than at any point in the Empire's history. But the East was collapsing with region after region falling to the Druj. Armies marched east, but Gobiath refused to stop attacking, arguing that the Empire should crush the Jotun while they had the chance and ''then'' turn their attention to the Druj. Crucially she argued it was impossible to stop now and if the Empire pulled back then all the territory they had gained would be reclaimed by the Jotun.

In Senate, Emperor Guntherm publicly vowed to make peace with the Jotun, so that the East might be saved, but the Jotun refused all attempts to negotiate. Driven wild by the deaths of their thralls at the hands of the Dance of Blood, their contemptuous replies claimed they would never stop fighting until every Imperial Druj was dead.

There were rumbles that Gobaith would be [[Writ of Excommunication|excommunicated]], but it was clear to many that the Synod simply didn't have the numbers. The general was a hero to many Navarr, but they were also popular with enough [[Varushka|Varuskhan]] and [[the League|League]] priests that action was impossible. There was discussion of revoking Rhun but the assumption was that she would simply be reappointed just as she had last time. Guntherm's habit of assuming [[The_Throne#Defender of the Empire|personal control]] of the Green Shields made it impossible for him to take over the Dance of Blood, even if he had been inclined to risk the outspoken opposition of the Navarr nation by doing so.

The situation continued to deteriorate, not in the West, where the Empire were clearly winning, but in the East, where the Druj were advancing on Holberg itself. It was clear the Empire needed to do something, but nobody could agree what. Guntherm and his supporters were demanding that Gobaith cease their attacks on the Jotun so that the Empire could try to make peace - but senators from Navarr and [[Dawn]] openly called for the Dance go further, to force the Jotun to surrender.

The Dance continued to exact a merciless assault every season, but it was increasingly unsuccessful; it was clear by now that the Jotun were ready for their strategy and beginning to adapt to it. More than that, they were actively seeking to engage with the Dance any chance they could get. Stripped of the opportunity to catch the Jotun off guard, the Dance took (and inflicted) heavy casualties as the enemy risked everything to destroy their hated enemy.

The general's orders caused a slow erosion of their support in the [[Military Council]], as it became increasingly apparent that their strategy was making any détente with the Jotun impossible. Gobaith was utterly unrepentant however. She boasted that the Dance of Blood was the only Imperial army to claim victory in every campaign it had fought in. She verbally sparred with Guntherm in Council, at one point going so far as to imply that his loyalties were to the Jotun and not to the Empire. She vowed that she would not stop her war until every Jotun was dead. In response he called her "the real enemy", saying her brutal war against the Jotun was to sate her lust for blood and going to destroy the Empire.

==Funerals==
The fall of the Dance of Blood came after the Summer Solstice in 245YE. The military situation had continued to deteriorate and there was talk in some quarters of revoking Guntherm himself. He was blamed for losing control of the Military Council - with the Empire now furiously engaged on three fronts, it was becoming clear that they could not win, but nobody could agree which territories should be abandoned. Even if Gobaith had wanted a way out, she was trapped by her vows, forced to stay engaged, locked in ever more bloody war against the Jotun.

The summer muster was brutal with screaming and shouting and grew worse from there. The first battle through the gate was a sortie against the Jotun to secure a crucial position in Bregasland. The battle was a unparalleled disaster, with nearly a hundred Imperials executed by the Jotun, most of them Marchers or Freeborn. When previous battles had gone badly, much of the blame landed at Guntherm's door, but this time the furore was directed at the Navarr. The Marchers were adamant that the Jotun had changed their tactics, executing everyone they could, driven by their cold hate for the Dance of Blood.

By the end of the summit, few of the generals were on speaking terms and the atmosphere in the Council was funereal. Gobaith outlined a plan to entrap the advancing Jotun in [[Bregasland]], with the support of the [[the Marches|Marcher]] and Wintermark armies. Amid an air of sullen silence, the other generals reluctantly agreed to back the plan.

The ambush went devastatingly wrong. It soon became clear that the Jotun had been warned of the impending arrival of the Dance of Blood and were waiting for them, in force. Worse, no other Imperial army moved into Bregasland to support them. Only the [[Strong Reeds]] were present, but with their general giving orders to defend the territory, the Dance of Blood's attack was utterly exposed. Outnumbered more than five to one the Dance might still have survived, were it not for the presence of a [[Rivers Run Red|terrible Spring curse]] laid over the territory that poisoned the water and turned every wound lethal. The Dance were overwhelmed and utterly slaughtered. Gobaith was never seen again, widely assumed to have lost her life on the battlefield fighting alongside her beloved thorns. The Jotun were brutal and efficient, with squads of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar|Ulvenwar]] patrolling the field slaughtering every single Navarr they could catch. Those too wounded to fight were gathered together, whereupon the Jotun built a huge pyre, and burned them alive.

==Tattoos==
There was widespread shock at the Autumn Equinox, following the destruction of the Dance of Blood. The Navarr grieved for so many of their thorns lost. In other nations the mood was sombre. Rhun was incandescent and publicly confronted Guntherm during the first Senate session while he was actually sat on the throne. He shouted that he had betrayed the Dance of Blood, to which Guntherm coldly responded "You cannot betray your enemies". The room exploded into violence, blades were drawn, and open fighting erupted in the Senate chamber itself. Rhun and his supporters were cut down, and the consequences of this spread through the whole of Anvil like a wave of blood.

It seemed obvious to everyone that the Military Council had sold the Dance of Blood down the river. To the fury of the Navarr, the [[Officers_of_the_Law#Magistrates|magistrates]] confirmed that nothing illegal had happened - no [[general]] was under any obligation to submit the orders they had agreed to, therefore no crime had been committed. However the magistrates confirmed that whoever had cursed Bregasland with [[Rivers Run Red]] most likely broke the law in the process, and so the search was on for the traitors.

The [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] took three magicians of her order through the Sentinel Gate to investigate a powerful Spring [[regio]] on the banks of the Gullet called the ''Fetid Gyre'', believed to be the source of the magic. They performed numerous [[divination|divinations]] including [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] and concluded that no Imperial citizens were involved and that the magic had been enacted by the Jotun - a terrible bargain between five jarls and an unknown eternal of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] associated with the sea. According to the Grandmaster, the jarls threw themselves into the water to be devoured by sharks and in return the eternal poisoned the waters of Bregasland.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|caption=Today we might assume that the eternal referenced by the Shuttered Lantern was [[Siakha]], but it is doubtful anyone will ever know for sure.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
This story was widely believed to be untrue. A mysterious Spring eternal whose existence was hitherto unknown, and strange [[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]] dealing with eternals for their boons when Jotun were widely known to dislike magic and loathe curses? Everyone assumed that the grandmaster's account was a fabrication made up to conceal the identities of the real traitors. But every member of the order stuck to the story and insisted it was true.

The death of the Dance of Blood was a catastrophe and relations between the Emperor and the Navarr never recovered. But the terrible loss proved to be a turning point for the Empire. Emperor Guntherm signed a peace treaty with the Jotun that very summit, and Imperial armies along the front were finally able to relieve the desperate forces fighting a rear-guard action against the Druj. With the threat of the Jotun lifted, Guntherm was able to drive the Druj back, delivering a series of crushing attacks from which they would take decades to recover. The peace with the Jotun was short-lived, but it was enough to turn the tide of fortunes in the Empire's favour. Thereafter Emperor Guntherm became known as ''the Bold''.

The Navarr themselves were split. Some of the [[striding|stridings]] and [[steading|steadings]] from Therunin and [[Miaren]] believed that the Dance of Blood had made their own bed, but most kept that to themselves. The majority felt that the Empire had betrayed them, that Guntherm had sold out the Dance to the Jotun in return for peace. Unfortunately that accusation did not resonate outside the Navarr. When they appealed to others for support, the response was bitter and sullen but clear - the Dance of Blood's war with the Jotun had threatened the survival of the whole Empire. "Actions have consequences" the Navarr were repeatedly told.

Relations between the Jotun and the Navarr likewise never improved. The cruel strategies employed by the Dance left a lasting mark on the Jotun. They point-blank refused to ever speak of the campaign in Bregasland, but they never again wavered in their hatred of the Navarr. When steadings were overrun the occupants were swiftly executed, treated by the Jotun not as people, not even as enemies, but as wild dogs to be put down.
==Further Reading==
* [[Emperor Guntherm]]
* [[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm]]

Dance of Blood and Jotun consequences

2026-07-01T17:15:31Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Welcoming */

[[Category:History]][[Category:Navarr]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Watt of Lambrook.jpg|align=left|caption=Watt of Lambrook, Minister of Historical Research.|width=400}}</div>
===Introduction===
In Winter 387YE Watt of Lambrook, [[Minister of Historical Research]] commissioned the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]] to investigate the Dance of Blood. The Dance was a [[Navarr]] [[army]] who disbanded in 245YE, fighting the [[Jotun]] during the reign of [[Emperor Guntherm]]. The Dance are historically somewhat controversial, given their embrace of [[Army_qualities#Cruel|cruel and merciless tactics]].

==Welcoming==
The Dance of Blood were raised in 239YE, one of the first acts approved by the newly ascended Emperor Guntherm. The Navarr [[Senator]] for [[Hercynia]], ''Rhun Night-River'', led the contingent of the Senate that had chafed under the rule of [[Empress Mariika]] and her resolute opposition to enlarging the Imperial military. Four times they had passed a [[Senate motion|motion]] to muster a new Navarr army, and each time Marika had [[The Throne#Power of Veto|vetoed]] the motion. Rhun was known to desire [[the Throne]] and was widely expected to make a bid for it, but instead he and his fellow Navarr senators crossed the floor to support Guntherm. A new Navarr army was approved at the very next session, raised by Hercynia and seconded by [[Hahnmark]].

With popular support, it took less than a year to fund the army, but it soon encountered controversy. Rhun was a fierce advocate of the Navarr maxim that "You cannot betray your enemies" and openly advocated for Imperial armies to adopt a more ''pragmatic'' approach to war against the barbarians. When the Navarr Assembly passed a [[statement of principle]] reminding the nation that the Navarr cannot betray their enemies, it led to a [[mandate]] allowing the nation to embrace cruelty as the most effective way to defeat the barbarians.

The judgement was contentious, splitting the nations of the Empire on the issue in a manner that might be familiar to citizens who remember the arguments around the [[Iron Helms]]. Since the matter was for the Navarr Assembly only, however, there was little that other Imperial priests could do about the mandate. The [[Cardinal]] of [[Wisdom]], a [[mystic]] called ''Astor Far-Eyes'', publicly spoke against the Navarr embrace of cruel tactics, arguing that it was ill-omened and would end in disaster, but his attempts to delay the vote achieved nothing and the required [[greater majority]] was narrowly achieved. Rhun made it clear that he would use his authority as the raising senator to uphold the will of the Assembly.
<div {{Float}}><quote by="General Gobaith, General of the Dance of Blood">Thorns, our people have slumbered while our steadings are threated by the Thule. Now is the hour of our awakeninig. We will reclaim what they have taken. We will drown our spears in Thule blood. We will slaughter every orc that marches beneath a blue banenr. We will lead our enemies in the Great Dance to the doors of the Labyrinth. We will treach the Dragons to fear us.</quote></div>

==Dancing==
Once the army was ready, the Navarr senators appointed ''Gobaith of Summer's Grove'' to be general. A popular, charismatic [[brand]], adored by many [[thorn|thorns]], she was notorious for her dark humour. Described as intimidating, always dressed for battle, face painted for war at any moment, she was known as someone to be reckoned with within and without the Empire.

From the outset, the tactics employed by the Dance of Blood were uncompromising and brutal. The Navarr have often sought to ambush their enemies, preferring to use the element of surprise to defeat them. That season, the Dance of Blood went much further, poisoning wells and razing [[Thule]] settlements that would not surrender. In battle they would wound the enemy but not execute them, then lie in wait to slaughter those who came to heal them. [[Thule_lore#Warlocks|Warlocks]] in particular were singled out on the battlefield, with Gobaith looking to break the enemy's chain of command.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|caption=While the Dance of Blood is remembered for its final battle against the Jotun, the Thule have very good reasons to remember it.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
Gobaith's strategy made many people queasy, but it worked. The first season of campaigning, the forces of [[Otkodov]] were brutally drive back with many hundreds of [[orc|orcs]] slain. By the end of 243YE, the Dance was triumphant; the Empire surrounded three Thule armies in Hercynia, completely cutting them off. There was an option to allow the Thule to withdraw but Gobath seized the opportunity to trap them and began starving them out. By the time Gobaith's forces finally attacked, it was said that some of the Thule were too weak to hold a spear. The ''Earthquake Drummers'' managed to escape but the ''Path of the Gyre'' and the ''Teeth of the Blizzard'' did not. Both armies were broken by Gobaith's cruel tactics, their warriors slaughtered and their leaders executed.

Over the next two years the Dance of Blood fought mercilessly against the Thule, with only a single season to rest, they were active all the across the north of the Empire. Wherever the Thule banners marched, the Dance of Blood would lie in wait for them. Traps were set, food and water was deliberately spoiled. In one gruesome incident Navarr scouts planted infected meat in a river, upstream of the Thule camp. Scores died in agony of vomited blood. It was routine for the Navarr to pick off Thule pickets and drag them into the woods, where they would be tortured to death within earshot of their fellows, The disembowelled corpses would be left for the army to find at sunrise. The reports from the front made brutal reading, but victory had a way of quelling all the arguments.

Guntherm's support of the Navarr army is one of the reasons he gained the nickname "the Bloodthirsty", although he remained broadly popular. After years of struggle against the barbarians, citizens were eager for news of victories and the Dance of Blood certainly delivered that news.
==Unburdening==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreenShields_Colour.png|align=right|caption=Guntherm's love for the Green Shield was well known throughout the Empire.|width=250}}</div>
Had the situation remained that way, history might have been very different. But in 242YE, the Jotun launched an assault across the frozen Lake Nutjuitoq in the [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Fount|Suaq Fount]]. They were led by ''Kjorvak'', Jarl of [[Skallahn#Kierheim|Kierheim]], whose willingness to risk the untested ice allowed him to take the Wintermark defenders by surprise. Emperor Guntherm led the [[Green Shield]] on campaign against them, but both armies were attacked by a large Thule force. In the resulting panic, Guntherm and Kjorvak ended up fighting together against the Thule, [[Campaigns_of_Emperor_Guntherm#The_Jarl_of_Kierheim|forging a battlefield alliance]] with the Jotun and together they drove the Thule off. Out of respect for Guntherm, the Jarl withdraw his forces, but a strange friendship blossomed from the battle. Although the Jotun and the Empire were still at war, the two continued to exchange winged messages in the seasons that followed.

Rather than attack Wintermark, the Jotun invaded [[Liathaven]] in 243YE. The [[territory]] had been relatively peaceful, at least as peaceful as a land cursed by the [[vallorn]] can be. The Jotun quickly captured [[Liathaven#West Ranging|West Ranging]] and threatened both [[Liathaven#Westwood|Westwood]] and [[Liathaven#Liath Ring|Liath Ring]]. The attacks shook the Navarr, and caused widespread outrage after hundreds of Navarr were forced to accept life as a thrall by the invading Jotun. Gobaith swore to take her army south and unleash the same terror against the Jotun that had proved so effective against the Thule.

Gobaith's counter-attack clearly took the Jotun by surprise and her forces were able to take thirty Jotun prisoner. After the [[Civil Service|civil service]] assessed the options, the prognosticators laid out two clear choices. The Navarr general could let the Jotun go, which would create an [[opportunity]] to make peace with the Jotun, or they could be executed to spread fear through the enemies of the Empire in the west.

It was explicit that the more fearsome the deaths, the bigger the impact would be on Jotun morale. Gobaith led a contingent of her supporters through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to deal with the prisoners, and returned having drowned them. According to the exaggerated and embroidered stories that spread in the wake of the incident, they were drowned in vats of blood. This tale was widely believed, despite the unusual public notice issued by the civil service indicating that the Jotun had in fact been drowned in water.

Of all the ways the prisoners might have been dealt with, this was far and away one of the worst from the Jotun point of view. The western orcs have an abject fear of the sea, apparently in the belief that those who drown can never pass over the [[Howling Abyss]] and are thus condemned to oblivion. The fear is so endemic in their culture that most Jotun refuse to even contemplate setting foot on the water and the few ships they own are invariably operated by thralls. The cruelty of the Dance of Blood shook the Jotun to the core, weakening every single one of their armies and making it easier for the Empire to claim territory from them all along the western front for the next year.

Even so, the actions were ''hugely'' divisive. The Assembly of Nine called Gobaith to [[inquisition]], claiming her actions were fundamentally unvirtuous. As the denouement of the inquisition, they called for the Tribune and [[revocation|revoked]] the general with primacy in front of a huge crowd. Unfortunately word of the Nine's plans had leaked and Rhun and his fellow senators were waiting in the audience. They quickly stepped forward and reappointed her on the spot, in defiance of the Assembly's will.

Outside [[Anvil]], the executions outraged the Jotun. The Dance were already notorious, but the actions led to a blood-feud between the Jotun and the Navarr. Casualty rates on campaign shot up, as both sides refused to offer quarter to the other. In particular, there were several incidents where the actions of the Dance of Blood lead directly to the death of numbers of Jotun thralls, driving the western orcs to the verge of frenzy. Their religion outlaws the killing of thralls under any circumstances, and so it is no surprise that the Jotun quickly began referring to the Navarr as the "Imperial Druj". To the Jotun this was the gravest insult they could throw, but Gobaith and her army wore the epithet as a badge of Pride.

==Binding==
With the enemy on the backfoot, the Empire continued to push the Jotun back throughout 244YE. Rather than back away from her cruel tactics, Gobaith doubled down, arguing that they were working and that for the first time in ''years'' the Empire was winning. Supporters of the army, and there were many, pointed to the key successes they were having. Thanks to the Dance of Blood, the Empire were pushing the Jotun back in Wintermark, and elsewhere. The recent war with the [[Druj]] had been marked by a number of appalling massacres which had horrified citizens across the Empire, including one notorious incident where a score of brave citizens venturing through the Sentinel Gate were all captured and execucted by the Druj. When the heroes rallied out to battle the next day they were forced to encounter the bodies of their fallen comrades impaled on spears. Such atrocities were commonplace and frankly surpassed anything that Gobaith and her supporters had enacted, but there were many who said that adopting the strategy of the Druj was the only way to win. The Empire had to meet fire with fire, they argued.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Agramant.jpg|caption=Agramant encourages atrocious acts in the name of survival, but publically denied any responsibility for the atrocious acts being taken by the Dance of Blood.|align=left|width=250}}</div>
Critics, and there were many, claimed that the Dance of Blood didn't just embrace cruelty, they revelled in it. There were frequent accusations of ''[[Agramant|Agramantism]]'' (wilfully entreating with the eternal Agramant), so much so that they were actually refuted by the [[eternal]] themselves, who took the unprecedented step of issuing a public statement to the [[Conclave]] on a bloody scrap of flayed skin. The statement claimed that ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' had <u>absolutely nothing</u> to do with the horrors committed by the Dance of Blood (which some people believed) and that ''Howler'' was shocked by what was happening (which no one believed). That said, and in a manner typical of the ''Wastewalker'', the statement ended with an offer to create an [[opportunity]] for ''every'' Imperial army to become cruel, if the Conclave would only accept his boon. The resulting vote was rejected, but the level of support for Agramant's offer surprised and alarmed many.

The Emperor tried desperately to rain Gobaith in, largely without success. Gobaith's tactics had upset many Winterfolk with [[scop|scops]] and [[stormcrow|stormcrows]] claiming they were [[heroism|unheroic]] and the mystics forecasting doom from the twisted skeins of those involved. Politically, Guntherm was clearly compromised by the nature of the attacks, which resulted in outraged communications from the Jotun who felt the Empire's actions betrayed the burgeoning friendship between the Emperor and the Jarl of Keirheim.

Ignoring the Emperor's protests, Gobaith continued to perpetrate the war with a ferocious intensity with the Dance of Blood brutally slaughtering any Jotun they could find. In response, the Jotun became increasingly desperate. Enraged by the actions of the army, they lost much of their typical iron discipline and began to lash out wildly. The Dance became a red rag to the Jotun bull, driving their warriors into a violent fury in any campaign where the Navarr army took part. By the end of the year the Empire had inflicted three decisive defeats on Jotun forces, however.

The Empire were winning the war against the Jotun and while the strategy continued to cause concern for some, and personal problems for the Throne, criticism of the army was muted by their successes. But in 245YE, the situation changed dramatically when [[Holberg]] and [[Therunin]] were invaded by a huge force of Druj.

==Vows==
The invasion split the Empire. The West was secure with more territory in Imperial hands than at any point in the Empire's history. But the East was collapsing with region after region falling to the Druj. Armies marched east, but Gobiath refused to stop attacking, arguing that the Empire should crush the Jotun while they had the chance and ''then'' turn their attention to the Druj. Crucially she argued it was impossible to stop now and if the Empire pulled back then all the territory they had gained would be reclaimed by the Jotun.

In Senate, Emperor Guntherm publicly vowed to make peace with the Jotun, so that the East might be saved, but the Jotun refused all attempts to negotiate. Driven wild by the deaths of their thralls at the hands of the Dance of Blood, their contemptuous replies claimed they would never stop fighting until every Imperial Druj was dead.

There were rumbles that Gobaith would be [[Writ of Excommunication|excommunicated]], but it was clear to many that the Synod simply didn't have the numbers. The general was a hero to many Navarr, but they were also popular with enough [[Varushka|Varuskhan]] and [[the League|League]] priests that action was impossible. There was discussion of revoking Rhun but the assumption was that she would simply be reappointed just as she had last time. Guntherm's habit of assuming [[The_Throne#Defender of the Empire|personal control]] of the Green Shields made it impossible for him to take over the Dance of Blood, even if he had been inclined to risk the outspoken opposition of the Navarr nation by doing so.

The situation continued to deteriorate, not in the West, where the Empire were clearly winning, but in the East, where the Druj were advancing on Holberg itself. It was clear the Empire needed to do something, but nobody could agree what. Guntherm and his supporters were demanding that Gobaith cease their attacks on the Jotum so that the Empire could try to make peace - but senators from Navarr and [[Dawn]] openly called for the Dance go further, to force the Jotun to surrender.

The Dance continued to exact a merciless assault every season, but it was increasingly unsuccessful; it was clear by now that the Jotun were ready for their strategy and beginning to adapt to it. More than that, they were actively seeking to engage with the Dance any chance they could get. Stripped of the opportunity to catch the Jotun off guard, the Dance took (and inflicted) heavy casualties as the enemy risked everything to destroy their hated enemy.

The general's orders caused a slow erosion of their support in the [[Military Council]], as it became increasingly apparent that their strategy was making any détente with the Jotun impossible. Gobaith was utterly unrepentant however. She boasted that the Dance of Blood was the only Imperial army to claim victory in every campaign it had fought in. She verbally sparred with Guntherm in Council, at one point going so far as to imply that his loyalties were to the Jotun and not to the Empire. She vowed that she would not stop her war until every Jotun was dead. In response he called her "the real enemy", saying her brutal war against the Jotun was to sate her lust for blood and going to destroy the Empire.

==Funerals==
The fall of the Dance of Blood came after the Summer Solstice in 245YE. The military situation had continued to deteriorate and there was talk in some quarters of revoking Guntherm himself. He was blamed for losing control of the Military Council - with the Empire now furiously engaged on three fronts, it was becoming clear that they could not win, but nobody could agree which territories should be abandoned. Even if Gobaith had wanted a way out, she was trapped by her vows, forced to stay engaged, locked in ever more bloody war against the Jotun.

The summer muster was brutal with screaming and shouting and grew worse from there. The first battle through the gate was a sortie against the Jotun to secure a crucial position in Bregasland. The battle was a unparalleled disaster, with nearly a hundred Imperials executed by the Jotun, most of them Marchers or Freeborn. When previous battles had gone badly, much of the blame landed at Guntherm's door, but this time the furor was directed at the Navarr. The Marchers were adamant that the Jotun had changed their tactics, executing everyone they could, driven by their cold hate for the Dance of Blood.

By the end of the summit, few of the generals were on speaking terms and the atmosphere in the Council was funereal. Gobaith outlined a plan to entrap the advancing Jotun in [[Bregasland]], with the support of the [[the Marches|Marcher]] and Wintermark armies. Amid an air of sullen silence, the other generals reluctantly agreed to back the plan.

The ambush went devastatingly wrong. It soon became clear that the Jotun had been warned of the impending arrival of the Dance of Blood and were waiting for them, in force. Worse, no other Imperial army moved into Bregasland to support them. Only the [[Strong Reeds]] were present, but with their general giving orders to defend the territory, the Dance of Blood's attack was utterly exposed. Outnumbered more than five to one the Dance might still have survived, were it not for the presence of a [[Rivers Run Red|terrible Spring curse]] laid over the territory that poisoned the water and turned every wound lethal. The Dance were overwhelmed and utterly slaughtered. Gobaith was never seen again, widely assumed to have lost her life on the battlefield fighting alongside her beloved thorns. The Jotun were brutal and efficient, with squads of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar|Ulvenwar]] patrolling the field slaughtering every single Navarr they could catch. Those too wounded to fight were gathered together, whereupon the Jotun built a huge pyre, and burned them alive.

==Tatoos==
There was widespread shock at the Autumn Equinox, following the destruction of the Dance of Blood. The Navarr grieved for so many of their thorns lost. In other nations the mood was sombre. Rhun was incandescent and publicly confronted Guntherm during the first Senate session while he was actually sat on the throne. He shouted that he had betrayed the Dance of Blood, to which Gunthem coldly responded "You cannot betray your enemies". The room exploded into violence, blades were drawn, and open fighting erupted in the Senate chamber itself. Rhun and his supporters were cut down, and the consequences of this spread through the whole of Anvil like a wave of blood.

It seemed obvious to everyone that the Military Council had sold the Dance of Blood down the river. To the fury of the Navarr, the [[Officers_of_the_Law#Magistrates|magistrates]] confirmed that nothing illegal had happened - no [[general]] was under any obligation to submit the orders they had agreed to, therefore no crime had been committed. However the magistrates confirmed that whoever had cursed Bregasland with [[Rivers Run Red]] most likely broke the law in the process, and so the search was on for the traitors.

The [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] took three magicians of her order through the Sentinel Gate to investigate a powerful Spring [[regio]] on the banks of the Gullet called the ''Fetid Gyre'', believed to be the source of the magic. They performed numerous [[divination|divinations]] including [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] and concluded that no Imperial citizens were involved and that the magic had been enacted by the Jotun - a terrible bargain between five jarls and an unknown eternal of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] associated with the sea. According to the Grandmaster, the jarls threw themselves into the water to be devoured by sharks and in return the eternal poisoned the waters of Bregasland.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|caption=Today we might assume that the eternal referenced by the Shuttered Lantern was [[Siakha]], but it is doubtful anyone will ever know for sure.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
This story was widely believed to be untrue. A mysterious Spring eternal whose existence was hitherto unknown, and strange [[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]] dealing with eternals for their boons when Jotun were widely known to dislike magic and loathe curses? Everyone assumed that the grandmaster's account was a fabrication made up to conceal the identities of the real traitors. But every member of the order stuck to the story and insisted it was true.

The death of the Dance of Blood was a catastrophe and relations between the Emperor and the Navarr never recovered. But the terrible loss proved to be a turning point for the Empire. Emperor Guntherm signed a peace treaty with the Jotun that very summit, and Imperial armies along the front were finally able to relieve the desperate forces fighting a rearguard action against the Druj. With the threat of the Jotun lifted, Guntherm was able to drive the Druj back, delivering a series of crushing attacks from which they would take decades to recover. The peace with the Jotun was short-lived, but it was enough to turn the tide of fortunes in the Empire's favour. Thereafter Emperor Guntherm became known as ''the Bold''.

The Navarr themselves were split. Some of the [[striding|stridings]] and [[steading|steadings]] from Therunin and [[Miaren]] believed that the Dance of Blood had made their own bed, but most kept that to themselves. The majority felt that the Empire had betrayed them, that Guntherm had sold out the Dance to the Jotun in return for peace. Unfortunately that accusation did not resonate outside the Navarr. When they appealed to others for support, the response was bitter and sullen but clear - the Dance of Blood's war with the Jotun had threatened the survival of the whole Empire. "Actions have consequences" the Navarr were repeatedly told.

Relations between the Jotun and the Navarr likewise never improved. The cruel strategies employed by the Dance left a lasting mark on the Jotun. They point-blank refused to ever speak of the campaign in Bregasland, but they never again wavered in their hatred of the Navarr. When steadings were overrun the occupants were swiftly executed, treated by the Jotun not as people, not even as enemies, but as wild dogs to be put down.
==Further Reading==
* [[Emperor Guntherm]]
* [[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm]]

Sanctions

2026-06-29T22:17:18Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Area Ban */

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<box>
This is our page on the sanctions we may impose if we determine our conduct rules have been breached. Additional key links:
*[[Conduct|Conduct rules]]
*[[Reporting a conduct problem]]
</box>
</div>
==Overview==
If we are satisfied that a person's behaviour violates our [[conduct]] rules, our conduct team will decide what course of action is appropriate to take. This page outlines the sanctions the conduct team can impose, as well as a range of [[#Additional Restrictions|additional restrictions]] we may put in place if we issue a [[#formal Warning|formal warning]].

We may also issue cautions, formal warnings or bans for [[Playing_the_game#Cheating|cheating]] or for non-payment of ticket fees. (Reports about cheating are investigated and dealt with by the Empire [[referee]] team rather than the conduct team. Issues such as non-payment, drug abuse at events, or breaches of terms and conditions are dealt with by the Profound Decisions management team.)

All details of any sanctions issued by Profound Decisions are [[Reporting_a_conduct_problem#Confidentiality|subject to our rules for confidentiality]].
__TOC__
==Cautions, Warnings and Bans==
* '''The conduct team will review reported breaches of the conduct rules'''
* '''They will decide whether to issue a caution, a formal warning, or permanent ban'''
*'''They will not issue a caution or formal warning if the person who made the report has asked them not to'''
* '''A permanent record is kept of all reports and investigations'''

If we are satisfied that a person's behaviour violates our [[conduct]] rules then our conduct team will issue either a [[Sanctions#Caution|caution]], a [[Sanctions#Formal_Warning|formal warning]], or a [[Sanctions#Permanent_Ban|ban]], depending on the nature and severity of the incident.

The conduct team will not impose a caution on an individual or give them a formal warning if you have asked us not to do so. We will only override your request if we feel we need to permanently ban someone to remove a substantial risk of serious harm.

We keep a permanent record of all reports and investigation to allow us to identify patterns of behaviour over time.

===Caution===
* '''A caution will be issued in any situation where we judge the breach of our conduct rules is unintentional and is also minor or historical in nature'''
*'''If we issue a caution, we may also impose additional restrictions on roleplaying or access to areas at events'''

If the reported behaviour was an isolated incident that could be construed as acceptable by someone making an honest mistake, or if we consider it reasonable that the individual might not have appreciated that their behaviour was unacceptable at the time it took place, then we are likely to issue them with a caution.

The caution system is designed on the principle that most of us make mistakes at one time or another. Our goal is to ensure that they understand clearly what they did wrong and that they engage positively with us to ensure that there are no further problems.

In some circumstances, if we issue a caution, we may also impose a range of additional [[#Additional Restrictions|restrictions]]. These are always tailored to the specific details of the report, either to further reduce the chance of any repetition of the reported behaviour, or to provide additional reassurance for the safety of any injured party.

If we receive a report about an individual for the same behaviour they have been cautioned for in the past, then we may issue that player with a [[#formal Warning|formal warning]].

===Formal Warning===
* '''A formal warning is issued any time a breach of conduct is serious or intentional'''
* '''If we issue a formal warning, we may also impose additional restrictions on roleplaying or access to areas at events'''
* '''Any individual who is due to receive a second formal warning is likely to be permanently banned'''

If the reported behaviour was part of a pattern of unacceptable behaviour, if it was serious in nature, or if we judge that the behaviour was deliberate, then we will issue the participant with a formal warning.

The subject of a formal warning ''must'' avoid repeating the behaviour in future to avoid receiving a permanent ban.

If we issue a formal warning, we may impose a range of additional [[#Additional Restrictions|restrictions]]. These are always tailored to the specific details of the report, either to further reduce the chance of any repetition of the offence, or to provide additional reassurance for the safety of any injured party.

If someone has received a formal warning, any further reports about their behaviour may result in a permanent ban. It is standard practice for the conduct team to escalate a formal warning to a ban in any of the following circumstances:

* If there is a second report, from another participant, that someone has repeated behaviour they have already received a formal warning for
* Any subsequent behaviour that the conduct team judges would result in a second formal warning
* Any recriminations towards the person who made the report

In some cases, the conduct team will issue an immediate [[#permanent ban|ban]] for a first offence. These are cases where the conduct team has judged that an incident is serious and the facts are beyond reasonable doubt, or where we believe someone represents a significant risk to the safety of participants at our events.

===Permanent Ban===
* '''A permanent ban can be issued where the conduct team judge that someone represents a significant risk to the safety of participants at events'''
*'''A permanent ban can be also issued where the incident is very serious and the conduct team believe the facts are inarguable'''
*'''A permanent ban can be also issued when the same behaviour is repeated after a formal warning'''
* '''Banned participants may not attend any further Empire events, or participate in any Profound Decisions moderated online communities'''
* '''If an individual represents an immediate risk to others at an event, our security team may make them leave site immediately'''

We will issue a permanent ban when the conduct team judge that a participant represents a significant risk to the safety of participants at events. We will also issue a ban where the team judge a violation of our conduct rules is very serious and inarguable, or where the behaviour is repeated after a formal warning has already been issued.

In most cases, we will write to the participant to indicate that they can no longer attend events. If we judge that an individual represents an immediate risk at an event, then our security team will make them leave site immediately. We will provide support sufficient to allow a banned participant to leave site and return home or reach the nearest public transport terminus, whichever is easier.

If a participant is banned, their character will be retired and any credit on their account will be refunded. They will not be able to attend any future events. Participants who are banned will be removed from all online Empire spaces which are moderated by Profound Decisions crew.

Any ban that is issued for a breach of our conduct rules is permanent, unless we receive compelling new evidence that our team were mistaken. Bans issued for cheating or non-payment of ticket fees may be revisited in cases where we believe it appropriate to do so.

==Additional Restrictions==
* '''If we issue a participant with a sanction, we also may impose additional restrictions on their behaviour'''
* '''Additional restrictions prohibit access to specific game areas, types of roleplay, or player interaction'''
* '''Any deliberate breach of an additional restriction that we identify will result in a permanent ban'''

In some cases, where we issue a caution or formal warning, we may also impose one or more additional restrictions. These limit what an individual can do at events - for example, where they can go, how they can roleplay or who they can roleplay with.

Additional restrictions can seem difficult to enforce at a large event like Empire - but they provide additional guidance to participants who have already received a caution or formal warning. Most of our participants don't want to get permanently banned, so additional restrictions require them to change their behaviour to eliminate that risk. They know that if any deliberate breach of the restriction is identified, they will receive a permanent ban.

Additional restrictions are introduced to achieve one or more of the following goals:

* To give space and peace of mind to people who have been left distressed or intimidated by their behaviour
* To require the person who has been sanctioned to ensure they observe very clear boundaries in future
* To avoid repeat incidents where someone has demonstrated an inability to follow the rules

The point of additional restrictions is '''not''' to 'enhance a punishment', or to enact IC consequences for OC breaches of the conduct rules. We will not take away an individual's title or position in the game as punishment - it will only be done in response to a perceived need to meet one or more of the above criteria.

Examples of some additional restrictions:

* Someone whose roleplay has left another participant distressed may be banned from interacting with them
* Someone who regularly behaves badly after become intoxicated at events may be banned from drinking
* Someone who repeatedly fails to pull blows when fighting may be banned from taking the battlefield
* Someone who repeatedly causes distress when roleplaying romance may be banned from engaging in romantic roleplay

If we determine that a participant has deliberately breached any additional restrictions they are under, then they will receive a permanent ban.

If we plan to impose additional restrictions following a report to the conduct team, we will only do so after discussing it with the person who made the report and with their agreement. Any restrictions will always be tailored for a specific case, but most will conform to one or more of the following broad templates.

===Interaction Ban===
* '''We may ban a participant from interacting with a specific individual as far as possible'''
* '''They must not approach any medium sized group (around 12 or fewer people) that includes that individual'''
* '''They must not initiate a conversation with that individual'''
* '''They must avoid entering that individual's group camp'''
*'''They must not engage in PvP of any kind with that individual'''
*'''They must avoid interacting with that individual online wherever possible'''

The restricted player may still attend large communal gatherings like Conclave, the Senate, the Forge Tavern, or a nation muster or out-of-character areas such as GOD. In any situation like this, they must make all reasonable efforts to stay a significant distance away - they should stand at the other side of the room/tent/clearing.

This restriction does not prohibit a player from going on a battle or a large skirmish, but it does restrict who they can talk to and interact with on the battlefield. This means it would be impossible to participate in a tent-quest or a small skirmish (under 20 people) if the other party is participating.

The restricted player's character may not engage in player-versus-player (PvP) activities with the other party. They may not attempt to harm the other party's character in any way. If the other party's character holds an in-character title, the restricted player may not attempt to have them revoked, replaced, or similar.

The restricted player should avoid interacting with the other person in any Profound Decisions official online communities. They must refrain from sending them emails, private messages, or texts, unless there is a legitimate need to do so.

These additional restrictions are superficially similar to a [[Must_avoid_policy|must-avoid order]], but the fundamental difference is that the restrictions are only imposed on one party.

===Area Ban===
* '''We may ban a participant from being involved with a game area such as Conclave or the Senate'''
* '''A participant who is banned from a game area cannot hold any title associated with that part of the game'''
* '''We may also ban a participant from entering one or more specific areas on site'''
*'''An area ban remains in force during time-in and time-out, even when an area is empty'''

We may ban a participant from any involvement with a game area. For example, we may prohibit a player from getting involved with the [[Senate]], the [[The_Academy|Academy]], or the [[Conclave]].

The participant may not hold any Imperial title associated with the restricted game area. For example, if a player is prohibited from participating in the Senate, then they cannot stand for or hold the title of [[Senator]], [[Conscience of the Senate]], [[Master of the Mint]], [[The Throne]], [[Imperial Magus]], etc. If the restricted party currently holds title in the prohibited game area, they will need to resign that position.

We may also ban someone from entering a specific nation camp. This ban applies throughout the event - including before and after time-in. A participant cannot be restricted from accessing their own nation camp, but they cannot join any nation whose camp they are banned from entering. In some circumstances, we might ban an individual from a specific location, such as the Varushkan hearth fire or the Imperial Orc fighting pit, or from joining game activities like Navarr's Songs and Stories or the Dawn Tourney. An area ban remains in force at all times, even when the location is empty.

If appropriate, we may ban a participant from going to a specific group camp, provided it is possible for them to reliably know where the camp is.

===Roleplay and Activity Ban===
* '''We may ban a participant from engaging in specific forms of roleplay such as romance'''
* '''We may ban a participant from engaging in specific activites such as grappling'''
Empire explicitly includes a [[Playing_the_game#Behaviour_while_In-character|range of mature themes]] which require consideration to be roleplayed appropriately. We may impose a ban that restricts a player from engaging in a specific form of roleplaying if we feel that they are not able to judge the boundaries appropriately.

For example, we may ban a player from engaging in romantic or amorous roleplaying if they have demonstrated that they have difficulty in ensuring that they have obtained informed enthusiastic consent in advance.

We may also impose a ban prohibiting a player from engaging in specific activity at an event. If an individual's consumption of alcohol is causing problems, we may ban them from drinking at events. If a player violates our grappling rules, we may ban them from grappling at events.

===Duration===
* '''When the conduct team issues additional restrictions, they are usually permanent'''
* '''Restrictions imposed by other teams, for example for cheating, may have a fixed duration'''

By default, any additional restrictions imposed by the conduct team are permanent, subject to agreement with the individual who reported the behaviour to us. Restrictions imposed by other teams may be permanent or they may expire after a fixed period of time. For example, we may ban someone from the battlefield for a year for cheating.

{{Conduct Further Reading}}

Imperial treasury

2026-06-23T22:37:13Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Total per season */

<quote by="The Imperial Constitution">Each citizen that owns land or property will tithe annually wealth equal to a single crown(6) to be used in service of the Empire that protects them.</quote>

==Overview==
The Empire receives taxation drawn from each of the territories under its control. Added to this are donations by private citizens and the proceeds of any auctions carried out by the [[Bourse]]. This money forms the Imperial treasury and is under the control of the [[Senate]]. They must be careful however, for the treasury will be called on to pay for the upkeep of the Imperials armies, fortifications and other Senate motions.

==Taxation==
Taxation is fixed according to the terms of the [[Imperial Constitution]] which mandates the tax that every citizen who owns property in the Empire must pay. Attempts to change the level of taxation - or introduce new taxes - have always been ruled unconstitutional. As a result it is not possible for the Senate to pass motions that change the level of taxation coming into the treasury from existing territories.

The amount of taxation raised varies by territory. Populous lands like the city of Sarvos and the surrounding regions are filled with many prosperous businesses - and as a result they provide a great deal of tax. In contrast territories with much smaller populations on the fringes of the Empire, like the icy regions of Sermersuaq, provide very little.

===New Territories===
When a territory is conquered by the Empire then it will be subject to taxation by the civil service. It can take several seasons for Imperial control to be fully established in a territory so the taxation derived from a territory will usually rise in the first year of Imperial rule. In some cases, where a territory has suffered badly from war or other turmoil that has damaged the infrastructure in the area, it may be possible for the Senate to pass motions to rebuild what has been lost. This will help the territory recover more quickly which means the taxes flowing to the Senate reach their final level more quickly.

This exception to the normal rules on raising taxation, is an [[opportunity]], it only arises as a result of plot. It only increases the speed with which the taxation reaches its final level, it does not increase the final amount raised by a territory.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="The Imperial Constitution">The funds raised by the Bourse through distribution of its estates will remit what profit they can support to the Senate.</quote></div>
==Bourse Auctions==
The ''profits'' derived from auctioning off the rights to control the Bourse seats and related titles are incorporated into the Imperial treasury. Although the payments are added to the income of the treasury the season after the seat is auctioned, the full amount is not guaranteed. The auction represents a contract between the Empire and the citizen who wins the auction for the following year. If the Empire is not able to complete the agreement for any reason - for example if there are insufficient funds in the Imperial treasury to operate the Bourse resource - then the auction money must be repaid. The amount refunded to the citizen is in proportion to the number of seasons of lost production.

==Donations==
Individual citizens are entitled to make donations to the Imperial treasury. Significant donations are usually announced on the floor of the Senate - so that everyone is aware of the benevolence. Although sizeable donations are rare - they are not uncommon in times of crisis when the Empire lacks the funds to pay for its armies - or when individual citizens wish to advance their personal standing for whatever reason.

Although it is common for the Senate to choose to disburse funds to Imperial citizens in times of plenty - often of an amount equal to an earlier donation in times of crisis - such arrangements cannot be enforced with a legal contract because it has repeatedly been ruled unconstitutional for the Empire to borrow money and thus go into debt. A private arrangement between individuals is fine - but it cannot carry legal weight or standing using a Senate motion or similar device.

'''OOC Note:''' Anyone wishing to donate to the treasury should [[GOD#Resource_hand-in|hand-in]] their money and email {{plot}} after the event. Donations are added to the previous event's Senate sessions page with the name of the character responsible for the donation. It is only possible to make donations in thrones.

==Total per season==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
!Season!!Budget!!Donations
|-
|[[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|387YE Winter]]||1519 thrones and 6 crowns||55 thrones
|-
|[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|387YE Autumn]]||1180 thrones and 2 crowns||40 thrones
|-
|[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|387YE Summer]]||658 thrones and 6 crowns||155 thrones
|-
|[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|387YE Spring]]||1287 thrones and 6 crowns||150 thrones
|-
|[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|386YE Winter]]||681 thrones and 2 crowns||117 thrones
|-
|[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|386YE Autumn]]||751 thrones and 2 crowns||100 thrones
|-
|[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|386YE Summer]]||310 thrones and 2 crowns||28 thrones
|-
|[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|386YE Spring]]||1406 thrones||200 thrones
|-
|[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|385YE Winter]]||601 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|385YE Autumn]]||602 thrones and 4 crowns||25 thrones
|-
|[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|385YE Summer]]||606 thrones and 6 crowns||None
|-
|[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|385YE Spring]]||1990 thrones||88 thrones
|-
|[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|384YE Winter]]||1184 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|384YE Autumn]]||1702 thrones and 2 crowns||28 thrones
|-
|[[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|384YE Summer]]||205 thrones and 6 crowns||38 thrones
|-
|[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|384YE Spring]]||2612 thrones and 2 crowns||28 thrones
|-
|[[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|383YE Winter]]||1994 thrones||84 thrones
|-
|[[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|383YE Autumn]]||1949 thrones and 2 crowns||38 thrones
|-
|[[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|383YE Summer]]||397 thrones and 2 crowns||38 thrones
|-
|[[383YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|383YE Spring]]||1636 thrones and 4 crowns||58 thrones
|-
|[[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|382YE Winter]]||1052 thrones and 2 crowns||10 thrones
|-
|[[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|382YE Autumn]]||961 thrones and 4 crowns||10 thrones
|-
|[[382YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|382YE Summer]]||806 thrones and 4 crowns||8 thrones
|-
|[[382YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|382YE Spring]]||1514 thrones and 4 crowns||175 thrones
|-
|[[381YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|381YE Winter]]||1433 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[381YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|381YE Autumn]]||1045 thrones||60 thrones
|-
|[[381YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|381YE Summer]]||114 thrones||137 thrones
|-
|[[381YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|381YE Spring]]||357 thrones and 6 crowns||None
|-
|[[380YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|380YE Winter]]||1338 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|380YE Autumn]]||899 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[380YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|380YE Summer]]||1065 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[380YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|380YE Spring]]||1181 thrones||3 thrones and 4 crowns
|-
|[[379YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|379YE Winter]]||1534 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[379YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|379YE Autumn]]||1304 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[379YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|379YE Summer]]||681 thrones||None
|-
|[[379YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|379YE Spring]]||1333 thrones||91 thrones and 4 crowns
|-
|[[378YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|378YE Winter]]||1525 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[378YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|378YE Autumn]]||1390 thrones and 4 crowns||100 thrones
|-
|[[378YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|378YE Summer]]||837 thrones||None
|-
|[[378YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|378YE Spring]]||1163 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[377YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|377YE Winter]]||243 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[377YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|377YE Autumn]]||222 thrones and 4 crowns||None
|-
|[[377YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|377YE Summer]]||167 thrones||None
|-
|[[377YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Treasury|377YE Spring]]||173 thrones||None
|-
|[[376YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Treasury|376YE Winter]]||200 thrones||None
|-
|}

==Disbursements==
The Senate is able to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Imperial_Treasury|pass a motion to disburse funds from the Imperial treasury]]. In this way funds can be given to a senator to spend on behalf of the Empire. They can also allocate a [[Senate_motion#Budget|budget]] as part of another motion where appropriate if a senator requests. Once funds have been transferred from the treasury, then they become the legal property of the recipient.

The Senate cannot disburse funds it does not have. A running tally of the current level of the Imperial treasury is made available by the civil service during a [[Senate session]].

==Outgoings==
Before any disbursements can be made, the treasury will allocate sufficient funds to pay for any regular expenditure that will occur in the coming season. These include the upkeep for every [[Army]] as well as fortifications, spy networks, Bourse resources and the like, as well as stipends for Imperial titles and the costs associated with the upkeep of the Empire.

If there is insufficient funds to pay for the Empire's commitments then the Senate can use the summit to address the situation. They may either increase the Imperial treasury by procuring sufficient donations from private citizens - or they need to pass motions to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogate one or more of the Empire's commitments.]]. For example, if the Empire choose to abrogate the motion to raise an army - then the army will be disbanded - and the Empire will no longer be obliged to meet the ongoing upkeep costs.

If the Senate are not able to pass enough motions of abrogation to balance the books, then at the end of the summit, the civil service will automatically abrogate sufficient motions to bring the Senate in line with its constitutional requirements not to go into debt. Which motions have been abrogated will be announced by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Auditor of the Imperial treasury]] at the conclusion of the final Senate session. The civil service have the power to choose - but by tradition they will abrogate the fewest number of motions of commission first, provided this will increase the size of the Imperial treasury. When armies or fortifications are abrogated, this is done starting with the one on the lowest fighting strength first.

The effects of abrogation very depending on the commission.

===Spy Networks===
The upkeep of spy networks is small but essential to maintain the secrecy of the network. If the motion to abrogate a spy network is abrogated then the spy network will be revealed to the power that controls the territory it is in. Foreign nations have responded negatively on discovering an Imperial spy network in their lands in the past.

===Fortifications===
A fortification that is abrogated will see its garrison stood down and the bastion begin to degrade. The bastion of an abrogated fortification does not disappear, but it will lose 10% of its total integrity each season that it is not maintained. More crucially, the bastion can be easily captured by any enemy armies in the vicinity since it is not defended. The decay will continue each season until the fortification collapses, is captured or is re-commissioned.

===Imperial armies===
If the motion to raise an army is abrogated, then the army is disbanded. It no longer exists, exactly as if it had been destroyed.

===Bourse Resources===
It is possible for the Senate to abrogate a Bourse resource. However a resource that has been auctioned through the Imperial Bourse will normally provide more money than it costs to upkeep. This income must be returned if the resource is abrogated, so doing so will usually worsen the Senate's debt - rather than improve it.

===Stipends===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Stipends'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Asavea]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Axos]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Faraden]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Jarm]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to Otkodov]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Captain of the Senate Guard]]</td><td>5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Captain of the Throne Guard]]</td><td>10 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[High Bard of the Empire]]</td><td>1 throne</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[High Exorcist]]</td><td>4 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Imperial Consul]]</td><td>5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Imperial Seer]]</td><td>40 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies|Quartermaster General]]</td><td>300 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Seer of the Gateway]]</td><td>2 thrones</td></tr>
</table></div>
The Senate may abrogate an Imperial title that includes a stipend - or pass a motion to modify the title to strip the stipend from it. No disbursements or stipends will be issued by the civil service while the Senate remains in debt, no matter what motions are passed.

==The Audit==
The budget of the Empire - the complete list of all incoming and outgoing expenses is compiled and maintained by the civil service. The final total - the size of the debt or the amount of credit in the treasury is available to any member of the Senate - but the breakdown is shared by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Auditor of the Imperial Treasury]] with the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] during a meeting that takes place each summit.

{{Senate Further Reading}}
[[Category:Bourse]]
[[Category:Senate]]

388YE Summer Solstice interlude

2026-06-17T21:34:06Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Swords Against Darkness */

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

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

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

'''The deadline for Downtime submissions is midnight on Tuesday the 23<sup>rd</sup> of June'''
==Choices==
* '''During the Spring Equinox, there were a number of Senate motions, Conclave declarations, Synod judgements, and Military Council orders'''
Each summit the [[Senate]] raises and votes on [[Senate motion|motions]], the [[Conclave]] debates [[declaration|declarations]], the assemblies of the [[Synod]] discuss [[judgement|judgements]], and the [[general|generals]] of the [[Military Council]] issue [[Army orders|orders]] to their [[Army|armies]]. You can find details of these many decisions here:
* [[388YE Spring Equinox Senate sessions|Senate sessions]]
* [[388YE Spring Equinox Synod judgements|Synod judgements]]
* [[388YE Spring Equinox Conclave sessions|Conclave sessions]]
* [[388YE Spring Equinox Military Council orders|Military Council orders]]
The Civil Service is responsible for ensuring that these motions, judgements, declarations, and orders are public knowledge. Not everything is widely distributed across the Empire, but any character who attends [[Anvil]] can easily find out details of what went on in the houses of power during the event.

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

The Guerdon was announced at '''350 Thrones'''.

This season, the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Assign_the_Guerdon|announced]] that shares of the Guerdon will be shared between military units supporting the following armies and action:

* [[Argent Sword]] in [[Mareave]]
* [[Drakes]] in [[Mitwold]]
* [[Red Wind Corsairs]] in [[Madruga]]
* [[Summer Storm]] in [[Mareave]]

* [[#Spy on the Thule|Spy on the Thule]] in the Forest of Ulnak

No other armies, or actions by military units or fleets, will receive shares of the Guerdon.
<gallery mode=nolines>
File:ArgentSword Colour.png|[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Argent Sword|Argent Sword]]
File:Drakes Colour.png|[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Drakes|Drakes]]
File:RedWindCorsairs Colour.png|[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Red Wind Corsairs|Red Wind Corsairs]]
File:SummerStorm Colour.png|[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Summer Storm|Summer Storm]]
</gallery>

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

Players who want to support one of the [[Army|Imperial armies]] can also read the [[Army_orders|orders]] issued by each [[general]] before making their decision. These orders are a matter of public record within the Empire and also available on the '''[[388YE Spring Equinox Military Council orders]]''' page. This new page makes it easier for players to read all the orders before making a decision; previously the only way to do this was to painstakingly click every army in turn. It's also possible for players without military units to see the orders, without waiting for the Winds of War (assuming the orders related to an area that produced a full write-up).

As per the [[Online#You_May_Not_Post_Military_Updates|the guidelines around discussing military matters]], you must not post statements encouraging people where to send their military units and fleets in downtime.

===Support Earthquake Drummers===
<div {{float}}><quote by="Saemundr Elvirsbairn, General of the Earthquake Drummers">Drummers, we march to certain victory against the cowardly Druj! Our conquest of the Forest of Ulnak is inevitable. March with me and together we will bring the rule of the five-who-are-one to the whole world. To those Imperial mercenaries who have wisely chosen to take the Dragon's crystals - we welcome you. Together we will raise the banner of the Thule over the Mallum.</quote></div>
* '''Imperial military units can support the Earthquake Drummers'''
* '''The Thule army is part of a larger effort to invade the Forest of Ulnak'''
* '''A standard military unit that takes this action will receive 7 mana crystals'''
[[Thule_lore#Dragons|Tathenon the Gyre]] is pleased by the number of Imperial captains who supported the ''[[Earthquake Drummers]]'' army in the attack against [[the Mallum]]. A continued invitation has been made, with [[Voice_irresistable#Grim_Faces|the same details as last season]]; any military unit is welcome to support the Earthquake Drummers and a standard military unit will be rewarded with 7 [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|mana crystals]], with an [[Military unit#Upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] military unit receiving proportionally more.

===Map the City Below===
* '''Military units from League, Dawn, and Urizen can take a scouting action to attempt to map the city below'''
* '''If a total of three thousand strength is put to the action then it will succeed'''
* '''Any military unit that takes this action will receive one piece of crystal fire and a completely mundane rainbow feather'''
* '''Military units assigned to Rescue the Merchant Prince will reduce the effective strength of this venture'''

The eternal, Sung, is [[Our_elaborate_plans#The_End_of_Laughter|seeking help to map the passageways and sewers beneath the city of Apulian]]. If the total effective military strength of all the military units assigned to '''Map the City Below''' is 3000 or more, then the operation will be a success. However, the attempt to Rescue the Merchant Prince will undermine efforts - every military unit working to rescue Prince duSesna subtracts their military strength from those attempting to Map the City Below. [[Sung]] is utterly incapable of articulating what that will mean or entail and traditional attempts at divination with day or night magic have proven essentially useless. The rewards are a single brightly coloured rainbow feather with no magical powers taken from Sung's wings and a single piece of [[crystal fire]].

===Rescue the Merchant Prince===
* '''Any military unit can take a scouting action to attempt to help the duSesna Guild search for the missing Merchant Prince'''
* '''If a total of three thousand strength is put to the action then it will find the Prince whether he is alive or dead'''
* '''Military units assigned to Rescue the Merchant Prince will reduce the effective strength of the attempt to Map the City Below'''
* '''There are no rewards for taking this option'''

The duSesna Guild are [[Our_elaborate_plans#Desperately_in_Need|seeking to find their merchant prince]], ''Teodore duSesna'' who they believe has been disappeared for opposing the machinations of Sung. If the total effective military strength of all the military units assigned to '''Rescue the Merchant Prince''' is 3000 or more, then the merchant prince will be found, either alive or dead, as the case may be. However, the attempt to Rescue the Merchant Prince will undermine efforts - every military unit working to rescue Prince duSesna subtracts their military strength from those attempting to Map the City Below. There are no rewards publicly available for anyone taking this option.

===Scout the Tsirku Scouting Network===
* '''Tsirku is so large and inhospitable that only a single region can be explored each season'''
* '''The venture requires at least fifteen hundred strength to gain any useful information'''
* '''Military units assigned to Conceal the Northern Lights will reduce the effective strength of this venture'''
* '''Military units from nations other than Wintermark and Varushka suffer a one-rank penalty due to the cold'''
* '''There are no rewards for taking this option'''
The vast territory of Tsirku, is so inhospitable that it [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Scouts|represents a huge challenge to scouts]]. Rather than exploring the entire territory in one go, each season the scouting network will explore a single region. If the scouts are successful, the Imperial Spymaster will be able to choose where to explore next. Only once the entire territory has been scouted will a map suitable for scrying be created. There are no rewards publicly available for anyone taking this option.

<table>
<tr><th>Strength</th><th>Tsirku Scouting Network Outcome</th></tr>
<tr><td>1500</td><td>An overview of the region including the names of significant features such as lakes, frozen seas, or mountain ranges.</td></tr>
<tr><td>3000</td><td>Details of any significant Jotun or Thule presence in the region, along with any connections to Otkodov, Tromsa, or Skallahn, as well as information about locations with a tie to Agramant or other hostile eternals.</td></tr>
<tr><td>5000</td><td>A thorough overview of the region, showing the locations of any significant outside presences, several points of interest located in the region, and the names and a short overview of the terrain of adjoining regions.</td></tr>
</table>

The Empire has been warned by [[Sung]] and [[Sadogua]] that ''[[Whisper Gallery|Concilium of the Perjured Throne]]'' will try to hire military units to thwart efforts to scout the wastes. Every military unit that takes the venture to '''Conceal the Northern Lights''' will count its military strength ''against'' the total strength of those trying to explore Tsirku.

===Conceal the Northern Lights===
* '''The Whisper Gallery is eager to prevent the secrets of Tsirku from being spoiled'''
* '''Characters that have had contact with the eternal can take this action to reduce the effective strength of efforts to Scout Tsirku'''
* '''Military units from nations other than Wintermark and Varushka suffer a one-rank penalty due to the cold'''
* '''Heralds of the eternal will provide crystal fire and luxury goods to anyone who helps to thwart the efforts to scout the territory'''
The [[Whisper Gallery]] is determined to prevent Imperial scouts from [[Snap_rope_and_pass_foil#Tsirku_is_Secret|destroying the secrets of Tsirku by exposing them to the sterile light of day]]. The ''Court of the Shadowed Oracle'' [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Tyrannical_Discipline_(Whisper_Gallery)|have made an offer]] to those Steinr poets, offering [[crystal fire]] and luxury goods to anyone who will help them try to thwart the efforts of the scouts by creating false trails, spoiling supplies and otherwise sabotaging the efforts to discover more. Every military unit working to '''Conceal the Northern Lights''' subtracts their military strength from those attempting to scout Tsirku.

Only characters with a military unit who have had contact with the Whisper Gallery can take this action. A starting military unit will receive two pieces of crystal fire and luxury goods worth 72 rings for their help; an upgraded military unit will gain proportionately more.

===Spy on the Thule===
* '''The Karass have offered to help the Empire survey Thule attempts to claim a Black Lotus plant in the Forest of Ulnak'''
* '''Military units can take the Survey Thule attempts to claim a Black Lotus plant action until the spy network in Forest of Ulnak is destroyed'''
* '''Military units taking this action will receive shares of the guerdon'''
Last season, the Karass [[Fear_quickens_the_breath#Into_the_Forest|put forward an offer]] to help the Empire spy on any attempts by the Thule to claim a black lotus plant. The Imperial Spymaster, '''Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo''', made an announcement [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Authorise_Supporting_Karass|supporting]] the action during the Spring Equinox. Military units assigned to the action would collaborate with Karass scouts, who would help cover their tracks while they spied on the Thule. If two thousand points of total strength are assigned to the action, then the Empire will become aware if the Thule managed to claim a Black Lotus plant. If four thousand strength is assigned to the action, then the Empire will have a chance to employ the [[Sentinel Gate]] to prevent that from happening.

There is no possibility that the Thule will discover their presence of scouts in the Forest of Ulnak. The Thule could only get an inkling of what was going on if the Karass betrayed them, if they were informed by the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]], or if the Empire badly botched a military raid of some kind.

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

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

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

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

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

===Raid Leen - Rescue Slaves===
* '''Freeborn fleets can join a raid against the Druj city of Leen'''
* '''This action received the support of the Imperial Spymaster'''
* '''A standard fleet taking this raiding voyage will receive six random herbs and four random resources'''

[[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[fleet]] captains are able to travel to [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Leen_Rarckan|Leen Rarckan]] in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] to [[Push_for_victory#See_That_We_Fight|take part in a raid on Leen to free slaves]]. The total effective strength assigned to the opportunity will determine the outcome. If the effective military strength is less than a thousand, then the raid will be botched, few if any slaves will be freed, and the raiders will be lucky to get away with their lives.

<table>
<tr><th>Strength</th><th>Raid Leen Outcome</th></tr>
<tr><td>1000</td><td>The raid is able to rescue a handful of slaves, but the raiders are able to escape unharmed</td></tr>
<tr><td>5000</td><td>The raid is a success and the corsairs and their allies will free hundreds of slaves, mostly former Imperials, from the clutches of the Druj.</td></tr>
<tr><td>7500</td><td>The raid is a triumph; hundreds will be freed including scores of individuals who have never been part of the Empire.</td></tr>
</table>

A standard fleet taking this raiding voyage will receive six random herbs and four random resources. A fleet that is enchanted or upgraded receives more, and may also acquire some Druj Potions as part of their loot, usually representing a captured potion or two useful to warriors. Whatever happens, the raid won't impact the Druj's ability to fight the Empire.

===Support the Wings of Kobol===
* '''Freeborn fleets can support the ''Wings of Kobol'', a Suranni navy in attacking Free Landing'''
* '''A standard fleet taking this action will receive 72 rings and six random resources'''
* '''If at least 4000 strength supports the navy, Freeborn mariners will be able to recover relics of the founding'''
After the Spring Equinox, any Freeborn [[fleet]] can support the Wings of Kobol navy. The Suranni offer no additional incentive to take part beyond the [[Gossamer_threads#Spears_of_Retribution|chance for retribution]], and the chance to recover some of the wealth lost to the Grendel and the Children of Wrecks. If at least 4000 military strength supports the Wings of Kobol, then whether the Suranni are victorious or not, the mariners of the Brass Coast will be able to reach the ruins of Atalaya, where the Brass Coast began. This town was at one point a treasure trove of historical relics that reminded the Freeborn of where they came from and why their nation exists. The Suranni will not stop the Freeborn taking back as many of these items as they can find - not after the Spring Equinox at least.

A standard fleet that takes this action will receive 72 rings worth of valuable items and six random resources in [[fleet#Loot|loot]]. This might mean additional money, or even mana crystals, and represents goods recovered from the Children of Wrecks and the ruins of Free Landing.

===Support the Wreckers===
* '''Windlord Moraith has made arrangements for some Imperial fleets to help the Children of Wrecks fight the Wings of Kobol'''
* '''If enough fleets help the Wreckers, then the Iron Confederacy could be beaten back'''
* '''There are no rewards for taking this option'''

A Grendel windlord who hates the Iron Conderacy, has made arrangements for some Imperial fleets to help the Children of Wrecks try to fight off the Wings of Kobol. This action is highly illegal, but the total chaos of a battle between Iron Confederacy forces and the Wreckers will make it impossible for the Iron Confederacy to know what that the Empire played a role in the battle or indeed who. The only information the Empire will receive is which nations were represented among those forces fighting.

Only characters with a fleet that have had contact with the windlord can take this action. There are no rewards publicly available for anyone taking this option.

===Trade Summary===
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, the Sumaah Republic, and Zemelslo'''
* '''Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments'''
Imperial fleets can [[Fleet#Trading|trade]] with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend [[Anvil]]. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.
* '''Axos:''' The ports of the '''[[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Axos|Chambers of Issyk]]''' welcome Imperial fleets. Navarr fleets receive a frosty reception due to the association with the ''Scions of Cavan'' and suffer a one-rank penalty; more information can be found in the '''[[Wise_and_measured#Treason_and_the_Vallorn|Wise and measured]]''' wind of fortune
* '''Commonwealth:''' The ports of '''[[Foreign_ports#Leerdam|Leerdam]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]]''' welcome Imperial traders. Imperial fleets suffer a one-rank penalty with both ports whilst the Empire continues to trade with Zemelslo whilst embargoing Jarm. More information can be found in the '''[[Weaving_tangled_nets#Future_Good?|Weaving tangled nets]]''' wind of fortune
* '''Faraden:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Caitun|Caitun]]''' welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a one-rank bonus due to close proximity.
* '''Iron Confederacy:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Robec|Robec]]''' is available for Imperial fleets.
* '''Sarcophan Delves:''' The usual ports of '''[[Foreign_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]]''' and '''[[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]''' welcome Imperial traders.
* '''Sumaah Republic:''' The port of '''[[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]]''' welcomes Imperial traders.
* '''Zemelslo:''' The port of '''[[My_passions_from_a_common_spring#Free_Ports_And_Free_People|Radosmo]]''' welcomes Imperial traders following the Imperial Senate's decision to [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Confirm_Trade_with_Zemelslo|permit trade]] with the nation very close to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]

==Congregations==
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly General.png|align=right}}</div>
* '''In addition to the standard preaching options taken by owners of congregations, special ''lectures'' may be available'''
During downtime, the owner of a [[congregation]] can choose to take a [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] action. Normally, these actions are used to preach one of the Imperial virtues, or the general teachings of [[the Way]], allowing a Synod member to change which of the virtue assemblies they belong to.

After the Spring Equinox, there are three lectures available.

===Preach Pride - Support Marcher Orcs===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right}}</div>
* '''Any Marcher with a congregation can choose to preach Pride in support of the Marcher orcs'''
* '''A standard congregation that takes the ''Preach Pride - Support Marcher Orcs'' action will receive the no liao, seven crowns, and 10 votes in the Synod'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Pride Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is only available following the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
At the Winter Solstice, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_13|judgement]] raised by '''Brother Luke''' with a greater majority. The statement of principle called on the Marches to defend the [[Mournwold Orcs|Marcher orcs]] if it came to it. This has been met with acceptance across the Marches, though some are still uncertain, and those who agree with the assembly have been looking at ways they can help support the message.

Priests who take this action are assumed to be making use of the [[liao]] they receive to [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Pride_in_the_Mournwold|inspire congregants to travel across the Marches]] and support the [[Marcher orc|Marcher orcs]]. It's small, but "''Pride in small things''" as the famous saying starts. Rather than receiving any [[liao]], the congregation will receive money from orcs grateful for their work.

===Foretell the Coming of the Second Age of Virtue===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|align=right}}</div>
* '''Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach the Way by encouraging pilgrims to support the Grand Inspiration of the Way'''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Foretell the Coming of the Second Age of Virtue'' action will receive the normal amount of liao and Synod votes'''
* '''Congregations taking this action will contribute at least seven rings to the labour costs of the Grand Inspiration of the Way'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Way Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is available until the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE'''
Following on from the [[Lay the foundations|highest calling]] of the Highborn Assembly, the congregations of the Empire can preach the good news of the Second Age of Virtue. The more congregations that took part each season, the greater the benefits would be. The individual effects would be tiny, but a thousand raindrops can quickly turn into a flood. Virtuous citizens would make a pilgrimage to [[Bastion]], to volunteer to help with the work of completing the Grand Inspiration, working to raise the monument to the heavens - doing their part to support the Grand Inspiration and ushering in a new era. They may not be builders, but they believe in the dream to be given form. Children, the elderly, all united by faith to add even a single brick and know they were part of this momentous occasion in the history of mortal ascension.

===Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Wisdom.png|align=right}}</div>
* '''Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Wisdom by encouraging pilgrims to visit the Great Library'''
* '''A congregation that takes the ''Preach Wisdom - Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian'' action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual'''
* '''A congregation that takes this action will be in the Wisdom Assembly at the next summit'''
* '''This lecture is available until the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE'''
Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the [[liao]] they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the [[Great Library of Hacynian|Great Library]]. [[Sing_a_song#Find_the_Right_Question|After those who are brave enough to make the journey]] experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the shrine, they will return home inspired to embrace Wisdom and pursue it in the certain belief that inaction is the only true mistake.

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

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

As detailed in the '''[[The_moth_for_the_star#A_Drowning_Sailor|The moth for the star]]''' wind of fortune, it is not currently possible to create an arcane projection that involves a [[curse]] directed at a character.

===Colleges and Forges===
* '''We've changed the email address for college of magic and runeforge submissions'''
It is important for characters responsible for a [[college of magic]] or [[runeforge]] to remember that the deadline for submitting rituals for codification, or instructions to the runeforge, is also the point that downtime closes. You ''must'' use let us know how you plan to use your college or forge by this point, otherwise it will not be possible to submit anything and the season will be lost.

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

===Artefacts===
* '''If you are creating an artefact you will need to email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk with the requested name and roleplaying effect'''
Artisans can use [[ilium]] to make a permanent artefact version of any magic item they can create. These powerful items retain their properties indefinitely, are readily identifiable as unique named items, and can exert powerful [[roleplaying effects]] over anyone bonded to them.

Anyone wanting to create an artefact should email {{plot}} before downtime closes with their CID and what magic item they want to be an artefact. They should also include what name they want the artefact to have and the desired roleplaying effect. With roleplaying effects, it is best to avoid anything with religious themes; that is the purview of the [[hallow]] ceremony. It is best to avoid naming specific concepts: a roleplaying effect of "''You feel an urge to protect Urizen lore''" would be returned as "''You feel an urge to preserve the magical secrets of your people''". It can be interpreted as the same for someone in [[Urizen]], but it would encourage someone in [[Wintermark]] to protect [[Runesmith's Law]], or a magician-prince of [[Jarm]] to protect their own collection of ritual texts.

As with [[hallow#Effects|hallow]], comedic names or names which are ''obviously'' taken from existing works of fiction are not appropriate for item names in Empire and will be rejected when identified.

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

Due to the ongoing [[Things go awry|issue]] with the constellations, territory-scale magic performed at the Spring Equinox is much more likely to have [[Things_go_awry#The_Stars_are_Wrong|additional, unlooked-for]] effects.

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

===Fens, Forests, and Frost===
* '''Dripping Echoes of the Fen has been cast on two regions'''
* '''Forge the Wooden Fastness has been cast on two regions'''
* '''Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae has been cast on three regions'''
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:800px;"}
|-
! Ritual !! Region !! Coven
|-
| [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] || Kallavesa Marsh, [[Kallavesa]] || Sussivari Frost Coven
|-
| [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] || Kallavesa Marsh, [[Kallavesa]] || Sussivari Frost Coven
|-
| [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] || Rundhal Marsh, [[Kallavesa]] || Sussivari Frost Coven
|-
| [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] || Nesustak Forest, [[Sarangrave]] || Coven of the Horned Hare
|-
| [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] || Wittal Grove, [[Kallavesa]] || Coven of the Horned Hare
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Nadir, [[Mareave]] || Phoenix Rising
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Clisearn, [[Mareave]] || Ashen Flame
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Icarion, [[Mareave]] || Ashen Flame
|-
|}
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis001.webp|align=tight|title=The City of Gold and Lead is filled with merchants and traders.}}</div>

===Myriad Market (Spiral)===
* '''A door to the ''Myriad Market'' has been opened in Apulian until the start of the Winter Solstice 388YE'''
* '''Businesses in Spiral can diversify for free and can diversify to receive a pouch of warm ashes whilst the market is active'''
During the Winter Solstice, ''Goldentongue'', herald of the [[Callidus|Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains]], hosted an [[The_thing_with_feathers#Hope_is_a_Subtle_Glutton_(Callidus)|auction]] in the Hall of Worlds. One of the lots available was the "''key to the Myriad Market''"; a boon from [[Ephisis]] that has been used to open a door in [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]] to a chamber of the City of Gold and Lead. [[Business]] owners in the territory are able to make use of the market and can [[Business#Diversification|diversify]] for free ''and'' can diversify to receive a single pouch of [[warm ashes]] each season. This diversification into warm ashes can only be taken once ever.

===Hammers of Fury (Hercynia and Tassato)===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Estavus001a.png|align=tight|title=The City of Fire and Stone throngs with smiths and smelters}}</div>
* '''Hercynia and Tassato have been enchanted with the ''Hammers of Fury'''''
* '''This speeds the mustering of a new Imperial army'''
* '''It also reduces the ingots produced by each mine in the territory by 2, but grants a pouch of warm ashes in their place'''
Over the coming months, the power of the [[Realm#Autumn|Autumn realm]] is focused on the [[The League|League]] [[territory]] of [[Tassato]] and the [[Navarr]] territory of [[Hercynia]]. The ''Lyktan'' coven has invoked the ''[[Hammers of Fury]]'' to speed the mustering of a new [[army]] in both territories. This magical service provided by the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]] [[enchantment|enchants]] the forges, foundries, and smithies throughout the territory, infusing them with the heat of Shikal's forges to help them forge arms and armour with supernatural speed. It also sends traders from the Fire Mountain to acquire more resources, meaning that [[mine|mines]] throughout the territory will see their production of metals reduced by two ingots, but in their place the mine owners each gain one pawn of [[Vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]] - Autumn [[vis]].

===Hammers of Industry (Madruga)===
* '''Madruga has been enchanted with a magnitude 80 arcane projection of the Autumn realm'''
* '''The Municipal Docks in Calvos Sound will be completed by the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE'''
During the Spring Equinox, an [[arcane projection]] was performed targeting the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] territory of [[Madruga]]. The ritual has seen logistics in the territory enhanced; granting confidence in craftsmanship, easing travel, clarifying communication, and reducing waste.

As a result, [[Construct Municipal Docks|construction on the Municipal Docks]] in Calvos Sound has advanced, and the great work is expected to be completed by the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE.

===Connect the Lands Heart (Sarangave)===
* '''Sarangrave has been enchanted with a magnitude 80 arcane projection of the Autumn realm'''
During the Spring Equinox, an [[arcane projection]] was performed targeting the [[Urizen]] territory of [[Sarangrave]]. The ritual focused on the [[Autumn magic|resonances]] of [[Autumn_magic#Bands|bands]] and [[Autumn_magic#Binding|binding]], and the effects are unknown.

===Behold the Upward Spiral (Spiral)===
* '''Spiral has been enchanted with a magnitude 60 arcane projection of the Night realm'''
During the Spring Equinox, an [[arcane projection]] was performed targeting the [[The League|League]] territory of [[Spiral]]. The night sky over Spiral remains clear and the stars exceptionally bright. Those living there have nightly dreams of the various works done to restore and improve the territory, which end with a final image of [[Custodian_of_the_Omphalos#The_Dreaming_Spire|the Dreaming Spire]] on the slopes of Mount Cinnius. Those who experience these dreams most keenly are often left with a drive to change or reshape the world, and waning enthusiasm for ambitious goals may be revitalised.

Note that magic of this nature is indiscriminate; it will encourage citizens of the League and citizens of Urizen alike to celebrate the successes their nations have made toward restoring Spiral. While the enchantment persists, encounters with the Night realm will be more common. People are more likely to encounter Night regio and may in some cases find existing Night regio have increased in potency. Heralds of Night eternals, especially those with an interest in inspiration and grand projects, are likely to be encountered more often.

===Greatest Military Force===
* '''Dawnish and Winterfolk with a business, farm, fleet, herb garden, mana site, mine, or forest can change to a military unit of equivalent level in the same territory with no cost'''
During the Spring Equinox, two mandates were enacted; one in the Dawnish Assembly by '''Ser Decimus of House de Bastion''' and one in the Winterfolk Assembly by '''Yrkja Riansson Sigeing'''. These mandates encourage the people in their respective nations to [[Push_for_victory#Greatest_Military_Force|support efforts]] to embrace their national traditions and support the Empire's wars.

===Stirring the Pot===
* '''Marchers with a military unit, fleet, herb garden, mine or forest can change to a farm of equivalent level in the same territory with no cost'''
* '''Marchers can upgrade their farm for one less weirwood (to a minimum of one) until the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE'''
* '''Leaguers with a military unit, fleet, herb garden, mine or forest can change to a business of equivalent level in the same territory with no cost'''
* '''Leaguers can upgrade their business for one less white granite (to a minimum of one) until the start of the Spring Equinox 389YE'''
During the Winter Solstice, two mandates were enacted; one in the Marcher Assembly by '''Richard Conscience''' and one in the League Assembly by '''Frideswide Adelaar van Holberg'''. These mandates encourage the people in their respective nations to [[The circle game|support efforts]] to embrace their national traditions and support the Imperial economy. They also create a groundswell of support for League and Marchers looking to improve their resources.

===Completion of the Omphalos===
* '''The Omphalos has been completed in Spiral'''
* '''Urizen characters can take a new personal resource in Spiral for free before the end of downtime'''
With the completion of [[Custodian_of_the_Omphalos#The_Dreaming_Spire|the Dreaming Spire]], Urizen characters can take a new personal resource in [[Spiral]] before the end of downtime by emailing {{admin}}.

===Wayhouse in Holberg===
* '''Splintered House has been completed in Holberg'''
* '''Navarr characters can take a new personal resource in Holberg for free before the end of downtime'''
With the completion of [[Keeper_of_the_Splintered_House#The_Splintered_House|the Splintered House]], Navarr characters can take a new personal resource in [[Holberg]] before the end of downtime by emailing {{admin}}.

==Magical Lore==
* '''Every summit it is possible that new rituals, magic items, or potions may become available to Imperial citizens'''
* '''Some of these options are only available to characters from certain nations, such as those entered into Urizen Lore or Runesmith's Law'''
During the Spring Equinox, one magic item was added to Runesmith's Law, one ritual was added to Urizen lore, and one ritual was put forward for inclusion in Imperial Lore:
* [[Revelations of the Past]] was [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Imperial_Lore:_Revelations_of_the_Past|raised]] by '''Syl''' the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] and funded by '''Bledri Eternal'''

* [[Talon's Alb]] was added to [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Runesmith.27s_Law|Runesmith's law]]

* [[Pillars of Adamant]] was added to [[Urizen lore]]

388YE Spring Equinox Senate sessions

2026-06-16T15:33:46Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Amend Virtue's Respite */

[[Category:Senate]] [[Category:Senate Sessions]] [[Category:388YE Spring]]
{{stub}}
==Overview==
The [[Imperial Senate]] governs the Empire, and its authority extends to all areas of Imperial life not already covered by the other houses of government. Each summit the [[senator|senators]] meet [[Event schedule|several times]] to deliberate and vote on the [[Senate motion|motions]] they have raised.

After the summit, the civil service enacts those motions and ensures a public record of each is made available to the citizens of the Empire. This page lists all the motions raised during the summit, along with the [[Senate announcement|announcements]] made by citizens with [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]]. In each case, the motion and its effects are summarised, including the wording, who proposed and seconded it, whether it passed or not, whether any funds were disbursed to support it, and what the outcome of the motion will be.

Many motions (especially the [[commission|commissions]]) also have a ''Further Details'' section that provides a link to a wiki page dealing specifically with that motion in more detail, any commentary from the [[Scrutiny|Constitutional Court]], progress on commissions, or expanded information about the outcome of the motion.

==Treasury==
* Imperial treasury during this season announced by the civil service at TBC

==Administrative Motions==
===Acknowledge Axou claim to Thornfen===
*'''Motion:''' The Empire will not contest the claim of the Axou to the region of Thornfen, including the Tower of the Skink, in accordance with the existing treaty between the Empire and the Axou.
*'''Raised by:''' Speaker for the Senate during the Friday session
*'''Outcome:''' Passed
*'''Note:''' This follows from civil service advice in the ‘’’[[Other_monstrous_geographies#Game_Information_:_Dominion|Other monstrous geographies]]’’’ wind of war and the [[Ratify_Axos_Treaty_Autumn_387YE|current treaty]] with the Axou. This motion will be subject to the Urizen assembly to [[veto]], as it concedes a region under their control.

===Amend Master of the Mint===
*'''Motion:''' Amend the Master of the Imperial Mint to give them the power to make an announcement in the Senate once a season to direct the civil service to review a previous appraisal or opportunity.
*'''Raised by:''' Speaker of the Senate at the Friday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' Passed
*'''Note:''' This follows on from a previous motion to hire the [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|three additional prognosticators]] raised during Winter 387YE. If this motion is passed, then the [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] would gain the power to make an announcement in the Senate to review a previous [[appraisal]] or [[opportunity]], as per the '''[[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#Opportunity_Knocks_Again|Forever is composed of nows]]''' wind of fortune. If this motion is passed, then the Master of the Imperial Mint will be able to make use of the power at one of the following sessions.

==Senate Motions==
===Create Herald of the Throne of Glory===
*'''Motion:''' To create the title “Herald of the Throne of Glory”. They would be responsible for the organisation of the Dawnish National Assembly and the crowning of the Monarch of Dawn. To be appointed by the Dawnish Assembly and responsible for the Throne Room of the Castle of Thorns
*'''Proposed:''' Weirwater at the Friday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Semmerholm
*'''Outcome:''' Creates the title of [[Herald of the Throne of Glory]]

==Appointments==
===Appoint Ambassador to Otkodov===
*'''Motion:''' Election of the Ambassador to Otkodov
*'''Raised by:''' Speaker of the Senate at the Friday evening session
*'''Outcome:''' '''Kindra Surefoot''' of [[Wintermark]] was appointed as the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]]
* '''Notes:''' This appointment was [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appoint_Ambassador_to_Otkodov|initially raised]] in the last session of the Winter Solstice 387YE

===Appoint Ambassador to the Commonwealth===
*'''Motion:''' To elect an Ambassador to the Commonwealth
*'''Proposed:''' Astolat at the Friday evening session
*'''Seconded:''' Miaren
*'''Outcome:''' '''Cyrus of Ebon's Hall''' of [[Highguard]] was appointed as the [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]]

==Appraisals==

==Commissions (Senate)==
===Amend Virtue's Respite===
*'''Motion:''' Amend Virtue's Respite to become the Bloody Massive Pride of Temeschwar. This will cost 30 crowns and amend the associated title to be called "The Bloody Custodian of Pride". This will be appointed annually by the League National Assembly. It provides four liao and seven crowns each season
*'''Proposed:''' Temeschwar at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Tassato
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Amends a [[Guardian_of_Giselle%27s_Tomb#Virtue's_Respite|sinecure]] in Hanuri, Temeschwar, as per the '''[[The_concisest_tenant#Pride_of_Temeschwar|The concisest tenant]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Amend Virtue's Respite]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the first use of a commission

===Construct Golden Bee Assayer's Office===
*'''Motion:''' The people of Karov wish to self-fund and build the Golden Bee Assayer's Office. This will increase tax from Karov by 2 thrones per season. This also creates a national sinecure gaining 5 ingots of orichalcum, weltsilver, and green iron per season. This is time-sensitive to this season only!
*'''Proposed:''' Miekarova at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Karov
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[sinecure]] in Duzekani, Karov, as per the '''[[Outside_the_wall#Golden_Bee_Assayers_Office|Outside the wall]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Golden Bee Assayer's Office]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the second use of a commission

===Construct Lisabetta Docks===
*'''Motion:''' To commission the Lisabetta docks in Utterlund in Holberg. This great work will bring new prosperity not just to Holberg but to the other territories surrounding the Semmerlak, that the whole Empire may benefit from the GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD. Senate invites the Sandfisher orcs to build their trade enclave in the new port to trade weirwood. Senate thanks the Lijkkever family of the Sarcophan Delves for their expertise but regrets it does not grant them exclusivity at this time.
*'''Proposed:''' Holberg at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Sarvos
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs a [[great work]] in Utterlund, Holberg, as per the '''[[Any_port_in_a_storm#A_New_Port|Any port in a storm]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Lisabetta Docks]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the third use of a commission

===Construct Eye of Heavens===
*'''Motion:''' To commission the Eye of Heavens observatory in Zenith. Fully self funded by the Architects of Urizen. This is part of the assurance to build the Arch of the Sky and the Skyways
*'''Proposed:''' Zenith at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Seconded:''' Feroz
*'''Passed'''
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[edifice]] in Occursion, Zenith, as per the '''[[Sound_and_vision#A_Mountain_Rises_(Zenith)|Sound and vision]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Eye of Heavens]]
*'''Notes:''' This was the fourth use of a commission

==Commissions (Announcements)==
===Construct Grand Guildhouse of the Printers' Guild===
*'''Motion:''' I, Taddea Ginori, Chair of the Wolf, announce with Great Pride the Commissioning of the Grand Guildhouse of The Printers' Guild in Tassato Mestra, to cement the legacy of the Printers' Guild as the Torchbearers of Truth throughout the world.
*'''Announced by:''' Taddea Ginori, [[Chair of the Wolf]] at the Saturday afternoon session
*'''Outcome:''' Constructs an [[edifice]] in Tassato Mestra, Tassato, as per the '''[[The_truth_but_tell_it_slant#The_Printers'_Guild|The truth but tell it slant]]''' wind of fortune
*'''Further Details:''' [[Construct Grand Guildhouse of the Printers' Guild]]

==Announcements==
===Hand of the Chancellor===
* '''Motion''' Use of Hand of the Chancellor
* '''Announced by:''' Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, [[The Throne]] at the Friday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' 150 thrones disbursed to Emperor Vesna Borkovna Prochnost

===Research Kvetmir Kvetmirovic===
* '''Motion:''' Un-bee-lievable news, there is a buzz in the air of a new Exemplar from Varushka. Now, Varushka, I know you have been stung by previous research I have done, but I will ask my Librarians to comb through the research to see what the buzz is about Kvetmir Kvetmirovic. And honey, if the news is Virtuous, Highguard will swarm to work... Bee Exemplary
* '''Announced by:''' Hazelelponi, [[Lepidean Librarian]] at the Friday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' Historical Research on the matter will be delivered to the Librarian at the Summer Solstice 388YE

===Authorise Supporting Karass===
* '''Motion''' To authorise working with the Karass
* '''Announced by:''' Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo, [[Imperial Spymaster]] at the Friday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' Military units will be able to take the ‘’’Survey Thule attempts to claim a Black Lotus plant’’’ venture. More information on this venture can be found in the ‘’’[[Fear quickens the breath]]’’’ wind of fortune

===Authorise Raid on Leen===
* '''Motion''' To authorise the raid on Leen
* '''Announced by:''' Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo, [[Imperial Spymaster]] at the Friday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' Freeborn fleets will be able to take the ‘’’Raid Leen - Rescue Slaves’’’ voyage. More information on this venture can be found in the ‘’’[[Push_for_victory#See_That_We_Fight|Push for victory]]’’’ wind of fortune

===Decommission Smugglers Cove in Salt Flats of Sanath===
* '''Motion''' I decommission the smugglers cove in the Salt Flats of Sanath
* '''Announced by:''' Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo, [[Imperial Spymaster]] at the Friday evening session
* '''Outcome:''' The [[smugglers cove]] in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] will be decommissioned after the [[#Authorise Raid on Leen|raid on Leen]] over the coming season.

Ripple of echoes

2026-06-10T17:26:22Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Queen Igraine's Regio */

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ripple effect on water.jpg|caption=Ripples spread from a single drop of water, as consequences spread from a single decision.|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Magic fills the Known World. It rides the winds, it rises with the sun and the stars, it flows in great currents through the forests and the seas and the sky. It is part of the rivers and the forests, the seas and the skies. It is studied, mastered, examined, and debated. It is mysterious, enigmatic, unpredictable, and yet follows its own strange laws. All mortals practice magic, and yet they are not the only sources of magic in the world. It comes from rattling runes, from the heavens, from the wellspring of blood, from the shapes and symbols of creation, and while it can be bidden it cannot always be restrained. Wonder is all around, an endless wordless tune that winds and weaves around all things.

This wind of fortune rounds up a roundup of assorted strange events, some arising from mortal actions some with less explicable causes. There are several companion pieces to this wind. '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' deals with things relating specifically to the [[eternal|eternals]] of the [[Realms|six realms]] while '''[[Key of dreams]]''' addresses the [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages of the [[Archmage|archmages]]. '''[[Things go awry]]''' deals specifically with the ongoing chaos relating to the [[Astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellations]], and also talks of several territory-wide [[enchantment|enchantments]] that have had unexpected results as a consequence.
==Mulch Ado About Nothing==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marrowort.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
<div {{Float}}">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Freya's Legacy'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Woodheath|Woodheath, Hahnmark]] and/or [[Ossium#Echofell|Echofell, Ossium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of [[weirwood]], 48 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year (until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title ''Tender of Freya's Legacy''
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Tender of Freya's Legacy'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National Wintermark or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes, Senate, or Imperial Apothecaries Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 2 doses of whisperspore and 3 magical mushrooms drawn from Llofir's realm </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Tend the Legacy, and ensure that the influence of Llofir does not spread</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Fellsting Grave'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Ossium#Echofell|Echofell, Ossium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of [[weirwood]], 48 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year (until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* * Creates the title ''Warden of Fellsting Grave''
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Warden of Fellsting Grave'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National Varushka or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes, Senate, or Imperial Apothecaries Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 2 doses of whisperspore and 3 magical mushrooms drawn from Llofir's realm </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Tend the Grave, and ensure that the influence of Llofir does not spread</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Regrow the lands heart has been cast in Ossium and in Hahnmark, empowered by the eternal Llofir
Last season, Llofir offered a number of boons to the Empire following its return to [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]] by the hand of the [[Archmage of Spring]]. One of these was to [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Regrow_the_Land's_Heart|empower castings]] of the ritual [[Regrow the Land's Heart]], to promote the blooming of new life from mulch and putrefaction. The boon was accepted, and as a consequence the power of Llofir spreads across [[Hahnmark]] and [[Ossium]]. Wrecked, damaged things are overgrown or consumed, replaced with fresh growth. Cemeteries and burial grounds, battlefields and ruined castles, all burst with life. There are any number of little unexpected extra effects as well - fermentation results in markedly potent brews. The mortal remains of everyone who has died under the influence of the enchantment almost immediately bloom with fungal life, or less identifiable plants rooted in their corpses. This effect extends to places where the dead lie respectfully, as well as those who die over winter. Whether they are in burial mounds, interred in ossuaries, or left lying by the side of the road, the dead are renewed with new life. Something that is not universally welcomed.
===Legacy and Grave===
* '''Freya's Garden and the Tower of the Scorpion are no more
* '''There is an opportunity to harness the sites where these commissions once stood and gain access to some of Llofir's donahorti
All remnants of both [[Hahnmark#Freya's_Garden_(Ruined)|Freya's Garden]] and the old [[Ossium#Tower_of_the_Scorpion_(Ruined)|Tower of the Scorpion]] have been removed from the land, leaving rich fields of fungal growth where they once were. The land they stood upon has been reclaimed by nature in the wake of this destruction, healthy new growth springing up where the ruins once stood. This change, however, provides an unexpected [[opportunity]]. With the approval of the [[Senate]], it would be possible to cultivate the miraculous growth in each territory to create a [[sinecure]]. A [[commission]] could be built on either site - or both of them - designed not only to contain the rampant growth but to harness the bounty of fungus growing there. ''Freya's Legacy'' or ''Fellsting Grave'' would provide a supply of ''donhahorti'' from Llofir's realm - 2 doses of [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Rot_and_the_Magic|whisperspore]] and three [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Blessing_of_Old_Winter|magical mushrooms]] each season. Llofir is unconcerned whether these "gardens" are tended or not, but certainly has no objection to the Empire welcoming his gifts. The ''Tender of Freya's Legacy'' and ''Felsting Warden'' would be responsible for overseeing their respective sinecure, but also for ensuring that the magical growth there does not get too out of hand. The titles could be national or Imperial, and after some discussion the [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worn path]] for appointing them would be via Senate appointment, Tally of the Votes, or by the Imperial Apothecaries Guild. The latter is no mandated - there is an obvious correlation between Llofir's gifts, healing and potions but the sinecures themselves do not specifically create such things.

===Barrow Plant===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Capture Llofir's Boon'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great Work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Valasmark|Valasmark]], Hahnmark or [[Ossium#Galath_Fields|Galath Fields]], Ossium</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' at least 50 wains of [[weirwood]], 150 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Spring Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* provides a level of investment in herb gardens in the appropriate territory that provides each garden with 3 marrowort each season
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The herb marrowort has grown in great profusion across Ossium and Hahnmark
* '''Several titles will receive additional bounties of herbs at the Summer Solstice
* '''There are opportunities to create great works in the two territories to capture some of this growth
As Spring draws closer in Ossium, the charnel pits and mass graves left by the fight against the [[Druj]] are overgrown by fields of gently bobbing [[marrowort]]. The [[Ossium#The_Field_of_Glory|Field of Glory]] bursts at the seams, almost. After the Spring Equinox the new [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] '''Miroslav Dainovitch Temnavoda''' will receive a rare bounty of the herb - 27 drams as opposed to their usual 18 drams. This profligacy of the white-flowered herb is felt across the territory, and following the Spring Equinox every herb garden will receive two additional doses of marrowort. During the Spring Equinox, the enchantment [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]] will have unlooked for effect - any Ossium herb garden will provide a dozen marrowort in place of the usual reward of two drams of each of the five herbs.

In Hahnmark, the effect is just as pronounced. White flowers cover the hillsides, and after the Spring Equinox there will be a grand harvest indeed. The [[Guardian of Dunfrith]], the [[Gatekeeper of Falling Snow]], the [[Herbalist of the Hearth]], the [[Master Apothecary]], and the [[Guard of the Proud Quill Parcel]], will all receive an additional four drams of marrowort at the Summer Solstice. As in Ossium, performance of ''Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop'' will produce a glut of the valuable medicinal plant.

There is another opportunity here if the Senate chooses to embrace it. If they act swiftly - during the Spring Equinox - they could take advantage of the renewal and fresh growth that has spread across Hahnmark and Ossium. If a [[great work]] is commissioned in either [[hahnmark#Valasmark|Valasmark]], near Valashal where the heroic defenders faced down the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] and were victorious, or at [[Ossium#Galath Field|Galath Field]] on the battlefields there, once that great work is complete it will provide three drams of marrowort to every herb garden in the territory each season rather than the usual 2 herbs. It is a minor boon at best, but all five of the known medicinal herbs are valuable in their own way and marrowort in particular is vital for helping those with serious injuries survive their wounds. This opportunity is only available at the Spring Equinox; after that the last of the magical energy will have departed the fields regrown by Llofir.

==Wisdom of New Spring==
* '''Wise Flower Chapter apologise for failing to reach Anvil last season'''
* '''They are concerned by overuse of Winter magic to enchant herb gardens
* '''They urge that the Apothecaries Guild or the Silver Chalice instead find a way to use Spring magic to achieve this effect
* '''If a ritual can be found or codified, the Highborn will pay to enter it into Imperial lore
* '''They will also provide a bequest to either the Guild or the Chalice, whichever is responsible for the ritual
Last season, a group of [[Highguard|Highborn]] herbalists from the ''Wise Flower Chapter'' expressed their [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#A_Decrepit_Flower|intention to visit Anvil]]. They have concerns with the focus on [[Winter magic]], and its use to enchant [[herb garden|herb gardens]] across the Empire. They were unable, due to the weather, to actually reach Anvil during the summit, to their great regret. They had intended to speak to the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] and the [[Silver Chalice]] about their perception that [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]] is slowly but surely harming Imperial herb gardens with its focus on killing weak plants rather than instead granting health and hardiness to ''all'' the plants in a garden and trusting the tender to remove anything they don't want. They believe that [[Woven Strands of Life]], for all that it coaxes herbs forth from [[mana site|mana sites]] rather than enchanting herb gardens directly, is an example of what could be achieved with a little research. They don't say it, but it is clear that the [[magister|magisters]] of their chapter think that Winter magic is best kept away from ''anything'' green and growing, and that it would be preferable to be able to use [[Spring magic]] - which has its own problems but at least it doesn't kill plants that otherwise might be coaxed to healthiness.

Long story short; the ''Wise Flower Chapter'' has committed themselves to supporting the search for a new ritual. It may need to be [[College_of_magic#Ritual_Texts|codified]], or it might be possible to locate a ritual that has simply never been added to Imperial lore. If such a ritual is presented as part of [[Imperial lore]] by the [[Conclave]], and the magician who raises the declaration calls on Chapter to do so, they will pay the 10 Thrones needed to enter a ritual that enchants herb gardens to improve their production of healthy healing herbs. If the declaration further indicates that this ritual was found or created with the aid of members of the Guild, or the Chalice, they will commit to granting four drams of true vervain, and two drams each of the other four herbs, to either of these august bodies each season for the foreseeable future.

==Follow You Home==
* '''Miekarova and Volodmartz seem to be afflicted by a growing sense of foreboding that lurks beyond the light'''
* '''Storytellers in the Varushkan territories find their stories seem to take on a life of their own'''
* '''Mine owners in Miekarova and Volodmartz can use An Echo of Songs to ally themselves with the Night Below and gain an additional deep stone each season'''
* '''Mine owners can use Revelation of the Jewel's Sparkling Heart to oppose the spreading influence of the Night Below'''

<ic>A miner one evening came into an inn in Brez and sat with a bottle of mead and explained to the bartender he needed to talk. He needed to try and remember the names and faces of those he met on the Perumaki path the evening before. They held some importance to him, but he wasn't sure what; he knew it might have been, love? He just had to tell someone before losing those memories. Even if he forgot, another could tell the story, he hoped.

He was on his way to work, up in the mines with his two brothers, Hrabr & Miloš. They mined Tempest Jade as a family business. One the way he met another group - he could tell they were travellers, as they were dressed in finery and matching tabards. They, however, agreed to share the day's toil, to travel into the mountains and work together. As the miner tells his tale, he keeps squeezing a lightstone between his fingers, as if willing it to glow brighter.

The day started as normal, singing the song of their family, one of Prosperity and Pride. They'd found a new tunnel and agreed to travel downwards. He'd sensed something as they walked, he said. As if their songs and chatter had grown more distant... replaced by a growing feeling of wanting to run as far away as possible. But the others said they felt fine and they'd argued to keep going. The people in tabards and finery also said they felt fine and so he followed them down.

Soon the tunnel opened into a vast cavern and it was filled with beautiful stones and metals. The others began to mine but he stood there and fear held him in place. Then there was a moment, where something felt like it let him go and he ran for it.

He sits at the bar and stares at the light stone. Drinks a long swig of mead and then puts the it back in his pocket and asks the innkeeper where he is. He reaches for a far purse, bulging with metal and crystal, to pay for his drink. A look of confusion flashes across his face and then, he smiles and says "I'm sorry friend, I don't who you are but, I have work tomorrow and apparently I'm a long way from home."

As he pays up and leaves, the bartender calls, "What will you do about your brothers?" The man gives a confused look and responds "You must have me confused, I never had any brothers." as he turns and heads out into the night. </ic>

As Winter gives way to Spring, days get longer - to the relief of many people in Volodmartz and Miekarova. The more daylight the better as far as most people were concerned. There had been strange tales of late. People spoke of odd folks who wandered the roads in the dark, a foolish idea at the best of times. Many mentioned an odd sense that their lights didn't shine quite as bright as they once had. It was almost as if Volodmartz and Miekarova were being beset by a darkness which wanted to consume, and only the daylight was keeping it at bay. The Light Market was busier than it had been. There was a whisper that something stirred in the deep chamber, but when asked, nobody could quite recall what it was that had made them so uneasy.

The folks working at the [[Merchant Boyar of the Light Market|Light Market]] have had to work overtime to keep up with demand. People are eager to purchase new lightstones, suddenly convinced that their old ones are about to give out. It seems others have also taken note of this hubbub. [[Bredavoi_Emissary#The_Deep_Chamber|The Deep Chamber]] seems to whisper offers of helping people forget painful memories when the darkness gets a little too much.

Reports of strange stories have surfaced here and there across [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]]. Most of them are fanciful and clearly exaggerated, but a few have more than a grain of truth in them. People find themselves drawn to tell the stories of those who have been lost and forgotten. A few drunk Stzena even claim they ended up trying to tell the stories of people they never knew. Some of the tales seem to refer to [[Night Below|Blackdamp]], with terrifying accounts of a thing that eats the memories of loved ones and leaves beds unmade with no-one even remembering who once slept there.

It was just as the days light vanished when a young girl walked up to a civil service desk in [[Volodmartz]] and delivered a letter. It is an offer to all [[Mine]] owners in [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]]. If they want to gain the aid of the Night Below, they should have [[An Echo of Songs|Echo of Songs]] cast on their mine. ''Fly-the-light'''s help would mean there would be no need for the Mithril and would only require the usual mana. If that happens, it will be acknowledged by the Night Below as a request for their aid and acceptance of their boon. ''Blackdamp'' will reach out to permanently mark the mine, so that it will produce a single additional [[Farewell_wanderlust#Treasures_of_the_Earth|deep stone]]. Such aid is only available if the ritual is cast this season.

However, if the Varushkan Mine owners in [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]] cast [[Revelation of the Jewel's Sparkling Heart]], it would be an acknowledgement that the mine owner opposes the Night Below. This ritual will function as normal but it may also help fight the growing influence of the Night Below.

===Spooky Stzena===
* '''Any character with the Stzena archetype can benefit by spreading chilling or disturbing tales'''
* '''A Stzena can regain all lost hero points after ten minutes of appropriate roleplaying'''
For the Spring summit, any player whose character has been in [[Volodmartz]] or [[Miekarova]] can roleplay having met one or more storytellers who has told stories of forgetting others. You may also have experienced a sense of the darkness gnawing at the light, or heard storytellers talk of it.

Any player can tell their own stories of when the darkness has encroached upon them - you might believe afterwards that it was nothing more than your imagination, but if you've experienced this, it definitely felt real at the time. Lightstones still work to keep the darkness at bay, but they seem weaker somehow. Players are welcome to create stories of how Varushkan traditions of hospitality and wards have staved off the pressing darkness concerns and helped protect their homes. Or of stories of travelling along roads after dark and seemingly normal encounters that had an underlying sense of inexplicable dread.

Any [[Stzena]] or other professional storyteller who has visited [[Volodmartz]] or [[Miekarova]] this season, may find the traditional stories they tell suddenly contain new elements, accounts of those who have been lost or forgotten about. You might even have find yourself recounting the story of someone's life only to realise that the story is about someone you never met.

If you have the Stzena archetype then you can benefit from this strange phenomena. If you tell a story that is particularly chilling or disturbing, especially if it touches on the horrors of being lost or forgotten then after ten minutes of appropriate roleplaying, you may regain any expended hero points.

==Wrapping up the Roots ==
<quote by="A note found at Starwood Roots Steading">
We thank you for the hospitality and the warning, so we have moved home. But we wish you the best. If we ever meet again, hospitality is again offered to all of you. With love to those who open their minds to the curious thoughts we think when we hope no-one is watching too closely.</quote>
* '''A nest of cannibals has been exposed in Hercynia
* '''Unfortunately it seems the Navarr murderers have escaped
* '''There are suggestions Blood-on-the-Snow is involved somehow
Last season the [[Archmage of Winter]] was involved in [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|an investigation]] of a place called ''Starwood Roots Steading'' in [[hercynia]]. It appeared that the family, previously noted for their vigilance, who lived in the little steading had gone missing some time before the Winter Solstice. Sudden snowfall had prevented mundane authorities from investigating, but the [[Sentinel Gate]] provided access to the steading for a small number of Imperial heroes.

Their shocking report to the militia at Anvil caused word to be sent, urgently, to the magistrates in Hercynia. As soon as it was possible to do so, the Navarr magistrates lead a body of soldiers up the mountain to arrest and where neccessary execute the folk of Starwood Roots Steading. it seemed that at some point, these Navarr had embraced the foul practice of cannibalism, apparently influenced and encouraged by the one they called "Whispers on Wind". By the time the magistrates had gathered a force to travel to the Steading, however, Spring was thawing and a lot of the snow was becoming that horrible slush like sleet, interspaced with patches of treacherous black ice that the weak sun had not yet found. It made the journey treacherous and two of the party suffered brutal falls that left them with broken bones.

Eventually they reached the steading, but by then it was obvious the old mountain watch had fled, obviously expecting a second uninvited visit. The only sign of their passing was a note and a small wicker box, placed neatly on the table, addressed to the [[Senator]] of [[Hercynia]]. Cannibalism is of course a crime in the Empire now, but worse there are strong hints that this "Whispers on the Wind" is very likely a mask for [[Agramant]]. Anyone wishing to know more may wish to speak to either the Senator, or the Archmage.

==Queen Igraine's Regio==
* '''A strange curse is emanating from the regio in the grounds of the Castle of Thorns'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the regio at 3.30pm on Saturday for a small number of people'''
* '''The Senator for Astolat is responsible for dealing with the recalcitrant regio'''

The roses that enshroud [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns||the Castle of Thorns]] are widely believed to be the remnants of a magical defence created in pre-Imperial times by the enchanter Queen Jessamy. Cynics consider the tale to be little more than a fanciful troubadours ballad, but there is some evidence for it being true. There is dense rose garden in the grounds of the Castle that grows around a Summer [[regio]] - the very thing Jessamy would have needed to perform her magic.

The roses themselves may be even older however. The Castle of Thorns was raised by [[Dawn_monarchy#Pre-Imperial_History|Queen Igraine]], a brilliant gardener who bred and grew exotic roses. According to legend, the young Igraine created an impenetrable tower of roses to pass her [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Test of Mettle]]. There's no evidence at all to suggest that she did that at the same spot where she later built the Castle of Thorns, but troubadours rarely worry about such details. As a result, it is sometimes called Igraine's Regio.

The regio is rarely used these days. Over the years the thorn bushes that surround it have grown thicker and thicker, resisting all efforts to cut them back. Recently, the few mages brave enough to have made it inside report difficulty in using the Summer regio to do magic, describing it 'resisting', as if the regio somehow doesn't want to be used and is pushing back against them.

Now the recalcitrant regio appears to be the source of a strange curse. The Castle of Thorns is struggling to shrug off the grip of winter, and there is still snow which does not melt in the rose garden. The thorns themselves seem to grow ever more hostile as if trying to prevent someone from reaching the regio. In places, they are hard as iron. In others, they grow faster and more aggressively than they should, with some thorns coated in a kind of poison which envenoms the blood. Most gardeners employed at the castle have given up trying to do their springtime work in the frozen and hostile garden.

There is a conjunction to the regio at 3.30pm on Saturday, and the [[Senator]] of [[Astolat]] is responsible. It is unknown what will happen if the garden is left to itself, but whatever happens bodes ill for the Castle of Thorns if it is not resolved.

==Where There’s Muck==
* '''A number of Suaq businesses have mentioned handling a higher number of curse coins than usual.
* '''There are no obvious consequence or causes for the increase at this stage.
It's probably nothing but - actually, its almost never "nothing" when the story starts to spread as far as this one does. "It's probably nothing" is increasingly code for "soemething is definitely up." This case seems to be no exception. Gossip from [[Suaq]] traders and [[mediator|mediators]] they have started encountering a disproportionate number of [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Coins|curse coins]] over the last several months. For the most part, they deal with the coins in the traditional manner, but it is still something worth noting.

Usually curse coin hearth magic is invoked because of a specific grudge, but there seems to be a consensus that some curse coins are now turning up without explanation - and in many cases seemingly without serious consequence. Are they a new ''kind'' of curse? Could they just have ''coincidentally'' become blackened or warped? Is there any chance Blood-on-the-Snow isn't involved in this somewhere along the line.

Either way, it’s difficult to get much more information of consequence out of most merchants. They seem broadly either unaware or unwilling to share any further information about the nature of any sooty coins in their possession. Yet there's enough talk to make people a little nervous, and for the [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] folk of Wintermark to keep their eyes open for anything untoward trying to slip into their money pouches.

==Can't Stop The Music==
{{SOP|statement=From the very heartlands of this Empire, to the furthest lands touched by Virtue. We are the blood of the Empire, we are Shepherds of the Great Dance and we find ourselves entwined with our fellow Nations as never before. Paths in the dance braided together in these moments. Bring our voice through the veins of the trods that cross the lands while they resonate with our song. In the midst of winter we gather at the hearth, at home. At Wayhouse, Stead, and Tarry. We trade Song and Story with one another, and regales our history, our tale, our culture. Take heed these words, commit to memory these songs, and as winter turns to spring, bring them as a chord along these resonant trods. Bring them to our closest allies and the furthest reaches of our Empire both, so that all know that even when this magic has faded. As sure as the seasons do change. Where Navarr go, music follows.|vote = {{GM}} 265-0|by=Nathair Autumngale, Navarr National Assembly|when=397YE Winter Solstice}}
* '''Dreams of the song 'Painted', composed by Idwynn Splitroot, continue to spread across the Empire'''
* '''The Navarr Assembly committed to spreading art and music across the Empire'''
* '''There is an opportunity to construct a special wayhouse dedicated to the musical arts in Astolat'''
* '''If built, it will encourage the people of Dawn to embrace the fight against the Vallorn'''
In Autumn of last year [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#A_Peculiar_Opportunity_(Lashonar)|an arcane projection was cast]] in [[Brocéliande]] under the supervision of Nathair Autumngale and with the blessing of [[Lashonar]]. Throughout Winter [[The_tune_without_the_words#An_Ode_To_Blood_And_Sacrifice|dreams of a beautiful song]] began to spread throughout the Empire in a form of benign magical contagion. As the song continues to spread, the Navarri National Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_36|passed the judgement raised by Nathair Autumngale]] with a greater majority, lauding the central role of music in Navarri culture. Eskah Swift Hart [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_117|raised a second judgement]] naming Idwynn Splitroot, the [[Dean of the First Voice Glade]], as the composer of the song and even made claims that those who performed the initial casting of the arcane projection have heard Navarr and Thorn themselves singing along in their dreams.

Many expected the dreams to fade naturally with time, yet as the blossoms of Spring start to bud, the song continues unabated. From [[Sermersuaq]] to [[Spiral]], from [[Segura]] to [[Volodmartz]], the echo continues. But this season, it is in [[Dawn]], in [[Astolat]], that the song really takes root.

<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Wayhouse]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Brightway, [[Astolat#Grovesyard|Grovesyard]], Astolat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 10 weirwood, and 105 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in Astolat for military units engaged in the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]]
* Increases the taxation of Astolat by 1 throne per season
* Creates a [[new Imperial title]], the Thorn Singer
* Also increases investment in Weirwater and Semmerholm for the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]], if the Dawnish Assembly names the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling.
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Navarr characters whose resource was in Astolat would vote in the Miaren election</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Thorn Singer'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Vote of Cat's Graces or Navarr national appointment</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Gains five Ambergelt, five Beggar's Lye and five Iridescent Gloaming each season
* Gains an additional five Ambergelt, five Beggar's Lye and five Iridescent Gloaming each season if the Dawnish Assembly names the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling.
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To oversee the Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse and encourage Dawnish nobles and yeofolk to fight the vallorn</td></tr>
</table></div>

[[Astolat]] is noted for its thriving community of [[Troubadour|troubadours]], and has long been a popular destination for those who love music. The [[Empress_Richilde#The_Songbirds|Nightingale Chorus]] Wayhouse is a truly venerable institution, tracing its origins back to the reign of [[Empress Richilde]] and boasting a reputation as a gathering-place for Navarri bards and Dawnish troubadours to gather and share songs and stories. Their fortunes have waxed and waned over the years, but the spread of the musical dreams has led to a proposal to invest in the Wayhouse and potentially reap future rewards. Few things inspire the pursuit of Glory as much as a good song, and a magical song that echoes across the whole Empire has a mighty power to move people's hearts.

Expanding the Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse would be a major endeavour requiring 25 wains of [[white granite]], 10 wians of [[weirwood]] and 105 crowns, but if it was commissioned then it would become the hub of a Navarri-Dawnish coalition devoted to the completion of a story centuries in the making - an end to the Vallorn. The wayhouse would raise the level of investment of all military units based in Astolat engaged in the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]], as the artists of the Nightingale Chorus inspired witches, knights and other Dawnish heroes to take up arms against the ancient foe.

The Chorus propose the title Thorn Singer be appointed to oversee the wayhouse and encourage Dawnish nobles and yeofolk to commit to the glorious struggle with the vallorn. The position would be a Navarr national appointment but it would need to be appointed by vote of member sof the [[Arranging grace|Cat's Graces]] if that sodality is confirmed by the Senate. If that doesn't happen, then the Navarr national assembly could be tasked with appointing the title instead. Regardless of who elects the position, the title holder would receive five measures of [[iridescent gloaming]], five measures of [[beggar's lye]] and five measures of [[ambergelt]] each season - donations from wealthy nobles eager to support the Wayhouse's mission with the intention that the Thorn Singer use the materials to commission a [[:Category:Musical_Instruments|magical musical instrument]] each year.

Should the Dawnish National Assembly declare the fight against the Vallorn to be their nation's [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|Highest Calling]], the impact of the Wayhouse would be considerably enhanced. The benefits of the Wayhouse to military units questing against the vallorn would spread to [[Semmerholm]] and [[Weirwater]] and the Thorn Singer's income of valuable resources would double.

====Song for the Road====
* '''Any character may have heard the echoes of the song'''
* '''Navarr characters who embrace the song may choose to experience a roleplaying effect'''
Any Navarr character may choose to have heard the song, experienced the dreams of singing voices either directly or via half-remembered echoes, or to have seen what appears to be Lashonar. Those who do experience a roleplaying effect during the Winter Solstice: You feel a sense of immense pride in the oaths that you have sworn and the tattoos and other marks you wear to commemorate them. It feels good and right to celebrate this element of your culture, and to encourage others to follow suit.

If you are Navarr and you choose to embrace the roleplaying effect, then during the Winter Solstice you possess a single additional hero point, even if you do not have the hero skill. This hero point can be spent in the normal fashion, depending on your skills, but once gone it is not recovered. The roleplaying effect and the additional hero point are lost by the end of the Spring Equinox.

Characters who are not Navarr, but who feel a personal connection to that nation, to the trods, or to the fight against the vallorn are also free to roleplay having had the dream or heard the echoes of the music. They do not receive the roleplaying effect or the additional hero point however.

Ripple of echoes

2026-06-10T17:24:53Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Wisdom of New Spring */

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ripple effect on water.jpg|caption=Ripples spread from a single drop of water, as consequences spread from a single decision.|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Magic fills the Known World. It rides the winds, it rises with the sun and the stars, it flows in great currents through the forests and the seas and the sky. It is part of the rivers and the forests, the seas and the skies. It is studied, mastered, examined, and debated. It is mysterious, enigmatic, unpredictable, and yet follows its own strange laws. All mortals practice magic, and yet they are not the only sources of magic in the world. It comes from rattling runes, from the heavens, from the wellspring of blood, from the shapes and symbols of creation, and while it can be bidden it cannot always be restrained. Wonder is all around, an endless wordless tune that winds and weaves around all things.

This wind of fortune rounds up a roundup of assorted strange events, some arising from mortal actions some with less explicable causes. There are several companion pieces to this wind. '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' deals with things relating specifically to the [[eternal|eternals]] of the [[Realms|six realms]] while '''[[Key of dreams]]''' addresses the [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages of the [[Archmage|archmages]]. '''[[Things go awry]]''' deals specifically with the ongoing chaos relating to the [[Astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellations]], and also talks of several territory-wide [[enchantment|enchantments]] that have had unexpected results as a consequence.
==Mulch Ado About Nothing==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marrowort.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
<div {{Float}}">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Freya's Legacy'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Woodheath|Woodheath, Hahnmark]] and/or [[Ossium#Echofell|Echofell, Ossium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of [[weirwood]], 48 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year (until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title ''Tender of Freya's Legacy''
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Tender of Freya's Legacy'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National Wintermark or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes, Senate, or Imperial Apothecaries Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 2 doses of whisperspore and 3 magical mushrooms drawn from Llofir's realm </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Tend the Legacy, and ensure that the influence of Llofir does not spread</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Fellsting Grave'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Ossium#Echofell|Echofell, Ossium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of [[weirwood]], 48 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year (until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* * Creates the title ''Warden of Fellsting Grave''
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Warden of Fellsting Grave'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National Varushka or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes, Senate, or Imperial Apothecaries Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 2 doses of whisperspore and 3 magical mushrooms drawn from Llofir's realm </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Tend the Grave, and ensure that the influence of Llofir does not spread</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Regrow the lands heart has been cast in Ossium and in Hahnmark, empowered by the eternal Llofir
Last season, Llofir offered a number of boons to the Empire following its return to [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]] by the hand of the [[Archmage of Spring]]. One of these was to [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Regrow_the_Land's_Heart|empower castings]] of the ritual [[Regrow the Land's Heart]], to promote the blooming of new life from mulch and putrefaction. The boon was accepted, and as a consequence the power of Llofir spreads across [[Hahnmark]] and [[Ossium]]. Wrecked, damaged things are overgrown or consumed, replaced with fresh growth. Cemeteries and burial grounds, battlefields and ruined castles, all burst with life. There are any number of little unexpected extra effects as well - fermentation results in markedly potent brews. The mortal remains of everyone who has died under the influence of the enchantment almost immediately bloom with fungal life, or less identifiable plants rooted in their corpses. This effect extends to places where the dead lie respectfully, as well as those who die over winter. Whether they are in burial mounds, interred in ossuaries, or left lying by the side of the road, the dead are renewed with new life. Something that is not universally welcomed.
===Legacy and Grave===
* '''Freya's Garden and the Tower of the Scorpion are no more
* '''There is an opportunity to harness the sites where these commissions once stood and gain access to some of Llofir's donahorti
All remnants of both [[Hahnmark#Freya's_Garden_(Ruined)|Freya's Garden]] and the old [[Ossium#Tower_of_the_Scorpion_(Ruined)|Tower of the Scorpion]] have been removed from the land, leaving rich fields of fungal growth where they once were. The land they stood upon has been reclaimed by nature in the wake of this destruction, healthy new growth springing up where the ruins once stood. This change, however, provides an unexpected [[opportunity]]. With the approval of the [[Senate]], it would be possible to cultivate the miraculous growth in each territory to create a [[sinecure]]. A [[commission]] could be built on either site - or both of them - designed not only to contain the rampant growth but to harness the bounty of fungus growing there. ''Freya's Legacy'' or ''Fellsting Grave'' would provide a supply of ''donhahorti'' from Llofir's realm - 2 doses of [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Rot_and_the_Magic|whisperspore]] and three [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Blessing_of_Old_Winter|magical mushrooms]] each season. Llofir is unconcerned whether these "gardens" are tended or not, but certainly has no objection to the Empire welcoming his gifts. The ''Tender of Freya's Legacy'' and ''Felsting Warden'' would be responsible for overseeing their respective sinecure, but also for ensuring that the magical growth there does not get too out of hand. The titles could be national or Imperial, and after some discussion the [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worn path]] for appointing them would be via Senate appointment, Tally of the Votes, or by the Imperial Apothecaries Guild. The latter is no mandated - there is an obvious correlation between Llofir's gifts, healing and potions but the sinecures themselves do not specifically create such things.

===Barrow Plant===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Capture Llofir's Boon'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great Work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Valasmark|Valasmark]], Hahnmark or [[Ossium#Galath_Fields|Galath Fields]], Ossium</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' at least 50 wains of [[weirwood]], 150 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Spring Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* provides a level of investment in herb gardens in the appropriate territory that provides each garden with 3 marrowort each season
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The herb marrowort has grown in great profusion across Ossium and Hahnmark
* '''Several titles will receive additional bounties of herbs at the Summer Solstice
* '''There are opportunities to create great works in the two territories to capture some of this growth
As Spring draws closer in Ossium, the charnel pits and mass graves left by the fight against the [[Druj]] are overgrown by fields of gently bobbing [[marrowort]]. The [[Ossium#The_Field_of_Glory|Field of Glory]] bursts at the seams, almost. After the Spring Equinox the new [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] '''Miroslav Dainovitch Temnavoda''' will receive a rare bounty of the herb - 27 drams as opposed to their usual 18 drams. This profligacy of the white-flowered herb is felt across the territory, and following the Spring Equinox every herb garden will receive two additional doses of marrowort. During the Spring Equinox, the enchantment [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]] will have unlooked for effect - any Ossium herb garden will provide a dozen marrowort in place of the usual reward of two drams of each of the five herbs.

In Hahnmark, the effect is just as pronounced. White flowers cover the hillsides, and after the Spring Equinox there will be a grand harvest indeed. The [[Guardian of Dunfrith]], the [[Gatekeeper of Falling Snow]], the [[Herbalist of the Hearth]], the [[Master Apothecary]], and the [[Guard of the Proud Quill Parcel]], will all receive an additional four drams of marrowort at the Summer Solstice. As in Ossium, performance of ''Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop'' will produce a glut of the valuable medicinal plant.

There is another opportunity here if the Senate chooses to embrace it. If they act swiftly - during the Spring Equinox - they could take advantage of the renewal and fresh growth that has spread across Hahnmark and Ossium. If a [[great work]] is commissioned in either [[hahnmark#Valasmark|Valasmark]], near Valashal where the heroic defenders faced down the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] and were victorious, or at [[Ossium#Galath Field|Galath Field]] on the battlefields there, once that great work is complete it will provide three drams of marrowort to every herb garden in the territory each season rather than the usual 2 herbs. It is a minor boon at best, but all five of the known medicinal herbs are valuable in their own way and marrowort in particular is vital for helping those with serious injuries survive their wounds. This opportunity is only available at the Spring Equinox; after that the last of the magical energy will have departed the fields regrown by Llofir.

==Wisdom of New Spring==
* '''Wise Flower Chapter apologise for failing to reach Anvil last season'''
* '''They are concerned by overuse of Winter magic to enchant herb gardens
* '''They urge that the Apothecaries Guild or the Silver Chalice instead find a way to use Spring magic to achieve this effect
* '''If a ritual can be found or codified, the Highborn will pay to enter it into Imperial lore
* '''They will also provide a bequest to either the Guild or the Chalice, whichever is responsible for the ritual
Last season, a group of [[Highguard|Highborn]] herbalists from the ''Wise Flower Chapter'' expressed their [[Apparently_with_no_surprise#A_Decrepit_Flower|intention to visit Anvil]]. They have concerns with the focus on [[Winter magic]], and its use to enchant [[herb garden|herb gardens]] across the Empire. They were unable, due to the weather, to actually reach Anvil during the summit, to their great regret. They had intended to speak to the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] and the [[Silver Chalice]] about their perception that [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]] is slowly but surely harming Imperial herb gardens with its focus on killing weak plants rather than instead granting health and hardiness to ''all'' the plants in a garden and trusting the tender to remove anything they don't want. They believe that [[Woven Strands of Life]], for all that it coaxes herbs forth from [[mana site|mana sites]] rather than enchanting herb gardens directly, is an example of what could be achieved with a little research. They don't say it, but it is clear that the [[magister|magisters]] of their chapter think that Winter magic is best kept away from ''anything'' green and growing, and that it would be preferable to be able to use [[Spring magic]] - which has its own problems but at least it doesn't kill plants that otherwise might be coaxed to healthiness.

Long story short; the ''Wise Flower Chapter'' has committed themselves to supporting the search for a new ritual. It may need to be [[College_of_magic#Ritual_Texts|codified]], or it might be possible to locate a ritual that has simply never been added to Imperial lore. If such a ritual is presented as part of [[Imperial lore]] by the [[Conclave]], and the magician who raises the declaration calls on Chapter to do so, they will pay the 10 Thrones needed to enter a ritual that enchants herb gardens to improve their production of healthy healing herbs. If the declaration further indicates that this ritual was found or created with the aid of members of the Guild, or the Chalice, they will commit to granting four drams of true vervain, and two drams each of the other four herbs, to either of these august bodies each season for the foreseeable future.

==Follow You Home==
* '''Miekarova and Volodmartz seem to be afflicted by a growing sense of foreboding that lurks beyond the light'''
* '''Storytellers in the Varushkan territories find their stories seem to take on a life of their own'''
* '''Mine owners in Miekarova and Volodmartz can use An Echo of Songs to ally themselves with the Night Below and gain an additional deep stone each season'''
* '''Mine owners can use Revelation of the Jewel's Sparkling Heart to oppose the spreading influence of the Night Below'''

<ic>A miner one evening came into an inn in Brez and sat with a bottle of mead and explained to the bartender he needed to talk. He needed to try and remember the names and faces of those he met on the Perumaki path the evening before. They held some importance to him, but he wasn't sure what; he knew it might have been, love? He just had to tell someone before losing those memories. Even if he forgot, another could tell the story, he hoped.

He was on his way to work, up in the mines with his two brothers, Hrabr & Miloš. They mined Tempest Jade as a family business. One the way he met another group - he could tell they were travellers, as they were dressed in finery and matching tabards. They, however, agreed to share the day's toil, to travel into the mountains and work together. As the miner tells his tale, he keeps squeezing a lightstone between his fingers, as if willing it to glow brighter.

The day started as normal, singing the song of their family, one of Prosperity and Pride. They'd found a new tunnel and agreed to travel downwards. He'd sensed something as they walked, he said. As if their songs and chatter had grown more distant... replaced by a growing feeling of wanting to run as far away as possible. But the others said they felt fine and they'd argued to keep going. The people in tabards and finery also said they felt fine and so he followed them down.

Soon the tunnel opened into a vast cavern and it was filled with beautiful stones and metals. The others began to mine but he stood there and fear held him in place. Then there was a moment, where something felt like it let him go and he ran for it.

He sits at the bar and stares at the light stone. Drinks a long swig of mead and then puts the it back in his pocket and asks the innkeeper where he is. He reaches for a far purse, bulging with metal and crystal, to pay for his drink. A look of confusion flashes across his face and then, he smiles and says "I'm sorry friend, I don't who you are but, I have work tomorrow and apparently I'm a long way from home."

As he pays up and leaves, the bartender calls, "What will you do about your brothers?" The man gives a confused look and responds "You must have me confused, I never had any brothers." as he turns and heads out into the night. </ic>

As Winter gives way to Spring, days get longer - to the relief of many people in Volodmartz and Miekarova. The more daylight the better as far as most people were concerned. There had been strange tales of late. People spoke of odd folks who wandered the roads in the dark, a foolish idea at the best of times. Many mentioned an odd sense that their lights didn't shine quite as bright as they once had. It was almost as if Volodmartz and Miekarova were being beset by a darkness which wanted to consume, and only the daylight was keeping it at bay. The Light Market was busier than it had been. There was a whisper that something stirred in the deep chamber, but when asked, nobody could quite recall what it was that had made them so uneasy.

The folks working at the [[Merchant Boyar of the Light Market|Light Market]] have had to work overtime to keep up with demand. People are eager to purchase new lightstones, suddenly convinced that their old ones are about to give out. It seems others have also taken note of this hubbub. [[Bredavoi_Emissary#The_Deep_Chamber|The Deep Chamber]] seems to whisper offers of helping people forget painful memories when the darkness gets a little too much.

Reports of strange stories have surfaced here and there across [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]]. Most of them are fanciful and clearly exaggerated, but a few have more than a grain of truth in them. People find themselves drawn to tell the stories of those who have been lost and forgotten. A few drunk Stzena even claim they ended up trying to tell the stories of people they never knew. Some of the tales seem to refer to [[Night Below|Blackdamp]], with terrifying accounts of a thing that eats the memories of loved ones and leaves beds unmade with no-one even remembering who once slept there.

It was just as the days light vanished when a young girl walked up to a civil service desk in [[Volodmartz]] and delivered a letter. It is an offer to all [[Mine]] owners in [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]]. If they want to gain the aid of the Night Below, they should have [[An Echo of Songs|Echo of Songs]] cast on their mine. ''Fly-the-light'''s help would mean there would be no need for the Mithril and would only require the usual mana. If that happens, it will be acknowledged by the Night Below as a request for their aid and acceptance of their boon. ''Blackdamp'' will reach out to permanently mark the mine, so that it will produce a single additional [[Farewell_wanderlust#Treasures_of_the_Earth|deep stone]]. Such aid is only available if the ritual is cast this season.

However, if the Varushkan Mine owners in [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]] cast [[Revelation of the Jewel's Sparkling Heart]], it would be an acknowledgement that the mine owner opposes the Night Below. This ritual will function as normal but it may also help fight the growing influence of the Night Below.

===Spooky Stzena===
* '''Any character with the Stzena archetype can benefit by spreading chilling or disturbing tales'''
* '''A Stzena can regain all lost hero points after ten minutes of appropriate roleplaying'''
For the Spring summit, any player whose character has been in [[Volodmartz]] or [[Miekarova]] can roleplay having met one or more storytellers who has told stories of forgetting others. You may also have experienced a sense of the darkness gnawing at the light, or heard storytellers talk of it.

Any player can tell their own stories of when the darkness has encroached upon them - you might believe afterwards that it was nothing more than your imagination, but if you've experienced this, it definitely felt real at the time. Lightstones still work to keep the darkness at bay, but they seem weaker somehow. Players are welcome to create stories of how Varushkan traditions of hospitality and wards have staved off the pressing darkness concerns and helped protect their homes. Or of stories of travelling along roads after dark and seemingly normal encounters that had an underlying sense of inexplicable dread.

Any [[Stzena]] or other professional storyteller who has visited [[Volodmartz]] or [[Miekarova]] this season, may find the traditional stories they tell suddenly contain new elements, accounts of those who have been lost or forgotten about. You might even have find yourself recounting the story of someone's life only to realise that the story is about someone you never met.

If you have the Stzena archetype then you can benefit from this strange phenomena. If you tell a story that is particularly chilling or disturbing, especially if it touches on the horrors of being lost or forgotten then after ten minutes of appropriate roleplaying, you may regain any expended hero points.

==Wrapping up the Roots ==
<quote by="A note found at Starwood Roots Steading">
We thank you for the hospitality and the warning, so we have moved home. But we wish you the best. If we ever meet again, hospitality is again offered to all of you. With love to those who open their minds to the curious thoughts we think when we hope no-one is watching too closely.</quote>
* '''A nest of cannibals has been exposed in Hercynia
* '''Unfortunately it seems the Navarr murderers have escaped
* '''There are suggestions Blood-on-the-Snow is involved somehow
Last season the [[Archmage of Winter]] was involved in [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|an investigation]] of a place called ''Starwood Roots Steading'' in [[hercynia]]. It appeared that the family, previously noted for their vigilance, who lived in the little steading had gone missing some time before the Winter Solstice. Sudden snowfall had prevented mundane authorities from investigating, but the [[Sentinel Gate]] provided access to the steading for a small number of Imperial heroes.

Their shocking report to the militia at Anvil caused word to be sent, urgently, to the magistrates in Hercynia. As soon as it was possible to do so, the Navarr magistrates lead a body of soldiers up the mountain to arrest and where neccessary execute the folk of Starwood Roots Steading. it seemed that at some point, these Navarr had embraced the foul practice of cannibalism, apparently influenced and encouraged by the one they called "Whispers on Wind". By the time the magistrates had gathered a force to travel to the Steading, however, Spring was thawing and a lot of the snow was becoming that horrible slush like sleet, interspaced with patches of treacherous black ice that the weak sun had not yet found. It made the journey treacherous and two of the party suffered brutal falls that left them with broken bones.

Eventually they reached the steading, but by then it was obvious the old mountain watch had fled, obviously expecting a second uninvited visit. The only sign of their passing was a note and a small wicker box, placed neatly on the table, addressed to the [[Senator]] of [[Hercynia]]. Cannibalism is of course a crime in the Empire now, but worse there are strong hints that this "Whispers on the Wind" is very likely a mask for [[Agramant]]. Anyone wishing to know more may wish to speak to either the Senator, or the Archmage.

==Queen Igraine's Regio==
* '''A strange curse is emanating from the regio in the grounds of the Castle of Thorns'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the regio at 3.30pm on Saturday for a small number of people'''
* '''The Senator for Astolat is responsible for dealing with the recalcitrant regio'''

The roses that enshroud [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns||the Castle of Thorns]] are widely believed to be the remnants of a magical defence created in pre-Imperial times by the enchanter Queen Jessamy. Cynics consider the tale to be little more than a fanciful troubadours ballad, but there is some evidence for it being true. There is dense rose garden in the grounds of the Castle that grows around a Summer [[regio]] - the very thing Jessamy would have needed to perform her magic.

The roses themselves may be even older however. The Castle of Thorns was raised by [[Dawn_monarchy#Pre-Imperial_History|Queen Igraine]], a brilliant gardener who bred and grew exotic roses. According to legend, the young Igraine created an impenetrable tower of roses to pass her [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_MettleTest of Mettle]]. There's no evidence at all to suggest that she did that at the same spot where she later built the Castle of Thorns, but troubadours rarely worry about such details. As a result, it is sometimes called Igraine's Regio.

The regio is rarely used these days. Over the years the thorn bushes that surround it have grown thicker and thicker, resisting all efforts to cut them back. Recently, the few mages brave enough to have made it inside report difficulty in using the Summer regio to do magic, describing it 'resisting', as if the regio somehow doesn't want to be used and is pushing back against them.

Now the recalcitrant regio appears to be the source of a strange curse. The Castle of Thorns is struggling to shrug off the grip of winter, and there is still snow which does not melt in the rose garden. The thorns themselves seem to grow ever more hostile as if trying to prevent someone from reaching the regio. In places, they are hard as iron. In others, they grow faster and more aggressively than they should, with some thorns coated in a kind of poison which envenoms the blood. Most gardeners employed at the castle have given up trying to do their springtime work in the frozen and hostile garden.

There is a conjunction to the regio at 3.30pm on Saturday, and the [[Senator]] of [[Astolat]] is responsible. It is unknown what will happen if the garden is left to itself, but whatever happens bodes ill for the Castle of Thorns if it is not resolved.

==Where There’s Muck==
* '''A number of Suaq businesses have mentioned handling a higher number of curse coins than usual.
* '''There are no obvious consequence or causes for the increase at this stage.
It's probably nothing but - actually, its almost never "nothing" when the story starts to spread as far as this one does. "It's probably nothing" is increasingly code for "soemething is definitely up." This case seems to be no exception. Gossip from [[Suaq]] traders and [[mediator|mediators]] they have started encountering a disproportionate number of [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Coins|curse coins]] over the last several months. For the most part, they deal with the coins in the traditional manner, but it is still something worth noting.

Usually curse coin hearth magic is invoked because of a specific grudge, but there seems to be a consensus that some curse coins are now turning up without explanation - and in many cases seemingly without serious consequence. Are they a new ''kind'' of curse? Could they just have ''coincidentally'' become blackened or warped? Is there any chance Blood-on-the-Snow isn't involved in this somewhere along the line.

Either way, it’s difficult to get much more information of consequence out of most merchants. They seem broadly either unaware or unwilling to share any further information about the nature of any sooty coins in their possession. Yet there's enough talk to make people a little nervous, and for the [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] folk of Wintermark to keep their eyes open for anything untoward trying to slip into their money pouches.

==Can't Stop The Music==
{{SOP|statement=From the very heartlands of this Empire, to the furthest lands touched by Virtue. We are the blood of the Empire, we are Shepherds of the Great Dance and we find ourselves entwined with our fellow Nations as never before. Paths in the dance braided together in these moments. Bring our voice through the veins of the trods that cross the lands while they resonate with our song. In the midst of winter we gather at the hearth, at home. At Wayhouse, Stead, and Tarry. We trade Song and Story with one another, and regales our history, our tale, our culture. Take heed these words, commit to memory these songs, and as winter turns to spring, bring them as a chord along these resonant trods. Bring them to our closest allies and the furthest reaches of our Empire both, so that all know that even when this magic has faded. As sure as the seasons do change. Where Navarr go, music follows.|vote = {{GM}} 265-0|by=Nathair Autumngale, Navarr National Assembly|when=397YE Winter Solstice}}
* '''Dreams of the song 'Painted', composed by Idwynn Splitroot, continue to spread across the Empire'''
* '''The Navarr Assembly committed to spreading art and music across the Empire'''
* '''There is an opportunity to construct a special wayhouse dedicated to the musical arts in Astolat'''
* '''If built, it will encourage the people of Dawn to embrace the fight against the Vallorn'''
In Autumn of last year [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#A_Peculiar_Opportunity_(Lashonar)|an arcane projection was cast]] in [[Brocéliande]] under the supervision of Nathair Autumngale and with the blessing of [[Lashonar]]. Throughout Winter [[The_tune_without_the_words#An_Ode_To_Blood_And_Sacrifice|dreams of a beautiful song]] began to spread throughout the Empire in a form of benign magical contagion. As the song continues to spread, the Navarri National Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_36|passed the judgement raised by Nathair Autumngale]] with a greater majority, lauding the central role of music in Navarri culture. Eskah Swift Hart [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_117|raised a second judgement]] naming Idwynn Splitroot, the [[Dean of the First Voice Glade]], as the composer of the song and even made claims that those who performed the initial casting of the arcane projection have heard Navarr and Thorn themselves singing along in their dreams.

Many expected the dreams to fade naturally with time, yet as the blossoms of Spring start to bud, the song continues unabated. From [[Sermersuaq]] to [[Spiral]], from [[Segura]] to [[Volodmartz]], the echo continues. But this season, it is in [[Dawn]], in [[Astolat]], that the song really takes root.

<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Wayhouse]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Brightway, [[Astolat#Grovesyard|Grovesyard]], Astolat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 10 weirwood, and 105 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in Astolat for military units engaged in the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]]
* Increases the taxation of Astolat by 1 throne per season
* Creates a [[new Imperial title]], the Thorn Singer
* Also increases investment in Weirwater and Semmerholm for the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]], if the Dawnish Assembly names the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling.
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Navarr characters whose resource was in Astolat would vote in the Miaren election</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Thorn Singer'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Vote of Cat's Graces or Navarr national appointment</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Gains five Ambergelt, five Beggar's Lye and five Iridescent Gloaming each season
* Gains an additional five Ambergelt, five Beggar's Lye and five Iridescent Gloaming each season if the Dawnish Assembly names the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling.
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To oversee the Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse and encourage Dawnish nobles and yeofolk to fight the vallorn</td></tr>
</table></div>

[[Astolat]] is noted for its thriving community of [[Troubadour|troubadours]], and has long been a popular destination for those who love music. The [[Empress_Richilde#The_Songbirds|Nightingale Chorus]] Wayhouse is a truly venerable institution, tracing its origins back to the reign of [[Empress Richilde]] and boasting a reputation as a gathering-place for Navarri bards and Dawnish troubadours to gather and share songs and stories. Their fortunes have waxed and waned over the years, but the spread of the musical dreams has led to a proposal to invest in the Wayhouse and potentially reap future rewards. Few things inspire the pursuit of Glory as much as a good song, and a magical song that echoes across the whole Empire has a mighty power to move people's hearts.

Expanding the Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse would be a major endeavour requiring 25 wains of [[white granite]], 10 wians of [[weirwood]] and 105 crowns, but if it was commissioned then it would become the hub of a Navarri-Dawnish coalition devoted to the completion of a story centuries in the making - an end to the Vallorn. The wayhouse would raise the level of investment of all military units based in Astolat engaged in the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]], as the artists of the Nightingale Chorus inspired witches, knights and other Dawnish heroes to take up arms against the ancient foe.

The Chorus propose the title Thorn Singer be appointed to oversee the wayhouse and encourage Dawnish nobles and yeofolk to commit to the glorious struggle with the vallorn. The position would be a Navarr national appointment but it would need to be appointed by vote of member sof the [[Arranging grace|Cat's Graces]] if that sodality is confirmed by the Senate. If that doesn't happen, then the Navarr national assembly could be tasked with appointing the title instead. Regardless of who elects the position, the title holder would receive five measures of [[iridescent gloaming]], five measures of [[beggar's lye]] and five measures of [[ambergelt]] each season - donations from wealthy nobles eager to support the Wayhouse's mission with the intention that the Thorn Singer use the materials to commission a [[:Category:Musical_Instruments|magical musical instrument]] each year.

Should the Dawnish National Assembly declare the fight against the Vallorn to be their nation's [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|Highest Calling]], the impact of the Wayhouse would be considerably enhanced. The benefits of the Wayhouse to military units questing against the vallorn would spread to [[Semmerholm]] and [[Weirwater]] and the Thorn Singer's income of valuable resources would double.

====Song for the Road====
* '''Any character may have heard the echoes of the song'''
* '''Navarr characters who embrace the song may choose to experience a roleplaying effect'''
Any Navarr character may choose to have heard the song, experienced the dreams of singing voices either directly or via half-remembered echoes, or to have seen what appears to be Lashonar. Those who do experience a roleplaying effect during the Winter Solstice: You feel a sense of immense pride in the oaths that you have sworn and the tattoos and other marks you wear to commemorate them. It feels good and right to celebrate this element of your culture, and to encourage others to follow suit.

If you are Navarr and you choose to embrace the roleplaying effect, then during the Winter Solstice you possess a single additional hero point, even if you do not have the hero skill. This hero point can be spent in the normal fashion, depending on your skills, but once gone it is not recovered. The roleplaying effect and the additional hero point are lost by the end of the Spring Equinox.

Characters who are not Navarr, but who feel a personal connection to that nation, to the trods, or to the fight against the vallorn are also free to roleplay having had the dream or heard the echoes of the music. They do not receive the roleplaying effect or the additional hero point however.

Ripple of echoes

2026-06-10T17:24:45Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Wisdom of New Spring */

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ripple effect on water.jpg|caption=Ripples spread from a single drop of water, as consequences spread from a single decision.|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Magic fills the Known World. It rides the winds, it rises with the sun and the stars, it flows in great currents through the forests and the seas and the sky. It is part of the rivers and the forests, the seas and the skies. It is studied, mastered, examined, and debated. It is mysterious, enigmatic, unpredictable, and yet follows its own strange laws. All mortals practice magic, and yet they are not the only sources of magic in the world. It comes from rattling runes, from the heavens, from the wellspring of blood, from the shapes and symbols of creation, and while it can be bidden it cannot always be restrained. Wonder is all around, an endless wordless tune that winds and weaves around all things.

This wind of fortune rounds up a roundup of assorted strange events, some arising from mortal actions some with less explicable causes. There are several companion pieces to this wind. '''[[Monarchs and outcasts]]''' deals with things relating specifically to the [[eternal|eternals]] of the [[Realms|six realms]] while '''[[Key of dreams]]''' addresses the [[Archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages of the [[Archmage|archmages]]. '''[[Things go awry]]''' deals specifically with the ongoing chaos relating to the [[Astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellations]], and also talks of several territory-wide [[enchantment|enchantments]] that have had unexpected results as a consequence.
==Mulch Ado About Nothing==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marrowort.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
<div {{Float}}">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Freya's Legacy'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Woodheath|Woodheath, Hahnmark]] and/or [[Ossium#Echofell|Echofell, Ossium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of [[weirwood]], 48 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year (until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title ''Tender of Freya's Legacy''
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Tender of Freya's Legacy'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National Wintermark or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes, Senate, or Imperial Apothecaries Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 2 doses of whisperspore and 3 magical mushrooms drawn from Llofir's realm </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Tend the Legacy, and ensure that the influence of Llofir does not spread</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Fellsting Grave'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Sinecure]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Ossium#Echofell|Echofell, Ossium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 16 wains of [[weirwood]], 48 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year (until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* * Creates the title ''Warden of Fellsting Grave''
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Warden of Fellsting Grave'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National Varushka or Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes, Senate, or Imperial Apothecaries Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 2 doses of whisperspore and 3 magical mushrooms drawn from Llofir's realm </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Tend the Grave, and ensure that the influence of Llofir does not spread</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Regrow the lands heart has been cast in Ossium and in Hahnmark, empowered by the eternal Llofir
Last season, Llofir offered a number of boons to the Empire following its return to [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]] by the hand of the [[Archmage of Spring]]. One of these was to [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Regrow_the_Land's_Heart|empower castings]] of the ritual [[Regrow the Land's Heart]], to promote the blooming of new life from mulch and putrefaction. The boon was accepted, and as a consequence the power of Llofir spreads across [[Hahnmark]] and [[Ossium]]. Wrecked, damaged things are overgrown or consumed, replaced with fresh growth. Cemeteries and burial grounds, battlefields and ruined castles, all burst with life. There are any number of little unexpected extra effects as well - fermentation results in markedly potent brews. The mortal remains of everyone who has died under the influence of the enchantment almost immediately bloom with fungal life, or less identifiable plants rooted in their corpses. This effect extends to places where the dead lie respectfully, as well as those who die over winter. Whether they are in burial mounds, interred in ossuaries, or left lying by the side of the road, the dead are renewed with new life. Something that is not universally welcomed.
===Legacy and Grave===
* '''Freya's Garden and the Tower of the Scorpion are no more
* '''There is an opportunity to harness the sites where these commissions once stood and gain access to some of Llofir's donahorti
All remnants of both [[Hahnmark#Freya's_Garden_(Ruined)|Freya's Garden]] and the old [[Ossium#Tower_of_the_Scorpion_(Ruined)|Tower of the Scorpion]] have been removed from the land, leaving rich fields of fungal growth where they once were. The land they stood upon has been reclaimed by nature in the wake of this destruction, healthy new growth springing up where the ruins once stood. This change, however, provides an unexpected [[opportunity]]. With the approval of the [[Senate]], it would be possible to cultivate the miraculous growth in each territory to create a [[sinecure]]. A [[commission]] could be built on either site - or both of them - designed not only to contain the rampant growth but to harness the bounty of fungus growing there. ''Freya's Legacy'' or ''Fellsting Grave'' would provide a supply of ''donhahorti'' from Llofir's realm - 2 doses of [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Rot_and_the_Magic|whisperspore]] and three [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Blessing_of_Old_Winter|magical mushrooms]] each season. Llofir is unconcerned whether these "gardens" are tended or not, but certainly has no objection to the Empire welcoming his gifts. The ''Tender of Freya's Legacy'' and ''Felsting Warden'' would be responsible for overseeing their respective sinecure, but also for ensuring that the magical growth there does not get too out of hand. The titles could be national or Imperial, and after some discussion the [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worn path]] for appointing them would be via Senate appointment, Tally of the Votes, or by the Imperial Apothecaries Guild. The latter is no mandated - there is an obvious correlation between Llofir's gifts, healing and potions but the sinecures themselves do not specifically create such things.

===Barrow Plant===
<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Capture Llofir's Boon'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great Work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Valasmark|Valasmark]], Hahnmark or [[Ossium#Galath_Fields|Galath Fields]], Ossium</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' at least 50 wains of [[weirwood]], 150 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Spring Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* provides a level of investment in herb gardens in the appropriate territory that provides each garden with 3 marrowort each season
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The herb marrowort has grown in great profusion across Ossium and Hahnmark
* '''Several titles will receive additional bounties of herbs at the Summer Solstice
* '''There are opportunities to create great works in the two territories to capture some of this growth
As Spring draws closer in Ossium, the charnel pits and mass graves left by the fight against the [[Druj]] are overgrown by fields of gently bobbing [[marrowort]]. The [[Ossium#The_Field_of_Glory|Field of Glory]] bursts at the seams, almost. After the Spring Equinox the new [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] '''Miroslav Dainovitch Temnavoda''' will receive a rare bounty of the herb - 27 drams as opposed to their usual 18 drams. This profligacy of the white-flowered herb is felt across the territory, and following the Spring Equinox every herb garden will receive two additional doses of marrowort. During the Spring Equinox, the enchantment [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]] will have unlooked for effect - any Ossium herb garden will provide a dozen marrowort in place of the usual reward of two drams of each of the five herbs.

In Hahnmark, the effect is just as pronounced. White flowers cover the hillsides, and after the Spring Equinox there will be a grand harvest indeed. The [[Guardian of Dunfrith]], the [[Gatekeeper of Falling Snow]], the [[Herbalist of the Hearth]], the [[Master Apothecary]], and the [[Guard of the Proud Quill Parcel]], will all receive an additional four drams of marrowort at the Summer Solstice. As in Ossium, performance of ''Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop'' will produce a glut of the valuable medicinal plant.

There is another opportunity here if the Senate chooses to embrace it. If they act swiftly - during the Spring Equinox - they could take advantage of the renewal and fresh growth that has spread across Hahnmark and Ossium. If a [[great work]] is commissioned in either [[hahnmark#Valasmark|Valasmark]], near Valashal where the heroic defenders faced down the ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] and were victorious, or at [[Ossium#Galath Field|Galath Field]] on the battlefields there, once that great work is complete it will provide three drams of marrowort to every herb garden in the territory each season rather than the usual 2 herbs. It is a minor boon at best, but all five of the known medicinal herbs are valuable in their own way and marrowort in particular is vital for helping those with serious injuries survive their wounds. This opportunity is only available at the Spring Equinox; after that the last of the magical energy will have departed the fields regrown by Llofir.

==Wisdom of New Spring==
* '''Wise Flower Chapter apologise for failing to reach Anvil last season'''
* '''They are concerned by overuse of Winter magic to enchant herb gardens
* '''They urge that the Apothecaries Guild or the Silver Chalice instead find a way to use Spring magic to achieve this effect
* '''If a ritual can be found or codified, the Highborn will pay to enter it into Imperial lore
* '''They will also provide a bequest to either the Guild or the Chalice, whichever is responsible for the ritual
Last season, a group of [[Highguard|Highborn]] herbalists from the ''Wise Flower Chapter'' expressed their[[Apparently_with_no_surprise#A_Decrepit_Flower|intention to visit Anvil]]. They have concerns with the focus on [[Winter magic]], and its use to enchant [[herb garden|herb gardens]] across the Empire. They were unable, due to the weather, to actually reach Anvil during the summit, to their great regret. They had intended to speak to the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] and the [[Silver Chalice]] about their perception that [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]] is slowly but surely harming Imperial herb gardens with its focus on killing weak plants rather than instead granting health and hardiness to ''all'' the plants in a garden and trusting the tender to remove anything they don't want. They believe that [[Woven Strands of Life]], for all that it coaxes herbs forth from [[mana site|mana sites]] rather than enchanting herb gardens directly, is an example of what could be achieved with a little research. They don't say it, but it is clear that the [[magister|magisters]] of their chapter think that Winter magic is best kept away from ''anything'' green and growing, and that it would be preferable to be able to use [[Spring magic]] - which has its own problems but at least it doesn't kill plants that otherwise might be coaxed to healthiness.

Long story short; the ''Wise Flower Chapter'' has committed themselves to supporting the search for a new ritual. It may need to be [[College_of_magic#Ritual_Texts|codified]], or it might be possible to locate a ritual that has simply never been added to Imperial lore. If such a ritual is presented as part of [[Imperial lore]] by the [[Conclave]], and the magician who raises the declaration calls on Chapter to do so, they will pay the 10 Thrones needed to enter a ritual that enchants herb gardens to improve their production of healthy healing herbs. If the declaration further indicates that this ritual was found or created with the aid of members of the Guild, or the Chalice, they will commit to granting four drams of true vervain, and two drams each of the other four herbs, to either of these august bodies each season for the foreseeable future.

==Follow You Home==
* '''Miekarova and Volodmartz seem to be afflicted by a growing sense of foreboding that lurks beyond the light'''
* '''Storytellers in the Varushkan territories find their stories seem to take on a life of their own'''
* '''Mine owners in Miekarova and Volodmartz can use An Echo of Songs to ally themselves with the Night Below and gain an additional deep stone each season'''
* '''Mine owners can use Revelation of the Jewel's Sparkling Heart to oppose the spreading influence of the Night Below'''

<ic>A miner one evening came into an inn in Brez and sat with a bottle of mead and explained to the bartender he needed to talk. He needed to try and remember the names and faces of those he met on the Perumaki path the evening before. They held some importance to him, but he wasn't sure what; he knew it might have been, love? He just had to tell someone before losing those memories. Even if he forgot, another could tell the story, he hoped.

He was on his way to work, up in the mines with his two brothers, Hrabr & Miloš. They mined Tempest Jade as a family business. One the way he met another group - he could tell they were travellers, as they were dressed in finery and matching tabards. They, however, agreed to share the day's toil, to travel into the mountains and work together. As the miner tells his tale, he keeps squeezing a lightstone between his fingers, as if willing it to glow brighter.

The day started as normal, singing the song of their family, one of Prosperity and Pride. They'd found a new tunnel and agreed to travel downwards. He'd sensed something as they walked, he said. As if their songs and chatter had grown more distant... replaced by a growing feeling of wanting to run as far away as possible. But the others said they felt fine and they'd argued to keep going. The people in tabards and finery also said they felt fine and so he followed them down.

Soon the tunnel opened into a vast cavern and it was filled with beautiful stones and metals. The others began to mine but he stood there and fear held him in place. Then there was a moment, where something felt like it let him go and he ran for it.

He sits at the bar and stares at the light stone. Drinks a long swig of mead and then puts the it back in his pocket and asks the innkeeper where he is. He reaches for a far purse, bulging with metal and crystal, to pay for his drink. A look of confusion flashes across his face and then, he smiles and says "I'm sorry friend, I don't who you are but, I have work tomorrow and apparently I'm a long way from home."

As he pays up and leaves, the bartender calls, "What will you do about your brothers?" The man gives a confused look and responds "You must have me confused, I never had any brothers." as he turns and heads out into the night. </ic>

As Winter gives way to Spring, days get longer - to the relief of many people in Volodmartz and Miekarova. The more daylight the better as far as most people were concerned. There had been strange tales of late. People spoke of odd folks who wandered the roads in the dark, a foolish idea at the best of times. Many mentioned an odd sense that their lights didn't shine quite as bright as they once had. It was almost as if Volodmartz and Miekarova were being beset by a darkness which wanted to consume, and only the daylight was keeping it at bay. The Light Market was busier than it had been. There was a whisper that something stirred in the deep chamber, but when asked, nobody could quite recall what it was that had made them so uneasy.

The folks working at the [[Merchant Boyar of the Light Market|Light Market]] have had to work overtime to keep up with demand. People are eager to purchase new lightstones, suddenly convinced that their old ones are about to give out. It seems others have also taken note of this hubbub. [[Bredavoi_Emissary#The_Deep_Chamber|The Deep Chamber]] seems to whisper offers of helping people forget painful memories when the darkness gets a little too much.

Reports of strange stories have surfaced here and there across [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]]. Most of them are fanciful and clearly exaggerated, but a few have more than a grain of truth in them. People find themselves drawn to tell the stories of those who have been lost and forgotten. A few drunk Stzena even claim they ended up trying to tell the stories of people they never knew. Some of the tales seem to refer to [[Night Below|Blackdamp]], with terrifying accounts of a thing that eats the memories of loved ones and leaves beds unmade with no-one even remembering who once slept there.

It was just as the days light vanished when a young girl walked up to a civil service desk in [[Volodmartz]] and delivered a letter. It is an offer to all [[Mine]] owners in [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]]. If they want to gain the aid of the Night Below, they should have [[An Echo of Songs|Echo of Songs]] cast on their mine. ''Fly-the-light'''s help would mean there would be no need for the Mithril and would only require the usual mana. If that happens, it will be acknowledged by the Night Below as a request for their aid and acceptance of their boon. ''Blackdamp'' will reach out to permanently mark the mine, so that it will produce a single additional [[Farewell_wanderlust#Treasures_of_the_Earth|deep stone]]. Such aid is only available if the ritual is cast this season.

However, if the Varushkan Mine owners in [[Volodmartz]] and [[Miekarova]] cast [[Revelation of the Jewel's Sparkling Heart]], it would be an acknowledgement that the mine owner opposes the Night Below. This ritual will function as normal but it may also help fight the growing influence of the Night Below.

===Spooky Stzena===
* '''Any character with the Stzena archetype can benefit by spreading chilling or disturbing tales'''
* '''A Stzena can regain all lost hero points after ten minutes of appropriate roleplaying'''
For the Spring summit, any player whose character has been in [[Volodmartz]] or [[Miekarova]] can roleplay having met one or more storytellers who has told stories of forgetting others. You may also have experienced a sense of the darkness gnawing at the light, or heard storytellers talk of it.

Any player can tell their own stories of when the darkness has encroached upon them - you might believe afterwards that it was nothing more than your imagination, but if you've experienced this, it definitely felt real at the time. Lightstones still work to keep the darkness at bay, but they seem weaker somehow. Players are welcome to create stories of how Varushkan traditions of hospitality and wards have staved off the pressing darkness concerns and helped protect their homes. Or of stories of travelling along roads after dark and seemingly normal encounters that had an underlying sense of inexplicable dread.

Any [[Stzena]] or other professional storyteller who has visited [[Volodmartz]] or [[Miekarova]] this season, may find the traditional stories they tell suddenly contain new elements, accounts of those who have been lost or forgotten about. You might even have find yourself recounting the story of someone's life only to realise that the story is about someone you never met.

If you have the Stzena archetype then you can benefit from this strange phenomena. If you tell a story that is particularly chilling or disturbing, especially if it touches on the horrors of being lost or forgotten then after ten minutes of appropriate roleplaying, you may regain any expended hero points.

==Wrapping up the Roots ==
<quote by="A note found at Starwood Roots Steading">
We thank you for the hospitality and the warning, so we have moved home. But we wish you the best. If we ever meet again, hospitality is again offered to all of you. With love to those who open their minds to the curious thoughts we think when we hope no-one is watching too closely.</quote>
* '''A nest of cannibals has been exposed in Hercynia
* '''Unfortunately it seems the Navarr murderers have escaped
* '''There are suggestions Blood-on-the-Snow is involved somehow
Last season the [[Archmage of Winter]] was involved in [[The_tune_without_the_words#Over_the_Hills_(Hercynia)|an investigation]] of a place called ''Starwood Roots Steading'' in [[hercynia]]. It appeared that the family, previously noted for their vigilance, who lived in the little steading had gone missing some time before the Winter Solstice. Sudden snowfall had prevented mundane authorities from investigating, but the [[Sentinel Gate]] provided access to the steading for a small number of Imperial heroes.

Their shocking report to the militia at Anvil caused word to be sent, urgently, to the magistrates in Hercynia. As soon as it was possible to do so, the Navarr magistrates lead a body of soldiers up the mountain to arrest and where neccessary execute the folk of Starwood Roots Steading. it seemed that at some point, these Navarr had embraced the foul practice of cannibalism, apparently influenced and encouraged by the one they called "Whispers on Wind". By the time the magistrates had gathered a force to travel to the Steading, however, Spring was thawing and a lot of the snow was becoming that horrible slush like sleet, interspaced with patches of treacherous black ice that the weak sun had not yet found. It made the journey treacherous and two of the party suffered brutal falls that left them with broken bones.

Eventually they reached the steading, but by then it was obvious the old mountain watch had fled, obviously expecting a second uninvited visit. The only sign of their passing was a note and a small wicker box, placed neatly on the table, addressed to the [[Senator]] of [[Hercynia]]. Cannibalism is of course a crime in the Empire now, but worse there are strong hints that this "Whispers on the Wind" is very likely a mask for [[Agramant]]. Anyone wishing to know more may wish to speak to either the Senator, or the Archmage.

==Queen Igraine's Regio==
* '''A strange curse is emanating from the regio in the grounds of the Castle of Thorns'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the regio at 3.30pm on Saturday for a small number of people'''
* '''The Senator for Astolat is responsible for dealing with the recalcitrant regio'''

The roses that enshroud [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns||the Castle of Thorns]] are widely believed to be the remnants of a magical defence created in pre-Imperial times by the enchanter Queen Jessamy. Cynics consider the tale to be little more than a fanciful troubadours ballad, but there is some evidence for it being true. There is dense rose garden in the grounds of the Castle that grows around a Summer [[regio]] - the very thing Jessamy would have needed to perform her magic.

The roses themselves may be even older however. The Castle of Thorns was raised by [[Dawn_monarchy#Pre-Imperial_History|Queen Igraine]], a brilliant gardener who bred and grew exotic roses. According to legend, the young Igraine created an impenetrable tower of roses to pass her [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_MettleTest of Mettle]]. There's no evidence at all to suggest that she did that at the same spot where she later built the Castle of Thorns, but troubadours rarely worry about such details. As a result, it is sometimes called Igraine's Regio.

The regio is rarely used these days. Over the years the thorn bushes that surround it have grown thicker and thicker, resisting all efforts to cut them back. Recently, the few mages brave enough to have made it inside report difficulty in using the Summer regio to do magic, describing it 'resisting', as if the regio somehow doesn't want to be used and is pushing back against them.

Now the recalcitrant regio appears to be the source of a strange curse. The Castle of Thorns is struggling to shrug off the grip of winter, and there is still snow which does not melt in the rose garden. The thorns themselves seem to grow ever more hostile as if trying to prevent someone from reaching the regio. In places, they are hard as iron. In others, they grow faster and more aggressively than they should, with some thorns coated in a kind of poison which envenoms the blood. Most gardeners employed at the castle have given up trying to do their springtime work in the frozen and hostile garden.

There is a conjunction to the regio at 3.30pm on Saturday, and the [[Senator]] of [[Astolat]] is responsible. It is unknown what will happen if the garden is left to itself, but whatever happens bodes ill for the Castle of Thorns if it is not resolved.

==Where There’s Muck==
* '''A number of Suaq businesses have mentioned handling a higher number of curse coins than usual.
* '''There are no obvious consequence or causes for the increase at this stage.
It's probably nothing but - actually, its almost never "nothing" when the story starts to spread as far as this one does. "It's probably nothing" is increasingly code for "soemething is definitely up." This case seems to be no exception. Gossip from [[Suaq]] traders and [[mediator|mediators]] they have started encountering a disproportionate number of [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Coins|curse coins]] over the last several months. For the most part, they deal with the coins in the traditional manner, but it is still something worth noting.

Usually curse coin hearth magic is invoked because of a specific grudge, but there seems to be a consensus that some curse coins are now turning up without explanation - and in many cases seemingly without serious consequence. Are they a new ''kind'' of curse? Could they just have ''coincidentally'' become blackened or warped? Is there any chance Blood-on-the-Snow isn't involved in this somewhere along the line.

Either way, it’s difficult to get much more information of consequence out of most merchants. They seem broadly either unaware or unwilling to share any further information about the nature of any sooty coins in their possession. Yet there's enough talk to make people a little nervous, and for the [[Vigilance|Vigilant]] folk of Wintermark to keep their eyes open for anything untoward trying to slip into their money pouches.

==Can't Stop The Music==
{{SOP|statement=From the very heartlands of this Empire, to the furthest lands touched by Virtue. We are the blood of the Empire, we are Shepherds of the Great Dance and we find ourselves entwined with our fellow Nations as never before. Paths in the dance braided together in these moments. Bring our voice through the veins of the trods that cross the lands while they resonate with our song. In the midst of winter we gather at the hearth, at home. At Wayhouse, Stead, and Tarry. We trade Song and Story with one another, and regales our history, our tale, our culture. Take heed these words, commit to memory these songs, and as winter turns to spring, bring them as a chord along these resonant trods. Bring them to our closest allies and the furthest reaches of our Empire both, so that all know that even when this magic has faded. As sure as the seasons do change. Where Navarr go, music follows.|vote = {{GM}} 265-0|by=Nathair Autumngale, Navarr National Assembly|when=397YE Winter Solstice}}
* '''Dreams of the song 'Painted', composed by Idwynn Splitroot, continue to spread across the Empire'''
* '''The Navarr Assembly committed to spreading art and music across the Empire'''
* '''There is an opportunity to construct a special wayhouse dedicated to the musical arts in Astolat'''
* '''If built, it will encourage the people of Dawn to embrace the fight against the Vallorn'''
In Autumn of last year [[Upon_a_midnight_dreary#A_Peculiar_Opportunity_(Lashonar)|an arcane projection was cast]] in [[Brocéliande]] under the supervision of Nathair Autumngale and with the blessing of [[Lashonar]]. Throughout Winter [[The_tune_without_the_words#An_Ode_To_Blood_And_Sacrifice|dreams of a beautiful song]] began to spread throughout the Empire in a form of benign magical contagion. As the song continues to spread, the Navarri National Assembly [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_36|passed the judgement raised by Nathair Autumngale]] with a greater majority, lauding the central role of music in Navarri culture. Eskah Swift Hart [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_117|raised a second judgement]] naming Idwynn Splitroot, the [[Dean of the First Voice Glade]], as the composer of the song and even made claims that those who performed the initial casting of the arcane projection have heard Navarr and Thorn themselves singing along in their dreams.

Many expected the dreams to fade naturally with time, yet as the blossoms of Spring start to bud, the song continues unabated. From [[Sermersuaq]] to [[Spiral]], from [[Segura]] to [[Volodmartz]], the echo continues. But this season, it is in [[Dawn]], in [[Astolat]], that the song really takes root.

<div {{Float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Wayhouse]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Brightway, [[Astolat#Grovesyard|Grovesyard]], Astolat</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, 10 weirwood, and 105 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in Astolat for military units engaged in the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]]
* Increases the taxation of Astolat by 1 throne per season
* Creates a [[new Imperial title]], the Thorn Singer
* Also increases investment in Weirwater and Semmerholm for the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]], if the Dawnish Assembly names the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling.
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Navarr characters whose resource was in Astolat would vote in the Miaren election</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Thorn Singer'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Vote of Cat's Graces or Navarr national appointment</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Gains five Ambergelt, five Beggar's Lye and five Iridescent Gloaming each season
* Gains an additional five Ambergelt, five Beggar's Lye and five Iridescent Gloaming each season if the Dawnish Assembly names the fight against the vallorn to be their highest calling.
</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To oversee the Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse and encourage Dawnish nobles and yeofolk to fight the vallorn</td></tr>
</table></div>

[[Astolat]] is noted for its thriving community of [[Troubadour|troubadours]], and has long been a popular destination for those who love music. The [[Empress_Richilde#The_Songbirds|Nightingale Chorus]] Wayhouse is a truly venerable institution, tracing its origins back to the reign of [[Empress Richilde]] and boasting a reputation as a gathering-place for Navarri bards and Dawnish troubadours to gather and share songs and stories. Their fortunes have waxed and waned over the years, but the spread of the musical dreams has led to a proposal to invest in the Wayhouse and potentially reap future rewards. Few things inspire the pursuit of Glory as much as a good song, and a magical song that echoes across the whole Empire has a mighty power to move people's hearts.

Expanding the Nightingale Chorus Wayhouse would be a major endeavour requiring 25 wains of [[white granite]], 10 wians of [[weirwood]] and 105 crowns, but if it was commissioned then it would become the hub of a Navarri-Dawnish coalition devoted to the completion of a story centuries in the making - an end to the Vallorn. The wayhouse would raise the level of investment of all military units based in Astolat engaged in the [[Venture#Quest_Against_the_Vallorn|Quest Against The Vallorn]], as the artists of the Nightingale Chorus inspired witches, knights and other Dawnish heroes to take up arms against the ancient foe.

The Chorus propose the title Thorn Singer be appointed to oversee the wayhouse and encourage Dawnish nobles and yeofolk to commit to the glorious struggle with the vallorn. The position would be a Navarr national appointment but it would need to be appointed by vote of member sof the [[Arranging grace|Cat's Graces]] if that sodality is confirmed by the Senate. If that doesn't happen, then the Navarr national assembly could be tasked with appointing the title instead. Regardless of who elects the position, the title holder would receive five measures of [[iridescent gloaming]], five measures of [[beggar's lye]] and five measures of [[ambergelt]] each season - donations from wealthy nobles eager to support the Wayhouse's mission with the intention that the Thorn Singer use the materials to commission a [[:Category:Musical_Instruments|magical musical instrument]] each year.

Should the Dawnish National Assembly declare the fight against the Vallorn to be their nation's [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|Highest Calling]], the impact of the Wayhouse would be considerably enhanced. The benefits of the Wayhouse to military units questing against the vallorn would spread to [[Semmerholm]] and [[Weirwater]] and the Thorn Singer's income of valuable resources would double.

====Song for the Road====
* '''Any character may have heard the echoes of the song'''
* '''Navarr characters who embrace the song may choose to experience a roleplaying effect'''
Any Navarr character may choose to have heard the song, experienced the dreams of singing voices either directly or via half-remembered echoes, or to have seen what appears to be Lashonar. Those who do experience a roleplaying effect during the Winter Solstice: You feel a sense of immense pride in the oaths that you have sworn and the tattoos and other marks you wear to commemorate them. It feels good and right to celebrate this element of your culture, and to encourage others to follow suit.

If you are Navarr and you choose to embrace the roleplaying effect, then during the Winter Solstice you possess a single additional hero point, even if you do not have the hero skill. This hero point can be spent in the normal fashion, depending on your skills, but once gone it is not recovered. The roleplaying effect and the additional hero point are lost by the end of the Spring Equinox.

Characters who are not Navarr, but who feel a personal connection to that nation, to the trods, or to the fight against the vallorn are also free to roleplay having had the dream or heard the echoes of the music. They do not receive the roleplaying effect or the additional hero point however.

Lean and athirst

2026-06-09T22:50:46Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Ketsov Bequest */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Thule]]
<ic>Fyodor and Dmitri were tired and hungry when they reached the little village of Kartaka Zov. The sun was already half hidden behind the forests of Karsk and so the decision was made to rest here and make an early start for Delev in the morning, refreshed. There was, a little surprisingly for a settlement of this size, a traveller's inn. The ''Old Kartakan'', although the sign gave little indication as to who or what Kartakan was. Fyodor paid for a room for himself and his brother, for a meal, and for hot water and the use of a tin bath. The proprietor was a rangy man with a permanent smile on his face. At least, that's what Fyodor thought it was meant to be. It looked more like the man had read about smiling in a book, and was exposing his teeth in his best approximation of a reassuring expression. It was not very reassuring.

Dmitri was a little edgy, as he always was since the horror of Zurrah, his eyes constantly roving the busy common room. Fyodor made small talk as he ate, discussing the road ahead and who else among their loose community of sell-swords and mercenaries would likely be meeting them at Lomaa. It was clear his brother wasn't entirely listening, and after a few minutes Dmitri interrupted in a low undertone that Fyodor could barely hear over the rumbling tide of conversation around them.

"Have you noticed how many draughir there are here?" He asked. He hadn't touched his bowl of stew.

Fyodor looked around. There were quite a few draughir here - the proprietor for one, and most of his staff. Probably family members. Several of the locals were also touched by Winter, but by no means all of them. Inasmuch as he had given it any thought, the elder of the two brothers had just assumed that at some point in the village's history something dreadful - some blizzardful winter or siege by the Thule - had forced the ancestors of these people into a terrible choice. Like many Varushkans, he didn't think it polite to dwell on such things. Dmitri however was becoming increasingly suspicious, ever since he had spent that long evening with that Highborn priest of Vigilance.

"It's nothing, stop worrying." Said Fyodor, hoping to reassure his brother.

Hand trembling slightly, Dmitri reached into his traveling pack down between his legs. While keeping his eyes on Fyodor, he pulled out a pouch of cracked old leather. With the other hand he slid one of the table lanterns toward him, opening the little catch. Adding several pinches of crumbly red clay-like substance to the clean metal spoon, as surreptitiously as he could, he held it over the candle flickering in the lamp. Fortunately these were old-fashioned lamps, not the new lightstone ones coming out of Essk. After a few moments he casually pulled the spoon out, and mimed using it on his soup while he actually inhaled a great lungful of the steam rising from the now blackened substance.

Then, just as casually, he glanced around the room. Fyodor knew his brother well, marked his shoulders stiffening, the colour draining from his face. His eyes became wild, and under the table his leg started to bounce.

"What... Dmitri, calm down! What is it?" Fyodor hissed.

"Monsters," said Dmitri, almost whispering. His gaze met Fyodor's, his eyes filmed with a pale red sheen that, in his now-pallid face, made him look almost like draughir himself.

"How many?" Fyodor might worry about his brother but he trusted him absolutely. if he said there were monsters... His hand slid under the table to the haft of his handaxe, as he glanced around the room, taking in the cheerful chatter of the people at the nearby tables, the laughter of one of the draughir servers delivering a platter of stew to a trio of farmers. The leather-armoured village protectors who had been seated near the door when they came in were still there, and obviously armed. He'd no doubt that once the monster was revealed, once they realised what was happening, they would leap into action.

Dmitri swallowed.

"All of them," he said, his voice fracturing with terror, barely audible. "It's all of them, Fyodor," and Fyodor's blood turned to ice.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Amused Draughir.jpg|align=left|caption=It's not been a good season to be a draughir in Varushka.|width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''A large number of Varushkan captains worked with the Thule Claws of the Dragon to root out the face-peeler horrors in Karsk and Ossium'''
* '''Some Varushkan citizens encountered problems during the last season especially draughir and those considered dubious'''
* '''There is also some caution around some of the loot acquired from the trudniki'''
The matter of the "face-peelers" has been of concern for some parts of Varushka for a while now. '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' in particular has championed a firm stance against the creatures, going so far as to prevail on the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] '''Kindra Surefoot''' to raise the issue with the [[Thule]], reasoning that their interests in [[Ossium]] and [[Karsk]] where the creatures seem to be most populous might incline them to cooperate with Varushka to deal with the beasts.

The "face peelers" are also known as the "trudnik" or "trudniki". They seem to be humanoid monsters that are somehow able to wear the flayed faces of their victims and use them to masquerade as innocent citizens. They use this disguise to hunt unsuspecting travelers, or to prey on isolated communities that mistake them for genuine guests. A year ago evidence began to surface that the [[Stars_and_sigils#Disappearances_in_Ossium|disappearance of Zurrah]] may have been connected to them. The whole village was murdered and devoured, their remains left piled in the centre of the settlement. Magicians [[Whispers through the Black Gate|spoke with the spirit]] of a deceased resident, and the story goes that they confirmed face-peelers were behind it.

While the trudniki do not prey on [[orc|orcs]], [[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|last season]] the Dragons of [[Otkodov]] instructed the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to work with the Varushkan people to root out the nests of the creatures on both sides of the border. Given that the largest known den of these monsters is in Thule-dominated [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]], anything less would have presented only a partially solution. These past three months, however, have seen a comprehensive search through the whole of eastern Varushka, in both Imperial and Thule lands, to [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Root_out_the_Face-peelers|root out the face peelers]] once and for all.
==Stolen Faces==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td>'''Rooted out the Face-peelers'''</tr>
<tr><td> Konrad Chirurg Zmei </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ilka Radosveta Vinogradov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vasilmir Radovanovna Esskivic </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valdamire Illiach </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zbigniew Mrakovna </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kvet Drahgov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Velko Perunovich Razoradze </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vojsuli Cherenkov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Serafina Semenov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mollibog Delgorkov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Radomir Illyot Shallotovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kazvera Yakovna Molchaniye </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iarovit Zorczek Przewałski </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kolnýr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mishka Varkov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Miloš Stanislavsky Koval </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nikolai Desovich Patazca </td></tr>
<tr><td> Czarek Madej </td></tr>
<tr><td> Victor Ostrostan </td></tr>
<tr><td> Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zorazeli </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sashko Olekhsandrovich Karamazov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Moraža </td></tr>
<tr><td> Imia </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zayac </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dragomihr Oskykov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Piotr Strascovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Katchiana Razoradze </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arkady Morazovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jasenko </td></tr>
<tr><td> Grymnir “Gallows” </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dusan the Wolfeater </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ausra Dorova Ostrov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Zedrath Blak </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jakub Dragovich Kuth </td></tr>
<tr><td> Baranov Stamly </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oksana Leszekovna Nadovich </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bronimir Ranedzkah </td></tr>
<tr><td> Artyom Badowski </td></tr>
<tr><td> Askien Alanovich Vesimerov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Andrej Rasenov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Pjesmina Zbirka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bozidar Venkovich Cvetnaski </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kazimiera Radovna Suvretzska </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mallick 'Nock' Urokov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mayra Zoronova Prochnost </td></tr>
<tr><td> Oleg </td></tr>
<tr><td> Belakov Zakharovich Prochnost </td></tr>
<tr><td> Malechko Palechko </td></tr>
<tr><td> Luka Olgavich Slota </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valentina Minova Lenka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aksel Reznov Razoradze </td></tr>
<tr><td> Regislav Emilov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rumen Nowak </td></tr>
<tr><td> Solvita Gwenovitch Temnavoda </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dobrivit Nadayn Leszek </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vesna Borkovna Prochnost </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gorkins </td></tr>
<tr><td> Nikolai Yaropolk Borislav </td></tr>
<tr><td> Sketchemi Justicast Mentyevik </td></tr>
<tr><td> Davinov Egorushkin Karevelov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vedmid Yaroslav Kommisarov </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vlodikaz Ivarovich Vardovich (known as Vlod) </td></tr>
<tr><td> Alderei the Fair </td></tr>
<tr><td> Maksym Sashkova Breziets </td></tr>
<tr><td> Dindrane Matushkova </td></tr>
<tr><td> Matesh Proctotkova </td></tr>
<tr><td> Borys Vardovich Straskovich </td></tr></table></div>
* '''The venture has been an overwhelming success'''
The ''Claws of the Dragon'', tasked by ''[[Thule_lore#Dragons|Caridis the Binder of Runes and Oaths]]'', have made themselves available to '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' to assist in [[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|rooting out the dreadful face-peelers]]. The ''Claws'' are accomplished warlocks skilled in [[divination]], but they also show an aptitude for interrogation and information gathering by more mundane means. They are supported in their investigations by a cadre of Thule hunters - and an overwhelming number of Varushkan [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|wagon raiders]], [[schlacta]] and [[warden|wardens]]. The Claws take the lead when operating in [[Karsk#Krevsaty|Krevsaty]], the [[Ossium#Bonewood|Bonewood]] and the [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]] while supporting Imperial efforts in the rest of [[Karsk]] and [[Ossium]]. The operation to root out and destroy the so-called "face peelers" is systematic and thorough. As well as locating and targeting the isolated dens where the creatures live more openly, there is a simultaneous effort to visit isolated vales and identify the small groups of trudnik hiding among innocent Varushkans or unaware Thule. Face peelers are executed wherever they are found.

As predicted, however, this bold action comes at a cost. The trudnik glamour that allows them to masquerade as humans often presents as if they had [[draughir]] [[lineage]]. This is more of a problem in the Imperial parts of Karsk and Ossium, but there are still a few vales in the regions ceded to Otkodov where humans dwell, mostly left to their own devices by their new orc landlords (as long as they deliver appropriate tithes to the local warlocks). It is relatively straightforward to differentiate a trudnik from a draughir with some straightforward investigation - the [[insight]] ceremony proves absolutely invaluable here - but it still inevitably leads to seeds of suspicion and doubt that unsettle the affairs of draughir in Karsk and Ossium.
===Participation: The Hunt===
* '''Military unit commanders have received the loot from the raid on the trudnik in their packs
* '''Further information on the downtime action will also be provided in packs in the shape of an out-of-character report
* '''Details of the report will be added to the wiki after the Spring Equinox
Characters whose military unit took part in the venture to root out the trudniki have been engaged in a campaign all season. Some may have focused on investigating isolated settlements, others in working with the Thule, and still others exploring the wilder places of Karsk and Ossium for signs of trudniki lairs. All have received an amount of loot, but details of what else they have learned or found are not public knowledge yet.

Each player will find an OOC briefing in their pack that details some of the events of the hunt against the trudnik when they pick up their player pack. The gist of this report will be added to the main wiki after the Spring Equinox, in much the same was as a [[historical research]] report would be.

==Unpalatable Consequences==
* '''Varushkan draughir have been treated with suspicion and doubt in Ossium and Karsk'''
* '''"Spooky" or suspicious characters of any background or lineage may have encountered some difficulties
* '''Characters who took part in the venture to root out the face-peelers will receive additional information in their packs
Any Varushkan draughir living in Karsk or Ossium will likely have been investigated during the effort to ''Root out the Face Peelers''. This isn't likely to have been violent - those taking part in the [[venture]] have stuck to the law and treated Imperial citizens with respect. However, it is likely you will have been challenged, and perhaps even asked to take part in an [[religious skills#Insight|insight ceremony]] to "prove" that you are human and not a face-stealing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropophage anthropophage] disguised as one.

While draughir bear the brunt of the suspicion, any character whose mien is "spooky" or "suspicious" may have encountered some similar difficulty. Suspicion is maintained for those who live in isolation, or especially those with a track record of making irreverent comments about cannibalism, torture, drinking blood or similar. Again such encounters are not likely to be violent, but anyone with a track record for dubious behaviour might find a band of wagon raiders on their doorstop, with a Thule warlock in support, wanting to ask them a few questions and have a polite poke around in their cellars and attics.
===Participation : Suspicious Kinds===
* '''Draughir and people who might be viewed as suspicious will have encountered problems since the Winter solstice
* '''The folk undertaking the hunt for the trudniki do not go out of their way to harass people once they have been proved not to be face peelers
The fact that a trudnik is often hard to distinguish from a draughir without a close interrogation or the use of [[liao]], means that everyone with that lineage in the two affected territories has experienced problems with strangers (and sometimes their neighbours) over the last few months, represented by a -1 penalty to the production of their [[personal resource]]. The exception is that draughir whose [[military unit]] actively participating in the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Root_out_the_Face-peelers|root out the face-peelers]] venture have not suffered the same degree of conflict since the Winter Solstice.

It's worth noting that this suspicion - which also targets people who are not draughir but might be deemed as a bit suspiciously isolated or closed off from the wider community - has not turned violent. Every step is being made to ensure that it is the trudnik who are being dealt with, not innocent Varushkans. Very few people ''like'' harassing their neighbours but when it comes to lurking, infiltrating monsters that prey on their community, Varushka knows it is better to be safe and to apologise after, than to worry about propriety and see everyone in the vale pay the price.
==Ketsov Bequest==
* '''The Ketsov of Ossium have been keen to ensure that the hunt for the face-peelers goes well
* '''Varushkan military units undertaking the ''Protect the Vales of Varushka'' venture have a one rank bonus following the Spring Equinox'''
Surprisingly it is the [[Ossium#Ketsov|Ketsov]] who are most outspoken about the need to differentiate between draughir and trudnik. Their concerns are part of the reason the current venture is taking place, but they are adamant that the problem is not draughir it is ''people who offend against the rules of hospitality''. The fact trudnik often appear as draughir is a secondary consideration - the real sign someone might be a trudnik is that they are prone to talking about cannibalism and similar offences, often in an apparently humorous or dismissive way. If others respond positively to such "jokes" it slowly corrodes the protection offered by Varushkan community and the [[hearth magic]] of hospitality. Unfortunately, the Ketsov are not very popular among their neighbours, and their nuanced take does not find much uptake.

The Ketsov are not popular. They did not suffer the yoke of the Druj to the same degree other folk in Ossium did, and it is going to be some time before anyone forgets that. They maintain that they simply did what they needed to stay alive - parleying their knowledge of [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisanry]] to secure safety for their family. What is a Varushkan if not someone who knows when it is necessary to make a deal with the darkness? They have been warning about the trudnik for years at this stage, but while the best time to deal with the threat was when they first brought it up, the second best time is now. As such, they are prepared to put their hands in their pockets and hopefully lay to rest concerns that they are not ''really'' Varushkans.

Following the Spring Equinox, any Varushkan [[military unit]] receives a one rank bonus to production when undertaking the [[Venture#Protect_the_Vales_of_Varushka|Protect the Vales of Varushka]] [[venture]]. This represents payment of money, ingots, and measures from the Ketsov in Ossium and the [[Karsk#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga|Ketsov Mir Mozga]] in [[Karsk]]. The family may have had their problems with their fellow Varushkans, but they are still bound to the egregore and part of their nation. They haven't asked for anything in concern, but it is an open secret that they would be grateful to see the Varushkan national assembly speak on their behalf. They don't expect to be welcomed with open arms by their fellows, but they would appreciate their Vigilance and their Loyalty to the nation being recognised in some fashion.

==Corrupted Blood==
<div {{float}}><box>'''Corrupt Blood'''<br>This is a potion that follows all the [[potion|normal rules]]. It is found in small doses in bottles, jars, or phials and anything of that sort would make a suitable physrep to attach the laminated rip-on-use card to.</box></div>
* '''Characters who took part in the venture receive forest materials and ''corrupt blood''
* '''Some Varushkan wise ones and wardens have expressed concern about this concoction
Those who took part in the fight against the face peelers have recovered an amount of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|forest materials]] - a mixture of loot taken from the trudnik and gifts from thankful Varushkans. They've also encountered a [[potion|concotion]] that has been dubbed ''corrupt blood''. This viscous preparation seems to be common in many trudnik nests, and reportedly infuses drinkers with preternatural strength and endurance. For most it is just another peculiar material, no stranger than the substances secured by the [[Tolvoli Butcher]] or the [[Keeper of the Bonehives]].

Note everyone feels the same way however, and the provenance of this substance raises a few concerns among [[surgical skills#Apothecary|herbally inclined]] wise ones and wardens in Karsk and Ossium. These people have expressed their worries to the [[Apothecaries Guild]], the [[Imperial sodality]] who believe in ''shared discovery'', and who exist to ''Coordinate and support the research... and dissemination of ingredients, potions, poisons, antidotes, and drugs to Imperial citizens'' (among other things).

The request is straightforward; the Guild is asked to investigate ''corrupt blood'' and determine how safe it is, and if possible where it comes from and perhaps even what it is made of. After they've done that, they ask that the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|speaker]] of the sodality share their findings using the power to [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Dissemination|disseminate]] herbal information to the Empire by making an [[Senate announcement|announcement]] in the [[Senate]] during the Spring Equinox. While this is a very broad interpretation of the powers of the sodality, the [[Civil Service|civil service]] have indicated that this use is legitimate as long as it is clearly related to matters within the remit of the sodality.

If the speaker for the sodality does use this ability, their words will be a matter of public record in the same manner as any announcement to the Senate (they will be required to provide a written copy of their announcement as normal). If they choose to include a recommendation, it will have no legal power - the Senate alone has the power to make define laws for concoctions such as this - but members of the Apothecaries Guild outside Anvil will take note, and ensure that their peers among the herbalists and physicks, not only of Varushka but of the rest of the Empire, are aware of it.
<div {{float}}>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightYellow;" colspan="2">'''Corrupt Blood (Reassurance)'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>8 crowns</td><td>3 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>18 crowns</td><td>6 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 crowns</td><td>9 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>43 crowns</td><td>12 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightYellow;" colspan="2">'''Corrupt Blood (Caution)'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 crowns</td><td>3 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>22 crowns</td><td>6 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 crowns</td><td>9 doses of corrupt blood</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
If the speaker offers reassurances that the substance is safe to use, it will create an [[opportunity]] for the [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] to acquire small amounts of ''corrupt blood'' from Varushkan wagon raiders following the announcement. It will also create an opportunity for the [[Speaker to the Leshun]] to acquire similar amounts from the Thule, who reportedly have no use for the stuff. These opportunities won't last permanently - the supply of ''corrupt blood'' will eventually dwindle, and without trudnik to create more it's unlikely fresh doses can be concocted - but for at least the next year the two titles will be able to buy corrupt blood from their [[ministry]]. In addition, for the next year, the production of the ''[[Venture#Protect_the_Vales_of_Varushka|Protect the Vales of Varushka]]'' [[venture]] will change slightly. A standard military unit will gain 30 rings, five random [[Materials#Natural_Materials|measures]] or [[Materials#Metals|ingots]], and a dose of ''corrupt blood'' either taken from scattered and desperate trudnik or traded with wagon raiders who fought the face-peelers this season.

If the Apothecaries Guild declines to make an announcement, or chooses not to either offer reassurance of recommend caution, then the opportunity for the two titles to purchase corrupt blood will still exist, but the price will be significantly higher, and the supply lower so the opportunity to buy the corrupt blood will be lost by the start of the Autumn Equinox.

Finally, if the speaker instead recommends caution in dealing with ''corrupt blood'', neither title gains access to corrupt blood and there is no change to the production of the venture. Individuals are still free to trade the concoction as they wish, but the Imperial sodality members in the wider Empire will echo the speaker and discourage use of ''corrupt blood''. Any opportunity to acquire more of the substance will only exist "beneath the table" as it were.

In the event the Senate chooses to make corrupt blood illegal for whatever reason, the current opportunities to acquire corrupt blood via [[ministry]] or [[venture]] are lost, regardless of what the Apothecaries Guild proposes.
===What is a Potion?===
* '''The Constitutional Court has issued guidance about the Imperial Apothecaries Guild ability to share their findings
* '''This follows guidance related to the use of interdiction by the Conclave where potions, drugs, and ingredients are concerned
The Imperial Apothecaries' Guild, via their Speaker, has the ability to share recipes stored in a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]] with the Empire. The seemingly innocent request from the Varushkan wise ones has triggered something of an argument in the civil service as to whether that power covers the ability to share other lore related to the purview of the Guild. The constitutional court has ruled that, given not all herb lore is contained in a herbal, the responsibility
to "''coordinate and support the research, development, and dissemination''" means that the Guild must implicitly have the ability to spread information related to "''ingredients, potions, poisons, antidotes, and drugs to Imperial citizens''." This includes propagating information about herbs, potions and the like that is not contained in a herbal. As such, they have adjusted the civil service guidelines around the use of the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Dissemination|dissemination]] power to reflect this. They will continue to monitor the situation.

==Roads==
* '''The damage being done to the warding power of Varushka's roads has been reversed
* '''It is not clear what caused the corrosion of this protection, nor what has restored it
Everyone in Varushka knows the protection offered by a properly built road. Roads are a powerful manifestation of the [[hearth magic]] of [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Wards|warding]], a symbol of civilisation in wild places and safety against the creatures of the dark. This is especially true in Varushka where the [[Varushkan Road|roads]] are laid out with symbols of sanctuary specifically designed to keep the monsters at bay. Over the past couple of years, though, this power has been slowly waning. There have been incidents were more powerful monsters have been able to step onto the roads, creating tragic circumstances where travellers who believed themselves safe have fallen prey to the perils of the Varushkan wilderness. First noted during the height of the [[Momento_mori#Roads_and_Crowns|Schlata of Rot's]] rampage, the situation has slowly worsened. Only the [[Venture#Protect_the_Vales_of_Varushka|continued efforts]] of the ''schlacta'' of Varushka and the questing-knights of [[Dawn]] have kept the danger at bay, but they have also served to conceal just how bad the problem was becoming. Sensitive types reported a feeling of unease or uncertainty when travelling the roads, an awareness that they might not offer their full protection that left some frightened and forced to turn back before venturing too far from their vale.

Following the attacks against the trudniki, these nagging sensations seem to have vanished. Folk travel the roads with a sense of surety and certainty, knowing in some unconscious way that as long as they remember to follow the rules, to stay on the path whatever tries to lure them away, they will be safe. It seems unlikely that this bold action against the trudnik is wholly to thank for this sudden shift. Unfortunately, given the folk of Varushka do not entirely agree on what was causing the disruption in the first place, it's hard to say for certain what might have lead to such a dramatic reversal of fortune.
==Meat and Bone (Conjunctions)==
* '''Several conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate have been detected that allow opportunities to follow up on the raids against the trudniki
While the face peelers have been comprehensively routed, there is still some lingering fall out. The civil service have identified conjunctions of the [[Sentinel Gate]] that will allow Imperial heroes to intercede in several locations in the east of Varushka and beyond.

===Lost Wagon Raiders (Ossium) ===
* '''A group of wagon raiders stranded in the depths of Drownbark Forest have become betwitched by some unknown spiritual force'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|combat possible]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for investigating and resolving the situation'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
[[Varushka military concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|Wagon raiders]] operating out of [[Ossium#The_Palace_of_Orieb|Orieb]] have struck out into the sucking mire of [[Ossium#Drownbark_Forest|Drownbark Forest]] - exchanging ox and wagon for flat-hulled punts to ply marshes that are rapidly flooding with the coming of Spring. Seeking the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Root_out_the_Face-peelers|plunder said to reside in the hidden vales of the face-peelers]], they appear to have run afoul of some unknown threat in the deep forest. Scouts have found raiders adrift on the shifting islands of sedge, delirious from exposure, babbling of their comrades acting oddly - as if not themselves or, as one raider puts it, "suffering a sickness of the soul". Others flee when approached, vanishing into the reeds without a trace, screaming in terror.

A conjunction leading to a dilapidated camp thought to contain most of the raiders has been identified - but contact has not been possible due to the shifting waters of the marsh. It falls to the [[Merchant-Boyar_of_the_Stinking_Market|Merchant Boyar of the Stinking Market]], '''Modesto Bogaty''', to arrange an investigation into this matter. If the raiders are left to perish in the swamp, then whatever intelligence they might have collected during their expedition would be lost.

===Embers and Ash (Karsk)===
* '''A band of wagon raiders have fallen sick after taking part in the attack against the face-peelers'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|combat possible]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for treating the Gregadze'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
Some of those who joined the efforts to root out the face-peelers have fallen sick. One group, the ''Gregadze'', have retreated to their camp. The local outpost has refused to help, assuming this is all just a trick and that they are actually trudniki. The outpost has sent word to the Apothecaries Guild asking them to come and see what can be done to treat them - just in case they ''aren't'' monstrous.

The incumbent [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild]], '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''', is responsible for treating the Gregadze if they are able. If if turns out they ''are'' people and they are treated, then the outpost has promised fifty drams of herbs to be delivered in time for the Summer Solstice to whoever is elected as the Guild Leader.

Category:Plenipotentiary

2026-06-09T16:09:20Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Previous Plenipotentiaries */

==Previous Plenipotentiaries==
<table class='wikitable sortable'><tr><th>Season</th><th>Wind of Fortune</th><th>Eternals</th></tr>
<tr><td>388YE Spring</td><td>[[Key of dreams]]</td><td>[[Key_of_dreams#Hearth-vigil_(Summer)|Cathan Canae]], [[Key_of_dreams#Finder_of_Paths_Unseen_(Night)|Azoth]], [[Key_of_dreams#Starlight_Seeks_Its_Form_(Day)|Phaleron]], [[Key_of_dreams#Sharp_Fangs_Behind_The_Leaves_(Spring)|Arhallogen]], [[Key_of_dreams#Shifting_Memory_of_Ages_(Winter)|Wise Rangara]], and [[Key_of_dreams#Many_Minds_Move_As_One_(Autumn)|the City of Salt and Sail]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Winter</td><td>[[Ourselves and immortality]]</td><td>[[Ourselves_and_immortality#Before_a_House|Prospero]], [[Ourselves_and_immortality#I_Would_Not_Stop|Siakha]], [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Civility|Thrice-cursed Court]], [[Ourselves_and_immortality#And_Eternity|Ylenwe]], [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown|Whisper Gallery]], and [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Cornice|Adamant]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Autumn</td><td>[[Has reared himself a throne]]</td><td>[[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Sculptured_Ivy_and_Stone_Flowers|Estavus]], [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Hours_Breathing_Faint_and_Low|Llofir]], [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Resignedly_Beneath_the_Sky|Lashonar]], [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Melancholy_Waters_Lie|Jaheris]], [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#No_Ripples_Curl|Zakalwe]], and [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed|an unknown Winter eternal]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Summer</td><td>[[Can you hear me?]]</td><td>[[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Peregrine_Knight|Hayaak]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Queen_of_Locks|Basileia]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Marshal_of_Flame|Janon]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|Tharim]], [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|Kimus]], and [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Irra Harah]]</td>
<tr><td>387YE Spring</td><td>[[Speak to me]]</td><td>[[Speak_to_me#Pale_Empress|Skathe]], [[Speak_to_me#Invisible_Hand|Ephisis]], [[Speak_to_me#Mistress_of_Ice_and_Darkness|Cathan Canae]], [[Speak_to_me#Father_of_Bats|Sadogua]], [[Speak_to_me#Zie_of_the_Morning|Ylenwe]], and [[Speak_to_me#Brother_Harvest|Lord Rain]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Winter</td><td>[[Secret meeting]]</td><td>[[Secret_meeting#Fire_Mage|Meraud]], [[Secret_meeting#Forest_Queen|Yaw'nagrah]], [[Secret_meeting#Empty_Throne|Sorin]], [[Secret_meeting#Endless_Ringing|Estavus]], [[Secret_meeting#Ceaseless_Struggle|Zakalwe]], and the [[Secret_meeting#Unseen_Curators|Whisper Gallery]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Autumn</td><td>[[Seven locks]]</td><td>[[Seven locks#The Veiled Ladies|Whisper Gallery]]?, [[Seven locks#Queen of Silence|Kaela]], [[Seven locks#City of Locks|Basileia]], [[Seven locks#King Under the Mountain|Adamant]], [[Seven locks#Centipede General|Arhallogen]], [[Seven locks#Navigator|Roshanwe]], [[Seven locks#Crucible|Azoth]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Summer</td><td>[[Famine and feast]]</td><td>[[Famine_and_feast#The_Lictors|The Lictors]], [[Famine_and_feast#Ossegrahn|Ossegrahn]], [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Famine_and_feast#Kimus|Kimus]], [[Famine_and_feast#Sung|Sung]], and [[Famine_and_feast#Founder_of_the_Feast|Agramant]]</td>
<tr><td>386YE Spring</td><td>[[Dream to me]]</td><td>[[Dream to me#Siakha|Siakha]], [[Dream to me#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[Dream to me#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]], [[Dream to me#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Dream to me#Estavus|Estavus]], and [[Dream to me#Lashonar (Conjunction)|Lashonar]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Winter</td><td>[[Begins where it ends]]</td><td>[[Begins where it ends#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Surut|Surut]], [[Begins_where_it_ends#Sadogua|Sadogua]] (and [[Begins_where_it_ends#The_Azoth|The Azoth]]), [[Begins_where_it_ends#Irra_Harah|Irra Harah]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Autumn</td><td>[[Back in town]]</td><td>[[Back in town#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Back in town#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]], [[Back in town#Prospero|Prospero]], [[Back in town#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Back in town#Janon|Janon]], [[Back in town#Arhallogen|Arhallogen]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Summer</td><td>[[Three and three]]</td><td>[[Three and three#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Three and three#Azoth|Azoth]], [[Three and three#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[Three and three#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]], [[Three and three#Siakha (Conjunction)|Siakha]], [[Three and three#Unknown|Cold Sun]]</td>
<tr><td>385YE Spring</td><td>[[Have you seen me lately]]</td><td>[[Have you seen me lately#Sung|Sung]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Have you seen me lately#Kaela|Kaela]], [[Have you seen me lately#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ylenrith|Ylenrith]], [[Have you seen me lately#Ossegrahn|Ossegrahn]] (and see also [[Rain king]])</td>
<tr><td>384YE Winter</td><td>[[I knew you were trouble]]</td><td>[[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Whisper_Gallery|Whisper Gallery]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Prospero|Prospero]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Sorin|Sorin]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Kimus|Kimus]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Llofir|Llofir]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Autumn</td><td>[[Hopeless as a feather]]</td><td>[[Hopeless as a feather#Sadogua|Sadogua]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Callidus|Callidus]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Unknown|Wise Rangara on behalf of the "Silent Witness"]], [[Hopeless as a feather#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Summer</td><td>[[Begin to speak]]</td><td>[[Begin to speak#Azoth|Azoth]], [[Begin to speak#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Begin to speak#Siakha|Siakha]], [[Begin to speak#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Begin to speak#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Begin to speak#Jaheris|Jaheris]]</td>
<tr><td>384YE Spring</td><td>[[The bird and the child]]</td><td>[[The bird and the child#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[The bird and the child#Phaleron|Phaleron]], [[The bird and the child#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[The bird and the child#Prospero|Prospero]], [[The bird and the child#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]] and guest, [[The bird and the child#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[The bird and the child#Lashonar|Lashonar]]</td>
<tr><td>383YE Winter</td><td>[[Impossible landscapes]]</td><td>[[Impossible landscapes#Lord Rain|Lord Rain]], [[Impossible landscapes#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Impossible landscapes#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Impossible landscapes#Sung|Sung]], [[Impossible landscapes#Adamant|Adamant]], [[Impossible landscapes#Kaela|Kaela]]</td>
<tr><td>383YE Autumn</td><td>[[A pleasing and deceptive face]]</td><td>[[A pleasing and deceptive face#Caucus Forum|Caucus Forum]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Estavus|Estavus]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Kimus|Kimus]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Surut|Surut]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[A pleasing and deceptive face#An_Unexpected_Request|Ossegrahn]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>383YE Summer</td><td>[[Between the lines of ages]]</td><td>[[Between the lines of ages#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Between the lines of ages#Lictors|Lictors]], [[Between the lines of ages#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Between the lines of ages#Sadogua|Sadogua]], [[Between the lines of ages#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Between the lines of ages#Skathe|Skathe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>383YE Spring</td><td>[[Who benefits?]]</td><td>[[Who benefits?#Arhallogen|Arhallogen]], [[Who benefits?#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Who benefits?#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[Who benefits?#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Who benefits?#Phaleron|Phaleron]], [[Who benefits?#Sorin|Sorin]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Winter</td><td>[[Nowhere and everywhere]]</td><td>[[Nowhere and everywhere#Basileus Flint|Basileus Flint]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Phaleron|Phaleron]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Rhianos|Rhianos]], [[Nowhere and everywhere#Wise Rangara|Wise Rangara]] </td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Autumn</td><td>[[We've been here forever]]</td><td>[[We've been here forever#Azoth|Azoth]], [[We've been here forever#Eleonaris|Eleonaris]], [[We've been here forever#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[We've been here forever#Kaela|Kaela]], [[We've been here forever#Yaw'nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]], [[We've been here forever#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Summer</td><td>[[Bury the hatchet]]</td><td>[[Bury the hatchet#Callidus|Callidus]], [[Bury the hatchet#Llofir|Llofir]], [[Bury the hatchet#Meraud|Meraud]], [[Bury the hatchet#Sinokenon|Sinokenon]], [[Bury the hatchet#Skathe|Skathe]], [[Bury the hatchet#Whisper Gallery|Whisper Gallery]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>382YE Spring</td><td>[[Hunter of stars]]</td><td>[[Hunter of stars#Adamant|Adamant]], [[Hunter of stars#Boar King|Boar King]], [[Hunter of stars#Capradan|Capradan]], [[Hunter of stars#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Hunter of stars#Sorin|Sorin]], [[Hunter of stars#Ylenrith|Ylenrith]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Winter</td><td>[[What did the deep say?]]</td><td>[[What did the deep say?#Barien|Barien]], [[What did the deep say?#Ephisis|Ephisis]], [[What did the deep say?#Janon|Janon]], [[What did the deep say?#Siakha|Siakha]], [[What did the deep say?#Tharim|Tharim]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Autumn</td><td>[[Rabbits and snares]]</td><td>[[Rabbits and snares#Irra Harah|Irra Harah]], [[Rabbits and snares#The Lictors|The Lictors]], [[Rabbits and snares#Zakalwe|Zakalwe]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Summer</td><td>[[Under the red sky]]</td><td>[[Under the red sky#Barien|Barien]], [[Under the red sky#Lashonar|Lashonar]], [[Under the red sky#Llofir|Llofir]], [[Under the red sky#Roshanwe|Roshanwe]], [[Under the red sky#Tharim|Tharim]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>381YE Spring</td><td>[[Immortal hand]]</td><td>[[Immortal hand#Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae]], [[Immortal hand#Estavus|Estavus]], [[Immortal_hand#Tharim|Tharim]], [[Immortal_hand#The_Whisper_Gallery|The Whisper Gallery]], [[Immortal_hand#Yaw.27nagrah|Yaw'nagrah]]</td></tr>
</table>

Voice irresistable

2026-05-31T19:44:43Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Grim Faces */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"They remain committed to rendering the vallorn vulnerable then." It was not a question. The One-Who-Waits rarely asked questions, and when it did it was usually a prelude to something awful happening.

Ambassador Runa kept his eyes downcast, as was appropriate. He never failed to marvel at the change that a Hollow underwent when one of the Five spoke through it. The slumped, unfocused, slack-jawed orc of mere minutes before was replaced with a towering, terrible presence, its stance hunched, its gaze burning into the top of Runa's head like a hot poker in ice, as if it could read the very thoughts of the new Ambassador. Perhaps it could. The Dragons were as far beyond the warlocks in their magical mastery as the warlocks were beyond the lowest bonded labouring in a mine.

"It seems to be more complicated than that, Revered One." It was ''always'' more complicated than that, when the Empire was involved. "The Ambassador said they remain committed and I am inclined to believe her. On the other hand some of the Generals who spoke with Hekla said that it will be at least five years before any concrete movement is made, and a further five before victory, if not more."

Silence stretched, as the Dragon digested this information. Occasionally Runa wondered if the reason Fraynir spoke as it did was because it was stating how it expected the world to be, and any challenge to that needed to be examined carefully to determine how it might best be beaten into the shape it required it to take.

"Chaos." Said the Dragon. The Hollow coughed. It was an old Hollow. "Not unexpected."

The One-Who-Waits was quoting Runa's predecessor, Rak, who always used that word every time he tried explain the reason dealing with the Empire was so challenging. In general Otkodov changed slowly, carefully, expertly guided by the hand of the Dragons. In comparison the Empire seemed to regularly undergo the kind of transformation that would cause the Great Wyrm of the Night Skies to say "steady on!" on an almost weekly basis.

The Hollow growled. Fraynir was still irritated that the former Ambassador had had the temerity, bad timing, and ill grace to drop dead on what would have been his final trip to Anvil before his well-earned retirement. Runa felt that frustration himself of course. The plan had always been for Rak to remain available to offer his experience of the Empire to his successor, for as long as his declining health allowed. Now Runa knew he was in real danger of allowing the valuable detente Rak and his Imperial counterparts had constructed to fall apart - something the Dragons would never forgive.

Finally Fraynir, through the Hollow, cleared its throat.

"It has been a thousand years. Ten years longer is inconvenient." The Hollow sagged, dropped back into its chair, like the discarded puppet it was. Runa waited a minute or so to ensure that the Dragon had definitely ceased gracing him with its ageless wisdom. He squeezed the bridge of his nose and let out a gusting sigh before walking to the window and staring out across the frozen lake toward Wendell's Hope. Now began the task of trying to determine exactly what the One-Who-Waits wanted, and what the other four wanted, and come up with a plan to deliver that thing, without triggering a chaotic shift in Empire-Otkodov relations.

Like many who receive everything they thought they wanted, Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided was beginning to wonder if he had made a terrible, terrible mistake.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=thulebanner1.jpeg|align=left|caption=The Dragons rarely act without considering all the potential consequences; when they do act they are capable of doing so with overwhelming conviction.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
The [[Thule]] - the [[orc|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]] - live in cold lands to the north of the Empire. They share a long mountainous border with [[Wintermark]], the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]], and [[Varushka]]. Their magocratic nation is ruled by the five [[Thule_lore#Dragons|Dragons]]; allegedly immortal sorcerers of immense power who the folk of their nation treat as living ancestors or perhaps even gods. For much of Imperial history, they were at war with the Empire. In recent years, a series of treaties have secured peace - mostly by [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|ceding]] parts of the northern Imperial nations. It is not a universally ''popular'' peace.

For now, though, that peace endures. [[Dawn]] and [[Navarr]] send great shipments of food north to help feed the people of Otkodov and support their armies. It is illegal to preach the Way of Virtue in Otkodov to their citizens. For their part the Thule agree to share the [[white granite]] of the [[Night Quarry]]; pay for the food delivered to them; and ensure Imperial access to the
[[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria|Maze of Zoria]] (while sending their own warlocks to study at the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]). And, of course, to maintain their current policies for the reasonable treatment of Imperial citizens choosing to remain and live in ceded lands.

The official ambassador to the Empire from Otkodov used to be ''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided''. Unfortunately, it appears that the former ambassador passed away on their journey south to [[Anvil]] shortly before the Winter Solstice, and a new ambassador has taken their place.
{{Nation|nation=[[Thule]]|status=Foreigner|port=None|ambassador=Kindra Surefoot of [[Wintermark]]}}

==New Faces==
* '''The new Ambassador from Otkodov to the Empire is Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'''
Following a delegation to Anvil [[Invited_with_asperity#State_Visit|last summit]], a small flurry of activity overtakes the ambassadorial offices in [[Miekarova]]. [[Thule_lore#Warlocks|Warlocks]] and [[Thule_lore#Bonded|bonded]] alike are seen rushing back and forth arranging things ready for their new boss, ''Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'''. The new ambassador will certainly have his own ways of doing things, his own preferences, and perhaps his own staff to install. Much must be done to make the [[Miekarova#Embassy_to_Otkodov|ambassadorial offices]] in [[Miekarova#Mieriada|Mieriada]] ready for their new occupant.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kindra Surefoot.jpg|caption='''Kindra Surefoot''', Ambassador to Otkodov|align=right|width=300}}
As quickly as it began, the activity subsides. Civil servants working with the ambassadorial offices report that it is as though Runa has ''always'' been the Speaker for the Dragons Undivided. Imperial title holders change frequently and their support staff must adapt to the new situation quickly to keep things running efficiently, but it is strange to see the same process in the context of the Thule, where many things have the feeling of being timeless and unchanging. One observer notes that conversations about things which happened only a season or two ago always seem a little stilted because the Thule staff speak of anything from Rak's tenure in the same way they talk about events from an ancient era long ago.
==Forward to the Future==
* '''Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided proposes a more private meeting with the Imperial ambassador at the Summer Solstice'''
The new ambassador is keen to establish further cooperation to benefit both parties under the auspices of the peace. Runa suggests that he meet with the ambassador at the Summer Solstice, in more private chambers as requested. For this season, they would appreciate if the ambassador could prepare a few items for the agenda and send them over for consideration - presumably the issues raised in their last missive and anything else pressing that may arise in the meantime. Runa will inform the [[Civil Service|civil service]] of any items the Thule wish to discuss ahead of the Summer Solstice, so that both parties may be prepared for the discussion.
==Ice and Weirwood==
* '''Thania of the Blackstaff remains interested in securing ritual texts researched at the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun'''
* '''Orobus the Chained is still interested in acquiring weirwood'''
Last season, two offers were presented to the Empire by the Thule. One involved the purchase of certain ritual texts from the Conclave, for magic researched at the [[Master of Ice and Darkness#Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]] before the warlocks [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#Warlocks_of_Otkodov|now resident there]] had moved in. Thania of the Blackstaff, who leads the warlock contingent, is only a little disappointed that the [[dissemination]] of these ritual texts has not taken place - mostly because she is used to dealing with her peers in Otkodov where everything tends to move at a glacial speed until it doesn't. She's let it be known that the opportunity still exists, and will do so as long as she is in Miekarova and has the favour of the Dragons. Details of the opportunity have been added to the [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] page.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lann.png|title=Rune: Lann|align=right}}
The other was an enquiry from ''Orobus the Chained'', one of the Dragons themselves, who was interested in [[Invited_with_asperity#Orobus and the Bonewood|acquiring weirwood saplings]] from the [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] and/or the [[Golden Trees of Seren]] which she plans to transplant into the [[Ossium#Bonewood|Silent Pines]] in [[Ossium]]. She is apparently looking for trees that "remember" the vallorn, who will be able to "share" their experiences with the trees of the Bonewood. The removal of the trees will reduce the [[weirwood]] production of the forest permanently by 1 wain each season. In return Orobus will provide 12 rings of [[ilium]] to the holder of the seat as payment for the trees. Runa says that the offer is still open, but only in the short term as it will soon be "too late" apparently. If either of the new Bourse seat holders are interested in taking advantage of this offer, they will either need to send a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] to Runa directly, or ask the Ambassador to communicate their agreement in their own missive. Either way this opportunity is lost by the end of the Spring Equinox.
==Walls of Starless Night==
* '''The Thule remain committed to the destruction of the vallorn as it will serve their long-term interests'''
* '''The Dragon Fraynir invites an appraisal into ways their warding techniques might be adapted by the Empire'''
* '''In return, the Dragon requires a ritual text of ''Dreadful Ending'' from the Conclave'''
As discussed [[Invited_with_asperity#Fraynir_and_the_Black_Waste|last season]], the Thule have a vested interest in discussion of the [[vallorn]]. They cooperated with the Empire in finding a solution to the problem of the Doom of Terunael, offering their understanding of the vallorn of [[Otkodov#Sküld|Stathas]] in Sküld, which surrounds the city of Emrys. Their motives are not altruistic; they desire access to the largely untouched ruins of Emrys, and an end to the [[Wither the Seed|punishing Winter curse]] that, along with the cold climate, keeps "their" vallorn quiescent.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Appraise Thule Wards'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Appraisal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* As with any appraisal, presents opportunities related to the Thule use of permanent Winter wards to provide sanctuaries to when fighting the exsurgent vallorn.
* The Senate will need to specify which prognosticator will undertake the appraisal as normal
</td></tr>
</table></div>
''Fraynir, the One-Who-Waits'' has instructed the ambassador to offer a ritual to the Empire they say will help contain the threat. In return they asked for a copy of [[Dreadful Ending]], a ritual that destroys [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|Druj miasma pillars]]. Unbeknownst to the Dragon, the Empire already has a ritual that sounds very similar to ''Walls of Starless Night'' - [[Wardens of the Black Waste]]. As such, Ambassador Kindra has suggested that an exchange would be more compelling if it ''also'' included details of the wards Fraynir is establishing around the vallorn of the north.

As a consequence, Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided has conveyed the words of the Dragons. Rather than allow any misunderstanding, the One-Who-Waits offers a chance for the [[Senate]] to commission an [[appraisal]] into the matter of how the Empire might duplicate the project the Thule have undertaken in Sküld. As long as the [[dissemination]] of ''Dreadful Ending'' has been sanctioned by the [[Conclave]], either before or at the same time the appraisal is commissioned, the warlocks who are overseeing the project will cooperate fully with Imperial prognosticators. Runa advises that if the Empire wishes to go ahead, the Ambassador will want to make sure that whoever comes to work with the Thule is versed in magical theory - the realm does not matter but it will be frustrating for everyone involved if the warlocks have to start from the basics of how wards are created and work.

The civil service confirm that the Prognosticator's Office is capable of undertaking such a project with the Thule. They do not anticipate it taking any longer than usual, and given it comes in response to an explicit invitation there should be no repeat of previous unfortunate events involving members of the Department of Historical Research. It's worth noting however that the project Fraynir is undertaking involves creating warded camps where Thule warriors can recover and recuperate while fighting the vallorn, that anchor permanent wards and do not offer complete protection from vallornspawn - they weaken the more dangerous such creatures but they do little to physically hold them back. The needs and resources of the Empire are different to those of the Thule, but there is confidence that there would still be value in this rare sharing of expertise.

Provided the Conclave is in agreement, of course.
==Mushrooms and Malachite==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=SpringRune.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=DayRune.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NightRune.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''Last season magic was worked in Sermersuaq, Miekarova, and Ossium that impacted the Thule living there
* '''Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided expresses concern about Imperial magic that affects citizens of Otkodov
* '''An ultimatum has been issued relating to one of the three pieces of magic worked
At the Winter Solstice, two powerful magical workings were laid down by Imperial magicians that have impacted the Thule. This is inevitable, because while ''politically'' [[Skarsind#Crow's Ridge|Crow's Ridge]], [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks|Silver Peaks]], [[Karsk#Krevsaty|Krevsaty]], [[Ossium#Bonewood|Bonewood]], [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]], [[Miekarova#Mieriada|Mieriada]] and [[Miekarova#Miechernya|Miechernya]], are part of Otkodov, as far as the [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion|Law of Dominion]] is concerned these regions are still part of the territory in which they lie.

If the [[Spring magic]] laid over [[Ossium]] had been a typical [[Regrow the Land's Heart]] there would likely be no issue here. As it is, that [[enchantment]] was [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#Regrow_the_Land's_Heart|empowered]] by the [[Llofir|Rot lord]] and that is a somewhat different matter. Ambassador Kindra provided advance warning, but as Runa politely points out, only after it was a little late for the warlocks of Thule to do anything about it. This particular enchantment has caused a little consternation in the [[Ossium#Bonewood|Bonewood]] and [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]]. The presence of [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] of the ''End of Empires'' is something the warlocks were able to deal with but the magic they brought with them nonetheless lead to an amount of [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]] that the Thule were not entirely prepared for. There are boons and consequences for any eternal bargain, and ''Orobus the Chained'' has advised that this time the benefits in Ossium outweigh the problems. This will not always be the case, however. Runa proposes that one of the matters to be discussed at the upcoming Summer summit be a protocol for performing rituals on territories shared with the Thule - ''especially'' Ossium.

[[Sermersuaq]] has also been affected by potent, large scale magic, but here the Dragons are much less concerned. The effect brought the realm of ''[[Realms#Day|Sky and Ice]]'' into alignment with the plains and mountains, and provided the benefit of helping to remove the lingering corruption caused by human magicians meddling with the [[constellations|constellation]] known as the ''[[the Claw|Dragon's Talon]]''. It also opened the way for heralds of the Day realm to enter the Silver Peaks unbidden; again the warlocks there were able to deal with them without causing problems though it was an unexpected additional drain on their time.

There is one final act of magic that has impacted lands that the Thule claim as part of Otkodov, and Runa is significantly less happy about this. It apparently involved a magical shroud laid over an area of [[Miekarova#Miechernya|Miechernya]] associated with ancient Ushkan history. It is now apparently impossible for anyone to visit any of the [[Miekarova#The_Painted_Caves|Painted Caves]] in that region, and this has caused some concern among local warlocks. Runa is clear that this is unacceptable. The Empire ceded Miechernya, and the Thule agreed to "''maintain their current policy for the treatment of Imperial citizens choosing to remain and live in ceded lands''." There is no element of the [[Ratify_Thule_Treaty_Spring_387YE|treaty]] that allows for this kind of behaviour. Only the fact that this enchantment was of limited duration - it will fade during the Spring Equinox - has prevented any further fallout. If it happens again, ''Hinodir of the Bright Orb'' will remove it, and Runa will require the Empire to provide the mana required to do so in recompense.

The fact the Empire has laid three enchantments over territories containing Thule land in the same season is a cause for concern. Runa intends to discuss it in more detail at the Summer meeting, but in the interim requests that the Ambassador ensure that he is made aware of ritual magic that might impact the Thule living in Imperial territories so that they can at least prepare for it. This is in no way to be considered approval for such actions - and anything that harms the Thule directly will need to be mediated. Runa intends to discuss this in detail at the Summer meeting.

Further details of the three enchantments mentioned here, with reference to how they effect the Empire, can be found in the '''{{TBC}}''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Spider&WebIllustrationInk.JPG|align=right|width=300}}

==Bright Orbs in the Heavens==
* '''The Thule are very concerned about the chaos spreading in the Empire
* '''Hinodr of the Bright Orb advises Imperial magicians to stop meddling with the constellations
* '''Runa passes on words of caution involving investigation of trolls
Last season the Empire experienced chaotic magic of its own as the Imperial regio "broke" and related supernatural events spread not only through Imperial territories but into neighbouring lands. The warlocks of Otkodov were mystified to find powerful magical shrouds blanketing Verthandi, Urdr, and Sküld, but Hinodir of the Bright Orb with her keen eye has identified that this is the result of some kind of ongoing wide-scale disorder related to the stars rather than cover for some Imperial attack.

Following on from the recent matter of the ''Falconer'', however, this is cause for some concern. The Dragons do not allow Thule warlocks to "meddle" with the constellations; astronomancy is practiced of course but it is a magical tradition that is carefully monitored to prevent exactly this kind of chaos. Only the Dragons truly understand the constellations, say the Thule. Other magicians tamper with them at their peril. Runa passes along a word of advice from Hinodir herself; ancient wisdom teaches that drawing too close a connection between the constellations and any Empire is a surefire way to bring about that Empire's end. You can learn more about the situation besetting the Empire in the '''{{TBC}}''' wind of fortune.

On a thematically similar note, Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that Imperial scholars should also be very careful in their dealings with trolls. Specifically, he mentions that it is vitally important that the Empire not underestimate just how destructive the constructed soldiers of the trolls can be. Even a single troll is capable of building a literal army of these things given enough time, and they are disproportionately terrible on the battlefield due to the difficulty of actually harming what amounts to a cohort of walking stone walls armed with razor-sharp axes that do not feel pain or experience doubt. Exactly how Runa is aware that the Empire is having ''any'' dealings with trolls is not clear, but the civil service note that this is a ''very'' specific piece of advice from the new ambassador.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png|caption=The Forest of Ulnak is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.|align=right|width=600}}</div>

==Grim Faces==
* '''The Thule claim victory in their initial assault on the Forest of Ulnak
* '''None of the Empire's armies participated; those captains who supported the Thule will know more about the situation
The Thule have begun their attack against the Druj in the [[Forest of Ulnak]]. After the Winter Solstice their armies marched east out of [[Ossium]] and began a systematic conquest of the northern territory of [[the Mallum]]. During the Solstice, recruiters from Otkodov visited Anvil to secure Imperial mercenaries to support their armies, apparently with significant success.

[[Thule_lore#Dragons|Tathenon the Gyre]] is pleased by the number of Imperial captains who supported the ''Earthquake Drummers'' army in the attack against the Mallum. It is beneficial to both nations that the Thule and the Empire fight side-by-side against their mutual enemy. It is unfortunate, says Runa diplomatically, that despite the Thule committing three armies to the liberation of Sermersuaq, the Empire was unable to spare any of their own for an attack against the Druj. Yet the Dragons are far-sighted, and consider that Imperial efforts in the south - for all that it is far away - have still contributed to their victory albeit in a limited fashion. ''Hinodir of the Bright Orb'' has noted that if the captains likely involved in spying on the Forest had simply supported the Thule armies they would be even closer to their goal of ending Druj domination of the territory (the civil service believe the expert [[divination|diviner]] was able to identify that there was scouting taking place, but are confident she will not know how many people were involved, despite the dragon's claim).

Exact details of the campaign are not forthcoming beyond the fact that the Thule have been "victorious." Tathenon the Gyre continues to extend the hand of cooperation however. Military captains can join the Earthquake Drummers in their continued conquest of the Forest of Ulnak; the details of this [[opportunity]] are the same as presented in last event's '''[[Invited_with_asperity#Hinodir,_Tathenon,_and_the_Eastern_Woods|Invited with asperity]]''' wind of fortune.

Likewise, Tathenon remains open to Imperial armies joining the assault. All they require is that the [[general]] acknowledges that they are following the strategy of Tathenon the Gyre. A general who does so will support the Thule conquest of the territory, contributing their efforts to that of the orc armies. They will still be free to issue orders as to the conduct and [[army orders|tactics]] their army will employ. The only thing that will be determined by Otkodov is the order in which the regions of Ulnak are assailed.

The civil service again caution that sending armies into the Forest of Ulnak this season ''without'' agreeing to accept the strategy of Tathenon the Gyre will mean that the Empire's troops will act as a separate force, and that might even lead to unfortunate "friendly fire" incidents.
===Participation: Ulnak===
* '''Characters whose military units were operating in the Forest of Ulnak this season will receive additional information'''
Individual captains who accompanied the Earthquake Drummers, and anyone supporting the [[spy network]] in the Forest, will have more information about the situation there. This will take the form of a short out-of-character briefing in their packs, the information from which they can share or keep private as they see fit.

==Stolen Faces==
* '''A large number of Varushkan captains worked with the Thule Claws of the Dragon to root out the face-peeler horrors in Karsk and Ossium'''
The ''Claws of the Dragon'' are a cabal of Thule warlocks tasked with rooting out threats to Otkodov arising from supernatural sources. Last season they were tasked by ''[[Thule_lore#Dragons|Caridis the Binder of Runes and Oaths]]'' to work with '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' and [[Invited_with_asperity#Caridis,_Sławomir,_and_the_Face-peelers|root out the face-peelers]] of Ossium and Karsk. The joint project involved scouring the wild places and isolated vales of eastern Varushka, including delving into those regions ceded to the Thule. The ultimate intent was to locate and destroy the ''trudniki'' - anthropophagic [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves|wolves]] that combine stolen faces with malignant glamour to infiltrate and deceive in pursuit of their cannibalistic drives.

The quest to deal with the cannibals has caused some disruption in the two territories especially for those of the [[draughir]] [[lineage]] due to some unfortunate similarities between the most common trudnik disguise and the appearance of those who bear the touch of [[Winter magic]]. Thankfully, this disruption has now subsided, and it seems that the cooperative effort has been successful.

Full details of what has happened during the pursuit of the face-peelers can be found in the '''[[Lean and athirst]]''' wind of fortune.

{{Thule links}}

Where the slow river flows

2026-05-20T18:36:47Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Aftermath */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:388YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 40%; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher drums.jpg|caption=The Drakes' drum sounds, calling the yeofolk of the Marches to war.|align=left|width=6000}}</div>
==Blood of the Wanderer==
After the Autumn Equinox, a great host of Jotun crossed Odd’s Way into Mitwold. Fifty thousand or more warriors with two cohorts of the Knights of Glory. They took the Pride of the Marches by surprise, the only defenders the garrison of Forte Fidelis. Those Imperial soldiers committed to the Marches were in Bregasland, fighting to reclaim that conquered territory. Everyone was taken by surprise. They washed across Oddmire, conquered Meade March and the city of Meade, washed into the Meadows before their assault hit its high water mark.

Then during the Winter Solstice itself, Stephen of Sarcombe and his human yegarra launched an assault against the town of Wayford. Imperial heroes responded, passing through the [[Sentinel Gate]] to bring an end to his treachery once and for all. In the end though they were unable to save the kidnapped Wayford Wanderers hero [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Save_Jim_Moor|Jim Moor]]; unable to stop him giving support to the [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Red_Walder's_Descendants|heirs of Red Walder]]; unable to bring [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Objective:_Kill_Stephen_of_Sarcombe|Stephen to justice]]. Despite heroic efforts, Jim was murdered at the same spot magistrates had once executed Red Walder; and where the death of the self-styled bandit king helped secure the prosperity of the Marches the slaughter of the beloved foot-the-ball player has put cracks in the morale of Mitwold.

The heroes managed to execute Bill of Beatsdown, the son of Red Walder, but that death only stoked the grudge-fires in the spirits of his sister Jill Longlegs, his childhood friend Jack Poultice, and his surrogate father figure Dusty Cobb. Of the three it is hard to say who will prove to be the most dangerous; the clever gossip who knows everyone’s business; the vicious thug who counts coin higher than any virtue; or the fallen monk angry at Empire and Synod alike. Together they are a dangerous combination, and now they are lose in Mitwold with weapons and armour provided by the traitor of the Mournwold.
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="William Guildenstern, General of the Drakes">My Drakes, it is time. We must return to Mitwold. We return to the Wayford, I'll cut down Jim Moor, bury him with his kit and my own football. We are to draw the line at Wayford with a Solid Defence, an opportunity made possible because Coal Carefoot ensured Bree Shaw's last act was to resupply the Drakes. We will bask in the warm Sun joining us from the East. Our older siblings heard our plea and come not as strangers but as kin when Black Roses Bloom here, let them remember who stood when Mitwold called, Our soil their Glory!</quote>
<quote by="Jack Ashton, General of the Tusks">My Soldiers, I will make this simple. We march into Mitwold for a Strategic Defence. Hold the line in Wayford, it cannot fall. When the invaders meet our steel, leave none alive to do so again. Keep an eye open for Stephen of Sarcombe. I promise 10 Thrones to whomever brings me that vermin alive so I might wring his neck with my own hands. That traitor cannot be allowed to survive battle with us again. Stephen must Die.</quote>
<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield"> Grey go the days with their grinding strain, Small are their victories, shadowed with pain; But bright is the battle-line that banishes fear, And hearts are made whole when the war-cry is near. There stand the shield-lines, steadfast and strong, Helms all a-glimmer, spears set in throng; Blade-song rises where bold battlers stand, And the field is made fair by their fate-forged hand. We shield the folk, spare the untried and weak, Let no sly scavenger plunder or sneak; No hand shall dishonour the dead where they lie, Nor trouble their rest ’neath the wide watching sky. These are our war-ways, our word and our will; Beautiful the battle-days, fierce and yet fair still- Not for the scarecrow that shrinks from the fray, But the bold who break forth where the war-banners sway.</quote>
<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My last orders to the Valiant Pegasus fills me with loyalty and pride. We defend with our siblings from the nations whilst we do what the Valiant Pegasus does best, tending to our brothers and sisters injured whilst we hold against our enemies. You my army have inspired, General Lucifor.</quote>
<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">Radiant Knights of Dawn, our Sun may rise in the East, but we set our shields in the West. The Golden Sun shines where the Empire needs it most. We march with the beat of the Drakes drum, we do not come as strangers, but as kin. Guard the fields as you would your own name. The land remembers who bled for it. Let the soil drink its fill. Let the black roses bloom. Let our solid defence stand as strong as any oath sworn by a friend, by a brother. Our loyalty to this Empire and those in need will lead us to victory as a shining example of a new Dawn. Their soil, our glory.</quote></div>
And of course Stephen escaped, along with many of this troops, to remain a thorn in the side of the Marchers and the southern Empire. His fury and bitterness at the loss of his partner has curdled into something truly monstrous; he has become a man who does not quibble over murdering innocents to achieve his goals. A man who wields terror and violence as a weapon against his enemies. While the Jarl-of-Jarls, and many of the Jotun champions, have clearly come to view Stephen as a liability, the yegarra is not without his supporters. There have always been a few Jotun who pay only lip service to their ideals, and to them Stephen seems a fine example of what can be achieved when one puts winning above the archaic, idealistic demands of honour. They’ve seen him triumph over the Empire time and again, and while his methods may be blood-soaked and dishonourable, one cannot argue with results.

As the Solstice ends, and the slow climb to Spring begins, this is Mitwold then. Riven by chaos, grieving, angry, afraid of what the future might hold. The people of Oddmire and Meade in thrall to the Jotun conquerors, the folk of the Meadows and the Downs worried that they might be next.
==Imperial Aid==
Nobody doubted for one moment that the [[Drakes]] would return to Mitwold to fight the invading Jotun, and come they do. Out of [[Bregasland]], through [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] and the outskirts of [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]], over the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] to the Golden Downs and a rendezvous with the other Imperial armies come to drive the Jotun out. With them, some ten thousand force under arms of [[military unit|Imperial captains]] - Marcher folk of course, but next to them are sworn allies, a cohort of knights from [[Dawn]], [[Highguard|Highborn]] guardians, and heroes of [[Wintermark]] among others. To meet this sea of red and black are the [[Tusks]], of course, but also the [[Golden Sun]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Green Shield]]. At their sides, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis|Forte Fidelis]].

As the armies gather, so do the clouds. Last season saw bitter Winter snow, but after the Solstice the weather turns unexpectedly. The corpse-blue sky of late Winter is already beginning to give way to the softer blues of Spring, promising the first life-giving rains. They fall early in Mitwold this year, and every drop resonates with the healing power of [[Spring magic]]. No injury that it is not mortal will fester here; even dire wounds will heal overnight provided the patient is able to sup fresh water in their sickbed. Those who recognise such things - and there are stargazers in the Marches, even if they do not give themselves airs and graces - say that [[the Fountain]], which Marchers sometimes call ''the Green Willow'' watches over Mitwold as the armies march to war. Perhaps they are right; those who have fought where the [[Rivers of Life]] flow say that there is something different this time, and soldiers speak of strange dreams of a figure who whispers in their dreams of birth and growth and the surety of Spring following Winter.

The Imperial strategy is twofold. The Jotun must be denied any more purchase in Mitwold; the bulk of the Empire’s soldiers hold the line against the invaders. The Drakes and the Golden Sun set their standards in the good earth, ready to do what it takes to hold the barbarians. The Tusks prepare to meet the advance of the Jotun, ready to move where they can best harry the enemy and turn them back. The Valiant Pegasus stands beside their allies of Dawn and the Marches, swiftly deploying their field hospitals and ensuring every cohort of the Empire has healers and [[Surgical skills#physicks|physicks]] ready to [[Army_qualities#Physick|tend the fallen]] and ensure as few lives as possible are lost in the defence.

At the same time the Green Shield pushes forward, to engage the enemy and take back the land they have already stolen, to drive them west back into Bregalsand. Yet they also [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] - not to shepherd their allies but to leave the Jotun in no doubt that they are honourable opponents. They are ''better'' than Stephen of Sarcombe, murderer and despoiler. With them come a heavily armoured host of the [[Knights of Glory]], conjured from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]''. Fearsome commander ''Elodian'' the War-smith leads her warband of rune-armoured hammersmiths. They send their enemies sprawling with irresistible blows of their greathammers, all the while singing battle-hymns of glory and heroism to inspire the Winterfolk they strive alongside.

Ready for what may come, for the great host of the Jotun that must come, the forces of the Empire await the breaking storm.
==Stormbreak==
The storm comes, but it is perhaps not the one the defenders of the Marches had anticipated. The Jotun invaders, the great host of them, have pulled back west already. Yet the barbarians have not abandoned Mitwold. In their place come the three armies of the Lasambrian-Jotun - the covetous Corazón, the zealous Escuta, the disciplined Hierro. Alongside the Hierro marches a warband of Summer warriors, lead by the lion-maned warlord ''Kore'' in scarlet armour. His troops are fantastical swift-footed knights with the lower bodies of great cats, crimson knights who use their short lances to great effect on the flatlands of Mitwold, devastating their enemies with a thundering charge and then laying about themselves with spear and claw. The hammersmiths of Elodian meet their assault head-on, revelling in the chance to test themselves against their cousins of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] alongside their Winterfolk allies.

While the Escuta and Hierro seek to push forward, looking to secure the Jotun hold over the Meadows, the Corazón fall back into their traditional ways. They look to [[Army qualities#Foraging|plunder]] the farms and villages of the Marches, more interested in the loot they can claim than in fighting Imperial troops or pressing barbarian claim to the Marches. Not to say that they are any less dangerous; when they encounter Imperial defenders they fight hard to overcome them retreating only when it is clear they will claim no booty this day. Even with the ''Ice Fishers of Ldansk'' alongside them, the Corazón have their work cut out for them - but they have almost as many successes as they have failures and slowly but surely they gather a great store of stolen wealth not only from the Meadows but from Meade March and Oddmire as well.

It’s clear the Lasambrians are expecting tough opposition; the Hierro set the pace with a slow, almost cautious strategy looking to [[Army_qualities#Resilient|secure the gains]] the Jotun have already made in the Meadows and to ensure the Empire gains no foothold in Meade March. The Escuta, showing a little of the wildness that beats in their soul, strike sporadically looking to be as unpredictable as possible forcing the larger Imperial force to spread itself thin, looking to balance their greater numbers with quick, agile skirmishes. Yet for all their speed, they are [[Army orders#Cautious Advance|careful to avoid direct confrontation]], preferring to retreat than allow themselves to be cornered or forced to fight.

The barbarians test the Imperial defence over and over, but are unable to make headway. The cordon of iron and blood thrown up across eastern Mitwold is too sturdy for them to penetrate. As the weeks drag on it looks as if this engagement will be a stalemate… until the Battle of Wayford takes the barbarians by surprise.
<fourpicture>{{CaptionedImage|file=Daemon Mortere.jpg|caption='''Daemon Mortere''', General of the Golden Sun|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=General Guildenestern.png|caption='''William Guildenstern''', General of the Drakes|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Jack Ashton.jpg|caption='''Jack Ashton''', General of the Tusks|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Osric5853.jpg|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield|align=left|width=200}}</fourpicture>
==The Battle of Wayford==
<div style="float:right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; clear: right;"><quote by="Eahgoh Blackhammer, General of the Hierro">This is not our land, but we fight for virtue of our cousins as they answer their call of honour. Let Loyalty be our battlecry, let Pride in our fellows be our shield, and let Ambition be the blade we set against the throat of the Marches.</quote>
<quote by="Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta">The future lies before us, and we must not blink as it turns its bright gaze upon us. Waste no lives, for the Empire is cunning in the traps it lays, yet do not fear the battle to come. The virtuous godhi speak of Ambition, and of Pride, and we know we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.</quote>
<quote by="Meketh of the Flames, General of the Corazón">Take everything that is not nailed to the ground, and show the Ice Fishers of Ldansk that we are the best at what we do.</quote></div>
Built on the southern borders of the Meadows, where the river Meade flows slow, and shallow, and wide, the market-town of Wayford is a centre for trade and travel. Old, sometimes seen as sleepy, but rich nonetheless. The raid of Stephen of Sarcombe first made the people wary, then it made them ''angry''. When the Hierro push forward, they find the garrison of Forte Fidelis already in position, a rough militia of yeomen farmers and retired Marcher soldiers lined up alongside them. The commanders of the Tusks have anticipated the Lasambrian strategy, and prepared their defences, Along with soldiers of the Drakes who grew up around Wayford, backed up by Highborn physicks and Dawnish knights, they wait in ambush a little way down the river. As the Hierro and the Escuta cross the ford that gives the town its name, the trap is sprung.

As the defenders of Mitwold attack from upstream, as the garrison and the militia hold the town, the Green Shield pour down from the north. The Lasambrian forces are caught between them, half on one side of the river and half on the other. They rally quickly - many are veterans of the plains of Segura and the hills of Kahraman and they know better than to underestimate the Empire - but they are at a clear disadvantage. At first it looks as if the battle will be entirely one-sided - but then the Ice Fishers of Ldansk raise their banners and come crashing across the Meade north of the ford to attack the flank of the Green Shields. These Jotun are no strangers to fighting in situations like these, as adept at navigating the warmer rivers of the south as they are the ice-floes and frigid lakes of their icy home far to the north. In their wake come the Corazón, more eager to get to the rich pickings represented by Wayford then they are to engage the Winterfolk army.

The river is shallow, but fighting in water is a challenge for orc and human alike. The river itself flows with life, but it heals wounds; it offers no protection against drowning. Foes who fall in the Meade struggle to keep their heads above the surface. A bitter irony, to drown in these life-giving waters; one that too many soldiers come to understand too late. If not for the Vigilant Pegasus on the one side, and the caution of the Escuta on the other, the death toll might have been grim indeed - especially for the Jotun fighting alongside the Lasambrians, who fear death by drowning more than any other fate.

The riverwater churns with mud and blood and then explodes. The first geyser erupts in the middle of a fight between heavy-armoured Hierro and Marcher pikemen, showering both with heavy droplets of pure water. Instantly, all injuries heal, and the warriors on both side are filled with an almost unendurable burst of vitality. Then another waterspout, and another. One soldier is flung twenty feet into the air when the river waters by his feet surges upwards - they land with cries of pain, shattered spine… and then the healing waters restore them as fully as they had broken them. Fountains of magical healing water burst wherever the fighting is at its fiercest, and where their waters touch they heal everything - war wounds and terrible injuries alike - restoring health and vigour and allowing warriors on their last legs to keep fighting. Blood flows and flows, fatal amounts, but almost every time the waters heal the soldiers and keep them fighting. The battle between barbarian and Imperial becomes the worst kind of meatgrinder; the only way to keep the enemy down is to execute them or to hold them beneath the water so they drown. Scuffles break out up and down the riverbanks, warriors on both sides abandoning any pretence of strategy to wrestle their foes beneath the water and flood their lungs with water.

The Green Shields sound their horns first, calling their warriors back before the conflict can descend into true barbariasm. The Hierro follow suit minutes later; not everyone responds in a timely fashion. As the two sides separate, the fountains of life subside. The barbarians on the wrong side of the river take the opportunity to fight free of the defenders, retreating across to where their fellows are forming up. Arrows fly - from both sides - but those who fall in the river pierced by wooden shafts quickly rise again thanks to the curse of Spring.

Across the river, the two sides stare at each other, as the bodies of the fallen float downstream between them in their dozens, Imperial and barbarian alike, many too mutilated to be recognisable. One final indignity; the dead are already beginning to decompose as if weeks were passing in mere minutes. A quick truce is negotiated to allow both sides to try and hook the fallen from the river, the horror of a battle that might never have ended, sharp in the minds of orc and human alike.

Night falls, and the two forces stay on their own side of the river. The next day, the Lasambrian Jotun pull back. They know now that they are outnumbered, and even without the cursed river battle they would not have held the day. The Corazón at least are happy; they at least have done well out of the confusion looting the outskirts of the town. In particular, they have made off with many foot-the-ball trophies the Wayford Wanderers won over the years, including that kept as a memorial to their terrible [[When Spring comes|last game]] when so many died at the hands of the heralds of Siakha.

==Aftermath==
The battle of Wayford is not the last engagement of the war in Mitwold; far from it. The Lasambrians are chastened, but they do not abandon their ambitions. Perhaps they are a little more careful around the River Meade, leery of whatever dangerous water spirits possess its water. Twice more, though, they seek to cross from the Jotun-dominated side of the Meadows to the free side, but they are at pains to use the bridges that have stood for three centuries or more. Twice more, they are beaten back.

At the same time, the Green Shields and their rune-armoured allies from the Summer realm use their momentum to push the orcs hard. They seize on their caution around the river, pursuing whenever they leave an opening or an unguarded flank. Engagement by engagement, the Winterfolk drive the Lasambrian Jotun back. A few Imperial warriors who perhaps should know better take to hurling buckets of water toward the Lasambrians during these scattered engagements, mocking their caution of the River Meade. The Winterfolk commanders have sharp words to say about such behaviour, and it mostly tails off. Mostly.

Whenever the invaders are forced to retreat, the Tusks and the Drakes are there to hold what the Green Shield have taken. As the Spring Equinox gets closer, its clear to everyone that the Hierro and the Escuta can’t hold out in the Meadows. Perhaps its the terrain - too much of it is simply flat open ground and as they have demonstrated in Segura they are not at their best in such conditions. Perhaps its the fervour of the defence, the common folk of the Marches inspired by the Drakes, organised by Forte Fidelis, refusing to give any more ground to the invaders.

They retreat, out of the Meadows, but no farther. The Green Shield try to push into Meade March, but they encounter too stiff a resistance to make much headway. While the Lasambrians can’t face the might of the Empire alone, even with their allies the Green Shield can’t face three entire armies by themselves and hope for more than limited victory. Yet even a limited victory, in such conditions, is still something of a triumph.

As the Equinox dawns, the Empire controls the Meaows and both Downs, the Jotun-Lasambrians hold Meade March and Oddsmire. The Green Shield have made some small progress toward liberating Meade, but the city remains in the hands of the Jotun. The news that comes from Meade is not good - the Corazón have been through the place like butter through a goose. The Jotun who robbed the place last season were rank amateurs beside the orcs of the Lasambrian hills. At least, though, there has been no hint of an atrocity such as the one Stephen of Sarcombe planned.

As to Stephen himself… his warband has not been seen this season to the frustration of those who would seem him brought to book for his crimes. It is too much to hope he has been executed by his ''own side''. The general of the Tusks has placed a ten Throne bounty on his head, and that just adds to the enthusiasm of those who want to see him dead for what he has done not only to Jim Moor but to folk across the Marches whenever he has the chance. Indeed, there’s stories of friars supporting anyone prepared to make their grudge against the traitor concrete, to sanctify it with liao. The Valiant Pegasus in particular is concerned to hear of this, but in the confusion of battle there is little chance to investigate further.

Stephen himself might not be visible, but the ripples of his continued presence in Mitwold certainly are. It seems that he has been busy offering aid to the heirs of Red Walder - and they ''have'' been seen right enough. While Imperial armies fight to protect Mitwold, these cowards attack baggage trains and refugees alike, caring neither for the sanctity of the Marches nor for those who have already lost so much. The Golden Sun and the Valiant Pegasus drive the bandits off - they are in no position to face disciplined soldiers of the Empire - but where there are no soldiers the only defence is the militia organised by the garrison of Forte Fidelis and they are stretched to breaking. If the situation is allowed to continue, it’s anyone’s guess what the increasingly bold bandits - and their traitor patron - might try next.

For now though, Spring comes to the Marches and away from the battlefront, the rhythms of life reassert themselves. Ploughing, planting, planning for the year to come. As the last of the healing rains fall, green shoots begin to unfurl. Whatever else happens, it looks like this year will see a bumper harvest in Mitwold. Thirsty soil in the best soil, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMitwold.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Game Information==
* '''The Empire has driven the barbarians out of the Meadows, reclaiming the region'''
* '''Imperial troops are a tenth of the way towards liberating Meade March'''
The fighting this season has seen the Lasambrian Jotun held back from claiming any more of Mitwold, and thanks to the offensive orders of the Green Shields they have lost their foothold in that region. The Winterfolk army has pushed forward, beginning to take a foothold in Meade March. The barbarians still control that region, including the city of Meade, and the region of Oddmire. The Empire benefitted from its defensive tactics; estimates are hard given the Rivers of Life but it seems the barbarians suffered easily three times as many casualties as Imperial forces.

The Corazón have been engaged in plundering Mitwold, seizing whatever wealth they can get hold of. The Green Shield have been using the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] order; while it does not impede the Corazón, the fact the Wintermark army has chosen to do so is obvious to everyone in the territory.

The battle at Wayford is the major engagement of this season, and is marked out by unpredictable magical effects. Marcher landscapers believe it was likely caused by an unexpected interaction between the [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellation]] of [[the Fountain|the Green Willow]] and the powerful [[curse]] of [[Rivers of Life]].

The heirs of Red Walder - the three would-be bandit chiefs who escaped from Imperial heroes at the Winter Solstice - are causing trouble in Mitwold. With support and weapons from Stephen of Sarcombe, they are taking every opportunity to raid baggage trains, attack travelers, and even assault small, outlying farms. At the moment their impact is not great - at least not on the people who aren't on the receiving end of their attacks - but there is the potential for serious problems in the future. As such, the regions of the Meadows, Maiden Downs and Golden Downs have all gained the ''[[Region qualities#Banditry|Banditry]]'' quality representing the impact of their criminal actions.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherBriar.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
==Participation : Battle of Wayford==
* '''Any character whose military unit participated in Mitwold this season may have been exposed to chaotic Spring magic'''
* '''A briar character can use this opportunity to enhance their physical and/or roleplaying trappings, and gain a temporary point of endurance in the process'''
* '''Any unlineaged human might use this opportunity to gain the briar lineage'''
* '''Red flowers are a very appropriate trapping for anyone who takes one of these options'''
The general of any armies in Mitwold, or anyone whose military unit supported one of the armies or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may have fought at the Battle of Wayford. Those who did so may have been exposed to the wild healing curse that washed over the battlefield.

If your character has the [[briar]] [[lineage]] you may uset his as an opportunity to increase your [[Briar#Other_Trappings|physical trappings]] if you wish, such as by adding additional [[Briar#Patches of bark|bark]], or adding [[Briar#flowers|flowers]]. In the latter case ''red'' flowers are particularly appropriate. You may also choose to intensify one or more of your [[Briar#Roleplaying|roleplaying trappings]] either permanently or for the duration of the Spring Equinox. In either case, any briar character who fought at the Battle of Wayford begins the Spring Equinox with an additional, temporary, point of [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]]. This point is the first lost when you take an injury, and cannot be restored. It fades by the end of the Spring Equinox regardless.

Any human character who does not have [[lineage]] and fought at the Battle of Wayford alongside their military unit (or was a general of one of the armies involved) may take this opportunity to develop the Briar lineage as a result of being repeatedly healed by wild Spring magic. You will need to email {{plot}} before midnight on the 27th of May with your PID. You will need to physrep your trappings; in addition to bark the addition of red flowers is particularly appropriate for showing that you gained your lineage as a result of the battle. Be aware that lineage is generally a ''permanent'' change to your character so think carefully about the commitment before you choose to embrace it. Also bear in mind that characters who already have lineage will ''not'' develop it due to the waters of Wayford.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}

==Participation : Holding a Grudge==
* '''Any Marcher whose military unit supported the fighting in Mitwold may choose to have been inspired by the preaching of Friar Book'''
* '''Characters may choose to gain a hallowed item with an aura that clearly does not come from one of the seven virtues'''
Any Marcher character whose military unit supported an army in Mitwold, or who reinforced the garrison at Forte Fidelis, may have been motivated by a desire to defeat Stephen of Sarcombe. During the fighting, a [[friar]] going by the name of ''Book'' has been outspoken about the wrongs done to the Marches by Stephen and his fellow traitor yegarra and the stain on the nation that his continued survival represents. They alternate praise for the general of the Tusks with calls to action, and for those who have spoken to them privately afterward they are prepared to use their small personal supply of [[liao]] to help dedicate folk to the pursuit of Stephen.
<div style="float: right; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Fair words won't bury grudges.</quote></div>
Marcher characters can choose to take advantage of this and receive a [[hallow|hallowing]] on their weapon that will last for the coming year. To do so, you must email {{plot}} by midnight on the 27th of May and include your PID and indicate which of the following three motivations most underpins your desire to see Stephen of Sarcombe executed.
* You are angry that the guilty go unpunished, and want to see them brought to justice.
* You are prepared to pursue vengeance not only against Stephen but against anyone who wrongs “your people” (however you define that)
* You know that grudges are rooted in virtue, and that nobody should be shy about seeking retribution against criminals such as Stephen

Book talks seriously about the importance of settling grudges, something they say is [[The Marches#Five things about the Marches|rooted in the heart of the Marches]]. Criminals like Stephen need to be brought to justice, and the traitor has made this personal. He's murdered Marcher folk, and there has to be a reckoning for that. ''"There's two ways to bury a hatchet."'' as the Marcher proverb goes. Stephen of Sarcombe needs to get what's owed to him, Book says. Ideally in a way that gives anyone else thinking of harming good Marcher folk pause.

There is some concern that Book is preaching something that comes close to the "[[Malign spiritual presences|false virtue]]" of [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|vengeance]] here. Openly bearing a hallow created using a spiritual power other than one of the seven may prove problematic. While the [[Synod]] has not [[proscription|proscribed]] [[hallow|false hallows]], it has determined that [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_152|preaching or promoting ''vengeance'' is a crime]] and its possible that might extend to Friar Book and his enthusiasm for Marcher grudges. On the other hand, as he points out, there's nothing new about the Marcher passion for ensuring those who wrong them, pay for it.
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==Participation : Pride and Loyalty==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis may partake of a form of spiritual inspiration'''
* '''Accessing this inspiration requires an anointing of either Loyalty or Pride'''
* '''The inspiration is stronger for Marcher characters but people from other nations still receive a benefit'''
* '''Military units who supported the Drakes, or reinforced the garrison of Forte Fidelis, may receive a special benefit'''
The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and while those efforts have been focused in [[Mournwold]] and [[Bregasland]], the people of Mitwold are still heartened to see "their" army return to fight for them. The general of the Drakes has sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration this act provides should not be underestimated.

Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Drakes or the garrison of Forte Fidelis this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero|hero point]] during the Spring Equinox. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

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

Note that the character does not have to start the event with the anointing of Pride or Loyalty. They can claim the benefit if they receive that aura in play ''provided'' it is a [[the Marches|Marcher]] priest who leads the ceremony. In the event that they lose or change their anointing of Pride or Loyalty, the bonus hero point is lost and can't be regained during the summit.

==Battle Opportunity==
* '''A potential battle opportunity has been identified in Meade March
Imperial prognosticators making a study of the Sentinel Gate believe a major conjunction exists to allow Imperial heroes to strike into Meade March during the Spring Equinox. Indications are that a significant force of Corazón supported by warriors from the warband of the Ice Fishers of Ldansk are transporting some of the wealth looted from the city of Meade west toward the coastal town of Odd's End and, presumably, from there to Bregasland. The conjunction offers an opportunity to intercept this warband and perhaps recover the stolen treasures before they can be used by the Jotun.