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Court Reports

2026-02-24T21:04:00Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:The Law]]
[[Category:The Empire]]
==Overview==
This page has the court reports for Anvil in recent years. These are updated with new court reports as time goes on. The most recent court report will also be available to read, pinned up in the Militia tent near the Hub.

==Reports from 387YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 387YE Criminal Cases
|-
|Murder||In Spring 387, two people antagonised Protectorate Quint with insulting artwork and assaulted him. Later, these individuals were in the Wonky Donkey, antagonising unidentified Highborn individuals in white and red, and were cut down by the Highborn. Irontide Ruka, a friend of Quint, saw this, and took the opportunity to execute one of the downed individuals; the Highborn executed the other.||Irontide Ruka pled guilty, with a Loyalty clemency plea made by Marco.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, fined twenty thrones.||The penalty was reduced from execution, in consideration of the clemency plea, Ruka’s handing himself in immediately after the crime, and the severe provocation to Protectorate Quint.
|-
|Heresy||The accused was inquisited by Luca i Taziel i Riqueza, Cardinal of Prosperity, and admitted to being previously dedicated to the Virtue of Freedom. She also admitted to having dedicated others to Freedom.|| Hembeneth i Guerra pled guilty||Found guilty by Magistrate i Zuhri i Erigo, executed.||Hembeneth was inquisited and condemned in the Summer under [[387YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements#Judgement 149|Judgment 149]] and [[387YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements#Judgement 259|Judgement 259]].
|-
|Murder||The accused attacked Daniela Treval during the Summer Solstice 387, killing her. The accused asserted that they had been coerced into committing the offence, after threats were made against their friends.||John Shatterfoot of Eiraspire pled guilty, with a Loyalty clemency plea made by Amris Johan Merikovich.||Found guilty by Magistrate Sokolov, executed.||The magistrate accepted that the accused felt motivated by Loyalty and acknowledged the duress, but the murder of an Imperial citizen was not considered proportionate to the threats made, considering no attempt had been made to seek due process or assistance from the Magistrates or Militia.
|-
|Assault<br>Contempt of Court<br>Perverting the Course of Justice||The accused assaulted a Dawnish noble; then, at their trial, made every effort to disrupt their trial and prevent it from occurring. They were warned, fined for contempt, and when they continued to be disruptive were further warned that perverting justice carries the death penalty.||Gwillam<br>Aelfric of Dawn<br>both refused to enter any plea.||Found guilty by Magistrate Sokolov, executed.||The trial was incomplete as a result of the refusal of the defendants to allow it to continue. Magistrate Sokolov issued a summary verdict after making every effort to conduct the trial appropriately.
|-
|Murder||The accused murdered four people in Dunfirth, apparently while under the influence of a curse linked to a runemarked boulder.||Thurwolf Dunning pled guilty, with a clemency plea made by Veikko Bondforger.||Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, executed.||The clemency plea focused on the apparent compulsion from the curse. The magistrate rejected the plea on the basis that Thurwolf showed awareness and decisionmaking ability.
|-
|Blasphemy<br>Abuse of Powers||The accused used True Liao to hallow a shield to the Virtue of Peace; in addition, he was dedicated at various times to each of the known False Virtues and produced a large number of hallowed items under these dedications.||Fintan Nighthaven pled guilty, with a clemency plea made by Rafael Barossa d’Apulian.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra. Executed.||Fintan was condemned in the Summer by [[387YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements#Judgement 260|Judgement 260]]. While the clemency plea was strong in many areas, it did not account for the totality of Fintan’s actions, and the raising priest for the condemnation emphasised the great harm done to the Empire and to the Synod’s authority by the accused’s actions.
|-
|Murder<br>(Attempted)||The accused attacked the Imperial Censor, Gaius Starfall i Riqueza, with apparent intent to kill. The accused offered no motivation for their actions.||Brawn of Dawn<br>Abraham<br>both pled guilty.||Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, executed.||
|-
|Assault||Gisli Baersson was attacked by the accused, who claimed his motive was ‘boredom’ and ‘thrill-seeking’.||Julius i Rincon i Riqueza pled guilty.||Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, fined 8 thrones and a Freezing Brand of Irremais to be applied at accused’s cost. Executed after stated refusal to pay any fine.||Julius was warned that refusal to engage with the punishment at all would likely lead to execution, but he continued to refuse to pay any fine at all and was executed.
|-
|Possession of controlled substance||The accused cooperated to brew the illegal poison The Crimson Gate, in order to poison a nest of Ettercaps in Therunin.||Gwynn Springseeker<br>Ilya Aethelwynn<br>Crenalin Oakvale<br>Aalin Oakvale<br>Franceslodi Tassato di Sarvos i Pesse<br>Atticus Reachingvine<br>Ursina i Garza i Guerra<br>Bertrand Gardener<br>Ascalla Maisa<br>Wren Embercast<br>Esme i Estrico i Erigo<br>all pled guilty with a Wisdom clemency plea by Pio i Vega i Riqueza.||Found guilty by Magistrate Farkas, fined one crown each.||The punishment was greatly reduced due to the nature of the crime being for the benefit of the Empire, and the strong clemency plea.
|-
|Possession of controlled substance||The accused cooperated to brew a number of illegal poisons in order to poison kraken eggs in Zenith during a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate.||Fourteen citizens pled guilty, with clemency pleas by three priests.||Found guilty by Magistrate Farkas, fined five rings each.||These notes are incomplete, due to substantial water damage rendering them unreadable. If you are aware of the names of those convicted or offering clemency pleas, contact the Civil Service.

The Magistrate issued personal thanks and praise to the accused, on the basis of their excellent and difficult service in support of the Imperial interest in Zenith against the Druj.
|-
|Treason<br>Breaching Interdiction||The accused communicated with an Eternal under enmity, the Whisper Gallery, using an interdicted ritual that communicates with the Gallery, and were accused of making deals with the Gallery. Eliina did not cast the forbidden ritual, but knew about Bella’s actions and encouraged them. At the time, Eliina was Archmage of Night. Bella has since replaced her.||Bella Vincente d’Apulian<br>Eliina “Realm’s Visionary” Lailasdottir pled guilty, with a clemency plea for Bella made by Dagon, Cardinal of Loyalty, and a clemency plea for Eliina, whose priest is not recorded.||Found guilty by Magistrate Stillwater, fined 8 thrones collectively.||Although execution was considered, the clemency pleas were very strong and there was a successful argument that the contact was in service of saving the lives of Imperial citizens.

Eliina changed name and nation before the trial, but the name given is as it was at the time of the crimes and investigation.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Civil Case
! scope="col" style="width: 35%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Parties
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Outcome
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 387YE Civil Cases
|-
|Contract dispute||The claimant engaged in a contract with the Artisans’ Guild by which he would deposit materials, which the Artisans’ Guild would pass on to an artisan, who would make a desired item. The artisan, Aspasia Netherwatch, did not deliver the item after receiving materials. Contractually, the Guild was not liable for the materials but were responsible for assisting Jacques in retrieving his materials from the artisan, potentially until the end of time due to the lack of an appropriate break-clause. Jacques wanted his materials back; the Guild wanted to be free of their obligation.||Jacques Damask, represented by Savi Avvocato<br>and<br>Xanthius Stormsend, representing the Artisans’ Guild||Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra assisted the parties in negotiating a settlement. Jacques agreed to discharge the Guild from its obligations to help him in exchange for 7 thrones and 2 crowns.||Savi Avvocato also claimed to be helping the Artisans’ Guild to rewrite its contracts for future work. Jacques did not seem concerned by potential conflicts of interest.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 387YE Criminal Cases
|-
|Poisoning<br>Murder||The accused poisoned Jacko, an Academy tutor, during a potions class, with the Hunger of the Wolf. It took effect during a conjunction, and the students cut down Jacko; he then died from the poison. Students were deputised to investigate, and accused Laszlo von Holberg, who made a full confession.||Laszlo von Holberg pled guilty.||Found guilty by Magistrate i Zuhri i Erigo, executed.||The deputies Deerlah Yrhara, Inga Svensborn, and Oola Dunning, are commended for their investigative work.
|-
|Murder||The accused discovered that Earl Tadhg of House Gladewarden wrote to the Howling Queen in an effort to ′become a new Deadwood Knight′. The accused went with others to intervene and stop Tadhg, but the Earl attacked and although struck down vowed that he would not stop his efforts. The accused killed him to try and prevent this.|| Dorian Gryphontale pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty made by the Earl of Fools.||Found guilty by Magistrate Stillwater, fined five thrones.||The circumstances of the situation fit the Hero's Burden very clearly, as well as being in the Imperial interest; the clemency plea was also very convincing and although the penalty for murder can be as high as execution, it was reduced to a fine.
|-
|Treason||The accused collaborated with the Jotun following the Bregasland invasion of 383-384YE, along with his family, informing on their neighbours. They were rewarded for this. He escaped from militia bringing him to trial in Winter 385. He handed himself in in return for Imperial heroes rescuing his family from Jotun captivity.||Sammy Clake pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty made by Father Edmund of Barrowley Abbey.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, executed.||Although the priest argued that when faced with a hard choice Sammy chose to protect his family, the magistrate determined that his actions caused disproportionate harm to his neighbours and to the Empire.<br>The magistrates deemed it not in the Imperial interest to prosecute the remaining Clakes.
|-
|Membership of an Illegal Organisation<br>Resisting Arrest<br>Assault || The accused confessed during an Inquisition to being a member of the Cult of the Falconer. They resisted arrest and stabbed Ethelfrith Sigeling.||Kaisa Sewn-Tongue pled guilty.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, fined six thrones and four crowns; not paid, executed.||No priest was willing to plead clemency for the accused. Kaisa refused outright to pay the fine, and was executed as a result.
|-
|Membership of an Illegal Organisation||The accused confessed to being a member of the Cult of the Falconer.||Finn Starchaser pled guilty.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, fined five thrones; not paid, executed.|| No priest was willing to plead clemency for the accused. Finn refused outright to pay the fine, and was executed as a result.
|-
|Assault||While standing in the Hub, the accused ferociously attacked an unarmed orc merchant from Beoraidh, a city of foreigners, following a verbal altercation.||Stonesworn Skegg pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the virtues of Loyalty and Pride made by Finna, Ambassador to the Grendel.||Found guilty by Magistrate Sokolov, fined one throne.||A charge of attempted murder was initially considered, due to the intensity of the attack, but was discarded because of inconsistencies in witness statements.<br>The Clemency plea argued that the accused was provoked, and was compelled by virtue to act, but the magistrate determined that the act lacked urgency, proportionality and the exhaustion of legal options. The fine was somewhat reduced due to the plea and the accused's extensive cooperation and lack of prior criminality.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Civil Case
! scope="col" style="width: 35%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Parties
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Outcome
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 387YE Civil Cases
|-
|Inheritance||Laszlo Gulyas von Temeschwar bought the Regario Dossier in Spring 386YE for sixty thrones, but was killed in the Autumn of that year. Therefore a refund of fifteen thrones was due to his inheritor. Prince Marcus presented a will signed by Laszlo entitling the Sea Wolves to his estate, but Damiàn presented a contract signed subsequently by Laszlo entitling them to any refund due if Laszlo's term ended early. The signatures matched and both documents were deemed genuine.||Prince Marcus von Temeschwar of the Sea Wolves<br>and<br>Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo, Ambassador to Jarm||Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra judged that Laszlo's will entitled Prince Marcus to the money, but this could not be disentangled from the contractual obligation to Damiàn—so Prince Marcus also owed Damiàn fifteen thrones.||Prince Marcus requested that the Civil Service deliver the money directly to Damiàn in order to simplify the discharging of the debt.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 387YE
|-
| Treason || The accused confessed to paying a ritualist, now deceased, to invoke Yaw'nagrah, an Eternal under enmity, to gain boons in a casting of Blessing of New Spring on her farm. The accused was also identified in a Silent Bell report. || Courgetta i Rincon i Guerra pled guilty with a clemency plea on the Virtues of Ambition, Pride and Prosperity by Emberic Ashsong || Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, fined ten thrones. || The punishment was reduced from execution due to the Prosperous nature of the act, and the relatively low level of harm to the Empire.
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || The two accused, from Faraden, came to Anvil with a list of targets they admitted intending to kill, and heretical pamphlets on Justice to hand out. They attacked Jared, the Champion of Vigilance. || Zorilgo and Uildel of Faraden pled guilty. || Found guilty by Magistrate de Remourics, executed.
|-
| Murder || Ren Tanner was a captain of a military unit who participated in the illegal attack on the Rahvin at the Fangs one season ago. He was not present at that summit to be tried. The Court Reports from Winter 386YE have details of the attack. || Ren Tanner pled not guilty. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, executed || Tanner claimed at trial that he was coerced by being threatened with Inquisition, and with a threat made against his life if he did not follow through with his oath of Loyalty. He also claimed genuine contrition and good character. The Magistrate judged that these matters, though meriting consideration, didn't justify reducing the sentence in light of the scale of the crime.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || The accused, who is the Captain of the Senate Guard, had ejected Solomon, Senator for Casinea, from the Senate because of an aura of unidentified origin. The Senator was thus deprived of the right to speak and vote for an entire session. || Arthur Bannerman, known as 'Bam Bam', pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the Virtue of Vigilance made by Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, the Throne, using the Mercy of the Empress. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, fined twenty thrones. || This was judged to be one of the most serious cases of subverting the agencies of the state and thus required a heavy fine. Empress Vesna made a clemency plea citing Bannerman's virtuous motivations and the events leading up to this illegal ejection. It was found that this did not outweigh the crime, but did warrant a reduction of the fine from thirty thrones.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || In Winter 386YE, the Senators Hal Talbot and Johnny Tailor, as well as Ulrich, the proxy for Senator Bregasland, made several appointments after Mournwold was assigned to the Marches but before a Senator was elected. They incorrectly stated to the Civil Service that their decisions were unanimous. || Hal Talbot - Senator Mitwold, Johnny Tailor - Senator Upwold, and Ulrich all pled guilty. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller. Hal Talbot was fined one throne, Johnny Tailor was fined three thrones, Ulrich was fined five thrones. || The defendants claimed genuine error. This was accepted by the Magistrate and relatively low fines were issued in consequence. The accused received fines in proportion to their claimed levels of experience in the Senate.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || Due to an administrative error, the accused was able to submit a motion to Senate without it going through the proper channels for scrutiny. The error was found before Senate was in session. || Protectorate Thenrik, Legion Engineer, pled guilty. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller. Fined one throne. || Due to no significant advantage or disadvantage being given to anybody after the error was discovered, and the Magistrate being satisfied that this was a genuine error, a low fine was levied.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || At the summit of Winter 386YE, Senator Zenith struck down Pickers Goldleaf, Citizens' Voice, while Pickers was making use of his power in Senate. The title had been legitimately purchased, so this represented a denial of the rights of speaking associated with that title, by use of force. || Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Senator Zenith, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the Virtue of Vigilance made by Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, fined five thrones. || This was an extremely serious case of Subversion, for which a high fine was warranted. A detailed clemency was given, citing Vigilance, in particular the impression that Goldleaf had claimed that he had not only committed treason but was about to commit further treason on leaving the Senate. The clemency also stated that the accused had reason to believe nobody else was taking the statement seriously, and that if he did not take action Goldleaf would be permitted to leave to conduct the further treason. Taking the clemency and context into account, the Magistrate reduced the fine down from twenty thrones.
|-
| Assault || The accused attacked Mel Bleak and other Spring ritualists for calling on the power of the Claw to enhance their rituals, having heard reports from the Astral Arcanist and Custodian of the Lost that such rituals were empowering a malign entity known as the Falconer. Conclave was at the time debating the interdiction of this practice, but the interdiction had not yet come into effect. || Bernard Dugdale and Artis Greyholm pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the virtue of Vigilance made by Kezandro i Riqueza. || Found guilty by Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra, fined two crowns each. || The fears of the accused seemed well-founded, and the clemency priest established timeliness, a lack of available legal process, and the proportionality of the action with a minimum of force used. The fine was halved from four crowns each.
|-
| Treason || The accused was alleged to have passed information to the Grendel, which led to a direct threat to the life of an Imperial citizen, Sorcha di Apulian. || Raine Tealeaf pled not guilty. || Found not guilty by Magistrate Tiller. || The evidence available was not strong enough to clearly show that Raine Tealeaf had committed treason, and there were no avenues available to pursue further evidence.
|-
| Assault <br>Resisting arrest || The accused was alleged to have assaulted passers-by on the road between the Wintermark and Navarr camps, fleeing into Navarr when pursued. He fought off Militia attempting to arrest him, and tried to escape many times once captured, amounting to four charges of assault and one of resisting arrest. || Tilla of House Ironclaw pled guilty with a clemency plea. || Found guilty of by Magistrate i Zuhri i Erigo, fined eight thrones and four crowns.<br> Tilla refused to pay the fine, and was executed. || The fine was very high because each time the accused was subdued, he made another effort to attack those around him. The Magistrate chose to compound the assault fines. After the verdict, the accused refused vehemently to pay the fine on principle, and clearly stated that he would never pay the fine, even when warned that this would lead to execution. <br><br> When he continued to refuse the fine, he was executed.
|-
|}

==Reports from 386YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 386YE
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted with a blade Grud, Egregore of the Imperial Orcs, after the victim correctly predicted the death of the accused’s partner in battle. Bloodcrow Kren witnessed the assault. || Lady Griffinsbain, Egregore of Dawn pled guilty || Found guilty by Magistrate Brutus, fined two crowns || The fine was low because of the victim’s provocations.
|-
| Assault || The accused (a priest), and two other priests, performed an Insight on the victim, Hugh Farrier. They reported finding a strong Aura of Hate. Hugh became aggressive. The accused struck Hugh and ran away, before being cut down by other Marchers, Thomas Oak and Sebastian Shaw. || Stanus Emberclad pled not guilty || Found not guilty by Magistrate Brutus || The accused claimed self-defence based on the victim’s aggressive behaviour. The Magistrate accepted this argument.
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || The accused attacked Bernard Dugdale, Imperial Spymaster, in the Hall of Worlds, knocking him to the floor before stabbing him several times. He did not stop his attack until he was pulled away. The accused claimed that the Spymaster struck the first blow, and that he dropped his knife and retreated after downing the Spymaster, but was contradicted by witnesses Jim Cladpole and Linley Weaver. || Watt Lambrook pled not guilty || Found not guilty of an attempt to murder, but found guilty of assault, by Magistrate i Zuhri i Erigo, fined 2th || The Magistrate did not ultimately judge this to be a serious attempt to murder, because the attack happened in front of a number of capable witnesses. The fine was increased because this was the second time that the criminal had committed assault against the victim.
|-
| Murder || The accused, a Thule orc, confessed to murdering at least a dozen Imperial citizens over the last year in Sermersuaq, in order to serve the interests of Blood-on-the-Snow. He was caught because his group of magicians, the Dragon’s Talon, cooperated with members of the Vigilance assembly to investigate and trap him. Investigation allegedly revealed that he bore the Mark of his patron. He made a full confession of his crimes. || Frekki Shardbearer pled guilty || Found guilty of murder by Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra, executed || The accusers were not willing to name the individual who had detected the Mark of the Howler. However, the confession was full and comprehensive, and there did not appear to be any motive for the accused to invent or fabricate the confession.
|-
| Murder || The first accused, Jade, confronted the victim – Aramis du Froste, Senator Barrens – in the Glory Square. After a short conversation, she stabbed and then attempted to execute Senator Barrens, but was interrupted by the Fool of Glory trying to render assistance to the Senator. The second accused, Arnulf, attacked the Fool and a physick, Isolde, who had also come to help the Senator. This allowed Jade to make a second, successful attempt at slaying the Senator, after which the accused, both yeofolk of House Wolfborne, immediately sought Sanctuary nearby. || Jade and Arnulf both pled guilty with a clemency plea on the Virtue of Loyalty, presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Both found guilty of murder by Magistrate Brutus, executed. || The plea for Jade was based on Loyalty to House Wolfborne, but lacked any substantial detail. In Arnulf’s clemency plea, based on Loyalty to Jade, it was argued that Arnulf did not directly attack the Senator, and was trying to defend Jade from those coming to aid the Senator. However, the Magistrate found that it was his efforts that gave Jade the opportunity to finish her murder, which was clearly visible to everyone around, and therefore Arnulf was regarded as a knowing and willing participant.
|-
| Murder || The accused - Archavion Wolfborne, General Gryphon's Pride - at Autumn 386 gave his army orders to attack the Rahvin sept at the Fangs mine in Bitter Strand, the Barrens. The Rahvin are foreigners and protected by Imperial law. Some Rahvin were killed in the attack, and the army orders were clear that Rahvin casualties were acceptable in claiming the mine. || Archavion Wolfborne, General Gryphon's Pride, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the Virtue of Vigilance presented by Kasimir Vukovitch von Temeschwar. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea, on Vigilance, had strengths. It was not enough to overcome the seriousness of the crime; it was undercut by the lack of urgency - there was no evidence of an imminent Rahvin attack - and by a failure to exhaust legal remedies, such as by seeking a Senate declaration of war. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The accused were all military unit captains who ordered their soldiers to support the Gryphon's Pride army in attacking the Rahvin at the Fangs mine in Bitter Strand, the Barrens. The Rahvin are foreigners and protected by Imperial law; by the time the Gryphon's Pride orders became public there was also an opportunity for Imperial captains to defend the Rahvin - therefore, these military units were also attacking Imperial citizens. Some Rahvin were killed in the attack, and the army orders were clear that Rahvin casualties were acceptable in claiming the mine. || Madoc, Roland, Sir Pelinal, and Ulfius, all of House Medwood, pled guilty with a single clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty presented by Sir Decimus of House de Bastion. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea relied mainly on Loyalty to the nation following the guidance of the Earls' Council. However, there was no clear explanation why they ignored the two-season grace period suggested by the Council. They also argued that the army was already on the way, so they could not stop it - but this did not explain or justify joining in the attack. The condemned were offered immediate execution or death in battle. They chose the latter, and were killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Vincent Larmallevés pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Prosperity presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea, founded on Prosperity, was based on ideas of 'stolen' 'Imperial' mithril - although the mine had never been assigned by the Senate to any nation or as an Imperial seat - and on an unexplained precept that waiting would have 'cost Imperial lives'. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Ancon, of House Wolfborne, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea rested on personal Loyalty to General Gryphon’s Pride, who saved the accused’s life, after which he always supported the General and his army. However, there was no explanation for how the Rahvin posed a threat to the General for which this was a proportionate response, or why this personal Loyalty specifically justified murder. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Ollanius Pius, of House Wolfborne, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Vigilance presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The basis of the plea was that the accused believed the Rahvin had the mithril to equip an army, and there was no time to solve the issue with diplomacy, but could not explain why the army alone was insufficient and his personal military unit support was required. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Owain, of House Wolfborne, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Vigilance presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The basis of the plea was that it was necessary to deny resources to the enemy, citing the example of Berechiah, and that taking the mine and the mithril would ultimately save Imperial lives. However, the plea did
not justify the belief that the Rahvin, who were foreigners, were enemies of the Empire, nor that their actions would cause Imperial deaths. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Dufenal Ash, of the Marches, pled guilty with no clemency. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose execution.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Eric, of House Orzel, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty presented by Veikko Bondforger. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The basis of the plea was personal loyalty to Archavion. The clemency priest noted that the crime was not proportionate to the situation, and that the accused had not attempted to seek legal recourse because he had a low regard for the political process. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Lucius Pannonicus, of House Asterion, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The basis of the plea was personal
loyalty to Archavion. It justified the actions of the accused on the basis that the army was already on its way to attack the Rahvin, but failed to explain why the assistance of the accused’s military unit was necessary or why murder was a proportionate act. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Lodwick Hardin, of Wintermark, pled guilty with a clemency plea that was subsequently withdrawn by the priest, Pontius Emberclad. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea was withdrawn after the accused attempted to flee the trial. He was not given the choice of execution or death in battle like the others tried alongside him; he was executed immediately.
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 386YE
|-
| Criminal damage <br>Theft || The accused handed themselves in having attempted to steal an item hallowed to a false virtue from the Cardinal of Ambition, Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario. Their aim was to re-hallow this item to replace its aura with a virtuous one. || Lenarius Ankarien, Imperial Inquisitor, pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment. ||A clemency plea was made by Gaelen Embercast on the grounds of Loyalty. <br>The presiding magistrate accepted that the accused had acted in the Imperial interest, out of Loyalty to their friend and out of concern for her spiritual health and that of other followers of the Way, especially considering the oath made by the Cardinal to the Axou regarding the item.
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || Tao of the Marches employed Willem and Janeth Thatch to help him murder Skywise Gralka, Archmage Day. They shadowed Gralka, and in due course donned sackcloth masks, then attacked her, using at least one envenomed weapon. However, Archmage Day had previously noticed she was being followed, and had alerted the Militia, leading to the defeat and capture of the accused. <br>Willem and Janeth claimed in their defence that they were unaware that a crime was about to be committed, despite having put on masks to conceal their identities. || Tao of the Marches pleaded guilty with no clemency. Willem and Janeth Thatch both pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br> All were executed. <br> Tao rose up as a husk, and was immediately killed again. || The presiding magistrate discarded the defence offered by the accused, as they had shown clear signs of preparation and premeditation.
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || The accused attempted to murder Captain Cassie, Imperial Censor, several times, including (on the final occasion) just outside the Militia offices. When questioned the accused stated that they were under contract to kill the Censor. Furthermore, the accused stated a belief that the Censor was corrupt and deserved to die. They refused to reveal who contracted this assassination and said if given the opportunity they would try to kill her again. || Desbresa, of the Star Bar, pleaded guilty, with no clemency plea. || Guilty. <br>Executed. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Zadkiel de Coeurdefer with the intent of removing an item hallowed to the malign spiritual presence of Peace, purportedly out of concern for the victim’s spiritual health. Magistrate Sokolov supervised a weregild hearing between the two parties, with the accused, Vitore Von Temeschwar agreeing to pay a weregild of one throne to the victim. || Vittore von Temeschwar pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>One throne paid to the victim as a weregild. ||
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || The accused attacked Warrant Officer Orin of the Anvil Militia with an envenomed weapon, in an unprovoked attack, outside the offices of the Anvil Militia. || Jobb of Wintermark pleaded guilty with no clemency plea. || Guilty. <br>Executed. || Although the public nature of the attack meant that the victim was relatively unlikely to die, the use of an envenomed blade and the accused’s subsequent aggressive behaviour delayed timely medical intervention to the envenomed victim thus placing their life in jeopardy; the accused was therefore charged with attempted Murder rather than Assault.
|-
| Assault || The accused, Sulkavaris, the Wintermark Egregore, handed themself in and confessed to assaulting Grud-who-Thinks, the Egregore of the Imperial Orcs. The accused said they had argued with Grud because he had been spreading lies and false prophecies, causing great distress to the accused's sibling. The accused lost his temper and struck Grud with a weapon. || Sulkavaris pleaded guilty with no clemency plea. || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused, Agni Ashborn, confessed to poisoning Sicaro, Prince of the Crimson Reapers, on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice 386YE. She held a longstanding grudge against him because she held him responsible for the deaths of Gelert and Gaius Ashborn in battle, through his inaction. After killing Sicaro, she took his signet ring and sent a taunting message to the new Prince of the Crimson Reapers. || Agni Ashborn pleaded guilty without a clemency plea. || Guilty. <br>Executed.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State <br>(attempted) <br>Trade of narcotics to the Iron Confederacy <br>(attempted) || The accused, Beauregarthe, attempted to prevent Ambassador Iron Confederacy, Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo, from meeting with two Suranni priests. When arrested, the accused was carrying a narcotic, but there was no evidence of any intent to carry it over the Suranni border. || Beauregarthe, a citizen of the Iron Confederacy, pleaded guilty to subversion, and not guilty to trade of narcotics. <br>A clemency plea for subversion was given on the grounds of Vigilance by Ira Ashes Blaze. || Found guilty of subversion and not guilty of trade in narcotics, by Chief Magistrate Karkovich. <br>Fined five thrones. || The clemency plea argued that the accused was acting to prevent a clear threat to the people they were looking after, which only they knew about, and so was compelled to act. However, it was not made clear how preventing the Ambassador from meeting with the Suranni was for the greater good.
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 386YE
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || At the Spring summit Skywise Tulva enlisted Redhand Tutt to impersonate a Priest, Redhand Ikis in order to obtain primacy on [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_210|judgement #210]]. This judgement was to encourage those people based in Pakaanan’s Pass to evacuate from the threat of the Cold Sun. The evidence suggested that a few dozen lives were saved as a result. || Skywise Tulva pleaded guilty.<br> Redhand Tutt pleaded guilty. || Both were found guilty.<br>They were jointly fined thirty thrones and each subjected to a [[Freezing Brand of Irremais]] at their own expense. They were also denounced by the presiding magistrate. || A clemency plea was made on the grounds of Loyalty.<br>Magistrate Sokolov's denunciation was as follows: “I, Magistrate Kasimir Nikovitch Sokolov denounce this dishonest impersonation of a member of Synod, which affected the outcome of a judgement. To allow this to pass without sanction would undermine the bond of trust between the Civil Service and the Synod for it threatens the spiritual health of all followers of the Way. I request the Imperial Inquisitor to investigate the guilty with a view to an appropriate sanction or penance proportionate to the severity of their actions.”
|-
| Treason || The accused left Anvil through the Gate following a lead to obtain a weapon to use against the Deadwood Knight. On arrival they were met by a herald. Once it was ascertained that this was a herald of the Whisper Gallery, Velko and Ivana left immediately without further interaction. The remainder agreed each to share a secret with the Herald, in return for the location of the sword they sought. When they returned they handed themselves in and cooperated fully. At trial the accused agreed to share publicly the secrets they shared with the herald, both to ascertain the danger these secrets represented and to rob them of some of their value to the Whisper Gallery. || The accused all pleaded guilty. They were as follows: Velko Perovitch Razoradze, Twig, and Ivana Petara Vodjavic, all of Varushka; Lord Leonard Gildeson, Hypatia de Cendres, Alistair de Vere, Marigold Campaner, Aubin Gildaryn, Olwyn Pickle, and Oswald Hopper, all of Dawn. || Velko Perovitch Razoradze and Ivana Petara Vodjavic were found not guilty. The remainder were found guilty, and fined one throne each. || A clemency plea was made by Annabelle Cetelle on the grounds of Loyalty and Wisdom.<br>The magistrate found the accused to have acted Loyally and out of a sense of urgency and concern for the current and future victims of the Deadwood Knight.
|-
| Murder || Witnesses testified that the accused led a group to [[Miekarova#Miechernya|Miechernya]] in Winter 384YE, where they murdered a group of Varushkan wardens on a pre-arranged signal. A couple of seasons later, a Thule warlock used [[Whispers_through_the_Black_Gate|the Black Gate]] to summon the shade of one of the victims and questioned it in front of other witnesses, whereupon it reportedly confirmed this version of events. The accused argued both that they thought that these were Vyig rather than wardens, and that this situation had been engineered by the Thule as part of a plot. || Alderei the Fair, General of the Iron Helms, and Vedmid, of Carrion Vale, both pleaded not guilty. || Both were found not guilty. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused, Gideon Rookguard, and the victim, Sina Rookguard, were both out drinking together. The accused became upset when the victim picked him up to show her strength and he spilt his drink. He saw red and attacked her, stabbing her until she fell down in front of many witnesses. || Gideon Rookguard pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Timor of Ill Tidings on the grounds of Vigilance.
|-
| Treason || At the Autumn 385 summit Sally Thresher was in charge of a conjunction to go to Mitwold where a group of Siakha heralds were harassing locals to try and get them to fight. She received advice from Guildenstern that they would be able to leave unharmed if they did not agree to a fight. However, they were attacked and swiftly dropped despite not agreeing to a fight. Sally was given the choice to either have herself and all those with her devoured by the heralds or give her permission for them to hunt citizens in Mitwold. She gave her permission so that she and those that went with her could live. Immediately afterwards, she did everything she could to warn the Marches of the coming danger, and which undoubtedly saved many who would otherwise have died. The heralds killed 30 members of the Drakes and the entirety of the Wayford Wanderers foot-the-ball team. || Sally Thresher pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment was given. || A clemency plea was made by John Sawyer on the grounds of Loyalty.
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 386YE
|-
| Blasphemy and heresy || The accused was condemned in Winter 385 ([[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_193|judgement #193]]) for publishing poetry and preaching on the subject of freedom in a manner judged to be blasphemous and heretical. The sentence was lenient, because of 1) the direction given by the condemning priest and 2) the evidence of actual harm caused was slight. || Kennett the Mummer pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br> Fined four thrones. || The condemning priest was Sam Wych-Elm. A clemency plea was made by Jedediah Boon on grounds of Pride.
|-
| Slavery || The accused presented an opportunity to the Military Council to purchase slaves for emancipation from the Grendel in Winter 385. This was in clear contravention of the law against purchasing non-imperial slaves. || Atraxes the Imperial War Scout pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Fined ten thrones. || Atraxes had already stood down as War Scout
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || The accused forced the Sentinel Gate for a minor conjunction without the permission of the person named responsible by the Civil Service, who was Mortarion Carver, Castellan of Spiral Castle. The skirmish in question was to defeat the *Broken Errant* and their warband, who were threatening Weirwater. The crime was witnessed by Algernon Berinore. The accused first asked the permission of the Castellan, and was refused, before passing through the Sentinel Gate regardless. The senator's clemency defence was weakened as he was unable to explain why he thought the defence organised by the Castellan would be insufficient. Given his clearly admitted intent, and the graveness of a senator illegally impinging on the rightful responsibilities of another, the crime was treated very seriously. || Ser Lucan Mortére, Senator Weirwater, pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Fined fifteen thrones. || A clemency plea by Killian Mortére on grounds of Ambition
|-
| Assault (Leo), Assault and Mayhem (Tongs) || Syrio of la Berta Rossa, formerly of the family Barossa, was attacked by the two accused, when returning through the Sentinel Gate. Gabriel, Marcus and Rodrigo Barossa were also reported to be present. The victim was said to have sent Tongs a cursed necklace, causing her to commit harm to her loved ones. Tongs and Syrio attempted to fight each other; Leo Barossa made an effort to hold back Syrio while Gabriel Barossa tried to restrain Tongs. Leo was more successful, but only by attacking Syrio. Tongs struck down Syrio and carved a message into his arm, which persisted after healing. || Leo Barossa, Samantha 'Tongs' Barossa both pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Leo was fined one crown.<br>Tongs was fined ten thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Alfredo Barossa di Tassato on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Treason || The accused approached the proxy for the Grandmaster of the Unfettered Mind and requested a casting of the Spring ritual *Merciless Wrath of the Reaver*, with the Boon of Siakha. This was an offer made by the Maelstrom to grant additional effects to the ritual; however, the Empress of Sharks was under enmity and so the taking-up of such a boon would be treasonous. The accused returned the following day to make the request again, at which time the proxy Grandmaster was accompanied by two militia officers posing as coven members. Once the accused had paid over the mana crystals and tempest jade required for the ritual, he was arrested. He pled guilty, and under questioning at trial established that he had made no effort whatsoever to seek a legal route to perform the ritual; it was also established that he made no effort to seek alternate paths to Prosperity for himself or his military unit. He had clear advance warning from the Civil Service about the illegal nature of the ritual. Between this and his returning on the second day for the ritual, he had clear intent. As a result, he was sentenced to execution. || Whisper pleaded guilty .|| Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Rhisiart Dancewalker on grounds of Prosperity.
|-
| Murder || The accused were all involved in planning and organising a series of murders of Grendel rivals and subordinates of (then) Salt Lord Kalliact which took place in Spiral in Autumn and Winter 384YE. The purpose of these murders was to clear the way for Kalliact to make a treaty with the Senate for Spiral to rejoin the Empire. Kalliact was the originator of the plan, Lachlan presented the plan to the Imperial conspirators. The imperials all helped to plan or coordinate the two missions, with Andronikos also being present on the missions.<br> At trial the accused all argued that their actions, while illegal, were strongly in the Imperial interest and that it had resulted in the return of Spiral to the Empire. As a matter of law magistrates are required to take into account the Imperial interest as a factor in sentencing and accepted that the Imperial interest had been served in this case. It is to be noted that the leadership of the missions themselves, by Hector of Tropaion Citadel, were subject to significantly more judicial criticism due to the way in which they were actually carried out. || Merchant Prince Kalliact, Lachlan Apulian, Imperial Consul Jarrigk, Warmage Andronikos of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, and Spyridonakes of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros all pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>They were collectively fined 30 thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Rafael Barossa using the Imperial favour to claim the mercy of the Empress on behalf of Jarrigk, Andronikos and Spyridonakes on the grounds of Ambition.<br>A clemency plea was made by Estella Lucati for Kalliact on the grounds of Ambition.<br>A clemency plea was made by Lepidina for Lachlan on grounds of Prosperity.
|-
|}

==Reports from 385YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 385YE
|-
| Contravening a Declaration of Interdiction || The accused cast the interdicted ritual Whispering Shadow Courtiers at the request of her coven in Summer 385. She was not present at the Autumn summit but came to confess at the Winter summit. She cooperated fully and provided information on her coven. She did not complete any of the tasks set by the Whisper Gallery. || Cordelia Assumpta Cordina di Cello-Gribaldi pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty<br> Fined one throne ||
|-
| Treason || The accused was selling sausages, some of which were poisoned and others which were made with human meat and cursed by Blood on the Snow. The accused confessed to being a cultist of this eternal, by the sobriquet of “Voice in the Pines”. || Alphonse di Sausage of Voice in the Pines pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined all the money in their possession (249 rings) and then executed.||
|-
| Contravening a Declaration of Interdiction || The accused made and used an interdicted item, a Shackle of the Unvirtuous in order to allow him to sleep without nightmares. If he had not done so he would not have been able to function or to serve his people. He had explored many other avenues to avoid this crime. || Konstantin Bolotinikov pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Martin Orchard
|-
| Aiding and abetting Slavery || Vuk the Wolfeater was investigated for handing over a child of his vale to his sovereign. Persuasive testimony was heard from the adopted parents of General Ash, a child who returned from the care of this sovereign, having had a strange and magical apprenticeship and upbringing. All accounts were that Ash was strongly raised in virtue – a powerful indication that the arrangement was not one of slavery. || Vuk the Wolfeater attended a witness hearing. || It was determined that there is no case to answer. ||
|-
| Treason || The two accused were variously involved in the planning, facilitating and casting of Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths. This ritual, as a known and predictable effect, greatly increases the ease with which Day heralds of eternals not under Enmity can enter the Empire. Both accused admitted that at the time of the casting they knew this would permit easier access for the heralds of Cold Sun, which had declared and demonstrated its intent to attack the Empire, but the casting proceeded nevertheless. The accused therefore ‘aided Eternals [...] to act against the interests of the Empire’, in accordance with the definition of Treason. <br>Evidence and expert testimony from multiple sources including Grandmaster Shuttered Lantern, Proxy Archmage Day and Imperial Seer demonstrated that the accused had ample warning of the threat, that the accused Archmage Day passed up opportunities to declare Enmity against the threat, and that the accused pushed ahead without heed to the grave risks. <br> Both accused were fully cooperative with the investigation. The accused Anthemius Netherwatch, the ritual coordinator, had demonstrated contrition through his actions following the casting, most notably in having a Declaration of Sorcery brought forward against himself. This was taken into consideration for his sentencing. <br> large number of other covens and magicians of Urizen participated in the casting. They were also investigated, but they were not tried as the Magistrate determined that due to the assurances of the accused, the participants’ responsibility did not rise above the level of negligence. <br>At the request of Magistrate Tuomisbarn, the presiding Magistrate, a Denunciation was delivered by Magistrate Abraham against the Conclave and its leadership. Under the terms of the Imperial Constitution the Conclave exists to ‘ensure the fit and proper use of magic.’ The Conclave appointed Gralka as Archmage of Day, and passed a declaration encouraging the casting of Omnihedron rituals. After Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths was cast, the Conclave elected not to endorse the casting of the ritual, but also elected not to replace the Archmage. Abraham highlighted Conclave’s unique constitutional exemption from Synod oversight and the roots of that exemption in the early Empire’s belief that its Magicians could be trusted to regulate their own affairs. Abraham reminded the assembled, speaking as the Head of the Constitutional Court, that this was an exemption that was subject to change should the Senate will it and the Throne approve it. || Skywise Gralka, Archmage of Day, pleaded guilty <br>Anthemius Netherwatch Custodian of the Lost, pleaded guilty || Both were found guilty. <br>Skywise Gralka, was sentenced to a fine of 150 thrones (to be paid by midday Saturday of the Spring Equinox).<br> Anthemius Netherwatch was sentenced to a fine of 30 thrones || A clemency plea was made by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Arbiter of the Four Winds, on grounds of Ambition for Skywise Gralka. A clemency plea was made by Rafael Barossa di Apulian, Grandmaster Sevenfold Path, for Anthemius Netherwatch on ground of Pride.
|-
| Appeal against conviction for Subverting the agencies of the State || The conviction of Bohemond De Rondell for Subverting the agencies of the State in Autumn 385 was overturned on appeal. He was prosecuted for refusing to attend his inquisition but in fact this was his second inquisition of that summit and so he was not required in law to attend. || Bohemond De Rondell || The fine of eight thrones returned. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 385YE
|-
| Assault || The accused struck Archibald Flowers of House Castellan leaving him injured and in need of medical attention. The strike was the culmination of a disagreement between them regarding the Iron Helms. || Christafano of House Castellan pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined five crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Decimus Heywood of House De Britia
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Faewel Novoia after being insighted by him, striking him once with a spear. || Thane Skoll Shieldbane pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Attempted Murder || The accused attempted to murder Landon Harcomb. His motive was his belief that the victim had been involved in the recent bourse auction in which the prices were fixed. He wanted to send a message to the bourse before their next auction. || Percy Blackleaf pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined twenty five thrones and a Freezing Brand of Irremais at own expense. || A clemency plea was made by Lindeer Thornheart on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Murder || The accused assassinated Adòn 'The Mithril Man' Martàn in a front of a plethora of witnesses. They then ran to the Marches for sanctuary and assaulted their clemency priest before fleeing and then being arrested. || Winty and Wulf of Varushka both pleaded not guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Mass murder || The accused organised two missions through the Sentinel Gate to murder a total of thirty five foreigners (Grendel). The first mission was to kill some Grendel slavers and rescue some slaves. The slaves were former Urizen children made into child soldiers. When they tried to bring the children back the children resisted and so they executed them. Following the mission Hector concealed what happened and swore the others to secrecy. He then organised a second mission to kill a rival of Salt Lord Kalliact and their associates. They did so, executing them all, including some unknown humans who attempted to run. Note: Investigations to identify and prosecute others who are culpable for these murders are in progress. || Hector of Tropaion pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Vigilance, Courage and Loyalty.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 385YE
|-
| Murder || The accused led a rescue mission into the Barrens to fight “tortured souls” – foreign humans twisted by the Druj. The accused expected to be able to take these people through the Sentinel Gate and when they could not ordered the execution of at least one foreigner who was under a powerful courage aura. Expert testimony from the High Exorcist confirmed that had the Druj recaptured the victim a dangerous force would have arisen. No punishment was levied because the magistrate judged that the accused had been placed in an impossible position. || Achseh of the Sentinel Tower and Jared of Sentinel Tower both pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Brother Jared
|-
| Mass murder || The accused was involved in a dispute with a family over a trinket. The accused bargained with a powerful magical entity in a lake in Weirwater to kill the person with the locket. However this deal lead to more and more deaths near the lake, ultimately killing everyone who remained in the town. || Arthur Fisher pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Theft || The first accused was caught by the militia while fleeing from the scene of their crime. They were found with a metallic apple in their possession that had been stolen from Owain Farkas. They implicated the second accused as having asked them to steal it. || (1) Brychan Stormbroke and (2) Trystan Whiteglade. Both pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Brand Thornfang agreed compensation with the victim of one throne and the magistrate accepted this arrangement ||
|-
| Possession and supply of controlled substances or item || The accused and her coven performed the Ephisis' Scale ritual, which returned eight doses of an unknown substance. As is their normal practice, they auctioned the dose on the condition that the buyer identify the substance and report back. The buyer paid one throne and later identified the substance as Bite. Sofia turned herself in at the Summer Solstice and surrendered the remaining seven doses. || Sofia i Del'Toro i Riqueza pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two thrones. || Sofia’s honesty provided the Militia with valuable information regarding a new source of Bite. The magistrates will provide her with a five throne reward.
|-
| Assault || The accused was bodyguarding Merchant Prince Kaliact when the victim, Ariadne approached too close to his principal. He warned her to step back but she did not (she was attempting issue a pronouncement of doom). He then struck her down by cleaving her leg in order to protect his principal. || Carado di Apulian pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Valentina Von Temeschwar on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Murder || A group of Marchers and Highborn went to Bregasland to meet with Bushell Sykes, a known traitor and confidante of Mathilda Fisher. Sykes was expecting a fight but the group instead requested a parley. After speaking at length in an attempt to turn him against Fisher, Sykes motioned towards a weapon at his hip, having stated that either he died there or continued his war against the Empire. Sykes called out to the accused to “do it” and the accused killed him. The presiding magistrate’s view was that there was some uncertainty over the legal status of Sykes and so held a trial to openly examine the evidence. || General Amberlain P. Black pleaded guilty || Found guilty at trial but no punishment was levied. Post script: Sykes was designated as a barbarian prior to the Spring 385YE summit for fighting for the Jotun, so in law General Amberlain is considered not guilty. || A clemency plea was made by Edmund of Barrowby
|-
| Assault || The accused was hired by three unknown Dawnish men to cleave the leg of a citizen whom they had a grudge against. The accused cleaved him in both the torso and chest, and told him not to come back through the labyrinth before leaving him. || Aaron Thornweaver pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one throne || A clemency plea was made by Neala Blackhawk on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Treason || The accused contacted the Whisper Gallery in a ritual and consulted with the eternal. Beinon states he did not know what was happening, however a number of witnesses corroborated that he was present during the ritual and knew exactly what was happening. || (1) Mila Jellick and (2) Beinon Tanglehorn. <br>Mila pleaded guilty <br>Beinon pleaded not guilty. || Both were found guilty. <br>Mila Jellick was fined six thrones.<br>Beinon was sentenced to death by execution. || A clemency plea was made for Mila Jellick on grounds of Courage
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 385YE
|-
| (1) Assault (twice) <br>(2) Subverting the agencies of the state, resisting arrest and contempt of court <br>(3) Subverting the agencies of the state, resisting arrest and contempt of court || During Marcher rough music at the Military Council Sam Wych was witnessed striking Constable Maximus of the Crystal Skies and Magistrate Avedon De Remourics with an implement, casting the paralyse spell. Allis Thorne and Sally Baker entered the Military Council and claimed right of witness. Allis is not a Synod member and has no right of witness. Sally and Allis were both excessively noisy, in breach of the legal requirements of witness. They were ordered to leave by the Herald of the Council. They refused to leave and told Magistrate Kuura Tuomisbarn to arrest them. Once they were arrested they were taken to the Militia tent where the rough music continued. They absconded in the confusion and evaded the pursuing militia long enough to claim sanctuary in the Marcher camp. Militia efforts to recover them after this time were rebuffed by the Marchers. Sam presented themself very late that night and the others the next day. || (1) Sam Wych pleaded guilty <br>(2) Allis Thorne pleaded guilty <br>(3) Sally Baker pleaded guilty to the first two charges and not guilty to contempt of court|| (1) Guilty. <br>Sentenced to a year long curse of the Dreamscape of the Endless Hunt (2) Guilty of the first two charges and not guilty of contempt of court <br>Sentenced to a year long curse of the Freezing Brand of Irremais (3) Guilty of the first two charges and not guilty of contempt of court. <br>Sentenced to a year long curse of the Freezing Brand of Irremais <br>They were all also fined 65 thrones for which they were jointly liable. || A clemency plea was made by Friar Rosemary Stamp on behalf of Sam Wych.<br> A clemency plea was made by Duncan Ashhill on behalf of Aliss Thorn.<br> A clemency plea was made by Jebediah Boon on behalf of Sally Baker<br>They were also required to pay the mana cost of their curses.
|-
| Supplying Bite and Treason (dealing with the Druj) || Following a lengthy undercover operation Lukash was arrested for dealing bite. When he was arrested a large amount of extremely incriminating correspondence between Lukash and the Vyig was found on his person. Lukash admitted being the leader of a group dealing bite. During the operation he had been witnessed leading this group and arranging for the purchase of bite. The correspondence showed that he was in League with both the Vyig and the Druj, and that the Vyig were using Drusila's Obelus as part of this arrangement. Lukash claimed that he was in fact working undercover for the militia all along. He claimed his handler was Victor, a former Head of Intelligence. However, Victor died many years ago and when challenged, Lukash admitted that he had not attempted to make contact with the militia during the intervening years. || Lukash Biessek von Temeschwar pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Father Drakov on the grounds of Courage.
|-
| Possession of Bite || Nico was witnessed in possession of one dose of bite, given to him by Lukash. || Nico von Temeschwar of the Crimson Reapers pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one throne ||
|-
| Dealing of Bite || A Cambion was selling bite in the Golden Goat in the League. The militia therefore followed up on this undercover. They purchased bite from the Cambion Aloysius di Sarvos of the league. The suspect revealed their supplier and returned with them for trial. || Aloysius di Sarvos and Julie, (last name not recorded, believed to be the sister of Patches). || Guilty<br>Each were fined two thrones. || A clemency plea was made on behalf of both on the grounds of Vigilance.
|-
| Contempt of Court || The Archmage refused to hand over a Crown of Agramant when ordered to do so. The crown is under interdiction due to the enmity of its maker. The basis of the clemency plea was that the crown was given during a parley with Wise Rangara and previously Rangara had blighted the Marches for spurning a gift, so voluntarily handing it over would risk similar consequences. The crown was removed from the Archmage and destroyed. || Ematius of the Library of Ankarien, Archmage of Winter, pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne || A clemency plea was made by Martin Orchard on the grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Idolatry || The accused, a vate, went on a conjunction to provide advice regarding heralds. There was a herald of Tharim who was holding a number of Marchers. Their release was secured but the life of the herald was in jeopardy and the accused interceded in order to allow the herald to leave. In doing so the accused offered their soul to the herald. This was refused by the herald, but they said they would accept their service instead. || Morwenna Withered Rose pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Sentenced to a year long curse of the Freezing Brand of Irremais || The condemning priest was Silas of the Cenotaph. A clemency plea was made by Brynn Tendfallen on the grounds of Loyalty.
|-
|}

==Reports from 384YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 384YE
|-
| Theft || The accused were contracted by the Di Tutamen family to go to Syrene’s Wisdom and collect magical water from there without leaving any witnesses. They collected a number of vials of water and while they were there rescued some miners who had been injured and trapped. They then reported what they had done to the militia. || Zoraida I Caballo and Corwyn I Cabello pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined three thrones || The fine was paid in compensation to the representative of the holder of Syrene’s Wisdom.
|-
| Murder || The accused executed a downed imperial citizen on the battlefield who was in the process of being arrested by the militia. This unknown citizen had been caught fighting alongside the Druj. There was no immediate threat posed by the victim and the Druj had already been pushed back from the immediate area. Furthermore the accused knew that the victim was an imperial citizen and acted anyway. || Finnan of Meliora in Dawn plead guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined 27 thrones which was paid into the Dawnish war chest via the egregore. || A clemency plea was made by Lady Caudine duLac on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Sorcery and treason || The accused was caught working alongside the Druj in the Barrens. He said that he made a deal with the Druj to avoid death . In return he provided information of hidden Imperial holdouts in the Barrens and used his Winter magic against the Empire. The accused was declared a sorcerer by the Conclave in Winter 380YE. || Renée de Loire plead guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Anabelle Beaugarden of House Castellan on grounds of Prosperity
|-
| Perverting the course of justice || The accused was witnessed interacting with the Whisper Gallery although it is unknown what was discussed. The accused’s memories relating to the Whisper Gallery were magically hidden or removed by either a Tulpa or ritual. The magistrate drew an adverse inference from the conduct of the accused - namely that they deliberately hid these memories to try to avoid justice. || Alfiar of Carta Noturno plead guilty || Guilty<br> Death by execution || A clemency plea was made by Genoveva Barossa di Tassato
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered a slave trader called Boriggard De Percy at a wedding outside of Anvil. The accused had arrested Boriggard after he admitted to trading slaves to the Druj. However, their position was overrun by Druj before he could be taken to the nearest magistrate. The accused was faced with the snap second decision to either let them go or execute them and chose the latter. || Gabriel Barossa plead guilty || Guilty.<br>Branded for a year with Freezing Brand of Irremais. || A clemency plea was made by Genoveva Barossa di Tassato
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 384YE
|-
| Idolatry || The condemned, an Asavean refugee, was accused of worshipping gods and refusing to convert to the way. The Court found that they had been private in their worship – just like the vast majority of foreigners present in the Empire. As no harm to the Empire was established, the punishment followed suit. || Legate Glaucia Heminia plead guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one ring. || A clemency plea was made by Skywise Rykana on grounds of Wisdom<br>The [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_31|condemnation]] was upheld during the Autumn Equinox 384YE
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Voidan Silou of Dawn with a weapon, striking him with a powerful blow. This was because the victim told his sister that House Orzell are dickheads. The fine was increased due both to his position and the fact he did it with forethought and knowledge of illegality. || Valentin Orzell pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Gaspar de Tassato Regario for insulting him, despite being warned not to do so. The fine was increased due both to his position and the fact he did it with forethought and knowledge of illegality. || Veikko Bondforger pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne. || A clemency plea was made by Aethelric the Grounded of Sigehold Hall
|-
| Treason || The accused cursed a Faraden citizen, Altin Valtar, after being accused of cheating at cards (See 384 Spring Court Reports). The curse prevented the victim from communicating. Expert witness Ulric Vernof of Winter Spire gave evidence that the curse was consistent with the methodology of the Whisper Gallery and that it is not castable by one person. The accused claimed she won the curse in a card game from a Herald of Lashonar but could not describe the Herald, how the curse was transferred or how she cast it given she claimed to have no magical power. The Court inferred that the accused was attempting to conceal a treasonous interaction with the Whisper Gallery. || Mockingbird the mountebank of Sarvos pleaded not guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Slavery and assault || The accused, a Faraden citizen transported Mockingbird of Sarvos to Anvil for trial on suspicion of treason. Mockingbird was kept in multiple heavy chains for days and had been extensively beaten while bound. These facts were not disputed. The Court found that their treatment of the prisoner was disproportionate and far exceeded what was reasonable for lawful custody to such a sustained extent that it was deemed slavery. || Altin Valtar pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined twenty thrones ||
|-
| Attempted Murder || The accused attempted to murder Veikko Bondforger both on Saturday night and Sunday morning. He claimed to have done this because he believed the victim to be Ratibor reborn and therefore must be killed. He said that if he were released he would continue his attempts to kill the victim. || Alexander Bentakuv pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution||
|-
| Murder || Descartese of Urizen was mortally wounded, on the battlefield. His deeply held Ambition was that he should die cleanly by the sword, not a lingering death in his bed. He called for his friend, Aurum, and after gathering further friends and colleagues of Urizen (including Philostrate, his Egregore) to witness that this was done well and without deceit, Aurum solemnly carried out the task. It was clear from the investigation that none had understood the legal implications of such an act – that a citizen cannot consent to their own death and that the law does not concern itself with how many moments that citizen had left to live. || Aurum of the Nightingale Temple of Urizen plead guilty. || Guilty.<br>Fined two thrones || A clemency plea was made by Lenarius Ankarien on grounds of Loyalty<br>One throne of the fine was given to the egregore to spend on something to remember the Ambition of Aurum to the people of Urizen.
|-
| Murder || The two accused, along with Brother Geoffrey Orchard of Pickham Monastery all received identical letters from Jodeya Watiker di Tassato Mestra inviting them to a secret meeting at a bar in Kahraman to discuss “mutual interests”. All three used a conjunction during this summit to take up the offer. They met with Jodeya, who revealed she was working for Blood on the Snow and that she wished to become his Herald. She gave the visitors three choices: To kill Jodeya there and then, to kill her (unnamed) companion, or to leave, in which case more letters would be sent until someone was found who would do it. It didn't seem to matter to Jodeya which murder was committed. Either would make the eternal “happy”. There appeared to be no discussion about any “mutual interests”, Brother Geoffrey withdrew and returned to Anvil, apparently to buy time for the others to learn more. At a moment when the bar was empty both the accused murdered Jodeya and escaped before the barkeep returned. Both handed themselves in to the militia. The court was content that Vigilance had guided them to commit the murder, but was not convinced that it was the correct choice. || Agnes Tapinson of the Woven Saplings of Navarr and Decimus Starchaser of Starchaser Spire of Urizen both pleaded guilty || Guilty, <br>fined 5 thrones each. || A clemency plea was made by Brother Martin Orchard on behalf of Agnes Tapinson on grounds of Vigilance. A clemency plea was made by Lochias of Oblivions Edge on behalf of Decimus Starchaser on grounds of Vigilance.<br>The court further warned them that if they accept any form of boon from Blood on the Snow as reward for their deed then they would face a charge of treason.
|-
| Attempted Murder || On Saturday night of the summit Mathilda Fisher, came to Anvil under a flag of peace to make her demands regarding Bregasland. She met with representatives of the Empire at the Senate building and a large crowd of Marchers gathered to protest. The accused conspired with Tomothy Crowle to break through the security cordon around the meeting and try to kill her. Thanks to the vigilance of the Senate Guard and Militia the attack failed and both were arrested. Tomothy was healed from his wounds and then released to the Marcher mob but later died, having “popped his stitches”. || Jacob Fenner formerly of Bregasland and a citizen of the Marches pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Fined five thrones to be paid via the magistrates to the Marcher warchest and a voluntary Freezing Brand of Irremais. || A clemency plea was made by Sister Meredith of the Boundaryfolk on grounds of Loyalty
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 384YE
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the State || The accused seconded two senate motions in Winter 383YE by mistake. || Rhisiart Dancewalker pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined five thrones.||
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused was condemned for being dedicated to Hatred on two occasions and for the promotion of the false virtue of hatred. They were previously a member of Santana’s ‘purity’ cult and claimed they were acting alone undercover. || Zaccai of Urizen plead guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Raphael i Zamora i Riqueza did not find virtue in his acts.
|-
| Assault || The accused was acting as Field Marshal on the battlefield. They instructed Clive Feathers Rest to engage the enemy but he collected more arrows instead. An ill-tempered disagreement ensured and the accused struck and wounded the victim. || Sidlore de Gauvin AKA “Captain Charge” pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Fined six crowns || A clemency plea was made by Estienne de Gauvin on grounds of Loyalty<br>Four crowns from the fine were directed to be contributed to Dawn’s warchest
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 384YE
|-
| Assault || The accused was taunted by Zachary of Enlightenment Spire. He retorted by cleaving Zachary in the torso. || Ezekiel of Adina’s Charge pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined six crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Josephineos of Adina’s Charge on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Impersonating a militia officer, attempted assault || The accused used an invalid militia sash to impersonate a militia officer and infiltrate the security cordon around visiting Grendel envoys. In Winter 383 he had been convicted for impersonating a militia officer, assault and theft when he led an attack on the Grendel. It was the view of the Court that his intent was to attack and rob the Grendel. He was identified as being the culprit in multiple other reports of militia impersonation. He claimed that he was forced to commit his crimes by others but he then refused to name them or otherwise cooperate. || Ban Shattersong of Navarr pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death. || A clemency plea was made by Silk Splitterspear on grounds of testing the Vigilance of the militia.<br>The severe punishment was due to the convict’s multiple repeat offences, his contempt for the judicial process and his lies when questioned.
|-
| Contempt of Court || In Winter 383 at Anvil the accused gave an order to invest his army ‘The Bounders’ at Whittle and, among other things, prevent non-marcher magistrates and militia from enacting the trials ordered by the Synod for heresy and blasphemy. In doing so he impeded the proper operation of the legal process. The magistrate was forced to conscript many of the Bounders as there were insufficient militia available fitting Black Jack’s criteria. || General Ciaphas "Black Jack" Decker pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br> Fined eighteen thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Sam of The Mourn on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Assault and attempted mayhem (and encouraging thereof) || The first accused assaulted a mountebank known as ‘Mockingbird’ and attempted to cut out their tongue. Concerned citizens nearby prevented this. The victim left Anvil before they could be questioned. The first accused claimed that the victim cheated them in a card game in a Navarr wayhouse two weeks before the winter summit 383. When the accused called out the cheat the wayhouse returned their money but the victim then cursed Altam so that they were unable to communicate. The curse was eventually removed and Altam was advised by Chikoran at the Faraden embassy that they should seek vengeance against Mockingbird by cutting out their tongue. || Seeker Altam Baatan and their Priest Chikoran, both of Faraden, pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty.<br> Fined five thrones. ||
|-
| Theft || The accused stole a bowl of change from the Printers Guild. When caught they confessed to their crime but were unable to return the stolen funds (estimated by them to be about two crowns) as they had already been spent. || Donotevaly de Temeschwar and Journabo de Temeschwar pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty.<br>Fined two thrones || One throne of the fine was returned as compensation to the victims.
|-
| Treason (Dealing with an eternal under enmity||The accused was investigated after warning the Conclave that he had sacrificed his family for winter power. This was a legally and factually complex case involving identity evidence, night magic that can transfer memories, a tent of skin and bone made from the accused’s family members, Sydanjaa and the eternal Blood on the Snow. Ultimately, the court determined that the accused had most likely effected a deal with Blood on the Snow many years ago. The court accepts that they did not realise who they were dealing with and that the exact circumstances were ambiguous and so chose to be lenient. ||Talvekani of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined twenty five thrones || A deduction of two thrones was made for expenses incurred.
|-
|}
==Reports from 383YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 383YE
|-
| Attempted Murder, Assault || The accused assaulted the victim with intent to kill in Therunin prior to the winter summit. The victim is believed to have been a member of the Heirs of Terunael and dedicated to the false virtue of vengeance. The accused was stopped in their attack by others and the victim was healed. The victim was killed in a later unrelated incident and a number of their possessions were found to be hallowed to vengeance. The accused handed themselves in. || Georg of Broken Bough pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Rhishart Dancewalker on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Assault || The accused, while possessed by the spirit of his ancestor, launched an unprovoked assault against the victim inside the orc camp. Prior to the attack he yelled “You look like a fish I want to eat you”. The victim was of naga lineage. || Grud the unchained pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns ||
|-
| Treason || The accused, during a skirmish against the Jotun, was asking the fallen Jotun if they thought they had done enough to cross the Abyss. One replied they had not and the accused healed him on his promise that he would not take up arms against the empire again. The others he left. A complaint was raised by General Crolle (who led the skirmish) and who ordered him not to heal the enemy. The main basis of the clemency plea was that it is virtuous to help others to achieve virtue. || Sagramore de Gauvin pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Skywise Tulva, Cardinal of the Way, on the grounds of Courage<br>Sagramore de Gauvain did say that he had agreed with Skywise Tulva to raise this issue with the Synod and attempt to develop an Imperial policy.
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered the victim, Obadiah, at Upwold before the winter summit. They were searching for missing children, directly implicating Obadiah in the deaths of said children. The remains of children were found, including a bow crafted of human bones and winter magic. Details of the possible rituals used by Obadiah will be passed to the Conclave. || Wyatt Longbrook and Bree Talbot pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>No punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Brother Martin Orchard on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Theft, assault, impersonating a militia officer || The accused were identified among about a dozen Navarr who attacked and robbed the imperial Fleetmaster Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra who was accompanying a Grendel delegation in Anvil under a flag of peace in order to trade. They also admitted to impersonating a militia officer as part of their line of work in order to gain trust. The amount stolen was of about a dozen thrones in value. Magistrate Cooper will be asking Skywise Fal, the Imperial Consul and Esteban I Guerra if they wish to file civil cases as both citizens recompensed the Grendel for the items stolen. || Three members of the Blackscar of Navarr, including Baniel Whisperoot, pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined ten crowns||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Grud the unchained in the Orc fighting pit following a verbal confrontation following the loss of his compatriot. Grud did not want to press charges. || Irontide Skagg || It was determined that there is no case to answer. ||
|-
| Attempted murder and assault || The victim, Santana, was approached by four Navarr including the two accused. Ravada proclaimed Santana was a heretic. Santana was insighted and found to be dedicated to the false virtue of purity. The accused assaulted Santana and also Finna of the Brass Coast when she tried to defend her. Events then moved to the Hub where Adeaphon attempted to murder Santana. || Ravadi Lonestrider and Adeaphon of Stormbroke Striding of Navarr plead guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined five thrones || A clemency plea was made by Hwyl Summercrow on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Sale of Bite || The accused sold ten bite to Cynestan of Wintermark when they met in the Boars Head in Navarr. || Tamme von Holberg pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined ten thrones. ||
|-
| Possession of Bite || The accused bought ten doses of bite from Tamme von Holburg. The accused was clearly a severe bite addict and it was accepted that this was for personal use. || Cynestan of Wintermark pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Heresy, Abuse of Powers and Blasphemy || The accused was condemned by the Brass Coast National assembly for the religious crimes of heresy, excommunication without a writ, anointing citizens to Hatred, and spreading the false virtues of Purity and Hate. || Santana of the Kohan pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br> Death by execution. ||
|-
| Assault || A Navarri citizen assaulted a marcher after being antagonised at Kings Stoke before the summit. || The Navarri pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 383YE
|-
| Murder || The accused was identified as the murderer of Celuria Silvertongue by use of Whispers through the black gate on the victim. The accused then confessed to murdering Celuria because of her testimony against the Hallowed Order (of which they were both members). The accused believed that the victim’s actions had resulted in the executions of three members of the order. When the accused met with Celuria to parley about this she claimed to have killed her because she believed that Celuria intended her harm. || Coira i Kemem i Guerra pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Multiple assaults || The accused were arrested after attacking Veikko, Cardinal of Loyalty, and Jerrasto and Raphael of the Gilded Horn Carta. One of these assaults was witnessed in the Hub by the Militia and the attackers were arrested. The accused committed suicide by use of pre-prepared ritual magic before investigations were concluded. However, questioning continued after death by use of magic and their responses indicated that they were followers of vengeance. Symbols of vengeance were also worn on their person). || Two Faraden who refused to supply their names. || The accused committed suicide. ||
|-
| Possession and supply of Bite. || The accused was arrested by the militia in the sewers beneath Cargo in possession of a large quantity of Bite. He confessed to having sold bite on behalf of his mistress. He claimed this was only under duress: threats had been made against his family. He did accept that he profited by doing so. || Ilzio of Temeschwar pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined five thrones and branded with a “B” || A clemency plea was made by Tiana i Zidan i Riqueza on the grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Contempt of Court || The accused both engaged in a conspiracy to deceive: namely they falsely claimed that the Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy had authorised Lord Colwyn de Rondel to act as his proxy. Both accused confessed their crime to the magistrate at an early stage. || Lord Colwyn de Rondell and Ilya Nikovich Volkov both pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined six thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Skywise Gralka on behalf of Lord Colwynn de Rondell. A clemency plea was made by Meris of the Vale of Lost Souls on behalf of Ilya Nikovich Volkov
|-
| Murder || The accused was discovered holding a knife and standing over the body of the victim, Spiteful Dross. He fled the scene upon seeing the militia coming to investigate. At trial he claimed that he ran because he was angry at the death of his friend. || Mr Williams pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Attempting to subvert the agencies of the state || The accused admitted seconding two motions at the same summit. The speaker for the senate required another second to be found before the motion could be put to the senate. || Baal, Senator for Bastion, pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined five thrones. ||
|-
| Treason || The accused used the ritual “Tribute to the thrice cursed court” to “destroy” a coven stone that he had obtained illegally and that he believed presented a threat to the Empire. He claimed that he was ignorant that enmity had recently been declared against Skathe, thus rendering the use of this ritual treason. The expert evidence from Brother Martin was that the use of this ritual would not guarantee the object’s destruction. Note that the accused could also or alternatively have been charged with contravening a declaration of interdiction. || Warrakine Ashenhide Arch of the Copperhill Monastery pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Albert Fuggestone Copperhill on grounds of Prosperity
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 383YE
|-
| Criminal damage and assault (aiding and abetting) || The accused raised a judgement (Spring 383/14) to incite citizens to desecrate the works of Almodin Oktistis. The resultant mobs caused substantial damage to these works. In Tassato the mob broke into the Imperial Mint and engaged with the Mint Guard, causing a number of non-fatal injuries and extensive damage to Lorenzo’s Legacy of Ambition. || Rafael Barossa di Tassato pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty of criminal damage<br>No punishment.<br>Guilty of assault. <br>Fined one throne.|| A clemency plea was made by Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato, the Cardinal of Pride.<br>No direction was made with regards to any potential civil claims arising from this crime, potential claimants should speak to Magistrate Cooper.
|-
| Mayhem || The accused carried out a skein reading upon Leofric Baerson who then broke their oath not to reveal the results. The accused demanded that Leofric be cut as punishment, and this took the form of destroying Leofric’s left eye, without consent. It was not possible for physicians to save the eye and it is believed that magical methods are now required. || Keston of Wintermark pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>The accused is required, at his own expense, to arrange for Leofric’s eye to be healed by the end of the Autumn Summit or face further punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Leofric Baerson on grounds of Wisdom
|-
| Heresy and Abuse of powers || The accused preached heresy against the Imperial Orcs for two hours outside their camp. Evidence was presented that she did so under an aura of hatred, which appeared to have spontaneously manifested. The accused raised the judgement of condemnation against themselves and argued at trial that they should be executed while excommunicated.<br>The abuse of powers related to the accused raising a judgement of inquisition against herself. It was noted by the Court that while priests have done this previously, it is the first occasion that the Synod have chosen to act against the practice since the death of Empress Britta. || Medea Ruth pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty of abuse of powers. <br>Fined 25 thrones.<br> Guilty of heresy<br>Death by execution. || The condemning priest for heresy was the accused.<br> The condemning priest for abuse of powers was Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun.<br> A clemency plea was made by Ed Watcher.<br> The court requested the removal of the accused’s excommunication prior to execution and this was carried out.
|-
| Murder || The accused was engaged in a power struggle with the victim, Tuirkane Cordraco, over the future direction of their noble house. The accused defeated the victim in the glory square but this did not resolve their disagreement. The accused demanded a rematch or he would ‘impose discipline’. The accused then slew the victim, breaking his back with his mace. At trial the accused claimed he was within his rights to execute a member of his own household. He requested penal military service, which was refused on the grounds that being allowed to die in battle is earned and not a right. || Earl Arthur Cordraco pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || At his execution the accused compounded his misdeeds by claiming that he was going to the fields of glory, not the labyrinth, as virtues had never been of any use to him.
|-
| Criminal damage || The accused entered into an agreement with the eternal Scathe to undertake a number of tasks. As a result of their final task, all of the mirrors in Sarvos and a garden in Holberg were destroyed. Value of the items destroyed was assessed by the civil service at 30,000 thrones after consultation with the League egregore. Clemency was accepted on the basis of loyalty to the souls of many of their people, whom Scathe was preventing from returning to the Labyrinth. It was confirmed that thousands of Imperial souls were returned to the labyrinth as a result of their actions. || Jaylus, Kerioth and Ephrael, all of Zephaniah's Lament pleaded guilty, Leon died prior to being brought to trial || Guilty. <br>Fined 300 thrones|| A clemency plea was made by Rane Sherarding<br>The fine reflected the substantial damage done to the national hearth magic of the League.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 383YE
|-
| Murder || The accused, who was new to Anvil, executed a fellow member of his striding, Caffron Streamwalker, during a skirmish in Winter 382YE. The victim was injured and screaming that everyone was going to die. The accused claimed the victim was harming morale and carried out a so-called “mercy killing”. Note: This case was reviewed and the sentence judged to be inadequate as this was plain murder- “mercy” did not enter into it. Any future cases of this nature will not be dealt with so lightly. || Lizarath Streamwalker pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne.|| A clemency plea was made by Jokell Streamwalker
|-
| Aiding and abetting the murder of Bessie the Bard and attempting to pervert the course of justice || This case relates to the murder of Bessie the Bard (see report for Winter 382 for further detail) by the Hallowed Order, a group dedicated to the assassination of those they deemed to be heretics. While the actual murder was carried out by Rune (who died before he could be brought to trial) he had a number of accomplices in the Hallowed Order, The accused was with Rune in the immediate aftermath of the murder and furthermore his initial account of events changed significantly by the time of trial. Given he was also a member of the same murderous conspiracy it was judged that he had either encouraged, or helped in the perpetration of this murder. || Orren of House De Rondell pleaded not guilty to both charges. || Not guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice.<br>Guilty of murder.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Mass murder of Suranni Templars near the Feroz border || The accused used the sentinel gate to travel to the Feroz and Iron Confederacy border to assist Jean Valois and his group to escape from the Iron Confederacy (they having converted to The Way). A group of ten templars sent after Valois also found them, and after a brief stand off, the citizens engaged the templars in combat. According to the accounts of the Iron Confederacy officials nine of the templars were killed. At trial two templar survivors were presented by High Templar De Rolo, who could not explain the discrepancy and suggested his masters were incompetent. Both Rolo and the second survivor’s testimony was judged to be untruthful. Brother Jaylus (a healer) did not take part in the engagement. || Mordecai, Animayus, Tobias, Iscah, Gideon, and Nathaniel of Highguard, and Alan Fletcher of Dawn all pleaded guilty. Brother Jaylus of Highguard pleaded not guilty. || Brother Jaylis was found not guilty.<br>Mordecai, Animayus, Tobias, Iscah, Gideon, and Nathaniel of Highguard, and Alan Fletcher of Dawn were found guilty. Fined ninety thrones and branded with a cross upon their cheek. || A clemency plea was made on behalf of Mordecai on grounds of Loyalty. <br>Clemency pleas were made on behalf of the rest on the grounds of Courage
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the State || The accused was the proxy senator for Kallavesa at the Autumn 382 summit. He seconded two motions in contravention of senate procedure. He claimed that this was due to a mistake, and a misunderstanding of the law, The Court recognised that he fully cooperated with the investigation and was inclined to leniency on this occasion. || Tanesh of Dunneth Hall pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>A fine of six mana crystals and two thrones. || The fine of six mana crystals was sent in advance of the trial
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Medea Ruth while she was ranting hatred against orcs outside the Imperial Orc camp. || Ida Isjant pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Medea Ruth on grounds of Courage
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the State || The accused discharged an Imperial Wayleave while holding the imperial title “Collector of Prosperity’s Boon”. He claimed that he did not realise that a Wayleave was an Imperial title. The court accepted this was an honest mistake and chose to be very lenient. || Tyr Brennan pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>No punishment levied. ||
|}
==Reports from 382YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 382YE
|-
| Heresy || The accused (while Conscience of the Senate) sent letters to many in the Empire in which they contravened the Doctrine of Human Destiny by claiming that [Orc] thralls reincarnate amongst other things. They went beyond asking questions to teaching false doctrine. No evidence was presented of others being swayed by or spreading these heretical beliefs. || Mel of the Mourn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>The penance of a Freezing Brand of Irremais was taken into account and they were furthermore fined twenty five thrones. || The condemning priest was Hazel of the Shattered Tower. <br>A clemency plea was made by Martin Orchard on grounds of Vigilance.
|-
| Idolatry || The accused was invited by the Senate to take up a post designing buildings. He proceeded to do so in the Asavean style although it quickly became apparent that these involved grandiose statues to the Asavean gods. Nevertheless for a number of years the accused continued to be employed by the Senate and commissioned by various Senators to continue. Furthermore none of these commissions were vetoed by the Synod. In his defence the accused argued that if the Empire didn't like his buildings why did they keep employing him? Furthermore why did the Synod wait so long before taking action, if the buildings were idolatrous? He claimed that the Empire were crooks who were planning on confiscating his earnings and prosperity and that this was unjust. The Court was concerned that the accused, while clearly guilty, was also a priest of a foreign religion building these imperial commissions the only way he knew how. It appeared that he was being made a scapegoat while the Senate and those who had commissioned his services (all followers of The Way) had faced no condemnation for their actions. || Almodin Oktístis, Priest of the Builder and the Asavean Architect, pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment was applied as the Court was of the opinion that this would not be just and therefore not in the Imperial interest. || The condemning priest was Veikko Bondforger.<br>Almodin Oktístis was advised to leave the Empire forthwith.
|-
| Murder of Bessie the Bard and Contempt of Court || The accused were members of the Hallowed Order, a group led by Rune who undertook vigilante justice against heretics, including among their number a group of hawks specifically tasked with assassinations. A witness had also given a statement that she had been approached by Yon (after the murder) and asked to take part in these activities. The accused gave evidence that Rune was out of control and taking things too far before his death. They admitted attempting to interfere with a Whispers Through the Black Gate to obtain testimony from Bessie the Bard. The fact that they were present at the time of the murder, that the witness evidence suggested that Rune had fled the scene in the immediate aftermath of the murder, that they had by their own admission interfered with the investigation into Bessie the Bard's death and that Yon had continued to recruit for the Hallowed Order, an organisation whose purpose was the murder of Imperial citizens all led the court to the conclusion that it was more likely than not that the accused participated in or assisted in the murder of Bessie the Bard. || Yon of the Moon's Owl of Wyvern's Watch and Gren Wyvernson of Wyvern's Watch plead not guilty to murder and not guilty to contempt of court. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || Yon requested that the sentence be commuted to penal military service but this had already been considered and rejected, in consideration of the circumstances.
|-
| Murder || On the Saturday night of the Winter Solstice in Anvil a Druj peace delegation came to parley with the leaders of Urizen. As part of that process two of the barbarians forced the third to take a potion against his will. This potion, by some unknown Druj magics, allowed a Druj leader, not present in Anvil, to use the body of the third orc as a vessel for his communications. At the end of the parley the leader left the body of this orc and he fell to the ground, dead. Attempts were made to bring the two remaining Druj to the Magistrates for investigation. One fled, a second was caught. The victim was protected under Imperial Law as a member of a peace delegation and the other Druj were obliged to abide by Imperial Law as members of the same delegation. The orc admitted his involvement but saw nothing wrong with his acts. The victim meant nothing to him and the court was convinced that it was the forcible taking of the potion that resulted in the death. || A Druj orc of unknown name refused to plead and so a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. || Guilty. <br>Sentenced to death by execution. || After sentence was given the orc made a fight of it and was killed by the vigilant citizens of Anvil before a formal execution could be carried out.
|-
| Treason by treating with the Whisper Gallery (First Trial) || Between the Autumn and Winter summits a hospital in Morrow was attacked by Druj orcs. The head of that hospital had made a deal with the Whisper Gallery for them to provide a magic shroud to protect the hospital from the Druj, in return for which secrets were being given to the Whisper Gallery and rare books were being burnt. Those who gave up their secrets then found that they had forgotten them. Eight Imperial Citizens came to the magistrates at Anvil at the Winter Solstice to confess their crimes. Six were tried collectively and a seventh tried separately afterwards, one did not face trial. All of the accused accepted their culpability in that they carried out the ritual required to satisfy the Whisper Gallery, taking part in the giving of secrets and burning of books. The Court was convinced that the accused were not treating with the enemy with treasonous motives, and that their loyalty had saved the lives of several hundred wounded Imperial citizens. However the Court was not convinced that the act was Virtuous enough to totally mitigate their actions. || Aquilllian Effugere, Redhand Gezzar, Ptolemy Ravensfell, Aethelric of Sigehold, Tamar of Enlightenment Spire, Raelyn Holdfast and Sadiq all pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined of fifty thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Sabilla of Highguard on behalf of Redhand Gezzar on grounds of Loyalty. A clemency plea was made by Pan Edgestalker on behalf of Sadiq on grounds of Loyalty. A clemency plea was made by Veikko Bondsforger, Cardinal of Loyalty, on behalf of Aquilllian Effugere, Ptolemy Ravensfell, Aethelric of Sigehold, Tamar of Enlightenment Spire, Raelyn Holdfast on grounds of Loyalty<br>This fine was allocated to Virtuous endeavours of the citizenry. The defendants were encouraged to make suggestions, and decision of Magistrate Reinholz as to how it was allocated was announced at the Spring Equinox
|-
| Treason by treating with the Whisper Gallery (Second Trial) || The facts of the case were identical to the previous case, except that the accused had both led the ritual, and also voted against carrying it out (unlike the other defendants). She did so on the grounds that it was an unvirtuous act. The accused initially plead guilty without clemency but following legal advice from the magistrate the trial was delayed to allow the accused to consult Conclave and priests of the Synod. An accused who pleads guilty has the right to choose whether to request clemency or not. However at trial the question of the Virtue of their acts is determined by the Clemency priest and the Magistrate, not the opinion of the accused. || The accused pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>No additional punishment. The fifty Throne fine from the first trial was considered sufficient for the entire act. || A clemency plea was made by Maarit Suvidottir of Sigehold
|-
| Treason by treating with the Whisper Gallery (this is unrelated to the previous two trials) || The accused did a deal with The Whisper Gallery. This deal was in the form of a letter that the accused had kept for some time. The accused replied to this letter and made a deal with the Whisper Gallery. The accused said that they only did so after coming under the influence of a magical effect. It should be noted that committing crimes while under the influence of magical affects is not a legal defence. In law we are held responsible for our own actions. || Benedict Pacelli Von Holberg pleaded guilty || Guilty. Sentenced to Death by Penal Military Service. ||
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused wrote directly onto a Synod Judgement posted in the hub. This judgement belonged to another member of the Synod. Their unauthorised addition to the judgement was intended to change Synod voting behaviour. || Vivianne de Couerdefer, Cardinal of Ambition plead guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined seven thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Irada Von Temeschwar, Cardinal of Vigilance.
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state (both accused) and assault (Ancel Weaver only) || An aide to the Throne held an Imperial Favour which contained the power to dissolve Conclave. Syn Nighthaven grabbed the Imperial Favour from their hands and ran out of Conclave, allegedly ripping up the document as she did so. She claimed to have burnt the remains, but this is unverified. Ancel magically repelled one citizen who had blocked Syn's way so she could not get past. At trial, when pressed, Syn stated that she would have struggled to get past this final person otherwise. || Syn Nighthaven and Ancel Weaver pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined thirty thrones for subverting the agencies of the state. <br>Guilty of Assault<br>Fined three crowns|| A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros on behalf of Syn Nighthaven. A clemency plea was made by Irada Von Temeschwar, Cardinal of Vigilance, on behalf of Ancel Weaver
|-
| Poisoning || At the Autumn equinox the accused slipped Bite into the drink of Thorn, a friend, with no warning. || Aron of the Levy pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined three crowns. || Aron of the Levy had already been convicted and punished for possession of bite. They voluntarily presented themselves to the militia and cooperated fully.
|-
| Murder || The details of this case are unclear although it appeared to involve a killing on the battlefield among the Navarr this case will now be reviewed and reported upon when the facts are known. || || ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 382YE
|-
| Murder and slavery || The accused is a mine owner in Varushka who has been working slaves in the mine and regularly sacrificing them to Bas Celik in exchange for protection. He was identified by Irontide Flax as being the person pointed out by one of his victims while dying. Furthermore during a ritual to summon his grandmother’s shade she revealed both the murderous arrangement with Bas Celik and that the accused had been keeping slaves. || Anfesa of Varushka originally pleaded not guilty but changed his plea following his grandmother’s testimony and pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution||
|-
| Murder and three counts of perverting the course of justice || The shade of Harry the Book, a murder victim, was summoned and questioned. He accused Tess of stabbing him to death. Other evidence that was eventually gathered suggested that Tess murdered Harry on behalf of Irra Harah, who had ordered his death, along with three other imperial citizens. || Tess, former Head of Constabulary in the Anvil Militia. No plea was entered as the accused was tried in absentia. || Guilty<br>Execution in absentia || Tess fled the to the Spring realm prior to her trial.
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted the victim, Owain Farkas, by striking him with her wand at Conclave and repelling him from the floor. || Empress Lisabetta von Holberg pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Prosperity.
|-
| Possession of Bite || The accused bought bite from Maximus, an associate, and then slipped it into the drink of Thorn, a friend, with no warning. || Aron of the Levy pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>
Fined two crowns. || Note further investigations are ongoing with regards to the supply of the drug by Maximus and the poisoning of Thorn.
|-
| Perverting the course of justice and resisting arrest || The accused was questioned about the secret location of the Rookery in connection with the investigations into the murder of Captain Hardfrost and Magistrate Murcello by the Rookwoods. The accused denied knowing where the Rookery was and claimed to have no involvement in the murder or subsequent escape. When the militia subsequently located the Rookery with the help of House Vexille and conducted a raid, the accused was found there. The accused resisted arrest along with the other wanted murderers from the House and was the only one who retained sufficient connection to the empire to be brought back through the gate for trial. The murderers were summarily executed at the scene. || Thomas Rookwood Martel pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 382YE
|-
| Attempted murder and treason || The accused approached the Empress and spoke to her about her poor relations with the Navarr. The accused took offence and slashed at the Empress’s throat with her dagger, injuring her badly. || Hipwyn Ashguard pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution|| A clemency plea was made by Corey Wayfarer that stated the act was unvirtuous.
|-
| Assault || Lord Romand of House Remys of Dawn engaged in an altercation with the senator Bohemond de Rondell. Romand suddenly lunged at Bohemond, cursing him, and the accused stepped in to defend Bohemond and struck down Romand with his dagger. He then called for a magistrate and ensured Romand received medical attention. || Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato, Senator for Tassato, pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Skywise Gralka on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Possession of Bite || The accused claimed to find two doses of bite on the east road and sought the advice of the Harlequin what to do with it. The Harlequin suggested he sell it to the Crimson Reaper Cartel (knowing their leader to be in the militia). When the accused tried to sell it to them, Prince Tali promptly arrested him. || Lucian, a foreigner of Holberg descent pleaded guilty. || Guilty. Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Irada von Temeschwar, Cardinal of Vigilance, on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Multiple assaults || The accused attacked a series of victims while apparently suffering the effects of the {{Black Plateau}} curse. || Danica of House Vandale pleaded guilty || Guilty. Fined a total of five thrones || A clemency plea was made by Lochias
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state and assault || While apparently under the effects of a curse from Spiral the accused put up a judgement for consideration by the Synod without it being stamped and approved by the Tribune. He subsequently assaulted someone after arguing with them. || Ozren de Orzel pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Corwyn Leafstalker
|-
| Assaults || Both the accused had a heated argument while they held drawn weapons. Michaelangelo stepped towards Lupo but did not raise or tense his weapon. Lupo stabbed him with his spear. An independent witness provided evidence as to how events transpired. || Ferosi Lupo pleaded guilty. Michaelangelo Di Sarvos pleaded not guilty. || Lupo was found guilty.<br>Fined four crowns. <br>Michaelangelo was found not guilty. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused was contracted by his husband to assault another imperial citizen. || Eduardo i Erigo pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Assault || The accused read a pamphlet written by Serjanus of Urizen and then assaulted him. || Katerina Gardener pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || Enzo di Saverio and Natalia of Carta Stalare faked an assault on Enzo as a distraction for a curse to be delivered to someone in the Urizen camp. The subterfuge was discovered but Enzo would only confirm that they were a distraction for “other acts”. Having refused to answer further questions Enzo attempted to leave the camp. Believing this to be part of a greater crime the accused struck down Enzo. || Aurum of House Nightingale of Urizen pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown || A clemency plea was made by Galene Netherwatch on grounds of Vigilance. <br>The fine was paid in compensation to the victim.
|-
| Manslaughter || The accused killed an Imperial citizen in the Mourn. He claimed that this was in defence of his sister. Conflicting and changing evidence was provided by witnesses Joanna and Roberta in his defence which was deemed contradictory and unreliable. Accordingly the clemency plea was not accepted. || Svoki an orc ex-thrall of the Mourn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Sentenced to death. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Attempting to pervert the course of justice || The accused were beaters in the Mournwold who responded to the sounds of a murder in progress and pursued their suspect, an orc thrall, to Anvil. At trial they gave conflicting evidence which then changed during the investigation. || Joanna pleaded not guilty. Roberta plead guilty || Joanna was found not guilty. Roberta was found guilty.<br>Fined one throne. ||
|-
| Murder || During a battle on the {{Black Plateau}}, Cadar Aurelius of Dawn struck down and killed Gaston’s Earl. In revenge Gaston killed Cadar Aurelius on the battlefield. || Gaston de Courdyer of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 382YE
|-
| Assault || The accused ordered Cormack Dun out of the Urizen camp when he attempted to sell copies of the Oathwright bearing the headline “Druj outwit heroes and conquer Zenith”. As Cormack was leaving the accused ordered him to run and when he did not, struck him a blow with his sword. The unwelcome guest defence did not apply as it was not a reasonable use of force. || Philostrate Menos, a host of the Urizen egregore, pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns || A clemency plea was made by Runerathmore of Neverwatch Spire on grounds of Pride.
|-
| Treason and perverting the course of justice || The accused admitted trading secrets of Imperial citizens to the Whisper Gallery in exchange for lost information from the Imperial Archives. Furthermore the accused used magic to erase his memories of his co-conspirators and then came to confess his crimes. || Arne Coerling pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty.<br> Fined twenty five thrones for treason<br> Fined five thrones for perverting the course of justice. || A clemency plea was made by Gunnbrand Ironwill on grounds of Pride.<br>The convict declared themselves to be a Justice heretic and committed magical suicide,
|-
| Treason || The accused confessed to being coerced by the Grendel (who held her family hostage) into stealing Imperial charts and secret military information from Anvil and passing them to the Grendel. || Carlita i Osa pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made by Medea Ruth on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Assault || The accused and the victim, Tanwyn Ankarien, were on the battlefield in Spiral. The accused believed Tanwyn was responsible for the peace treaty failing and headbutted her when the opportunity arose. || Stilicho of the Scarlet Guard pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Malchus of Jachin's Legacy over a disagreement about how to treat members of the Iron Helms while through the sentinel gate. || Iscah of Jachin's Legacy pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Assault || Tanwyn Ankarian and Philostrate Menos were suffering from a Spiral related curse. Corvus, the High Exorcist had informed Rhisiart that getting those afflicted into a particular tent (with a magical aura) would cure them. Rhisiart attempted to trick Tanwyn into said tent and failed so resorted to violence. Once her curse was removed, all the accused then repeated the exercise, injuring Philostrate in the process. || Rhisiart Dancewalker, Tanwyn Ankarien, and Phaedra Ankarien all pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Discharged without punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun on grounds of Wisdom.
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Arbiter Serjanus of the Scarlet Guard of Urizen after provocation and put him down. She established the victim was being healed before leaving. || Danica Vandale pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Courous on grounds of Loyalty. <br>A subsequent judicial review indicated that she should have been fined more heavily due to prior convictions for crimes of violence. This will be taken into account if she comes before the magistrates in the future.
|-
| Contravening a declaration of Interdiction || The accused cast the ritual Rivers Run Red upon Therunin on the last day of the summit then handed themselves in. They argued their actions were necessary to counter the Rivers of Life ritual cast on the region by the Great Forest Orcs as this had awoken the Vallorn in the area. Furthermore they argued that the only effect of Rivers Run Red would be to negate the Rivers of Life. They had attempted to convince Conclave to remove the interdiction but failed to do so and felt an urgent need to act immediately to protect the lives of the nearby citizens from the Vallorn. || Kellos Foxden, Celyn Brackensong, Eirwen Brackensong, Trystan Brackensong, Talek Dancewalker, the Navarr egregore, Rhea Pridestalker, Saeros Splitroot, Drow Gedor and Drefa Brackensong being the Voice of the Quiet Forest coven pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Discharged without punishment although the magistrate noted that it is left to Conclave to decide if they wish to react further. || A clemency plea was made by Amris on grounds of Courage.
|}

==Reports from 381YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 381YE
|-
| Attempted Murder and assault || The accused launched an unprovoked assault upon Heretta of the Rangers of Narook while the victim lay injured on the ground receiving medical aid, The accused argued that this was both because Heretta had left him and stolen his boots and also that he intended to heal his former companion with a spoon. The spoon was examined and found mundane, furthermore it had not been seen by any witnesses at the scene. || Andres i Erigo pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and guilty to assault || Guilty.<br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made on the charge of assault on grounds of Pride
|-
| Assault || The accused saw two children sparring at the Academy and joined in, attacking them with a metal sword without warning or permission. || Mokko of the Printers Guild pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined five crowns. ||
|-
| Attempted Murder || Upon returning to Anvil the accused handed themselves in for a crime committed over two years ago. Elthred had attempted to hire the Greenshields to assassinate Ardeth Sigsdottir. However an ongoing militia sting operation meant that Warrant Officer Nimh made the introduction. Elthred had been attended as bodyguard by Kivari, who Nimh testified was drunk and not paying attention to the conversation. Other witnesses provided evidence that the intended victim was manipulative and dangerous and that this act by Elthred was uncharacteristic. || Elthred of Holt Hyrde pleaded guilty.<br> Kivari of Holt Hyde pleaded not guilty. || Elthred was found guilty.<br>Fined five thrones and marked with the Freezing Brand of Irremais. <br>Kivari was found not guilty. || A clemency plea was made by Beodun Snowlock on behalf of Elthred
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Sol, egregore of the Brass Coast. Sol was going to turn up and chase the Reaper, thus showing disrespect to League national traditions. || Vitore Van Temeschwar pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Pride.
|-
| Criminal damage || The accused caused severe damage to the Colossus of Sarvos by ramming it with his ship. He claimed to have been blackmailed by a mysterious masked man and woman who bought up all of his significant gambling debts and threatened his family and crew if he did not ram the Colossus. || Artur di Sarvos pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined twenty thrones, || A clemency plea was made by Cesare Enzo Di Trivento on grounds of Loyalty.<br>The sentence was suspended for two years to reflect the difficulty of a man of such modest means raising such a sum and in recognition that he was acting under duress.
|-
| Murder || The accused brutally murdered Nevyn Bitterbark of the Bitterbark Steading. He claimed that the victim was the murderer of the Dawnish senator, Lady Jocelyn Cordraco. However no plausible explanation for his actions nor evidence to support his claim was forthcoming. || Kadywar of House Tarvey of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Loyalty.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 381YE
|-
| Assault || The accused, a warrant officer in the militia, assaulted Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire in the Hub. This followed an interview during which it became clear that no charges would be laid at this time against the victim for his attempt to perform a curse. || Bronislav Markovitch Wolfguard pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two thrones. || The fine was higher because the guilty party was an on-duty militia officer.
|-
| Perverting the course of justice || The accused was the prime suspect in the murder of Philgar Rowan. She was the last person to see him alive and her answers to the militia (when she was cooperating at all) were contradictory in several respects. || Jemyma Rookwood of House Martell pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || Jemyma Rookwood committed suicide before the sentence could be carried out
|-
| Murder and resisting arrest || The accused handed himself in to the militia and confessed to his part in the battle of Crow’s Keep, fighting on the side of Dogri Thulebane. He was ordered by the Thulebane to lead his civilian followers to a new settlement and to preserve the traditions of Skarsind. He had taken so long to hand himself in because he had been busy settling these refugees from the keep. || Kali Keen Eye of Clan Saker pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined ten thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Jorma Steelhelm on grounds of Pride.<br> The magistrate directed that the fine should go to aid in the founding of the new settlement.
|-
| Attempted theft and attempting to pervert the course of justice || The accused attempted to steal the notebook of Senator Bridget Eastville at the Summer Solstice 381. She was caught in the act and gave a false name to the militia when she was arraigned for trial (to take place the next day). She then failed to attend her trial. She was hunted down by the militia at the Autumn summit despite having disguised herself as a league citizen. Her identity was confirmed by the Navarr egregore. || Lorwen Splinterkin of Navarr pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty on both counts.<br> Fined two crowns for the attempted theft.<br>Fined ten thrones for attempting to pervert the course of justice. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered Earl D’Ossienne many years ago. The Earl had become deranged in his later years. He forced his children to fight each other for his own cruel amusement. The accused became scared that it was only a matter of time before one of them was killed and so they killed the Earl first. || Ser Kay de Ossienne pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined thirty thrones. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Pride and Loyalty
|-
| Treason || The accused communicated accurate military intelligence to the Grendel barbarians. This intelligence included the movements of Omperial armies and supplies. || Cicero of the Shaping Stars spire pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted someone who had just placed a curse upon him. || Galbraith of the Boundaryfolk pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined three crowns. ||
|-
| Murder || Maurice de Gauvain, Archmage of Autumn, was killed by the accused during a battle against husks, some of whom were dressed in Dawnish House colours. Maurice's lower jaw was covered in blood at the time of the battle, and his facial features were obscured. Garavaine was dispatching downed husks to prevent them rising again, and mistook Maurice for one such. Maurice was questioned using Whispers Through the Black Gate, and did not see his killer. He expressed no concern that these actions may have been motivated by foul play. || Garavaine de Rondell pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined thirty five thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros on grounds of Vigilance.<br>This plea was only partially accepted by the magistrate as the lack of care for fellow soldiers was arguably not a vigilant act.
|-
| Assault || At the pledge ball, the accused assaulted Silvio de Tassato after the completion of a play he had orchestrated which insulted Ancel’s love. || Ancel Steward pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown. || A clemency plea was made by Rane Jorunsdottir, Inquisitor of Pride.
|-
| Six counts of assault and false imprisonment || The accused had beaten and captured half a dozen local Imperial citizens for their own purposes in Skarsind. || Two orcs of the Thule pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined twelve crowns. However, when it became clear they could not pay they were executed. || The names of the Thule were not recorded.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 381YE
|-
| Attempted murder and assault || Thomas Bookkeeper of Navarr was assaulted very late at night in the Senate and almost killed by the accused. || Nora of the Green Men pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to assault. || Not guilty of murder. <br>Guilty of assault <br>Fined three thrones. ||
|-
| Assault || Aarne Ceorling of Wintermark was assaulted in the Hub by the accused. || Jorma Steelhail pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined ten crowns. ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused was condemned by a greater majority of the Synod General Assembly for her unrepentant heretical teachings. She claimed to be the First Empress reborn, possessed of a Paragon soul returned from a place beyond the Labyrinth, which she called the "Land Without Tears", a golden land without pain and suffering. || Yael of Highguard pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Contempt of Court || The accused had requested that he be allowed to execute Yael should that be the verdict. Permission was granted provided that he did not use the sword of the Exarch. Later he placed this sword in Yael's hand. He was ordered by the presiding magistrate not to execute her while she was holding this sword but he disobeyed and struck her down regardless. || Cyrus, Exarch of Felix's Watch.|| Summarily fined five thrones for failing to obey the lawful order of a magistrate. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 381YE
|-
| Mass Murder || The accused confessed to killing a house full of Dawnish citizens. The circumstances were that he was taken prisoner by the House of Lord Lucien De Loire and tortured, forced to fight other prisoners and starved for six long years. When he and the other prisoners escaped Errol and some others stayed behind to buy time for their wounded to escape by setting fire to the house and killing anyone who got out. Evidence gathered by the Dawnish militia supported many of these facts and it is strongly suspected that this House were followers of vengeance. || Errol, Bailiff of the Grand Market pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Discharged without punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Sister Meredith on grounds of Loyalty.<br>This result reflects the strong clemency plea and the extenuating circumstances.
|-
| Contempt of court || The accused blocked the path of a member of the militia in the performance of her duties and then refused to move. When fined a crown for contempt of court she responded by telling the magistrate to “Fuck off”. || Medea Ruth of Halcyon Spire || Summarily fined one throne. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused grabbed the nearest weapon and stabbed Rane Jorunsdottir. || Ulric Ybasden pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Attempt to abet the contravention of a declaration of sorcery || In an attempt to rescue the Empress's father from the whisper gallery (who are under enmity) the accused attempted to broker a deal between them and Ancel Steward of House Vexille. Ariana sent the missive not knowing what it contained. The deal did not go through as the Whisper Gallery would only deal directly with Ancel Steward. During questioning, Danica claimed Kaspar had not been involved, leading to an increase in her fine. || Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg, Danica Vandale and Arianna de Tassato pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Kaspar was fined 22 thrones.<br>Danica was fined 25 thrones<br>Arianna was fined ten thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Severin Teyhard von Holberg on behalf of Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg on grounds of Loyalty.<br>A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros on behalf of Danica Vandale on grounds of Loyalty.<br>A clemency plea was made by Corwin Leafstalker on behalf of Arianna de Tassato on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused attacked a herald of Yaw'nagrah (who is currently under enmity) during a plenipotentiary with the Archmage of Spring. This is in direct contravention of the Conclave's rules on how such parleys are conducted. || Drefa Brackensong pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined ten thrones. ||
|-
| Assault and contempt of court || The accused punched the victim, Watt of the Marches, believing (wrongly) that he had kidnapped her sister, Miriam Bard. Furthermore the accused frequently interrupted the magistrate during trial and was summarily tried for contempt of court. || Bessie the Bard pleaded guilty to assault || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns for assault plus two crowns payable in compensation to the victim. <br>Fined one crown for contempt of court. || A clemency plea was made by Lumi Lehtonen
|-
| Dereliction of duty || The accused handed herself in for a crime that occurred several years ago. She had been assigned to a military unit at the Reikos citadel and her new commander ordered her unit to surrender to the Druj. Instead she fled from the field of battle. || Allegra of Navarr pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined ten crowns and subjected to the Freezing Brand of Irremais. || A clemency plea was made by J'zarr i Shartha i Guerra on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Murder and resisting arrest || The accused resisted legal arrest with murderous force, leading to the deaths of over 200 Varushkan soldiers and most of the inhabitants of Crows Keep. The court was moved only slightly by the clemency plea for Dogri Thulebane on the grounds of loyalty to the people of Crows Keep and Skarsind. This was on the grounds that his actions had the direct consequence of leading to the deaths of most of his people, and the destruction of Crows Keep. The clemency pleas for the other accused were accepted on the grounds that it was not within their power to legally prevent the battle and their virtue compelled them to act. || Dogri Thulebane, Ranulph six lives and Mhira Valoing plead guilty || Guilty. <br>Dogri Thulebane was sentenced to death. By their request this was to be carried out by Mother Thane of Wintermark by sundown. Subsequently the court acquiesced to a request for him to die in battle, before sundown <br>The other accused were discharged without further punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Jorma Steelhail on behalf of Dogri Thulebane and Ranulph Six Lives on grounds of Loyalty and Courage respectively. A clemency plea was made by Cerwynn Brackensong on grounds of Loyalty.
|}

==Reports from 380YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 380YE
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Medea Ruth Marshwatch, a former member of his order, with a staff while cursing her. The reason given for this by the accused was that the victim had brought shame to their order by her actions in the Sentinel's Repose bar. || Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown plus one crown compensation paid to victim. || A clemency plea was made by Bonewall Rek on grounds of Pride.
|-
| Murder || The accused was enjoying a celebration away from Anvil when the mood suddenly changed as the unknown victim arrived. A melee ensued in which the accused was not directly involved but which resulted in the victim being struck down. A priest ascertained the victim was dedicated to a freedom cult. The victim begged to be killed and the accused did so, but in law it is not possible to consent to your own murder. || The accused (whose name was not recorded) pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Branded. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Theft || The accused stole valuable herbs to eat. The accused was also sternly warned against providing a false name to the militia as this is a serious offence. || Will Brackensong pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one throne. || A clemency plea was made by Corey Wayfarer
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused received a message from Barrens orcs near a triage centre behind the front lines of the recent fighting. They were offered a deal to exchange twenty eight Dawnish prisoners in return for five brands on citizens to mark the orc lives lost. The brands were investigated and found to be mundane. This was treated in law as a legitimate ransom demand so no treason charges were levied. || Merry Talbot, Skywise Gralka, Talaith, Jada of Ravensfell, Joshua of Zephaniah's Lament all pleaded not guilty || Not guilty. || All the accused initially pleaded guilty but the plea was later changed on advice of the magistrate
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused was condemned by the Synod and admitted to preaching the false virtue of hate and spreading auras of hate. While a clemency plea was made on grounds of loyalty the court did not accept that his actions were justified in the circumstances. || Friar Robin of Whittle pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by James Appleseeder. Martin Orchard spoke for the Marcher National Assembly.
|-
| Treason and Contravening a declaration of interdiction || The accused cursed (or aided and abetted said cursing) Gregor, Head of the Shuttered Lantern. The accused did so using a ritual text called “Quell the Thief of Secrets” created by and traded from the whisper gallery(and with whom a state of enmity currently exists). They argued that this was to try to prevent further harm being perpetrated against Gregor by the Whisper Gallery by making him unable to read or write and thus a “non-combatant” in the war of secrets. || Ancel Steward, Guissart Vexille (not present), Arlen Weaver, Ser Lacons Vexille and Lady Gweniveve Vexille pleaded guilty to all charges || Guilty. <br>Collectively fined forty thrones <br>Sentenced to be branded with the Freezing Brand of Irremais. || A clemency plea was made by Corwyn Leafstalker
|-
| Murder || The accused was investigating the victim, Laudica i Tsaga i Riqueza, for being a follower of the false virtue of vengeance. She was invited to the victim's tent, which was under an aura of vengeance and given a mask that cursed the bearer to take vengeance upon those who threaten their loved ones. An axe was placed near to hand and then the victim threatened harm to the accused's sister in the future while taunting her to take vengeance. The accused struck her with fatal consequences. || Ephrael of Zephaniah's Lament pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined five thrones. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime but also its context. || A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros on grounds of Vigilance and Pride.
|-
| Assault and criminal damage || General Irontide Skar owned an axe which was possessed by the spirit of a Jotun ancestor. The accused believed this to be a detrimental influence on the General and the army. She attempted to seize the axe and nearly strangled the General with it then failing to take it she disenchanted the axe, removing the spirit. Expert witness testimony was accepted from Irontide Lok and Bloodcrow Yargol on the subject of Jotun ancestors in orcish lore. || Bloodcrow Shettehs pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns for assault<br> Fined seven thrones for criminal damage to be paid in compensation to victim. || A clemency plea was made by Atla on grounds of Wisdom and Loyalty.
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted the victim, Silas of Zephaniah's Lament, because she was “meddling” with her sister. || Amatia i Tsagaan i Erigo plead edguilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown. || A clemency plea was made by Maricella i Tsagaan i Guerra on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Assault (two counts) || The accused asked the victim, Hazel of the Shattered tower, “if she would like a face like hers” referring to Senator Tanwyn. The accused then struck the victim in the face with a shield and pushed her to the ground. || Rhisiart Tarw pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined three thrones due to the accused being a repeat offender. ||
|-
| Heresy and blasphemy || The accused encouraged Imperial orcs in Hraka Hold to not follow the Way claiming “it is a human religion”. Further he said the Hierro clan failed because “they had too much ambition” and preached against both too much pride and ambition. He also claimed orcs are superior to humans. He has been inquisited for this behaviour before and has said he would mend his ways. During the trial he argued his beliefs were common among imperial orcs. || Bloodcrow Yargol was condemned by the General Assembly. He pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined thirty thrones<br>Sentenced to be branded with the Freezing Brand of Irremais. || The condemning priest was Jorma Steelhail.<br>The heavy fine reflected the serious impact that Yargol's heresy was having on his peers and to act as a deterrent against similar behaviour in the future.<br>
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 380YE
|-
| Theft || An Enigmatic Staff belonging to Sovica Kovar was stolen from the academy premises. The accused admitted selling this staff onto a Navarr. || Alexi Gremani pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined three crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Lucifaro Erigo on grounds of Loyalty and Vigilance
|-
| Murder || The accused had argued with Isca over magical efforts to direct the falling red star. They invited her to their tent with promises of an apology but Dusan paralysed her and Svetlana and Velushka slew her with their weapons. They then disposed of the body with magic. Isca's shade was summoned and her identity verified then she was questioned. Isca testified as to the events as described above and contradicted the claims of the accused to have argued with Isca in the tent prior to killing her. The accused handed themselves in at the start of the next festival. || Dusan, Svetlana and Velushka of the Tangled Thorns pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made by Elka Grimani, Cardinal of Pride.<br>Although some good arguments were made in favour of clemency, the seriousness of the crime, the destruction of evidence, and their failure to justify the necessity of their actions were judged to mean that a sentence of death was appropriate.
|-
| Theft || The accused searched the tent of the Tangled Thorns (while they were under investigation by the militia) and took their coven stone. This stone is permanently enchanted and therefore valuable. They claimed to be acting out of vigilance since it might be cursed and furthermore that they were authorised by a member of the militia to take it. No evidence could be found that this was the case. || Mina of the Howling Pines and her two cousins pleaded not guilty. || Not guilty. ||
|-
| Treason and subverting the agencies of the state || In the winter of 379 the accused had a meeting with the Druj and sent a letter in 380 to confirm their agreement to crush a tribe of Barrens orcs between their armies. Furthermore the Druj would cast Rivers Run Red to maximise casualties. The accused advised the military council of the plan, allowing them to plan the campaign accordingly and with considerable success. However, he failed to engage with either the Senate or Imperial Consul about this scheme. || Ancel Steward pleaded not guilty to treason and guilty to subverting the agencies of the state. || Not guilty of treason. <br>Guilty of subverting the agencies of the state<br>Fined twenty five thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Sir Lacons Vexille with regard to the first charge<br>It is not known why clemency was accepted even though accused pleaded not guilty.
|-
| Treason || The accused and his family were captured by Druj in Edinberg near Holberg. His captors threatened to kill his family unless he led the cadets of the academy into a trap. He lured in twenty cadets and five adults with talk of a boggart infestation and did not attempt to warn them in any way. Even though the cadets were ambushed by orcs they not only escaped with their lives but also saved the accused's captive family. || Antonio Gelani von Holberg pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused came to Anvil and falsely preached that hope was as important as the other Imperial virtues. They were condemned by the Assembly of Nine and repented after the Empress spoke to them. || Christoph and Julieta di Sarvos pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Sentenced to spend the next season removing auras of hope from Sarvos. || A clemency plea was made by Serrusto Caeli Rezia di Tassato, Cardinal of Ambition
|-
| Assault || The accused was threatened by four mercenaries sent from a League Carta to cut down a “sacred” tree in a cemetery in Holfried. He warned them off but when they persisted and tried to cut down the tree he assaulted them. || Friar John Taker of the Marches pleaded not guilty on grounds of defence of the property in question. || Not guilty. ||
|-
| Criminal damage || The accused went on a skirmish with a relative but after they failed to stay close to him he broke their staff. || Uther de Rondell pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined three crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Sir Gaulio Orzel
|-
| Possession and supply of gutwrench (at the Vor'Azi Grimhold) || The accused was hired for ten thrones (five in advance) to poison Karina by someone called “Feldermaus” in the League. The accused gave Karina gutwrench to take instead of a deadly poison. She convinced Karina to take it by claiming it would show her whether her lover truly cared for her or not. || Anya of the League pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined seven thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Amris Merikovich on grounds of Wisdom
|-
| Theft (in the environs of a field hospital near the front lines) || A unit of the army was captured and the accused was let go and told that the orcs would release the rest of his unit if he provided them with some herbs. He proceeded to steal said herbs and was caught. || Kay Fletcher pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Jada of Ravensfell on grounds of Vigilance
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 380YE
|-
| Assault || The accused punched Nadia Borodina di Sarvos of the Pledge twice in front of many witnesses. || Vaniagh of the Suns of Couros pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty<br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused struck down the victim while apprehending him for investigation by the synod. The victim, Romero di Sarvos, had been witnessed handing out heretical pamphlets. The court ruled that the assault was unlawful since it exceeded reasonable force. || Grace Sanguino Regia di Tassato plead guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown. || A clemency plea was made by Irada von Temeschwar
|-
| Heresy and blasphemy || The accused was witnessed handing out heretical and blasphemous pamphlets which he had himself obtained in Faraden. The accused was condemned by the Assembly of Nine and Cardinal Ophelia di Sanguino was their expert witness. || Romero di Sarvos pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty<br>Death by execution. || The accused was both unrepentant and presented a clear risk to the Empire.<br>The convict's assets were sequestered and he was
|-
| Murder || The accused handed herself in and confessed to the murders of both Sister Dorcas and Sister Ana of the Suns of Couros. She said she had no control over her actions but having realised what she had done she did not seek help or treatment. || Sister Aurelia pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused got into an argument with Banwell Rae over the execution of a citizen for heresy. The accused pushed Rae to the floor when Rae stepped towards him. || Kane Frostwalker pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted the victim, Jera de Luisignon, while he was awaiting trial. The victim had cursed the accused's homeland, then taunted him about it. The accused then assaulted the victim with a knife but saw to it he was healed afterwards. || Magic' Errol of the Marches pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused asked the victim, Jera de Luisignon to lift a curse that he had placed upon his father. Jera proceeded to insult both the accused and his father. The accused then stabbed him. || Robert Greyshanks pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one throne. ||
|-
| Blasphemy and idolatry || The accused was condemned by the Synod for blasphemy and idolatry for his involvement in the actions of the notorious De Luisignan anarchy cult. || Jera de Luisignon of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Lady Josephine Novarion
|-
| Attempted murder and membership of the Vyig || The accused was witnessed stabbing Warrant Officer Hardfrost with a poisoned dagger at his wedding reception. A note indicated orders from the Vyig to carry out the assassination and scars consistent with removed Vyig tattoos were found on his knuckles. || Christoph di Sarvos plead not guilty to all charges. || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused tried to stop a Vyig assassin, Christoph di Sarvos, who was fleeing the scene of a crime. She was stabbed and poisoned and received a series of medical treatments that left her in an agitated state. She found the suspect in militia custody and stabbed him in a frenzy which was almost fatal to the victim. || Cora Greyshanks of the Marches plead guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined six crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Robert of Swindale on grounds of Loyalty<br>The court warns the convict and all citizens that the magistrates take a dim view of assaults on suspects in militia custody.
|-
| Assault || The accused was asked by a Warrant officer to guard the prisoner, Christoph di Sarvos. When the prisoner turned somewhat aggressively towards the accused he struck him twice with the butt of his bill. || Hob Culloch of the Marches pleaded not guilty on the grounds that he was keeping him in custody during a lawful arrest. || Not guilty but warned about his use of force. ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused was caught preaching heresy and promoting the false virtue of 'fear'. Examination by the egregore of Highguard found that he was a citizen of Highguard but that he was now nameless. He was condemned by the Assembly of the Way. || A citizen of Reikos who no longer bore any name pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution|| Due to time constraints, caused by the need for condemnation, the accused was tried after the summit
|-
| Contravening a Declaration of Interdiction || The accused cast the ritual Whispering Shadow Courtiers to contact the Whisper Gallery in contravention of the Conclave's declaration of Enmity. It was argued that his intent was to try to find out information on the Whispering Gallery's activities in an effort to save imperial lives. The court was satisfied that there was no evidence of treason. The accused had sought no prior advice from members of the Conclave, but the Cardinal of Vigilance advised him that she would plead clemency for him at trial. || Benedict of the House of Seven Mirrors plead guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined ten thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Irada von Temeschwar, Cardinal of Vigilance. The court reminds citizens that contravening a declaration of interdiction is a serious offence.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 380YE
|-
| Manslaughter || Substantial Agramant activity was reported by witnesses in the Vale of Hollow Pines at the time of the offence. During these events the accused shot dead an old draughir woman with a single arrow. The victim (who was not a Varushkan citizen) had recently attacked Grandmother Aria, first paralysing her then biting off her ear. || Boyar Akstis of Eigulys known as “Gully” pleaded guilty || Due to both the circumstances and the clemency plea provided the convict was discharged without punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Rooslin Prochnost
|-
| Murder || The accused admitted the murder of Darius of the Emerald Order by stabbing him to death near the Marcher maypole in Anvil. The accused handed himself in, and claimed that he had lost his wits due to the side effects of potion making. While no witnesses to the crime came forward, and the accused said he had no memory of the murder, blood stains were found on his robes consistent with the events. || Pugilist of the Emerald Order pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused claimed right of witness in order to investigate a rumour he had heard of slavery in Anvil. He did not have the legal right to do so as he is not a member of the synod. || Bloodcrow Yargol pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined six crowns. ||
|-
| Murder and perverting the course of justice || The accused were all involved in some capacity with the murder of Brady (for which Tarion of the Black Scar has already been executed). Erian aided the murder by luring Brady into an ambush and then lied about it in one of her statements to the militia. Bernie was the one who planned the murder but he did not personally wield a blade. Lleu, their acting Brand, was told by them of the murder after it happened and he asked Erian to lie to the militia. || Erian plead guilty to perverting the course of justice and murder. Bernie plead guilty to murder. Klay plead guilty to perverting the course of justice. || Guilty<br>Erian was sentenced to death by execution.<br>Bernie was sentenced to death by execution. <br>Lleu was fined five thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Aelfin on behalf of Erian but said it was not a virtuous act<br>A clemency plea was made by Rhisiart Tarw on behalf of Lleu on the grounds of Loyalty and Pride
|-
| Assault || The accused all assaulted militia deputy Yaroslav who was guarding an old mine that had until recently been utilised by the Vyig. || Viktor, Boris and Alexi von Temeschwar all pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns each. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused (who handed herself in) used her weapon to strike a heavy blow on the arm of a soldier who insulted her after the battle. || Clarice Novarion, General of the Eastern Sky, pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Perverting the course of justice || The accused was involved in the formation of the criminal scheme by the Handful of Dust coven in the Brass Coast to give True Liao to an eternal. The accused left this coven and moved to Dawn but because she felt bound by contract to secrecy she only gave very general warnings to Asher (the guide priest who lost his life as a result of their actions). || Catalina de Rondel of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Sentenced to suffer the curse of the Freezing Brand of Irremais || A clemency plea was made by Frederick Novarion
|-
| Murder (other lesser charges could have also been laid) || The accused were all citizens trapped in Reikos during the occupation. When priests arrived and reconnected them with the Way they came to Anvil to face justice for the terrible crimes they had committed in order to survive and so that others could learn from their experiences. Their crimes included killing others in fights over food, burning a house of flux sufferers to prevent spread of the disease, killing a crying child so they would not be found by a Druj patrol, torture and killing of Druj collaborators, cannibalism, killing to end the suffering of the starving and killing those who became a drain on the group's resources. || Jolen, Ruth, Caliban and Meliphas all pleaded guilty || All were discharged without further punishment but were offered the opportunity to participate in a Highguard cleansing ritual involving a river and weighing down with stones to represent guilt. || A clemency plea was made by four priests<br>The court accepted the necessity of the acts for their survival and the dreadful adversity of their situation, starving and without any hope of outside help. Arguments were made both for and against the virtue of their actions.<br>In considering sentence the court carefully considered whether these citizens were both deserving and capable of rejoining society. Also, whether it is in the Imperial interest to execute those left in such intolerable conditions.
|-
| Manslaughter (the first accused only) and trade of true Liao to foreigners || The accused arranged a past life vision and Asher of Felix Watch, Cardinal of Courage, agreed to accompany her. However, Ysabel had made a pact with the eternal, Sadogua, to pass her share of True Liao to him magically when she pretended to drink her dose. As a result Asher went to the labyrinth alone and the vision collapsed. Asher's mortal body died and then vanished. Barak of Haros, Head of the Attendants of the Gateway and Livia of the Celestial Cascade, Seer of the Gateway, bore witness and confirmed that Ysabel had been given a full safety briefing, that clearly stated that if both participants did not follow the process then the vision would collapse, and that Ysabel had signed her agreement. The defendants agreed the facts, and stated that their intention was to research the effects of True Liao on an eternal. || Ysabel I Ergo of the Handful of Dust pleaded guilty to both charges. Geraile I Erigo, Maite I Erigo, and Evaristo I Erigo pleaded guilty to trade of true liao to foreigners || Ysabel I Ergo was found guilty<br>Death by execution.<br>The other accused were found guilty<br>Fined seventy five thrones.<br> When their fine became due the next day they refused to pay and claimed to have given away all their assets. Consequently they were executed. || A clemency plea was made on behalf of Geraile I Erigo, Maite I Erigo, and Evaristo I Erigo.
|-
| Manslaughter and assault || The accused and others captured some bandits and brought them back through the Sentinel Gate. The victim attempted to flee and was struck down. The victim was kicked in the head by the accused and died in spite of the medical treatment applied at the scene. || Arden of Cantiarch's Hold pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and guilty to assault. || Not guilty of manslaughter<br>Guilty of assault. <br>Fined two crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || The first accused attacked Ursil de Luisignan with his wand after getting into an altercation. The second accused attacked Tremayne de Luisignan with his sword after he got involved. || Selen de Rondel and Robert Greyshanks both pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br> Selen de Rondel was fined four crowns. <br>Robert Greyshanks was required to apologise to the victim. ||
|-
| Attempted Treason || The accused took a conjunction to meet the eternal Jaheris to discuss the (then current) enmity with Eleonaris but, rather than meeting Jaheris arrived at an audience with Eleonaris herself. Some members of this party had already been advised by the Dawnish egregore not to speak with Eleonaris if this happened. The court probed the nature of the meeting to discover if any of the delegation intended to negotiate and deal with Eleonaris but found no evidence of attempted treason." || Duke Orzel of Dawn along with the other members of his delegation all pleaded not guilty. || Not guilty || The accused were given words of warning with regards to talking to enemies of the Empire in the future.
|}
==Reports from 379YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 379YE
|-
| Theft || The accused were witnessed by a member of the militia fleeing a shop in Tassato carrying stolen merchandise. As Kit is a minor, her guardian Catalina faced punishment in her place. || Kit de Tassato (a minor) and Wyl Brackensong both pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Jointly fined two thrones, to be paid as compensation to the victim, Umberto. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered Brady of Blackscar striding following an accusation of incompetence by the victim. A thorough investigation by the militia uncovered the accused, who then admitted the crime during an interview. || Tarion of Black Scar pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Theft || The accused stole three crowns from the victim's change jar. As Kit is a minor, her guardian Catalina faced punishment in her place. || Kit de Tassato pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns and ordered to repay the three crowns stolen from the victim. ||
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused were condemned by the Synod for preaching the false virtue of peace at Anvil at the Autumn summit. The expert witness from the synod was Father Appleseed. || Mother Alice, Calm Roberto, and Mary Bregasland pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Branded and recommended to the care of Father Appleseed. || A clemency plea was made by Father Appleseed's brother.<br>The accused were separately excommunicated.
|-
| Treason || The accused made a deal with Agramant in which he was given the means to create fear auras to help in their fight against the Jotun in return for executing Jotun prisoners in the presence of Agramant's herald. Expert advice was taken before the trial from Syrus, the Archmage of Winter who advised that such actions do benefit Agramant. || Aedan of Olwen's stand pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Theft || The accused was cursed in the Senate. After the Senate guard struck down the deliverer of the (perfectly legal) curse, the accused rifled through the victim's bag. Afterwards two crowns, twelve rings and a small red puppet were missing. It was unclear whether these items were in fact stolen as the puppet was later found in the mud. || Senator Miroslav offered a weregild of three crowns in compensation for any losses, which was accepted by the victim. || Three crowns weregild was accepted in compensation.<br>No additional punishment levied by magistrates. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 379YE
|-
| Murder (first accused) Manslaughter (second accused) || Five years ago the accused were part of a coven who experimented with a Spring vortex, resulting in an explosion which killed seven citizens. The first accused killed a survivor of the blast in order to keep their experiments secret .Evidence was presented that proved that the second accused was not present at this incident. || Mwfanwy Dray pleaded guilty (first accused)<br>Mertyn Dray pleaded not guilty. || Mwfanwy was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Mertyn was found not guilty. ||
|-
| Attempted murder (later reduced to attempted poisoning) || The accused was reported to the militia by Jonah for paying him one and a half thrones to poison Bronislav, a member of the militia involved in the Greenshields case. The accused admitted intent to poison (but not murderous intent) during the trial. || Salviana former fiance of Aelvir of the Greenshields pleaded not guilty. || Guilty of attempted poisoning<br>Fined ten thrones. ||
|-
| Murder and attempted murder || The accused was captured attempting to assassinate the civil servant Helena Raminci di Sarvos. During their trial the accused also admitted the murder of another civil servant. || An unnamed agent of the Whisper Gallery in a porcelain mask pleaded guilty. || Guilty <br>Death by execution || The accused took their mask off and vanished after being sentenced
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 379YE
|-
| Impersonation of an Imperial official (Meha i Zidan)<br>Subverting the agencies of the state (everyone else)<br>Perverting the course of justice (Pavel) || General Istana discovered that senator Kattalin i Hazama was absent, thus preventing his re-election without involvement from the senate. He took advice from Pavel, the military council civil servant liaison from which he inferred that he should appoint a fake senatorial proxy for the missing senator to fix the problem. Meha i Zidan was the false proxy, but was not aware of the extent of the conspiracy. The other senators were participants in this subversion, although Avisena i Ezmara was unaware that the proxy was false. At trial Pavel denied General Istana's claims but later he came forward to admit that he had in fact implied what the general inferred, Consequently, post-trial the magistrate substantially reduced the fines levied. || Anwar del Torro pleaded guilty<br>Feliciana i Sotero pleaded guilty.<br>Avisena i Ezmara pleaded not guilty<br>General Istana pleaded not guilty<br>Meha i Zidan pleaded guilty. <br>Pavel pleaded guilty || Anwar del Torro was found guilty<br>Fined ten thrones later reduced to five thrones <br>Feliciana i Sotero was found guilty<br>Fined ten thrones later reduced to five thrones<br>Avisena i Ezmara was found not guilty. <br>General Istana was found guilty<br>Fined twenty thrones later reduced to five thrones<br>Meha i Zidan was found guilty<br>Fined four crowns later reduced to two crowns.<br>Pavel was found guilty<br>Fined twenty thrones. || Avisena i Ezmara was advised to change her plea to not guilty on the advice of the court.<br>Pavel resigned from his post as Herald of the Council
|-
| False Imprisonment || Tyrwyn imprisoned his own military unit in a fort when they became afflicted by a curse which made them feral and violent. He came forward and confessed of his own volition, but as no complaints have been made and his behaviour appeared to be virtuous, the case was dismissed. || Tyrwyn Northernbay of Miaren || Case dismissed. ||
|-
| Assault || During the Cathan Canae tourney the suspect entered the arena unannounced and pushed over the Jotun champion, who insisted that charges be brought. || Irontide Bruk pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined three rings. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Assault, theft, Vyig membership (various)Assault, theft, Vyig membership and murder (various) || A group of nine tattooed Vyig were captured by the Iron Raptors. Various evidence of their crimes was presented, including some statements by suspects implicating other members of the group in crimes. || Five suspects pleaded guilty to assault, theft, and Vyig membership.<br>Four pleaded not guilty to murder, assault, theft, and Vyig membership. || One of those accused of murder was found not guilty of murder but guilty of the lesser charges.<br>Fined all their assets and tattoos removed<br>Five were found guilty of the lesser charges<br>Fined all their assets and tattoos removed.<br>Three suspects accused of murder were found guilty<br>Senteced to death by execution || The three suspects guilty of murder attempted to escape and were executed
|-
| Murder || The accused killed a fleeing Vyig suspect after they attempted to escape on multiple occasions. || Mercutio pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined four thrones and branded on his hand. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Attempted murder || The accused cut the throat of Lunetta Sanguino, who was attempting to become a herald. The reason given for the attack was to send her soul to the labyrinth, lest her soul should be prevented from entering the labyrinth by her eternal service. The clemency plea at trial was made by the victim who has reconsidered her choices. || Jared of the Suns of Couros pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown || A clemency plea was made<br>The fine was instructed to be paid into the Synod Virtue fund
|-
| Murder || The accused were tried for the murder of Zedenka of the Ulla Sisterhood, Varushka. The victim described her attackers when summoned back through the Black Gate. Careful investigations confirmed that the summoned shade was in fact Zedenka and that her testimony appeared genuine. Kale refused to answer questions put by the magistrate and Thor's answers were vague and inconsistent with witness testimony that placed both of them at the scene of the crime. Udoxia, testified that Thor came out of a tent following a woman's scream and declared that it was a “false alarm”. || Thor of the Hammer pleaded not guilty.<br>Kale pleaded not guilty. || Thor of the Hammer was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Kale was found guilty<br>Death by execution || Kale used magical means to commit suicide and briefly haunt the area before execution
|-
| Slavery and mayhem || The accused were captured during a raid in Reikos to sweep up remaining perpetrators from the Brothers and Sisters of Virtue (many of whom have already been tried for the mutilating and enslaving of hundreds of orc orphans) || Sister Keiiah pleaded not guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution || Sister Keeiah committed suicide using magical means before execution.
|-
| Murder || The accused killed a criminal who had been downed during a raid on the Vyig. || Prospero of the League pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined five thrones || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Vyig membership and contempt of court (Maria)Murder, theft malsanguino, and Vyig membership (Nicolo and Cesare) || The accused were tattooed Vyig captured by concerned Imperial citizens. Nicolo and Cesare escaped custody and committed serious assaults on the presiding magistrate and a warrant officer present following the verdict, before recapture. || Maria pleaded not guilty.<br>Nicolo pleaded not guilty<br>Cesare pleaded not guilty. || Maria was found guilty<br>Tattoos were removed and her left hand was mutilated.<br>Nicolo was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Cesare was found guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 379YE
|-
| Manslaughter || The accused killed Auras Dustborn while he was unconscious during a battle with husks. The accused had been ordered to kill all husks on the ground to prevent them arising again and mistook the victim for a husk. || Keridwyn Splitroot pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Weregild agreed that the Splitroot steading to serve the Dustborn steading for two seasons<br>no further judicial punishment || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder, membership of Vyig || The accused, a self-confessed enforcer for the Vyig, admitted to murdering Darren Uzo in Temeschwar on the orders of Uncle Uzo || Al Uzo pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Assault, theft, membership of Vyig || The accused implicated himself in the aiding and abetting of a Vyig “protection” racket || Robert Uzo pleaded guilty || Guilty <br>Fined one throne<br>Tattoo was removed || A clemency plea was made<br> Property deed to a brickmaker's business was taken in lieu of the fine and sold for one throne
|-
| Handling stolen goods || The accused had no tattoos but admitted to working for the Vyig, carrying their property and so on. || Bobby of Varushka pleaded not guilty || Guilty<br>Branded as a thief ||
|-
| Attempted murder or aiding and abetting of attempted murder either directly or by concealment of their activities || Following intelligence reports that the Greenshields Tavern in Wintermark were carrying out a business of assassins for hire, a sting operation was carried out. An undercover militia deputy introduced a fake client to Aelvir, who arranged for an assassination to be carried out against the victim, another undercover deputy for the fee of ten thrones. Sully went with the client to check out the victim and to kill them if he considered it safe to do so. Sully also offering what the client took to be poison when he did not like the victim's location. A final attempt was made but baulked at the last moment. The clients' monies were then returned. When arrested no explanation was offered for this behaviour. The sister, Lumi was observed to be close to her brother and witnesses placed her nearby in the tavern during these events. Vesha was a new barman and Uri did not belong to the Greenshields group, no evidence was presented implicating them in these crimes. || Aelvir – the landlord and procurer - pleaded guilty<br>Sully – apothecary and assassin - pleaded not guilty<br>Lumi – sister to Aelvir - pleaded not guilty<br>Uri - bar staff- pleaded not guilty<br>Vesha – bar staff - pleaded not guilty || Aelvir was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Sully was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Lumi was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Uri and Vesha were found not guilty || A clemency plea was made on behalf of Aelvir
|}

==Reports from 378YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 378YE
|-
| Theft and assault || The accused were caught attempting to steal a weapon of war in the form of a giant stone head from the Varushkan camp. They assaulted Senator Dushan Otecovna Zlata of Varushka in the process || Kayne and Leopric, both of Wintermark, pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fine of 4 thrones ||
|-
| Perverting the course of justice || The accused incorrectly believed that a murder case (in which the accused was Yanov Tartaklvsky of Varushka) would not be tried. He threatened a number of witnesses to this trial although it was accepted that he was ignorant that they were witnesses in an ongoing case. || Brand Rizzard pleaded not guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Luke of the Shattered Tower of Highguard and (incidentally to this charge) cursed him. || Aben Newath and two other unnamed heralds of Jaheris pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Returned to the Hall of Worlds without further punishment. ||
|-
| Idolatry and treason || The accused attempted to bargain with Surut (an eternal under enmity) using unborn souls. He was condemned by the Synod. || Thulun of the Silent Step pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Murder, theft, assault || The accused was the leader of a band of murderous brigands who had been preying upon refugees fleeing the Mournwold. || Thomas Hayward pleaded not guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder, assault || The accused was charged with murder of a prisoner while on a battlefield and the assault of another marcher, Tilly Stoke who became involved after the fact. || Hob Culloch pleaded not guilty || Not guilty ||
|-
| Treason, contempt of court || The accused were caught attempting to perform a ritual damaging mana production in the Empire and refused to answer the Magistrate. After their trial (as suspected) they admitted to being involved with the Anarchy cult which has been active in Miekarova recently. || Ivan and Sergei of Miekarova pleaded not guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused took responsibility for landing the killing blow on a Navarr after Varushka and Navarr were tricked by ghosts into fighting each other at night. The Navarr attacked the Varushkans first and the presence of the ghosts meant that a number of participants in the battle rose up to fight again. || Yanov Abromovich Tartaklvsky pleaded not guilty || Not guilty. ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused were condemned by the Vigilance assembly for their involvement in the Miekarovan Anarchy cult. They refused to answer questions or give their names. || Four unknown citizens pleaded not guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused was condemned by the vigilance assembly for contravening the doctrine of Human Destiny by claiming to be greater than any human. There was no evidence presented that anyone was actually swayed by this. || Thelonius Kade pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two thrones. ||
|-
| Contempt of Court || The accused were two Varushkans who were caught in Anvil at the Imperial Regio attempting to perform a ritual to damage mana production in the Empire. It was suspected that these were members of the Miekarovan anarchy cult. They refused to answer any of the Magistrate's questions. || Svetlana and Yuri of Varushka did not enter a plea || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 378YE
|-
| Murder || The accused ordered the murder of militia deputy Gwylyr during the Winter Solstice 377YE. || Cerunnos pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution to be carried out after the battle on Sunday. || The execution was not carried out due to the death of Cerunnos in battle.<br>This was the final trial pertaining to Gwylyr's murder.
|-
| Theft || While wearing a mask of Mazen the accused stole goods from the hub of a value of approximately 5 crowns. She handed herself in the following day and gave a full confession. || Isabel i Erigo pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined five crowns. ||
|-
| Slavery, Mayhem and murder || The accused were part of a conspiracy to enslave hundreds of Orcs by mutilating their brains at an early age. Their labour was subsequently sold to unsuspecting imperial citizens. Orcs who fell ill or who were injured were typically murdered. All belonged to the Brothers and Sisters of Virtue sect of Raeza's Wall Chapter in Casinea. The militia would like to formally commend Senator Ywain of Dawn for his actions in bringing this matter to the attention of the militia and in providing vital assistance to the operation which smashed this criminal organisation and brought these perpetrators to justice. || Ulfric Bouchnack pleaded guilty. <br>Brother Raphael pleaded not guilty. <br>Rannock pleaded not guilty. || All were found guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Slavery, Mayhem, Murder and resisting arrest. || Relating to the above crimes, the mutilation of the orcs was performed by the Dubcek family in the vale of Wyrmgratz, Varushka. They were named as co-conspirators by the members of the Brothers and Sisters of Virtue. A group of militia, deputised orcs and two magistrates went to Wyrmgratz to arrest them and bring them to trial. They refused to comply with the Magistrate's order to return to Anvil and so were summarily executed. || Yatislav Dubcek and eight other members of the Guardians of Moral Order. || Tried summarily and executed. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 378YE
|-
| Assault || The accused headbutted Nathaniel the Unbranded during the fracas in which a number of the Druj envoys were killed. || Irontide Brack pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered Lord Griffinsbane while he was being held in Dawnish custody awaiting probable charges for treason and attempted murder. || Danica d'Orzel pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined two thrones. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered militia deputy Gwylyr during the winter solstice while at the {{Black Plateau}}, allegedly on the orders of General Cernanos. || Owen Y'Basden pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused aided and abetted in the murder of Gwylyr described above. || Bors Y'Basden pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined two thrones and branded. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 378YE
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Mara of Vashti's Penitents, Highguard || Sev of House Degruvain pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Pavel of The Company of the White Flame || Jael of Vashti's Penitents pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined four crowns ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Jael of Vashti's Penitents || Bedevere of the Crimson Petals and Clarice Novarion both pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns each. ||
|-
| Attempting to pervert the course of justice || The accused poisoned himself in order to implicate Lorenzo of the Butchers Bank for his attempted murder. || Sandoval of the Gilded Horn Carta pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered Tristran Longridge of the Marches in the Marches in 376 in revenge for the slaying of her Feni barbarian master || Hilda Appeby of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Magratha Echostorm, a medic at the hospital, while under the influence of a curse || Bloodcrow Martak pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Bloodcrow Martak to serve in the hospital as an orderly instead of receiving a fine ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Jael and Mara of Vashti's Penitents when Mara interfered with a duel between Jael and Terin Realmsreach. || Aife Realmsreach pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two rings ||
|-
| Murder || Murder of Jael and Mara of Vashti's Penitents while unconscious, following the assault described previously. || Terin Realmsreach pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered two League citizens in the city of Temeschwar. || Two members of the Vyig of Temeschwar pleaded guilty ||Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Jael of Vashti's Penitents while defending a herald || Ox the Crazy pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered the previous Grand Bailiff of the Market, Martha of Stockland || Two residents of Ashtown pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused was precipitate in taking action regarding a senate motion (about the non-extension of the armistice with the Jotun) which was later vetoed. || Bridget Eastville (nee Talbot) pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined six thrones ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused used his soul as an asset in a contract with the eternal Zand. || Angelo i Jannat i Riqueza pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined three thrones || The fine was instructed to be paid into the Synod Virtue fund
|}

==Reports from 377YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 377YE
|-
| Attempted Murder, Subverting Agencies of the State. || The accused is the leader of the Y'Basden Striding. In battle he repeatedly refused the orders of the battlefield commander and when a runner came to repeat the orders he had him cut down. || Ulrich Y'Basden pleaded not guilty to both charges. || Not guilty of attempted murder<br> Guilty of assault. <br>Guilty of subverting the Agencies of the State.<br>Death by military service. ||
|-
| Poisoning || The accused added liao to the drink of Irontide Groff, an Imperial orc, causing him to be made slightly unwell. At the time the accused believed that a mora shapeshifter was present in the company and the act was performed to identify if the orc was in fact a Mora (he was not). || Lazarus pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Fined one ring.<br>Ordered to pay one ring in compensation to Irontide Groff. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Poisoning, assault || The accused used a poisoned blade upon her husband Lord Beaumont before the battle to make him too weak to go (as she feared for his safety). She later cured her husband's ailment he went to do his duty on the battle. || Lady Igraine Novarion pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Ordered to hand over her poisons to her husband prior to the next battle. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder, possession of a Scorpion Sting || The accused murdered Guillmero i Marco i Riqueza using a Scorpion Sting || Maria i Androsin i Erigo leaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Aiding and abetting murder, possession of Scorpion Sting || The accused supplied the Scorpion Sting that was used to murder Guillmero i Marco i Riqueza. || Cain of Cassian Chapter pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Death by execution. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused accepted a boon of vengeance from a herald of Hayaak and then assaulted General Stanislav in the tavern, against whom he bore a grudge. || Mordin of the Rising Sun Spire pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Fined two crowns<br>Corvus, Archmage of Summer, will provide (magical) compensation to the victim. ||
|-
| Assault || The orc egregore handed himself in to the militia after he broke the leg of a member of the Irontide who repeatedly insulted a guest. || The Imperial Orc egregore pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined six crowns. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 377YE
|-
| Murder || Mother killed an assailant who was witnessed attempting to murder her child. The attacker died very swiftly but no evidence of foul play was presented. || Inga Essing || Not guilty || No record of their plea was made
|-
| Attempt to acquire controlled substance (deadly poison) || A citizen was asked to acquire poison by Emil Darkling for murderous purposes. All witnessed by a member of the militia. The evidence also suggested that Krefinar, landlord of the Artisan Arms had asked Emil Darkling to do this on his behalf. || Emil Darkling pleaded guilty<br>Krefinar || Emil Darkling was found guilty<br>Death by military service.<br>Krefinar was found not guilty || No record of Krefinar's plea was made
|-
| Treason || The accused were captured by members of the league fighting on the side of barbarians against the Empire. || Father Olaf and Ragnar Olafson both pleaded guilty || Father Olaf was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Ragnar Olafson pleaded guilty <br>Death by military service ||
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused was witnessed preaching the false virtue of unity. || Faelid pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Blasphemy and Heresy || The accused was condemned by the Synod for the production of an allegedly blasphemous and heretical pamphlet. || Xavier of Urizen || Not guilty ||
|-
| Improper placement of an aura on the senate || The accused placed a calming magical aura on the senate building during the festival of the broken wheel. || Catalynd Enigo pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined three crowns ||
|-
| Attempted false imprisonment and theft || The honourable guild of debt collectors in the league were accused of kidnapping the father of Fiona Mudstrider and attempting to extort a ransom from her. || The honourable guild of debt collectors || Guilty<br>Fined ten crowns || No record of their plea was made
|-
| Manslaughter || A unit led by Nicolo Barossa de Tassato Regario of the league arrested a group of citizens who they believed were heretics while on a mission outside Anvil. Excessive use of force resulted in the death of one of these citizens. || Nicolo Barossa de Tassato Regario pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined seven crowns ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused were arrested by a unit led by Nicolo Barossa de Tassato Regario of the league for carrying out heretical activities. || Mario de Sarvos, Silvos de Sarvos and Isabella de Sarvos || Guilty <br>Death by military service. || No record of their plea was made
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 377YE
|-
| Treason || Seeking to offer weapons to barbarians || Harry Harrold of the Marches || Not guilty ||
|-
| Murder || A citizen taken prisoner in battle || Xavier of Urizen || Guilty<br>Fined twenty crowns || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder || In a duel by poison || Solomon of Highguard || Guilty<br>Death by military service || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder || In the tavern || Elpidio Floren and Abul Dye || Guilty<br>Death by military service || A clemency plea was made
|}

Court Reports

2026-02-24T21:03:41Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:The Law]]
[[Category:The Empire]]
==Overview==
This page has the court reports for Anvil in recent years. These are updated with new court reports as time goes on. The most recent court report will also be available to read, pinned up in the Militia tent near the Hub.

==Reports from 387YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 387YE Criminal Cases
|-
|Murder||In Spring 387, two people antagonised Protectorate Quint with insulting artwork and assaulted him. Later, these individuals were in the Wonky Donkey, antagonising unidentified Highborn individuals in white and red, and were cut down by the Highborn. Irontide Ruka, a friend of Quint, saw this, and took the opportunity to execute one of the downed individuals; the Highborn executed the other.||Irontide Ruka pled guilty, with a Loyalty clemency plea made by Marco.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, fined twenty thrones.||The penalty was reduced from execution, in consideration of the clemency plea, Ruka’s handing himself in immediately after the crime, and the severe provocation to Protectorate Quint.
|-
|Heresy||The accused was inquisited by Luca i Taziel i Riqueza, Cardinal of Prosperity, and admitted to being previously dedicated to the Virtue of Freedom. She also admitted to having dedicated others to Freedom.|| Hembeneth i Guerra pled guilty||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Erigo, executed.||Hembeneth was inquisited and condemned in the Summer under [[387YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements#Judgement 149|Judgment 149]] and [[387YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements#Judgement 259|Judgement 259]].
|-
|Murder||The accused attacked Daniela Treval during the Summer Solstice 387, killing her. The accused asserted that they had been coerced into committing the offence, after threats were made against their friends.||John Shatterfoot of Eiraspire pled guilty, with a Loyalty clemency plea made by Amris Johan Merikovich.||Found guilty by Magistrate Sokolov, executed.||The magistrate accepted that the accused felt motivated by Loyalty and acknowledged the duress, but the murder of an Imperial citizen was not considered proportionate to the threats made, considering no attempt had been made to seek due process or assistance from the Magistrates or Militia.
|-
|Assault<br>Contempt of Court<br>Perverting the Course of Justice||The accused assaulted a Dawnish noble; then, at their trial, made every effort to disrupt their trial and prevent it from occurring. They were warned, fined for contempt, and when they continued to be disruptive were further warned that perverting justice carries the death penalty.||Gwillam<br>Aelfric of Dawn<br>both refused to enter any plea.||Found guilty by Magistrate Sokolov, executed.||The trial was incomplete as a result of the refusal of the defendants to allow it to continue. Magistrate Sokolov issued a summary verdict after making every effort to conduct the trial appropriately.
|-
|Murder||The accused murdered four people in Dunfirth, apparently while under the influence of a curse linked to a runemarked boulder.||Thurwolf Dunning pled guilty, with a clemency plea made by Veikko Bondforger.||Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, executed.||The clemency plea focused on the apparent compulsion from the curse. The magistrate rejected the plea on the basis that Thurwolf showed awareness and decisionmaking ability.
|-
|Blasphemy<br>Abuse of Powers||The accused used True Liao to hallow a shield to the Virtue of Peace; in addition, he was dedicated at various times to each of the known False Virtues and produced a large number of hallowed items under these dedications.||Fintan Nighthaven pled guilty, with a clemency plea made by Rafael Barossa d’Apulian.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra. Executed.||Fintan was condemned in the Summer by [[387YE Summer Solstice Synod judgements#Judgement 260|Judgement 260]]. While the clemency plea was strong in many areas, it did not account for the totality of Fintan’s actions, and the raising priest for the condemnation emphasised the great harm done to the Empire and to the Synod’s authority by the accused’s actions.
|-
|Murder<br>(Attempted)||The accused attacked the Imperial Censor, Gaius Starfall i Riqueza, with apparent intent to kill. The accused offered no motivation for their actions.||Brawn of Dawn<br>Abraham<br>both pled guilty.||Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, executed.||
|-
|Assault||Gisli Baersson was attacked by the accused, who claimed his motive was ‘boredom’ and ‘thrill-seeking’.||Julius i Rincon i Riqueza pled guilty.||Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, fined 8 thrones and a Freezing Brand of Irremais to be applied at accused’s cost. Executed after stated refusal to pay any fine.||Julius was warned that refusal to engage with the punishment at all would likely lead to execution, but he continued to refuse to pay any fine at all and was executed.
|-
|Possession of controlled substance||The accused cooperated to brew the illegal poison The Crimson Gate, in order to poison a nest of Ettercaps in Therunin.||Gwynn Springseeker<br>Ilya Aethelwynn<br>Crenalin Oakvale<br>Aalin Oakvale<br>Franceslodi Tassato di Sarvos i Pesse<br>Atticus Reachingvine<br>Ursina i Garza i Guerra<br>Bertrand Gardener<br>Ascalla Maisa<br>Wren Embercast<br>Esme i Estrico i Erigo<br>all pled guilty with a Wisdom clemency plea by Pio i Vega i Riqueza.||Found guilty by Magistrate Farkas, fined one crown each.||The punishment was greatly reduced due to the nature of the crime being for the benefit of the Empire, and the strong clemency plea.
|-
|Possession of controlled substance||The accused cooperated to brew a number of illegal poisons in order to poison kraken eggs in Zenith during a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate.||Fourteen citizens pled guilty, with clemency pleas by three priests.||Found guilty by Magistrate Farkas, fined five rings each.||These notes are incomplete, due to substantial water damage rendering them unreadable. If you are aware of the names of those convicted or offering clemency pleas, contact the Civil Service.

The Magistrate issued personal thanks and praise to the accused, on the basis of their excellent and difficult service in support of the Imperial interest in Zenith against the Druj.
|-
|Treason<br>Breaching Interdiction||The accused communicated with an Eternal under enmity, the Whisper Gallery, using an interdicted ritual that communicates with the Gallery, and were accused of making deals with the Gallery. Eliina did not cast the forbidden ritual, but knew about Bella’s actions and encouraged them. At the time, Eliina was Archmage of Night. Bella has since replaced her.||Bella Vincente d’Apulian<br>Eliina “Realm’s Visionary” Lailasdottir pled guilty, with a clemency plea for Bella made by Dagon, Cardinal of Loyalty, and a clemency plea for Eliina, whose priest is not recorded.||Found guilty by Magistrate Stillwater, fined 8 thrones collectively.||Although execution was considered, the clemency pleas were very strong and there was a successful argument that the contact was in service of saving the lives of Imperial citizens.

Eliina changed name and nation before the trial, but the name given is as it was at the time of the crimes and investigation.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Civil Case
! scope="col" style="width: 35%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Parties
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Outcome
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 387YE Civil Cases
|-
|Contract dispute||The claimant engaged in a contract with the Artisans’ Guild by which he would deposit materials, which the Artisans’ Guild would pass on to an artisan, who would make a desired item. The artisan, Aspasia Netherwatch, did not deliver the item after receiving materials. Contractually, the Guild was not liable for the materials but were responsible for assisting Jacques in retrieving his materials from the artisan, potentially until the end of time due to the lack of an appropriate break-clause. Jacques wanted his materials back; the Guild wanted to be free of their obligation.||Jacques Damask, represented by Savi Avvocato<br>and<br>Xanthius Stormsend, representing the Artisans’ Guild||Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra assisted the parties in negotiating a settlement. Jacques agreed to discharge the Guild from its obligations to help him in exchange for 7 thrones and 2 crowns.||Savi Avvocato also claimed to be helping the Artisans’ Guild to rewrite its contracts for future work. Jacques did not seem concerned by potential conflicts of interest.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 387YE Criminal Cases
|-
|Poisoning<br>Murder||The accused poisoned Jacko, an Academy tutor, during a potions class, with the Hunger of the Wolf. It took effect during a conjunction, and the students cut down Jacko; he then died from the poison. Students were deputised to investigate, and accused Laszlo von Holberg, who made a full confession.||Laszlo von Holberg pled guilty.||Found guilty by Magistrate i Zuhri i Erigo, executed.||The deputies Deerlah Yrhara, Inga Svensborn, and Oola Dunning, are commended for their investigative work.
|-
|Murder||The accused discovered that Earl Tadhg of House Gladewarden wrote to the Howling Queen in an effort to ′become a new Deadwood Knight′. The accused went with others to intervene and stop Tadhg, but the Earl attacked and although struck down vowed that he would not stop his efforts. The accused killed him to try and prevent this.|| Dorian Gryphontale pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty made by the Earl of Fools.||Found guilty by Magistrate Stillwater, fined five thrones.||The circumstances of the situation fit the Hero's Burden very clearly, as well as being in the Imperial interest; the clemency plea was also very convincing and although the penalty for murder can be as high as execution, it was reduced to a fine.
|-
|Treason||The accused collaborated with the Jotun following the Bregasland invasion of 383-384YE, along with his family, informing on their neighbours. They were rewarded for this. He escaped from militia bringing him to trial in Winter 385. He handed himself in in return for Imperial heroes rescuing his family from Jotun captivity.||Sammy Clake pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty made by Father Edmund of Barrowley Abbey.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, executed.||Although the priest argued that when faced with a hard choice Sammy chose to protect his family, the magistrate determined that his actions caused disproportionate harm to his neighbours and to the Empire.<br>The magistrates deemed it not in the Imperial interest to prosecute the remaining Clakes.
|-
|Membership of an Illegal Organisation<br>Resisting Arrest<br>Assault || The accused confessed during an Inquisition to being a member of the Cult of the Falconer. They resisted arrest and stabbed Ethelfrith Sigeling.||Kaisa Sewn-Tongue pled guilty.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, fined six thrones and four crowns; not paid, executed.||No priest was willing to plead clemency for the accused. Kaisa refused outright to pay the fine, and was executed as a result.
|-
|Membership of an Illegal Organisation||The accused confessed to being a member of the Cult of the Falconer.||Finn Starchaser pled guilty.||Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, fined five thrones; not paid, executed.|| No priest was willing to plead clemency for the accused. Finn refused outright to pay the fine, and was executed as a result.
|-
|Assault||While standing in the Hub, the accused ferociously attacked an unarmed orc merchant from Beoraidh, a city of foreigners, following a verbal altercation.||Stonesworn Skegg pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the virtues of Loyalty and Pride made by Finna, Ambassador to the Grendel.||Found guilty by Magistrate Sokolov, fined one throne.||A charge of attempted murder was initially considered, due to the intensity of the attack, but was discarded because of inconsistencies in witness statements.<br>The Clemency plea argued that the accused was provoked, and was compelled by virtue to act, but the magistrate determined that the act lacked urgency, proportionality and the exhaustion of legal options. The fine was somewhat reduced due to the plea and the accused's extensive cooperation and lack of prior criminality.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Civil Case
! scope="col" style="width: 35%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Parties
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Outcome
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 387YE Civil Cases
|-
|Inheritance||Laszlo Gulyas von Temeschwar bought the Regario Dossier in Spring 386YE for sixty thrones, but was killed in the Autumn of that year. Therefore a refund of fifteen thrones was due to his inheritor. Prince Marcus presented a will signed by Laszlo entitling the Sea Wolves to his estate, but Damiàn presented a contract signed subsequently by Laszlo entitling them to any refund due if Laszlo's term ended early. The signatures matched and both documents were deemed genuine.||Prince Marcus von Temeschwar of the Sea Wolves<br>and<br>Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo, Ambassador to Jarm||Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra judged that Laszlo's will entitled Prince Marcus to the money, but this could not be disentangled from the contractual obligation to Damiàn—so Prince Marcus also owed Damiàn fifteen thrones.||Prince Marcus requested that the Civil Service deliver the money directly to Damiàn in order to simplify the discharging of the debt.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 387YE
|-
| Treason || The accused confessed to paying a ritualist, now deceased, to invoke Yaw'nagrah, an Eternal under enmity, to gain boons in a casting of Blessing of New Spring on her farm. The accused was also identified in a Silent Bell report. || Courgetta i Rincon i Guerra pled guilty with a clemency plea on the Virtues of Ambition, Pride and Prosperity by Emberic Ashsong || Found guilty by Chief Magistrate Karkovich, fined ten thrones. || The punishment was reduced from execution due to the Prosperous nature of the act, and the relatively low level of harm to the Empire.
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || The two accused, from Faraden, came to Anvil with a list of targets they admitted intending to kill, and heretical pamphlets on Justice to hand out. They attacked Jared, the Champion of Vigilance. || Zorilgo and Uildel of Faraden pled guilty. || Found guilty by Magistrate de Remourics, executed.
|-
| Murder || Ren Tanner was a captain of a military unit who participated in the illegal attack on the Rahvin at the Fangs one season ago. He was not present at that summit to be tried. The Court Reports from Winter 386YE have details of the attack. || Ren Tanner pled not guilty. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, executed || Tanner claimed at trial that he was coerced by being threatened with Inquisition, and with a threat made against his life if he did not follow through with his oath of Loyalty. He also claimed genuine contrition and good character. The Magistrate judged that these matters, though meriting consideration, didn't justify reducing the sentence in light of the scale of the crime.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || The accused, who is the Captain of the Senate Guard, had ejected Solomon, Senator for Casinea, from the Senate because of an aura of unidentified origin. The Senator was thus deprived of the right to speak and vote for an entire session. || Arthur Bannerman, known as 'Bam Bam', pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the Virtue of Vigilance made by Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, the Throne, using the Mercy of the Empress. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, fined twenty thrones. || This was judged to be one of the most serious cases of subverting the agencies of the state and thus required a heavy fine. Empress Vesna made a clemency plea citing Bannerman's virtuous motivations and the events leading up to this illegal ejection. It was found that this did not outweigh the crime, but did warrant a reduction of the fine from thirty thrones.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || In Winter 386YE, the Senators Hal Talbot and Johnny Tailor, as well as Ulrich, the proxy for Senator Bregasland, made several appointments after Mournwold was assigned to the Marches but before a Senator was elected. They incorrectly stated to the Civil Service that their decisions were unanimous. || Hal Talbot - Senator Mitwold, Johnny Tailor - Senator Upwold, and Ulrich all pled guilty. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller. Hal Talbot was fined one throne, Johnny Tailor was fined three thrones, Ulrich was fined five thrones. || The defendants claimed genuine error. This was accepted by the Magistrate and relatively low fines were issued in consequence. The accused received fines in proportion to their claimed levels of experience in the Senate.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || Due to an administrative error, the accused was able to submit a motion to Senate without it going through the proper channels for scrutiny. The error was found before Senate was in session. || Protectorate Thenrik, Legion Engineer, pled guilty. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller. Fined one throne. || Due to no significant advantage or disadvantage being given to anybody after the error was discovered, and the Magistrate being satisfied that this was a genuine error, a low fine was levied.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || At the summit of Winter 386YE, Senator Zenith struck down Pickers Goldleaf, Citizens' Voice, while Pickers was making use of his power in Senate. The title had been legitimately purchased, so this represented a denial of the rights of speaking associated with that title, by use of force. || Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Senator Zenith, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the Virtue of Vigilance made by Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer. || Found guilty by Magistrate Tiller, fined five thrones. || This was an extremely serious case of Subversion, for which a high fine was warranted. A detailed clemency was given, citing Vigilance, in particular the impression that Goldleaf had claimed that he had not only committed treason but was about to commit further treason on leaving the Senate. The clemency also stated that the accused had reason to believe nobody else was taking the statement seriously, and that if he did not take action Goldleaf would be permitted to leave to conduct the further treason. Taking the clemency and context into account, the Magistrate reduced the fine down from twenty thrones.
|-
| Assault || The accused attacked Mel Bleak and other Spring ritualists for calling on the power of the Claw to enhance their rituals, having heard reports from the Astral Arcanist and Custodian of the Lost that such rituals were empowering a malign entity known as the Falconer. Conclave was at the time debating the interdiction of this practice, but the interdiction had not yet come into effect. || Bernard Dugdale and Artis Greyholm pled guilty, with a clemency plea on the virtue of Vigilance made by Kezandro i Riqueza. || Found guilty by Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra, fined two crowns each. || The fears of the accused seemed well-founded, and the clemency priest established timeliness, a lack of available legal process, and the proportionality of the action with a minimum of force used. The fine was halved from four crowns each.
|-
| Treason || The accused was alleged to have passed information to the Grendel, which led to a direct threat to the life of an Imperial citizen, Sorcha di Apulian. || Raine Tealeaf pled not guilty. || Found not guilty by Magistrate Tiller. || The evidence available was not strong enough to clearly show that Raine Tealeaf had committed treason, and there were no avenues available to pursue further evidence.
|-
| Assault <br>Resisting arrest || The accused was alleged to have assaulted passers-by on the road between the Wintermark and Navarr camps, fleeing into Navarr when pursued. He fought off Militia attempting to arrest him, and tried to escape many times once captured, amounting to four charges of assault and one of resisting arrest. || Tilla of House Ironclaw pled guilty with a clemency plea. || Found guilty of by Magistrate i Zuhri i Erigo, fined eight thrones and four crowns.<br> Tilla refused to pay the fine, and was executed. || The fine was very high because each time the accused was subdued, he made another effort to attack those around him. The Magistrate chose to compound the assault fines. After the verdict, the accused refused vehemently to pay the fine on principle, and clearly stated that he would never pay the fine, even when warned that this would lead to execution. <br><br> When he continued to refuse the fine, he was executed.
|-
|}

==Reports from 386YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 386YE
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted with a blade Grud, Egregore of the Imperial Orcs, after the victim correctly predicted the death of the accused’s partner in battle. Bloodcrow Kren witnessed the assault. || Lady Griffinsbain, Egregore of Dawn pled guilty || Found guilty by Magistrate Brutus, fined two crowns || The fine was low because of the victim’s provocations.
|-
| Assault || The accused (a priest), and two other priests, performed an Insight on the victim, Hugh Farrier. They reported finding a strong Aura of Hate. Hugh became aggressive. The accused struck Hugh and ran away, before being cut down by other Marchers, Thomas Oak and Sebastian Shaw. || Stanus Emberclad pled not guilty || Found not guilty by Magistrate Brutus || The accused claimed self-defence based on the victim’s aggressive behaviour. The Magistrate accepted this argument.
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || The accused attacked Bernard Dugdale, Imperial Spymaster, in the Hall of Worlds, knocking him to the floor before stabbing him several times. He did not stop his attack until he was pulled away. The accused claimed that the Spymaster struck the first blow, and that he dropped his knife and retreated after downing the Spymaster, but was contradicted by witnesses Jim Cladpole and Linley Weaver. || Watt Lambrook pled not guilty || Found not guilty of an attempt to murder, but found guilty of assault, by Magistrate i Zuhri i Erigo, fined 2th || The Magistrate did not ultimately judge this to be a serious attempt to murder, because the attack happened in front of a number of capable witnesses. The fine was increased because this was the second time that the criminal had committed assault against the victim.
|-
| Murder || The accused, a Thule orc, confessed to murdering at least a dozen Imperial citizens over the last year in Sermersuaq, in order to serve the interests of Blood-on-the-Snow. He was caught because his group of magicians, the Dragon’s Talon, cooperated with members of the Vigilance assembly to investigate and trap him. Investigation allegedly revealed that he bore the Mark of his patron. He made a full confession of his crimes. || Frekki Shardbearer pled guilty || Found guilty of murder by Chief Magistrate i Zuhri i Guerra, executed || The accusers were not willing to name the individual who had detected the Mark of the Howler. However, the confession was full and comprehensive, and there did not appear to be any motive for the accused to invent or fabricate the confession.
|-
| Murder || The first accused, Jade, confronted the victim – Aramis du Froste, Senator Barrens – in the Glory Square. After a short conversation, she stabbed and then attempted to execute Senator Barrens, but was interrupted by the Fool of Glory trying to render assistance to the Senator. The second accused, Arnulf, attacked the Fool and a physick, Isolde, who had also come to help the Senator. This allowed Jade to make a second, successful attempt at slaying the Senator, after which the accused, both yeofolk of House Wolfborne, immediately sought Sanctuary nearby. || Jade and Arnulf both pled guilty with a clemency plea on the Virtue of Loyalty, presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Both found guilty of murder by Magistrate Brutus, executed. || The plea for Jade was based on Loyalty to House Wolfborne, but lacked any substantial detail. In Arnulf’s clemency plea, based on Loyalty to Jade, it was argued that Arnulf did not directly attack the Senator, and was trying to defend Jade from those coming to aid the Senator. However, the Magistrate found that it was his efforts that gave Jade the opportunity to finish her murder, which was clearly visible to everyone around, and therefore Arnulf was regarded as a knowing and willing participant.
|-
| Murder || The accused - Archavion Wolfborne, General Gryphon's Pride - at Autumn 386 gave his army orders to attack the Rahvin sept at the Fangs mine in Bitter Strand, the Barrens. The Rahvin are foreigners and protected by Imperial law. Some Rahvin were killed in the attack, and the army orders were clear that Rahvin casualties were acceptable in claiming the mine. || Archavion Wolfborne, General Gryphon's Pride, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the Virtue of Vigilance presented by Kasimir Vukovitch von Temeschwar. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea, on Vigilance, had strengths. It was not enough to overcome the seriousness of the crime; it was undercut by the lack of urgency - there was no evidence of an imminent Rahvin attack - and by a failure to exhaust legal remedies, such as by seeking a Senate declaration of war. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The accused were all military unit captains who ordered their soldiers to support the Gryphon's Pride army in attacking the Rahvin at the Fangs mine in Bitter Strand, the Barrens. The Rahvin are foreigners and protected by Imperial law; by the time the Gryphon's Pride orders became public there was also an opportunity for Imperial captains to defend the Rahvin - therefore, these military units were also attacking Imperial citizens. Some Rahvin were killed in the attack, and the army orders were clear that Rahvin casualties were acceptable in claiming the mine. || Madoc, Roland, Sir Pelinal, and Ulfius, all of House Medwood, pled guilty with a single clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty presented by Sir Decimus of House de Bastion. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea relied mainly on Loyalty to the nation following the guidance of the Earls' Council. However, there was no clear explanation why they ignored the two-season grace period suggested by the Council. They also argued that the army was already on the way, so they could not stop it - but this did not explain or justify joining in the attack. The condemned were offered immediate execution or death in battle. They chose the latter, and were killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Vincent Larmallevés pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Prosperity presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea, founded on Prosperity, was based on ideas of 'stolen' 'Imperial' mithril - although the mine had never been assigned by the Senate to any nation or as an Imperial seat - and on an unexplained precept that waiting would have 'cost Imperial lives'. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Ancon, of House Wolfborne, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea rested on personal Loyalty to General Gryphon’s Pride, who saved the accused’s life, after which he always supported the General and his army. However, there was no explanation for how the Rahvin posed a threat to the General for which this was a proportionate response, or why this personal Loyalty specifically justified murder. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Ollanius Pius, of House Wolfborne, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Vigilance presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The basis of the plea was that the accused believed the Rahvin had the mithril to equip an army, and there was no time to solve the issue with diplomacy, but could not explain why the army alone was insufficient and his personal military unit support was required. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Owain, of House Wolfborne, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Vigilance presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The basis of the plea was that it was necessary to deny resources to the enemy, citing the example of Berechiah, and that taking the mine and the mithril would ultimately save Imperial lives. However, the plea did
not justify the belief that the Rahvin, who were foreigners, were enemies of the Empire, nor that their actions would cause Imperial deaths. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Dufenal Ash, of the Marches, pled guilty with no clemency. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose execution.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Eric, of House Orzel, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty presented by Veikko Bondforger. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The basis of the plea was personal loyalty to Archavion. The clemency priest noted that the crime was not proportionate to the situation, and that the accused had not attempted to seek legal recourse because he had a low regard for the political process. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Lucius Pannonicus, of House Asterion, pled guilty with a clemency plea on the virtue of Loyalty presented by Pontius Emberclad, Curator of the White City Museum. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The basis of the plea was personal
loyalty to Archavion. It justified the actions of the accused on the basis that the army was already on its way to attack the Rahvin, but failed to explain why the assistance of the accused’s military unit was necessary or why murder was a proportionate act. The condemned was offered immediate execution or death in battle. He chose the latter, and was killed in battle the following day.
|-
| Murder || The facts are as stated previously, in the case of House Medwood, above. || Lodwick Hardin, of Wintermark, pled guilty with a clemency plea that was subsequently withdrawn by the priest, Pontius Emberclad. || Found guilty of murder by Magistrate Tiller, sentenced to death. || The clemency plea was withdrawn after the accused attempted to flee the trial. He was not given the choice of execution or death in battle like the others tried alongside him; he was executed immediately.
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 386YE
|-
| Criminal damage <br>Theft || The accused handed themselves in having attempted to steal an item hallowed to a false virtue from the Cardinal of Ambition, Viviane Barossa di Tassato Regario. Their aim was to re-hallow this item to replace its aura with a virtuous one. || Lenarius Ankarien, Imperial Inquisitor, pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment. ||A clemency plea was made by Gaelen Embercast on the grounds of Loyalty. <br>The presiding magistrate accepted that the accused had acted in the Imperial interest, out of Loyalty to their friend and out of concern for her spiritual health and that of other followers of the Way, especially considering the oath made by the Cardinal to the Axou regarding the item.
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || Tao of the Marches employed Willem and Janeth Thatch to help him murder Skywise Gralka, Archmage Day. They shadowed Gralka, and in due course donned sackcloth masks, then attacked her, using at least one envenomed weapon. However, Archmage Day had previously noticed she was being followed, and had alerted the Militia, leading to the defeat and capture of the accused. <br>Willem and Janeth claimed in their defence that they were unaware that a crime was about to be committed, despite having put on masks to conceal their identities. || Tao of the Marches pleaded guilty with no clemency. Willem and Janeth Thatch both pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br> All were executed. <br> Tao rose up as a husk, and was immediately killed again. || The presiding magistrate discarded the defence offered by the accused, as they had shown clear signs of preparation and premeditation.
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || The accused attempted to murder Captain Cassie, Imperial Censor, several times, including (on the final occasion) just outside the Militia offices. When questioned the accused stated that they were under contract to kill the Censor. Furthermore, the accused stated a belief that the Censor was corrupt and deserved to die. They refused to reveal who contracted this assassination and said if given the opportunity they would try to kill her again. || Desbresa, of the Star Bar, pleaded guilty, with no clemency plea. || Guilty. <br>Executed. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Zadkiel de Coeurdefer with the intent of removing an item hallowed to the malign spiritual presence of Peace, purportedly out of concern for the victim’s spiritual health. Magistrate Sokolov supervised a weregild hearing between the two parties, with the accused, Vitore Von Temeschwar agreeing to pay a weregild of one throne to the victim. || Vittore von Temeschwar pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>One throne paid to the victim as a weregild. ||
|-
| Murder <br>(attempted) || The accused attacked Warrant Officer Orin of the Anvil Militia with an envenomed weapon, in an unprovoked attack, outside the offices of the Anvil Militia. || Jobb of Wintermark pleaded guilty with no clemency plea. || Guilty. <br>Executed. || Although the public nature of the attack meant that the victim was relatively unlikely to die, the use of an envenomed blade and the accused’s subsequent aggressive behaviour delayed timely medical intervention to the envenomed victim thus placing their life in jeopardy; the accused was therefore charged with attempted Murder rather than Assault.
|-
| Assault || The accused, Sulkavaris, the Wintermark Egregore, handed themself in and confessed to assaulting Grud-who-Thinks, the Egregore of the Imperial Orcs. The accused said they had argued with Grud because he had been spreading lies and false prophecies, causing great distress to the accused's sibling. The accused lost his temper and struck Grud with a weapon. || Sulkavaris pleaded guilty with no clemency plea. || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused, Agni Ashborn, confessed to poisoning Sicaro, Prince of the Crimson Reapers, on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice 386YE. She held a longstanding grudge against him because she held him responsible for the deaths of Gelert and Gaius Ashborn in battle, through his inaction. After killing Sicaro, she took his signet ring and sent a taunting message to the new Prince of the Crimson Reapers. || Agni Ashborn pleaded guilty without a clemency plea. || Guilty. <br>Executed.
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State <br>(attempted) <br>Trade of narcotics to the Iron Confederacy <br>(attempted) || The accused, Beauregarthe, attempted to prevent Ambassador Iron Confederacy, Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo, from meeting with two Suranni priests. When arrested, the accused was carrying a narcotic, but there was no evidence of any intent to carry it over the Suranni border. || Beauregarthe, a citizen of the Iron Confederacy, pleaded guilty to subversion, and not guilty to trade of narcotics. <br>A clemency plea for subversion was given on the grounds of Vigilance by Ira Ashes Blaze. || Found guilty of subversion and not guilty of trade in narcotics, by Chief Magistrate Karkovich. <br>Fined five thrones. || The clemency plea argued that the accused was acting to prevent a clear threat to the people they were looking after, which only they knew about, and so was compelled to act. However, it was not made clear how preventing the Ambassador from meeting with the Suranni was for the greater good.
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 386YE
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || At the Spring summit Skywise Tulva enlisted Redhand Tutt to impersonate a Priest, Redhand Ikis in order to obtain primacy on [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_210|judgement #210]]. This judgement was to encourage those people based in Pakaanan’s Pass to evacuate from the threat of the Cold Sun. The evidence suggested that a few dozen lives were saved as a result. || Skywise Tulva pleaded guilty.<br> Redhand Tutt pleaded guilty. || Both were found guilty.<br>They were jointly fined thirty thrones and each subjected to a [[Freezing Brand of Irremais]] at their own expense. They were also denounced by the presiding magistrate. || A clemency plea was made on the grounds of Loyalty.<br>Magistrate Sokolov's denunciation was as follows: “I, Magistrate Kasimir Nikovitch Sokolov denounce this dishonest impersonation of a member of Synod, which affected the outcome of a judgement. To allow this to pass without sanction would undermine the bond of trust between the Civil Service and the Synod for it threatens the spiritual health of all followers of the Way. I request the Imperial Inquisitor to investigate the guilty with a view to an appropriate sanction or penance proportionate to the severity of their actions.”
|-
| Treason || The accused left Anvil through the Gate following a lead to obtain a weapon to use against the Deadwood Knight. On arrival they were met by a herald. Once it was ascertained that this was a herald of the Whisper Gallery, Velko and Ivana left immediately without further interaction. The remainder agreed each to share a secret with the Herald, in return for the location of the sword they sought. When they returned they handed themselves in and cooperated fully. At trial the accused agreed to share publicly the secrets they shared with the herald, both to ascertain the danger these secrets represented and to rob them of some of their value to the Whisper Gallery. || The accused all pleaded guilty. They were as follows: Velko Perovitch Razoradze, Twig, and Ivana Petara Vodjavic, all of Varushka; Lord Leonard Gildeson, Hypatia de Cendres, Alistair de Vere, Marigold Campaner, Aubin Gildaryn, Olwyn Pickle, and Oswald Hopper, all of Dawn. || Velko Perovitch Razoradze and Ivana Petara Vodjavic were found not guilty. The remainder were found guilty, and fined one throne each. || A clemency plea was made by Annabelle Cetelle on the grounds of Loyalty and Wisdom.<br>The magistrate found the accused to have acted Loyally and out of a sense of urgency and concern for the current and future victims of the Deadwood Knight.
|-
| Murder || Witnesses testified that the accused led a group to [[Miekarova#Miechernya|Miechernya]] in Winter 384YE, where they murdered a group of Varushkan wardens on a pre-arranged signal. A couple of seasons later, a Thule warlock used [[Whispers_through_the_Black_Gate|the Black Gate]] to summon the shade of one of the victims and questioned it in front of other witnesses, whereupon it reportedly confirmed this version of events. The accused argued both that they thought that these were Vyig rather than wardens, and that this situation had been engineered by the Thule as part of a plot. || Alderei the Fair, General of the Iron Helms, and Vedmid, of Carrion Vale, both pleaded not guilty. || Both were found not guilty. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused, Gideon Rookguard, and the victim, Sina Rookguard, were both out drinking together. The accused became upset when the victim picked him up to show her strength and he spilt his drink. He saw red and attacked her, stabbing her until she fell down in front of many witnesses. || Gideon Rookguard pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Timor of Ill Tidings on the grounds of Vigilance.
|-
| Treason || At the Autumn 385 summit Sally Thresher was in charge of a conjunction to go to Mitwold where a group of Siakha heralds were harassing locals to try and get them to fight. She received advice from Guildenstern that they would be able to leave unharmed if they did not agree to a fight. However, they were attacked and swiftly dropped despite not agreeing to a fight. Sally was given the choice to either have herself and all those with her devoured by the heralds or give her permission for them to hunt citizens in Mitwold. She gave her permission so that she and those that went with her could live. Immediately afterwards, she did everything she could to warn the Marches of the coming danger, and which undoubtedly saved many who would otherwise have died. The heralds killed 30 members of the Drakes and the entirety of the Wayford Wanderers foot-the-ball team. || Sally Thresher pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment was given. || A clemency plea was made by John Sawyer on the grounds of Loyalty.
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 40%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 386YE
|-
| Blasphemy and heresy || The accused was condemned in Winter 385 ([[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_193|judgement #193]]) for publishing poetry and preaching on the subject of freedom in a manner judged to be blasphemous and heretical. The sentence was lenient, because of 1) the direction given by the condemning priest and 2) the evidence of actual harm caused was slight. || Kennett the Mummer pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br> Fined four thrones. || The condemning priest was Sam Wych-Elm. A clemency plea was made by Jedediah Boon on grounds of Pride.
|-
| Slavery || The accused presented an opportunity to the Military Council to purchase slaves for emancipation from the Grendel in Winter 385. This was in clear contravention of the law against purchasing non-imperial slaves. || Atraxes the Imperial War Scout pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Fined ten thrones. || Atraxes had already stood down as War Scout
|-
| Subverting the Agencies of the State || The accused forced the Sentinel Gate for a minor conjunction without the permission of the person named responsible by the Civil Service, who was Mortarion Carver, Castellan of Spiral Castle. The skirmish in question was to defeat the *Broken Errant* and their warband, who were threatening Weirwater. The crime was witnessed by Algernon Berinore. The accused first asked the permission of the Castellan, and was refused, before passing through the Sentinel Gate regardless. The senator's clemency defence was weakened as he was unable to explain why he thought the defence organised by the Castellan would be insufficient. Given his clearly admitted intent, and the graveness of a senator illegally impinging on the rightful responsibilities of another, the crime was treated very seriously. || Ser Lucan Mortére, Senator Weirwater, pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Fined fifteen thrones. || A clemency plea by Killian Mortére on grounds of Ambition
|-
| Assault (Leo), Assault and Mayhem (Tongs) || Syrio of la Berta Rossa, formerly of the family Barossa, was attacked by the two accused, when returning through the Sentinel Gate. Gabriel, Marcus and Rodrigo Barossa were also reported to be present. The victim was said to have sent Tongs a cursed necklace, causing her to commit harm to her loved ones. Tongs and Syrio attempted to fight each other; Leo Barossa made an effort to hold back Syrio while Gabriel Barossa tried to restrain Tongs. Leo was more successful, but only by attacking Syrio. Tongs struck down Syrio and carved a message into his arm, which persisted after healing. || Leo Barossa, Samantha 'Tongs' Barossa both pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Leo was fined one crown.<br>Tongs was fined ten thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Alfredo Barossa di Tassato on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Treason || The accused approached the proxy for the Grandmaster of the Unfettered Mind and requested a casting of the Spring ritual *Merciless Wrath of the Reaver*, with the Boon of Siakha. This was an offer made by the Maelstrom to grant additional effects to the ritual; however, the Empress of Sharks was under enmity and so the taking-up of such a boon would be treasonous. The accused returned the following day to make the request again, at which time the proxy Grandmaster was accompanied by two militia officers posing as coven members. Once the accused had paid over the mana crystals and tempest jade required for the ritual, he was arrested. He pled guilty, and under questioning at trial established that he had made no effort whatsoever to seek a legal route to perform the ritual; it was also established that he made no effort to seek alternate paths to Prosperity for himself or his military unit. He had clear advance warning from the Civil Service about the illegal nature of the ritual. Between this and his returning on the second day for the ritual, he had clear intent. As a result, he was sentenced to execution. || Whisper pleaded guilty .|| Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Rhisiart Dancewalker on grounds of Prosperity.
|-
| Murder || The accused were all involved in planning and organising a series of murders of Grendel rivals and subordinates of (then) Salt Lord Kalliact which took place in Spiral in Autumn and Winter 384YE. The purpose of these murders was to clear the way for Kalliact to make a treaty with the Senate for Spiral to rejoin the Empire. Kalliact was the originator of the plan, Lachlan presented the plan to the Imperial conspirators. The imperials all helped to plan or coordinate the two missions, with Andronikos also being present on the missions.<br> At trial the accused all argued that their actions, while illegal, were strongly in the Imperial interest and that it had resulted in the return of Spiral to the Empire. As a matter of law magistrates are required to take into account the Imperial interest as a factor in sentencing and accepted that the Imperial interest had been served in this case. It is to be noted that the leadership of the missions themselves, by Hector of Tropaion Citadel, were subject to significantly more judicial criticism due to the way in which they were actually carried out. || Merchant Prince Kalliact, Lachlan Apulian, Imperial Consul Jarrigk, Warmage Andronikos of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, and Spyridonakes of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros all pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>They were collectively fined 30 thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Rafael Barossa using the Imperial favour to claim the mercy of the Empress on behalf of Jarrigk, Andronikos and Spyridonakes on the grounds of Ambition.<br>A clemency plea was made by Estella Lucati for Kalliact on the grounds of Ambition.<br>A clemency plea was made by Lepidina for Lachlan on grounds of Prosperity.
|-
|}

==Reports from 385YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 385YE
|-
| Contravening a Declaration of Interdiction || The accused cast the interdicted ritual Whispering Shadow Courtiers at the request of her coven in Summer 385. She was not present at the Autumn summit but came to confess at the Winter summit. She cooperated fully and provided information on her coven. She did not complete any of the tasks set by the Whisper Gallery. || Cordelia Assumpta Cordina di Cello-Gribaldi pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty<br> Fined one throne ||
|-
| Treason || The accused was selling sausages, some of which were poisoned and others which were made with human meat and cursed by Blood on the Snow. The accused confessed to being a cultist of this eternal, by the sobriquet of “Voice in the Pines”. || Alphonse di Sausage of Voice in the Pines pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined all the money in their possession (249 rings) and then executed.||
|-
| Contravening a Declaration of Interdiction || The accused made and used an interdicted item, a Shackle of the Unvirtuous in order to allow him to sleep without nightmares. If he had not done so he would not have been able to function or to serve his people. He had explored many other avenues to avoid this crime. || Konstantin Bolotinikov pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Martin Orchard
|-
| Aiding and abetting Slavery || Vuk the Wolfeater was investigated for handing over a child of his vale to his sovereign. Persuasive testimony was heard from the adopted parents of General Ash, a child who returned from the care of this sovereign, having had a strange and magical apprenticeship and upbringing. All accounts were that Ash was strongly raised in virtue – a powerful indication that the arrangement was not one of slavery. || Vuk the Wolfeater attended a witness hearing. || It was determined that there is no case to answer. ||
|-
| Treason || The two accused were variously involved in the planning, facilitating and casting of Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths. This ritual, as a known and predictable effect, greatly increases the ease with which Day heralds of eternals not under Enmity can enter the Empire. Both accused admitted that at the time of the casting they knew this would permit easier access for the heralds of Cold Sun, which had declared and demonstrated its intent to attack the Empire, but the casting proceeded nevertheless. The accused therefore ‘aided Eternals [...] to act against the interests of the Empire’, in accordance with the definition of Treason. <br>Evidence and expert testimony from multiple sources including Grandmaster Shuttered Lantern, Proxy Archmage Day and Imperial Seer demonstrated that the accused had ample warning of the threat, that the accused Archmage Day passed up opportunities to declare Enmity against the threat, and that the accused pushed ahead without heed to the grave risks. <br> Both accused were fully cooperative with the investigation. The accused Anthemius Netherwatch, the ritual coordinator, had demonstrated contrition through his actions following the casting, most notably in having a Declaration of Sorcery brought forward against himself. This was taken into consideration for his sentencing. <br> large number of other covens and magicians of Urizen participated in the casting. They were also investigated, but they were not tried as the Magistrate determined that due to the assurances of the accused, the participants’ responsibility did not rise above the level of negligence. <br>At the request of Magistrate Tuomisbarn, the presiding Magistrate, a Denunciation was delivered by Magistrate Abraham against the Conclave and its leadership. Under the terms of the Imperial Constitution the Conclave exists to ‘ensure the fit and proper use of magic.’ The Conclave appointed Gralka as Archmage of Day, and passed a declaration encouraging the casting of Omnihedron rituals. After Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths was cast, the Conclave elected not to endorse the casting of the ritual, but also elected not to replace the Archmage. Abraham highlighted Conclave’s unique constitutional exemption from Synod oversight and the roots of that exemption in the early Empire’s belief that its Magicians could be trusted to regulate their own affairs. Abraham reminded the assembled, speaking as the Head of the Constitutional Court, that this was an exemption that was subject to change should the Senate will it and the Throne approve it. || Skywise Gralka, Archmage of Day, pleaded guilty <br>Anthemius Netherwatch Custodian of the Lost, pleaded guilty || Both were found guilty. <br>Skywise Gralka, was sentenced to a fine of 150 thrones (to be paid by midday Saturday of the Spring Equinox).<br> Anthemius Netherwatch was sentenced to a fine of 30 thrones || A clemency plea was made by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Arbiter of the Four Winds, on grounds of Ambition for Skywise Gralka. A clemency plea was made by Rafael Barossa di Apulian, Grandmaster Sevenfold Path, for Anthemius Netherwatch on ground of Pride.
|-
| Appeal against conviction for Subverting the agencies of the State || The conviction of Bohemond De Rondell for Subverting the agencies of the State in Autumn 385 was overturned on appeal. He was prosecuted for refusing to attend his inquisition but in fact this was his second inquisition of that summit and so he was not required in law to attend. || Bohemond De Rondell || The fine of eight thrones returned. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 385YE
|-
| Assault || The accused struck Archibald Flowers of House Castellan leaving him injured and in need of medical attention. The strike was the culmination of a disagreement between them regarding the Iron Helms. || Christafano of House Castellan pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined five crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Decimus Heywood of House De Britia
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Faewel Novoia after being insighted by him, striking him once with a spear. || Thane Skoll Shieldbane pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Attempted Murder || The accused attempted to murder Landon Harcomb. His motive was his belief that the victim had been involved in the recent bourse auction in which the prices were fixed. He wanted to send a message to the bourse before their next auction. || Percy Blackleaf pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined twenty five thrones and a Freezing Brand of Irremais at own expense. || A clemency plea was made by Lindeer Thornheart on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Murder || The accused assassinated Adòn 'The Mithril Man' Martàn in a front of a plethora of witnesses. They then ran to the Marches for sanctuary and assaulted their clemency priest before fleeing and then being arrested. || Winty and Wulf of Varushka both pleaded not guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Mass murder || The accused organised two missions through the Sentinel Gate to murder a total of thirty five foreigners (Grendel). The first mission was to kill some Grendel slavers and rescue some slaves. The slaves were former Urizen children made into child soldiers. When they tried to bring the children back the children resisted and so they executed them. Following the mission Hector concealed what happened and swore the others to secrecy. He then organised a second mission to kill a rival of Salt Lord Kalliact and their associates. They did so, executing them all, including some unknown humans who attempted to run. Note: Investigations to identify and prosecute others who are culpable for these murders are in progress. || Hector of Tropaion pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Vigilance, Courage and Loyalty.
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 385YE
|-
| Murder || The accused led a rescue mission into the Barrens to fight “tortured souls” – foreign humans twisted by the Druj. The accused expected to be able to take these people through the Sentinel Gate and when they could not ordered the execution of at least one foreigner who was under a powerful courage aura. Expert testimony from the High Exorcist confirmed that had the Druj recaptured the victim a dangerous force would have arisen. No punishment was levied because the magistrate judged that the accused had been placed in an impossible position. || Achseh of the Sentinel Tower and Jared of Sentinel Tower both pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Brother Jared
|-
| Mass murder || The accused was involved in a dispute with a family over a trinket. The accused bargained with a powerful magical entity in a lake in Weirwater to kill the person with the locket. However this deal lead to more and more deaths near the lake, ultimately killing everyone who remained in the town. || Arthur Fisher pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Theft || The first accused was caught by the militia while fleeing from the scene of their crime. They were found with a metallic apple in their possession that had been stolen from Owain Farkas. They implicated the second accused as having asked them to steal it. || (1) Brychan Stormbroke and (2) Trystan Whiteglade. Both pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Brand Thornfang agreed compensation with the victim of one throne and the magistrate accepted this arrangement ||
|-
| Possession and supply of controlled substances or item || The accused and her coven performed the Ephisis' Scale ritual, which returned eight doses of an unknown substance. As is their normal practice, they auctioned the dose on the condition that the buyer identify the substance and report back. The buyer paid one throne and later identified the substance as Bite. Sofia turned herself in at the Summer Solstice and surrendered the remaining seven doses. || Sofia i Del'Toro i Riqueza pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two thrones. || Sofia’s honesty provided the Militia with valuable information regarding a new source of Bite. The magistrates will provide her with a five throne reward.
|-
| Assault || The accused was bodyguarding Merchant Prince Kaliact when the victim, Ariadne approached too close to his principal. He warned her to step back but she did not (she was attempting issue a pronouncement of doom). He then struck her down by cleaving her leg in order to protect his principal. || Carado di Apulian pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Valentina Von Temeschwar on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Murder || A group of Marchers and Highborn went to Bregasland to meet with Bushell Sykes, a known traitor and confidante of Mathilda Fisher. Sykes was expecting a fight but the group instead requested a parley. After speaking at length in an attempt to turn him against Fisher, Sykes motioned towards a weapon at his hip, having stated that either he died there or continued his war against the Empire. Sykes called out to the accused to “do it” and the accused killed him. The presiding magistrate’s view was that there was some uncertainty over the legal status of Sykes and so held a trial to openly examine the evidence. || General Amberlain P. Black pleaded guilty || Found guilty at trial but no punishment was levied. Post script: Sykes was designated as a barbarian prior to the Spring 385YE summit for fighting for the Jotun, so in law General Amberlain is considered not guilty. || A clemency plea was made by Edmund of Barrowby
|-
| Assault || The accused was hired by three unknown Dawnish men to cleave the leg of a citizen whom they had a grudge against. The accused cleaved him in both the torso and chest, and told him not to come back through the labyrinth before leaving him. || Aaron Thornweaver pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one throne || A clemency plea was made by Neala Blackhawk on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Treason || The accused contacted the Whisper Gallery in a ritual and consulted with the eternal. Beinon states he did not know what was happening, however a number of witnesses corroborated that he was present during the ritual and knew exactly what was happening. || (1) Mila Jellick and (2) Beinon Tanglehorn. <br>Mila pleaded guilty <br>Beinon pleaded not guilty. || Both were found guilty. <br>Mila Jellick was fined six thrones.<br>Beinon was sentenced to death by execution. || A clemency plea was made for Mila Jellick on grounds of Courage
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 385YE
|-
| (1) Assault (twice) <br>(2) Subverting the agencies of the state, resisting arrest and contempt of court <br>(3) Subverting the agencies of the state, resisting arrest and contempt of court || During Marcher rough music at the Military Council Sam Wych was witnessed striking Constable Maximus of the Crystal Skies and Magistrate Avedon De Remourics with an implement, casting the paralyse spell. Allis Thorne and Sally Baker entered the Military Council and claimed right of witness. Allis is not a Synod member and has no right of witness. Sally and Allis were both excessively noisy, in breach of the legal requirements of witness. They were ordered to leave by the Herald of the Council. They refused to leave and told Magistrate Kuura Tuomisbarn to arrest them. Once they were arrested they were taken to the Militia tent where the rough music continued. They absconded in the confusion and evaded the pursuing militia long enough to claim sanctuary in the Marcher camp. Militia efforts to recover them after this time were rebuffed by the Marchers. Sam presented themself very late that night and the others the next day. || (1) Sam Wych pleaded guilty <br>(2) Allis Thorne pleaded guilty <br>(3) Sally Baker pleaded guilty to the first two charges and not guilty to contempt of court|| (1) Guilty. <br>Sentenced to a year long curse of the Dreamscape of the Endless Hunt (2) Guilty of the first two charges and not guilty of contempt of court <br>Sentenced to a year long curse of the Freezing Brand of Irremais (3) Guilty of the first two charges and not guilty of contempt of court. <br>Sentenced to a year long curse of the Freezing Brand of Irremais <br>They were all also fined 65 thrones for which they were jointly liable. || A clemency plea was made by Friar Rosemary Stamp on behalf of Sam Wych.<br> A clemency plea was made by Duncan Ashhill on behalf of Aliss Thorn.<br> A clemency plea was made by Jebediah Boon on behalf of Sally Baker<br>They were also required to pay the mana cost of their curses.
|-
| Supplying Bite and Treason (dealing with the Druj) || Following a lengthy undercover operation Lukash was arrested for dealing bite. When he was arrested a large amount of extremely incriminating correspondence between Lukash and the Vyig was found on his person. Lukash admitted being the leader of a group dealing bite. During the operation he had been witnessed leading this group and arranging for the purchase of bite. The correspondence showed that he was in League with both the Vyig and the Druj, and that the Vyig were using Drusila's Obelus as part of this arrangement. Lukash claimed that he was in fact working undercover for the militia all along. He claimed his handler was Victor, a former Head of Intelligence. However, Victor died many years ago and when challenged, Lukash admitted that he had not attempted to make contact with the militia during the intervening years. || Lukash Biessek von Temeschwar pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Father Drakov on the grounds of Courage.
|-
| Possession of Bite || Nico was witnessed in possession of one dose of bite, given to him by Lukash. || Nico von Temeschwar of the Crimson Reapers pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one throne ||
|-
| Dealing of Bite || A Cambion was selling bite in the Golden Goat in the League. The militia therefore followed up on this undercover. They purchased bite from the Cambion Aloysius di Sarvos of the league. The suspect revealed their supplier and returned with them for trial. || Aloysius di Sarvos and Julie, (last name not recorded, believed to be the sister of Patches). || Guilty<br>Each were fined two thrones. || A clemency plea was made on behalf of both on the grounds of Vigilance.
|-
| Contempt of Court || The Archmage refused to hand over a Crown of Agramant when ordered to do so. The crown is under interdiction due to the enmity of its maker. The basis of the clemency plea was that the crown was given during a parley with Wise Rangara and previously Rangara had blighted the Marches for spurning a gift, so voluntarily handing it over would risk similar consequences. The crown was removed from the Archmage and destroyed. || Ematius of the Library of Ankarien, Archmage of Winter, pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne || A clemency plea was made by Martin Orchard on the grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Idolatry || The accused, a vate, went on a conjunction to provide advice regarding heralds. There was a herald of Tharim who was holding a number of Marchers. Their release was secured but the life of the herald was in jeopardy and the accused interceded in order to allow the herald to leave. In doing so the accused offered their soul to the herald. This was refused by the herald, but they said they would accept their service instead. || Morwenna Withered Rose pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Sentenced to a year long curse of the Freezing Brand of Irremais || The condemning priest was Silas of the Cenotaph. A clemency plea was made by Brynn Tendfallen on the grounds of Loyalty.
|-
|}

==Reports from 384YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 384YE
|-
| Theft || The accused were contracted by the Di Tutamen family to go to Syrene’s Wisdom and collect magical water from there without leaving any witnesses. They collected a number of vials of water and while they were there rescued some miners who had been injured and trapped. They then reported what they had done to the militia. || Zoraida I Caballo and Corwyn I Cabello pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined three thrones || The fine was paid in compensation to the representative of the holder of Syrene’s Wisdom.
|-
| Murder || The accused executed a downed imperial citizen on the battlefield who was in the process of being arrested by the militia. This unknown citizen had been caught fighting alongside the Druj. There was no immediate threat posed by the victim and the Druj had already been pushed back from the immediate area. Furthermore the accused knew that the victim was an imperial citizen and acted anyway. || Finnan of Meliora in Dawn plead guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined 27 thrones which was paid into the Dawnish war chest via the egregore. || A clemency plea was made by Lady Caudine duLac on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Sorcery and treason || The accused was caught working alongside the Druj in the Barrens. He said that he made a deal with the Druj to avoid death . In return he provided information of hidden Imperial holdouts in the Barrens and used his Winter magic against the Empire. The accused was declared a sorcerer by the Conclave in Winter 380YE. || Renée de Loire plead guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Anabelle Beaugarden of House Castellan on grounds of Prosperity
|-
| Perverting the course of justice || The accused was witnessed interacting with the Whisper Gallery although it is unknown what was discussed. The accused’s memories relating to the Whisper Gallery were magically hidden or removed by either a Tulpa or ritual. The magistrate drew an adverse inference from the conduct of the accused - namely that they deliberately hid these memories to try to avoid justice. || Alfiar of Carta Noturno plead guilty || Guilty<br> Death by execution || A clemency plea was made by Genoveva Barossa di Tassato
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered a slave trader called Boriggard De Percy at a wedding outside of Anvil. The accused had arrested Boriggard after he admitted to trading slaves to the Druj. However, their position was overrun by Druj before he could be taken to the nearest magistrate. The accused was faced with the snap second decision to either let them go or execute them and chose the latter. || Gabriel Barossa plead guilty || Guilty.<br>Branded for a year with Freezing Brand of Irremais. || A clemency plea was made by Genoveva Barossa di Tassato
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 384YE
|-
| Idolatry || The condemned, an Asavean refugee, was accused of worshipping gods and refusing to convert to the way. The Court found that they had been private in their worship – just like the vast majority of foreigners present in the Empire. As no harm to the Empire was established, the punishment followed suit. || Legate Glaucia Heminia plead guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one ring. || A clemency plea was made by Skywise Rykana on grounds of Wisdom<br>The [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_31|condemnation]] was upheld during the Autumn Equinox 384YE
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Voidan Silou of Dawn with a weapon, striking him with a powerful blow. This was because the victim told his sister that House Orzell are dickheads. The fine was increased due both to his position and the fact he did it with forethought and knowledge of illegality. || Valentin Orzell pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Gaspar de Tassato Regario for insulting him, despite being warned not to do so. The fine was increased due both to his position and the fact he did it with forethought and knowledge of illegality. || Veikko Bondforger pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne. || A clemency plea was made by Aethelric the Grounded of Sigehold Hall
|-
| Treason || The accused cursed a Faraden citizen, Altin Valtar, after being accused of cheating at cards (See 384 Spring Court Reports). The curse prevented the victim from communicating. Expert witness Ulric Vernof of Winter Spire gave evidence that the curse was consistent with the methodology of the Whisper Gallery and that it is not castable by one person. The accused claimed she won the curse in a card game from a Herald of Lashonar but could not describe the Herald, how the curse was transferred or how she cast it given she claimed to have no magical power. The Court inferred that the accused was attempting to conceal a treasonous interaction with the Whisper Gallery. || Mockingbird the mountebank of Sarvos pleaded not guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Slavery and assault || The accused, a Faraden citizen transported Mockingbird of Sarvos to Anvil for trial on suspicion of treason. Mockingbird was kept in multiple heavy chains for days and had been extensively beaten while bound. These facts were not disputed. The Court found that their treatment of the prisoner was disproportionate and far exceeded what was reasonable for lawful custody to such a sustained extent that it was deemed slavery. || Altin Valtar pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined twenty thrones ||
|-
| Attempted Murder || The accused attempted to murder Veikko Bondforger both on Saturday night and Sunday morning. He claimed to have done this because he believed the victim to be Ratibor reborn and therefore must be killed. He said that if he were released he would continue his attempts to kill the victim. || Alexander Bentakuv pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution||
|-
| Murder || Descartese of Urizen was mortally wounded, on the battlefield. His deeply held Ambition was that he should die cleanly by the sword, not a lingering death in his bed. He called for his friend, Aurum, and after gathering further friends and colleagues of Urizen (including Philostrate, his Egregore) to witness that this was done well and without deceit, Aurum solemnly carried out the task. It was clear from the investigation that none had understood the legal implications of such an act – that a citizen cannot consent to their own death and that the law does not concern itself with how many moments that citizen had left to live. || Aurum of the Nightingale Temple of Urizen plead guilty. || Guilty.<br>Fined two thrones || A clemency plea was made by Lenarius Ankarien on grounds of Loyalty<br>One throne of the fine was given to the egregore to spend on something to remember the Ambition of Aurum to the people of Urizen.
|-
| Murder || The two accused, along with Brother Geoffrey Orchard of Pickham Monastery all received identical letters from Jodeya Watiker di Tassato Mestra inviting them to a secret meeting at a bar in Kahraman to discuss “mutual interests”. All three used a conjunction during this summit to take up the offer. They met with Jodeya, who revealed she was working for Blood on the Snow and that she wished to become his Herald. She gave the visitors three choices: To kill Jodeya there and then, to kill her (unnamed) companion, or to leave, in which case more letters would be sent until someone was found who would do it. It didn't seem to matter to Jodeya which murder was committed. Either would make the eternal “happy”. There appeared to be no discussion about any “mutual interests”, Brother Geoffrey withdrew and returned to Anvil, apparently to buy time for the others to learn more. At a moment when the bar was empty both the accused murdered Jodeya and escaped before the barkeep returned. Both handed themselves in to the militia. The court was content that Vigilance had guided them to commit the murder, but was not convinced that it was the correct choice. || Agnes Tapinson of the Woven Saplings of Navarr and Decimus Starchaser of Starchaser Spire of Urizen both pleaded guilty || Guilty, <br>fined 5 thrones each. || A clemency plea was made by Brother Martin Orchard on behalf of Agnes Tapinson on grounds of Vigilance. A clemency plea was made by Lochias of Oblivions Edge on behalf of Decimus Starchaser on grounds of Vigilance.<br>The court further warned them that if they accept any form of boon from Blood on the Snow as reward for their deed then they would face a charge of treason.
|-
| Attempted Murder || On Saturday night of the summit Mathilda Fisher, came to Anvil under a flag of peace to make her demands regarding Bregasland. She met with representatives of the Empire at the Senate building and a large crowd of Marchers gathered to protest. The accused conspired with Tomothy Crowle to break through the security cordon around the meeting and try to kill her. Thanks to the vigilance of the Senate Guard and Militia the attack failed and both were arrested. Tomothy was healed from his wounds and then released to the Marcher mob but later died, having “popped his stitches”. || Jacob Fenner formerly of Bregasland and a citizen of the Marches pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Fined five thrones to be paid via the magistrates to the Marcher warchest and a voluntary Freezing Brand of Irremais. || A clemency plea was made by Sister Meredith of the Boundaryfolk on grounds of Loyalty
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 384YE
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the State || The accused seconded two senate motions in Winter 383YE by mistake. || Rhisiart Dancewalker pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined five thrones.||
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused was condemned for being dedicated to Hatred on two occasions and for the promotion of the false virtue of hatred. They were previously a member of Santana’s ‘purity’ cult and claimed they were acting alone undercover. || Zaccai of Urizen plead guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Raphael i Zamora i Riqueza did not find virtue in his acts.
|-
| Assault || The accused was acting as Field Marshal on the battlefield. They instructed Clive Feathers Rest to engage the enemy but he collected more arrows instead. An ill-tempered disagreement ensured and the accused struck and wounded the victim. || Sidlore de Gauvin AKA “Captain Charge” pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Fined six crowns || A clemency plea was made by Estienne de Gauvin on grounds of Loyalty<br>Four crowns from the fine were directed to be contributed to Dawn’s warchest
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 384YE
|-
| Assault || The accused was taunted by Zachary of Enlightenment Spire. He retorted by cleaving Zachary in the torso. || Ezekiel of Adina’s Charge pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined six crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Josephineos of Adina’s Charge on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Impersonating a militia officer, attempted assault || The accused used an invalid militia sash to impersonate a militia officer and infiltrate the security cordon around visiting Grendel envoys. In Winter 383 he had been convicted for impersonating a militia officer, assault and theft when he led an attack on the Grendel. It was the view of the Court that his intent was to attack and rob the Grendel. He was identified as being the culprit in multiple other reports of militia impersonation. He claimed that he was forced to commit his crimes by others but he then refused to name them or otherwise cooperate. || Ban Shattersong of Navarr pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death. || A clemency plea was made by Silk Splitterspear on grounds of testing the Vigilance of the militia.<br>The severe punishment was due to the convict’s multiple repeat offences, his contempt for the judicial process and his lies when questioned.
|-
| Contempt of Court || In Winter 383 at Anvil the accused gave an order to invest his army ‘The Bounders’ at Whittle and, among other things, prevent non-marcher magistrates and militia from enacting the trials ordered by the Synod for heresy and blasphemy. In doing so he impeded the proper operation of the legal process. The magistrate was forced to conscript many of the Bounders as there were insufficient militia available fitting Black Jack’s criteria. || General Ciaphas "Black Jack" Decker pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br> Fined eighteen thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Sam of The Mourn on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Assault and attempted mayhem (and encouraging thereof) || The first accused assaulted a mountebank known as ‘Mockingbird’ and attempted to cut out their tongue. Concerned citizens nearby prevented this. The victim left Anvil before they could be questioned. The first accused claimed that the victim cheated them in a card game in a Navarr wayhouse two weeks before the winter summit 383. When the accused called out the cheat the wayhouse returned their money but the victim then cursed Altam so that they were unable to communicate. The curse was eventually removed and Altam was advised by Chikoran at the Faraden embassy that they should seek vengeance against Mockingbird by cutting out their tongue. || Seeker Altam Baatan and their Priest Chikoran, both of Faraden, pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty.<br> Fined five thrones. ||
|-
| Theft || The accused stole a bowl of change from the Printers Guild. When caught they confessed to their crime but were unable to return the stolen funds (estimated by them to be about two crowns) as they had already been spent. || Donotevaly de Temeschwar and Journabo de Temeschwar pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty.<br>Fined two thrones || One throne of the fine was returned as compensation to the victims.
|-
| Treason (Dealing with an eternal under enmity||The accused was investigated after warning the Conclave that he had sacrificed his family for winter power. This was a legally and factually complex case involving identity evidence, night magic that can transfer memories, a tent of skin and bone made from the accused’s family members, Sydanjaa and the eternal Blood on the Snow. Ultimately, the court determined that the accused had most likely effected a deal with Blood on the Snow many years ago. The court accepts that they did not realise who they were dealing with and that the exact circumstances were ambiguous and so chose to be lenient. ||Talvekani of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined twenty five thrones || A deduction of two thrones was made for expenses incurred.
|-
|}
==Reports from 383YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 383YE
|-
| Attempted Murder, Assault || The accused assaulted the victim with intent to kill in Therunin prior to the winter summit. The victim is believed to have been a member of the Heirs of Terunael and dedicated to the false virtue of vengeance. The accused was stopped in their attack by others and the victim was healed. The victim was killed in a later unrelated incident and a number of their possessions were found to be hallowed to vengeance. The accused handed themselves in. || Georg of Broken Bough pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Rhishart Dancewalker on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Assault || The accused, while possessed by the spirit of his ancestor, launched an unprovoked assault against the victim inside the orc camp. Prior to the attack he yelled “You look like a fish I want to eat you”. The victim was of naga lineage. || Grud the unchained pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns ||
|-
| Treason || The accused, during a skirmish against the Jotun, was asking the fallen Jotun if they thought they had done enough to cross the Abyss. One replied they had not and the accused healed him on his promise that he would not take up arms against the empire again. The others he left. A complaint was raised by General Crolle (who led the skirmish) and who ordered him not to heal the enemy. The main basis of the clemency plea was that it is virtuous to help others to achieve virtue. || Sagramore de Gauvin pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Skywise Tulva, Cardinal of the Way, on the grounds of Courage<br>Sagramore de Gauvain did say that he had agreed with Skywise Tulva to raise this issue with the Synod and attempt to develop an Imperial policy.
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered the victim, Obadiah, at Upwold before the winter summit. They were searching for missing children, directly implicating Obadiah in the deaths of said children. The remains of children were found, including a bow crafted of human bones and winter magic. Details of the possible rituals used by Obadiah will be passed to the Conclave. || Wyatt Longbrook and Bree Talbot pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>No punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Brother Martin Orchard on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Theft, assault, impersonating a militia officer || The accused were identified among about a dozen Navarr who attacked and robbed the imperial Fleetmaster Esteban I Del Rio Blanco I Guerra who was accompanying a Grendel delegation in Anvil under a flag of peace in order to trade. They also admitted to impersonating a militia officer as part of their line of work in order to gain trust. The amount stolen was of about a dozen thrones in value. Magistrate Cooper will be asking Skywise Fal, the Imperial Consul and Esteban I Guerra if they wish to file civil cases as both citizens recompensed the Grendel for the items stolen. || Three members of the Blackscar of Navarr, including Baniel Whisperoot, pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined ten crowns||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Grud the unchained in the Orc fighting pit following a verbal confrontation following the loss of his compatriot. Grud did not want to press charges. || Irontide Skagg || It was determined that there is no case to answer. ||
|-
| Attempted murder and assault || The victim, Santana, was approached by four Navarr including the two accused. Ravada proclaimed Santana was a heretic. Santana was insighted and found to be dedicated to the false virtue of purity. The accused assaulted Santana and also Finna of the Brass Coast when she tried to defend her. Events then moved to the Hub where Adeaphon attempted to murder Santana. || Ravadi Lonestrider and Adeaphon of Stormbroke Striding of Navarr plead guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined five thrones || A clemency plea was made by Hwyl Summercrow on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Sale of Bite || The accused sold ten bite to Cynestan of Wintermark when they met in the Boars Head in Navarr. || Tamme von Holberg pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined ten thrones. ||
|-
| Possession of Bite || The accused bought ten doses of bite from Tamme von Holburg. The accused was clearly a severe bite addict and it was accepted that this was for personal use. || Cynestan of Wintermark pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Heresy, Abuse of Powers and Blasphemy || The accused was condemned by the Brass Coast National assembly for the religious crimes of heresy, excommunication without a writ, anointing citizens to Hatred, and spreading the false virtues of Purity and Hate. || Santana of the Kohan pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br> Death by execution. ||
|-
| Assault || A Navarri citizen assaulted a marcher after being antagonised at Kings Stoke before the summit. || The Navarri pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 383YE
|-
| Murder || The accused was identified as the murderer of Celuria Silvertongue by use of Whispers through the black gate on the victim. The accused then confessed to murdering Celuria because of her testimony against the Hallowed Order (of which they were both members). The accused believed that the victim’s actions had resulted in the executions of three members of the order. When the accused met with Celuria to parley about this she claimed to have killed her because she believed that Celuria intended her harm. || Coira i Kemem i Guerra pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Multiple assaults || The accused were arrested after attacking Veikko, Cardinal of Loyalty, and Jerrasto and Raphael of the Gilded Horn Carta. One of these assaults was witnessed in the Hub by the Militia and the attackers were arrested. The accused committed suicide by use of pre-prepared ritual magic before investigations were concluded. However, questioning continued after death by use of magic and their responses indicated that they were followers of vengeance. Symbols of vengeance were also worn on their person). || Two Faraden who refused to supply their names. || The accused committed suicide. ||
|-
| Possession and supply of Bite. || The accused was arrested by the militia in the sewers beneath Cargo in possession of a large quantity of Bite. He confessed to having sold bite on behalf of his mistress. He claimed this was only under duress: threats had been made against his family. He did accept that he profited by doing so. || Ilzio of Temeschwar pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined five thrones and branded with a “B” || A clemency plea was made by Tiana i Zidan i Riqueza on the grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Contempt of Court || The accused both engaged in a conspiracy to deceive: namely they falsely claimed that the Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy had authorised Lord Colwyn de Rondel to act as his proxy. Both accused confessed their crime to the magistrate at an early stage. || Lord Colwyn de Rondell and Ilya Nikovich Volkov both pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined six thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Skywise Gralka on behalf of Lord Colwynn de Rondell. A clemency plea was made by Meris of the Vale of Lost Souls on behalf of Ilya Nikovich Volkov
|-
| Murder || The accused was discovered holding a knife and standing over the body of the victim, Spiteful Dross. He fled the scene upon seeing the militia coming to investigate. At trial he claimed that he ran because he was angry at the death of his friend. || Mr Williams pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Attempting to subvert the agencies of the state || The accused admitted seconding two motions at the same summit. The speaker for the senate required another second to be found before the motion could be put to the senate. || Baal, Senator for Bastion, pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined five thrones. ||
|-
| Treason || The accused used the ritual “Tribute to the thrice cursed court” to “destroy” a coven stone that he had obtained illegally and that he believed presented a threat to the Empire. He claimed that he was ignorant that enmity had recently been declared against Skathe, thus rendering the use of this ritual treason. The expert evidence from Brother Martin was that the use of this ritual would not guarantee the object’s destruction. Note that the accused could also or alternatively have been charged with contravening a declaration of interdiction. || Warrakine Ashenhide Arch of the Copperhill Monastery pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Albert Fuggestone Copperhill on grounds of Prosperity
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 383YE
|-
| Criminal damage and assault (aiding and abetting) || The accused raised a judgement (Spring 383/14) to incite citizens to desecrate the works of Almodin Oktistis. The resultant mobs caused substantial damage to these works. In Tassato the mob broke into the Imperial Mint and engaged with the Mint Guard, causing a number of non-fatal injuries and extensive damage to Lorenzo’s Legacy of Ambition. || Rafael Barossa di Tassato pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty of criminal damage<br>No punishment.<br>Guilty of assault. <br>Fined one throne.|| A clemency plea was made by Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato, the Cardinal of Pride.<br>No direction was made with regards to any potential civil claims arising from this crime, potential claimants should speak to Magistrate Cooper.
|-
| Mayhem || The accused carried out a skein reading upon Leofric Baerson who then broke their oath not to reveal the results. The accused demanded that Leofric be cut as punishment, and this took the form of destroying Leofric’s left eye, without consent. It was not possible for physicians to save the eye and it is believed that magical methods are now required. || Keston of Wintermark pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>The accused is required, at his own expense, to arrange for Leofric’s eye to be healed by the end of the Autumn Summit or face further punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Leofric Baerson on grounds of Wisdom
|-
| Heresy and Abuse of powers || The accused preached heresy against the Imperial Orcs for two hours outside their camp. Evidence was presented that she did so under an aura of hatred, which appeared to have spontaneously manifested. The accused raised the judgement of condemnation against themselves and argued at trial that they should be executed while excommunicated.<br>The abuse of powers related to the accused raising a judgement of inquisition against herself. It was noted by the Court that while priests have done this previously, it is the first occasion that the Synod have chosen to act against the practice since the death of Empress Britta. || Medea Ruth pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty of abuse of powers. <br>Fined 25 thrones.<br> Guilty of heresy<br>Death by execution. || The condemning priest for heresy was the accused.<br> The condemning priest for abuse of powers was Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun.<br> A clemency plea was made by Ed Watcher.<br> The court requested the removal of the accused’s excommunication prior to execution and this was carried out.
|-
| Murder || The accused was engaged in a power struggle with the victim, Tuirkane Cordraco, over the future direction of their noble house. The accused defeated the victim in the glory square but this did not resolve their disagreement. The accused demanded a rematch or he would ‘impose discipline’. The accused then slew the victim, breaking his back with his mace. At trial the accused claimed he was within his rights to execute a member of his own household. He requested penal military service, which was refused on the grounds that being allowed to die in battle is earned and not a right. || Earl Arthur Cordraco pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || At his execution the accused compounded his misdeeds by claiming that he was going to the fields of glory, not the labyrinth, as virtues had never been of any use to him.
|-
| Criminal damage || The accused entered into an agreement with the eternal Scathe to undertake a number of tasks. As a result of their final task, all of the mirrors in Sarvos and a garden in Holberg were destroyed. Value of the items destroyed was assessed by the civil service at 30,000 thrones after consultation with the League egregore. Clemency was accepted on the basis of loyalty to the souls of many of their people, whom Scathe was preventing from returning to the Labyrinth. It was confirmed that thousands of Imperial souls were returned to the labyrinth as a result of their actions. || Jaylus, Kerioth and Ephrael, all of Zephaniah's Lament pleaded guilty, Leon died prior to being brought to trial || Guilty. <br>Fined 300 thrones|| A clemency plea was made by Rane Sherarding<br>The fine reflected the substantial damage done to the national hearth magic of the League.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 383YE
|-
| Murder || The accused, who was new to Anvil, executed a fellow member of his striding, Caffron Streamwalker, during a skirmish in Winter 382YE. The victim was injured and screaming that everyone was going to die. The accused claimed the victim was harming morale and carried out a so-called “mercy killing”. Note: This case was reviewed and the sentence judged to be inadequate as this was plain murder- “mercy” did not enter into it. Any future cases of this nature will not be dealt with so lightly. || Lizarath Streamwalker pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne.|| A clemency plea was made by Jokell Streamwalker
|-
| Aiding and abetting the murder of Bessie the Bard and attempting to pervert the course of justice || This case relates to the murder of Bessie the Bard (see report for Winter 382 for further detail) by the Hallowed Order, a group dedicated to the assassination of those they deemed to be heretics. While the actual murder was carried out by Rune (who died before he could be brought to trial) he had a number of accomplices in the Hallowed Order, The accused was with Rune in the immediate aftermath of the murder and furthermore his initial account of events changed significantly by the time of trial. Given he was also a member of the same murderous conspiracy it was judged that he had either encouraged, or helped in the perpetration of this murder. || Orren of House De Rondell pleaded not guilty to both charges. || Not guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice.<br>Guilty of murder.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Mass murder of Suranni Templars near the Feroz border || The accused used the sentinel gate to travel to the Feroz and Iron Confederacy border to assist Jean Valois and his group to escape from the Iron Confederacy (they having converted to The Way). A group of ten templars sent after Valois also found them, and after a brief stand off, the citizens engaged the templars in combat. According to the accounts of the Iron Confederacy officials nine of the templars were killed. At trial two templar survivors were presented by High Templar De Rolo, who could not explain the discrepancy and suggested his masters were incompetent. Both Rolo and the second survivor’s testimony was judged to be untruthful. Brother Jaylus (a healer) did not take part in the engagement. || Mordecai, Animayus, Tobias, Iscah, Gideon, and Nathaniel of Highguard, and Alan Fletcher of Dawn all pleaded guilty. Brother Jaylus of Highguard pleaded not guilty. || Brother Jaylis was found not guilty.<br>Mordecai, Animayus, Tobias, Iscah, Gideon, and Nathaniel of Highguard, and Alan Fletcher of Dawn were found guilty. Fined ninety thrones and branded with a cross upon their cheek. || A clemency plea was made on behalf of Mordecai on grounds of Loyalty. <br>Clemency pleas were made on behalf of the rest on the grounds of Courage
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the State || The accused was the proxy senator for Kallavesa at the Autumn 382 summit. He seconded two motions in contravention of senate procedure. He claimed that this was due to a mistake, and a misunderstanding of the law, The Court recognised that he fully cooperated with the investigation and was inclined to leniency on this occasion. || Tanesh of Dunneth Hall pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>A fine of six mana crystals and two thrones. || The fine of six mana crystals was sent in advance of the trial
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Medea Ruth while she was ranting hatred against orcs outside the Imperial Orc camp. || Ida Isjant pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Medea Ruth on grounds of Courage
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the State || The accused discharged an Imperial Wayleave while holding the imperial title “Collector of Prosperity’s Boon”. He claimed that he did not realise that a Wayleave was an Imperial title. The court accepted this was an honest mistake and chose to be very lenient. || Tyr Brennan pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>No punishment levied. ||
|}
==Reports from 382YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 382YE
|-
| Heresy || The accused (while Conscience of the Senate) sent letters to many in the Empire in which they contravened the Doctrine of Human Destiny by claiming that [Orc] thralls reincarnate amongst other things. They went beyond asking questions to teaching false doctrine. No evidence was presented of others being swayed by or spreading these heretical beliefs. || Mel of the Mourn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>The penance of a Freezing Brand of Irremais was taken into account and they were furthermore fined twenty five thrones. || The condemning priest was Hazel of the Shattered Tower. <br>A clemency plea was made by Martin Orchard on grounds of Vigilance.
|-
| Idolatry || The accused was invited by the Senate to take up a post designing buildings. He proceeded to do so in the Asavean style although it quickly became apparent that these involved grandiose statues to the Asavean gods. Nevertheless for a number of years the accused continued to be employed by the Senate and commissioned by various Senators to continue. Furthermore none of these commissions were vetoed by the Synod. In his defence the accused argued that if the Empire didn't like his buildings why did they keep employing him? Furthermore why did the Synod wait so long before taking action, if the buildings were idolatrous? He claimed that the Empire were crooks who were planning on confiscating his earnings and prosperity and that this was unjust. The Court was concerned that the accused, while clearly guilty, was also a priest of a foreign religion building these imperial commissions the only way he knew how. It appeared that he was being made a scapegoat while the Senate and those who had commissioned his services (all followers of The Way) had faced no condemnation for their actions. || Almodin Oktístis, Priest of the Builder and the Asavean Architect, pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>No punishment was applied as the Court was of the opinion that this would not be just and therefore not in the Imperial interest. || The condemning priest was Veikko Bondforger.<br>Almodin Oktístis was advised to leave the Empire forthwith.
|-
| Murder of Bessie the Bard and Contempt of Court || The accused were members of the Hallowed Order, a group led by Rune who undertook vigilante justice against heretics, including among their number a group of hawks specifically tasked with assassinations. A witness had also given a statement that she had been approached by Yon (after the murder) and asked to take part in these activities. The accused gave evidence that Rune was out of control and taking things too far before his death. They admitted attempting to interfere with a Whispers Through the Black Gate to obtain testimony from Bessie the Bard. The fact that they were present at the time of the murder, that the witness evidence suggested that Rune had fled the scene in the immediate aftermath of the murder, that they had by their own admission interfered with the investigation into Bessie the Bard's death and that Yon had continued to recruit for the Hallowed Order, an organisation whose purpose was the murder of Imperial citizens all led the court to the conclusion that it was more likely than not that the accused participated in or assisted in the murder of Bessie the Bard. || Yon of the Moon's Owl of Wyvern's Watch and Gren Wyvernson of Wyvern's Watch plead not guilty to murder and not guilty to contempt of court. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || Yon requested that the sentence be commuted to penal military service but this had already been considered and rejected, in consideration of the circumstances.
|-
| Murder || On the Saturday night of the Winter Solstice in Anvil a Druj peace delegation came to parley with the leaders of Urizen. As part of that process two of the barbarians forced the third to take a potion against his will. This potion, by some unknown Druj magics, allowed a Druj leader, not present in Anvil, to use the body of the third orc as a vessel for his communications. At the end of the parley the leader left the body of this orc and he fell to the ground, dead. Attempts were made to bring the two remaining Druj to the Magistrates for investigation. One fled, a second was caught. The victim was protected under Imperial Law as a member of a peace delegation and the other Druj were obliged to abide by Imperial Law as members of the same delegation. The orc admitted his involvement but saw nothing wrong with his acts. The victim meant nothing to him and the court was convinced that it was the forcible taking of the potion that resulted in the death. || A Druj orc of unknown name refused to plead and so a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. || Guilty. <br>Sentenced to death by execution. || After sentence was given the orc made a fight of it and was killed by the vigilant citizens of Anvil before a formal execution could be carried out.
|-
| Treason by treating with the Whisper Gallery (First Trial) || Between the Autumn and Winter summits a hospital in Morrow was attacked by Druj orcs. The head of that hospital had made a deal with the Whisper Gallery for them to provide a magic shroud to protect the hospital from the Druj, in return for which secrets were being given to the Whisper Gallery and rare books were being burnt. Those who gave up their secrets then found that they had forgotten them. Eight Imperial Citizens came to the magistrates at Anvil at the Winter Solstice to confess their crimes. Six were tried collectively and a seventh tried separately afterwards, one did not face trial. All of the accused accepted their culpability in that they carried out the ritual required to satisfy the Whisper Gallery, taking part in the giving of secrets and burning of books. The Court was convinced that the accused were not treating with the enemy with treasonous motives, and that their loyalty had saved the lives of several hundred wounded Imperial citizens. However the Court was not convinced that the act was Virtuous enough to totally mitigate their actions. || Aquilllian Effugere, Redhand Gezzar, Ptolemy Ravensfell, Aethelric of Sigehold, Tamar of Enlightenment Spire, Raelyn Holdfast and Sadiq all pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined of fifty thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Sabilla of Highguard on behalf of Redhand Gezzar on grounds of Loyalty. A clemency plea was made by Pan Edgestalker on behalf of Sadiq on grounds of Loyalty. A clemency plea was made by Veikko Bondsforger, Cardinal of Loyalty, on behalf of Aquilllian Effugere, Ptolemy Ravensfell, Aethelric of Sigehold, Tamar of Enlightenment Spire, Raelyn Holdfast on grounds of Loyalty<br>This fine was allocated to Virtuous endeavours of the citizenry. The defendants were encouraged to make suggestions, and decision of Magistrate Reinholz as to how it was allocated was announced at the Spring Equinox
|-
| Treason by treating with the Whisper Gallery (Second Trial) || The facts of the case were identical to the previous case, except that the accused had both led the ritual, and also voted against carrying it out (unlike the other defendants). She did so on the grounds that it was an unvirtuous act. The accused initially plead guilty without clemency but following legal advice from the magistrate the trial was delayed to allow the accused to consult Conclave and priests of the Synod. An accused who pleads guilty has the right to choose whether to request clemency or not. However at trial the question of the Virtue of their acts is determined by the Clemency priest and the Magistrate, not the opinion of the accused. || The accused pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>No additional punishment. The fifty Throne fine from the first trial was considered sufficient for the entire act. || A clemency plea was made by Maarit Suvidottir of Sigehold
|-
| Treason by treating with the Whisper Gallery (this is unrelated to the previous two trials) || The accused did a deal with The Whisper Gallery. This deal was in the form of a letter that the accused had kept for some time. The accused replied to this letter and made a deal with the Whisper Gallery. The accused said that they only did so after coming under the influence of a magical effect. It should be noted that committing crimes while under the influence of magical affects is not a legal defence. In law we are held responsible for our own actions. || Benedict Pacelli Von Holberg pleaded guilty || Guilty. Sentenced to Death by Penal Military Service. ||
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused wrote directly onto a Synod Judgement posted in the hub. This judgement belonged to another member of the Synod. Their unauthorised addition to the judgement was intended to change Synod voting behaviour. || Vivianne de Couerdefer, Cardinal of Ambition plead guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined seven thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Irada Von Temeschwar, Cardinal of Vigilance.
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state (both accused) and assault (Ancel Weaver only) || An aide to the Throne held an Imperial Favour which contained the power to dissolve Conclave. Syn Nighthaven grabbed the Imperial Favour from their hands and ran out of Conclave, allegedly ripping up the document as she did so. She claimed to have burnt the remains, but this is unverified. Ancel magically repelled one citizen who had blocked Syn's way so she could not get past. At trial, when pressed, Syn stated that she would have struggled to get past this final person otherwise. || Syn Nighthaven and Ancel Weaver pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined thirty thrones for subverting the agencies of the state. <br>Guilty of Assault<br>Fined three crowns|| A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros on behalf of Syn Nighthaven. A clemency plea was made by Irada Von Temeschwar, Cardinal of Vigilance, on behalf of Ancel Weaver
|-
| Poisoning || At the Autumn equinox the accused slipped Bite into the drink of Thorn, a friend, with no warning. || Aron of the Levy pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined three crowns. || Aron of the Levy had already been convicted and punished for possession of bite. They voluntarily presented themselves to the militia and cooperated fully.
|-
| Murder || The details of this case are unclear although it appeared to involve a killing on the battlefield among the Navarr this case will now be reviewed and reported upon when the facts are known. || || ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 382YE
|-
| Murder and slavery || The accused is a mine owner in Varushka who has been working slaves in the mine and regularly sacrificing them to Bas Celik in exchange for protection. He was identified by Irontide Flax as being the person pointed out by one of his victims while dying. Furthermore during a ritual to summon his grandmother’s shade she revealed both the murderous arrangement with Bas Celik and that the accused had been keeping slaves. || Anfesa of Varushka originally pleaded not guilty but changed his plea following his grandmother’s testimony and pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Death by execution||
|-
| Murder and three counts of perverting the course of justice || The shade of Harry the Book, a murder victim, was summoned and questioned. He accused Tess of stabbing him to death. Other evidence that was eventually gathered suggested that Tess murdered Harry on behalf of Irra Harah, who had ordered his death, along with three other imperial citizens. || Tess, former Head of Constabulary in the Anvil Militia. No plea was entered as the accused was tried in absentia. || Guilty<br>Execution in absentia || Tess fled the to the Spring realm prior to her trial.
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted the victim, Owain Farkas, by striking him with her wand at Conclave and repelling him from the floor. || Empress Lisabetta von Holberg pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Prosperity.
|-
| Possession of Bite || The accused bought bite from Maximus, an associate, and then slipped it into the drink of Thorn, a friend, with no warning. || Aron of the Levy pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>
Fined two crowns. || Note further investigations are ongoing with regards to the supply of the drug by Maximus and the poisoning of Thorn.
|-
| Perverting the course of justice and resisting arrest || The accused was questioned about the secret location of the Rookery in connection with the investigations into the murder of Captain Hardfrost and Magistrate Murcello by the Rookwoods. The accused denied knowing where the Rookery was and claimed to have no involvement in the murder or subsequent escape. When the militia subsequently located the Rookery with the help of House Vexille and conducted a raid, the accused was found there. The accused resisted arrest along with the other wanted murderers from the House and was the only one who retained sufficient connection to the empire to be brought back through the gate for trial. The murderers were summarily executed at the scene. || Thomas Rookwood Martel pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 382YE
|-
| Attempted murder and treason || The accused approached the Empress and spoke to her about her poor relations with the Navarr. The accused took offence and slashed at the Empress’s throat with her dagger, injuring her badly. || Hipwyn Ashguard pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution|| A clemency plea was made by Corey Wayfarer that stated the act was unvirtuous.
|-
| Assault || Lord Romand of House Remys of Dawn engaged in an altercation with the senator Bohemond de Rondell. Romand suddenly lunged at Bohemond, cursing him, and the accused stepped in to defend Bohemond and struck down Romand with his dagger. He then called for a magistrate and ensured Romand received medical attention. || Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato, Senator for Tassato, pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Skywise Gralka on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Possession of Bite || The accused claimed to find two doses of bite on the east road and sought the advice of the Harlequin what to do with it. The Harlequin suggested he sell it to the Crimson Reaper Cartel (knowing their leader to be in the militia). When the accused tried to sell it to them, Prince Tali promptly arrested him. || Lucian, a foreigner of Holberg descent pleaded guilty. || Guilty. Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Irada von Temeschwar, Cardinal of Vigilance, on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Multiple assaults || The accused attacked a series of victims while apparently suffering the effects of the {{Black Plateau}} curse. || Danica of House Vandale pleaded guilty || Guilty. Fined a total of five thrones || A clemency plea was made by Lochias
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state and assault || While apparently under the effects of a curse from Spiral the accused put up a judgement for consideration by the Synod without it being stamped and approved by the Tribune. He subsequently assaulted someone after arguing with them. || Ozren de Orzel pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Corwyn Leafstalker
|-
| Assaults || Both the accused had a heated argument while they held drawn weapons. Michaelangelo stepped towards Lupo but did not raise or tense his weapon. Lupo stabbed him with his spear. An independent witness provided evidence as to how events transpired. || Ferosi Lupo pleaded guilty. Michaelangelo Di Sarvos pleaded not guilty. || Lupo was found guilty.<br>Fined four crowns. <br>Michaelangelo was found not guilty. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused was contracted by his husband to assault another imperial citizen. || Eduardo i Erigo pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Assault || The accused read a pamphlet written by Serjanus of Urizen and then assaulted him. || Katerina Gardener pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || Enzo di Saverio and Natalia of Carta Stalare faked an assault on Enzo as a distraction for a curse to be delivered to someone in the Urizen camp. The subterfuge was discovered but Enzo would only confirm that they were a distraction for “other acts”. Having refused to answer further questions Enzo attempted to leave the camp. Believing this to be part of a greater crime the accused struck down Enzo. || Aurum of House Nightingale of Urizen pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown || A clemency plea was made by Galene Netherwatch on grounds of Vigilance. <br>The fine was paid in compensation to the victim.
|-
| Manslaughter || The accused killed an Imperial citizen in the Mourn. He claimed that this was in defence of his sister. Conflicting and changing evidence was provided by witnesses Joanna and Roberta in his defence which was deemed contradictory and unreliable. Accordingly the clemency plea was not accepted. || Svoki an orc ex-thrall of the Mourn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Sentenced to death. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Attempting to pervert the course of justice || The accused were beaters in the Mournwold who responded to the sounds of a murder in progress and pursued their suspect, an orc thrall, to Anvil. At trial they gave conflicting evidence which then changed during the investigation. || Joanna pleaded not guilty. Roberta plead guilty || Joanna was found not guilty. Roberta was found guilty.<br>Fined one throne. ||
|-
| Murder || During a battle on the {{Black Plateau}}, Cadar Aurelius of Dawn struck down and killed Gaston’s Earl. In revenge Gaston killed Cadar Aurelius on the battlefield. || Gaston de Courdyer of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 382YE
|-
| Assault || The accused ordered Cormack Dun out of the Urizen camp when he attempted to sell copies of the Oathwright bearing the headline “Druj outwit heroes and conquer Zenith”. As Cormack was leaving the accused ordered him to run and when he did not, struck him a blow with his sword. The unwelcome guest defence did not apply as it was not a reasonable use of force. || Philostrate Menos, a host of the Urizen egregore, pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two crowns || A clemency plea was made by Runerathmore of Neverwatch Spire on grounds of Pride.
|-
| Treason and perverting the course of justice || The accused admitted trading secrets of Imperial citizens to the Whisper Gallery in exchange for lost information from the Imperial Archives. Furthermore the accused used magic to erase his memories of his co-conspirators and then came to confess his crimes. || Arne Coerling pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty.<br> Fined twenty five thrones for treason<br> Fined five thrones for perverting the course of justice. || A clemency plea was made by Gunnbrand Ironwill on grounds of Pride.<br>The convict declared themselves to be a Justice heretic and committed magical suicide,
|-
| Treason || The accused confessed to being coerced by the Grendel (who held her family hostage) into stealing Imperial charts and secret military information from Anvil and passing them to the Grendel. || Carlita i Osa pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made by Medea Ruth on grounds of Loyalty
|-
| Assault || The accused and the victim, Tanwyn Ankarien, were on the battlefield in Spiral. The accused believed Tanwyn was responsible for the peace treaty failing and headbutted her when the opportunity arose. || Stilicho of the Scarlet Guard pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Malchus of Jachin's Legacy over a disagreement about how to treat members of the Iron Helms while through the sentinel gate. || Iscah of Jachin's Legacy pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Vigilance
|-
| Assault || Tanwyn Ankarian and Philostrate Menos were suffering from a Spiral related curse. Corvus, the High Exorcist had informed Rhisiart that getting those afflicted into a particular tent (with a magical aura) would cure them. Rhisiart attempted to trick Tanwyn into said tent and failed so resorted to violence. Once her curse was removed, all the accused then repeated the exercise, injuring Philostrate in the process. || Rhisiart Dancewalker, Tanwyn Ankarien, and Phaedra Ankarien all pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Discharged without punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Solas of the Spire of the Waxing Sun on grounds of Wisdom.
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Arbiter Serjanus of the Scarlet Guard of Urizen after provocation and put him down. She established the victim was being healed before leaving. || Danica Vandale pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Courous on grounds of Loyalty. <br>A subsequent judicial review indicated that she should have been fined more heavily due to prior convictions for crimes of violence. This will be taken into account if she comes before the magistrates in the future.
|-
| Contravening a declaration of Interdiction || The accused cast the ritual Rivers Run Red upon Therunin on the last day of the summit then handed themselves in. They argued their actions were necessary to counter the Rivers of Life ritual cast on the region by the Great Forest Orcs as this had awoken the Vallorn in the area. Furthermore they argued that the only effect of Rivers Run Red would be to negate the Rivers of Life. They had attempted to convince Conclave to remove the interdiction but failed to do so and felt an urgent need to act immediately to protect the lives of the nearby citizens from the Vallorn. || Kellos Foxden, Celyn Brackensong, Eirwen Brackensong, Trystan Brackensong, Talek Dancewalker, the Navarr egregore, Rhea Pridestalker, Saeros Splitroot, Drow Gedor and Drefa Brackensong being the Voice of the Quiet Forest coven pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Discharged without punishment although the magistrate noted that it is left to Conclave to decide if they wish to react further. || A clemency plea was made by Amris on grounds of Courage.
|}

==Reports from 381YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 381YE
|-
| Attempted Murder and assault || The accused launched an unprovoked assault upon Heretta of the Rangers of Narook while the victim lay injured on the ground receiving medical aid, The accused argued that this was both because Heretta had left him and stolen his boots and also that he intended to heal his former companion with a spoon. The spoon was examined and found mundane, furthermore it had not been seen by any witnesses at the scene. || Andres i Erigo pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and guilty to assault || Guilty.<br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made on the charge of assault on grounds of Pride
|-
| Assault || The accused saw two children sparring at the Academy and joined in, attacking them with a metal sword without warning or permission. || Mokko of the Printers Guild pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined five crowns. ||
|-
| Attempted Murder || Upon returning to Anvil the accused handed themselves in for a crime committed over two years ago. Elthred had attempted to hire the Greenshields to assassinate Ardeth Sigsdottir. However an ongoing militia sting operation meant that Warrant Officer Nimh made the introduction. Elthred had been attended as bodyguard by Kivari, who Nimh testified was drunk and not paying attention to the conversation. Other witnesses provided evidence that the intended victim was manipulative and dangerous and that this act by Elthred was uncharacteristic. || Elthred of Holt Hyrde pleaded guilty.<br> Kivari of Holt Hyde pleaded not guilty. || Elthred was found guilty.<br>Fined five thrones and marked with the Freezing Brand of Irremais. <br>Kivari was found not guilty. || A clemency plea was made by Beodun Snowlock on behalf of Elthred
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Sol, egregore of the Brass Coast. Sol was going to turn up and chase the Reaper, thus showing disrespect to League national traditions. || Vitore Van Temeschwar pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Pride.
|-
| Criminal damage || The accused caused severe damage to the Colossus of Sarvos by ramming it with his ship. He claimed to have been blackmailed by a mysterious masked man and woman who bought up all of his significant gambling debts and threatened his family and crew if he did not ram the Colossus. || Artur di Sarvos pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined twenty thrones, || A clemency plea was made by Cesare Enzo Di Trivento on grounds of Loyalty.<br>The sentence was suspended for two years to reflect the difficulty of a man of such modest means raising such a sum and in recognition that he was acting under duress.
|-
| Murder || The accused brutally murdered Nevyn Bitterbark of the Bitterbark Steading. He claimed that the victim was the murderer of the Dawnish senator, Lady Jocelyn Cordraco. However no plausible explanation for his actions nor evidence to support his claim was forthcoming. || Kadywar of House Tarvey of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Loyalty.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 381YE
|-
| Assault || The accused, a warrant officer in the militia, assaulted Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire in the Hub. This followed an interview during which it became clear that no charges would be laid at this time against the victim for his attempt to perform a curse. || Bronislav Markovitch Wolfguard pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined two thrones. || The fine was higher because the guilty party was an on-duty militia officer.
|-
| Perverting the course of justice || The accused was the prime suspect in the murder of Philgar Rowan. She was the last person to see him alive and her answers to the militia (when she was cooperating at all) were contradictory in several respects. || Jemyma Rookwood of House Martell pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || Jemyma Rookwood committed suicide before the sentence could be carried out
|-
| Murder and resisting arrest || The accused handed himself in to the militia and confessed to his part in the battle of Crow’s Keep, fighting on the side of Dogri Thulebane. He was ordered by the Thulebane to lead his civilian followers to a new settlement and to preserve the traditions of Skarsind. He had taken so long to hand himself in because he had been busy settling these refugees from the keep. || Kali Keen Eye of Clan Saker pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined ten thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Jorma Steelhelm on grounds of Pride.<br> The magistrate directed that the fine should go to aid in the founding of the new settlement.
|-
| Attempted theft and attempting to pervert the course of justice || The accused attempted to steal the notebook of Senator Bridget Eastville at the Summer Solstice 381. She was caught in the act and gave a false name to the militia when she was arraigned for trial (to take place the next day). She then failed to attend her trial. She was hunted down by the militia at the Autumn summit despite having disguised herself as a league citizen. Her identity was confirmed by the Navarr egregore. || Lorwen Splinterkin of Navarr pleaded guilty to both charges. || Guilty on both counts.<br> Fined two crowns for the attempted theft.<br>Fined ten thrones for attempting to pervert the course of justice. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered Earl D’Ossienne many years ago. The Earl had become deranged in his later years. He forced his children to fight each other for his own cruel amusement. The accused became scared that it was only a matter of time before one of them was killed and so they killed the Earl first. || Ser Kay de Ossienne pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined thirty thrones. || A clemency plea was made on grounds of Pride and Loyalty
|-
| Treason || The accused communicated accurate military intelligence to the Grendel barbarians. This intelligence included the movements of Omperial armies and supplies. || Cicero of the Shaping Stars spire pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted someone who had just placed a curse upon him. || Galbraith of the Boundaryfolk pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined three crowns. ||
|-
| Murder || Maurice de Gauvain, Archmage of Autumn, was killed by the accused during a battle against husks, some of whom were dressed in Dawnish House colours. Maurice's lower jaw was covered in blood at the time of the battle, and his facial features were obscured. Garavaine was dispatching downed husks to prevent them rising again, and mistook Maurice for one such. Maurice was questioned using Whispers Through the Black Gate, and did not see his killer. He expressed no concern that these actions may have been motivated by foul play. || Garavaine de Rondell pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined thirty five thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros on grounds of Vigilance.<br>This plea was only partially accepted by the magistrate as the lack of care for fellow soldiers was arguably not a vigilant act.
|-
| Assault || At the pledge ball, the accused assaulted Silvio de Tassato after the completion of a play he had orchestrated which insulted Ancel’s love. || Ancel Steward pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown. || A clemency plea was made by Rane Jorunsdottir, Inquisitor of Pride.
|-
| Six counts of assault and false imprisonment || The accused had beaten and captured half a dozen local Imperial citizens for their own purposes in Skarsind. || Two orcs of the Thule pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined twelve crowns. However, when it became clear they could not pay they were executed. || The names of the Thule were not recorded.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 381YE
|-
| Attempted murder and assault || Thomas Bookkeeper of Navarr was assaulted very late at night in the Senate and almost killed by the accused. || Nora of the Green Men pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to assault. || Not guilty of murder. <br>Guilty of assault <br>Fined three thrones. ||
|-
| Assault || Aarne Ceorling of Wintermark was assaulted in the Hub by the accused. || Jorma Steelhail pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined ten crowns. ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused was condemned by a greater majority of the Synod General Assembly for her unrepentant heretical teachings. She claimed to be the First Empress reborn, possessed of a Paragon soul returned from a place beyond the Labyrinth, which she called the "Land Without Tears", a golden land without pain and suffering. || Yael of Highguard pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Contempt of Court || The accused had requested that he be allowed to execute Yael should that be the verdict. Permission was granted provided that he did not use the sword of the Exarch. Later he placed this sword in Yael's hand. He was ordered by the presiding magistrate not to execute her while she was holding this sword but he disobeyed and struck her down regardless. || Cyrus, Exarch of Felix's Watch.|| Summarily fined five thrones for failing to obey the lawful order of a magistrate. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 381YE
|-
| Mass Murder || The accused confessed to killing a house full of Dawnish citizens. The circumstances were that he was taken prisoner by the House of Lord Lucien De Loire and tortured, forced to fight other prisoners and starved for six long years. When he and the other prisoners escaped Errol and some others stayed behind to buy time for their wounded to escape by setting fire to the house and killing anyone who got out. Evidence gathered by the Dawnish militia supported many of these facts and it is strongly suspected that this House were followers of vengeance. || Errol, Bailiff of the Grand Market pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Discharged without punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Sister Meredith on grounds of Loyalty.<br>This result reflects the strong clemency plea and the extenuating circumstances.
|-
| Contempt of court || The accused blocked the path of a member of the militia in the performance of her duties and then refused to move. When fined a crown for contempt of court she responded by telling the magistrate to “Fuck off”. || Medea Ruth of Halcyon Spire || Summarily fined one throne. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused grabbed the nearest weapon and stabbed Rane Jorunsdottir. || Ulric Ybasden pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Attempt to abet the contravention of a declaration of sorcery || In an attempt to rescue the Empress's father from the whisper gallery (who are under enmity) the accused attempted to broker a deal between them and Ancel Steward of House Vexille. Ariana sent the missive not knowing what it contained. The deal did not go through as the Whisper Gallery would only deal directly with Ancel Steward. During questioning, Danica claimed Kaspar had not been involved, leading to an increase in her fine. || Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg, Danica Vandale and Arianna de Tassato pleaded guilty. || Guilty.<br>Kaspar was fined 22 thrones.<br>Danica was fined 25 thrones<br>Arianna was fined ten thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Severin Teyhard von Holberg on behalf of Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg on grounds of Loyalty.<br>A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros on behalf of Danica Vandale on grounds of Loyalty.<br>A clemency plea was made by Corwin Leafstalker on behalf of Arianna de Tassato on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused attacked a herald of Yaw'nagrah (who is currently under enmity) during a plenipotentiary with the Archmage of Spring. This is in direct contravention of the Conclave's rules on how such parleys are conducted. || Drefa Brackensong pleaded not guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined ten thrones. ||
|-
| Assault and contempt of court || The accused punched the victim, Watt of the Marches, believing (wrongly) that he had kidnapped her sister, Miriam Bard. Furthermore the accused frequently interrupted the magistrate during trial and was summarily tried for contempt of court. || Bessie the Bard pleaded guilty to assault || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns for assault plus two crowns payable in compensation to the victim. <br>Fined one crown for contempt of court. || A clemency plea was made by Lumi Lehtonen
|-
| Dereliction of duty || The accused handed herself in for a crime that occurred several years ago. She had been assigned to a military unit at the Reikos citadel and her new commander ordered her unit to surrender to the Druj. Instead she fled from the field of battle. || Allegra of Navarr pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined ten crowns and subjected to the Freezing Brand of Irremais. || A clemency plea was made by J'zarr i Shartha i Guerra on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Murder and resisting arrest || The accused resisted legal arrest with murderous force, leading to the deaths of over 200 Varushkan soldiers and most of the inhabitants of Crows Keep. The court was moved only slightly by the clemency plea for Dogri Thulebane on the grounds of loyalty to the people of Crows Keep and Skarsind. This was on the grounds that his actions had the direct consequence of leading to the deaths of most of his people, and the destruction of Crows Keep. The clemency pleas for the other accused were accepted on the grounds that it was not within their power to legally prevent the battle and their virtue compelled them to act. || Dogri Thulebane, Ranulph six lives and Mhira Valoing plead guilty || Guilty. <br>Dogri Thulebane was sentenced to death. By their request this was to be carried out by Mother Thane of Wintermark by sundown. Subsequently the court acquiesced to a request for him to die in battle, before sundown <br>The other accused were discharged without further punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Jorma Steelhail on behalf of Dogri Thulebane and Ranulph Six Lives on grounds of Loyalty and Courage respectively. A clemency plea was made by Cerwynn Brackensong on grounds of Loyalty.
|}

==Reports from 380YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 380YE
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Medea Ruth Marshwatch, a former member of his order, with a staff while cursing her. The reason given for this by the accused was that the victim had brought shame to their order by her actions in the Sentinel's Repose bar. || Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown plus one crown compensation paid to victim. || A clemency plea was made by Bonewall Rek on grounds of Pride.
|-
| Murder || The accused was enjoying a celebration away from Anvil when the mood suddenly changed as the unknown victim arrived. A melee ensued in which the accused was not directly involved but which resulted in the victim being struck down. A priest ascertained the victim was dedicated to a freedom cult. The victim begged to be killed and the accused did so, but in law it is not possible to consent to your own murder. || The accused (whose name was not recorded) pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Branded. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Theft || The accused stole valuable herbs to eat. The accused was also sternly warned against providing a false name to the militia as this is a serious offence. || Will Brackensong pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one throne. || A clemency plea was made by Corey Wayfarer
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused received a message from Barrens orcs near a triage centre behind the front lines of the recent fighting. They were offered a deal to exchange twenty eight Dawnish prisoners in return for five brands on citizens to mark the orc lives lost. The brands were investigated and found to be mundane. This was treated in law as a legitimate ransom demand so no treason charges were levied. || Merry Talbot, Skywise Gralka, Talaith, Jada of Ravensfell, Joshua of Zephaniah's Lament all pleaded not guilty || Not guilty. || All the accused initially pleaded guilty but the plea was later changed on advice of the magistrate
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused was condemned by the Synod and admitted to preaching the false virtue of hate and spreading auras of hate. While a clemency plea was made on grounds of loyalty the court did not accept that his actions were justified in the circumstances. || Friar Robin of Whittle pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by James Appleseeder. Martin Orchard spoke for the Marcher National Assembly.
|-
| Treason and Contravening a declaration of interdiction || The accused cursed (or aided and abetted said cursing) Gregor, Head of the Shuttered Lantern. The accused did so using a ritual text called “Quell the Thief of Secrets” created by and traded from the whisper gallery(and with whom a state of enmity currently exists). They argued that this was to try to prevent further harm being perpetrated against Gregor by the Whisper Gallery by making him unable to read or write and thus a “non-combatant” in the war of secrets. || Ancel Steward, Guissart Vexille (not present), Arlen Weaver, Ser Lacons Vexille and Lady Gweniveve Vexille pleaded guilty to all charges || Guilty. <br>Collectively fined forty thrones <br>Sentenced to be branded with the Freezing Brand of Irremais. || A clemency plea was made by Corwyn Leafstalker
|-
| Murder || The accused was investigating the victim, Laudica i Tsaga i Riqueza, for being a follower of the false virtue of vengeance. She was invited to the victim's tent, which was under an aura of vengeance and given a mask that cursed the bearer to take vengeance upon those who threaten their loved ones. An axe was placed near to hand and then the victim threatened harm to the accused's sister in the future while taunting her to take vengeance. The accused struck her with fatal consequences. || Ephrael of Zephaniah's Lament pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined five thrones. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime but also its context. || A clemency plea was made by Jared of the Suns of Couros on grounds of Vigilance and Pride.
|-
| Assault and criminal damage || General Irontide Skar owned an axe which was possessed by the spirit of a Jotun ancestor. The accused believed this to be a detrimental influence on the General and the army. She attempted to seize the axe and nearly strangled the General with it then failing to take it she disenchanted the axe, removing the spirit. Expert witness testimony was accepted from Irontide Lok and Bloodcrow Yargol on the subject of Jotun ancestors in orcish lore. || Bloodcrow Shettehs pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns for assault<br> Fined seven thrones for criminal damage to be paid in compensation to victim. || A clemency plea was made by Atla on grounds of Wisdom and Loyalty.
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted the victim, Silas of Zephaniah's Lament, because she was “meddling” with her sister. || Amatia i Tsagaan i Erigo plead edguilty || Guilty. <br>Fined one crown. || A clemency plea was made by Maricella i Tsagaan i Guerra on grounds of Loyalty.
|-
| Assault (two counts) || The accused asked the victim, Hazel of the Shattered tower, “if she would like a face like hers” referring to Senator Tanwyn. The accused then struck the victim in the face with a shield and pushed her to the ground. || Rhisiart Tarw pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined three thrones due to the accused being a repeat offender. ||
|-
| Heresy and blasphemy || The accused encouraged Imperial orcs in Hraka Hold to not follow the Way claiming “it is a human religion”. Further he said the Hierro clan failed because “they had too much ambition” and preached against both too much pride and ambition. He also claimed orcs are superior to humans. He has been inquisited for this behaviour before and has said he would mend his ways. During the trial he argued his beliefs were common among imperial orcs. || Bloodcrow Yargol was condemned by the General Assembly. He pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined thirty thrones<br>Sentenced to be branded with the Freezing Brand of Irremais. || The condemning priest was Jorma Steelhail.<br>The heavy fine reflected the serious impact that Yargol's heresy was having on his peers and to act as a deterrent against similar behaviour in the future.<br>
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 380YE
|-
| Theft || An Enigmatic Staff belonging to Sovica Kovar was stolen from the academy premises. The accused admitted selling this staff onto a Navarr. || Alexi Gremani pleaded guilty || Guilty.<br> Fined three crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Lucifaro Erigo on grounds of Loyalty and Vigilance
|-
| Murder || The accused had argued with Isca over magical efforts to direct the falling red star. They invited her to their tent with promises of an apology but Dusan paralysed her and Svetlana and Velushka slew her with their weapons. They then disposed of the body with magic. Isca's shade was summoned and her identity verified then she was questioned. Isca testified as to the events as described above and contradicted the claims of the accused to have argued with Isca in the tent prior to killing her. The accused handed themselves in at the start of the next festival. || Dusan, Svetlana and Velushka of the Tangled Thorns pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made by Elka Grimani, Cardinal of Pride.<br>Although some good arguments were made in favour of clemency, the seriousness of the crime, the destruction of evidence, and their failure to justify the necessity of their actions were judged to mean that a sentence of death was appropriate.
|-
| Theft || The accused searched the tent of the Tangled Thorns (while they were under investigation by the militia) and took their coven stone. This stone is permanently enchanted and therefore valuable. They claimed to be acting out of vigilance since it might be cursed and furthermore that they were authorised by a member of the militia to take it. No evidence could be found that this was the case. || Mina of the Howling Pines and her two cousins pleaded not guilty. || Not guilty. ||
|-
| Treason and subverting the agencies of the state || In the winter of 379 the accused had a meeting with the Druj and sent a letter in 380 to confirm their agreement to crush a tribe of Barrens orcs between their armies. Furthermore the Druj would cast Rivers Run Red to maximise casualties. The accused advised the military council of the plan, allowing them to plan the campaign accordingly and with considerable success. However, he failed to engage with either the Senate or Imperial Consul about this scheme. || Ancel Steward pleaded not guilty to treason and guilty to subverting the agencies of the state. || Not guilty of treason. <br>Guilty of subverting the agencies of the state<br>Fined twenty five thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Sir Lacons Vexille with regard to the first charge<br>It is not known why clemency was accepted even though accused pleaded not guilty.
|-
| Treason || The accused and his family were captured by Druj in Edinberg near Holberg. His captors threatened to kill his family unless he led the cadets of the academy into a trap. He lured in twenty cadets and five adults with talk of a boggart infestation and did not attempt to warn them in any way. Even though the cadets were ambushed by orcs they not only escaped with their lives but also saved the accused's captive family. || Antonio Gelani von Holberg pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused came to Anvil and falsely preached that hope was as important as the other Imperial virtues. They were condemned by the Assembly of Nine and repented after the Empress spoke to them. || Christoph and Julieta di Sarvos pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Sentenced to spend the next season removing auras of hope from Sarvos. || A clemency plea was made by Serrusto Caeli Rezia di Tassato, Cardinal of Ambition
|-
| Assault || The accused was threatened by four mercenaries sent from a League Carta to cut down a “sacred” tree in a cemetery in Holfried. He warned them off but when they persisted and tried to cut down the tree he assaulted them. || Friar John Taker of the Marches pleaded not guilty on grounds of defence of the property in question. || Not guilty. ||
|-
| Criminal damage || The accused went on a skirmish with a relative but after they failed to stay close to him he broke their staff. || Uther de Rondell pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined three crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Sir Gaulio Orzel
|-
| Possession and supply of gutwrench (at the Vor'Azi Grimhold) || The accused was hired for ten thrones (five in advance) to poison Karina by someone called “Feldermaus” in the League. The accused gave Karina gutwrench to take instead of a deadly poison. She convinced Karina to take it by claiming it would show her whether her lover truly cared for her or not. || Anya of the League pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined seven thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Amris Merikovich on grounds of Wisdom
|-
| Theft (in the environs of a field hospital near the front lines) || A unit of the army was captured and the accused was let go and told that the orcs would release the rest of his unit if he provided them with some herbs. He proceeded to steal said herbs and was caught. || Kay Fletcher pleaded guilty. || Guilty. <br>Fined four crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Jada of Ravensfell on grounds of Vigilance
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 380YE
|-
| Assault || The accused punched Nadia Borodina di Sarvos of the Pledge twice in front of many witnesses. || Vaniagh of the Suns of Couros pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty<br>Fined four crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused struck down the victim while apprehending him for investigation by the synod. The victim, Romero di Sarvos, had been witnessed handing out heretical pamphlets. The court ruled that the assault was unlawful since it exceeded reasonable force. || Grace Sanguino Regia di Tassato plead guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown. || A clemency plea was made by Irada von Temeschwar
|-
| Heresy and blasphemy || The accused was witnessed handing out heretical and blasphemous pamphlets which he had himself obtained in Faraden. The accused was condemned by the Assembly of Nine and Cardinal Ophelia di Sanguino was their expert witness. || Romero di Sarvos pleaded guilty with no clemency. || Guilty<br>Death by execution. || The accused was both unrepentant and presented a clear risk to the Empire.<br>The convict's assets were sequestered and he was
|-
| Murder || The accused handed herself in and confessed to the murders of both Sister Dorcas and Sister Ana of the Suns of Couros. She said she had no control over her actions but having realised what she had done she did not seek help or treatment. || Sister Aurelia pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused got into an argument with Banwell Rae over the execution of a citizen for heresy. The accused pushed Rae to the floor when Rae stepped towards him. || Kane Frostwalker pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted the victim, Jera de Luisignon, while he was awaiting trial. The victim had cursed the accused's homeland, then taunted him about it. The accused then assaulted the victim with a knife but saw to it he was healed afterwards. || Magic' Errol of the Marches pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused asked the victim, Jera de Luisignon to lift a curse that he had placed upon his father. Jera proceeded to insult both the accused and his father. The accused then stabbed him. || Robert Greyshanks pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one throne. ||
|-
| Blasphemy and idolatry || The accused was condemned by the Synod for blasphemy and idolatry for his involvement in the actions of the notorious De Luisignan anarchy cult. || Jera de Luisignon of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution. || A clemency plea was made by Lady Josephine Novarion
|-
| Attempted murder and membership of the Vyig || The accused was witnessed stabbing Warrant Officer Hardfrost with a poisoned dagger at his wedding reception. A note indicated orders from the Vyig to carry out the assassination and scars consistent with removed Vyig tattoos were found on his knuckles. || Christoph di Sarvos plead not guilty to all charges. || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused tried to stop a Vyig assassin, Christoph di Sarvos, who was fleeing the scene of a crime. She was stabbed and poisoned and received a series of medical treatments that left her in an agitated state. She found the suspect in militia custody and stabbed him in a frenzy which was almost fatal to the victim. || Cora Greyshanks of the Marches plead guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined six crowns. || A clemency plea was made by Robert of Swindale on grounds of Loyalty<br>The court warns the convict and all citizens that the magistrates take a dim view of assaults on suspects in militia custody.
|-
| Assault || The accused was asked by a Warrant officer to guard the prisoner, Christoph di Sarvos. When the prisoner turned somewhat aggressively towards the accused he struck him twice with the butt of his bill. || Hob Culloch of the Marches pleaded not guilty on the grounds that he was keeping him in custody during a lawful arrest. || Not guilty but warned about his use of force. ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused was caught preaching heresy and promoting the false virtue of 'fear'. Examination by the egregore of Highguard found that he was a citizen of Highguard but that he was now nameless. He was condemned by the Assembly of the Way. || A citizen of Reikos who no longer bore any name pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution|| Due to time constraints, caused by the need for condemnation, the accused was tried after the summit
|-
| Contravening a Declaration of Interdiction || The accused cast the ritual Whispering Shadow Courtiers to contact the Whisper Gallery in contravention of the Conclave's declaration of Enmity. It was argued that his intent was to try to find out information on the Whispering Gallery's activities in an effort to save imperial lives. The court was satisfied that there was no evidence of treason. The accused had sought no prior advice from members of the Conclave, but the Cardinal of Vigilance advised him that she would plead clemency for him at trial. || Benedict of the House of Seven Mirrors plead guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined ten thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Irada von Temeschwar, Cardinal of Vigilance. The court reminds citizens that contravening a declaration of interdiction is a serious offence.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 380YE
|-
| Manslaughter || Substantial Agramant activity was reported by witnesses in the Vale of Hollow Pines at the time of the offence. During these events the accused shot dead an old draughir woman with a single arrow. The victim (who was not a Varushkan citizen) had recently attacked Grandmother Aria, first paralysing her then biting off her ear. || Boyar Akstis of Eigulys known as “Gully” pleaded guilty || Due to both the circumstances and the clemency plea provided the convict was discharged without punishment. || A clemency plea was made by Rooslin Prochnost
|-
| Murder || The accused admitted the murder of Darius of the Emerald Order by stabbing him to death near the Marcher maypole in Anvil. The accused handed himself in, and claimed that he had lost his wits due to the side effects of potion making. While no witnesses to the crime came forward, and the accused said he had no memory of the murder, blood stains were found on his robes consistent with the events. || Pugilist of the Emerald Order pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused claimed right of witness in order to investigate a rumour he had heard of slavery in Anvil. He did not have the legal right to do so as he is not a member of the synod. || Bloodcrow Yargol pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Fined six crowns. ||
|-
| Murder and perverting the course of justice || The accused were all involved in some capacity with the murder of Brady (for which Tarion of the Black Scar has already been executed). Erian aided the murder by luring Brady into an ambush and then lied about it in one of her statements to the militia. Bernie was the one who planned the murder but he did not personally wield a blade. Lleu, their acting Brand, was told by them of the murder after it happened and he asked Erian to lie to the militia. || Erian plead guilty to perverting the course of justice and murder. Bernie plead guilty to murder. Klay plead guilty to perverting the course of justice. || Guilty<br>Erian was sentenced to death by execution.<br>Bernie was sentenced to death by execution. <br>Lleu was fined five thrones. || A clemency plea was made by Aelfin on behalf of Erian but said it was not a virtuous act<br>A clemency plea was made by Rhisiart Tarw on behalf of Lleu on the grounds of Loyalty and Pride
|-
| Assault || The accused all assaulted militia deputy Yaroslav who was guarding an old mine that had until recently been utilised by the Vyig. || Viktor, Boris and Alexi von Temeschwar all pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns each. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused (who handed herself in) used her weapon to strike a heavy blow on the arm of a soldier who insulted her after the battle. || Clarice Novarion, General of the Eastern Sky, pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Perverting the course of justice || The accused was involved in the formation of the criminal scheme by the Handful of Dust coven in the Brass Coast to give True Liao to an eternal. The accused left this coven and moved to Dawn but because she felt bound by contract to secrecy she only gave very general warnings to Asher (the guide priest who lost his life as a result of their actions). || Catalina de Rondel of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty. <br>Sentenced to suffer the curse of the Freezing Brand of Irremais || A clemency plea was made by Frederick Novarion
|-
| Murder (other lesser charges could have also been laid) || The accused were all citizens trapped in Reikos during the occupation. When priests arrived and reconnected them with the Way they came to Anvil to face justice for the terrible crimes they had committed in order to survive and so that others could learn from their experiences. Their crimes included killing others in fights over food, burning a house of flux sufferers to prevent spread of the disease, killing a crying child so they would not be found by a Druj patrol, torture and killing of Druj collaborators, cannibalism, killing to end the suffering of the starving and killing those who became a drain on the group's resources. || Jolen, Ruth, Caliban and Meliphas all pleaded guilty || All were discharged without further punishment but were offered the opportunity to participate in a Highguard cleansing ritual involving a river and weighing down with stones to represent guilt. || A clemency plea was made by four priests<br>The court accepted the necessity of the acts for their survival and the dreadful adversity of their situation, starving and without any hope of outside help. Arguments were made both for and against the virtue of their actions.<br>In considering sentence the court carefully considered whether these citizens were both deserving and capable of rejoining society. Also, whether it is in the Imperial interest to execute those left in such intolerable conditions.
|-
| Manslaughter (the first accused only) and trade of true Liao to foreigners || The accused arranged a past life vision and Asher of Felix Watch, Cardinal of Courage, agreed to accompany her. However, Ysabel had made a pact with the eternal, Sadogua, to pass her share of True Liao to him magically when she pretended to drink her dose. As a result Asher went to the labyrinth alone and the vision collapsed. Asher's mortal body died and then vanished. Barak of Haros, Head of the Attendants of the Gateway and Livia of the Celestial Cascade, Seer of the Gateway, bore witness and confirmed that Ysabel had been given a full safety briefing, that clearly stated that if both participants did not follow the process then the vision would collapse, and that Ysabel had signed her agreement. The defendants agreed the facts, and stated that their intention was to research the effects of True Liao on an eternal. || Ysabel I Ergo of the Handful of Dust pleaded guilty to both charges. Geraile I Erigo, Maite I Erigo, and Evaristo I Erigo pleaded guilty to trade of true liao to foreigners || Ysabel I Ergo was found guilty<br>Death by execution.<br>The other accused were found guilty<br>Fined seventy five thrones.<br> When their fine became due the next day they refused to pay and claimed to have given away all their assets. Consequently they were executed. || A clemency plea was made on behalf of Geraile I Erigo, Maite I Erigo, and Evaristo I Erigo.
|-
| Manslaughter and assault || The accused and others captured some bandits and brought them back through the Sentinel Gate. The victim attempted to flee and was struck down. The victim was kicked in the head by the accused and died in spite of the medical treatment applied at the scene. || Arden of Cantiarch's Hold pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and guilty to assault. || Not guilty of manslaughter<br>Guilty of assault. <br>Fined two crowns. ||
|-
| Assault || The first accused attacked Ursil de Luisignan with his wand after getting into an altercation. The second accused attacked Tremayne de Luisignan with his sword after he got involved. || Selen de Rondel and Robert Greyshanks both pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br> Selen de Rondel was fined four crowns. <br>Robert Greyshanks was required to apologise to the victim. ||
|-
| Attempted Treason || The accused took a conjunction to meet the eternal Jaheris to discuss the (then current) enmity with Eleonaris but, rather than meeting Jaheris arrived at an audience with Eleonaris herself. Some members of this party had already been advised by the Dawnish egregore not to speak with Eleonaris if this happened. The court probed the nature of the meeting to discover if any of the delegation intended to negotiate and deal with Eleonaris but found no evidence of attempted treason." || Duke Orzel of Dawn along with the other members of his delegation all pleaded not guilty. || Not guilty || The accused were given words of warning with regards to talking to enemies of the Empire in the future.
|}
==Reports from 379YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 379YE
|-
| Theft || The accused were witnessed by a member of the militia fleeing a shop in Tassato carrying stolen merchandise. As Kit is a minor, her guardian Catalina faced punishment in her place. || Kit de Tassato (a minor) and Wyl Brackensong both pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Jointly fined two thrones, to be paid as compensation to the victim, Umberto. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered Brady of Blackscar striding following an accusation of incompetence by the victim. A thorough investigation by the militia uncovered the accused, who then admitted the crime during an interview. || Tarion of Black Scar pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Theft || The accused stole three crowns from the victim's change jar. As Kit is a minor, her guardian Catalina faced punishment in her place. || Kit de Tassato pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns and ordered to repay the three crowns stolen from the victim. ||
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused were condemned by the Synod for preaching the false virtue of peace at Anvil at the Autumn summit. The expert witness from the synod was Father Appleseed. || Mother Alice, Calm Roberto, and Mary Bregasland pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Branded and recommended to the care of Father Appleseed. || A clemency plea was made by Father Appleseed's brother.<br>The accused were separately excommunicated.
|-
| Treason || The accused made a deal with Agramant in which he was given the means to create fear auras to help in their fight against the Jotun in return for executing Jotun prisoners in the presence of Agramant's herald. Expert advice was taken before the trial from Syrus, the Archmage of Winter who advised that such actions do benefit Agramant. || Aedan of Olwen's stand pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Theft || The accused was cursed in the Senate. After the Senate guard struck down the deliverer of the (perfectly legal) curse, the accused rifled through the victim's bag. Afterwards two crowns, twelve rings and a small red puppet were missing. It was unclear whether these items were in fact stolen as the puppet was later found in the mud. || Senator Miroslav offered a weregild of three crowns in compensation for any losses, which was accepted by the victim. || Three crowns weregild was accepted in compensation.<br>No additional punishment levied by magistrates. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 379YE
|-
| Murder (first accused) Manslaughter (second accused) || Five years ago the accused were part of a coven who experimented with a Spring vortex, resulting in an explosion which killed seven citizens. The first accused killed a survivor of the blast in order to keep their experiments secret .Evidence was presented that proved that the second accused was not present at this incident. || Mwfanwy Dray pleaded guilty (first accused)<br>Mertyn Dray pleaded not guilty. || Mwfanwy was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Mertyn was found not guilty. ||
|-
| Attempted murder (later reduced to attempted poisoning) || The accused was reported to the militia by Jonah for paying him one and a half thrones to poison Bronislav, a member of the militia involved in the Greenshields case. The accused admitted intent to poison (but not murderous intent) during the trial. || Salviana former fiance of Aelvir of the Greenshields pleaded not guilty. || Guilty of attempted poisoning<br>Fined ten thrones. ||
|-
| Murder and attempted murder || The accused was captured attempting to assassinate the civil servant Helena Raminci di Sarvos. During their trial the accused also admitted the murder of another civil servant. || An unnamed agent of the Whisper Gallery in a porcelain mask pleaded guilty. || Guilty <br>Death by execution || The accused took their mask off and vanished after being sentenced
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 379YE
|-
| Impersonation of an Imperial official (Meha i Zidan)<br>Subverting the agencies of the state (everyone else)<br>Perverting the course of justice (Pavel) || General Istana discovered that senator Kattalin i Hazama was absent, thus preventing his re-election without involvement from the senate. He took advice from Pavel, the military council civil servant liaison from which he inferred that he should appoint a fake senatorial proxy for the missing senator to fix the problem. Meha i Zidan was the false proxy, but was not aware of the extent of the conspiracy. The other senators were participants in this subversion, although Avisena i Ezmara was unaware that the proxy was false. At trial Pavel denied General Istana's claims but later he came forward to admit that he had in fact implied what the general inferred, Consequently, post-trial the magistrate substantially reduced the fines levied. || Anwar del Torro pleaded guilty<br>Feliciana i Sotero pleaded guilty.<br>Avisena i Ezmara pleaded not guilty<br>General Istana pleaded not guilty<br>Meha i Zidan pleaded guilty. <br>Pavel pleaded guilty || Anwar del Torro was found guilty<br>Fined ten thrones later reduced to five thrones <br>Feliciana i Sotero was found guilty<br>Fined ten thrones later reduced to five thrones<br>Avisena i Ezmara was found not guilty. <br>General Istana was found guilty<br>Fined twenty thrones later reduced to five thrones<br>Meha i Zidan was found guilty<br>Fined four crowns later reduced to two crowns.<br>Pavel was found guilty<br>Fined twenty thrones. || Avisena i Ezmara was advised to change her plea to not guilty on the advice of the court.<br>Pavel resigned from his post as Herald of the Council
|-
| False Imprisonment || Tyrwyn imprisoned his own military unit in a fort when they became afflicted by a curse which made them feral and violent. He came forward and confessed of his own volition, but as no complaints have been made and his behaviour appeared to be virtuous, the case was dismissed. || Tyrwyn Northernbay of Miaren || Case dismissed. ||
|-
| Assault || During the Cathan Canae tourney the suspect entered the arena unannounced and pushed over the Jotun champion, who insisted that charges be brought. || Irontide Bruk pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined three rings. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Assault, theft, Vyig membership (various)Assault, theft, Vyig membership and murder (various) || A group of nine tattooed Vyig were captured by the Iron Raptors. Various evidence of their crimes was presented, including some statements by suspects implicating other members of the group in crimes. || Five suspects pleaded guilty to assault, theft, and Vyig membership.<br>Four pleaded not guilty to murder, assault, theft, and Vyig membership. || One of those accused of murder was found not guilty of murder but guilty of the lesser charges.<br>Fined all their assets and tattoos removed<br>Five were found guilty of the lesser charges<br>Fined all their assets and tattoos removed.<br>Three suspects accused of murder were found guilty<br>Senteced to death by execution || The three suspects guilty of murder attempted to escape and were executed
|-
| Murder || The accused killed a fleeing Vyig suspect after they attempted to escape on multiple occasions. || Mercutio pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined four thrones and branded on his hand. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Attempted murder || The accused cut the throat of Lunetta Sanguino, who was attempting to become a herald. The reason given for the attack was to send her soul to the labyrinth, lest her soul should be prevented from entering the labyrinth by her eternal service. The clemency plea at trial was made by the victim who has reconsidered her choices. || Jared of the Suns of Couros pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown || A clemency plea was made<br>The fine was instructed to be paid into the Synod Virtue fund
|-
| Murder || The accused were tried for the murder of Zedenka of the Ulla Sisterhood, Varushka. The victim described her attackers when summoned back through the Black Gate. Careful investigations confirmed that the summoned shade was in fact Zedenka and that her testimony appeared genuine. Kale refused to answer questions put by the magistrate and Thor's answers were vague and inconsistent with witness testimony that placed both of them at the scene of the crime. Udoxia, testified that Thor came out of a tent following a woman's scream and declared that it was a “false alarm”. || Thor of the Hammer pleaded not guilty.<br>Kale pleaded not guilty. || Thor of the Hammer was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Kale was found guilty<br>Death by execution || Kale used magical means to commit suicide and briefly haunt the area before execution
|-
| Slavery and mayhem || The accused were captured during a raid in Reikos to sweep up remaining perpetrators from the Brothers and Sisters of Virtue (many of whom have already been tried for the mutilating and enslaving of hundreds of orc orphans) || Sister Keiiah pleaded not guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution || Sister Keeiah committed suicide using magical means before execution.
|-
| Murder || The accused killed a criminal who had been downed during a raid on the Vyig. || Prospero of the League pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined five thrones || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Vyig membership and contempt of court (Maria)Murder, theft malsanguino, and Vyig membership (Nicolo and Cesare) || The accused were tattooed Vyig captured by concerned Imperial citizens. Nicolo and Cesare escaped custody and committed serious assaults on the presiding magistrate and a warrant officer present following the verdict, before recapture. || Maria pleaded not guilty.<br>Nicolo pleaded not guilty<br>Cesare pleaded not guilty. || Maria was found guilty<br>Tattoos were removed and her left hand was mutilated.<br>Nicolo was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Cesare was found guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 379YE
|-
| Manslaughter || The accused killed Auras Dustborn while he was unconscious during a battle with husks. The accused had been ordered to kill all husks on the ground to prevent them arising again and mistook the victim for a husk. || Keridwyn Splitroot pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Weregild agreed that the Splitroot steading to serve the Dustborn steading for two seasons<br>no further judicial punishment || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder, membership of Vyig || The accused, a self-confessed enforcer for the Vyig, admitted to murdering Darren Uzo in Temeschwar on the orders of Uncle Uzo || Al Uzo pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Assault, theft, membership of Vyig || The accused implicated himself in the aiding and abetting of a Vyig “protection” racket || Robert Uzo pleaded guilty || Guilty <br>Fined one throne<br>Tattoo was removed || A clemency plea was made<br> Property deed to a brickmaker's business was taken in lieu of the fine and sold for one throne
|-
| Handling stolen goods || The accused had no tattoos but admitted to working for the Vyig, carrying their property and so on. || Bobby of Varushka pleaded not guilty || Guilty<br>Branded as a thief ||
|-
| Attempted murder or aiding and abetting of attempted murder either directly or by concealment of their activities || Following intelligence reports that the Greenshields Tavern in Wintermark were carrying out a business of assassins for hire, a sting operation was carried out. An undercover militia deputy introduced a fake client to Aelvir, who arranged for an assassination to be carried out against the victim, another undercover deputy for the fee of ten thrones. Sully went with the client to check out the victim and to kill them if he considered it safe to do so. Sully also offering what the client took to be poison when he did not like the victim's location. A final attempt was made but baulked at the last moment. The clients' monies were then returned. When arrested no explanation was offered for this behaviour. The sister, Lumi was observed to be close to her brother and witnesses placed her nearby in the tavern during these events. Vesha was a new barman and Uri did not belong to the Greenshields group, no evidence was presented implicating them in these crimes. || Aelvir – the landlord and procurer - pleaded guilty<br>Sully – apothecary and assassin - pleaded not guilty<br>Lumi – sister to Aelvir - pleaded not guilty<br>Uri - bar staff- pleaded not guilty<br>Vesha – bar staff - pleaded not guilty || Aelvir was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Sully was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Lumi was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Uri and Vesha were found not guilty || A clemency plea was made on behalf of Aelvir
|}

==Reports from 378YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 378YE
|-
| Theft and assault || The accused were caught attempting to steal a weapon of war in the form of a giant stone head from the Varushkan camp. They assaulted Senator Dushan Otecovna Zlata of Varushka in the process || Kayne and Leopric, both of Wintermark, pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fine of 4 thrones ||
|-
| Perverting the course of justice || The accused incorrectly believed that a murder case (in which the accused was Yanov Tartaklvsky of Varushka) would not be tried. He threatened a number of witnesses to this trial although it was accepted that he was ignorant that they were witnesses in an ongoing case. || Brand Rizzard pleaded not guilty || Guilty.<br>Fined one throne ||
|-
| Assault || The accused assaulted Luke of the Shattered Tower of Highguard and (incidentally to this charge) cursed him. || Aben Newath and two other unnamed heralds of Jaheris pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Returned to the Hall of Worlds without further punishment. ||
|-
| Idolatry and treason || The accused attempted to bargain with Surut (an eternal under enmity) using unborn souls. He was condemned by the Synod. || Thulun of the Silent Step pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Murder, theft, assault || The accused was the leader of a band of murderous brigands who had been preying upon refugees fleeing the Mournwold. || Thomas Hayward pleaded not guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder, assault || The accused was charged with murder of a prisoner while on a battlefield and the assault of another marcher, Tilly Stoke who became involved after the fact. || Hob Culloch pleaded not guilty || Not guilty ||
|-
| Treason, contempt of court || The accused were caught attempting to perform a ritual damaging mana production in the Empire and refused to answer the Magistrate. After their trial (as suspected) they admitted to being involved with the Anarchy cult which has been active in Miekarova recently. || Ivan and Sergei of Miekarova pleaded not guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused took responsibility for landing the killing blow on a Navarr after Varushka and Navarr were tricked by ghosts into fighting each other at night. The Navarr attacked the Varushkans first and the presence of the ghosts meant that a number of participants in the battle rose up to fight again. || Yanov Abromovich Tartaklvsky pleaded not guilty || Not guilty. ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused were condemned by the Vigilance assembly for their involvement in the Miekarovan Anarchy cult. They refused to answer questions or give their names. || Four unknown citizens pleaded not guilty || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused was condemned by the vigilance assembly for contravening the doctrine of Human Destiny by claiming to be greater than any human. There was no evidence presented that anyone was actually swayed by this. || Thelonius Kade pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two thrones. ||
|-
| Contempt of Court || The accused were two Varushkans who were caught in Anvil at the Imperial Regio attempting to perform a ritual to damage mana production in the Empire. It was suspected that these were members of the Miekarovan anarchy cult. They refused to answer any of the Magistrate's questions. || Svetlana and Yuri of Varushka did not enter a plea || Guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 378YE
|-
| Murder || The accused ordered the murder of militia deputy Gwylyr during the Winter Solstice 377YE. || Cerunnos pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution to be carried out after the battle on Sunday. || The execution was not carried out due to the death of Cerunnos in battle.<br>This was the final trial pertaining to Gwylyr's murder.
|-
| Theft || While wearing a mask of Mazen the accused stole goods from the hub of a value of approximately 5 crowns. She handed herself in the following day and gave a full confession. || Isabel i Erigo pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined five crowns. ||
|-
| Slavery, Mayhem and murder || The accused were part of a conspiracy to enslave hundreds of Orcs by mutilating their brains at an early age. Their labour was subsequently sold to unsuspecting imperial citizens. Orcs who fell ill or who were injured were typically murdered. All belonged to the Brothers and Sisters of Virtue sect of Raeza's Wall Chapter in Casinea. The militia would like to formally commend Senator Ywain of Dawn for his actions in bringing this matter to the attention of the militia and in providing vital assistance to the operation which smashed this criminal organisation and brought these perpetrators to justice. || Ulfric Bouchnack pleaded guilty. <br>Brother Raphael pleaded not guilty. <br>Rannock pleaded not guilty. || All were found guilty.<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Slavery, Mayhem, Murder and resisting arrest. || Relating to the above crimes, the mutilation of the orcs was performed by the Dubcek family in the vale of Wyrmgratz, Varushka. They were named as co-conspirators by the members of the Brothers and Sisters of Virtue. A group of militia, deputised orcs and two magistrates went to Wyrmgratz to arrest them and bring them to trial. They refused to comply with the Magistrate's order to return to Anvil and so were summarily executed. || Yatislav Dubcek and eight other members of the Guardians of Moral Order. || Tried summarily and executed. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 378YE
|-
| Assault || The accused headbutted Nathaniel the Unbranded during the fracas in which a number of the Druj envoys were killed. || Irontide Brack pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered Lord Griffinsbane while he was being held in Dawnish custody awaiting probable charges for treason and attempted murder. || Danica d'Orzel pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined two thrones. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered militia deputy Gwylyr during the winter solstice while at the {{Black Plateau}}, allegedly on the orders of General Cernanos. || Owen Y'Basden pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Murder || The accused aided and abetted in the murder of Gwylyr described above. || Bors Y'Basden pleaded guilty. || Guilty<br>Fined two thrones and branded. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Spring Equinox 378YE
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Mara of Vashti's Penitents, Highguard || Sev of House Degruvain pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Pavel of The Company of the White Flame || Jael of Vashti's Penitents pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined four crowns ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Jael of Vashti's Penitents || Bedevere of the Crimson Petals and Clarice Novarion both pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two crowns each. ||
|-
| Attempting to pervert the course of justice || The accused poisoned himself in order to implicate Lorenzo of the Butchers Bank for his attempted murder. || Sandoval of the Gilded Horn Carta pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered Tristran Longridge of the Marches in the Marches in 376 in revenge for the slaying of her Feni barbarian master || Hilda Appeby of Dawn pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Magratha Echostorm, a medic at the hospital, while under the influence of a curse || Bloodcrow Martak pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Bloodcrow Martak to serve in the hospital as an orderly instead of receiving a fine ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Jael and Mara of Vashti's Penitents when Mara interfered with a duel between Jael and Terin Realmsreach. || Aife Realmsreach pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined two rings ||
|-
| Murder || Murder of Jael and Mara of Vashti's Penitents while unconscious, following the assault described previously. || Terin Realmsreach pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered two League citizens in the city of Temeschwar. || Two members of the Vyig of Temeschwar pleaded guilty ||Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Assault || An assault by the accused upon Jael of Vashti's Penitents while defending a herald || Ox the Crazy pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined one crown ||
|-
| Murder || The accused murdered the previous Grand Bailiff of the Market, Martha of Stockland || Two residents of Ashtown pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Subverting the agencies of the state || The accused was precipitate in taking action regarding a senate motion (about the non-extension of the armistice with the Jotun) which was later vetoed. || Bridget Eastville (nee Talbot) pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined six thrones ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused used his soul as an asset in a contract with the eternal Zand. || Angelo i Jannat i Riqueza pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined three thrones || The fine was instructed to be paid into the Synod Virtue fund
|}

==Reports from 377YE==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Winter Solstice 377YE
|-
| Attempted Murder, Subverting Agencies of the State. || The accused is the leader of the Y'Basden Striding. In battle he repeatedly refused the orders of the battlefield commander and when a runner came to repeat the orders he had him cut down. || Ulrich Y'Basden pleaded not guilty to both charges. || Not guilty of attempted murder<br> Guilty of assault. <br>Guilty of subverting the Agencies of the State.<br>Death by military service. ||
|-
| Poisoning || The accused added liao to the drink of Irontide Groff, an Imperial orc, causing him to be made slightly unwell. At the time the accused believed that a mora shapeshifter was present in the company and the act was performed to identify if the orc was in fact a Mora (he was not). || Lazarus pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Fined one ring.<br>Ordered to pay one ring in compensation to Irontide Groff. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Poisoning, assault || The accused used a poisoned blade upon her husband Lord Beaumont before the battle to make him too weak to go (as she feared for his safety). She later cured her husband's ailment he went to do his duty on the battle. || Lady Igraine Novarion pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Ordered to hand over her poisons to her husband prior to the next battle. || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder, possession of a Scorpion Sting || The accused murdered Guillmero i Marco i Riqueza using a Scorpion Sting || Maria i Androsin i Erigo leaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution. ||
|-
| Aiding and abetting murder, possession of Scorpion Sting || The accused supplied the Scorpion Sting that was used to murder Guillmero i Marco i Riqueza. || Cain of Cassian Chapter pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Death by execution. ||
|-
| Assault || The accused accepted a boon of vengeance from a herald of Hayaak and then assaulted General Stanislav in the tavern, against whom he bore a grudge. || Mordin of the Rising Sun Spire pleaded guilty || Guilty<br> Fined two crowns<br>Corvus, Archmage of Summer, will provide (magical) compensation to the victim. ||
|-
| Assault || The orc egregore handed himself in to the militia after he broke the leg of a member of the Irontide who repeatedly insulted a guest. || The Imperial Orc egregore pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined six crowns. ||
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Autumn Equinox 377YE
|-
| Murder || Mother killed an assailant who was witnessed attempting to murder her child. The attacker died very swiftly but no evidence of foul play was presented. || Inga Essing || Not guilty || No record of their plea was made
|-
| Attempt to acquire controlled substance (deadly poison) || A citizen was asked to acquire poison by Emil Darkling for murderous purposes. All witnessed by a member of the militia. The evidence also suggested that Krefinar, landlord of the Artisan Arms had asked Emil Darkling to do this on his behalf. || Emil Darkling pleaded guilty<br>Krefinar || Emil Darkling was found guilty<br>Death by military service.<br>Krefinar was found not guilty || No record of Krefinar's plea was made
|-
| Treason || The accused were captured by members of the league fighting on the side of barbarians against the Empire. || Father Olaf and Ragnar Olafson both pleaded guilty || Father Olaf was found guilty<br>Death by execution<br>Ragnar Olafson pleaded guilty <br>Death by military service ||
|-
| Blasphemy || The accused was witnessed preaching the false virtue of unity. || Faelid pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Death by execution ||
|-
| Blasphemy and Heresy || The accused was condemned by the Synod for the production of an allegedly blasphemous and heretical pamphlet. || Xavier of Urizen || Not guilty ||
|-
| Improper placement of an aura on the senate || The accused placed a calming magical aura on the senate building during the festival of the broken wheel. || Catalynd Enigo pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined three crowns ||
|-
| Attempted false imprisonment and theft || The honourable guild of debt collectors in the league were accused of kidnapping the father of Fiona Mudstrider and attempting to extort a ransom from her. || The honourable guild of debt collectors || Guilty<br>Fined ten crowns || No record of their plea was made
|-
| Manslaughter || A unit led by Nicolo Barossa de Tassato Regario of the league arrested a group of citizens who they believed were heretics while on a mission outside Anvil. Excessive use of force resulted in the death of one of these citizens. || Nicolo Barossa de Tassato Regario pleaded guilty || Guilty<br>Fined seven crowns ||
|-
| Heresy || The accused were arrested by a unit led by Nicolo Barossa de Tassato Regario of the league for carrying out heretical activities. || Mario de Sarvos, Silvos de Sarvos and Isabella de Sarvos || Guilty <br>Death by military service. || No record of their plea was made
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Crimes
! scope="col" style="width: 50%;" | Description
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Accused and Plea
! scope="col" style="width: 10%;" | Result
! scope="col" style="width: 15%;" | Notes
|+ Summer Solstice 377YE
|-
| Treason || Seeking to offer weapons to barbarians || Harry Harrold of the Marches || Not guilty ||
|-
| Murder || A citizen taken prisoner in battle || Xavier of Urizen || Guilty<br>Fined twenty crowns || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder || In a duel by poison || Solomon of Highguard || Guilty<br>Death by military service || A clemency plea was made
|-
| Murder || In the tavern || Elpidio Floren and Abul Dye || Guilty<br>Death by military service || A clemency plea was made
|}

Troop of echoes

2025-09-18T15:33:26Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The young man wakes between one breath and the next, and sits up. He yawns, stretches, sips from a glass of water on the bedside table. Gets up, draws the curtains. It is still dark outside but the first light of dawn is beginning to spill across the sea far below his window.

He barely remembers his dream; something about a party at the palace and applause. He washes the dream away as he performs his morning ablutions - even at this early hour his servant has ensured the water is warmed and there is a fresh towel waiting for him. He pauses for a moment looking at himself in the gold-inlaid mirror. He practices his expressions for a few minutes: appearing sombre, appearing amused, appearing angry. Then he dresses, beginning with the simple dragonbone mask that covers the upper part of his face, then a freshly laundered silk under-robe of glorious apricot. He fingers the material, luxuriating in both its texture and its colour. He pulls on a sombre black lambswool outer-robe, but belts it only loosely. It gives him a sense of satisfaction that everyone will see how he rejects the funereal garb of the traditionalists, ready to embrace the joy of a nation reborn.

In the foyer of his apartments he pauses to pour fresh water and oil into the little basin at the shrine, and scatter black rose petals. Solokha, hands folded before her, wearing the Mask of Peace. The other sorcerer-kings stand behind her, united and solemn. If he feels any particular connection to his alleged ancestor he does not display it in his perfunctory obeisance.

The office is quiet. He is the first one there. He relaxes into his chair. The new leather creaks as he tries to settle himself. He is unaccustomed to it, but knows that in time it will come to fit his body like a glove - and if it does not he will simply replace it. He takes a moment to ensure everything is arranged on his desk, positioned just so to convey busy professionalism and subtle power. His eyes stray again to the portraits of the Grand Ilarchs on the wall opposite the desk. Anyone who meets with him will do so under the watching gaze of Kyther. And the others, of course.

The only document on his desk is a sealed letter; his secretaries have been chosen for their competence at dealing with the day-to-day demands of his office so this is something that requires his personal attention. He turns it over in his hand, selects the jade-handled golden letter opener. It is from his opposite number in the Empire. It must have arrived during the night. He reads it carefully, writing a few lines on the vellum he keeps for his most important business with a pristine swan's feather quill.

While he writes, a servant enters, soft woollen slippers making no noise on the dark carpet. They open the shutters on the window, which faces towards the dawn, to where the sun is rising. The servant refills his water glass from the pitcher, bows, and quietly retreats. The meeting with Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban - with the Grand Council rather - has already been arranged and he must be ready to present his summary of the missive. Must be ready to receive his instructions.

He pauses for just a moment, though, gazing out at the glorious crimson, topaz, golden light spilling out across the horizon. It sparks a fierce joy in him, reminding him that he at last has everything he ever wanted, that at last he is part of something ''good'' and ''powerful'' and ''destined''.

It's going to be a wonderful day.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCLmiuMv5L4}}
* '''Axos are signatories to the Liberty Pact, and relations have been slowly improving in recent seasons'''
* '''There have been recent upheavals in both the Axou and Imperial embassies as the ambassadors from both nations have changed'''
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of the ruins of Solokha]]. The Axou remain proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world, however, creating challenges for the [[Ambassador to Axos|Imperial ambassador]]. They are members of the [[Liberty Pact]], but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. In recent months, the small nation to the south of [[the Mallum]] is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. More recently they were [[A_better_future#School_and_Scandal|rocked by scandal]] leading to the retirement of the former Ambassador Ilarch Maxatious, the formation of a new Grand Council to guide the nation, and the establishment of a [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] that seeks to do the same for Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]].

At the same time there were upheavals closer to home as long-serving Ambassador ''Fintan Nighthaven'' was [[revocation|revoked]] from his position and [[sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the [[Imperial Synod]]. He is succeeded in the position by ''The Flame of Riqueza'' of [[the Brass Coast]]. In Axos, Maxatious has been replaced by ''Ilarch Kario Skopos'', a scion of the Skopos family of the [[Axos#Chambers of Ussyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. At the instruction of the Grand Ilarchs, however, he has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth for as long as he holds the post. Instead, he is known as Ilarch Skopos of Solokha, signifying his neutrality when it comes to the politics of the citadels. The new ambassador reports directly to the Grand Council and represents their will, and through them the will of their people.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=The Flame of Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|status=Foreigner}}
==But To Sing==
* '''A formal delegation intends to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox
* '''They will be received in the Senate around 11.30am on Saturday
* '''The delegation expects to speak to the ambassador and renew good relations between the two nations
* '''There is talk of other business after the formal delegation
One of the first matters Ilarch Skopos has arranged is the dispatch of a diplomacy envoy to Anvil, to arrive during the Autumn Equinox and renew relations between the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. The delegation expects to be formally received by the new Ambassador in the Imperial Senate; the meeting is scheduled for late morning on Saturday. Kario admits that mostly the delegation is intended to be a little pageantry to mollify some of those looking for an excuse for the Citadels to be annoyed with the Empire; a chance for diplomats from both nations to make some speeches and little else.

Once it's concluded however, it is hoped that there will be chance to discuss a couple of more serious issues specifically relating to the war in the [[Sarangrave]], and to the Liberty Pact. On the matter of the war with the [[Druj]] it seems that the [[A_better_future#The_Tyrants_of_the_Mallum|Summer visit]] from representatives of ''Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of [[Axos#Ipotavo|Ipotavo]]'' went well. They spoke with '''Gabriel Barossa''' among others, and remain committed to taking action against the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. It is hoped that there will be someone at the Senate who will be able to speak on behalf of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on this joint strategy and any political elements that may need smoothing out.

==Liberty==
* '''The Axou are calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact for the Winter Solstice which they will host
* '''They plan to use Lashonar's Caucus Forum to do so
* '''They are bringing the matter of a recent amendment to the table for voting
In their missive the Imperial Ambassador mentioned that the Empire was considering calling a meeting of the [[Liberty Pact]] either in the coming Winter or in Spring next year. This news delights Ilarch Skopos, because it shows that the ambassadors of the two nations are thinking along similar lines. As it happens, Axos is calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact at the Winter Solstice that they will host (as is [[Voice_of_Liberty#Rights_of_Signatories|their right]]). They are aware that the seas are dangerous, and so have secured the boon of the [[Lashonar#Caucus Forum|Caucus Forum]] from the ''[[Lashonar|Midnight Owl]]''. The [[eternal]] has assured Ilarch Skopos' office that there will be no problem bringing together representatives from all four nations that are signatory to the Pact in the secure [[Realms#Night|chamber of Night]].

The goal of the Axos delegate is to repeal the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Summer_384YE_Amendments|384YE amendment]] that demands all signatories apply a [[Tariffs#Embargo|trade embargo]] to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. They argue that the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Principles|Second Principle]] - that ''signatory nations will place economic or trade sanctions of their own choosing on nations defined as slaving nations'' - is more than sufficient. The Pact, says Ilarch Skopos, is about ending slavery not about allowing the signatory nations to force their own politics on the other members. The Commonwealth has overstepped and attempted to turn the Pact into a political weapon that distorts its original purpose.

Ilarch Skopos anticipates that the Empire will let his office know if there are any motions the Imperial delegate wishes to place before the Pact for discussion at this meeting, and that the [[Sumaah Republic]] and [[Commonwealth]] will do the same. One of Skopos' experts on the Liberty Pact will be travelling to Anvil along with the formal delegation and hopes there will be a chance to speak to the [[Voice of Liberty]] '''Jarrigk Silktongue''' on the upcoming meeting. They apologise for pre-empting the Empire's meeting, but if there is business that is not resolved during the Winter Solstice there will be ample opportunity for the Imperial delegate to call a further meeting. Ilarch Skopos advises making use of the Caucus Forum, or a similar eternal boon, simply because it makes it much harder for members of other nations to find reasons they cannot attend.
{{SOP|statement= Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. As preachers of Ambition, spreading virtue across the known world, we need to act immediately to guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path. Reaching out in support, sparking the embers which to blow into the inferno of true virtue.|by=Tongs, Ambition Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos, inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos. Let us be the light of truth to plan seeds of Virtue and Enlightenment now which will bear fruit for generations to come. Only then can we address their folly of the Creator. Heed the call of Ambitions Master and Masquerade, of Pride’s Conqueror, of Vigilance’s Sentinel, and Wisdom’s Avigliana.|by=Fintan Nighthaven, Vigilance Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Fintan Nighthaven. You are not above reproach and certainly not above consequence. You have proven a force of corruption in your dealings with Peace - the extent of your influence must be scrutinised. Time 6pm Sat, place Nighthaven Camp. Let us see if you are malicious.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, Wisdom Assembly|vote=Upheld (184-20)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=For irregularities in their dealings with Axou, and following accusations of assisting the spreading of false virtue, we revoke Fintan Nighthaven from the position of Ambassador to Axou. This action has been requested by the Consul of the Senate.|by=Revocation, Cardinal Lenarius Ankarien, Ambition Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (5-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=On behalf of the Imperial Inquisitor: (Judgement 148 after inquisition) Fintan Nighthaven has been found guilty of incontestable acts of blasphemy and abuse of priestly powers. His work as an agent of Peace has harmed both the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. He lied to the Vigilance Assembly and the Greater Synod to gain true liao that he used to create an artefact shield of Peace. He brought false hallows under false pretences to the Assembly of Nine. His provision of significant liao facilitated a mandate of unity in Axos. This cannot stand.|by=Condemntaion, Cardinal Silas of the Cenotaph, Assembly of Nine|vote=Greater Majority (8-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Chaplain Consular, Lepedina. It is your responsibility to tend to the souls of the Ambassadorial Court. Fintan Nighthaven has been allowed to operate undeterred to devastating consequence. We will discuss what work you have done at the next summit.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, General Assembly|vote=Automatically upheld|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
==A Unified Convocation==
* '''The Unified Convocation sees a number of Axou sects coming together in a tentative philosophical alliance
* '''It enshrines and encourages adherence to the Axou faith which declares the Creator a tyrant and the Labyrinth a place of torture
* '''The Imperial Synod has discussed offering aid to the Unified Convocation
As [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|mentioned last season]], in the wake of the recent cleansing of [[Axos#Solokha|Solokha]], ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'' has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At this small temple, several of the Axou [[bands#sects|sects]] who helped reclaim the haunted ruins have established a "Unified Convocation" - the ''Enias Sinklisis'' in the old language of the Nikitis Axou. It is modelled somewhat on the General Assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]], but so far only a small number of Axou sects expressed any interest in becoming part of it. How much influence the Convocation will be able to wield is not clear; the Axou share a single religion but few priests possess any actual political power.

It seems that over recent months the Convocation has focused on spreading a message of unity, and of the importance of the Axou faith as a way for citizens of the Citadels to understand their place in the world. Fundamentally conservative, it has so far proved acceptable to those who wield real power - the Grand Ilarchs. Indeed ''Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban'' has spoken openly in support of the Convocation, and of the importance of cleaving to the values that built the Citadels.

Anyone who has made any study of [[Axos religion|Axou religion]] knows that fundamentally it stands in opposition to the Way. Indeed Axou religious scholars have gone so far as to [[Axos_religion#Repudiation|repudiate]] the [[Doctrines of the Faith]] in detail in their writings. Not only does the religion preach the importance of resisting the Creator, the curse of death, and the torments of the Labyrinth, it preaches that ''any'' spiritual force may prove to be a useful weapon in that battle. Axou sects combine the true virtues freely with much more [[Malign spiritual presences|malign spirits]] in their pursuit of that war. Unifying the disparate sects will be an uphill struggle, but if it succeeds it is unlikely to be good for anyone with ambitions to spread the Way into Axos.

During the Summer Solstice, two [[statement of principle|statements]] were upheld in the [[Ambition]] and [[Vigilance]] assemblies calling for Imperial priests to travel to "''guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path''" and to "''Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos''." Neither statement achieved a [[Greater majority]] however. That may be for the best - the Axou are notoriously prickly about condescension and painting their priests as "lost sheep" or "infants" is almost guaranteed to annoy them a great deal. The Grand Convocation has not asked for any assistance, and if it were to be offered it would need to be done carefully or risk upsetting a situation that is, at least for the moment, relatively stable. Should any Virtue Assembly wish to offer aid however, the first step would be to achieve a greater majority.

The Civil Service caution that sending Imperial priests to Axos on this matter will be challenging. Recent trips to Solokha showed that the Axou are no less committed to their beliefs than the Empire is. It is unlikely that any group of Imperial priests, are going to undermine Axou certainty that the Creator is the enemy and that the Labyrinth is a trap. In turn there is little risk of the Axou convincing devout priests of the Way that ''their'' beliefs are false and they should decry the Creator. What ''is'' likely to happen however is that the Axou sects will continue to share their understanding of the so-called "false virtues" with anyone who comes to Axos, and there is a real danger of those tempted to explore these malign spiritual presences would take this opportunity to visit the eastern nation and embrace those dangerous spirits.

==Robes of Sorrow==
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan Enemy of the Creator.jpg|caption=Fintan Nighthaven, former Ambassador to Axos, has been condemned in the Empire but exalted in Axos.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
* '''The former ambassador to Axos has been revoked and condemned by the Assembly of Nine
* '''The United Convocation have declared him to be an Enemy of the Creator
* '''The General Assembly could choose to vindicate Fintan for his actions'''.
One of the statements urging Imperial priests to visit Axos and help mold the United Convocation came from the former Ambassador '''Fintan Nighthaven'''. During the Summer Solstice, Fintan was variously [[inquisition|inquisited]] by the [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] '''Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost''', and then both [[revocation|revoked]] and [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the Assembly of Nine. This has caused a great deal of discussion among priests in various parts of the Empire; some have even pointed out that it is "''interesting''" that the condemnation was raised by the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]], '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', who is himself quite a [[Know_your_enemy#Take_the_Power_Back|controversial figure]].

Oblivious to all this, and apparently unaware that it might have ramifications, the initial response to hearing that Fintan was no longer Ambassador to Axos was one of surprise and sadness. Fintan, wrote Ilarch Skopos, was an experienced diplomat who he personally had hoped to correspond with. Dealing with someone of Fintan's pedigree would have surely served as a steadying guide to his first faltering steps along the road of diplomacy. While Ilarch Skopos welcomes the new ambassador it is with a little sorrow that he never had a chance to match wits with the famous Fintan Nighthaven. And so on.

It is followed a few days later by a formal recognition from the United Convocation that Fintan Nighthaven is an "Enemy of the Creator". This is apparently meant as an honorific, and within traditional Axou sects it is not dissimilar to being recognised as an exemplar or perhaps more likely the newly created status of [[Exaltation|exalted]]. Someone who through spiritual or philosophical means has opposed the Creator's wicked plans and encouraged other mortals to resist the curse of death and the torments of the Labyrinth. It is clearly meant to be a good thing, but unfortunately may end up being another nail in the coffin of the former Ambassador.

The crimes Fintan stands condemned for - [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]] - are very serious indeed. The magistrates will try Fintan for these crimes at the Autumn Equinox, under the [[The_final_cut#Questions_for_the_Magistrates|new guidance]] as to how to proceed - and it is not clear if the Ambassador will be able to refute them. From a legal point of view, there are various possible pathways forward. It is vanishingly unlikely that the magistrates will not find the actions Fintan is accused of as broadly compatible with the definitions of the religious crimes of which he has been accused --- it is certainly not overwhelmingly clear that the actions in question are ''not'' within the right scope. It may of course be the case that the accusations are simply false: if this is the case, and the magistrates judge this to be so at trial, then Fintan would have a clear defence in law, which would imply that almost every member of the Assembly of Nine has opened themselves to prosecution for [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_against_the_Processes_of_the_State|perverting the course of justice]]. If Fintan pleads guilty, the right of [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] is open to him, if a member of the Synod wishes to offer it: if this plea fails, it seems likely, given the scale and severity of the accusation, that his execution will surely follow.

However, another path exists. Per the recent guidance, there is but one body within the Synod that can countermand another assembly when it deigns to condemn - but it may so countermand even the Assembly of Nine. This is, of course, the General Assembly. A judgement of [[Sanction#Vindication|Vindication]], stating clearly that the General Assembly considers Fintan's actions to have constituted neither [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] nor [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]], would essentially terminate the current legal proceedings. Such a statement would not even require a greater majority to pass... unless the Emperor intervened in their role as Custodian of Virtue. Even then, a greater majority would save Fintan. It would also set the General Assembly directly at odds not only with the Assembly of Nine but also with their recent strong stance against meddling with false virtues, but the Synod has changed its mind before.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Tomb Dust and Masks'''</big><br>The ideal phys-rep for ''tomb dust'' is a little pouch of sand or a dark coloured cloth wrap secured with string or thong. It doesn't need to be especially large - just big enough to feel comfortable in the hand.<br><br>The ideal phys-rep for a ''Mask of the Citadel'' is a bone-like mask such as china, porcelain or the like, but any mask will do. Axou masks tend to evoke skulls rather than echoing the more fanciful designs of the League (for example).</box></div>

==Pearl and Ruby Glowing==
* '''Axos welcomes Imperial ships
* '''Kantor and Issyk remain open to Imperial vessels
* '''The goods available from Kantor have changed
Trade with Axos appears to remain strong. With the end of the Asavean bounty on ships trading with Imperial ports, there are more black-sailed ships arriving at [[Necropolis#Crown's Quay|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]]. Thanks to Imperial ships still committed to [[Voyage#Escort_Imperial_Shipping|escorting ships]] to and from Imperial ports, trade is beginning to return to normal levels. Healthy trade is the lifeblood of nations, as the [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] say, and the "[[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|Pax Sarcophan]]" appears to be paying off already.

Kantor is no longer providing crystal mana - instead it will provide a visiting captain with two doses of something the Axou call ''Tomb Dust'' - a consumable that allows the user to expend their personal reserves of strength to power their magic. There are several varieties of tomb dust depending where it is gathered, but they all apparently bear a touch of ''necromantia'' about them.

The merchants of the city have also been given leave by the Grand Council to make some of their rarer goods available to visiting Imperial captains; a fleet that has been [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] may be able to acquire one of the ''Masks of the Citadel'' - [[:Category:Foci|magical foci]] that empower certain ritual magics favoured by the descendants of the sorcerer-kings.

==Through the Pale Door==
* '''A delegation has visited the Halls of Maykop and worked on codification of a ritual
* '''A copy of ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'' is now in the possession of the Tyburn Weaver
* '''The Axos Ambassador received worrying news of potential espionage
* '''Ilarch Skopos has asked for formal reassurance that no espionage or theft has taken place
In response to a [[A_better_future#Winter Magic|peace-making gesture]] from the [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Halls of Maykop]], the Imperial Conclave agreed to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Shuttered_Lantern_to_Maykop|send a delegation]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to Axos to work with magicians there on a codification. They chose a ritual named ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'', an [[enchantment]] that adds weight to spoken oaths and geasa. The formulation of the ritual, believed to have been based on work performed by the [[Urizen]] '''Spyridonakes of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', was completed swiftly and efficiently and a copy of the ritual text should now be in possession of [[Grandmaster]] '''Tyburn Weaver''' who raised the [[declaration]]. Shortly after the work was completed, not long before the Autumn Equinox, a concerned message reached the office of the Imperial Ambassador from Ilarch Skopos.

Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is a little concerned to have received a warning from a reputable source that Imperial citizens, members of the delegation from the Shuttered Lantern, may have planned to engage in espionage and theft while visiting Maykop as guests of the faculty there. Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is particularly distressed by this, and as such the Axou Ambassador requests reassurances from the Ambassador, and ideally the Imperial Senate or the Imperial Conclave, that no such act has taken place and that no similar act will be considered in the future. It may simply be that the source of the warning was engaged in malicious mischief, or seeking to sabotage relations with the Grand Council, but there is enough concern that Ilarch Skopos feels driven to request such reassurances.

Regardless it does not appear that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop is keen for further delegations from the Empire. While individual students may attend it is unlikely a similar opportunity for a Conclave order to work on the codification of a ritual will be forthcoming any time soon.
<br><br><big>'''Participation : Shuttered Lantern'''</big><br>
Any player whose character is part of the Shuttered Lantern order may have accompanied the delegation heading to Maykop last season, to attend the University there and help codify the Winter ritual. They will have found the city a little standoffish, especially members of the Grand Ilarch's immediate circle and the higher ranking members of the University faculty, but been welcomed with a degree of enthusiasm by the students in particular. In addition to the work of codification, alongside Axou experts in Winter magic, there were opportunities for several feasts, a chance to see the sights of the cloistered citadel, and to audit a few classes on any number of subjects both mundane and more exotic (especially those relating to funerary practices which are treated as both a science, an art, and a magical discipline by the Axou).

There may have been opportunities for minor espionage but nothing with game implications. If there ''was'' a theft of ritual knowledge, only Grandmaster Tyburn will know the details and who took part in the operation (that is, the Grandmaster is free to invite other players to have been part of such a scheme but it's not appropriate for a player to decide they were involved).
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|caption=The Axou are interested in the Five Cities Military Academy.|width=300}}</div>
==Along the Ramparts==
* '''The Axos have politely declined an offer to study at the Zemress Naval Academy
* '''A counter-proposal would see Axou captains visit Tassato to study at the Five Cities Military Academy
* '''There are both concerns about what the Axou might learn and opportunities involved in such an exchange
Ambassador Kezandro put forward a proposition that Axos might be interested in purchasing a right to study at the [[Madruga#Zemress Naval Academy|Zemress Naval Academy]] in [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]]. After extensive discussion, Ilarch Skopos regretfully declines the offer on behalf of the Grand Council. It seems that the Axou do not see the value in [[Imperial navy|naval forces]] - their expertise lies very much in the realm of [[fortification]] and in those places where they might consider expansion a navy will be of little use.

On the other hand there ''is'' some interest in the [[Tassato#Five_Cities_Military_Academy|Five Cities Military Academy]] and the [[Tassato#Barossa School of Imperial Strategy|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]] in [[Tassato]]. According to Ilarch Skopos there are a number of mid-rank officers in the military forces of the northern citadels - [[Axos#Gates of Ipotavo|Ipotavo]], [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Kaban]], and [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Issyk]] - who have expressed a desire to spend time studying alongside the Empire's elite captains. There are places to study the science and art of war in Axos, of course, especially in Ipotavo, but Skopos does not shy away from praising the Empire's foremost military academy. Axos has enjoyed a long period of relative peace, after all. It's strong traditions of defensive warfare mean that experience of aggressive campaigns is limited to the gaming tables and discussions with dead generals whose knowledge of the modern world and developments in military strategy is in many places woefully inadequate. If Axos is truly to take its place in the world as a true power, it will need to modernise and expand its martial forces and the Grand Council cautiously approve of the idea of sending some of their warriors to study at the Barossa School.

Obviously this is a very different proposition to the [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|current situation]] - where the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] oversees a low-key exchange program mostly focused on providing opportunities to study the arts and humanities. It would place Axos citizens in a position to study Imperial military history and practices like never before - and there is some significant potential for espionage if the Axou were so inclined. Fortunately the Empire has no history of direct military conflict with Axos since their [[Mareave_and_Urizen#Imperial_Records|ill-starred invasion]] in the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. On the other hand there is little doubt among the Civil Service that the Axou would benefit more from studying the Imperial war machine - and the workings of the [[Imperial Military Council]] in particular - than the Empire might gain from the arrangement. At the very least they would end up almost as well-informed about the Empire's victories, losses, and current strategies as any other dedicated captain attending the Academy (that is, they would gain at least as much information as someone reading a summary of the [[War#Winds_of_War|winds of war]] each season). That alone ''could'' prove problematic, in theory, depending what the Empire is doing at the time.

Ilarch Skopos proposes that the students wishing to attend the Academy simply ''pay'' for the privilege. He estimates that there is sufficient interest in the opportunity to provide 5 thrones each season to the Academy. Such funds would end up in the Imperial treasury unless the [[Imperial Senate]] made other arrangements. Either way the arrangements would need a [[Senate motion]] to confirm arrangements should they wish to accept the request.
<br><br><big>'''A Proposal from Apulian'''</big><br>
''Batheka de Tassato Regario'', an Apulian orc veteran and experienced Grendel commander before joining [[the League]] points out that if the Empire ''is'' prepared to take the risk there may be an opportunity for additional profit in it. The Axou may not be able to match the Empire in grand strategy but they are not without their areas of expertise. Their grand citadels - city-sized fortifications - are proof that the people of Axos are skilled engineers, almost as good as those from [[Holberg]], and that they have a lot of experience with defensive building. Anyone who has visited the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo|Walls of Cargo]] knows they have some techniques that are not common in the Empire, and their cities have properties very reminiscent of the new [[citadel]] innovation.

They're also known to be reasonably effective at deploying battle-mages their ''[[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Texatai]]'' light skirmishers are apparently well-practiced at small unit tactics employing both sword and rod. While their fighting style is similar to that of the [[Urizen]] [[Sentinel]] there are enough differences to mean they might have some actual insight into such strategies.

If the Senate ''does'' go ahead with allowing Axou soldiers to study at the Five Cities Military Academy, Batheka proposes that the Ambassador (or the senate motion used to issue the invitation) casually invite some siege commanders, or if they prefer some ''toxatai'' captains, to come along. Done casually it will not alert the Axou to the idea they might have something useful to offer; one reason Batheka suggests only asking for one or the other. Asking both will make it a little too obvious what the Empire seeks to gain from the arrangement.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sian Eternal.jpg|align=right|caption='''Siân Eternal''', ''Singer of the Silence'', currently oversees the Great Library at Hacynian.|width=250}}</div>

==Wit and Wisdom==
* '''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop has requested an opportunity for some of her students to spend a season at the Great Library of Hacynian
* '''She waits on a response from the Bursar of the House of Spirits or the Singer of the Silence
Last season ''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy who has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now - [[A_better_future#Librarian_and_Bursar|expressed interest]] in the Great Library of Hacynian. Mistress Isephenia oversees a small group of students from Axos [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|studying in the Empire]], and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|House of Spirits]] in [[Casinea]] alongside [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|Bursar]] '''Rinnah''' of the [[Highguard_groups#The Shattered Tower|Shattered Tower]]. Several students would like the opportunity to study at the Great Library but would need permission to do so.

The Axos professor mentions that no permission has so-far been forthcoming. She's aware that there has been some uncertainty as to who might be responsible for the Great Library but again wonders if either the Bursar or the [[Singer of the Silence]] - '''Siân Eternal''' - would be interested? If so they can send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. In many ways Mistress Isephenia would rather they politely decline that simply remain silent, but she understands that there are many drains of the time of a busy academic.

Obviously the civil service have advised a degree of caution following the request, given that it appears to offer no particular benefit to the Empire beyond perhaps some diplomatic favour from Maykop, and risks the Axou finding out more about the vallorn than is good for them.
{{Axos Links}}

Upon a midnight dreary

2025-09-10T17:09:29Z

Wrenna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any [[Archamge#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|align=right|width=240}}
===Let Every Word (Roshanwe)===
* '''Roshanwe invites the Empire to send entrants to showcase expressive and inspiring ceremonies of the Way'''
* '''Anyone interested from the Sevenfold Path and the Assembly of the Way can speak to the Heralds of the Wise Pioneer at Anvil Library, 22:00 on Friday'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the '''Moonsilver King''' is confident that ''next'' time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.
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===A Challenging Finale (Barien)===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Wintermark'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Artis Greyholm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Burnlin Drum-Heart</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of Gryphon's Watch</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lightning on the Ice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Liissá Sigeing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Odelia Nelda</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarik of Ashenhall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of The Icewalkers of Suaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of the Voices of the Unbound Storm</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Victors of Dawn'''</tr>
<tr><td>Aldwyn Wyldrose</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td></tr>
<tr><td>Areloe Larmallevés</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dame Aurum de Castellan</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Aurelius</td></tr>
<tr><td>Victors of House Tallstag</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rillian de Gauvain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Solene d'Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tristan du Lac</td></tr>
</table></div>
* At the Autumn summit last year, [[Barien]] set a task to the victors of the old style of challenge in Dawn and Wintermark
* The Dawnish victors were given the task of committing deeds proving Glory is greater than Heroism, and Wintermark's victors proving Heroism is greater than Glory
* The surviving victors and their entourage are invited to the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, at 1:30pm on the Saturday of the summit to meet the Iron Duke and his heralds
* Each victor who wishes to present a deed should have a skop or troubadour accompany them to tell the tale
* Each troubadour and skop will have a minute to make their case; once everyone has spoken Barien will decide the winner and award a prize

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

At 13:30 on the Saturday of the summit, up to 60 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]], [[Semmerholm]], where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the ''Lord of the Crossroads''. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#Rewards_and_the_Dragonforge|the Dragonforge]] to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.
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===Shafting Dhou'oula (Jaheris)===
* '''Miners in areas of Varushka, Dawn and The League have reported strange nightmares relating to drowning.'''
* '''These dreams have attracted the attention of a Jaheris herald who claims to have concocted a scheme to snatch some wealth for the affected mine owners.'''
* '''''Klarent, Clad in Blades, and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers'', invite mine owners from Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg, as well as the Archmage of Summer and the Watcher of the Lake, to discuss the details at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox, at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A dark and stormy night

2025-09-05T11:37:19Z

Wrenna: /* Radiant Orb */

<ic>
''"...we have noted and understand the need to change your staff in Redoubt but I personally found the increase in numbers perplexing since you will be reducing the staff over the coming season prior to the embassy being shuttered for the duration of the conflict..."''

Malachi's voice trailed off as he finished reading aloud from the dusty scroll. He handed the letter to his colleague so that it could be placed with the others. "It's signed Abel of Zenith Ascendant, Ambassador to the Grendel, he's telling them they have to get out" he said, by way of explanation.

"Cheeky fuckers." said Naomi shaking her head. "Hard to believe they were under our noses this whole time. We invite them in - and the first thing they do is start spying on us. First thing and the last thing to, it seems. Virtueless little shits."

"Hm... maybe" Malachi cocked his head to one side considering Naoms' statement. "Would you do as you're told if it were Grendel giving the orders?"

Naomi grinned at the rebuke. "I guess not. What is it Myfanwey says ''You can't betray your enemies...''"

"Right." said Malachi grimly. "And what this little episode so neatly demonstrates is that the Grendel will always be our enemies..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Berechiah.jpg|align=left|caption=[[Berechiah]] taught the importance of being prepared to get one's hands dirty when pursuing threats to the safety of one's people.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
Wreathed in [[Night]] magic, conspiracy abounds in the city of [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]]. Last season, the Empire were able to pentrate an outpost of the [[Grendel]] espionage ring, after they [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Empty_Cellar_(Conjunction)|successfully rescued ''Victo von Temeschwar'']] and helped him regain his senses after he managed to successfully infiltrate the [[Grendel]] operation in the territory. Once he was fully debriefed, the Empire were in a position to either shut down the outpost in Apulian, or attempt to subvert the network at the risk of letting the spies get away.

While this has been happening, followers of [[Berechiah]] have been [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Ears_in_Redoubt|searching Redoubt for enemies of the Empire]]. This season, their search was complicated by the [[To_ruin|surprise attack of the Grendel]]. While the invaders are certainly enemies, that threat is better dealt with by armies than individuals hunting cultists, spies and saboteurs. Thus far their work had been largely unsuccessful - which is to say that they were all set to report back that there were very few, if any, real threats in the territory beyond the obvious.

Then, at the very last moment they have a stroke of good luck. Fortune, it seems, favours the vigilant.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Black Iron Blade==
* '''The Military Council have shut down the outpost of the Grendel espionage ring in Spiral'''
After due consideration, the [[Imperial Military Council]] opted to shut down the Grendel operations in Spiral. Perhaps the benefits of trying to subert the network were too intangible, perhaps the risks of letting the spies get away were simply too great. Only those who were present for the discussion will know for sure what was discussed, but the decision is not in any doubt. Orders go out to the Imperial magistrates, who gather together groups of League bravos, hastily recruited as militia and supplemented with a handful of sentinels and magicians from the spires outside the city. They move decisively to arrest the ringleaders - with a series of dawn raids the perpetrators are quickly taken into custody.

Those involved are a motley collection. Around half are Apulian orcs, most of whom never become League citizens when the territory switched sides under the leadership of Salt Lord Kaliact. A third are League citizens, whose loyalties have been bought with coin and promises of more. The remainder are a sorry mix of malcontents and ne'er do wells, mostly disgruntled Urizeni unhappy with the new regieme.

Their arrest marks the end of Grendel operations in Spiral. There's no doubt some informants will have got away, you never catch everyone, but under questioning it is clear that the hard-headed choice of the Council has ensured that all the key people have been caught. The ones that refuse to cooperate are swiftly tried and executed, the handful that wisely chose to spill their guts and tell everything they now get off "lightly" - allowed to board ship and set sail never to return to the Empire. A chance to escape with their lives is too much for some of them to resist and the magistrates are able to gather a trove of invaluable information.

The first thing they discover is that the Grendel are operating "jewels" in [[Sarvos]] and ''another'' in [[Sarvos#Bocche|Trivento]] as well, despite the [[The_cities_and_the_city#Sarvos:_Agents|work done to root them out from here two years ago]]. There were apparently plans to establish a new outpost in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|the Black City in Necropolis]] after the last one was [[Rings_and_crowns#Eyes_of_the_Basilisk|rooted out by the Empire]], but thus far the Grendel were unable to spare the resources needed. However, there is one in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] in [[Redoubt]] - based out of the old embassy building.

These spies have no information on other territories, but it's likely that there are jewels in [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]]. Certainly [[Fake_empire#Gallum_Fiersach|the actions of Commander Gallum Fiersach]] in the attack on [[A circle sewn with fate]] strongly suggest that must be the case in Feroz.

However, the Empire can be confident that the Grendel espionage ring does not extend beyond this. The interrogation of the captured Grendel agents reveals that the Grendel use their navies to set up these espionage rings. A single navy is all it takes, and any of the forces can accomplish it. All it takes is for the navy to spend a season in the waters off the coast and the scouts and spies go to work infilitrating the coast and suborning those whose loyalties are for sale. It's not cheap, it costs the Grendel a heavy purse to set a new jewel in their ring and crucially the navy can't do anything else that season. Worse, if the navy is driven off or intercepted by another navy then the efforts are wasted.

The only other way they can set up an espionage ring is if they control the territory itself. Based on that information, the only places the Grendel could have outpouts of their espionage ring is in Feroz, Madruga, Sarvos, Necropolis, Redoubt, Spiral and Maraeve. Of those, the Empire can be certain they are not in Spiral or Necropolis, but the others are all suspect, and Sarvos and Redoubt are a certainty.

And that it turns out, was all the followers of Berechiah needed to spring into action.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Watchers' Flute==
* '''The Grendel were using the embassy building in Cargo to spy on the Empire'''
* '''The followers of Berechiah have used the information from Spiral to shut this operation down'''
With a tip-off from the ongoing investigations int Spiral, the followers of Berechiah searching Redoubt for spies leap into action. It's one thing to search a whole territory, it's another to know that the thing you're looking for is in one city. If Cargo were a city of the League that might still leave a lot of rocks to look under, but [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] is much smaller than even Apulian, the smallest of the five League cities. Moreover, the open planning preferred by the Urizen leaves fewer hiding places for cockroches than the Grendel might have liked.

The information provided by the informants the magistrates have captured isn't enough to pin down the location of the Grendel operations - here or elsewhere, but it's enough to get them started. Spurred on the need to act quickly, before the information becomes stale, the Vigilant run down every lead and to their astonishment discover the Grendel have been hiding in plain sight.

The old [[Construct_Grendel_Embassy|Grendel embassy building]] was commissioned by the Senate in Redoubt in Spring 384YE and the work was completed two seasons later. The Grendel quickly settled into the new building but when the treaty came to an end, it seems that not ''all'' of them moved out. There had been clear signs of trouble - odd reports of Grendel activity in and around the embassy as the end of the treaty grew closer. The Ambassador to the Grendel at the time wrote to them reminding their counterpart that they would need to depart the embassy if war began. The Grendel protested the issue - claiming that as civilised people they should keep the channels of communication open - even during the war. However there were no instructions to the contrary by the Senate and so the ambassador's instructions were carried out and the embassy was closed and the occupants offered free passage out of the territory.

Now it seems that not all of them may have left. In fact, it transpires that the Grendel were using the embassy building to spy on the Empire at the time, with spies coming and going at all hours of the day. The diplomatic staff duly left when the embassy was closed, sadly the spies did not, it appears. Rather than get on a boat with their colleagues they chose to hide in the city and have been operating clandestinely ever since. Incredibly, the spies have actually been hiding out in the old embassy building itself, using a secret tunnel to come and go unobserved.

The Vigilant place the embassy building under close scrutiny, being careful not to tip off the enemy. Once they've gathered enough information, they call in the magistrates who move swiftly to arrest and execute the spies. A handful of corrupt merchants are rounded up with them, it seems that more than a few Urizeni captains have been paid handsomly for reports of what they've learned while sailing the Bay. Sadly there's no new information beyond what had already been discovered in Apulian, but the magistrates are able to confirm what those in Spiral discovered. Each espionage ring requires a navy taking special orders to sit in the waters off a territory for a season to set one up. They're expensive, not just to set up but to run. Paying informants is costly business it seems.

All-in-all it has been a surprisingly effective process - for all that it has been mostly good luck. If the followers of Berechiah hadn't been here at just the right moment, then it's likely that the Grendel spies would have got away with it. As it is, they've been able to capitalise on the success in Spiral to clear Redoubt - and in doing so clear the entire Eastern half of the Bay.

That just leaves Sarvos, Feroz and Madruga to deal with...

==Countering the Grendel==
* '''The Grendel espionage ring has offices in Sarvos and Madruga and is suspected of having offices in Feroz'''
* '''The Imperial Spymaster and the Shuttered Lantern could be empowered to go after these operations'''
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2">Grendel Espionage</th></tr>
<tr><th>Territory</th><th>Status</th></tr>
<tr><td>Feroz</td><td>Suspected</td></tr>
<tr><td>Madruga</td><td>Confirmed</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sarvos</td><td>Two Confirmed</td></tr>
<tr><td>Necropolis</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Redoubt</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Spiral</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maraeve</td><td>Clear</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Removing the remaining "jewels" of the Grendel espionage ring will not be easy. The Vigilant might favour the use of the [[Silent Bell]], it's certainly within their remit, but their focus is currently in the east on the Druj where they are suffering heavy losses. Much more of that and there won't be a Silent Bell to send.

There are three options that the Empire could employ, all of which would work. The first is to empower the [[Imperial Spymaster]], [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Imperial_Spymaster|recently granted responsibilties for counter-espionage]], the power to set up and coordinate counter-espionage efforts. An alternative would be to empower the [[Shuttered Lantern]] by building them a [[The_shape_of_things_to_come#Each_in_Order|Grand Lodge]]. Finally, the Empire could ask one or Imperial generals with scouting armies, the Seventh Wave or potentially the Wolves of War to [[Army_qualities#Scouting|scout the territory]]. The last requires the least upfront investment, but it does mean having an entire Imperial army unable to fight that season.

===Lowther's Gaze===
* '''The Imperial Senate could commission offices for the Imperial Spymaster to give them the power to set up a counter-espionage operation in a territory'''
* '''Each operation would cost 10 thrones and require the support of military units with a combined strength of two thousand to be successful'''

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Spymasters Offices'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Any Imperial controlled region with the city quality</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 10 weirwood, and 90 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Amends the title of Imperial Spymaster to give them the power to announce a counter-espionage operation in one territory each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Unlimited</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Counter Espionage'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Use:''' Announcement in the Military Council</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Once per season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates a [[Venture#Scouting_Ventures|scouting venture]] to conduct counter-espionage in the territory in the coming season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:'''
* Gains information on the existence of espionage operations in the territory if supported by military units with a strength of 1000 or more
* Gains opportunity to counter espionage operations in the territory if supported by military units with a strength of 2000 or more
* Only military units from the nation in question could help with counter-espionage efforts in their nation
</td></tr>
<td><td>'''Veto:''' Can be vetoed by the General Assembly, the Assembly of Nine or the national assembly of the nation the territory is in</td></tr>
</table></div>

The Imperial Senate could use a Senate motion to build substantial offices for the Imperial Spymaster. The best place for such offices would be in one of the great cities of the Empire, it wouldn't have to be one of the League cities but it would need to be a large settlement.

Once the offices were complete, the Spymaster could use them to coordinate counter-espionage efforts in the Empire. These efforts wouldn't be cheap, but they would be flexible, the Spymaster could choose any Imperial territory (that is a territory eligible to elect a [[senator]]). All they would need to do is use a announcement in a Military Council session to issue the orders. It wouldn't be cheap - each use of this power would cost the Imperial treasury 10 thrones that season, reflecting the expenses of setting up and coordinating scores of independent scouts.

That latter part is crucial - the Spymaster would need significant support from Imperial military units. The announcement would create a scouting venture that military units ''from the nation in question'' could choose to support the venture. If the venture had the support of military units with a combined strength of a thousand or more, then the Spymaster would get a full report on any covert activities by spies in the area and ''might'' discovert ilicit activities by cults or similar. With a strength of two thousand or more, the Empire would gain an opportunity to shut down any covert activity, if there was any.

One drawback of this approach is that the military units would need to be drawn from the nation where the action was taking place. Marcher bounders would be highly effective in counter-espionage efforts in Mitwold or similar - but they couldn't help in the League or the Bras Coast, or other nations.

===Cartographer's Eye===
* '''The Imperial Conclave could use a declaration of concored to look into establishing a grand lodge for the Shuttered Lantern in one of the afflicted territories'''
* '''The presence of the Shuttered Lantern grand lodge in a territory would make it impossible for an enemy to establish a spy network or an espionage ring there'''
With the [[Lit_up#Golden_Opportunity|grand lodge]] of the [[Golden Pyramid]] in [[Mareave]] completed, the Conclave could use a declaration of concord to identify which order ought to benefit from such prestigious quarters next. There is considerable competition for this honour, but if the Conclave chose to honour the Shuttered Lantern it would give them an opportunity to base themselves in a territory. Any grand lodge is bound to provide an array of benefits - assessing those options is part of what the declaration is for. It's not possible to know what the exact benefits might be.

However, one thing is clear - once a grand lodge of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] was complete in a territory, it would not be possible for the Grendel to set up a new office of an espionage ring there, nor for any enemy power to build a spy network there. With so many wizards dedicated to the detection and monitoring of threats in the territory, it would be impossible for a ''new'' network to be created.

The obvious drawback is the costs - a grand lodge is a huge edifice that require a massive investment of time and resources from the Empire. And if it did provide opportunities for the order to engage in counter-espionage, there is no reason to think they would be any cheaper than those potentially available to the Imperial Spymaster. As such it is impossible to tell at this time which route would be the best, although given he scale of the problem, there is no reason the Empire couldn't pursue both avenues.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Kimus001.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Radiant Orb==
* '''Spies have not been able to locate the missing prognosticator Eilian Sweetwater
One matter that comes to light not long before the Autumn Equinox is that of [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]], the [[Navarr]] Imperial Prognosticator. It seems that the prognosticator left [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]] literally a day before the Grendel armada swept into [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]] and laid siege to the town. Unfortunately, he left on a boat chartered to bring him and his fellows to the site of the old Lighthouse of Nikopheros. There has been no further news of either the well-loved Navarr researcher, nor those who travelled with him, and fears are growing that he has fallen into the hands of the Grendel. There is some concern that Eilian is well-acquainted with any number of Imperial projects and plans, and has a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Empire to boot. If he is in the hands of Grendel spymasters... well they are unlikely to be gentle in trying to pry open the lid of his knowledge.

<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>Any character who was involved in Eilian's work - he was on sabbatical exploring historic lighthouses - is welcome to create a story as to why they were not with the prognosticator when he set sail. These stories might involve unlikely coincidences, the intervention of odd and enigmatic strangers, weird presentiments of doom, or just a plan to follow on later once some pressing business was concluded. They might also involve a desperate flight from the island on the chartered boat, moments ahead of the Grenel attackers, and the discovery once it was too late that the prognosticator is not aboard. In the end, it appears to be only Eilian and ''[[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#A_Surprise_Guest|Fotismos]]'' who are unaccounted for.

Has reared himself a throne

2025-08-27T09:24:20Z

Wrenna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What has not been established, however, is the precise purpose of the structure. The Archmage is invited to meet with representatives of the Autumn realm during the Autumn Equinox to discuss precisely ''which'' version of the structure shall be built. The meeting will take place in a chamber reached through the Hall of Worlds at 13:45 on Saturday. Archmage Edmundo is invited, obviously, as this is to form part of their legacy, and may bring up to two advisors to the discussion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Has reared himself a throne

2025-08-27T09:23:24Z

Wrenna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What has not been established, however, is the precise purpose of the structure. The Archmage is invited to meet with representatives of the Autumn realm during the Autumn Equinox to discuss precisely ''which'' version of the structure shall be built. The meeting will take place in a chamber reached through the Hall of Worlds at 13:45. Archmage Edmundo is invited, obviously, as this is to form part of their legacy, and may bring up to two advisors to the discussion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Troop of echoes

2025-08-23T13:13:09Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The young man wakes between one breath and the next, and sits up. He yawns, stretches, sips from a glass of water on the bedside table. Gets up, draws the curtains. It is still dark outside but the first light of dawn is beginning to spill across the sea far below his window.

He barely remembers his dream; something about a party at the palace and applause. He washes the dream away as he performs his morning ablutions - even at this early hour his servant has ensured the water is warmed and there is a fresh towel waiting for him. He pauses for a moment looking at himself in the gold-inlaid mirror. He practices his expressions for a few minutes: appearing sombre, appearing amused, appearing angry. Then he dresses, beginning with the simple dragonbone mask that covers the upper part of his face, then a freshly laundered silk under-robe of glorious apricot. He fingers the material, luxuriating in both its texture and its colour. He pulls on a sombre black lambswool outer-robe, but belts it only loosely. It gives him a sense of satisfaction that everyone will see how he rejects the funereal garb of the traditionalists, ready to embrace the joy of a nation reborn.

In the foyer of his apartments he pauses to pour fresh water and oil into the little basin at the shrine, and scatter black rose petals. Solokha, hands folded before her, wearing the Mask of Peace. The other sorcerer-kings stand behind her, united and solemn. If he feels any particular connection to his alleged ancestor he does not display it in his perfunctory obeisance.

The office is quiet. He is the first one there. He relaxes into his chair. The new leather creaks as he tries to settle himself. He is unaccustomed to it, but knows that in time it will come to fit his body like a glove - and if it does not he will simply replace it. He takes a moment to ensure everything is arranged on his desk, positioned just so to convey busy professionalism and subtle power. His eyes stray again to the portraits of the Grand Ilarchs on the wall opposite the desk. Anyone who meets with him will do so under the watching gaze of Kyther. And the others, of course.

The only document on his desk is a sealed letter; his secretaries have been chosen for their competence at dealing with the day-to-day demands of his office so this is something that requires his personal attention. He turns it over in his hand, selects the jade-handled golden letter opener. It is from his opposite number in the Empire. It must have arrived during the night. He reads it carefully, writing a few lines on the vellum he keeps for his most important business with a pristine swan's feather quill.

While he writes, a servant enters, soft woollen slippers making no noise on the dark carpet. They open the shutters on the window, which faces towards the dawn, to where the sun is rising. The servant refills his water glass from the pitcher, bows, and quietly retreats. The meeting with Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban - with the Grand Council rather - has already been arranged and he must be ready to present his summary of the missive. Must be ready to receive his instructions.

He pauses for just a moment, though, gazing out at the glorious crimson, topaz, golden light spilling out across the horizon. It sparks a fierce joy in him, reminding him that he at last has everything he ever wanted, that at last he is part of something ''good'' and ''powerful'' and ''destined''.

It's going to be a wonderful day.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''Axos are signatories to the Liberty Pact, and relations have been slowly improving in recent seasons'''
* '''There have been recent upheavals in both the Axou and Imperial embassies as the ambassadors from both nations have changed'''
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of the ruins of Solokha]]. The Axou remain proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world, however, creating challenges for the [[Ambassador to Axos|Imperial ambassador]]. They are members of the [[Liberty Pact]], but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. In recent months, the small nation to the south of [[the Mallum]] is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. More recently they were [[A_better_future#School_and_Scandal|rocked by scandal]] leading to the retirement of the former Ambassador Ilarch Maxatious, the formation of a new Grand Council to guide the nation, and the establishment of a [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] that seeks to do the same for Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]].

At the same time there were upheavals closer to home as long-serving Ambassador ''Fintan Nighthaven'' was [[revocation|revoked]] from his position and [[sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the [[Imperial Synod]]. He is succeeded in the position by ''The Flame of Riqueza'' of [[the Brass Coast]]. In Axos, Maxatious has been replaced by ''Ilarch Kario Skopos'', a scion of the Skopos family of the [[Axos#Chambers of Ussyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. At the instruction of the Grand Ilarchs, however, he has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth for as long as he holds the post. Instead, he is known as Ilarch Skopos of Solokha, signifying his neutrality when it comes to the politics of the citadels. The new ambassador reports directly to the Grand Council and represents their will, and through them the will of their people.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=The Flame of Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|status=Foreigner}}
==But To Sing==
* '''A formal delegation intends to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox
* '''They will be received in the Senate around 11.30am on Saturday
* '''The delegation expects to speak to the ambassador and renew good relations between the two nations
* '''There is talk of other business after the formal delegation
One of the first matters Ilarch Skopos has arranged is the dispatch of a diplomacy envoy to Anvil, to arrive during the Autumn Equinox and renew relations between the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. The delegation expects to be formally received by the new Ambassador in the Imperial Senate; the meeting is scheduled for late morning on Saturday. Kario admits that mostly the delegation is intended to be a little pageantry to mollify some of those looking for an excuse for the Citadels to be annoyed with the Empire; a chance for diplomats from both nations to make some speeches and little else.

Once it's concluded however, it is hoped that there will be chance to discuss a couple of more serious issues specifically relating to the war in the [[Sarangrave]], and to the Liberty Pact. On the matter of the war with the [[Druj]] it seems that the [[A_better_future#The_Tyrants_of_the_Mallum|Summer visit]] from representatives of ''Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of [[Axos#Ipotavo|Ipotavo]]'' went well. They spoke with '''Gabriel Barossa''' among others, and remain committed to taking action against the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. it is hoped that there will be someone at the Senate who will be able to speak on behalf of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on this joint strategy and any political elements that may need smoothing out.
==Liberty==
* '''The Axou are calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact for the Winter Solstice which they will host
* '''They plan to use Lashonar's Caucus Forum to do so
* '''They are bringing the matter of a recent amendment to the table for voting
In their missive the Imperial Ambassador mentioned that the Empire was considering calling a meeting of the [[Liberty Pact]] either in the coming Winter or in Spring next year. This news delights Ilarch Skopos, because it shows that the ambassadors of the two nations are thinking along similar lines. As it happens, Axos is calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact at the Winter Solstice that they will host (as is [[Voice_of_Liberty#Rights_of_Signatories|their right]]). They are aware that the seas are dangerous, and so have secured the boon of the [[Lashonar#Caucus Forum|Caucus Forum]] from the ''[[Lashonar|Midnight Owl]]''. The [[eternal]] has assured Ilarch Skopos' office that there will be no problem bringing together representatives from all four nations that are signatory to the Pact in the secure [[Realms#Night|chamber of Night]].

The goal of the Axos delegate is to repeal the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Summer_384YE_Amendments|384YE amendment]] that demands all signatories apply a [[Tariffs#Embargo|trade embargo]] to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. They argue that the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Principles|Second Principle]] - that ''signatory nations will place economic or trade sanctions of their own choosing on nations defined as slaving nations'' - is more than sufficient. The Pact, says Ilarch Skopos, is about ending slavery not about allowing the signatory nations to force their own politics on the other members. The Commonwealth has overstepped and attempted to turn the Pact into a political weapon that distorts its original purpose.

Ilarch Skopos anticipates that the Empire will let his office know if there are any motions the Imperial delegate wishes to place before the Pact for discussion at this meeting, and that the [[Sumaah Republic]] and [[Commonwealth]] will do the same. One of Skopos' experts on the Liberty Pact will be travelling to Anvil along with the formal delegation and hopes there will be a chance to speak to the [[Voice of Liberty]] '''Jarrigk Silktongue''' on the upcoming meeting. They apologise for pre-empting the Empire's meeting, but if there is business that is not resolved during the Winter Solstice there will be ample opportunity for the Imperial delegate to call a further meeting. Ilarch Skopos advises making use of the Caucus Forum, or a similar eternal boon, simply because it makes it much harder for members of other nations to find reasons they cannot attend.
{{SOP|statement= Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. As preachers of Ambition, spreading virtue across the known world, we need to act immediately to guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path. Reaching out in support, sparking the embers which to blow into the inferno of true virtue.|by=Tongs, Ambition Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos, inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos. Let us be the light of truth to plan seeds of Virtue and Enlightenment now which will bear fruit for generations to come. Only then can we address their folly of the Creator. Heed the call of Ambitions Master and Masquerade, of Pride’s Conqueror, of Vigilance’s Sentinel, and Wisdom’s Avigliana.|by=Fintan Nighthaven, Vigilance Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Fintan Nighthaven. You are not above reproach and certainly not above consequence. You have proven a force of corruption in your dealings with Peace - the extent of your influence must be scrutinised. Time 6pm Sat, place Nighthaven Camp. Let us see if you are malicious.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, Wisdom Assembly|vote=Upheld (184-20)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=For irregularities in their dealings with Axou, and following accusations of assisting the spreading of false virtue, we revoke Fintan Nighthaven from the position of Ambassador to Axou. This action has been requested by the Consul of the Senate.|by=Revocation, Cardinal Lenarius Ankarien, Ambition Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (5-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=On behalf of the Imperial Inquisitor: (Judgement 148 after inquisition) Fintan Nighthaven has been found guilty of incontestable acts of blasphemy and abuse of priestly powers. His work as an agent of Peace has harmed both the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. He lied to the Vigilance Assembly and the Greater Synod to gain true liao that he used to create an artefact shield of Peace. He brought false hallows under false pretences to the Assembly of Nine. His provision of significant liao facilitated a mandate of unity in Axos. This cannot stand.|by=Condemntaion, Cardinal Silas of the Cenotaph, Assembly of Nine|vote=Greater Majority (8-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Chaplain Consular, Lepedina. It is your responsibility to tend to the souls of the Ambassadorial Court. Fintan Nighthaven has been allowed to operate undeterred to devastating consequence. We will discuss what work you have done at the next summit.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, General Assembly|vote=Automaticall upheld|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
==A Unified Convocation==
* '''The Unified Convocation sees a number of Axou sects coming together in a tentative philosophical alliance
* '''It enshrines and encourages adherence to the Axou faith which declares the Creator a tyrant and the Labyrinth a place of torture
* '''The Imperial Synod has discussed offering aid to the Unified Convocation
As [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|mentioned last season]], in the wake of the recent cleansing of [[Axos#Solokah|Solokha]], ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'' has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At this small temple, several of the Axou [[bands#sects|sects]] who helped reclaim the haunted ruins have established a "Unified Convocation" - the ''Enias Sinklisis'' in the old language of the Nikitis Axou. it is modelled somewhat on the General Assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]], but so far only a small number of Axou sects expressed any interest in becoming part of it. How much influence the Convocation will be able to wield is not clear; the Axou share a single religion but few priests possess any actual political power.

It seems that over recent months the Convocation has focused on spreading a message of unity, and of the importance of the Axou faith as a way for citizens of the Citadels to understand their place in the world. Fundamentally conservative, it has so far proved acceptable to those who wield real power - the Grand Ilarchs. Indeed ''Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban'' has spoken openly in support of the Convocation, and of the importance of cleaving to the values that built the Citadels.

Anyone who has made any study of [[Axos religion|Axou religion]] knows that fundamentally it stands in opposition to the Way. Indeed Axou religious scholars have gone so far as to [[Axos_religion#Repudiation|repudiate]] the [[Doctrines of the Faith]] in detail in their writings. Not only does the religion preach the importance of resisting the Creator, the curse of death, and the torments of the Labyrinth, it preaches that ''any'' spiritual force may prove to be a useful weapon in that battle. Axou sects combine the true virtues freely with much more [[Malign spiritual presences|malign spirits]] in their pursuit of that war. Unifying the disparate sects will be an uphill struggle, but if it succeeds it is unlikely to be good for anyone with ambitions to spread the Way into Axos.

During the Summer Solstice, two [[statement of principle|statements]] were upheld in the [[Ambition]] and [[Vigilance]] assemblies calling for Imperial priests to travel to "''guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path''" and to "''Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos''." Neither statement achieved a [[Greater majority]] however. That may be for the best - the Axou are notoriously prickly about condescension and painting their priests as "lost sheep" or "infants" is almost guaranteed to annoy them a great deal. The Grand Convocation has not asked for any assistance, and if it were to be offered it would need to be done carefully or risk upsetting a situation that is, at least for the moment, relatively stable. Should any Virtue Assembly wish to offer aid however, the first step would be to achieve a greater majority.

The Civil Service caution that sending Imperial priests to Axos on this matter will be challenging. Recent trips to Solokah showed that the Axou are no less committed to their beliefs than the Empire is. It is unlikely that any group of Imperial priests, are going to undermine Axou certainty that the Creator is the enemy and that the Labyrinth is a trap. In turn there is little risk of the Axou convincing devout priests of the Way that ''their'' beliefs are false and they should decry the Creator. What ''is'' likely to happen however is that the Axou sects will continue to share their understanding of the so-called "false virtues" with anyone who comes to Axos, and there is a real danger of those tempted to explore these malign spiritual presences would take this opportunity to visit the eastern nation and embrace those dangerous spirits.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan8448.png|caption=Fintan Nighthaven, former Ambassador to Axos, has been condemned in the Empire but exalted in Axos.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Robes of Sorrow==
* '''The former ambassador to Axos has been revoked and condemned by the Assembly of Nine
* '''The United Convocation have declared him to be an Enemy of the Creator
* '''The General Assembly could choose to vindicate Fintan for his actions'''.
One of the statements urging Imperial priests to visit Axos and help mold the United Convocation came from the former Ambassador '''Fintan Nighthaven'''. During the Summer Solstice, Fintan was variously [[inquisition|inquisited]] by the [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] '''Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost''', and then both [[revocation|revoked]] and [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the Assembly of Nine. This has caused a great deal of discussion among priests in various parts of the Empire; some have even pointed out that it is "''interesting''" that the condemnation was raised by the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]], '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', who is himself quite a [[Know_your_enemy#Take_the_Power_Back|controversial figure]].

Oblivious to all this, and apparently unaware that it might have ramifications, the initial response to hearing that Fintan was no longer Ambassador to Axos was one of surprise and sadness. Fintan, wrote Ilarch Skopos, was an experienced diplomat who he personally had hoped to correspond with. Dealing with someone of Fintan's pedigree would have surely served as a steadying guide to his first faltering steps along the road of diplomacy. While Ilarch Skopos welcomes the new ambassador it is with a little sorrow that he never had a chance to match wits with the famous Fintan Nighthaven. And so on.

It is followed a few days later by a formal recognition from the United Convocation that Fintan Nighthaven is an "Enemy of the Creator". This is apparently meant as an honorific, and within traditional Axou sects it is not dissimilar to being recognised as an exemplar or perhaps more likely the newly created status of [[Exaltation|exalted]]. Someone who through spiritual or philosophical means has opposed the Creator's wicked plans and encouraged other mortals to resist the curse of death and the torments of the Labyrinth. It is clearly meant to be a good thing, but unfortunately may end up being another nail in the coffin of the former Ambassador.

The crimes Fintan stands condemned for - [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]] - are very serious indeed. The magistrates will try Fintan for these crimes at the Autumn Equinox, under the [[The_final_cut#Questions_for_the_Magistrates|new guidance]] as to how to proceed - and it is not clear if the Ambassador will be able to refute them. From a legal point of view, there are various possible pathways forward. It is vanishingly unlikely that the magistrates will not find that the actions Fintan is accused of are broadly compatible with the definitions of the religious crimes of which he has been accused --- it is certainly not overwhelmingly clear that the actions in question are ''not'' within the right scope. It may of course be the case that the accusations are simply false: if this is the case, and the magistrates judge this to be so at trial, then Fintan would have a clear defence in law... which would imply that almost every member of the Assembly of Nine has committed an act of perjury - that is to say, they open themselves immediately to prosecution for Perverting the Course of Justice. If convicted, the right of [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] is open to him, if a member of the Synod wishes to offer it: if this plea fails, it seems likely given the scale and severity of the accusation that his execution will surely follow.

However, another path exists. Per the recent guidance, there is but one body within the Synod that can countermand another assembly when it deigns to condemn - but it may so countermand even the Assembly of Nine. This is, of course, the General Assembly. A judgement of [[Sanction#Vindication|Vindication]], stating clearly that the General Assembly considers Fintan's actions to have constituted neither [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] nor [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]], would essentially terminate the current legal proceedings. Such a statement would not even require a Greater Majority to pass... unless the Emperor intervened in their role as Custodian of Virtue. Even then a Greater Majority would save Fintan. It would also set the General Assembly directly at odds not only with the Assembly of Nine but also their recent strong stance against meddling with false virtues... but the Synod has changed its mind before.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Tomb Dust and Masks'''</big><br>The ideal phys-rep for ''tomb dust'' is a little pouch of sand or a dark coloured cloth wrap secured with string or thong. It doesn't need to be especially large - just big enough to feel comfortable in the hand.<br><br>The ideal phys-rep for a ''Mask of the Citadel'' is a bone-like mask such as china, porcelain or the like, but any mask will do. Axou masks tend to evoke skulls rather than echoing the more fanciful designs of the League (for example).</box></div>

==Pearl and Ruby Glowing==
* '''Axos welcomes Imperial ships
* '''Kantor and Issyk remain open to Imperial vessels
* '''The goods available from Kantor have changed
Trade with Axos appears to remain strong. With the end of the Asavean bounty on ships trading with Imperial ports, there are more black-sailed ships arriving at [[Necropolis#Crown's Quay|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]]. Thanks to Imperial ships still committed to [[Voyage#Escort_Imperial_Shipping|escorting ships]] to and from Imperial ports, trade is beginning to return to normal levels. Healthy trade is the lifeblood of nations, as the [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] say, and the "[[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|Pax Sarcophan]]" appears to be paying off already.

Kantor is no longer providing crystal mana - instead it will provide a visiting captain with two doses of something the Axou call ''Tomb Dust'' - a consumable that allows the user to expend their personal reserves of strength to power their magic. There are several varieties of tomb dust depending where it is gathered, but they all apparently bear a touch of ''necromantia'' about them.

The merchants of the city have also been given leave by the Grand Council to make some of their rarer goods available to visiting Imperial captains; a fleet that has been [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] may be able to acquire one of the ''Masks of the Citadel'' - [[:Category:Foci|magical foci]] that empower certain ritual magics favoured by the descendants of the sorcerer-kings.

==Through the Pale Door==
* '''A delegation has visited the Halls of Maykop and worked on codification of a ritual
* '''A copy of ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'' is now in the possession of the Tyburn Weaver
* '''The Axos Ambassador received worrying news of potential espionage
* '''Ilarch Skopos has asked for formal reassurance that no espionage or theft has taken place
In response to a [[A_better_future#Winter Magic|peace-making gesture]] from the [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Halls of Maykop]], the Imperial Conclave agreed to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Shuttered_Lantern_to_Maykop|send a delegation]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to Axos to work with magicians there on a codification. They chose a ritual named ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'', an [[enchantment]] that adds weight to spoken oaths and geasa. The formulation of the ritual, believed to have been based on work performed by the [[Urizen]] '''Spyridonakes of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', was completed swiftly and efficiently and a copy of the ritual text should now be in possession of [[Grandmaster]] '''Tyburn Weaver''' who raised the [[declaration]]. Shortly after the work was completed, not long before the Autumn Equinox, a concerned message reached the office of the Imperial Ambassador from Ilarch Skopos.

Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is a little concerned to have received a warning from a reputable source that Imperial citizens, members of the delegation from the Shuttered Lantern, may have planned to engage in espionage and theft while visiting Maykop as guests of the faculty there. Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is particularly distressed by this, and as such the Axou Ambassador requests reassurances from the Ambassador, and ideally the Imperial Senate or the Imperial Conclave, that no such act has taken place and that no similar act will be considered in the future. It may simply be that the source of the warning was engaged in malicious mischief, or seeking to sabotage relations with the Grand Council, but there is enough concern that Ilarch Skopos feels driven to request such reassurances.

Regardless it does not appear that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop is keen for further delegations from the Empire. While individual students may attend it is unlikely a similar opportunity for a Conclave order to work on the codification of a ritual will be forthcoming any time soon.
<br><br><big>'''Participation : Shuttered Lantern'''</big><br>
Any player whose character is part of the Shuttered Lantern order may have accompanied the delegation heading to Maykop last season, to attend the University there and help codify the Winter ritual. They will have found the city a little standoffish, especially members of the Grand Ilarch's immediate circle and the higher ranking members of the University faculty, but been welcomed with a degree of enthusiasm by the students in particular. In addition to the work of codification, alongside Axou experts in Winter magic, there were opportunities for several feasts, a chance to see the sights of the cloistered citadel, and to audit a few classes on any number of subjects both mundane and more exotic (especially those relating to funerary practices which are treated as both a science, an art, and a magical discipline by the Axou).

There may have been opportunities for minor espionage but nothing with game implications. If there ''was'' a theft of ritual knowledge, only Grandmaster Tyburn will know the details and who took part in the operation (that is, the Grandmaster is free to invite other players to have been part of such a scheme but it's not appropriate for a player to decide they were involved).
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|caption=The Axou are interested in the Five Cities Military Academy.|width=300}}</div>
==Along the Ramparts==
* '''The Axos have politely declined an offer to study at the Zemress Naval Academy
* '''A counter-proposal would see Axou captains visit Tassato to study at the Five Cities Military Academy
* '''There are both concerns about what the Axou might learn and opportunities involved in such an exchange
Ambassador Kezandro put forward a proposition that Axos might be interested in purchasing a right to study at the [[Madruga#Zemress Naval Academy|Zemress Naval Academy]] in [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]]. After extensive discussion, Ilarch Skopos regretfully declines the offer on behalf of the Grand Council. It seems that the Axou do not see the value in [[Imperial navy|naval forces]] - their expertise lies very much in the realm of [[fortification]] and in those places where they might consider expansion a navy will be of little use.

On the other hand there ''is'' some interest in the [[Tassato#Five_Cities_Military_Academy|Five Cities Military Academy]] and the [[Tassato#Barossa School of Imperial Strategy|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]] in [[Tassato]]. According to Ilarch Skopos there are a number of mid-rank officers in the military forces of the northern citadels - [[Axos#Gates of Ipotavo|Ipotavo]], [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Kaban]], and [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Issyk]] - who have expressed a desire to spend time studying alongside the Empire's elite captains. There are places to study the science and art of war in Axos, of course, especially in Ipotavo, but Skopos does not shy away from praising the Empire's foremost military academy. Axos has enjoyed a long period of relative peace, after all. It's strong traditions of defensive warfare mean that experience of aggressive campaigns is limited to the gaming tables and discussions with dead generals whose knowledge of the modern world and developments in military strategy is in many places woefully inadequate. If Axos is truly to take its place in the world as a true power, it will need to modernise and expand its martial forces and the Grand Council cautiously approve of the idea of sending some of their warriors to study at the Barossa School.

Obviously this is a very different proposition to the [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|current situation]] - where the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] oversees a low-key exchange program mostly focused on providing opportunities to study the arts and humanities. It would place Axos citizens in a position to study Imperial military history and practices like never before - and there is some significant potential for espionage if the Axou were so inclined. Fortunately the Empire has no history of direct military conflict with Axos since their [[Mareave_and_Urizen#Imperial_Records|ill-starred invasion]] in the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. On the other hand there is little doubt among the Civil Service that the Axou would benefit more from studying the Imperial war machine - and the workings of the [[Imperial Military Council]] in particular - than the Empire might gain from the arrangement. At the very least they would end up almost as well-informed about the Empire's victories, losses, and current strategies as any other dedicated captain attending the Academy (that is, they would gain at least as much information as someone reading a summary of the [[War#Winds_of_War|winds of war]] each season). That alone ''could'' prove problematic, in theory, depending what the Empire is doing at the time.

Ilarch Skopos proposes that the students wishing to attend the Academy simply ''pay'' for the privilege. He estimates that there is sufficient interest in the opportunity to provide 5 Thrones each season to the Academy. Such funds would end up in the Imperial treasury unless the [[Imperial Senate]] made other arrangements. Either way the arrangements would need a [[Senate motion]] to confirm arrangements should they wish to accept the request.
<br><br><big>'''A Proposal from Apulian'''</big><br>
''Batheka de Tassato Regario'', an Apulian orc veteran and experienced Grendel commander before joining [[the League]] points out that if the Empire ''is'' prepared to take the risk there may be an opportunity for additional profit in it. The Axou may not be able to match the Empire in grand strategy but they are not without their areas of expertise. Their grand citadels - city-sized fortifications - are proof that the people of Axos are skilled engineers, almost as good as those from [[Holberg]], and that they have a lot of experience with defensive building. Anyone who has visited the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo|Walls of Cargo]] knows they have some techniques that are not common in the Empire, and their cities have properties very reminiscent of the new [[citadel]] innovation.

They're also known to be reasonably effective at deploying battle-mages their ''[[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Texatai]]'' light skirmishers are apparently well-practiced at small unit tactics employing both sword and rod. While their fighting style is similar to that of the [[Urizen]] [[Sentinel]] there are enough differences to mean they might have some actual insight into such strategies.

If the Senate ''does'' go ahead with allowing Axou soldiers to study at the Five Cities Military Academy, Batheka proposes that the Ambassador (or the senate motion used to issue the invitation) casually invite some siege commanders, or if they prefer some ''toxatai'' captains, to come along. Done casually it will not alert the Axou to the idea they might have something useful to offer; one reason Batheka suggests only asking for one or the other. Asking both will make it a little too obvious what the Empire seeks to gain from the arrangement.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sian Eternal.jpg|align=right|caption=Siân Eternal, ''Singer of the Silence'', currently oversees the Great Library at Hacynian.|width=250}}</div>

==Wit and Wisdom==
* '''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop has requested an opportunity for some of her students to spend a season at the Great Library of Hacynian
* '''She waits on a response from the Bursar of the House of Spirits or the Singer of the Silence
Last season ''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy who has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now - [[A_better_future#Librarian_and_Bursar|expressed interest]] in the Great Library of Hacynin. Mistress Isephenia oversees a small group of students from Axos [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|studying in the Empire]], and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|House of Spirits]] in [[Casinea]] alongside [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|Bursar]] '''Rinnah''' of the [[Highguard_groups#The Shattered Tower|Shattered Tower]]. Several students would like the opportunity to study at the Great Library but would need permission to do so.

The Axos professor mentions that no permission has so-far been forthcoming. She's aware that there has been some uncertainty as to who might be responsible for the Great Library but again wonders if either the Bursar or the [[Singer of the Silence]] - '''Siân Eternal''' - would be interested? If so they can send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. In many ways Mistress Isephenia would rather they politely decline that simply remain silent, but she understands that there are many drains of the time of a busy academic.

Obviously the civil service have advised a degree of caution following the request, given that it appears to offer no particular benefit to the Empire beyond perhaps some diplomatic favour from Maykop, and risks the Axou finding out more about the vallorn than is good for them.
{{Axos Links}}

Troop of echoes

2025-08-23T12:47:38Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>The young man wakes between one breath and the next, and sits up. He yawns, stretches, sips from a glass of water on the bedside table. Gets up, draws the curtains. It is still dark outside but the first light of dawn is beginning to spill across the sea far below his window.

He barely remembers his dream; something about a party at the palace and applause. He washes the dream away as he performs his morning ablutions - even at this early hour his servant has ensured the water is warmed and there is a fresh towel waiting for him. He pauses for a moment looking at himself in the gold-inlaid mirror. He practices his expressions for a few minutes: appearing somber, appearing amused, appearing angry. Then he dresses, beginning with the simple dragonbone mask that covers the upper part of his face, then a freshly laundered silk under-robe of glorious apricot. He fingers the material, luxuriating in both its texture and its colour. He pulls on a somber black lambswool outer-robe, but belts it only loosely. It gives him a sense of satisfaction that everyone will see how he rejects the funereal garb of the traditionalists, ready to embrace the joy of a nation reborn.

In the foyer of his apartments he pauses to pour fresh water and oil into the little basin at the shrine, and scatter black rose petals. Solokha, hands folded before her, wearing the Mask of Peace. The other sorcerer-kings stand behind her, united and solemn. If he feels any particular connection to his alleged ancestor he does not display it in his perfunctory obeisance.

The office is quiet. He is the first one there. He relaxes into his chair. The new leather creaks as he tries to settle himself. He is unaccustomed to it, but knows that in time it will come to fit his body like a glove - and if it does not he will simply replace it. He takes a moment to ensure everything is arranged on his desk, positioned just so to convey busy professionalism and subtle power. His eyes stray again to the portraits of the Grand Ilarchs on the wall opposite the desk. Anyone who meets with him will do so under the watching gaze of Kyther. And the others, of course.

The only document on his desk is a sealed letter; his secretaries have been chosen for their competence at dealing with the day-to-day demands of his office so this is something that requires his personal attention. He turns it over in his hand, selects the jade-handled golden letter opener. It is from his opposite number in the Empire. It must have arrived during the night. He reads it carefully, writing a few lines on the vellum he keeps for his most important business with a pristine swan's feather quill.

While he writes, a servant enters, soft woolen slippers making no noise on the dark carpet. They open the shutters on the window, which faces towards the dawn, to where the sun is rising. The servant refills his water glass from the pitcher, bows, and quietly retreats. The meeting with Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban - with the Grand Council rather - has already been arranged and he must be ready to present his summary of the missive. Must be ready to receive his instructions.

He pauses for just a moment, though, gazing out at the glorious crimson, topaz, golden light spilling out across the horizon. It sparks a fierce joy in him, reminding him that he at last has everything he ever wanted, that at last he is part of something ''good'' and ''powerful'' and ''destined''.

It's going to be a wonderful day.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''Axos are signatories to the Liberty Pact, and relations have been slowly improving in recent seasons'''
* '''There have been recent upheavals in both the Axou and Imperial embassies as the ambassadors from both nations have changed'''
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclamation of the ruins of Solokha]]. The Axou remain proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world, however, creating challenges for the [[Ambassador to Axos|Imperial ambassador]]. They are members of the [[Liberty Pact]], but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. In recent months, the small nation to the south of [[the Mallum]] is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''. More recently they were [[A_better_future#School_and_Scandal|rocked by scandal]] leading to the retirement of the former Ambassador Ilarch Maxatious, the formation of a new Grand Council to guide the nation, and the establishment of a [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|Unified Convocation]] that seeks to do the same for Axos' disparate religious [[Bands#Sects|sects]].

At the same time there were upheavals closer to home as long-serving Ambassador ''Fintan Nighthaven'' was [[revocation|revoked]] from his position and [[sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the [[Imperial Synod]]. He is succeeded in the position by ''The Flame of Riqueza'' of [[the Brass Coast]]. In Axos, Maxatious has been replaced by ''Ilarch Kario Skopos'', a scion of the Skopos family of the [[Axos#Chambers of Ussyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. At the instruction of the Grand Ilarchs, however, he has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth for as long as he holds the post. Instead, he is known as Ilarch Skopos of Solokha, signifying his neutrality when it comes to the politics of the citadels. The new ambassador reports directly to the Grand Council and represents their will, and through them the will of their people.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=The Flame of Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]|status=Foreigner}}
==But To Sing==
* '''A formal delegation intends to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox
* '''They will be received in the Senate around 11.30am on Saturday
* '''The delegation expects to speak to the ambassador and renew good relations between the two nations
* '''There is talk of other business after the formal delegation
One of the first matters Ilarch Skopos has arranged is the dispatch of a diplomacy envoy to Anvil, to arrive during the Autumn Equinox and renew relations between the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. The delegation expects to be formally received by the new Ambassador in the Imperial Senate; the meeting is scheduled for late morning on Saturday. Kario admits that mostly the delegation is intended to be a little pageantry to mollify some of those looking for an excuse for the Citadels to be annoyed with the Empire; a chance for diplomats from both nations to make some speeches and little else.

Once it's concluded however, it is hoped that there will be chance to discuss a couple of more serious issues specifically relating to the war in the [[Sarangrave]], and to the Liberty Pact. On the matter of the war with the [[Druj]] it seems that the [[A_better_future#The_Tyrants_of_the_Mallum|Summer visit]] from representatives of ''Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of [[Axos#Ipotavo|Ipotavo]]'' went well. They spoke with '''Gabriel Barossa''' among others, and remain committed to taking action against the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]]. it is hoped that there will be someone at the Senate who will be able to speak on behalf of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on this joint strategy and any political elements that may need smoothing out.
==Liberty==
* '''The Axou are calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact for the Winter Solstice which they will host
* '''They plan to use Lashonar's Caucus Forum to do so
* '''They are bringing the matter of a recent amendment to the table for voting
In their missive the Imperial Ambassador mentioned that the Empire was considering calling a meeting of the [[Liberty Pact]] either in the coming Winter or in Spring next year. This news delights Ilarch Skopos, because it shows that the ambassadors of the two nations are thinking along similar lines. As it happens, Axos is calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact at the Winter Solstice that they will host (as is [[Voice_of_Liberty#Rights_of_Signatories|their right]]). They are aware that the seas are dangerous, and so have secured the boon of the [[Lashonar#Caucus Forum|Caucus Forum]] from the ''[[Lashonar|Midnight Owl]]''. The [[eternal]] has assured Ilarch Skopos' office that there will be no problem bringing together representatives from all four nations that are signatory to the Pact in the secure [[Realms#Night|chamber of Night]].

The goal of the Axos delegate is to repeal the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Summer_384YE_Amendments|384YE amendment]] that demands all signatories apply a [[Tariffs#Embargo|trade embargo]] to the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. They argue that the [[Voice_of_Liberty#Principles|Second Principle]] - that ''signatory nations will place economic or trade sanctions of their own choosing on nations defined as slaving nations'' - is more than sufficient. The Pact, says Ilarch Skopos, is about ending slavery not about allowing the signatory nations to force their own politics on the other members. The Commonwealth has overstepped and attempted to turn the Pact into a political weapon that distorts its original purpose.

Ilarch Skopos anticipates that the Empire will let his office know if there are any motions the Imperial delegate wishes to place before the Pact for discussion at this meeting, and that the [[Sumaah Republic]] and [[Commonwealth]] will do the same. One of Skopos' experts on the Liberty Pact will be travelling to Anvil along with the formal delegation and hopes there will be a chance to speak to the [[Voice of Liberty]] '''Jarrigk Silktongue''' on the upcoming meeting. They apologise for pre-empting the Empire's meeting, but if there is business that is not resolved during the Winter Solstice there will be ample opportunity for the Imperial delegate to call a further meeting. Ilarsh Skopos advises making use of the Caucus Forum, or a similar eternal boon, simply because it makes it much harder for members of other nations to find reasons they cannot attend.
{{SOP|statement= Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. As preachers of Ambition, spreading virtue across the known world, we need to act immediately to guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path. Reaching out in support, sparking the embers which to blow into the inferno of true virtue.|by=Tongs, Ambition Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos, inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos. Let us be the light of truth to plan seeds of Virtue and Enlightenment now which will bear fruit for generations to come. Only then can we address their folly of the Creator. Heed the call of Ambitions Master and Masquerade, of Pride’s Conqueror, of Vigilance’s Sentinel, and Wisdom’s Avigliana.|by=Fintan Nighthaven, Vigilance Assembly|vote=Upheld (338-38)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Fintan Nighthaven. You are not above reproach and certainly not above consequence. You have proven a force of corruption in your dealings with Peace - the extent of your influence must be scrutinised. Time 6pm Sat, place Nighthaven Camp. Let us see if you are malicious.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, Wisdom Assembly|vote=Upheld (184-20)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=For irregularities in their dealings with Axou, and following accusations of assisting the spreading of false virtue, we revoke Fintan Nighthaven from the position of Ambassador to Axou. This action has been requested by the Consul of the Senate.|by=Revocation, Cardinal Lenarius Ankarien, Ambition Assembly|vote=Greater Majority (5-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=On behalf of the Imperial Inquisitor: (Judgement 148 after inquisition) Fintan Nighthaven has been found guilty of incontestable acts of blasphemy and abuse of priestly powers. His work as an agent of Peace has harmed both the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. He lied to the Vigilance Assembly and the Greater Synod to gain true liao that he used to create an artifact shield of Peace. He brought false hallows under false pretences to the Assembly of Nine. His provision of significant liao facilitated a mandate of unity in Axos. This cannot stand.|by=Condemntaion, Cardinal Silas of the Cenotaph, Assembly of Nine|vote=Greater Majority (8-0)|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
{{SOP|statement=Chaplain Consular, Lepedina. It is your responsibility to tend to the souls of the Ambassadorial Court. Fintan Nighthaven has been allowed to operate undeterred to devastating consequence. We will discuss what work you have done at the next summit.|by=Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, General Assembly|vote=Automaticall upheld|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
==A Unified Convocation==
* '''The Unified Convocation sees a number of Axou sects coming together in a tentative philosophical alliance
* '''It enshrines and encourages adherence to the Axou faith which declares the Creator a tyrant and the Labyrinth a place of torture
* '''The Imperial Synod has discussed offering aid to the Unified Convocation
As [[A_better_future#Unified_Convocation|mentioned last season]], in the wake of the recent cleansing of [[Axos#Solokah|Solokha]], ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'' has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At this small temple, several of the Axou [[bands#sects|sects]] who helped reclaim the haunted ruins have established a "Unified Convocation" - the ''Enias Sinklisis'' in the old language of the Nikitis Axou. it is modelled somewhat on the General Assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]], but so far only a small number of Axou sects expressed any interest in becoming part of it. How much influence the Convocation will be able to wield is not clear; the Axou share a single religion but few priests possess any actual political power.

It seems that over recent months the Convocation has focused on spreading a message of unity, and of the importance of the Axou faith as a way for citizens of the Citadels to understand their place in the world. Fundamentally conservative, it has so far proved acceptable to those who wield real power - the Grand Illarchs. Indeed ''Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban'' has spoken openly in support of the Convocation, and of the importance of cleaving to the values that built the Citadels.

Anyone who has made any study of [[Axos religion|Axou religion]] knows that fundamentally it stands in opposition to the Way. Indeed Axou religious scholars have gone so far as to [[Axos_religion#Repudiation|repudiate]] the [[Doctrines of the Faith]] in detail in their writings. Not only does the religion preach the importance of resisting the Creator, the curse of death, and the torments of the Labyrinth, it preaches that ''any'' spiritual force may prove to be a useful weapon in that battle. Axou sects combine the true virtues freely with much more [[Malign spiritual presences|malign spirits]] in their pursuit of that war. Unifying the disparate sects will be an uphill struggle, but if it succeeds it is unlikely to be good for anyone with ambitions to spread the Way into Axos.

During the Summer Solstice, two [[statement of principle|statements]] were upheld in the [[Ambition]] and [[Vigilance]] assemblies calling for Imperial priests to travel to "''guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path''" and to "''Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos''." Neither statement achieved a [[Greater majority]] however. That may be for the best - the Axou are notoriously prickly about condescension and painting their priests as "lost sheep" or "infants" is almost guaranteed to annoy them a great deal. The Grand Convocation has not asked for any assistance, and if it were to be offered it would need to be done carefully or risk upsetting a situation that is, at least for the moment, relatively stable. Should any Virtue Assembly wish to offer aid however, the first step would be to achieve a greater majority.

The Civil Service caution that sending Imperial priests to Axos on this matter will be challenging. Recent trips to Solokah showed that the Axou are no less committed to their beliefs than the Empire is. It is unlikely that any group of Imperial priests, are going to undermine Axou certainty that the Creator is the enemy and that the Labyrinth is a trap. In turn there is little risk of the Axou convincing devout priests of the Way that ''their'' beliefs are false and they should decry the Creator. What ''is'' likely to happen however is that the Axou sects will continue to share their understanding of the so-called "false virtues" with anyone who comes to Axos, and there is a real danger of those tempted to explore these malign spiritual presences would take this opportunity to visit the eastern nation and embrace those dangerous spirits.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan8448.png|caption=Fintan Nighthaven, former Ambassador to Axos, has been condemned in the Empire but exalted in Axos.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Robes of Sorrow==
* '''The former ambassador to Axos has been revoked and condemned by the Assembly of Nine
* '''The United Convocation have declared him to be an Enemy of the Creator
* '''The General Assembly could choose to vindicate Fintan for his actions'''.
One of the statements urging Imperial priests to visit Axos and help mold the United Convocation came from the former Ambassador '''Fintan Nighthaven'''. During the Summer Solstice, Fintan was variously [[inquisition|inquisited]] by the [[Virtue inquisitor|Inquisitor of Wisdom]] '''Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost''', and then both [[revocation|revoked]] and [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] by the Assembly of Nine. This has caused a great deal of discussion among priests in various parts of the Empire; some have even pointed out that it is "''interesting''" that the condemnation was raised by the [[Cardinal of Wisdom]], '''Silas of the Cenotaph''', who is himself quite a [[Know_your_enemy#Take_the_Power_Back|controversial figure]].

Oblivious to all this, and apparently unaware that it might have ramifications, the initial response to hearing that Fintan was no longer Ambassador to Axos was one of surprise and sadness. Fintan, wrote Ilarch Skopos, was an experienced diplomat who he personally had hoped to correspond with. Dealing with someone of Fintan's pedigree would have surely served as a steadying guide to his first faltering steps along the road of diplomacy. While Ilarch Skopos welcomes the new ambassador it is with a little sorrow that he never had a chance to match wits with the famous Fintan Nighthaven. And so on.

It is followed a few days later by a formal recognition from the United Convocation that Fintan Nighthaven is an "Enemy of the Creator". This is apparently meant as an honourific, and within traditional Axou sects it is not disimillar to being recognised as an exemplar or perhaps more likely the newly created status of [[Exaltation|exalted]]. Someone who through spiritual or philosophical means has opposed the Creator's wicked plans and encouraged other mortals to resist the curse of death and the torments of the Labyrinth. It is clearly meant to be a good thing, but unfortunately may end up being another nail in the coffin of the former Ambassador.

The crimes Fintan stands condemned for - [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]] - are very serious indeed. The magistrates will try Fintan for these crimes at the Autumn Equinox, under the [[The_final_cut#Questions_for_the_Magistrates|new guidance]] as to how to proceed - and it is not clear if the Ambassador will be able to refute them. From a legal point of view, there are various possible pathways forward. It is vanishingly unlikely that the magistrates will not find that the actions Fintan is accused of are broadly compatible with the definitions of the religious crimes of which he has been accused --- it is certainly not overwhelmingly clear that the actions in question are ''not'' within the right scope. It may of course be the case that the accusations are simply false: if this is the case, and the magistrates judge this to be so at trial, then Fintan would have a clear defense in law... which would imply that almost every member of the Assembly of Nine has committed an act of perjury. If convicted, the right of [[Member_of_the_Synod#Clemency|clemency]] is open to him, if a member of the Synod wishes to offer it: if this plea fails, it seems likely given the scale and severity of the accusation that his execution will surely follow.

However, another path exists. Per the recent guidance, there is but one body within the Synod that can countermand another assembly when it deigns to condemn - but it may so countermand even the Assembly of Nine. This is, of course, the General Assembly. A Statement of Vindication, stating clearly that the General Assembly considers Fintan's actions to have constituted neither [[Religious_crime#Abuse_of_Powers|abuse of powers]] nor [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemy]], would essentially terminate the current legal proceedings. Such a statement would not even require a Greater Majority to pass... unless the Emperor intervened in their role as Custodian of Virtue. Even then a Greater Majority would save Fintan. It would also set the General Assembly directly at odds not only with the Assembly of Nine but also their recent strong stance against meddling with false virtues... but the Synod has changed its mind before.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box><big>'''Tomb Dust and Masks'''</big><br>The ideal phys-rep for ''tomb dust'' is a little pouch of sand or a dark coloured cloth wrap secured with string or thong. It doesn't need to be especially large - just big enough to feel comfortable in the hand.<br><br>The ideal phys-rep for a ''Mask of the Citadel'' is a bone-like mask such as china, porcelain or the like, but any mask will do. Axou masks tend to evoke skulls rather than echoing the more fanciful designs of the League (for example).</box></div>
==Pearl and Ruby Glowing==
* '''Axos welcomes Imperial ships
* '''Kantor and Issyk remain open to Imperial vessels
* '''The goods available from Kantor have changed
Trade with Axos appears to remain strong. With the end of the Asavean bounty on ships trading with Imperial ports, there are more black-sailed ships arriving at [[Necropolis#Crown's Quay|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]]. Thanks to Imperial ships still committed to [[Voyage#Escort_Imperial_Shipping|escorting ships]] to and from Imperial ports, trade is beginning to return to normal levels. Healthy trade is the lifeblood of nations, as the [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] say, and the "[[Can%27t_give_everything_away#An_Ultimatum|Pax Sarcophan]]" appears to be paying off already.

Kantor is no longer providing crystal mana - instead it will provide a visiting captain with two doses of something the Axou call ''Tomb Dust'' - a consumable that allows the user to expend their personal reserves of strength to power their magic. There are several varieties of tomb dust depending where it is gathered, but they all apparently bear a touch of ''necromantia'' about them.

The merchants of the city have also been given leave by the Grand Council to make some of their rarer goods available to visiting Imperial captains; a fleet that has been [[fleet#upgrades|upgraded]] or [[enchantment|enchanted]] may be able to acquire one of the ''Masks of the Citadel'' - [[:Category:Foci|magical foci]] that empower certain ritual magics favoured by the descendants of the sorcerer-kings.

==Through the Pale Door==
* '''A delegation has visited the Halls of Maykop and worked on codification of a ritual
* '''A copy of ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'' is now in the possession of the Tyburn Weaver
* '''The Axos Ambassador received worrying news of potential espionage
* '''Ilarch Skopos has asked for formal reassurance that no espionage or theft has taken place
In response to a [[A_better_future#Winter Magic|peace-making gesture]] from the [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Halls of Maykop]], the Imperial Conclave agreed to [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Shuttered_Lantern_to_Maykop|send a delegation]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to Axos to work with magicians there on a codification. They chose a ritual named ''Oath of the Bleak Garden'', an [[enchantment]] that adds weight to spoken oaths and geasa. The formulation of the ritual, believed to have been based on work performed by the [[Urizen]] '''Spyridonakes of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', was completed swiftly and efficiently and a copy of the ritual text should now be in possession of [[Grandmaster]] '''Tyburn Weaver''' who raised the [[declaration]]. Shortly after the work was completed, not long before the Autumn Equinox, a concerned message reached the office of the Imperial Ambassador from Ilarch Skopos.

Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is a little concerned to have received a warning from a reputable source that Imperial citizens, members of the delegation from the Shuttered Lantern, may have planned to engage in espionage and theft while visiting Maykop as guests of the faculty there. Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is particularly distressed by this, and as such the Axou Ambassador requests reassurances from the Ambassador, and ideally the Imperial Senate or the Imperial Conclave, that no such act has taken place and that no similar act will be considered in the future. It may simply be that the source of the warning was engaged in malicious mischief, or seeking to sabotage relations with the Grand Council, but there is enough concern that Ilarch Skopos feels driven to request such reassurances.

Regardless it does not appear that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop is keen for further delegations from the Empire. While individual students may attend it is unlikely a similar opportunity for a Conclave order to work on the codification of a ritual will be forthcoming any time soon.
<br><br><big>'''Participation : Shuttered Lantern'''</big><br>
Any player whose character is part of the Shuttered Lantern order may have accompanied the delegation heading to Maykop last season, to attend the University there and help codify the Winter ritual. They will have found the city a little standoffish, especially members of the Grand Ilarch's immediate circle and the higher ranking members of the University faculty, but been welcomed with a degree of enthusiasm by the students in particular. In addition to the work of codification, alongside Axou experts in Winter magic, there were opportunities for several feasts, a chance to see the sights of the cloistered citadel, and to audit a few classes on any number of subjects both mundane and more exotic (especially those relating to funerary practices which are treated as both a science, an art, and a magical discipline by the Axou).

There may have been opportunities for minor espionage but nothing with game implications. If there ''was'' a theft of ritual knowledge, only Grandmaster Tyburn will know the details and who took part in the operation (that is, the Grandmaster is free to invite other players to have been part of such a scheme but it's not appropriate for a player to decide they were involved).
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBLeague.jpg|align=right|caption=The Axou are interested in the Five Cities Military Academy.|width=300}}</div>
==Along the Ramparts==
* '''The Axos have politely declined an offer to study at the Zemress Naval Academy
* '''A counter-proposal would see Axou captains visit Tassato to study at the Five Cities Military Academy
* '''There are both concerns about what the Axou might learn and opportunities involved in such an exchange
Ambassador Kezandro put forward a proposition that Axos might be interested in purchasing a right to study at the [[Madruga#Zemress Naval Academy|Zemress Naval Academy]] in [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]]. After extensive discussion, Ilarch Skopos regretfully declines the offer on behalf of the Grand Council. It seems that the Axou do not see the value in [[Imperial navy|naval forces]] - their expertise lies very much in the realm of [[fortification]] and in those places where they might consider expansion a navy will be of little use.

On the other hand there ''is'' some interest in the [[Tassato#Five_Cities_Military_Academy|Five Cities Military Academy]] and the [[Tassato#Barossa School of Imperial Strategy|Barossa School of Imperial Strategy]] in [[Tassato]]. According to Ilarch Skopos there are a number of mid-rank officers in the military forces of the northern citadels - [[Axos#Gates of Ipotavo|Ipotavo]], [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Kaban]], and [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Issyk]] - who have expressed a desire to spend time studying alongside the Empire's elite captains. There are places to study the science and art of war in Axos, of course, especially in Ipotavo, but Skopos does not shy away from praising the Empire's foremost military academy. Axos has enjoyed a long period of relative peace, after all. It's strong traditions of defensive warfare mean that experience of aggressive campaigns is limited to the gaming tables and discussions with dead generals whose knowledge of the modern world and developments in military strategy is in many places woefully inadequate. If Axos is truly to take its place in the world as a true power, it will need to modernise and expand its martial forces and the Grand Council cautiously approve of the idea of sending some of their warriors to study at the Barossa School.

Obviously this is a very different proposition to the [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|current situation]] - where the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] oversees a low-key exchange program mostly focused on providing opportunities to study the arts and humanities. It would place Axos citizens in a position to study Imperial military history and practices like never before - and there is some significant potential for espionage if the Axou were so inclined. Fortunately the Empire has no history of direct military conflict with Axos since their [[Mareave_and_Urizen#Imperial_Records|ill-starred invasion]] in the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. On the other hand there is little doubt among the Civil Service that the Axou would benefit more from studying the Imperial war machine - and the workings of the [[Imperial Military Council]] in particular - than the Empire might gain from the arrangement. At the very least they would end up almost as well-informed about the Empire's victories, losses, and current strategies as any other dedicated captain attending the Academy (that is, they would gain at least as much information as someone reading a summary of the [[War#Winds_of_War|winds of war]] each season). That alone ''could'' prove problematic, in theory, depending what the Empire is doing at the time.

Ilarch Skopos proposes that the students wishing to attend the Academy simply ''pay'' for the privilege. He estimates that there is sufficient interest in the opportunity to provide 5 Thrones each season to the Academy. Such funds would end up in the Imperial treasury unless the [[Imperial Senate]] made other arrangements. Either way the arrangements would need a [[Senate motion]] to confirm arrangements should they wish to accept the request.
<br><br><big>'''A Proposal from Apulian'''</big><br>
''Batheka de Tassato Regario'', an Apulian orc veteran and experienced Grendel commander before joining [[the League]] points out that if the Empire ''is'' prepared to take the risk there may be an opportunity for additional profit in it. The Axou may not be able to match the Empire in grand strategy but they are not without their areas of expertise. Their grand citadels - city-sized fortifications - are proof that the people of Axos are skilled engineers, almost as good as those from [[Holberg]], and that they have a lot of experience with defensive building. Anyone who has visited the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo|Walls of Cargo]] knows they have some techniques that are not common in the Empire, and their cities have properties very reminiscent of the new [[citadel]] innovation.

They're also known to be reasonably effective at deploying battle-mages their ''[[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns|Texatai]]'' light skirmishers are apparently well-practiced at small unit tactics employing both sword and rod. While their fighting style is similar to that of the [[Urizen]] [[Sentinel]] there are enough differences to mean they might have some actual insight into such strategies.

If the Senate ''does'' go ahead with allowing Axou soldiers to study at the Five Cities Military Academy, Batheka proposes that the Ambassador (or the senate motion used to issue the invitation) casually invite some siege commanders, or if they prefer some ''toxatai'' captains, to come along. Done casually it will not alert the Axou to the idea they might have something useful to offer; one reason Batheka suggests only asking for one or the other. Asking both will make it a little too obvious what the Empire seeks to gain from the arrangement.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sian Eternal.jpg|align=right|caption=Siân Eternal, ''Singer of the Silence'', currently oversees the Great Library at Hacynian.|width=250}}</div>

==Wit and Wisdom==
* '''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop has requested an opportunity for some of her students to spend a season at the Great Library of Hacynian
* '''She waits on a response from the Bursar of the House of Spirits or the Singer of the Silence
Last season ''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy who has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now - [[A_better_future#Librarian_and_Bursar|expressed interest]] in the Great Library of Hacynin. Mistress Isephenia oversees a small group of students from Axos [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|studying in the Empire]], and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|House of Spirits]] in [[Casinea]] alongside [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|Bursar]] '''Rinnah''' of the [[Highguard_groups#The Shattered Tower|Shattered Tower]]. Several students would like the opportunity to study at the Great Library but would need permission to do so.

The Axos professor mentions that no permission has so-far been forthcoming. She's aware that there has been some uncertainty as to who might be responsible for the Great Library but again wonders if either the Bursar or the [[Singer of the Silence]] - '''Sián Eternal''' - would be interested? If so they can send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. In many ways Mistress Isephenia would rather they politely decline that simply remain silent, but she understands that there are many drains of the time of a busy academic.

Obviously the civil service have advised a degree of caution following the request, given that it appears to offer no particular benefit to the Empire beyond perhaps some diplomatic favour from Maykop, and risks the Axou finding out more about the vallorn than is good for them.
{{Axos Links}}

Million miles of water

2025-08-12T09:57:30Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Tom furrowed his brow. "Why do you want to farm here?" Jord made a face: to the young Sunstorm orc, it was obvious. "I've done my years in the legions, and now I want to settle down. I want to make things grow with my hands. Been listening to the Yerende talk a lot about that lately."

The older man laughed. "Sure, fine, but you misunderstand me. Why ''here''? I'm not saying it's easy growing up in Skarsind but you can make a living there. The soil..." He bent down and picked up a pile of earth. Letting it crumble under his fingers, the dry, arid ground of the eastern shore of the Bay spun off into the winter wind. "You're fighting the land, every step of the way here. It doesn't want to grow. Now, up in the hills, maybe, there's enough shelter and enough scrubs to support some herding. It'll hardly be straightforward, though. 'Strive, toil, and claim the just rewards of your labours', yes, but there's no sense striving for the sake of striving. You catch me, youngster?"

Jord made a sullen face. "I catch you. You reckon we should mine, then, like they do in your Mournwold?"

Tom cocked his head. "It isn't my Mourn. I'm a Stockland man born and bred, myself. But, yes, maybe. There's good mining here. That's what the wizards said, who checked it out, didn't they? And that's what they say, isn't it?" He gestured towards the travellers, who were camped a little distance away.

From here, Jord could see the lights of their fires, fading now as the night grew long, and not for the first time he found himself intrigued by the visitors, the first foreigners he'd ever met. He'd liked them. They'd treated him and the other Imperial Orcs like - like this was their home, not just the Empire's land but theirs, which it was, of course, but they'd shown that they knew it. Polite guests - just as Tom and the other Marchers, and the Freeborn and the rest were polite guests, of course. The funny thing about the Skourans, though, is that the voices in his head didn't quite know what to do with them. There was no history there, no ancient warnings and ancestral urgings to heed or ignore.

Tom spoke again. "The Skourans know their stuff. I'm not disputing that. It sounds like they can bring the water down from the deep hills. The question is, young one, what'll you do with it when it comes? I'm sure the Freeborn'll do you right and give the soil the drink it needs, and I can tell you, the land's got potential, there's no doubt about that. If this place got as much rain in a year as my house does in springtime you'd have no issue. Mineral-rich, the soil is. Won't grow as good as Marcher land, though, as we've been managing it a long long time, so's to be expected. You'll be doing all that work, spending all that coin, just to get a fairly decent crop. Farming isn't about what you plant, young one, it's about what it cost you to sow and what you'll sell it for."

Jord fell silent, thoughtful. He looked across the plains and hills of Mareave. It was a clear night, and from here you could even see the twinkling lights of Beoraidh in the far distance. He thought about all that he'd done - all that everyone had done - to get here, to make this place theirs. He thought of gardens. After a little while spending time with his friend in the silence, he spoke.

"Sometimes it isn't about that. Sometimes it's about making the world bloom. Because you can. It's about planting trees so that the next generation has a place to sit in the shade. We're not growing crops, here, Tom. We're..." He waved his hands, trying to articulate the point. "We're growing time."

The landskeeper smiled. "Fine, then. Let's talk in a little more ''practical'' detail about what that might mean, shall we...?"
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cattle Selwyn Road Boulia Shire Central Western Queensland (modded).jpg|align=left|caption=There are more solutions to arid land than just adding water.|width=500}}</div>
{{PDFLink|align=right|link=file:Million miles of water.pdf|caption=Click for pdf version}}
==Overview==
The [[Imperial Orcs]] were recently assigned the territory of [[Mareave]], and have given every indication that they intend to make it a permanent home, just as they have done with [[Skarsind]]. On top of the political and logistical problems facing Mareave - some of which the Empire has taken steps to address - there are the challenges posed by its geography. Like the rest of the [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Broken Shore]], Mareave is warm and dry with little in the way of large-scale vegetation. Three of its regions - [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]], [[Mareave#Nadir|Nadir]], and [[Mareave#Eordal|Eoradal]] - are [[Region_qualities#Arid|arid]], with little access to fresh water and consequently food. This is a major barrier to growing the territory's prosperity and attracting more Imperial Orcs from distant Skarsind to venture here. [[Farm|Farms]] struggle to grow crops or raise herds on such dry ground.

[[The Marches|Marcher]] experts from [[Mitwold]] and [[Upwold]], and [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] talented in drawing prosperity and growth from barren earth have been invited to the territory on the urging of their National Assemblies: after all, the Freeborn have some familiarity with living in arid lands, and the green hands of the Marchers are legendary. Neither can work miracles, however. They cannot strike water from the stone where there is none.

The experts from the Brass Coast and the Marches gather together and set themselves to studying the problem immediately. The Brass Coast delegation includes some of those who designed the [[Segura#Iron_Qanat|Iron Qanat]] over in [[Segura]]. They have similar visions for underground channels here in Mareave, but there is no good source of water in Eoradal or Icarion. The Marchers are even less optimistic - ''"Good cider takes good apples"'' one says - inferring that the land here is poor and unlikely to ever become fertile - at least not without great effort.

There is a companion wind of fortune relating to Mareave - '''[[Lit up]]''' - which deals with more diplomatic opportunities in the territory.

==The Eoradal Tunnels==
* '''The Great Aqueduct of Eoradal could be repaired and used to bring water to the region from the border with Skoura'''
* '''Once the aqueduct is built, the Empire would need to acquire the water from Skoura'''
* '''A good fresh water supply would support a large town here once Curstag's Way is also completed'''
* '''This settlement would increase taxation by 4 thrones a season'''
* '''The aqueduct will remove the arid quality for as long as it is operational.'''
After a couple of weeks, the deadlock is broken by the arrival of another set of visitors - the [[Skoura|Skourans]]. They are dressed in dour and practical clothes, off-whites, dark fabrics, hooded and gloved to protect themselves from the winter chill. Over them they wear finely worked necklaces and distinctive bracelets with ornate designs. The fabric of their garments might be shabby, but their jewellery is impressive. Their leader introduces herself as "Nerra, who brings forth water's wonders". She is a tall, stout woman, with blond hair tied back in a practical ponytail, and hands calloused from a lifetime of work.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Restore the Great Aqueduct of Eoradal'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Eoradal in Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:'''
* 15 white granite, 5 weirwood, 5 mithril, and 75 crowns (not factoring in the under-developed nature of Mareave)
* Requires a source of water from Jadefall</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Supplies fresh water to the main settlement in Eoradal.
* Enables the region to support a large town once Curstag's Way is also completed, increasing taxation here by 4 thrones a season.
* Removes the arid quality from the region while it is operational
</td></tr>
</table></div>
Nerra explains that she and her companions represent the ''Jadefall Water-guardian's Cooperative''. Jadefall, it seems, is the territory directly to the east of Mareave. She has been sent to assess how Skoura could bring their water's bounty to Mareave (she names it quite carefully, avoiding referring to it by its Skouran name). Apparently, a deal has been struck in principle between a representative of Jadefall's Principal Council and the [[Senator]] and [[Legion Engineer]], confirming both that the Imperial Orcs are serious about the long-term development of the territory and that Skoura are interested in prosperous trade to help that happen.

According to Nerra, the ruins that lie in the east of Mareave, in Eoradal, include the remains of a great aqueduct and irrigation network. This ruin was once ''Eorli'', one of the Skouran settlements here. When the Skourans lived there, they would transport the water they needed from their holdings in the mountains to the east and distribute it across the region. This was [[Mareave and Urizen|hundreds of years ago]], but the irrigation ditches are still there, and the aqueduct could be repaired. If it is rebuilt and the connection to Jadefall restored, water could be supplied to the territory.

That would allow a [[Here_to_stay#Not_Going_Anywhere|new settlement]] in Eoradal to prosper, once [[Construct_Curstag%27s_Way|Curstag's Way]] is completed. When both were accomplished, the rising population in the area would increase the taxation from the territory by 4 thrones a season. Perhaps most importantly of all, the improved water supply would remove the arid quality from the region, for as long as the aqueduct was working.

Restoring the Great Aqueduct of Eoradal would require 15 white granite, 5 weirwood and 5 mithril, plus labour costs. This would require a [[commission]] for an edifice and 75 crowns normally (increased to 90 crowns while neighbouring Icarion is [[Region_qualities#Under-developed|underdeveloped]]). The biggest cost may be that the aqueduct will only function while the Skourans provide water - and they drive a hard bargain.

===A Fair Trade===
* '''The Skourans want 12 thrones a season to supply water to the aqueduct from Jadefall'''
* '''The alternative is to grant exclusive mining rights to the Skourans in place of payments for the water'''
* '''This would remove the 12 throne upkeep ''and'' any benefits to Imperial Orc mines in the territory'''
* '''Skourans would open new mines as they settled in Eoradal, Clisearn, and Nadir'''
The Skourans claim their supplies of water are limited and they value them highly. They are not prepared to provide the water for free, but they would be willing to sign a contract with the Empire to sell the Imperial Orcs the water they need. After some negotiation, the Skourans settle on a price of 12 thrones a season for their water. If that happens, then Jadefall Water-guardian's Cooperative, guarantee no interruption of service longer than a few weeks except in the event of war or 'the Hand of the Creator'.

If this cost proves too much of an ongoing financial commitment for the Senate to bear, then the Skourans would be prepared to take payment in a different form. ''Instead'' of paying the Skourans for their water, the [[Imperial Senate]] could grant them the ''exclusive'' right to mine the eastern hills of Mareave, in Eoradal, [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]], and Nadir. It would mean giving up the benefits the [[Golden Pyramid]] have [[Digging_for_fire#Precious_Mines|recently uncovered]] for the [[mine|miners]] of Mareave, but it might be an easier ask, a more straightforward trade of resource for resource.

This would add another factor to Mareave's already-complicated political situation. Once the Skourans have built mineworkings in the hills, it could prove challenging to remove them should relations sour. One somewhat cynical [[Sannite]] participating in the discussions points out that, from a purely military point of view, allowing the Skourans to work the eastern hills would mean that an invading army acting with Skouran aid would not need a beachhead to begin its conquest. There is no indication that they might, but these regions used to be part of Skoura - are they really so sanguine about giving up any claim to them as they appear? Still, this only represents a cost if there is any risk of such a thing, and every indication is that the Skourans are eager for a positive diplomatic relationship with the Empire for the moment.

===A Healing Pool===
* '''If the Empire make a deal with the Skourans then the Senate could commission a Healer's Pool in Eoradal
* '''The Healer's Pool would, among other things, increase taxation from the region by two thrones
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Build Healer's Pool in Eoradal'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Ministry</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Eoradal</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 12 wains of White Granite, 36 crowns (not factoring in the under-developed nature of Mareave)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Title:''' Creates the title Bonesetter of the Healer's Pool
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Increases the taxation from the region by an additional 2 thrones
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Bonesetter of the Healer's Pool'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can purchase Phials of the Sun filled with water from the pool</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To oversee the healing pools and share skills with the Skouran water-guardians.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Only functional if a bonesetter is appointed to the position.</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Healing Waters'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>150 rings</td><td>1 Phial of the Sun</td></tr>
<tr><td>320 rings</td><td>2 Phials of the Sun</td></tr>
<tr><td>660 rings</td><td>3 Phials of the Sun</td></tr>
</table></div>
Many of the Skouran water-guardians carry [[Surgical skills#Physick|physician's tools]] alongside their engineering tools. It appears that Skourans perceive a close link between health and water. According to their magicians, regularly imbibing clean, fresh water can cure many ills and flush sickness and disease from the body while daily immersion enhances vitality and strength. Just as water is used to soak the sharpening stone of a knife, regular immersion in water sharpens the mind and the body, allowing for a longer and more fulfilling life.

Yet, within the deepholds and the other lands of the Skourans, water is rarely where it is needed. Deep underground reservoirs must be pumped and aqueducts built to bring water to those it can give life to. The role of a water-guardian, therefore, is equal parts practical engineer of civil constructions and healer - albeit one that tends to the health of the whole community, rather than just those who have fallen sick.

As it is the Skouran practice to combine the provision of water with healthcare and healing, they offer to do the same in Eoradal, once the aqueduct is restored. If a suitable healer's hall is built, it would help the new settlement grow increasing taxation, and the Skourans would share their skills with the Imperial Orcs. They seem enthusiastic about the idea of water-guardians and [[bonesetter|bonesetters]] working alongside one another - they are eager to learn from the Imperial Orc physicians as well as share their own learning.

The Healer's Pool would need 12 wains of White Granite and 60 crowns. Once complete, the Imperial Orcs could use [[Tally of the Votes]] to appoint the ''Bonesetter of the Healer's Pool'' annually. Provided the Imperial Orcs elected a genuine [[Imperial_Orcs_economic_interests#Bonesetters|bonesetter]] to the role then they would be able to purchase crafted Skouran medical tools each season.

===A Long Drift===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Extend the Yellow Fish Adit'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Eoradal in Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 10 weirwood, 5 mithril, and 105 crowns (not factoring in the under-developed nature of Mareave)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Supplies fresh water to the main settlement in Eoradal without any agreement with the Skourans.
* Could be commissioned at the same time as the aqueduct is restored by combining the costs.
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire could dig a tunnel under the mountains to steal the Skourans' water'''
* '''The additional constructions would replace the 12 throne upkeep but would infuriate the Skourans once the theft was discovered'''
One of the local orcs, a ''former'' enterprising [[Grendel]] magician-merchant called ''Ila Bared'', has an alternative proposal. Ila is a [[The_League_magical_traditions#Realms|sand mage]] and has many years experience working profitably with a water-merchant who is a herald of the [[Basileia|Mistress of Falls]]. Together the two have cooked up a proposal by which the Empire could obtain the water they need without having to pay the greedy Skourans for it.

There is an old mine working on the edge of Eoradal, rather oddly known as the ''Yellow Fish Adit''. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adit Adit] is largely played out now, but one of the main drifts extends for many miles under the mountains and all the way into Jadefall. In fact it appears the reason the Mahal Skourans stopped excavating the drift is because it was getting perilously close to one of their largest subterranean lakes. With the help of the ''Mistress of Falls'', Ila's team could extend the drift to the lake. At that point, the Empire could tap as much water as they needed and they wouldn't have to pay anyone for it!

The Skourans would soon realise it was happening of course, but they couldn't stop it, because they wouldn't know where the Empire was tapping the lake. They'd complain, bitterly in all likelihood, but who really owns a giant underground lake? Ila's audacious plan relies on restoring the aqueduct so it can carry water from the Adit to the ruins. This means the aqueduct would still have to be restored - but the work would all be done with a single commission.

Of course the Skourans are not going to provide any help with this proposal, so the Empire would have to operate the aqueduct themselves, but it's just water running down a chute - how complicated can it be? Once the work was complete it would ensure a continuous supply of water to the Eoradal region, without having to pay the Skourans any money and without any risk of the supply ever being interrupted if relations with them soured.

==The Nadir Hills==
While the aqueduct could provide enough water to irrigate Eoradal, the Skourans are clear that it couldn't provide enough water to cover either of the neighbouring regions. Even if there were enough water, [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]] is simply too far away and [[Mareave#Nadir|Nadir]] is too high. No aqueduct can carry water uphill without expensive engineering and a source of power to lift the water. A different solution will be needed elsewhere in the territory.

Fortunately, the Marchers may have a solution. Nadir experiences more rainfall than other parts of Mareave, but the high hills trap the water in tarns, leaving the lowlands parched and arid. As a result, there isn't enough water to grow crops here, but it is possible to stock the hills with sheep and cattle. What if the Imperial Orcs worked with what they had and farmed cattle? The Imperial Orc nation already has experience in this area - they pioneered new techniques in Skarsind when they [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd|raised the Great Herd]]. Why not build on that advantage and raise new herds here in Nadir?

===The Cattle Markets===
* '''The Imperial Senate could use a Senate motion to temporarily expand the cattle markets in the Marches'''
* '''This would allow Marcher farmers bringing cattle to market to exchange them for bonds they could use to sell the cattle to the Imperial Orcs'''
* '''The herd would need to be driven to Mareave but once there it would remove the arid quality from Nadir'''
* '''If enough cattle were bought it would also create a wealthy new sinecure'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Southern Herd'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' None Required (Senate motion only)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Nadir, Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Creates a new venture - ''drive cattle to market'' available to Marcher farmers for the downtime after the Winter Solstice.
* Creates a new venture - ''escort the drovers'' available to Marcher and Imperial Orc military units for two seasons after the Spring Equinox. The venture would require 1,000 strength from military units each season to make effective progress and take two seasons to complete.
* Removes the arid quality from Nadir once the drovers have been escorted.
* If enough cattle were acquired it would create a new sinecure - the greater the herd, the more income the sinecure will generate.
</td></tr>
</table>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Shepherd of the Southern Herd'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Orc</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives an income each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The more cattle acquired for the herd, the greater the income will be</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To look after the Southern Herd, protect it from drakes, and help it grow to rival the size of the Great Herd of Skarsind.</td></tr>
</table></div>
It's not possible to use local cattle to establish a new great herd in Eoradal, there simply aren't anywhere near enough of them. To establish a new herd, the Imperial Orcs would need to buy a huge number of cattle from elsewhere in the Empire and then drive them all the way to Mareave. There are only two places in the Empire where they could possibly acquire the number of animals they need - the busy cattle markets of [[Upwold#Stockland|Stockland]] in Upwold and [[Mitwold#Wayford|Wayford]] in Mitwold.

To enable the Imperial Orcs to purchase as many cattle as possible, the civil service proposes to create some large temporary holding pens at the two markets. Marcher farmers from Bregasland and Mitwold could drive cattle to Wayford, and those from Mournwold and Upwold could drive them to Stockland, but rather than selling them immediately, they could register them with the civil service. The farmer would be issued with a bond for their cattle, which they could then take to Anvil to facilitate the disposal of their herd. The Imperial Orcs could negotiate to purchase the cattle directly from the Marcher farmers at the Spring Equinox, with the cattle-bonds guaranteeing the sale. In effect, they would employ the same approach used for bourse notes.

<div style="float: right; width: 450px; max-width: 40%; margin-left: 10px; clear: right;">
<box><big>'''Resolution'''</big><p>If the Imperial Senate pass the motion to create this sinecure at this event, then Marcher farm owners will have a new downtime option "Drive cattle to market" for the next event only. If they choose this option then at the Spring event, they will receive cattle-bonds for their cattle ''in place of the regular production of their farm''.</p>

<p>Those character who opt in won't receive the normal income from their farm - instead they will get bonds they can sell to other characters at the event. The higher rank the farm, the more cattle-bonds they will receive. Imperial Orc players will be able to purchase the bonds and then pass them to the civil service to have the cattle added to the great herd.</p>

If a Marcher farmer chooses not to sell their cattle-bonds to the Imperial Orcs, or the Freeborn, they can hand them back to the civil service to sell the cattle in the local market. Each cattle-bond will be worth at least 18 rings, but buying up the cattle will create a temporary shortage, so the value of cattle-bonds in the local market may be higher in the single season immediately following the Spring Equinox. The fewer bonds are disposed of in the local Marcher markets, the more each bond will be worth.</box></div>

If the Imperial Senate use a motion to create the title of Shepherd of the Southern Herd, then in the following downtime, any Marcher farm holder that wants to take part could use the coming season to invest in cattle to take the market. Of course many Marcher farms are arable, but those farmers could buy cattle from their neighbours. They can then drive the cattle to their market and exchange them for cattle-bonds with the civil service. The larger the farm, the more cattle-bonds they will receive.

At the Spring Equinox, Marcher farmers will be able to use their bonds to sell their cattle to the Imperial Orcs. It will be up to each individual Marcher what price they want to set for their bonds, but the more cattle the Imperial Orcs are able to acquire, the bigger the new herd will be. If the herd is substantial then it will be large enough to fund a new sinecure, the larger the herd the greater the income the sinecure will receive. The civil service will issue additional guidance next season, once they know how many Marcher farmers have taken the cattle-bonds.

No Marcher should lose out in this arrangement, since if they change their mind and elect not to sell their cattle-bonds to the Imperial Orcs, they can simply hand them back to the civil service to sell their cattle in the local markets. In fact, individuals might profit from these arrangements, since there ''could'' be a shortage of stock available in the two markets in the Spring Equinox. Each bond will always be worth at least 18 rings when disposed of in Stockland or Wayford, but the fewer cattle-bonds that are sold in the local markets, the more each bond will be worth.

===A Long Drive===
* '''Imperial Orc and Marcher military units would need to ''escort the drovers'' as they drive the herd to Mareave'''
* '''This guarding action would last at least two seasons and would not provide any reward by default'''
* '''The action would need a military strength of at least 1000 each season, to make progress'''
Once these cattle are purchased then the second problem arises - they will need to be driven across the Empire, from the Marchers to Mareave. That would be no easy task, it would need skilled drovers and a substantial escort of guards to ensure the herd reached their destination safely. The trods would help of course, but even so it would take six months to achieve. Could the Marchers and the Imperial Orcs spare enough military units to guard the herds and the drovers while they complete the dangerous journey?

After the Spring Equinox, a new [[Venture#Guarding_Ventures|guarding venture]] for Marcher and Imperial Orc military units would be created, allowing them to escort the drovers to [[Mareave]]. The venture wouldn't provide any returns by default: either the Quartermaster would need to apply the guerdon to the venture or Imperial Orc bonesetters would need to arrange payments individually for those who supported the project. Otherwise, captains would go without.

Either way, the Imperial Orcs would need to ensure that the venture had an effective military strength of at least a thousand for the two seasons required to drive the herd to Mareave. If there was a shortfall of guards, then the cattle drive would make no progress that season.

Once the cows have arrived, Nadir will lose the arid quality, reflecting the sustainable and prosperous ecosystem created in the area. If enough cattle have been procured from the Marcher markets, then the new sinecure will be created. There will be an ongoing problem with the wild drakes that threaten the area. They will inevitably be drawn to the cattle, as easy prey, so the new Shepherd of the Southern Herd will have their work cut out for them.

===A Short Cut===
* '''An archmage could use a plenipotentiary with Kimus or Ossegrahn to seek their aid accessing water in Nadir'''
* '''Both eternals are certain to want something significant in return for their aid'''
* '''The Skourans would be interested in buying water from Nadir, if the Empire pursued either option'''
The plan for a new Great Herd is ambitious and complex, requiring a market for cattle stock in the Marchers and the goodwill of military unit captains. Members of the Golden Pyramid present in the territory are able to offer an alternative proposal. Their surveys indicate that there may be very deep water reservoirs in Nadir, far below the usual level of groundwater. Why not ask a suitable eternal to provide help accessing them?

The question is, which eternal? After consultation with various mages, a consensus is formed. There are two obvious potential choices - [[Kimus]] or [[Ossegrahn]]. Both are eternals the Empire has dealt with before and whose concerns are known to them, so while the details of any negotiation would presumably be for the relevant archmage to conduct, it is possible to estimate what their likely responses will be.

Kimus will certainly be able to pinpoint the location of the deep water sources in the territory, allowing the Empire to dig boreholes to get at the water. Ossegrahn might be able to provide a magical means to bring water to the surface of Nadir, the eternal could presumably cause water sources to bubble and rise from the deep earth to the living soils above if they wanted. Whichever eternal the Empire asks, they are likely to want something significant in return for their aid. It is difficult to know what Kimus might ask for, but Cupbearer's pacifist nature is at odds with many actions the Empire would wish to take so any negotiations would have to be handled carefully.

To pursue either option would require the Archmage of the relevant realm to use a plenipotentiary to ask the eternal for their aid.

The Skourans are nonplussed at the notion of treating with eternals; it appears to be an activity they have very little familiarity with. If the Empire succeeded at finding water by any means, they would be very interested in buying any ''surplus'' water back off the Empire, if they could agree an ongoing fee for the supply with the Empire.

==The Icarion Streams==
* '''There are sources of water in Icarion and in neighbouring Spiral'''
* '''Either, or both, could be used to transform the region'''
None of the plans discussed for Nadar or Eoradal would help in Icarion. The region is windswept, overlooking the sea from jutting cliffs. A lighthouse stands here in the old Urizeni style, but no lightstone shines there. The hills of neighbouring Apulus run down into Icarion leaving a few mining settlements here and there, small camps who dwell in the dry ruins of Urizen's forgotten expansion south. These settlements deliver wagons of iron and copper, along with crates of orichalcum and green iron down to the town of Aghnayadh in Sinfoyard.

The hills are lower here, more exposed and licked at by the bitter winds of the bay. There are plenty of streams in the foothills, but the precious water hurries down to the sea. Unlike Eoradal, there are no remnants of previous irrigation works here, so any efforts to get that water to the right location will be expensive and require significant expertise. Fortunately the Freeborn have a great deal of expertise doing exactly that.

===A New Qanat===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Build the Icarion Qanat'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Icarion in Mareave</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 40 weirwood and 120 crowns (not factoring in the under-developed nature of Icarion)</td></tr></td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Removes the arid quality from Icarion
* Would allow the Imperial Orcs to choose a sept to travel to the Coast to seek an [[opportunity]] to help the Freeborn instead of helping in Mareave</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Freeborn visitors to Mareave are experienced at building a qanat - a network of tunnels that would distribute water across the region'''
* '''If the Empire builds a qanat in Mareave, it will remove the arid quality'''
* '''If the work is commissioned, the Imperial Orcs could ask a sept to help the Brass Coast in Feroz or Madruga instead of Mareave'''
The Freeborn visitors to Mareave are experts at creating [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qanat qanats], underground channels that protect water from the heat of the sun as it is distributed over a large area. They could help the Imperial Orcs living here build a new Icarion Qanat to rival the one the [[Free_to_live#Yellow_Grain|Zemress Islanders created in Segura]].

The irrigation provided by the Qanat would supply much needed water, but it would not be cheap. It would need 40 wains of weirwood and 120 crowns (increased to 144 crowns while Icarion remains under-developed) and take two seasons to construct. Once complete, the new network of tunnels would remove the arid quality from the region.

Building the Icarion Qanat would be impossible without the help of the Freeborn farmers and business owners who have come to the territory at the urging of their assembly. The civil service will provide oversight for the project as normal, if it is commissioned by the Imperial Senate, but the input of the Freeborn with experience creating and maintaining a qanat network will be essential to oversee the labour.

In an ideal world, the people from the Brass Coast might expect to be well paid for their services. The Freeborn are not a greedy people, but they know the value of their skills and they are not usually shy about asking for payment. This qanat can't be built without their help, but those who have come to Mareave at the urging of their assembly seem unwilling to exploit their monopoly. Perhaps they can see how poor Mareave is, or maybe it is just a genuine desire to help. [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality|Freeborn will always offer to pay before sitting down to eat at a friend's table]], but if you are welcome at the feast then the price is a token payment in rings.

Either way, there is a blunt reality that these people could have been back home on the Coast, looking to their own problems in Madruga and Feroz. Instead, they are here, offering their skills to the people of Mareave. A few Imperial Orcs are keen to find a way to repay the Brass Coast for this aid. There isn't the wealth in the nation to pay them what their skills are worth, but perhaps there ''is'' a way the Imperial Orcs could return this favour.

For the next year, each of the six septs of the Imperial Orcs is in a position to come to Mareave to [[Set_my_lands_in_order#Six_Septs|look for ways to use their unique skills and outlook to explore the opportunities there]]. Given the generosity of the Freeborn in offering to help the Imperial Orcs even when their own lands are suffering, there are enough orcs in every sept who would be prepared to return the favour. Rather than exploring Mareave for a season, the Imperial Orc Assembly could ask one of their septs to Madruga or Feroz ''instead''. The Imperial Orcs could settle the debt, paying in kind by seeking ways to offer their unique help to the Freeborn as they try to rebuild their lands with a simple mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=Our people know the worth of all things. We send (named priest) with 25 doses of liao to urge the (sept) to find ways to help in (Feroz/Madruga). Let us show them what their help was worth to us.|assembly=Imperial Orcs National Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed, members of the named sept will make a point of travelling to either Feroz or Madruga to explore the opportunities there. This mandate would replace one of the opportunities to ask a sept to seek ways to help in Mareave. It can be used for as long as that opportunity remains available, but it must be a sept that has not already been asked to help in Mareave or the Brass Coast.

===The Way Less Taken===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Dam the Doubt'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apstrus in Spiral</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 white granite and the labour of the Towerjacks or an enchanted Imperial army for a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:'''
* Can only be constructed with labour provided by the Towerjacks or any army under the [[Bound by Common Cause]] enchantment
* Diverts fresh water to the region of Icarion removing the arid quality
</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire could dam the river Doubt in Spiral to divert water into Icarion'''
* '''The project would require less bourse materials but would need the support of an Imperial army'''
* '''If the Empire dam the Doubt, it will remove the arid quality'''
* '''The archmage could use plenipotentiary to ask Ylenwe to help protect the army from the effects of the {{Black Plateau}}

A visiting Urizeni, Severina, has an alternative suggestion to building a new qanat network in Icarion. There is water on the other side of the border - there are rivers that run from the mountains of Apstrus, down to Apulus and then to the sea. Apulus is too low to bring water from there to Icarion economically, but [[Spiral#Apstrus|Apstrus]] is not. The largest river in the area, the River Doubt, used to be home to a large spire. Potentially, a dam could be constructed on the Doubt, flooding the area to create a reservoir and, with care, diverting some of the waters of Apstrus through the narrow mountain passes and into Icarion.

That now abandoned spire is called Solen's Doubt. The name has a foreboding pedigree. It was at Solen's Doubt, five years ago, that the madness that had been building in Spiral came to a crescendo from which it has not quieted since. It was here that the dark forces of the {{Black Plateau}} awoke in full, unleashed by the depredations of the Iron Helms and the frenzied killing of blood-strained battles. In an instant, three Grendel armies were broken. Only the bravest travellers make the trip up to that haunted place. Ghosts of the battle still linger there.

The civil service confirm it would be possible to build the dam, but there are problems. The Empire could commission the dam as an edifice requiring 30 wains of white granite. Since the bulk of the work would be in Spiral, it wouldn't suffer any economic penalties due to Icarion being under-developed. Unfortunately the work would need to be done out in the open, in one of the most troubled sites in Spiral, outside Screed itself. Given the bloody reputation of the area, the hauntings and the pernicious influence of the {{Black Plateau}}, it would be impossible to hire any normal labourers to carry out the work.

The only practical way the dam could be constructed is if the Towerjacks or an Imperial army under the [[Bound by Common Cause]] enchantment carried out the work. The Towerjacks include some of the Empire's most experienced engineers which makes them the natural choice, but any Imperial army that was Bound by Common Cause could work closely with the various groups involved. The army would need to be given appropriate defensive orders that explicitly said to construct a dam and turn the area in Apustrus into a reservoir, then the work could be accomplished.

That would mean the army spending time in Spiral, which would exert a heavy toll on the forces. It is impossible for armies to resupply in Spiral and any army that sends a season there loses 5% of its maximum fighting strength each season, even if it is not engaged, due to the baleful influence of the Plateau. Hundreds of Imperial lives would be lost constructing this dam. There might be a solution to this problem however - Severina mentions that she has taken to travelling Spiral with water supplied to her by a herald of [[Ylenwe|the Swan]]. She claims the water provides respite from the Plateau, allowing her trouble-free dreams when she drinks it. Could the Archmage of Day implore Zie of the Perfect Morning to provide such protection to an entire Imperial army? And if they did, what might that strange eternal demand for such a boon?

Whether or not that could be solved, there is one problem that no eternal can resolve. The ideal spot to dam the Doubt and create a reservoir is the Fallen Valley. However, this is where the majority of those who fell the day the {{Black Plateau}} awoke are buried. Thousands died that day - countless soldiers from eight Imperial armies lost their lives. The [[Red Wind Corsairs]], the [[Towerjacks]], the [[Summer Storm]], the [[Wolves of War]], the [[Winter Sun]], the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Northern Eagle]] and of course the [[Iron Helms]] themselves. The national Assemblies of Urizen, the Imperial Orcs, the League, the Brass Coast and Varushka might all have something to say about a plan that involves flooding the last resting place of so many of their heroes who gave their lives trying to free Spiral from the Grendel.

===Back and Forth===
* '''The Empire could build the qanat network ''and'' dam the Doubt'''
* '''Doing so would provide a massive boost to irrigation in the region'''
* '''Icarion would cease to be arid and instead become ''an oasis'''''
* '''Taxation produced by the region would increase by 6 thrones a season'''
* '''It would remove the uncooperative quality from Eoradal'''

The two proposals for Icarion are not mutually exclusive. It would be expensive, but the Empire could decide to dam the Doubt ''and'' build the Icarion Qanat. They would need a separate Senate motion for each project - and the costs would be high, but the outcome would be truly impressive. The region would cease to be arid, but with so much water to spare, it would quickly become a green and verdant ''oasis'' in this dry land.

If that happened, then the resulting boost to agriculture and water supply would help all settlements throughout the region grow. That would immediately improve Imperial taxation for the territory, providing an additional 6 thrones per season to the Imperial treasury, for as long as the area remained an oasis.

It would also create something truly astonishing, an extraordinary feat of engineering that could not help but impress the orcs who live in Eoradal by demonstrating the depths of the Empire's commitment to the territory. As a result it would also remove the uncooperative quality from Eoradal.

==Timing==
* '''The Icarion Qanat, the Great Southern Herd and the chance to get help from Skoura are available until the end of the Summer Solstice 387YE'''
* '''Asking Kimus, Ylenwe or Ossegrahn for help, damming the Doubt or extending the Yellow Fish Adit are available at any time'''

Some of these opportunities will not be available forever. The enthusiasm of the Skourans, the Marchers and the Freeborn will inevitably diminish and they will lose interest in the project if nothing happens. This means the Icarion Qanat, the Great Southern Herd, the Healing Pools and repairing the aqueduct are only available until the end of the Summer Solstice 387YE. If they have not been commissioned by the end of the Summer Solstice, the opportunity will be lost.

The Doubt could be dammed at any time. Likewise there is no time limit on extending the Yellow Fish Adit or asking any of the named eternals for aid.

==Further Reading==
* [[Mareave]]
* [[Lit up]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune addressing more diplomatic opportunities
* [[Here to stay]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing the [[appraisal]] of Mareave
* [[We all stand]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing opportunities presented by the Golden Pyramid and Tamazi sept in Mareave
* [[Digging for fire]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune laying out opportunities in Mareave
* [[Set my lands in order]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune laying out problems faced by the Imperial Orcs in Mareave
* [[Into the spin]] - 386YE Spring wind of fortune regarding the assignment of Mareave as an Imperial nation

Daybreak in Spiral

2025-07-20T14:24:08Z

Wrenna: /* The Omphalos */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Majorian stared into the darkness. There was something moving out there, out beyond the circle of their fire. Had it been quieter he might have had a chance to hear whatever it was moving around, but the strange ethereal singing was still drifting across the open flood plain. Today he'd been glad enough for that curious music, or at least for the way it quietened the clamouring from the Plateau. Right now he'd have opted for the silence, the better to hear them coming.

With a jolt, the darkness parted to reveal a crazed looking orc, one of the Lost, heavy steel mace in hand, its face a madcap riot of emotions. It was still wearing purple rags but it wasn't a Grendel. Not anymore. It wasn't anything any more. The Black Plateau had consumed what wits the poor fool had once possessed and in their place it had left only rage and anger. As if to mark the moment, the singing changed cadence at the moment the twisted creature broke into a run.

The creature barrelled towards him, snarling, mace swinging wildly. He caught the blow on his shield and lashed out with his sword, but the edge touched nothing but cloth and air. The mace crashed down again and again on the shield, trying to batter him into submission but the singing only picked up, so that it was loud enough to be heard about the sound of the weapons clashing. The tune was insistent, pushing into his thoughts like a knife.

Frantically he stepped back, desperate to put some distance between himself and the Plateau-enraged orc. He tried to centre himself, seeking to master his fear and channel it into his weapon, but the melliflous singing urged him to abandon his fear. He tried to blank it out, but it was too persistent, and he felt the adrenalin of the fight sliping away, but rhymically, like a tide going out.

There was no danger here he realised, no need for this tension that even now was seeping from his muscles as the singing relaxed him. He tried to clear his mind, certain that if he dropped his guard, the orc would slaughter him as certain as the sun rises. But even that effort seemed foolish. There was no need for it... there was nothing to be alarmed about.

He stepped back staring at the orc. It struck him in that moment that his enemy look as confused as he did. It stood, stupified, its weapon slumped to the floor. He contemplated running the orc through with his sword, but he somehow he couldn't muster the will to do it. The enigmatic singing that still filled his ears seemed to drown out the thoughts, washing them away as quickly as they arrived.

Some distance away, Octavia watched the two of them with fascination. She could feel the effects herself, but the protection of her Circlet was keeping the worst of it at bay. Even so it took every effort of her will to resist the siren sounds of the Chorus.

Cautiously she moved towards them, mage staff at the ready, aware that the effects could end at any moment.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Dokan Mountain at Sunrise.jpg|caption=The sun rises over Spiral; a bright new day is begun.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
As part of the ongoing efforts to relieve the [[Region_qualities#Arid|aridity]] of the region of [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]] in [[Mareave]], there are serious plans to dam the [[Spiral#Apstrus|River Doubt in Apstrus]]. This would flood the area where the old spire of Solen's Doubt is, where years ago there was [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_(Spiral)|a decisive battle]] with the [[Grendel]]. At the Spring Equinox, [[Damming_the_Doubt#Resolution|real progress]] was made towards addressing issues that various national assemblies had raised with the proposal, and [[Alignment#Amity|Amity]] was granted to the [[Eternal]] [[Ylenwe]] to allow zir to help with the project.

There are, however, a few things left to address before the dam can proceed. There is an urgent need to arrange protection for whichever Imperial army is asked to carry out the work. Then there are demands of the Imperial Orc Assembly to consider, and the desires of the Urizeni Assembly to take into account. And just to make it more complicated there is the small matter of the rebels who remain a quiet but important factor complicating the politics of Spiral.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ylenwe001.webp|caption=[[Ylenwe|Zie of the Perfect Morning]] offers zir aid in Spiral.|align=right|width=350}}</div>
==The Dawn Chorus==
* '''A strange guardian of Ylenwe, a circle of feathered creatures that sing sweetly have taken up residence in Spiral'''
* '''The guardian's song can confuse those who attack it, but it also protects the listener against the Black Plateau'''
* '''Ylenwe's heralds offer a boon of the eternal, to any military unit that supports the army building the dam'''
At the Spring Equinox, the [[Imperial Conclave]] voted to give Amity to the Eternal Ylenwe, in return for the protection of the army that undertakes the dam-building. Ylenwe is not an Eternal without controversy, but certainly zie has in recent times acted as a friend to the Empire - there is a distinct sense that zie is atoning, somehow, or at least this is the impression zir heralds have given.

As the Summer Solstice draws in, reports come of a spring in the high mountains - around where the source of the Doubt is said to lie - which has filled with an ethereal light and harmonious music. Then they descend: strange winged beings, which have the approximate shape of a human or an orc but who are covered in white, dove-like feathers, and dress in shimmering robes. Ylenwe's heralds who accompany them refer them as the Dawn Chorus - a [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Guardians|guardian]] of Ylenwe, and they have been sent to guard the minds of those who labour in Spiral.

If they are surprised that their aid is not ''yet'' needed they don't show it. The flock descends to the ruined spire of Solen's Doubt - planned to be at the centre of the reservoir when it is built - and settles themselves into contemplative meditation. Any who come near are invited to join, though it is a perilous journey just to sit in a circle, listening to these strange birds singing a sweet and wordless song - but those that do make the journey confirm that in the presence of the Dawn Chorus, the whispers of the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|Black Plateau]] are silenced to a quiet murmur, barely present.

Ylenwe's heralds say that while there is no reason as such that the army they assist will need the support of small military units, they will welcome any captains who wish to join them in stilling song. They will provide to each such captain a white feather from their plumage - this feather will act much like a [[Circlet of Falling Snow]], except that it will also provide a constant soothing effect to the wearer. In particular, while Ylenwe has ''no'' interest in the removal of lineage (they are almost too quick to say), it will be particularly effective at lessening unwelcome influence related to [[lineage|the touch of the realms]] in the bonded wearer.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SenatorSpiral.jpg|caption=Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian has been senator for Spiral since the League took residence.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Names in the Stones==
* '''Writing the names in the stones will cost an additional 5 thrones'''
* '''Whether the inscriptions will happen is part of the neccessary details for the commission for the dam'''
Obviously the dam must actually be [[Commission|commissioned]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] or by a suitable title with the power to commission an [[edifice]]. Whoever arranges for the commission will need to ensure that that are clear whether they intend to address the concerns of the [[Imperial Orcs]]

The [[Imperial Synod|Imperial Orc Assembly]] requested that the names of the fallen be carved into the stones of the dam. This can be done, but it will add an additional five thrones of labour costs to the project, which will not be covered by the labour of the assisting army. Whoever raises the commission must include whether they intend to meet this demand as part of the neccessary details. It is not mandatory to pay this cost - but presumably the Imperial Orcs will have some objections if it is not done.

==The Omphalos==
* '''People are inspired to found the Dreaming Spire at the omphalos, the perfect centre of Urizen'''
* '''That centre would be in Zenith or Spiral, depending on how you calculate it'''
* '''Once complete, the library from Solen's Doubt could be relocated there at a cost of 5 thrones'''
* '''Whether to relocate the books is part of the necessary details of the commission to commission the dam'''

{{SOP|by=Halkyon of the Myriad Stream|statement=The dam across the Doubt is conceived from Urizen ingenuity and Urizen supports this work of Prosperity. In the valley ghosts linger among broken vessels of souls who, in Courage and Loyalty, sacrificed all for Urizen and the Empire. Above the valley stood Solen’s Doubt, Pride of the dreaming spires: Fountain of Urizen Wisdom. The essence of these heroes and sages was in their lives, learning and legacy. Come torchbearers! Sing the deeds of the fallen. Save the library of Solen’s Doubt and preserve it! Let the Fountain flow anew! Come illuminates, come questors! Let ghosts be sent on their path. Come architects! As waters rise, let a Dreaming Spire rise again. Legacy of heroes: Testament of Urizen endurance: an Omphalos. For our centre holds. '''Despite everything, we are still here.'''|vote=Upheld with a Greater Majority (292-0)|when=Spring Equinox 386YE}}
The Urizeni Assembly, who most keenly of all remember what the battle of Solen's Doubt was for, and what it cost, have also judged the Dam. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' has made a stirring statement in the Urizen National Assembly regarding the history of the spire and the battle that took place. The words seem political, but they resonate everywhere, especially in the north-east of Zenith, where the Urizeni are once again fighting to keep the Druj from their homes.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Dreaming Spire'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Either Ankra in Spiral or [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] in [[Zenith]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' '''Minimum:''' 10 white granite, 30 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Founds a new spire at the chosen location, allowing any Urizeni character to take a new resource in that territory for free in the season it is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not completed before the dam is finished</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Paying to relocate the books adds 5 thrones to the cost to dam the River Doubt</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Nobody wants to return to those bitter days right now, when the League took Spiral, and it seemed nation might go to war against nation. But the reality is that Spiral was Urizeni for centuries before that, and with his words Halkyon has given voice not just to the grief of the lost of Solen's Doubt, but to the whole nation. ''Despite everything, we are still here...''

And so the call to raise a new spire, a Dreaming Spire, an Omphalos, takes hold. The idea of forming a new spire is a familiar one; in Urizen, spires often cooperate to found a new spire, the magicians working together and sharing skills and resources to meet the challenges involved. There is a common goal here, an opportunity to save the library of Solen's Doubt, to preserve the legacy of heroes, ad perhaps to establish the omphalos.

The process seems simple enough on the face of it; commission an edifice to serve as the focal point of the Dreaming Spire. It would need at least ten white granite and thirty crowns, but it could be bigger than that if there was sufficient desire to ensure the new spire had [[Edifice#Grandeur|sufficient gradeur]] to meet the moment. Once that is done, it would just cost five thrones to relocate the library at Solen's Doubt to the new spire. Whether this happens would be part of the [[Commission#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] of the commission to raise the dam.

There is just one small detail that would need to be refined. The perfect location for the Omphalos would be the precise geographic centre of Urizen. That is the nature of an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omphalos omphalos]. Such a detail is easily calculated by the skilled scholars of Urizen, but the results turn out to depend rather a lot on what assumptions you make. If you assume that the nation of Urizen consists of the territories of [[Zenith]], [[Redoubt]], and [[Morrow]], then the perfect spot would be on Mount Lutum in [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] - where Spire Calator used to stand. If, however, you find the geographic centre point of [[Zenith]], [[Redoubt]], [[Morrow]], and [[Spiral]] then the perfect spot would be Mount Cinnius in [[Spiral#Ankra|Ankra]] right on the border with [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]].

Wherever it is built, once the edifice is complete the support of neighbouring spires would be enough to help any Urizeni seeking to establish themselves there. That would allow any Urizeni character to take a new [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] in the [[territory]] where the edifice is located without cost in the season it was completed (notably this could circumvent the difficulties facing Urizen who wish to take a new personal resource in Spiral).

A short conversation with [[The_fate_of_the_many#Victory_in_Defeat|Caela, the Arbiter of the Silver Flame]] and defacto leader of the Silver Flame rebels, confirms that they would be more than happy to have the new spire built on either side of Mount Cinnius. If it is built there, they will offer what support they can to the new spire. There is something they would like however...
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=PhoenixIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=The Spiral rebels have kept to their agreement with the Empire.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

==The Chorus and the Flame==
* '''Heralds of Ylenwe have travelled Spiral investigating the Black Plateau and the Block'''
* '''The Block is controlled by the Silver Flame Urizeni Rebels in Cinion'''
Technically, now that the Dawn Chorus has entered the mortal realm, there is no need for Ylenwe to retain [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. They are clear that they will offer their aid as soon as the building project begins, as long as it takes place in the next year or so. However, ''Zie-of-the-Perfect-Morning'' has also promised that zie will use zir time with amity to find a way to more permanently alleviate at least some of the issues caused by the "discord" in Spiral, building on the great success of the Urizeni with the Block.

True to their word, other heralds do indeed begin appearing from the spring far above Apstrus, and they begin to wander all across the hills and paths of the cursed land, singing as they go. Alone, they do not provide the respite that the Chorus does, but there is something comforting about the sight of them, all the same. On a sunny day one can even see their white-feathered forms moving across the hills from the vantage point of the [[Spiral#Apulian|city below]].

The feathered heralds trace the weaves of magic emanating from the block, until it leads them inexorably to its source up in the mountains of [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]]. There they encounter something unexpected; the presence of the [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Rebels|Urizeni rebels]], the magicians the Empire calls the Urizen of the Silver Flame. It appears that the heralds were not expecting the Block, the powerful [[mithril]] structure that is the only thing that makes life in Spiral bearable, to be in the hands of the rebels.

There is a short but tense negotiation between Ylenwe's heralds and the rebels in which they make it very clear that Cinion - and the block - belongs to them. Fortunately the rebels have dozens of experienced masters of [[Day magic]] among their number. They have no trouble establishing that the heralds mean no harm - especially as there is a third party present, a figure wearing reflective robes that glitters in the sun: a herald of ''[[Sinokenon|That Which Lives In Its Name]]'', present for its own reasons. This ''vizier'' helps to broker negotiations. Once that happens, the heralds are allowed, under the watchful eyes of the rebel magicians, to visit the block itself. What transpires there is between the rebels, Ylenwe, and perhaps this other herald - at least for now.

===Silvered Lore===
* '''The Silver Flame Urizeni rebels in Cinion have asked for access to Imperial Lore'''
* '''The Imperial Conclave can grant access to Imperial Lore with an appropriate Declaration of Concord'''
The Silver Flame Urizeni have done everything they can to adapt to their new life outside the Empire. They are, for the most part, self-sufficient. They refuse to engage with the invaders in [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], but they survive through trade and cooperation with the few remaining spires in Spiral and those over the border in [[Redoubt]] and [[Zenith]]. They have negotiated some arrangements with the ''[[Sinokenon|Argent Mantra]]'' for its heralds to provide services that the [[Imperial Civil Service]] would once have provided. Happily, the ''Wheel of Light'' has proven most obliging in this matter.

The biggest problem they are encountering is their inability to access [[Imperial lore]]. These are skilled magicians of course, and each has several rituals mastered. The libraries in their spires contain many more. But the rituals they have access to are a fraction of what they once enjoyed when they were part of the Empire. Previously, as part of the Empire, they would simply trade texts and books for whatever rituals they needed with their neighbours. Now that is no longer legal, a shortcoming that is proving increasingly frustrating.

Caela has made it plain that they would like the [[Imperial Conclave]] to use a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] grant the Silver Flame Urizeni access to Imperial Lore. They refuse to beg - Caela simply points out that it was the Urizeni that helped to create Imperial Lore... The rituals she and her fellow magicians want access to are part of the body of lore that her people worked tirelessly to build for the Empire.

She assures those she speaks with that the rebels will share the texts with no-one who is not part of the Empire. She is willing to swear oaths to that effect, even proposing to go as far as invoking the [[Lictors]] to show how serious they are. That last part slightly tips her hand since it also demonstrates how desperate they are to regain access to Imperial Lore. She also lets slip a fact that she has otherwise not drawn attention to: the egregore bond no longer binds the erstwhile rebels, and perhaps began to fall away the moment they signed their treaty. They strongly consider themselves Urizeni... but strictly speaking, they are now no more Urizeni than the so-called ''[[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]]'' is [[Dawn|Dawnish]]. Caela maintains nearly-immaculate [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise|poise]]... and yet it is quite clear that this matter causes her no small distress.

Nevertheless, there is no public quid-pro-quo - no reciprocal offer that is explicit. The followers of the Silver Flame are simply asking for what they feel they have a right to have, and they will not compromise their Pride by begging for that which is theirs. Despite everything, they are still here: and they are not going anywhere.
==Further Reading==
* [[Spiral]]
* [[Damming the Doubt]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune discussing options and concerns related to Solen's Doubt
* [[Our eyes in Spiral]] - 397YE Spring wind of fortune summarizing the situation in Spiral
* [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Way_Less_Taken|Million miles of water]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to flood the Doubt

Daybreak in Spiral

2025-07-20T13:57:10Z

Wrenna: /* The Omphalos */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>Majorian stared into the darkness. There was something moving out there, out beyond the circle of their fire. Had it been quieter he might have had a chance to hear whatever it was moving around, but the strange ethereal singing was still drifting across the open flood plain. Today he'd been glad enough for that curious music, or at least for the way it quietened the clamouring from the Plateau. Right now he'd have opted for the silence, the better to hear them coming.

With a jolt, the darkness parted to reveal a crazed looking orc, one of the Lost, heavy steel mace in hand, its face a madcap riot of emotions. It was still wearing purple rags but it wasn't a Grendel. Not anymore. It wasn't anything any more. The Black Plateau had consumed what wits the poor fool had once possessed and in their place it had left only rage and anger. As if to mark the moment, the singing changed cadence at the moment the twisted creature broke into a run.

The creature barrelled towards him, snarling, mace swinging wildly. He caught the blow on his shield and lashed out with his sword, but the edge touched nothing but cloth and air. The mace crashed down again and again on the shield, trying to batter him into submission but the singing only picked up, so that it was loud enough to be heard about the sound of the weapons clashing. The tune was insistent, pushing into his thoughts like a knife.

Frantically he stepped back, desperate to put some distance between himself and the Plateau-enraged orc. He tried to centre himself, seeking to master his fear and channel it into his weapon, but the melliflous singing urged him to abandon his fear. He tried to blank it out, but it was too persistent, and he felt the adrenalin of the fight sliping away, but rhymically, like a tide going out.

There was no danger here he realised, no need for this tension that even now was seeping from his muscles as the singing relaxed him. He tried to clear his mind, certain that if he dropped his guard, the orc would slaughter him as certain as the sun rises. But even that effort seemed foolish. There was no need for it... there was nothing to be alarmed about.

He stepped back staring at the orc. It struck him in that moment that his enemy look as confused as he did. It stood, stupified, its weapon slumped to the floor. He contemplated running the orc through with his sword, but he somehow he couldn't muster the will to do it. The enigmatic singing that still filled his ears seemed to drown out the thoughts, washing them away as quickly as they arrived.

Some distance away, Octavia watched the two of them with fascination. She could feel the effects herself, but the protection of her Circlet was keeping the worst of it at bay. Even so it took every effort of her will to resist the siren sounds of the Chorus.

Cautiously she moved towards them, mage staff at the ready, aware that the effects could end at any moment.
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Dokan Mountain at Sunrise.jpg|caption=The sun rises over Spiral; a bright new day is begun.|align=right|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
As part of the ongoing efforts to relieve the [[Region_qualities#Arid|aridity]] of the region of [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]] in [[Mareave]], there are serious plans to dam the [[Spiral#Apstrus|River Doubt in Apstrus]]. This would flood the area where the old spire of Solen's Doubt is, where years ago there was [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_(Spiral)|a decisive battle]] with the [[Grendel]]. At the Spring Equinox, [[Damming_the_Doubt#Resolution|real progress]] was made towards addressing issues that various national assemblies had raised with the proposal, and [[Alignment#Amity|Amity]] was granted to the [[Eternal]] [[Ylenwe]] to allow zir to help with the project.

There are, however, a few things left to address before the dam can proceed. There is an urgent need to arrange protection for whichever Imperial army is asked to carry out the work. Then there are demands of the Imperial Orc Assembly to consider, and the desires of the Urizeni Assembly to take into account. And just to make it more complicated there is the small matter of the rebels who remain a quiet but important factor complicating the politics of Spiral.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ylenwe001.webp|caption=[[Ylenwe|Zie of the Perfect Morning]] offers zir aid in Spiral.|align=right|width=350}}</div>
==The Dawn Chorus==
* '''A strange guardian of Ylenwe, a circle of feathered creatures that sing sweetly have taken up residence in Spiral'''
* '''The guardian's song can confuse those who attack it, but it also protects the listener against the Black Plateau'''
* '''Ylenwe's heralds offer a boon of the eternal, to any military unit that supports the army building the dam'''
At the Spring Equinox, the [[Imperial Conclave]] voted to give Amity to the Eternal Ylenwe, in return for the protection of the army that undertakes the dam-building. Ylenwe is not an Eternal without controversy, but certainly zie has in recent times acted as a friend to the Empire - there is a distinct sense that zie is atoning, somehow, or at least this is the impression zir heralds have given.

As the Summer Solstice draws in, reports come of a spring in the high mountains - around where the source of the Doubt is said to lie - which has filled with an ethereal light and harmonious music. Then they descend: strange winged beings, which have the approximate shape of a human or an orc but who are covered in white, dove-like feathers, and dress in shimmering robes. Ylenwe's heralds who accompany them refer them as the Dawn Chorus - a [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Guardians|guardian]] of Ylenwe, and they have been sent to guard the minds of those who labour in Spiral.

If they are surprised that their aid is not ''yet'' needed they don't show it. The flock descends to the ruined spire of Solen's Doubt - planned to be at the centre of the reservoir when it is built - and settles themselves into contemplative meditation. Any who come near are invited to join, though it is a perilous journey just to sit in a circle, listening to these strange birds singing a sweet and wordless song - but those that do make the journey confirm that in the presence of the Dawn Chorus, the whispers of the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|Black Plateau]] are silenced to a quiet murmur, barely present.

Ylenwe's heralds say that while there is no reason as such that the army they assist will need the support of small military units, they will welcome any captains who wish to join them in stilling song. They will provide to each such captain a white feather from their plumage - this feather will act much like a [[Circlet of Falling Snow]], except that it will also provide a constant soothing effect to the wearer. In particular, while Ylenwe has ''no'' interest in the removal of lineage (they are almost too quick to say), it will be particularly effective at lessening unwelcome influence related to [[lineage|the touch of the realms]] in the bonded wearer.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SenatorSpiral.jpg|caption=Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian has been senator for Spiral since the League took residence.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Names in the Stones==
* '''Writing the names in the stones will cost an additional 5 thrones'''
* '''Whether the inscriptions will happen is part of the neccessary details for the commission for the dam'''
Obviously the dam must actually be [[Commission|commissioned]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] or by a suitable title with the power to commission an [[edifice]]. Whoever arranges for the commission will need to ensure that that are clear whether they intend to address the concerns of the [[Imperial Orcs]]

The [[Imperial Synod|Imperial Orc Assembly]] requested that the names of the fallen be carved into the stones of the dam. This can be done, but it will add an additional five thrones of labour costs to the project, which will not be covered by the labour of the assisting army. Whoever raises the commission must include whether they intend to meet this demand as part of the neccessary details. It is not mandatory to pay this cost - but presumably the Imperial Orcs will have some objections if it is not done.

==The Omphalos==
* '''People are inspired to found the Dreaming Spire at the omphalos, the perfect centre of Urizen'''
* '''That centre would be in Zenith or Spiral, depending on how you calculate it'''
* '''Once complete, the library from Solen's Doubt could be relocated there at a cost of 5 thrones'''
* '''Whether to relocate the books is part of the neccessary details of the commission to commission the dam'''

{{SOP|by=Halkyon of the Myriad Stream|statement=The dam across the Doubt is conceived from Urizen ingenuity and Urizen supports this work of Prosperity. In the valley ghosts linger among broken vessels of souls who, in Courage and Loyalty, sacrificed all for Urizen and the Empire. Above the valley stood Solen’s Doubt, Pride of the dreaming spires: Fountain of Urizen Wisdom. The essence of these heroes and sages was in their lives, learning and legacy. Come torchbearers! Sing the deeds of the fallen. Save the library of Solen’s Doubt and preserve it! Let the Fountain flow anew! Come illuminates, come questors! Let ghosts be sent on their path. Come architects! As waters rise, let a Dreaming Spire rise again. Legacy of heroes: Testament of Urizen endurance: an Omphalos. For our centre holds. '''Despite everything, we are still here.'''|vote=Upheld with a Greater Majority (292-0)|when=Spring Equinox 386YE}}
The Urizeni Assembly, who most keenly of all remember what the battle of Solen's Doubt was for, and what it cost, have also judged the Dam. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' has made a stirring statement in the Urizen National Assembly regarding the history of the spire and the battle that took place. The words seem political, but they resonate everywhere, especially in the north-east of Zenith, where the Urizeni are once again fighting to keep the Druj from their homes.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Dreaming Spire'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Either Ankra in Spiral or [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] in [[Zenith]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' '''Minimum:''' 10 white granite, 30 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Founds a new spire at the chosen location, allowing any Urizeni character to take a new resource in that territory for free in the season it is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not completed before the dam is finished</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Paying to relocate the books adds 5 thrones to the cost to dam the River Doubt</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Nobody wants to return to those bitter days right now, when the League took Spiral, and it seemed nation might go to war against nation. But the reality is that Spiral was Urizeni for centuries before that, and with his words Halkyon has given voice not just to the grief of the lost of Solen's Doubt, but to the whole nation. ''Despite everything, we are still here...''

And so the call to raise a new spire, a Dreaming Spire, an Omphalos, takes hold. The idea of forming a new spire is a familiar one; in Urizen, spires often cooperate to found a new spire, the magicians working together and sharing skills and resources to meet the challenges involved. There is a common goal here, an opportunity to save the library of Solen's Doubt, to preserve the legacy of heroes, ad perhaps to establish the omphalos.

The process seems simple enough on the face of it; commission an edifice to serve as the focal point of the Dreaming Spire. It would need at least ten white granite and thirty crowns, but it could be bigger than that if there was sufficient desire to ensure the new spire had [[Edifice#Grandeur|sufficient gradeur]] to meet the moment. Once that is done, it would just cost five thrones to relocate the library at Solen's Doubt to the new spire. Whether this happens would be part of the [[Commission#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] of the commission to raise the dam.

There is just one small detail that would need to be refined. The perfect location for the Omphalos would be the precise geographic centre of Urizen. That is the nature of an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omphalos omphalos]. Such a detail is easily calculated by the skilled scholars of Urizen, but the results turn out to depend rather a lot on what assumptions you make. If you assume that the nation of Urizen consists of the territories of [[Zenith]], [[Redoubt]], and [[Morrow]], then the perfect spot would be on Mount Lutum in [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] - where Spire Calator used to stand. If, however, you find the geographic centre point of [[Zenith]], [[Redoubt]], [[Morrow]], and [[Spiral]] then the perfect spot would be Mount Cinnius in [[Spiral#Ankra|Ankra]] right on the border with [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]].

Wherever it is built, once the edifice is complete the support of neighbouring spires would be enough to help any Urizeni seeking to establish themselves there. That would allow any Urizeni character to take a new [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]] in the [[territory]] where the edifice is located without cost in the season it was completed (notably this could circumvent the difficulties facing Urizen who wish to take a new personal resource in Spiral).

A short conversation with [[The_fate_of_the_many#Victory_in_Defeat|Caela, the Arbiter of the Silver Flame]] and defacto leader of the Silver Flame rebels, confirms that they would be more than happy to have the new spire built on either side of Mount Cinnius. If it is built there, they will offer what support they can to the new spire. There is something they would like however...
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=PhoenixIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=The Spiral rebels have kept to their agreement with the Empire.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

==The Chorus and the Flame==
* '''Heralds of Ylenwe have travelled Spiral investigating the Black Plateau and the Block'''
* '''The Block is controlled by the Silver Flame Urizeni Rebels in Cinion'''
Technically, now that the Dawn Chorus has entered the mortal realm, there is no need for Ylenwe to retain [[alignment#Amity|amity]]. They are clear that they will offer their aid as soon as the building project begins, as long as it takes place in the next year or so. However, ''Zie-of-the-Perfect-Morning'' has also promised that zie will use zir time with amity to find a way to more permanently alleviate at least some of the issues caused by the "discord" in Spiral, building on the great success of the Urizeni with the Block.

True to their word, other heralds do indeed begin appearing from the spring far above Apstrus, and they begin to wander all across the hills and paths of the cursed land, singing as they go. Alone, they do not provide the respite that the Chorus does, but there is something comforting about the sight of them, all the same. On a sunny day one can even see their white-feathered forms moving across the hills from the vantage point of the [[Spiral#Apulian|city below]].

The feathered heralds trace the weaves of magic emanating from the block, until it leads them inexorably to its source up in the mountains of [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]]. There they encounter something unexpected; the presence of the [[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Rebels|Urizeni rebels]], the magicians the Empire calls the Urizen of the Silver Flame. It appears that the heralds were not expecting the Block, the powerful [[mithril]] structure that is the only thing that makes life in Spiral bearable, to be in the hands of the rebels.

There is a short but tense negotiation between Ylenwe's heralds and the rebels in which they make it very clear that Cinion - and the block - belongs to them. Fortunately the rebels have dozens of experienced masters of [[Day magic]] among their number. They have no trouble establishing that the heralds mean no harm - especially as there is a third party present, a figure wearing reflective robes that glitters in the sun: a herald of ''[[Sinokenon|That Which Lives In Its Name]]'', present for its own reasons. This ''vizier'' helps to broker negotiations. Once that happens, the heralds are allowed, under the watchful eyes of the rebel magicians, to visit the block itself. What transpires there is between the rebels, Ylenwe, and perhaps this other herald - at least for now.

===Silvered Lore===
* '''The Silver Flame Urizeni rebels in Cinion have asked for access to Imperial Lore'''
* '''The Imperial Conclave can grant access to Imperial Lore with an appropriate Declaration of Concord'''
The Silver Flame Urizeni have done everything they can to adapt to their new life outside the Empire. They are, for the most part, self-sufficient. They refuse to engage with the invaders in [[Spiral#Apulian|Apulian]], but they survive through trade and cooperation with the few remaining spires in Spiral and those over the border in [[Redoubt]] and [[Zenith]]. They have negotiated some arrangements with the ''[[Sinokenon|Argent Mantra]]'' for its heralds to provide services that the [[Imperial Civil Service]] would once have provided. Happily, the ''Wheel of Light'' has proven most obliging in this matter.

The biggest problem they are encountering is their inability to access [[Imperial lore]]. These are skilled magicians of course, and each has several rituals mastered. The libraries in their spires contain many more. But the rituals they have access to are a fraction of what they once enjoyed when they were part of the Empire. Previously, as part of the Empire, they would simply trade texts and books for whatever rituals they needed with their neighbours. Now that is no longer legal, a shortcoming that is proving increasingly frustrating.

Caela has made it plain that they would like the [[Imperial Conclave]] to use a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] grant the Silver Flame Urizeni access to Imperial Lore. They refuse to beg - Caela simply points out that it was the Urizeni that helped to create Imperial Lore... The rituals she and her fellow magicians want access to are part of the body of lore that her people worked tirelessly to build for the Empire.

She assures those she speaks with that the rebels will share the texts with no-one who is not part of the Empire. She is willing to swear oaths to that effect, even proposing to go as far as invoking the [[Lictors]] to show how serious they are. That last part slightly tips her hand since it also demonstrates how desperate they are to regain access to Imperial Lore. She also lets slip a fact that she has otherwise not drawn attention to: the egregore bond no longer binds the erstwhile rebels, and perhaps began to fall away the moment they signed their treaty. They strongly consider themselves Urizeni... but strictly speaking, they are now no more Urizeni than the so-called ''[[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Earl of the Groves]]'' is [[Dawn|Dawnish]]. Caela maintains nearly-immaculate [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise|poise]]... and yet it is quite clear that this matter causes her no small distress.

Nevertheless, there is no public quid-pro-quo - no reciprocal offer that is explicit. The followers of the Silver Flame are simply asking for what they feel they have a right to have, and they will not compromise their Pride by begging for that which is theirs. Despite everything, they are still here: and they are not going anywhere.
==Further Reading==
* [[Spiral]]
* [[Damming the Doubt]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune discussing options and concerns related to Solen's Doubt
* [[Our eyes in Spiral]] - 397YE Spring wind of fortune summarizing the situation in Spiral
* [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Way_Less_Taken|Million miles of water]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to flood the Doubt

Can you hear me?

2025-07-20T12:07:53Z

Wrenna: /* Other Beasts */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]

<ic>Anushak finished industriously tearing the long strip of meat into bloody threads and sucking it down. Not for the first time Jorgen wondered at the bird's ability to eat things without either chewing or choking.

"Where were we anyway?" Croaked the bird as he finished eating. He was already eying the last strip of meat in the little silver salver. Wise Rangara's favourite messenger (or so he assumed Jorgen he was) had been here for nearly an hour already. The Civil Servant frowned down at his notes, and realised he could barely make head or tail of them. He'd just been writing random words and fragments of phrases down for the last fifteen minutes or so. He picked one of the words he could read and made the best of it.

"''You'' were talking about names," said Jorgen. "With your mouth full."

"Names!" The black bird ruffled his feathers, eyes glinting. "That's right! You people get so very antsy about names. Worrying about true names and the like, as if that's even really a thing. I mean, what even is a name?"

Jorgen knew the bird well enough to realise he was being asked a rhetorical question and simply wrote "NAME??" again and drew a ring round it.

"There's two types of names. The names you give yourself that say who you are, and the names other people give you that says who they think you are. They're both powerful, don't get me wrong, but all the best people have half-a-dozen names at a time, most of which they don't ever know themselves. Even a mortal - one of you people manages about seven or eight decades right? Even a mortal will go through a score of names or more in their life. Not one of which catches anything like their essential nature. All together? Maybe. Probably not. The wise know that names really matter, but that they're also unimportant. Both at the same time!"

As a good son of Wintermark, Jorgen bridled at this.

"A hero has a name!" he quoted, angrily. Anushak spread his wings slightly, in a concilliatory way. Then his attention slid sideways to that last strip of meat and he grabbed it in his beak, tossed his head back, and swallowed it in a series of head-jerking movements.

"I'm not saying they don't," he said when he'd finished. "But let me ask you. Do you think my mistress calls ''herself'' Wise Rangara? Do you think that's what the Tetrarchs people call her? Or the Siqinirmi? The People of the Shadow? No, of course not. When you give something a name you connect with it, and it connects with you just a little bit. Do you think the Brother of Wizards gets angry when the Sumaah call him 'the seducer' and warn people not to talk to him? That he doesn't wriggle with joy every time someone gives him a bad name, just like he does when he gets a good one? It's complicated and easy. If you don't know someone's name, give them one. If they don't like it they'll correct you, and you can use that name instead. Done."

Jorgen floundered. What did all this have to do with the plenipotentiary of the Winter Archmage? While he rechecked his notes, Anushak picked up the shallow little dish and turned it over, obviously on the off-chance he'd missed some meat strips. He dropped it with a disappointed air when it became clear he had not.

"Well, this has been nice," he said readying to take flight. "Always good to talk Jorgen."

"Wait, you haven't.." The Civil Servant flicked through his notes. Nothing. "Anushak, you haven't told me anything about the parley?"

"Oh there isn't one," said Anushak airily. "Not with my mistress anyway. I was just in the area and feeling peckish."

Jorgen blinked at him. The bird stared back, unrepentant.

"What! You think I only come and go at the bidding of my mistress. I'm not just a messenger you know. I have a life! I have friends and outside interests! They wouldn't call me 'Anushak the Delightful' if I spent my whole time bringing bad news, would they?"

The herald took wing, sweeping out through the open door of the tent, causing an indignant changeling to have to duck even lower than usual to get into the Hub. Jorgen considered tearing the pages of irrelevant scrawl out of his notebook, but then thought better of it. He put it away, slipped the pen back behind his ear, and went to see how he could help the Dawnish person with the antlers.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: right;">[[file:IrrahHurrah002.png|align=left|width=200]]</div>
==Overview==
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil, apparently in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Four have agreed to meetings of one kind of another, either in person or via emissaries'''
* '''The other two have provided messages, opportunities, or gifts of one type or another'''
Every season, each of the six [[archmage|archmages]] may send a single [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to an [[eternal]] of their realm. The eternals are bound to respond, although not always in a way the archmage may wish. Sometimes they arrange personal meetings; often they send emissaries to treat with the magicians of the Empire. Sometimes they take direct action in response to requests made by the Archmage. Occasionally they decline formally, although they will rarely pass up the opportunity to explain ''why'' they will not speak to the Empire at this time.

As the Summer Solstice approaches, six eternals have responded to invitations to [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] via their emissaries.
==The Peregrine Knight==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Hayaak001b.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''Hayaak has agreed to a parley in the Hall of Worlds at 14.00 on Saturday afternoon'''
* '''He intends to discuss the future of his relationship with the Empire
* '''It seems clear the eternal has undergone another significant change of identity
* '''The Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose'''
As Summer lengthens toward the Solstice, a lone figure arrives at the hub. Their leather garb and feathered brows might have caused them to be mistaken for a Navarr or Suaq changeling, but they are in fact an emissary of the ''[[Hayaak|Peregrine Knight]]''. They bear a message for the [[Archmage of Summer]] on behalf of their master. Speaking quickly, they refuse to answer questions.

He who was once the ''Lord of the Forest of Arden'' is now an '' Outlaw Prince'', renouncing all claim to the land and title of the past. The Empire chose to deny them the power of ''[[Meraud|Foxwise]]'' but there are other routes to noble grandeur in the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] than the courtly games of the [[Eleonaris|Fields of Glory]]. The ''Lone Hero'' has struck out on his own, into the Badlands of the Summer realm: a place of majestic plains rolling into the far horizon, awe-inspiring canyons, and towering hills. Yet the ''Bandit-King'' does not seek to claim this land as his dominion, for the wild lands cannot be tamed. Rather, he now walks his own path wherever the wind takes him, accompanied only by his loyal companions. The ''Masterless Warrior'' has taken back control of his own destiny, and is prepared to parley with the Archmage.

As such, Hayaak will come to the Hall of Worlds at two in the afternoon on Saturday, under terms of formal [[Archmage#Parley|parley]]. They will speak with the Archmage of Summer, and with others gathered there, about the future. Make no mistake, though, there will be no boons. Part of the discussion will be about whether there ''is'' any future for the Empire and the ''Windcrier''. It may be that the established force of power and control in the realm of Catazar is destined to become the enemy of the ''Wandering Sword'', who is a brother to all who live as heroes in their own name and by their own strength.

The words tumble out of the messenger, who seems to become more agitated as they speak them. The [[Highguard|Highborn]] injured the ''Hunter of Beasts'' and cost him his kingdom and his dignity. He was a poor cousin at the court of the ''Queen of the Pennants'', and he tarried there for too long, losing his strength in his regrets. Summer looks forward to the horizon, not to past glories, says the herald. Given all this, they say, much of the desire ''Sharptalon'' had for rulership, responsibility, and authority has left him. In truth he has more interest in those who make a name for themselves outside the suffocating bonds of law, false judgement, and the expectations of others. He will not be a pawn again, and if the Archmage seeks to use him in their feud with the ''[[Jaheris|Unicorn Prince]]'' they will learn that the hard way. The pettiness of politics and scheming, the witless pursuit of vengeance for petty slights - that is not fit business for a warden of renown, who seeks to live the life of an honourable marauder on the wild road. There are other songs in Summer than those of kings and queens. And with that, the herald spins on their heel and departs.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Seven Locks 2.jpg|align=right|width=250]]</div>
==The Queen of Locks==
* '''The City of Locks declines parley
* '''Representatives of the City of Locks offer a use of the Conspirator's Congress to the Imperial Conclave
* '''There are three potential meetings on the table; a Declaration of Acceptance will choose which one to accept
* '''The Archmage of Autumn is Edmundo of Damakan's forge
Shortly after the Spring Equinox, a metal-skinned herald of the Autum realm emerges from the Imperial regio. In fine brocade and an outrageous hat, they might be mistaken for a League citizen until one looks a little closer. They proceed through Anvil, taking in the sights and pausing to chat amiably with Imperial citizens along their lazy route to the Hub. Once there, though, they are all business. They are a messenger employed by ''President Orlando'', here on behalf of the ''[[Basileia|City Of Locks Benevolent Association]]''. The Five Pillars have taken counsel with the ''Princess of Weirs'' and respond on behalf of the City of Locks to the Archmage's plenipotentiary.

The herald informs the nearby civil servants that Basileia Brazen and the Five Pillars have been most pleased to receive the requests of the Empire, the second such missive received within the space of a year. They have also, the herald states with a great deal of glee, immediately begun fighting about whose interests are to take priority. There is one minor matter which is quickly resolved. The business with the tower in [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]] and anything that may or may not have been seen prowling around there is nothing for the Empire to worry about. If whatever might be present there was capable of doing any great harm, it would doubtless have done so by now. Until matters change, it is nothing for the magicians of the Empire to worry about. The herald does not invite questions, moving on instead to more serious topics.

Three of the requests sent by the proxy Archmage, it seems, are relying on the same scarce resource - access to the mysterious chamber known as the ''Conspirator's Congress''. The conflict over this matter has caused all manner of upheaval on the streets of the City, with each of the parties seeking to secure their Lady's favour in this matter. A fool's errand, the herald blithely opines. Basileia Brazen favours only those who get results. As such, it will be down to the Empire to resolve this conflict. The three options are as follows:

* Overseer Hook offers to get representatives of the Empire a meeting with [[One_of_us#Many_Paths_to_the_Truth|one of the factions of Asavean mages]] identified by the [[Sevenfold Path]] in Winter 386. Mysterious hints by [[Whisper Gallery|masked dilletantes]] are no substitute for looking someone you suspect in the eye and squeezing them for information - subtly, of course.
* Boss Callarook offers to introduce the Empire to representatives of major criminal cartels in the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. These hardened criminals have no love for the Plenum and little care for the priesthood, and could potentially be persuaded to provide assistance in the Empire's plan to incite an uprising - if there was a reasonable expectation of profit.
* Facilitator Kaige gives no public details on what her offer entails. He only states that the proxy Archmage knows full well what was asked for and what use it would be to the Empire. For simplicity, however, Kaige proposes they use the codename "the Bright Eyed" to identify them when discussing matters with the Conclave.

The conflict can be resolved simply: a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] from the Conclave stating which of the City's three offers the Empire wishes to take up. The City of Locks will then arrange for the meeting to take place at the Autumn Equinox. When a civil servant points out that the Empire was told that Hook and Callarook's requests were not mutually exclusive, the herald shrugs. They aren't mutually exclusive. Regardless of which offer the Empire takes up first, they can simply use another Plenipotentiary to ask for the opportunity to take advantage of one of the others whenever they wish. They just can't do all three at the same time. When the civil servant observes that the wording might have been slightly misleading, the herald just rolls their eyes and moves on.

===Other Beasts===
* '''There is a possibility to acquire the favour of the Manticore of the Untrod Groves held by the City of locks
* '''An opportunity to reach the vault where the favour lies is available during the Solstice at 12.30 on the Saturday afternoon of the Solstice.
* '''The Knight-protector of Autumn should definitely not try to take advantage of this opportunity
On the matter of the manticore: the pleasant face that the Lord of the City wore at the time ''that'' deal was struck is long past. Nevertheless, the manticore that calls itself the Earl of the Groves made its deal with power unadorned by pleasantries: that which is known to some as the ''Beast of the Locks'', and whose true nature is for only the Lady of Locks to know. As such, it remains extant, and the City will continue to uphold its end of the bargain - providing the manticore with [[enchantment|enchantments]] and crafted wonders to sate its need for power - until the favour is no longer in the City's possession. It is a shame, as it is quite a taxing provision, but that is simply the nature of the deal that was struck long ago: a deal to which Basileia Brazen, as the Lady of Locks, remains bound.

Now, ''as it happens'', that favour is likely to be held in an old chamber over the Summer Solstice, in a distant corner of the city's labyrinth. The chamber is a quizzical construction once attached to and associated with that... deception... that was once called ''Mazen''. Unfortunately, that chamber is going to open at 12.30 on Saturday of the Solstice, which ''would'' allow Imperials to enter and steal the favour, which would ''obviously'' be terrible. As such, a guard will be sent to the Hall of Worlds to ensure that nobody attempts to enter the chamber. As long as there's no chance of them being bribed - four thrones ought to do it - then there's absolutely no possibility that the [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Autumn]] or whoever it is can get into the chamber and get a chance to steal the favour.

If they were to find their way in - which could only happen if the City of Locks employs a totally dishonest guard - then there is one more note of caution. As of late the Beast of Locks, when it roams the city, has taken to sleeping in that chamber, too - it seems to enjoy being close to the favour. Probably it will not wake. Probably. Still, the wary traveller might wish to bring some [[green iron]] and [[dragonbone]] as a treat for the Beast to chew on - if it were to wake. Which it won't. Surely?

===A Personal Note===
* '''Basileia offers an Autumn Market, arranged by the Five Pillars, to the Archmage of Autumn
* '''If they wish to claim it they will need to use a plenipotentiary to do so
On a more personal note, Basileia herself offers an opportunity to the Archmage of Autumn. Some years ago the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]] offered to arrange an Autumn Market whenever the Archmage requested such a thing. Basileia wishes the Archmage to know that if they use the power of plenipotentiary at the Summer Solstice to request it, the City of Locks will facilitate a market to take place in the Hall of Worlds, offering a range of goods and services from the Five Pillars and perhaps even a couple of vendors from the other cities prepared to pay an appropriate amount for pitches of their own. The offer is only available at the Summer Solstice; it may be made again at a future date of course.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Janon002b.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>
==The Marshal of Flame==
* '''The eternal Janon declines ''formal'' parley but plans to send "a bunch of heralds" to the Empire during the Summer Solstice
* '''The heralds are expected to arrive at around 10am on Saturday morning, and will make their way to the Forge
* '''They are to be considered guests of the Archmage of Night and the Shadowed Torchbearer, both of whom they wish to speak with
* '''The heralds also want to meet freelance troublemaker Rafael Barossa d'Apulian and Stonesworn Crix
As Spring slips into Summer, an emissary from the ''[[Janon|Shadowed Flame]]'' proudly appears at Anvil. With skin the colour of polished ruby, and hair like charcoal, they wear a peculiar mismatch of [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] and [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] garb. They stride purposefully down to the Hub, sidestepping attemtpts to intercept them, and as soon as they reach the Civil Service desk they deliver their message in a booming voice.

The ''Scribe of Burning Names'' is gladdened to be invited to parley with the Archmage of Night but declines the offer. However, instead, they will send a small cohort of their chosen warriors to Anvil during the Summer Solstice as guests of the Archmage and, crucially, of the [[Shadowed Torchbearer]]. They will arrive in the Hall of Worlds at around ten in the morning on Saturday and make their way to the Forge to meet with the two.

''Night Sword'' has issued many instructions to its warriors. They are to hear the report of the Shadowed Torchbearer and learn how the flames of passion have been stoked in the Empire over the last year, and offer reward or punishment as appropriate. The issue of communication between the ''Monarch of the Inferno'' and her representative to the Empire can be resolved, probably as part of the discussion about the [[Fane|fanes]]. Before anyone can ask what discussion or why it would concern multiple fanes, the herald barrels ahead.

It is not just the Shadowed Torchbearer who should attend this gathering! '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''', currently a freelance trouble-maker at large, has done much to earn the favour of the ''Tempestuous Heart''. His actions regarding the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] Plenum are everything that could have been hoped, but anything worth doing is worth further escalating. He should come, bring others who wish to see the Children of Asav consumed by the flames, and speak of how the sparks might be fanned into a greater inferno. He could also be helpful for the fane discussion, he seems to be good at finding things. Nobody even bothers trying to ask for clarification.

Finally, the herald declares, there will be no discussion of the boons the ''Midnight Firestorm'' gives to the [[Jotun]]. They are gifts granted to the eternal's friends in the west, and distributing them to any who ask for them would simply cheapen them. The [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] have their [[Pit-fights|fighting pits]], and Janon respects that they have chosen their own path to heighten their sensitivity to the voices of their ancestors. The warriors ''will'' be interested in seeing the fighting pit at Anvil, and discussing the [[Pitmaster#Skarsind_College_of_Pit_Fighting|Skarsind College of Pit fighting]] with '''Stonesworn Crix''' if they are available.
===Vicious Little Pearls===
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Black pearl and his shell.jpg|align=right|width=250]]</div>
The ''All-Consuming Heart'' has also been made aware of certain [[The_last_leg#Pearls_Before_Swine|vicious black pearls]] turning up around the place. He has no idea what they are or what they mean, but sie knows that xie hates them. The Shadowed Torchbearer should get hold of as many as possible so the herald can destroy them. There will probably be a reward of some sort, the exact nature of which will be determined by the whim of the ''Flame of the Ancestors''. An Imperial Civil Servant attempts to interrupt to mention the fact that other beings have indicated that carrying more than thirteen at a time might be a bad idea, but any attempt to provide context or nuance remains a fool's errand. Just getting the herald to listen to anyone else talking proves to be remarkably difficult.
===Kindling Cadre and the Sun Chamber===
* '''A different band of heralds plan to visit the Sun Chamber meeting
* '''They will arrive at around half-past-twelve on Saturday
* '''They want to discuss ways they might inspire the members of the Sun Chamber
On to the next thing! In addition to the main bunch of heralds, another group called the ''Kindling Cadre'' will be coming to Anvil to talk to the reformed [[Sun Chamber]]. They're expected to arrive around half-past-twelve on Saturday and will be heading for the Senate. It seems that the ''Rainbow Conflagration'' is enthused about the restoration of this [[Imperial Sodality]] and wishes to see if there is any way he might champion their cause. There might even be gifts. Historical records note that the Kindling Cadre have not been seem in the Empire for nearly sixty years - during [[the Orc Rebellion]] they offered boons to, and fought alongside, the former slaves in [[Sarvos]] and [[Tassato]].
===Inspiring Armies===
* '''Janon presents two possible ways he might inspire Imperial armies
* '''Choosing one of these possibilities would require a Declaration of Acceptance
* '''The choice is only available during the Summer Solstice
And finally, on that last matter the Archmage raised, the ''Muse of Fire'' is enthusiastic but wants to make sure it understands what is being asked of him. As usual, any [[general]] who wishes for the servants of Janon to fight alongside them is welcome to call on them in their [[Army orders|orders]]. It seems that a few generals take advantage of this opportunity each season, receiving a little aid from the passionate warrior-poets of the Night realm. Yet there are other gifts the ''Night Sword'' can offer.

If the Archmage offers the ''Pillar of Fire'' "''an opportunity to sow discordant passions and ambitions''" among the Imperial armies. "''Set them on each others see who burns brightest''" they said. The eternal is very interested in what this opportunity might involve. Encouraging the ''Smokeless Fire'' to do so will require a little more effort - a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] asking for the heralds of Janon to fan the fires of pride, ambition, revenge, and rivalry. If this is done, the heralds of the ''Conflagration Blade'' invited to fight with the Imperial armies will bring to bear their full power to encourage mortal to embrace their passions. The outcome is utterly unpredictable, but it will certainly be violent. Soldiers in the army will seek to work out their grudges, follow their personal goals, indulge their individual passions, and burn with the dark fire of vengeance, anger, and audacity. This might directly impact the effectiveness of the [[Army orders|order]] the [[general]] submits. By accepting Janon's blessing in this way they surrender control over their situation just as much as their soldiers will.

Alternatively, the ''Burning Key'' could offer to fan the flames of "brighter" passions - encouraging the soldiers to celebrate life and battle, embrace glory, heroism, or even passionate virtue. In short... to party hard. If the Conclave instead uses the Declaration of Alignment to ask Janon to support celebration, then for the next year every Imperial general will be able to issue the '''Passionate Furlough''' order. This goes beyond simply asking Janon to accompany their army. The order has the same game effects as ''[[Army_orders#Solid_Defence|Solid Defence]]'' but crucially the army will not receive ''any'' [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]] during that season. Instead they will celebrate, and bring others in the [[territory]] into their celebrations. This will provide benefits to the people of the territory where they are stationed, as they squander their pay on the joys of life (wine, good company, song). This will raise morale in the army, and likely that of the people in the territory. Whatever that means; again it is impossible to predict what effect taking this order might have. Or how well they will actually defend in the event they are attacked.

The Civil Service, on learning of these opportunities, advises caution. By its very nature, Janon is a creature of unbounded passion. It encourages others to embrace their personal desires, and to ignore laws, traditions, and other constraints on their behaviour. Embracing the passions of celebration while on furlough is as likely to have negative outcomes as positive ones. Unleashing such an unpredictable force during a military campaign is potentially a recipe for disaster.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Tharim 001.jpg|align=right|width=250]]</div>
==The King on the Throne of Chains==
* '''Tharim declines a formal parley but is sending a senior member of his court to treat with the Archmage of Winter
* '''The meeting will take place in the Imperial Senate, with the Archmage in the position of ambassador to Tharim
* '''The herald is expected to arrive around 19.30 on Saturday
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien
The [[Tharim|Bound King]] declines a formal parley. Instead he will be dispatching a trusted senior member of his court, ''Lord-Captain Catenatus'', to Anvil to speak on behalf of his knights. As befits a monarch of the Winter Realm, Tharim requests the Captain be treated as a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]] from a foreign power. Specifically, he requires that the meeting take place in the [[Imperial Senate]] as if it were an embassy from a mortal power. The [[Archmage of Winter]] will take the position of ambassador, seated on the Throne. The ''Hand of Tharim'' '''Claudia Varkulova Remislav''' will be seated in the Speaker's Chair to ensure all civilities are respected and to show the Hand the respect they are due. The Civil Service have confirmed that the meeting can take place in the Senate at half past seven on Saturday, but they are clearly not entirely happy about it.

The main topic of conversation will be the matter of the murder of Obligatus. The Civil Service are able to confirm that the knights of Tharim have continued their march toward Upwold, arriving in the territory shortly before the Summer Solstice. They have not had time to cause much trouble yet, but it is clearly brewing. Hopefully the Archmage will be able to defuse the situation before it gets tragically out of hand.

Tharim requires a memorial of some kind be built in the ''Copse of the Bone Birch'' where the murder took place. It will commemorate not only the foul deeds that took place there but also the six years or more of Tharim's friendship with the Empire. Such a memorial would be an [[edifice]], and while the Bound King does not specify any specific amounts, its [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] cannot help but be seen as reflecting the respect the Empire holds for Tharim. It is worth noting that the memorial might also be a good opportunity to construct a [[fane]] for the ''King-in-Chains'' in Upwold celebrating the services Tharim has performed for [[the Marches|the Marchers]] over the years.

Furthermore, Tharim expects the Conclave to support a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]] calling on the magicians of the Marchers to work alongside his knights when they scour the Marches and nearby lands for those who struck Obligatus down, and deliver them to the tender mercies of [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] for suitable punishment. The Imperial Civil Service again counsel the Archmage of Winter to be very careful around this decision - let off the leash, the knights of Tharim could cause significant disruption in the Marches.

Once the main topic is discussed there will be other matters to speak of. The status of the ''[[Skathe|Traitor-queen]]'' and the ''[[Surut|Knight-betrayer]]''; matters relating to [[Skoura]]; the drawing of the contemptible ''Sunken Rope'''s attention to the Bay of Catazar, and hence the protection he might offer against the ''Deep and the Dark'' to any territory whose Senator is prepared to humble themselves before the Lord-Captain.

While he is clearly annoyed, Tharim has not forgotten he is a friend of the Empire. He is aware that the Imperial armies are in the midst of attempting to [[Root_and_branch#The_God_in_the_Lake|invade Kroll]] and have encountered the ''Lake Beast'' there. The boon he offers is simple; any [[general]] who wishes to may beseech Tharim for aid in their orders when fighting the beast. Tharim will send relief to the general he feels offers him the most respect and deference, ensuring that any casualties that the beast causes do not fall on that General's army; they would be protected from the wrath of the beast in a manner similar to the [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Bond_of_Tears|Winter's Mantle]].
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Kimus001.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>

==The Golden Seer==
* '''Kimus declines parley
* '''Her heralds have been dispatched to assist with the Lighthouse appraisal
* '''One of her heralds will visit the hall of worlds at 19.00 on Friday to meet with the Astral Arcanist
* '''The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka
A cheerful little ball of bobbing light meanders through Anvil to the Hub two months after the Spring Equinox. In a piping, happy voice it delivers a message from the ''[[Kimus|Seer Clad in Raiment of Gold]]''. The ''One Who Sees All'' declines parley at this time, but has responded to some of the requests made of them. The herald ''[[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#A_Surprise_Guest|Fotismos]]'' has been sent to the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#Symbols_of_Sanctuary_and_Hope|Sarvos symposium on lighthouses]] to offer advice and support to the project. They are charged with advising [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|Eilian Sweetwater]] for as long as he continues to explore this matter.

The Archmage also asked the ''Seeker of the Skies'' to find certain items. The eternal has responded by offering the services of her heralds to the [[Magpies]] who the [[Imperial Senate]] has charged with finding lost things. It will be [[Two_for_joy#To_Infinity_And_Beyond|their decision]] which of the three objects the Archmage has mentioned will be sought.

There will, however, be no opportunity for the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to call servants of Kimus to a territory so that Imperial soldiers might search alongside them. While that offer may have been made in the past, ''She Who Watches'' declines to do so at this time. It is the judgement of the ''Glass of the Heavens'' that the Empire already has the tools it needs to observe its enemies both with [[divination]] and with more mundane means.

On a slightly different note, the ''Watcher of the Winds'' has become interested in an invitation apparently issued by '''Serenus Starsong''' the [[Astral Arcanist]], to observe a ritual. She is interested in taking up this invitation. During the Summer Solstice, she asks the Archmage of Day to bring the Astral Arcanist to meet with one of her heralds in the Hall of Worlds to receive the ''Seer's Mark'' that will permit Kimus to see through them for a short time. This will let the eternal experience the ritual discussed, and there are various reassurances that this gift of the ''Lady of the Astral Lens'' will not harm the Astral Arcanist. The herald will be in the Hall of Worlds at seven in the evening on Friday. The herald will pain the mark on the Arcanist, if they are amenable.

Finally, the herald turns a slightly darker colour as it broaches a somewhat sensitive subject. It appears that at the end of the plenipotentiary the Archmage seemed to suggest there were "other matters" that could be discussed in a parley. This is one of the several reasons that its mistress has declined to attend or send its heralds to attend such a meeting. The ''Celestial Eye'' believes that the ideal plenipotentiary lays out a single significant matter that the Archmage wishes to gain the aid of the eternal to address or resolve. A list of multiple requests is worse, but worst of all is a suggestion that the eternal should turn up to "discuss matters." Without specificity, there can be no parley. The magicians of the Empire should not seek to introduce confusion into the simple pattern of plenipotentiary and parley. In the event there has been a misunderstanding, and that was not what the Archmage meant, then no harm has been done. But the point still stands.

From Kimus' point of view the simplest plenipotentiary is one where the Archmage lists perhaps as many as three lost things that the Empire seeks. In a case like this, the eternal can evaluate which items they think are still within the bounds of her sight, and then let the Empire make a decision on which one they should pursue. It will be very rare that Kimus does not respond positively to such a plenipotentiary, and only when the Empire has asked for multiple things that are simply not findable.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:IrrahHurrah002a.png|align=right|width=250]]</div>

==The Prince of a Thousand Foes==
* '''Irra Harah has agreed to a parley
It does not seem to be a herald that responds to the plenipotentiary missive of the [[Archmage of Spring]], but what appears to be a young [[the League|League]] [[briar]]. She arrives at the hub, and quietly attracts the attention of the Imperial Civil Service. She brings a message from ''[[Irra Harah|Papa Otec]]''. The ''Prince with a Thousand Foes'' accedes to the request for parley and offers to meet the Archmage of Spring if they think there is actually any point.

A herald will arrive at the [[Hall of Worlds]] at around half-past-six on Saturday evening to take the Archmage and up to six other people to meet the ''Warden of the Woods''. In addition to those the Archmage may wish to bring, there are people in the Empire who are friends of Irra Harah, and they are also invited. They will receive personal invitations to the meeting, and should likewise turn up at the Hall of Worlds. The Archmage isn't to question their presence.

On the matter of the parley, the Archmage wanted "''tests''" which appeared to just be things that the Empire is already capable of doing. The briar suggests quietly that the Archmage doesn't understand what a test is. The first test the Empire faced was [[the Barrens]]. The next test is the [[Sarangrave]]. How does the Archmage think they are doing so far?

The new [[general]] of the Gryphon's Pride is invited to come speak to ''Swiftrunner'' if they wish. They might even be worthy of a boon - but they will need to explain clearly and candidly why the eternal might be reticent to give them one, and explain why they think they deserve one and how the people of Dawn understand the world. If it aligns with what ''Shacklesmasher'' knows to be true they may indeed receive the aid of the eternal to put that understanding into practice. After all, there were more Dawnishfolk who fought against tyranny than supported the army that went to crush the Rahvin and that deserves recognition. Likewise, if there are those in Dawn who want aid to transform a boon of the ''[[Arhallogen|Slaughterbeast]]'' the Archmage can bring them and they can explain what they want and why they think the ''Greenguard'' might want to give it to them.

But the main topic of conversation is going to be what the Empire intends in the Sarangrave. Does the Archmage really believe that not cursing people until they die for a whole season is truly a sign that the Empire has learnt from its mistakes? The briar is at pains to be clear:''Shacklesmasher'' is not on the Empire's side here. He is on the side of the people of the Mallum, the [[orc|orcs]] and humans who call that place home and are caught yet again between two cruel juggernauts who care nothing for them save as playing pieces. His first, and only, concern is for them. He will help them run, hide, or kill to preserve their lives, regardless of who it is that is bearing down on them with a sword.

So with all that said, there'll be no further aid in [[Therunin]]. The Empire chose to abandon the weak, the young, and the elderly. ''Warrenwise'' has already offered a little help; the ''[[Ossegrahn|Fast Flowing River]]'' has already exerted himself to protect those who remain and told the Empire what more is needed to [[Willow_and_rain#Raincallers_Song|preserve those lives]]. The ''Thorn of the Ancestors'' can judge what the Empire really thinks about those who are in danger by watching what they choose to do, can he not?

There'll be no aid from ''Leaping Dolphin'' on the [[Asavean Archipelago|Isles of Asav]], either. The Empire has given no reason for the eternal to believe they are doing what they are doing for the people of the islands. They seem to be doing what they always do - making decisions about the lives of others that suit their purposes. The eternal will aid those who need his help; to protect them from Imperial flames as much as from the murderous arrogance of the priests.

Oh and the Archmage can reassure the [[Landskeeper|Landskeepers]]. They need not worry about the ''Hare Stone''. If the ''Blade of the Holt'' wishes to draw on their old bargain, he will make sure they know where they are going. What would the point be if he did not? It is not the way of ''Swiftrunner'' to trick people like that. He will not reveal its location unnecessarily for any number of reasons, not least because of the risk some Imperial might decide to destroy it out of malice, boredom, or some cruel ambition.

Finally, ''Wisewhiskers'' will not bargain for friendship like some kind of costermonger. If the Empire considers itself worthy of his friendship then let them ask for it. The briar doesn't know anything about a bounty on [[the Throne]]. But if the Empire wants to be friends the first thing they might do is remove the [[interdiction]] of ''Golden Hare Icons of Irra Harah''. What do they even mean by this?
==Plenipotentiary in Public==
* '''The opportunity to allow archmages to make their plenipotentiary messages public remains available'''
Six months ago the [[Prefect of the Conclave|prefects of the Conclave]] prepared a proposal regarding the ability to make the wording of the Archmages' missives public knowledge. The [[Imperial Conclave]] has not chosen to embrace this power, but given it is simply a procedural change the opportunity to do so remains available - unless something significantly changes. The change is discussed in detail in the '''[[Secret_meeting#Have_a_Little_Faith|Secret meeting]]''' wind of fortune.
==Timetable==
These meetings are taking place in a number of places; in chambers reached via the Hall of Worlds. The times, and the eternals involved, are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || 19.00 || Kimus || Day || Not a parley; meeting with Astral Arcanist
|-
| Saturday || 10.00 || Janon || Night || Not a parley; gang of heralds at Anvil
|-
| Saturday || 12.30 || Janon || Night || Not a parley; a different gang of heralds
|-
| Saturday || 14.00 || Hayaak || Summer || Parley; in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 16.30 || Irra Harah || Spring || Parley; a chamber reached by the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Can't give everything away

2025-07-19T22:25:07Z

Wrenna: /* An Ultimatum */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"Signora Ambasciatrice." Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike inclined her head. The Asavean ambassador reciprocated with a nod of her own. It was probably a carefully calculated fraction less deferential than she had measured Annike's to be but honestly the Sarcophan didn't notice or care. Let the Asaveans have their little dominance games.

"Mevrouw ambassadeur." The Asavean was clearly pleased with herself; her smile was self-satisfied and she was practically vibrating with schadenfreude. She clearly felt she had the upper hand. Annike savoured the moment.

"We have heard that your attempt to create a 'Free Seas Pact' has sadly foundered." The Ambassador couldn't contain her glee. "It is always a mistake to put your trust in the Empire. They will always disappoint you. But do not worry. We will not hold against you things said in haste. They are already forgotten!"

"Oh I do hope not," said Annike. "I would hope that you have not forgotten that I reminded you exactly who you are dealing with, madame."

Confusion. The Ambasciatrice frowned. This was not going the way she had expected when she accepted Annike's invitation. She had clearly been expecting an apology, and came here with every intention of twisting the knife before magnanimously accepting it and then using that apology to launch her own foray into renegotiating trade tariffs.

"I do not understand..." she said.

"That is indeed clear," said Annike. "But I did not call you hear to talk about the Free Seas Pact which, as you say, was fatally holed below the waterline. In fact, I asked you to attend me so that I could formally deliver the decision of the Bedelaar Huisbaas to the Asavean Plenum. Please pay attention, I do not wish to repeat myself."

She was overplaying it, she knew. But Annike very much disliked the Asavean Ambassador and given how complicated the next several months were going to be she had decided to try and gain some pleasure where she could.

"How dare you!" The Ambassador stood.

"Sit down!" Barked Annike and, in spite of herself, the Ambassador did so. More from the force of the words than any intent to obey.

"The Free Seas Pact is over," she said calm again. "So now we have no choice but to establish the ''Pax Sarcophan''."

The Ambasciatrice stiffened, eyes widening. She clearly understood that the decision to use Old Asavean was not a coincidence.

"I've had a formal document created, but I wanted to tell you directly what is going to happen. We warned you. We warned your government, and you chose to ignore us. The Bedelaar Huisbaas will no longer tolerate any nation interfering with the flow of trade across the known world. You can have your ''wars''" She spit the word angrily, but reined herself back in again. "You can have your wars but any further attempt to blockade ports or support piracy against third-parties will result in a formal declaration of war. Furthermore, the Delves will use every tool at our disposal - and there are many at our disposal let me be candid - to ruin you. Those nations, I mean."

"We are Asavea! You do not speak to us like this!" spat the Asavean. Annike had to admire the Ambassadors refusal to accept what she was being told. "We were plying the Seven Seas when your ancestors were squatting by campfires and robbing tombs!"

"Indeed!" Annike interrupted her. "Centuries ago the Asaveans bestrode the known world like a colossus! But what have you achieved ''recently''?"

"We will-"

Annike slammed her fist on the table, unconsciously pulling her thin lips back slightly to reveal her fangs.

"You will listen to what I am saying! You will make your Plenum understand! We are ''not'' bluffing and we are ''not'' joking. We may not have been founded by demigods and ruled a third of the world, but please do not let our pleasant demeanour fool you. If you do not start taking us seriously, if you insist on underestimating us, if you remain on this destructive course you have charted, then we will show you what it means to be descended from tomb robbers who built an entire nation from ruins, and believe me when I tell you we will ''eat you alive''."

Annike collapsed back into her chair, breathing heavily. The two women stared at each other for a moment, the Asaveans high colour a stark contrast to the Sarcophan's ivory-white skin. The Ambasciatrice stood slowly, her face blank.

"May I go now, Signora?" Her voice was clipped, two bright red spots in her cheeks the only sign of just how furious and humiliated she was.

"Oh course, Madame. I shall have a copy of the formal document sent -"

But the Asavean was already gone, the door closing behind her. Annike let out a deep breath she had not realised she was holding, and stared into space for a long moment before adjusting her hair, straightening her desk, and preparing for her next appointment - the Imperial secretary to Ammbassador Dino would certainly be as punctual as ever.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Silhouette of a crow.JPG|caption=The Sarcophan Delves rarely resort to force, preferring to use economic pressure. But that doesn't mean they ''can't''' resort to force...|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]|ambassador= Dino i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
==An Ultimatum==
* '''They have issued ultimatums to the Empire and every other nation on the Seven Seas'''
* '''The Sarcophan Delves will declare war on any nation that attempts to embargo third-party trade'''
* '''Their ultimatum has brought an end to the Plenum bounty on ships visiting the Empire'''

The Sarcophan Delves approached the Imperial Ambassador about the [[Theory_of_the_crows#A_New_Pact|creation of the Free Seas Pact]] six months ago. The Imperial Ambassador, concerned about potential conflicts with the [[Liberty Pact]] was cautious and ultimately declined to become involved. The Sarcophan plan was to convince the Empire to join, and then use that to put pressure on the Commonwealth and Summah and eventually get everyone to agree to the pact. When the Empire equivocated, the plan fell apart; without their endorsement the other nations felt able to ignore the Delves.

In the absence of Impreial support, the Sarcophan Delves have abandoned the a communal approach and decided to act unilaterally. They have sent missives to every major nation - the Empire, [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]], [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]], the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic]] - and numerous small nations announcing the imposition of the ''Pax Sarcophan'' - a public commitment from the Delves that they will not tolerate piracy of merchant vessels of other nations, they will not permit ''any'' nation to threaten international trade.

They have issued the Empire - and every other nation with an ultimatum. Individual nations may do what they like to nations they are at war with - war is a harsh reality of the world and arguably good for business anyway. But the Delves will not permit anyone trying to prevent uninvolved nations from trading with those they are at war with. Any attempt to do so, by any nation, will cause the Delves to declare war on them. The Delves may not have the largest or most powerful navy in the world, but they will cut off all trade with the nation and hire marines, mercenaries and pirates to harry their shipping across the Seven Seas.

Specifically, any nation that attempts to blockade ports against neutral parties, or employ bounties or other influence to encourage pirates and privateers to attack neutral trading ships, will find their own vessels targeted by Sarcophan captains. The Delves will also place bounties of their own on that nation's shipping and unlike others, the Sarcophan have contacts with several groups who would be more than happy to take up such bounties on a professional scale. They would also bring their economic might to bear - while they prefer to remain neutral in trading matters they would cut off ''all'' trade - imports and exports - with the target nation and use every tool at their disposal to encourage other nations to do the same.

For the Delves to wield political power in this fashion is unprecedented, but it is clear that the Beggar's Banquet is furious about the damage being done to international trade by the Asavean bounty on Imperial ships, and the recent blockade of the Sumaah ports. They have no interest in interfering in war between nations, but they will not tolerate attempts to try and prevent nations that are not involved trading with ''either'' side of a conflict.

It's not yet clear how the other great powers intend to respond to this extraordinary ultimatum by the Delves, but the Asavean Plenum is furious, for obvious reasons. Yet it appears they have also been left with little choice but to reconsider their current strategy of trying to block anyone from trading with the Empire. It perhaps helps the Sarcophan cause that the sheer cost of maintaining the bounty on ships visiting the Empire has become increasingly untenable for many of the Plenum families. The Asaveans have a much stronger navy than the Delves, but the thought of being at war with the Empire, Sumaah and the Delves at the same time was too much even for them. It seems the Delves might have succcessfully called their bluff.

Not long after the Sarcophan announcement reaches the Empire, word begins to spread that the Asaveans have withdrawn their bounty on Imperial ships. It will take a little while for the news to reach everyone, of course, but it is expected that foreign trade will begin to return to former levels and price increases will eventually settle back down again.

The ultimatum delivered to the Empire is posted in the same strident terms that it is delivered to other ambassadors - but the Sarcophan are keen to point out that the Empire is a major beneficiary of this new arrangements. They are insisting everyone acknowledge the ''Pax Sarcophan'' as the new law of the Seven Seas - but they are clear that it is the Asaveans who have been forced to change their ways and that the Empire need only sit back and enjoy the benefits. The Empire has ended slavery they say, and everyone has benefitted. Now it is time for the Delves to end the scourge of piracy, so that they too may contribute to a Virtuous world.

How the Ambassador responds will be vital to determine what happens next. It's ''possible'' that the Delves are bluffing and that they won't really break off trade with the Empire if they refuse to accpet the Pax Sarcophan. The Asaveans clearly thought they were serious enough not to risk that, but relations between Asavea and the Delves have been poor for some time. The ultimatum by the Delves is presented as a fait accompli - but the benefits they claim if offers seem real enough. Are those benefits worth accepting the authority of the Delves to impose their will on the Seven Seas in this way?

==Freed Trade==
* '''The costs to purchase from Sarcophan ministries should return to normal without the Asavean threats
* '''The Sarcophan Delves would prefer to retain the free-trade arrangement but are pragmatic about the situation
The bounty on ships reaching the Empire has been withdrawn, but it will take a little while for this news to reach the pirates and privateers currently attacking merchant ships. It will take a few months for the prices charged by Sarcophan [[ministry|ministries]] to return to normal, but it is anticipated that by the start of the Autumn Equinox the many markets the Delves service in the Empire will have returned to their pre-bounty positio - assuming this new Pax Sarcophan holds. This includes the ministries overseen by the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]], [[High Herbalist of Sybella]], [[Master of the Root and Stem]], [[Master of the Clearing House]], [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]], and [[Custodian of the Concordium Dock]], who all experienced an unfortunate one-fifth price increase due to Asavean interference..

At the moment the Delves are profiting from their relationship with the Empire. The profit margins might have narrowed a little, but they are still healthy. As the Imperial Ambassador points out, the Empire lets merchants from the Delves operate under a [[Tariffs#Free_Trade|free trade]] agreement, and the Beggar's Feast would be loathe to see that situation change. Ambassador Dino, however, has raised some questions about whether that situation will continue. The Beggars Banquet has discussed the matter at length, and while they would prefer to continue benefiting from the agreement they will understand if the Empire chooses to return them to a [[Tariffs#Mercantilist|mercantilist]] position. They'd rather not see that happen, obviously, but they are pragmatic about the chances it will.

It isn't a threat, but if the Senate chooses to move away from free trade, it will certainly impact Sarcophan enthusiasm for investing in the Empire. It won't stop it completely - but they are likely to focus their interests on the Alvetti estate in Sarvos, rather than look for ways to trade with the wider Empire, at least in the short term. And, as the Senate surely appreciates, the cost of tariffs is ultimately borne by the customer.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=200}}
==The Apothecaries Guild==
* '''The Kruidenkenner have asked the Guild Leader of the Apothecaries' Guild to get in touch
* '''One possibility they are interested in is potentially consolidating various markets into one larger market under the Guild's auspices
Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike mentions that representatives of the Kruidenkenner have been in contact regarding news of the newly established [[Apothecaries Guild]]. As they understand it, the new Guild has essentially assumed responsibility for trade in [[herbs]], [[potion|potions]], and the like? There is some interest here in establishing common ground. If the new [[Imperial Sodality]] has the same kind of status as the Kruidenkenner do, as the premier dealers in herbs and potions in the Delves, they may well be able to do business. One weakness of their current arrangements with the Empire is that their markets are scattered around and all need individual protection and such like. It might be possible to establish a more centralised market, working with the Apothecaries Guild. Or any number of other possibilities.

As such the Kruidenkenner have requested that Esmé [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|speaker for the Guild]], consider sending a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike detailing the scope and desires of the Guild, and whether they think there is a benefit in a closer relationship with the Kruidenkenner. They're particularly interested in whether the Guild would be prepared to cooperate on establishing a dedicated herbalist market in the Empire with the Sarcophan Delves.
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>
==Schyuler and Holberg==
* '''There is still interest in a cooperative venture to establish a port in Holberg
* '''Another possibility has been raised in the form of a proposal to drain the depths of the Great Pits of Ennerlund
* '''Schyuler Koopman is currently visiting with the Kleists of Holberg waiting to see if an appraisal can be secured
During the Winter Solstice Schyuler Koopman, a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever|Lijkkever]] families, [[Theory_of_the_crows#Kleistgast|visited Anvil]]. After the summit, they accepted an open invitation from [[Holberg]] to visit the city and became enthusiastic about the potential to [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Little_Beetles|establish a Sarcophan trading enclave]] in the northern Empire along the shores of [[the League]]. By all accounts there has been a similar level of enthusiasm in the city, and also among the Sand Fisher orcs of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]]. Schyuler proposed an [[appraisal]] to explore the best way to establish a port-town, and the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] initially [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|proposed]] commissioning [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to explore the possibility, but later [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Appraisal_of_Utterlund_Port|changed their mind]] in favour of an [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Building_Lighthouses|exploration of lighthouses]] (which has since been [[For those in peril on the sea|delivered]]).

There is obviously some disappointment among the port-enthusiasts, but Koopman remains optimistic that there is still a possibility for a joint Sarcophan-Imperial effort in the northern Empire. Schyuler Koopman himself has accepted an offer of hospitality from '''Bernhard''' and '''Lula Kleist von Ennerlund''' and has received cautious approval from the House of the Lijkkever to stay in the Empire a little longer. It's likely the industrious house is keen to recoup some of the losses they have apparently incurred in [[Axos]] by [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter|liquidating their interests]] in the [[A_better_future#Issyk|docks at Issyk]]. There has apparently been some discussion of draining the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]]; the Sarcophan have a great deal of experience working in marshy environments like the [[Holberg#The Morass|Morass]] that few in the known world can match and none surpass. Rather than the Lijkkever, there is interest among some of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena|Hyena]] families. While the Hyena themselves are not especially composed of miners, they obviously have extensive contacts with Sarcophan engineers and diggers of all kinds. Schyuler is able to confirm that if the [[Imperial Senate]] are prepared to ask ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' to appraise the matter there will be Sarcophan experts prepared to put themselves at her disposal. Of course, ideally, Koopman would prefer that happened ''after'' the matter of the port in Holberg is resolved.

(There are, of course, other ways to get an appraisal than via the Senate. It's possible that any such method could be used, and if it can be directed to work with Sarcophan, it will probably be just as effective as the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]] in finding an actionable way to approach either of these possibilities).

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is more philosophical about the matter - every great nation has uncountable numbers of things they need to deal with at any given time. Also, she received a well-written explanation and apology from a citizen of [[the Brass Coast]] that laid out the reasoning for the change - even had she minded to be irritated the letter would have settled her temper. While the Lijkkever and the Hyena are intrigued by possibilities in Holberg, the Ambassador need not worry about a risk of "offending" the Delves. Business is business. If the port, or the joint effort to drain the Great Pits of Ennerlud, go ahead that will strengthen Sarcophan interest in the Empire and bring healthy profits to those involved. If they don't... there'll be plenty of other opportunities in the future, most likely. The Delves as a whole has little particular investment one way or another in what happens in Holberg.
==The Coast is Open For Business==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mistress of the Glass Parador.jpg|caption='''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', Mistress of the Glass Parador|align=right|width=250}}
* '''An appraisal could be used to find ways to encourage the Sarcophan Delves to invest in the Brass Coast
* '''The Ambassador might propose something to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike
* '''A plenipotentiary from the Autumn Archmage might secure eternal assistance to encourage investment
* '''There is nothing to stop private citizens writing to the Bedelaar Huisbaas on behalf of the Brass Coast
{{SOP|statement=The Kruidenkenner of the Sarcophan Delves are not Prospering in Sarvos. We are a nation undertaking a grand renewal! Let us welcome these fine alchemists and traders, that our shared Ambitions will uplift us all. Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.|by=Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo|vote=Greater Majority 156-0|when=Spring Eqinox 387YE|size=small}}
'''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]], proposed a [[statement of principle]] during the Spring Equinox that proposed [[the Brass Coast]] would present a more amenable place to do business for the ''Kruidenkenner'' than [[Sarvos]]. "''Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.''" It's notable that ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Alama Vanderkleij'' who holds the Seat of the Hyena has [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail|already expressed interest]] in the possibility of investing in the Coast. She is very interested in selling mithril and artisan metals to Freeborn markets... but not until the immediate threat of the Children of Wrecks is addressed. The Hyena are not especially concerned about the pirate ships - they have worked with the DeBruin before and see no problem doing so again. They are much more concerned about the [[Spring magic]] that raises storms and floods and is almost impossible to adequately prepare for.

Following Ignacio's statement, however, there has been a surge of interest in the possibilities of closer trade ties with the Delves. One of the advantages the Sarcophan enjoy in Sarvos is the establishment (and concedence) of the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alvetti estates]]; could the Brass Coast offer a similar opportunity to the Delves? There are plenty of Sarcophan houses, families, and guilds who are eager to access not only the Brass Coast wealth of metals from [[Kahraman]] but also luxury goods such as [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Syrah|syrah]], Freeborn glass and fine cloth, rich spices, and the like. The staff at the [[Redoubt#The_Embassies_of_Cargo|Sarcphan Embassy]] have made a brief assesment of the situation and offered some advice to the Freeborn assembly.

Dealing with the Children of Wrecks is unlikely to be something the Brass Coast could do on their own but there may be other opportunities. The Delves have made it clear they're happy to cooperate with [[appraisal|appraisals]] aimed at improving trade with the Empire. The Senate - or perhaps even [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung|die Beurteilung]] - could find ways to allay the concerns of the Hyena, and encourage them to invest in the Coast even with the threat of the Children still ongoing.

Alternatively, the Imperial Ambassador might be able to present a proposal to the Delves that is appealing enough the merchants involved either put aside their concerns about the Children of Wrecks, or find the opportunity too good to miss and so invest in their own methods of ensuring the servants of Siakha are not a problem. The Imperial Civil Service think this would be something of a long shot however; it would need to be something truly appealing to the Sarcophan or one of the [[Founders of the Delves|Beggar Landlords]].

The [[Archmage of Autumn]] might be able to secure assistance from one of the great cities of the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]]. [[Ephisis]] is an obvious possibility, as are [[Prospero]] and [[Callidus]]. The Civil Service posit that a suitably worded [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] might be easily as effective as an appraisal here; but it would need to be the only request made to ensure if the archmage wanted to ensure it was picked.

Finally, there is nothing to stop private citizens writing to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike about possibilities such as this. While the Sarcophan ambassador is likely disinterested in investing herself, part of her role involves briefing the rest of the Beggar Landlords about opportunities to increase their wealth. The Civil Service have no idea how effective this might be, as it depends on too many random factors. But the fact the Freeborn assembly is behind the move might add additional weight. They also point out that there are other Sarcophan representatives in the Empire, several of whom are prepared to receive [[Call Winged Messenger|missives]] from Imperial citizens.

==Speaking of Trade...==
* '''Bedellar Huisbaas Annike has asked the Ambassador to perform basic "market research" on her behalf
* '''In return for ranking goods of interest to Imperial fleet captains the Ambassador will receive 5 Thrones
* '''The delves will use this information to adjust the goods offered in their ports
Currently there are two ports in the Delves available to Imperial merchant ships; [[Foreign_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] itself and the luxurious port of [[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]. The latter remains reasonably popular with Imperial fleets, but there has been a marked decline in the number of vessels visiting Sarcophan itself. The Delves have noticed shifts among the goods offered to captains visiting other ports around the known world, with a growing emphasis on local luxiries or practical substances. At the moment, Sarcophan itself mostly offers [[herbs]], [[beggar's lye]], and [[weltsilver]]. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has been tasked with asking the Imperial Ambassador for advice on the kinds of goods that might be appealing to Imperial traders.

In the past the Senate has been clear it does not favour the trade in recreational substances for the discerning customer - one reason Schedalhaven remains closed. Nor are they interested in Sarcophan apothecary such as might be acquired at the port of Moeraskriden. While these two kinds of trade goods are something the Sarcophan have in abundance, they are by no means ''all'' they can offer. Indeed, the Delves trade with people all over the known world. It's literally impossible for Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike to list everything the markets catering to Imperial fleet captains ''could'' provide.

As such she wishes to engage in some very basic assessments of the Empire's needs. Would the Ambassador be prepared to canvas the merchants of the Empire, and work out which of these broad categories of goods appeal to them?
* '''Luxury goods:''' primarily things that will sell well in the Empire (cash) or items designed for comfort or security
* '''Crafting materials:''' ingots and measures, things of interest to [[crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]]
* '''Bulk herbs:''' the five magical herbs, which the Delves have in abundance
* '''Medicines:''' potions and items for treating injury and disease or things useful to [[Surgical skills#Chirurgeon|chirurgeons]], [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] and [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]]
* '''Recreational goods:''' drugs, mostly
* '''Martial goods:''' potions and other consumables that empower warriors and battle-magicians; perhaps some magic weapons or armour
* '''Magical goods:''' substances of use to ritual magicians, perhaps some magic items
* '''Victuals:''' a catchall term for things people eat or drink that provide some kind of enhancement or ability in the right circumstances
If the Ambassador could send Bedelaar Huisbaas a list of these ten items in order from most appealing to least appealing, she is prepared to offer a small payment of 5 Thrones in recognition of the legwork involved. The list would be distributed to Sarcophan traders and serve as a basis for determining which kinds of goods and services to prioritise both for trade to fleet captains, and in opportunities appealing to the Empire, over the next few years. More detail in areas such as preferred herbs, or ideal materials, would be helpful.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Hahnmark in Bloom==
* '''An unfamiliar flower has begun to grow among the vlinderbloem cultivated by Hahnmark farms.'''
* '''The Kraft Brothers hope this may provide further business opportunities for the territory.'''
* '''''Renaten van Zuredruiven'' is interested in gathering draaikolkbloem to experiment with. They will arrive at the Tree of Names at 1pm on the Sunday of the Summer Solstice.'''
* '''Anyone who gives Renaten a draaikolkbloem will receive a dose of viezesmaak brewed with it in their pack next event.
[[Farm|Farms]] across [[Hahnmark]] have spent the past few seasons giving over patches of their land to growing "vlinderbloem" for the [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Brothers_Kraft|Kraft brothers]] - self-styled entrepreneurs from the Sarcophan Delves who use the rare flower to make the narcotic ''vizesmaak''. The harvest has been good and business has been smooth, but this past season's pickers have begun to report something strange. Another plant appears to be growing alongside the vlinderbloem, one they have not seen before.

The flower is difficult to spot. It’s a very similar shade of pink to vlinderbloem, but its petals seem to spiral endlessly inwards. It's difficult to say when exactly it began to appear, because the first few reports of it were discounted as imperfect batches of vlinderbloem. The Kraft brothers have coined the name “draaikolkbloem” for the new flower, but seem just as clueless as Hahnmark’s farmers as to where it has come from and why it is growing amongst their commissioned plants. However, the brothers smell business and are keen for the farmers accidentally cultivating the flower to investigate whether it has any properties which would make it worth selling.

A Sarcophan vintner holidaying at the Alvetti Estate is also curious about investing early. ''Renaten van Zuredruiven'' suspects that draaikolkbloem is similar enough in form to vlinderbloem to be able to use it to brew viezesmaak. They see the strange shape of the flower as simply further evidence of the rich terroir of the Hahnmark earth, and believe it could be a great selling point for the Wintermark-grown narcotic. They have hot-footed it to [[Anvil]] and expect to arrive at the ''Tree of Names'' at one in the afternoon on Sunday, where they will be very happy to take draaikolkbloem off Imperial hands. They will use the blooms to brew a batch of viezesmaak and return a dose each to everyone who offers a flower, for them to sample for themselves next season. They hasten to add that this is not a long-term business deal - they will make a loss on their experiments over the coming season, but they suspect that the knowledge gained will prove more than worth the coin sacrificed in the long run.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box> '''OoC info:''' This is what is what a draaikolkbloem lammy looks like: ''This pink flower's petals seem to spiral endlessly inwards. Once the spiral has captured your attention, it is difficult to look away. There is no mechanical effect when applying this flower to a character.'' </box></div>
As for how this strange flower has come to grow? There is no clear reason. Some point to the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|Penumbral Veil]] drawn across the territory these past seasons, and wonder if the [[Night magic]] has begun to leech into the very soil. Others say that it must be because Hahnmark soil is much richer in ores and minerals than the parts of the Sarcophan Delves usually given over to cultivation of blinderblorm, and that the draaikolkbloem must need these extra nutrients to thrive. Still others point to the [[Stars_and_sigils#Strangeness_in_the_Northwest|strange behaviour of animals]] in some areas of Wintermark lately, and wonder if the appearance of these plants is simply the flora responding just as the fauna already has been.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Highborn.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==The Art of the Tomb==
* '''The Council of Benefactors have endorsed certain Sarcophan merchants buying Highborn funerary goods'''
* '''Every business and mine in Highguard receives an additional 18 rings a season until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE'''
* '''Unfortunately this endorsement of a false faith has damaged the ability of the Highborn assembly to call out heresy and blasphemy for the same period'''
During the Spring Equinox ''Senna van Ijzer'', an art dealer associated with a small sect of the Sarcophan religion called ''De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen '' but usually referred to as "the Collectors", [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Tombs_and_Tribulations|spoke with the Council of Benefactors]] of [[Highguard]]. The Collectors hold a belief esoteric even by Sarcophan religious standards, that valuable objects depicting a deceased person's face hold immense value for buying a place in the Houses of Silence. This visit followed on from a recent opportunity for Imperial priests to visit the estate of one of the Delves' most beloved celebrities - ''Elian Vloss'', who is apparently themselves a Collector. The upshot of all this attention, is that Imperial iconography and funerary monuments are now extremely fahsionable among Collectors, and even growing in popularity with Sarcophan folk with less bizarre understanding of the Labyrinth.

Senna apparently signed an exclusive deal for Highguard white granite and stonemasonary, organising the transport of pieces for the long journey to the Delves. The deal will last until the start of the Spring Equino 388YE, during which all Highborn [[business|businesses]] and [[mine|mines]] receive an extra 18 rings production per season. Van Ijzer apparently hopes that by the end of that year, the reputation of Highguard stonemasons will be known internationally (with a little help from the Delves), and a better deal may be brokered.

The deal was not without controversy however. ''Mischa van de Libel'' is a priest of the Way from Sarcophan, a [[dedication|dedicant]] of [[Prosperity]], and a serious critic of the Collectors. They believe the fascination with Highborn art, iconography of the Way, and their own faces captured in Imperial white granite, is entirely superficial. The Collectors have never shown interest in the Way itself, only the beauty of its imagery and its fashionable nature. Mischa warned that signing Senna's deal ran the risk of devaluing the Way, of making it all too easy for its followers to be denigrated as putting profit ahead of principle. It's unfortunate but as news of the agreement spreads this very much appears to be the case, especially in the Delves.

Questions are being asked of the Highborn Assembly. Letters from concerned pilgrims of the Way in Sarcophan, and from some worried citizens of Highguard have been sent to both the '''Nicodemus of Balthazar's Vineyard''' the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]] and '''Keziah''', the [[Bishop of the Navigators]]. It also seems that the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] ''Präster'' are wasting no time pointing out that in their opinion the Highborn have sacrificed their [[Pride]] for a few handfuls of coin.

If nothing changes, the brunt of the problem will be met by the Bishop of the Navigators. The prestige of the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Cathedral_of_the_Navigators|cathedral]] will be significantly impacted. Both the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Merchant_Ministry|merchant ministry]] and the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Low Ministry|Low Ministry]] permanently lose their top level of production each season the deal with the Collectors continues (that is, following the Summer Solstice the ministry will lose the top level of each ministry and if the deal runs its course the Low Ministry will disappear entirely after the Winter Solstice, and the Merchant Ministry be reduced to a single level). The reputation of the Cathedral will likewise be impacted significantly the longer the deal goes on.

If the Highborn assembly wishes, they may choose to enact a [[mandate]] urging their people to stop trading with the Collectors.

{{Mandate|mandate=While the pursuit of prosperity is virtuous, the Collectors of Sarcophan have taken advantage of our Council of Benefactors. We send (named priest) to urge all those trading with the Collectors to cease doing so already.|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted - and it requires no liao - the named priest will be empowered to speak with many of those dealing with the Collectors and explain the problem. The trade will slow to a trickle and then stop. The benefit enjoyed by businesses and mines will be lost, and the damage to the Cathedral of the Navigators will likewise stop before it really gets started.

Unfortunately, this cannot be seen as anything other than a criticism of the Council of Benefactors by the Highborn Assembly. Confidence in the Council will recover eventually, but the amount of wains - of any kind - that the Council can apply will be halved following the event the statement is upheld, recovering by 2 wains a season thereafter until it is restored to full.

==Beneath the Bay==
* '''There has been some discussion of eternals related to the sea'''
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is prepared to host a visitor from the Department of Historical Research'''
* '''This would require a normal commission of historical research but cost the Senate 10 Thrones'''
* '''It would only require one historical research but would take six months to complete'''
* '''The chosen researcher would not be available for other projects during that time'''

As part of the discussion of Holberg, Schuyler Koopman, and the Lijkkever, the Imperial Ambassador enquired about "a possible eternal under the Bay of Catazar". Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is skeptical. Not about lighthouses - the Delves appreciate a good lighthouse as does anyone at peril on the sea. Rather, the idea that an eternal might be "under" the Bay of Catazar. Sarcophan magicians know well that eternals cannot enter the material world, existing as they do in their own [[realms]]. They may be connected to the realm of mortals through [[regio]] but the idea of an eternal physically in the world is impossible. Any theory that implies that is happening must therefore be wrong.

There was also a query from '''Allegra i Riqueza''' which clarifies the matter further. Apparently there is concern about an unknown [[eternal]] of the [[Realms#Winter|Winter]] emerging to threaten the Empire? Reference to ''kings of nothing and queens of the void'' means little to the Bedelaar Huisbaas herself, but has apparently sparked some recognition among some of the more peculiar members of magical society in the Delves.

There are plenty of Sarcophan magicians who have experience dealing with eternals with an interest in the sea - or more realistically in concepts and resonances expressed through the metaphor of water and the ocean. Propitiating ''[[Siakha|Maelstrom]]'' and trying to avoid her indiscriminate wrath (mostly, confesses the Sarcophan Ambassador, with limited success); trying to find ways to profit from the whimsical moods of the ''[[Rhianos|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]''; hosting visitors from the City of Salt and Sail and things of that nature. Each of the six realms has their own "take" on what the sea means, but personally Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike finds most of them effectively useless - too esoteric, dangerous, or just flat out peculiar to be of value when compared to the kind of assistance that can be secured by the Sovereign-Lords of the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Ocean]] (it's an interesting piece of trivia that some Sarcophan envision the Autumn Realm as a great ocean, with the cities built on islands, rather than the Iron Labyrinth favoured among Imperial magicians).

Almost grudgingly, though, Annike confirms that there was ''some'' recognition from some of the magicians she mentioned "a dangerous eternal of the Winter Realm tied to the sea" to. They refused to talk about it, however, and advised having nothing to do with it if at all possible. With the written equivalent of a sigh, then, the Sarcophan Ambassador proposes that in the event the Imperial Ambassador thinks any of this technical knowledge might be useful, she would be happy to host a visiting researcher from the Empire's [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]]. Doing so in the past has proved good for business after all. The researcher would need to spend time talking to magicians, and so she estimates an overall cost to the Empire of 10 Thrones. The research would take time - the [[Imperial Civil Service|civil service]] calculate it need six months due to the distances involved. The assigned researcher would not be available until the work was complete, but would only count as a use of historical research for the summit where it was commissioned. There's no rush on this - the Sarcophan magicians are not going anywhere.

The Civil Service point out that the value of this research will be heavily dependant on its scope; if there is a particular eternal they are interested in it might be best to ask about that rather than a more general query about spirits of the sea. It's well known that [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic|Sarcophan magicians]] have their own particular areas of interest just as Imperial nations do. There's also a risk that what works in the Delves for dealing with eternals will not automatically work for Imperial magicians. ''Caveat emptor'', as they say in Old Asavean.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black pearl and his shell.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==... And Finally==
* '''A Sarcophan coven called the ''Deep Water Spiritweavers'' want to acquire mysterious black pearls
* '''For a dozen of these peculiar treasures placed in an Ephsiis' Box with an anchor image, they offer a magical mask
* '''The offer is good for the Summer Solstice only
* '''They caution against including more than a dozen black pearls in any Ephisis' Box
Sevearl Sarcophan merchants visiting the Empire this season have become aware of a peculiar phenomenon in which [[The_last_leg#Pearls_Before_Swine|strange black pearls]] are being found by captains traversing the Bay of Catazar. Some of these Sarcophan have themselves come into possession of them. By coincidence, a Sarcophan magician visiting family at the Alvetti Estates was on board one of the ships who found one of these pearls and on reaching the docks immediately issued an offer to the fleet captains of the Empire. It appears that the magicians of the ''Deep Water Spiritweavers'' - a wealthy [[bands#coven|coven]] of Sarcophan dedicated to ship-based magics, will offer a ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' in return for 12 of these black pearls placed in an [[Ephisis' Scale|Ephisis Box]] along with a piece of parchment bearing a drawing of a ship's anchor. A ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' is a difficult to get hold of [[:Category:Foci|magical focus]] that apparently offers a small boost to the ability to perform any ritual that enchants a [[fleet]] - regardless of the "school of magic" (that is, the Realm) to which it belongs. The mask will be delivered by the start of the Autumn Equinox.

It is important, stresses the Deep Water Spiritweaver, than ''only'' twelve pearls be placed in a given box. More than that and the coven will be unable to take ownership of these minor trinkets, and thus will not deliver the mask. The magician refuses to go into detail but suggests that if more than twelve are placed in a single Ephisis box there is a serious risk that the pearls will simply be lost or worse.

('''OOC Note:''' Anyone who takes advantage of this offer will still need to meet with the heralds of Ephisis on Sunday morning, to confirm who will receive the mask. The ribbon will go into the characters' inventory. An ideal phys-rep for such a mask is a white or gold half-face mask with an anchor on the forehead, but with one of the eye sockets sealed, or covered in gauze. It apparently represents ''The Mariner'', a [[Dramaturgy|dramaturgic]] [[Dramaturgy#The Personae|persona]] used to perform magic that strengthens or supports, or that acquires practical information)
{{Sarcophan Links}}

Damming the Doubt

2025-07-16T22:15:56Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"What's going on?" whispered Bertolli to the others.

"Shush!" hissed Neave, putting her finger over her lips and glaring at the bravo. She paused for just long enough to be sure he'd got her meaning. "The mystagogue is reaching out to the ancestors..." she said in a voice laden with tension and mystery.

Bertolli raised an eyebrow. "She's what now?" he blurted out, his face a mask of incredulity.

"Shush!!" The rebuke was louder this time, as more people in the crowd turn round to direct their animus at the bravo. He waited for them to turn back before wrinkling his face in contempt at the crowd's back, followed by taking a noisy slug from the skin of wine he was carrying.

In front of them, the mystagogue began to rock back and forth, while two orcs accompanying the orc priest took out drums and began to beat them to a slow, sombre tempo.

He sidled over, to stand next to Neave. "Bet you 3 rings fuck all happens," he said, with what he hoped was a cheeky grin.

Naeve glared at him again. "You're not going to ''see'' anything, you complete prick. She's... connecting to her ancestor... or something... I don't know. It's sort of like an anointing, isn't it? But for orcs. Something like that."

"Right. And we're all stood round watching this thrilling entertainment... when we could be getting drunk... or...?" He waved the half-empty wineskin and winked lasciviously at his friend and occasional lover to indicate how he'd rather be spending the afternoon. Naeve rolled her eyes and elbowed him in the midriff. Bertolli winched. "Shut up!" Naeave hissed. "That's the only thing you're ''connecting'' with tonight."

Ahead of them, both the tempo and the volume were increasing. Even a sceptic like Bertolli could feel something. It was almost like his heart was pounding in time with the beat, even as the drummers picked up the speed.
</ic>
<div style="float: left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Solen's Doubt.png|caption=The River Doubt presents an opportunity for the orcs of Mareave, but also the League citizens of Apulian.|width=350px}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Winter Solstice, plans were raised to [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Way_Less_Taken|dam the River Doubt]] in [[Spiral#Apstrus|Apstrus]], as part of ongoing efforts to relieve the [[Region_qualities#Arid|aridity]] of the region of [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]] in [[Mareave|Mareave]]. This would be no small undertaking. Portions of the region would become a sizable reservoir for the Doubt's waters, but some of that water would still wend its way through lower Apstrus down to the [[Spiral#Apulian|city below]]. The River Doubt would not be redirected wholesale though it would be much reduced - but a good portion of it would be redirected to Icarion.

This is not without complications. The abandoned spire of ''Solen's Doubt'', which sits by the river, was the site of the [[Spiral#Recent_History|bloody battle]] in which the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|{{Black Plateau}}]] was awakened to its current state some five years ago. The woods where the battle took place are undoubtedly haunted, and, compounded with the dangers of the {{Black Plateau}}, it will require the intervention of the [[Towerjacks]] or a [[Bound by Common Cause|suitably enchanted army]]. Any such army will be subject to the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|implacable effects of the madness]] that lies in wait in the heart of [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]], always awake and always listening for troubled thoughts.
==The Aid of the Dove==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ylenwe001.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''Ylenwe is prepared to offer assistance but cannot do so without amity or an Empire wide enchantment like Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths'''
It seems that that a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipoteniary]] message has been sent to the [[Realm#Day_Eternals|Day Eternal]] [[Ylenwe]], ''Zie of the Perfect Morning''. This curious [[eternal]] has a somewhat chequered history with the Empire. Zir exact relationship to the [[Cold Sun]], the eternal who attacked the Empire not so long ago, has never been entirely clear. Zie has shown a particular willingness to assist with the Empire's recovery from the destruction caused by the ''scions'' of ''Oblivion''. Some might cynically call this the act of the guilty, but whatever the reason, the eternal seems eager to help. One of zir [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Heralds|heralds]], a pearlescent floating orb calling itself ''Convergent Form'' has approached representatives of the [[Imperial Conclave]]. The herald explains that the ''Dove'' is quite willing to assist in [[Spiral]] and will offer aid to anyone who travels there with the intent of helping with this project.

Moreover, zie will not ask for anything in return for this aid, but the task is difficult and would require a substantial effort on zir part. Unfortunately, such effort is not physically possible with [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]] alone. ''Zie of the Perfect Morning'' would require the Conclave to grant zir the benefits of [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] for the duration that the aid was required in order to be able to help. Amity grants an eternal the power to use their powers freely in the Empire; without the license of the Conclave to act freely zie cannot do this.

In theory, there is one alternative; if the Empire was enchanted with [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]] or a similar enchantment of [[Day magic]], that would also give the eternal the scope to act in this regard. Since [[Interdiction#Interdicted_Items|rituals of this kind are interdicted]], Convergent Form assumes this is unlikely. But the herald does add that should the Empire resume its interest in finding the perfect harmonies of the ''higher resonance'', this is a matter on which ''Chimes of Water'' would be most interested to host a discussion - but zie will not do so while it is a prohibited matter.

Convergent Form does relay one final addendum to this offer. If the Conclave were willing to extend to ''Zie of the Perfect Morning'' the trust of friendship for a whole year - and the Dove were to continue to demonstrate zir willingness to aid those who seek a more perfect harmony in the world and in themselves - then the Perfect Morning would present plans for a [[fane]] that the Empire could construct in Spiral, with the active purpose of providing more sustainable protections for those travelling in or defending Spiral against the influence of the {{Black Plateau}}: to augment, of course, the wonderful efforts of the constructors of [[Spiral#The_Block|the Block]] in this regard.

A fane would enable Ylenwe to provide protection from the effects of the {{Black Plateau}} to travellers all over the territory ''or'' to a single [[Imperial army]] each season. It would also allow ''Zie of the Perfect Morning'' to study the strange chaotic maelstrom of discordance and magic that forms the Plateau's malign aura.
==The Words of the Synod==
* '''While there is support for the dam in some assemblies, others are more cautious'''
{{SOP|by=Rafael Barossa d'Apulian|statement=The remains of Leaguers are usually cremated and thrown into one of the great rivers of the Empire. It is only right that the soldiers of the Towerjacks and Wolves of War who died at the battle of Solen's Doubt should have the same opportunity - let us dam the river Doubt and finally give our soldiers the funerals they deserve. We welcome other nations' efforts to ensure their dead are treated with respect.|vote=Upheld with a Greater Majority (306-68)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE|size=small}}
Many soldiers from across the Empire lost their lives in the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_(Spiral)|Battle of Solen's Doubt]], many of whom were buried in the ''Fallen Valley'', the ideal spot to create the new reservoir. Five nations collectively lost thousands of soldiers in the final battle against the [[Grendel]], [[Urizen]], the [[Imperial Orcs]], [[the League]], [[the Brass Coast]], and [[Varushka]]. Would their national assemblies want to speak about a plan that involves flooding the final resting place of the brave soldiers who gave their lives trying to free Spiral?

The League's National Assembly appears to have embraced the plan wholeheartedly. '''Rafael Barossa d'Apulian''', [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Sevenfold Path]], has spoken of the appropriateness of this plan to flood the site of the battle, in line with Leaguish customs regarding cremation and scattering the ashes in the waters of its great rivers. Of course, the graves at Solen's Doubt do not contain cremated bodies for the most part, but the meaning is clear.

Moreover, Rafael has welcomed other nations' efforts to ensure their dead are treated with respect. The Imperial Orc and the Varushkan National Assemblies have each made clear what that respect looks like to them.
===The Wards of the Restless===
* '''The Varushkan Assembly can use a mandate to urge Volhovs to create wards in Apstrus'''
* '''If the mandate is enacted then the dam and those working on it will not be threatened by ghosts'''
{{SOP|by=Nisha Strascovich|statement=We, the Varushkan Assembly, support the creation of a reservoir in Spiral on the graves of fallen Varushkan soldiers. We request that their deeds be recognised and wardings placed on any dams involved.|vote=Upheld with a Greater Majority (338-0)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
The Varushkan request is clear enough. They support the creation of the dam, but wish that the deeds of the dead be recognised and wardings placed on the dam itself. This is a wise plan for the land here is stalked by the ghosts, a legacy of a brutal battle in which thousands died in anguish and horror. Only the brave travel here and only when they have few other choices.

[[Hold Back Frozen Hunger]] will keep the spirits of the dead at bay but the ritual is expensive and far too short lived to help here. Wards constructed with [[hearth magic]] are not as reliable as ritual magic, but they are cheaper and they last much longer. Once the wards are placed, only a deliberate attempt to disturb them is likely to remove their protection.

Such wards are common throughout the world, but few people have the experience and skill in creating them as the Varushkans, especially their [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Volhov|volhovs]], who are masters of the art. Their expertise with the [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Wards|hearth magic of wards]] honed over generations in response to the harsh toll imposed by their monsters that lurk beyond the circle of light. There is nobody better suited to create such wards, but for the fact that Spiral is a long way from Varushka. A successful mandate would be enough to persuade enough volhovs to make the journey.

{{Mandate|mandate=Let us bar the door to the shadows of the past. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge volhovs to create the wards needed to make the dam in Apstrus safe. Do not leave the road.|assembly=Varushkan Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted then those volhovs who are able to will travel to Apstrus to help create the wards needed to keep the restless spirits of the dead at bay. They can't do anything for the baleful influence of the {{Black Plateau}}, but they can make the dam safe, and they can make it safer to work on the dam. The mandate will be sufficient to ensure that the dam and the people working on it are protected from ghosts and other restless spirits.

===The Bones of the Fallen===
* '''Illarawm mystagogues are travelling to Apstrus to recover the bones of the fallen'''
* '''League congregations can preach Loyalty to protect the mystagogues from the dangers of the {{Black Plateau}}'''
* '''Carving the names of the fallen on the stones used to build the dam will increase costs by 5 thrones'''
{{SOP|by=Gralka|statement=Bleak was the battle that fought through the valley as a vivid black sunset cast the plateau's shadow over us all. So many lost, that have remained silent, still, dead. Names lost in the malaise of Solen's Doubt and war. To you who would build in this place and wipe clean wars blood face. We the Imperial Orc National Assembly ask that you, the builders, let us send our bonetenders to reclaim the remains of our fallen and chart their names or marks in the bricks of the dam.|vote=Upheld with a Greater Majority (56-0)|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
The Imperial Orc request is somewhat more difficult, as it emphasises the need to collect the bones of the fallen. The [[Tamazi]] bonetenders are happy to help support that, but their work focuses on ritual magic that [[Imperial_Orcs_magical_traditions#Ancestors_and_Rituals|combines dramaturgy with veneration of the ancestors]]. Quite a few bonetenders are interested in discussing dramaturgy with the League, but it is the mystagogues of the [[Illarawm]] who are most eager to collect the bones of the fallen.

Such work is already underway across the Empire (with the exception of [[Urizen]]), as part of the [[Venture#The_Bone_Pilgrimage|bone pilgrimage]]. It is easy for those in the south who are engaged in this great work to focus their efforts for the next few seasons on Solen's Doubt. Given the overwhelming [[greater majority]] decision of the Synod they are already making preparations to do just that.

The one problem is that those collecting the bones of the Imperial Orcs ancestors usually avoid this part of the Empire, and with good reason. The pernicious influence of the {{Black Plateau}} represents a constant potentially devastating danger, especially to orc priests who can't create their own [[anointing|anointings]] to help resist the effects of the thing that lurks at the heart of the territory.
<div style="float: right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_League.png|width=300px}}</div>
After the Spring Equinox there is an [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|additional preaching action]] available to League characters with [[congregation|congregations]] in Spiral - ''Preach Loyalty by protecting the mystagogues''. This urges members of the congregation to sacrifice their time to help with the bone pilgrimage, recovering the bones of those Imperial Orcs who died at Solen's Doubt. Choosing this action means the priest is preaching [[Loyalty]] with a specific focus on encouraging their congregation to travel to Apstrus to protect the Illarawm mystagogues. This means that they will be part of the Loyalty assembly at the Spring Equinox (and will remain so until they take a different downtime preaching action next season). Any citizen who holds a title that requires them to be a member of a different Virtue assembly would automatically lose their position.

Those who choose this option are assumed be travelling to Apstrus personally, with members of their congregation. They will receive no [[liao]] from their congregation following the Spring Equinox - any liao available will be needed to provide anointings and other [[aura|auras]] that can protect from the influence of the {{Black Plateau}}. There are currently only four League congregations in Spiral that can help; if none of them are available to help, the mystagogues and others orcs travelling to Apstrus will be in great danger.

The other request of the Imperial Orc Assembly was that the names of the fallen be carved into the stones used to build the dam. That is relatively easy to accomplish - the civil service can dig out the records of the names of those who fell and hire masons to carve their names into the stones. It will be expensive however, increasing the material costs of the work by 5 thrones. If the Empire raises a [[Senate motion]] to authorise the work then the motion should indicate if these additional costs are going to be shouldered.

Note that this opportunity is ''not'' available to Urizen congregations in Spiral, even though they are in a League territory. The initial mandate that established the bone crusade did not achieve a greater majority, and so has had little impact among the priests of Urizen.
<div style="float: right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Freeborn.png|width=200px}}</div>

===The Voice of the Pensive===
* '''There is still time for the national assemblies of the Brass Coast and Urizen to speak on the matter'''
The two nations whose assemblies have not expressed an opinion on this matter are the Brass Coast and Urizen. The former surprises nobody. The Brass Coast regard life as a matter for the living; if there are fewer ghosts there than other lands perhaps it is because the Freeborn sail into the labyrinth with hearts full of honest passion, free from regret. Perhaps a glass or two of syrah can be raised for the dead of the Doubt... and then the living can get on with life. There is no reason why the Freeborn Assembly ''must'' concern themselves with the dead of the Doubt beyond that if they choose not to. Many of the fallen Freeborn will have been [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Funerals|cremated]] after all.

The Urizen take a more [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Funerals|balanced approach to death]], on the whole. Few are sentimental about the body - the flesh is just a transient vessel for the soul on its way to enlightenment - but most think that bodies ought to be treated with respect. Only their Assembly could decide if more work is needed to ensure those Urizen who died at Solen's Doubt are appropriately interred.
<div style="float: right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Urizen.png|width=200px}}</div>
But what of Solen's Doubt itself? There are none still alive from that unfortunate place... but their writings remain in the library at the spire's heart. Should those writings be preserved in some way, or is it better that the dark waters of the reservoir take them? If the National Assembly chooses to speak with a [[greater majority|clear voice]] then it could guide sentiment on how much effort the nation should go to, to preserve the Spire's legacy.

==Resolution==
The Varushkan Assembly [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_96|enacted a mandate]], empowering '''Nisha Strascovich''' to call for the volhovs of Varushka to travel to Spiral to prepare to ward the foundations of the new dam. '''Fabio Costas d’Apulian''', '''Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below''', and '''Merlof Von Temeschwar''' travelled with the mystagogues preaching loyalty and offering them spiritual succour. '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' made a [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56|well-regarded statement]] in the Urizen assembly that passed with a Greater Majority. Finally, the Conclave [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ylenwe,_Amity|granted Amity to Ylenwe]], opening the door for her to offer her aid to the dam project. The outcome of the statement by Halkyon and the amity granted to [[Ylenwe]] should be available in the [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune for the Summer Solstice]].

The [[Imperial_Senate|Senate]] has yet to [[Commission|commission]] the [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Way_Less_Taken|Dam of the Doubt]], which must happen before the work can be carried out by an [[Imperial_army|army]]. The holders of titles able to commission [[Edifice|edifices]] of a suitable size, such as the [[Master_of_the_Koboldi#Commission_stone_construction|Master of the Koboldi]] or the [[Chair_of_the_Wolf#Commission|Chair of the Wolf]] would also be able to commission the dam and allow an army to begin the work.

==Further Reading==
* [[Spiral]] and [[Mareave]]
* [[Speak_to_me#Zie_of_the_Morning|Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring Equinox wind of fortune detailing the plenipotentiary with Ylenwe
* [[Million_miles_of_water#The_Way_Less_Taken|Million miles of water]] - 386YE Winter Solstice wind of fortune proposing the initial opportunity

* [[The play that came to Apulian]] - Companion wind of fortune relating to magical happenings in the city of Apulian
* [[Our eyes in Spiral]] - Companion wind of fortune relating to the efforts of the Vigilance assembly to expose threats in Spiral

A better future

2025-07-16T18:16:57Z

Wrenna: /* Librarian and Bursar */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>"You'd think they could have waited until your corpse was cold," said Tamera angrily. On the street below the balcony were two large wagons. Furniture and furnishings were being unloaded from one with some care, and loaded into the other with a slapdash lack of concern for any damage.

Maxatious sipped his porcelain bowl of black herbal tea without any obvious display of emotion. Tamera realised he was probably feeling ''serene'' right now. She winced internally at what kind of emotional state he would be in when the drug wore off.

"After all the years of service..." she tried again. It was clear she was significantly more upset than her uncle was.

Maxatious waved it away.

"It's simply good statecraft," he said, his voice level. "Someone was going to have to take the fall, and it makes sense that it is me. I am a little irritated I didn't see it coming, if I am honest. I think it might even be for the best when a stratagem like this takes me by surprise. The settlement is more than satisfactory to see out the rest of my years, and even if it had not been I do not think the version where I fled to be with my 'friends in the Principalities' would have ended half as well. My home is here, and I doubt the Jarmish would be especially welcoming given the circumstances."

"It just makes me angry," said Tamera. "To treat you like this, all to make some conniving -"

He cut her off with a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Now, now," he said, a little distantly. "There really is no need to be so angry on my behalf. Our ancestors know what happened here, and so does everyone who counts. Anyone who doesn't know, doesn't count and can be ignored. Given a choice between my good name and the safety of our country, I would make the same decision every time."

He put his empty tea bowl down on the little mahogany side table, his hands surprisingly steady for a man who had barely an hour ago given the most humiliating speech of his long life. He looked across to his offices for the first time, and the ghost of a frown briefly appeared on his brow before fading into the quietude that filled his spirit.

"Please don't fret," he said. "You're welcome to stay but I have something rather important to get to and I'd appreciate you leaving me to it for an hour or two. There's a certain letter I have been looking forward to writing, and I think the sooner I get it done the better."

The shadow of a smile, grim as death, flickered over his lips and then was gone, his face returned to the quiet, self-contained mask of serenity. But something shadowed his dark eyes that belied that fleeting tranquility.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the [[It_never_happened#Solokha|reclaimation of the ruins of Solokha]]. There are still pitfalls, though. The Axou are proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world. They are members of the [[Liberty Pact]], but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. In recent months, the small nation to the south of [[the Mallum]] is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther''.

That upheaval has taken an unexpected turn as Spring fades away. For the last decade and a half, the Axou Ambassador to the Empire has been ''Ilarch Maxatios'' of the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]. They were the primary point of contact for Imperial citizens wishing to communicate with the smaller nation, although they often seemed exasperated by the attitudes of the much larger neighbour to their west. As the Summer Solstice approaches, it becomes apparent they are no longer the diplomatic advisor to the Grand Ilarchs of the nation.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=Fintan Nighthaven of [[Navarr]]|status=Foreigner}}
==School and Scandal==
* '''A breach of the Liberty Pact has been identified by Fintan Nighthaven'''
* '''The Axou Grand Ilarchs have denied all knowledge and placed responsibility squarely on Ilarch Maxatious'''
* '''The scandal has lead to the formal creation of a Grand Council to deal with national affairs'''
* '''Ilarch Maxatious' failure has seen them removed from their position as ambassador'''
Ambassador '''Fintan Nighthaven''' has apparently sent an extremely concerned note to Ilarch Maxatious demanding an explanation for the "''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art''". Reportedly a collaboration between the [[Axos#Halls_of_Maykop|Halls of Maykop]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]], studying war magic. There seems to be little doubt that such a facility is a clear breach the [[Liberty Pact]] for a number of reasons. It contravenes both the principle requirement that "''no signatory to the pact will provide meaningful military assistance to any nation that finds itself at war with a signatory of the pact''" and the Summer 384YE amendment that "''all signatory nations will apply a [[Tariffs#Embargo|trade embargo]] to Jarm''." As the Ambassador points out, the existence of the School is sufficient grounds to expel Axos from the Liberty Pact
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fintan8448.png|caption=Fintan Nighthaven, Ambassador to Axos, has been singled out for particular praise.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
By all accounts after the letter arrived, the outraged Grand Ilarchs of the other four citadels demanded an explanation from ''Grand Ilarch Keloparia'' of Maykop. The details are not public knowledge as the meeting took place behind closed doors, but the official statement from Axos is very clear. A faction within Maykop acted without the oversight of the Grand Ilarch herself, and under the very nose of Ilarch Maxatious who ultimately should have been alert enough to ensure that this scandalous error did not take place. As such, the Grand Ilarchs have demanded the resignation of Maxatious which he has since provided. The ''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art'' has closed its doors, and the Jarmish left in no doubt as to the reasons for this happening.

A further outcome of the meeting is a shake-up of the political situation at the highest ranks of Axos. ''Grand Ilarch Kyther'' of [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Kaban]] has been calling for greater cooperation between the citadels for some time, and this revelation of a potential breach of the vital Liberty Pact has proven the need for unity. As such a formal Grand Ilarch's council will now replace the former, informal gathering of the leaders of the five citadels. It will meet four times a year, with each citadel taking it in turns to host, to ensure that no one citadel is able to make the kind of decision that might endanger the entire nation.

The first order of business for the Grand Council is to replace Ilarch Maxatious. After extensive discussion they have appointed ''Ilarch Kario Skopos'', a scion of the Skopos family of the [[Axos#Chambers_of_Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]. One of the requirements the Grand Ilarchs have placed, however, is that Ilarch Skopos must renounce their ties to their citadel for as long as they hold the post. Instead, they will be known as ''Ilarch Skopos of [[Axos#Spires_of_Solokha|Solokha]]''. Where Maxatious was often accused of being partisan to the benefit of the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]], ''Kario'' will remain neutral in the politics of the citadel, reporting directly to the Grand Council and representing their will, and through them the will of the people.

The second order of business for the Grand Council of Axos is to thank the Imperial Ambassador Fintan Nighthaven for their forbearance and understanding in this matter, and the excellent advice they delivered regarding ways to deal with this unfortunate development. Without their insightful words, and the warning that Ilarch Maxatious was mishandling the situation, this could easily have become a major crisis for the nation and their friendship with the Empire.

The civil service are of the opinion that this is all very clearly a political play by one or more factions within Axos. The idea that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop might have been unaware of a faculty working with Jarm to develop martial rituals is absolutely inconceivable. Ilarch Maxatious has clearly been required to "take the fall" for this embarrassment. The new ambassador is just as clearly a political appointment - not very much is known about them but it is very likely they are connected to the [[Victory_and_unity#The_ambitions_of_Kyther_Deianeira|unity movement]] of Grand Ilarch Kyther. The Axou are doubtless ''very keen'' to ensure that the Empire not share their discovery with the other members of the Liberty Pact. There is no doubt that Sumaah and the Commonwealth would immediately demand Axou be expelled from the pact, and expect the Empire to support them, if they were made aware of it by a credible source ('''OOC Note:''' This means a formal communication from either the ambassador to their nation, or the [[Voice of Liberty]]. A casual [[Call Winged Messenger|missive]] from an unknown Imperial citizen is very unlikely to produce any reaction).
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|caption=Given the beliefs of the [[Axos religion|Axou religion]] The establishment of the Unified Convocation may be a matter of concern for the [[Imperial Synod]].|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==Unified Convocation==
* '''A new Unified Convocation has been established in which a number of Axou sects have formed a tentative philosophical alliance
The Grand Council is not the only change rippling through Axos society. In the wake of the recent cleansing of Solokah, Theodosia of Ipotavo has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At the moment it takes the form of a humble temple surrounded by tents, but it is what it represents that might be of interest to the Empire. Several of the [[bands#sects|sects]] who worked on the reclamation of the haunted ruins - and it is worth noting that that work is still continuing as the last ghosts and hauntings are dealt with - have come together to establish a "Unified Convocation" - the ''Enias Sinklisis'' in the old language of the Nikitis Axou.

It's clear that this convocation is modelled somewhat on the Imperial Synod, or at least its General Assembly. So far only a fraction of the Axou sects have indicated their intention to become part of it - and others are refusing point blank to have anything to do with it. It's not clear at this point how much influence the Convocation will be able to wield; the Axou as a people may accept the religion they share but few priests possess any political power. What is certain is that the Grand Ilarchs will not allow it to pose a threat to their own power.

Further details are limited, not least because the Unified Convocation itself is still very much in its early days, but the [[Imperial Civil Service|civil service]] suggest that while this change is likely due to the hard work of Theodosia, the obvious spiritual powers she wields, and the success of the Solokha project, it is also very much in line with the plans of Grand Ilarch Kyther Deianeira and their populist plan to unify and strengthen the nation against outsiders.

From an Imperial point of view, this could be a problematic development. It is all too easy to forget that the fundamental tenets of the Axou religion is that the Creator is evil, the Labyrinth is a torture chamber, and the Imperial Synod is a tool for keeping humanity under the heel of an unspeakable spiritual tyrant.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArtisanOil.jpg|caption=Axos is home to a number of strange substances refined by the apothecary-sorcerers of the nation.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Black Sailed Ships==
* '''Axos welcomes Imperial fleet captains
* '''The quayside of the Chambers of Issyk are once again available to Imperial ships
Ilarch Skopos is pleased that one of their first roles in their new position is to speak to the Empire about trade. For some time now there has been only one port available to Imperial vessels - the port of Kantor. In the past it has primarily focused on common trade goods, but now that the conservative Maxatious is no longer advising the merchants that is likely to change. More excitingly, the new Axou Ambassador is happy to extend an invitation to Imperial fleet captains to visit the newly restored port of [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Issyk]].
===Kantor===
* '''Kantor no longer offers Orichalcum'''
* '''Instead it offers Axou consumables - Sable and Blackened Key
Following advice from Ambassador Nighthaven, the port of [[Foreign_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] no longer provides [[orichalcum]] to Imperial vessels. Instead, a standard Imperial [[fleet]] that [[Fleet#Trading|trades]] with Kantor will receive two doses of ''Sable'' and one dose of ''Blackened Key''. The former is a thick black syrupy liquid with a pleasant taste that quietens unpleasant feelings and is much favoured by everyone from high-status political leaders to the lowest competitor in the Axou fighting pits. The latter is a drug that may be familiar to the Empire that allows the user to [[voice for the dead|speak to the dead]] without the need to cast a spell.
===Issyk===
* '''The port of Issyk has reopened to Imperial captains
* '''It now provides a range of Axou esoterica
The docks at the [[Foreign ports#Chambers of Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]] have been reopened and are also available to Imperial traders. There has been some sort of [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter|commotion]] involving the [[Sarcophan Delves]] and an attempt to get out of some kind of investment that delayed the matter for a season but it has now been resolved. Ilarch Skopos is noncommital about exactly how the investment issue has been resolved, but there are reports of inhumanly tall figures with skin the colour of polished metal being spied on the docks. Intervention from the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn realm]] perhaps? Regardless, Imperial fleet captains can trade with the Chambers following the Summer Solstice. The markets of Issyk specialise in Axou esoterica - primarily peculiar consumables harvested and prepared by the apothecary-sorcerors of the citadels.

Instead of normal goods, fleets visiting Issyk will receive the following trade goods.
* '''Luxury goods''' such as cunningly woven shrouds, death masks of bone and wood, subtly unsettling icons and statuettes, tomes of blapshemous and heretical philosophy and the like. This is represented by cash, but characters are encouraged to create peculiar examples of Axou art as souveneirs for use on the field.
* '''Bonedust''' - This mildly poisonous material is apparently literally made from ground bone (along with several other substances native to Axos). It is reportedly used by Axou priests without access to [[liao]] when they perform [[Religious skills|spiritual ceremonies]]. It is also known to provide peculiar, dreamy visions of death and the dead.
* '''Tombstone''' (also known as ''Tarfos'') - a powder that when consumed insulates one from the emotion of fear. It is very popular with Axou soldiers, pit fighters, criminals, and a small number of very dangerous ritual magicians. Repeated use of Tarfos apparently increases the threat of death - not because it is particularly venomous but because an absence of fear can lead to users failing to run away from obviously fatal situations.
* '''Serenity''' - a prestigious drug that causes sensations of absolute calm and tranquility when consumed. It is apparently much favoured as a recreational substance by wealthy Axou who appreciate the ability to put aside the worries of their day and relax despite all the challenges of existing in such a dog-eat-dog society as the citadels of Axos.
* '''Lamia''' - a magical salve favoured by Axou battle-magicians and practitioners of Winter lore. It reportedly acts a little like [[vis]], but with a narrower application. It provides power to rituals of [[Winter magic]] that involve [[Winter magic#Survival|personal survival]], although it is also known to have some odd effects on those who use it.

Skopos mentions that these substances are somewhat dependant on supply, demand, and fashion. More so than Kantor this might lead to a volatile situation where the actual trade goods available from Issyk might change without warning. All part of the excitement of international trade!
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj5.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
==The Tyrants of the Mallum==
* '''The ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' trade cartel thanks the Imperial heroes who helped rescue a popular agema from the Druj
* '''The Ambassador's assurance the Empire plans to destroy the Druj has been well received in Axos
* '''Grand Ilarch Dancie Terricos of Ipotavo is sending an emissary to discuss related matters with General Gabriel Barossa
* '''The emissary will arrive in Anvil at 12.30 on Sunday afternoon
Ilarch Skopos offers thanks to the Empire for their aid in the [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Changes_(Therunin)|rescue of Menoetius of Issyk]]. As a representative of the ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' trade cartel, and a respected ''agema'', what could have been a blow to the morale of the eastern nation has instead become a public-relations coup for the Empire. There had been talk that the ''Khiklotu Khrysoú'' may have considered withdrawing from investment in the Empire; with a glowing testimonial from one of their ranking membres that seems unlikely in the immediate future. It is very likely that the timely resolution of this situation has also contributed to the decision of the Chambers of Issyk to expedite an invitation to Imperial traders to visit their newly expanded quayside.

Perhaps just as relevant, Fintan Nighthaven has offered bold assurances that the Empire has no intention of letting the Druj - who had captured Menoetius and intended to turn them into a [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls|tortured soul]] - to go unchallenged. They say that not only will [[Therunin]] be recovered but the [[Sarangrave]] and the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] will also one day be freed from the blight of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel|Buruk Tepel]]. Their statement is apparently spread around the citadels and is very welcome especially in Ipotavo and Kaban who are all too familiar with the threat of the Druj.

With that in mind, Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of Ipotavo - once a general with a great deal of respect for Imperial soldiers - has instructed Ilarch Skopos to inform the Empire that she will be sending an emissary to speak with '''Gabriel Barossa''', the [[general]] of the [[Towerjacks]] on a related matter. The emissary is expected to arrive at [[Anvil]] at around half-past-twelve on Sunday afternoon, and Skopos hopes that Ambassador Fintan and either the general or his adjutant can meet with them. Grand Illarch Terricos understands that there are any number of reasons that this is not ideal, but it is the earliest the emissary can reach Anvil this season.
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterRUne.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
==Winter Magic==
* '''The Halls of Maykop offer an opportunity to cooperate on the codification of an Imperial arcane projection
* '''The decision is in the hands of the Imperial Conclave
* '''A single order could be guided to visit Maykop and help codify a chosen projection
* '''The Shuttered Lantern might be able to make particular use of this opportunity
The new ambassador, Ilarch Kario, also presents an offer from the Grand Ilarch and the faculty of Maykop. The political embarassment of some of their staff working with slavers has inclined them to reconsider past reticence to work with Imperial magicians. According to Ambassador Fintan, the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''', has repeatedly enquired about collaboration on matters of [[Winter magic]]. Given that the Empire has been so understanding about the unfortunate business with the ''Prince Mila School of the Belligerent Art'' they wish to invite the [[Imperial Conclave]] to send a group of magicians to visit the Halls of Maykop and collaborate with Axou scholars on the codification of a new Winter ritual. Out of recognition for the honour the Empire does them by recognising that their understanding of the [[Realms#Winter|Wasteland]] is greater than that of the Empire, they propose to produce two copies of the [[ritual text]] - one for their own extensive libraries and one for Imperial magicians.

To take advantage of this offer, one of the [[Grandmaster|grandmasters]] must use a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]] to visit Maykop. They must also name an [[arcane projection]] of the Winter realm that has a magnitude no higher than twenty. It will cost the Conclave 20 crystal mana to direct an order as usual. If this is done during the Summer Solstice, some members of the order - those most experienced in the codification of new rituals - will visit Maykop. By the start of the Autumn Equinox, a ritual text of the chosen arcane projection will be delivered to the grandmaster.

In addition to the ritual text, there will be a chance to gather a little information about magical matters related to Maykop's understanding of the Winter realm. The nature of that discovery will depend on the order chosen, and will be delivered as a few paragraphs in the winds of fortune rather than an individual briefing.

There is one other minor consideration here. If the order that takes advantage of this opportunity is the [[Shuttered Lantern]], then after the event and before the close of downtime the Grandmaster my email {{plot}} and confirm that the magicians they are sending will steal something from the libraries of Maykop. If this is done the Grandmaster will receive a second ritual text. The Shuttered Lantern are experts; the librarians of Maykop will not immediately notice the theft. That is not to say they will ''never'' work out what happened - especially if any Axou is ever in a position to see a proprietary Winter ritual being cast by Imperial magicians.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Nathair9261.jpg||caption='''Nathair Autumngale''', Advisor on the Vallorn|align=right|width=250}}

==Librarian and Bursar==
* '''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop has requested an opportunity for some of her students to spend a season at the Great Library of Hacynian
''Mistress Isephenia of Maykop'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy - has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now. She organises a small group of students from Axos [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|studying in the Empire]], and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits|House of Spirits]] in [[Casinea]] in conjunction with '''Rinnah''' of the [[Highguard_groups#The Shattered Tower|Shattered Tower]], the [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]].

Without needing to go through the Axou Ambassador, she has raised a request. Several of her students are interested in spending a semester at the [[Advisor_on_the_Vallorn#The_Great_Library_of_Hacynian|Great Library of Hacynian]]. Obviously, when the initial invitation to visit places of higher learning in the Empire was offered, the Library had not yet achieved its current status as the greatest repository of lore about the [[vallorn|Doom of Terunael]] in the world. The last thing she would wish to do would be to cause any kind of "international incident" so she requests that the Bursar liase with the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] and see if it would be possible to achieve official permission to visit the library.

Either the Bursar of the Adisor should send a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. They could of course also politely decline, request some favour in return, or do nothing at all. Mistress Isephenia knows all about the complicated balancing act of academia. Ideally, though, if it is possible they'd like a chance to do so sooner rather than later.

The civil service advise a degree of caution following the request. Mistress Isephenia is not offering any particular benefit to the Empire with this request, and while acceding to it will likely improve the attitude of the visiting students it will also mean that Axos will quickly know as much about the vallorn as the Empire does - which might not be the best thing in the world given the presence at the heart of their nation of the vallorn of [[Terunael_in_Axos#History_of_the_Axos_vallorn|Visokuma]]. At present the Axos seem well inclined to support any attempt to link up the vallorn, but that position could well change if they realise what such an event might portend. The Empire ''might'' be able to survive a massive excursion by the vallorn, but it is much more doubtful that Axos could.

==The Good Doctor==
* '''A respected esoteric doctor with a special interest in memory loss is visiting Anvil
* '''He intends to visit the Anvil Hospital to begin with but is interested in seeing the sights
* '''The doctor has requested an audience with the Ambassador to Axos
* '''He is due to arrive at around 14.00 on Saturday
News of a potentially delicate matter comes to the Embassy shortly before the Solstice, regarding a prestigious visitor to Anvil. Doctor Anastsis of Issyk is planning to make a visit to the Empire during the Summer summit. Anastasis is apparently a respected practitioner of magical medicine, and an acknowledged master of dealing with maladies relating to memory loss. Ilarch Skopos is a little vague on the reasons the good doctor is coming to Anvil - although the implication is more that Anastsis has not ''told'' the Axou Ambassador rather than that they are trying to conceal them. Described by a few visitors to the citadels who have met him as "polite, precise, and disturbingly well-informed", he has let it be known that he is particularly interested in seeking individuals who’ve lost years of their memories either through trauma or ill-advised ritual experimentation. Anastsis would like to meet the Ambassador to Axos himself, cryptically citing them as “the only one who refused the offer of a creature that dwells between places.”

Ilarch Skopos obviously expresses the hope that Doctor Anastsis' visit should go without a hitch. While he is mostly only known in very specific esoteric circles in Axos he does come from a well-connected family and it would be quite problematic if anything bad happened to him. He is expected to arrive at Anvil some time around two in the afternoon on Saturday, and plans to begin his visit at the Anvil Hospital.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Other Evander Slak.jpg|caption=Evander Slak was briefly a fixture at Anvil, always happy to deal with Imperial customers.|align=left|width=200}}</div>

==Finally, An Appeal for Help==
* '''Evander Slak and Hippolata of Kaban seem to have disappeared
* '''A small reward is offered for information about their wherabouts
One last matter concerns a pair of Axou merchants who visited Anvil several times over the last few years selling Axou herbs and potions. ''Evander Slak'' and his business partner ''Hippolata of Kaban'' apparently retired last year with a large sack of Imperial money to their homes in the rebuilt [[Axos#Tunnels of Kaban|Tunnels of Kaban]]. However, there is some concern that the pair have since gone missing; neither they nor their small fortune has been seen in some months and Ilarch Skopos passes along concerns from the Grand Ilarch of Kaban that these two mini-celebrities might be in trouble. If anyone in the Empire has any idea where they might be, or can find out where they have gone, there will be a small reward related in size to the precision of the information.

Obviously there's no suggestion the two have done anything wrong, just a concern that they might be in trouble and need assistance.
{{Axos Links}}

Sinokenon

2025-07-16T13:39:22Z

Wrenna:

<ic> Unity is not a virtue. But it has never said it was, I suppose.</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=SinokenonArt.jpg|title="Turning Mirror" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge.|caption=''The Turning Mirror'' favours societal structures based on loyalty, and clear hierarchies.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===

Sinokenon is apparently a word in an extinct language meaning ''Unity''. It is often referred to with a name that translates as some synonym of "unity" in an appropriate local language.
__TOC__
Other common names include ''The Apex Hyperion'', ''That Which Lies Above All'', ''The Way of Hierarchy'' and ''That Which Lives In Its Name''. Other names reflect its interest in predictable change, such as ''The Argent Mantra'', ''The Turning Mirror'' or ''The Wheel of Light''. Although some depictions of it superficially resemble the full moon, it strongly rejects any such comparison, and one way to raise this eternal's wrath is to reference this with a name such as ''Old Master Moon'', ''Lunar Silver'', or any of a number of such epithets.

Some older texts call it ''The Throne of the Sun'', but some scholars claim this is an incorrect translation from an older tongue. They argue that the word "Throne" in this name more properly means "that which holds in place", and related words mean something akin to "law", "binding", or "the way of reality". According to this viewpoint, it would be more proper to call Sinokenon ''That Which Holds The Sun In Place''. Opponents of this view point out that the sun is very much ''not'' held in place, moving across the sky from east to west each day. The emergence of the [[Cold Sun]] in 385YE has caused some scholars to revisit what was once an academic discussion; there is some speculatation that it hints at a relationship between Sinokenon and this "new" eternal.

In the Commonwealth they refer to it as ''die Einheit'', and have cordial relations with it and its ministers, while in [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] magicians call it ''il Sovrano'' and claim it as a magical patron of their Plenum. In [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] by contrast, it is called ''Dumma måne'', and contact is forbidden by the House of [[Vigilance]].

==Appearance==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire"> It is not a mirror. This is the first and most important lesson. Learn it, and keep your life.</quote></div>
As with [[Leviathan]], few mortals claim to have actually seen Sinokenon directly. It is usually encountered as a blinding light and a clear voice. Occasionally magicians have described encounters with a great turning mirror, a shimmering sphere, or mass of rings that are in constant motion. Some even speak about encountering a metallic construct or a stern but calm figure, usually in the garb of [[Highguard]], [[Urizen]] or [[Navarr]], but most scholars believe these are confused encounters with heralds acting on Sinokenon's behalf. Most audiences involve high-ranked bureaucrats of Sinokenon's vast ''Sovereign Ministry'', in which each herald occupies a strict and proper place so that the ''Apex Hyperion'' might most efficiently discharge its will. While no herald of Sinokenon would conceive of disobeying it, its will is often slow to manifest. Outside of their clear instructions from above, the ministers of ''That Which Is Above All'' often pursue their own agendas and advancement within the hierarchy, and may send out their own servants in turn to deal with mortals.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''A Chave e o Portão'', author unknown">it is not of the sky - it is the firmament itself.</quote></div>
Most accounts of the realm of Day agree that it is split into "levels" - the waters that form the foundation are the domain of [[Leviathan]]; the point where the sky and the sea meet contains the demenses of [[Roshanwe]], [[Zakalwe]], and [[Ylenwe]]; and the skies is the domain of [[Phaleron]], [[Kimus]], and [[Sinokenon]]. Most sources agree that it Sinokenon itself is strongly associated with the highest point of the Realm, as Leviathan is located with the deepest. Some ministers of ''Turning Mirror'' claim that "the highest point of the Day Realm" and "Sinokenon" are two ways of saying the same thing. When servants of the Sovereign Ministry are asked about where, exactly, the domain which they govern from is to be found, they simply smile, and explain that they operate "from within the Silver Directorate itself" or "within and with all necessary authority". They do not act as if they are concealing a secret nor creating a mystery - such things are anathema to Day. Whatever they mean by these explanations, it is clear that they hold the truths contained within to be self-evident.

==Concerns==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire">What is, is. The world is the world is the world. It is what it is.</quote></div>
Sinokenon has two main concerns; the creation and operation of hierarchies, and the concept of predictable change. It encourages others to band together, usually into hierarchical societies but not always. While Sinokenon likes defined hierarchies (and clearly believes they are the best social model), it encourages individuals to form communities and create something greater than the sum of the parts.

According to certain ministers, Sinokenon itself knows that every society has a single correct form: that they should all be "like unto a perfect lattice, contained within a greater lattice". In simple terms: all should have a place, and be in their right place, and have those who owe fealty to them and those to whom they owe fealty in turn. That is simply the best way of running society; it is self-evident; all other ways of structuring a society will eventually fail and prove the correctness of this position. However, a society must not be forced to adopt this approach. It encourages individuals to form communities and create something greater than the sum of the parts, believing that, over time, they will slowly begin to see the evident and total wisdom of the strictly hierarchical approach it prescribes.

Sinokenon strongly opposes radical or revolutionary urges. While it is in principle happy to engage with post-revolutionary societies after they have ceased their period of extreme instability, it will turn its face from any place undergoing such events. It believes strongly that traditional practices are good and ought to be maintained unless a full justification can be given for their ceasing, because they are manifestations of truths forgotten.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Silver Book'', a heretical collection of the teachings allegedly derived from the Apex Hyperion">Full is the fool who fetches the fence from their field without first finding full favour for the farmer who laid its foundation.</quote></div>

It is fascinated by the idea of [[loyalty]], and the way that the Empire has put it close to the heart of its society. It believes that the ideal hierarchy has leaders who are responsible to those they lead and those who in turn lead them. The ideal laws are those that encourage behaviour that supports society, and that promote the good of the many over the needs of the few, or the one. However, it disapproves of the way that the Empire encourages people to decide for themselves where their loyalties lie, and its ministers compare this habit to throwing a lodestone into a fire until it forgets itself. It is far better, in the eyes of the Silver Ministry, for all loyalties to be ultimately directed in one direction, towards one purpose. For this reason, it favours autocracy over more republican and democratic forms of government. It is apparently very interested in the philosophy of Leonitz Altmann which forms the basis for the Commonwealth's shared unity, and it has a particular fondness for the daeva of that land. It sees the daeva's natural inclination towards "making the world a better place", along with their relatively short life spans in which they might achieve this, as an excellent vehicle for continuous, steady improvement.

Its interest in slow changes extends beyond the societal. It promotes the idea that sudden change or change for its own sake is as damaging as stagnation. It believes that perfection is inevitable, and that each person has the potential to reach their perfect state, to be the perfect piece within the perfect hierarchy. Something that is ideal no longer needs to change, because it has reached its apex. Sinokenon's ministers imply that to reach the truest ideal state is what it means to be Sinokenon, and only It can achieve this. Sinokenon is known to be fascinated by the Imperial faith and the idea of individual (and thus presumably societal) perfection through multiple reincarnations: it chimes with its belief in eventual idealism. Frustratingly, it has little interest in theological discussions, being more interested in examining the structures of the [[Imperial Synod]] than discussing the philosophy of the Way. It simply believes that there is a way things are and a way they ought to be, and anything that can prepare the path there - such as the refinement of a soul over multiple lifetimes - is of course useful to that end.

Sinokenon also encourages the idea that the future can be extrapolated from current or past events. By studying the way events unfold, it is possible to learn to predict what will happen in response to certain other events. If it has an obvious blindspot, it is that it underestimates the ability of individuals to disrupt situations, or exert unpredictable influence over events. It has made suggested in the past that it is prepared to help civil service prognosticators with their projections, but a combination of this weakness in its models and the fact it requires those it aids to submit to its authority, have meant they have not been taken up save in the most limited ways.

The Empire is, fundamentally, of interest to Sinokenon because it sees in it an aspiration to create an ideal society. It is also known to be fascinated by several foreign nations, especially [[the Commonwealth]], approving of their ambition to unite everyone into a single society. It is reported to be fascinated by the [[Sumaah Republic]], apparently seeing something that mirrors its own self in their strongly ordered society which aspires towards a perfect form. The Sumaah, for their part, view it as a dangerous entity that seeks to assume control of the entire world and as such proscribe interaction with it. Indeed, given the way the eternal's ministers talk about hierarchy and lattices, their caution might not be misplaced.

==Boons==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire"> You can't trade with it. That isn't how the relationship works. Trade is a thing that equals do together.</quote></div>
Sinokenon is adept at creating bonds between individuals, and has special interest in [[Groups#Covens|covens]], [[Groups#Banners|banners]] and other forms of [[Groups#Bands|band]]. It seems to dislike temporary co-operation and instead prefers individuals to form groups of increasing size and complexity. It sometimes fosters cooperation between such groups, and has in the past lent crystal orbs that function in a manner similar to a [[Web of Celestial Attunement]], which are called "Wheels Within the Wheel". On a few occasions it has helped individuals come together to form different types of bonded group, providing a boon that mirrors the [[Arcane Mark]] effect combined with an ability similar to [[Traitor's Fate]] that can only be invoked on those members below one in the group hierarchy.

It is known to be fascinated by the [[egregores]], which serve as foci to help unite a large group of people. According to some reports, it sent ministers to speak to the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] magicians who developed the original ritual, to encourage them to create spirits capable of uniting individuals into a strict hierarchy. They received short shrift; the Freeborn had no interest in perverting their magic. It tried again when the [[Urizen]] created their own egregore and while there was slightly more interest in an effect that might make it easier for members of the nation to cooperate with one other, Sinokenon's aid was ultimately politely declined.

The ''Apex'' is able to slow or reverse transformations, but also to encourage changes that it considers help an individual move towards their ideal state. In particular, Sinokenon can offer ways to decrease the expression of a person's [[lineage]] if they consider the touch of the realms upon them has grown beyond their liking. It also likes to encourage changes that help an individual move towards their ideal state. It has in the past sent ministers to listen to the troubles of the powerful, offering counsel and allowing them to unburden wild emotions into the still mirrors of Day. There are said to be places in the mortal world that are dedicated to this purpose - usually containing Day [[regio]] - and at these places it is easy for people to unburden unwelcome emotions, dull aching hearts, and find clarity. This is the gentler form of what is otherwise a relatively strange and potentially troubling Eternal: but it is no less part of its remit.

On a more mundane level, Sinokenon has a great many agents and servitors that form part of its hierarchy. Its senior ministers are powerful in their own right, with their own domains and areas of expertise and control, but it is also able to offer the assistance of supernatural warriors. One boon that has been seen several times is a focus that makes it easier to perform [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]], embodying spirits of the Day realm to fight in mortal conflicts. This represents a pattern in Sinokenon's military aid; it prefers to support individual [[military unit|warbands]] rather than empower entire armies - an approach referred to by one minister as "Raising the Foundation". It is rumoured, though never confirmed, that in the peak of the desperation of Empress Brannan, she met with Sinokenon and asked it for an army from its realm, to be under her personal command. It replied that it would agree to the request: if she would swear fealty to it, and grant it the Imperial Crown as a concrete act of fidelity. If this truly ever happened, clearly, the Empress clearly did not agree to its offer.

Sinokenon also has access to a great deal of information, especially about societies, political structures, and large-scale events. If it has a weakness it is that it is better at suggesting developments and outcomes in the future than discussing the causes and subtleties of events. Interestingly, some Apulian [[orc]] practitioners of "[[Grendel#Magic|Sky magic]]" have their own stories of Sinokenon. There is apparently a legend that a minister of the eternal was involved in the events that brought together the scattered tribes of [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Attar]], that would one day become the [[Grendel]]. If the stories are to be believed, it offered counsel and support to the orcs working to unite the tribes under their banner. Apparently that same minister's advice is still sought by Grendel magicians to this day, providing them with limited access to a predictive ability that in very narrow ways mirrors the abilities of the civil service prognosticators.

[[Category:Eternals]]

Sinokenon

2025-07-16T10:52:53Z

Wrenna: /* Appearance */

<ic> Unity is not a virtue. But it has never said it was, I suppose.</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=SinokenonArt.jpg|title="Turning Mirror" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge.|caption=''The Turning Mirror'' favours societal structures based on loyalty, and clear hierarchies.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===

Sinokenon is apparently a word in an extinct language meaning ''Unity''. It is often referred to with a name that translates as some synonym of "unity" in an appropriate local language.
__TOC__
Other common names include ''The Apex Hyperion'', ''That Which Lies Above All'', ''The Way of Hierarchy'' and ''That Which Lives In Its Name''. Other names reflect its interest in predictable change, such as ''The Argent Mantra'', ''The Turning Mirror'' or ''The Wheel of Light''. Although some depictions of it superficially resemble the full moon, it strongly rejects any such comparison, and one way to raise this eternal's wrath is to reference this with a name such as ''Old Master Moon'', ''Lunar Silver'', or any of a number of such epithets.

Some older texts call it ''The Throne of the Sun'', but some scholars claim this is an incorrect translation from an older tongue. They argue that the word "Throne" in this name more properly means "that which holds in place", and related words mean something akin to "law", "binding", or "the way of reality". According to this viewpoint, it would be more proper to call Sinokenon ''That Which Holds The Sun In Place''. Opponents of this view point out that the sun is very much ''not'' held in place, moving across the sky from east to west each day. The emergence of the [[Cold Sun]] in 385YE has caused some scholars to revisit what was once an academic discussion; there is some speculatation that it hints at a relationship between Sinokenon and this "new" eternal.

In the Commonwealth they refer to it as ''die Einheit'', and have cordial relations with it and its ministers, while in [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] magicians call it ''il Sovrano'' and claim it as a magical patron of their Plenum. In [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] by contrast, it is called ''Dumma måne'', and contact is forbidden by the House of [[Vigilance]].

==Appearance==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire"> It is not a mirror. This is the first and most important lesson. Learn it, and keep your life.</quote></div>
As with [[Leviathan]], few mortals claim to have actually seen Sinokenon directly. It is usually encountered as a blinding light and a clear voice. Occasionally magicians have described encounters with a great turning mirror, a shimmering sphere, or mass of rings that are in constant motion. Some even speak about encountering a metallic construct or a stern but calm figure, usually in the garb of [[Highguard]], [[Urizen]] or [[Navarr]], but most scholars believe these are confused encounters with heralds acting on Sinokenon's behalf. Most audiences involve high-ranked bureaucrats of Sinokenon's vast ''Sovereign Ministry'', in which each herald occupies a strict and proper place so that the ''Apex Hyperion'' might most efficiently discharge its will. While no herald of Sinokenon would conceive of disobeying it, its will is often slow to manifest. Outside of their clear instructions from above, the ministers of ''That Which Is Above All'' often pursue their own agendas and advancement within the hierarchy, and may send out their own servants in turn to deal with mortals.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''A Chave e o Portão'', author unknown">it is not of the sky - it is the firmament itself.</quote></div>
Most accounts of the realm of Day agree that it is split into "levels" - the waters that form the foundation are the domain of [[Leviathan]]; the point where the sky and the sea meet contains the demenses of [[Roshanwe]], [[Zakalwe]], and [[Ylenwe]]; and the skies is the domain of [[Phaleron]], [[Kimus]], and [[Sinokenon]]. Most sources agree that it Sinokenon itself is strongly associated with the highest point of the Realm, as Leviathan is located with the deepest. Some ministers of ''Turning Mirror'' claim that "the highest point of the Day Realm" and "Sinokenon" are two ways of saying the same thing. When servants of the Sovereign Ministry are asked about where, exactly, the domain which they govern from is to be found, they simply smile, and explain that they operate "from within the Silver Directorate itself" or "within and with all necessary authority". They do not act as if they are concealing a secret nor creating a mystery - such things are anathema to Day. Whatever they mean by these explanations, it is clear that they hold the truths contained within to be self-evident.

==Concerns==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire">What is, is. The world is the world is the world. It is what it is.</quote></div>
Sinokenon has two main concerns; the creation and operation of hierarchies, and the concept of predictable change. It encourages others to band together, usually into hierarchical societies but not always. While Sinokenon likes defined hierarchies (and clearly believes they are the best social model), it encourages individuals to form communities and create something greater than the sum of the parts.

According to certain ministers, Sinokenon itself knows that every society has a single correct form: that they should all be "like unto a perfect lattice, contained within a greater lattice". In simple terms: all should have a place, and be in their right place, and have those who owe fealty to them and those to whom they owe fealty in turn. That is simply the best way of running society; it is self-evident; all other ways of structuring a society will eventually fail and prove the correctness of this position. However, a society must not be forced to adopt this approach. It encourages individuals to form communities and create something greater than the sum of the parts, believing that, over time, they will slowly begin to see the evident and total wisdom of the strictly hierarchical approach it prescribes.

Sinokenon strongly opposes radical or revolutionary urges. While it is in principle happy to engage with post-revolutionary societies after they have ceased their period of extreme instability, it will turn its face from any place undergoing such events. It believes strongly that traditional practices are good and ought to be maintained unless a full justification can be given for their ceasing, because they are manifestations of truths forgotten.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Silver Book'', a heretical collection of the teachings allegedly derived from the Apex Hyperion">Full is the fool who fetches the fence from their field without first finding full favour for the farmer who laid its foundation.</quote></div>

It is fascinated by the idea of [[loyalty]], and the way that the Empire has put it close to the heart of its society. It believes that the ideal hierarchy has leaders who are responsible to those they lead and those who in turn lead them. The ideal laws are those that encourage behaviour that supports society, and that promote the good of the many over the needs of the few, or the one. However, it disapproves of the way that the Empire encourages people to decide for themselves where their loyalties lie, and its ministers compare this habit to throwing a lodestone into a fire until it forgets itself. It is far better, in the eyes of the Silver Ministry, for all loyalties to be ultimately directed in one direction, towards one purpose. For this reason, it favours autocracy over more republican and democratic forms of government. It is apparently very interested in the philosophy of Leonitz Altmann which forms the basis for the Commonwealth's shared unity, and it has a particular fondness for the daeva of that land. It sees the daeva's natural inclination towards "making the world a better place", along with their relatively short life spans in which they might achieve this, as an excellent vehicle for continuous, steady improvement.

Its interest in slow changes extends beyond the societal. It promotes the idea that sudden change or change for its own sake is as damaging as stagnation. It believes that perfection is inevitable, and that each person has the potential to reach their perfect state, to be the perfect piece within the perfect hierarchy. Something that is ideal no longer needs to change, because it has reached its apex. Sinokenon's ministers imply that to reach the truest ideal state is what it means to be Sinokenon, and only It can achieve this. Sinokenon is known to be fascinated by the Imperial faith and the idea of individual (and thus presumably societal) perfection through multiple reincarnations: it chimes with its belief in eventual idealism. Frustratingly, it has little interest in theological discussions, being more interested in examining the structures of the [[Imperial Synod]] than discussing the philosophy of the Way. It simply believes that there is a way things are and a way they ought to be, and anything that can prepare the path there - such as the refinement of a soul over multiple lifetimes - is of course useful to that end.

Sinokenon also encourages the idea that the future can be extrapolated from current or past events. By studying the way events unfold, it is possible to learn to predict what will happen in response to certain other events. If it has an obvious blindspot, it is that it underestimates the ability of individuals to disrupt situations, or exert unpredictable influence over events. It has made suggested in the past that it is prepared to help civil service prognosticators with their projections, but a combination of this weakness in its models and the fact it requires those it aids to submit to its authority, have meant they have not been taken up save in the most limited ways.

The Empire is. fundamentally, of interest to Sinokenon because it sees in it an aspiration to create an ideal society. It is also known to be fascinated by several foreign nations, especially [[the Commonwealth]], approving of their ambition to unite everyone into a single society. It is reported to be fascinated by the [[Sumaah Republic]], apparently seeing something that mirrors its own self in their strongly ordered society which aspires towards a perfect form. The Sumaah, for their part, view it as a dangerous entity that seeks to assume control of the entire world and as such proscribe interaction with it. Indeed, given the way the eternal's ministers talk about hierarchy and lattices, their caution might not be misplaced.

==Boons==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire"> You can't trade with it. That isn't how the relationship works. Trade is a thing that equals do together.</quote></div>
Sinokenon is adept at creating bonds between individuals, and has special interest in [[Groups#Covens|covens]], [[Groups#Banners|banners]] and other forms of [[Groups#Bands|band]]. It seems to dislike temporary co-operation and instead prefers individuals to form groups of increasing size and complexity. It sometimes fosters cooperation between such groups, and has in the past lent crystal orbs that function in a manner similar to a [[Web of Celestial Attunement]], which are called "Wheels Within the Wheel". On a few occasions it has helped individuals come together to form different types of bonded group, providing a boon that mirrors the [[Arcane Mark]] effect combined with an ability similar to [[Traitor's Fate]] that can only be invoked on those members below one in the group hierarchy.

It is known to be fascinated by the [[egregores]], which serve as foci to help unite a large group of people. According to some reports, it sent ministers to speak to the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] magicians who developed the original ritual, to encourage them to create spirits capable of uniting individuals into a strict hierarchy. They received short shrift; the Freeborn had no interest in perverting their magic. It tried again when the [[Urizen]] created their own egregore and while there was slightly more interest in an effect that might make it easier for members of the nation to cooperate with one other, Sinokenon's aid was ultimately politely declined.

The ''Apex'' is able to slow or reverse transformations, but also to encourage changes that it considers help an individual move towards their ideal state. In particular, Sinokenon can offer ways to decrease the expression of a person's [[lineage]] if they consider the touch of the realms upon them has grown beyond their liking. It also likes to encourage changes that help an individual move towards their ideal state. It has in the past sent ministers to listen to the troubles of the powerful, offering counsel and allowing them to unburden wild emotions into the still mirrors of Day. There are said to be places in the mortal world that are dedicated to this purpose - usually containing Day [[regio]] - and at these places it is easy for people to unburden unwelcome emotions, dull aching hearts, and find clarity. This is the gentler form of what is otherwise a relatively strange and potentially troubling Eternal: but it is no less part of its remit.

On a more mundane level, Sinokenon has a great many agents and servitors that form part of its hierarchy. Its senior ministers are powerful in their own right, with their own domains and areas of expertise and control, but it is also able to offer the assistance of supernatural warriors. One boon that has been seen several times is a focus that makes it easier to perform [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]], embodying spirits of the Day realm to fight in mortal conflicts. This represents a pattern in Sinokenon's military aid; it prefers to support individual [[military unit|warbands]] rather than empower entire armies - an approach referred to by one minister as "Raising the Foundation". It is rumoured, though never confirmed, that in the peak of the desperation of Empress Brannan, she met with Sinokenon and asked it for an army from its realm, to be under her personal command. It replied that it would agree to the request: if she would swear fealty to it, and grant it the Imperial Crown as a concrete act of fidelity. If this truly ever happened, clearly, the Empress clearly did not agree to its offer.

Sinokenon also has access to a great deal of information, especially about societies, political structures, and large-scale events. If it has a weakness it is that it is better at suggesting developments and outcomes in the future than discussing the causes and subtleties of events. Interestingly, some Apulian [[orc]] practitioners of "[[Grendel#Magic|Sky magic]]" have their own stories of Sinokenon. There is apparently a legend that a minister of the eternal was involved in the events that brought together the scattered tribes of [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Attar]], that would one day become the [[Grendel]]. If the stories are to be believed, it offered counsel and support to the orcs working to unite the tribes under their banner. Apparently that same minister's advice is still sought by Grendel magicians to this day, providing them with limited access to a predictive ability that in very narrow ways mirrors the abilities of the civil service prognosticators.

[[Category:Eternals]]

User:Twiggy

2025-07-15T20:15:54Z

Wrenna: Created page with "🫡"

🫡

Root and branch

2025-07-14T21:29:45Z

Wrenna: /* Between Zenith and Sarangrave */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Root and branch.jpg|caption=The Empire rises to the challenge of the Sarangrave|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Golden Sun and Blue Skies==
Spring turns toward Summer in [[the Barrens]]. It is, and has always been, a wild territory and the stewardship of [[Dawn]] is unlikely to change that any time soon. It can be a little disconcerting how beautiful the place can be, given the history of this vast tract of land that has been torn between Empire and [[the Mallum]] for centuries. For all the death, all the blood spilled and all the sorrow, it is still a living, vibrant place. Flowers explore across [[The_Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]], [[The_Barrens#Murderdale|Murderdale]], and the [[The_Barrens#The_Carmine_Fields|Carmine Fields]]. [[Farm|Farms]] well-established and newly carved out burgeon with grain across the western Barrens, under the bright sun and the dark blue skies. Further east, there are hunters in the woods and the high hills - [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]] after deer and boars, nobles after more deadly prey.

In the north, the [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin|Rahvin]] are in command of the [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]]. They do not welcome visitors - save for those who fought alongside them and helped their sept survive the violence unleashed by the [[Gryphon's Pride]]. Even those who risked their lives to help them are not truly welcome, but they at least are not turned away. They much trust they have earned, paid for in blood. Perhaps, in time, this might widen into a wider accommodation. They are too buy for trade anyway; harvesting wood and stone to build homes, forging mithril and iron into weapons and shields for their [[Imperial army|army]].

In the south, along the borders with benighted Therunin, the [[Great Forest Orcs]] have finished restoring their settlement - and building an odd [[weirwood]] [[fortification]] to protect it. By all accounts they and their Navarr allies are preparing for the horror to come as the [[vallorn]] spreads through the [[Druj]] controlled territory.

There are Navarr spread across the Barrens now, establishing small settlements hear and there near their [[orc]] allies or near [[Keeper_of_the_Last_Battle#Last_Battle_Wayhouse|Last Battle Wayhouse]] in [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|the Bleaks]]. The [[Not to conquer#Karass|Karass]] do not welcome them, not even a little bit, and glare at their backs when they think they are not looking. Yet for now at least they restrict themselves to glares, and the odd griping comment to anyone who will listen. They rarely come out and say it but they seem to resent the [[wayhouse]] more, perhaps, than they have ever openly resented the Dawnish conquest of their homes.

In the east, Dawn keeps the garrison at [[The Barrens#Houndsgate|Houndsgate]] well supplied and well stocked with arms and armour. The challenges of traversing the Bleaks and the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]], in the absence of an easier route through the Bitter Strand, means that maintaining the connection between the east and the west Barrens can sometimes become a little tenuous. Not that anyone gives the five Imperial armies marching through the Barrens any trouble, of course.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EasternSky_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=LionsAdelmar_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GryphonPride_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NorthernEagle_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==From the West==
Five armies, fresh from their reverie at the [[Golden_magicians_fayre#Lion_and_Bear|Golden Magicians fayre]] in [[Astolat]], marching through the Barrens. The [[Granite Pillar]] and the [[Eastern Sky]] lead the way alongside the new-mustered [[Lions of Adelmar]]. More controversially, both the Gryphon’s Pride and the [[Northern Eagle]] are here. The last time the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] army was here it was to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Hope's_Rest|destroy the Montanians]]. The last time the ‘Pride were here… well everyone knows [[By northern shores|that story]] no doubt. Not that there is any trouble - why would there be with the Rahvin safely at Bitter Strand and the Great Forest Orcs in their new homes? But their presence is a reminder of the past - it can be difficult to shake off the clinging shadow of your past.

Most of the denizens of the Barrens that the armies see are Karass [[orc|orcs]], and not even that many of those. Neither the Untrod Groves nor the Bleaks are particularly hospitable - these are wild woodlands where entire armies could get lost and never be seen again. There is darkness under the trees, the kind of darkness that makes the Varushkans at least feel at home in a way the bright blue skies and golden sun of the farmlands does not. Yet those shadows cannot hope to hold much menace, not with the ‘’other’’ force that marches through the Barrens with the Empire.

Here we do not talk of Imperial captains - although there are more than enough of them, mostly fighting with the Northern Eagle - but with the shining knights of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. True to her words, the ‘’[[Eleonaris|Lady of Pennants]]’’ has sent her finest warriors to battle beside the armies of the Empire who took part in the grand tourneys and feasting in Astolat last season. More than eight thousand [[Knights of Glory|knights]] called from the Fields of Glory to accompany Imperial soldiers into the Mallum.

While many knights have fought alongside the Empire in the recent past, this season Eleonaris sends four of her Lords of the Pennants and their cohorts to fight with the Empire. Some of the Imperial armies have history with these particular nobles. The Eastern Sky are [[Glass_and_flame#The_Rains_of_Cerevado|reunited]] with the heroes under the command of ''Dindrayne'', the proud feather-browed war-witch with a staff of adamant. ''Ser Gaspare'', wrapped in her great white bearskin cloak over her crimson plate once again joins the Northern Eagle, her proud golden-eyed [[schlacta]] ready to lock their unbreakable shields into a bulwark of adamant against the cruel spears and barbed arrows of the Druj. For their very first battle, the Lions of Adelmar are joined by ''Lady Moriamis'', a golden-eyed warrior-poet and a cohort of warsingers, inspiring their fellow knights with both their words and their deeds to acts of heroism and glory even in the face of the grim realities of war against the Druj. With the Granite Pillar, the rune-armoured hammersmiths of the herald ''Elodian'', whose discipline matches that of the Highborn soldiers and whose thunderous hammer blows send any foe foolish enough come within their reach sprawling back into the mud. Few rise again. All told, eight thousand Knights of Glory, who despise the cowardly, treacherous Druj even more than the Empire does.

The armies - mortal and eldritch alike - stop briefly at the Last Battle Wayhouse. A sea of Imperial troops spread out through the trees of the Untrod Groves. The wayhouse cannot provide enough hospitality for even a fraction of the soldiers here but they do their best to welcome their allies none-the-less. Campfires burn like earthbound stars through the woods and if the Karass are unhappy about it, they keep their concerns to themselves. Perhaps just as well - the lords of Eleonaris’ court seem to have little affection for the orcs of these dense forests. Two days they remain here, before starting to move again. This time, they are accompanied by a dozen land-wise Navarr pathfinders from the Last Battle striding. They have made it their business to get to know the border between the Barrens and Sarangrave, to scout out the best places to cross over into [[Sarangrave#Neustak Forest|Neustak Forest]] and the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats|Turan Flats]]. The latter is the target of the Imperial march, and as the sun rises on the last day of Spring the host of the Empire enters the Mallum.
==Those Already There==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=CitadelGuard_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenAxe_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=QuietStep_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
There are, of course, already Imperial forces in the Sarangrave but they are far away from the Turan Flats. At the start of the year, four Imperial armies - the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Winter Sun]], the [[Towerjacks]] and the [[Golden Axe]] - marched up through the night-haunted forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]] and into [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marsh|Bloodwater March]]. They faced down the Druj armies here to lick their wounds and resupply. As the year grew older they pressed further north to the shores of the [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater#Dredging the Feverwater|Feverwater]], pushing the Druj defenders back step by step.

Almost immediately after the Spring Equinox, the Towerjacks quit Sarangrave retracing their steps beneath the [[Zenith#The_Stork's_Gaze|Stork’s Gaze]] into Zenith proper and from there into [[Morrow]]. They have their tools with them, ready to help their allies complete the [[citadel]] they are [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_Citadel_in_Peregro|building]] in [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]]. Along the shore of some of the hot springs the Towerjacks meet the [[Navarr]] of the [[Quiet Step]], who have come down from [[Reikos]] at the command of [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire|the Throne]] to join the fight in Sarangrave. The mud-spattered soldiers of [[the League]] spend a night camped alongside the [[thorn|thorns]] of Navarr, sharing news of the campaign against the Druj on one hand and that of the Empire on the other. One leaving the Mallum to recover in Morrow, the other leading the Empire to fight in Sarangrave.

They make good time, the Quiet Step, barely pausing on their long hike through Lustri to the edges of the Bloodwater Marsh, and if their hearts yearn to look upon Therunin instead… well hearts can be silenced and every Navarr knows the value of sacrifice.
==Dark Clouds==
Summer in Sarangrave, and the heat swiftly makes anything it touches sticky and unpleasant. Some mud dries, cracking like old tiles; some thickens into a glutinous quagmire that seems eager to suck an unsuspecting boot from a foot or in some cases to swallow an unwary traveller whole. When the golden sun is at its highest, even the wasps and biting flies seem too tired to fly and sting and bite. Those baking hours provide little respite, though. Supplies of clean water run low, and if not for the [[Rivers of Life]] sending health and healing through the entire territory it might prove a challenge for the soldiers of the Empire to quench their thirsts and clear the sweat from their eyes.

In a way, the brightness is at odds with the [[druj miasma]] that smothers the Sarangrave. Those who've never encountered it before are particularly unprepared. When unspoken dread suddenly ambushed a soldier walking along a darkened path in the [[Forest of Ulnak]], it is half expected. When existential terror surges through someone under cloudless cerulean skies in the middle of the day with the golden sun shining... that's a different matter. The Knights of Glory, as they have several times before, are often on hand with a reassuring pat on the shoulder or a rousing comment about the death of the Druj, but even their presence only helps muffle the symptoms. At night, when the temperature is barely any cooler, and the nocturnal beasts of the marshes and the forest come out to feast on the blood of Imperial soldiers, it is not uncommon to hear sobs, or a voice quietly praying that the paragons make this campaign swift, and sometimes perhaps that voice is your own.
==Bloodwater Marsh==
At the start of the year, three Imperial armies swept through the woodlands of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]], out of [[Urizen]] and into [[the Mallum]]. They [[Unlock thy hidden gate|faced down]] the forces of the [[Druj]], and slowly but surely made headway toward conquering the [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marshes|Bloodwater Marshes]]. As the year grows older, they continue to press against the barbarian forces in the Sarangrave. They, too, are bolstered by cohorts of golden knights from the Fields of Glory - another six thousand knights in gold and scarlet armour, eager to fight the orcs of the Mallum and their twisted allies.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Druj2.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
They are still joined in battle against the [[Druj armies#Hidden Widow|Hidden Widow]], the [[Druj armies#Red Lizard|Red Lizard]], and the [[Druj armies#White Lion|White Lion]]. The latter are clearly taking the lead in defending Sarangrave; the banners of the pale ant hang over the defenders, perhaps the most disciplined of the Druj armies. It almost seems at some points that along with the garrison of the [[Sarangrave#Tower of the Skink|Tower of the Skink]] they are holding the line against the Empire all by themselves.

It’s an illusion, though. The other two armies are simply better at attacking from ambush, of fading back into the marshes after a swift strike, of striking from a distance and then immediately retreating in the vain hope of drawing over-zealous Imperials into a trap. In the absence of the Towerjacks, the Druj begin to gain the upper hand, push the Empire back a few miles, and for a time seem to think that they may have the measure of the Empire.

News filters down from the north that the [[Druj armies#Black Wind|Black Wind]] are on the move, that they have left Therunin and come to the defence of the Sarangrave. It’s doubtful they are doing this for any particular love of the septs here. It seems most likely they are drawn by the presence of the Golden Axe. After the Dawnish, the former siblings of the Rahvin hate the Varushkans most of all. Fortunately, before they can reach the southern regions, the Quiet Step arrive to reinforce the Imperial line.

The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the Sarangrave - the Druj have conjured that verdant power to bolster their own defences but the indiscriminate effects protect Imperial soldiers as well as the warriors of the Mallum. Even in the marshes, where disease and infection are a constant concern, no wound that is not in itself fatal will claim the life of anyone who survives the mortal blow, provided they take a few mouthfuls of water. And the water of the marshes is as wholesome, right now, as that taken from the freshest spring in the highest mountains of Zenith.

None of the Druj armies themselves seem to bear enchantments, but nonetheless they have odd supernatural allies of their own. There are comparatively few sightings of eight-legged crocodiles or other terrors that were encountered last season, but rather attacks from black-feathered bird-like creatures with the faces of cats. They sing melodiously, their music causing discord and confusion in the minds of those who hear them, scrambling their perception of who they are. Fortunately, both those [[Cambion|crowned with horns]] by the [[Realms#Autumn|Autumn realm]] prove remarkably resistant to this torturous music; and the [[orc|orcs]] of the Winter Sun prove equally capable of ignoring the confusion that might otherwise cause them to fail their allies. The feathered beasts soon learn to fear the arrows loosed from Imperial bows.

It is clear to the [[Citadel Guard]] that there is a powerful conjured ward of [[Night magic]] somewhere in the territory - something like those [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen|misty forts]] the Empire borrows from the ‘’[[Sadogua|Brother of Wizards]]’’ from time to time. All they can say with certainty is that it is not here in Bloodwater Marsh.

Nor is it the only such magical structure, and that causes a little confusion of its own when the effects become clear. There is a [[Forge the Wooden Fastness|Wooden Fastness]] in the Neustak Forest, it seems, yet it is not aiding the Druj. Nor for that matter is it aiding the Empire. Instead, it seems to serve as the stronghold of an unknown number of allies of the [[Irra Harah|Shacklbreaker]], that Spring eternal who teaches the lost to hide, and the scared to run, and the furious to fight. If the Citadel Guard know more about it’s presence - and some of the Urizen magicians allow themselves a certain self-possessed smile when the matter is raised, as of one who knows they have done a difficult thing well - they do not elaborate.

But we’ll come to that later, perhaps.
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==The Shears of Fate==
The battle in the south is almost balanced; between the Druj armies and the garrison of their great fortress and their conjured fort and the four Imperial armies and the summoned knights the defenders of the Mallum may even have the upper hand - especially as their tactics favour defence more than the Empire’s more cautious tactics favour conquest. Bolstered by the Black Wind, it seems that they might not only deny the Imperial advance but also drive them back a step or twelve. Then the ‘’rest’’ of the Empire attacks the Turan Flats and everything changes, changes completely.

The Druj orcs are suddenly caught between the mountains and a sea of Imperial steel. Five fresh armies, eight thousand Knights of Glory, pushing into the Turan Flats and the Druj defences focused in the south. The Black Wind immediately abandon the defence of the Bloodwater Marsh, racing north to face the Gryphon’s Pride and the Eastern Sky. They take half the garrison of the Tower of the Skink with them, and most of the healers and apothecaries of the Red Lizard. That leaves the White Lion - whose disciplined defence is proving quite effective - and the Hidden Widow who, for a change, are more focused on slowing and diverting the Empire than they are on poisoning them.

The Druj are vicious when cornered but they are also outnumbered and outplayed. The intelligence gathered by the Last Battle striding, and the support of the wayhouse and the Navarr makes all the difference in the Turan Flats. By the time the Black Wind and the garrison of the Tower are in position to try and slow them they are already laying siege to the settlement of Turan. The notoriously cruel [[Druj_champion#Het|het]] of the Banded Snakes who rule there - Trakaa, known for his insatiable hunger for tormenting Imperial prisoners - rallies the warriors of his sept. Unfortunately the majority of his warriors fight under the banner of the [[Druj armies#Hidden Snake|Hidden Snake]] and they are far from the marshes of Sarangrave right now. Yet Turan is by no means defenceless - a cadre of [[Druj lore#Tortured Souls|torturned souls]] are bound to Trakaa it seems. Former heroes of Dawn and Urizen, taken by the Druj and twisted into monstrous unliving warriors whose love for their Imperial siblings has been transformed into the darkest hate. They do not stay dead, and their former prowess now serves the dark will of the het.

When they arrive, the garrison of the Tower bolsters the defences of Turan, but the Black Wind are more interested in trying to kill as many Dawnish warriors as they can - and the healing power of Spring that flows through the territory must be particularly frustrating to them.

Just as frustrating, no doubt, is the presence of the Lions of Adelmar. The army is untested, and has been hurled into the hurricane indeed with its first campaign being in the Mallum. Yet they are stalwart, standing strong against the threat of the Druj and the terrible miasma that hangs over Sarangrave. They fight to defend not only themselves but their allies, creating a barrier of Dawnish steel against the enemy. The war-witches versed in healing magic and the yeofolk physicks both work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who falls and can be saved, is saved. The Black Wind focus much of their attention on the new army, but the rest of the Empire - especially the Eastern Sky and the Gryphon’s Pride - are as swift to come to their aid as they are to support the rest of the Imperial force.

The fighting is bloody, even in spite of the Spring healing, but in the end Turan falls to the Empire. The Banded Snake are forced to scatter - some to their holdings in the strangely enchanted Neustak Forest others to the dubious sanctuary of the Marshlizard sept or the ghulai of the Palace of the Sleepers.
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==Across the River, Into the Woods==
The northern force doesn’t delay; as soon as they have secured Turan they begin to plan the crossing of the slow-moving river that flows south through [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] to the Feverwater. The Druj have built no bridges, preferring to rely on boats and rafts it appears. The Empire secures as many of the Turan boats as they can but they have also made their own preparations. After all, they knew they would need to cross the river and so wagonloads of lumber gathered in the Barrens and collected in Astolat are broken out. A bridge of pontoons is put together, quickly reaching across the river and allowing the Empire to begin the assault into the weird marshes of [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]].

Further south, the Druj defence is in disarray with the attack from the north and the rapid departure of two of the defensive armies. The White Lion fight like cornered rats but the writing is on the wall. The Empire pushes, the Druj collapse like a house of cards, retreating in confusion toward the [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]] and the palace of the Thornwasp sect at Uklead. The Empire quickly secures the Bloodwater Marsh and follows after them.

At first they are especially cautious, worried about the threat of a supernatural ward on the Whisperwood but soon discover no such magic is in place. There are, however, a surprising number of traps and deadfalls.

(And while the Bloodwater is secured, there are no sign of the [[Make_it_happen#The_Bloodwater_Spears|Bloodwater Spears]] - the sept that Prognosticator Graciana had identified [[Make it happen|three yearsago]] that might be persuaded to fight against the Druj were they suitably armed and armoured. Their homes are abandoned, but with a kind of ordered chaos that suggests to the Winter Sun that they left of their own volition rather than taking disordered flight. The only clues as to what might have happened is a recent carving on the lintel of one of the village shacks that, if one squint, might seem to be an image of a rabbit or hare with curling horns).

Further to the north, the other Imperial force has bridged the sluggish, muddy river but the crossing is no less perilous. The Druj defenders of Sarangrave pepper them with arrows, launching frenzied attacks when the armies are at their most vulnerable. They have reckoned without the Lions of Adelmar, first across the river, who hold the southern bank while their allies make the crossing. After a tense hour or so of effectively taking the brunt of the enemy attack against their shields, enough Imperial soldiers are on the shores of Kroll to turn the tide and force the Druj to retreat.

As the southern expeditionary force begins to move through Whisperwood, the northern expeditionary force takes its first steps toward conquest of the marshes of Kroll. And then the news of an unlooked for development comes from the south…
{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofZenith.png|caption=Zenith will fight|align=right|width=400}}
==Dark Beneath the Boughs==
It is perhaps six weeks before the Summer Solstice that the curtain of darkness begins to fall over the woods of Lustri. A smothering veil of night seeping down from the north-west. There are few spires in Lustri these days, but the lamps of the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|heliopticon]] explode with light. The Druj are coming, down out of Therunin along the shores of the Feverwater. A host of orcs moving through the woods, striking south and east. It seems that almost all the armies that recently ravaged the Navarr marshes have attacked out of [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] into Zenith.

Perhaps they hoped that by delaying they would achieve a surprise attack, but those hopes are dashed. The vigilance of the people of Urizen, supported by Synod [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] and inspired by the [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] of the [[Urizen groups#Temple of the Wanderer|House of the Wanderer]] catches the Druj a little off guard. The alarm is raised, and word spreads across Lustri and more importantly beyond. Defenders take up arms to slow or hold the advance of the Mallum orcs, and the garrison of Stork’s Gaze marches west. Yet almost from the start, the Urizen are forced to retreat. The size of the force arrayed against them is simply too great.

The defence very nearly ends in disaster before it even gets started. A second force of Druj - the bulk of those under the banners of the [[Druj armies#Hunting Scorpion|Hunting Scorpion]] - have claimed boats from the [[Therunin#The_Docks_at_Feverwater|docks at Feverwater]]. Supplemented with hastily constructed rafts, the orcs of the Mallum seek to trap the soldiers protecting Zenith between them in a terrible pincer movement. There is just enough warning from the vigilant patrols - a single sighting of a boat moving stealthily to shore swiftly communicated to the sentinels of the Gaze - and many of the soldiers marching from Stork’s Gaze are able to react swiftly enough to pull south. Sadly several hundred are still taken by surprise and mercilessly butchered by the warriors of that displaced Amber Scorpion sept who once held Ossium in their cruel grip.

Sometimes the Druj act carefully, with subtle malice. This is not one of those times. The Druj waste no time at all, an overwhelming assault against the north-eastern Urizen territory they once held. With the [[Druj armies#Thorn Born|Thorn Born]] at the head under the brambled-banners, they spread quickly through the woods. They seem less interested in securing the spires here than they are in launching an assault against the fortification that watches the borders with Sarangrave but any spires that fall into their hands - any that are not [[Vale of Shadows|hidden away]] with [[Night magic]] - are swiftly, brutally, smashed apart.

The sentinels of Stork’s Gaze rally with the virtuous defenders, a desperate fight to hold the borders against the Druj. They hold for three days; the last heliopticon message from the fortification a simple “remember us”. The Stork’s Gaze burns. Yet those brave sentinels do not die alone - one of the copper spiders of the [[Prospero|City of Bridges]] escapes the destruction and speaks of the courage of the garrison, of the forest around the fortress scattered hip-deep in the bodies of the Druj before the gates were breached and the towers broken.

With the fortification broken, the Druj armies split into two forces. The first, largest force with the Thorn Born at their head, spread out through Lustri to deal with the remaining defenders and finish claiming the region for themselves. They are met at every turn by [[magical skills#Battle mage|battle mages]] and warriors and [[magical skills#magicians|magicians]] from further south. They eventually claim the region but they must fight every step and thanks to the perseverence, to the watchfulness, of the Urizen the invasion is almost entirely contained in Lustri.

The second, smaller group of invading orcs, remains in the ruins of the Stork’s Gaze to ensure that the border with the Sarangrave remains strong. Reports suggest the [[Druj armies#Tainted Basilisk|Tainted Basilisk]] are here, something that should be enough to raise concern against any Imperial strategist. The Druj are free to rain curses or raise defences of their own across Zenith again.

There is little panic, if that is what the Druj hoped for. The magicians of Zenith lost everything the last time the orcs of the Mallum came to their territory. They will not be laid low so easily again... whatever vile sorcery the corrupt ghulai of the Tainted Basilisk might be planning.
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==Desperation==
The four armies in the south are now cut off from the rest of the Empire by Druj to the south and east, vallorn to the north, and the hungry Feverwater lake to the west. When the news of their predicament finally reaches them it adds a new desperation to the fighting in the Whisperwood, a new urgency to the fight to join up with the northern forces.

In the north, the news likewise inspires the other Imperial armies to push forward into the eerie marshes of Kroll. Here the Druj warriors are reinforced by the militia of the Marshlizards - who barely raised a finger to help Het Trakaa but now welcome those fighters fleeing Turan. Not as allies so much as a fleshy buffer between them and the Empire.

Yet the Marshizards only control parts of Kroll. The Sept of Masks also hold territory here, surrounding the [[Sarangrave#Palace_of_the_Sleepers|Palace of the Sleepers]] along the shore of the deep, dark lake that laps along the base of the odd conical hill on which it is built. These are the same ghulai that were encountered exploring the outskirts of [[Sarangrave#Béantal_Dol|Béantal_Dol]], the same allies of the Thornwasp sept who march with the Tainted Basilisk. At first they do not seem to be any great threat; they are ritual magicians rather than [[Arkad#Vikari|vikari]].

The Red Lizard army fights with particular ferocity, while the herb masters among their number fight to ensure that the Empire kills as few oft he Druj defenders as possible. The Black Wind continue to seek to face and slaughter Dawnish soldiers, and several times it is clear that they favour that strategy over defending their Marshlizard “allies”. The sept has taken its own precautions, though. [[Night magic]] infuses the marsh here, a potent enchantment that grants succour to the Druj, that grants supernatural advantage to their ability to sneak and hide, that turns the wetlands themselves against the invaders. The most apparent symptom of the magic is that the mash octopus - the vicious little predators with their venomous beaks and delicious meat - seem to be on the verge of frenzy. The smaller ones swarm like piranha or rats, slipping through the thick mud to ambush sentries or most horribly of all emerge from swampy ground within army camps when the night is at its darkest. By themselves they would be horrible enough, but there are also much larger examples of this peculiar breed. While most marsh octopus found in Zenith are barely the side of a person’s head with arms to match, those are clearly newborns. The adults and elders are a significantly greater threat. There are reports of a band of Northern Eagle scouts being ambushed by a cephalapoid terror with a body the size of an ox-cart and awful meaty limbs of proportional length and muscular strength.

As time ticks away, as the Empire’s advance appears unstoppable, more and more warriors from the Tower of the Skink desert the defence of the Whisperwood and come north, leaving the Thornwasp to look after themselves, much more motivated to keep their own sept lands safe.

It is both enough, and not enough. The Empire presses through the Whisperwood slowly, but makes significantly greater gains in the north. Things might have been a little different if the Druj had followed their usual strategy of creating many magical wards and fortifications across the territory, but as it is the Imperial forces in Kroll close inexorably on the Palace of the Sleepers.
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==First They Must Catch You==
Empire and Druj and Empire, and along the northern borders of Zenith, Druj again. Yet there is another force active in Sarangrave this season, that seems to owe allegiance to neither side. The Marshwater Spears are not the only orcs that simply seem to be… missing. As the fighting rages in Turan Flats, in Kroll, in Whisperwood and along the shores of the Feverwater, there are signs of this other force if one knows how to look.

Labour camps deserted, their guards slain not by Imperial swords and arrows but by blunt instruments and improvised weapons. To the Citadel Guard and the Granite Pillar alike it is clear the attack has come from within the camp rather than without. The slaves who might have been penned there are simply gone, any tracks they might have left lost in the marshes.

Farms, likewise, abandoned, derelict. No sign of any farm worker, no sign of their tools, perhaps most significantly, no signs of the stores of rice and grain. Even the herds of hardy marsh-dwelling goats tended in some of these places are gone, the eel and octopus traps emptied. Not everyone has disappeared, but enough. The Winter Sun investigate as best they can but find the former slaves they speak with closed mouthed, frightened, uncommunicative. The Golden Axe and the Northern Eagle have a little more success loosening the tongues of Druj prisoners, who seem equally baffled by what is happening, but also cocky and sneering confident that once the Empire is defeated and driven out they will hunt these traitorous slaves down and make an example of them. Again, the Citadel Guard simply nod, and change the subject when the matter is brought up.

Eventually, some of the Winter Sun are able to convince a former slave to speak to them. Those who are fleeing, in the north and the south, are doing so with the aid of the ‘’Reedleaper’’ - a spirit of the deep marshes that helps the victims of the Druj survive their wickedness. Sometimes Reedleaper help them flee, sometimes it helps them hide, and sometimes it helps a few fight although that usually always ends the same tragic way. The spirit teaches secrets - how to break the chains and spears of the hated guards, how to sing away the pain and torment of those who have been tormented by the slave masters, how to mend broken bones and endure the cruel lash of whips. Sometimes it teaches even greater secrets, to those with the will and wit to listen. But always it reminds them that this is not the way the world is meant to be and that they must never accept the lies of the Druj that tell them they are nothing.

Reedleaper is familiar to the [[Sunstorm]] sept at least. There are stories of similar aid offered to the [[orc|orcs]] during the [[The Orc Rebellion|Orc rebellion]]. It seems [[Irra Harah]] is in the Sarangrave, but that the extent of his influence is degrees of magnitude greater this season than it has been before. The former slave admits that there is something happening in the Neustak Forest, but what it is and what it means they will not say. Two night later, that talkative orc has vanished along with their entire family from the Winter Sun camp.
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==The Glass Vice==
The Druj are caught between the four armies in the south and the five in the north, but that is only the start of their troubles. The Citadel Guad, you see, have a strategy. As they advance, they weave Autumn magic around themselves and around the soldiers of the other three armies. Even the news that they are cut off from their home does not trouble their poise. They weave their magic, and at several points they drive tall spikes of green iron into the marsh topped with clear, bright lightstones. They invoke the constellation of the Chain, and the Web, and the Lock. They call on the seventy-two secret names of the Lictors of the Autumn Realm. They wield the [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Coiling_Chain|Technique of the Coiling Chain]] and all across Sarangrave their magic takes hold.

The Druj armies are distracted, fighting on two fronts and unaware of the danger until it is too late. [[Autumn magic]] wielded with consummate expertise, catches them like rats in a trap. The marsh twists beneath the boots of the Black Wind and the Red Lizard. The sticky Summer air seems to thicken around the Hidden Widow and the White Lion.

They are caught now, trapped in invisible amber, wound in incorporeal chains. They may be able to flee Sarangrave but they will not get far. The inescapable curse of the Glass Labyrinth has them and none can walk its twisting paths with surety.
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==The God in the Lake==
But there are other magicians in Sarangrave than those of the Citadel Guard and it would be dangerous to become overconfident. In Kroll, the Empire closes in on the Palace of Sleepers, despite the best efforts of the Druj armies, and the garrison of the great fortification in [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] and the magically empowered marsh and octopus. It is an unsettling sight, this so-called [[college of magic]]. The parts of the structure visible above the ground is a mishmash of walls and roofs, and stubby towers like fingers reaching hungrily toward the sky. The peculiar, almost conical hil it is built atop and withinl is shrouded in twisted trees that claw toward the Summer sky, and a shroud of thick mist that never seems to dissipate. It stands on the edge of a great dark watered lake, avoided by everyone save the ghulai who squat in the twisted palace.

The souts who first explored the Sarangrave spoke of an odd statue of a giant multi-armed horror slumped next to the hill, right on the edge of the black lake. It is here that the ghulai of the Sept of Masks seem to have chosen to begin their stand against the Empire. Everyone is mud-spattered and exhausted on both sides, save the magicians. They stand arrogantly in heavy woolen robes of clashing green and purple that must be sweltering in the Summer heat, their faces completely hidden behind oversized wooden masks gaudily painted with snarling, howling, laughing, weeping expressions that are deeply unsettling to gaze on for two long. Even the Black Wind seem to give them a wide berth, for some reason.

As the Dawnish and Varushkan forces draw up, a warning murmur spreads from the Granite Pillar. Something is not right. There is, in the midst of the Druj, a wooden cage. A scarred Highborn captain wordlessly passes her spyglass to the other commanders. The cage contains a score of humans and orcs - several still wearing scraps of their soldiers’ surcote or tabard. All show signs of torment, wounds received in battle, and fear. One of them tries to inspire the others to join him in the Battle Hymn of the Empire but is brutally struck down by one of the Druj. What new horror have the Black Wind prepared?

Yet it becomes clear that it is not the Black Wind that are in charge here. With a terrible cry, the ghulai of the Sept of Masks begin a mad, desperate, whirling dance. Ripples of uncertainty go through the imperial ranks and the orders are swiftly given to cautiously advance. Before anyone can take more than seven steps, the magicians all tear away their wooden masks and fling them into the waters of the lake. Beneath they wear a ‘’second’’ mask, a much tighter mask, of mottled green that fits more snugly to their heads, fringed with drooping tentacles, and a single yellow-painted eye in the middle of their forehead.

"''Ya, Kroll!''" they cry. "''Come to us oh you God of the Lake! Feed upon these who would invade your home and slaughter your children!''"

At this sign, the cage full of Imperial captives is pushed unceremoniously into the lake. It sinks mercifully swiftly, but it is certain that those poor people contained within are drowned before the Empire’s soldiers can do much but voice their fury and outrage. The front lines of the Druj and the Imperials clash, blood flows, screams of orc and human mingle together and then…

The [[Army_orders#Cautious_Advance|cautious]] Highborn [[Highguard_military_concerns|cataphracts]] and [[Highguard_military_concerns#Guardians|guardians]] sound the alarm again. Something is rising in the great black lake. The waters surge upward, breaking their banks and washing knee deep along the shores. The Druj begin to fall back, swiftly, clearly something they had planned. Something is rising in the waters.

At first it seems to be a small island or perhaps a ship, upside down breaching the surface and bobbing. But it continues to rise, out of the waves, up into the sky. It is immense - its size hard to grasp. A behemoth that surely, surely could not have fit within even the depths of this great lake. A single baleful, impossible eye stares down at the soldiers beneath that conical hill, in the shadow of that college of magic. A great rounded bulk, water sleeting down its sides, the eye burning with hate and hunger.

The alarm has been sounded just in time, the Imperial strategy defensive and careful, and most of the soldiers are able to react swiftly enough to avoid the two immense arms, tens of feet long, that rise from the water and sweep across the banks of the nameless lake scattering sticky dark venom in their wake.

Three, four, six more shorter arms rip through the air, and this unspeakable horror, this titanic one-eyed marsh octopus, unleashes a roar from its hidden maw that shakes the ground.

There is no hope of fighting this creature - if it is a creature. It is real, certainly, not some kind of glamour. Even the armies of the Mallum give it a wide berth - only the Sept of Masks seem prepared to risk its terrible attention. It cannot leave the lake, thank the paragons. Unlike its tiny kin, it does not seem to have the power to move through the marsh mud. Retreat is the only option - but that does not stop some of the Dawnish taking a stand, egged on by the knights of Summer, striking at its huge muscular arms, launching a surprise attack of their own against the Druj magicians and while most of them die in the process there can be little doubt they die ''[[glory|gloriously]]''.

The terrible booming foghorn roar of the god in the lake, the immense octopus from who the hell knows where, continue to echo access the marshes of Kroll… and then it is the Summer Solstice.

==Game Information==
===Sarangrave===
* '''There are two Imperial forces and one Druj force in Sarangrave
* '''The Empire controls Turan Flats and Bloodwater Marsh, the Druj control the rest of the territory apart from Bendol
* '''The territory has been under the effect of Rivers of Life and there were two magical forts conjured there - but only one seems to have supported the Druj
* '''The Druj armies here have been caught by the Glass Labyrinth reducing their ability to move
* '''Of the armies fighting in Sarangrave, only the Northern Eagle provided shares of the Imperial Guerdon
There are two separate Imperial forces in the Sarangrave. The southern force made up of the Citadel Guard, Winter Sun, Golden Axe, and Quiet Step, have conquered the Bloodwater Marshes and are perhaps halfway toward taking the Whisperwood and the weirwood grove there. They struggled a little with the [[Druj Miasma]] that made it harder to claim territory here. They are in serious difficulty due to the invasion of Zenith.

The northern force made up of the Gryphon’s Pride, Eastern Sky, Lions of Adelmar, Northern Eagle, and Granite Pillar, have claimed Turan Flats are are just over four-fifths of the way toward taking the region of Kroll. The only significant structure remaining outside their control is the Palace of the Sleepers. They benefitted from the Under Threat quality provided by the last Battle Wayhouse in the Barrens, but they also found it a little more difficult to conquer territory due to the presence of the powerful Druj miasma.

The Druj armies are caught between them, and have been ensnared in the Glass Labyrinth. Even if they can break through the Imperial lines they cannot move more than one territory in the coming season.

There were by all accounts two magical forts in Sarangrave - one raised by the Druj in Kroll, the other of unknown provenant in Neustak Forest. That latter ward appears to have aided ‘’neither’’ side in the battle of Sarangrave, and it is very much not clear what was going on with it.

===Zenith===
* '''The Druj have claimed Lustri and destroyed the fortification of Stork's Gaze
* '''They were unable to make much additional headway due to the virtuous resistance off the people of Zenith
* '''Their control of Lustri cuts the Imperial armies in southern Sarangrave off from their supply lines
A major force of Druj has poured south out of Therunin into Zenith. They have captured the region of Lustri, and destroyed the Stork’s Gaze fortification. They are about a tenth of the way toward claiming the marshes of Proceris. The Druj encountered stiff resistance from the spires of Zenith, thanks to the mandate of the Urizen Assmebly.

The Tainted Basilisk are believed to be in Lustri, the magic army able to focus rituals into the territory.

===God in the Lake===
* '''Shortly before the Summer Solstice the ghulai of the Sept of Masks have called up a behemoth marsh octopus from the lake below the Palace of the Sleeper
* '''It is not clear what this thing is, what its capabilities are, or what it presages for the battle in the Sarangrave
In response to the Imperial invasion of Kroll, the ghulai of the Sept of Masks have roused something big and horrible in the lake below their college of magic. The soldiers on the ground have not had much time to do anything other than retreat quickly, but it appears to be an immense one-eyed marsh octopus that is almost certainly not an inhabitant of the mortal world. It’s possible that diviners in Anvil may be able to discover more about what exactly it is and what it portends for the conquest of Kroll.

Any character whose military unit supported one of the northern armies may have been at the battle below the Palace of the Sleeper and seen the God in the Lake. It is very, very big - perhaps even as large as a kraken - and it is absolutely terrifying in its size and destructive power. It is a thing that will require armies to defeat, not something that can be slain by even a quite large group of imperial heroes. Fortunately, it seems to be restricted to the lake… but that might not present much comfort to anyone involved in taking the rest of the region.
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==Participation : Knights of Glory==
* '''Characters whose military unit supported the Eastern Sky, Granite Pillar, or Norther Eagle receive an additional boon
During the [[Golden magicians fayre]], the [[Eleonaris|Mistress of Penants]] offered a boon to certain armies that had joined her soldiers in revelry. Any character whose [[military unit]] supported the Eastern Sky, Granite Pillar, or Northern Eagle receive a single [[vis#Golden Apple|Golden Apple]] that Eleonaris hopes will help encourage the captain to seek an [[enchantment]] for themselves or the soldiers under their command.

These armies, along with the Citadel Guard, Golden Axe, and Winter Sun, have also benefitted a little from the inspiration offered by the Knights of Glory - encouraged to pursue heroic and glorious actions in battle, to destroy the rulers of the Druj, and to endure the hardships of all this marsh fighting with a roar of defiance. Characters whose military unit supported one of these armies are encouraged to create stories about fighting alongside these enthusiastic elfin warriors.

==Strategic Considerations==
===Being Cut Off===
* '''Four Imperial armies in southern Sarangrave are cut off from their supply lines and will begin to degrade
* '''The Druj in Sarangrave face a similar fate if they lose control of Kroll
The breakdown of what's happened in Sarangrave and the adjoining territories creates a unique situation. Four Imperial armies are in south west Sarangrave. The Druj control the regions east and west (Thornfen, and Lustri in Zenith respectively). Bendol to the North is controlled by the Vallorn, the Feverwater is not traversible by armies, and Tsark to the south is not open to the Empire either.

As these five armies have no supply route back to Imperial held territory, they are now In Trouble. If they are not able to draw a line back to Imperial Territory this season, they will begin to decay as if they were out of supply. This is not something which can be alleviated by the [[Keeper of the Breadbasket|Imperial Breadbasket]], as indeed those supplies are no more able to get through than support from the home nations.

The Druj risk being caught in a similar situation. There are six Druj armies in Eastern Zenith, controlling Lustri. They control Therunin
and Neustak Forest in Sarangrave, but their only connection to the rest of the Mallum is through the dangerously at-risk region of Kroll. Should the region fall, the armies of Druj would also be in dire straits.

===Between Zenith and Sarangrave===
* '''The situation in Zenith and southern Sarangrave has strategic implications for the campaign after the Summer Solstice
If Imperial forces in Saragrave attack over the border into Zenith and Druj Forces in Zenith attack over the border into Sarangrave during this season, then that combat will be factored into any conflict that takes place in Sarangrave. This will not also apply to any Imperial Forces attacking from the west into Zenith, though taking Lustri from behind the Druj may have a detrimental effect ''if'' the Druj attack in that direction.

===The Night Option===
* '''There may be magical ways for armies to escape Sarangrave if they need to
The Empire has in the past used magic to use [[Night magic]] to shroud armies and let them pass undetected. Should such magic be utilised, it would be possible for any such army to ignore the above problems and sneak past the Duj forces in Zenith undetected. The Druj have demonstrated in the past that they are equally capable of taking this kind of action themselves of course.

One of the rituals that might allow escape from Sarangrave is the ''Host of Shadows'' which is not in Imperial lore. As discussed in the recent wiki update, however, that ritual has been substantially changed. Anyone who has mastered the ritual will need to check the details. If the player with the ritual text can contact a referee, or email {{plot}}, we can arrange to swap the existing text for an updated version.
{{CaptionedImage|file=You Shall Pass.jpg|align=right|width=200}}

==Battle Opportunity : Pillars of Night==
The Imperial prognosticators have identified a [[Sentinel Gate#Major Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to the marshes of Krol near the Palace of the Sleeper. They believe there may be a possibility here to interfere with the Sept of Masks magic this season.
==Battle of Opportunity : Rites of Spring==
The Imperial prognosticators have also identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that seems to lead to northern Proceris in Zenith. They are not still examining the situation but believe it may have something to do with Druj intentions towards the Golden Cascade.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sarangrave]]
* [[Zenith]]

* [[Unlock thy hidden gate]] - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune about the start of the battle for Sarangrave

Briar

2025-07-04T22:24:26Z

Wrenna:

<div class="toclimit-2">
__TOC__
</div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rosamund.jpg|width=300|caption=The power of Spring fills briars with primal energy.|align=left}}
==Overview==
The briars are infused by the realm of [[Spring]], a fecund realm of exuberant natural forces whose green [[eternal|eternals]] care only for life and not at all for humankind. The briars are filled with primal energy: direct, uncomplicated and prone to outbursts of destructive rage.

Briars are most comfortable in military roles, although their primal nature can make them powerful in the [[Conclave]]. Some prosper in the [[Synod]] where their direct approach to the Imperial Faith often gives them spiritual insight. They often find the [[Bourse]] confusing and become easily frustrated by the complexities of the [[Senate]].

The briar lineage is intended to appeal to players who want to play something primal or visceral, with a strong urge to straightforwardness and physicality. They also offer opportunities to play characters who are highly critical of the complexities and shortcomings of civilised society. Briars will allow characters to play with some themes of discrimination as well; this lineage is presented as suspect by many groups within the setting.
===Sobriquets===
Other terms for briar, both within the Empire and in other parts of the world, include: Leshy, Barkbleeder (derogatory), Spriggan, Cicatrix, Greenscar, the twisted.

==What they are not==
* '''Dryads''': Briars are infected by the primal magic of Spring; it tends to make them energetic, physical and wild, but it does not turn them into a tree or instill them with a mystical awe for nature. They feel no more affinity to plants or trees than a normal human being does. While many briars reject the complexities of civilisation they do so because of a difficulty fitting in, not because of an instinctive need to protect nature or be close to it.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Obviously A Story Here.jpg|align=right|caption=The iconic trapping for a briar is patches of bark on the skin.|width=500}}</div>

==Iconic trapping==
Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#Trappings|trapping]]; in the case of the briar it is patches of bark on the skin. Bark is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other physical trappings|other physical trappings]] associated with the briar lineage.
===Patches of bark===
Briars have patches of bark that grows in place of skin. The bark can grow anywhere on the body, but must cover areas of skin, it does not extend out away from the body. The effect is best created using latex prosthetics, as make-up by itself will not give the right raised profile. It is better to try and cover a few iconic areas of the body; we do not recommend trying to cover all visible skin. Briar's bark-skin can spread across the body in response to wounds suffered. The bark-skin is as sensitive as normal skin covered in a thick layer of latex would be. While tree bark can come in a variety of colours and textures, briar bark is rough, and predominantly brown.

==Other trappings==
In addition to [[#Patches of bark|patches of bark]] there are a number of physical trappings that mark someone as being of the briar lineage. If you want to phys-rep one of the trappings with a slightly different technique or style to the ideas suggested here then that is absolutely fine. If you want to use different trappings to the ones listed then you should [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email us].
===Green eyes===
Briars may have exotically green eyes. Cosmetic contact lenses can be used to achieve this. The pupil can be any shape or design so long as the predominant colour is green.
===Thorns===
Some briars have thorns growing from their skin, usually along the lines of the body like the cheekbones or the forearms. The thorns emerge from patches of bark, which requires a suitable prosthetic, but you can have them emerge directly from the skin. If you phys-rep this effect by taking thorns from a rosebush and gluing them to your skin then try to ensure that you put them in places like the face where people are unlikely to catch them.
===Prominent veins===
Many briars have distinct veins in dark green or black that spread out beneath the skin. These are particularly prevalent near areas of bark-skin, emerging from underneath the growths. This effect is easiest to create using make-up.
===Briars "bleed" bark===
The signature quality of the briars is that when their skin is broken, it heals over with bark-like material. Sometimes this material has thorns embedded in it. Most of this bark-like material will eventually peel away, usually to reveal fresh skin underneath, but some of it never disappears – every briar has a few patches of bark that appear permanent. The bark may grow quickly or take hours to appear, so you can add some more bark to your make-up the next time you are out of character. If you are heavily wounded you might choose to spread your bark-skin effect for an event, but that there is no requirement to keep the bark from event to event. This is an exception to the normal rule that says your lineage trappings should remain constant between events as much as possible.
===Flowers===
As of the Winter Solstice 383YE, some briars manifest flowers or blooms that seem to grow from their patches of bark. They're easily removed, and may be perfumed or unperfumed. The blossoms are always rooted in the bark. They can be any colour, and can be represented by artificial flowers.
===Not Trappings===
{{Anchor|Leaves or Vines}}
====Leaves, Vines, and Branches====
Under normal circumstances, the briar lineage does not manifest itself as leaves, vines, or branches. The appearance of a briar is inspired by bark and briar patch rather than the classical myth of the dryad. For this reason leaves, other greenery, and tree- or bush-like features are not part of the standard briar trappings.
====Fungus====
The lineage does not have any connection to fungi or mushrooms, and they are no more likely to grow on a briar than they are on an unlineaged human.

==Gallery==
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bark-skin2.jpg|caption=Bark patch surrounded with prominent veins|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Briar Thorns.jpg|caption=Large thorns protruding through clothing|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=The Hooded Briar.jpg|caption=bark with veins|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Green Briar Eyes.jpg|width=2000|align=right|caption=Cosmetic contact lenses give the distinctly briar eye look}}
</fourpicture>
==Roleplaying==
<picturecolumn float=right width=40% maxwidth=400px>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Briar Violence.jpg|caption=Briar are exuberant and straightforward.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Briar Face Detail.jpg|caption=Briars are often scornful of the trappings of civilised society.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BriarWarrior.jpg|caption=Briar like to find physical solutions to problems no matter how complex.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=ExuberantBriar.jpg|caption=Briars are full of energy, enthusiasm, and an irrepressible primal vitality.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherBriar.jpg|align=right|width=450|caption=Some folk believe there is a sinister connection between briars and the [[vallorn]]}}
</picturecolumn>
Briars blood influences the character of the one who possesses it. Not every briar expresses these effects to the same degree, but characters who demonstrate these roleplaying trappings possess stronger lineage than those who do not.
{{anchor|straightforward}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars are straightforward</p>
They make straightforward plans, and instinctively take the most direct route through (or around) any given situation. They dislike complexity for its own sake, and respect plain speaking over an elaborate argument. They generally express a pragmatic desire to get problems solved now, and where several options are available, they look for the simplest solution. They will neither avoid a perceived problem, nor dwell on one they see as irrelevant. This straightforwardness can also make them blunt or even rude in social situations, as they rarely hold back from saying what they think.
{{anchor|mercurial}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars are mercurial</p>
Briars change their minds easily, they are swayed by circumstances and whatever seems important at the time. They tend to be spontaneous in their displays of emotion (sometimes inappropriately) and their moods shift without warning. They want what they want now, and some are over-eager to simply take the thing they want and then keep it as long as it interests them, discarding it when they become bored with it. Briars live for the moment and few see any need to plan for the long term.
{{anchor|primal}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars are primal and direct</p>
They are often scornful of the trappings of civilisation, dressing simply, using tools only when they make a task easier, some even eschewing material possessions altogether in the long term. They are often driven to pursue self-sufficiency, and may be commonly found among small pioneer communities. Their straightforward attitude may combine with this to make them uncertain in social groups larger than a few dozen individuals known personally to the briar, particularly if the roles and responsibilities within the group are not clearly defined.
{{anchor|physical}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars are physical</p>
They like tangible, solid, physical things, rather than getting excited by ideas or concepts. They commonly become frustrated or bored in intensely cerebral situations – they make their point and then expect things to move on swiftly to a conclusion. While this often makes them appear “simple” it is not that they are less intelligent than other humans, just that they have little patience for what they perceive as convoluted logic, circular discussions or anything which over-complicates what seems to them a simple matter. When confronted by a mental or social situation, they try to solve it in a simple physical way (for example, if someone is hungry they provide food, if someone is unhappy they look to physically remove the source of their friends’ unhappiness, rather than formulating a social response to the problem).
{{anchor|restless}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars have a restless demeanour</p>
Briars are often filled with the energy and vitality of the realm of Spring. They rarely sit still for long and are constantly active and mobile. Try to move just a little quicker than is necessary, lengthen your stride when you walk and allow yourself to become frustrated with delays. This cannot be your only trapping - you must have at least one physical trapping as part of your lineage.
{{anchor|vital}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars are vital</p>
Briars possess a remarkable resilience and reserve of energy. They are no stronger than a normal person but they can often work that little bit longer than other people, walk further, carry that little bit more. They have reserves of energy that they can tap into when threatened, enjoying [[#Boundless Vitality|boundless vitality]].
{{anchor|overwhelmed}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars may be overwhelmed by the Spring realm</p>
Some briars become increasingly short-tempered, until they point where they start to lash out at anything that frustrates them. They insist on having everything their own way and react with anger to anyone who refuses them. They often depart the civilised world completely, withdrawing to wild places (such as mountains and forests) and many turn to banditry. As they withdraw further their contempt for society increases and they begin to despise those that defend it. Ultimately they risk losing touch with their humanity, becoming a danger to anyone who gets in their way, striking out against structures and individuals that represent authority and civilisation.

==Boundless Vitality==
The briar [[Lineage#Boons|boon]] taps into their limitless reserves of energy. Briars that are exposed to any [[Roleplaying effects|roleplay effect]] that causes them to feel tired, weary, or weak can respond by becoming energetic and alert. For example, a briar who makes use of the [[Timeless Hammer Rhythm]] ritual can choose to start the next morning full of energy and enthusiasm rather than being tired and drained. They are not exhausted by their night of supernaturally enhanced work; rather, they are renewed and exhilarated by it. Likewise, a briar experiencing the effects of a poison, sickness, or [[curse]] that causes them to feel enervated or weak can instead roleplay being enthused and overflowing with good health.

Note that this boon applies ''only'' to roleplaying effects; it does not allow one to ignore supernatural [[Calls#WEAKNESS|effects]] such as that inflicted by the [[weakness]] spell.
==Briar Life==
{{Anchor|The Blood}}
===Briar Children===
Briars are warm blooded mammals. They reproduce like any other human, they have hair, and they give birth to live offspring.

Briars are almost never born expressing their lineage. Their lineage appears when they sustain a serious injury, with the site of the injury quickly covered in a thick scab with the texture and appearance of bark. In almost all cases, magical healing is involved. It is believed that magical healing catalyses the Spring lineage, causing it to express itself openly. However, magical healing does not always trigger the lineage – some individuals are healed several times before their briar lineage manifests. It is also believed by the scholars of [[Urizen]] that any Spring Realm magic has the potential to trigger the expression of the briar lineage lurking in the blood; it is just that the most commonly encountered form of Spring Realm magic is healing magic.

Many people show no signs at all of being a briar before the bark appears. Once that happens, changes tend to happen quickly, thorns may appear growing through the skin and the eyes may turn green. The psychological effects of lineage appear at the same time. If a briar is wounded and healed with Spring magic this can strengthen a briar's lineage; the physical and mental trappings become more evident. This is unpredictable however: some briars are healed many times with no apparent effect.

Because the lineage can hide in this manner it creates suspicion and distrust. Some people feel betrayed when their friend turns out to be a briar; other newly revealed briars (especially if they were unaware of their lineage until later life) suffer shock and damage to their mental stability when they discover they have been lineaged all along and when the urges of the blood become more powerful. Some more prejudicial individuals have inflicted serious injuries on suspected briars and then had them healed with Spring magic, hoping to reveal hidden taint – as well as ensuring their own ranks remain pure. It is a common belief that a briar who avoids magical healing will lose the taint of the blood and not pass it on to their offspring, although this is probably wishful thinking.

After death, a briar’s entire body is slowly covered with bark, appearing a lot like a misshapen, fallen log. According to superstition, an area where a dead briar has lain will be seeded with alien, supernatural foliage. Many individuals, especially among the [[Navarr]], [[The Marches|Marchers]] and the [[Highguard|Highborn]], insist that dead briars be burnt to prevent this happening.

The eternals of Spring expect their lineaged relatives to be forthright and direct. A briar who displays energy and vitality is likely to be recognised as a kindred spirit, although this may not be a uniformly positive experience.

===Imperial briar===
Part of the prejudice some Imperials feel comes from the events of the [[Freedom Heresy]]. Between 324YE and 328YE a briar-dominated group of heretics and secessionists attempted to seize territory from the Empire, with tragic consequences. Events such as this helped to fuel suspicion of this lineage. In recent years, much of this suspicion and prejudice has significantly cooled thanks to the [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_52|work of the Synod]] passing [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_118|several statements]] in the year 383YE.
* In [[Dawn]] there was an undercurrent of suspicion towards those with briar lineage; it was in Dawn and the nearby [[The Barrens|Barrens]] that most of the bloody fighting of that uprising took place.
* In [[Highguard]] the bodies of dead briars were commonly burnt and their ashes scattered over water; while there are a few monuments to heroic briars in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|the Necropolis]], there are none of this lineage actually interred there.
* Briars are seldom seen in [[The League|League]] society. They're too direct for the subtleties of Dead Reckoning.
* Many [[The Marches|Marchers]] believed briars are accursed, and had nothing to do with them.
* The [[Navarr]] were especially suspicious of the briars, seeing a connection between them and the [[vallorn]].
* Intellectuals in [[Urizen]] found the briars too instinctual, too direct.
* The briar lineage was accepted in [[Varushka]], but there was a deep-seated prejudice that they were too willful to be entirely trusted.
* [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], especially those of the Steinr tradition, have always respected the bold directness and uncompromising nature of the briars.

===Becoming a briar===
*'''The eternals Yaw'nagrah and Ossegrahn can both offer boons to allow a character to gain the briar lineage'''

*'''The Circle of Salt can provide a tincture over downtime that will allow an unlineaged human to manifest the briar lineage'''
*'''Drinking from the Parador of the Crucible over downtime can grant an unlineaged human the briar lineage'''
* '''Healing magic, especially ritual magic, may cause an injured character to develop lineage'''
The handmaidens of the eternal [[Yaw'nagrah]] have been known to provide ''fruit of the oak'' to mortals in the past that, when consumed, can grant the eater the briar lineage. Convincing the ''Green Mother'' to grant one of the rare fruits is said to be a difficult task, made all the more difficult by the [[Alignment#Enmity|Declaration of Enmity]] against the eternal.

A few heralds of [[Ossegrahn]] talk of ''frithbark'' which is commonly ground into a fine, nutty powder that can be added to a hot drink that can grant the drinker the briar lineage. It has been some time since the ''Bogfearthan'' interacted with the Empire, but conversation with his agents suggest that the bark might be offered as reward for furthering the agenda of the eternal in preserving life and encouraging wholesome growth.

<br><br><span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Downtime</span><br>
The Circle of Salt, a small coven of Spring mages who live in Visten, [[Redoubt#Optarion|Optarion]], are able to prepare a tincture using water drawn from the waterspouts of the Ribbon of Salt and moss from [[Therunin#Peakedge_Song|Peakedge Song]], Therunin. An unlineaged human who drinks the tincture - which smells of wet earth and tastes of rhubarb - and bathes in the sea near the whirlpool will often manifest briar lineage. The transformation takes place over the course of a few days - no more than a week - in a relatively painless manner.

In [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]], Madruga, there is a fountain in the courtyard of an old parador that once stood by the road along the banks of the Scorrero that now flows with rainbow waters; drinking from them by moonlight can prompt a transformation in unlineaged humans. There is a chance that the drinker will unpredictably gain the briar, [[draughir]], or [[naga]] lineage over the course of a few days. '''OOC Note:''' The choice of which lineage is gained - if any - is down to the player, not the character.

An unlineaged human who is seriously injured, and healed with magic (rather than [[herbs]] or the [[Surgical skills#Physician|physician]] skill) may manifest the briar lineage. There are no specific [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds|traumatic wounds]] that mention becoming a briar - rather it is an out-of-character choice made by the player like any other method of gaining lineage in downtime. You might take this route after being seriously injured during an event (especially if you received a traumatic wound in the process), or simply roleplay that you were hurt in downtime, healed, and manifested lineage.

==Inspirations==
One inspiration for the briars draws on characters such as Swamp Thing; individuals who are outside, yet drawn to, the human world. Both the Hulk and Edward Hyde represent a struggle between civilised impulses and the desire to break free of societal restriction. Fictional vigilantes who take a direct, simplistic, approach to solving the problems of society like the Punisher and characters such as Conan the Cimmerian and Kull the Conqueror represent a physicality and desire for simple solutions to problems. Tyler Durden from ''Fight Club'' displays a more extreme version of the same archetype. Pragmatic, direct characters are good examples of the briar mindset, as in the story of Alexander the Great and the Gordian Knot, or the scene from ''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' where Indiana Jones shoots the swordsman to avoid an unnecessary duel.

==Useful Links==
This excellent and in depth [https://youtu.be/gJnYlb3btZk video] from explore the creation of a beautifully in-depth briar look, and [https://youtu.be/fPXjuXrho7Q this video] from TheRosaBelle both explore in-depth briar looks.

==Briar Images==
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Briar Pathfinder.jpg|title=Navarr briars face a particular low-key prejudice from their fellows.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Regal Briar.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Pensive Briar.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Colourful Briar.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SadBriar.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Winterfolk Briar.jpg|title=The people of Wintermark are more accepting than many nations, valuing the bold, straightforward nature of the briar. Briar are often outsiders in Imperial society.|align=right|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BriarVeins.jpg|title=Prominent veins beneath the skin are common|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Briar Attitude.jpg|title=Briars possess an uncanny reserve of resilience and energy.|width=2000}}
</fourpicture>
{{Lineage Links}}
[[Category:Lineage]]

The League people

2025-07-04T22:24:13Z

Wrenna:

<quote>One people with <s>four</s> five souls</quote>
{{CaptionedImage|file=TiagoBarossa.jpg|align=left|width=300|title=Tiago Barossa di Tassato Regario, considering his next move.|caption=One people with four souls.}}
The five great cities of the League give the nation her spirit. Her love of culture, the appreciation for fine things, opera, theatre, art and dance come from Sarvos. The determination to be the best, savouring every triumph, ferocious competition and ruthless nerve are born of Temeschwar. The problem-solving, imagination and sheer brilliance of Holberg has led to their mastery of surgery and engineering. The childlike delight with the cunning and the clever spreads from Tassato, where words are laced with more ambiguity than meaning and every ruse conceals another stratagem beneath it. Apulian, the newest city in the League aims to bring raw cunning and daring, a willingness to risk everything to succeed combined with an unmatched lust for success.
__NOTOC__
While the character of each city can be clearly seen, it is important to appreciate that this is one nation, bound by their [[League_Egregore|Egregore]] and countless generations of migrations and marriages. "One people with four souls" is how the League still traditionally describes itself. Apulians might correct them on the number but the idea is that individuals and groups draw their strength and their character from the best qualities of the whole nation. Citizens of the League are always proud of their city and some strive to exemplify its attributes, but it is as if the qualities were in the cities themselves as much as the people who inhabit them.

True power in the cities is in the hands of the guilds. The guilds are exceptionally varied; some are organized to supply a single product or skill while others have no common basis beyond a group of people who join together to make money. There are guilds that are mercenary companies or theatre groups and some say the churches of the League are little more than guilds. What the guilds have in common is the expectation of loyalty, their ties are every bit as strong as the closest family. Loyalty to your guild is one of the great pillars of life in the League. The guilds have no formal powers so they use their stranglehold on economic existence in the cities to rule despite that; if you want to get ahead in the League - join a guild.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ButchersBank.jpg|align=right|width=400|title=The Butchers Bank of Temeschwar exemplify the ambition and thirst for prosperity common to many League citizens.|caption=Determined ambition, ferocious competition and ruthless nerve are born of Temeschwar.}}
The League is committed to the Empire; Imperial law has brought peace and prosperity. The opportunities and the civilisation that the Empire brings are things that many are prepared to die – or preferably kill – to preserve. Because the citizens of the League see themselves as the pre-eminent people of the Empire, they tend to view the Empire very possessively - as if the whole thing were arranged for their benefit.

League society greatly prizes loyalty, but scorns servility. Everyone is expected to give as good as they receive. They are relentlessly competitive in everything they turn their hands to, always seeking to outdo each other. They are not obsessed with money, as some claim, but money is a great way to judge success - a metric by which to quantify how well you have done. When outsiders point out that they seem to view life as a game they are playing then League citizens tend to agree - "someone is keeping score" is the usual response. But it is not a case of treating war, politics and trade like a child's game, it is a case of treating every game they play as seriously as if it were a war.

There is a merciless emphasis on the rules in the League. Crime is always a problem in the cities, but those who hold the reins of power regard it as a parasite, eating into their own profits. They ensure the laws are enforced with a brutal practicality and pragmatism, that stems in part from a cultural belief that those who break the rules have cheated in the game. It is not just the laws they hold in iron regard; a civil tongue, the customs of the city, her superstitions and her rules, are not to be broken. If an individual does not respect League society enough to play by the same rules as everyone else, how can you be sure what other rules they will break? Such people are not trusted and in business, a lack of trust is fatal to your chances of success.
{{CaptionedImage|file=HappyCambion.jpg|align=left|width=500|title=Domitila Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato, taking her ease.|caption=Ambitious, driven, ruthless ... but they never forget to appreciate the fruits of civilisation.}}
Famed for a devotion to the arts, the League claims to have invented opera and theatre and take constant joy in the novel and the clever. They appreciate flair and wit, as signs of a sharp mind. Witty banter and verbal quips are considered fine entertainment in the League. Those who can employ wit skilfully are given more license than others to break the social rules of respect with less chance to cause a scene - or a duel.

This is not a nation of effete libertines. Innovative gewgaws and beautiful artworks are prized, but they are nothing compared to the pride these people take in the exercise of their will, their ambition and their success. A clever quip is no substitute for wealth, power, influence and the will to employ them to meet one's goals. The Merchant Prince may continue to make ironic comments when a situation turns deadly serious, but never make the mistake of thinking that they are not prepared to do what it takes to ensure the outcome they favour. More than one guest has made an inappropriate "joke" and discovered themselves ejected from someone's home - often through a first storey window.

==Orcs and Humans==
The League is currently the only nation in the Empire to incorporate both humans and orcs, after the Apulian Orcs successfully petitioned the League to let them join. Life in Grendel culture was tough, cut-throat and competitive. If you did well, you could enjoy luxuries and comfort, if you did poorly you would quickly find yourself carrying a pickaxe in the salt mines. Crucially, it was a long slow climb to the top, one success at a time, licking the boots of those above you then turning on them at the perfect moment. But it was a short, sharp drop to the bottom and those who crossed their betters and lost were rarely seen again. Joining the League and becoming a citizen of the Empire means that politics is no longer such a fatal game. Many Apulians may have been [[Ambition|ambitious]], with grand political goals, but they always had to tread somewhat carefully and watch out for a knife in the spine. Now, they're free to reach for lofty goals without the potential for a dagger in the night for challenging the wrong person.

The Apulian Orcs are a new addition to the League, having joined the nation during the Summer Solstice 385YE. There is enough information on the League pages to create an Apulian character, but players are welcome to read the [[Grendel]] pages if they want more detail on the background of their character before they joined the League. Anyone intending to play an Apulian Orc should make sure to also read the [[orc]] species brief to ensure they have a full understanding of the requirements and limitations of playing an orc.

<quote-right by="Two Gentlemen of Tassato, Act I, scene ii">Any gutter urchin might be a merchant prince one day, so you must be careful, cousin. Kick a puppy today, and tomorrow it might have grown up to be the hound that has your hand in its jaws ... </quote-right>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Urban Lounging.jpg|align=right|width=500|caption=The people of the League are sophisticated, civilised, and stylish.}}

==Names in the League==
Each of the five cities of the League has a different flavour. We suggest Italian names for Sarvossian characters, Eastern European names for Temeschwari characters, German or Dutch names for Holberghan characters, Portuguese names for Tassatan characters, and anglicised Scots Gaelic for Apulian characters.

Most people in the League use their city as part of their name. They may use one of a number of connecting words - "di", "de", "van" and "of" are all popular and are used interchangeably across the League - but they firmly indicate the city they are loyal to. This is usually the city of their birth, but not always. Many League citizens have cause to move from one city to another at one time and some find themselves more at home in their new city than the place of their birth.

Many individuals do not bother with a family name, although they may take some element of their name from their guild.

===Sample names===
* Elsbet van Temeschwar, of the Black Raven
* Bertolli Giacomi di Sarvos, of the Giacomi Carta
* Neave de Apulian, of the Broken Blades

N.B. Whilst some names are inspired by real world names which may be given to specific genders, Empire is a gender blind setting and people of any gender choose any name they like that is appropriate to their nation.

{{The League Links}}

Inextricable, indefatigable, and inevitable

2025-07-04T22:23:59Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Imperial Address]]
<ic>Cousins,

I come before you shining with Pride at the accomplishments of our Military Council. In just a few years we have added three new territories to the Imperial Hearth, and provided the light of virtue to countless lost Souls yet to find The Way in Ossium, The Barrens, and most recently Mareave.

It is in these lands and in your homes that the Empire lives, where it breathes and where it does its works of virtue. Every corner of the world that an Imperial citizen calls their own is not only a triumph in the spreading of The Way and a beacon of the greatest civilisation in the world, but it is yours. It is a new place for you to rest your head, to raise your family and to find your own piece of Prosperity.
These lands, claimed, reclaimed and those yet to be reclaimed come at the cost of imperial lives. It is our duty to those we have lost to put them to good use. To live well in them, to devote them to virtue. Our hero's memory exists in the bright flicker of our hearths, the joy of our citizens and the new and better world they will leave the labyrinth to find.

Our land is one of the most valuable assets we have. We must not take it for granted, and we cannot afford to sell it cheaply.

Soldiers of every Imperial nation have fought, suffered and died to claim our seat in the world and protect our homes. Is this forgotten by those who curse their neighbours’ territories over political disputes or a desire for vengeance?

I see the veneration of those who would maliciously curse their imperial siblings and it sickens me. I will speak in no uncertain terms:
Anyone who curses an imperial territory with the intent to bring harm to our citizens is no friend to this empire and should be given the sack and sword.
I applaud those in Anvil who are leading the way in finding a better path. If it is heroes of Marcher and Urizeni loyalty that you seek, look no further than them. The Empire sees their works and is inspired to do better as a result.

Last season, I asked you to look to your homes for those that most needed aid. This season, I ask you to take upon an even more Ambitious goal, the Legacy of the First Empress. It was by her revelation that we were mandated to see all humans as our fellows to be raised up to transcend. Three hundred years later, the Unshackled showed us that the way also belongs to the Orcs. Most recently, our Synod has expanded Doctrine and heightened our cause to all sentient peoples. All have been deemed worthy to have shared our spiritual Prosperity.

Now, we face this four hundred year old challenge: Let no corner of our Empire be anything less than a shining example of Prosperity.

Inextricable. Indefatigable. Inevitable.</ic>{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbBLmd52Nkw}}
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Quill Pen.jpg|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to send a personal message to all Imperial citizens. As with the [[Promising_light|coronation address]], the civil service has ensured the message is heard by citizens across the Empire and beyond.
==Significance==
[[The Throne]] has the power to nominate a single Imperial citizen who can deliver a message to the people of the Empire each summit. It is common practice for The Throne to use this power themselves, when they wish to speak to all their people about important matters.
{{Imperial Addresses}}

The League territories

2025-07-04T22:23:37Z

Wrenna:

<quote-right by="Gidea di Sarvos, Reflections">The city is the mirror of the world. If we cannot master the city, how can we master the world?</quote-right>

Each territory in the League represents the land that extends around a single great city. Surrounding lands are tightly parcelled into estates, each of which is traditionally worked hard but may also be sculpted for maximum beauty. Commonly country estates are kept for show, but a Merchant Prince will only really relax when at their townhouse in the city, surrounded by the fruits of civilisation. The League is small in terms of landmass compared to some other nations, but it still manages to have a sizeable population.

Each city of the League has something of a character of its own. League citizens from that city may strive to exemplify what they see as the strong qualities of their city, but the truth is that all these characteristics are present in every citizen in the League. The physical city itself seems to have some effect, citizens from one city who move to another often find themselves reflecting the mood of their new home. How much an individual character or group chooses to emphasize the city of their birth - or the city they live in - is entirely up to the player.

=== Territories ===
* [[Tassato]]
* [[Sarvos]]
* [[Temeschwar]]
* [[Holberg]]
* [[Spiral]]

{{The League Links}}

Grendel

2025-07-04T22:23:25Z

Wrenna:

{{CaptionedImage|file=GrimGrendel.jpg|caption=The Grendel dominate the lands to the south and south-east of the Empire|align=left|width=600}}
==Overview==
The Grendel are [[orc|orcs]] who hail from Attar and the Broken Shore - lands to the south and east of the Bay of Catazar. A nation of sea-faring orcs with a love for wealth and power, they were once nothing but pirates and reavers. Over time their society has advanced to the point where they are as likely to trade as to steal what they want. Despite their riches and the luxurious lifestyle of their leaders - the Salt Lords - the Grendel are brutal, uncompromising bullies who use violence and threats of violence to get what they want. Their comparative distance from the Empire means that its citizens know relatively little about their society.

Much of the current information about Grendel society comes from Angelo i Ceniza, a Freeborn civil servant who spent several months in late 378YE as a captive guest of the Salt Lord Suriad of [[Ports_of_the_Broken_Shore#Dubhtraig_.28Northern_Broken_Shore.29|Dubhtraig]].

==The Nation==
The Grendel dominate the lands to the south and south-east of the Empire. Historically, they have threatened territories across the Bay of Catazar: [[Sarvos]], [[Highguard]], [[Urizen]], and [[the Brass Coast]]. Before the birth of the Empire, the ancestors of the Grendel controlled much of the land that is now part of these nations, but were driven out by human settlers.

At the top of Grendel society are the Salt Lords - their great wealth seems to derives from their position of power, although they claim it is the other way around. The Salt Lords control the trade into and out of the Broken Shore and their ships have been seen in most foreign ports across the world - at least those that will deign to accept orcs. Beneath the Salt Lords are the Sea Lords - the commanders of the Salt Lords warships - together they form a council which rules the Broken Shore with an iron fist.

Grendel culture is inextricably linked with the sea, and all their most important settlements are large bustling ports. Their position of power and wealth in the Broken Shore comes in part from the trade that their fleets carry out across the world. The Grendel raise no armies of their own, preferring to hire mercenaries from the interior of the Broken Shore. Although they have long since outgrown their piratical roots, ownership of their own vessel is still a powerful dream for most young Grendel.

The Grendel are undoubtedly the richest of the barbarian orc nations that face the Empire; the Salt Lords have wealth that would rival that of any League [[The_League_leadership|Merchant Prince]] or Freeborn [[family]]. More so perhaps than any other Barbarian nation the Grendel have an abundance of finely crafted items and artisans are always in great demand. However the wealth of the nation does not run deep, most Grendel are born into desperate poverty and destined to remain that way all their life. In Grendel society the victor is the one who takes the spoils.

Slavery is endemic in Grendel lands, and is the natural endpoint for those who do not make the right choices in life. There are hundreds of thousands of slaves in Grendel lands; the lucky ones work as servants in the villas of wealthy Grendel captains or Salt Lords, while the threat of a short, brutal existence in the salt mines is ever present for those that attempt to rebel or escape. Those that show promise can find themselves fighting for their lives in the gladiatorial arena. Regardless of their position, the slaves of the Grendel are never allowed to forget that they are possessions - objects, rather than people.

==5 things to know about the Grendel==
* '''Masters of the sea''' - the Empire has fleets - the Grendel have navies and it has already sunk one Imperial flotilla
* '''Smarter than you''' - the Grendel spend time, money and effort on being as well informed as possible
* '''Masters of the deal''' - Grendel are fiercely competitive, driven to get the best from every negotiation no matter how small
* '''Richer than you''' - they pride themselves on their wealth and affluence
* '''Masters of the game''' - the Grendel are cunning and savvy, they seek to understand their rivals so that they can outwit them

==What the Grendel are not==
* '''Pirates''' The Grendel will resort to reaving if it benefits them - but their nation has long since decided that trade and conquest offer a better route to riches than piracy.
* '''Civilized''' The Grendel are rich, smart and enjoy the trappings of civilisation. But in reality their culture is like a society run by a bunch of drug cartels.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Freeborn_Grendel.jpg|align=right|width=500}}

==Warriors of the Grendel==
The bulk of most Grendel armies are bands of mercenaries hired from the many orc nations that dwell inland on the Broken Shore. From the Imperial perspective there is little to distinguish these forces from the countless minor nations that are incorporated into the armies of the Thule, Druj or the Jotun. Most own little more than a sword and a breastplate usually worn over a plain tunic or similar. In battle, they form up and fight in mobs along tribal divisions. What does make them distinct is the command and leadership of the Grendel commanders - there is none of the brutal savagery of the Druj, nor the caution of the Thule. Grendel commanders are bold risk-takers but they pride themselves on their discipline - soldiers that cannot obey orders face summary punishment.

The [[elite Grendel troops|elite troops]] in the Grendel's arsenal are the professional soldiers, hired from the moridun. Each moridun appears to be some kind of independent mercenary fellowship - operating from a fortress somewhere in the Broken Shore where they recruit, equip, and train Grendel soldiers. Each moridun has its own symbols and imagery and each jealously guards its own traditions and unique fighting style. Commanders will almost always deploy Grendel soldiers from a moridun where they have them available - but such troops are at most effective when engaged in pursuit of the military objectives which that moridun specializes in.

==Magic==
The Grendel seem to view the use of ritual magic as a profoundly economic activity. The most powerful magician among the Grendel holds the rank of Wind Lord and sits in the Grendel High Council with the Salt Lords. While the Grendel might use the power of ritual magic to realise their goals, they would only do so if they couldn't achieve the same end more cheaply using mundane means. The Grendel hoard wealth and they expend their magical reserves carefully, seeking the maximum return on their investment.

The Grendel do not use the same magical terminology as the Empire. Angelo reports that their most important realm is the Sky - from which information and enlightenment flows - and that they also prize the uncontrollable Sea - the source of wild storms and violent winds, the fountain of life. The Realm of Sand is valued for its many economic benefits - sand is mutable and workable, ordered and measured though it can shift suddenly beneath you. The other realms are largely disdained by the Grendel.

Spellcasting on the battlefield is seen as an important auxiliary role, a way to round out the fighting strength of a unit. Magicians embed themselves within the best units to provide magical healing or offensive abilities depending on their capabilities. Unlike the Thule, the Grendel do not field battle magicians by themselves, as such individuals are seen as too expensive to risk in such a way. Battlefield magicians, especially Grendel, will often carry magical items designed to protect them and boost their strength.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Disciplined Archers.jpg|align=right|width=500}}
==History==
Centuries ago, the ancestors of the modern Grendel laboured under the rule of a powerful orc nation that dominated the Bay of Catazar, but that nation was cast down by the rise of the Empire. After gaining their freedom, they survived, then prospered, by preying on fleets that passed through the Bay.

Raiding came to a head in the reign of [[Emperor Barabbas]] who created three large [[Imperial navy|navies]] intent on destroying the Grendel and claiming the island of Attar, the largest landmass in the Broken Shore. Facing a significant Imperial threat, the rival Salt Lords came together to oppose a common enemy. The Grendel never cease their rivalry, but they know that in most times there is more to be gained from working together than apart.

Over time, the Grendel nation has expanded to the point that they now lay claim to swathes of land to the south of Urizen and Highguard. Historically, their activities have been kept in check by the activities of the Freeborn corsairs, but the balance of power appears to be slowly shifting in favour of the Grendel, especially in the southern bay...

{{Grendel Links}}

Historical research

2025-07-04T22:22:40Z

Wrenna:

==Overview==
The department for historical research was established by [[Emperor James]] in an attempt to repair the damage done to Imperial scholarship by [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Fifty years passed between the devastation of the libraries and the establishment of a formal order dedicated to regaining what had been lost - five decades for the situation to deteriorate further. Staffed by dedicated civil servants, and taking direction from the Imperial Senate, the new department worked tirelessly to recover damaged documents, and reconstruct those that had been lost forever to the fires of the mad [[the Throne|Throne]].

The Empire has been in existence for nearly four hundred years, but human civilisation stretches back much further than that. The relatively recent arrival of [[Dawn]] and the [[Highguard|Highborn]] were proceeded by centuries of orc barbarian chaos. And before that the Bay of Catazar area was home to the sprawling kingdoms that were the ancestors of [[Navarr]], [[Wintermark]], [[Urizen]] and [[Varushka]]. Any given scholar today knows only a part of the epic history of humankind.

The best records the Empire kept were destroyed by [[Emperor Nicovar]], and much of the early history of the Empire, and the history of the nations that preceded it, was lost. What documents and histories endure are kept in the personal histories and records of communities scattered across the Empire. The civil service works under the direction of the Senate, to recover knowledge that has been lost and to push back the boundaries of Imperial understanding of the past and the present. Finding specific information in the decentralised Imperial memory is a daunting task. Teams of people must spread out across the Empire to seek out lore buried in any of the countless personal libraries.

Following the [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|restructuring of the Department]] after the Winter Solstice 384YE, the civil service has the resources to research one subject each season. Prior to [[Bloody murder|the murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service was able to perform more research each season; the loss of so many experienced researchers significantly curtailed their ability to perform scholastic study.

Since the death of Empress Britta, the Senate devolved much of the responsibility for guiding historical research, creating individual titles - the [[Minister of Historical Research]], the [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]], [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], and the [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]]. The Dredgemaster [[Amend powers of Dredgemaster of Feverwater Winter 381YE|had this power removed]] during the Winter Solstice 381YE, while the Advisors also lost this power during the changes mandated by [[A long December|restructuring]].

==Commissioning Historical Research==
The power to direct the civil servants in the department of historical research lies with the Imperial Senate. Until recently, this power was employed by use of a [[senate motion]]. In recent years, senators have created three new [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], who may all commission a piece of historical research using a [[senate announcement]]. Both the Advisor on the Vallorn and the Imperial Advisor for the Feni lost this power of during the [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Historical_Research|Spring Equinox 385YE]]. The Minister of Historical Research may in theory make any number of announcements but since the [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|decision to retrain]] members of the Department as [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|prognosticators]], the matter is moot. Whichever subject is announced first will be undertaken.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. It is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "the history of the Brass Coast" or "Exemplars of Pride", giving the civil service a free reign as to how to proceed. It is more common, however, to select a tight focus such as "the life of Myfanwy" or "the Crown of Three Tears".

Each season, the researchers will provide a report summarising their findings in the previous three months. This often takes the form of a written document detailing what they have uncovered, sometimes presented by one of the civil servants responsible for collating the information. It may sometimes take the form of a discussion with an expert on the issue, or a lead that will secure specific information that requires direct action by an Imperial hero.

The report will often include suggestions for where to take the research next, if there are any avenues of research left that the researchers believe might be beneficial, explaining the problems with uncovering more information, or presenting an [[opportunity]] for some action that might help move the research forward. If the researchers do not believe that any further work on a subject will provide additional useful information then they will report that.
<div style="width:500px; float: right;"><box>'''OOC Explanation:''' The downtime after a report is received, the contents will be added to the main wiki. Depending on the nature of the report this may mean a new page detailing the results of the research, or edits to an existing page. Any scholar is free to roleplay that they have received copies of the research document.</box></div>
==For the Benefit of the Empire==
During the season following the presentation of a historical research report, the civil service will make the contents available to any scholar who asks as well as dispatching copies of the report to libraries, universities, and colleges across the Empire. This is done to help ensure that the information discovered can never be lost again, and to expand the collective knowledge of the Empire.

==Dangers of Historical Research==
Uncovering information about the past is not a safe occupation. The [[eternal|eternals]] known as the [[Whisper Gallery]] have shown that they are prepared to take extreme steps to interfere with historical research, for example, including [[Bloody murder|murdering civil servants]]. The [[Imperial Conclave]] has placed them under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]], but this does nothing to prevent their mortal associates causing trouble for the department of historical research. The Senate treasury once paid a significant amount of money into a fund to protect civil servants associated with the department, but [[A_long_December#The_Fucking_Whisper_Gallery|Ris Steelfist]], one of the bodyguards funded by the Senate, presented a proposal that saw private citizens fund the defence of the department. Sometimes a project is too dangerous for them to explore directly. In this case, they may call on the citizen with the appropriate Imperial title to undertake dangerous actions, or request additional materials that they cannot acquire themselves.

Citizens who hold one of the titles associated with historical research should be aware that they are potential targets not only for the Whisper Gallery but for other secretive organisations that have a vested interest in preventing discovery of historical information in general, or specific to whatever is being researched.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Leontes.jpg |caption=Leontes the Scribe, [[the Marches|Marcher]] scholar and Imperial Archivist, oversees the Department of Historical Research|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==The Department of Historical Research==
The department of historical research is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Archivist, Leontes the Scribe, who is a member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]]. He is said to be a notoriously curmudgeonly individual whose deep knowledge of the history of humanity has left him with a perpetually dismal view of it. The day to day running of the department defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining handful of researchers, scribes, and investigators. As of the Autumn Equinox 381YE, there are four senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar of Imperial history.
===Snowstorm Henk===
The first [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] member of the Department, Snowstorm Henk, is a young academic who has an extensive interest in lost Imperial artifacts. He takes a "hands on" approach to research, often dragging himself and his team into dangerous situations such as when he [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|undertook an expedition]] into the [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo.27s_Deep_Pockets|Lorenzo's Deep Pockets]], or was (briefly) captured by Thule while [[Sungold Pass|exploring Sungold Pass]]. He often undertakes research where a "fresh approach" is appropriate; the Imperial Orcs are the youngest nation and Snowstorm Henk likes to think about preconceptions and "accepted wisdom" when exploring a topic.
===Octavia of Stream's Source Spire===
An [[Urizen|Urizeni]] who takes a methodical approach to any project she is involved with. She is at home in libraries, and often delves deep into the root causes of the events she is asked to research. Her reports will often quote other sources; she is in her element when a project requires examining large amounts of existing information and trying to distill it down into a usable format.
===Marko Siwarsbairn===
An adventurous [[Wintermark]] scholar, Marko enjoys field work, especially poking around old ruins and haunted libraries. They are known to take a particular joy in delving into the lives of historical figures, rather than historical events, especially if compiling such a biography will give them an excuse to visit somewhere they have never been before.
===Ser Eddard d'Argenteux===
Ser Eddard d'Argenteux recently joined the Department of Historical Research after retirement from his life as an active questing-knight at the age of 63. Having taken up the mantle of a troubadour since his retirement, his primary interests are the legends and folktales told of the glorious and the foes they face. An experienced traveler, there are few places inside the Empire he has not been, and many places he has been beyond. He specialises in rumour, myth and legend: when he conducts historical research it can be difficult to separate the tall tales from the hard facts, but rarely is it not a fantastic story.

===Other Researchers===
There are a handful of other respected scholars associated with the department of historical research. They are often assigned specific roles by one of the Imperial Archivist. There are also several retired members, or members who have moved on to other departments.
* Rosalind Friedlin von Holberg (Retired): A graduate and former professor at the University of [[Holberg]], Rosalind is also a veteran of the Druj occupation, and an expert in pre-Nicovar Imperial history. She has extensive contacts among - and some influence over - the various Imperial centres of learning. Rosalind encourages researchers to adopt a detached, academic style with their studies and prefers them to include plenty of references to existing Imperial scholarship.
* Peter of Hintown (Retired): Something of a maverick, this adventurous [[the Marches|Marcher]] scholar discovered both the [[Forge_of_sorrows|Gildenheim runeforge]] and the [[Black_and_white|mithril deposits]] that eventually lead to the creation of [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]]. In contrast to Rosalind, he has an extensive network of contacts and correspondents outside of established academia, preferring to associate with independent scholars. His main area of academic interest lies with pre-Imperial artifacts, and what little is known about the history of the orc barbarians - especially the Empire's battles with them.
* Elian Sweetwater (Promoted): A [[Navarr]], of Storm's Run Striding, Elian was best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|extensive report]] on [[Axos]] and the history of the Terunael there, prepared for the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. In Winter 384YE, he was [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater_of_Storm.27s_Run_Striding|reassigned]] to the Prognosticator's Office.
<ic>
'''No Imperial Archives'''<br>While there is an Imperial Archivist, there are no Imperial Archives any more - no secret libraries maintained by the civil service. Instead, there are numerous small libraries, archives, records, and similar spread across the Empire. Navarr stridings carry books and scrolls with them in their wagons. Every Wintermark hall keeps a tally of judgement stretching back generations. Every Dawnish house keeps records of its most glorious members. Each Highborn chapter records the deeds of its worthy scions, every Urizen spire maintains libraries both arcane and more mundane in nature. The Marchers have memories written and oral that stretch back to the times before there ''were'' any Marchers, while the Varushkan Wise Ones and Cabalists maintain written records and keep the rich tradition of stories and cautionary tales alive from generation to generation. The tribes of the Brass Coast maintain family archives the first scrolls of which were carried with the exiled Founders when they left Highguard. The League cities build white granite libraries dedicated to the history of the city-folk and jealously guard the personal histories of guilds and grudges and debts owed. While the Imperial Orcs are new to the Empire, their cultural drive to education and their reverence of the written word have already begun amassing records, books and scrolls.

There are millions of documents in the Empire. Once upon a time, hundreds of years were spent copying tomes and collecting documents together... and then [[Emperor Nicovar|Nicovar the Mad]] burnt them down. Recreating these ''Imperial Archives'' would cost millions of thrones and take centuries. The closest the Empire has to an Imperial archive at the moment is the great disparate body of writing that is spread across the entire Empire.</ic>

==Recent Historical Research==
This table represents official requests to the department of historical research, whether from the Senate or from one of the titles empowered to commission research. For clarity's sake it also includes the research commissioned by the [[Lepidean Librarian]], although that title does not use researchers from the Department.
<table>
<tr><th width="40%">'''Topic'''</th><th width="10%">'''Date'''</th><th width="30%">'''Commissioned By'''</th><th width="20%">'''Notes'''</th></tr>
<tr><td>The Howling Queen</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Silk Farkas, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Tales of the Howling Queen|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Past Life of Brendan Brackensong</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Volkhov and Bran|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Regarding Amity and Enmity</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Silk Farkas, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Regarding amity and enmity|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Courage of Ahraz</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Life, history, and personal values of Tom Drake</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Life of Tom Drake|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Deadwood Knight</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Deadwood and Rot|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vardas and Mikkal</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Life of Vardas|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sorrowful Tunnels</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Ongoing; Partial</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Ore Hills Rebellion of 326YE</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[The Ore Hills Rebellion|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Malachi of the Winds of Virtue</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td> Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Malachai of the Winds of Virtue|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Sarcophan Delves</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Founders of the Delves|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Isenbrad</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Signs of Isenbrad]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urizen in Mareave</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Mareave and Urizen|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The virtue of Jaggah</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[On Tagga|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tower of Solokha</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Fall of Solokha|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Saul of the Cora</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Saul of the Cora|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The tomb guards of Ahraz</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[The Honour Guard of Ahraz|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Findings of Magisters</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Former Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Origins_of_the_Highborn#The_Findings_of_Magisters|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to investigate Andretti</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Andretti of Phoenix Rising|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The "Speaker for the Dead" of the Free Folk</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[On the Speaker for the Dead|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sinking of Bregasland</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Advisor on the Feni</td><td>[[Bregasland and the smiths|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reclamation of Seren</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Reclamation of Seren|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Palace at Orieb</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Expedition to Orieb|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>"Old Morgan" Steward of Brock's Heath</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Steward of Brock's Heath|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Feverwater and the dock of Terunael origin</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[The Feverwater docks|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>General Cretatus, the Claw of the Dragon, and the history of the Sword Scholars</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Cetratus and the sword scholars|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and example of Sister Ruth of the Seven Stars</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Ruth's Tomb and Virtue|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Doctrine of Human Destiny</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[On the Doctrine of Human Destiny|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Feni</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Advisor on the Feni</td><td>[[Feni#Origins of the Feni|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Research black lotus</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Regarding Black Lotus|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heirs of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Sacrophan to investigate the origins of the Highborn</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Origins of the Highborn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ghita's Veils</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Ghita's Veils|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Origin of Eater of Hope</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Eater-of-Hope|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Life of Drustan</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Drustan of the Briar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sungold Pass</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Sungold Pass|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Abraxus Stones</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Abraxus_Stone#Further_Information|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maude Daughter of Esther</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Maude, and the nature of Hatred|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and final fate of the noble Terunael general Bryony and her crystal crown</td><td>Summer 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[General Bryony and the Crystal Crown|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anomalous conjunctions with reference to Empress Britta's death</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Anomalous_conjunctions|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The past life of Adelina Barossa</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Maude, and the nature of Hatred|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire from the Heavens</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Fire from the Heavens|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The descendants of Terunael in Axos </td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part Two|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exploration of Lorenzo's Deep Pockets ([[Workers_in_struggle#Northern_Sinkhole|opportunity]])</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Tormund of Wintermark</td><td>[[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Myfanwy of Hercynia and her travels and relationships with the First Empress</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Myfanwy of Hercynia|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Terunael ruins in Axos</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part One|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aneira Dancewalker, thought to be General of the Quiet Step during the fall of Liathaven, and her brother Eurion Dancewalker who forged Aneira's Talon</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mage known as Star, compatriot to Navarr and Thorn</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[The magician Star|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhonwen's Fall</td><td>Spring 381YE</td><td>Merel Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[On Rhonwen's Fall|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Apaayuqiu King, and the pre-Wintermark history in Sermersuaq area</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Apaay Ukiuking|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Luca Ritter von Holberg, Cardinal of Courage around 125YE</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Brass Coast</td><td>Autumn 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Superseded by recent discoveries about [[the Brass Coast history|history]] and the lives of [[Erigo]], [[Guerra]], and [[Riqueza]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The noble house of Mazzarin of Dawn</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Brennyn of Bronwyn's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Hugh Mazarin|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Lost Art of Crafting</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Charter Stone of the Terunael city of Seren</td><td>Spring 380YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>No reference to "charter stones" could be found; some information about [[Blood magic#Singing Stones|singing stones]] was uncovered as part of the research.</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heart of Peytaht, its contents and the nature of the entities within it</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Corey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Great Forest of Peytaht#Discussion_of_the_Great_Forest_of_Peytaht|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadaver, a sovereign, of the Dark Hearts vale in Varushka</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The Gwerin Marfae, the marshfolk around at the time of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Corey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Gwerin Morfa|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Further research into the [[runeforge]] in [[Skarsind]]</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Palladius, proxy Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Gildenheim runeforge|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>More origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Summer 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The relationship between auras and the paragons/exemplars they are named for with particular reference to Isaella's Resolve</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Yael of Felix's Watch</td><td>[[Isaella#Execution_and_Resolution|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The naval campaign of [[Emperor Barabbas]]</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Emperor_Barabbas#The_Invasion_of_Attar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Claw of the Heavens spire of Urizen </td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The runeforge at Gildenheim in Skarsind</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the Hallowing ceremony</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Briar]] graves and land fertility in [[the Marches]]</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Empress Varkula|Empress Varkula's]] burial rites (and their efficacy)</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Burial rites of Empress Varkula|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Artok|Artok]] Ice Golems</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Incarnadine Satchel</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#The_Incarnadine_Satchel|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Mask of the Visionary</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mazen]] and the missing Golem</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Crown of Three Tears]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Thane Aedred in Wintermark</td><td>[[Crown of Three Tears|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Field_Marshal#The_Equine_Rod|Equine Rod]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[The_Throne#Creation_of_an_Imperial_Favour|Imperial Favour]] of [[Empress Britta]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Imperial Favour#Empress Britta|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life of Megan Black Blood</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Merel Pathfinder, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Megan Black Blood|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Campaigns of [[Emperor Guntherm]] against the [[Jotun]]</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Banner of the Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Gryphon's_Pride#History|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the [[Volodny]] Bas Celik</td><td></td><td>Simargl of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash</td><td>Complete<sup>3</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Coven of the Burning Star</td><td></td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
</table>
<sup>1</sup>: In these cases rather than a written document a meeting with an expert was arranged. As a consequence there are no published details.<br>
<sup>2</sup>: In these cases the research was used to update existing information.<br>
<sup>3</sup>: The recipient of the document has declined to have it more widely published<br>
{{Senate Further Reading}}
* [[Minister of Historical Research]]
* [[A long December]] - 385YE Spring Wind of Fortune detailing the consequences of the Department being restructured
[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Saga]][[Category:History]]

In the flesh

2025-06-09T19:00:59Z

Wrenna: /* Rise of the Bandit King */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic><big>'''People of Dawn: Earls, nobles, and yeofolk all.'''</big>

The great and the good, the highest earls of our nation, doubt my Earldom, and my very status as a Dawnish noble. Yet only one amongst them sought to ask the most important question: what was my test, and to whose house was I tested? I salute the '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' for having the good sense to ask these questions of my retainer. Perhaps our nation has not grown so weak, dependent on morsels of power from the Highborn Empire. Let me answer their questions first of all.

My earl was once '''Penni DuBlanche''', who long ago quested into the Barrens where I dwelt as a nameless monster, in order to test himself against me. A friend of mine had advised him to seek me out, you see. He threw off the venom of my sting and asserted his own superior will. He subdued me through rare brutality, terror and cunning - I, a manticore of ancient days - and gave me the choice of death or testing into his house as a noble. I chose the latter. His test was simple: "make me Monarch of Dawn through any means necessary". I agreed. I '''succeeded'''.

Your history books now call him '''Penni the White''', do they not? I served as a noble of Dawn by his side for ten long years, until love betrayed him, the people rejected him, and the fools of Dawn murdered the greatest monarch they have ever had. I retreated in disgust and named myself Earl of my own manse, here in the Groves, where I have remained ever since.

Dawn is not what it was in days of old. Once, we understood Glory truly, and did not resile from strength and power. Now you bind yourself to a Highborn yoke, and virtue's weakness saps your glorious hearts. Your Earls doubt me: I in turn doubt your strength. How shall we move forward? As, indeed, they did in days of old. I invite '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' to my home as guest of honour at a tourney I am throwing, to which all are invited, to partake in a traditional test of arms. Finally, we can see each other for who we are.

I know that there are those who plot to do me harm because they are afraid of what I represent. I invoke the ancient geas of hospitality. My rivals, too, are welcome - if they can respect guest-laws.

All who come must wear the guise of a glorious guest, and I the gracious host. Let us all swear that no undue harm will come to those who do not ask for it during the tourney. I will discipline my bannerfolk on this matter, if necessary. I expect the same from you.

The test of arms will consist of two parts. First, '''a grand melee''', open to all nobles of Dawn and errant knights who wish to test themselves, those loyal to me and those who revile me and every other. The winner will be the last one standing.

Second, will be a '''single elimination competition''' for 8 pairs of warriors. 8 Dawnish knights from the small houses of the Barrens who are allied with me will fight, and '''I invite 8 Dawnish knights from Anvil to face them.'''

Fights will continue until only one side can still fight, or the fight is clearly over. No potions may be used in the arena, and no outside interference barring replacement of shattered weapons. Under the rules of hospitality, no execution will be permitted. Bring chirurgeons and ensure that they can tend to dying on both sides.

I offer prizes to the winners, both material, and the glory of victory under the gaze of the manticore Earl. I understand there are those also who wish to ask for Tests of Mettle and Ardour: '''Caius Smith''' and '''Temperance Forger''' in the former case and '''Alexandria Aeris Du Froste''' and '''Brahmms De'Tournesol''' in the latter. We will discuss this matter before the bouts begin, but an Earl of Dawn cannot refuse a Test, and I have no intent to do so.

A word of caution to all who partake. I am not known for my patience, and I wish to see the best you have to offer. Fight swiftly and with glory. Please the crowds with your spectacle. I lack the inclination for dull and drawn out affairs.

To those who would question my nobility, know that I have the favour of my King still, if you need some proof. If Dawn has truly fallen so far that it accepts not the word of an earl in matters of nobility, then I will allow it to be examined by trusted weavers and the like as suits.

Now. Come to '''Tournament Square''' in the '''Untrod Groves''' in '''the Barrens''', at '''quarter past five''' on the '''Saturday''' of the upcoming summit. I will be waiting.

<big>'''The Earl of the Groves'''</big>
</ic>

==Overview==
In the winter, a glorious expedition ventured deep into the heart of the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves|Untrod Groves]] in [[the Barrens]]. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. There, they encountered the legendary Earl of the Groves, an inhuman monster - a manticore - who makes its dwelling there. Stories of this "Earl" have been sung by the [[troubadour|troubadours]] of [[Dawn]] for a long time, but its true nature was never clear - until now.

While the Earl of the Groves furiously defended its territory - inadvertently aided due to the complex interaction of hearth magic with the protective wards of [[Spring magic]] - since then it does not appear overtly hostile. Indeed, it has reached out to minor Dawnish houses in [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] and [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]] to talk to them of its shared ideals - of [[glory]] and [[Ambition]] and how the small houses of the Barrens might collaborate to become more powerful. Some of these houses have begun to accept the Earl as a peer.

Not so the major houses of Dawn who attend [[Anvil]]. The Earl's Council, the gathering of the earls of Dawn at Anvil, rejected outright the idea that the manticore could be recognised as Dawnish in any way. Certainly, it cannot bond to the [[egregores|egregore]] - but some are beginning to ask whether the egregore is truly the arbiter of Dawnishness? After all, Dawn existed long before its egregore, or the Empire. Those who take this say that if this manticore is truly a noble of Dawn, it ought to prove it - but if it has passed an earl's test... there have always been nobles of Dawn who were unpopular, perhaps even monstrous in spirit, if not in flesh. But this did not stop them being ''glorious''...

While the earls were clear in their view, and that has carried some weight, it has not yet ended the debate amongst the people of Dawn. Perhaps because it gets away from the difficult questions of state and nation that have bedevilled Dawn since the conquest of the Barrens, questions of unicorn and gryphon, and grapples with questions of glory and monstrosity - always fine topics to discuss. The debate only begins to intensify during the spring season when news spreads that the Earl of the Groves has declared a tourney at its manse in the heart of the Groves.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Manticore.jpg|align=right|caption=Some are beginning to ask: could a manticore be Dawnish?|width=300}}
==The Tournament of the Groves==
*'''The Earl of the Groves is hosting a tourney with prizes where Dawnish from Anvil can face off against Dawnish knights allied with the Earl'''
*'''They have invoked sacred laws of hospitality to ensure no-one is truly harmed'''
*'''The tourney is a grand melee, followed by a tournament for up to eight knights from Anvil'''
*'''As many spectators as wish to come are welcome to attend'''
*'''The tourney will occur at 5:15pm on the Saturday, at ''Tournament Square'' in the ''Untrod Groves'' in ''the Barrens'''''

The Earl of the Groves has written an open letter to the people of Dawn. Distribution of the letters seems to be being organised by one '''Alys Retainer''' and her brother, '''Tristan Reeve'''. They are clearly senior yeofolk to the Earl of some kind - possibly the same ones who attended Anvil on its behalf. There are, notably, no nobles of its house in evidence - except the Earl itself, of course, if you believe a manticore can be Dawnish.

The letter starts with a short account of the Earl's history and some more specific claims about its nobility, before laying out the rules of a two-part tourney that is to take place at the Earl's manse, with one Enchantress de Carsenere as guest of honour. It seems anyone who wishes to attend is invited, and the civil service confirm that there is, indeed, a conjunction to the time and place the Earl names - which saves having to clamber through the Untrod Groves.

The tourney consists of a grand melee open to all combatants who are noble or knights-errant, followed by a [single-elimination tournament]. Up to 8 knights from Anvil may enter and face off against 8 knights who are support the Earl of the Groves. The Earl itself will not be fighting

('''OOC Note: ''' The text of the Earl's letter is at the top. It has been copied many times and distributed across the nation, so any character may choose to have a copy if they wish, though you will have to prepare such a prop OC yourself).

==Times Long Past==
* '''The Earl's letter makes reference to Dawnish historical figures who are, at least, certainly real'''

The Earl mentions "Penni the White" in its letter. [[Dawn_monarchy#Pre-Imperial_History|Penni the White]] is the most infamous of the monarchs of Dawn. In the stories, he is said to have seized the throne with the assistance of heralds of the Winter Realm. Accounts do not mention a manticore, but some suggest that these beings may well have been creatures in service to [[Agramant]], and manticores, while creatures of the mortal realm, have a strong association with that terrible power. Little is really known about Penni, but historical research would undoubtedly reveal more.

Penni's rule lasted a bloody decade; he slaughtered the orcish enemies of Dawn, but legends claim he killed as many Dawnish as orcs. With terrifying strength drawn from the Winter realm, Penni's knights challenged and slaughtered any who opposed their liege. If the Earl is to be believed, it seems that by his side may have been a monster wearing a human guise. His rule was finally ended when Simone of House Fayer, a [[knight-errant]] charged with ending tyranny, seduced the king and murdered him in his bed.

The Earl mentions a favour in its story and has offered to allow the Dawnish to investigate it magically. They are presumably confident this will confirm its account. While Penni was a brutal and terrifying monarch, he was, unquestionably, a monarch of Dawn. That might make the Earl's nobility legitimate... assuming nobility can be truly conferred on an inhuman monster at all. Historical research into House DuBlanche - according to the Earl, Penni's house - or House Fayer, or both, might well uncover more information. The Earl has revealed that Penni defeated it: not an easy feat. If legends are to be believed it is said to be difficult to slay.

Why the Earl of the Groves has returned now may well be something only [[Swim Leviathan's Depth|Leviathan knows]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}
==Allies of the Golden Sun==
* '''The Earl of the Groves has increased the resupply of the Golden Sun by 50'''
* '''The Earl intends to provide more of the same the next time the army resupplies'''
* '''The Earl appears to be winning over some of the rank and file of the army'''
* '''The General could order their soldiers not to fraternize with the Earl'''
* '''The Dawn National Assembly could use an inspiring statement to move hearts and minds'''
Last summit, the [[Golden Sun]] was [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_Reaches_Out_(The_Barrens)|attacked by opportunistic bandits]] hoping to raid its baggage train. They failed - through the efforts of those who travelled through through the Sentinel Gate, but they were aided by some of the "vassals" of the Earl of the Groves. These vassals, are people who have fallen victim to the manticore's venom and become conduits for the Earl's will, dead in spirit if not in body. These vassals - who speak with the voice and mind of the Earl itself - expressed the desire to join up with the Golden Sun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Zoran5898.jpg||caption=Zoran De Orzel, General of the Golden Sun|align=right|width=250}}
Since then more vassals have sought to join the army, and the Earl has also encouraged knights and yeofolk from those houses allied with it to sign up. In all it amounts to an extra 50 soldiers this season on top of what was expected. The Early appears to be committed to an ongoing campaign to improve its reputation amongst the people of Dawn amongst the ranks of the army and their efforts are bearing some fruit. While it's far from all, a portion of the lower-ranked soldiery and yeofolk serving with the army have become open to the Earl and its message of glory through brutality and strength.

The Earl of the Groves shows no sign of stopping being ''helpful'' in this way. Unless the [[General]] of the Golden Sun specifically orders their soldiers not to fraternise with the Earl and its vassals, they will stay with the army - and provide a similar benefit the next time it resupplies. If the General does include such instructions in their order, then the Earl will take its vassals away. That would stop the Earl's influence spreading further, but it won't end the existing bonds that have been forged.

To deal with that will be a more difficult matter. The Synod could speak out against the Earl. So far they have focused on the matter of discussing virtue with it - a sentiment that does not seem to be reciprocated in any way. If the Dawnish Assembly passed an inspiring statement of principle with a greater majority that directly addressed the matter of the Earl of the Groves it would carry great weight if the wording stired people's hearts.

The people of Dawn are eager to hear what their assembly have to say on the matter. The Earl has been absolutely clear that it is loyal to Dawn, Should the Dawnish Assembly question the Earl's loyalty... or the loyalty of those who offer it their support? Should houses accept the support of the Earl of the Groves? Is that any different to the relationship many Dawnishfolk have with the eternals and heralds of Summer? Is it a problem to have an inhuman monster stand with Dawn, if that means it also fights alongside Dawn?
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rhydian13811.jpg|align=right|caption= Rhydian de Rondell|width=250}}

==Rise of the Bandit King==
* '''Jaheris has provoked Hayaak into a contest with the Knight-Protector of Summer '''
* '''Hayaak challenges the Knight-Protector to a hunt'''
* '''The prize is a favour belonging to the Earl of the Groves, or the Knight-Protector's life'''
* '''The Knight-Protector is invited to present themselves at the Hall of Worlds just before 15.30 on Saturday'''
Last summit, the so-called Wit - or perhaps ''Witch?'' - of the Silver Woods, a herald of [[Jaheris]] (possibly the same one who has as of late been seen in [[Sermersuaq]], though she denies this) invited the [[Knight-protector|Knights-Protector]] of Dawn and their companions and allies to join her in a chamber to discuss the Earl of the Groves, who is an old ''personal'' enemy of the ''Unicorn Prince''. The Wit is found across Dawn for much of the months that follow, a mysterious figure of shifting form, joining her fellow heralds in their celebration of [[Golden_magicians_fayre|Dawn's embrace of the Summer Realm]].

She has occasion to tell the story many times of what transpired at the meeting. It seems that the Wit, commanded by the Lord of Despite in his guise as the ''Patron of Rivalries'', has agreed to facilitate confrontations between the Knight-Protectors and an eternal from their corresponding realm with which the Earl is in alliance. This is all in aid of somehow stripping the Earl of power it has been granted by these eternals, power granted via the gift of a favour to each.

News about the first such confrontation emerges near the Spring Equinox. A lone herald of [[Hayaak|the Hawk Lord]] - the only one to appear in Dawn this season - makes her way to the Castle of Astolat. She has a message for the Knight-Protector of Summer. The ''Bandit-King'' has received from Jaheris an insulting message which suggests that he is too weak and frankly too scared to face the Knight-Protector.
{{CaptionedImage|file=HayaakArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
The ''Peerless Warrior'' bids the Knight-Protector to attend the Hall of Worlds just before half three on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox. There, he will offer them a challenge, a hunt! If the Knight-Protector can run down a herald bearing the favour of the Earl of the Groves ''before'' the ''Outlaw Prince'' catches up with them then they may leave with the trophy. Otherwise the ''Gryphon Knight'' will make sport of his rival and deliver the body to his kin. The hunt will take place in the Windswept Woods on the edge of the Badlands where Hayaak now dwells.

Some of this is a little confusing. ''Bandit-King'', ''Masterless Warrior'', and ''Outlaw Prince'' are somewhat unfamiliar sobriquets for Hayaak, who was until recently believed to be serving in Eleonaris's court. Something has clearly changed there - and the Badlands is a part of the Summer Realm relatively unfamiliar to the Empire, too. Nevertheless, it seems the terms of the challenge are clear - Hayaak, clearly smarting from Jaheris' missive, has thrown down the gauntlet. It remains to be seen if '''Rhydian de Rondell''', the current Knight-Protector (or his chosen champion) will pick it up.

Obviously this is all very ''exciting'' from the point of view of the ordinary citizens of Dawn - the Knights-Protector, the Earl of the Groves, the Eternals, these are all romantic figures out of ballad and song. As such it seems the people of Dawn are paying attention to this... contest, or set of contests!

==The Little Bones of Grandmother==
{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''A herald of Wise Rangara is interested in discussing the Earl of the Groves with Alistair de Vere'''
* '''There is a conjunction to this herald's cave at 00:20 on the first night'''
Anushak, the huge raven that often acts as a go-between for [[Wise Rangara]] and the Empire appears in Anvil with a message for the Empire. After being fed strips of dried meat, they reveal that "Tuki of the Little Bones" wants a word with one '''Alistair de Vere'''. Anushak claims Tuki is particularly interested in the Earl of the Groves, and has been taken with Alistair de Vere, "who it seems has been pursuing quite a novel line of thought with regards to the beast".

The bird advises that Alistair de Vere bring friends also interested in the matter with them, "though best not any Archmages or Knights-Protector or anything like that, as that little beast does scare quite easily". Anushak - in return for one more meat strip - warns that Tuki will, of course, demand a price for the knowledge and advice it can offer. Apparently friends of the late Ravadi Founder's Dance might be able to advise on precisely what that will entail.

It seems the stars are right for such a meeting. At ten minutes to midnight on the Friday of the Spring Equinox, a conjunction has opened to the Cave of Bones in Pakaanan's Pass in Skarsind, where presumably Tuki will be waiting.

Tuki of the Little Bones is a somewhat obscure figure who appears in the occasional [[Varushka|Varushkan]] story. A strange creature said to dwell in warrens under the hills of [[Skarsind#Pakaanan's_Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]] in [[Skarsind]], where it makes its nest amongst ancient bones which form the gates of a minor regio. This "Cave of Bones" is said to be its preferred haunt: for whatever reason, Wise Rangara does not suffer it to remain in her presence for too long. This may have something to do with certain rumours about disappeared apprentices, and how exactly it got its name...

Whatever the truth of these slanderous tales, Tuki of the Little Bones is a minor figure in many traditional tales in the region, and it is said to be keen to offer its aid to those who seek lost things which have accumulated lore and stories around them, or who seek to achieve novel acts from which, perhaps, lessons could be learned. In the stories, heroes often leave a dish of fresh milk or a tightly-sealed jar of pickled cucumbers outside the doorway to its cave.
==Further Reading==
* [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|Manticores]]
* [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Hard to find]] - WInter 386YE wind of fortune about the manticore-earl
* [[Unspoken_words#Untrod_Paths|Unspoken words]] - Autumn 386YE wind of fortune introducing the manticore-earl

In the flesh

2025-06-09T18:59:27Z

Wrenna: /* Rise of the Bandit King */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic><big>'''People of Dawn: Earls, nobles, and yeofolk all.'''</big>

The great and the good, the highest earls of our nation, doubt my Earldom, and my very status as a Dawnish noble. Yet only one amongst them sought to ask the most important question: what was my test, and to whose house was I tested? I salute the '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' for having the good sense to ask these questions of my retainer. Perhaps our nation has not grown so weak, dependent on morsels of power from the Highborn Empire. Let me answer their questions first of all.

My earl was once '''Penni DuBlanche''', who long ago quested into the Barrens where I dwelt as a nameless monster, in order to test himself against me. A friend of mine had advised him to seek me out, you see. He threw off the venom of my sting and asserted his own superior will. He subdued me through rare brutality, terror and cunning - I, a manticore of ancient days - and gave me the choice of death or testing into his house as a noble. I chose the latter. His test was simple: "make me Monarch of Dawn through any means necessary". I agreed. I '''succeeded'''.

Your history books now call him '''Penni the White''', do they not? I served as a noble of Dawn by his side for ten long years, until love betrayed him, the people rejected him, and the fools of Dawn murdered the greatest monarch they have ever had. I retreated in disgust and named myself Earl of my own manse, here in the Groves, where I have remained ever since.

Dawn is not what it was in days of old. Once, we understood Glory truly, and did not resile from strength and power. Now you bind yourself to a Highborn yoke, and virtue's weakness saps your glorious hearts. Your Earls doubt me: I in turn doubt your strength. How shall we move forward? As, indeed, they did in days of old. I invite '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' to my home as guest of honour at a tourney I am throwing, to which all are invited, to partake in a traditional test of arms. Finally, we can see each other for who we are.

I know that there are those who plot to do me harm because they are afraid of what I represent. I invoke the ancient geas of hospitality. My rivals, too, are welcome - if they can respect guest-laws.

All who come must wear the guise of a glorious guest, and I the gracious host. Let us all swear that no undue harm will come to those who do not ask for it during the tourney. I will discipline my bannerfolk on this matter, if necessary. I expect the same from you.

The test of arms will consist of two parts. First, '''a grand melee''', open to all nobles of Dawn and errant knights who wish to test themselves, those loyal to me and those who revile me and every other. The winner will be the last one standing.

Second, will be a '''single elimination competition''' for 8 pairs of warriors. 8 Dawnish knights from the small houses of the Barrens who are allied with me will fight, and '''I invite 8 Dawnish knights from Anvil to face them.'''

Fights will continue until only one side can still fight, or the fight is clearly over. No potions may be used in the arena, and no outside interference barring replacement of shattered weapons. Under the rules of hospitality, no execution will be permitted. Bring chirurgeons and ensure that they can tend to dying on both sides.

I offer prizes to the winners, both material, and the glory of victory under the gaze of the manticore Earl. I understand there are those also who wish to ask for Tests of Mettle and Ardour: '''Caius Smith''' and '''Temperance Forger''' in the former case and '''Alexandria Aeris Du Froste''' and '''Brahmms De'Tournesol''' in the latter. We will discuss this matter before the bouts begin, but an Earl of Dawn cannot refuse a Test, and I have no intent to do so.

A word of caution to all who partake. I am not known for my patience, and I wish to see the best you have to offer. Fight swiftly and with glory. Please the crowds with your spectacle. I lack the inclination for dull and drawn out affairs.

To those who would question my nobility, know that I have the favour of my King still, if you need some proof. If Dawn has truly fallen so far that it accepts not the word of an earl in matters of nobility, then I will allow it to be examined by trusted weavers and the like as suits.

Now. Come to '''Tournament Square''' in the '''Untrod Groves''' in '''the Barrens''', at '''quarter past five''' on the '''Saturday''' of the upcoming summit. I will be waiting.

<big>'''The Earl of the Groves'''</big>
</ic>

==Overview==
In the winter, a glorious expedition ventured deep into the heart of the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves|Untrod Groves]] in [[the Barrens]]. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. There, they encountered the legendary Earl of the Groves, an inhuman monster - a manticore - who makes its dwelling there. Stories of this "Earl" have been sung by the [[troubadour|troubadours]] of [[Dawn]] for a long time, but its true nature was never clear - until now.

While the Earl of the Groves furiously defended its territory - inadvertently aided due to the complex interaction of hearth magic with the protective wards of [[Spring magic]] - since then it does not appear overtly hostile. Indeed, it has reached out to minor Dawnish houses in [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] and [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]] to talk to them of its shared ideals - of [[glory]] and [[Ambition]] and how the small houses of the Barrens might collaborate to become more powerful. Some of these houses have begun to accept the Earl as a peer.

Not so the major houses of Dawn who attend [[Anvil]]. The Earl's Council, the gathering of the earls of Dawn at Anvil, rejected outright the idea that the manticore could be recognised as Dawnish in any way. Certainly, it cannot bond to the [[egregores|egregore]] - but some are beginning to ask whether the egregore is truly the arbiter of Dawnishness? After all, Dawn existed long before its egregore, or the Empire. Those who take this say that if this manticore is truly a noble of Dawn, it ought to prove it - but if it has passed an earl's test... there have always been nobles of Dawn who were unpopular, perhaps even monstrous in spirit, if not in flesh. But this did not stop them being ''glorious''...

While the earls were clear in their view, and that has carried some weight, it has not yet ended the debate amongst the people of Dawn. Perhaps because it gets away from the difficult questions of state and nation that have bedevilled Dawn since the conquest of the Barrens, questions of unicorn and gryphon, and grapples with questions of glory and monstrosity - always fine topics to discuss. The debate only begins to intensify during the spring season when news spreads that the Earl of the Groves has declared a tourney at its manse in the heart of the Groves.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Manticore.jpg|align=right|caption=Some are beginning to ask: could a manticore be Dawnish?|width=300}}
==The Tournament of the Groves==
*'''The Earl of the Groves is hosting a tourney with prizes where Dawnish from Anvil can face off against Dawnish knights allied with the Earl'''
*'''They have invoked sacred laws of hospitality to ensure no-one is truly harmed'''
*'''The tourney is a grand melee, followed by a tournament for up to eight knights from Anvil'''
*'''As many spectators as wish to come are welcome to attend'''
*'''The tourney will occur at 5:15pm on the Saturday, at ''Tournament Square'' in the ''Untrod Groves'' in ''the Barrens'''''

The Earl of the Groves has written an open letter to the people of Dawn. Distribution of the letters seems to be being organised by one '''Alys Retainer''' and her brother, '''Tristan Reeve'''. They are clearly senior yeofolk to the Earl of some kind - possibly the same ones who attended Anvil on its behalf. There are, notably, no nobles of its house in evidence - except the Earl itself, of course, if you believe a manticore can be Dawnish.

The letter starts with a short account of the Earl's history and some more specific claims about its nobility, before laying out the rules of a two-part tourney that is to take place at the Earl's manse, with one Enchantress de Carsenere as guest of honour. It seems anyone who wishes to attend is invited, and the civil service confirm that there is, indeed, a conjunction to the time and place the Earl names - which saves having to clamber through the Untrod Groves.

The tourney consists of a grand melee open to all combatants who are noble or knights-errant, followed by a [single-elimination tournament]. Up to 8 knights from Anvil may enter and face off against 8 knights who are support the Earl of the Groves. The Earl itself will not be fighting

('''OOC Note: ''' The text of the Earl's letter is at the top. It has been copied many times and distributed across the nation, so any character may choose to have a copy if they wish, though you will have to prepare such a prop OC yourself).

==Times Long Past==
* '''The Earl's letter makes reference to Dawnish historical figures who are, at least, certainly real'''

The Earl mentions "Penni the White" in its letter. [[Dawn_monarchy#Pre-Imperial_History|Penni the White]] is the most infamous of the monarchs of Dawn. In the stories, he is said to have seized the throne with the assistance of heralds of the Winter Realm. Accounts do not mention a manticore, but some suggest that these beings may well have been creatures in service to [[Agramant]], and manticores, while creatures of the mortal realm, have a strong association with that terrible power. Little is really known about Penni, but historical research would undoubtedly reveal more.

Penni's rule lasted a bloody decade; he slaughtered the orcish enemies of Dawn, but legends claim he killed as many Dawnish as orcs. With terrifying strength drawn from the Winter realm, Penni's knights challenged and slaughtered any who opposed their liege. If the Earl is to be believed, it seems that by his side may have been a monster wearing a human guise. His rule was finally ended when Simone of House Fayer, a [[knight-errant]] charged with ending tyranny, seduced the king and murdered him in his bed.

The Earl mentions a favour in its story and has offered to allow the Dawnish to investigate it magically. They are presumably confident this will confirm its account. While Penni was a brutal and terrifying monarch, he was, unquestionably, a monarch of Dawn. That might make the Earl's nobility legitimate... assuming nobility can be truly conferred on an inhuman monster at all. Historical research into House DuBlanche - according to the Earl, Penni's house - or House Fayer, or both, might well uncover more information. The Earl has revealed that Penni defeated it: not an easy feat. If legends are to be believed it is said to be difficult to slay.

Why the Earl of the Groves has returned now may well be something only [[Swim Leviathan's Depth|Leviathan knows]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}
==Allies of the Golden Sun==
* '''The Earl of the Groves has increased the resupply of the Golden Sun by 50'''
* '''The Earl intends to provide more of the same the next time the army resupplies'''
* '''The Earl appears to be winning over some of the rank and file of the army'''
* '''The General could order their soldiers not to fraternize with the Earl'''
* '''The Dawn National Assembly could use an inspiring statement to move hearts and minds'''
Last summit, the [[Golden Sun]] was [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_Reaches_Out_(The_Barrens)|attacked by opportunistic bandits]] hoping to raid its baggage train. They failed - through the efforts of those who travelled through through the Sentinel Gate, but they were aided by some of the "vassals" of the Earl of the Groves. These vassals, are people who have fallen victim to the manticore's venom and become conduits for the Earl's will, dead in spirit if not in body. These vassals - who speak with the voice and mind of the Earl itself - expressed the desire to join up with the Golden Sun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Zoran5898.jpg||caption=Zoran De Orzel, General of the Golden Sun|align=right|width=250}}
Since then more vassals have sought to join the army, and the Earl has also encouraged knights and yeofolk from those houses allied with it to sign up. In all it amounts to an extra 50 soldiers this season on top of what was expected. The Early appears to be committed to an ongoing campaign to improve its reputation amongst the people of Dawn amongst the ranks of the army and their efforts are bearing some fruit. While it's far from all, a portion of the lower-ranked soldiery and yeofolk serving with the army have become open to the Earl and its message of glory through brutality and strength.

The Earl of the Groves shows no sign of stopping being ''helpful'' in this way. Unless the [[General]] of the Golden Sun specifically orders their soldiers not to fraternise with the Earl and its vassals, they will stay with the army - and provide a similar benefit the next time it resupplies. If the General does include such instructions in their order, then the Earl will take its vassals away. That would stop the Earl's influence spreading further, but it won't end the existing bonds that have been forged.

To deal with that will be a more difficult matter. The Synod could speak out against the Earl. So far they have focused on the matter of discussing virtue with it - a sentiment that does not seem to be reciprocated in any way. If the Dawnish Assembly passed an inspiring statement of principle with a greater majority that directly addressed the matter of the Earl of the Groves it would carry great weight if the wording stired people's hearts.

The people of Dawn are eager to hear what their assembly have to say on the matter. The Earl has been absolutely clear that it is loyal to Dawn, Should the Dawnish Assembly question the Earl's loyalty... or the loyalty of those who offer it their support? Should houses accept the support of the Earl of the Groves? Is that any different to the relationship many Dawnishfolk have with the eternals and heralds of Summer? Is it a problem to have an inhuman monster stand with Dawn, if that means it also fights alongside Dawn?
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rhydian13811.jpg|align=right|caption= Rhydian de Rondell|width=250}}

==Rise of the Bandit King==
* '''Jaheris has provoked Hayaak into a contest with the Knight-Protector of Summer '''
* '''Hayaak challenges the Knight-Protector to a hunt'''
* '''The prize is a favour belonging to the Earl of the Groves, or the Knight-Protectors life'''
* '''The Knight-protector is invited to preent themselves at the Hall of WOrlds just before 15.30 on Saturday'''
Last summit, the so-called Wit - or perhaps ''Witch?'' - of the Silver Woods, a herald of [[Jaheris]] (possibly the same one who has as of late been seen in [[Sermersuaq]], though she denies this) invited the [[Knight-protector|Knights-Protector]] of Dawn and their companions and allies to join her in a chamber to discuss the Earl of the Groves, who is an old ''personal'' enemy of the ''Unicorn Prince''. The Wit is found across Dawn for much of the months that follow, a mysterious figure of shifting form, joining her fellow heralds in their celebration of [[Golden_magicians_fayre|Dawn's embrace of the Summer Realm]].

She has occasion to tell the story many times of what transpired at the meeting. It seems that the Wit, commanded by the Lord of Despite in his guise as the ''Patron of Rivalries'', has agreed to facilitate confrontations between the Knight-Protectors and an eternal from their corresponding realm with which the Earl is in alliance. This is all in aid of somehow stripping the Earl of power it has been granted by these eternals, power granted via the gift of a favour to each.

News about the first such confrontation emerges near the Spring Equinox. A lone herald of [[Hayaak|the Hawk Lord]] - the only one to appear in Dawn this season - makes her way to the Castle of Astolat. She has a message for the Knight-Protector of Summer. The ''Bandit-King'' has received from Jaheris an insulting message which suggests that he is too weak and frankly too scared to face the Knight-Protector.
{{CaptionedImage|file=HayaakArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
The ''Peerless Warrior'' bids the Knight-Protector to attend the Hall of Worlds just before half three on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox. There, he will offer them a challenge, a hunt! If the Knight-Protector can run down a herald bearing the favour of the Earl of the Groves ''before'' the ''Outlaw Prince'' catches up with him then he may leave with the trophy. Otherwise the ''Gryphon Knight'' will make sport of his rival and deliver the body to his kin. The hunt will take place in the Windswept Woods on the edge of the Badlands where Hayaak now dwells.

Some of this is a little confusing. ''Bandit-King'', ''Masterless Warrior'', and ''Outlaw Prince'' are somewhat unfamiliar sobriquets for Hayaak, who was until recently believed to be serving in Eleonaris's court. Something has clearly changed there - and the Badlands is a part of the Summer Realm relatively unfamiliar to the Empire, too. Nevertheless, it seems the terms of the challenge are clear - Hayaak, clearly smarting from Jaheris' missive, has thrown down the gauntlet. It remains to be seen if '''Rhydian de Rondell''', the current Knight-Protector (or his chosen champion) will pick it up.

Obviously this is all very ''exciting'' from the point of view of the ordinary citizens of Dawn - the Knights-Protector, the Earl of the Groves, the Eternals, these are all romantic figures out of ballad and song. As such it seems the people of Dawn are paying attention to this... contest, or set of contests!

==The Little Bones of Grandmother==
{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''A herald of Wise Rangara is interested in discussing the Earl of the Groves with Alistair de Vere'''
* '''There is a conjunction to this herald's cave at 00:20 on the first night'''
Anushak, the huge raven that often acts as a go-between for [[Wise Rangara]] and the Empire appears in Anvil with a message for the Empire. After being fed strips of dried meat, they reveal that "Tuki of the Little Bones" wants a word with one '''Alistair de Vere'''. Anushak claims Tuki is particularly interested in the Earl of the Groves, and has been taken with Alistair de Vere, "who it seems has been pursuing quite a novel line of thought with regards to the beast".

The bird advises that Alistair de Vere bring friends also interested in the matter with them, "though best not any Archmages or Knights-Protector or anything like that, as that little beast does scare quite easily". Anushak - in return for one more meat strip - warns that Tuki will, of course, demand a price for the knowledge and advice it can offer. Apparently friends of the late Ravadi Founder's Dance might be able to advise on precisely what that will entail.

It seems the stars are right for such a meeting. At ten minutes to midnight on the Friday of the Spring Equinox, a conjunction has opened to the Cave of Bones in Pakaanan's Pass in Skarsind, where presumably Tuki will be waiting.

Tuki of the Little Bones is a somewhat obscure figure who appears in the occasional [[Varushka|Varushkan]] story. A strange creature said to dwell in warrens under the hills of [[Skarsind#Pakaanan's_Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]] in [[Skarsind]], where it makes its nest amongst ancient bones which form the gates of a minor regio. This "Cave of Bones" is said to be its preferred haunt: for whatever reason, Wise Rangara does not suffer it to remain in her presence for too long. This may have something to do with certain rumours about disappeared apprentices, and how exactly it got its name...

Whatever the truth of these slanderous tales, Tuki of the Little Bones is a minor figure in many traditional tales in the region, and it is said to be keen to offer its aid to those who seek lost things which have accumulated lore and stories around them, or who seek to achieve novel acts from which, perhaps, lessons could be learned. In the stories, heroes often leave a dish of fresh milk or a tightly-sealed jar of pickled cucumbers outside the doorway to its cave.
==Further Reading==
* [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|Manticores]]
* [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Hard to find]] - WInter 386YE wind of fortune about the manticore-earl
* [[Unspoken_words#Untrod_Paths|Unspoken words]] - Autumn 386YE wind of fortune introducing the manticore-earl

In the flesh

2025-06-09T18:57:27Z

Wrenna: /* Allies of the Golden Sun */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic><big>'''People of Dawn: Earls, nobles, and yeofolk all.'''</big>

The great and the good, the highest earls of our nation, doubt my Earldom, and my very status as a Dawnish noble. Yet only one amongst them sought to ask the most important question: what was my test, and to whose house was I tested? I salute the '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' for having the good sense to ask these questions of my retainer. Perhaps our nation has not grown so weak, dependent on morsels of power from the Highborn Empire. Let me answer their questions first of all.

My earl was once '''Penni DuBlanche''', who long ago quested into the Barrens where I dwelt as a nameless monster, in order to test himself against me. A friend of mine had advised him to seek me out, you see. He threw off the venom of my sting and asserted his own superior will. He subdued me through rare brutality, terror and cunning - I, a manticore of ancient days - and gave me the choice of death or testing into his house as a noble. I chose the latter. His test was simple: "make me Monarch of Dawn through any means necessary". I agreed. I '''succeeded'''.

Your history books now call him '''Penni the White''', do they not? I served as a noble of Dawn by his side for ten long years, until love betrayed him, the people rejected him, and the fools of Dawn murdered the greatest monarch they have ever had. I retreated in disgust and named myself Earl of my own manse, here in the Groves, where I have remained ever since.

Dawn is not what it was in days of old. Once, we understood Glory truly, and did not resile from strength and power. Now you bind yourself to a Highborn yoke, and virtue's weakness saps your glorious hearts. Your Earls doubt me: I in turn doubt your strength. How shall we move forward? As, indeed, they did in days of old. I invite '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' to my home as guest of honour at a tourney I am throwing, to which all are invited, to partake in a traditional test of arms. Finally, we can see each other for who we are.

I know that there are those who plot to do me harm because they are afraid of what I represent. I invoke the ancient geas of hospitality. My rivals, too, are welcome - if they can respect guest-laws.

All who come must wear the guise of a glorious guest, and I the gracious host. Let us all swear that no undue harm will come to those who do not ask for it during the tourney. I will discipline my bannerfolk on this matter, if necessary. I expect the same from you.

The test of arms will consist of two parts. First, '''a grand melee''', open to all nobles of Dawn and errant knights who wish to test themselves, those loyal to me and those who revile me and every other. The winner will be the last one standing.

Second, will be a '''single elimination competition''' for 8 pairs of warriors. 8 Dawnish knights from the small houses of the Barrens who are allied with me will fight, and '''I invite 8 Dawnish knights from Anvil to face them.'''

Fights will continue until only one side can still fight, or the fight is clearly over. No potions may be used in the arena, and no outside interference barring replacement of shattered weapons. Under the rules of hospitality, no execution will be permitted. Bring chirurgeons and ensure that they can tend to dying on both sides.

I offer prizes to the winners, both material, and the glory of victory under the gaze of the manticore Earl. I understand there are those also who wish to ask for Tests of Mettle and Ardour: '''Caius Smith''' and '''Temperance Forger''' in the former case and '''Alexandria Aeris Du Froste''' and '''Brahmms De'Tournesol''' in the latter. We will discuss this matter before the bouts begin, but an Earl of Dawn cannot refuse a Test, and I have no intent to do so.

A word of caution to all who partake. I am not known for my patience, and I wish to see the best you have to offer. Fight swiftly and with glory. Please the crowds with your spectacle. I lack the inclination for dull and drawn out affairs.

To those who would question my nobility, know that I have the favour of my King still, if you need some proof. If Dawn has truly fallen so far that it accepts not the word of an earl in matters of nobility, then I will allow it to be examined by trusted weavers and the like as suits.

Now. Come to '''Tournament Square''' in the '''Untrod Groves''' in '''the Barrens''', at '''quarter past five''' on the '''Saturday''' of the upcoming summit. I will be waiting.

<big>'''The Earl of the Groves'''</big>
</ic>

==Overview==
In the winter, a glorious expedition ventured deep into the heart of the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves|Untrod Groves]] in [[the Barrens]]. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. There, they encountered the legendary Earl of the Groves, an inhuman monster - a manticore - who makes its dwelling there. Stories of this "Earl" have been sung by the [[troubadour|troubadours]] of [[Dawn]] for a long time, but its true nature was never clear - until now.

While the Earl of the Groves furiously defended its territory - inadvertently aided due to the complex interaction of hearth magic with the protective wards of [[Spring magic]] - since then it does not appear overtly hostile. Indeed, it has reached out to minor Dawnish houses in [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] and [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]] to talk to them of its shared ideals - of [[glory]] and [[Ambition]] and how the small houses of the Barrens might collaborate to become more powerful. Some of these houses have begun to accept the Earl as a peer.

Not so the major houses of Dawn who attend [[Anvil]]. The Earl's Council, the gathering of the earls of Dawn at Anvil, rejected outright the idea that the manticore could be recognised as Dawnish in any way. Certainly, it cannot bond to the [[egregores|egregore]] - but some are beginning to ask whether the egregore is truly the arbiter of Dawnishness? After all, Dawn existed long before its egregore, or the Empire. Those who take this say that if this manticore is truly a noble of Dawn, it ought to prove it - but if it has passed an earl's test... there have always been nobles of Dawn who were unpopular, perhaps even monstrous in spirit, if not in flesh. But this did not stop them being ''glorious''...

While the earls were clear in their view, and that has carried some weight, it has not yet ended the debate amongst the people of Dawn. Perhaps because it gets away from the difficult questions of state and nation that have bedevilled Dawn since the conquest of the Barrens, questions of unicorn and gryphon, and grapples with questions of glory and monstrosity - always fine topics to discuss. The debate only begins to intensify during the spring season when news spreads that the Earl of the Groves has declared a tourney at its manse in the heart of the Groves.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Manticore.jpg|align=right|caption=Some are beginning to ask: could a manticore be Dawnish?|width=300}}
==The Tournament of the Groves==
*'''The Earl of the Groves is hosting a tourney with prizes where Dawnish from Anvil can face off against Dawnish knights allied with the Earl'''
*'''They have invoked sacred laws of hospitality to ensure no-one is truly harmed'''
*'''The tourney is a grand melee, followed by a tournament for up to eight knights from Anvil'''
*'''As many spectators as wish to come are welcome to attend'''
*'''The tourney will occur at 5:15pm on the Saturday, at ''Tournament Square'' in the ''Untrod Groves'' in ''the Barrens'''''

The Earl of the Groves has written an open letter to the people of Dawn. Distribution of the letters seems to be being organised by one '''Alys Retainer''' and her brother, '''Tristan Reeve'''. They are clearly senior yeofolk to the Earl of some kind - possibly the same ones who attended Anvil on its behalf. There are, notably, no nobles of its house in evidence - except the Earl itself, of course, if you believe a manticore can be Dawnish.

The letter starts with a short account of the Earl's history and some more specific claims about its nobility, before laying out the rules of a two-part tourney that is to take place at the Earl's manse, with one Enchantress de Carsenere as guest of honour. It seems anyone who wishes to attend is invited, and the civil service confirm that there is, indeed, a conjunction to the time and place the Earl names - which saves having to clamber through the Untrod Groves.

The tourney consists of a grand melee open to all combatants who are noble or knights-errant, followed by a [single-elimination tournament]. Up to 8 knights from Anvil may enter and face off against 8 knights who are support the Earl of the Groves. The Earl itself will not be fighting

('''OOC Note: ''' The text of the Earl's letter is at the top. It has been copied many times and distributed across the nation, so any character may choose to have a copy if they wish, though you will have to prepare such a prop OC yourself).

==Times Long Past==
* '''The Earl's letter makes reference to Dawnish historical figures who are, at least, certainly real'''

The Earl mentions "Penni the White" in its letter. [[Dawn_monarchy#Pre-Imperial_History|Penni the White]] is the most infamous of the monarchs of Dawn. In the stories, he is said to have seized the throne with the assistance of heralds of the Winter Realm. Accounts do not mention a manticore, but some suggest that these beings may well have been creatures in service to [[Agramant]], and manticores, while creatures of the mortal realm, have a strong association with that terrible power. Little is really known about Penni, but historical research would undoubtedly reveal more.

Penni's rule lasted a bloody decade; he slaughtered the orcish enemies of Dawn, but legends claim he killed as many Dawnish as orcs. With terrifying strength drawn from the Winter realm, Penni's knights challenged and slaughtered any who opposed their liege. If the Earl is to be believed, it seems that by his side may have been a monster wearing a human guise. His rule was finally ended when Simone of House Fayer, a [[knight-errant]] charged with ending tyranny, seduced the king and murdered him in his bed.

The Earl mentions a favour in its story and has offered to allow the Dawnish to investigate it magically. They are presumably confident this will confirm its account. While Penni was a brutal and terrifying monarch, he was, unquestionably, a monarch of Dawn. That might make the Earl's nobility legitimate... assuming nobility can be truly conferred on an inhuman monster at all. Historical research into House DuBlanche - according to the Earl, Penni's house - or House Fayer, or both, might well uncover more information. The Earl has revealed that Penni defeated it: not an easy feat. If legends are to be believed it is said to be difficult to slay.

Why the Earl of the Groves has returned now may well be something only [[Swim Leviathan's Depth|Leviathan knows]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}
==Allies of the Golden Sun==
* '''The Earl of the Groves has increased the resupply of the Golden Sun by 50'''
* '''The Earl intends to provide more of the same the next time the army resupplies'''
* '''The Earl appears to be winning over some of the rank and file of the army'''
* '''The General could order their soldiers not to fraternize with the Earl'''
* '''The Dawn National Assembly could use an inspiring statement to move hearts and minds'''
Last summit, the [[Golden Sun]] was [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_Reaches_Out_(The_Barrens)|attacked by opportunistic bandits]] hoping to raid its baggage train. They failed - through the efforts of those who travelled through through the Sentinel Gate, but they were aided by some of the "vassals" of the Earl of the Groves. These vassals, are people who have fallen victim to the manticore's venom and become conduits for the Earl's will, dead in spirit if not in body. These vassals - who speak with the voice and mind of the Earl itself - expressed the desire to join up with the Golden Sun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Zoran5898.jpg||caption=Zoran De Orzel, General of the Golden Sun|align=right|width=250}}
Since then more vassals have sought to join the army, and the Earl has also encouraged knights and yeofolk from those houses allied with it to sign up. In all it amounts to an extra 50 soldiers this season on top of what was expected. The Early appears to be committed to an ongoing campaign to improve its reputation amongst the people of Dawn amongst the ranks of the army and their efforts are bearing some fruit. While it's far from all, a portion of the lower-ranked soldiery and yeofolk serving with the army have become open to the Earl and its message of glory through brutality and strength.

The Earl of the Groves shows no sign of stopping being ''helpful'' in this way. Unless the [[General]] of the Golden Sun specifically orders their soldiers not to fraternise with the Earl and its vassals, they will stay with the army - and provide a similar benefit the next time it resupplies. If the General does include such instructions in their order, then the Earl will take its vassals away. That would stop the Earl's influence spreading further, but it won't end the existing bonds that have been forged.

To deal with that will be a more difficult matter. The Synod could speak out against the Earl. So far they have focused on the matter of discussing virtue with it - a sentiment that does not seem to be reciprocated in any way. If the Dawnish Assembly passed an inspiring statement of principle with a greater majority that directly addressed the matter of the Earl of the Groves it would carry great weight if the wording stired people's hearts.

The people of Dawn are eager to hear what their assembly have to say on the matter. The Earl has been absolutely clear that it is loyal to Dawn, Should the Dawnish Assembly question the Earl's loyalty... or the loyalty of those who offer it their support? Should houses accept the support of the Earl of the Groves? Is that any different to the relationship many Dawnishfolk have with the eternals and heralds of Summer? Is it a problem to have an inhuman monster stand with Dawn, if that means it also fights alongside Dawn?
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rhydian13811.jpg|align=right|caption= Rhydian de Rondell|width=250}}

==Rise of the Bandit King==
* '''Jaheris has provoked Hayaak into a contest with the Knight-Protector of Summer '''
* '''Hayak challenges the Knight-Protector to a hunt'''
* '''The prize is a favour belonging to the Earl of the Groves, or the Knight-Protectors life'''
* '''The Knight-protector is invited to preent themselves at the Hall of WOrlds just before 15.30 on Saturday'''
Last summit, the so-called Wit - or perhaps ''Witch?'' - of the Silver Woods, a herald of [[Jaheris]] (possibly the same one who has as of late been seen in [[Sermersuaq]], though she denies this) invited the [[Knight-protector|Knights-Protector]] of Dawn and their companions and allies to join her in a chamber to discuss the Earl of the Groves, who is an old ''personal'' enemy of the ''Unicorn Prince''. The Wit is found across Dawn for much of the months that follow, a mysterious figure of shifting form, joining her fellow heralds in their celebration of [[Golden_magicians_fayre|Dawn's embrace of the Summer Realm]].

She has occasion to tell the story many times of what transpired at the meeting. It seems that the Wit, commanded by the Lord of Despite in his guise as the ''Patron of Rivalries'', has agreed to facilitate confrontations between the Knight-Protectors and an eternal from their corresponding realm with which the Earl is in alliance. This is all in aid of somehow stripping the Earl of power it has been granted by these eternals, power granted via the gift of a favour to each.

News about the first such confrontation emerges near the Spring Equinox. A lone herald of [[Hayaak|the Hawk Lord]] - the only one to appear in Dawn this season - makes her way to the Castle of Astolat. She has a message for the Knight-Protector of Summer. The ''Bandit-King'' has received from Jaheris an insulting message which suggests that he is too weak and frankly too scared to face the Knight-Protector.
{{CaptionedImage|file=HayaakArt.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
The ''Peerless Warrior'' bids the Knight-Protector to attend the Hall of Worlds just before half three on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox. There, he will offer them a challenge, a hunt! If the Knight-Protector can run down a herald bearing the favour of the Earl of the Groves ''before'' the ''Outlaw Prince'' catches up with him then he may leave with the trophy. Otherwise the ''Gryphon Knight'' will make sport of his rival and deliver the body to his kin. The hunt will take place in the Windswept Woods on the edge of the Badlands where Hayaak now dwells.

Some of this is a little confusing. ''Bandit-King'', ''Masterless Warrior'', and ''Outlaw Prince'' are somewhat unfamiliar sobriquets for Hayaak, who was until recently believed to be serving in Eleonaris's court. Something has clearly changed there - and the Badlands is a part of the Summer Realm relatively unfamiliar to the Empire, too. Nevertheless, it seems the terms of the challenge are clear - Hayaak, clearly smarting from Jaheris' missive, has thrown down the gauntlet. It remains to be seen if '''Rhydian de Rondell''', the current Knight-Protector (or his chosen champion) will pick it up.

Obviously this is all very ''exciting'' from the point of view of the ordinary citizens of Dawn - the Knights-Protector, the Earl of the Groves, the Eternals, these are all romantic figures out of ballad and song. As such it seems the people of Dawn are paying attention to this... contest, or set of contests!
==The Little Bones of Grandmother==
{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
* '''A herald of Wise Rangara is interested in discussing the Earl of the Groves with Alistair de Vere'''
* '''There is a conjunction to this herald's cave at 00:20 on the first night'''
Anushak, the huge raven that often acts as a go-between for [[Wise Rangara]] and the Empire appears in Anvil with a message for the Empire. After being fed strips of dried meat, they reveal that "Tuki of the Little Bones" wants a word with one '''Alistair de Vere'''. Anushak claims Tuki is particularly interested in the Earl of the Groves, and has been taken with Alistair de Vere, "who it seems has been pursuing quite a novel line of thought with regards to the beast".

The bird advises that Alistair de Vere bring friends also interested in the matter with them, "though best not any Archmages or Knights-Protector or anything like that, as that little beast does scare quite easily". Anushak - in return for one more meat strip - warns that Tuki will, of course, demand a price for the knowledge and advice it can offer. Apparently friends of the late Ravadi Founder's Dance might be able to advise on precisely what that will entail.

It seems the stars are right for such a meeting. At ten minutes to midnight on the Friday of the Spring Equinox, a conjunction has opened to the Cave of Bones in Pakaanan's Pass in Skarsind, where presumably Tuki will be waiting.

Tuki of the Little Bones is a somewhat obscure figure who appears in the occasional [[Varushka|Varushkan]] story. A strange creature said to dwell in warrens under the hills of [[Skarsind#Pakaanan's_Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]] in [[Skarsind]], where it makes its nest amongst ancient bones which form the gates of a minor regio. This "Cave of Bones" is said to be its preferred haunt: for whatever reason, Wise Rangara does not suffer it to remain in her presence for too long. This may have something to do with certain rumours about disappeared apprentices, and how exactly it got its name...

Whatever the truth of these slanderous tales, Tuki of the Little Bones is a minor figure in many traditional tales in the region, and it is said to be keen to offer its aid to those who seek lost things which have accumulated lore and stories around them, or who seek to achieve novel acts from which, perhaps, lessons could be learned. In the stories, heroes often leave a dish of fresh milk or a tightly-sealed jar of pickled cucumbers outside the doorway to its cave.
==Further Reading==
* [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|Manticores]]
* [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Hard to find]] - WInter 386YE wind of fortune about the manticore-earl
* [[Unspoken_words#Untrod_Paths|Unspoken words]] - Autumn 386YE wind of fortune introducing the manticore-earl

In the flesh

2025-06-09T18:49:08Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic><big>'''People of Dawn: Earls, nobles, and yeofolk all.'''</big>

The great and the good, the highest earls of our nation, doubt my Earldom, and my very status as a Dawnish noble. Yet only one amongst them sought to ask the most important question: what was my test, and to whose house was I tested? I salute the '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' for having the good sense to ask these questions of my retainer. Perhaps our nation has not grown so weak, dependent on morsels of power from the Highborn Empire. Let me answer their questions first of all.

My earl was once '''Penni DuBlanche''', who long ago quested into the Barrens where I dwelt as a nameless monster, in order to test himself against me. A friend of mine had advised him to seek me out, you see. He threw off the venom of my sting and asserted his own superior will. He subdued me through rare brutality, terror and cunning - I, a manticore of ancient days - and gave me the choice of death or testing into his house as a noble. I chose the latter. His test was simple: "make me Monarch of Dawn through any means necessary". I agreed. I '''succeeded'''.

Your history books now call him '''Penni the White''', do they not? I served as a noble of Dawn by his side for ten long years, until love betrayed him, the people rejected him, and the fools of Dawn murdered the greatest monarch they have ever had. I retreated in disgust and named myself Earl of my own manse, here in the Groves, where I have remained ever since.

Dawn is not what it was in days of old. Once, we understood Glory truly, and did not resile from strength and power. Now you bind yourself to a Highborn yoke, and virtue's weakness saps your glorious hearts. Your Earls doubt me: I in turn doubt your strength. How shall we move forward? As, indeed, they did in days of old. I invite '''Enchantress de Carsenere''' to my home as guest of honour at a tourney I am throwing, to which all are invited, to partake in a traditional test of arms. Finally, we can see each other for who we are.

I know that there are those who plot to do me harm because they are afraid of what I represent. I invoke the ancient geas of hospitality. My rivals, too, are welcome - if they can respect guest-laws.

All who come must wear the guise of a glorious guest, and I the gracious host. Let us all swear that no undue harm will come to those who do not ask for it during the tourney. I will discipline my bannerfolk on this matter, if necessary. I expect the same from you.

The test of arms will consist of two parts. First, '''a grand melee''', open to all nobles of Dawn and errant knights who wish to test themselves, those loyal to me and those who revile me and every other. The winner will be the last one standing.

Second, will be a '''single elimination competition''' for 8 pairs of warriors. 8 Dawnish knights from the small houses of the Barrens who are allied with me will fight, and '''I invite 8 Dawnish knights from Anvil to face them.'''

Fights will continue until only one side can still fight, or the fight is clearly over. No potions may be used in the arena, and no outside interference barring replacement of shattered weapons. Under the rules of hospitality, no execution will be permitted. Bring chirurgeons and ensure that they can tend to dying on both sides.

I offer prizes to the winners, both material, and the glory of victory under the gaze of the manticore Earl. I understand there are those also who wish to ask for Tests of Mettle and Ardour: '''Caius Smith''' and '''Temperance Forger''' in the former case and '''Alexandria Aeris Du Froste''' and '''Brahmms De'Tournesol''' in the latter. We will discuss this matter before the bouts begin, but an Earl of Dawn cannot refuse a Test, and I have no intent to do so.

A word of caution to all who partake. I am not known for my patience, and I wish to see the best you have to offer. Fight swiftly and with glory. Please the crowds with your spectacle. I lack the inclination for dull and drawn out affairs.

To those who would question my nobility, know that I have the favour of my King still, if you need some proof. If Dawn has truly fallen so far that it accepts not the word of an earl in matters of nobility, then I will allow it to be examined by trusted weavers and the like as suits.

Now. Come to '''Tournament Square''' in the '''Untrod Groves''' in '''the Barrens''', at '''quarter past five''' on the '''Saturday''' of the upcoming summit. I will be waiting.

<big>'''The Earl of the Groves'''</big>
</ic>

==Overview==
In the winter, a glorious expedition ventured deep into the heart of the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves|Untrod Groves]] in [[the Barrens]]. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. There, they encountered the legendary Earl of the Groves, an inhuman monster - a manticore - who makes its dwelling there. Stories of this "Earl" have been sung by the [[troubadour|troubadours]] of [[Dawn]] for a long time, but its true nature was never clear - until now.

While the Earl of the Groves furiously defended its territory - inadvertently aided due to the complex interaction of hearth magic with the protective wards of [[Spring magic]] - since then it does not appear overtly hostile. Indeed, it has reached out to minor Dawnish houses in [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] and [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]] to talk to them of its shared ideals - of [[glory]] and [[Ambition]] and how the small houses of the Barrens might collaborate to become more powerful. Some of these houses have begun to accept the Earl as a peer.

Not so the major houses of Dawn who attend [[Anvil]]. The Earl's Council, the gathering of the earls of Dawn at Anvil, rejected outright the idea that the manticore could be recognised as Dawnish in any way. Certainly, it cannot bond to the [[egregores|egregore]] - but some are beginning to ask whether the egregore is truly the arbiter of Dawnishness? After all, Dawn existed long before its egregore, or the Empire. Those who take this say that if this manticore is truly a noble of Dawn, it ought to prove it - but if it has passed an earl's test... there have always been nobles of Dawn who were unpopular, perhaps even monstrous in spirit, if not in flesh. But this did not stop them being ''glorious''...

While the earls were clear in their view, and that has carried some weight, it has not yet ended the debate amongst the people of Dawn. Perhaps because it gets away from the difficult questions of state and nation that have bedevilled Dawn since the conquest of the Barrens, questions of unicorn and gryphon, and grapples with questions of glory and monstrosity - always fine topics to discuss. The debate only begins to intensify during the spring season when news spreads that the Earl of the Groves has declared a tourney at its manse in the heart of the Groves.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Manticore.jpg|align=right|caption=Some are beginning to ask: could a manticore be Dawnish?|width=300}}
==The Tournament of the Groves==
*'''The Earl of the Groves is hosting a tourney with prizes where Dawnish from Anvil can face off against Dawnish knights allied with the Earl'''
*'''They have invoked sacred laws of hospitality to ensure no-one is truly harmed'''
*'''The tourney is a grand melee, followed by a tournament for up to eight knights from Anvil'''
*'''As many spectators as wish to come are welcome to attend'''
*'''The tourney will occur at 5:15pm on the Saturday, at ''Tournament Square'' in the ''Untrod Groves'' in ''the Barrens'''''

The Earl of the Groves has written an open letter to the people of Dawn. Distribution of the letters seems to be being organised by one '''Alys Retainer''' and her brother, '''Tristan Reeve'''. They are clearly senior yeofolk to the Earl of some kind - possibly the same ones who attended Anvil on its behalf. There are, notably, no nobles of its house in evidence - except the Earl itself, of course, if you believe a manticore can be Dawnish.

The letter starts with a short account of the Earl's history and some more specific claims about its nobility, before laying out the rules of a two-part tourney that is to take place at the Earl's manse, with one Enchantress de Carsenere as guest of honour. It seems anyone who wishes to attend is invited, and the civil service confirm that there is, indeed, a conjunction to the time and place the Earl names - which saves having to clamber through the Untrod Groves.

The tourney consists of a grand melee open to all combatants who are noble or knights-errant, followed by a [single-elimination tournament]. Up to 8 knights from Anvil may enter and face off against 8 knights who are support the Earl of the Groves. The Earl itself will not be fighting

('''OOC Note: ''' The text of the Earl's letter is at the top. It has been copied many times and distributed across the nation, so any character may choose to have a copy if they wish, though you will have to prepare such a prop OC yourself).

==Times Long Past==
* '''The Earl's letter makes reference to Dawnish historical figures who are, at least, certainly real'''

The Earl mentions "Penni the White" in its letter. [[Dawn_monarchy#Pre-Imperial_History|Penni the White]] is the most infamous of the monarchs of Dawn. In the stories, he is said to have seized the throne with the assistance of heralds of the Winter Realm. Accounts do not mention a manticore, but some suggest that these beings may well have been creatures in service to [[Agramant]], and manticores, while creatures of the mortal realm, have a strong association with that terrible power. Little is really known about Penni, but historical research would undoubtedly reveal more.

Penni's rule lasted a bloody decade; he slaughtered the orcish enemies of Dawn, but legends claim he killed as many Dawnish as orcs. With terrifying strength drawn from the Winter realm, Penni's knights challenged and slaughtered any who opposed their liege. If the Earl is to be believed, it seems that by his side may have been a monster wearing a human guise. His rule was finally ended when Simone of House Fayer, a [[knight-errant]] charged with ending tyranny, seduced the king and murdered him in his bed.

The Earl mentions a favour in its story and has offered to allow the Dawnish to investigate it magically. They are presumably confident this will confirm its account. While Penni was a brutal and terrifying monarch, he was, unquestionably, a monarch of Dawn. That might make the Earl's nobility legitimate... assuming nobility can be truly conferred on an inhuman monster at all. Historical research into House DuBlanche - according to the Earl, Penni's house - or House Fayer, or both, might well uncover more information. The Earl has revealed that Penni defeated it: not an easy feat. If legends are to be believed it is said to be difficult to slay.

Why the Earl of the Groves has returned now may well be something only [[Swim Leviathan's Depth|Leviathan knows]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}
==Allies of the Golden Sun==
* '''The Earl of the Groves has increased the resuply of the Golden Sun by 50'''
* '''The Earl intends to provide more of the same the next time the army resupplies'''
* '''The Earl appears to be winning over some of the rank and file of the army'''
* '''The General could order their soldiers not to fraternize with the Earl'''
* '''The Dawn National Assembly could use an inspiring statement to move hearts and minds'''
Last summit, the [[Golden Sun]] was [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_Reaches_Out_(The_Barrens)|attacked by opportunistic bandits]] hoping to raid its baggage train. They failed - through the efforts of those who travelled through through the Sentinel Gate, but they were aided by some of the "vassals" of the Earl of the Groves. These vassals, are people who have fallen victim to the manticore's venom and become conduits for the Earl's will, dead in spirit if not in body. These vassals - who speak with the voice and mind of the Earl itself - expressed the desire to join up with the Golden Sun.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Zoran5898.jpg||caption=Zoran De Orzel, General of the Golden Sun|align=right|width=250}}
Since then more vassals have sought to join the army, and the Earl has also encouraged knights and yeofolk from those houses allied with it to sign up. In all it amounts to an extra 50 soldiers this season on top of what was expected. The Early appears to be committed to an ongoing campaign to improve its reputation amongst the people of Dawn amongst the ranks of the army and their efforts are bearing some fruit. While it's far from all, a portion of the lower-ranked soldiery and yeofolk serving with the army have become open to the Earl and its message of glory through brutality and strength.

The Earl of the Groves shows no sign of stopping being ''helpful'' in this way. Unless the [[General]] of the Golden Sun specifically orders their soldiers not to fraternise with the Earl and its vassals, they will stay with the army - and provide a similar benefit the next time it resupplies. If the General does include such instructions in their order, then the Earl will take its vassals away. That would stop the Earl's influence spreading further, but it won't end the existing bonds that have been forged.

To deal with that will be a more difficult matter. The Synod could speak out against the Earl. So far they have focused on the matter of discussing virtue with it - a sentiment that does not seem to be reciprocated in any way. If the Dawnish Assembly passed an inspiring statement of principle with a greater majority that directly addressed the matter of the Earl of the Groves it would carry great weight if the wording stired people's hearts.

The people of Dawn are eager to hear what their assembly have to say on the matter. The Earl has been absolutely clear that it is loyal to Dawn, Should the Dawnish Assembly question the Earl's loyalty... or the loyalty of those who offer it their support? Should houses accept the support of the Earl of the Groves? Is that any different to the relationship many Dawnishfolk have with the eternals and heralds of Summer? Is it a problem to have an inhuman monster stand with Dawn, if that means it also fights alongside Dawn?
{{CaptionedImage|file=Rhydian13811.jpg|align=right|caption= Rhydian de Rondell|width=250}}
==Rise of the Bandit King==
* '''Jaheris has provoked Hayaak into a contest with the Knight-Protector of Summer '''
* '''Hayak challenges the Knight-Protector to a hunt'''
* '''The prize is a favour belonging to the Earl of the Groves, or the Knight-Protectors life'''
* '''The Knight-protector is invited to preent themselves at the Hall of WOrlds just before 15.30 on Saturday'''
Last summit, the so-called Wit - or perhaps ''Witch?'' - of the Silver Woods, a herald of [[Jaheris]] (possibly the same one who has as of late been seen in [[Sermersuaq]], though she denies this) invited the [[Knight-protector|Knights-Protector]] of Dawn and their companions and allies to join her in a chamber to discuss the Earl of the Groves, who is an old ''personal'' enemy of the ''Unicorn Prince''. The Wit is found across Dawn for much of the months that follow, a mysterious figure of shifting form, joining her fellow heralds in their celebration of [[Golden_magicians_fayre|Dawn's embrace of the Summer Realm]].

She has occasion to tell the story many times of what transpired at the meeting. It seems that the Wit, commanded by the Lord of Despite in his guise as the ''Patron of Rivalries'', has agreed to facilitate confrontations between the Knight-Protectors and an eternal from their corresponding realm with which the Earl is in alliance. This is all in aid of somehow stripping the Earl of power it has been granted by these eternals, power granted via the gift of a favour to each.

News about the first such confrontation emerges near the Spring Equinox. A lone herald of [[Hayaak|the Hawk Lord]] - the only one to appear in Dawn this season - makes her way to the Castle of Astolat. She has a message for the Knight-Protector of Summer. The ''Bandit-King'' has received from Jaheris an insulting message which suggests that he is too weak and frankly too scared to face the Knight-Protector.

The ''Peerless Warrior'' bids the Knight-Protector to attend the Hall of Worlds just before half three on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox. There, he will offer them a challenge, a hunt! If the Knight-Protector can run down a herald bearing the favour of the Earl of the Groves ''before'' the ''Outlaw Prince'' catches up with him then he may leave with the trophy. Otherwise the ''Gryphon Knight'' will make sport of his rival and deliver the body to his kin. The hunt will take place in the Windswept Woods on the edge of the Badlands where Hayaak now dwells.

Some of this is a little confusing. ''Bandit-King'', ''Masterless Warrior'', and ''Outlaw Prince'' are somewhat unfamiliar sobriquets for Hayaak, who was until recently believed to be serving in Eleonaris's court. Something has clearly changed there - and the Badlands is a part of the Summer Realm relatively unfamiliar to the Empire, too. Nevertheless, it seems the terms of the challenge are clear - Hayaak, clearly smarting from Jaheris' missive, has thrown down the gauntlet. It remains to be seen if '''Rhydian de Rondell''', the current Knight-Protector (or his chosen champion) will pick it up.

Obviously this is all very ''exciting'' from the point of view of the ordinary citizens of Dawn - the Knights-Protector, the Earl of the Groves, the Eternals, these are all romantic figures out of ballad and song. As such it seems the people of Dawn are paying attention to this... contest, or set of contests!
{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
==The Little Bones of Grandmother==
* '''A herald of Wise Rangara is interested in discussing the Earl of the Groves with Alistair de Vere'''
* '''There is a conjunction to this herald's cave at 00:20 on the first night'''
Anushak, the huge raven that often acts as a go-between for [[Wise Rangara]] and the Empire appears in Anvil with a message for the Empire. After being fed strips of dried meat, they reveal that "Tuki of the Little Bones" wants a word with one '''Alistair de Vere'''. Anushak claims Tuki is particularly interested in the Earl of the Groves, and has been taken with Alistair de Vere, "who it seems has been pursuing quite a novel line of thought with regards to the beast".

The bird advises that Alistair de Vere bring friends also interested in the matter with them, "though best not any Archmages or Knights-Protector or anything like that, as that little beast does scare quite easily". Anushak - in return for one more meat strip - warns that Tuki will, of course, demand a price for the knowledge and advice it can offer. Apparently friends of the late Ravadi Founder's Dance might be able to advise on precisely what that will entail.

It seems the stars are right for such a meeting. At ten minutes to midnight on the Friday of the Spring Equinox, a conjunction has opened to the Cave of Bones in Pakaanan's Pass in Skarsind, where presumably Tuki will be waiting.

Tuki of the Little Bones is a somewhat obscure figure who appears in the occasional [[Varushka|Varushkan]] story. A strange creature said to dwell in warrens under the hills of [[Skarsind#Pakaanan's_Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]] in [[Skarsind]], where it makes its nest amongst ancient bones which form the gates of a minor regio. This "Cave of Bones" is said to be its preferred haunt: for whatever reason, Wise Rangara does not suffer it to remain in her presence for too long. This may have something to do with certain rumours about disappeared apprentices, and how exactly it got its name...

Whatever the truth of these slanderous tales, Tuki of the Little Bones is a minor figure in many traditional tales in the region, and it is said to be keen to offer its aid to those who seek lost things which have accumulated lore and stories around them, or who seek to achieve novel acts from which, perhaps, lessons could be learned. In the stories, heroes often leave a dish of fresh milk or a tightly-sealed jar of pickled cucumbers outside the doorway to its cave.
==Further Reading==
* [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|Manticores]]
* [[Hard_to_find#The_Earl_of_the_Groves|Hard to find]] - WInter 386YE wind of fortune about the manticore-earl
* [[Unspoken_words#Untrod_Paths|Unspoken words]] - Autumn 386YE wind of fortune introducing the manticore-earl

Wiki Updates

2025-06-09T16:52:58Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Rules]]
==Overview==
This is a list of significant updates to the wiki. We try to keep it as up to date as possible, in the hope it will be a more useful reference than the [[Special:RecentChanges|recent changes]] page which lists every spelling correction and formatting change.

By its nature this page will be regularly updated so when you visit the wiki try checking here first. However, please keep in mind this is a manually updated page, so it may be a little behind the actual updates. We tend to make an entry on this page once an update is finalised - so if something has changed and hasn't been mentioned here it's possible that the changes are not yet complete.

In early 2022, we moved all entries on this page prior to 2019 to the [[Archive:Wiki_updates_to_2018|previous wiki updates]] page in the Archive namespace as detailed in [[#Archiving Wiki Updates|Archiving wiki updates]]. We did this again in 2024, moving updates prior to 2021 to the same page.

==Historical Researchers==
* '''09/06/2025'''
We've added an [[Historical_research#Ser_Eddard_d'Argenteux|additional researcher]] to the list of senior historical researchers. This is to cover historical research into topics for which research into songs, stories, legends and myth might be the most appropriate avenue of inquiry.

==Colleges and Runeforges==
* '''4/06/2025'''
We've updated the upkeep for a [[college of magic]] and for a [[runeforge]], and introduced a new rule on the maximum number of such facilities that the Empire can support. The old rules for upkeep were somewhat incomprehensible, the new rules are much easier to understand and make it much easier for us to run plot around these important commissions. There is more detail on the update on the [[Rules_update_2025#Colleges_and_Runeforges|rules update wiki page]] explaining the changes, the impacts and the reasoning for them.

==Senate==
* '''2/06/2025'''
We've updated several pages on the running of Senate. We've extended the description of [[Senate_session#Expert_Witness|expert witnesses]] to match how it is working in practice and included a copy of the Civil Service's guidance for expert witnesses. As part of this, there is a new rule that senators [[Senator#Limitations|can't act as expert witnesses]] themselves.

We also updated the page on [[Senate_session#Sunday_session |Senate sessions]], introducing stricter plans on Sunday to help the session finish promptly.

==Ritual Theory==
* '''29/05/2025'''
We've updated the [[ritual theory]] page. It was already huge, so we've split some of the content up into logical chunks on new pages, creating a page for the [[limits of magic]] as well as one on the [[laws of magic]]. We've significantly overhauled the content on [[eternals and rituals]] and created a new page for that also - there is a lot of additional information there now for players whose characters are involved with ritual magic.

We've also added a page on [[war magic]] which discusses the possibilities and potential of using the realms to enchant armies, military units and fleets. This page reflects the changes we've made earlier this year, but brings a lot of the key information together, so that it is one place.

==Herbal==
* '''16/05/2025'''
We've added the details for a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]]; something similar to a [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]], but for one or more potions. The entry shows how they are made, how they can be added to Imperial lore, and how they can be destroyed.

==Towerjacks==
* '''14/05/2025'''
We've edited the ''dig in'' order of the [[Army qualities#Engineer|engineer]] quality to exclude the mustering of [[Imperial army|armies]] and [[Imperial navy|navies]] from their ability to speed up a [[commission]].

==New Characters and Conquered Territories==
* '''14/05/2025'''
We've updated the system so that it is no longer possible for players to create new characters in territories that have been completely conquered - that is, territories which are receiving the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] penalty. This is partly done to ensure new players unfamiliar with the state of the campaign do not make the mistake of starting in a territory where they will face significant additional challenges.

==Citadels==
* '''13/05/2025'''
We've added a page for [[citadel|citadels]], the new commission type from the '''[[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#All_Along_the_Watchtower|The war of thorns and flowers]]''' wind of fortune

==Vines and Symbols==
* '''03/05/2025'''
We've added a note to the [[Vine#Costume|costume]] section of the Vine page to make clear that it is not appropriate to use a square red diamond on its own as part of costume, to avoid accidentally breaching the Geneva Convention by using a symbol of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Red_Cross_and_Red_Crescent_Movement International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement].

==Arcane Projections==
* '''03/05/2025'''
We've made a change to the [[Arcane_projection#Preparing_an_Arcane_Projection|deadline for submission]] of [[arcane projection|arcane projections]]. Rather than the late booking deadline, the deadline for the Spring Equinox will be the early booking deadline, and after that the deadline will permanently shift to the close of downtime. You can read more about it in the [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Arcane_Projections|Spring Equinox interlude]].

==Colleges and Runeforges==
* '''03/05/2025'''
We've changed the email address for players who run a [[college of magic]] or [[runeforge]] to send their submissions to. Rather than rules, they should now be sent to {{plot}}. The deadline for submissions (the end of downtime) remains unchanged.

==Glossary==
* '''11/04/2025'''
We have added a [[glossary]] page to the wiki with some more information on common terms used in Empire and LRP as a whole. We expect this to be updated on a semi-regular basis as more terms come to light. Any queries or suggestions can be sent to [mailto:wiki@profounddecisions.co.uk wiki@profounddecisions.co.uk].

==Dreamcatchers==
* '''07/04/2025'''
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher Dreamcatchers] will be inappropriate for use in [[costume]] at Empire from event three this year onwards. We want to avoid using items that are culturally sacred in real life because it is more difficult to ignore their real world significance and we don't want to disrespect people's beliefs. We've managed to speak to some of the players affected already, and everyone has responded very positively, but we realise we haven't been able to speak to everyone about this change - hence the reason for two events' grace to allow players to make any changes needed to their costume.

==League Look and Feel==
* '''07/04/2025'''
We have rewritten [[the League look and feel]] to move beyond from the more restrictive costume options presented by the original brief. We do want the League to have a really clear visual look that defines the nation, but we want to ensure that it includes garments that everyone can feel confident wearing.

==Combat==
* '''07/04/2025'''
We have update the combat rules for Empire to say that head hits will not be allowed at any events in 2025. We are trialling the new rules, so please see the [[Rules_update_2025#Combat|rules update page]] for more details.

==Alignment==
* '''28/03/2025'''
We've added a fourth option to the [[declaration]] of [[alignment]], that of [[alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]], as a result of opportunities created by plot over the last year or so. This allows the Conclave to accept or refuse an offer from an eternal, in a manner that the Archmage of the appropriate realm can also use.

==Army Enchantments==
* '''25/03/2025'''
We've made several changes to rituals that [[enchantment|enchant]] an [[Imperial army]]. Almost every army enchantment ritual has changed in some fashion. It is no longer possible to change the [[Army qualities|quality]] of an army with magic, and the resonant effects for each realm have been much more clearly defined. You can find out more about these changes in the accompanying [[rules update]].
* [[Swords in the Noonday Sun]] ([[Urizen lore]]; Summer 80): now fills soldiers with supernatural prowess, increasing the strength of an army by the equivalent of 1000 extra warriors. It's also gained an option for additional targets. The roleplaying associated with it has also changed, meaning it is no longer considered a ritual that uses savagery to create its effect.
* [[Find the Best Path]] (Autumn 80): Now grants a campaign army the ability to move through an additional territory, rather than granting the [[Army qualities#Fast|fast]] quality. The magnitude has been lowered to 80, and an option to include additional targets has been added.
* [[Quickening Cold Meat]] (Winter 120): We've reduced the magnitude of the ritual and been significantly clearer about the unpredictable dangers associated with the ritual.
* [[Machines of Destruction]] (Autumn 135): No longer offered by [[Estavus]] and removed from the [[Mystic scrolls of Estavus]] page.
* [[Loosen the Shackles]] ([[Urizen lore]]) Winter 120): now gives an enchanted army the equivalent of 4,000 extra soldiers but only for purposes of inflicting casualties on an enemy. The magnitude has increased to 120. It still draws on the forbidden power of [[Agramant]].
* [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] (Winter 80): The effects of the ritual have been increased. In addition to making the army more resistant to effects related to poison and venom, it also reduces damage suffered from other means.
* [[Bound by Common Cause]] (Autumn 80): has had its effect completely redesigned and now reduces the upkeep of an army while providing potential narrative bonuses.
* [[Fire on the Water]] and [[Eyes of the Hills]] cannot currently be cast; we are still deciding how to deal with them.

The change has also affected some non-enchantment rituals.
* [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] (Day 14): now provides information about enchantments on armies and fortifications in the territory scried.
* [[Eye of the High Places]] (Day 14): now provides information about large-scale effects on a territory.
* [[Dreams in the Witch House]] (Night 14): has been reworked to make it better reflect the way the ritual had evolved in play and to widen the kind of information it provides. The magnitude has increased to 14, bringing it into line with similar divinations.

==Fleet Enchantments==
* '''24/03/2025'''
In conjunction with our [[#Military Unit Enchantments|changes to military units]], we've also updated the way a [[fleet]] acts in [[downtime]]. As with military units, we've streamlined the actions that can be taken by a fleet captain, and how they interact with [[enchantment]] rituals. We've introduced several new actions that any fleet captain can take, and defined others more closely. These changes will take effect in the downtime following the Winter Solstice.

The main change to rituals has been to better define which action each ritual supports. One of our goals has been to ensure that each ritual affects only one kind of action, and where possible to strengthen the themes of the individual realms as part of a wider update. The magnitudes of rituals have not changed, nor has the amount of benefit they provide; we've just defined what action that benefit applies to more clearly.

Rituals affected include [[Blood and Salt]] (supports raiding), [[Winds of Fortune]] (supports trading), [[The Lure of Distant Shores]] (supports trading), [[Sular's Promise]] (supports trading), [[Golden Voyage]] (supports questing), [[Muffled Oar]] (supports scouting), and [[Piranhas Devour the Kraken]] (supports campaigning). The ritual ''Shroud of Rolling Fog'', which is not in Imperial lore, has likewise been adjusted to support a single category of fleet action.

We've also added a new ritual to Imperial Lore: [[Wolves of the Hungry Sea]] (Winter 12) that is used to support guarding actions.

As always, if your character has mastered a ritual that has changed you can email [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] and we'll free up the mastered ritual slot for you.

==Imperial Sodalities==
* '''18/03/2025'''
We've made several significant changes to the procedures and benefits of creating an [[Imperial sodality]]. Key among them is the idea that a truly Imperial sodality is capable of wielding legal powers and appointing titles; that anyone can become a voting member of an Imperial sodality simply by receiving a ritual mark; that one can only be a voting member of a single Imperial sodality; and that their creation and upkeep are now much more clearly defined. This has also involved an addition to the powers of [[The Throne#The Great Councils|the Throne]], [[Powers of the Imperial Senate#Imperial Sodalities|Powers of the Imperial Senate]], and [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|New Imperial titles]]. There's also a new ritual in Imperial Lore - [[Mark of Fellowship]] - that supports membership of an Imperial Sodality.

We've also written a [[Rules update 2025#Imperial Sodalities|Rules Update]] discussing the changes.

==Runa's Gift==
* '''14/03/2025'''
We have added a page for [[Runa's Gift]] to the wiki and the recipe list is now available for [[Surgical_skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] to learn. These potions come as a result of the [[Yerende]] joining the [[Imperial Orcs]] and use [[realmsroot]]. Anyone who has the necessary ingredients in their inventory and has learned the recipe list can email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] before the '''1<sup>st</sup> of April''' to mix potions from this recipe list before the event.

==Military Unit Enchantments==
* '''14/03/2025 '''
We've overhauled the way [[military unit|military units]] act in [[downtime]]. The focus has been on streamlining the actions that can be taken by a player with that resource, and how they interact with [[enchantment]] rituals. We've introduced several new actions that any military unit can take (such as mercenary work or seeking glory) as well as a small number of adventures available to specific nations or archetypes. These changes will take effect in the downtime following the Winter Solstice.

The main change to rituals has been to better define which action each ritual supports, and to remove rituals that supported multiple actions. Some magnitudes have shifted up or down as well. One of our goals has been to ensure that each ritual affects only one kind of action, and where possible to strengthen the themes of the individual realms as part of a wider update.

Rituals affected include [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]] (supports raiding), [[Raise the Standard of War]] (supports campaigning), [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]] (supports campaigning and has also gained an [[#Assurances|assurance]]), [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]] (supports raiding, magnitude lowered), [[Clad in Golden Raiment]] (supports campaigning and the magnitude has increased to 6), [[Sharp Eyes of the Corsair]] (supports scouting), [[Lions of Phoenix Reach]] (supports campaigning), [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]] (supports campaigning), and [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]] (supports scouting).

As well as rituals in Imperial Lore, there have also been changes to these [[Urizen lore]] rituals: [[Aspect of the Mountain]], [[Peregrine and Ichimos]], and [[Raise the Dragonsworn Cohort]] (all now explicitly support the guarding action), [[Unleash the Beasts Within]] (the magnitude has increased to 16, and the enchantment now supports the campaigning action).

These changes have also affected a few rituals that are not in either Imperial lore or Urizen lore. Specifically, [[Accoutrements of War]] (supports campaigning, no longer provides green iron), and ''Weaver at the Web'' (supports scouting actions).

We've also introduced a new ritual, [[Feast of Heroes]], a [[Summer magic]] enchantment that supports military units taking a [[Military unit#Questing|questing]] action.

As always, if your character has mastered a ritual that has changed you can email [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] and we'll free up the mastered ritual slot for you.

==Assurances==
* '''13/03/2025'''
* '''Updated 26/03/2025'''
We have added [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|assurances]] and [[eternal|eternals]] to the pages of a number of rituals. This is a result of the [[Unfettered Mind]] having been instructed to [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord_:_Study_Rituals|investigate]] the ritual [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] by the Imperial Conclave, and the continuation of the order's efforts. Any member of the order can roleplay that they were part of this research; appropriate stories might involve tracking across the Empire, careful discussion with scholars, or negotiations with isolated covens for snippets of information.
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Balanced Scales of Lann]]
*[[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]
*[[Challenge the Iron Duke]]
*[[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]]
*[[Conclave of Trees and Shadow‎‎]]
*[[Crystaline Focus of Aesh]]
*[[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]]
*[[Ephisis' Scale]]
*[[Fire in the Blood]]
*[[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]
*[[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]]
*[[Gift of Knowledge]]
*[[Kimus' Glaring Eye]]
*[[Lions of Phoenix Reach]]
*[[Noble Mien of the Hawk Lords]]
*[[Pallid Flesh of the Dead King]]
*[[Quickening Cold Meat]]
*[[Sift the Dreamscape's Sands]]
*[[Sorin's Chastising Touch]]
*[[Sorin's Rite of Agony]]
*[[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]
*[[The Basalt Citadel]]
*[[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]]
*[[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]]</div>

==Realms and their Inhabitants==
* '''25/01/2025'''
We've done an overhaul of the [[realm]] and [[eternal]] pages adding examples and further details about each of the realms and the powers and restrictions of eternals. We have also added the [[Inhabitants of the realms]] page which goes into detail about the various creatures that live in each of the realms.

==Links on the Tactical Map==
* '''29/12/2024'''
We've added links to each territory - and some important areas like the Semmerlak or the Bay of Catazar - to the [[Map - Coloured Territories|coloured territories]] map page. It is now possible to click on an area of the map to be taken to the specific territory's page.

==Names of the Chain==
* '''05/12/2024'''
We've swapped the names of star #1 and star #5 on [[the Chain]]. The writer had confused his left and right and got the anchor at the wrong end of the constellation.

==Arcane Gambit and Ilium==
* '''15/10/2024'''
We've updated [[Thief's Arcane Gambit]] and the [[Ilium#Removing_a_Permanent_Effect|ilium]] page to detail how an [[enchantment]] that has been made permanent with [[ilium]] can be moved by that Night ritual. The magnitude required is based on the total amount of ilium that could/should have been used to make the enchantment permanent without any [[opportunity]] being taken into account.

==Throne Judgement==
* '''15/10/2024'''
We've added a note to [[the Throne]], providing them explicitly with the ability to raise a [[judgement]] [[The Throne#Member of the Assembly of Nine|in the Assembly of Nine only]] in the event they do not control a [[congregation]].

==Assignment==
* '''10/09/2024'''
We have updated the power of [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment|assignment]] to set down that a motion to assign a territory is always raised as an administrative motion by the Speaker for the Senate.

==Veto==
* '''31/08//2024'''
We have updated [[veto]] to remove the ambiguity about when a veto held over from the previous event ends. We have put a fixed end point, 10pm on Saturday night. The [[Rules_update_2024#Veto|rules update]] page contains the OOC reasoning and the IC justification for this edit.

==Proxies and Resigning==
* '''22/08/2024'''
We have added an entry to the [[Proxy#Restrictions|restrictions]] of what a proxy can do. It is not possible for a proxy to resign on behalf of the title holder as that is not a power of a specific Imperial title.

==Maps of Otkodov==
* '''19/08/2024'''
We have added a note that was missing to the [[Otkodov]] page making clear that the Empire only has a strategic map of [[Verthandi]]. When the first spy network was created the entirety of Otkodov was mapped in error. To gain access to strategic maps of the other territories of the Thule additional [[spy network|spy networks]] would need to be constructed and [[Military_unit#Scout_an_Area|supported]] in the normal fashion.

==Senate Voting==
* '''19/08/2024'''
We have updated the [[Senate motion]] page to remove an option for secret voting. We've removed it because it hadn't been used in years if ever, because supporting it logistically would have been a massive hassle, but mostly because it runs contrary to the major design elements of Empire around the operation of politics within the game.

==Audio recordings==
* '''09/08/2024'''
We have updated the [[photography]] rules to remove the option to make audio recordings at events. On further consideration we were convinced that audio recording was much closer to filming and should follow the same rules and guidelines. As a general rule of thumb we want to minimise intrusion: we permit people to take photographs, but that is the limit.

==Black Plateau Template==
* '''24/07/2024'''
We have changed the formatting for the Black Plateau template that we use to increase readability and in an attempt to avoid eyestrain. It has changed from black text on a grey background to white text on a black background.

==Fleet Great Work Restrictions==
* '''13/07/2024'''
We've added a note to the [[Great work]] page making clear that a great work that supports [[fleet|fleets]] can only be built in a region with the coastal [[Region qualities|quality]].

==Whispers through the Black Gate==
* '''25/06/2024'''
We've added a line to the [[Whispers_through_the_Black_Gate#OOC_Elements|OOC elements]] of [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] to add a little clarity to what happens if you want to summon the spirit of a dead NPC.

==Sung and their Counsel==
* '''22/06/2024'''
We've made a couple of tiny changes to the [[Sung]] page, to provide more context for the kind of mysteries that the eternal encourages you to probe and look into and those mysteries she prefers to stay hidden. We've coupled this with a set of updates to the main ritual that draws on Sung's power [[Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River]].

We've decided to change the way we respond to queries to Sung to try and provide more useful information going forwards. We want to keep some of the enigmatic quality of the responses, which some of those players casting the ritual currently enjoy - but we want to make it easier to get more useful insight, guidance and wisdom from the ritual.

To help us do that we've changed the way we'll be responding to the ritual going forwards. We created a set of guidelines for the style of responses that we'll give to the different kinds of questions we've been getting up to now. Hopefully this means that where we can provide some useful information or clues to players about a plot we'll be able to continue to do that, but where Sung can't or won't give an answer we'll be able to respond in a way that makes clear why that is the case.

The goal with these changes is to make the ritual more useful to players but also make it easier for us to produce the responses. We want to emphasize the roleplaying interaction with Sung - but allow the eternal more freedom to give out more useful information when it exists.
==Martial Titles==
* '''10/06/2024'''
We have added [[Captain of the Throne Guard]] to the list of martial titles because of their duties to defend the Throne. There is no requirement to pick a skilled fighter for the role - it has many other duties besides fighting - but it is acceptable for the Throne to include such considerations when picking who they want for the Throneguard.

==Savagery and Fire on the Water==
* '''05/06/2024'''
We have updated the declaration of [[interdiction]] from [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_%3A_Savagery_of_Armies|Autumn Equinox 385YE]] to include the ritual [[Fire on the Water]] and added a note to the page for the ritual. This was missed at the time as being a ritual that was covered by the interdiction.

==Endorsement==
* '''05/06/2024'''
We have updated [[endorsement]] to make clear that you cannot use it to permit a sorcerer to carry out an act of magic that is illegal for them to do. Endorsement cannot be used to undermine Conclave itself, so it Conclave has declared someone a sorcerer, it's not possible to supersede that with endorsement.

==Guiding an Order==
* '''03/06/2024'''
We have formalised how [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guiding an order]] using a Declaration of [[Concord]] works. It now requires 20 mana crystals directly from the [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|Font]] and can only be used as a result of an opportunity, unless specified otherwise. It continues to require the use of one of the order's two declarations.

==Territory Curses==
* '''03/06/2024'''
We've made several changes to ritual curses that work on the [[territory]] level. All such curses now explicitly have the chance to have unexpected effects depending on where and when they are cast. We've added a section to the [[curse]] page detailing this. There have also been other changes made to several specific curses.
* [[Icy Maw Devours the Spark of Essence]] has increased in magnitude to 30 (previously 15), and now inflicts a fixed penalty on mana sites. We also removed the lethargy and depression [[roleplaying effect]] element.
* [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]] has increased in magnitude to 30 (previously 15), and now inflicts a set 72 ring penalty on a farm rather than the previous 50% penalty.
* [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]] places a 2 rank penalty on fleets, and no longer harms navies moving through the target territory.
* [[Thunderous Deluge]] reduces resource production by two ranks rather than a percentage.
* [[Rivers of Life]] and [[Rivers Run Red]] have remained the same but we've added boxes discussing some of the unique peculiarities of the rituals.
* [[Winter's Ghosts]] affects all resources save [[congregation|congregations]], but inflicts a fixed amount of damage to production rather than a percentage.
* [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] does not harm armies that move through the territory. Its effects apply to mines and forests as well as farms, and inflict a fixed amount of damage to production rather than a percentage.
* [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] requires a region with the forest quality (it no longer works on marshes). It no longer affects armies passing through the territory, and reduces production of all personal resources in the territory except fleets.
* [[The Flower is Withered on the Stalk]] remains unchanged but we added a boxout laying out more clearly the limitations of the curse.

==Pronunciation Guide==
* '''29/05/2024'''
We have deleted the pronunciation guide page from the wiki. Anyone who has a query on how we pronounce something is welcome to email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] to ask.

==Fire Safety==
* '''29/05/2024'''
We have updated the [[fire safety]] page with updated rules for the limited use of small pyrotechnics at events.

==Dedication==
* '''28/05/2024'''
We've made a minor edit to the [[Dedication#Dreams|dreams]] section of the [[dedication]] skill to replace "priest of the Way" with "a priest who is not dedicated to a specific virtue". The former wording was a holdover from the period where dedication was linked to the assembly a priest was part of. The new wording makes in explicit that the ability to pick any Virtue for oracular dreams is for priests that are not dedicated.

==Senatorial Elections==
* '''23/05/2024'''
We have updated [[Dawn leadership]] to add confirmation that nobles must be physically present in the Glory Square unless there are any accessibility issues that make that difficult. In that case our team will make whatever accommodations are needed to support a player.

We've updated [[Wintermark_political_leadership|Wintermark leadership]] to change the duration of the election from one hour to half an hour. This is based on feedback that candidates were unduly having to wait around much longer than the election practically needed.

We've updated the [[Varushka leadership]] to better describe how it works in practice and to make clear that the right of witness does apply to the part of the meeting dedicated to picking the senator.

We've updated the [[League leadership]] to remove the requirement not to exchange bonds before the start of the election. This was unenforceable in practice and needlessly restrictive. Empire is meant to be a deeply political game and we'd like players to have the first half of the summit to engage in as much roleplaying as they want over the exchange of voting bonds.

==Warding Rituals==
* '''14/04/2024'''
We have added an OOC note to the rituals that ward an area to make clear that you must inform a ref about it before you pass through the [[Sentinel Gate]] and get the props you are planning on using checked. The affected rituals are :
* [[Hold Back Frozen Hunger]]
* [[Retreat to the White Caves]]
* [[There Is No Welcome Here]]
* [[Wardens of the Black Waste]]

==Imperial Orcs==
* '''11/04/2024'''
We've made extensive updates to the [[Imperial Orcs]] pages, primarily related to the introduction of [[sept|septs]]. This also touches on a number of other elements including the introduction of a new group archetype (the coterie) and changes to the way ancestors work. Many pages now have additional information on them, but the biggest changes are:
* Addition of the six septs: [[Ethengraw]], [[Illarawm]], [[Sannite]], [[Sunstorm]], [[Tamazi]], and [[Yerende]]
* Revision of the [[Imperial Orcs religious beliefs]] page
* Addition of [[Imperial Orcs culture and customs#Septs|septs]] to the [[Imperial Orcs culture and customs]] page.
* Addition of [[Imperial Orcs magical traditions#Spiritweaving|Spiritweaving]] to the [[Imperial Orcs magical traditions]] page.
* We've removed the Imperial Orcs lineage and species page as the information on that page was now redundant.
New characters can select their sept during character creation. Existing characters can change their sept by emailing [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk]. You can also change sept during play by engaging in the [[Imperial Orcs religious beliefs#The Living Bridge|appropriate ceremony]] then going to GOD.
==League Orcs==
* '''08/04/2024'''
We have updated [[the League]] brief to incorporate new material relevant to playing an [[orc]] in [[the League]], reflecting current developments. It is now possible for players creating a new character in the League to choose whether they are playing an orc or a human.

As part of the change we've made a number of updates to several League pages:
* [[The League|Introduction]]
* [[The League people|The people]]
* [[The League culture and customs|Culture and customs]]
* [[The League look and feel|Look and feel]]
* [[The League history|History]]
* [[The League religious beliefs|Religious beliefs]]
* [[The League magical traditions|Magical traditions]]

==Cold Sun==
* '''04/03/2024'''
We've added a new wiki page for [[Cold Sun]], the cruelly impassive eternal of the Day realm whose forces are currently threatening a number of locations in the Empire. While this is mostly a campaign update, we've included it here because we have taken the winter to tinker with some of the stats of the heralds involved to try and make them more interesting and engaging to fight against, so there are some rules changes. Also, in the past there has been some confusion over the abilities of the heralds of Cold Sun. They are very much not [[Calls#Monstrous_Creatures|monstrous creatures]] so they take the effects of all calls that hit them legitimately, including the effects of [[weakness]]. There is no indication that looting heralds of Cold Sun will result in any kind of curse, nor are they able to reflect back calls. There was some confusion early on due to the way that the brief was delivered before the first block of skirmishes at E3 2023. We have taken all steps possible to try to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Part of the reason for us presenting this information here as clearly as possible is to ensure that those going on skirmishes can have some idea of what they might be up against.

==Sanctioned Events==
* '''21/02/2024'''
We've made some changes to the language around sanctioned events. Previously, "sanctioned event" included both any event taking place in the continuity of the Empire campaign world, and specifically events containing plot elements. We've explicitly renamed the kind of event with plot, NPCs, and combat as a "plot event", leaving "sanctioned event" to refer to all events not run by Profound Decisions that are considered part in the Empire campaign.

We've also added a section of additional guidance on [[Sanctioned_event_advice#Communication_Magic|Communication Magic]] at sanctioned events. While it can't be used to speak to off-stage NPCs in the wider world, it is possible for the creators of a plot event to use certain types of communication magic within the context of their plot.
==Tisanes of the Labyrinth==
* '''17/02/2024'''
We've changed [[Usher's Decoction]] and [[Tisanes of the Labyrinth#Waywalker's Suffusion|Waywalker's Suffusion]] to be [[Potion#Tonics|tonics]]. This means their effects cannot be stacked with each other.

==Aspect magic==
* '''16/02/2024'''
We've changed the name of the magical tradition formerly known as ''totem magic'' to [[aspect magic]] as it more accurately reflects the function of that tradition. We have also taken the opportunity to change the term for calling on aspects of mundane animals in magic to [[Aspect_magic#Beast_Magic|beast magic]] rather than ''spirit animals''.

==Liao Ceremony Cooperation==
* '''14/02/2024'''
We've edited the [[Religious skills#Cooperation|cooperation]] section on the [[religious skills]] page to make it clear that it is [[dedication]] and not membership of a [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|virtue assembly]] that determines who a character can perform a ''virtue ceremony'' in cooperation with. Now that it is possible for a character to be dedicated to one virtue, but a member of a different Virtue assembly through the use of the preaching [[Congregation#Downtime options|downtime option]], the original wording was open to misinterpretation.

==Synod Votes and Lay Members==
* '''14/02/2024'''
We've removed the reference to "appropriate virtue assembly" from the [[Sinecure#Synod_Votes|Sinecure]] page, with regard to people who are not members of the [[Imperial Synod]] gaining votes. Since the introduction of [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] as the method for determining Virtue assembly membership, there is no way for someone without a [[congregation]] to be part of a Virtue assembly, and someone with a congregation is already a member of the Synod.

==Veto==
* '''14/02/2024'''
On the [[Imperial Senate]] page, we've changed the word "exercised" for "submitted" and added a line making it clear the usual [[Veto#Timing|timing]] rules apply in the event the veto is being submitted following the Senate session on Sunday.

==Medium Armour==
* '''17/01/2024'''
We've made some changes to the names of certain [[:Category:Medium Armour|medium armour]] to avoid confusion since the [[Rules_update_2022#Armour|change]] to what counts as different types of armour. This has had no effect on the mechanical effect of the magic items.<br>

''Mithril Shirt'' is now [[Bloodamber Hauberk]]<br>
''Tombsteel Guardian'' is now [[Tombshroud Guardian]]<br>
''Wardensweave Scale'' is now [[Wardensweave]]<br>
''Runemail'' is now [[Runebound Ward]]<br>
''Splint Mail'' is now [[Cerulean Protector]]<br>
''Mediator's Mail'' is now [[Scrivener's Guard]]

In addition we have also changed ''Oathkeeper'' to [[Vowkeeper]] and ''Alderman's Edge'' to [[Alder's Edge]]

==Secrets of Skillful Artifice==
* '''11/01/2024'''
We've made some changes to [[Secrets of Skillful Artifice]]. The donor [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] now chooses what skill to share via the ritual, and may choose to share nothing. This partly resolves some inconsistencies with how the knowledge the ritual shares was determined, and better defines how it works with Runesmith's Law and similar effects.

==Runesmith's Law==
* '''3/1/2023'''
We've updated both [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Runesmith.27s_Law|Runesmith's Law]] and [[Secrets of Skillful Artifice]] to make it clear that using magic to temporarily share knowledge of how to make a unique Wintermark magic item triggers the geas not to share this knowledge. The result is that the artisan donating the knowledge to someone outside their nation permanently loses access to Runesmith's Law.

==Farms and Businesses==
* '''14/12/2023'''
We've added a line to both [[Farm#Production|farm]] and [[Business#Production|busniess]] resources to make it clearer that the income they provide represents disposable income rather than being the sum total of their seasonal production. Expenses, lifestyle, and taxes all exist below the abstraction layer.
==Regalia==
* '''11/12/2023'''
We have added a section on the [[New Imperial titles]] page which explains how the Imperial Senate can add [[New_Imperial_titles#Regalia|regalia]] to a title.
==Ossium Opportunity==
* '''31/08/2023'''
We've made a slight alteration to the [[Culling_the_threat#Dripping_Echoes|Culling the threat]] wind of fortune in the section about creating a permanent magical fortress in the Drownbark Forest. We've made it clear that the "no upkeep" element of the permanent magical fortress is part of the [[opportunity]], and not a standard part of making a magical fortress permanent. The precise mechanics of creating a permanent magical fortress would be determined on case by case basis.
==Appraisal==
* '''08/08/2023'''
Now the [[Imperial Senate]] can perform ''two'' [[appraisal|appraisals]] each season, we've added [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|a note]] to the power as to how the Imperial Auditor will proceed if both name the same researcher.
==Recognition==
* '''25/07/2023'''
We have added a new use for the judgement of [[Recognition]]; allowing the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] to recognise someone as an explicitly false exemplar or paragon. A judgement of recognition used in this way can only be raised in the General Assembly and always requires a greater majority to pass.

==Spiral Strategy==
* '''24/07/2023'''
The [[Spiral]] page has been tweaked slightly, naming the [[Spiral#The_Passes|Apulian Way]] as the connection between the territory and the Grendel nation, and adding a [[Spiral#Strategic_Considerations|Strategic Considerations]] section that summarizes the geographical complications in the territory. Apart from naming the southern pass, nothing has actually changed we've just made it more explicit.

==Imperial Inquisitor==
* '''0707/2023'''
We've made a slight amendment to the responsibilities of the Imperial Inquisitor to make clear that they are part of the ''inquisitorial court''.

==Thief's Arcane Gambit==
* '''04/07/2023'''
We've added a line to [[Thief's Arcane Gambit]] that specifies that the "legitimate target" for the ritual is also affected by any specific restrictions around willingness in the original enchantment. If the original enchantment can only be used on a willing target, it can only be moved to a willing target.

==Inspirational Locations==
* '''02/07/2023'''
We have replaced the old rules for inspirational tombs with some new rules for [[inspirational location|inspirational locations]]. The new rules cover using true liao to create inspirational memorials for exemplars and paragons as well as using it to consecrate a sacred sites like the Kallavesa Marshes. The new rules provide a detailed framework that lays out how characters do this - what steps are needed in-character and what the outcome will be at each stage. We've provided more explanation for the changes and why we've made them in the [[rules update 2023]] page.

==Sentinel Gate==
* '''01/07/2023'''
We have removed references to getting a traumatic wound if you travel back too late through the sentinel gate. Implementation of this rule was always spotty at best and it violated some of our core design principles in the way it confused in-character and out-of-character objectives. We don't want players to return through the gate late, because it plays havoc with the schedule that everyone, players and ourselves, are relying on. Most participants implicitly appreciate this and make the best effort possible to return to Anvil before the gate begins to close. Traumatic wounds are intended to lead to further roleplaying for the participants who receive them, they are not meant to punish participants for taking the wrong action. Empire tries as hard as possible to avoid mixing in-character and out-of-character consequences in that way.

==FIRST AID==
* '''01/07/2023'''
We've changed the MAN DOWN call to [[Calls#FIRST_AID|FIRST AID]]. We've made this change for two reasons, one is that we and many of our players are no longer comfortable with such a clearly gendered call. The other reason is that over the years, a few players have developed a bad habit of using the call in-character when someone gets wounded. We've replaced the call with FIRST AID - a clear call asking for the first aid team to provide assistance.

We understand that many of participants will continue to use MAN DOWN in emergency situations, precisely because it is the instinctive thing to shout in an emergency. That is absolutely fine, and everyone should treat the call ''exactly'' as if they had called FIRST AID. We expect it to take some years to drop the old call in favour of the new one and we would much rather participants shouted either call quickly than pause to think. The hobby has been using the man down call for decades and we do not want to compromise safety while we transition away from its use at Empire.

==Searching==
* '''29/06/2023'''
We have removed the option in the rules to carry out a real search when searching a character. Previously it was possible to do a real search, but only if both parties agreed. We've removed this option as it's not compatible with the wider system where we discourage this kind of physical contact.

==Art of the Deal==
* '''22/06/2023'''
We've changed the name of the Art of the Deal ritual to [[Winds of Fortune]]. Art of the Deal is still an alternate name for the ritual, but the main entry and all references on magic items use the new name.
==Golden Ramparts==
* '''21/06/2023'''
We've updated the [[Golden Ramparts]] with an [[Golden Ramparts#Assurance|assurance]], related to the Rod and Shield, that has been helpfully uncovered by a scholar at the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun.
==Druj Miasma==
* '''16/06/2023'''
We've updated the [[Druj miasma]] page, especially with reference to miasma pillars, so that it is less focused on information gained after the liberation of Reikos.
==Cruelty==
* '''14/06/2023'''
Building on the commentary we added to the [[Iron Helms]] army page [[Iron_Helms#Composition|on cruelty]], we added the word "needless" to the [[Varushka#What the Varushkans are not|what the Varushkans are not]] section on the [[Varushka]] page.
==Magic Quality==
* '''04/06/2023'''
We've explicitly added a note that the ritual targeting ability of an army with the [[Army_qualities#Magic|magic quality]] can also target a region or fortification within a territory.

==Haunted Quality==
* '''03/06/2023'''
We've decided to remove the ''Haunted'' [[army qualities|army quality]]. There are no armies with this quality, and after extensive discussion we don't believe we would ever allow any future army to have it, either as a quality or an enchantment.

==Farm Diversification==
* '''31/05/2023'''
Updated the [[Farm#Diversification|diversification]] section on the [[farm]] page to make it clearer that "herb" means one of the standard five magical herbs. Any opportunity that grants "herbs" will always mean the herbs gathered from a standard [[herb garden]] unless it explicitly says otherwise.
==Wolves of Winter==
* '''26/05/2023'''
The magnitude of the ritual ''Wolves of Winter'' has been increased in line with our recent changes to rituals that effect the downtime campaign. The ritual is not in Imperial lore, but the database has been adjusted to reflect this change.
==Whispers through the Black Gate==
* '''20/05/2023'''
We've added a note to the [[Whispers_through_the_Black_Gate#Option|special liao option]] on the [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] ritual to make it explicit that the option is not available to orc casters.
==Throne Appointment==
* '''17/05/2023'''
We've edited the part of the [[The_Throne#Appointment|Throne appointment]] that talks about changing support around and when the election ends inconclusively. The previous wording was a little misleading.
==Navarr Warlocks==
* '''16/05/2023'''
We've changed the word "warlock" on the [[Navarr]] page. The word was very misleading and intended to be a synonym for "magician", which is what we have replaced it with.
==Commonwealth History==
* '''10/05/2023'''
We've changed the year of the formation of the [[Commonwealth#History|Commonwealth]] from 120YE to 105YE so that it is consistent with the background of [[Emperor Frederick]].

==Throne Election==
* '''05/05/2023'''
Appointment of a Throne is [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]]. We've made it more explicit that the [[Assembly of the Nine]], as well as the [[General Assembly]], can [[veto]] the election of [[the Throne]]. We've also added that one of the first things every Throne does is ratify their own appointment.
==Marsh Commissions==
* '''19/04/2023'''
We've added a note to the [[commission]] page to indicate that the [[Commission#Marshes|problem of building on marshes]] has become permanent.

==Dreams in the Witch House==
* '''14/04/2023'''
We've added a note to [[Dreams in the Witch House]] inviting players to e-mail us before the event with information about territories they intend to scry so that we are more likely to have a response ready.
==Conjunctions==
* '''12/04/2023'''
We've updated the wiki to make it clear that characters who are nominated by the civil service to [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|oversee a conjunction]] can delegate that authority to another character and that they are not expected to go on the conjunction if they don't want to do so. Any player who doesn't want to oversee a conjunction can contact plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to have the responsibility shifted to another character.

==Endorsement==
* '''08/04/2023'''
Clarified the limits of [[endorsement|endorsing]] deals with eternals. An endorsement cannot support a deal made with an eternal that is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] ''at the time the deal is made''. Amity or Neutrality cannot be retroactively applied.

==Divination Rituals==
* '''06/04/2023'''
We've made matching updates to [[Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River]] and [[Combing the Beach]], Both rituals now require an effigy to perform, and that the question posed be submitted the previous night. The response to the ritual now comes when it is performed, rather than some time afterwards. You can find more details about the change on the [[Rules update 2023#Divination Ritual Updates|Rules update]] page.
==Shuttle Service==
* '''06/04/2023'''
We have taken the decision not to charge for the [[Dadford_Road_Campsite#Banbury_Shuttle_Service|shuttle service in 2023]]. We have no plans to charge for the shuttle in the future if the costs to run the service remain similar.

==Regio and Portals==
* '''05/04/2023'''
We made some adjustments to [[detect magic]] and [[operate portal]] to lay out their functionality when it comes to detecting and identifying [[regio]] and the portals that lie within them. We included in operate portal the mechanics of accessing the Hall of Worlds (copied from the regio page), given how commonly that spell effect is used by magicians.
==Military Rituals==
* '''31/03/2023'''
We've made several updates to rituals that involve [[Imperial armies|armies]] and [[fortification|fortifications]]. The [[Rules_update_2023#Military_Rituals|Rules Update 2023]] page goes through these changes in detail. The rituals affected are [[Knights of Glory]], [[Bound by Common Cause]], [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]], [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]], [[The Basalt Citadel]], [[Golden Ramparts]] and [[Stone's Unyielding Defiance]].

We've also modified [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], [[Quickening Cold Meat]], and the non-Imperial ritual '''Footsteps of the Fallen''' to change the [[roleplaying effects]] experienced by the [[general]] targeted by the [[enchantment]].

==Resources and Conquered Territories==
* '''31/03/2023'''
We've changed the way [[fleet|fleets]] and [[military unit|military units]] interact with the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] rules. Previously these two resources had been exempt from the penalty for being in a conquered territory; we've removed that exemption. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2023#Military_Units_and_Fleets|rules update]].

==Venom==
* '''31/03/2023'''
We've clarified the [[Calls#VENOM|VENOM]] call to make it explicit that if you are [[Combat#Dying|dying]] and have less than thirty seconds to live when you are hit by venom, then you should continue with your current count - gaining the venom condition ''never'' increases the time remaining if you were already dying.
==Spring Rituals==
* '''23/03/2023'''
The effects of [[Fan the Flame of New Life]] have been significantly changed, and we've removed the '''Midwife's Recourse''' ritual from the game. Discussion of and explanation for these changes can be found on the [[Rules_update_2023#Spring_Rituals|Rules update 2023]]page. We also added a medicine section to the [[Technology#Medicine|Technology]] page, and a section on the [[Healing in Empire#Pregnancy and childbirth|healing in Empire]] page.

==COVID Safety==
* '''14/03/2023'''
We have updated the [[entry requirements]] and the rules for [[COVID safety]] for our events in 2023.

==Bow Safety==
* '''14/03/2023'''
We have overhauled the rules for [[bow safety]] at Empire. Please make sure you read and understand the new rules if you use a bow or crossbow at any point at the events.

==Blood of the Hydra==
* '''14/03/2023'''
[[Blood of the Hydra]] has been amended to make it explicit that it is intended for the treatment of limbs ruined by effects such as [[Calls#CLEAVE|CLEAVE]] or the like. It cannot be used to regrow internal or damaged organs, and is only useful for traumatic wounds when explicitly called out. Damaged internal organs are very much intended to be in the purview of the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]], and regenerating or replacing them magically is a much more significant use of magic than simply repairing a limb ruined by a sword. '''(23/03/2023)''' Further discussion of this change can be found [[Rules_update_2023#Reasoning:_Blood_of_the_Hydra|here]].

==Chimes of Annulment==
* '''14/03/2023'''
We've changed the casting time on [[Chimes of Annulment]] to be 2 minutes rather than 5, to bring it in to line with other rituals.
==Knight-protector Declination==
* '''10/03/2023'''
We've added a note to the [[Knight-protector#Appointment|Knight-protector]] [[Imperial title]] about what happens if someone wins the tourney but declines to take the title.
==Vital Strength of the Earth==
* '''09/03/2023'''
We've corrected an error in [[Vital Strength of the Earth]] which had the increased magnitude for additional targets at 5, rather than 24.
==Lineage in Play==
* '''08/03/2023'''
We added some material about gaining (and losing) lineage after character creation. There's a section on the [[lineage#Gaining_lineage_in_play|lineage]] page, and sections on each of the individual lineage pages in the ''Imperial (lineage)'' sections.
==Liao and PLV==
* '''08/03/2023'''
Additional information about [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] has been added to the [[liao]] page. We've also added a new page laying out the procedures and mechanics involved in having a [[past life vision]].
==Card Wording==
* '''02/03/2023'''
We've added a line to the rules about [[Game_items#Cards|cards]] pointing out that when a game itemcard and the rules on the wiki differ, the rules take precedence. Usually this is because a card was printed during an earlier iteration of the rules.
==Auras==
* '''01/03/2023'''
We've made a few updates to the [[aura]] page. [[Aura#Durable Auras|Durable auras]] are now auras that last indefinitely unless replaced, and we've specified [[Aura#Strong Auras|strong auras]] as being auras with a strength higher than one. We've also explicitly called out that the [[insight]] skill does [[Aura#Virtue|not reveal]] which (if any) virtue or malign spiritual presence an aura is tied to. Finally, we've added a section giving some information about [[Aura#Spontaneous Auras|spontaneous auras]] to the page.
==Booking IC Spaces==
* '''28/02/2023'''
We've added the facility for characters to book IC spaces at the event - the Hub, Hall of Worlds, Miltiary Council and Senate - when not in use for official business. We've added a section to the page on [[Anvil#Booking_Civil_Service_Spaces|Anvil]] to explain how this works and how to make a booking.
==Dreams in the Witch House==
* '''24/02/2023'''
We've edited the description of the ritual effect for [[Dreams in the Witch House]] to bring it more into line with the way the ritual is actually working in the field.
==Eye of the High Places==
* '''24/02/2023'''
We've removed the requirement for this ritual to be performed in a powerful Day [[regio]], to bring it into line with [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] and [[Dreams in the Witch House]].
==Align the Celestial Net==
* '''24/02/2023'''
We've made a slight tweak to [[Align the Celestial Net]] to bring it into line with [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]. Neither ritual can be performed by a coven that is drawing on the power of the target [[regio]] to allow them to cast the ritual.
==Army Enchantments==
* '''23/02/2023'''
We've changed the casting time of rituals that target Imperial Armies to 10 minutes, with the new rule about using the Imperial regio to reduce the casting time to 5 minutes. So far the affected rituals are [[Bound by Common Cause]], [[Brotherhood of Tian]], [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]], [[Eyes of the Hills]], and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Machines_of_Destruction|Machines of Destruction]].This brings them into line with the other army enchantment rituals.
==Longer Rituals==
*'''23/02/2023'''
We've added an additional power to the [[Regio#The Imperial Regio|Imperial Regio]]. Any ritual with a casting time of at least 10 minutes can be cast in 5 minutes instead when using the Imperial regio. We're updating existing ritual pages to include a reminder of this effect. We've added a note to the "imperial enchantments" ([[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]], [[Hallow of the Green World]], and [[Wondrous Forests of the Night]]) to indicate that they do not have their casting time reduced by the Imperial regio.

==Phial of the Sun / Bloodcloak==
* '''22/02/2023'''
We've updated the rules text for the [[Phial of the Sun]] and [[Bloodcloak]] [[magic items]] to make it explicit that they only duplicate the effect of the five traditional magical [[herb|herbs]]; [[Bladeroot]], [[Cerulean Mazzarine]], [[Imperial Roseweald]], [[Marrowort]], and [[True Vervain]]. While other substances might be described as herbs, they are distinct from the five herbs used by [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] that these magic items can replicate.
==Navarr Are Not...==
* '''15/02/2023'''
We've added a new bullet point to [[Navarr#What_the_Navarr_are_not|What the Navarr are not]] making it clear that while the [[Navarr]] are merciless toward their enemies, they are just as law abiding as any other Imperial nation.

==Conclave Changes==
* '''11/02/2023'''
We've made extensive changes to the [[Imperial Conclave]]. This touches on the way a [[Conclave session]] is organised, all the [[declaration|declarations]], and almost all of the [[Imperial title|titles]] associated with the Conclave, as well as [[the Throne]]. Rather than repeat them here, you can find a summary of the changes on the [[Rules_update_2023#Conclave_Changes|Rules update 2023]] page..

==Advisor on the Vallorn==
* '''11/02/2023'''
As part of the updates to the [[Imperial Conclave]], we've removed the power of the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] to raise a free [[Declaration]] of [[Interdiction]].

==Unstoppable and Pretending to be Dead==
* '''19/01/2023'''
We've edited the rules for [[Heroic_skills#Unstoppable|Unstoppable]]. We haven't change the rules, but we've tried to make the intent behind the skill use clearer. We've also rolled in some points from the [[Rules FAQ]] as having information about a skill in two places can be unhelpful.

At the same time, we've made the rule about pretending to be dead or dying more prominent by moving it to the section of the rules dealing with [[Combat#Dying|dying]].
==Operating Portals==
* '''11/01/2023'''
We've made a few minor edits to [[operate portal]] and related effects (specifically the [[Ambassadorial Gatekeeper]] ritual) to make it clearer that you can't bring along additional living creatures even if they are [[combat#Dying|dying]] or [[Combat#Terminal|terminal]].

We've also added a note to the [[Knight-protector#Banner_of_the_Season|Banner of the Season]] power of the [[Knight-protector]] [[Imperial title]] that the Summer Banner is specifically more potent than the others, as there had been some confusion around the fact the item is notably different to the other three.
==Necessary Details==
* '''27/09/2022'''
We added a note to the [[Commission#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] section on the [[commission]] page making it explicit that in the absence of details about the cost of a commission, the civil service will always assume it is the minimum size allowed for such a commission.
==Accoutrements of War==
* '''16/08/2022'''
We've added a boxout to the [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Accoutrements_of_War|Accoutrements of War]] ritual making it clearer that the special production granted by the [[enchantment]] ''only'' applies to paid work, not to every action under the independent action dropdown.
==Cardinals and Assemblies==
* '''15/09/2022'''
We've added a note to the [[cardinal]] page in the [[Cardinal#Appointment|appointment]] section reinforcing the idea that a cardinal must be a member of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|assembly]] they lead. Changing assembly (perhaps through [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] in downtime) means the cardinal forfeits their title. Likewise, someone without a [[congregation]] who gains membership of an assembly through the votes granted by a [[sinecure]] cannot become cardinal because as soon as they do, they lose their former [[Imperial title]] and no longer meet the criteria to be cardinal. Both are very edge cases, but are worth bearing in mind.
==Imperial Enchantments==
* '''15/09/2022'''
We've adjusted the magnitude of the three [[:Category:Imperial Enchantment|Imperial enchantments]] up from 160 to 200. In-character magical scholars believe this is due to the increasing size of the Empire, and might have been heralded by a [[A_yellow_star_hung#A_Light_that_Never_Goes_Out|subtle conjunction]] of the esoteric [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellations]] of [[the Key]] and [[the Lock]] during the Autumn Equinox. Out-of-character this is because we want to keep these rituals challenging, and the former magnitude is no longer as difficult to achieve as it was when the game began.

We also took the opportunity to change how [[Hallow of the Green World]] works. Previously the coven had to choose which herb the herb gardens would create. This is because when we first created these rituals we didn't have the ability to add random herbs to resources. Now that we do, we've update the ritual to work a little bit more like [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]] and [[Wondrous Forests of the Night]] whose bonus production is set by the base resource rather than being chosen.

==Cruel Quality==
* '''06/09/2022'''
In July, we made a change to the [[Army qualities#Cruel|Cruel]] quality which we forgot to document at the time. Rather than an army with this quality automatically revealing it to everyone in a territory, it is only noticeable when it actively takes the [[Army_qualities#Cruel|Merciless Assault]] order. This change was made to bring the description of the quality into line with how it was actually working in terms of the downtime campaign.
==Clear Lens and Shadowed Glass==
* '''04/09/2022'''
We've removed the line "''A detect magic spell may occasionally reveal if there is specific, additional information in a specific location''" from both [[Clear Lens of the Eternal River]] and [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] because it was misleading; our intention was to allow some space for plot writers to create specific results from these rituals for their plots taking place on Anvil, but this has proved to be impractical.

==Parliament of Owls==
* '''04/09/2022'''
We've updates the [[Raven_Seer#Parliament_of_Owls|Parliament of Owls]] power of the [[Raven Seer]] to make it clear there is only one copy of this ritual text and the Raven Seer is expected to hand it to their successor.

==Briar Bark==
* '''04/09/2022'''
We've made a slight update to [[Briar#Patches_of_bark|patches of bark]] on the [[briar]] page. "While tree bark can come in a variety of colours and textures, briar bark is rough, and predominantly brown."
==Shroud of Fog and Ravens==
* '''19/08/2022'''
As noted in the '''[[Of_earth_and_sky#Game_Information|Of earth and sky]]''' wind of war, we're removing the ritual ''Shroud of Fog and Ravens'' from the game. Unfortunately, this ritual is completely incompatible with Empire's magic theory and was a remnant from the very first years of the game before we had nailed down all these elements. As a consequence we are removing this ritual. Any character who has it mastered will now have an empty "slot" for mastering new rituals. The in-character explanation is that the recent conjunction of the Lock has rendered the ritual unworkable, taking away whatever strange power it relied on. We will continue to reject attempts to create similar effects in this realm using arcane projections; it is not possible to to enchant armies in this way with [[Night magic]].
==Bright Lantern of Ophis==
* '''11/08/2022'''
We've added an additional line to the [[Bright_Lantern_of_Ophis#Performing_the_Ritual|performing the ritual]] section of [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] to make it more clear that the ritual cannot be used to target other territories using the Anvil regio.
==Castellan of Spiral Castle==
* '''10/08/2022'''
We've corrected an error around the election of [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]] which suggested it would be appointed in Winter when the text indicates the appointment is (correctly) Autumn.
==Improving Opportunities==
* '''07/08/2022'''
We added a section to the page on [[opportunity|opportunities]] explaining that it's rarely possible to simply [[Opportunity#Amending._Improving.2C_and_Upgrading|improve a commission]] gained via an opportunity.
==Visions==
* '''03/08/2022'''
We've made it explicit that the visions received from [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper_Infusion|Goosewhisper Infusion]] and [[Signs and Portents]] are the same. If you experience one, you get the same vision from all other incidences of these kinds of visions for the rest of the event.

==Concedendce==
* '''29/7/2022'''
The Constitutional Court have issued new guidance on the use of [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concedence]] by the Imperial Senate. The new guidance grants national assemblies the right to veto a motion that cedes a region or territory assigned to that nation. This new guidance does not cover any concedence already passed by the Imperial Senate, it is not a retrospective change, it applies to any motion of Concedence passed by the Imperial Senate from Summer 384YE and onwards.

==Raising an Army==
* '''29/07/2022'''
We've amended the rules to make clear that you can only raise an army in a territory of that nation. Nobody has ever tried to raise an army somewhere else, but we wanted to be clear that that is not possible.
==Consecration==
* '''20/07/2022'''
We've updated the [[Consecration#Performance|performance]] section of the [[consecration]] skill to make it clearer that "letting a referee know in advance" means "during an event" rather than "prior to the event."
==Challenge the Iron Duke==
* '''14/07/2022'''
We've added a paragraph to the [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#OOC_Elements|out-of-character section]] of [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] to help players better manage their expectation of the kind of challenge or boon the ritual might provide.

==Abrogation==
* '''13/07/2022'''
We've updated the [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogation]] power of the Senate to make it clearer that when a [[commission]] is abrogated the exact effects depend on the nature of the structure affected, but generally result in the loss of any production following the summit where the motion is passed.

==Preaching and Virtue==
* '''13/07/2022'''
The Imperial Senate [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_membership_of_virtue_assemblies|voted]] during the Spring Equinox to change how membership of a [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue Assembly]] was determined from relying solely on [[dedication]] to use of the new ''[[Congregation#Downtime Options|preach]]'' downtime option. We've updated the [[congregation]] and [[Assembly]] pages appropriately, as well as adding additional information to [[Imperial Synod#History|history of the Imperial Synod]], [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#Membership_of_the_Virtue_Assemblies|Imperial Orcs religious beliefs]] and [[preachers]] pages.There are also a number of minor edits to other pages talking about the Virtue assemblies to reflect the changes.
==IC Tents==
* '''12/07/2022'''
We have discovered that the range of tents marketed as Oxford Canvas has grown to include a small number of tents that don't meet our minimum requirements for the in-character field because the colour and thickness of the material they are made from looks too much like plastic. We've clarified the [[Costume|rules]] to make clear that these types of tent are not allowed because of this.

We do understand that the tents are appealing because they are cheap and light, but we have to have a cut-off at some point otherwise we would have to allow any tent in the IC area.

We've created an amnesty to allow these ultra-light sandstone bell tents to be used for the remainder of 2022 to remove any immediate need to change.

==Naga Scales==
* '''06/07/2022'''
We've added a line to [[Naga#Scaled_Skin|scaled skin]] under naga reminding players to be sensitive to real-world considerations when choosing the colour scheme for their scales.

==Artisan's Oil==
* '''05/07/2022'''
We've changed the time required to use [[Artisan's Oil]] to ten seconds on the wiki, to bring it in line with what the majority of the item cards say.

==Ephisis' Scale==
* '''24/06/2022'''
We've made a few tweaks to [[Ephisis' Scale]], primarily around managing expectations and being more explicit about what will, and will not, be considered by the ritual effect.
==Mage Armour Masks==
* '''22/06/2022'''
We've added "''mask''" to the standard pieces that count toward a suit of [[Weapons_%26_armour#Mage_Armour|mage armour]].
==Plenipotentiary==
* '''22/06/2022'''
We've added a line to the [[archmage]] power of [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] to make it clearer that the more specific a message is, the more likely it is to result in [[Archmage#Parley|parley]].
==Drawing the Penumbral Veil==
* '''10/06/2022'''
We've updated the [[Piercing Light of Revelation]] ritual to make it explicit that the ritual does not automatically reveal the magnitude of a shroud on a territory.
==Fane==
* '''03/06/2022'''
We added a note that the new [[fane]] commission can currently be built only by the [[Senate]] or a title that can commission ''anything''. This is both because it is a specific, new kind of commission, and because it uses the Senate power of [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concedence]].
==Penumbral Watcher==
* '''03/06/2022'''
We've changed the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Shadow_Well|Shadow Well]] power of the [[Penumbral Watcher]] so that it is a "magical effect" that targets an allied [[spy network]] rather than a "territory enchantment" to better reflect how it actually works. If it ''was'' an enchantment on the territory, it would be obvious to the Empire's enemies, and could be removed with any territory enchantment they cared to place themselves.
==Brass Coast Tally==
* '''01/06/2022'''
Following on from a statement of principle in the Brass Coast National Assembly, we've [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Sails_of_Fire|changed]] how the [[Tally of the Votes]] is done for Brass Coast national positions appointed through the Bourse. It's no longer required that a character engage in privateering to vote for such titles; ownership of a [[fleet]] resource is sufficient.
==Anointing and informed consent==
* '''01/06/2022'''
We've (again) updated [[anointing]]. A target does not need to be aware of what virtue they are being anointed with, but they ''must'' be aware that your ceremony is an anointing that will create a personal aura on them.
==Vallornspawn Husk Insight==
* '''29/05/2022'''
We've added a section to the [[vallornspawn husk]] page relating to use of the [[insight]] ceremony. It talks about the [[Vallornspawn_husk#Insight|contradictory results]] received when using the ceremony on bodies animated by the vallorn.
==Election Schedule==
* '''25/05/2022'''
We've [[New_Imperial_titles#Term|updated the wiki]] to make clear that the civil service set what event a title is elected on, if the title is reappointed each year. In practice titles have usually worked this way anyway - for example Bourse seats are all done together and so forth, but we have made clear that new Imperial titles are subject to this rule in all cases. We've done this because we need to be able to spread elections out through the year for the smooth running of the game.

==Sinecure==
* '''13/05/2022'''
Added a small section to the [[sinecure]] page explaining how [[sinecure#production|production]] of resources works.
==Titles, Tenure, and Ownership==
* '''12/05/2022'''
We've made some edits to the way [[tenure]] works for [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], along with a short box-out explaining the reasons for the change. We've also added a new section called [[Imperial_title#Ownership|ownership]] which is intended to help manage the expectation of players who gain Imperial titles during the game.

==Dedication==
* '''11/05/2022'''
We've updated the overview of the [[Dedication#Overview|dedication]] page to remove an incorrect reference to only priests who are undedicated being able to remove a dedication.


==Imperial Orc Wayleave==
* '''18/04/2022'''
Fixed the error on the Imperial Orc Wayleave that had them only able to commission once a year. While the title is appointed in the Autumn Equinox it can announce one commission each season.

==Foam and Trees==
* '''17/04/2022'''
We've added the line "The civilian population of a territory will certainly be affected by this ritual" to both [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]] and [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]].

==Mountain Remembers Its Youth==
* '''17/04/2022'''
We've made it clearer that [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] affects fortifications alongside Imperial armies as this wasn't clear from the effect text.

==Rivers Run Red / Rivers of Life==
* '''14/04/2022'''
We've added a line "''The civilian population of a territory will certainly be affected by this ritual.''" to the [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Rivers of Life]] rituals to make it clear that these rituals will have an effect on the civilian population of a territory, not only the Imperial armies there.
==Hand of the Maker and Stamps==
* '''13/04/2022'''
We've updated [[Hand of the Maker]] to make it explicit that the special message used with [[Call Winged Messenger]] can be evaluated with this ritual as it has a Profound Decisions ID number.

==COVID Safety==
* '''24/03/2022'''
We've updated the wiki with our [[COVID safety]] measures for our events this year. Our plan is to review these measures and update many of them on the run up to each event on the basis of current conditions.

==Sinecure Production==
* '''23/03/2022'''
We've updated the [[sinecure]] page to make it clear that you still gain the production even if you didn't attend the event.

==Conduct Overhaul==
* '''20/03/2022'''
We have rewritten the Profound Decisions [[conduct]] policy. The page on [[conduct]] defines the rules that we expect all participants to follow, [[reporting a conduct problem]] provides information on the process for reporting any issue you have, and [[sanctions]] describes the steps we can take in response. We have also updated the text for the [[must-avoid policy]] to reflect the new changes. There is a description of the key changes and some of the reasoning on our [[Rules_update_2021#Conduct_Overhaul|rules update 2022]] page.

==Sutannir==
* '''17/03/2022'''
We have added a new wiki page devoted to the [[sutannir]], [[archetype|archetypal]] Freeborn priest who focuses on encouraging celebration and festivities. We've also updated [[the Brass Coast religious beliefs]] page with new information to complement the updates to the sutannir page.
==Public Auction==
* '''24/02/2022'''
We've significantly reduced the scale and scope of the public auctions carried out by civil servants at events. From now on, the auction will be restricted to lots of bourse resources, the bourse seats themselves, and a dose of true liao. A more detailed explanation of the changes and reasoning are [[Rules update 2021|presented here]].
==Sanctioned Events==
* '''07/02/2022'''
We've made several edits to our [[sanctioned events]] page, splitting some of the information onto a separate [[Sanctioned event advice]] page aimed at organisers. The main changes are around the definitions of sanctioned event styles, and the rule that all sanctioned events take place in the same chronological order in-character that they do out-of-character.
==Downtime Roleplaying and Coronavirus==
* '''27/01/2022'''
We removed the relaxed rules about online roleplaying during lockdown from the wiki, and edited references to them. The normal rules about roleplaying [[online]] and in [[downtime]] are now back in full effect.
==Wind of Mundane Silence==
* '''26/01/2022'''
We've removed the idea that the [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] can only be used to affect a powerful [[regio]]. The ritual will destroy ''any'' regio it is performed at.

==Fish People==
* '''16/01/2022'''
We've added a note to the [[Merrow]] page under "[[Merrow#What they are not|what they are not]]" to indicate that they are not fish people.
==Emphasising Agramant==
* '''13/01/2022'''
We’ve made a change to the setting we want to let you know about. From this point forward, the eternal who has been primarily known by the name Wendigo will be more commonly known as [[Agramant]]. Likewise we're changing the name of the Wendigo's Bargain item to [[Agramant's Bargain]].

We are not changing anything else about the character or tendencies of this eternal, but we are de-emphasising the name Wendigo. Agramant has always been one of Wendigo's names - so we've chosen to emphasise it as the "preferred" name for the eternal on the wiki from now on.

We've done this for several reasons. We've been aware for a while of some concerns about the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendigo origin of the name], and what that implies for our use of the eternal. We’ve reflected on that feedback and noted that while many of the other eternals make references (at variable subtlety levels) to literary, mythological, or gaming sources, Wendigo was the only one we know of with a name that is directly featured in a real-world belief system. There are no eternals called Hades, Hel, or Balor for example.

For the time being, the name Wendigo will remain one of Agramant’s less-widely used sobriquets. We'd like people to adopt this de-emphasising approach over time rather than treating this as a retcon or sudden break - for example, we know that many characters have written a lot of material about this eternal. It isn't suddenly off brief or wrong to use the original name, and there's no need to reprint IC booklets that use the name Wendigo. The name will remain one of Agramant's less widely used soubriquets. From this point forward, the eternal who has been primarily known by the name Wendigo will be more commonly known as Agramant.

==Archiving Wiki Updates==
* '''12/02/2022'''
We archived wiki updates prior to 2019. The page had long since become unwieldy due to the sheer volume of entries, and in several cases the page listed updates that were out of date or superseded by later updates. Wiki updates prior to 2019 are now held on the [[Archive:Wiki_updates_to_2018|previous wiki updates]] page in the Archive namespace.
==Frequently Asked Questions==
* '''11/01/2022'''
We've made some edits to the [[General FAQ]], and deleted both the ''obscure questions'' and ''new player FAQ'' pages. Most of the questions covered by those pages have been folded into the remaining sections.
==Calls and Blows==
* '''03/11/2021'''
We've added some words to [[Calls]] to make it clear that you can only make one call with each blow you strike.
==Iron Qanat==
* '''26/10/2021'''
We've updated the [[Segura]] page to include the presence of the Iron Qanat; this has also required a note on the [[Construct Iron Qanat II]] Senate motion that the [[great work]] is in Sobral Grasses not Yellow Chase.

==Battle Safety==
* '''22/10/2021'''
We've made some edits to streamline the [[Event safety#Battle Safety|Battle Safety]] section on the [[Event safety]] page.
==Heroic Skills==
* '''22/10/2021'''
We've added a line to the [[heroic skills]] overview reiterating that skills such as [[Heroic skills#Cleaving Strike|cleaving strike]], [[Heroic skills#Mortal Blow|mortal blow]] or [[Heroic skills#Mighty Strikedown|mighty strikedown]] cannot be used with [[Weapons_%26_armour#Implements|mage implements]].

==Illegal Orders==
* '''22/10/2021'''
We've added a short section to the [[general]] page about [[army orders]] that are in-character illegal and how they are handled.
==Orders that Break the Rules==
* '''22/10/2021'''
We've added a clarification to the [[army orders]] page about what happens if a general accidentally submits a set of orders that break the rules on war.
==Imperial Enchantments==
* '''13/10/2021'''
We've made some adjustments to the [[:Category:Imperial Enchantment|Imperial enchantments]] - [[Wondrous Forests of the Night]], [[Hallow of the Green World]], and [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]]. The main change is to modify the ''effect'' of these rituals to better reflect how they actually operate - that they create powerful but unpredictable secondary effects as well as the more predictable effect on production of resources. We've also expanded their history a little in the ''description'' sections in the wake of the recent [[#Finalized Urizen Update|Urizen update]].

==Finalized Urizen Update==
* '''28/09/2021'''
We've finalised the Urizen update. Mostly this has meant removing the stubs from the pages but we've made a small number of changes to the content based on player feedback.
* The [[sword scholar]] section about [[Sword scholar#Costume|costume]] has been edited to remove unnecessary references and make it clearer what kind of weapons and armour the sword scholars favour.
* We modified some of the wording on the [[Urizen look and feel]] page to hopefully make it clearer
* We updated the [[costume]] page to make the wording around [[costume#Less Appropriate Costume|less appropriate]] and [[Costume#Inappropriate Costume|inappropriate]] costume clearer.
* We clarified the rules on guy ropes in the [[Costume#In-Character Tents|In-Character Tents]] section of the [[costume]] page.
* We modified the details of the [[Some_heavenly_music#Net_of_Gossamer_Chains|Net of Gossamer Chains]] ritual in the [[Some heavenly music]] wind of fortune
* We've moved the content regarding the Urizen Spring Festival to the [[Urizen culture and customs#Spring Flower Festival|culture and customs]] page.
==Privateering and Piracy==
* '''09/09/2021'''
We have added a note to the box-out about the privateering action on the [[fleet]] page to remind players that they cannot use this action to commit piracy against people the Empire is not at war with due to the [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets|Civil Service observers]].
==Armour Coverage==
* '''09/09/2021'''
We have updated the armour rules to make clear that a full breastplate that covers the front only is sufficient to be classed as "covering the majority of the torso". This means it will provide extra hits provided your armour also covers one other location.
==Urizen Politics Update==
* '''07/09/2021'''
As part of our review of Urizen, we've changed the way the nation appoints [[senator|senators]]. You can read about the changes [[Urizen leadership#Leading a territory|here]] and a discussion of the reasons and in-character explanation for them can be found [[Rules_update_2021#Urizen_Elections|here]]
==Urizen Culture Update==
* '''07/09/2021'''
We've undertaken an extensive review of the Urizen pages on the wiki. Almost all the pages that form part of the Urizen brief have been updated. You can learn more about the reasoning for this and the way the changes are being handled in the [[Rules_update_2021#Urizen_Culture|Rules Update]]. A brief summary of the changes follows here.
* We've updated [[Urizen]], [[Urizen people]], [[Urizen culture and customs]], [[Urizen leadership]], [[Urizen economic interests]], [[Urizen religious beliefs]], [[Urizen military concerns]] and [[Urizen magical traditions]]
* We've greatly expanded the [[Urizen history]] page
* We've added significantly to the [[spire]] page and created an [[Urizen groups]] page (which will also serve as a template for similar pages in other nations)
* We've extensively overhauled [[Urizen look and feel]] in line with our new [[costume]] guidelines
* We've added or updated pages for all the Urizen archetypes: [[arbiter]], [[architect]], [[illuminate]], [[mage]], [[seer]], [[sentinel]], [[stargazer]], [[sword scholar]], [[torchbearer]], [[questor]]
* We've added the rituals placed into [[Urizen magical traditions#urizen lore|Urizen lore]]
* We've added a page for the historical figure [[Sulemaine]]
Some tweaks have been made (or are in the process of being made) to various pages that are connected to these changes.

==Costume==
* '''07/09/2021'''
We've completed rewritten the [[costume]] page to lay out clearer guidelines for the various ways costume is used at Empire.
==Vallorn Miasma==
* '''20/08/2021'''
Added a line of OOC explanation to the [[Vallorn#Vallorn miasma|Vallorn miasma]] section of the [[vallorn]] page to make it explicit how exposure to the miasma works.
==Armour==
*'''2/7/2021'''
We have changed the [[Weapons & armour#Armour|classification and benefits provided by armour]] and introduced the [[Combat skills#Dreadnought|dreadnought]] skill. Please see the [[Rules_update_2021|2021 rules update]] for the explanation and reasoning behind the changes.
==Others Languages==
*'''28/06/2021'''
We've added a section to [[languages]] giving guidance on languages other than those currently placed in the setting which you can find [[Languages#Other_Languages|here]].
==Regio at Sanctioned Events==
* '''28/06/2021'''
We've added a section to the [[Sanctioned events]] guidance about [[regio]] which you can find [[Sanctioned_events#Regio|here]].
==Lineage Review==
* '''06/05/2021'''
We've completed the first stage of a review of the [[lineage]] pages. This stage has been largely cosmetic, removing bullet points and replacing them with linkable headings on the [[briar]], [[cambion]], [[changeling]], [[draughir]], [[merrow]] and [[naga]] pages.

One more significant change is that we have moved the "demeanour" trappings from the "physical trappings" section of each of the pages to the roleplaying secction. This is in line with the requirement that to have lineage you must have a physical trapping.

In the case of merrow, we have also moved [[Merrow#Blue-green Hair|blue-green hair]] from being a minor trapping to being an "[[Merrow#Other_trappings|other trapping]]".

==Distill the Serpent's Stone==
* '''21/04/2021'''
We've corrected the magnitude on the [[Distill the Serpent's Stone]] page to match the correct magnitude on the database and in the rituals list. It should have been magnitude 100 rather than magnitude 70.

==Icons and Artistry==
* '''01/03/2021'''
We've removed the "Icons and Artistry" pages for each nation, and rolled that information into the individual Culture and Customs pages. In some cases this has meant moving some information from Look and Feel as well, or altering the layout of the page (for example we've reordered the information about art and history on the [[Wintermark culture and customs]] page to create two new subsections of [[Wintermark culture and customs|Scops]] and [[Wintermark culture and customs|Riddles]] while moving the discussion of music to the new [[Wintermark culture and customs|Icons and Artistry]] section).
* [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|The Brass Coast]]
* [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Dawn]]
* [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Highguard]]
* [[Imperial_Orcs_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Imperial Orcs]]
* [[The_League_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|The League]]
* [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|The Marches]]
* [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Navarr]]
* [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Urizen]]
* [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Varushka]]
* [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Wintermark]]

==Erawayugot and Skaftafell==
* '''23/02/2021'''
We've corrected an error with the regions of Otkodov where we'd erroneously labelled both a region of [[Verthandi]] and a region of Nithoggir as "Erawayugot". Bringing the wiki into line with the database, we've changed the name of the Erawayugot in Verthandi to Skaftafell and will update the maps appropriately.

==Military Units, Army Orders, and Enchantments==
* '''17/02/2021'''
We've added a line to [[Military_unit#Support_Army|Military units]] to make it more obvious how their strength interacts with orders given to, and enchantments placed on, the [[Imperial army|armies]] they support.

==Still Waters, Running Deep==
* '''10/02/2021'''
We've adjusted the magnitude of the [[Still Waters, Running Deep]] ritual to be correct as near as we can tell. We have no idea why the magnitude was recorded in error.

==Burning Falcon==
* '''05/02/2021'''
We've adjusted the date of the destruction of the [[Burning Falcon]] army from 247YE to 248YE to remove a conflict with details of the [[campaigns of Emperor Guntherm]]. In-character this correction comes as result of some research performed by [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] scholar Bakar i Erigo (Tomas Marchington).

Historical research

2025-06-09T16:50:29Z

Wrenna: /* The Department of Historical Research */

==Overview==
The department for historical research was established by [[Emperor James]] in an attempt to repair the damage done to Imperial scholarship by [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Fifty years passed between the devastation of the libraries and the establishment of a formal order dedicated to regaining what had been lost - five decades for the situation to deteriorate further. Staffed by dedicated civil servants, and taking direction from the Imperial Senate, the new department worked tirelessly to recover damaged documents, and reconstruct those that had been lost forever to the fires of the mad [[the Throne|Throne]].

The Empire has been in existence for nearly four hundred years, but human civilization stretches back much further than that. The relatively recent arrival of [[Dawn]] and the [[Highguard|Highborn]] were proceeded by centuries of orc barbarian chaos. And before that the Bay of Catazar area was home to the sprawling kingdoms that were the ancestors of [[Navarr]], [[Wintermark]], [[Urizen]] and [[Varushka]]. Any given scholar today knows only a part of the epic history of humankind.

The best records the Empire kept were destroyed by [[Emperor Nicovar]], and much of the early history of the Empire, and the history of the nations that preceded it, was lost. What documents and histories endure are kept in the personal histories and records of communities scattered across the Empire. The civil service works under the direction of the Senate, to recover knowledge that has been lost and to push back the boundaries of Imperial understanding of the past and the present. Finding specific information in the decentralised Imperial memory is a daunting task. Teams of people must spread out across the Empire to seek out lore buried in any of the countless personal libraries.

Following the [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|restructuring of the Department]] after the Winter Solstice 384YE, the civil service has the resources to research one subject each season. Prior to [[Bloody murder|the murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service was able to perform more research each season; the loss of so many experienced researchers significantly curtailed their ability to perform scholastic study.

Since the death of Empress Britta, the Senate devolved much of the responsibility for guiding historical research, creating individual titles - the [[Minister of Historical Research]], the [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]], [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], and the [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]]. The Dredgemaster [[Amend powers of Dredgemaster of Feverwater Winter 381YE|had this power removed]] during the Winter Solstice 381YE, while the Advisors also lost this power during the changes mandated by [[A long December|restructuring]].

==Commissioning Historical Research==
The power to direct the civil servants in the department of historical research lies with the Imperial Senate. Until recently, this power was employed by use of a [[senate motion]]. In recent years, senators have created three new [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], who may all commission a piece of historical research using a [[senate announcement]]. Both the Advisor on the Vallorn and the Imperial Advisor for the Feni lost this power of during the [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Historical_Research|Spring Equinox 385YE]]. The Minister of Historical Research may in theory make any number of announcements but since the [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|decision to retrain]] members of the Department as [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|prognosticators]], the matter is moot. Whichever subject is announced first will be undertaken.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. It is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "the history of the Brass Coast" or "Exemplars of Pride", giving the civil service a free reign as to how to proceed. It is more common, however, to select a tight focus such as "the life of Myfanwy" or "the Crown of Three Tears".

Each season, the researchers will provide a report summarising their findings in the previous three months. This often takes the form of a written document detailing what they have uncovered, sometimes presented by one of the civil servants responsible for collating the information. It may sometimes take the form of a discussion with an expert on the issue, or a lead that will secure specific information that requires direct action by an Imperial hero.

The report will often include suggestions for where to take the research next, if there are any avenues of research left that the researchers believe might be beneficial, explaining the problems with uncovering more information, or presenting an [[opportunity]] for some action that might help move the research forward. If the researchers do not believe that any further work on a subject will provide additional useful information then they will report that.
<div style="width:500px; float: right;"><box>'''OOC Explanation:''' The downtime after a report is received, the contents will be added to the main wiki. Depending on the nature of the report this may mean a new page detailing the results of the research, or edits to an existing page. Any scholar is free to roleplay that they have received copies of the research document.</box></div>
==For the Benefit of the Empire==
During the season following the presentation of a historical research report, the civil service will make the contents available to any scholar who asks as well as dispatching copies of the report to libraries, universities, and colleges across the Empire. This is done to help ensure that the information discovered can never be lost again, and to expand the collective knowledge of the Empire.

==Dangers of Historical Research==
Uncovering information about the past is not a safe occupation. The [[eternal|eternals]] known as the [[Whisper Gallery]] have shown that they are prepared to take extreme steps to interfere with historical research, for example, including [[Bloody murder|murdering civil servants]]. The [[Imperial Conclave]] has placed them under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]], but this does nothing to prevent their mortal associates causing trouble for the department of historical research. The Senate treasury once paid a significant amount of money into a fund to protect civil servants associated with the department, but [[A_long_December#The_Fucking_Whisper_Gallery|Ris Steelfist]], one of the bodyguards funded by the Senate, presented a proposal that saw private citizens fund the defence of the department. Sometimes a project is too dangerous for them to explore directly. In this case, they may call on the citizen with the appropriate Imperial title to undertake dangerous actions, or request additional materials that they cannot acquire themselves.

Citizens who hold one of the titles associated with historical research should be aware that they are potential targets not only for the Whisper Gallery but for other secretive organisations that have a vested interest in preventing discovery of historical information in general, or specific to whatever is being researched.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Leontes.jpg |caption=Leontes the Scribe, [[the Marches|Marcher]] scholar and Imperial Archivist, oversees the Department of Historical Research|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==The Department of Historical Research==
The department of historical research is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Archivist, Leontes the Scribe, who is a member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]]. He is said to be a notoriously curmudgeonly individual whose deep knowledge of the history of humanity has left him with a perpetually dismal view of it. The day to day running of the department defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining handful of researchers, scribes, and investigators. As of the Autumn Equinox 381YE, there are four senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar of Imperial history.
===Snowstorm Henk===
The first [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] member of the Department, Snowstorm Henk, is a young academic who has an extensive interest in lost Imperial artifacts. He takes a "hands on" approach to research, often dragging himself and his team into dangerous situations such as when he [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|undertook an expedition]] into the [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo.27s_Deep_Pockets|Lorenzo's Deep Pockets]], or was (briefly) captured by Thule while [[Sungold Pass|exploring Sungold Pass]]. He often undertakes research where a "fresh approach" is appropriate; the Imperial Orcs are the youngest nation and Snowstorm Henk likes to think about preconceptions and "accepted wisdom" when exploring a topic.
===Octavia of Stream's Source Spire===
An [[Urizen|Urizeni]] who takes a methodical approach to any project she is involved with. She is at home in libraries, and often delves deep into the root causes of the events she is asked to research. Her reports will often quote other sources; she is in her element when a project requires examining large amounts of existing information and trying to distill it down into a usable format.
===Marko Siwarsbairn===
An adventurous [[Wintermark]] scholar, Marko enjoys field work, especially poking around old ruins and haunted libraries. They are known to take a particular joy in delving into the lives of historical figures, rather than historical events, especially if compiling such a biography will give them an excuse to visit somewhere they have never been before.
===Ser Eddard d'Argenteux===
Ser Eddard d'Argenteux recently joined the Department of Historical Research after retirement from his life as an active questing-knight at the age of 63. Having taken up the mantle of a troubadour since his retirement, his primary interests are the legends and folktales told of the glorious and the foes they face. An experienced traveler, there are few places inside the Empire he has not been, and many places he has been beyond. He specialises in rumour, myth and legend: when he conducts historical research it can be difficult to separate the tall tales from the hard facts, but rarely is it not a fantastic story.

===Other Researchers===
There are a handful of other respected scholars associated with the department of historical research. They are often assigned specific roles by one of the Imperial Archivist. There are also several retired members, or members who have moved on to other departments.
* Rosalind Friedlin von Holberg (Retired): A graduate and former professor at the University of [[Holberg]], Rosalind is also a veteran of the Druj occupation, and an expert in pre-Nicovar Imperial history. She has extensive contacts among - and some influence over - the various Imperial centres of learning. Rosalind encourages researchers to adopt a detached, academic style with their studies and prefers them to include plenty of references to existing Imperial scholarship.
* Peter of Hintown (Retired): Something of a maverick, this adventurous [[the Marches|Marcher]] scholar discovered both the [[Forge_of_sorrows|Gildenheim runeforge]] and the [[Black_and_white|mithril deposits]] that eventually lead to the creation of [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]]. In contrast to Rosalind, he has an extensive network of contacts and correspondents outside of established academia, preferring to associate with independent scholars. His main area of academic interest lies with pre-Imperial artifacts, and what little is known about the history of the orc barbarians - especially the Empire's battles with them.
* Elian Sweetwater (Promoted): A [[Navarr]], of Storm's Run Striding, Elian was best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|extensive report]] on [[Axos]] and the history of the Terunael there, prepared for the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. In Winter 384YE, he was [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater_of_Storm.27s_Run_Striding|reassigned]] to the Prognosticator's Office.
<ic>
'''No Imperial Archives'''<br>While there is an Imperial Archivist, there are no Imperial Archives any more - no secret libraries maintained by the civil service. Instead, there are numerous small libraries, archives, records, and similar spread across the Empire. Navarr stridings carry books and scrolls with them in their wagons. Every Wintermark hall keeps a tally of judgement stretching back generations. Every Dawnish house keeps records of its most glorious members. Each Highborn chapter records the deeds of its worthy scions, every Urizen spire maintains libraries both arcane and more mundane in nature. The Marchers have memories written and oral that stretch back to the times before there ''were'' any Marchers, while the Varushkan Wise Ones and Cabalists maintain written records and keep the rich tradition of stories and cautionary tales alive from generation to generation. The tribes of the Brass Coast maintain family archives the first scrolls of which were carried with the exiled Founders when they left Highguard. The League cities build white granite libraries dedicated to the history of the city-folk and jealously guard the personal histories of guilds and grudges and debts owed. While the Imperial Orcs are new to the Empire, their cultural drive to education and their reverence of the written word have already begun amassing records, books and scrolls.

There are millions of documents in the Empire. Once upon a time, hundreds of years were spent copying tomes and collecting documents together... and then [[Emperor Nicovar|Nicovar the Mad]] burnt them down. Recreating these ''Imperial Archives'' would cost millions of thrones and take centuries. The closest the Empire has to an Imperial archive at the moment is the great disparate body of writing that is spread across the entire Empire.</ic>

==Recent Historical Research==
This table represents official requests to the department of historical research, whether from the Senate or from one of the titles empowered to commission research. For clarity's sake it also includes the research commissioned by the [[Lepidean Librarian]], although that title does not use researchers from the Department.
<table>
<tr><th width="40%">'''Topic'''</th><th width="10%">'''Date'''</th><th width="30%">'''Commissioned By'''</th><th width="20%">'''Notes'''</th></tr>
<tr><td>The Howling Queen</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Silk Farkas, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>In Progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>Past Life of Brendan Brackensong</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>In Progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>Regarding Amity and Enmity</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Silk Farkas, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Regarding amity and enmity|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Courage of Ahraz</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Deadwood Knight</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Deadwood and Rot|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vardas and Mikkal</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Life of Vardas|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sorrowful Tunnels</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Ongoing; Partial</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Ore Hills Rebellion of 326YE</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[The Ore Hills Rebellion|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Malachi of the Winds of Virtue</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td> Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Malachai of the Winds of Virtue|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Sarcophan Delves</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Founders of the Delves|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Isenbrad</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>In Progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urizen in Mareave</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Mareave and Urizen|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The virtue of Jaggah</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[On Tagga|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tower of Solokha</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Fall of Solokha|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Saul of the Cora</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Saul of the Cora|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The tomb guards of Ahraz</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[The Honour Guard of Ahraz|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Findings of Magisters</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Former Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Origins_of_the_Highborn#The_Findings_of_Magisters|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to investigate Andretti</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Andretti of Phoenix Rising|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The "Speaker for the Dead" of the Free Folk</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[On the Speaker for the Dead|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sinking of Bregasland</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Advisor on the Feni</td><td>[[Bregasland and the smiths|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reclamation of Seren</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Reclamation of Seren|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Palace at Orieb</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Expedition to Orieb|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>"Old Morgan" Steward of Brock's Heath</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Steward of Brock's Heath|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Feverwater and the dock of Terunael origin</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[The Feverwater docks|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>General Cretatus, the Claw of the Dragon, and the history of the Sword Scholars</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Cetratus and the sword scholars|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and example of Sister Ruth of the Seven Stars</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Ruth's Tomb and Virtue|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Doctrine of Human Destiny</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[On the Doctrine of Human Destiny|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Feni</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Advisor on the Feni</td><td>[[Feni#Origins of the Feni|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Research black lotus</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Regarding Black Lotus|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heirs of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Sacrophan to investigate the origins of the Highborn</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Origins of the Highborn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ghita's Veils</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Ghita's Veils|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Origin of Eater of Hope</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Eater-of-Hope|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Life of Drustan</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Drustan of the Briar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sungold Pass</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Sungold Pass|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Abraxus Stones</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Abraxus_Stone#Further_Information|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maude Daughter of Esther</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Maude, and the nature of Hatred|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and final fate of the noble Terunael general Bryony and her crystal crown</td><td>Summer 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[General Bryony and the Crystal Crown|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anomalous conjunctions with reference to Empress Britta's death</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Anomalous_conjunctions|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The past life of Adelina Barossa</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Maude, and the nature of Hatred|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire from the Heavens</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Fire from the Heavens|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The descendants of Terunael in Axos </td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part Two|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exploration of Lorenzo's Deep Pockets ([[Workers_in_struggle#Northern_Sinkhole|opportunity]])</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Tormund of Wintermark</td><td>[[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Myfanwy of Hercynia and her travels and relationships with the First Empress</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Myfanwy of Hercynia|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Terunael ruins in Axos</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part One|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aneira Dancewalker, thought to be General of the Quiet Step during the fall of Liathaven, and her brother Eurion Dancewalker who forged Aneira's Talon</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mage known as Star, compatriot to Navarr and Thorn</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[The magician Star|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhonwen's Fall</td><td>Spring 381YE</td><td>Merel Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[On Rhonwen's Fall|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Apaayuqiu King, and the pre-Wintermark history in Sermersuaq area</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Apaay Ukiuking|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Luca Ritter von Holberg, Cardinal of Courage around 125YE</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Brass Coast</td><td>Autumn 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Superseded by recent discoveries about [[the Brass Coast history|history]] and the lives of [[Erigo]], [[Guerra]], and [[Riqueza]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The noble house of Mazzarin of Dawn</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Brennyn of Bronwyn's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Hugh Mazarin|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Lost Art of Crafting</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Charter Stone of the Terunael city of Seren</td><td>Spring 380YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>No reference to "charter stones" could be found; some information about [[Blood magic#Singing Stones|singing stones]] was uncovered as part of the research.</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heart of Peytaht, its contents and the nature of the entities within it</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Corey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Great Forest of Peytaht#Discussion_of_the_Great_Forest_of_Peytaht|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadaver, a sovereign, of the Dark Hearts vale in Varushka</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The Gwerin Marfae, the marshfolk around at the time of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Corey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Gwerin Morfa|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Further research into the [[runeforge]] in [[Skarsind]]</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Palladius, proxy Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Gildenheim runeforge|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>More origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Summer 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The relationship between auras and the paragons/exemplars they are named for with particular reference to Isaella's Resolve</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Yael of Felix's Watch</td><td>[[Isaella#Execution_and_Resolution|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The naval campaign of [[Emperor Barabbas]]</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Emperor_Barabbas#The_Invasion_of_Attar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Claw of the Heavens spire of Urizen </td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The runeforge at Gildenheim in Skarsind</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the Hallowing ceremony</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Briar]] graves and land fertility in [[the Marches]]</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Empress Varkula|Empress Varkula's]] burial rites (and their efficacy)</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Burial rites of Empress Varkula|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Artok|Artok]] Ice Golems</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Incarnadine Satchel</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#The_Incarnadine_Satchel|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Mask of the Visionary</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mazen]] and the missing Golem</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Crown of Three Tears]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Thane Aedred in Wintermark</td><td>[[Crown of Three Tears|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Field_Marshal#The_Equine_Rod|Equine Rod]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[The_Throne#Creation_of_an_Imperial_Favour|Imperial Favour]] of [[Empress Britta]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Imperial Favour#Empress Britta|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life of Megan Black Blood</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Merel Pathfinder, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Megan Black Blood|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Campaigns of [[Emperor Guntherm]] against the [[Jotun]]</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Banner of the Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Gryphon's_Pride#History|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the [[Volodny]] Bas Celik</td><td></td><td>Simargl of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash</td><td>Complete<sup>3</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Coven of the Burning Star</td><td></td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
</table>
<sup>1</sup>: In these cases rather than a written document a meeting with an expert was arranged. As a consequence there are no published details.<br>
<sup>2</sup>: In these cases the research was used to update existing information.<br>
<sup>3</sup>: The recipient of the document has declined to have it more widely published<br>
{{Senate Further Reading}}
* [[Minister of Historical Research]]
* [[A long December]] - 385YE Spring Wind of Fortune detailing the consequences of the Department being restructured
[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Saga]][[Category:History]]

387YE Spring Equinox winds of war

2025-06-07T10:20:14Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 550px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=To war.png|caption=If one should fall, we will carry on to glory, at the end.|align=left|width=550}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns. Sometimes those engagements have been wide ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Where there has been dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page; other military actions are discussed here.

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 War and the [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==Along the Winding Road==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:400px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Therunin]]|| [[To hold death's hand in mine]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]]|| [[Unlock thy hidden gate]]
|-
| [[Bay of Catazar]]|| [[A circle sewn with fate]]
|-
| [[Mournwold]] and [[Bregasland]]|| [[If one be gone we carry on]]
|-
| [[Reinos]] || [[Follow me my friend]]
|-
|}
From midwinter, the days get longer and the nights shorter. The promise of Spring whispers of renewal, of green shoots and pale flowers amid the frosts. A new year! The three-hundredth-and-eighty-seventh since the founding of the Empire! How changed our nations are, how unchanged the face of war. There are battles in the east and the west, with the south and the north quiet - for now.

There are victories and defeats for Imperial soldiers. The armies of the Empire have withdrawn from [[Therunin]] in the west, leaving the [[Druj]] free rein to rampage across the [[Navarr]] territory. They conquer the Tarn Valley, and pour into [[Therunin#Peakedge Song|Peakedge Song]] hungry for destruction. Between courageous defenders who will not abandon their homes, and the blessings of the [[Ossegrahn|Tarnfather]], the ancient houses of healing and life are preserved - but for how long? Worse, as Spring blooms and blossoms and slumbering life awakens beneath the soil, the [[Druj lore#Ghulai|Ghulai]] of the Tainted Basilisk, uninterrupted, complete their malignant magical workings and rouse the vallorn of Tharunind to wakefulness.

The Empire is not idle in the east. Four armies come from the south, through the [[Realm#Night|night-haunted]] forests of [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]] across the borders into the [[Sarangrave]]. They find armies of the Druj resting here, disrupting their recovery and forcing them to fight alongside the garrison of the [[Sarangrave#Tower_of_the_Skink|Tower of the Skink]] to try and hold Imperial soldiers back. The [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater_Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]] teems with life, much of it seemingly intent on eating or draining the blood from human and orc alike. The Empire is victorious, but it is slow going, and they have yet to claim a [[War#Beachheads|beachhead]].

Further south, along the [[Bay of Catazar]], the Imperial presence in the desolate [[Bay_of_Catazar#Petrified Forest|petrified forest]] of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Ayereed|Ayereed]] comes to an abrupt end. A force of [[Grendel]] land-troops sweeps up from the interior, and those soldiers who do not retreat are slain or captured. The Imperial beachhead in the arid south-east is brought to an abrupt end. The Salt Lords now control the southern borders of [[Mareave]] once again.

Across the Bay, the defences of the lands most at risk of attack from the sea are bolstered. Folks look to the horizon, watching for the sails that will herald a brutal invasion. In the west, in recently liberated [[Feroz]], the [[Children of Wrecks]] launch an attack against the battered town of [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]], pirates, privateers and Imperial traitors eager to loot the imagined treasures of the late and unlamented Governor Rahab. There are few Imperial defenders to stand against them and the unnatural servants of [[Siakha|Maelstrom]] that throng in the waters around their ships. Aid comes from an unexpected source, as the entire garrison of [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]] under ''Commander Fliesarch'' comes to the defence of the Brass Coast. Not, they are clear, from any particular love for the Freeborn but because they ''despise'' the Children of Wrecks. The raid is turned back, and the Grendel return to their vigil in their mighty fortress.

North, then, to [[the Marches]]. Two armies fight the champions of the [[Jotun]] for control of [[Mournwold]] - and the [[Mournwold#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]] are once again freed from the yoke of the barbarians. Across the border in the fens of [[Bregasland]], however, things are very different. A host of Jotun erupt from [[Liathaven]], through their magical fortifications at [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]], and across the marshes. The [[Strong Reeds]] rally the defenders, but it is difficult for the household militia to hold back a force of this magnitude. In the end, only the town of Otterly, on the eastern borders, remains in Marcher hands.

As the Jotun invade in the north, Imperial armies gather in the south. Five armies march out of Segura into [[Reinos]], into the Lasambrian Hills, to bring war to the barbarians. The garrisons of the twin castles there do their best, but the Empire quickly conquers the olive groves and the fig orchards of [[Reinos#Ribeira|Ribeira]] and almost all of [[Reinos#Bastasor|Bastasor]]. The Lasambrians refuse to surrender, their [[Pride]] driving them to fight the Empire every step of the way. The battles continue.

Across the Empire itself, in [[Astolat]], in [[Reikos]], in [[Upwold]], and [[Tassato]], the rest of the Imperial armies prepare themselves for the year to come. Just over the borders from the fighting, readying themselves, recovering from the battles of the three-hundredth-and-eighty-sixth year of the Empire. The road calls to them, the winding road to battle, to death, and to glory.

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified '''TBC''' possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>TBC</td><td>TBC</td><td>TBC</td><td>TBC</td><td>TBC</td><td>TBC</td><td>TBC</td></tr>
</table>

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || TBC
|-
| Dawn || TBC
|-
| Highguard || TBC
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| TBC
|-
| League || TBC
|-
| Marches || TBC
|-
| Navarr || TBC
|-
| Urizen || TBC
|-
| Varushka || TBC
|-
| Wintermark || TBC
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on Friday night. Each of the two battles must have at least '''TBC''' and at most '''TBC''' force weight sent on it.

==Conjunctions==
{{Stub}}
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:20 || 5 || 15 mins || {{Possible}} || Spiral, Apulus, The Cellar Below || [[Voice of Virtue|Voice of Vigilance]] || [[LINK|Meet with followers of Berechiah]]
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Sweetglades, Broken Copse || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Tangles_(Therunin)|Kill the ''Lord of Thorns'']]
|-
| 18:45 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Drowner's Dell || [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] || [[LINK|Kill all the greenteeth]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Morrow, Altis, Canticulous Valley || [[Archmage of Winter]] || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#The_Breaking_Storm_(Morrow)|Perform Ward of the Black Waste]]
|-
| 19:15 || 20 || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Holberg, Misericorde, Sacrifice Point || [[Flaxen Pillars|Red-Eyed Reaper]] || [[LINK|Kill all the greenteeth]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, Hope's Rest, Field of Triumph || [[High Exorcist]] || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Threads_(The_Barrens)|Exorcise the tortured souls]]
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Skarsind, Pakaanan's Pass, Osweald|| [[Brilliant Shore|Custodian of the Brilliant Shore]] || [[LINK|Intercept the cult's vanguard]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Catrin's Glade || [[Eastern Broker]] || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Changes_(Therunin)|Rescue the Axou warrior]]
|-
| 21:10 || 10 || 30 mins || {{Possible}} || Sermersuaq, Stark, Njord Beach Hut || [[TBC]] || [[LINK|TBC]]
|-
| 21:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Whittling Grove || [[Strategos|Strategos of Wintermark]] || [[LINK|Intercept the bandits]]
|-
| 21:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, Eastring, Tainted Meadow || '''Blaze Dunning''' || [[To_hold_death%27s_hand_in_mine#Beginnings_(Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 22:20 || 10 || 15 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Segura, Burnish, Meadow of Dust and Glass || [[Curator of the Blood Red River]] || [[LINK|TBC]]
|-
| 22:40 || 10 || 15 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Segura, Burnish, Meadow of Dust and Glass || [[High Bard]] || [[LINK|TBC]]
|-
| 00:15 || 5 || 25 mins || {{Unlikely}} || Skarsind, Pakaanan's Pass, Cave of Bones || '''Alistair de Vere''' || [[LINK|Bargain with ''Tuki of the Little Bones'']]
|-
|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 10:35 || TBC || 60 mins || {{Unlikely}} || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Gull Isle || [[Imperial Consul]] || [[LINK|TBC]]
|-
| 14:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ossium, Drownbark Forest, Makgore's Grove || [[Cabalist of the Hollow Stone]] || [[#Stronger_Than_Law_(Ossium)|Defeat the wreckers]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Tassato, Madeiras, Lucrezia's Orchard || '''Tongs Barossa de Tassato Regario''' || [[#An Unwelcome Return (Tassato)|Kill the wreckers]]
|-
| 15:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Zenith, Iteri, Lutum Woods || [[Warmage]] || [[#The Bargain (Zenith)|Retrieve the ilium]]
|-
| 15:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|Suitable For Cadets]] || Sarvos, Uccelini, Smugglers Copse || '''Will Smith''', of [[The_Academy#Academy_Staff|the Academy]] || [[LINK|Interrogate the Grendel captain]]
|-
| 17:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mournwold, Alderly, Boar's Hall || '''Stanley of Chalkdown''' || [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Gathering_Clouds_(Mournwold)|Kill ''Einar the Cunning'']]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 75 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Tournament Square || '''Enchanter Morien de Carsenere''' || [[LINK|Attend the tournament of the Earl of the Groves]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Kallavesa Marsh, Hufi's Glen || [[Woundbinder of the Mark]] || [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#A_Time_for_Iron_(Kallavesa)|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 18:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mitwold, Meade March, John's Holt || [[Bailiff of Meade]] || [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#A_Peculiar_Calling_(Mitwold)|Defeat the yegarra]]
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, The Rushes, Sallow's Shallows || [[Strong Reeds|General of the Strong Reeds]] || [[If_one_be_gone_we_carry_on#Fog_of_War_(Bregasland)|Recover the plundered goods]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Ribeira, Carmo's Sheepfold || [[Summer Storm|General of the Summer Storm]] || [[Follow_me_my_friend#Storm_of_Battle_(Reinos)|Kill ''Carmo Stoneblade'']]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Reinos, Pedreira, Getshold || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Follow_me_my_friend#The_Extra_Bit_(Reinos)|Recover Bulangiin Karadghra]]
|-
|colspan="7" |No bows or crossbows after this time
|}

===Stronger Than Law (Ossium)===
{{SOP|by=Miroslav Temnavoda, Varushkan Assembly|statement=Alert! The traitor Zavetta Voglanova is allied with the Children of Wrecks, and will be bringing storm and plunder to our lands. We are stronger than any traitor - we will defend our homes.|vote=338-0|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
* '''Wreckers are moving to pillage Marshstand Skerry'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Cabalist of the Hollow Stone'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Dozens of ships sail along the Barren sea; for fleet captains from Dawn, the northern League, and Varushka it is their route to the rest of the world. There was absolutely nothing untoward about the seemingly simple merchant ship that docked in southern [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]]. Nothing to suggest they were anything other than a band of Varushkan merchants on their way home from a successful season of trade. Then the first reports came of an attack along the [[Ossium#The_Iron_Roads|Iron Roads]], of travellers butchered and looted. ''The Alabaster Watchers'', a warden fellowship inspired by the judgement raised by '''Miroslav Temnavoda''', encountered the band and attempted to bring them to Imperial justice before retreating. Now, the newly revealed wreckers are making their way to [[Cabalist_of_the_Hollow_Stone#Marshstand_Skerry|Marshstand Skerry]] to loot and pillage it on the orders of ''[[On_southern_sands#Objective:_Eliminate_the_traitors|Zavetta Voglavnova]]'', though the traitor has not been seen.

The call has gone out to the [[Cabalist of the Hollow Stone]], '''Vasili Zoryakovich Zverokaz''', to come to the defence of the skerry. The wreckers are still some distance from the skerry, and the expectation of the ''Alabaster Watchers'' is that they will use the opportunity to rest in an old, long-abandoned wayhouse. The Sentinel Gate will open close to the wayhouse, in truth barely more than a dilapidated set of palisades, around five minutes before the wreckers arrive, potentially allowing the Imperials the chance to ready an ambush.

===An Unwelcome Return (Tassato)===
{{SOP|by=Tongs Barossa de Tassato Regario, League Assembly|statement=Sarvos be alert! <u>Maurizia Spada di Sarvos</u> is a traitor allied with the <u>Children of Wrecks</u>. She has plans to <u>raid and plunder</u> Sarvos. Our Ambition for the strength of Sarvos demands that you protect your city!!!|vote=106-0|when=Winter Solstice 386YE}}
* '''Wreckers are moving to curse Tassato'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Tongs Barossa de Tassato Regario'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
In [[Tassato#Madeiras|Madeiras]], a group of wreckers are making their way towards the ''Circle of Decay'', a regio of the Spring realm aligned to the resonance of [[Spring_magic#Ruin|ruin]]. The wreckers, guided by ''[[On_southern_sands#Objective:_Eliminate_the_traitors|Maurizia Spada di Sarvos]]'', are expected to arrive at the regio on the last day of the summit, and if they are not stopped, will curse the [[Tassato]]. This band of wreckers sailed up the Gancio, past the lost home of ''Maurizia'', and hauled their boat onto shore a few weeks before the Spring Equinox.

A group of officer cadets from [[Tassato#Five_Cities_Military_Academy|Five Cities Military Academy]] were on a planned action in Madeiras with several [[Red_Wind_Corsairs#Composition|Jackals]] in Madeiras. The officer cadets managed to spot the wrecker's ship and, investigating further, tracked the band on a direct path to the regio. If they are not stopped, then they will curse Tassato with [[Thunderous Deluge]], and slip away in the centre of the Empire. The Sentinel Gate will open in the path of the wreckers. It is the responsibility of '''Tongs Barossa de Tassato Regario''' to kill the wreckers before they can perform the ritual.

===The Bargain (Zenith)===
* '''Wreckers are retreating back to the river Couros with looted ilium'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Warmage'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for killing the wreckers and retrieving the ilium'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
''[[On_southern_sands#Objective:_Eliminate_the_traitors|Tuomas of Pirenea]]'', one of the traitors who managed to survive the [[On_southern_sands#Salt_Burned_(Battle_Opportunity)|Battle for Visten]] last season, has ventured further into their old nation. Withdrawing back from the battle to the sea, they sailed up the Couros into [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]]. Tuomas and their band of followers struck at their target a few days before the Spring Equinox. Now, the wreckers are fleeing through the western glades of Zenith with [[ilium]] and other wealth looted from the [[Warmage#The_Bounty_of_the_Heavens|Alliance of the Sky]], the offshoot spire that sprung up following the ruination of the [[Zenith#Arch_of_the_Sky_(Ruins)|Arch of the Sky]].

The gang of wreckers are returning to their ship, behind them are the majority laden down with the heavier treasures. If the [[Warmage]], '''Ilysses of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros''', can kill the wreckers present and retrieve the star-metal, then the rest of the wreckers will scatter and prove easy targets for the garrisons and [[Spire#Citadels|citadels]] of Urizen.

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Autumn Equinox.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], [[Mournwold]], or [[Upwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Put_on_your_war_paint#Glorious_in_Victory.2C_Proud_in_Defeat|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Zenith:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

A circle sewn with fate

2025-05-26T14:20:38Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Corryvreckan Whirlpool.jpg|caption=Darkest hour, wake thy power, earthly and divine.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Paths of Salt==
At the end of last year, the [[Grendel]] were [[On_southern_sands#The_Battle_of_Elos|rebuffed]] from Redoubt after a failed attempt to seize the port of [[Redoubt#Naris|Elos]]. In their wake came the [[Fake_empire#Children_of_Wrecks|Children of Wrecks]], likewise [[On_southern_sands#The_Second_Battle_of_Elos|keen to attack Elos]], and likewise rebuffed despite unexpected support from [[the Marches|Marcher]] malcontents. During the Winter Solstice, Imperial heroes faced a second serious attack by the servants of the ''[[Siakha|Mistress of Wrecks]]'' when they [[On_southern_sands#Salt_Burned_(Battle_Opportunity)|sought to devastate the spires of Visten]] with supernatual power drawn from the ''Ribbon of Salt''.

The Empire prevailed for the most part, but [[On_southern_sands#Objective:_Protect_the_Ribbon_of_Salt|the ''Gyre'' coven]] was still able to smite Redoubt with magical storms. How much worse it might have been had they managed to achieve their full ambition does not bear thinking about. As well as mostly thwarting the Children's magical aims, the Empire also scattered a [[On_southern_sands#Objective:_Eliminate_the_traitors|gathering of traitors]] - although only one is truly accounted for. ''Ezhabbenar of Hedrossan'' is dead, but the other four survived the Imperial assault and left the battlefield with their entourages. It's doubtful that the Empire has seen the last of them; their knowledge of the Empire will no doubt prove a boon to the Children when they plan raids against their former nations.

Across the [[Bay of Catazar]], from [[Feroz]] in the west to [[Mareave]] in the east, the air is thick with anticipation and anxiety. The Grendel armada may have been forced to retreat from Redoubt without succeeding in a single significant raid, but they suffered little more than a bloody nose in the process. The Children of Wrecks may have been stopped from devastating Elos and Visten, from unleashing the Ribbon of Salt, but their [[Imperial navy|navy]] and the many pirate [[fleet|fleets]] that support it remain at large.

Only the [[fortifications]] established in [[Sarvos]], [[Spiral]], and [[Necropolis]], and a scattering of [[enchantment|enchantments]], protect against a surprise attack from the sea. The southern Imperial coast represents rich pickings for the greedy pirates, and the conquest-hungry Salt Lords.

Who knows where they will strike next?
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Freeborn_Grendel.jpg|align=right|caption=The garrison of Mora's Rock, under the adept leadership of Commander Gallum, are a force to be reckoned with.|width=500}}</div>
==Out From the Shadow of that Red Rock==
While the Children of Wrecks are a pressing concern for the Freeborn of Madruga, and those left in Feroz, there is a more pressing issue. Two weeks after the Winter Solstice news spreads like wildfire through [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]] that a significant force of [[Grendel]] soldiers have crossed the border out of [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] marching directly toward the port-town of [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]]. At their head is [[Fake_empire#Gallum_Fiersach|Commander Gallum Fiersach]], the charismatic warlord who holds sway over [[Feroz#Mora's Rock|Mora's Rock]]. it looks as if Gallum has emptied the garrison of the 'Rock; a cohort of Grendel soldiers with fine arms and armour and evidencing remarkable discipline even for the orcs of the Broken Shore. They ignore the villages along their route, ignore the Freeborn they pass. Not that any of the Freeborn in Feroz at the moment would have much chance of slowing the advance of what seems to be almost the entire garrison of Mora's Rock. They are an arrow arching directly toward the western gates of Oran.

In the midst of the Grendel force there is a palanquin within which rides the Wind Lord ''Saoirse'', partner and lieutenant of Commander Fierasch. This master of the [[Autumn magic|Lore of Sand]] is accompanied by her entire [[coven]]; it is clear she does not intend to allow her disability to either slow the forced march of the Grendel forces nor prevent her from assisting her husband on their campaign. Along with a handful of siege engineers, it looks as if the Grendel have grown bored of waiting for Imperial diplomats and have decided to take matter into their own hands.

The attack comes as a complete surprise, unanticipated. The expectation is that the Grendel at Morajasse would stay there until either the Empire removed them, or the Grendel came to collect them. Indeed, their movement spreads a real fear that the navies of the Salt Lords may plan to attack Oranseri at any moment. Then the situation becomes even worse.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SiakhaArt.jpg|caption=The Children of Wrecks hold the favour of [[Siakha]], and revel in bloody raids across the [[Bay of Catazar]].|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Racing the Storm==
The ''[[Made_anew#War_and_Change|Gathered Storm]]'' - the ramshackle, naval force [[The_gathering_storm#Objective:_Stop_the_Wrecks_forming_a_navy|raised by the Children of Wrecks]] - is spotted sailing south from [[Madruga]] on wings of rain and thunder. Guiding the way is the newborn ''Storm's Child'', a fromer Grendel vessel that now serves as flagship, a stolen [[The_gathering_storm#Objective:_Recover_the_Storm's_Child_figurehead|figurehead]] shining balefully at its prow. It's sails, and on the sails of many of the vessels that follow in its wake, bear the unmistakable design of a gaping shark's jaw. Drums beat on the decks, and the pirate-marines howl their defiance, their bloodlust, their yearning for plunder.

The navy is supported by dozens of independent vessels. it seems a significant part of the Children of Wrecks' strength has gathered here to feast on Oran, to steal the wealth they assume the wicked Governor Rahab left behind him [[Below_the_thunders#Objective:_Eliminate_Governor_Rahab|when he died]]. They are likely misinformed - Rahab has left no trove in Oran - but there are plenty of other reasons to ravage the coast here. Supplies sent to support the people of Oran as they try to rebuild their lives, for a start. And the people of Oran themselves are a commodity to the Children of Wrecks - slave or sacrifice they are little more than loot to be claimed by the cruel pirates.

As always when the Children move in force, the waters around their ships boil with the servants of [[Siakha]], especially the monstrous [[Siakha#Servants_of_Siakha|carcharadon]]. As well as the smaller [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]], it seems that High Priestess Shivaarn has been granted the service of one of her mistress' mighty [[inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] - a terrible hybrid of armoured turtle and predatory [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drake]] the size of a fishing boat that seems equally at home at land or sea. It will surely make short work of the patched-together defences of Oran, opening the way for the reavers and marauders to fall on the folk taking shelter behind the walls.

Lightning marches across the eastern horizon, and terror sweeps through the people of Oran. They are ill-equipped to endure what is to come, poorly armed and armoured, with a skeletal garrison of Freeborn veterans to try and hold back the tempest tide that threatens to break across them. There's little doubt that this force will not only devastate Oran, but should they choose to do so they could make significant headway toward conquering [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]] in the name of their goddess.

It is clear Oran is doomed; the only question is who will reach the town first?
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornMobileCorsair.jpg|caption=The [[corsair]] families of Shantarim who have sought sanctuary on Oran have more reason than most to hate the Children of Wrecks and the Grendel.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
==Desperation==
The limited garrison of Oran scrabbles to prepare for the coming attacks, sending desperate messages west toward [[Segura]]. A small band of courageous youths set out to cross the Scorrero, to navigate the [[Madruga#Siroc_Bayou|Siroc Bayou]] and try to get help from Quzar - they dare not travel by sea with the ''Gathered Storm'' spearing south along the cost. There is little hope that these emissaries will achieve anything - there are no significant Imperial forces close enough to intercede and the closest are already across the border into [[Reinos]].

Under the Grendel there were almost no Freeborn left in the town. Since its [[Glass_and_flame#The_Siege_of_Oran|liberation]] a small number have returned and tried to pick up the frayed threads of their lives. Some of these citizens of Oran flee south-east, toward [[Feroz#Afarjasse|Afarjasse]]. They dare not take the road to [[Segura#Lucksprings|Lucksprings]] with a Grendel force sweeping east across the grasslands. They see little advantage in fleeing south into [[Feroz#Fontargenta|Fontargenta]], reasoning that the Children of Wrecks will simply follow them. They gather their possession as swiftly as they can and set off on foot across the grasslands.

Most decide to remain behind; they have fled once and they have little heart for fleeing again. Many have simply had enough, enough of being pushed and pulled this way and that between Grendel and pirates and Imperial politicians. There are refugees here from the [[corsair]] families of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]] eager for vengeance against the orcs or the marauders who seem bent on pillaging Oran once again. They seek restitution for all they have lost, between the destruction of Shantarim and the rise of the Children of Wrecks they have nothing left to lose. While they don their bravest faces, nobody is foolish enough to believe that any of this will make a difference.

In the end, fate decrees that the two forces reach Oran at roughly the same time. Even as the Grendel approach the walls, the Children of Wrecks begin their assault against the quayside. Ships disgorge dozens of bloodthirsty pirates, human and orc alike, as the Carcharadon and Tempests drag themselves out of the waters of the Bay to wreak their own destruction on the town and its defenders. Thunder rumbles, lightning stabs the horizon, and a downpour begins.

For their part, the Grendel barely pause. It's been barely six months since the [[Glass_and_flame#The_Siege_of_Oran|Siege of Oran]] when the [[Wolves of War]] systematically destroyed the defences the late and unlamented Governor Rahab has established around his prize. The Grendel shatter the makeshift defences of the western gate using an ironbound ram in the shape of a great serpent. The soldiers accompanying it lock their great round shields above their heads, shielding themselves and the crew deploying the runebound ram from the arrows of the defenders.

As the gate falls, the Grendel soldiers pour through...
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crab-traced-2.png|align=right|caption=The Stone Born are the most heavily armoured, and arguably the most disciplined, of the Grendel [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|Moridun]].|width=350}}</div>
==The Battle of Oran==
The Grendel soldiers pour through... and they ignore the Freeborn defenders. With Commander Fiersach at the front with his personal guard, a dozen veteran [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Stone_Born|Stone Born]] in [[Combat skills#Dreadnought|dreadnaught]] armour, they hurry toward the bay with the rest of the garrison at their heels. They've barely paused since they arrived outside Oran - this final few hundred yards is like the culmination of the trajectory they have carved across northern Feroz. Without preamble, with no battle howls or posturing, they fall on the Children of Wrecks and cut them to pieces. The rest of the soldiers follow their lead, spreading out through Oran, killing pirates and [[Inhabitants of the realms#heralds|heralds]] they encounter.

Orc siege engineers move with calm, swift precision to take command of several key locations - it seems these soldiers know the layout of Oran quite well having visited several times during the Grendel occupation. They set up a number of ballista, trained on the ships of the ''Gathered Storm'' and begin to pelt them with javelin-sized bolts. In this they are shockingly assisted by what appear to be a dozen Freeborn, citizens of Oran who seem to have been expecting the Grendel soldiers and stand ready to assist them.

It's clear the Grendel have a focused purpose here. As battle erupts across Oran, the Grendel make no effort to harm the Freeborn trying to defend the town - unless they try to interfere. Anyone who tries to bar their way is given one chance to lay down their weapon before being efficiently struck down by the soldiers. They don't bother to execute anyone - and most of those they cut down are saved by their neighbours. They have no such mercy for the Children of Wrecks - any who fall to their blades are swiftly dispatched, their bodies left to bleed out in the gutters. They

Battle rages. Grendel against 'Children with the Freeborn for the most part as onlookers. The soldiers of Mora's Rock are supremely disciplined, even for Grendel, and many of them are older veterans of campaigns across the Empire and beyond. The Children of Wrecks are little more than a rabble, a mass of pirates and marauders who barely trust each other. They are rivals, rather than allies, and the Grendel (and the Freeborn prepared to accept their aid) exploit this to divide them and dispatch them.

The Corsairs who have committed to the defence of Oran have little love for the Grendel, but they see which way the wind is blowing. They do not question the un unlooked-for boons of[[The_Witch#Fortune|Mistress Fortune]], and waste no time in taking the fight to the 'Children. While the Grendel form a wall of steel that closes slowly around the docks, the corsairs are an unpredictable blade striking at the pirates without warning and disappearing back into the streets or onto the roofs of the town before they know what has hit them.

A major force of the invaders attempts to sack the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull, another launches a raid against the remains of the Palace of Rahab. In both cases the Grendel surround them once they reach their goals, and cut them to pieces. Those who manage to escape these killing grounds run straight into the blades and bhuj of the corsairs, who make short work of the fleeing marauders. After three hours of fighting, the Children of Wrecks break. The survivors flee back to their ships, as the ''Gathered Storm'' retreats back into the waters of Cazar Straits taking the foul weather with it. The soldiers cheer, voicing a single word three times "''Dubhtraig! Dubhtraig! Dubhtraig!''" . Not the city of the Grendel, but the [[Grendel_religion#Ancestors|ancestor]] who built it.

With the Children of Wrecks on the run, the soldiers regroup... and leave.

==After the Rain==
It falls to Wind Lord ''Saoirse'', imperious in her armoured chair, to explain what has happened. Intelligence reached Commander Fierasch from... sources... that the Children of Wrecks intended to assail Oran and seize the coast. He decided that they would not achieve that goal, and acted accordingly. "''We despise traitors,''" says the Wind Lord simply. "''And these Children of wrecks are doubly traitors against our people. Before they were Children of Wrecks they gave themselves over to Maelstrom, and deserve nothing but our contempt.''" There is some mention of [[Grendel_religion#Fidelity|fidelity]] and [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|retribution]] but it's clear that Saoirse has little interest in small talk.

With Oran safe, she says, the Grendel will return to their holdfast at Mora's Rock. The [[opportunity]] to stymie the Children of Wrecks here is unlikely to come again - without the advance warning delivered by the "''ghost of the sea''" they would never have been able to react in time. The elements of the left-behind Grendel [[Rings_and_crowns#Eyes_of_the_Basilisk|espionage ring]] they've drawn on are now burned, and they'll no longer be able to call on their expertise to help them as they did here in Oran. They suggest that if the Freeborn wish to avoid being pillaged by the 'Children they make preparations themselves - or at least persuade their leaders to reach some sort of accord with the Grendel of Mora's Rock.

And with that, they gather their dead and injured, and set off back west toward Morasjasse.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Feroz 387.png|align=right|caption=The Empire controls the territory as a whole - all except Morajasse and the Cazar Straits.|width=500}}</div>
==Game Information==
===Feroz===
* '''Feroz is under Imperial control'''
* '''Madruga remains uncontrolled'''
* '''The Grendel garrison protected Oranseri from the Children of Wrecks'''
Both Feroz and Madruga remain uncontrolled. The Empire controls three regions of Madruga, one is controlled by the Children of Wrecks, and three are uncontrolled (four are needed to control the territory). In Feroz the Empire holds three regions and thus controls the territory, but the Children of Wrecks and the Grendel still hold one region apiece.

The Children of Wrecks attempted to conquer Oranseri and pillage Oran in the process; the Grendel defenders of Mora's Rock used an [[opportunity]] to intercede. While they have no love for the Freeborn, the Commander of the garrison and many of his soldiers appears to have a personal dislike for the Children of Wrecks. Part of the reason they were able to reach Oran in time was information from a Grendel agent, but they also received assistance from the [[Rings_and_crowns#Eyes_of_the_Basilisk|espionage ring]] that is apparently still active in the territory. While some of its agents have been revealed, the rest remain in hiding.

Commander Fleisarch has indicated that he is prepared to accept [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] from representatives of the Empire. His partner Wind Lord ''Saoirse'' could be communicated with in the same way.

==Further Reading==
* [[Feroz]]
* [[Children of Wrecks]]
* [[Fake_empire#Other_Leads|Fake empire]] - 386YE Winter appraisal regarding the Grendel
* [[Glass and flame]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of War about reconquest of Feroz
* [[Grendel religion]]

File:KhobelTavah.jpg

2025-05-13T09:53:46Z

Wrenna: Category:Photos:JohnHaynes Image by John Haynes

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos:JohnHaynes]] [[:Category:Photos:JohnHaynes|Image by John Haynes]]

Golden light

2025-04-21T20:55:44Z

Wrenna: /* A Historic Cathedral */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"And on the left, you can see Barticalla's ''The Agony of Indecision''. Originally thought to be painted in 209YE, modern scholars suggest it actually dates from 212. It's unlikely to be an accurate illustration of the moment, but we have reasons to believe that the painter based the composition on eye-witness reports. We know that Barticalla was a contemporary of Isaella so it's likely that the great artist would have met the Thorn during their sojourns together at Anvil. Note how Barticalla's delicate brush strokes capture the light shining through this window, giving the central figure a sense of solidity and isolation that is intentionally at odds with the softer, more shadowed presentation of the huddled background figures. See how Barticalla's mastery of shade and pigment makes this century-and-a-half old picture glow with the vibrancy of a work whose artist has, perhaps, just stepped away for a moment leaving the paint still wet on the canvas. There really is nobody quite like Barticalla to capture the humanity of his subjects, this young woman torn between Loyalty and Courage. Indeed, if we examine the background figures closely we can see this group ''here'', these artisans conferring, heads so close together that they seem to touch, which many scholars claim is Barticalla suggesting the paragons known as the Marked, while on the other side, just visible through the arched door, a brawny man in nought but a bearskin cloak that is surely the paragon Korl. Barticalla contrasts the purely mortal Isaella, painted so richly and so poignantly, with the blurred, barely distinct figures of paragons to, perhaps, underline the act of faith that we all engage in whenever we consider the virtuous life, and what it means to make these kinds of choices. It is, of course, absolutely priceless."

The guide paused for exactly two minutes to her party examine the picture. Then she cleared her throat to attract their attention again.

"Although she never painted the Emperor himself, Barticalla produced a series of notable portraits of key supporters, including the Archmage of Winter, the General of the Citadel Guard, and the Preceptor of the Silent Bell. Sadly, those works are no longer on display in the Cathedral, although there are a number of other works that I am certain you will find equally engaging. Moving on..."

The guide's dry voice faded off in the distance as she led the group towards that awful bust of Empress Teleri. The tourists, mostly Jarmish today, followed closely behind but Isaella let them go ahead. She'd done this tour when the striding reached Sarvos every year since she was nine years old. Everything had changed when the Grendel looted the place of course, but she didn't care. She only really came here to see this one picture.

She stared at her namesake, and tried as she always did to imagine what she must have been thinking at the moment. Did she know how important it was? She must have done. Did she know it would change the world? Did she know she would become the most famous Navarr since the first oaths?

The Agony of Indecision, the guide called it. But that wasn't right at all. That wasn't what Barticalla had called her work. She'd discovered growing up that officials at the Cathedral had altered the little plaque bearing the painting's name in 346. If you looked closely you could just see where it had been removed and a new one added in its place. It had taken her years to find someone who remembered the original name.

''No Price is Too High''. That was what Barticalla called her painting of Isaella. Little wonder they changed it.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Archbishop of Capodomus.jpg|caption='''Estella Lucati''' (right), Archbishop of Capodomus Cathedral, and motive force behind the [[writ of consecration]].|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
The [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly of Ambition]] has [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_30|called for]] a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]. Rather than a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] to an exemplar or paragon, they wish to create a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred#Sites|sacred site]], a location that resonates with virtue.

A place can only become a sacred site if it has profound spiritual importance in some way. Fortunately, the Cathedral, the site of some of the greatest and most important decisions made in the religious history of the League, more than meets this challenge. It is already watched over by the Archbishop and draws pilgrims from across [[the League]] and the southern coast. Many flock from far and wide to visit and view the beautiful art for themselves.

It is hard for [[Sarvos|Sarvosans]] and Ambition dedicants to imagine that the General Assembly might reject the proposal. Fortunately, there is one part of the cathedral that is the natural choice for a true consecration - the ''Atrium of Golden Light'' through which all visitors must pass. This great hall towers more than a hundred feet over the heads of the devoted as they walk through it to enter the Cathedral, and even without a liao ceremony, its grandeur can make it an affecting experience.

Consecrating the Atrium to Ambition will create a powerful aura whose influence will settle over the thousands of tourists who visit the cathedral every year, inspiring devotees across the Empire.
{{SOP|statement= With the planned restoration of the Capodomus Cathedral in Sarvos, it is the Ambition of Prince-Bishop Estella Lucati di Sarvos - with the blessing of the Ambition Assembly - to consecrate the Cathedral with True Liao already granted to her by the Gatekeepers for the support given to newcomers to Anvil. May it become symbol of rebirth and new beginnings to Sarvos, the Empire and beyond.|by=Estella Lucati, Ambition Assembly|vote= Greater Majority 364-0|when=Summer Solstice 386YE}}
==A Historic Cathedral==
* '''Capodomus was built before the formation of the Empire, as a centre of study for the Way'''
* '''Its great store of objets d'art were cruelly looted during the Grendel occupation of Sarvos'''
* '''Fortunately many of the more notable works were recovered and since the repairs the Cathedral has been restored to its former glory'''
Capodemus Cathedral is widely regarded as the first major site dedicated to the study of the Way within any of the five League cities. Historians quibble over the details, there were certainly other grand structures that predated the Cathedral, but the massive Cathedral with its huge vaulted glass ceiling was undeniably the greatest structure of its kind when it was built, larger even the Basilica of Seven Doors in Highguard it is a towering edifice of white granite and stained glass.

For centuries it was more than just a monument to the seven virtues. The halls were decorated with precious materials and the wings contained beautiful pieces of art, both paintings and sculptures that had been donated by wealthy merchant princes. It quickly became famous throughout the Empire, and for centuries it was a popular place of pilgrimage for priests from across the League.

Sadly, the Cathedral suffered a hammer blow to its Pride when the city was [[The_sack_of_Sarvos|sacked by the Grendel]]. Fortunately, the Grendel did not damage the famous vaulted atrium ceiling, but they looted all the art they could carry (leaving only a half-dozen paintings in drab frames and a distinctly unimpressive and rather heavy bust of Empress Teleri). They also badly damaged the building as they tore the gold filigree and other decorations from the walls.

After the Grendel were driven off, Sarvos began the painful work of repairing the damage to the City. Some of the looted artworks were recovered, and new ones donated. Then in Summer 383YE, a [[Old_ways#Capodomus_Cathedral_and_the_League_Assembly|proposal was put forward]] to repair the damage done to the Cathedral and also create a prestigious new title that could provide leadership to the League National Assembly. It took [[Repair_Capodomus_Cathedral|three years for the League to raise the funds needed]] to restore the Cathedral to its former glory, but the work was quickly completed, and the Cathedral is now as good as new.

==The Atrium of Golden Light==
* '''Consecrating the Atrium of Golden Light with a true aura of Ambition will cement the Cathedral as ''the'' prestigious place to study the Way'''
* '''There will be several other effects in addition'''
The Atrium of Golden Light is far and away the ideal choice for a true consecration of Capodemus Cathedral. Every visitor must pass through the Atrium to enter the Cathedral - and many people dawdle here, especially newcomers who are entranced by the gold light that drifts down from the vaulted roof. A true consecration here will boost the prestige of the Cathedral and impact everyone who visits.

When the cathedral was built, the plan for the atrium called for so much glass that the glass makers of the Brass Coast were short of materials. There was sand and soda ash in abundance, but supplies of dolomitic limestone had run short. Freeborn merchants informed the architects of the shortage and suggested that they produce a less ambitious design. Rather than accede to this failure of vision, legend has it that the Bishop of Capodomus tore down his house and had the limestone ground up and distributed to all the guilds to make up for the shortfall.

The great atrium was a triumph, letting light pour in to add to the feeling of scale and grandeur. As the years wore on, however, imperfections from the Bishop's limestone caused the once clear glass to turn a rich golden amber in colour. At first, there were calls to replace the ceiling, but slowly people warmed to it. Today, the Atrium is one of the cathedrals most famous features, bathing everyone who visits Capodemmus in rich golden light as they pass through.

If the General Assembly pass the mandate to authorise the consecration, they will still need to decide ''who'' will perform the consecration. If multiple judgements are raised, then the one with the greatest margin will be enacted.

{{Mandate|assembly=General Assembly|mandate=Nothing great is without cost. We send {named priest} with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Atrium of Golden Light in the Capodemus Cathedral to Ambition. No price is too high to realise our dreams.}}

If the mandate is enacted, it will cement Capodomus Cathedral as ''the'' centre of study for the Way, eclipsing any other seminaries. The only place that could compete with Capodomus would be a structure of similar [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] that itself bore a true consecration. Indeed, until the [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] is completed, it is likely that the only place in the ''world'' that could match Capodomus in prestige would be found in [[Sumaah Republic#Timoj|Timoj]]. Given the Cathedral's location in [[Sarvos]], it would attract not only ambitious Imperial scholars of the Way, but pilgrims from across the known world would want to visit to learn about virtue. Competition for the opportunity to study here would be fierce.

In addition, the civil service prognosticators are confident there will be several other effects.

==Golden Archbishop==
* '''Donations to the Archbishop of Capodomus would increase by 10 crowns'''
Capodomus Cathedral has always been a place synonymous with the Way in the hearts of many League citizens. Even without a true consecration, it is a site of pilgrimage not only for those dedicated to the Way but also to foreign visitors who come to marvel at the splendour of the place and the beautiful artworks contained within.

Once the consecration is in place, the [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Donations_for_the_Cathedral|monetary donations]] made to the office of the Archbishop will certainly increase. An additional ten crowns each season will be available, representing gifts from wealthy citizens eager to become patrons, fees from ambitious people who want to study at the Cathedral, and donations from those who want to support Ambition across the League and the Empire.
==Words to Move the Mountain==
* '''The first sermon performed by the Archbishop in the consecrated Cathedral would attract significant interest'''
Capodomus Cathedral is not just a place to study the Way, nor simply a storehouse of beautiful artworks. It is also the seat of the [[Archbishop of Capodomus]]. Appointed in Summer 386YE, the first (and current) Archbishop is '''Estella Lucati''', who also [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_30|raised the judgement requesting]] a [[writ of consecration]]. Many in Sarvos see their Ambition as directly responsible for the restored splendour of the Cathedral. After the consecration is complete, the expectation is that the Archbishop will give a sermon, speaking about their vision for the cathedral, and what it means to embrace the virtue of Ambition. The place is likely to be packed, with citizens of Sarvos and pilgrims from across the Empire crowding in to hear the inaugural address. Those in the ''Atrium'' are likely to be particularly moved, being directly embraced by the profound power of the [[Auras_of_Ambition#Dare_Do_All|potent aura]].

The words will inevitably be transcribed and distributed - the League is a city of correspondents and printers after all. Yet the real emissaries of the Archbishop's word will be the pilgrims who have come here to hear her speak. They will take whatever inspiration the place offers, shaped by the words of that initial speech, and spread them across the Empire. Every Imperial citizen will be aware of the words of the sermon, and its full impact is impossible for the prognosticators to predict. Some point to the famous [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy|Severin encyclical]] during the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]], which helped influence and challenge religious thinking for a year or more. The right words, in the right place, might have similar far-reaching potential.

The Archbishop will need to consider the topic of this first sermon carefully. A sermon that encourages everyone to be ambitious in a general way will be well received, but unlikely to have much profound effect beyond those who hear it. A speech that focuses on a specific expression of Ambition, such as discussing a ''way'' that people can embrace their virtue, or talking about a group of people who should be encouraged or supported, is much more likely to fire up the imagination of those who hear it.

Whatever the words, the sermon will ''only'' be effective if it is delivered by the Archbishop; unlike an [[The Throne#Address the Empire|Imperial address]], for example, it won't have any impact if the Archbishop chooses someone else to deliver it.

('''OOC Note:''' If the mandate is enacted, then after the Winter Solstice, the Archbishop will be able to email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] before the end of the downtime following the Winter Solstice with their initial sermon. The words of the sermon will form part of the Winds of Fortune update before the next event, made available to every Imperial citizen. The impact will depend on the flavour of the speech, interpreted through the tenets of Ambition.)
== Lucati Gallery==
* '''The Archbishop could pay 50 crowns to have a new gallery built to house paintings and scuptures of inspirational figures'''
* '''They could invite leading Imperial artists from across the Empire to contribute three new pieces to be displayed in the Cathedral'''
Through the Cathedral's long history, Capodomus has been a place of beauty and art. With Sarvos recently reborn as a City of Masks, a city of culture, the galleries and gardens are burgeoning with new works of art. It has always been traditional for especially wealthy or devout [[Merchant Prince|merchant-princes]] or [[bishop|bishops]] to donate funds, materials, influence, or works of art. Occasionally, this would result in a new building or a garden being created on the grounds, but such larger-scale construction generally requires the intervention of the Senate.

After hearing about the proposed consecration, a small group of interested citizens and artists have created a proposal for the Archbishop to consider. One of the most common ways to inspire pilgrims is through art, and the example of the [[paragons and exemplars]] is often pivotal in helping those struggling with their ambitions to find a new path. They propose that the Archbishop set aside an area of the cathedral specifically dedicated to artistic representations of the paragons and exemplars of the Way. There are, of course, a [[Pride and paragons|whole raft of questions]] surrounding the role of such figures but for now, people still look to them for inspiration.

If the Archbishop is amenable, the rich citizens of Sarvos will find and patronize artists to create new, unique pieces of art celebrating the [[Paragons_and_exemplars|renowned paragons and exemplars]], but also [[Known_exemplars|lesser known figures]] [[recognition|recognised]] by the Imperial Synod. They propose that the Archbishop set aside an area to display these artworks - which they somewhat flatteringly suggest be called the ''Lucati Gallery''. There's no need for new construction, but parts of the Cathedral would need to be slightly remodelled and refitted, a project costing 50 crowns to complete.

The wealthy patrons further propose that the Archbishop find the best, most ambitious artists from across the entire Empire to render the most important paragons and exemplars - those specifically recognised for their Ambition. They include not only [[Tian]], [[Aldones di Sarvos]], [[Atuman]], and [[Adelmar the Lion]], but also figures such as the ancient Navarr guardian [[Known_exemplars#Thorn|Thorn]], the founder of the Imperial Orc nation [[Known_exemplars#Thrace|Thrace]], [[Ratibor of Temeschwar]], and even [[Old_ways#Margaret_of_Meade|Margaret of Meade]]. They would take pride of place in the gallery, which would become a site of pilgrimage within the Cathedral for anyone wishing to meditate on the stories of the paragons and exemplars.

('''OOC Note:''' If the Archbishop wishes to take advantage of this opportunity, they should ensure the requisite funds are in their inventory and email plot along with a short description of the gallery (a handful of sentences is appropriate) and a list of the names of up to three artists they have selected to depict one of the inspirations of Ambition. If these artists have a piece of art they want to contribute to the wiki, depicting one of the inspirational figures of Ambition, then the image will be added to the page for the Cathedral alongside the description of the Lucati Gallery.)
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 400px; width: 50%;">
<table>
<tr><th>Nation</th><th>Tally of the Votes resource</th></tr>
<tr><td>Brass Coast</td><td>Fleet</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dawn</td><td>Military unit</td></tr>
<tr><td>Highguard</td><td>Congregation</td></tr>
<tr><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Military unit<sup>(1)</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>League</td><td>Business</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marches</td><td>Farm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Navarr</td><td>Herb garden</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urizen</td><td>Mana site</td></tr>
<tr><td>Varushka</td><td>Mine or forest</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wintermark</td><td>Military unit</td></tr>
</table>
<sup>(1)</sup> Only Imperial orc military units that support Imperial armies accrue votes</div>

==Every Forest Falls==
* '''In the season following, any citizen could freely acquire a new resource in the same territory of the kind used in their nation's Tally of the Votes'''
Ambition takes many forms in the Empire. One of the most durable, one available to everyone who attends [[Anvil]], is the ability to participate in Imperial politics. The appointment of [[Senator|Senators]], and the determination of who will hold a vital resource through the [[Tally of the Votes]], places a significant amount of power in the hands of those prepared to wield it in pursuit of their goals. Even if they do not use that power to claim their own [[Imperial title|position of responsibility]], the ability to determine who ''does'' hold such a position should not be underestimated.

Each nation has certain ways of investing in the future of their nation - in the League it is the ownership of a [[business]], in [[the Marches]] political power lies in the hands of the [[Steward|stewards]] and the [[yeomen of the Marches|yeomen]] and arises from their [[farm|farms]]. Every nation has a certain resource that grants the ability to take part in the Tally of the Votes.

In the season following the consecration, any Imperial citizen who wishes to take a larger part in the politics of their nation (and by extension, of the Empire as a whole) will find it easier to secure a new [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]]. Anyone wishing to change their resource to that which grants power in their nation (as listed in the [[Tally_of_the_Votes#Voting|Tally of the Votes]] page) could do so for free without having to spend [[Resource#Changing_Resources|the usual two Crowns fee]], ''provided'' they remain in the same territory. For example, a Dawnish character in the Barrens could change their personal resource to a [[military unit]] in the Barrens without needing to pay two crowns.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Ambition.png|align=left|caption=Not all ambitions are created equal.|width=200}}</div>
==Better to Try==
* '''Priests across the Empire could encourage ambitious congregants to visit Capodemus Cathedral for the next year'''
* '''Priests who do so will see their congregations swell in attendance at the cost of contributing liao to provide auras'''
* '''The option remains until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE if the Cathedral is consecrated following Winter Solstice'''
A true consecration can have a profound effect on those who experience it, providing deep and enduring inspiration to strive for Virtue. Because of this, pilgrims are encouraged to make an effort to travel to sites of true consecrations, in the hope that it will help them reflect on the virtues and find new motivation. Such pilgrimages are expensive and arduous; travelling the Empire can be dangerous for the common citizen, so people often need inspiration just to find the commitment to attempt the pilgrimage.

Starting the event after the consecration is enacted, any priest with a [[congregation]] will be able to select the preaching option "''Encourage pilgrimage to Capodomus''". 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 Capodomus Cathedral. After those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the Atrium of Golden Light, they will return to their home inspired to embrace Ambition and pursue it in the certain belief that nothing is beyond their reach.

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 Imperial Synod (representing the swelling of their congregations). The priest leading the congregation would be part of the Ambition Assembly when they do so.

Assuming the consecration took place following the Winter Solstice, this option would be available starting after the Spring Equinox 387YE, and last until just before the Spring Solstice 388YE.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ambition Banner.jpg|align=left|caption=The first rung of the ladder is the hardest.|width=200}}</div>

==Voices Like Flames==
* '''Each National Assembly could use a judgement of rewarding to recognise the towering accomplishments of a single citizen each season for the next year'''
* '''Any citizen with a basic resource who received the most support from their assembly would have their resource upgraded'''
The beautiful art in the Capodemus Cathedral inspires citizens to be ambitious, showing the rewards that come to those who achieve their goals. The priests who minister at the Cathedral would take advantage of the new aura to remind every citizen of the importance of aiming high - and of supporting and uplifting those who inspire them by their example. This would help to empower the national assemblies of the Empire to encourage ambition among those they minister to.

Each summit for the next year following the consecration, each of the ten national assemblies could use a [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] to call out a single citizen for their inspirational ambition or to praise the goals they have achieved. The judgement would need to clearly name the target, what element of the natural psyche they exemplify (as summarised in the "five things" for their nation), and what their ambition is. If the subject of the rewarding possesses a basic starting resource (that is one that has not already been upgraded), then their fellow citizens would be inspired to upgrade it for them, in the season following the summit. If more than one such rewarding is raised by a national assembly, the one with the greatest margin will receive the attention of their fellow citizens.

==The Woman's Work==
* '''Empress Giselle could be interred in a tomb in the cathedral'''
* '''It would cost 30 crowns for a modest sepulchre somewhere on cathedral grounds'''
Finally, with the cathedral once again established as one of the most important places in the League it might be fitting as the permanent resting place of an Empress. Even her detractors could hardly deny that [[Empress Giselle]], the sixteenth person to sit on the throne and wear the crown, was an extremely ambitious woman, and her love for the League and Sarvos in particular has never been in question. On her deathbed, she refused her place in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|the Necropolis]] and instead demanded she be interred in her beloved [[Sarvos#Caricomare|Caricomare]]. Some thirty years later - after a storm, a sinking, and a dredging - her body was looted by the [[Grendel]] following the sack of Sarvos and spirited away. The remains were recovered and restored to a place of [[Guardian_of_Giselle's_Tomb|some esteem in Temeschwar]]. The modest tomb appears to be less a memorial to the dead Throne, however, and more a testament to the recent successes of the League and the ''Brotherhood of Torn Banners'' in particular. Now, recent events in Temeschwar seem to suggest that the Empress' continued "residence" in the city is untenable. If that is the case, it might be past time she "returned home".

The Archbishop could arrange for a suitable tomb for Empress Giselle either within the walls of the great Cathedral or in the grounds. A marble bier, perhaps with a modest shrine for folk to consider her life and history, would cost 30 crowns and could be arranged by the Archbishop at any time. This is not a commission - all that is required is the permission of the Archbishop of the Capodomus Cathedral. Yet while the tomb would attract a few visitors, it would not become a particular site of pilgrimage without significant additional investment and a full [[commission]]. ''Giselle de Sarvos'' might not have been popular, but nobody can reasonably deny that she was a true child of Sarvos, however.

[[Guardian_of_Giselle%27s_Tomb#Virtue's_Respite|Virtue's Respite]] would be barely impacted by this change; it is already visited more often as a memorial to the history of the League, the successes of Temeschwar, and a tribute to to ''Demitri Archama'', than it is the tomb of an Empress.

('''OOC Note:''' Given the Empress' express intention to be interred in Sarvos, there would be no legal impediment to the Archbishop arranging for the body to return to the city and be interred in Capodomus. The Archbishop would need to ensure the required funds were in their inventory, and e-mail [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] requesting the body be moved and interred in the cathedral, along with a few lines of description of the location of the tomb.)

==Further Reading==
* [[Archbishop of Capodomus]]
* [[Ambition]]
* [[Writ of consecration]]

Golden light

2025-04-21T13:32:17Z

Wrenna: /* Better to Try */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"And on the left, you can see Barticalla's ''The Agony of Indecision''. Originally thought to be painted in 209YE, modern scholars suggest it actually dates from 212. It's unlikely to be an accurate illustration of the moment, but we have reasons to believe that the painter based the composition on eye-witness reports. We know that Barticalla was a contemporary of Isaella so it's likely that the great artist would have met the Thorn during their sojourns together at Anvil. Note how Barticalla's delicate brush strokes capture the light shining through this window, giving the central figure a sense of solidity and isolation that is intentionally at odds with the softer, more shadowed presentation of the huddled background figures. See how Barticalla's mastery of shade and pigment makes this century-and-a-half old picture glow with the vibrancy of a work whose artist has, perhaps, just stepped away for a moment leaving the paint still wet on the canvas. There really is nobody quite like Barticalla to capture the humanity of his subjects, this young woman torn between Loyalty and Courage. Indeed, if we examine the background figures closely we can see this group ''here'', these artisans conferring, heads so close together that they seem to touch, which many scholars claim is Barticalla suggesting the paragons known as the Marked, while on the other side, just visible through the arched door, a brawny man in nought but a bearskin cloak that is surely the paragon Korl. Barticalla contrasts the purely mortal Isaella, painted so richly and so poignantly, with the blurred, barely distinct figures of paragons to, perhaps, underline the act of faith that we all engage in whenever we consider the virtuous life, and what it means to make these kinds of choices. It is, of course, absolutely priceless."

The guide paused for exactly two minutes to her party examine the picture. Then she cleared her throat to attract their attention again.

"Although she never painted the Emperor himself, Barticalla produced a series of notable portraits of key supporters, including the Archmage of Winter, the General of the Citadel Guard, and the Preceptor of the Silent Bell. Sadly, those works are no longer on display in the Cathedral, although there are a number of other works that I am certain you will find equally engaging. Moving on..."

The guide's dry voice faded off in the distance as she led the group towards that awful bust of Empress Teleri. The tourists, mostly Jarmish today, followed closely behind but Isaella let them go ahead. She'd done this tour when the striding reached Sarvos every year since she was nine years old. Everything had changed when the Grendel looted the place of course, but she didn't care. She only really came here to see this one picture.

She stared at her namesake, and tried as she always did to imagine what she must have been thinking at the moment. Did she know how important it was? She must have done. Did she know it would change the world? Did she know she would become the most famous Navarr since the first oaths?

The Agony of Indecision, the guide called it. But that wasn't right at all. That wasn't what Barticalla had called her work. She'd discovered growing up that officials at the Cathedral had altered the little plaque bearing the painting's name in 346. If you looked closely you could just see where it had been removed and a new one added in its place. It had taken her years to find someone who remembered the original name.

''No Price is Too High''. That was what Barticalla called her painting of Isaella. Little wonder they changed it.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Archbishop of Capodomus.jpg|caption='''Estella Lucati''' (right), Archbishop of Capodomus Cathedral, and motive force behind the [[writ of consecration]].|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
The [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly of Ambition]] has [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_30|called for]] a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]. Rather than a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] to an exemplar or paragon, they wish to create a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred#Sites|sacred site]], a location that resonates with virtue.

A place can only become a sacred site if it has profound spiritual importance in some way. Fortunately, the Cathedral, the site of some of the greatest and most important decisions made in the religious history of the League, more than meets this challenge. It is already watched over by the Archbishop and draws pilgrims from across [[the League]] and the southern coast. Many flock from far and wide to visit and view the beautiful art for themselves.

It is hard for [[Sarvos|Sarvosans]] and Ambition dedicants to imagine that the General Assembly might reject the proposal. Fortunately, there is one part of the cathedral that is the natural choice for a true consecration - the ''Atrium of Golden Light'' through which all visitors must pass. This great hall towers more than a hundred feet over the heads of the devoted as they walk through it to enter the Cathedral, and even without a liao ceremony, its grandeur can make it an affecting experience.

Consecrating the Atrium to Ambition will create a powerful aura whose influence will settle over the thousands of tourists who visit the cathedral every year, inspiring devotees across the Empire.
{{SOP|statement= With the planned restoration of the Capodomus Cathedral in Sarvos, it is the Ambition of Prince-Bishop Estella Lucati di Sarvos - with the blessing of the Ambition Assembly - to consecrate the Cathedral with True Liao already granted to her by the Gatekeepers for the support given to newcomers to Anvil. May it become symbol of rebirth and new beginnings to Sarvos, the Empire and beyond.|by=Estella Lucati, Ambition Assembly|vote= Greater Majority 364-0|when=Summer Solstice 386YE}}
==A Historic Cathedral==
* '''Capodomus was built before the formation of the Empire, as a centre of study for the Way'''
* '''It's great store of objets d'art were cruelly looted during the Grendel occupation of Sarvos'''
* '''Fortunately many of the more notable works were recovered and since the repairs the Cathedral has been restored to its former glory'''
Capodemus Cathedral is widely regarded as the first major site dedicated to the study of the Way within any of the five League cities. Historians quibble over the details, there were certainly other grand structures that predated the Cathedral, but the massive Cathedral with its huge vaulted glass ceiling was undeniably the greatest structure of its kind when it was built, larger even the Basilica of Seven Doors in Highguard it is a towering edifice of white granite and stained glass.

For centuries it was more than just a monument to the seven virtues. The halls were decorated with precious materials and the wings contained beautiful pieces of art, both paintings and sculptures that had been donated by wealthy merchant princes. It quickly became famous throughout the Empire, and for centuries it was a popular place of pilgrimage for priests from across the League.

Sadly, the Cathedral suffered a hammer blow to its Pride when the city was [[The_sack_of_Sarvos|sacked by the Grendel]]. Fortunately, the Grendel did not damage the famous vaulted atrium ceiling, but they looted all the art they could carry (leaving only a half-dozen paintings in drab frames and a distinctly unimpressive and rather heavy bust of Empress Teleri). They also badly damaged the building as they tore the gold filigree and other decorations from the walls.

After the Grendel were driven off, Sarvos began the painful work of repairing the damage to the City. Some of the looted artworks were recovered, and new ones donated. Then in Summer 383YE, a [[Old_ways#Capodomus_Cathedral_and_the_League_Assembly|proposal was put forward]] to repair the damage done to the Cathedral and also create a prestigious new title that could provide leadership to the League National Assembly. It took [[Repair_Capodomus_Cathedral|three years for the League to raise the funds needed]] to restore the Cathedral to its former glory, but the work was quickly completed, and the Cathedral is now as good as new.

==The Atrium of Golden Light==
* '''Consecrating the Atrium of Golden Light with a true aura of Ambition will cement the Cathedral as ''the'' prestigious place to study the Way'''
* '''There will be several other effects in addition'''
The Atrium of Golden Light is far and away the ideal choice for a true consecration of Capodemus Cathedral. Every visitor must pass through the Atrium to enter the Cathedral - and many people dawdle here, especially newcomers who are entranced by the gold light that drifts down from the vaulted roof. A true consecration here will boost the prestige of the Cathedral and impact everyone who visits.

When the cathedral was built, the plan for the atrium called for so much glass that the glass makers of the Brass Coast were short of materials. There was sand and soda ash in abundance, but supplies of dolomitic limestone had run short. Freeborn merchants informed the architects of the shortage and suggested that they produce a less ambitious design. Rather than accede to this failure of vision, legend has it that the Bishop of Capodomus tore down his house and had the limestone ground up and distributed to all the guilds to make up for the shortfall.

The great atrium was a triumph, letting light pour in to add to the feeling of scale and grandeur. As the years wore on, however, imperfections from the Bishop's limestone caused the once clear glass to turn a rich golden amber in colour. At first, there were calls to replace the ceiling, but slowly people warmed to it. Today, the Atrium is one of the cathedrals most famous features, bathing everyone who visits Capodemmus in rich golden light as they pass through.

If the General Assembly pass the mandate to authorise the consecration, they will still need to decide ''who'' will perform the consecration. If multiple judgements are raised, then the one with the greatest margin will be enacted.

{{Mandate|assembly=General Assembly|mandate=Nothing great is without cost. We send {named priest} with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Atrium of Golden Light in the Capodemus Cathedral to Ambition. No price is too high to realise our dreams.}}

If the mandate is enacted, it will cement Capodomus Cathedral as ''the'' centre of study for the Way, eclipsing any other seminaries. The only place that could compete with Capodomus would be a structure of similar [[Edifice#Grandeur|grandeur]] that itself bore a true consecration. Indeed, until the [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] is completed, it is likely that the only place in the ''world'' that could match Capodomus in prestige would be found in [[Sumaah Republic#Timoj|Timoj]]. Given the Cathedral's location in [[Sarvos]], it would attract not only ambitious Imperial scholars of the Way, but pilgrims from across the known world would want to visit to learn about virtue. Competition for the opportunity to study here would be fierce.

In addition, the civil service prognosticators are confident there will be several other effects.

==Golden Archbishop==
* '''Donations to the Archbishop of Capodomus would increase by 10 crowns'''
Capodomus Cathedral has always been a place synonymous with the Way in the hearts of many League citizens. Even without a true consecration, it is a site of pilgrimage not only for those dedicated to the Way but also to foreign visitors who come to marvel at the splendour of the place and the beautiful artworks contained within.

Once the consecration is in place, the [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Donations_for_the_Cathedral|monetary donations]] made to the office of the Archbishop will certainly increase. An additional ten crowns each season will be available, representing gifts from wealthy citizens eager to become patrons, fees from ambitious people who want to study at the Cathedral, and donations from those who want to support Ambition across the League and the Empire.
==Words to Move the Mountain==
* '''The first sermon performed by the Archbishop in the consecrated Cathedral would attract significant interest'''
Capodomus Cathedral is not just a place to study the Way, nor simply a storehouse of beautiful artworks. It is also the seat of the [[Archbishop of Capodomus]]. Appointed in Summer 386YE, the first (and current) Archbishop is '''Estella Lucati''', who also [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_30|raised the judgement requesting]] a [[writ of consecration]]. Many in Sarvos see their Ambition as directly responsible for the restored splendour of the Cathedral. After the consecration is complete, the expectation is that the Archbishop will give a sermon, speaking about their vision for the cathedral, and what it means to embrace the virtue of Ambition. The place is likely to be packed, with citizens of Sarvos and pilgrims from across the Empire crowding in to hear the inaugural address. Those in the ''Atrium'' are likely to be particularly moved, being directly embraced by the profound power of the [[Auras_of_Ambition#Dare_Do_All|potent aura]].

The words will inevitably be transcribed and distributed - the League is a city of correspondents and printers after all. Yet the real emissaries of the Archbishop's word will be the pilgrims who have come here to hear her speak. They will take whatever inspiration the place offers, shaped by the words of that initial speech, and spread them across the Empire. Every Imperial citizen will be aware of the words of the sermon, and its full impact is impossible for the prognosticators to predict. Some point to the famous [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy|Severin encyclical]] during the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]], which helped influence and challenge religious thinking for a year or more. The right words, in the right place, might have similar far-reaching potential.

The Archbishop will need to consider the topic of this first sermon carefully. A sermon that encourages everyone to be ambitious in a general way will be well received, but unlikely to have much profound effect beyond those who hear it. A speech that focuses on a specific expression of Ambition, such as discussing a ''way'' that people can embrace their virtue, or talking about a group of people who should be encouraged or supported, is much more likely to fire up the imagination of those who hear it.

Whatever the words, the sermon will ''only'' be effective if it is delivered by the Archbishop; unlike an [[The Throne#Address the Empire|Imperial address]], for example, it won't have any impact if the Archbishop chooses someone else to deliver it.

('''OOC Note:''' If the mandate is enacted, then after the Winter Solstice, the Archbishop will be able to email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] before the end of the downtime following the Winter Solstice with their initial sermon. The words of the sermon will form part of the Winds of Fortune update before the next event, made available to every Imperial citizen. The impact will depend on the flavour of the speech, interpreted through the tenets of Ambition.)
== Lucati Gallery==
* '''The Archbishop could pay 50 crowns to have a new gallery built to house paintings and scuptures of inspirational figures'''
* '''They could invite leading Imperial artists from across the Empire to contribute three new pieces to be displayed in the Cathedral'''
Through the Cathedral's long history, Capodomus has been a place of beauty and art. With Sarvos recently reborn as a City of Masks, a city of culture, the galleries and gardens are burgeoning with new works of art. It has always been traditional for especially wealthy or devout [[Merchant Prince|merchant-princes]] or [[bishop|bishops]] to donate funds, materials, influence, or works of art. Occasionally, this would result in a new building or a garden being created on the grounds, but such larger-scale construction generally requires the intervention of the Senate.

After hearing about the proposed consecration, a small group of interested citizens and artists have created a proposal for the Archbishop to consider. One of the most common ways to inspire pilgrims is through art, and the example of the [[paragons and exemplars]] is often pivotal in helping those struggling with their ambitions to find a new path. They propose that the Archbishop set aside an area of the cathedral specifically dedicated to artistic representations of the paragons and exemplars of the Way. There are, of course, a [[Pride and paragons|whole raft of questions]] surrounding the role of such figures but for now, people still look to them for inspiration.

If the Archbishop is amenable, the rich citizens of Sarvos will find and patronize artists to create new, unique pieces of art celebrating the [[Paragons_and_exemplars|renowned paragons and exemplars]], but also [[Known_exemplars|lesser known figures]] [[recognition|recognised]] by the Imperial Synod. They propose that the Archbishop set aside an area to display these artworks - which they somewhat flatteringly suggest be called the ''Lucati Gallery''. There's no need for new construction, but parts of the Cathedral would need to be slightly remodelled and refitted, a project costing 50 crowns to complete.

The wealthy patrons further propose that the Archbishop find the best, most ambitious artists from across the entire Empire to render the most important paragons and exemplars - those specifically recognised for their Ambition. They include not only [[Tian]], [[Aldones di Sarvos]], [[Atuman]], and [[Adelmar the Lion]], but also figures such as the ancient Navarr guardian [[Known_exemplars#Thorn|Thorn]], the founder of the Imperial Orc nation [[Known_exemplars#Thrace|Thrace]], [[Ratibor of Temeschwar]], and even [[Old_ways#Margaret_of_Meade|Margaret of Meade]]. They would take pride of place in the gallery, which would become a site of pilgrimage within the Cathedral for anyone wishing to meditate on the stories of the paragons and exemplars.

('''OOC Note:''' If the Archbishop wishes to take advantage of this opportunity, they should ensure the requisite funds are in their inventory and email plot along with a short description of the gallery (a handful of sentences is appropriate) and a list of the names of up to three artists they have selected to depict one of the inspirations of Ambition. If these artists have a piece of art they want to contribute to the wiki, depicting one of the inspirational figures of Ambition, then the image will be added to the page for the Cathedral alongside the description of the Lucati Gallery.)
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 400px; width: 50%;">
<table>
<tr><th>Nation</th><th>Tally of the Votes resource</th></tr>
<tr><td>Brass Coast</td><td>Fleet</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dawn</td><td>Military unit</td></tr>
<tr><td>Highguard</td><td>Congregation</td></tr>
<tr><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>Military unit<sup>(1)</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>League</td><td>Business</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marches</td><td>Farm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Navarr</td><td>Herb garden</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urizen</td><td>Mana site</td></tr>
<tr><td>Varushka</td><td>Mine or forest</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wintermark</td><td>Military unit</td></tr>
</table>
<sup>(1)</sup> Only Imperial orc military units that support Imperial armies accrue votes</div>

==Every Forest Falls==
* '''In the season following, any citizen could freely acquire a new resource in the same territory of the kind used in their nation's Tally of the Votes'''
Ambition takes many forms in the Empire. One of the most durable, one available to everyone who attends [[Anvil]], is the ability to participate in Imperial politics. The appointment of [[Senator|Senators]], and the determination of who will hold a vital resource through the [[Tally of the Votes]], places a significant amount of power in the hands of those prepared to wield it in pursuit of their goals. Even if they do not use that power to claim their own [[Imperial title|position of responsibility]], the ability to determine who ''does'' hold such a position should not be underestimated.

Each nation has certain ways of investing in the future of their nation - in the League it is the ownership of a [[business]], in [[the Marches]] political power lies in the hands of the [[Steward|stewards]] and the [[yeomen of the Marches|yeomen]] and arises from their [[farm|farms]]. Every nation has a certain resource that grants the ability to take part in the Tally of the Votes.

In the season following the consecration, any Imperial citizen who wishes to take a larger part in the politics of their nation (and by extension, of the Empire as a whole) will find it easier to secure a new [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resource]]. Anyone wishing to change their resource to that which grants power in their nation (as listed in the [[Tally_of_the_Votes#Voting|Tally of the Votes]] page) could do so for free without having to spend [[Resource#Changing_Resources|the usual two Crowns fee]], ''provided'' they remain in the same territory. For example, a Dawnish character in the Barrens could change their personal resource to a [[military unit]] in the Barrens without needing to pay two crowns.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Ambition.png|align=left|caption=Not all ambitions are created equal.|width=200}}</div>
==Better to Try==
* '''Priests across the Empire could encourage ambitious congregants to visit Capodemus Cathedral for the next year'''
* '''Priests who do so will see their congregations swell in attendance at the cost of contributing liao to provide auras'''
* '''The option remains until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE if the Cathedral is consecrated following Winter Solstice'''
A true consecration can have a profound effect on those who experience it, providing deep and enduring inspiration to strive for Virtue. Because of this, pilgrims are encouraged to make an effort to travel to sites of true consecrations, in the hope that it will help them reflect on the virtues and find new motivation. Such pilgrimages are expensive and arduous; travelling the Empire can be dangerous for the common citizen, so people often need inspiration just to find the commitment to attempt the pilgrimage.

Starting the event after the consecration is enacted, any priest with a [[congregation]] will be able to select the preaching option "''Encourage pilgrimage to Capodomus''". 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 Capodomus Cathedral. After those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the Atrium of Golden Light, they will return to their home inspired to embrace Ambition and pursue it in the certain belief that nothing is beyond their reach.

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 Imperial Synod (representing the swelling of their congregations). The priest leading the congregation would be part of the Ambition Assembly when they do so.

Assuming the consecration took place following the Winter Solstice, this option would be available starting after the Spring Equinox 387YE, and last until just before the Spring Solstice 388YE.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ambition Banner.jpg|align=left|caption=The first rung of the ladder is the hardest.|width=200}}</div>

==Voices Like Flames==
* '''Each National Assembly could use a judgement of rewarding to recognise the towering accomplishments of a single citizen each season for the next year'''
* '''Any citizen with a basic resource who received the most support from their assembly would have their resource upgraded'''
The beautiful art in the Capodemus Cathedral inspires citizens to be ambitious, showing the rewards that come to those who achieve their goals. The priests who minister at the Cathedral would take advantage of the new aura to remind every citizen of the importance of aiming high - and of supporting and uplifting those who inspire them by their example. This would help to empower the national assemblies of the Empire to encourage ambition among those they minister to.

Each summit for the next year following the consecration, each of the ten national assemblies could use a [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] to call out a single citizen for their inspirational ambition or to praise the goals they have achieved. The judgement would need to clearly name the target, what element of the natural psyche they exemplify (as summarised in the "five things" for their nation), and what their ambition is. If the subject of the rewarding possesses a basic starting resource (that is one that has not already been upgraded), then their fellow citizens would be inspired to upgrade it for them, in the season following the summit. If more than one such rewarding is raised by a national assembly, the one with the greatest margin will receive the attention of their fellow citizens.

==The Woman's Work==
* '''Empress Giselle could be interred in a tomb in the cathedral'''
* '''It would cost 30 crowns for a modest sepulchre somewhere on cathedral grounds'''
Finally, with the cathedral once again established as one of the most important places in the League it might be fitting as the permanent resting place of an Empress. Even her detractors could hardly deny that [[Empress Giselle]], the sixteenth person to sit on the throne and wear the crown, was an extremely ambitious woman, and her love for the League and Sarvos in particular has never been in question. On her deathbed, she refused her place in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|the Necropolis]] and instead demanded she be interred in her beloved [[Sarvos#Caricomare|Caricomare]]. Some thirty years later - after a storm, a sinking, and a dredging - her body was looted by the [[Grendel]] following the sack of Sarvos and spirited away. The remains were recovered and restored to a place of [[Guardian_of_Giselle's_Tomb|some esteem in Temeschwar]]. The modest tomb appears to be less a memorial to the dead Throne, however, and more a testament to the recent successes of the League and the ''Brotherhood of Torn Banners'' in particular. Now, recent events in Temeschwar seem to suggest that the Empress' continued "residence" in the city is untenable. If that is the case, it might be past time she "returned home".

The Archbishop could arrange for a suitable tomb for Empress Giselle either within the walls of the great Cathedral or in the grounds. A marble bier, perhaps with a modest shrine for folk to consider her life and history, would cost 30 crowns and could be arranged by the Archbishop at any time. This is not a commission - all that is required is the permission of the Archbishop of the Capodomus Cathedral. Yet while the tomb would attract a few visitors, it would not become a particular site of pilgrimage without significant additional investment and a full [[commission]]. ''Giselle de Sarvos'' might not have been popular, but nobody can reasonably deny that she was a true child of Sarvos, however.

[[Guardian_of_Giselle%27s_Tomb#Virtue's_Respite|Virtue's Respite]] would be barely impacted by this change; it is already visited more often as a memorial to the history of the League, the successes of Temeschwar, and a tribute to to ''Demitri Archama'', than it is the tomb of an Empress.

('''OOC Note:''' Given the Empress' express intention to be interred in Sarvos, there would be no legal impediment to the Archbishop arranging for the body to return to the city and be interred in Capodomus. The Archbishop would need to ensure the required funds were in their inventory, and e-mail [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] requesting the body be moved and interred in the cathedral, along with a few lines of description of the location of the tomb.)

==Further Reading==
* [[Archbishop of Capodomus]]
* [[Ambition]]
* [[Writ of consecration]]

Madruga

2025-04-20T14:07:02Z

Wrenna: /* Enigmatic */

<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Artists Impression.jpg|align=left|caption=Artist's Impression of Madruga|width=600}}</div>[[Category:Gazetteer]]
{{Stub}}
== Overview ==
Madruga of the Jewelled Isles is the easternmost territory of the Brass Coast, running from the [[Kahraman]] mountains down to the Bay of Catazar. Down the coast of Madruga and [[Feroz]] the [[corsair|corsairs]] and merchants raise their sails, running goods to [[Bastion]] and [[Sarvos]], trading with foreign powers, and fighting off barbarian incursions.

It is the most densely settled of the Freeborn territories; the nation began here, with the landing of the three sisters and their families at old [[#Atalaya|Atalaya]]. Over generations, their descendants spread across the mainland building and cultivating, until Madruga was tamed. Today, it is scattered with villages and small towns - the sprawling city [[#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]] at it's height rivalled the cities of [[the League]] in size and wealth.

It is the spiritual home of the [[Corsair|corsairs]]; many maritime families have lived on the islands of [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]] and [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]] since the earliest days of the Freeborn nation.

The history of Madruga is one of change, however. The [[Grendel]] have attacked the islands and towns here for centuries; usually their fleets are intercepted at sea before they can do too much damage, but there have been times when their raiders have sacked coastal settlements. For a few harrowing months in the years before the foundation of the Empire, the Grendel swept inland here conquering [[#Lightsea|Lightsea]] and the islands, and threatening to burn Siroc. They were turned back after months of vicious fighting, but the memory of their attack is sometimes credited by historians as being a factor in the decision of the Freeborn to join the Empire. Since the disappearence of [[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]], life in the territory has become even more tumultuous, with regular Grendel attacks compounded with deadly magical chaos.
==Recent History==
After the Autumn Equinox 381YE, the [[Grendel]] armada invaded Madruga. They [[381YE Winter Solstice winds of war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destroyed the Freeborn Storm]], burnt the [[Madruga#The_Atalaya_Shipyards_.28Ruined.29|Atalaya shipyards]], and brought the Black Thorns to the brink of annihilation. Their forces then moved against [[Madruga#Lightsea|Lightsea]], raided the port of Quzar, and within short order half the coast of Madruga was in their hands. The Empire responded quickly, driving the Grendel out, but it was only a matter of time before they returned.

They returned in force in the Winter of 385YE, accompanied by warships from the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. In a surprise attack, they [[A beacon of smoke|burnt the city of Siroc]], and established a beachhead in what was then Siroc Plains. In the coming months, war and powerful [[Spring magic]] battered the region, culminating in the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Save_the_Shining_Pillar_(Battle)|destruction of the Silent Pillar]] and the formation of the [[Children of Wrecks]]. The [[Siakha]]-inspired pirates began a rampage of their own, even going so far as to use Spring magic to isolate the islands of Free Landing, turning them into a stronghold of their own that Imperial armies cannot approach.

As if this were not bad enough, a [[Colourblind|peculiar blight]] began to spread across the [[#Quiet Grasses|Great Grasses]] in the north-east. The grasslands were quickly turned to ash and dust, and the desiccating [[Winter magic]] threatened to spill over into [[Kahraman]] and [[Segura]]. The cause of the spreading desert was discovered to be a generations-old conspiracy of the ''Aldea di Tutamen'' family who had become awful harbingers of destruction called the Dry Patricians. Their awful threat was stopped by Imperial heroes, but the blight remained.

Then in Autumn 386YE, ritual magicians from every Freeborn [[tribe]] raised the wrath of the Scorrero river, causing it to [[Where the river rises|break its banks]] in a cataclysmic expression of [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]] and [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]]. A cleansing tide swept across the Great Grasses, washing away the remnants of the blight. In the process, however, the magical floods also transformed the southern reaches of the territory, leaving three new regions that, as the Winter Solstice 386YE approaches, are still being carefully explored.

== Major Features ==
===Trajadoz===
The town of Trajadoz in north-western [[#Torres|Torres]] was founded roughly three hundred years ago by the Trajaduz family of traders who were intent on fostering trade between the mines of newly conquered [[Kahraman]] and the wealth of [[Sarvos]]. The most recent influx of townsfolk was during the invasion of [[Segura]] in 363YE. Since the reclamation of Segura in 378YE it stood mostly empty, save for a few bandits, as the Freeborn returned to their homes. Following the end of the rebellion in Marracoss and Emphedor Imperial fleet captains had an opportunity to [[Through_my_sails#Evacuation|evacuate some of the defeated rebels]]. Roughly a third of the refugees, offered sanctuary in the Empire, have [[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|taken up residence]] in the mostly abandoned town, and created a community.

The Marracossans (never Nemorians, and rarely accepting Asavean) are a disparate group; made up of priests and soldiers, crafters and traders. One of their number Leonorada Rousseau, [[Asavean_Archipelago#Religion|priest of Aseus]], has spent some time in the paradors of nearby [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos]]. They have made clear that they, and their community, like the Empire, and they like the town of Tradajoz. They wish to remain in the town, but Leonorada understands that the community's intent to continue following and worshipping their gods could lead to some unfortunate accusations. In Winter 384YE, the Imperial Senate [[Cede Trajadoz|ceded control of Trajadoz]] to the Nemorians. This has raised a few concerns among their neighbours as it frees them to build temples to their gods if they wish - and indeed to do anything else they want to do. You can read more about the Marracossans in the '''[[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|Large but far away]]''' wind of fortune.
===Calvos===
The bustling town of Calvos lies on the shores of [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]]. The slopes outside the town are rich with grapes, and the fine wines produced here travel all over the Empire. Even the sommeliers of the [[The League|League]] pay well for a Calvos vintage. The [[Paragons and Exemplars|exemplar]] [[Zemress|Zemress i Ezmara i Erigo]] was born here towards the end of the second century YE, and her ship ''The Kraken's Bane'' is housed at a special dry dock here. The ship is a destination for many pilgrims of [[Prosperity]] from as far afield as the [[Sumaah Republic]], as was the nearby [[Zemress#The_Seminary_of_Zemress|Seminary]] before it was destroyed in a [[Below_the_thunders#In_Roaring,_Rise|cataclysmic storm]]. Near the seminary ruins stands the [[Hand of Guerra#House of Guerra|House of Guerra]], a place dedicated to supporting refugees to the Empire, especially those who seek a new family among the Freeborn, and the [[The_power_behind_our_moves#Calvos|Zemress Naval Academy]] (also known as the School of Blood and Brass) where the Freeborn study maritime warfare and the construction of warships.
{{Anchor|The Lyceum}}
=== The Lyceum (Hidden)===
The Lyceum was established during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] on an island east of Siroc. It is a centre of arcane learning in the Empire, and the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] maintains sumptuous apartments here. Approach to the island is carefully controlled by the magicians and professors, and the most promising magicians are invited to study or teach there.

During the Winter Solstice 385YE, Imperial heroes [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Intercede_at_the_Lyceum_(Battle)|traveled to the Lyceum]] to protect its secrets from the Grendel who sought to claim them. In the process, they activated powerful wards that hid the island behind a wall of fog preventing barbarian or Imperial ships from reaching it. The walls were expected to remain until shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE, but with both the Grendel and the Children of Wrecks threatening the college, the [[Imperial Conclave]] accepted an offer from [[Sadogua]] to help [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Sadogua,_Amity|keep the wards up for the time being]] with an eye towards finding a way to get people in and out, and perhaps make the misty wards permanent.

===Atalaya===
The town of Atalaya in [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]] marks the place where the Brass Coast was born; the first landing of the three sisters and their families. Built around the side of a secluded cove, the seas around the island that share its name are a navigational nightmare. Before the [[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] was built, reaching the hidden docks of Atalaya was a feat to tax the most skilled ship's crews. Today, the landwards channel has been widened but is protected by hidden obstructions that only the Freeborn pilots know well. Atalaya is also known for its deep natural harbour - many ships of the Freeborn fleet count Atalaya as their home port.

Atalaya is the oldest Freeborn settlement in the Brass Coast, but its prominence was eclipsed centuries ago by [[#Lightsea|Quzar]]. Today, it is a place of pilgrimage for many Freeborn followers of [[the Way]] - there are a number of shrines and temples dedicated to [[Pride]] and [[Vigilance]] here. The [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#School of the Sanguine Bloom|School of the Sanguine Bloom]], one of the most prestigious schools dedicated to herb-lore in the Brass Coast also stands here, founded long ago by Sameen i Riqueza, youngest daughter of [[Riqueza]] herself.

With the rise of the [[Children of Wrecks]]], the oldest settlement of the Freeborn has been lost to the nation. The museums have been looted, and the once beautiful town transformed into a den of pirates.
===Freeborn Flame Marina===
Work began on the [[Construct_Atalaya_Harbour|reconstruction]] of Atalaya harbour following an opportunity [[The_power_behind_our_moves#Atalaya|presented]] after the National Assembly of the Brass Coast called on the people of Feroz to flee the territory rather than suffer under the hands of the Grendel. Work was completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 385YE and the abundance of willing, talented shipwrights meant [[fleet|fleets]] were more easily upgradeable, at least until the Brass Coast reclaim Feroz. Unfortunately, along with Atalaya, the Freeborn Flame Marina is currently in the hands of the Children of Wrecks.

On the harbour, looking out to sea, are a number of statues each one different but reminiscent of contemporary Freeborn.

===Sunset Roads===
{{Anchor|South-West Roads}}With encouragement from the notoriously sea-averse Faraden, a grand highway connects Siroc with Calvos, cutting across the territory rather than following the coast. A shorter road runs along the northern banks of the Scorrero, crossing just north of [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]] in [[Segura]] via a beautiful arched bridge of white granite. While the road is used extensively by the Faraden, it also serves to cut the journey time from the northern borders of Madruga to the trading city of Siroc, making it a popular route for Freeborn and League merchants as well.

The south-west roads are a [[great work]] that complement the already existing [[Lorenzo's Legacy#Blood Red Roads|Blood Red Roads]], bringing increased prosperity to the owners of [[farm|farms]] and [[business|businesses]] in Madruga.
=== The Spider's Dream ===
An elegant bridge spans the river Vassa, connecting [[#Torres|Torres]] to the town of [[Sarvos#Bocche|Trivento]] in Sarvos. It is a marvelous piece of engineering that resembles a spider's web. The [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider%27s_Dream|Spider's Dream]] has significant strategic importance - without it armies cannot cross the Vassa between Sarvos and Madruga without going north and passing through Tassato and the Mournwold. It is overseen by the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep|Spider's Tollkeep]], an [[Imperial title]] uniquely appointed by both the [[senator|senators]] of the League and the Brass Coast together.

The Spider's Dream was once severely damaged by the [[Jotun]], but has since been extensively rebuilt and fortified.

==Regions==
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=MadrugaBorders.png|caption=A very rough region map of Madruga|align=right|width=600}}</div>
===Calvos Sound===
'''Quality:''' Coastal<br>
The town of [[#Calvos|Calvos]] stands on the shores of Calvos Sound; the entire [[territory#regions|region]] is named for the great shallow bay that cuts into the eastern shores of the Brass Coast. The waters of the Sound are prime fishing grounds, and the surrounding slopes are known for their rich agriculture, especially grapes, grapefruits, and pomegranates. At the end of the [[Imperial_history#.28281_YE_-_300_YE.29_The_Second_Interregnum|second interregnum]], Calvos Sound was the site of a vicious engagement between [[Grendel]] raiders and the forces of the [[Red_Wind_Corsairs#History|Red Wind Corsairs]]. Despite catastrophic losses, the Freeborn army held. Close to breaking they were forced to retreat, but the campaign achieved its purpose by convincing the nations of the south that the threat from the Grendel was real, events that would eventually lead to the elevation of [[Empress Deanne]]. To this day, many of the people of Calvos Sound have a notable antipathy for the orcs of the Broken Shore.
===Lightsea===
'''Quality:''' Coastal<br>
A well-settled region known for the friendliness of its [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors|paradors]]. The largest settlement here is '''Quzar''', a bustling port town of white towers and stained glass that is sometimes described as the soul of the Brass Coast. The Towers of Quzar are known as a gathering place for [[hakima]] from all across the nation - an annual "council" meets here every midsummer to share knowledge and gossip. Since the completion of the [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]], a large community of hakima, including a significant number of refugees from Feroz, have taken up permanent residence here. The town is now best known for its community of magicians, especially those versed in [[Autumn magic]].

Many of the coastal settlements here were plundered by the Grendel during their incursion toward the end of 381YE. Quzar in particular was hard hit by the orc raiders, with some damage to the town and significant damage to the wealth of the citizens. A year later toward the end of 382YE potent magic [[The_mystic,_the_willful#Miracles_in_Lightsea|restored the town]], wiping away any sign the Grendel were ever there.
===Torres===
The northernmost region of Madruga, and one end of the [[#The Spider's Dream|Spider's Dream]]. The land here is a little more rugged than in the southern regions, and the climate is generally cooler. The people who dwell here share some of the reputation of the miners of [[Kahraman]]; as being suspicious and quarrelsome. Partly this reputation might be a result of regular clashes between Freeborn traders and [[the League|League]] merchants out of [[Sarvos]]. A regular 'problem' for the inhabitants is that League merchants would prefer to travel south to the more prosperous towns of the eastern coast to sell their wares, bypassing the markets of Torres. It is shameful to admit, but there are more incidents of brigandry against League caravans in Torres than in almost any other area around the Bay of Catazar. When such incidents get out of hand, the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is often prevailed upon to sort them out.

The town of [[#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]] is found in the north-west of Torres. Formerly a home to Freeborn displaced from Kahraman and Segura, it is now home to a very different group of refugees - Marracossan exiles from the [[Asavean Archipelago]].
===Free Landing===
'''Quality:''' Coastal, Island<br>
The sprawling islands that form the region of Free Landing are diverse and well-settled. The islands here were the first home of the Freeborn - the town of [[#Atalaya|Atalaya]] marks the spot where the Brass Coast proper began. When the Grendel invaded Madruga in Winter 381YE, they looted many precious relics from the town of Atalaya and burnt the shipyard there to the ground. In the process they destroyed the Freeborn [[Imperial navy|navy]], the Freeborn Storm.

The waters between the islands have a reputation for being treacherous and difficult for foreign captains; during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Empire built a great lighthouse here called '''[[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|the Shining Pillar]]''', which was [[The_cry_of_gulls#The_Darkened_Beacon|destroyed]] by forces loyal to the eternal [[Siakha]] during the Winter Solstice 385YE. In it's place, a perpetual churning maelstrom serves as a way for servants of the eternal to enter the mortal world and functions as an effective [[fortification]] defending the Children of Wrecks.

The waters around Free Landing have become treacherous due to the presence of dozens of immature kraken hatched in the waters by the Children of Wrecks. As a result, the region has gained the '''island''' quality, it cannot be attacked by armies unless each army is accompanied by a navy capable of conveying the soldiers across.{{Anchor|Great Grasses}}

===Quiet Grasses===
* '''Qualities:''' Quiet
The Great Grasses were consumed by the Blight, but have now been restored thanks to the surging Spring waters. They are marked not only from the flooding of the Scorrero, but from a year or more of gentle rain conjured with [[Regrow the Land's Heart]]. Where once there was a sea of jade and emerald grasses, and then a lifeless desert of ash and dust, there is now a profusion of plants and flowers. The grass is disimilar to that which grew before - standing easily taller than the tallest soldier and remarkably resistant to damage. Where the thickets of grass are densest, it is slow going trying to make headway and all too easy to get lost. In addition to the grasses there are large numbers of broad, open meadows covreed in ''flameblooms'' - a mass of previously unseen flowers that grow in a profusion of shapes and a riot of reds, oranges, yellows, and an extremely rare white petalled variety.

There is an odd silence to the Grasses now. The grasses seem to eat sounds, causing the cries of circling hawks to fall flat and even the blaring of horns sounds tinny and can be heard over a comparatively short distances. Even the wind whispers as it flows across the plains. Some scouts tagged the place as the "Quiet Grasses," and while the name may have begun as a wry commentary it has quickly spread. Magicians say that this silence is partly due to a lingering touch of Winter magic - not the harsher resonances [[Winter_magic#Death|death]] or [[Winter_magic#Survival|survival]] but something less tangible - a sense of sadness, loss, or perhaps the [[Winter_magic#Wisdom|wisdom]] that comes from an awareness of [[Winter magic#Ending|ending]], tinged with the wistfulness for the [[Winter_magic#Preservation|way things were before]].
{{Anchor|Siroc Plains}}
===Siroc Bayou===
* '''Qualities:''' Marsh, Coastal, Ruins, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
The region that was once Siroc Plains is now the [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]]. Slow moving streams and lakes of brackish water characterise the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayou bayou]. The river itself, and the gulf between Madruga and Feroz, teems with fish and other creatures. The fury of the Scorrero, already mitigated by the Crucible, loses itself in meandering, shifting streams as it makes its way to the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Here and there, ruined Freeborn settlements and structures emerge from the marshes, or stand surrounded by still pools of water. Even though the flooding that transformed the region are quite recent, many of these ruins look as if they have stood in the marshes for decades, heavily overgrown with odd plant growths. Others are more intact, often serving as lairs for the transformed creatures of the marsh. When the river rose, this region was under control of the Grendel, and [[Below_the_thunders#The_Latter_Fire|battle raged]] between the orcs and Imperial forces. The Grendel have since withdrawn almost all their forces, but there are still signs of abandoned encampments here. Some of the Broken Shore troops were left behind as well, and it seems that in the absence of any easy means of escape they have taken up banditry.

The City of Sails, poor ruined [[Madruga#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]], is now lost beneath the waters of the Bay, or consumed by the marsh. There is no chance of rebuilding - there is little left to rebuild on. There is apparently some interest in the [[Sarcophan Delves]] in [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail|purchasing salvage rights]] to the ruins, but only once the [[Children of Wrecks]] problem is resolved.
===Crucible===
* '''Qualities:''' Marsh, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
The new region of Madruga north of the Scorrero was once the southern Great Grasses and the western Siroc Plains. This place has been most obviously transfigured by the unleashed magic, and the odd haze reported by scouts is most pronounced here. Even the least magical explorer can sense that there is magic here; a mixture of Spring magic from the flood and the influence of [[Ossegrahn]], or Night magic tinged by the gifts of [[Azoth]], and even a hint of lingering [[Winter magic]] from the Dead Patricians and their Blight. There are reports of a few Grendel camps here as well, scouts trapped behind enemy lines when the flood rushed in.

Scouts report that this area is where the peculiar ''marsh flowers'', some of which possess magical properties, are most abundant. There also seem to be spontaneously occurring sources of [[vis]] here - [[Vis#Warm Honey|warm honey]], [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]], and [[Vis#Crystal_Fire|crystal fire]]. In addition, there are a number of oddities - things that either were not here before of have been changed so much as to be effectively new. There is apparently a tower that rises out of the river itself and changes subtly over a course of several days, which puts viewers in mind of a lighthouse despite being miles from the Bay of Catazar. There is a standing pool of ebony water that does not reflect humans or orcs; anything staring into it sees only a monstrous image of themselves. A fountain in the courtyard of an old parador that once stood by the road along the banks of the Scorrero that now flows with rainbow waters; drinking from them by moonlight can prompt a transformation in humans such that they unpredictably gain [[briar]], [[naga]] or [[draughir]] [[lineage]].

==Strategic Considerations==
* '''The damage to the bridges along the Scorrero prevents movement between Madruga and both Feroz and Segura'''
The damage to almost all the bridges along the Scorrero means that it is effectively impossible for an [[Imperial army|army]] to move between Madruga and both [[Feroz]] and [[Segura]] (or vice versa). More information can be found in the '''[[Where_the_river_rises#Crossing|Where the river rises]]''' wind of fortune.
==Special Qualities==
===Enigmatic===
* '''Rituals and curses cast on enigmatic regions will be unpredictable and may have more powerful effects'''
* '''Rituals and curses cast on territories with an enigmatic region may be unpredictable or have more powerful effects'''
* '''Such rituals can be made permanent using 2 rings of ilium per magnitude rather than 3'''
* '''Any commission in an enigmatic region can substitute wains of mithril for weirwood or white granite on a one for one basis'''
Two of the new regions are marked with a unique quality - ''Enigmatic''. This means the areas are infused with magic of Spring, Winter, and Night. As a consequence, any magic from those realms that operates on the territory level (or the Empire level), or targets the region with this quality, may have unexpected effects. This is not guaranteed - sometimes the ritual will have no noticeable extra impact. Sometimes however the impact of the magic will be enhanced in some way - more powerful or more extreme than expected. Even the wisest Unfettered Mind can't say more than that. ('''OOC Note:''' A ritual enchantment or curse will always at least equal or exceed its normal mechanical effect. The magic might be altered but it would never simply be the same effect but ''less'' powerful.)

Any Spring, Winter, or Night ritual that targets a region with a specific quality can target Crucible or Siroc Bayou. For example, even though neither region has the [[forest]] quality, both can be targeted with [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] or [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]]. The form the magic takes may be transformed or altered in unpredictable ways (for example [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] cast on one of these regions is likely to cause a cloud of toxic marsh fog rather than volcanic gas).

If [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]], [[The Basalt Citadel]], or [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] is cast on a region with the enigmatic quality, the resulting magical protections will be enhanced such that they provide an additional 1000 effective strength. If the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|Penumbral Veil]] is drawn over a territory where at least one region has the enigmatic quality, it's effective magnitude is increased by 10 - the same would apply to any [[Vale of Shadows]] created anywhere in Madruga.

Any territory-wide enchantment or curse, or enchantment or curse targeting one of the two regions is easier to [[Ilium#Using_ilium_in_rituals|make permanent]]. Rather than requiring three rings of [[ilium]] for each magnitude of the effect, it only requires ''two'' rings of ilium per magnitude. The Unfettered Mind scholars warn that this should be approached with some caution - enchantments and curses are rarely meant to be made permanent and experimentation should be done on the understanding that there will be unlooked for side effects. In particular they warn against assuming that a ritual that works one way when cast on Madruga will have the same effect if made permanent with ilium. It might... but it is impossible to be sure given the wildness of the magic coalescing here. Also, if recent events have shown nothing else, this warning is even more significant when dealing with an effect that draws on the power of an eternal.

Any commission built in an enigmatic region can take advantage of the strange magical qualities of the region to substitute mithril for white granite or weirwood on a one-for-one basis. The amount of mithril used must be specified in the details of the commission, they cannot be substituted later. The necessary details should include a description of how mithril, and Freeborn glass, replace traditional building materials. All such structures will have elements of the weird and uncanny about them. Construction that arises from an [[opportunity]] may or may not be possible in an ''enigmatic'' region - the best thing to do is to email plot to confirm it is possible.

Finally, during any trip through the [[Sentinel Gate]] that involves an encounter in Madruga, any participating character with the [[Magical skills#Magician|magician]] skill finds that they have two additional personal mana available. These mana points are the first used when spellcasting, and cannot be replenished. They last until used, or until the next sunrise. The bonus mana is gained only once in the rare situation where the same magician visits Siroc Bayou or Crucible more than once during a summit.

===Quiet===
* '''It is not possible to create a commission that produces liao in a region with the quiet quality or any commission that has a musical basis'''
* '''It is not possible to create an inspirational location in this region'''
* '''Any skirmishes in this will experience the experience the "quiet" roleplaying effect'''
* '''Appraisal could be used to find ways to exploit the benefits of the quiet region'''
The Quiet Grasses have the ''quiet'' quality. Sounds are a little muted here, and even loud noises fall off more swiftly. Passions and emotions are also muted in a similar fashion, causing travelers and settlers to feel a little more restrained. It's easy and satisfying to embrace emotions such as sadness, sorrow, or regret. These effects are not especially overt - only sensitive individuals are really aware of them. It is however impossible to create a [[commission]] that produces [[liao]] in a region with the quiet quality, or any commission that has a musical basis. Inspirational locations cannot be created in such a region, and skirmished here will experience the "quiet" roleplaying effect. This means that during a skirmish or encounter in a region with the Quiet quality, a character with [[Heroic skills#Hero|hero points]] must have a [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|source of spiritual strength]] (or spend a hero point) to overcome the roleplaying effect, or they cannot spend hero points to power their abilities or magic items.

An [[appraisal]] could be used to find ways to exploit the benefits of a quiet region.
===Wild===
* '''A wild region is harder for armies to conquer, requiring 15 rather than 10 victory points to take the region'''
* '''Wild regions never count as undefended for purposes of generating victory points'''
Crucible and Siroc Bayou have the ''Wild'' quality. Even if there are no other forces present in the territory, attacks against either of the two regions will not benefit from the undefended bonus. Furthermore, the land itself defies easy conquest - so much so that each region will require a total of 15 victory points, rather than the more usual 10, to conquer. The good news is that this difficulty will persist - anyone attempting to conquer these regions in the future will face additional challenges.
===Underpopulated ===
* '''These regions will not contribute to army supply unless the quality is removed'''
The two southern regions of the new marsh also have the [[Send_for_me#Underpopulated|underpopulated]] quality, and it is tricky to see how that might be removed. The regions are rich, but they defy easy habitation. The people who once lived here have fled Grendel occupation, dire thirst, and the raging river - most have found new homes in northern Madruga. The marshes are also an environment alien to most Freeborn people. Exploring the marshes and claiming the odd wonders there is certainly possible, but it will be a significant undertaking to encourage people to permanently settle in these regions. Siroc Bayou is the best bet for removing this quality, perhaps finding a way to merge traditional Freeborn architecture with such innovations as Kallavesi stilt-dwellings, or establishing a settlement built on pontoons. Even so, there's no chance of such a settlement reaching the size of a city such as Siroc. Trying to populate Crucible will be even harder, if it is even possible.
{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Madruga|Territory=Madruga|Season=Winter}}

==Lost and Ruined==
{{Anchor|Siroc}}
=== Siroc (Ruined) ===
The Sapphire, the City of a Thousand Sails, was acknowledged as the pre-eminent city of the Freeborn. The city was said to have been founded by the [[Guerra]] family shortly after the Freeborn came to the Brass Coast. It lay in Madruga close by the border with [[Feroz]]. Brightly coloured tents extended Siroc out far beyond the small cluster of stone buildings that made up the heart of the city. Sails of all shapes and sizes filled the sheltered bay, which was guarded by a series of iron woven nets and chains bought at great expense from the forges of Wintermark.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Parador.jpg|caption=The City of A Thousand Sails was home to many fine paradors.|title=Art by Beth Dooner|align=right|width=600}}
Siroc was the site of the '''Glass Parador''', where the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]] held court. It was also the location of the ''Parador of the Kindled Flame'', an [[folly|orphanage]] whose [[Construct Parador of the Kindled Flame|construction]] was overseen by '''Laughlan Vi Temeschwar''', the first [[Master of Rings]]. One of only a small number of permanent stone structures of any size in the City of a Thousand Sails, it was surprisingly understated and utilitarian with the only notable decoration being a small plaque at the entrance bearing the legend “''In Virtue we remember those who watch over others''", and a list of names of those who helped construct the sanctuary.

It was also the site of the [[#Commonwealth Embassy (Ruined)|Commonwealth Embassy]], a severe structure that represented the Commonwealth's diplomatic relationship with the Empire.

The city prospered for centuries, but following the Autumn Equinox 385YE it was [[A beacon of smoke|burned to the ground]] by the Grendel and their [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] allies, apparently in retaliation for the Empire's role in the [[Mosaic|destruction of the city of Chalonsio]] in Asavea. While some of the stone buildings survived, the majority of the structures were wood and canvas, and were destroyed by fire. The transforming flood that swept through the territory towards the end of 386YE sealed Siroc's fate - those ruins not sinking into marsh mud are lost beneath the waters of the Bay, and any hope of restoring the city to its former glory is gone.
===Commonwealth Embassy (Ruined)===
The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth|Commonwealth Embassy]] was located in [[#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]]. It consisted of several buildings built after the severe Commonwealth style, which stood in beautifully laid out and maintained gardens, surrounded by a low white granite wall. Despite the severity of the architecture, the embassy was surprisingly welcoming - the gates stood permanently open, albeit under the watchful gaze of a cadre of Commonwealth soldiers attached to the staff of ambassador Mila Eisenfalke. The majority of the staff were human, although there were apparently half a dozen orcs whose role on the ambassadorial staff is not clear. There were no daeva citizens working at the embassy as far as Imperial observers can make out. When the city of Siroc was attacked by the Grendel and their Asavean allies, almost all the soldiers garrisoned here perished while fighting bravely alongside the Freeborn defenders of the Salt Guard.
===The Salt Guard (Ruined)===
A grand [[fortification]] [[The_same_bed#The_Salt_Guard|designed]] by Menno van Ritsjhof comprised of two stout fortifications on either side of the bay along the approach to Siroc. Each fort is equipped with powerful trebuchet and catapults. A garrison of skilled mariners and corsairs ensures the towers are always ready to respond to any threat, and with the significant reinforcement of the existing iron chains and nets that guard the harbour they are extremely effective against shore offensives. He believes that not only will a sea assault against Siroc be made nigh impossible, but that the garrisons of the two towers would also be in a position to protect the Lyceum which lies to the south-east of Siroc proper.
{{anchor|The Atalaya Shipyards}}
===The Atalaya Shipyards (Ruined)===
Following a [[Construct_Madruga_shipyard|motion]] at the first [[Imperial Senate]] session in Winter 376YE, work began to expand the docks of Atalaya. Under the guidance of Miroslav, Senator for the [[The League|League]] city of [[Sarvos]], many wains of white granite and weirwood were committed to building both a massive seawall, and a great Imperial shipyard equipped with drydocks, powerful cranes for loading and unloading, and expanded warehouses and work spaces. Completed shortly before Autumn 377YE, the shipyard provided significant benefits to the Freeborn [[fleet|ships]] based in Madruga. In addition, the facilities here proved sufficient to allow the construction of the first [[Imperial navy]] since the days of [[Emperor Barabbas]]; [[Raise_Freeborn_navy|work]] began on constructing Freeborn vessels in Winter 378YE.

It is perhaps fitting that when the [[Grendel]] invaded Madruga after the Autumn Equinox 381YE, and [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destroyed the shipyard]] the Freeborn Storm was [[Navy_orders#Put_to_Port|put to port]] and shared the same fiery fate as the docks where it was created.
===The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)===
Built in [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]], this massive white-and-gold tower was one of the most prominent landmarks in the Empire. It was often adopted by Freeborn sailors as a symbol of the Brass Coast as a whole; when they can see the beacon of the Shining Pillar, they knew they were home. The grand lighthouse echoed the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_of_Alexandria Lighthouse of Alexandria] in design, rather than more modern tall cylindrical towers, and was constructed of white granite. Mithril mirrors captured and amplified the light of the fire burning atop it, which was kept burning by a cadre of attendants who lived in the tower.

During the Grendel [[A beacon of smoke|invasion of Madruga]] in Winter 385YE, the Shining Pillar was [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Save_the_Shining_Pillar_(Battle)|annihilated]] by the servants of [[Siakha]], and the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Objective:_Rescue_the_Beacon_Watch|Beacon Watch]] were slaughtered. The terrible rites performed there not only destroyed the lighthouse and drowned the rocky island on which it was built, but they [[The_cry_of_gulls#The_Darkened_Beacon|apparently tore open]] a terrible maelstrom, something akin to a [[fane]] for Siakha allowing the eternal to send their servants to the [[Bay of Catazar]].

==OOC Notes==
* As of the start of the Winter Solstice 386YE, the Children of Wrecks control Free Landing, the Empire controls Calvos Sound, Lightsea, and Torres, and Quiet Grasses, Crucible, and Siroc Bayou are uncontrolled.
* The territory has regions with several odd qualities, most significantly the [[#Enigmatic|enigmatic]] quality that effects commissions and ritual effects across the whole of Madruga.
* The maelstrom that now occupies the site of the [[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] serves as a two thousand strength [[fortification]] controlled by [[Siakha]].
* [[farm|Farms]] in the territory benefit from both the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]] and the South-West Roads and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
* [[Business|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from both the Blood Red Roads and the South-West Roads and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
{{Brass Coast Links}}

Madruga

2025-04-20T13:48:57Z

Wrenna: /* Free Landing */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMadruga.png|caption=Madruga of the Jewelled Isles is home to merchants, corsairs, and fluttering multicoloured sails|title=Regions of Madruga|align=left|width=500}}[[Category:Gazetteer]]
{{Stub}}
== Overview ==
Madruga of the Jewelled Isles is the easternmost territory of the Brass Coast, running from the [[Kahraman]] mountains down to the Bay of Catazar. Down the coast of Madruga and [[Feroz]] the [[corsair|corsairs]] and merchants raise their sails, running goods to [[Bastion]] and [[Sarvos]], trading with foreign powers, and fighting off barbarian incursions.

It is the most densely settled of the Freeborn territories; the nation began here, with the landing of the three sisters and their families at old [[#Atalaya|Atalaya]]. Over generations, their descendants spread across the mainland building and cultivating, until Madruga was tamed. Today, it is scattered with villages and small towns - the sprawling city [[#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]] at it's height rivalled the cities of [[the League]] in size and wealth.

It is the spiritual home of the [[Corsair|corsairs]]; many maritime families have lived on the islands of [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]] and [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]] since the earliest days of the Freeborn nation.

The history of Madruga is one of change, however. The [[Grendel]] have attacked the islands and towns here for centuries; usually their fleets are intercepted at sea before they can do too much damage, but there have been times when their raiders have sacked coastal settlements. For a few harrowing months in the years before the foundation of the Empire, the Grendel swept inland here conquering [[#Lightsea|Lightsea]] and the islands, and threatening to burn Siroc. They were turned back after months of vicious fighting, but the memory of their attack is sometimes credited by historians as being a factor in the decision of the Freeborn to join the Empire. Since the disappearence of [[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]], life in the territory has become even more tumultuous, with regular Grendel attacks compounded with deadly magical chaos.
==Recent History==
After the Autumn Equinox 381YE, the [[Grendel]] armada invaded Madruga. They [[381YE Winter Solstice winds of war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destroyed the Freeborn Storm]], burnt the [[Madruga#The_Atalaya_Shipyards_.28Ruined.29|Atalaya shipyards]], and brought the Black Thorns to the brink of annihilation. Their forces then moved against [[Madruga#Lightsea|Lightsea]], raided the port of Quzar, and within short order half the coast of Madruga was in their hands. The Empire responded quickly, driving the Grendel out, but it was only a matter of time before they returned.

They returned in force in the Winter of 385YE, accompanied by warships from the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. In a surprise attack, they [[A beacon of smoke|burnt the city of Siroc]], and established a beachhead in what was then Siroc Plains. In the coming months, war and powerful [[Spring magic]] battered the region, culminating in the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Save_the_Shining_Pillar_(Battle)|destruction of the Silent Pillar]] and the formation of the [[Children of Wrecks]]. The [[Siakha]]-inspired pirates began a rampage of their own, even going so far as to use Spring magic to isolate the islands of Free Landing, turning them into a stronghold of their own that Imperial armies cannot approach.

As if this were not bad enough, a [[Colourblind|peculiar blight]] began to spread across the [[#Quiet Grasses|Great Grasses]] in the north-east. The grasslands were quickly turned to ash and dust, and the desiccating [[Winter magic]] threatened to spill over into [[Kahraman]] and [[Segura]]. The cause of the spreading desert was discovered to be a generations-old conspiracy of the ''Aldea di Tutamen'' family who had become awful harbingers of destruction called the Dry Patricians. Their awful threat was stopped by Imperial heroes, but the blight remained.

Then in Autumn 386YE, ritual magicians from every Freeborn [[tribe]] raised the wrath of the Scorrero river, causing it to [[Where the river rises|break its banks]] in a cataclysmic expression of [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]] and [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]]. A cleansing tide swept across the Great Grasses, washing away the remnants of the blight. In the process, however, the magical floods also transformed the southern reaches of the territory, leaving three new regions that, as the Winter Solstice 386YE approaches, are still being carefully explored.

== Major Features ==
===Trajadoz===
The town of Trajadoz in north-western [[#Torres|Torres]] was founded roughly three hundred years ago by the Trajaduz family of traders who were intent on fostering trade between the mines of newly conquered [[Kahraman]] and the wealth of [[Sarvos]]. The most recent influx of townsfolk was during the invasion of [[Segura]] in 363YE. Since the reclamation of Segura in 378YE it stood mostly empty, save for a few bandits, as the Freeborn returned to their homes. Following the end of the rebellion in Marracoss and Emphedor Imperial fleet captains had an opportunity to [[Through_my_sails#Evacuation|evacuate some of the defeated rebels]]. Roughly a third of the refugees, offered sanctuary in the Empire, have [[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|taken up residence]] in the mostly abandoned town, and created a community.

The Marracossans (never Nemorians, and rarely accepting Asavean) are a disparate group; made up of priests and soldiers, crafters and traders. One of their number Leonorada Rousseau, [[Asavean_Archipelago#Religion|priest of Aseus]], has spent some time in the paradors of nearby [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos]]. They have made clear that they, and their community, like the Empire, and they like the town of Tradajoz. They wish to remain in the town, but Leonorada understands that the community's intent to continue following and worshipping their gods could lead to some unfortunate accusations. In Winter 384YE, the Imperial Senate [[Cede Trajadoz|ceded control of Trajadoz]] to the Nemorians. This has raised a few concerns among their neighbours as it frees them to build temples to their gods if they wish - and indeed to do anything else they want to do. You can read more about the Marracossans in the '''[[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|Large but far away]]''' wind of fortune.
===Calvos===
The bustling town of Calvos lies on the shores of [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]]. The slopes outside the town are rich with grapes, and the fine wines produced here travel all over the Empire. Even the sommeliers of the [[The League|League]] pay well for a Calvos vintage. The [[Paragons and Exemplars|exemplar]] [[Zemress|Zemress i Ezmara i Erigo]] was born here towards the end of the second century YE, and her ship ''The Kraken's Bane'' is housed at a special dry dock here. The ship is a destination for many pilgrims of [[Prosperity]] from as far afield as the [[Sumaah Republic]], as was the nearby [[Zemress#The_Seminary_of_Zemress|Seminary]] before it was destroyed in a [[Below_the_thunders#In_Roaring,_Rise|cataclysmic storm]]. Near the seminary ruins stands the [[Hand of Guerra#House of Guerra|House of Guerra]], a place dedicated to supporting refugees to the Empire, especially those who seek a new family among the Freeborn, and the [[The_power_behind_our_moves#Calvos|Zemress Naval Academy]] (also known as the School of Blood and Brass) where the Freeborn study maritime warfare and the construction of warships.
{{Anchor|The Lyceum}}
=== The Lyceum (Hidden)===
The Lyceum was established during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] on an island east of Siroc. It is a centre of arcane learning in the Empire, and the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] maintains sumptuous apartments here. Approach to the island is carefully controlled by the magicians and professors, and the most promising magicians are invited to study or teach there.

During the Winter Solstice 385YE, Imperial heroes [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Intercede_at_the_Lyceum_(Battle)|traveled to the Lyceum]] to protect its secrets from the Grendel who sought to claim them. In the process, they activated powerful wards that hid the island behind a wall of fog preventing barbarian or Imperial ships from reaching it. The walls are expected to remain until shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE.
===Atalaya===
The town of Atalaya in [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]] marks the place where the Brass Coast was born; the first landing of the three sisters and their families. Built around the side of a secluded cove, the seas around the island that share its name are a navigational nightmare. Before the [[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] was built, reaching the hidden docks of Atalaya was a feat to tax the most skilled ship's crews. Today, the landwards channel has been widened but is protected by hidden obstructions that only the Freeborn pilots know well. Atalaya is also known for its deep natural harbour - many ships of the Freeborn fleet count Atalaya as their home port.

Atalaya is the oldest Freeborn settlement in the Brass Coast, but its prominence was eclipsed centuries ago by [[#Lightsea|Quzar]]. Today, it is a place of pilgrimage for many Freeborn followers of [[the Way]] - there are a number of shrines and temples dedicated to [[Pride]] and [[Vigilance]] here. The [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#School of the Sanguine Bloom|School of the Sanguine Bloom]], one of the most prestigious schools dedicated to herb-lore in the Brass Coast also stands here, founded long ago by Sameen i Riqueza, youngest daughter of [[Riqueza]] herself.

With the rise of the [[Children of Wrecks]]], the oldest settlement of the Freeborn has been lost to the nation. The museums have been looted, and the once beautiful town transformed into a den of pirates.
===Freeborn Flame Marina===
Work began on the [[Construct_Atalaya_Harbour|reconstruction]] of Atalaya harbour following an opportunity [[The_power_behind_our_moves#Atalaya|presented]] after the National Assembly of the Brass Coast called on the people of Feroz to flee the territory rather than suffer under the hands of the Grendel. Work was completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 385YE and the abundance of willing, talented shipwrights meant [[fleet|fleets]] were more easily upgradeable, at least until the Brass Coast reclaim Feroz. Unfortunately, along with Atalaya, the Freeborn Flame Marina is currently in the hands of the Children of Wrecks.

On the harbour, looking out to sea, are a number of statues each one different but reminiscent of contemporary Freeborn.

===Sunset Roads===
{{Anchor|South-West Roads}}With encouragement from the notoriously sea-averse Faraden, a grand highway connects Siroc with Calvos, cutting across the territory rather than following the coast. A shorter road runs along the northern banks of the Scorrero, crossing just north of [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]] in [[Segura]] via a beautiful arched bridge of white granite. While the road is used extensively by the Faraden, it also serves to cut the journey time from the northern borders of Madruga to the trading city of Siroc, making it a popular route for Freeborn and League merchants as well.

The south-west roads are a [[great work]] that complement the already existing [[Lorenzo's Legacy#Blood Red Roads|Blood Red Roads]], bringing increased prosperity to the owners of [[farm|farms]] and [[business|businesses]] in Madruga.
=== The Spider's Dream ===
An elegant bridge spans the river Vassa, connecting [[#Torres|Torres]] to the town of [[Sarvos#Bocche|Trivento]] in Sarvos. It is a marvelous piece of engineering that resembles a spider's web. The [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider%27s_Dream|Spider's Dream]] has significant strategic importance - without it armies cannot cross the Vassa between Sarvos and Madruga without going north and passing through Tassato and the Mournwold. It is overseen by the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep|Spider's Tollkeep]], an [[Imperial title]] uniquely appointed by both the [[senator|senators]] of the League and the Brass Coast together.

The Spider's Dream was once severely damaged by the [[Jotun]], but has since been extensively rebuilt and fortified.

==Regions==
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=MadrugaBorders.png|caption=A very rough region map of Madruga|align=right|width=600}}</div>
===Calvos Sound===
'''Quality:''' Coastal<br>
The town of [[#Calvos|Calvos]] stands on the shores of Calvos Sound; the entire [[territory#regions|region]] is named for the great shallow bay that cuts into the eastern shores of the Brass Coast. The waters of the Sound are prime fishing grounds, and the surrounding slopes are known for their rich agriculture, especially grapes, grapefruits, and pomegranates. At the end of the [[Imperial_history#.28281_YE_-_300_YE.29_The_Second_Interregnum|second interregnum]], Calvos Sound was the site of a vicious engagement between [[Grendel]] raiders and the forces of the [[Red_Wind_Corsairs#History|Red Wind Corsairs]]. Despite catastrophic losses, the Freeborn army held. Close to breaking they were forced to retreat, but the campaign achieved its purpose by convincing the nations of the south that the threat from the Grendel was real, events that would eventually lead to the elevation of [[Empress Deanne]]. To this day, many of the people of Calvos Sound have a notable antipathy for the orcs of the Broken Shore.
===Lightsea===
'''Quality:''' Coastal<br>
A well-settled region known for the friendliness of its [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors|paradors]]. The largest settlement here is '''Quzar''', a bustling port town of white towers and stained glass that is sometimes described as the soul of the Brass Coast. The Towers of Quzar are known as a gathering place for [[hakima]] from all across the nation - an annual "council" meets here every midsummer to share knowledge and gossip. Since the completion of the [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]], a large community of hakima, including a significant number of refugees from Feroz, have taken up permanent residence here. The town is now best known for its community of magicians, especially those versed in [[Autumn magic]].

Many of the coastal settlements here were plundered by the Grendel during their incursion toward the end of 381YE. Quzar in particular was hard hit by the orc raiders, with some damage to the town and significant damage to the wealth of the citizens. A year later toward the end of 382YE potent magic [[The_mystic,_the_willful#Miracles_in_Lightsea|restored the town]], wiping away any sign the Grendel were ever there.
===Torres===
The northernmost region of Madruga, and one end of the [[#The Spider's Dream|Spider's Dream]]. The land here is a little more rugged than in the southern regions, and the climate is generally cooler. The people who dwell here share some of the reputation of the miners of [[Kahraman]]; as being suspicious and quarrelsome. Partly this reputation might be a result of regular clashes between Freeborn traders and [[the League|League]] merchants out of [[Sarvos]]. A regular 'problem' for the inhabitants is that League merchants would prefer to travel south to the more prosperous towns of the eastern coast to sell their wares, bypassing the markets of Torres. It is shameful to admit, but there are more incidents of brigandry against League caravans in Torres than in almost any other area around the Bay of Catazar. When such incidents get out of hand, the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is often prevailed upon to sort them out.

The town of [[#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]] is found in the north-west of Torres. Formerly a home to Freeborn displaced from Kahraman and Segura, it is now home to a very different group of refugees - Marracossan exiles from the [[Asavean Archipelago]].
===Free Landing===
'''Quality:''' Coastal, Island<br>
The sprawling islands that form the region of Free Landing are diverse and well-settled. The islands here were the first home of the Freeborn - the town of [[#Atalaya|Atalaya]] marks the spot where the Brass Coast proper began. When the Grendel invaded Madruga in Winter 381YE, they looted many precious relics from the town of Atalaya and burnt the shipyard there to the ground. In the process they destroyed the Freeborn [[Imperial navy|navy]], the Freeborn Storm.

The waters between the islands have a reputation for being treacherous and difficult for foreign captains; during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Empire built a great lighthouse here called '''[[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|the Shining Pillar]]''', which was [[The_cry_of_gulls#The_Darkened_Beacon|destroyed]] by forces loyal to the eternal [[Siakha]] during the Winter Solstice 385YE. In it's place, a perpetual churning maelstrom serves as a way for servants of the eternal to enter the mortal world and functions as an effective [[fortification]] defending the Children of Wrecks.

The waters around Free Landing have become treacherous due to the presence of dozens of immature kraken hatched in the waters by the Children of Wrecks. As a result, the region has gained the '''island''' quality, it cannot be attacked by armies unless each army is accompanied by a navy capable of conveying the soldiers across.{{Anchor|Great Grasses}}

===Quiet Grasses===
* '''Qualities:''' Quiet
The Great Grasses were consumed by the Blight, but have now been restored thanks to the surging Spring waters. They are marked not only from the flooding of the Scorrero, but from a year or more of gentle rain conjured with [[Regrow the Land's Heart]]. Where once there was a sea of jade and emerald grasses, and then a lifeless desert of ash and dust, there is now a profusion of plants and flowers. The grass is disimilar to that which grew before - standing easily taller than the tallest soldier and remarkably resistant to damage. Where the thickets of grass are densest, it is slow going trying to make headway and all too easy to get lost. In addition to the grasses there are large numbers of broad, open meadows covreed in ''flameblooms'' - a mass of previously unseen flowers that grow in a profusion of shapes and a riot of reds, oranges, yellows, and an extremely rare white petalled variety.

There is an odd silence to the Grasses now. The grasses seem to eat sounds, causing the cries of circling hawks to fall flat and even the blaring of horns sounds tinny and can be heard over a comparatively short distances. Even the wind whispers as it flows across the plains. Some scouts tagged the place as the "Quiet Grasses," and while the name may have begun as a wry commentary it has quickly spread. Magicians say that this silence is partly due to a lingering touch of Winter magic - not the harsher resonances [[Winter_magic#Death|death]] or [[Winter_magic#Survival|survival]] but something less tangible - a sense of sadness, loss, or perhaps the [[Winter_magic#Wisdom|wisdom]] that comes from an awareness of [[Winter magic#Ending|ending]], tinged with the wistfulness for the [[Winter_magic#Preservation|way things were before]].
{{Anchor|Siroc Plains}}
===Siroc Bayou===
* '''Qualities:''' Marsh, Coastal, Ruins, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
The region that was once Siroc Plains is now the [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]]. Slow moving streams and lakes of brackish water characterise the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayou bayou]. The river itself, and the gulf between Madruga and Feroz, teems with fish and other creatures. The fury of the Scorrero, already mitigated by the Crucible, loses itself in meandering, shifting streams as it makes its way to the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Here and there, ruined Freeborn settlements and structures emerge from the marshes, or stand surrounded by still pools of water. Even though the flooding that transformed the region are quite recent, many of these ruins look as if they have stood in the marshes for decades, heavily overgrown with odd plant growths. Others are more intact, often serving as lairs for the transformed creatures of the marsh. When the river rose, this region was under control of the Grendel, and [[Below_the_thunders#The_Latter_Fire|battle raged]] between the orcs and Imperial forces. The Grendel have since withdrawn almost all their forces, but there are still signs of abandoned encampments here. Some of the Broken Shore troops were left behind as well, and it seems that in the absence of any easy means of escape they have taken up banditry.

The City of Sails, poor ruined [[Madruga#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]], is now lost beneath the waters of the Bay, or consumed by the marsh. There is no chance of rebuilding - there is little left to rebuild on. There is apparently some interest in the [[Sarcophan Delves]] in [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail|purchasing salvage rights]] to the ruins, but only once the [[Children of Wrecks]] problem is resolved.
===Crucible===
* '''Qualities:''' Marsh, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
The new region of Madruga north of the Scorrero was once the southern Great Grasses and the western Siroc Plains. This place has been most obviously transfigured by the unleashed magic, and the odd haze reported by scouts is most pronounced here. Even the least magical explorer can sense that there is magic here; a mixture of Spring magic from the flood and the influence of [[Ossegrahn]], or Night magic tinged by the gifts of [[Azoth]], and even a hint of lingering [[Winter magic]] from the Dead Patricians and their Blight. There are reports of a few Grendel camps here as well, scouts trapped behind enemy lines when the flood rushed in.

Scouts report that this area is where the peculiar ''marsh flowers'', some of which possess magical properties, are most abundant. There also seem to be spontaneously occurring sources of [[vis]] here - [[Vis#Warm Honey|warm honey]], [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]], and [[Vis#Crystal_Fire|crystal fire]]. In addition, there are a number of oddities - things that either were not here before of have been changed so much as to be effectively new. There is apparently a tower that rises out of the river itself and changes subtly over a course of several days, which puts viewers in mind of a lighthouse despite being miles from the Bay of Catazar. There is a standing pool of ebony water that does not reflect humans or orcs; anything staring into it sees only a monstrous image of themselves. A fountain in the courtyard of an old parador that once stood by the road along the banks of the Scorrero that now flows with rainbow waters; drinking from them by moonlight can prompt a transformation in humans such that they unpredictably gain [[briar]], [[naga]] or [[draughir]] [[lineage]].

==Strategic Considerations==
* '''The damage to the bridges along the Scorrero prevents movement between Madruga and both Feroz and Segura'''
The damage to almost all the bridges along the Scorrero means that it is effectively impossible for an [[Imperial army|army]] to move between Madruga and both [[Feroz]] and [[Segura]] (or vice versa). More information can be found in the '''[[Where_the_river_rises#Crossing|Where the river rises]]''' wind of fortune.

{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Madruga|Territory=Madruga|Season=Winter}}
==Lost and Ruined==
{{Anchor|Siroc}}
=== Siroc (Ruined) ===
The Sapphire, the City of a Thousand Sails, was acknowledged as the pre-eminent city of the Freeborn. The city was said to have been founded by the [[Guerra]] family shortly after the Freeborn came to the Brass Coast. It lay in Madruga close by the border with [[Feroz]]. Brightly coloured tents extended Siroc out far beyond the small cluster of stone buildings that made up the heart of the city. Sails of all shapes and sizes filled the sheltered bay, which was guarded by a series of iron woven nets and chains bought at great expense from the forges of Wintermark.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Parador.jpg|caption=The City of A Thousand Sails was home to many fine paradors.|title=Art by Beth Dooner|align=right|width=600}}
Siroc was the site of the '''Glass Parador''', where the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]] held court. It was also the location of the ''Parador of the Kindled Flame'', an [[folly|orphanage]] whose [[Construct Parador of the Kindled Flame|construction]] was overseen by '''Laughlan Vi Temeschwar''', the first [[Master of Rings]]. One of only a small number of permanent stone structures of any size in the City of a Thousand Sails, it was surprisingly understated and utilitarian with the only notable decoration being a small plaque at the entrance bearing the legend “''In Virtue we remember those who watch over others''", and a list of names of those who helped construct the sanctuary.

It was also the site of the [[#Commonwealth Embassy (Ruined)|Commonwealth Embassy]], a severe structure that represented the Commonwealth's diplomatic relationship with the Empire.

The city prospered for centuries, but following the Autumn Equinox 385YE it was [[A beacon of smoke|burned to the ground]] by the Grendel and their [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] allies, apparently in retaliation for the Empire's role in the [[Mosaic|destruction of the city of Chalonsio]] in Asavea. While some of the stone buildings survived, the majority of the structures were wood and canvas, and were destroyed by fire. The transforming flood that swept through the territory towards the end of 386YE sealed Siroc's fate - those ruins not sinking into marsh mud are lost beneath the waters of the Bay, and any hope of restoring the city to its former glory is gone.
===Commonwealth Embassy (Ruined)===
The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth|Commonwealth Embassy]] was located in [[#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]]. It consisted of several buildings built after the severe Commonwealth style, which stood in beautifully laid out and maintained gardens, surrounded by a low white granite wall. Despite the severity of the architecture, the embassy was surprisingly welcoming - the gates stood permanently open, albeit under the watchful gaze of a cadre of Commonwealth soldiers attached to the staff of ambassador Mila Eisenfalke. The majority of the staff were human, although there were apparently half a dozen orcs whose role on the ambassadorial staff is not clear. There were no daeva citizens working at the embassy as far as Imperial observers can make out. When the city of Siroc was attacked by the Grendel and their Asavean allies, almost all the soldiers garrisoned here perished while fighting bravely alongside the Freeborn defenders of the Salt Guard.
===The Salt Guard (Ruined)===
A grand [[fortification]] [[The_same_bed#The_Salt_Guard|designed]] by Menno van Ritsjhof comprised of two stout fortifications on either side of the bay along the approach to Siroc. Each fort is equipped with powerful trebuchet and catapults. A garrison of skilled mariners and corsairs ensures the towers are always ready to respond to any threat, and with the significant reinforcement of the existing iron chains and nets that guard the harbour they are extremely effective against shore offensives. He believes that not only will a sea assault against Siroc be made nigh impossible, but that the garrisons of the two towers would also be in a position to protect the Lyceum which lies to the south-east of Siroc proper.
{{anchor|The Atalaya Shipyards}}
===The Atalaya Shipyards (Ruined)===
Following a [[Construct_Madruga_shipyard|motion]] at the first [[Imperial Senate]] session in Winter 376YE, work began to expand the docks of Atalaya. Under the guidance of Miroslav, Senator for the [[The League|League]] city of [[Sarvos]], many wains of white granite and weirwood were committed to building both a massive seawall, and a great Imperial shipyard equipped with drydocks, powerful cranes for loading and unloading, and expanded warehouses and work spaces. Completed shortly before Autumn 377YE, the shipyard provided significant benefits to the Freeborn [[fleet|ships]] based in Madruga. In addition, the facilities here proved sufficient to allow the construction of the first [[Imperial navy]] since the days of [[Emperor Barabbas]]; [[Raise_Freeborn_navy|work]] began on constructing Freeborn vessels in Winter 378YE.

It is perhaps fitting that when the [[Grendel]] invaded Madruga after the Autumn Equinox 381YE, and [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destroyed the shipyard]] the Freeborn Storm was [[Navy_orders#Put_to_Port|put to port]] and shared the same fiery fate as the docks where it was created.
===The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)===
Built in [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]], this massive white-and-gold tower was one of the most prominent landmarks in the Empire. It was often adopted by Freeborn sailors as a symbol of the Brass Coast as a whole; when they can see the beacon of the Shining Pillar, they knew they were home. The grand lighthouse echoed the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_of_Alexandria Lighthouse of Alexandria] in design, rather than more modern tall cylindrical towers, and was constructed of white granite. Mithril mirrors captured and amplified the light of the fire burning atop it, which was kept burning by a cadre of attendants who lived in the tower.

During the Grendel [[A beacon of smoke|invasion of Madruga]] in Winter 385YE, the Shining Pillar was [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Save_the_Shining_Pillar_(Battle)|annihilated]] by the servants of [[Siakha]], and the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Objective:_Rescue_the_Beacon_Watch|Beacon Watch]] were slaughtered. The terrible rites performed there not only destroyed the lighthouse and drowned the rocky island on which it was built, but they [[The_cry_of_gulls#The_Darkened_Beacon|apparently tore open]] a terrible maelstrom, something akin to a [[fane]] for Siakha allowing the eternal to send their servants to the [[Bay of Catazar]].

==OOC Notes==
* As of the start of the Winter Solstice 386YE, the Children of Wrecks control Free Landing, the Empire controls Calvos Sound, Lightsea, and Torres, and Quiet Grasses, Crucible, and Siroc Bayou are uncontrolled.
* The maelstrom that now occupies the site of the [[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] serves as a two thousand strength [[fortification]] controlled by [[Siakha]].
* [[farm|Farms]] in the territory benefit from both the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]] and the South-West Roads and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
* [[Business|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from both the Blood Red Roads and the South-West Roads and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
{{Brass Coast Links}}

Madruga

2025-04-20T13:47:08Z

Wrenna: /* OOC Notes */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMadruga.png|caption=Madruga of the Jewelled Isles is home to merchants, corsairs, and fluttering multicoloured sails|title=Regions of Madruga|align=left|width=500}}[[Category:Gazetteer]]
{{Stub}}
== Overview ==
Madruga of the Jewelled Isles is the easternmost territory of the Brass Coast, running from the [[Kahraman]] mountains down to the Bay of Catazar. Down the coast of Madruga and [[Feroz]] the [[corsair|corsairs]] and merchants raise their sails, running goods to [[Bastion]] and [[Sarvos]], trading with foreign powers, and fighting off barbarian incursions.

It is the most densely settled of the Freeborn territories; the nation began here, with the landing of the three sisters and their families at old [[#Atalaya|Atalaya]]. Over generations, their descendants spread across the mainland building and cultivating, until Madruga was tamed. Today, it is scattered with villages and small towns - the sprawling city [[#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]] at it's height rivalled the cities of [[the League]] in size and wealth.

It is the spiritual home of the [[Corsair|corsairs]]; many maritime families have lived on the islands of [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]] and [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]] since the earliest days of the Freeborn nation.

The history of Madruga is one of change, however. The [[Grendel]] have attacked the islands and towns here for centuries; usually their fleets are intercepted at sea before they can do too much damage, but there have been times when their raiders have sacked coastal settlements. For a few harrowing months in the years before the foundation of the Empire, the Grendel swept inland here conquering [[#Lightsea|Lightsea]] and the islands, and threatening to burn Siroc. They were turned back after months of vicious fighting, but the memory of their attack is sometimes credited by historians as being a factor in the decision of the Freeborn to join the Empire. Since the disappearence of [[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]], life in the territory has become even more tumultuous, with regular Grendel attacks compounded with deadly magical chaos.
==Recent History==
After the Autumn Equinox 381YE, the [[Grendel]] armada invaded Madruga. They [[381YE Winter Solstice winds of war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destroyed the Freeborn Storm]], burnt the [[Madruga#The_Atalaya_Shipyards_.28Ruined.29|Atalaya shipyards]], and brought the Black Thorns to the brink of annihilation. Their forces then moved against [[Madruga#Lightsea|Lightsea]], raided the port of Quzar, and within short order half the coast of Madruga was in their hands. The Empire responded quickly, driving the Grendel out, but it was only a matter of time before they returned.

They returned in force in the Winter of 385YE, accompanied by warships from the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. In a surprise attack, they [[A beacon of smoke|burnt the city of Siroc]], and established a beachhead in what was then Siroc Plains. In the coming months, war and powerful [[Spring magic]] battered the region, culminating in the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Save_the_Shining_Pillar_(Battle)|destruction of the Silent Pillar]] and the formation of the [[Children of Wrecks]]. The [[Siakha]]-inspired pirates began a rampage of their own, even going so far as to use Spring magic to isolate the islands of Free Landing, turning them into a stronghold of their own that Imperial armies cannot approach.

As if this were not bad enough, a [[Colourblind|peculiar blight]] began to spread across the [[#Quiet Grasses|Great Grasses]] in the north-east. The grasslands were quickly turned to ash and dust, and the desiccating [[Winter magic]] threatened to spill over into [[Kahraman]] and [[Segura]]. The cause of the spreading desert was discovered to be a generations-old conspiracy of the ''Aldea di Tutamen'' family who had become awful harbingers of destruction called the Dry Patricians. Their awful threat was stopped by Imperial heroes, but the blight remained.

Then in Autumn 386YE, ritual magicians from every Freeborn [[tribe]] raised the wrath of the Scorrero river, causing it to [[Where the river rises|break its banks]] in a cataclysmic expression of [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]] and [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]]. A cleansing tide swept across the Great Grasses, washing away the remnants of the blight. In the process, however, the magical floods also transformed the southern reaches of the territory, leaving three new regions that, as the Winter Solstice 386YE approaches, are still being carefully explored.

== Major Features ==
===Trajadoz===
The town of Trajadoz in north-western [[#Torres|Torres]] was founded roughly three hundred years ago by the Trajaduz family of traders who were intent on fostering trade between the mines of newly conquered [[Kahraman]] and the wealth of [[Sarvos]]. The most recent influx of townsfolk was during the invasion of [[Segura]] in 363YE. Since the reclamation of Segura in 378YE it stood mostly empty, save for a few bandits, as the Freeborn returned to their homes. Following the end of the rebellion in Marracoss and Emphedor Imperial fleet captains had an opportunity to [[Through_my_sails#Evacuation|evacuate some of the defeated rebels]]. Roughly a third of the refugees, offered sanctuary in the Empire, have [[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|taken up residence]] in the mostly abandoned town, and created a community.

The Marracossans (never Nemorians, and rarely accepting Asavean) are a disparate group; made up of priests and soldiers, crafters and traders. One of their number Leonorada Rousseau, [[Asavean_Archipelago#Religion|priest of Aseus]], has spent some time in the paradors of nearby [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos]]. They have made clear that they, and their community, like the Empire, and they like the town of Tradajoz. They wish to remain in the town, but Leonorada understands that the community's intent to continue following and worshipping their gods could lead to some unfortunate accusations. In Winter 384YE, the Imperial Senate [[Cede Trajadoz|ceded control of Trajadoz]] to the Nemorians. This has raised a few concerns among their neighbours as it frees them to build temples to their gods if they wish - and indeed to do anything else they want to do. You can read more about the Marracossans in the '''[[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|Large but far away]]''' wind of fortune.
===Calvos===
The bustling town of Calvos lies on the shores of [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]]. The slopes outside the town are rich with grapes, and the fine wines produced here travel all over the Empire. Even the sommeliers of the [[The League|League]] pay well for a Calvos vintage. The [[Paragons and Exemplars|exemplar]] [[Zemress|Zemress i Ezmara i Erigo]] was born here towards the end of the second century YE, and her ship ''The Kraken's Bane'' is housed at a special dry dock here. The ship is a destination for many pilgrims of [[Prosperity]] from as far afield as the [[Sumaah Republic]], as was the nearby [[Zemress#The_Seminary_of_Zemress|Seminary]] before it was destroyed in a [[Below_the_thunders#In_Roaring,_Rise|cataclysmic storm]]. Near the seminary ruins stands the [[Hand of Guerra#House of Guerra|House of Guerra]], a place dedicated to supporting refugees to the Empire, especially those who seek a new family among the Freeborn, and the [[The_power_behind_our_moves#Calvos|Zemress Naval Academy]] (also known as the School of Blood and Brass) where the Freeborn study maritime warfare and the construction of warships.
{{Anchor|The Lyceum}}
=== The Lyceum (Hidden)===
The Lyceum was established during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] on an island east of Siroc. It is a centre of arcane learning in the Empire, and the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] maintains sumptuous apartments here. Approach to the island is carefully controlled by the magicians and professors, and the most promising magicians are invited to study or teach there.

During the Winter Solstice 385YE, Imperial heroes [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Intercede_at_the_Lyceum_(Battle)|traveled to the Lyceum]] to protect its secrets from the Grendel who sought to claim them. In the process, they activated powerful wards that hid the island behind a wall of fog preventing barbarian or Imperial ships from reaching it. The walls are expected to remain until shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE.
===Atalaya===
The town of Atalaya in [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]] marks the place where the Brass Coast was born; the first landing of the three sisters and their families. Built around the side of a secluded cove, the seas around the island that share its name are a navigational nightmare. Before the [[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] was built, reaching the hidden docks of Atalaya was a feat to tax the most skilled ship's crews. Today, the landwards channel has been widened but is protected by hidden obstructions that only the Freeborn pilots know well. Atalaya is also known for its deep natural harbour - many ships of the Freeborn fleet count Atalaya as their home port.

Atalaya is the oldest Freeborn settlement in the Brass Coast, but its prominence was eclipsed centuries ago by [[#Lightsea|Quzar]]. Today, it is a place of pilgrimage for many Freeborn followers of [[the Way]] - there are a number of shrines and temples dedicated to [[Pride]] and [[Vigilance]] here. The [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#School of the Sanguine Bloom|School of the Sanguine Bloom]], one of the most prestigious schools dedicated to herb-lore in the Brass Coast also stands here, founded long ago by Sameen i Riqueza, youngest daughter of [[Riqueza]] herself.

With the rise of the [[Children of Wrecks]]], the oldest settlement of the Freeborn has been lost to the nation. The museums have been looted, and the once beautiful town transformed into a den of pirates.
===Freeborn Flame Marina===
Work began on the [[Construct_Atalaya_Harbour|reconstruction]] of Atalaya harbour following an opportunity [[The_power_behind_our_moves#Atalaya|presented]] after the National Assembly of the Brass Coast called on the people of Feroz to flee the territory rather than suffer under the hands of the Grendel. Work was completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 385YE and the abundance of willing, talented shipwrights meant [[fleet|fleets]] were more easily upgradeable, at least until the Brass Coast reclaim Feroz. Unfortunately, along with Atalaya, the Freeborn Flame Marina is currently in the hands of the Children of Wrecks.

On the harbour, looking out to sea, are a number of statues each one different but reminiscent of contemporary Freeborn.

===Sunset Roads===
{{Anchor|South-West Roads}}With encouragement from the notoriously sea-averse Faraden, a grand highway connects Siroc with Calvos, cutting across the territory rather than following the coast. A shorter road runs along the northern banks of the Scorrero, crossing just north of [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]] in [[Segura]] via a beautiful arched bridge of white granite. While the road is used extensively by the Faraden, it also serves to cut the journey time from the northern borders of Madruga to the trading city of Siroc, making it a popular route for Freeborn and League merchants as well.

The south-west roads are a [[great work]] that complement the already existing [[Lorenzo's Legacy#Blood Red Roads|Blood Red Roads]], bringing increased prosperity to the owners of [[farm|farms]] and [[business|businesses]] in Madruga.
=== The Spider's Dream ===
An elegant bridge spans the river Vassa, connecting [[#Torres|Torres]] to the town of [[Sarvos#Bocche|Trivento]] in Sarvos. It is a marvelous piece of engineering that resembles a spider's web. The [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider%27s_Dream|Spider's Dream]] has significant strategic importance - without it armies cannot cross the Vassa between Sarvos and Madruga without going north and passing through Tassato and the Mournwold. It is overseen by the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep|Spider's Tollkeep]], an [[Imperial title]] uniquely appointed by both the [[senator|senators]] of the League and the Brass Coast together.

The Spider's Dream was once severely damaged by the [[Jotun]], but has since been extensively rebuilt and fortified.

==Regions==
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=MadrugaBorders.png|caption=A very rough region map of Madruga|align=right|width=600}}</div>
===Calvos Sound===
'''Quality:''' Coastal<br>
The town of [[#Calvos|Calvos]] stands on the shores of Calvos Sound; the entire [[territory#regions|region]] is named for the great shallow bay that cuts into the eastern shores of the Brass Coast. The waters of the Sound are prime fishing grounds, and the surrounding slopes are known for their rich agriculture, especially grapes, grapefruits, and pomegranates. At the end of the [[Imperial_history#.28281_YE_-_300_YE.29_The_Second_Interregnum|second interregnum]], Calvos Sound was the site of a vicious engagement between [[Grendel]] raiders and the forces of the [[Red_Wind_Corsairs#History|Red Wind Corsairs]]. Despite catastrophic losses, the Freeborn army held. Close to breaking they were forced to retreat, but the campaign achieved its purpose by convincing the nations of the south that the threat from the Grendel was real, events that would eventually lead to the elevation of [[Empress Deanne]]. To this day, many of the people of Calvos Sound have a notable antipathy for the orcs of the Broken Shore.
===Lightsea===
'''Quality:''' Coastal<br>
A well-settled region known for the friendliness of its [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors|paradors]]. The largest settlement here is '''Quzar''', a bustling port town of white towers and stained glass that is sometimes described as the soul of the Brass Coast. The Towers of Quzar are known as a gathering place for [[hakima]] from all across the nation - an annual "council" meets here every midsummer to share knowledge and gossip. Since the completion of the [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]], a large community of hakima, including a significant number of refugees from Feroz, have taken up permanent residence here. The town is now best known for its community of magicians, especially those versed in [[Autumn magic]].

Many of the coastal settlements here were plundered by the Grendel during their incursion toward the end of 381YE. Quzar in particular was hard hit by the orc raiders, with some damage to the town and significant damage to the wealth of the citizens. A year later toward the end of 382YE potent magic [[The_mystic,_the_willful#Miracles_in_Lightsea|restored the town]], wiping away any sign the Grendel were ever there.
===Torres===
The northernmost region of Madruga, and one end of the [[#The Spider's Dream|Spider's Dream]]. The land here is a little more rugged than in the southern regions, and the climate is generally cooler. The people who dwell here share some of the reputation of the miners of [[Kahraman]]; as being suspicious and quarrelsome. Partly this reputation might be a result of regular clashes between Freeborn traders and [[the League|League]] merchants out of [[Sarvos]]. A regular 'problem' for the inhabitants is that League merchants would prefer to travel south to the more prosperous towns of the eastern coast to sell their wares, bypassing the markets of Torres. It is shameful to admit, but there are more incidents of brigandry against League caravans in Torres than in almost any other area around the Bay of Catazar. When such incidents get out of hand, the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is often prevailed upon to sort them out.

The town of [[#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]] is found in the north-west of Torres. Formerly a home to Freeborn displaced from Kahraman and Segura, it is now home to a very different group of refugees - Marracossan exiles from the [[Asavean Archipelago]].
===Free Landing===
'''Quality:''' Coastal, Island<br>
The sprawling islands that form the region of Free Landing are diverse and well-settled. The islands here were the first home of the Freeborn - the town of [[#Atalaya|Atalaya]] marks the spot where the Brass Coast proper began. When the Grendel invaded Madruga in Winter 381YE, they looted many precious relics from the town of Atalaya and burnt the shipyard there to the ground. In the process they destroyed the Freeborn [[Imperial navy|navy]], the Freeborn Storm.

The waters between the islands have a reputation for being treacherous and difficult for foreign captains; during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Empire built a great lighthouse here called '''[[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|the Shining Pillar]]''', which was [[The_cry_of_gulls#The_Darkened_Beacon|destroyed]] by forces loyal to the eternal [[Siakha]] during the Winter Solstice 385YE. In it's place, a perpetual churning maelstrom serves as a way for servants of the eternal to enter the mortal world and functions as an effective [[fortification]] defending the Children of Wrecks.

The waters around Free Landing have become treacherous due to the presence of dozens of immature kraken hatched in the waters by the Children of Wrecks. As a result, the region has gained the '''island''' quality, it cannot be attacked by armies unless each army is accompanied by a navy capable of conveying the soldiers across.#{{Anchor|Great Grasses}}
===Quiet Grasses===
* '''Qualities:''' Quiet
The Great Grasses were consumed by the Blight, but have now been restored thanks to the surging Spring waters. They are marked not only from the flooding of the Scorrero, but from a year or more of gentle rain conjured with [[Regrow the Land's Heart]]. Where once there was a sea of jade and emerald grasses, and then a lifeless desert of ash and dust, there is now a profusion of plants and flowers. The grass is disimilar to that which grew before - standing easily taller than the tallest soldier and remarkably resistant to damage. Where the thickets of grass are densest, it is slow going trying to make headway and all too easy to get lost. In addition to the grasses there are large numbers of broad, open meadows covreed in ''flameblooms'' - a mass of previously unseen flowers that grow in a profusion of shapes and a riot of reds, oranges, yellows, and an extremely rare white petalled variety.

There is an odd silence to the Grasses now. The grasses seem to eat sounds, causing the cries of circling hawks to fall flat and even the blaring of horns sounds tinny and can be heard over a comparatively short distances. Even the wind whispers as it flows across the plains. Some scouts tagged the place as the "Quiet Grasses," and while the name may have begun as a wry commentary it has quickly spread. Magicians say that this silence is partly due to a lingering touch of Winter magic - not the harsher resonances [[Winter_magic#Death|death]] or [[Winter_magic#Survival|survival]] but something less tangible - a sense of sadness, loss, or perhaps the [[Winter_magic#Wisdom|wisdom]] that comes from an awareness of [[Winter magic#Ending|ending]], tinged with the wistfulness for the [[Winter_magic#Preservation|way things were before]].
{{Anchor|Siroc Plains}}
===Siroc Bayou===
* '''Qualities:''' Marsh, Coastal, Ruins, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
The region that was once Siroc Plains is now the [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]]. Slow moving streams and lakes of brackish water characterise the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayou bayou]. The river itself, and the gulf between Madruga and Feroz, teems with fish and other creatures. The fury of the Scorrero, already mitigated by the Crucible, loses itself in meandering, shifting streams as it makes its way to the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Here and there, ruined Freeborn settlements and structures emerge from the marshes, or stand surrounded by still pools of water. Even though the flooding that transformed the region are quite recent, many of these ruins look as if they have stood in the marshes for decades, heavily overgrown with odd plant growths. Others are more intact, often serving as lairs for the transformed creatures of the marsh. When the river rose, this region was under control of the Grendel, and [[Below_the_thunders#The_Latter_Fire|battle raged]] between the orcs and Imperial forces. The Grendel have since withdrawn almost all their forces, but there are still signs of abandoned encampments here. Some of the Broken Shore troops were left behind as well, and it seems that in the absence of any easy means of escape they have taken up banditry.

The City of Sails, poor ruined [[Madruga#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]], is now lost beneath the waters of the Bay, or consumed by the marsh. There is no chance of rebuilding - there is little left to rebuild on. There is apparently some interest in the [[Sarcophan Delves]] in [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail|purchasing salvage rights]] to the ruins, but only once the [[Children of Wrecks]] problem is resolved.
===Crucible===
* '''Qualities:''' Marsh, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
The new region of Madruga north of the Scorrero was once the southern Great Grasses and the western Siroc Plains. This place has been most obviously transfigured by the unleashed magic, and the odd haze reported by scouts is most pronounced here. Even the least magical explorer can sense that there is magic here; a mixture of Spring magic from the flood and the influence of [[Ossegrahn]], or Night magic tinged by the gifts of [[Azoth]], and even a hint of lingering [[Winter magic]] from the Dead Patricians and their Blight. There are reports of a few Grendel camps here as well, scouts trapped behind enemy lines when the flood rushed in.

Scouts report that this area is where the peculiar ''marsh flowers'', some of which possess magical properties, are most abundant. There also seem to be spontaneously occurring sources of [[vis]] here - [[Vis#Warm Honey|warm honey]], [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]], and [[Vis#Crystal_Fire|crystal fire]]. In addition, there are a number of oddities - things that either were not here before of have been changed so much as to be effectively new. There is apparently a tower that rises out of the river itself and changes subtly over a course of several days, which puts viewers in mind of a lighthouse despite being miles from the Bay of Catazar. There is a standing pool of ebony water that does not reflect humans or orcs; anything staring into it sees only a monstrous image of themselves. A fountain in the courtyard of an old parador that once stood by the road along the banks of the Scorrero that now flows with rainbow waters; drinking from them by moonlight can prompt a transformation in humans such that they unpredictably gain [[briar]], [[naga]] or [[draughir]] [[lineage]].

==Strategic Considerations==
* '''The damage to the bridges along the Scorrero prevents movement between Madruga and both Feroz and Segura'''
The damage to almost all the bridges along the Scorrero means that it is effectively impossible for an [[Imperial army|army]] to move between Madruga and both [[Feroz]] and [[Segura]] (or vice versa). More information can be found in the '''[[Where_the_river_rises#Crossing|Where the river rises]]''' wind of fortune.

{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Madruga|Territory=Madruga|Season=Winter}}
==Lost and Ruined==
{{Anchor|Siroc}}
=== Siroc (Ruined) ===
The Sapphire, the City of a Thousand Sails, was acknowledged as the pre-eminent city of the Freeborn. The city was said to have been founded by the [[Guerra]] family shortly after the Freeborn came to the Brass Coast. It lay in Madruga close by the border with [[Feroz]]. Brightly coloured tents extended Siroc out far beyond the small cluster of stone buildings that made up the heart of the city. Sails of all shapes and sizes filled the sheltered bay, which was guarded by a series of iron woven nets and chains bought at great expense from the forges of Wintermark.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Parador.jpg|caption=The City of A Thousand Sails was home to many fine paradors.|title=Art by Beth Dooner|align=right|width=600}}
Siroc was the site of the '''Glass Parador''', where the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]] held court. It was also the location of the ''Parador of the Kindled Flame'', an [[folly|orphanage]] whose [[Construct Parador of the Kindled Flame|construction]] was overseen by '''Laughlan Vi Temeschwar''', the first [[Master of Rings]]. One of only a small number of permanent stone structures of any size in the City of a Thousand Sails, it was surprisingly understated and utilitarian with the only notable decoration being a small plaque at the entrance bearing the legend “''In Virtue we remember those who watch over others''", and a list of names of those who helped construct the sanctuary.

It was also the site of the [[#Commonwealth Embassy (Ruined)|Commonwealth Embassy]], a severe structure that represented the Commonwealth's diplomatic relationship with the Empire.

The city prospered for centuries, but following the Autumn Equinox 385YE it was [[A beacon of smoke|burned to the ground]] by the Grendel and their [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] allies, apparently in retaliation for the Empire's role in the [[Mosaic|destruction of the city of Chalonsio]] in Asavea. While some of the stone buildings survived, the majority of the structures were wood and canvas, and were destroyed by fire. The transforming flood that swept through the territory towards the end of 386YE sealed Siroc's fate - those ruins not sinking into marsh mud are lost beneath the waters of the Bay, and any hope of restoring the city to its former glory is gone.
===Commonwealth Embassy (Ruined)===
The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth|Commonwealth Embassy]] was located in [[#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]]. It consisted of several buildings built after the severe Commonwealth style, which stood in beautifully laid out and maintained gardens, surrounded by a low white granite wall. Despite the severity of the architecture, the embassy was surprisingly welcoming - the gates stood permanently open, albeit under the watchful gaze of a cadre of Commonwealth soldiers attached to the staff of ambassador Mila Eisenfalke. The majority of the staff were human, although there were apparently half a dozen orcs whose role on the ambassadorial staff is not clear. There were no daeva citizens working at the embassy as far as Imperial observers can make out. When the city of Siroc was attacked by the Grendel and their Asavean allies, almost all the soldiers garrisoned here perished while fighting bravely alongside the Freeborn defenders of the Salt Guard.
===The Salt Guard (Ruined)===
A grand [[fortification]] [[The_same_bed#The_Salt_Guard|designed]] by Menno van Ritsjhof comprised of two stout fortifications on either side of the bay along the approach to Siroc. Each fort is equipped with powerful trebuchet and catapults. A garrison of skilled mariners and corsairs ensures the towers are always ready to respond to any threat, and with the significant reinforcement of the existing iron chains and nets that guard the harbour they are extremely effective against shore offensives. He believes that not only will a sea assault against Siroc be made nigh impossible, but that the garrisons of the two towers would also be in a position to protect the Lyceum which lies to the south-east of Siroc proper.
{{anchor|The Atalaya Shipyards}}
===The Atalaya Shipyards (Ruined)===
Following a [[Construct_Madruga_shipyard|motion]] at the first [[Imperial Senate]] session in Winter 376YE, work began to expand the docks of Atalaya. Under the guidance of Miroslav, Senator for the [[The League|League]] city of [[Sarvos]], many wains of white granite and weirwood were committed to building both a massive seawall, and a great Imperial shipyard equipped with drydocks, powerful cranes for loading and unloading, and expanded warehouses and work spaces. Completed shortly before Autumn 377YE, the shipyard provided significant benefits to the Freeborn [[fleet|ships]] based in Madruga. In addition, the facilities here proved sufficient to allow the construction of the first [[Imperial navy]] since the days of [[Emperor Barabbas]]; [[Raise_Freeborn_navy|work]] began on constructing Freeborn vessels in Winter 378YE.

It is perhaps fitting that when the [[Grendel]] invaded Madruga after the Autumn Equinox 381YE, and [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destroyed the shipyard]] the Freeborn Storm was [[Navy_orders#Put_to_Port|put to port]] and shared the same fiery fate as the docks where it was created.
===The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)===
Built in [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]], this massive white-and-gold tower was one of the most prominent landmarks in the Empire. It was often adopted by Freeborn sailors as a symbol of the Brass Coast as a whole; when they can see the beacon of the Shining Pillar, they knew they were home. The grand lighthouse echoed the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_of_Alexandria Lighthouse of Alexandria] in design, rather than more modern tall cylindrical towers, and was constructed of white granite. Mithril mirrors captured and amplified the light of the fire burning atop it, which was kept burning by a cadre of attendants who lived in the tower.

During the Grendel [[A beacon of smoke|invasion of Madruga]] in Winter 385YE, the Shining Pillar was [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Save_the_Shining_Pillar_(Battle)|annihilated]] by the servants of [[Siakha]], and the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Objective:_Rescue_the_Beacon_Watch|Beacon Watch]] were slaughtered. The terrible rites performed there not only destroyed the lighthouse and drowned the rocky island on which it was built, but they [[The_cry_of_gulls#The_Darkened_Beacon|apparently tore open]] a terrible maelstrom, something akin to a [[fane]] for Siakha allowing the eternal to send their servants to the [[Bay of Catazar]].

==OOC Notes==
* As of the start of the Winter Solstice 386YE, the Children of Wrecks control Free Landing, the Empire controls Calvos Sound, Lightsea, and Torres, and Quiet Grasses, Crucible, and Siroc Bayou are uncontrolled.
* The maelstrom that now occupies the site of the [[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] serves as a two thousand strength [[fortification]] controlled by [[Siakha]].
* [[farm|Farms]] in the territory benefit from both the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]] and the South-West Roads and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
* [[Business|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from both the Blood Red Roads and the South-West Roads and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
{{Brass Coast Links}}

Madruga

2025-04-20T13:46:01Z

Wrenna: /* Crucible */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofMadruga.png|caption=Madruga of the Jewelled Isles is home to merchants, corsairs, and fluttering multicoloured sails|title=Regions of Madruga|align=left|width=500}}[[Category:Gazetteer]]
{{Stub}}
== Overview ==
Madruga of the Jewelled Isles is the easternmost territory of the Brass Coast, running from the [[Kahraman]] mountains down to the Bay of Catazar. Down the coast of Madruga and [[Feroz]] the [[corsair|corsairs]] and merchants raise their sails, running goods to [[Bastion]] and [[Sarvos]], trading with foreign powers, and fighting off barbarian incursions.

It is the most densely settled of the Freeborn territories; the nation began here, with the landing of the three sisters and their families at old [[#Atalaya|Atalaya]]. Over generations, their descendants spread across the mainland building and cultivating, until Madruga was tamed. Today, it is scattered with villages and small towns - the sprawling city [[#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]] at it's height rivalled the cities of [[the League]] in size and wealth.

It is the spiritual home of the [[Corsair|corsairs]]; many maritime families have lived on the islands of [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]] and [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]] since the earliest days of the Freeborn nation.

The history of Madruga is one of change, however. The [[Grendel]] have attacked the islands and towns here for centuries; usually their fleets are intercepted at sea before they can do too much damage, but there have been times when their raiders have sacked coastal settlements. For a few harrowing months in the years before the foundation of the Empire, the Grendel swept inland here conquering [[#Lightsea|Lightsea]] and the islands, and threatening to burn Siroc. They were turned back after months of vicious fighting, but the memory of their attack is sometimes credited by historians as being a factor in the decision of the Freeborn to join the Empire. Since the disappearence of [[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]], life in the territory has become even more tumultuous, with regular Grendel attacks compounded with deadly magical chaos.
==Recent History==
After the Autumn Equinox 381YE, the [[Grendel]] armada invaded Madruga. They [[381YE Winter Solstice winds of war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destroyed the Freeborn Storm]], burnt the [[Madruga#The_Atalaya_Shipyards_.28Ruined.29|Atalaya shipyards]], and brought the Black Thorns to the brink of annihilation. Their forces then moved against [[Madruga#Lightsea|Lightsea]], raided the port of Quzar, and within short order half the coast of Madruga was in their hands. The Empire responded quickly, driving the Grendel out, but it was only a matter of time before they returned.

They returned in force in the Winter of 385YE, accompanied by warships from the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. In a surprise attack, they [[A beacon of smoke|burnt the city of Siroc]], and established a beachhead in what was then Siroc Plains. In the coming months, war and powerful [[Spring magic]] battered the region, culminating in the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Save_the_Shining_Pillar_(Battle)|destruction of the Silent Pillar]] and the formation of the [[Children of Wrecks]]. The [[Siakha]]-inspired pirates began a rampage of their own, even going so far as to use Spring magic to isolate the islands of Free Landing, turning them into a stronghold of their own that Imperial armies cannot approach.

As if this were not bad enough, a [[Colourblind|peculiar blight]] began to spread across the [[#Quiet Grasses|Great Grasses]] in the north-east. The grasslands were quickly turned to ash and dust, and the desiccating [[Winter magic]] threatened to spill over into [[Kahraman]] and [[Segura]]. The cause of the spreading desert was discovered to be a generations-old conspiracy of the ''Aldea di Tutamen'' family who had become awful harbingers of destruction called the Dry Patricians. Their awful threat was stopped by Imperial heroes, but the blight remained.

Then in Autumn 386YE, ritual magicians from every Freeborn [[tribe]] raised the wrath of the Scorrero river, causing it to [[Where the river rises|break its banks]] in a cataclysmic expression of [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]] and [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]]. A cleansing tide swept across the Great Grasses, washing away the remnants of the blight. In the process, however, the magical floods also transformed the southern reaches of the territory, leaving three new regions that, as the Winter Solstice 386YE approaches, are still being carefully explored.

== Major Features ==
===Trajadoz===
The town of Trajadoz in north-western [[#Torres|Torres]] was founded roughly three hundred years ago by the Trajaduz family of traders who were intent on fostering trade between the mines of newly conquered [[Kahraman]] and the wealth of [[Sarvos]]. The most recent influx of townsfolk was during the invasion of [[Segura]] in 363YE. Since the reclamation of Segura in 378YE it stood mostly empty, save for a few bandits, as the Freeborn returned to their homes. Following the end of the rebellion in Marracoss and Emphedor Imperial fleet captains had an opportunity to [[Through_my_sails#Evacuation|evacuate some of the defeated rebels]]. Roughly a third of the refugees, offered sanctuary in the Empire, have [[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|taken up residence]] in the mostly abandoned town, and created a community.

The Marracossans (never Nemorians, and rarely accepting Asavean) are a disparate group; made up of priests and soldiers, crafters and traders. One of their number Leonorada Rousseau, [[Asavean_Archipelago#Religion|priest of Aseus]], has spent some time in the paradors of nearby [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos]]. They have made clear that they, and their community, like the Empire, and they like the town of Tradajoz. They wish to remain in the town, but Leonorada understands that the community's intent to continue following and worshipping their gods could lead to some unfortunate accusations. In Winter 384YE, the Imperial Senate [[Cede Trajadoz|ceded control of Trajadoz]] to the Nemorians. This has raised a few concerns among their neighbours as it frees them to build temples to their gods if they wish - and indeed to do anything else they want to do. You can read more about the Marracossans in the '''[[Large_but_far_away#Asavea|Large but far away]]''' wind of fortune.
===Calvos===
The bustling town of Calvos lies on the shores of [[#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]]. The slopes outside the town are rich with grapes, and the fine wines produced here travel all over the Empire. Even the sommeliers of the [[The League|League]] pay well for a Calvos vintage. The [[Paragons and Exemplars|exemplar]] [[Zemress|Zemress i Ezmara i Erigo]] was born here towards the end of the second century YE, and her ship ''The Kraken's Bane'' is housed at a special dry dock here. The ship is a destination for many pilgrims of [[Prosperity]] from as far afield as the [[Sumaah Republic]], as was the nearby [[Zemress#The_Seminary_of_Zemress|Seminary]] before it was destroyed in a [[Below_the_thunders#In_Roaring,_Rise|cataclysmic storm]]. Near the seminary ruins stands the [[Hand of Guerra#House of Guerra|House of Guerra]], a place dedicated to supporting refugees to the Empire, especially those who seek a new family among the Freeborn, and the [[The_power_behind_our_moves#Calvos|Zemress Naval Academy]] (also known as the School of Blood and Brass) where the Freeborn study maritime warfare and the construction of warships.
{{Anchor|The Lyceum}}
=== The Lyceum (Hidden)===
The Lyceum was established during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] on an island east of Siroc. It is a centre of arcane learning in the Empire, and the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] maintains sumptuous apartments here. Approach to the island is carefully controlled by the magicians and professors, and the most promising magicians are invited to study or teach there.

During the Winter Solstice 385YE, Imperial heroes [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Intercede_at_the_Lyceum_(Battle)|traveled to the Lyceum]] to protect its secrets from the Grendel who sought to claim them. In the process, they activated powerful wards that hid the island behind a wall of fog preventing barbarian or Imperial ships from reaching it. The walls are expected to remain until shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE.
===Atalaya===
The town of Atalaya in [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]] marks the place where the Brass Coast was born; the first landing of the three sisters and their families. Built around the side of a secluded cove, the seas around the island that share its name are a navigational nightmare. Before the [[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] was built, reaching the hidden docks of Atalaya was a feat to tax the most skilled ship's crews. Today, the landwards channel has been widened but is protected by hidden obstructions that only the Freeborn pilots know well. Atalaya is also known for its deep natural harbour - many ships of the Freeborn fleet count Atalaya as their home port.

Atalaya is the oldest Freeborn settlement in the Brass Coast, but its prominence was eclipsed centuries ago by [[#Lightsea|Quzar]]. Today, it is a place of pilgrimage for many Freeborn followers of [[the Way]] - there are a number of shrines and temples dedicated to [[Pride]] and [[Vigilance]] here. The [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#School of the Sanguine Bloom|School of the Sanguine Bloom]], one of the most prestigious schools dedicated to herb-lore in the Brass Coast also stands here, founded long ago by Sameen i Riqueza, youngest daughter of [[Riqueza]] herself.

With the rise of the [[Children of Wrecks]]], the oldest settlement of the Freeborn has been lost to the nation. The museums have been looted, and the once beautiful town transformed into a den of pirates.
===Freeborn Flame Marina===
Work began on the [[Construct_Atalaya_Harbour|reconstruction]] of Atalaya harbour following an opportunity [[The_power_behind_our_moves#Atalaya|presented]] after the National Assembly of the Brass Coast called on the people of Feroz to flee the territory rather than suffer under the hands of the Grendel. Work was completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 385YE and the abundance of willing, talented shipwrights meant [[fleet|fleets]] were more easily upgradeable, at least until the Brass Coast reclaim Feroz. Unfortunately, along with Atalaya, the Freeborn Flame Marina is currently in the hands of the Children of Wrecks.

On the harbour, looking out to sea, are a number of statues each one different but reminiscent of contemporary Freeborn.

===Sunset Roads===
{{Anchor|South-West Roads}}With encouragement from the notoriously sea-averse Faraden, a grand highway connects Siroc with Calvos, cutting across the territory rather than following the coast. A shorter road runs along the northern banks of the Scorrero, crossing just north of [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]] in [[Segura]] via a beautiful arched bridge of white granite. While the road is used extensively by the Faraden, it also serves to cut the journey time from the northern borders of Madruga to the trading city of Siroc, making it a popular route for Freeborn and League merchants as well.

The south-west roads are a [[great work]] that complement the already existing [[Lorenzo's Legacy#Blood Red Roads|Blood Red Roads]], bringing increased prosperity to the owners of [[farm|farms]] and [[business|businesses]] in Madruga.
=== The Spider's Dream ===
An elegant bridge spans the river Vassa, connecting [[#Torres|Torres]] to the town of [[Sarvos#Bocche|Trivento]] in Sarvos. It is a marvelous piece of engineering that resembles a spider's web. The [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider%27s_Dream|Spider's Dream]] has significant strategic importance - without it armies cannot cross the Vassa between Sarvos and Madruga without going north and passing through Tassato and the Mournwold. It is overseen by the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep|Spider's Tollkeep]], an [[Imperial title]] uniquely appointed by both the [[senator|senators]] of the League and the Brass Coast together.

The Spider's Dream was once severely damaged by the [[Jotun]], but has since been extensively rebuilt and fortified.

==Regions==
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=MadrugaBorders.png|caption=A very rough region map of Madruga|align=right|width=600}}</div>
===Calvos Sound===
'''Quality:''' Coastal<br>
The town of [[#Calvos|Calvos]] stands on the shores of Calvos Sound; the entire [[territory#regions|region]] is named for the great shallow bay that cuts into the eastern shores of the Brass Coast. The waters of the Sound are prime fishing grounds, and the surrounding slopes are known for their rich agriculture, especially grapes, grapefruits, and pomegranates. At the end of the [[Imperial_history#.28281_YE_-_300_YE.29_The_Second_Interregnum|second interregnum]], Calvos Sound was the site of a vicious engagement between [[Grendel]] raiders and the forces of the [[Red_Wind_Corsairs#History|Red Wind Corsairs]]. Despite catastrophic losses, the Freeborn army held. Close to breaking they were forced to retreat, but the campaign achieved its purpose by convincing the nations of the south that the threat from the Grendel was real, events that would eventually lead to the elevation of [[Empress Deanne]]. To this day, many of the people of Calvos Sound have a notable antipathy for the orcs of the Broken Shore.
===Lightsea===
'''Quality:''' Coastal<br>
A well-settled region known for the friendliness of its [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors|paradors]]. The largest settlement here is '''Quzar''', a bustling port town of white towers and stained glass that is sometimes described as the soul of the Brass Coast. The Towers of Quzar are known as a gathering place for [[hakima]] from all across the nation - an annual "council" meets here every midsummer to share knowledge and gossip. Since the completion of the [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]], a large community of hakima, including a significant number of refugees from Feroz, have taken up permanent residence here. The town is now best known for its community of magicians, especially those versed in [[Autumn magic]].

Many of the coastal settlements here were plundered by the Grendel during their incursion toward the end of 381YE. Quzar in particular was hard hit by the orc raiders, with some damage to the town and significant damage to the wealth of the citizens. A year later toward the end of 382YE potent magic [[The_mystic,_the_willful#Miracles_in_Lightsea|restored the town]], wiping away any sign the Grendel were ever there.
===Torres===
The northernmost region of Madruga, and one end of the [[#The Spider's Dream|Spider's Dream]]. The land here is a little more rugged than in the southern regions, and the climate is generally cooler. The people who dwell here share some of the reputation of the miners of [[Kahraman]]; as being suspicious and quarrelsome. Partly this reputation might be a result of regular clashes between Freeborn traders and [[the League|League]] merchants out of [[Sarvos]]. A regular 'problem' for the inhabitants is that League merchants would prefer to travel south to the more prosperous towns of the eastern coast to sell their wares, bypassing the markets of Torres. It is shameful to admit, but there are more incidents of brigandry against League caravans in Torres than in almost any other area around the Bay of Catazar. When such incidents get out of hand, the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is often prevailed upon to sort them out.

The town of [[#Trajadoz|Trajadoz]] is found in the north-west of Torres. Formerly a home to Freeborn displaced from Kahraman and Segura, it is now home to a very different group of refugees - Marracossan exiles from the [[Asavean Archipelago]].
===Free Landing===
'''Quality:''' Coastal, Island<br>
The sprawling islands that form the region of Free Landing are diverse and well-settled. The islands here were the first home of the Freeborn - the town of [[#Atalaya|Atalaya]] marks the spot where the Brass Coast proper began. When the Grendel invaded Madruga in Winter 381YE, they looted many precious relics from the town of Atalaya and burnt the shipyard there to the ground. In the process they destroyed the Freeborn [[Imperial navy|navy]], the Freeborn Storm.

The waters between the islands have a reputation for being treacherous and difficult for foreign captains; during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Empire built a great lighthouse here called '''[[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|the Shining Pillar]]''', which was [[The_cry_of_gulls#The_Darkened_Beacon|destroyed]] by forces loyal to the eternal [[Siakha]] during the Winter Solstice 385YE. In it's place, a perpetual churning maelstrom serves as a way for servants of the eternal to enter the mortal world and functions as an effective [[fortification]] defending the Children of Wrecks.

The waters around Free Landing have become treacherous due to the presence of dozens of immature kraken hatched in the waters by the Children of Wrecks. As a result, the region has gained the '''island''' quality, it cannot be attacked by armies unless each army is accompanied by a navy capable of conveying the soldiers across.#{{Anchor|Great Grasses}}
===Quiet Grasses===
* '''Qualities:''' Quiet
The Great Grasses were consumed by the Blight, but have now been restored thanks to the surging Spring waters. They are marked not only from the flooding of the Scorrero, but from a year or more of gentle rain conjured with [[Regrow the Land's Heart]]. Where once there was a sea of jade and emerald grasses, and then a lifeless desert of ash and dust, there is now a profusion of plants and flowers. The grass is disimilar to that which grew before - standing easily taller than the tallest soldier and remarkably resistant to damage. Where the thickets of grass are densest, it is slow going trying to make headway and all too easy to get lost. In addition to the grasses there are large numbers of broad, open meadows covreed in ''flameblooms'' - a mass of previously unseen flowers that grow in a profusion of shapes and a riot of reds, oranges, yellows, and an extremely rare white petalled variety.

There is an odd silence to the Grasses now. The grasses seem to eat sounds, causing the cries of circling hawks to fall flat and even the blaring of horns sounds tinny and can be heard over a comparatively short distances. Even the wind whispers as it flows across the plains. Some scouts tagged the place as the "Quiet Grasses," and while the name may have begun as a wry commentary it has quickly spread. Magicians say that this silence is partly due to a lingering touch of Winter magic - not the harsher resonances [[Winter_magic#Death|death]] or [[Winter_magic#Survival|survival]] but something less tangible - a sense of sadness, loss, or perhaps the [[Winter_magic#Wisdom|wisdom]] that comes from an awareness of [[Winter magic#Ending|ending]], tinged with the wistfulness for the [[Winter_magic#Preservation|way things were before]].
{{Anchor|Siroc Plains}}
===Siroc Bayou===
* '''Qualities:''' Marsh, Coastal, Ruins, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
The region that was once Siroc Plains is now the [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]]. Slow moving streams and lakes of brackish water characterise the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayou bayou]. The river itself, and the gulf between Madruga and Feroz, teems with fish and other creatures. The fury of the Scorrero, already mitigated by the Crucible, loses itself in meandering, shifting streams as it makes its way to the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Here and there, ruined Freeborn settlements and structures emerge from the marshes, or stand surrounded by still pools of water. Even though the flooding that transformed the region are quite recent, many of these ruins look as if they have stood in the marshes for decades, heavily overgrown with odd plant growths. Others are more intact, often serving as lairs for the transformed creatures of the marsh. When the river rose, this region was under control of the Grendel, and [[Below_the_thunders#The_Latter_Fire|battle raged]] between the orcs and Imperial forces. The Grendel have since withdrawn almost all their forces, but there are still signs of abandoned encampments here. Some of the Broken Shore troops were left behind as well, and it seems that in the absence of any easy means of escape they have taken up banditry.

The City of Sails, poor ruined [[Madruga#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]], is now lost beneath the waters of the Bay, or consumed by the marsh. There is no chance of rebuilding - there is little left to rebuild on. There is apparently some interest in the [[Sarcophan Delves]] in [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail|purchasing salvage rights]] to the ruins, but only once the [[Children of Wrecks]] problem is resolved.
===Crucible===
* '''Qualities:''' Marsh, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
The new region of Madruga north of the Scorrero was once the southern Great Grasses and the western Siroc Plains. This place has been most obviously transfigured by the unleashed magic, and the odd haze reported by scouts is most pronounced here. Even the least magical explorer can sense that there is magic here; a mixture of Spring magic from the flood and the influence of [[Ossegrahn]], or Night magic tinged by the gifts of [[Azoth]], and even a hint of lingering [[Winter magic]] from the Dead Patricians and their Blight. There are reports of a few Grendel camps here as well, scouts trapped behind enemy lines when the flood rushed in.

Scouts report that this area is where the peculiar ''marsh flowers'', some of which possess magical properties, are most abundant. There also seem to be spontaneously occurring sources of [[vis]] here - [[Vis#Warm Honey|warm honey]], [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]], and [[Vis#Crystal_Fire|crystal fire]]. In addition, there are a number of oddities - things that either were not here before of have been changed so much as to be effectively new. There is apparently a tower that rises out of the river itself and changes subtly over a course of several days, which puts viewers in mind of a lighthouse despite being miles from the Bay of Catazar. There is a standing pool of ebony water that does not reflect humans or orcs; anything staring into it sees only a monstrous image of themselves. A fountain in the courtyard of an old parador that once stood by the road along the banks of the Scorrero that now flows with rainbow waters; drinking from them by moonlight can prompt a transformation in humans such that they unpredictably gain [[briar]], [[naga]] or [[draughir]] [[lineage]].

==Strategic Considerations==
* '''The damage to the bridges along the Scorrero prevents movement between Madruga and both Feroz and Segura'''
The damage to almost all the bridges along the Scorrero means that it is effectively impossible for an [[Imperial army|army]] to move between Madruga and both [[Feroz]] and [[Segura]] (or vice versa). More information can be found in the '''[[Where_the_river_rises#Crossing|Where the river rises]]''' wind of fortune.

{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Madruga|Territory=Madruga|Season=Winter}}
==Lost and Ruined==
{{Anchor|Siroc}}
=== Siroc (Ruined) ===
The Sapphire, the City of a Thousand Sails, was acknowledged as the pre-eminent city of the Freeborn. The city was said to have been founded by the [[Guerra]] family shortly after the Freeborn came to the Brass Coast. It lay in Madruga close by the border with [[Feroz]]. Brightly coloured tents extended Siroc out far beyond the small cluster of stone buildings that made up the heart of the city. Sails of all shapes and sizes filled the sheltered bay, which was guarded by a series of iron woven nets and chains bought at great expense from the forges of Wintermark.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Parador.jpg|caption=The City of A Thousand Sails was home to many fine paradors.|title=Art by Beth Dooner|align=right|width=600}}
Siroc was the site of the '''Glass Parador''', where the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]] held court. It was also the location of the ''Parador of the Kindled Flame'', an [[folly|orphanage]] whose [[Construct Parador of the Kindled Flame|construction]] was overseen by '''Laughlan Vi Temeschwar''', the first [[Master of Rings]]. One of only a small number of permanent stone structures of any size in the City of a Thousand Sails, it was surprisingly understated and utilitarian with the only notable decoration being a small plaque at the entrance bearing the legend “''In Virtue we remember those who watch over others''", and a list of names of those who helped construct the sanctuary.

It was also the site of the [[#Commonwealth Embassy (Ruined)|Commonwealth Embassy]], a severe structure that represented the Commonwealth's diplomatic relationship with the Empire.

The city prospered for centuries, but following the Autumn Equinox 385YE it was [[A beacon of smoke|burned to the ground]] by the Grendel and their [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] allies, apparently in retaliation for the Empire's role in the [[Mosaic|destruction of the city of Chalonsio]] in Asavea. While some of the stone buildings survived, the majority of the structures were wood and canvas, and were destroyed by fire. The transforming flood that swept through the territory towards the end of 386YE sealed Siroc's fate - those ruins not sinking into marsh mud are lost beneath the waters of the Bay, and any hope of restoring the city to its former glory is gone.
===Commonwealth Embassy (Ruined)===
The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth|Commonwealth Embassy]] was located in [[#Siroc (Ruined)|Siroc]]. It consisted of several buildings built after the severe Commonwealth style, which stood in beautifully laid out and maintained gardens, surrounded by a low white granite wall. Despite the severity of the architecture, the embassy was surprisingly welcoming - the gates stood permanently open, albeit under the watchful gaze of a cadre of Commonwealth soldiers attached to the staff of ambassador Mila Eisenfalke. The majority of the staff were human, although there were apparently half a dozen orcs whose role on the ambassadorial staff is not clear. There were no daeva citizens working at the embassy as far as Imperial observers can make out. When the city of Siroc was attacked by the Grendel and their Asavean allies, almost all the soldiers garrisoned here perished while fighting bravely alongside the Freeborn defenders of the Salt Guard.
===The Salt Guard (Ruined)===
A grand [[fortification]] [[The_same_bed#The_Salt_Guard|designed]] by Menno van Ritsjhof comprised of two stout fortifications on either side of the bay along the approach to Siroc. Each fort is equipped with powerful trebuchet and catapults. A garrison of skilled mariners and corsairs ensures the towers are always ready to respond to any threat, and with the significant reinforcement of the existing iron chains and nets that guard the harbour they are extremely effective against shore offensives. He believes that not only will a sea assault against Siroc be made nigh impossible, but that the garrisons of the two towers would also be in a position to protect the Lyceum which lies to the south-east of Siroc proper.
{{anchor|The Atalaya Shipyards}}
===The Atalaya Shipyards (Ruined)===
Following a [[Construct_Madruga_shipyard|motion]] at the first [[Imperial Senate]] session in Winter 376YE, work began to expand the docks of Atalaya. Under the guidance of Miroslav, Senator for the [[The League|League]] city of [[Sarvos]], many wains of white granite and weirwood were committed to building both a massive seawall, and a great Imperial shipyard equipped with drydocks, powerful cranes for loading and unloading, and expanded warehouses and work spaces. Completed shortly before Autumn 377YE, the shipyard provided significant benefits to the Freeborn [[fleet|ships]] based in Madruga. In addition, the facilities here proved sufficient to allow the construction of the first [[Imperial navy]] since the days of [[Emperor Barabbas]]; [[Raise_Freeborn_navy|work]] began on constructing Freeborn vessels in Winter 378YE.

It is perhaps fitting that when the [[Grendel]] invaded Madruga after the Autumn Equinox 381YE, and [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#To_Fool_The_Crowd|destroyed the shipyard]] the Freeborn Storm was [[Navy_orders#Put_to_Port|put to port]] and shared the same fiery fate as the docks where it was created.
===The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)===
Built in [[#Free Landing|Free Landing]], this massive white-and-gold tower was one of the most prominent landmarks in the Empire. It was often adopted by Freeborn sailors as a symbol of the Brass Coast as a whole; when they can see the beacon of the Shining Pillar, they knew they were home. The grand lighthouse echoed the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_of_Alexandria Lighthouse of Alexandria] in design, rather than more modern tall cylindrical towers, and was constructed of white granite. Mithril mirrors captured and amplified the light of the fire burning atop it, which was kept burning by a cadre of attendants who lived in the tower.

During the Grendel [[A beacon of smoke|invasion of Madruga]] in Winter 385YE, the Shining Pillar was [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Save_the_Shining_Pillar_(Battle)|annihilated]] by the servants of [[Siakha]], and the [[A_beacon_of_smoke#Objective:_Rescue_the_Beacon_Watch|Beacon Watch]] were slaughtered. The terrible rites performed there not only destroyed the lighthouse and drowned the rocky island on which it was built, but they [[The_cry_of_gulls#The_Darkened_Beacon|apparently tore open]] a terrible maelstrom, something akin to a [[fane]] for Siakha allowing the eternal to send their servants to the [[Bay of Catazar]].

==OOC Notes==
* As of the start of the Winter Solstice 386YE, the Children of Wrecks control Free Landing, the Empire controls Calvos Sound, Lightsea, and Torres, and QUiet Grasses, Crucible, and Siroc Bayou are uncontrolled.
* The maelstrom that now occupies the site of the [[#The Shining Pillar (Destroyed)|Shining Pillar]] serves as a two thousand strength [[fortification]] controlled by [[Siakha]].
* [[farm|Farms]] in the territory benefit from both the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]] and the South-West Roads and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
* [[Business|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from both the Blood Red Roads and the South-West Roads and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
{{Brass Coast Links}}

Made anew

2025-04-20T13:29:35Z

Wrenna: /* Rise in the Currents */

<ic>They'd met up in what Arlo took to be the remains of an old watchtower, probably dating back to the time when Madruga was the extent of the Brass Coast. It was overgrown with strange oval-leafed ivy but a few experimental prods with a halberd indicated that it wasn't threatening. The broken walls gave a modicum of shelter from the winds - not cold, even in Winter, not this far south, but insistent. He had been setting up the bedrolls while Lola used some of their precious store of dry wood and kindling to start a campfire over which she intended to cook the odd fish they'd caught earlier. There was a polite cough, and the two Freeborn explorers looked up to find two more guests come to join them. It had seemed rude to turn them away.

Volcis was an Urizen stargazer, who airly explained their theory that while the strangeness here was clearly a result of the river rising, its ''foundations'' had been built by the use of Imperial enchantments. Their companion, Billiam, was an unstereotypically cheerful Bregas in reed-woven mage armour with an iron-shod staff and an endless store of riddles, funny stories, and homespun proverbs that Arlo half-suspected he made up on the spot. They were all tired, and muddy, but hot fish and hot tea - Volcis had a series of little pots with various different flavours that they insisted on sharing with the Freeborn - and good company had revitalised their spirits.

As the moon rose, Billiam excused himself to answer a "natural call", and went a short distance into the dark. After a few moments, his voice drifted back towards the campfire.

"Riddle me this," he said and there was a peculiar edge to his voice. "What has eight piggy trotters, two snuffling piggy noses, eight mad piggy eyes, and two twisty piggy tails?"

Lola and Arlo exchanged a worried look at the Marcher's tone. Vorcis seemed oblivious, considering for a moment before calling a reply. "Is it... two pigs?"

"Noooooo. There's only... uh... one of them and ''paragonspreserveusitsseenme''!"

Both Freeborn grabbed for their weapons but before they could rush to see what had panicked Billiam' there came a shouted invocation followed by a loud squeal and the sound of something large being hurled to the ground. The night was suddenly split by a noise that a League writer might have described as "oink" but sounded a lot more like a horrible high pitched squealing bellowing composed equal parts of snot and fury.

The Marcher barreled back into the ruined tower, eyes wide, clearly terrified.

"It's right behind me!" he shouted.

Jumping over the campfire, turning, readying his staff, Billiam shouted for Vorcis to get behind him. The two Freeborn moved to flank him. The Urizen scholar finished stood up, unhurried, still drinking their tea. They peered back the way Billiam had come with the detached professional curiosity of the fascinated Merrow.

The thing was indeed right behind Billiam and as the monstrous porcine horror erupted into the circle of light, four-fold jaws snapping open like impossible scissors, Vorcis nodded thoughtfully.

"Ah yes, of course," they said to themselves. "Eight eyes. ''Two'' pigs would have been ''four'' eyes."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sally Lightfoot Crab.jpg|align=left|caption=Southern Madruga has been made anew, a magical marsh spreading around the Scorrero river, drawing explorers and adventurers with hints of hidden mysteries.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Summer Solstice, magicians caused the Scorrero river to [[Where_the_river_rises#Annihilation_and_Transformation|burst its banks]], in the process washing away the desiccating blight that had transformed the [[Madruga#Great Grasses|Great Grasses]] into an ashen wasteland. The waters, infused with particles of [[ilium|star metal]] worked a powerful transformation on the territory, already scarred by [[A beacon of smoke|war]] with the [[Grendel]] and the [[Children of Wrecks]].

Now [[Where_the_river_rises#Shimmer|a strange marsh covers the southern reaches]] of Madruga. Following the Autumn equinox, [[military unit|daring champions]] and [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] [[Magical skills#Magician|magicians]] alike began to explore the changed territory and try to understand what this transfiguration portends.

As well as exploring the transformed regions, those visiting Madruga have identified a [[#Peace in silt and water|number of opportunities]] to harness the potential of the magic here, and perhaps enrich the beleagured territory.
==The Name I Once Wore==
{{SOP|statement=A large portion of Madruga is now a swamp, altered by Spring, Night, and Winter, the magics of Adversity. The Wise gather information, then act. Let those with the expertise to do so map the land, before we seek to reclaim it. A few months wait is a small price to pay to preserve your lives.|by=Soratio i Del'Toro, Freeborn Assembly|vote=Upheld 112-0|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE|size = small}}
<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Character</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td> Maryc </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> John a Woode </td><td> The Marches </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gisli "Provider" Baerson </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fay Baker </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Uhtræd Ironfeld </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teagan the Lionheart </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clint Strangewood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Androv Rasputin </td><td> Varushka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Culann </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ioseph </td><td> Urizen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kazmir Milankova Ygrev </td><td> Varushka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raknar </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Robert Cutler </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Evanna Sepulchre </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kali Keen-Eye </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vesper Lucentia </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Harrlick Tyde </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iñez i Azul-Mar i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Azar I Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bakar i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aracelis I Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Thomas </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delfina i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Farren Silver Streams </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Powell Open-Skies </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ella Aewulfson </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lord Galehault De'Licorne </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valdemar 'Goldgiver' </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ehmrys i Guerra </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jorma Steelhail Moralities Shield </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien </td><td> Urizen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lord Theodore De Rondell </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teddi Gryphontale </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Havvivah i Zabala i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mattias i Guerra </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Suna i Rincón i Guerra </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwydion Folded Blade </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hamish Thistlebark </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Xenia i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fortun i Guerra </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hilarion i Rincón i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adelyn 'Ever-Present' Lurask </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Velika Belharovich Prochnost </td><td> Varushka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Guillermo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ælfhelm </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amor i Martan i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Percival Gardener </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lumi, Harmonist of the Dawn </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Allegra i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rodric Worldscribe </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Inaros i Carmesí </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cassian Highwind </td><td> Urizen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arturo i Duran i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tylian </td><td> Urizen </td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Military units have explored the marshes using the ''Explore the Southern Reaches'' venture'''
* '''The venture remains available until the start of the Spring Equinox 387YE'''
* '''The map of Madruga is correct once again'''
* '''The rising river has permanently transformed three regions, and they have acquired new names and qualities'''
Madruga has been transfigured. Magic, chaos, and water together have created a great new marsh that covers what was once the southern Great Grasses, and the [[Madruga#Siroc Plains|Siroc Plains]]. After the Autumn Equinox, [[military unit|adventurous captains]] from all corners of the Empire came to Madruga to ''[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_interlude#Explore the Southern Reaches|Explore the Southern Reaches]]'', a [[Military_unit#Scouting|scouting]] [[venture]] intended to help map the extent of the new regions and better understand the changed Madruga. With the help of the civil service, these brave explorers have helped update the map of Madruga, and learn more about the extent of the changes here.

The southern marshes are very different to those found in [[Holberg]], [[Kallavesa]], and [[Bregasland]]. Like the rest of [[the Brass Coast]], Madruga's climate is warm, and the marshes reflect that. What were once scrubby and open plains now burst with colour and life. Many of the creatures that lived in or along the banks of the Scorrero have been changed by the combination of [[Spring magic|Spring]] and [[Night magic|Night]] magic. These creatures are not restricted to the marshes, some are sighted as far upstream as [[Segura#Cerevdo|Cerevado]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bayou.jpg|align=right|caption=The waters of the Scorrero still empty into the Bay of Catazar, but the river is sleepier now, and impossible trees grow along its banks.|width=500}}</div>
Trees now anchor the banks, grown impossibly fast over a handful of months. Willows, mangroves, and less identifiable breeds nod beside the spreading waterways, pools, and lagoons. In the early morning and the late evening, as the sun slips past the horizon, there is an almost tangible haze in the air, described variously as a ''shiver'' or ''shimmer'' by those who have seen it. It is hard to describe, and there's no consensus on what it looks like - some describe a thin mist, others say it reminds them of the way [https://www6.slac.stanford.edu/news/2022-11-30-shining-new-light-oil-slick-rainbows-and-other-thin-layer-physics light glints off oil on water sometimes]. Others talk more in terms of a feeling they can see or even smell. No-one can agree exactly what it looks like, with some scouts contending that it changes subtly over time.

Regardless, everyone can agree that everything here seems new, fresh, exciting. Even the familiarly mundane reeds and rushes seem full of unique potential much less the odd animals and peculiar flowers clamouring among them.

Thanks to the efforts of the explorers, the Empire has been able to update its maps of Madruga, and determine the layout of regions. Scrying rituals, and other forms of ritual magic that require detailed maps, now function with regards to the territory once more. Nonetheless, the explorers have only scratched the surface of the oddness and peculiarities in the southern reaches, and the [[Where the river rises#Into the Southern Reaches|venture remains available]] until the start of the Spring Equinox 387YE. A standard military unit that takes this venture will receive 6 random herbs and 2 pawns of vis (a combination of [[Vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]], [[Vis#Crystal Fire|crystal fire]], and even [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]]) instead of their usual production. Upgraded or enchanted military units will gain more though it is hard to predict exactly what they'll get.

Descriptions of the new regions explored by Imperial adventurers are now on the [[Madruga]] territory page: the '''[[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]]''',the '''[[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]]''', and the '''[[Madruga#Quiet Grasses|Quiet Grasses]]'''.

==Chaos and Order==
* '''Members of the Unfettered Mind and the Rod and Shield were urged to explore the southern reaches'''
* '''Between them they have evaluated the new regions and gained insight into the peculiar qualities they possess'''
While explorers spread out to undertake the vital if somewhat mundane task of mapping the changed land, two Conclave orders [[Concord#Guide and Order|committed]] to enter the marshes with the goal of understanding what happened here and what it might mean. The '''Dread Auntie''' [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Guide_Unfettered_Mind|urged her peers]] in the [[Unfettered Mind]] to explore the mysteries and '''Milton de Vere''' confirmed that the [[Rod and Shield]] would [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Guide_Rod_and_Shield|accompany them]].

While working together, both orders have their own particular interests in the southern reaches - the Unfettered Mind exist to boldly consider possibilities and opportunities that others may not consider, and have been involved with the magical chaos in Madruga since near the start. The members focus on exploring the magical mysteries of the new marshes, seeking wonders and enigmas. The Rod and Shield have been involved for almost as long, having been called on to offer protection and martial assistance. Their members split their time between ensuring that the assorted dangers of the marshes do not claim their fellow magicians, and seeing what strategic or tactical advantage they can identify in the altered land.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Sing of Tides==
* '''The Unfettered Mind have made a study of the magics at work here'''
The Unfettered Mind confirm a lot of things that had already been expected, but make some discoveries hitherto unknown. The odd powers that infuses the marshes are partly due to the nature of the magic that caused the Scorrero to break its banks, tinged with the influence of [[Ossegrahn]] who provided aid to the magicians who did so. It is partly due to the intervention of the Night eternal [[Azoth]] that helped break the connection between the Dry Patricians and the Winter magic that sustained them, specifically by claiming the potent regio from which they drew much of their energy. It is also partly due to the lingering influence of that self-same Winter magic, but shorn of its connections to [[Winter magic#Hunger|unquenchble thirst]]. The magic has been further complicated by the fact that, like the [[Ossium#Drownbark_Forest|Drownbark Forest]] in [[Ossium]], the waters of the Scorrero - and now the marshes and the Quiet Grasses - are infused with particles of [[ilium]] swept down from the mountains of [[Kahraman]]. Too diffuse to extract, but enough to anchor and strengthen the potent magics unleashed in saving Madruga from the forces of dessication, especially when one adds the preserving, durable nature of Winter energies to the mix.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Ease away my grateful skin</big>'''<br>
Some examples of the peculiar species encountered in the marshy regions of southern Madruga include the following. Gulls with gorgeous multicolour plumage more appropriate to jungle birds circle over the bay while predatory birds akin to oversized four-legged herons with barbed razor-sharp beaks and clever brindled creatures that might once have been river voles. Flocks of flightless avians that share many characteristics of the [[Mundane_beasts#Dodo_Birds|dodo]] birds that lived wild, or escaped from Freeborn farms, have seemingly gained abilities to [[Night magic#Obfuscation|camouflage]] themselves, their talons dripping with paralytic [[Spring magic#Venom|venom]]. Dragonflies as long as your arm, beetles the size of a clenched fist with shells that shift and shimmer like oil on water. Amphibious pig-like creatures that grub among the roots with armoured skin and a terrible grunting bellow that can rob the strength from the limbs of those who get too close. Alligator-like lizards with eight legs lurk beneath the open waters. Six-foot long harpoon fish that fire bony projectiles connected to muscular tendons that drag small prey into the water; pastel spider-crabs with disturbingly intelligent eyes and ten limbs whose flesh is apparently reamarkably tasty. It remains to be seen which creatures will prosper, and which die out in the coming years.

There are also creatures that may have been brought into being by the magic itself, possibly emerging from [[regio]] washed open by the magically infused water. Scouts report ambulatory creatures that look like stunted willow trees but have the faces of elderly people hidden behind their boughs that whisper in somnolent voices; drifting flitting multicoloured lights that bring dreams of lives not lived; and odd pale figures that look a little like Freeborn clad in funeral black who weep quietly beside the river and disappear into the waters when approached. Are they real, or symptoms of the almost hallucinatory influence of parts of the deep marsh?</box></div>
While there are pockets of Winter magic here and there, it is the resonances of [[Spring magic#Resonance|Spring]] and [[Night magic#Resonance|Night]] that have had the most influence. Resonances of [[Spring_magic#Chaos|chaos]] and [[Night_magic#Transformation|transformation]] have both acted on the land around the Scorrero, shaping and changing each other. The nature of the two [[eternal|eternals]] involved has also played its part. Azoth's essence is one of change and transfiguration, while Ossegrahn promotes a kind of gentle fertility. It's not clear that these influences are the result of conscious effort on behalf of the two eternals, so much as an unavoidable consequence of the parts they played in recent events.

The result has been that many of the beasts and plants that lived in the flooded areas have been altered and changed, to the point where some are unrecognisable. Yet there is also Winter magic here that provides a level of stability alien to both Spring and Night. This is not the rampant chaos of Yaw'nagrah, or of the vallorn. There are not endless unique variations of the natural world here, but rather the changes are akin to the creation of new species that will now grow and change and perhaps even spread according to natural laws.

Not only the beasts have been altered; there are trees growing here in a profusion rarely seen in the Brass Coast. Willows in the depths of the swamp, mangroves on the marshy coast, odd tall trees in the Quiet Grasses with long straight trunks that erupt into a labyrinthine tangled ball of branches fifteen feet or more off the ground. And everywhere, flowers. Dozens of different kinds, some unique or infused with magical potence, in an uncountable excess of hues and shapes.

The influence of Night magic in particular is felt in less tangible ways; it is easy to get lost in the marshes. Landmarks seem to shift imperceptibly when not observed. There is something almost hallucinatory about parts of the Crucible and the Siroc Bayou. Some of the Unfettered Mind explore the theory that the marsh may now be larger on the inside than it is on the outside, that if one takes the right (or wrong) routes, the place opens up around one. The more one pushes toward the centre, the larger the place becomes, as if there is a great deal more marsh than there is any right to be folded and crinkled up within the easily mappable borders. They're unable to properly test this theory but the common proposition is that a couple of regio that lay along the banks of the river have ruptured in some fashion, loosening the boundaries of the chambers and causing them to spill over into the surrounding territory.

One thing the Unfettered Mind do agree on is that there do not seem to be any permanent regio left in any of the three regions touched by the floods - the Quiet Grasses, Crucible, and Siroc Bayou. Rather they report the odd phenomenon that regio of Night and Spring, and occasionally Winter, open temporarily in places that resonate with their realm, persist for a few hours or days, then close again. Those who have entered the chambers associated with these regio describe them as "like the marshes, but even stranger." A few Unfettered Mind explorers have, sadly, disappeared while exploring these peculiar magical sites despite the best efforts of their guardians.

The details of the [[Madruga#Enigmatic|enigmatic]] and [[Madruga#Quiet|quiet]] qualities identified by the Unfettered Mind are listed on the [[Madruga]] territory page.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderRodAndShield.jpg|title=Order of the Rod and Shield|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Rise in the Currents==
* '''The Rod and Shield have also been active in the southern reaches'''
* '''They have assessed the area from a military standpoint'''
If they had come here by themselves, then many of the Unfettered Mind would have met gruesome ends at the claws, teeth, and paws of the new beasts that live here, or become so engrossed in their studies that they got lost and never reemerged from the marshes. As it is, the focus of the [[Rod and Shield]] keeps their peers in the Unfettered Mind relatively safe (although they can do only so much to protect them from themselves and their own tendency to disappear into enigmatic regio).

While many of the magicians of the martial order are just as fascinated by this place as the Unfettered Mind, they are more interested in strategic and tactical considerations. It is the Rod and Shield who identify some of the Grendel encampments in the marshes, and are in a position to neutralise the threat they present.

They establish that it is infeasible to clear the weird creatures from the marshes; but most of them are only hostile if threatened. Unfortunately there are enough predators who lack any fear of humans or orcs who will seek to predate them that they don't think the marshes will ever be safe. The idea of establishing large villages or towns in the marshes is laughable - but there ''are'' places where the chaotic magic ebbs a little, where it would be possible to establish settlements to explore and exploit the resources of the marshes, mostly along the borders to the north.

The details of the [[Madruga#Wild|wild]] and [[Madruga#Underpopulated|underpopulated]] qualities identified by the Rod and Shield are listed on the [[Madruga]] territory page.
===War and Change===
* '''Siroc Bayou, Crucible, and Quiet Grasses are uncontrolled'''
* '''The Children of Wrecks have raised their navy at Free Landing'''
The Rod and Shield also assess strategic situation in the territory. They are able to confirm that at the moment the three new regions are ''uncontrolled'' - although the ''wild'' quality of Siroc Bayou and Crucible may present challenges for Imperial forces sent to conquer them. Perhaps just as pressing is confirmation that the Children of Wrecks have completed their [[The gathering storm|scheme]] to forge a [[Imperial navy|navy]] from pirate ships and looted symbols of the [[Freeborn Storm]]. The ''Gathered Storm'', composed of ships from the Broken Shore, from foreign pirates, and Imperial traitors alike is now anchored at [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]]. The flagship of the navy incorporates the stolen [[The_gathering_storm#Objective:_Recover_the_Storm's_Child_figurehead|''Storm Child'' figurehead]], a clear taunt to the Freeborn.

The navy is able to support itself while the Children of Wrecks control the islands of Free Landing, the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]], and (if rumour is to be believed) similar bastions of unnatural power in the [[Bay_of_Catazar#Temple of Tempest Jade|Temple of Tempest Jade]] in [[Bay_of_Catazar#Raineach|Raineach]] and perhaps even the [[Iron Confederacy]]. With this force, supported by [[Spring magic]] and pirate vessels, they will be able to threaten any of the settlements along the Bay of Catazar - a cause for alarm for the people of [[Madruga#Quzar|Quzar]] and [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]].

===Bridges Over Turbulent Waters===
* '''It is still impossible for an Imperial army to move between Madruga and either Feroz or Segura'''
* '''The Rod and Shield propose that an appraisal by Lutomysla Niegoslava could resolve this issue'''
The Midpoint bridge - representing the only easy way to cross the Scorrero to Feroz - is no more. That same is true of the Cerevado bridge that once linked Madruga and Segura. The Rod and Shield located the ruins of both bridges, and found that nothing remained except shattered stonework on either side of the river. Rebuilding the bridges would still be a significant challenge, but there is some good news. The Rod and Shield magicians say that the broken [[white granite]] that once served as the foundation of each bridge bears signs of lingering Winter magic that has somehow preserved and protected these fragments from the chaos of the marshes. As such they seems to be quite stable, and show no sign of either sinking into the marshes or being swallowed by the verdant plant life.

This suggests a way to deal with the ''other'' problem, that building a road through shifting, Night-and-Spring infused marshlands is a major challenge even for the creativity of the Brass Coast. However, they believe that the ideal people to address this challenge would be Varushkans. One Rod and Shield versed in engineering goes so far as to propose that if the Senate wishes to create a durable and reliable connection between Segura and Feroz that will survive the weird marshes, they should could do worse than call on [[Appraisal#Lutomysla_Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]] - well versed as she is in Night magic - to bring some Varushkan road builders south to [[appraisal|appraise]] the problem. Until then, though, they believe that it will remain impossible to move an [[Imperial army]] between Madruga and Feroz, or between Madruga and Segura.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Milton de Vere, on behalf of the Rod and Shield, Autumn Equinox 386YE">The order of the Unfettered Mind seek to complete an expedition to investigate the unusual magics in the swamp in Madruga. The order of the Rod and Shield seek to support and defend our allies in this task.</quote></div>
===Mindtrap (Madruga)===
* '''Magicians of the Rod and Shield have suffered attacks from Grendel and Asaveans in the Crucible'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Sakari Nightscale'' is responsible for [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|dealing with]] the Grendel and Asaveans'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Last season the [[Rod and Shield|Order of the Rod and Shield]] were sent by '''Milton de Vere''', proxy [[grandmaster]] of the order, to Madruga. The battlemages of the Rod and Shield were to support and defend the [[Unfettered Mind]] in their task of [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Guide_Unfettered_Mind|investigating the unprecedented magics]]. The [[Where_the_river_rises#Mystery_and_Chaos|marshes]] had been changed by [[Night magic]] and so needed to be studied. Though there were no Grendel armies or navies in Madruga last season, there are still hundreds of the orcs of the Broken Shore and their Asavean allies - and groups of them followed the orders into the marshes.

After a season of strange battles - some of them seeming to last for hours or even days - the majority have been driven off or killed. One particularly large and dangerous group of Grendel and Asaveans remains - these mage-killers, lost to the madness of the Crucible, are readying themselves for one last attack, one last raid to kill as many of the Rod and Shield as they can. Given that the mage-killers are targeting members of the order, it is the responsibility of the incumbent [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], '''Sakari Nightscale''', to deal with them. If the Grendel and Asaveans are killed, then the magicians of the order will send some of their uncovered "oddities" to the kallavesi mystic after the summit.
<box><big>'''Remnant of Transformation'''</big><br>
* '''This area of the Crucible is under a powerful magical effect'''
* '''Everyone in this area of the Crucible is affected by a roleplaying effect: "<span style="color:#800080">You are certain that you on the cusp of greatness and that all paths lay open to you</span>" unless they have some way to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it'''
* '''Everyone in this area of the Crucible has two additional personal mana if they have the magician skill ''and'' they do not overcome the roleplaying effect'''
Being in the strangeness of the Crucible leaves a strange feeling of certainty and flux, which can be distracting to anyone who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome this feeling is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. A [[merrow]] can also draw on their calm nature to overcome the dangerous, heady feeling.</box>

==Participation==
If you took the the ''Explore the Southern Reaches'' action, or you are a member of the [[Unfettered Mind]] or [[Rod and Shield]] [[Conclave order]], you are encouraged to make up stories about the things you saw or encountered in the new marshes based on the descriptions above. The theme for this place is wonder, change, and strangeness. There is danger here, but it is the danger of predators that don't fear people or weird geographic features such as shifting land, hungry waters, or sucking mud.
==Peace in Silt and Water==
* '''A number of opportunities have been discovered by explorers and Conclave magicians in the southern reaches'''
Between them, the two groups - cunning scouts and Conclave magicians - have uncovered a number of [[opportunity|opportunities]] in Madruga. Most of these opportunities relate to the new regions, which are not currently controlled by anyone. There is no restriction on taking advantage of these opportunities, but anything built or established in a territory that is not Imperial is at serious risk of capture or destruction by outside forces.
===Flowers Bloom===
* '''Herb gardens in Madruga can harness some of the chaotic magic to cultivate ''marsh flowers'' at the expense of some of their resources' healing power'''
* '''The ritual ''Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop'' performed with a ring of ilium and an existing flower permanently diversifies the herb garden, causing it to lose four true vervain but produce two ''marsh flowers'' each event'''
* '''It is only possible to take advantage of this opportunity during the Winter Solstice'''
* '''It might be possible to create an arcane projection to allow future herb gardens in Madruga to gain this benefit'''
* '''An appraisal might find a way to establish ''marsh flowers'' in the Drownbark Forest'''
The full transformative magic of the effect that has overtaken the territory has mostly faded, but there is still a little potential. The Unfettered Mind have determined that an amount of water from the marshes, along with some earth, could be used to allow horticulturalists to cultivate a small number of marsh flowers in their own gardens. The catch is that it would need a boost of magical energy - and a full ring of [[ilium]] to capture that magic so that the flowers continue to prosper.

During the Winter Solstice, any herb garden in Madruga can be diversified to grow special ''marsh flowers''. This requires the garden to be targetted by a performance of [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]]. The ritual must include a ring of ilium and a single unused ''marsh flower'' for each target, both of which are consumed in the casting. The merciless Winter magic will cull the herb garden, and use the energies released to help a small number of ''marsh flowers'' to take root. The target herb garden permanently loses the ability to provide 4 drams of [[True Vervain]], but will instead produce two random ''marsh flowers'' each season.

This opportunity only exists at the Winter Solstice after which it will be too late to cultivate ''marsh flowers'' in this way, although the Unfettered Mind believe it might be possible to create an [[arcane projection]] using [[Winter magic]] of magnitude 20 that could achieve the same effect as long as it were performed on a herb garden in Madruga that had not already been subject to this effect. Unfortunately, there seems to be no way to cultivate ''marsh flowers'' outside of Madruga, although a suitable [[appraisal]] might be used to find a way to do so - most likely in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark forest]] where the combination of illium-infused marshwaters and powerful Night magic already exist.

===Rainbow Conservatory===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Rainbow Conservatory'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Crucible or Siroc Bayou in Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 wains mithil, 10 rings of ilium, 60 crowns labour (before [[Commission#Marshes|marsh modifier]])</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates title of ''Mistress of Glass Flowers''
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mistress of Glass Flowers'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Conclave, Imperial Bourse, or National Bourse as chosen by commissioner</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Candidacy]], [[Auction of the Seats]], or [[Tally of the Votes]] depending on type</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receive 6 ''marsh flowers'', and 3 pawns Adversity vis each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Rainbow Conservatory, support exploration of the southern reaches, make decisions involving ''marsh flowers''</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A conservatory to cultivate ''marsh flowers'' could be built in Crucible or Siroc Bayou'''
* '''The structure would be a sinecure that required 10 wains of mithril, 10 rings of ilium, and 60 crowns (before marsh penalty)'''
* '''It would create the title ''Mistress of Glass Flowers'' that would receive ''marsh flowers'' and Adversity vis'''
* '''The title could be appointed via the Conclave, or through the Bourse as either national or imperial'''
The exotic flowers growing in the marshes have magical power within but they only seem to prosper in the unique combination of magical residues, warm climate, and ilium. The Unfettered Mind, however, are of the opinion that there is an opportunity to bring a little order here, to cultivate the marsh flowers in a somewhat controlled environment. Their proposal is for a structure of glass and mithril, infused with ilium, that will provide a reliable source of marsh flowers. The best glass in the Empire, arguably, is produced in the Brass Coast which should make this a less challenging proposition than it might be elsewhere.

The ''Rainbow Conservatory'' would be built in the northern parts of the Crucible, or in Siroc Bayou, and staffed in part by members of the Unfettered Mind with an interest in botany, and Freeborn magicians with an interest in Spring, and Night magic. It would require 10 wains of mithril to provide the frame, 10 rings of ilium to enrich the environment within, and 60 crowns for the glass. Once complete it would create an Imperial title ''Mistress of Glass Flowers''. It would be up to the person responsible for [[commission|commissioning]] the conservatory as to how title could be appointed. It could be a Conclave position appointed by [[Declaration]] of [[Candidacy]], or a Bourse seat appointed either through [[Tally of the Votes]] for the nation Madruga is assigned to, or via the [[Auction of the Seats]] if an Imperial position is sought.

The main benefit would be that the Mistress would receive 6 random ''marsh flowers'' each season, along with 3 pawns of Adversity vis (a random mixture of Night, Spring, and Winter vis). They would be responsible for protecting the Rainbow Conservatory, for supporting adventurers, herbalists, and horticulturalists exploring the southern reaches of Madruga, and making decisions about opportunities relating to the ''marsh flowers'' of Crucible and Siroc Bayou.
===Camp of the Sand Crab===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gecarcinus_quadratus_(Nosara).jpg|align=right|caption=Fanciful stories spread that the Grendel who build the Camp of the Sand Crab were transformed into the odd tree-dwelling crustraceans that are, admittedly, quite common in the area.|width=500}}</div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mistress Sand Crab'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National Bourse</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Seats]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receive 6 ''marsh flowers'', and 3 pawns Adversity vis each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Rainbow Conservatory, support exploration of the southern reaches, make decisions involving ''marsh flowers''</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Sand Crab Camp provides a base of operations for explorers in the southern reaches of Madruga'''
* '''The Imperial Senate could give responsibility for the camp to the Unfettered Mind, the Rod and Shield, or the Brass Coast'''
* '''The appropriate Conclave order, or the new title of ''Mistress Sand Crab'' would receive four Adversity vis each season'''
* '''The Senate could commit money to expand the camp, increasing the vis received'''
While exploring the north-eastern Crucible, some of the [[military unit|warbands]] discovered a largely intact Grendel encampment built arop a low hill. The marshes had spread around it, and the wash of magic had prompted the growth of a thick growth of odd citrus trees that sheltered the camp from sight. There were crates and sacks of arrows, weapons, armour, and preserved foodstuffs that marked the place as likely a Grendel supply encampment such as those regularly overseen by quartermasters and pursers. Indeed, several banners depicting pale orange crabs hung around the walls and some of the banner poles in the centre were surmounted by sandstone crabs. There was no sign of the forces of the Broken Shore however. Just empty tents, bedrolls, even personal possessions suggesting perhaps a hundred and fifty orcs and a handful of humans had been based here. The site raises questions - did the soldiers leave in a hurry perhaps racing to be the last folk aboard a retreating ship? Did they flee some approaching catastrophe - not the floodwaters surely given the position of the camp - or were they lured out of their safe location by something in the marshes? Likely nobody will ever know, just as nobody will ever know where the story began that everyone here was transformed into a ten-legged spider-crab when the magic washed over it.

The camp's position, however, and the ready supplies, palisade walls, and tents made it a natural base of operation for many scouts, and for Conclave magicians looking for a little rest and recuperation. Several improvements were made - a watchtower added, and almost inevitably given the number of Freeborn visiting, a makeshift parador and a general store catering to the needs of explorers and adventurers. As Winter approaches, the camp has become a reliable landmark in the enigmatic marshes. So much so that there is an [[opportunity]] for the [[Imperial Senate]] to use a [[Senate motion]] to offer a little recognition and secure a useful resource for future exploration of the southern reaches.

There are three possibilities as to what might be done with Sand Crab Camp. A senate motion could make it the responsibility of the Unfettered Mind or the Rod and Shield [[Conclave order]]. If this were done it would provide three pawns of Adversity vis to the [[Conclave vault]] of that order. The camp would fall under the responsibility of the [[Grandmaster]] of the order, who would be expected to respond to any threats along with their order. Alternatively, the Senate could declare that responsibility for the camp would fall to the people of Madruga, and by extension the nation that territory was part of. For the time being that would mean [[the Brass Coast]]. If this choice were made, it would create a new title - ''Mistress Sand Crab'' - appointed by the [[Tally of the Votes]].

In any case, as long as ''someone'' is made responsible for the Camp of the Sand Crab, once ''Explore the Southern Reaches'' [[venture]] expired at the start of the Spring Equinox, a new venture available only to Freeborn [[military unit|military units]] would be created called ''Dare the southern reaches'' that would last as long as Sand Crab Camp was operational. It's too early to say for sure what the adventure would provide, but it would likely be a mix of herbs, Adversity vis, and ''marsh flowers''.

At the same time the Senate motion was raised, the Senate could commit to providing additional support to the camp. This would allow those operating from the top of the hill a chance to reinforce the walls, build some permanent structures, and establish a light trade route to bring in more supplies and equipment. This would cost 30 Thrones from the Imperial Treasury, but would increase the amount of Adversity vis acquired each season to six pawns. If done as part of the motion assigning responsibility this would not require a commission as the camp already exists; if done at a later date it would require a new motion and a commission.
===Explorers of Salt and Sand===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px;" class="mw-collapsible"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Crystals and Vis'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;"></td>
<tr><td>7 Crowns</td><td>3 pawns of Adversity vis</td></tr>
<tr><td>16 Crowns</td><td>6 pawns of Adversity vis </td></tr>
<tr><td>30 Crowns</td><td>10 pawns of Adversity vis </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Parts of the Parador of Salt and Sand could be repurposed to encourage exploration of the marshes and the Quiet Grasses'''
* '''The decision to take advantage could be made by the Hakima of Salt and Sand as part of the ongoing repairs'''
* '''It would cost 50 crowns and would grant the Hakima of Salt and Sand the chance to purchase Adversity vis'''
* '''The opportunity is only available at the Winter Solstice'''
The [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]] has weathered recent storms better than most. Briefly conquered by the Grendel, it has been flooded, and threatened by the Children of Wrecks, but it has never fallen. The [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] once again welcomes Freeborn hakima to visit and trade, and to discuss the matters that such people find important. Some of the hakima who have ventured into the southern reaches, and explored the Quiet Grasses, have brought back intriguing tales to the Parador, tales that entice more hakima (and their [[kohan]] protectors) to investigate.

There is already a possible [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Expansion|expansion]] for the Parador, but another opportunity has become available. A series of chambers could be added to the Parador, designed to store maps of the shifting marshes, along with a place for hakima to gather to study the effects of the ''enigmatic'' regions and the peculiar magic. This would require a repurposing of some of the lodgings and part of the space designed for the market. The change would be relatively minor however, and cost only 50 Crowns. Normally such a [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|revelopment]] would require a Senate motion and a [[commission]], but given that the Parador has needed recent repairs anyway the change could be achieved by the [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] themselves. ('''OOC Note:''' If they choose to redesign the Parador in this way they need to email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] after the event and ensure the requried 50 crowns are in their inventory).

The change would be to encourage more trade with travellers exploring the southern reaches, creating a second ministry track for the Hakima to purchase Adversity vis.

This opportunity is only available during the Winter Solstice 386YE, after which enthusiasm for the project will have faded.
===Chimes of Silence===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Chimes of Silence'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Quiet Greasses</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains mithil, 150 crowns labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Raises the level of investment in mana sites by 1
* Grants every mana site a pawn of Adversity vis each season (instead of a mana crystal)
</table></div>
* '''Cabella i Riqueza has been inspired to design a set of glass and mithril pillars that resonate with the power of the Quiet Grasses'''
* '''The great work costs 50 wains of mithril, 150 crowns, and takes three months to complete'''
* '''Once complete it raises the level of investment in mana sites by one and provide each mana site in the territory with a pawn of adversity vis'''
When a small number of particularly adventurous Unfettered Mind magicians fell in with some of the independent captains exploring what was then the Great Grasses, nobody expected to experience a profound mystical experience. The story they tell is that while traversing the dense grasslands they camped for the night under the open stars in a clearing amidst the tall grasses, and as Freeborn often do engaged in a pleasant evening of drumming, singing, dancing, and good cheer. Even the non-Freeborn members of the little group joined in, the music helping to soften the impact of the ''quiet'' that hangs over the region. Shortly before midnight, with the half-moon high and [[The_Key_and_The_Lock#The_Key|the Key]] glittering in the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|oddly distant sky]], a sudden hush fell over the little camp. Everyone tells it the same - all song and conversation simply tailed off, everyone stopped moving. There was no sound - a silence so loud (according to the explorers) that it drowned out everything save the heartbeats of the travellers. None of them could say how long it lasted, but when it passed all of them had had a profound epiphany. The group split up the next day, with each member heading off to pursue forgotten ambitions or make up for past regrets.

One of the hakima ''Cabella i Riqueza'' experienced an even more profound moment of insight (or, given the magics involved, more likely [[Winter magic#Wisdom|wisdom]]). A musician as well as a member of the Unfettered Mind she created a set of plans that she said were inspired in part by her understanding of the [[Music of the spheres]], in part by a discussion she had in the cold hours before morning with an [[Urizen]] member of her order, and in part by some odd dreams she had in the weeks that followed. A set of five glass-and-mithril pillars laid out to reflect the celestial constellations of [[The Key and The Lock]], not too far from where the ''Aldea di Tutamen'' estate once stood. The pillars would capture a little of the strangeness of the Quiet Grasses, and resonate with the silence as the winds blow . In turn, they would resonate with the flows of mana that spread and weave across Madruga, altering them and infusing a little of the magic that transfigured the southern reaches.

This [[great work]] would increase the level of investment in [[mana site|mana sites]] in Madruga by 1, but rather than increasing the amount of mana crystals the sites produced, it would add a pawn of Adversity vis to each site. The towering pillars would require 50 wains of [[mithril]] and 150 crowns to build, and would use a [[commission]] as normal.

There's a little concern that some of the design elements echo the layout of [[Ghita's Veils]] (where the hakima once studied before the place was wrecked by the [[Ghita%27s_Veils#The_Sobral_Tremor|Sobral Terror]], but Cabella earnestly explains that they perform a very different function - while Ghita's Veils are meant to focus mana inwards, to contain, the pillars - her ''Chimes of Silence'' - focus the magic outwards in a much more wholesome manner sharing their power with everyone in Madruga.

Cabella has lodged her plans with the civil service; there is currently no time limit on when the Chimes of Silence might be commissioned, provided the situation in Madruga does not change.
===The Enigmatic Tower===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Enigmatic Tower'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' College of Magic</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Crucible, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of mithil, 30 wains of white granite, 30 wains of weirwood, 60 rings of ilium, 360 crowns labour (before [[Commission#Marshes|marsh modifier]])</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 75 mana crystals a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates title of ''Provost of the Enigmatic Tower''
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Provost of the Engimatic Tower'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Candidacy]] </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Guiding the magicians of the Enigmatic Tower</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Engimatic Tower, and lead Imperial magicians in the research and codification of Spring, Winter and Night rituals</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire could commission a college of magic in the Enigmatic Tower'''
* '''The college would be specialised in Spring, Night and Winter rituals but could only codify rituals of those realms'''
* '''The college would have an upkeep of 75 mana a season'''
Several scouts recognised an odd tower, a little like a lighthouse, in the Scorrero itself, barely a mile after the river passes into Crucible. The water is still quite swift-flowing and rambunctious, and a challenge to cross. A small number of Rod and Shield magicians managed to make the trip, combining Freeborn daring with League ingenuity and Wintermark enthusiasm. They found that the tower was perfectly formed, oddly smooth in places, as if it had been grown or shaped from clay rather than formed by a mason's arts. They also quickly discovered that the tower resonates with the power that created the Crucible - the magic of Spring, Winter, and Night. Those who sleep within its walls experience vivid dreams of transformation and find it easier to make intuitive leaps or spot unlikely connections between ideas. They find themselves refreshed, with a natural sense for the ebb and flow of life and natural forces. They discover a cool wisdom that helps them judge dangers and weigh courses of action. The effects do not last long after the visitors leave the tower, however. But the Rod and Shield magicians find that they combine to help encourage and make easier any discussions of magic, philosophy, and the principles of life, death, and imagination that underly a lot of magic of the three realms.

The Rod and Shield magicians leave the tower with an inspiration; the tower would make an excellent site for a [[college of magic]]. A unique structure dedicated to the study of, and codification of, new rituals dealing with the three realms - Spring, Winter, and Night. A civil servant is prevailed upon to make the risky trip downriver from [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]], and concurs with the magicians.

Turning the ''Enigmatic Tower'' into a [[college of magic]] will require some work. It must be [[commission|commissioned]] as normal by anyone with the power to oversee the creation of such a structure. It would require construction materials - 30 wains of white granite, 30 wains of mithril, 30 wains of weirwood - but it would also require an investment of 60 rings of ilium to refine and focus the inspirations, novel ideas, cool wisdom, and energies that flow through the tower and the waters of the Scorrero (and to ignite the beacon that would shine atop the tower, providing a landmark visible throughout the marshes). The construction work would cost 360 crowns, before the modification for building in a marsh, and take a year to complete.

Once complete, though, the new college of magic would have several unique qualities. It would be a beacon for the more esoterically minded magicians of the Empire, especially those of the Brass Coast, but it would also attract [[stargazer|stargazers]] from Urizen, [[mystic|mystics]] from Wintermark, and even [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[landskeeper|landskeepers]] keen to explore how the magics of Adversity interact with marshes and grasslands.

The harnessed magic, and the significant natural resources of the river and the marshes as well as the rich merchants of the Brass Coast would mean that the college would not require an [[College_of_magic#Costs|upkeep]] from the Imperial treasury. Rather it would require a large amount of crystal mana to maintain its odd magical properties - 75 mana crystals each season from [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|the Font]]. This upkeep would be automatically removed from the font that was made available to magicians at the start of each summit, (formed from the purchase of the [[Arbiter_of_the_Rogue_Declaration|rogue declaration]] and the [[Imperial_Conclave#Principle_of_Proportions|principle of proportions]]). If there were ever not enough crystals to pay the upkeep of the tower, none would be taken, but it would mean that the ''Provost of the Enigmatic Tower'' would be unable to codify a ritual that season.

The tower would have other odd qualities. It would ''only'' be able to codify rituals using [[Winter magic]], [[Spring magic]], or [[Night magic]], but in each case the the work would proceed at the rate of 15 ranks of magnitude each season (as if the college were [[College_of_magic#Specialization|specialised]] in all three realms.

The title of ''Provost of the Enigmatic Tower'' would almost certainly be appointed through [[Declaration]] of [[Candidacy]] by the [[Imperial Conclave]]. One of the first tasks for the Lightkeeper might be to secure patrons for the college - [[Azoth]] at the very least is likely to be intrigued by the possibilities of the ''Enigmatic Tower'', especially with regard to the codification of alchemical transformations of body and soul.

The opportunity to adapt the tower in this way would remain available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE. After that the situation would likely have changed enough to make this plan unfeasible. There is one additional cost - the opportunity to [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Expansion|expand the Parador of Salt and Sand into a college of magic]] would be lost once work began on the tower, and vice versa.
==Further Reading==
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Where the river rises]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the transformation of Madruga
* [[Glass and flame]] - 386YE Autumn wind of war about fighting in Madruga and Feroz
* [[Tread of dust and darkness]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune about the Blight
* [[Parched earth]] - 386YE Spring Appraisal
* [[Fading like a Flower]]
* [[Various_storms_and_saints#The_Dry_Patricians|Various storms and saints]]
* [[Not a drop to drink]]
* [[Colourblind]]

Made anew

2025-04-20T13:27:54Z

Wrenna: /* War and Change */

<ic>They'd met up in what Arlo took to be the remains of an old watchtower, probably dating back to the time when Madruga was the extent of the Brass Coast. It was overgrown with strange oval-leafed ivy but a few experimental prods with a halberd indicated that it wasn't threatening. The broken walls gave a modicum of shelter from the winds - not cold, even in Winter, not this far south, but insistent. He had been setting up the bedrolls while Lola used some of their precious store of dry wood and kindling to start a campfire over which she intended to cook the odd fish they'd caught earlier. There was a polite cough, and the two Freeborn explorers looked up to find two more guests come to join them. It had seemed rude to turn them away.

Volcis was an Urizen stargazer, who airly explained their theory that while the strangeness here was clearly a result of the river rising, its ''foundations'' had been built by the use of Imperial enchantments. Their companion, Billiam, was an unstereotypically cheerful Bregas in reed-woven mage armour with an iron-shod staff and an endless store of riddles, funny stories, and homespun proverbs that Arlo half-suspected he made up on the spot. They were all tired, and muddy, but hot fish and hot tea - Volcis had a series of little pots with various different flavours that they insisted on sharing with the Freeborn - and good company had revitalised their spirits.

As the moon rose, Billiam excused himself to answer a "natural call", and went a short distance into the dark. After a few moments, his voice drifted back towards the campfire.

"Riddle me this," he said and there was a peculiar edge to his voice. "What has eight piggy trotters, two snuffling piggy noses, eight mad piggy eyes, and two twisty piggy tails?"

Lola and Arlo exchanged a worried look at the Marcher's tone. Vorcis seemed oblivious, considering for a moment before calling a reply. "Is it... two pigs?"

"Noooooo. There's only... uh... one of them and ''paragonspreserveusitsseenme''!"

Both Freeborn grabbed for their weapons but before they could rush to see what had panicked Billiam' there came a shouted invocation followed by a loud squeal and the sound of something large being hurled to the ground. The night was suddenly split by a noise that a League writer might have described as "oink" but sounded a lot more like a horrible high pitched squealing bellowing composed equal parts of snot and fury.

The Marcher barreled back into the ruined tower, eyes wide, clearly terrified.

"It's right behind me!" he shouted.

Jumping over the campfire, turning, readying his staff, Billiam shouted for Vorcis to get behind him. The two Freeborn moved to flank him. The Urizen scholar finished stood up, unhurried, still drinking their tea. They peered back the way Billiam had come with the detached professional curiosity of the fascinated Merrow.

The thing was indeed right behind Billiam and as the monstrous porcine horror erupted into the circle of light, four-fold jaws snapping open like impossible scissors, Vorcis nodded thoughtfully.

"Ah yes, of course," they said to themselves. "Eight eyes. ''Two'' pigs would have been ''four'' eyes."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sally Lightfoot Crab.jpg|align=left|caption=Southern Madruga has been made anew, a magical marsh spreading around the Scorrero river, drawing explorers and adventurers with hints of hidden mysteries.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Summer Solstice, magicians caused the Scorrero river to [[Where_the_river_rises#Annihilation_and_Transformation|burst its banks]], in the process washing away the desiccating blight that had transformed the [[Madruga#Great Grasses|Great Grasses]] into an ashen wasteland. The waters, infused with particles of [[ilium|star metal]] worked a powerful transformation on the territory, already scarred by [[A beacon of smoke|war]] with the [[Grendel]] and the [[Children of Wrecks]].

Now [[Where_the_river_rises#Shimmer|a strange marsh covers the southern reaches]] of Madruga. Following the Autumn equinox, [[military unit|daring champions]] and [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] [[Magical skills#Magician|magicians]] alike began to explore the changed territory and try to understand what this transfiguration portends.

As well as exploring the transformed regions, those visiting Madruga have identified a [[#Peace in silt and water|number of opportunities]] to harness the potential of the magic here, and perhaps enrich the beleagured territory.
==The Name I Once Wore==
{{SOP|statement=A large portion of Madruga is now a swamp, altered by Spring, Night, and Winter, the magics of Adversity. The Wise gather information, then act. Let those with the expertise to do so map the land, before we seek to reclaim it. A few months wait is a small price to pay to preserve your lives.|by=Soratio i Del'Toro, Freeborn Assembly|vote=Upheld 112-0|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE|size = small}}
<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Character</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td> Maryc </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> John a Woode </td><td> The Marches </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gisli "Provider" Baerson </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fay Baker </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Uhtræd Ironfeld </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teagan the Lionheart </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Clint Strangewood </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Androv Rasputin </td><td> Varushka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Culann </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ioseph </td><td> Urizen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kazmir Milankova Ygrev </td><td> Varushka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Raknar </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Robert Cutler </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Evanna Sepulchre </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Kali Keen-Eye </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Vesper Lucentia </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Harrlick Tyde </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Iñez i Azul-Mar i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Azar I Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Bakar i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Aracelis I Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Thomas </td><td> Highguard </td></tr>
<tr><td> Delfina i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Farren Silver Streams </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Powell Open-Skies </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ella Aewulfson </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lord Galehault De'Licorne </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Valdemar 'Goldgiver' </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ehmrys i Guerra </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jorma Steelhail Moralities Shield </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien </td><td> Urizen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lord Theodore De Rondell </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Teddi Gryphontale </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Havvivah i Zabala i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Mattias i Guerra </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Suna i Rincón i Guerra </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Gwydion Folded Blade </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hamish Thistlebark </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Xenia i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Fortun i Guerra </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Hilarion i Rincón i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Adelyn 'Ever-Present' Lurask </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Velika Belharovich Prochnost </td><td> Varushka </td></tr>
<tr><td> Guillermo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Ælfhelm </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Amor i Martan i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Percival Gardener </td><td> Dawn </td></tr>
<tr><td> Lumi, Harmonist of the Dawn </td><td> Wintermark </td></tr>
<tr><td> Allegra i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rashid i Hayim i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Rodric Worldscribe </td><td> Navarr </td></tr>
<tr><td> Inaros i Carmesí </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Cassian Highwind </td><td> Urizen </td></tr>
<tr><td> Arturo i Duran i Erigo </td><td> The Brass Coast </td></tr>
<tr><td> Tylian </td><td> Urizen </td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Military units have explored the marshes using the ''Explore the Southern Reaches'' venture'''
* '''The venture remains available until the start of the Spring Equinox 387YE'''
* '''The map of Madruga is correct once again'''
* '''The rising river has permanently transformed three regions, and they have acquired new names and qualities'''
Madruga has been transfigured. Magic, chaos, and water together have created a great new marsh that covers what was once the southern Great Grasses, and the [[Madruga#Siroc Plains|Siroc Plains]]. After the Autumn Equinox, [[military unit|adventurous captains]] from all corners of the Empire came to Madruga to ''[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_interlude#Explore the Southern Reaches|Explore the Southern Reaches]]'', a [[Military_unit#Scouting|scouting]] [[venture]] intended to help map the extent of the new regions and better understand the changed Madruga. With the help of the civil service, these brave explorers have helped update the map of Madruga, and learn more about the extent of the changes here.

The southern marshes are very different to those found in [[Holberg]], [[Kallavesa]], and [[Bregasland]]. Like the rest of [[the Brass Coast]], Madruga's climate is warm, and the marshes reflect that. What were once scrubby and open plains now burst with colour and life. Many of the creatures that lived in or along the banks of the Scorrero have been changed by the combination of [[Spring magic|Spring]] and [[Night magic|Night]] magic. These creatures are not restricted to the marshes, some are sighted as far upstream as [[Segura#Cerevdo|Cerevado]].
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bayou.jpg|align=right|caption=The waters of the Scorrero still empty into the Bay of Catazar, but the river is sleepier now, and impossible trees grow along its banks.|width=500}}</div>
Trees now anchor the banks, grown impossibly fast over a handful of months. Willows, mangroves, and less identifiable breeds nod beside the spreading waterways, pools, and lagoons. In the early morning and the late evening, as the sun slips past the horizon, there is an almost tangible haze in the air, described variously as a ''shiver'' or ''shimmer'' by those who have seen it. It is hard to describe, and there's no consensus on what it looks like - some describe a thin mist, others say it reminds them of the way [https://www6.slac.stanford.edu/news/2022-11-30-shining-new-light-oil-slick-rainbows-and-other-thin-layer-physics light glints off oil on water sometimes]. Others talk more in terms of a feeling they can see or even smell. No-one can agree exactly what it looks like, with some scouts contending that it changes subtly over time.

Regardless, everyone can agree that everything here seems new, fresh, exciting. Even the familiarly mundane reeds and rushes seem full of unique potential much less the odd animals and peculiar flowers clamouring among them.

Thanks to the efforts of the explorers, the Empire has been able to update its maps of Madruga, and determine the layout of regions. Scrying rituals, and other forms of ritual magic that require detailed maps, now function with regards to the territory once more. Nonetheless, the explorers have only scratched the surface of the oddness and peculiarities in the southern reaches, and the [[Where the river rises#Into the Southern Reaches|venture remains available]] until the start of the Spring Equinox 387YE. A standard military unit that takes this venture will receive 6 random herbs and 2 pawns of vis (a combination of [[Vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]], [[Vis#Crystal Fire|crystal fire]], and even [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]]) instead of their usual production. Upgraded or enchanted military units will gain more though it is hard to predict exactly what they'll get.

Descriptions of the new regions explored by Imperial adventurers are now on the [[Madruga]] territory page: the '''[[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]]''',the '''[[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]]''', and the '''[[Madruga#Quiet Grasses|Quiet Grasses]]'''.

==Chaos and Order==
* '''Members of the Unfettered Mind and the Rod and Shield were urged to explore the southern reaches'''
* '''Between them they have evaluated the new regions and gained insight into the peculiar qualities they possess'''
While explorers spread out to undertake the vital if somewhat mundane task of mapping the changed land, two Conclave orders [[Concord#Guide and Order|committed]] to enter the marshes with the goal of understanding what happened here and what it might mean. The '''Dread Auntie''' [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Guide_Unfettered_Mind|urged her peers]] in the [[Unfettered Mind]] to explore the mysteries and '''Milton de Vere''' confirmed that the [[Rod and Shield]] would [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Guide_Rod_and_Shield|accompany them]].

While working together, both orders have their own particular interests in the southern reaches - the Unfettered Mind exist to boldly consider possibilities and opportunities that others may not consider, and have been involved with the magical chaos in Madruga since near the start. The members focus on exploring the magical mysteries of the new marshes, seeking wonders and enigmas. The Rod and Shield have been involved for almost as long, having been called on to offer protection and martial assistance. Their members split their time between ensuring that the assorted dangers of the marshes do not claim their fellow magicians, and seeing what strategic or tactical advantage they can identify in the altered land.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Sing of Tides==
* '''The Unfettered Mind have made a study of the magics at work here'''
The Unfettered Mind confirm a lot of things that had already been expected, but make some discoveries hitherto unknown. The odd powers that infuses the marshes are partly due to the nature of the magic that caused the Scorrero to break its banks, tinged with the influence of [[Ossegrahn]] who provided aid to the magicians who did so. It is partly due to the intervention of the Night eternal [[Azoth]] that helped break the connection between the Dry Patricians and the Winter magic that sustained them, specifically by claiming the potent regio from which they drew much of their energy. It is also partly due to the lingering influence of that self-same Winter magic, but shorn of its connections to [[Winter magic#Hunger|unquenchble thirst]]. The magic has been further complicated by the fact that, like the [[Ossium#Drownbark_Forest|Drownbark Forest]] in [[Ossium]], the waters of the Scorrero - and now the marshes and the Quiet Grasses - are infused with particles of [[ilium]] swept down from the mountains of [[Kahraman]]. Too diffuse to extract, but enough to anchor and strengthen the potent magics unleashed in saving Madruga from the forces of dessication, especially when one adds the preserving, durable nature of Winter energies to the mix.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Ease away my grateful skin</big>'''<br>
Some examples of the peculiar species encountered in the marshy regions of southern Madruga include the following. Gulls with gorgeous multicolour plumage more appropriate to jungle birds circle over the bay while predatory birds akin to oversized four-legged herons with barbed razor-sharp beaks and clever brindled creatures that might once have been river voles. Flocks of flightless avians that share many characteristics of the [[Mundane_beasts#Dodo_Birds|dodo]] birds that lived wild, or escaped from Freeborn farms, have seemingly gained abilities to [[Night magic#Obfuscation|camouflage]] themselves, their talons dripping with paralytic [[Spring magic#Venom|venom]]. Dragonflies as long as your arm, beetles the size of a clenched fist with shells that shift and shimmer like oil on water. Amphibious pig-like creatures that grub among the roots with armoured skin and a terrible grunting bellow that can rob the strength from the limbs of those who get too close. Alligator-like lizards with eight legs lurk beneath the open waters. Six-foot long harpoon fish that fire bony projectiles connected to muscular tendons that drag small prey into the water; pastel spider-crabs with disturbingly intelligent eyes and ten limbs whose flesh is apparently reamarkably tasty. It remains to be seen which creatures will prosper, and which die out in the coming years.

There are also creatures that may have been brought into being by the magic itself, possibly emerging from [[regio]] washed open by the magically infused water. Scouts report ambulatory creatures that look like stunted willow trees but have the faces of elderly people hidden behind their boughs that whisper in somnolent voices; drifting flitting multicoloured lights that bring dreams of lives not lived; and odd pale figures that look a little like Freeborn clad in funeral black who weep quietly beside the river and disappear into the waters when approached. Are they real, or symptoms of the almost hallucinatory influence of parts of the deep marsh?</box></div>
While there are pockets of Winter magic here and there, it is the resonances of [[Spring magic#Resonance|Spring]] and [[Night magic#Resonance|Night]] that have had the most influence. Resonances of [[Spring_magic#Chaos|chaos]] and [[Night_magic#Transformation|transformation]] have both acted on the land around the Scorrero, shaping and changing each other. The nature of the two [[eternal|eternals]] involved has also played its part. Azoth's essence is one of change and transfiguration, while Ossegrahn promotes a kind of gentle fertility. It's not clear that these influences are the result of conscious effort on behalf of the two eternals, so much as an unavoidable consequence of the parts they played in recent events.

The result has been that many of the beasts and plants that lived in the flooded areas have been altered and changed, to the point where some are unrecognisable. Yet there is also Winter magic here that provides a level of stability alien to both Spring and Night. This is not the rampant chaos of Yaw'nagrah, or of the vallorn. There are not endless unique variations of the natural world here, but rather the changes are akin to the creation of new species that will now grow and change and perhaps even spread according to natural laws.

Not only the beasts have been altered; there are trees growing here in a profusion rarely seen in the Brass Coast. Willows in the depths of the swamp, mangroves on the marshy coast, odd tall trees in the Quiet Grasses with long straight trunks that erupt into a labyrinthine tangled ball of branches fifteen feet or more off the ground. And everywhere, flowers. Dozens of different kinds, some unique or infused with magical potence, in an uncountable excess of hues and shapes.

The influence of Night magic in particular is felt in less tangible ways; it is easy to get lost in the marshes. Landmarks seem to shift imperceptibly when not observed. There is something almost hallucinatory about parts of the Crucible and the Siroc Bayou. Some of the Unfettered Mind explore the theory that the marsh may now be larger on the inside than it is on the outside, that if one takes the right (or wrong) routes, the place opens up around one. The more one pushes toward the centre, the larger the place becomes, as if there is a great deal more marsh than there is any right to be folded and crinkled up within the easily mappable borders. They're unable to properly test this theory but the common proposition is that a couple of regio that lay along the banks of the river have ruptured in some fashion, loosening the boundaries of the chambers and causing them to spill over into the surrounding territory.

One thing the Unfettered Mind do agree on is that there do not seem to be any permanent regio left in any of the three regions touched by the floods - the Quiet Grasses, Crucible, and Siroc Bayou. Rather they report the odd phenomenon that regio of Night and Spring, and occasionally Winter, open temporarily in places that resonate with their realm, persist for a few hours or days, then close again. Those who have entered the chambers associated with these regio describe them as "like the marshes, but even stranger." A few Unfettered Mind explorers have, sadly, disappeared while exploring these peculiar magical sites despite the best efforts of their guardians.

The details of the [[Madruga#Enigmatic|enigmatic]] and [[Madruga#Quiet|quiet]] qualities identified by the Unfettered Mind are listed on the [[Madruga]] territory page.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderRodAndShield.jpg|title=Order of the Rod and Shield|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Rise in the Currents==
* '''The Rod and Shield have also been active in the southern reaches'''
* '''They have assessed the are from a military standpoint'''
If they had come here by themselves, then many of the Unfettered Mind would have met gruesome ends at the claws, teeth, and paws of the new beasts that live here, or become so engrossed in their studies that they got lost and never reemerged from the marshes. As it is, the focus of the [[Rod and Shield]] keeps their peers in the Unfettered Mind relatively safe (although they can do only so much to protect them from themselves and their own tendency to disappear into enigmatic regio).

While many of the magicians of the martial order are just as fascinated by this place as the Unfettered Mind, they are more interested in strategic and tactical considerations. It is the Rod and Shield who identify some of the Grendel encampments in the marshes, and are in a position to neutralise the threat they present.

They establish that it is infeasible to clear the weird creatures from the marshes; but most of them are only hostile if threatened. Unfortunately there are enough predators who lack any fear of humans or orcs who will seek to predate them that they don't think the marshes will ever be safe. The idea of establishing large villages or towns in the marshes is laughable - but there ''are'' places where the chaotic magic ebbs a little, where it would be possible to establish settlements to explore and exploit the resources of the marshes, mostly along the borders to the north.

The details of the [[Madruga#Wild|wild]] and [[Madruga#Underpopulated|underpopulated]] qualities identified by the Rod and Shield are listed on the [[Madruga]] territory page.
===War and Change===
* '''Siroc Bayou, Crucible, and Quiet Grasses are uncontrolled'''
* '''The Children of Wrecks have raised their navy at Free Landing'''
The Rod and Shield also assess strategic situation in the territory. They are able to confirm that at the moment the three new regions are ''uncontrolled'' - although the ''wild'' quality of Siroc Bayou and Crucible may present challenges for Imperial forces sent to conquer them. Perhaps just as pressing is confirmation that the Children of Wrecks have completed their [[The gathering storm|scheme]] to forge a [[Imperial navy|navy]] from pirate ships and looted symbols of the [[Freeborn Storm]]. The ''Gathered Storm'', composed of ships from the Broken Shore, from foreign pirates, and Imperial traitors alike is now anchored at [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]]. The flagship of the navy incorporates the stolen [[The_gathering_storm#Objective:_Recover_the_Storm's_Child_figurehead|''Storm Child'' figurehead]], a clear taunt to the Freeborn.

The navy is able to support itself while the Children of Wrecks control the islands of Free Landing, the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits|Cazar Straits]], and (if rumour is to be believed) similar bastions of unnatural power in the [[Bay_of_Catazar#Temple of Tempest Jade|Temple of Tempest Jade]] in [[Bay_of_Catazar#Raineach|Raineach]] and perhaps even the [[Iron Confederacy]]. With this force, supported by [[Spring magic]] and pirate vessels, they will be able to threaten any of the settlements along the Bay of Catazar - a cause for alarm for the people of [[Madruga#Quzar|Quzar]] and [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]].

===Bridges Over Turbulent Waters===
* '''It is still impossible for an Imperial army to move between Madruga and either Feroz or Segura'''
* '''The Rod and Shield propose that an appraisal by Lutomysla Niegoslava could resolve this issue'''
The Midpoint bridge - representing the only easy way to cross the Scorrero to Feroz - is no more. That same is true of the Cerevado bridge that once linked Madruga and Segura. The Rod and Shield located the ruins of both bridges, and found that nothing remained except shattered stonework on either side of the river. Rebuilding the bridges would still be a significant challenge, but there is some good news. The Rod and Shield magicians say that the broken [[white granite]] that once served as the foundation of each bridge bears signs of lingering Winter magic that has somehow preserved and protected these fragments from the chaos of the marshes. As such they seems to be quite stable, and show no sign of either sinking into the marshes or being swallowed by the verdant plant life.

This suggests a way to deal with the ''other'' problem, that building a road through shifting, Night-and-Spring infused marshlands is a major challenge even for the creativity of the Brass Coast. However, they believe that the ideal people to address this challenge would be Varushkans. One Rod and Shield versed in engineering goes so far as to propose that if the Senate wishes to create a durable and reliable connection between Segura and Feroz that will survive the weird marshes, they should could do worse than call on [[Appraisal#Lutomysla_Niegoslava|Lutomysla Niegoslava]] - well versed as she is in Night magic - to bring some Varushkan road builders south to [[appraisal|appraise]] the problem. Until then, though, they believe that it will remain impossible to move an [[Imperial army]] between Madruga and Feroz, or between Madruga and Segura.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Milton de Vere, on behalf of the Rod and Shield, Autumn Equinox 386YE">The order of the Unfettered Mind seek to complete an expedition to investigate the unusual magics in the swamp in Madruga. The order of the Rod and Shield seek to support and defend our allies in this task.</quote></div>
===Mindtrap (Madruga)===
* '''Magicians of the Rod and Shield have suffered attacks from Grendel and Asaveans in the Crucible'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''''Sakari Nightscale'' is responsible for [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|dealing with]] the Grendel and Asaveans'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Last season the [[Rod and Shield|Order of the Rod and Shield]] were sent by '''Milton de Vere''', proxy [[grandmaster]] of the order, to Madruga. The battlemages of the Rod and Shield were to support and defend the [[Unfettered Mind]] in their task of [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Guide_Unfettered_Mind|investigating the unprecedented magics]]. The [[Where_the_river_rises#Mystery_and_Chaos|marshes]] had been changed by [[Night magic]] and so needed to be studied. Though there were no Grendel armies or navies in Madruga last season, there are still hundreds of the orcs of the Broken Shore and their Asavean allies - and groups of them followed the orders into the marshes.

After a season of strange battles - some of them seeming to last for hours or even days - the majority have been driven off or killed. One particularly large and dangerous group of Grendel and Asaveans remains - these mage-killers, lost to the madness of the Crucible, are readying themselves for one last attack, one last raid to kill as many of the Rod and Shield as they can. Given that the mage-killers are targeting members of the order, it is the responsibility of the incumbent [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]], '''Sakari Nightscale''', to deal with them. If the Grendel and Asaveans are killed, then the magicians of the order will send some of their uncovered "oddities" to the kallavesi mystic after the summit.
<box><big>'''Remnant of Transformation'''</big><br>
* '''This area of the Crucible is under a powerful magical effect'''
* '''Everyone in this area of the Crucible is affected by a roleplaying effect: "<span style="color:#800080">You are certain that you on the cusp of greatness and that all paths lay open to you</span>" unless they have some way to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it'''
* '''Everyone in this area of the Crucible has two additional personal mana if they have the magician skill ''and'' they do not overcome the roleplaying effect'''
Being in the strangeness of the Crucible leaves a strange feeling of certainty and flux, which can be distracting to anyone who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome this feeling is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. A [[merrow]] can also draw on their calm nature to overcome the dangerous, heady feeling.</box>
==Participation==
If you took the the ''Explore the Southern Reaches'' action, or you are a member of the [[Unfettered Mind]] or [[Rod and Shield]] [[Conclave order]], you are encouraged to make up stories about the things you saw or encountered in the new marshes based on the descriptions above. The theme for this place is wonder, change, and strangeness. There is danger here, but it is the danger of predators that don't fear people or weird geographic features such as shifting land, hungry waters, or sucking mud.
==Peace in Silt and Water==
* '''A number of opportunities have been discovered by explorers and Conclave magicians in the southern reaches'''
Between them, the two groups - cunning scouts and Conclave magicians - have uncovered a number of [[opportunity|opportunities]] in Madruga. Most of these opportunities relate to the new regions, which are not currently controlled by anyone. There is no restriction on taking advantage of these opportunities, but anything built or established in a territory that is not Imperial is at serious risk of capture or destruction by outside forces.
===Flowers Bloom===
* '''Herb gardens in Madruga can harness some of the chaotic magic to cultivate ''marsh flowers'' at the expense of some of their resources' healing power'''
* '''The ritual ''Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop'' performed with a ring of ilium and an existing flower permanently diversifies the herb garden, causing it to lose four true vervain but produce two ''marsh flowers'' each event'''
* '''It is only possible to take advantage of this opportunity during the Winter Solstice'''
* '''It might be possible to create an arcane projection to allow future herb gardens in Madruga to gain this benefit'''
* '''An appraisal might find a way to establish ''marsh flowers'' in the Drownbark Forest'''
The full transformative magic of the effect that has overtaken the territory has mostly faded, but there is still a little potential. The Unfettered Mind have determined that an amount of water from the marshes, along with some earth, could be used to allow horticulturalists to cultivate a small number of marsh flowers in their own gardens. The catch is that it would need a boost of magical energy - and a full ring of [[ilium]] to capture that magic so that the flowers continue to prosper.

During the Winter Solstice, any herb garden in Madruga can be diversified to grow special ''marsh flowers''. This requires the garden to be targetted by a performance of [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]]. The ritual must include a ring of ilium and a single unused ''marsh flower'' for each target, both of which are consumed in the casting. The merciless Winter magic will cull the herb garden, and use the energies released to help a small number of ''marsh flowers'' to take root. The target herb garden permanently loses the ability to provide 4 drams of [[True Vervain]], but will instead produce two random ''marsh flowers'' each season.

This opportunity only exists at the Winter Solstice after which it will be too late to cultivate ''marsh flowers'' in this way, although the Unfettered Mind believe it might be possible to create an [[arcane projection]] using [[Winter magic]] of magnitude 20 that could achieve the same effect as long as it were performed on a herb garden in Madruga that had not already been subject to this effect. Unfortunately, there seems to be no way to cultivate ''marsh flowers'' outside of Madruga, although a suitable [[appraisal]] might be used to find a way to do so - most likely in [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark forest]] where the combination of illium-infused marshwaters and powerful Night magic already exist.

===Rainbow Conservatory===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Rainbow Conservatory'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Sinecure</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Crucible or Siroc Bayou in Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 wains mithil, 10 rings of ilium, 60 crowns labour (before [[Commission#Marshes|marsh modifier]])</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates title of ''Mistress of Glass Flowers''
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mistress of Glass Flowers'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Conclave, Imperial Bourse, or National Bourse as chosen by commissioner</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Candidacy]], [[Auction of the Seats]], or [[Tally of the Votes]] depending on type</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receive 6 ''marsh flowers'', and 3 pawns Adversity vis each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Rainbow Conservatory, support exploration of the southern reaches, make decisions involving ''marsh flowers''</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''A conservatory to cultivate ''marsh flowers'' could be built in Crucible or Siroc Bayou'''
* '''The structure would be a sinecure that required 10 wains of mithril, 10 rings of ilium, and 60 crowns (before marsh penalty)'''
* '''It would create the title ''Mistress of Glass Flowers'' that would receive ''marsh flowers'' and Adversity vis'''
* '''The title could be appointed via the Conclave, or through the Bourse as either national or imperial'''
The exotic flowers growing in the marshes have magical power within but they only seem to prosper in the unique combination of magical residues, warm climate, and ilium. The Unfettered Mind, however, are of the opinion that there is an opportunity to bring a little order here, to cultivate the marsh flowers in a somewhat controlled environment. Their proposal is for a structure of glass and mithril, infused with ilium, that will provide a reliable source of marsh flowers. The best glass in the Empire, arguably, is produced in the Brass Coast which should make this a less challenging proposition than it might be elsewhere.

The ''Rainbow Conservatory'' would be built in the northern parts of the Crucible, or in Siroc Bayou, and staffed in part by members of the Unfettered Mind with an interest in botany, and Freeborn magicians with an interest in Spring, and Night magic. It would require 10 wains of mithril to provide the frame, 10 rings of ilium to enrich the environment within, and 60 crowns for the glass. Once complete it would create an Imperial title ''Mistress of Glass Flowers''. It would be up to the person responsible for [[commission|commissioning]] the conservatory as to how title could be appointed. It could be a Conclave position appointed by [[Declaration]] of [[Candidacy]], or a Bourse seat appointed either through [[Tally of the Votes]] for the nation Madruga is assigned to, or via the [[Auction of the Seats]] if an Imperial position is sought.

The main benefit would be that the Mistress would receive 6 random ''marsh flowers'' each season, along with 3 pawns of Adversity vis (a random mixture of Night, Spring, and Winter vis). They would be responsible for protecting the Rainbow Conservatory, for supporting adventurers, herbalists, and horticulturalists exploring the southern reaches of Madruga, and making decisions about opportunities relating to the ''marsh flowers'' of Crucible and Siroc Bayou.
===Camp of the Sand Crab===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gecarcinus_quadratus_(Nosara).jpg|align=right|caption=Fanciful stories spread that the Grendel who build the Camp of the Sand Crab were transformed into the odd tree-dwelling crustraceans that are, admittedly, quite common in the area.|width=500}}</div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Mistress Sand Crab'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' National Bourse</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Seats]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receive 6 ''marsh flowers'', and 3 pawns Adversity vis each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Rainbow Conservatory, support exploration of the southern reaches, make decisions involving ''marsh flowers''</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''Sand Crab Camp provides a base of operations for explorers in the southern reaches of Madruga'''
* '''The Imperial Senate could give responsibility for the camp to the Unfettered Mind, the Rod and Shield, or the Brass Coast'''
* '''The appropriate Conclave order, or the new title of ''Mistress Sand Crab'' would receive four Adversity vis each season'''
* '''The Senate could commit money to expand the camp, increasing the vis received'''
While exploring the north-eastern Crucible, some of the [[military unit|warbands]] discovered a largely intact Grendel encampment built arop a low hill. The marshes had spread around it, and the wash of magic had prompted the growth of a thick growth of odd citrus trees that sheltered the camp from sight. There were crates and sacks of arrows, weapons, armour, and preserved foodstuffs that marked the place as likely a Grendel supply encampment such as those regularly overseen by quartermasters and pursers. Indeed, several banners depicting pale orange crabs hung around the walls and some of the banner poles in the centre were surmounted by sandstone crabs. There was no sign of the forces of the Broken Shore however. Just empty tents, bedrolls, even personal possessions suggesting perhaps a hundred and fifty orcs and a handful of humans had been based here. The site raises questions - did the soldiers leave in a hurry perhaps racing to be the last folk aboard a retreating ship? Did they flee some approaching catastrophe - not the floodwaters surely given the position of the camp - or were they lured out of their safe location by something in the marshes? Likely nobody will ever know, just as nobody will ever know where the story began that everyone here was transformed into a ten-legged spider-crab when the magic washed over it.

The camp's position, however, and the ready supplies, palisade walls, and tents made it a natural base of operation for many scouts, and for Conclave magicians looking for a little rest and recuperation. Several improvements were made - a watchtower added, and almost inevitably given the number of Freeborn visiting, a makeshift parador and a general store catering to the needs of explorers and adventurers. As Winter approaches, the camp has become a reliable landmark in the enigmatic marshes. So much so that there is an [[opportunity]] for the [[Imperial Senate]] to use a [[Senate motion]] to offer a little recognition and secure a useful resource for future exploration of the southern reaches.

There are three possibilities as to what might be done with Sand Crab Camp. A senate motion could make it the responsibility of the Unfettered Mind or the Rod and Shield [[Conclave order]]. If this were done it would provide three pawns of Adversity vis to the [[Conclave vault]] of that order. The camp would fall under the responsibility of the [[Grandmaster]] of the order, who would be expected to respond to any threats along with their order. Alternatively, the Senate could declare that responsibility for the camp would fall to the people of Madruga, and by extension the nation that territory was part of. For the time being that would mean [[the Brass Coast]]. If this choice were made, it would create a new title - ''Mistress Sand Crab'' - appointed by the [[Tally of the Votes]].

In any case, as long as ''someone'' is made responsible for the Camp of the Sand Crab, once ''Explore the Southern Reaches'' [[venture]] expired at the start of the Spring Equinox, a new venture available only to Freeborn [[military unit|military units]] would be created called ''Dare the southern reaches'' that would last as long as Sand Crab Camp was operational. It's too early to say for sure what the adventure would provide, but it would likely be a mix of herbs, Adversity vis, and ''marsh flowers''.

At the same time the Senate motion was raised, the Senate could commit to providing additional support to the camp. This would allow those operating from the top of the hill a chance to reinforce the walls, build some permanent structures, and establish a light trade route to bring in more supplies and equipment. This would cost 30 Thrones from the Imperial Treasury, but would increase the amount of Adversity vis acquired each season to six pawns. If done as part of the motion assigning responsibility this would not require a commission as the camp already exists; if done at a later date it would require a new motion and a commission.
===Explorers of Salt and Sand===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px;" class="mw-collapsible"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Crystals and Vis'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;"></td>
<tr><td>7 Crowns</td><td>3 pawns of Adversity vis</td></tr>
<tr><td>16 Crowns</td><td>6 pawns of Adversity vis </td></tr>
<tr><td>30 Crowns</td><td>10 pawns of Adversity vis </td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''Parts of the Parador of Salt and Sand could be repurposed to encourage exploration of the marshes and the Quiet Grasses'''
* '''The decision to take advantage could be made by the Hakima of Salt and Sand as part of the ongoing repairs'''
* '''It would cost 50 crowns and would grant the Hakima of Salt and Sand the chance to purchase Adversity vis'''
* '''The opportunity is only available at the Winter Solstice'''
The [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Parador_of_Salt_and_Sand|Parador of Salt and Sand]] has weathered recent storms better than most. Briefly conquered by the Grendel, it has been flooded, and threatened by the Children of Wrecks, but it has never fallen. The [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] once again welcomes Freeborn hakima to visit and trade, and to discuss the matters that such people find important. Some of the hakima who have ventured into the southern reaches, and explored the Quiet Grasses, have brought back intriguing tales to the Parador, tales that entice more hakima (and their [[kohan]] protectors) to investigate.

There is already a possible [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Expansion|expansion]] for the Parador, but another opportunity has become available. A series of chambers could be added to the Parador, designed to store maps of the shifting marshes, along with a place for hakima to gather to study the effects of the ''enigmatic'' regions and the peculiar magic. This would require a repurposing of some of the lodgings and part of the space designed for the market. The change would be relatively minor however, and cost only 50 Crowns. Normally such a [[Commission#Altering_an_Existing_Commission|revelopment]] would require a Senate motion and a [[commission]], but given that the Parador has needed recent repairs anyway the change could be achieved by the [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] themselves. ('''OOC Note:''' If they choose to redesign the Parador in this way they need to email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] after the event and ensure the requried 50 crowns are in their inventory).

The change would be to encourage more trade with travellers exploring the southern reaches, creating a second ministry track for the Hakima to purchase Adversity vis.

This opportunity is only available during the Winter Solstice 386YE, after which enthusiasm for the project will have faded.
===Chimes of Silence===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Chimes of Silence'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Quiet Greasses</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains mithil, 150 crowns labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Raises the level of investment in mana sites by 1
* Grants every mana site a pawn of Adversity vis each season (instead of a mana crystal)
</table></div>
* '''Cabella i Riqueza has been inspired to design a set of glass and mithril pillars that resonate with the power of the Quiet Grasses'''
* '''The great work costs 50 wains of mithril, 150 crowns, and takes three months to complete'''
* '''Once complete it raises the level of investment in mana sites by one and provide each mana site in the territory with a pawn of adversity vis'''
When a small number of particularly adventurous Unfettered Mind magicians fell in with some of the independent captains exploring what was then the Great Grasses, nobody expected to experience a profound mystical experience. The story they tell is that while traversing the dense grasslands they camped for the night under the open stars in a clearing amidst the tall grasses, and as Freeborn often do engaged in a pleasant evening of drumming, singing, dancing, and good cheer. Even the non-Freeborn members of the little group joined in, the music helping to soften the impact of the ''quiet'' that hangs over the region. Shortly before midnight, with the half-moon high and [[The_Key_and_The_Lock#The_Key|the Key]] glittering in the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|oddly distant sky]], a sudden hush fell over the little camp. Everyone tells it the same - all song and conversation simply tailed off, everyone stopped moving. There was no sound - a silence so loud (according to the explorers) that it drowned out everything save the heartbeats of the travellers. None of them could say how long it lasted, but when it passed all of them had had a profound epiphany. The group split up the next day, with each member heading off to pursue forgotten ambitions or make up for past regrets.

One of the hakima ''Cabella i Riqueza'' experienced an even more profound moment of insight (or, given the magics involved, more likely [[Winter magic#Wisdom|wisdom]]). A musician as well as a member of the Unfettered Mind she created a set of plans that she said were inspired in part by her understanding of the [[Music of the spheres]], in part by a discussion she had in the cold hours before morning with an [[Urizen]] member of her order, and in part by some odd dreams she had in the weeks that followed. A set of five glass-and-mithril pillars laid out to reflect the celestial constellations of [[The Key and The Lock]], not too far from where the ''Aldea di Tutamen'' estate once stood. The pillars would capture a little of the strangeness of the Quiet Grasses, and resonate with the silence as the winds blow . In turn, they would resonate with the flows of mana that spread and weave across Madruga, altering them and infusing a little of the magic that transfigured the southern reaches.

This [[great work]] would increase the level of investment in [[mana site|mana sites]] in Madruga by 1, but rather than increasing the amount of mana crystals the sites produced, it would add a pawn of Adversity vis to each site. The towering pillars would require 50 wains of [[mithril]] and 150 crowns to build, and would use a [[commission]] as normal.

There's a little concern that some of the design elements echo the layout of [[Ghita's Veils]] (where the hakima once studied before the place was wrecked by the [[Ghita%27s_Veils#The_Sobral_Tremor|Sobral Terror]], but Cabella earnestly explains that they perform a very different function - while Ghita's Veils are meant to focus mana inwards, to contain, the pillars - her ''Chimes of Silence'' - focus the magic outwards in a much more wholesome manner sharing their power with everyone in Madruga.

Cabella has lodged her plans with the civil service; there is currently no time limit on when the Chimes of Silence might be commissioned, provided the situation in Madruga does not change.
===The Enigmatic Tower===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Enigmatic Tower'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' College of Magic</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Crucible, Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of mithil, 30 wains of white granite, 30 wains of weirwood, 60 rings of ilium, 360 crowns labour (before [[Commission#Marshes|marsh modifier]])</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 75 mana crystals a season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates title of ''Provost of the Enigmatic Tower''
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Provost of the Engimatic Tower'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Candidacy]] </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Guiding the magicians of the Enigmatic Tower</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Engimatic Tower, and lead Imperial magicians in the research and codification of Spring, Winter and Night rituals</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''The Empire could commission a college of magic in the Enigmatic Tower'''
* '''The college would be specialised in Spring, Night and Winter rituals but could only codify rituals of those realms'''
* '''The college would have an upkeep of 75 mana a season'''
Several scouts recognised an odd tower, a little like a lighthouse, in the Scorrero itself, barely a mile after the river passes into Crucible. The water is still quite swift-flowing and rambunctious, and a challenge to cross. A small number of Rod and Shield magicians managed to make the trip, combining Freeborn daring with League ingenuity and Wintermark enthusiasm. They found that the tower was perfectly formed, oddly smooth in places, as if it had been grown or shaped from clay rather than formed by a mason's arts. They also quickly discovered that the tower resonates with the power that created the Crucible - the magic of Spring, Winter, and Night. Those who sleep within its walls experience vivid dreams of transformation and find it easier to make intuitive leaps or spot unlikely connections between ideas. They find themselves refreshed, with a natural sense for the ebb and flow of life and natural forces. They discover a cool wisdom that helps them judge dangers and weigh courses of action. The effects do not last long after the visitors leave the tower, however. But the Rod and Shield magicians find that they combine to help encourage and make easier any discussions of magic, philosophy, and the principles of life, death, and imagination that underly a lot of magic of the three realms.

The Rod and Shield magicians leave the tower with an inspiration; the tower would make an excellent site for a [[college of magic]]. A unique structure dedicated to the study of, and codification of, new rituals dealing with the three realms - Spring, Winter, and Night. A civil servant is prevailed upon to make the risky trip downriver from [[Segura#Cerevado|Cerevado]], and concurs with the magicians.

Turning the ''Enigmatic Tower'' into a [[college of magic]] will require some work. It must be [[commission|commissioned]] as normal by anyone with the power to oversee the creation of such a structure. It would require construction materials - 30 wains of white granite, 30 wains of mithril, 30 wains of weirwood - but it would also require an investment of 60 rings of ilium to refine and focus the inspirations, novel ideas, cool wisdom, and energies that flow through the tower and the waters of the Scorrero (and to ignite the beacon that would shine atop the tower, providing a landmark visible throughout the marshes). The construction work would cost 360 crowns, before the modification for building in a marsh, and take a year to complete.

Once complete, though, the new college of magic would have several unique qualities. It would be a beacon for the more esoterically minded magicians of the Empire, especially those of the Brass Coast, but it would also attract [[stargazer|stargazers]] from Urizen, [[mystic|mystics]] from Wintermark, and even [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[landskeeper|landskeepers]] keen to explore how the magics of Adversity interact with marshes and grasslands.

The harnessed magic, and the significant natural resources of the river and the marshes as well as the rich merchants of the Brass Coast would mean that the college would not require an [[College_of_magic#Costs|upkeep]] from the Imperial treasury. Rather it would require a large amount of crystal mana to maintain its odd magical properties - 75 mana crystals each season from [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|the Font]]. This upkeep would be automatically removed from the font that was made available to magicians at the start of each summit, (formed from the purchase of the [[Arbiter_of_the_Rogue_Declaration|rogue declaration]] and the [[Imperial_Conclave#Principle_of_Proportions|principle of proportions]]). If there were ever not enough crystals to pay the upkeep of the tower, none would be taken, but it would mean that the ''Provost of the Enigmatic Tower'' would be unable to codify a ritual that season.

The tower would have other odd qualities. It would ''only'' be able to codify rituals using [[Winter magic]], [[Spring magic]], or [[Night magic]], but in each case the the work would proceed at the rate of 15 ranks of magnitude each season (as if the college were [[College_of_magic#Specialization|specialised]] in all three realms.

The title of ''Provost of the Enigmatic Tower'' would almost certainly be appointed through [[Declaration]] of [[Candidacy]] by the [[Imperial Conclave]]. One of the first tasks for the Lightkeeper might be to secure patrons for the college - [[Azoth]] at the very least is likely to be intrigued by the possibilities of the ''Enigmatic Tower'', especially with regard to the codification of alchemical transformations of body and soul.

The opportunity to adapt the tower in this way would remain available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE. After that the situation would likely have changed enough to make this plan unfeasible. There is one additional cost - the opportunity to [[Hakima_of_Salt_and_Sand#Expansion|expand the Parador of Salt and Sand into a college of magic]] would be lost once work began on the tower, and vice versa.
==Further Reading==
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Where the river rises]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the transformation of Madruga
* [[Glass and flame]] - 386YE Autumn wind of war about fighting in Madruga and Feroz
* [[Tread of dust and darkness]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune about the Blight
* [[Parched earth]] - 386YE Spring Appraisal
* [[Fading like a Flower]]
* [[Various_storms_and_saints#The_Dry_Patricians|Various storms and saints]]
* [[Not a drop to drink]]
* [[Colourblind]]

Hard to find

2025-04-20T00:55:20Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"What's your problem, friend?"

Geralt pointedly stared at the orc in front of him, virtually goading him to go for the knife at his belt. It was a small scram, fine for cutting meat and preparing food, but a food knife was be no use at all when his opponent had two foot of heavy Dawnish steel hanging off his belt. If this orc made him draw that sword, the fight was only ending one way. The orc stared back with a look of pure hate in his eyes. Little fucker wasn't backing down though, no matter how outmatched he was.

At last the orc broke the silence and his gaze. "No problem... ''my lord''." He dropped his head as he said it, but he spoke the last part like his mouth was full of badger's piss.

Geralt didn't bother to correct him. It had been "my lord" this and "my lord" that since they'd got here. He didn't know how the bloody Dawnish put up with it. He tried correcting them, but they just played dumb which only got on his nerves even more. So he just left it.

Still it had seemed sincere enough when they'd first got here. These folk had been charming, fawning even. Like cheap League hawkers trying to cadge a ring. For weeks they'd be pleasant. It was only when it became clear that Geralt and his friends weren't leaving that their eyes had filled up with ice.

"I'm not daft, friend. You've got a problem. If you've got a problem with me, then I've got a problem with you. So what is it? Let's have it out."

The orc stared at Geralt liked he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him alive. By the paragons, but these fuckers hated them all of a sudden. Come on pal, he thought, if you're gonna start it, let's just have it out.

"This!" - the orc blurted suddenly, pointing at the half-completed building. "This is ''our'' problem. This is a bad idea. A very bad idea."

Geralt curled his lip in a look of scorn. This region was huge, the whole bloody territory was enormous. Surely they couldn't be this pissed off about losing 2 acres? It made no sense.

"This is a very bad idea," the orc said again. "This will make the Druj come back quicker."

Geralt only laughed. "You don't know what you're talking about", he scoffed.

"This will make the Druj come back quicker." The orc said it again, but with more certainty this time, like it was more of a threat than a warning.

Then, as if he'd said too much, the orc spun on his heel and walked hurriedly away.

''It's a good job for you I left my bow in my tent'', Geralt thought as he watched the orc storm off.
</ic>

==Overview==
While all eyes are on the [[Start a war|conflict in the north of the Barrens]], there is a glorious expedition planned in the south of the territory, a quest deep into the heart of the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]]. There are rumours of a strange creature dwelling here, a terrible beast that is linked the legendary Earl of the Groves. A band of daring knights is preparing to venture deep into the Groves unaware that disaster is waiting for them.

The Groves are an infamous mess of tangled forest, rush-filled pools, and waterlogged woodlands that can quickly baffle even the most seasoned explorer. Fortunately, the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are guided by their new allies, [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|the Karass]]. These skilled guides know these lands better than anyone, but even they discover they are no match for the Untrod Groves once the magic of the Barrens turns against them.

The Dawnish are no longer the only nation to take an interest in [[the Barrens]]. The [[Navarr]] have now completed their new wayhouse, the ''[[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|Last Battle]]'', in the [[The Barrens#Bleaks|Bleaks]]. It provides a powerful connection to the Navarr nation, allowing their people to operate freely here, but it could also be useful to Dawnish groups looking to explore.

==The Untrod Fastness==
* '''The expedition into the Untrod Groves has gone poorly.'''
* '''Forge the Wooden Fastness has aided the monstrous Earl of the Groves and impeded the questing knight's efforts.'''
<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><caption>Explore the Untrod Groves</caption><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Aesculus "Ace" Moonflower</td><td>House Asterion</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alistair de Vere</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arjhann Griffinsong</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Barristan Pyne</td><td>House Du Froste</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caedus</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Catrina Words The Unbelievably Magical</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eli Setzling</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Galantyne Wooder</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Goblet Grassman de Cordraco</td><td>House Cordraco</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Istevan Marshall</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Juniper Wainwright</td><td>House Du Froste</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Katelyn Quinnell</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leon</td><td>House Castellan</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leon de Carsenere</td><td>Anvil Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lucien Marshal</td><td>House de Lagriffe</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marcus Ashford</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maurice Merryweather</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mordrain Sepulchre</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pelinal Swansong</td><td>Order of the Beast</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reginald Du Ibanez</td><td>House Gladewarden</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reynard</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ser Drysford Poacher</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tancred de Coeurdefer</td><td>House De Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Temperance Forger</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Viridian</td><td>House duLac</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>William Arlan</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
After the Autumn Equinox, a band of Dawnish [[questing knight|questing knights]] journeyed into the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves|Untrod Groves]] within the Barrens. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[The_Barrens#Eaves_of_Peytaht|Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. The knights were aided by the [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]], who had agreed to assist after negotiations with the Barrens [[senator]] '''Aramis du Froste'''. There was some suggestion that there might have been a dangerous presence in the woods, linked to the legendary ''Earl of the Groves'', who is said to claim their demense deep within the trackless forest here. There were even rumours that this "Earl" was some kind of terrible beast - perhaps even the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|manticore]] of legend - although they are traditionally native to dry, arid regions quite unlike the Barrens, so that seemed fanciful. A host of questing knights assemble on the border of the Groves as the autumn turns to winter. They are more than three thousand strong: surely enough to overcome any threat? The Karass at their side as guides, they set off into the forest, searching for wealth, [[glory]], and adventure.
<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">
<box>
====A Triumphant Failure====
Players more than achieved the necessary military unit strength to successfully reconnoitre the Untrod Groves and discover the power that lurks within. As with our Winds of War, this wind of fortune has a strong narrative in which the expedition struggled and only just made it to the Earl's manse at the heart of the Groves. The description includes important thematic elements that contain information that is relevant to the situation, but as with a wind of war, they don't change the mathematical outcome. The questing knights have successfully managed to discover all there was to find here.
</box>
</div>
Some return. The first, a week later, and then more in bits and pieces throughout the season. Their number, however, was much reduced. The survivors have spoken of a horrible nightmare within the thicket of trees. At first, they had early success, gathering much [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and [[Materials#Iridescent_Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] with the help of their Karass guides, who knew the woods well. Then, the forest itself began to turn against the questing knights, the woods becoming a thorny barrier that turned back their attempts to move forward. The Karass seemed still to move with relative ease, calling the forest home as they do at present, but this only served to separate the questors from their guides all the quicker. The thorns grew sharp and cruel, and when camp was made in a clearing, overnight it would become thick forest once again, separating the questing bands from each other.

It soon becomes clear that a powerful [[Spring magic|Spring ritual]] is in place in the region. The ritual appears to be [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], which is a defensive ritual that protects an area by causing thickets of thorns and briars to form in the area, creating impenetrable walls of living vegetation. The Wooden Fastness makes an area extremely difficult for enemies to traverse, which is exactly what is happening here, but it shouldn't be. The trees should part to allow the swift passage of 'allies'. For reasons that are unclear, the enchantment has gone awry when selecting who is friend and who is foe, but that ought to be impossible.

There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Manticore.jpg|align=right|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.|width=300}}

==The Earl of the Groves==
* '''Some who journeyed into the woods have become vassals of the Earl after falling in battle to its stinging tail.'''
* '''Some of the vassals have crossed into the Bleaks and are heading for the Golden Sun encampment.'''
* '''Other vassals have begun making friends and alliances with local Dawnish houses.'''

It seems something else calls this place home; something more than the Karass who are thought to live on the outer reaches of the side of woods that edges into the Bleaks. The survivors of the expedition confirm the presence within the groves of something resembling the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|manticore of legend]], some horrible carrion-beast with a venomous sting and an all-too-human face with a mouth smiling wide and cruel. They say that this being has named itself the Earl of the Groves, and with barbed condemnation, it accused them of being trespassers and malcontents on the rightful holdings of a Dawnish house.

Of course, a manticore cannot be a member of the nation of Dawn, any more than a [[Tooth_by_tooth#The_Hylje|hylje]] can be a member of the nation of [[Wintermark]], or a [[Varushkan_Monster#Mora|mora]] call itself a true [[Varushka|Varushkan]]. Yet, those who journeyed into the woods confirm that the beast sometimes took human form, and when it did so it wore all the trappings of earldom, and by its side marched nobility and yeofolk both. They speak caution regarding the latter, however. Those who stood with the Earl of the Groves moved as one with the Earl, as if they were simply extensions of its malign will, and when it spoke of them it called them its vassals - or perhaps "vessels": reports are unclear. They generally tended to be armed with magical weapons and the tools of the war-witch, with the ability to shatter their opponent's weaponry or hold their legs or body in place.

This has disturbing implications when set alongside the reports of the effect of the manticore's sting. Those stung by the manticore began to experience a hollowing-out of their inner nature, and a rising within them of base and cruel desires. This was not simply a physical poison, but a spiritual malady that seemed to corrode the very essence of what it meant to be a human inside them. Liao was in short supply for those who had travelled within, so while many were exorcised of the spiritual corruption, many yeofolk who had been separated from the baggage-trains of the military units succumbed. At the last, they became unrecognisable to a priest's eye as human, and they left their friends and comrades and went to join the Earl as vassals in turn.

Those who went on the expedition managed to get deep enough into the woods to confirm that there is a glade within, in which sits a manse, a manor in the traditional Dawnish style in a great clearing, with banners and a tournament-square as if it were a field in Astolat. From there, however, they fought a fighting retreat as the Earl and its vassals pushed them back into the outer woods from which they had come.

The Karass only managed to find many of the adventurers again after the woods have forced them out. They are apologetic for the knight's misfortune, claiming that the magic was as confusing to them as it was to the Imperials. Some are suspicious of them, but they appear to be genuine.

===The Earl Reaches Out (The Barrens)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''A group of the earl's vassals have been talking with minor Dawnish houses in Hope's Rest and Bitter Strand'''
* '''A second group of vassals are approaching the Golden Sun's baggage train'''
* '''Bandits of the Bleaks are moving on the baggage train, and the vassals appear to be trying to intercept them'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''General of the Golden Sun'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for minimising the threat to the baggage train'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
As the winter solstice draws closer, two groups of vassals of the Earl emerge from the woods. The first group of vassals moves out, unarmed, to [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] and the [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]], where they appear to watch with interest from afar the dramatic events transpiring in [[The_Barrens#The_Fangs|the Fangs]]. They also visit the small settlements of the most adventurous Dawnishfolk out here in the wilds.

The vassals offer friendship and support to their fellow Dawnish houses. They talk of shared ideals - of glory and ambition and how the small houses of the Barrens might collaborate to become more powerful. Not everyone likes what they have to say, but a few houses are happy to make an alliance with the Earl. They do not appear bewitched or affected by the Earl's poison; it seems they have been convinced by its words that it is Dawnish in spirit if not in legal fact.

They speak movingly of the Earl of the Groves' support for Dawnish ambition and Dawnish pride in the Barrens. The Earl claims the Untrod Groves for themselves and will defend them against any interlopers, just as any Dawnish [[earl]] might, but their only desire is to help their neighbours become more glorious. Those that claim to have spoken with the Earl or its representatives say that the Earl has asked them to travel to [[Anvil]] to attend the Earl's Council on the Friday evening of the summit on their behalf.

Another group head towards [[The_Barrens#The_Bleaks|the Bleaks]] where the [[Golden Sun]], fresh from the [[Under_eastern_skies|rout of Therunin]], are encamped. A week earlier, one of the army's baggage trains was attacked and looted by a small group of bandits in the Bleaks. Such perils are common in the trackless wild areas of the Barrens, and would not normally be a problem, but this is a relatively large band of bandits who are surprisingly well equipped, which suggests they are either deserters or, more likely, looters. The vassals, some of the yeofolk who were separated from the exploratory force, seem to know where the bandits are and have moved to engage them.

It's not completely clear what is going on, but killing the bandits is the minimum needed to remove the ongoing threat to the army's supplies. The heroes should also find out what the Earl's vassals are doing and stop them if necessary.

===An Outstretched Hand===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|caption=The Unicorn Prince is a lord of the Summer Realm who clearly has his own interest in events in the Barrens.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A herald of Jaheris has approached the knights who quested in the Untrod Groves'''
* '''They invite some of those who attempted the quest and the knight-protectors of Dawn to an audience at 16:00 on Saturday accessed via the Hall of Worlds'''
* '''They wish to discuss the Earl of the Groves in the Untrod Groves and claim to offer help to defeat it'''
All of this is somewhat demoralising for the questing knights still recovering from the events in the Groves. Is the monster they fought truly an ally of Dawn? Have they been tricked by the Karass into this attack on a being who could be a friend? Still, would an ally seek to interfere with the Golden Sun, as the Earl's vassals seem intent on doing?

It is a difficult situation, and the assembled multitude are arguing these matters in their camp at the edge of the woods when they are approached by a woman wearing a surcoat bearing the sigil of the [[Jaheris|Lord of the Forest of Arden]]. She has something of the imperious mien of the [[changeling]] about her, though her form seems to shift and change into different heraldic forms, though always retaining the same haughty nobility.

She calls herself the ''Wit'' - or perhaps Witch? - of the Silver Woods. She says that ''Silverbrow'' knows the Earl of the Groves as an old personal enemy. As such, he would like to invite the [[Knight-protector|Knight-Protector of Summer]] to attend the Witch in her chambers just after 16:00 on the Saturday of the current summit, journeying from the Hall of the Worlds. They should select from amongst those who journeyed into the groves as many to accompany them as their banner will allow.

In addition, the invitation is ''also'' extended to the other three [[Knight-protector|Knight-Protectors]], who may travel under their own banners. They may not bring accompaniment, but, explains the Witch, their presence is no less vital to what she has to discuss. She will relay the will of the ''Lord of Despite'', and offers alliance against the Earl if the Knight-Protectors wish it.

===Participation : The Untrod Groves===
Any character whose military unit was assigned to support the expedition to ''Explore the Untrod Groves'' is welcome to have been injured during the adventure, although by now your wounds will have treated and healed. If you want your character to have been affected by the manticore's sting and subsequently exorcised of this mysterious malady, you will have felt the following roleplaying effect while under it: ''You feel uneasy and disconnected from your body. It feels natural to indulge your basest and most wicked instincts.'' Once exorcised, the sting-wound will have healed, and the effects will have almost completely faded, but you may still experience some lingering influence from the venom during the summit.

We also cheerfully encourage characters who assigned their military unit to the expedition to also roleplay that they were personally acquainted with one or two of the yeofolk who were separated from the baggage-trains and succumbed to the manticore's venom.

==Across the Lines==
* '''The Last Battle is a wayhouse built in the Bleaks to provide a reconnaissance base for the fight against the Vallorn'''
* '''The Keeper of the Last Battle will be appointed by Navarri generals this summit'''
* '''The Keeper will immediately face a dilemma regarding other occupants of the Bleaks'''
* '''The Turan Flats and the Nesustak Forest in the Sarangrave and Eastring in Therunin are now under threat'''
* '''Any Navarr can get a new personal resource in the Barrens for free this season'''
* '''Navarr resources in the Barrens count as being in Therunin for voting in senatorial and similar elections'''
[[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|The Last Battle]] are a [[striding]] founded in the wake of the Navarr's commitment to taking the fight to the [[Vallorn]], who have come together in the belief that the final battle against the vallorn will happen in their lifetime if they make it happen. They are almost exclusively [[thorn|thorns]], sworn warriors who are eager to engage the enemy and defeat them once and for all. However, [[A_thousand_years_of_longing|to connect all the vallornhearts]] requires the Empire to fulfil its destiny and conquer the lands between. At a minimum, the Empire will realistically need to be in control of the [[Sarangrave]] before final decisions can be made on the approach to the heart that lies in [[Terunael_in_Axos#Venturing_into_Visokuma|Visokuma]].

To that end, last Summer the striding proposed the building of a wayhouse on the border with a territory that contained a vallorn heart. The idea was to use the wayhouse as a base to conduct reconnaissance and patrols on the other side of the border. The wayhouse was [[Construct_Last_Battle_Wayhouse|commissioned in the Bleaks]] in the Barrens, which borders both Sarangrave and [[Therunin]]. This masterful choice of location has allowed the Last Battle to quickly establish supply routes from the Bleaks into the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats|Turan Flats]] and the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]] in the [[Sarangrave]]... as well as [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Eastring]] in [[Therunin]].

The wayhouse [[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|provides valuable benefits to the Navarr]] while it endures. The Keeper will receive a personal bounty of [[herb|herbs]] and this season there is an opportunity for Navarr to take up new [[Resource#Personal_Resource|resources]] in the territory without paying the usual 2 crown charge for a new resource. In addition, after close consultation with the [[Navarr Egregore|Navarr egregores]] and consideration of Imperial law, the civil service have determined that Navarr who are resident in the territory will be able to vote as if their resource was in a nearby territory controlled by the Navarr or recently controlled by them. In this case, that would be [[Therunin]] - that won't matter much now, but it will when (if) the Navarr take the territory back. The court has confirmed that they will apply similar rules for any other wayhouse built, working with the egregore to determine which territory it is closest to based on traffic on the trod network.

The Last Battle now awaits the appointment of their [[Keeper of the Last Battle|Keeper]], the one who will take on the duty of protecting the wayhouse and leading their expansionist efforts. The position is a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Military_Council#Appointment|national appointment by the Military Council]]. The generals of the Navarr armies are eligible to pick the new Keeper. By a particularly peculiar quirk of fate, this is currently '''Rhisiart Dancewalker''' for the [[Black Thorns]] and the Empress herself for the [[Quiet Step]]. While unorthodox, this is the technically correct legal interpretation.

The Keeper will have their work cut out for them. There is a vexing issue that the new occupant of the position will immediately be faced with.

===Who Would Dare To Go===
* '''The Karass are furious about the failure to consult them before building the wayhouse'''
* '''They do not seem to want to provoke a conflict but trouble is being stored up'''
* '''A diplomatic intervention from the Keeper of the Last Battle could be crucial'''
The first problem the Last Battle face is from the neighbours of the wayhouse. The Bleaks was an excellent location from a strategic point of view, but it is not unoccupied. The sept of the Karass currently dwell here, making camp amongst the branches of the ancient trees. The Karass are deeply protective of their home and they are ''not'' pleased by this new arrival.

After the Dawnish were granted the Barrens, the Karass made [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|diplomatic overtures]] to them to request that the regions of the Bleaks, the [[The Barren#The Plains of Teeth|Plains of Teeth]], and the [[The Barrens#Houndsgate|Towers of Dusk]] were all ceded to them. It was pretty clear that this was just an opening negotiating position and what they really wanted was the Bleaks, but their requests were summarily denied. To hear them tell it the response was effectively ''"You'll get nothing... and like it"''

...and thus far giving them absolutely nothing that they wanted has worked pretty much perfectly. The Karass are used to the uncompromising rule of the [[Druj]] who brook no insubordination and they have responded positively to a similar approach by the Empire. They've been obsequious in their negotiations with the Dawnish, almost as if they were trying to mimic the yeofolk. They've gone to some lengths to ingratiate themselves with their new overlords, with offers of help and support. They've corresponded with the [[Imperial Consul]] providing valuable intelligence on the other factions in the Barrens. They give all the impression of being the only loyal faction in the Barrens bar the Dawnish themselves. In fact, you could argue they've caused ''less'' trouble than the Dawnish houses have.

At least that was true until the Last Battle was built. The construction of the wayhouse has not directly led to any confrontation with them ''yet'', but it is impossible for the Karass to conceal how unhappy they are. Those who speak to them say they are clearly ''seething'' about having to share this forgotten corner of the sprawling Barrens with the Navarr. Nothing has been directly said, they appear to be quite intimidated by the Imperial presence, which is perhaps not entirely surprising given the punishment meted out to [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|the Black Wind]], but the look on their faces says everything. Navarr passing through Karass lands to reach the Wayhouse, claim they get a friendlier reception from the [[Jotun]]. It is painfully clear that the Karass want every single living being present at the Wayhouse to drop dead and the ground to open up and swallow them and their building - they're just too terrified of the Empire to do anything about it... yet.

Provided they stay terrified it shouldn't be a problem. But there are a ''lot'' of Karass - enough of them to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Saltmarsh|wipe out the Vendarri]]. If they had the nerve to attack the Empire, they could destroy the Last Battle in the blink of an eye. There's no evidence that that is going to happen, they appear genuinely scared of the Empire, but it is causing problems. Even just simple things like the fact that nobody is buying any food from the Karass to stock the wayhouse. The Karass might be terrified of the Empire, but the Navarr are nobody's fool.

When questioned about this, the Karass are evasive and unconvincing. The best explanation they can give is that they believe that the existence of the Last Battle will hasten the return of the Druj. They can't explain how that is going to happen, but they seem quite genuine about the threat. The Keeper would be well-advised to reach out to ''Anka Karass'' as soon as possible to ensure that this problem does not get any worse.

===Run For Your Lives (The Barrens)===
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<box>
====Accessibility & Content Warning====
<div class='mw-collapsed mw-collapsible'>There is no combat intended in this encounter but it will include strong themes of post-traumatic stress disorder and discussion of the violent events of war.
</div>
</box>
</div>
* '''The survivors of Therunin are wounded in body and mind'''
* '''A small group are currently recuperating at the Last Battle wayhouse in the Bleaks'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the Last Battle for 4 people at 18:50 on Friday'''
* '''This conjunction [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|won't include any combat unless players attack the helpless NPCs]]'''
* '''The civil service has asked the Hand of the Healers to take responsibility for the conjunction'''
Some of the last remnants of what was once [[Isaella's Dance]] and the [[Iron Helms]] have emerged from the blood bath in Therunin. They are accompanied by the still-coherent but badly wounded forces of the [[Golden Sun]] and the [[Black Thorns]] and survivors from the Spears of the Pines, the Great Forest Orc warband. It is at the Last Battle that they come to rest, the first friendly light on the road after escaping the terrible bloodbath that was Therunin.

The wounded are being tended to as best they can, but this is not a medical facility. The wayhouse is prepared as a reconnaissance station, not a field hospital. Many here are carrying not just wounds to the body but a terror in their soul. Dawnish, Great Forest Orc and Navarri alike: all are grateful for the assistance that is offered... but it is not much.

The striding are clear that they can use all the help they can get; they will have to offer physical, spiritual and moral support to soldiers who have seen things that every soldier hopes to never see. Given that it is very possible that a Keeper will not be appointed at this time, the civil servant has requested the [[Hand of the Healers]] take responsibility for the conjunction - they can liaise with the Keeper if they have been elected.

Whoever it is, they should choose the four individuals who are best placed to offer this kind of help and send them along. Guides from Navarr and Troubadours from Dawn would be particularly apposite choices, for who better to lift the hearts of the war-weary and show them the way to a better tomorrow?

==Further Reading==
* [[The Barrens]]
* [[Start a war]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune about events around the Fangs in the Barrens
* [[Unspoken_words#Untrod_Paths|Unspoken words]] - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune about the Untrod Groves

Hard to find

2025-04-20T00:30:22Z

Wrenna: /* Run For Your Lives (The Barrens) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"What's your problem, friend?"

Geralt pointedly stared at the orc in front of him, virtually goading him to go for the knife at his belt. It was a small scram, fine for cutting meat and preparing food, but a food knife was be no use at all when his opponent had two foot of heavy Dawnish steel hanging off his belt. If this orc made him draw that sword, the fight was only ending one way. The orc stared back with a look of pure hate in his eyes. Little fucker wasn't backing down though, no matter how outmatched he was.

At last the orc broke the silence and his gaze. "No problem... ''my lord''." He dropped his head as he said it, but he spoke the last part like his mouth was full of badger's piss.

Geralt didn't bother to correct him. It had been "my lord" this and "my lord" that since they'd got here. He didn't know how the bloody Dawnish put up with it. He tried correcting them, but they just played dumb which only got on his nerves even more. So he just left it.

Still it had seemed sincere enough when they'd first got here. These folk had been charming, fawning even. Like cheap League hawkers trying to cadge a ring. For weeks they'd be pleasant. It was only when it became clear that Geralt and his friends weren't leaving that their eyes had filled up with ice.

"I'm not daft, friend. You've got a problem. If you've got a problem with me, then I've got a problem with you. So what is it? Let's have it out."

The orc stared at Geralt liked he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him alive. By the paragons, but these fuckers hated them all of a sudden. Come on pal, he thought, if you're gonna start it, let's just have it out.

"This!" - the orc blurted suddenly, pointing at the half-completed building. "This is ''our'' problem. This is a bad idea. A very bad idea."

Geralt curled his lip in a look of scorn. This region was huge, the whole bloody territory was enormous. Surely they couldn't be this pissed off about losing 2 acres? It made no sense.

"This is a very bad idea," the orc said again. "This will make the Druj come back quicker."

Geralt only laughed. "You don't know what you're talking about", he scoffed.

"This will make the Druj come back quicker." The orc said it again, but with more certainty this time, like it was more of a threat than a warning.

Then, as if he'd said too much, the orc spun on his heel and walked hurriedly away.

''It's a good job for you I left my bow in my tent'', Geralt thought as he watched the orc storm off.
</ic>

==Overview==
While all eyes are on the [[Start a war|conflict in the north of the Barrens]], there is a glorious expedition planned in the south of the territory, a quest deep into the heart of the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]]. There are rumours of a strange creature dwelling here, a terrible beast that is linked the legendary Earl of the Groves. A band of daring knights is preparing to venture deep into the Groves unaware that disaster is waiting for them.

The Groves are an infamous mess of tangled forest, rush-filled pools, and waterlogged woodlands that can quickly baffle even the most seasoned explorer. Fortunately, the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are guided by their new allies, [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|the Karass]]. These skilled guides know these lands better than anyone, but even they discover they are no match for the Untrod Groves once the magic of the Barrens turns against them.

The Dawnish are no longer the only nation to take an interest in [[the Barrens]]. The [[Navarr]] have now completed their new wayhouse, the ''[[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|Last Battle]]'', in the [[The Barrens#Bleaks|Bleaks]]. It provides a powerful connection to the Navarr nation, allowing their people to operate freely here, but it could also be useful to Dawnish groups looking to explore.

==The Untrod Fastness==
* '''The expedition into the Untrod Groves has gone poorly.'''
* '''Forge the Wooden Fastness has aided the monstrous Earl of the Groves and impeded the questing knight's efforts.'''
<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><caption>Explore the Untrod Groves</caption><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Aesculus "Ace" Moonflower</td><td>House Asterion</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alistair de Vere</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arjhann Griffinsong</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Barristan Pyne</td><td>House Du Froste</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caedus</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Catrina Words The Unbelievably Magical</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eli Setzling</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Galantyne Wooder</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Goblet Grassman de Cordraco</td><td>House Cordraco</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Istevan Marshall</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Juniper Wainwright</td><td>House Du Froste</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Katelyn Quinnell</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leon</td><td>House Castellan</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leon de Carsenere</td><td>Anvil Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lucien Marshal</td><td>House de Lagriffe</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marcus Ashford</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maurice Merryweather</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mordrain Sepulchre</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pelinal Swansong</td><td>Order of the Beast</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reginald Du Ibanez</td><td>House Gladewarden</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reynard</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ser Drysford Poacher</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tancred de Coeurdefer</td><td>House De Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Temperance Forger</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Viridian</td><td>House duLac</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>William Arlan</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
After the Autumn Equinox, a band of Dawnish [[questing knight|questing knights]] journeyed into the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves|Untrod Groves]] within the Barrens. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[The_Barrens#Eaves_of_Peytaht|Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. The knights were aided by the [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]], who had agreed to assist after negotiations with the Barrens [[senator]] '''Aramis du Froste'''. There was some suggestion that there might have been a dangerous presence in the woods, linked to the legendary ''Earl of the Groves'', who is said to claim their demense deep within the trackless forest here. There were even rumours that this "Earl" was some kind of terrible beast - perhaps even the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|manticore]] of legend - although they are traditionally native to dry, arid regions quite unlike the Barrens, so that seemed fanciful. A host of questing knights assemble on the border of the Groves as the autumn turns to winter. They are more than three thousand strong: surely enough to overcome any threat? The Karass at their side as guides, they set off into the forest, searching for wealth, [[glory]], and adventure.
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<box>
====A Triumphant Failure====
Players more than achieved the necessary military unit strength to successfully reconnoitre the Untrod Groves and discover the power that lurks within. As with our Winds of War, this wind of fortune has a strong narrative in which the expedition struggled and only just made it to the Earl's manse at the heart of the Groves. The description includes important thematic elements that contain information that is relevant to the situation, but as with a wind of war, they don't change the mathematical outcome. The questing knights have successfully managed to discover all there was to find here.
</box>
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Some return. The first, a week later, and then more in bits and pieces throughout the season. Their number, however, was much reduced. The survivors have spoken of a horrible nightmare within the thicket of trees. At first, they had early success, gathering much [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and [[Materials#Iridescent_Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] with the help of their Karass guides, who knew the woods well. Then, the forest itself began to turn against the questing knights, the woods becoming a thorny barrier that turned back their attempts to move forward. The Karass seemed still to move with relative ease, calling the forest home as they do at present, but this only served to separate the questors from their guides all the quicker. The thorns grew sharp and cruel, and when camp was made in a clearing, overnight it would become thick forest once again, separating the questing bands from each other.

It soon becomes clear that a powerful [[Spring magic|Spring ritual]] is in place in the region. The ritual appears to be [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], which is a defensive ritual that protects an area by causing thickets of thorns and briars to form in the area, creating impenetrable walls of living vegetation. The Wooden Fastness makes an area extremely difficult for enemies to traverse, which is exactly what is happening here, but it shouldn't be. The trees should part to allow the swift passage of 'allies'. For reasons that are unclear, the enchantment has gone awry when selecting who is friend and who is foe, but that ought to be impossible.

There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Manticore.jpg|align=right|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.|width=300}}

===Participation : The Untrod Groves===
Any character whose military unit was assigned to support the expedition to ''Explore the Untrod Groves'' is welcome to have been injured during the adventure, although by now your wounds will have treated and healed. If you want your character to have been affected by the manticore's sting and subsequently exorcised of this mysterious malady, you will have felt the following roleplaying effect while under it: ''You feel uneasy and disconnected from your body. It feels natural to indulge your basest and most wicked instincts.'' Once exorcised, the sting-wound will have healed, and the effects will have almost completely faded, but you may still experience some lingering influence from the venom during the summit.

We also cheerfully encourage characters who assigned their military unit to the expedition to also roleplay that they were personally acquainted with one or two of the yeofolk who were separated from the baggage-trains and succumbed to the manticore's venom.

==The Earl of the Groves==
* '''Some who journeyed into the woods have become vassals of the Earl after falling in battle to its stinging tail.'''
* '''Some of the vassals have crossed into the Bleaks and are heading for the Golden Sun encampment.'''
* '''Other vassals have begun making friends and alliances with local Dawnish houses.'''

It seems something else calls this place home; something more than the Karass who are thought to live on the outer reaches of the side of woods that edges into the Bleaks. The survivors of the expedition confirm the presence within the groves of something resembling the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|manticore of legend]], some horrible carrion-beast with a venomous sting and an all-too-human face with a mouth smiling wide and cruel. They say that this being has named itself the Earl of the Groves, and with barbed condemnation, it accused them of being trespassers and malcontents on the rightful holdings of a Dawnish house.

Of course, a manticore cannot be a member of the nation of Dawn, any more than a [[Tooth_by_tooth#The_Hylje|hylje]] can be a member of the nation of [[Wintermark]], or a [[Varushkan_Monster#Mora|mora]] call itself a true [[Varushka|Varushkan]]. Yet, those who journeyed into the woods confirm that the beast sometimes took human form, and when it did so it wore all the trappings of earldom, and by its side marched nobility and yeofolk both. They speak caution regarding the latter, however. Those who stood with the Earl of the Groves moved as one with the Earl, as if they were simply extensions of its malign will, and when it spoke of them it called them its vassals - or perhaps "vessels": reports are unclear. They generally tended to be armed with magical weapons and the tools of the war-witch, with the ability to shatter their opponent's weaponry or hold their legs or body in place.

This has disturbing implications when set alongside the reports of the effect of the manticore's sting. Those stung by the manticore began to experience a hollowing-out of their inner nature, and a rising within them of base and cruel desires. This was not simply a physical poison, but a spiritual malady that seemed to corrode the very essence of what it meant to be a human inside them. Liao was in short supply for those who had travelled within, so while many were exorcised of the spiritual corruption, many yeofolk who had been separated from the baggage-trains of the military units succumbed. At the last, they became unrecognisable to a priest's eye as human, and they left their friends and comrades and went to join the Earl as vassals in turn.

Those who went on the expedition managed to get deep enough into the woods to confirm that there is a glade within, in which sits a manse, a manor in the traditional Dawnish style in a great clearing, with banners and a tournament-square as if it were a field in Astolat. From there, however, they fought a fighting retreat as the Earl and its vassals pushed them back into the outer woods from which they had come.

The Karass only managed to find many of the adventurers again after the woods have forced them out. They are apologetic for the knight's misfortune, claiming that the magic was as confusing to them as it was to the Imperials. Some are suspicious of them, but they appear to be genuine.

===The Earl Reaches Out (The Barrens)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''A group of the earl's vassals have been talking with minor Dawnish houses in Hope's Rest and Bitter Strand'''
* '''A second group of vassals are approaching the Golden Sun's baggage train'''
* '''Bandits of the Bleaks are moving on the baggage train, and the vassals appear to be trying to intercept them'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''General of the Golden Sun'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for minimising the threat to the baggage train'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
As the winter solstice draws closer, two groups of vassals of the Earl emerge from the woods. The first group of vassals moves out, unarmed, to [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] and the [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]], where they appear to watch with interest from afar the dramatic events transpiring in [[The_Barrens#The_Fangs|the Fangs]]. They also visit the small settlements of the most adventurous Dawnishfolk out here in the wilds.

The vassals offer friendship and support to their fellow Dawnish houses. They talk of shared ideals - of glory and ambition and how the small houses of the Barrens might collaborate to become more powerful. Not everyone likes what they have to say, but a few houses are happy to make an alliance with the Earl. They do not appear bewitched or affected by the Earl's poison; it seems they have been convinced by its words that it is Dawnish in spirit if not in legal fact.

They speak movingly of the Earl of the Groves' support for Dawnish ambition and Dawnish pride in the Barrens. The Earl claims the Untrod Groves for themselves and will defend them against any interlopers, just as any Dawnish [[earl]] might, but their only desire is to help their neighbours become more glorious. Those that claim to have spoken with the Earl or its representatives say that the Earl has asked them to travel to [[Anvil]] to attend the Earl's Council on the Friday evening of the summit on their behalf.

Another group head towards [[The_Barrens#The_Bleaks|the Bleaks]] where the [[Golden Sun]], fresh from the [[Under_eastern_skies|rout of Therunin]], are encamped. A week earlier, one of the army's baggage trains was attacked and looted by a small group of bandits in the Bleaks. Such perils are common in the trackless wild areas of the Barrens, and would not normally be a problem, but this is a relatively large band of bandits who are surprisingly well equipped, which suggests they are either deserters or, more likely, looters. The vassals, some of the yeofolk who were separated from the exploratory force, seem to know where the bandits are and have moved to engage them.

It's not completely clear what is going on, but killing the bandits is the minimum needed to remove the ongoing threat to the army's supplies. The heroes should also find out what the Earl's vassals are doing and stop them if necessary.

===An Outstretched Hand===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|caption=The Unicorn Prince is a lord of the Summer Realm who clearly has his own interest in events in the Barrens.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A herald of Jaheris has approached the knights who quested in the Untrod Groves'''
* '''They invite some of those who attempted the quest and the knight-protectors of Dawn to an audience at 16:00 on Saturday accessed via the Hall of Worlds'''
* '''They wish to discuss the Earl of the Groves in the Untrod Groves and claim to offer help to defeat it'''
All of this is somewhat demoralising for the questing knights still recovering from the events in the Groves. Is the monster they fought truly an ally of Dawn? Have they been tricked by the Karass into this attack on a being who could be a friend? Still, would an ally seek to interfere with the Golden Sun, as the Earl's vassals seem intent on doing?

It is a difficult situation, and the assembled multitude are arguing these matters in their camp at the edge of the woods when they are approached by a woman wearing a surcoat bearing the sigil of the [[Jaheris|Lord of the Forest of Arden]]. She has something of the imperious mien of the [[changeling]] about her, though her form seems to shift and change into different heraldic forms, though always retaining the same haughty nobility.

She calls herself the ''Wit'' - or perhaps Witch? - of the Silver Woods. She says that ''Silverbrow'' knows the Earl of the Groves as an old personal enemy. As such, he would like to invite the [[Knight-protector|Knight-Protector of Summer]] to attend the Witch in her chambers just after 16:00 on the Saturday of the current summit, journeying from the Hall of the Worlds. They should select from amongst those who journeyed into the groves as many to accompany them as their banner will allow.

In addition, the invitation is ''also'' extended to the other three [[Knight-protector|Knight-Protectors]], who may travel under their own banners. They may not bring accompaniment, but, explains the Witch, their presence is no less vital to what she has to discuss. She will relay the will of the ''Lord of Despite'', and offers alliance against the Earl if the Knight-Protectors wish it.

==Across the Lines==
* '''The Last Battle is a wayhouse built in the Bleaks to provide a reconnaissance base for the fight against the Vallorn'''
* '''The Keeper of the Last Battle will be appointed by Navarri generals this summit'''
* '''The Keeper will immediately face a dilemma regarding other occupants of the Bleaks'''
* '''The Turan Flats and the Nesustak Forest in the Sarangrave and Eastring in Therunin are now under threat'''
* '''Any Navarr can get a new personal resource in the Barrens for free this season'''
* '''Navarr resources in the Barrens count as being in Therunin for voting in senatorial and similar elections'''
[[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|The Last Battle]] are a [[striding]] founded in the wake of the Navarr's commitment to taking the fight to the [[Vallorn]], who have come together in the belief that the final battle against the vallorn will happen in their lifetime if they make it happen. They are almost exclusively [[thorn|thorns]], sworn warriors who are eager to engage the enemy and defeat them once and for all. However, [[A_thousand_years_of_longing|to connect all the vallornhearts]] requires the Empire to fulfil its destiny and conquer the lands between. At a minimum, the Empire will realistically need to be in control of the [[Sarangrave]] before final decisions can be made on the approach to the heart that lies in [[Terunael_in_Axos#Venturing_into_Visokuma|Visokuma]].

To that end, last Summer the striding proposed the building of a wayhouse on the border with a territory that contained a vallorn heart. The idea was to use the wayhouse as a base to conduct reconnaissance and patrols on the other side of the border. The wayhouse was [[Construct_Last_Battle_Wayhouse|commissioned in the Bleaks]] in the Barrens, which borders both Sarangrave and [[Therunin]]. This masterful choice of location has allowed the Last Battle to quickly establish supply routes from the Bleaks into the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats|Turan Flats]] and the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]] in the [[Sarangrave]]... as well as [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Eastring]] in [[Therunin]].

The wayhouse [[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|provides valuable benefits to the Navarr]] while it endures. The Keeper will receive a personal bounty of [[herb|herbs]] and this season there is an opportunity for Navarr to take up new [[Resource#Personal_Resource|resources]] in the territory without paying the usual 2 crown charge for a new resource. In addition, after close consultation with the [[Navarr Egregore|Navarr egregores]] and consideration of Imperial law, the civil service have determined that Navarr who are resident in the territory will be able to vote as if their resource was in a nearby territory controlled by the Navarr or recently controlled by them. In this case, that would be [[Therunin]] - that won't matter much now, but it will when (if) the Navarr take the territory back. The court has confirmed that they will apply similar rules for any other wayhouse built, working with the egregore to determine which territory it is closest to based on traffic on the trod network.

The Last Battle now awaits the appointment of their [[Keeper of the Last Battle|Keeper]], the one who will take on the duty of protecting the wayhouse and leading their expansionist efforts. The position is a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Military_Council#Appointment|national appointment by the Military Council]]. The generals of the Navarr armies are eligible to pick the new Keeper. By a particularly peculiar quirk of fate, this is currently '''Rhisiart Dancewalker''' for the [[Black Thorns]] and the Empress herself for the [[Quiet Step]]. While unorthodox, this is the technically correct legal interpretation.

The Keeper will have their work cut out for them. There is a vexing issue that the new occupant of the position will immediately be faced with.

===Who Would Dare To Go===
* '''The Karass are furious about the failure to consult them before building the wayhouse'''
* '''They do not seem to want to provoke a conflict but trouble is being stored up'''
* '''A diplomatic intervention from the Keeper of the Last Battle could be crucial'''
The first problem the Last Battle face is from the neighbours of the wayhouse. The Bleaks was an excellent location from a strategic point of view, but it is not unoccupied. The sept of the Karass currently dwell here, making camp amongst the branches of the ancient trees. The Karass are deeply protective of their home and they are ''not'' pleased by this new arrival.

After the Dawnish were granted the Barrens, the Karass made [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|diplomatic overtures]] to them to request that the regions of the Bleaks, the [[The Barren#The Plains of Teeth|Plains of Teeth]], and the [[The Barrens#Houndsgate|Towers of Dusk]] were all ceded to them. It was pretty clear that this was just an opening negotiating position and what they really wanted was the Bleaks, but their requests were summarily denied. To hear them tell it the response was effectively ''"You'll get nothing... and like it"''

...and thus far giving them absolutely nothing that they wanted has worked pretty much perfectly. The Karass are used to the uncompromising rule of the [[Druj]] who brook no insubordination and they have responded positively to a similar approach by the Empire. They've been obsequious in their negotiations with the Dawnish, almost as if they were trying to mimic the yeofolk. They've gone to some lengths to ingratiate themselves with their new overlords, with offers of help and support. They've corresponded with the [[Imperial Consul]] providing valuable intelligence on the other factions in the Barrens. They give all the impression of being the only loyal faction in the Barrens bar the Dawnish themselves. In fact, you could argue they've caused ''less'' trouble than the Dawnish houses have.

At least that was true until the Last Battle was built. The construction of the wayhouse has not directly led to any confrontation with them ''yet'', but it is impossible for the Karass to conceal how unhappy they are. Those who speak to them say they are clearly ''seething'' about having to share this forgotten corner of the sprawling Barrens with the Navarr. Nothing has been directly said, they appear to be quite intimidated by the Imperial presence, which is perhaps not entirely surprising given the punishment meted out to [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|the Black Wind]], but the look on their faces says everything. Navarr passing through Karass lands to reach the Wayhouse, claim they get a friendlier reception from the [[Jotun]]. It is painfully clear that the Karass want every single living being present at the Wayhouse to drop dead and the ground to open up and swallow them and their building - they're just too terrified of the Empire to do anything about it... yet.

Provided they stay terrified it shouldn't be a problem. But there are a ''lot'' of Karass - enough of them to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Saltmarsh|wipe out the Vendarri]]. If they had the nerve to attack the Empire, they could destroy the Last Battle in the blink of an eye. There's no evidence that that is going to happen, they appear genuinely scared of the Empire, but it is causing problems. Even just simple things like the fact that nobody is buying any food from the Karass to stock the wayhouse. The Karass might be terrified of the Empire, but the Navarr are nobody's fool.

When questioned about this, the Karass are evasive and unconvincing. The best explanation they can give is that they believe that the existence of the Last Battle will hasten the return of the Druj. They can't explain how that is going to happen, but they seem quite genuine about the threat. The Keeper would be well-advised to reach out to ''Anka Karass'' as soon as possible to ensure that this problem does not get any worse.

===Run For Your Lives (The Barrens)===
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<box>
====Accessibility & Content Warning====
<div class='mw-collapsed mw-collapsible'>There is no combat intended in this encounter but it will include strong themes of post-traumatic stress disorder and discussion of the violent events of war.
</div>
</box>
</div>
* '''The survivors of Therunin are wounded in body and mind'''
* '''A small group are currently recuperating at the Last Battle wayhouse in the Bleaks'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the Last Battle for 4 people at 18:50 on Friday'''
* '''This conjunction [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|won't include any combat unless players attack the helpless NPCs]]'''
* '''The civil service has asked the Hand of the Healers to take responsibility for the conjunction'''
Some of the last remnants of what was once [[Isaella's Dance]] and the [[Iron Helms]] have emerged from the blood bath in Therunin. They are accompanied by the still-coherent but badly wounded forces of the [[Golden Sun]] and the [[Black Thorns]] and survivors from the Spears of the Pines, the Great Forest Orc warband. It is at the Last Battle that they come to rest, the first friendly light on the road after escaping the terrible bloodbath that was Therunin.

The wounded are being tended to as best they can, but this is not a medical facility. The wayhouse is prepared as a reconnaissance station, not a field hospital. Many here are carrying not just wounds to the body but a terror in their soul. Dawnish, Great Forest Orc and Navarri alike: all are grateful for the assistance that is offered... but it is not much.

The striding are clear that they can use all the help they can get; they will have to offer physical, spiritual and moral support to soldiers who have seen things that every soldier hopes to never see. Given that it is very possible that a Keeper will not be appointed at this time, the civil servant has requested the [[Hand of the Healers]] take responsibility for the conjunction - they can liaise with the Keeper if they have been elected.

Whoever it is, they should choose the four individuals who are best placed to offer this kind of help and send them along. Guides from Navarr and Troubadours from Dawn would be particularly apposite choices, for who better to lift the hearts of the war-weary and show them the way to a better tomorrow?

==Further Reading==
* [[The Barrens]]
* [[Start a war]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune about events around the Fangs in the Barrens
* [[Unspoken_words#Untrod_Paths|Unspoken words]] - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune about the Untrod Groves

Hard to find

2025-04-19T23:28:12Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"What's your problem, friend?"

Geralt pointedly stared at the orc in front of him, virtually goading him to go for the knife at his belt. It was a small scram, fine for cutting meat and preparing food, but a food knife was be no use at all when his opponent had two foot of heavy Dawnish steel hanging off his belt. If this orc made him draw that sword, the fight was only ending one way. The orc stared back with a look of pure hate in his eyes. Little fucker wasn't backing down though, no matter how outmatched he was.

At last the orc broke the silence and his gaze. "No problem... ''my lord''." He dropped his head as he said it, but he spoke the last part like his mouth was full of badger's piss.

Geralt didn't bother to correct him. It had been "my lord" this and "my lord" that since they'd got here. He didn't know how the bloody Dawnish put up with it. He tried correcting them, but they just played dumb which only got on his nerves even more. So he just left it.

Still it had seemed sincere enough when they'd first got here. These folk had been charming, fawning even. Like cheap League hawkers trying to cadge a ring. For weeks they'd be pleasant. It was only when it became clear that Geralt and his friends weren't leaving that their eyes had filled up with ice.

"I'm not daft, friend. You've got a problem. If you've got a problem with me, then I've got a problem with you. So what is it? Let's have it out."

The orc stared at Geralt liked he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him alive. By the paragons, but these fuckers hated them all of a sudden. Come on pal, he thought, if you're gonna start it, let's just have it out.

"This!" - the orc blurted suddenly, pointing at the half-completed building. "This is ''our'' problem. This is a bad idea. A very bad idea."

Geralt curled his lip in a look of scorn. This region was huge, the whole bloody territory was enormous. Surely they couldn't be this pissed off about losing 2 acres? It made no sense.

"This is a very bad idea," the orc said again. "This will make the Druj come back quicker."

Geralt only laughed. "You don't know what you're talking about", he scoffed.

"This will make the Druj come back quicker." The orc said it again, but with more certainty this time, like it was more of a threat than a warning.

Then, as if he'd said too much, the orc spun on his heel and walked hurriedly away.

''It's a good job for you I left my bow in my tent'', Geralt thought as he watched the orc storm off.
</ic>

==Overview==
While all eyes are on the [[Start a war|conflict in the north of the Barrens]], there is a glorious expedition planned in the south of the territory, a quest deep into the heart of the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]]. There are rumours of a strange creature dwelling here, a terrible beast that is linked the legendary Earl of the Groves. A band of daring knights is preparing to venture deep into the Groves unaware that disaster is waiting for them.

The Groves are an infamous mess of tangled forest, rush-filled pools, and waterlogged woodlands that can quickly baffle even the most seasoned explorer. Fortunately, the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are guided by their new allies, [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|the Karass]]. These skilled guides know these lands better than anyone, but even they discover they are no match for the Untrod Groves once the magic of the Barrens turns against them.

The Dawnish are no longer the only nation to take an interest in [[the Barrens]]. The [[Navarr]] have now completed their new wayhouse, the ''[[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|Last Battle]]'', in the [[The Barrens#Bleaks|Bleaks]]. It provides a powerful connection to the Navarr nation, allowing their people to operate freely here, but it could also be useful to Dawnish groups looking to explore.

==The Untrod Fastness==
* '''The expedition into the Untrod Groves has gone poorly.'''
* '''Forge the Wooden Fastness has aided the monstrous Earl of the Groves and impeded the questing knight's efforts.'''
<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><caption>Explore the Untrod Groves</caption><tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th><th>Nation</th></tr>
<tr><td>Aesculus "Ace" Moonflower</td><td>House Asterion</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aletheia Wooder</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alistair de Vere</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Arjhann Griffinsong</td><td>Order of Crimson Circle</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Barristan Pyne</td><td>House Du Froste</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caedus</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Catrina Words The Unbelievably Magical</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eli Setzling</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Galantyne Wooder</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Goblet Grassman de Cordraco</td><td>House Cordraco</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Istevan Marshall</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Juniper Wainwright</td><td>House Du Froste</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Katelyn Quinnell</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leon</td><td>House Castellan</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leon de Carsenere</td><td>Anvil Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lucien Marshal</td><td>House de Lagriffe</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marcus Ashford</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maurice Merryweather</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mordrain Sepulchre</td><td>House Sepulchre Banner</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pelinal Swansong</td><td>Order of the Beast</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reginald Du Ibanez</td><td>House Gladewarden</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reynard</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ser Drysford Poacher</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tancred de Coeurdefer</td><td>House De Rondell</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Temperance Forger</td><td>Amber Lance</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>Viridian</td><td>House duLac</td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
<tr><td>William Arlan</td><td></td><td>Dawn</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
After the Autumn Equinox, a band of Dawnish [[questing knight|questing knights]] journeyed into the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves|Untrod Groves]] within the Barrens. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[The_Barrens#Eaves_of_Peytaht|Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. The knights were aided by the [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|Karass]], who had agreed to assist after negotiations with the Barrens [[senator]] '''Aramis du Froste'''. There was some suggestion that there might have been a dangerous presence in the woods, linked to the legendary ''Earl of the Groves'', who is said to claim their demense deep within the trackless forest here. There were even rumours that this "Earl" was some kind of terrible beast - perhaps even the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|manticore]] of legend - although they are traditionally native to dry, arid regions quite unlike the Barrens, so that seemed fanciful. A host of questing knights assemble on the border of the Groves as the autumn turns to winter. They are more than three thousand strong: surely enough to overcome any threat? The Karass at their side as guides, they set off into the forest, searching for wealth, [[glory]], and adventure.
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<box>
====A Triumphant Failure====
Players more than achieved the necessary military unit strength to successfully reconnoitre the Untrod Groves and discover the power that lurks within. As with our Winds of War, this wind of fortune has a strong narrative in which the expedition struggled and only just made it to the Earl's manse at the heart of the Groves. The description includes important thematic elements that contain information that is relevant to the situation, but as with a wind of war, they don't change the mathematical outcome. The questing knights have successfully managed to discover all there was to find here.
</box>
</div>
Some return. The first, a week later, and then more in bits and pieces throughout the season. Their number, however, was much reduced. The survivors have spoken of a horrible nightmare within the thicket of trees. At first, they had early success, gathering much [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and [[Materials#Iridescent_Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] with the help of their Karass guides, who knew the woods well. Then, the forest itself began to turn against the questing knights, the woods becoming a thorny barrier that turned back their attempts to move forward. The Karass seemed still to move with relative ease, calling the forest home as they do at present, but this only served to separate the questors from their guides all the quicker. The thorns grew sharp and cruel, and when camp was made in a clearing, overnight it would become thick forest once again, separating the questing bands from each other.

It soon becomes clear that a powerful [[Spring magic|Spring ritual]] is in place in the region. The ritual appears to be [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], which is a defensive ritual that protects an area by causing thickets of thorns and briars to form in the area, creating impenetrable walls of living vegetation. The Wooden Fastness makes an area extremely difficult for enemies to traverse, which is exactly what is happening here, but it shouldn't be. The trees should part to allow the swift passage of 'allies'. For reasons that are unclear, the enchantment has gone awry when selecting who is friend and who is foe, but that ought to be impossible.

There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Manticore.jpg|align=right|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.|width=300}}

===Participation : The Untrod Groves===
Any character whose military unit was assigned to support the expedition to ''Explore the Untrod Groves'' is welcome to have been injured during the adventure, although by now your wounds will have treated and healed. If you want your character to have been affected by the manticore's sting and subsequently exorcised of this mysterious malady, you will have felt the following roleplaying effect while under it: ''You feel uneasy and disconnected from your body. It feels natural to indulge your basest and most wicked instincts.'' Once exorcised, the sting-wound will have healed, and the effects will have almost completely faded, but you may still experience some lingering influence from the venom during the summit.

We also cheerfully encourage characters who assigned their military unit to the expedition to also roleplay that they were personally acquainted with one or two of the yeofolk who were separated from the baggage-trains and succumbed to the manticore's venom.

==The Earl of the Groves==
* '''Some who journeyed into the woods have become vassals of the Earl after falling in battle to its stinging tail.'''
* '''Some of the vassals have crossed into the Bleaks and are heading for the Golden Sun encampment.'''
* '''Other vassals have begun making friends and alliances with local Dawnish houses.'''

It seems something else calls this place home; something more than the Karass who are thought to live on the outer reaches of the side of woods that edges into the Bleaks. The survivors of the expedition confirm the presence within the groves of something resembling the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores|manticore of legend]], some horrible carrion-beast with a venomous sting and an all-too-human face with a mouth smiling wide and cruel. They say that this being has named itself the Earl of the Groves, and with barbed condemnation, it accused them of being trespassers and malcontents on the rightful holdings of a Dawnish house.

Of course, a manticore cannot be a member of the nation of Dawn, any more than a [[Tooth_by_tooth#The_Hylje|hylje]] can be a member of the nation of [[Wintermark]], or a [[Varushkan_Monster#Mora|mora]] call itself a true [[Varushka|Varushkan]]. Yet, those who journeyed into the woods confirm that the beast sometimes took human form, and when it did so it wore all the trappings of earldom, and by its side marched nobility and yeofolk both. They speak caution regarding the latter, however. Those who stood with the Earl of the Groves moved as one with the Earl, as if they were simply extensions of its malign will, and when it spoke of them it called them its vassals - or perhaps "vessels": reports are unclear. They generally tended to be armed with magical weapons and the tools of the war-witch, with the ability to shatter their opponent's weaponry or hold their legs or body in place.

This has disturbing implications when set alongside the reports of the effect of the manticore's sting. Those stung by the manticore began to experience a hollowing-out of their inner nature, and a rising within them of base and cruel desires. This was not simply a physical poison, but a spiritual malady that seemed to corrode the very essence of what it meant to be a human inside them. Liao was in short supply for those who had travelled within, so while many were exorcised of the spiritual corruption, many yeofolk who had been separated from the baggage-trains of the military units succumbed. At the last, they became unrecognisable to a priest's eye as human, and they left their friends and comrades and went to join the Earl as vassals in turn.

Those who went on the expedition managed to get deep enough into the woods to confirm that there is a glade within, in which sits a manse, a manor in the traditional Dawnish style in a great clearing, with banners and a tournament-square as if it were a field in Astolat. From there, however, they fought a fighting retreat as the Earl and its vassals pushed them back into the outer woods from which they had come.

The Karass only managed to find many of the adventurers again after the woods have forced them out. They are apologetic for the knight's misfortune, claiming that the magic was as confusing to them as it was to the Imperials. Some are suspicious of them, but they appear to be genuine.

===The Earl Reaches Out (The Barrens)===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GoldenSun_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>
* '''A group of the earl's vassals have been talking with minor Dawnish houses in Hope's Rest and Bitter Strand'''
* '''A second group of vassals are approaching the Golden Sun's baggage train'''
* '''Bandits of the Bleaks are moving on the baggage train, and the vassals appear to be trying to intercept them'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''General of the Golden Sun'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for minimising the threat to the baggage train'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
As the winter solstice draws closer, two groups of vassals of the Earl emerge from the woods. The first group of vassals moves out, unarmed, to [[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Hope's Rest]] and the [[The_Barrens#Bitter_Strand|Bitter Strand]], where they appear to watch with interest from afar the dramatic events transpiring in [[The_Barrens#The_Fangs|the Fangs]]. They also visit the small settlements of the most adventurous Dawnishfolk out here in the wilds.

The vassals offer friendship and support to their fellow Dawnish houses. They talk of shared ideals - of glory and ambition and how the small houses of the Barrens might collaborate to become more powerful. Not everyone likes what they have to say, but a few houses are happy to make an alliance with the Earl. They do not appear bewitched or affected by the Earl's poison; it seems they have been convinced by its words that it is Dawnish in spirit if not in legal fact.

They speak movingly of the Earl of the Groves' support for Dawnish ambition and Dawnish pride in the Barrens. The Earl claims the Untrod Groves for themselves and will defend them against any interlopers, just as any Dawnish [[earl]] might, but their only desire is to help their neighbours become more glorious. Those that claim to have spoken with the Earl or its representatives say that the Earl has asked them to travel to [[Anvil]] to attend the Earl's Council on the Friday evening of the summit on their behalf.

Another group head towards [[The_Barrens#The_Bleaks|the Bleaks]] where the [[Golden Sun]], fresh from the [[Under_eastern_skies|rout of Therunin]], are encamped. A week earlier, one of the army's baggage trains was attacked and looted by a small group of bandits in the Bleaks. Such perils are common in the trackless wild areas of the Barrens, and would not normally be a problem, but this is a relatively large band of bandits who are surprisingly well equipped, which suggests they are either deserters or, more likely, looters. The vassals, some of the yeofolk who were separated from the exploratory force, seem to know where the bandits are and have moved to engage them.

It's not completely clear what is going on, but killing the bandits is the minimum needed to remove the ongoing threat to the army's supplies. The heroes should also find out what the Earl's vassals are doing and stop them if necessary.

===An Outstretched Hand===
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|caption=The Unicorn Prince is a lord of the Summer Realm who clearly has his own interest in events in the Barrens.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
* '''A herald of Jaheris has approached the knights who quested in the Untrod Groves'''
* '''They invite some of those who attempted the quest and the knight-protectors of Dawn to an audience at 16:00 on Saturday accessed via the Hall of Worlds'''
* '''They wish to discuss the Earl of the Groves in the Untrod Groves and claim to offer help to defeat it'''
All of this is somewhat demoralising for the questing knights still recovering from the events in the Groves. Is the monster they fought truly an ally of Dawn? Have they been tricked by the Karass into this attack on a being who could be a friend? Still, would an ally seek to interfere with the Golden Sun, as the Earl's vassals seem intent on doing?

It is a difficult situation, and the assembled multitude are arguing these matters in their camp at the edge of the woods when they are approached by a woman wearing a surcoat bearing the sigil of the [[Jaheris|Lord of the Forest of Arden]]. She has something of the imperious mien of the [[changeling]] about her, though her form seems to shift and change into different heraldic forms, though always retaining the same haughty nobility.

She calls herself the ''Wit'' - or perhaps Witch? - of the Silver Woods. She says that ''Silverbrow'' knows the Earl of the Groves as an old personal enemy. As such, he would like to invite the [[Knight-protector|Knight-Protector of Summer]] to attend the Witch in her chambers just after 16:00 on the Saturday of the current summit, journeying from the Hall of the Worlds. They should select from amongst those who journeyed into the groves as many to accompany them as their banner will allow.

In addition, the invitation is ''also'' extended to the other three [[Knight-protector|Knight-Protectors]], who may travel under their own banners. They may not bring accompaniment, but, explains the Witch, their presence is no less vital to what she has to discuss. She will relay the will of the ''Lord of Despite'', and offers alliance against the Earl if the Knight-Protectors wish it.

==Across the Lines==
* '''The Last Battle is a wayhouse built in the Bleaks to provide a reconnaissance base for the fight against the Vallorn'''
* '''The Keeper of the Last Battle will be appointed by Navarri generals this summit'''
* '''The Keeper will immediately face a dilemma regarding other occupants of the Bleaks'''
* '''The Turan Flats and the Nesustak Forest in the Sarangrave and Eastring in Therunin are now under threat'''
* '''Any Navarr can get a new personal resource in the Barrens for free this season'''
* '''Navarr resources in the Barrens count as being in Therunin for voting in senatorial and similar elections'''
[[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|The Last Battle]] are a [[striding]] founded in the wake of the Navarr's commitment to taking the fight to the [[Vallorn]], who have come together in the belief that the final battle against the vallorn will happen in their lifetime if they make it happen. They are almost exclusively [[thorn|thorns]], sworn warriors who are eager to engage the enemy and defeat them once and for all. However, [[A_thousand_years_of_longing|to connect all the vallornhearts]] requires the Empire to fulfil its destiny and conquer the lands between. At a minimum, the Empire will realistically need to be in control of the [[Sarangrave]] before final decisions can be made on the approach to the heart that lies in [[Terunael_in_Axos#Venturing_into_Visokuma|Visokuma]].

To that end, last Summer the striding proposed the building of a wayhouse on the border with a territory that contained a vallorn heart. The idea was to use the wayhouse as a base to conduct reconnaissance and patrols on the other side of the border. The wayhouse was [[Construct_Last_Battle_Wayhouse|commissioned in the Bleaks]] in the Barrens, which borders both Sarangrave and [[Therunin]]. This masterful choice of location has allowed the Last Battle to quickly establish supply routes from the Bleaks into the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats|Turan Flats]] and the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]] in the [[Sarangrave]]... as well as [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Eastring]] in [[Therunin]].

The wayhouse [[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|provides valuable benefits to the Navarr]] while it endures. The Keeper will receive a personal bounty of [[herb|herbs]] and this season there is an opportunity for Navarr to take up new [[Resource#Personal_Resource|resources]] in the territory without paying the usual 2 crown charge for a new resource. In addition, after close consultation with the [[Navarr Egregore|Navarr egregores]] and consideration of Imperial law, the civil service have determined that Navarr who are resident in the territory will be able to vote as if their resource was in a nearby territory controlled by the Navarr or recently controlled by them. In this case, that would be [[Therunin]] - that won't matter much now, but it will when (if) the Navarr take the territory back. The court has confirmed that they will apply similar rules for any other wayhouse built, working with the egregore to determine which territory it is closest to based on traffic on the trod network.

The Last Battle now awaits the appointment of their [[Keeper of the Last Battle|Keeper]], the one who will take on the duty of protecting the wayhouse and leading their expansionist efforts. The position is a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Military_Council#Appointment|national appointment by the Military Council]]. The generals of the Navarr armies are eligible to pick the new Keeper. By a particularly peculiar quirk of fate, this is currently '''Rhisiart Dancewalker''' for the [[Black Thorns]] and the Empress herself for the [[Quiet Step]]. While unorthodox, this is the technically correct legal interpretation.

The Keeper will have their work cut out for them. There is a vexing issue that the new occupant of the position will immediately be faced with.

===Who Would Dare To Go===
* '''The Karass are furious about the failure to consult them before building the wayhouse'''
* '''They do not seem to want to provoke a conflict but trouble is being stored up'''
* '''A diplomatic intervention from the Keeper of the Last Battle could be crucial'''
The first problem the Last Battle face is from the neighbours of the wayhouse. The Bleaks was an excellent location from a strategic point of view, but it is not unoccupied. The sept of the Karass currently dwell here, making camp amongst the branches of the ancient trees. The Karass are deeply protective of their home and they are ''not'' pleased by this new arrival.

After the Dawnish were granted the Barrens, the Karass made [[Not_to_conquer#Karass|diplomatic overtures]] to them to request that the regions of the Bleaks, the [[The Barren#The Plains of Teeth|Plains of Teeth]], and the [[The Barrens#Houndsgate|Towers of Dusk]] were all ceded to them. It was pretty clear that this was just an opening negotiating position and what they really wanted was the Bleaks, but their requests were summarily denied. To hear them tell it the response was effectively ''"You'll get nothing... and like it"''

...and thus far giving them absolutely nothing that they wanted has worked pretty much perfectly. The Karass are used to the uncompromising rule of the [[Druj]] who brook no insubordination and they have responded positively to a similar approach by the Empire. They've been obsequious in their negotiations with the Dawnish, almost as if they were trying to mimic the yeofolk. They've gone to some lengths to ingratiate themselves with their new overlords, with offers of help and support. They've corresponded with the [[Imperial Consul]] providing valuable intelligence on the other factions in the Barrens. They give all the impression of being the only loyal faction in the Barrens bar the Dawnish themselves. In fact, you could argue they've caused ''less'' trouble than the Dawnish houses have.

At least that was true until the Last Battle was built. The construction of the wayhouse has not directly led to any confrontation with them ''yet'', but it is impossible for the Karass to conceal how unhappy they are. Those who speak to them say they are clearly ''seething'' about having to share this forgotten corner of the sprawling Barrens with the Navarr. Nothing has been directly said, they appear to be quite intimidated by the Imperial presence, which is perhaps not entirely surprising given the punishment meted out to [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind|the Black Wind]], but the look on their faces says everything. Navarr passing through Karass lands to reach the Wayhouse, claim they get a friendlier reception from the [[Jotun]]. It is painfully clear that the Karass want every single living being present at the Wayhouse to drop dead and the ground to open up and swallow them and their building - they're just too terrified of the Empire to do anything about it... yet.

Provided they stay terrified it shouldn't be a problem. But there are a ''lot'' of Karass - enough of them to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Saltmarsh|wipe out the Vendarri]]. If they had the nerve to attack the Empire, they could destroy the Last Battle in the blink of an eye. There's no evidence that that is going to happen, they appear genuinely scared of the Empire, but it is causing problems. Even just simple things like the fact that nobody is buying any food from the Karass to stock the wayhouse. The Karass might be terrified of the Empire, but the Navarr are nobody's fool.

When questioned about this, the Karass are evasive and unconvincing. The best explanation they can give is that they believe that the existence of the Last Battle will hasten the return of the Druj. They can't explain how that is going to happen, but they seem quite genuine about the threat. The Keeper would be well-advised to reach out to ''Anka Karass'' as soon as possible to ensure that this problem does not get any worse.

===Run For Your Lives (The Barrens)===
<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">
<box>
====Accessibility & Content Warning====
<div class='mw-collapsed mw-collapsible'>There is no combat intended in this encounter but it will include strong themes of post-traumatic stress disorder and discussion of the violent events of war.
</div>
</box>
</div>
* '''The survivors of Therunin are wounded in body and mind'''
* '''A small group are currently recuperating at the Last Battle wayhouse in the Bleaks'''
* '''There is a conjunction to the Last Battle for 4 people at 18:50 on Friday'''
* '''This conjunction [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|won't include any combat unless players attack the helpless NPCs]]'''
* '''The civil service has asked the Hand of the Healers to take responsibility for the conjunction'''
Some of the last remnants of what was once [[Isaella's Dance]] and the [[Iron Helms]] have emerged from the blood bath in Therunin. They are accompanied by the still-coherent but badly wounded forces of the [[Golden Sun]] and the [[Quiet Step]] and survivors from the Spears of the Pines, the Great Forest Orc warband. It is at the Last Battle that they come to rest, the first friendly light on the road after escaping the terrible bloodbath that was Therunin.

The wounded are being tended to as best they can, but this is not a medical facility. The wayhouse is prepared as a reconnaissance station, not a field hospital. Many here are carrying not just wounds to the body but a terror in their soul. Dawnish, Great Forest Orc and Navarri alike: all are grateful for the assistance that is offered... but it is not much.

The striding are clear that they can use all the help they can get; they will have to offer physical, spiritual and moral support to soldiers who have seen things that every soldier hopes to never see. Given that it is very possible that a Keeper will not be appointed at this time, the civil servant has requested the [[Hand of the Healers]] take responsibility for the conjunction - they can liaise with the Keeper if they have been elected.

Whoever it is, they should choose the four individuals who are best placed to offer this kind of help and send them along. Guides from Navarr and Troubadours from Dawn would be particularly apposite choices, for who better to lift the hearts of the war-weary and show them the way to a better tomorrow?

==Further Reading==
* [[The Barrens]]
* [[Start a war]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune about events around the Fangs in the Barrens
* [[Unspoken_words#Untrod_Paths|Unspoken words]] - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune about the Untrod Groves

386YE Winter Solstice winds of war

2025-04-19T14:04:52Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 550px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marchers Through the Woods.jpg|caption=''Marcher lasses, Marcher lads / Leave your homes and leave your farms / Beat your ploughshares into swords / The time has come to take up arms.''|align=left|width=550}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns against barbarian forces. Sometimes those engagements have been wide ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Continuing the approach we took last year, we're presenting a summary of the campaign on this page. Where there has been more dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page. We're also continuing to provide information about the battle opportunities, listed in the theatres that they concern.

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 War and the [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==A Season of Stones==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Redoubt]]|| [[On southern sands]]
|-
| [[Mournwold]]|| [[Over western hills]]
|-
| [[The Barrens]]|| [[By northern shores]]
|-
| [[Therunin]]|| [[Under eastern skies]]
|-
|}
Autumn gives way to Winter, the nights lengthening and the days growing short. As the sky darkens, so does the weather. A season of rain and wind, hail and thunder, settles across the Empire from the southern sea to the northern peaks. War rarely pauses for the weather, however. From the western plains to the eastern forests, the embers of battle flare and hiss under the remorseless rain, as if the sky itself weeps for the folly of mortal folk.

There is a kind of peace on the Brass Coast for the first time in a long time. There is no fighting in [[Kahraman]], nor in [[Madruga]], nor in [[Feroz]]. There is an expectancy on the night air, a sense that this quiet time cannot last. With the ''kamkrag'' marching across Kahraman, there are few raiders and those who dare come down from the mountains are easily driven back. Imperial scouts pour into Madruga to explore the [[Where_the_river_rises#A_New_Territory|strange new land]]; for now the territory as a whole remains uncontrolled. The fearsome [[Grendel]] commander Gallum Fiersach still holds [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]], [[Glass_and_flame#Game_Information:_Mora's_Rock|still commands]] [[Feroz#Mora's_Rock|the rock]]. Shortly after the Equinox the battlements of the fortification crackle and burn with colourless fire, as Wind Lord Saoirse uses her [[Autumn magic|Sand lore]] in preparation for an Imperial assault that never comes.

Further north, the Empire's soldiers face the [[Jotun]] in battle, a three-fold strategy to hold Marcher land and cut the invaders off from their base in the forests of what was once [[Liathaven]]. A glorious and terrible war rages '''[[over western hills]]'''.

Across the [[Bay of Catazar]] from the Brass Coast, storms herald a war of a different kind. The [[Grendel]] armada retreating from Madruga seeks to take the shoreline of [[Redoubt]]. They find Imperial forces waiting for them, ready to repel boarders. The [[Children of Wrecks]] launch an attack of their own, a plague of ramshackle pirate fleets bent on looting the port of [[Quaymaster_of_the_Elosian_Docks#Elosian_Docks|Elos]]. Battle is joined '''[[on southern sands]]'''.

There is no movement in [[Bay_of_Catazar#Ayereed|Ayereed]] to the south, nor in [[Mareave]]. Even though Imperial armies have withdrawn, the gains they [[Steel and salt|made in the petrified forest]] are unchallenged for the moment. The Grendel are on the defensive, while their ships and soldiers fight to the north.

North from Redoubt along the borders with [[the Mallum]], there is fighting not only with the [[Druj]], but between Imperial citizens. The [[Gryphon's Pride]] march north out of [[Therunin]] to capture [[The_Barrens#The_Fangs|the Fangs]]. They seek to take the [[mithril]] mine held by the [[Not_to_conquer#Who_are_the_Rahvin?|Rahvin]] [[orc]] sept... a crime under Imperial law. A band of Imperial captains oppose them, and Imperial blood flows '''[[by northern shores]]'''.

Then, Therunin itself. Four Imperial armies, fighting in the [[Rivers Run Red|tainted rain]], facing the malice of the Druj and seeking to drive them back across the border. Poison at their back, hungry waters to the south, trackless wilderness to the north... and the armies of the Mallum before them. '''[[Under eastern skies]]''' they fight a desperate battle, one for which the ending perhaps has yet to be written.

===Festival of Birds (Sarvos)===
* '''The fishing village of Charoko is being threatened by creatures of the sea'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Mayor of Caricomare'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for protecting the inhabitants of Charoko'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The fishing village of Charoko, southwest of Sarvos, is quiet and oftentimes peaceful. Its inhabitants are comfortable in their lives, happy to catch enough fish to sustain themselves and then trade the excess to the surrounding villages and towns. A warning from the village arrived in Trivento to avoid it, that there was some [[Dire Astacid|unruly beast]] that had wandered ashore and had apparently taken up in the woods nearby. There have also been rumoured sightings of roving gangs of brigands in the area, possibly serving to rile up the creature. The Mayor of Trivento has asked the Mayor of Caricomare to deal with the beast, as a favour from one "''equally important mayor to another''", and protect the village from its wrath.

It is the responsibility of the [[Mayor of Caricomare]], '''Aloysius di Sarvos''', to defeat the beast and protect the village's inhabitants. Given that this involves hunting down and disposing of a dangerous beast which threatens the inhabitants of the Empire, it is likely that the [[Imperial Huntsmarshall]], '''Maggie Potts''', will have an interest in the conjunction. If the beast is dealt with, then the Mayor of Trivento, ''Allesio van Trivento'', will provide a suitable reward to both the Mayor of Caricomare and the Imperial Huntsmarshall after the summit.

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified several possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.
<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;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Therunin]]</td><td>Take advantage of circumstances surrounding the sacrifice of Isaella's Dance and the Iron Helms</td><td>Druj</td><td>Option</td><td>[[Under_eastern_skies#Black_Miracles_(Battle_Opportunity)|Black miracles]]</td><td>PDF Link</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mournwold]]</td><td>Deal with Jarl Haakon without a lengthy siege</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Option</td><td>[[Over_western_hills#Not_One_More_Inch_(Battle_Opportunity)|Not one more inch]]</td><td>PDF Link</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Redoubt]]</td><td>Prevent a raid on the spires of Visten</td><td>Children of Wrecks</td><td>Option</td><td>[[On_southern_sands#Salt_Burned_(Battle_Opportunity)|Salt Burned]]</td><td>PDF Link</td></tr>
</table>

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || TBC
|-
| Dawn || TBC
|-
| Highguard || TBC
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| TBC
|-
| League || TBC
|-
| Marches || TBC
|-
| Navarr || TBC
|-
| Urizen || TBC
|-
| Varushka || TBC
|-
| Wintermark || TBC
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on Friday night. Each of the two battles must have at least '''TBC''' and at most '''TBC''' force weight sent on it.

===Battle participation===
TBC


==Conjunctions==
{{stub}}
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Bocche, Grove of Charoko || [[Mayor of Caricomare]] || [[#Festival_of_Birds_(Sarvos)|Protect the inhabitants of Charoko]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, North Fens, Swollen Fens || [[Roost's Reeve]] || [[LINK|Deal with the threat]]
|-
| 18:50 || TBC || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely or Contained]] || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle Wayhouse|| [[Hand of the Healers]] || [[LINK|Give succour to the survivors of Therunin]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Rahab's Orchard || [[Strategos|Strategos of the Brass Coast]] || [[Send_for_me#Butcher's_Yard_(Feroz)|Protect the Celesti Lighthouse]]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Forlorn Bogs || '''Kjellen Saltmire''' || [[LINK|Deal with the threat]]
|-
| 19:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Redoubt, Ventosi, Oathspawned Copse || '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' || [[On_southern_sands#An_Oath_(Redoubt)|Kill the wreckers and recover their loot]]
|-
| No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Volodmartz, Brez, Woods of the Quiet Road|| [[Gift of the Dwindling Star|Custodian of the Gift of the Dwindling Star]] || [[LINK|Find and help the ''Chosen of Samkǒma'']]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mournwold, Alderly, The Walters' Clearing || '''Bryce the Hare''' || [[Over_western_hills#Plow_Breaks_the_Earth_(Mournwold)|Rescue the herbalist and stop the Yegarra]]
|-
| 21:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Silver Peaks, Crow's Path || [[Mediator of Wreck]] || [[LINK|Soothe the Thule of Volham]]
|-
| 21:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mournwold, Greensward, Big Boar's Sty || '''Determination of Ice Kaisa''' || [[Over_western_hills#Crown_of_Swords_(Mournwold)|Answer the challenge of ''Halbera Strongarm'']]
|-
| 21:50 || TBC || TBC mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely or Contained]] || Arbonne, Ruenda, ''The Singing Riqueza'' || [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]] || [[LINK|Resolve the ship's issues]]
|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>

{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Broken Stand || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#Into_the_Woods_(Brocéliande)|Recover the chests]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Shattered Pines || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#Insects_(Hercynia)|Stop the horde]]
|-
| 16:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Crimson Boscage|| [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Under_eastern_skies#Unseen_Eyes_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Kill the Druj]]
|-
| 16:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Cinion, Valley of Loss || [[Spiral|Senator for Spiral]] || [[LINK|Protect the Block]]
|-
| 17:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Beladrarsh, The Drained Woods || '''Lady Laudine du Lac''' || [[Under_eastern_skies#Pitfalls_and_Tripwires_(Salt_Flats_of_Sanath)|Kill the Druj and claim their goods]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Screed, Marco's Pass || [[Oblivion Sentinel ]]|| [[LINK|Stop the Spire of Black Glass]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, East Ashes, Splintering Jetty || '''Neala Blackhawk''' || [[Under_eastern_skies#Promises_to_Keep_(Therunin)|Rescue the treetender and kill the Druj]]
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mareave, Icarion, Plains of the Courath || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[LINK|Kill the Grendel and claim their loot]]
|-
| 20:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Golden Thicket || [[Golden Sun|General of the Golden Sun]] || [[LINK|Minimise the threat to the baggage train]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ayereed, The Petrified Forest, Saoirse's Fields || [[Imperial Spymaster]] || [[On_southern_sands#Hill_of_the_Golden_Dawn_(Ayereed)|Kill Maistir Varden]]
|-
| No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Skymark, Redshal Grove || [[Keeper of the Iron Grove]] || [[LINK|Uncover what's wrong with the farmers of Redshal]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, <span style="color:#000000; background:#000000">Redacted</span>, Larroc Corral || '''Sakari Nightscale''' || [[LINK|Kill the mage-killers]]
|-
| 23:00 || TBC || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mareave, Sinfoyard, ''The Salt Shaker'' || [[Mareave|Senator for Mareave]] || [[LINK|Ensure the safety of the crew]]
|-
| 23:30 || TBC || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely or Contained]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, High Arboretum || '''Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth''', the [[High Exorcist]] || [[Figures_from_the_past_stand_tall#A_Dark_Door|Deal with the ghosts]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Autumn Equinox.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Bregasland]], [[Upwold]], or [[Mitwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Put_on_your_war_paint#Glorious_in_Victory.2C_Proud_in_Defeat|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Zenith:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

386YE Winter Solstice winds of war

2025-04-19T12:39:20Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Military Council]]
<div style="float:left; width: 550px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Marchers Through the Woods.jpg|caption=''Marcher lasses, Marcher lads / Leave your homes and leave your farms / Beat your ploughshares into swords / The time has come to take up arms.''|align=left|width=550}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the last three months, Imperial forces have engaged in military campaigns against barbarian forces. Sometimes those engagements have been wide ranging and dramatic, other times they have been more sedate. Continuing the approach we took last year, we're presenting a summary of the campaign on this page. Where there has been more dramatic action, or where there are [[opportunity|opportunities]], we've given a Wind of War its own page. We're also continuing to provide information about the battle opportunities, listed in the theatres that they concern.

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 War and the [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]] is to make players aware of things their characters ''should'' know, based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing, and to maintain the Empire as a living, breathing place where all kinds of events take place beyond the scope of [[Anvil]].

It should go without saying that we ask everyone to abide by the rules about [[Online_roleplaying|online roleplaying]] with regard to the military campaign. It's important that the key in-character activity of the Empire world takes place at events. The game is busier and better if everything that can happen in the field, does happen in the field. Military planning and political discussions should happen at events. For this reason we generally discourage too much downtime roleplaying between events and put strict limits on what can be done online particularly using our forums and Facebook groups.

All that said we now present a summary of the key military activity in the Empire - both with links to the expanded Wind of War pages and notes about other important things that have happened that didn't need a full battle campaign write-up.
==A Season of Stones==
</table>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Conflict !! Wind
|-
| [[Redoubt]]|| [[On southern sands]]
|-
| [[Mournwold]]|| [[Over western hills]]
|-
| [[The Barrens]]|| [[By northern shores]]
|-
| [[Therunin]]|| [[Under eastern skies]]
|-
|}
Autumn gives way to Winter, the nights lengthening and the days growing short. As the sky darkens, so does the weather. A season of rain and wind, hail and thunder, settles across the Empire from the southern sea to the northern peaks. War rarely pauses for the weather, however. From the western plains to the eastern forests, the embers of battle flare and hiss under the remorseless rain, as if the sky itself weeps for the folly of mortal folk.

There is a kind of peace on the Brass Coast for the first time in a long time. There is no fighting in [[Kahraman]], nor in [[Madruga]], nor in [[Feroz]]. There is an expectancy on the night air, a sense that this quiet time cannot last. With the ''kamkrag'' marching across Kahraman, there are few raiders and those who dare come down from the mountains are easily driven back. Imperial scouts pour into Madruga to explore the [[Where_the_river_rises#A_New_Territory|strange new land]]; for now the territory as a whole remains uncontrolled. The fearsome [[Grendel]] commander Gallum Fiersach still holds [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]], [[Glass_and_flame#Game_Information:_Mora's_Rock|still commands]] [[Feroz#Mora's_Rock|the rock]]. Shortly after the Equinox the battlements of the fortification crackle and burn with colourless fire, as Wind Lord Saoirse uses her [[Autumn magic|Sand lore]] in preparation for an Imperial assault that never comes.

Further north, the Empire's soldiers face the [[Jotun]] in battle, a three-fold strategy to hold Marcher land and cut the invaders off from their base in the forests of what was once [[Liathaven]]. A glorious and terrible war rages '''[[over western hills]]'''.

Across the [[Bay of Catazar]] from the Brass Coast, storms herald a war of a different kind. The [[Grendel]] armada retreating from Madruga seeks to take the shoreline of [[Redoubt]]. They find Imperial forces waiting for them, ready to repel boarders. The [[Children of Wrecks]] launch an attack of their own, a plague of ramshackle pirate fleets bent on looting the port of [[Quaymaster_of_the_Elosian_Docks#Elosian_Docks|Elos]]. Battle is joined '''[[on southern sands]]'''.

There is no movement in [[Bay_of_Catazar#Ayereed|Ayereed]] to the south, nor in [[Mareave]]. Even though Imperial armies have withdrawn, the gains they [[Steel and salt|made in the petrified forest]] are unchallenged for the moment. The Grendel are on the defensive, while their ships and soldiers fight to the north.

North from Redoubt along the borders with [[the Mallum]], there is fighting not only with the [[Druj]], but between Imperial citizens. The [[Gryphon's Pride]] march north out of [[Therunin]] to capture [[The_Barrens#The_Fangs|the Fangs]]. They seek to take the [[mithril]] mine held by the [[Not_to_conquer#Who_are_the_Rahvin?|Rahvin]] [[orc]] sept... a crime under Imperial law. A band of Imperial captains oppose them, and Imperial blood flows '''[[by northern shores]]'''.

Then, Therunin itself. Four Imperial armies, fighting in the [[Rivers Run Red|tainted rain]], facing the malice of the Druj and seeking to drive them back across the border. Poison at their back, hungry waters to the south, trackless wilderness to the north... and the armies of the Mallum before them. '''[[Under eastern skies]]''' they fight a desperate battle, one for which the ending perhaps has yet to be written.

===Festival of Birds (Sarvos)===
* '''The fishing village of Charoko is being threatened by creatures of the sea'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Mayor of Caricomare'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for protecting the inhabitants of Charoko'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
The fishing village of Charoko, southwest of Sarvos, is quiet and oftentimes peaceful. Its inhabitants are comfortable in their lives, happy to catch enough fish to sustain themselves and then trade the excess to the surrounding villages and towns. A warning from the village arrived in Trivento to avoid it, that there was some [[Dire Astacid|unruly beast]] that had wandered ashore and had apparently taken up in the woods nearby. There have also been rumoured sightings of roving gangs of brigands in the area, possibly serving to rile up the creature. The Mayor of Trivento has asked the Mayor of Caricomare to deal with the beast, as a favour from one "''equally important mayor to another''", and protect the village from its wrath.

It is the responsibility of the [[Mayor of Caricomare]], '''Aloysius di Sarvos''', to defeat the beast and protect the village's inhabitants. Given that this involves hunting down and disposing of a dangerous beast which threatens the inhabitants of the Empire, it is likely that the [[Imperial Huntsmarshall]], '''Maggie Potts''', will have an interest in the conjunction. If the beast is dealt with, then the Mayor of Trivento, ''Allesio van Trivento'', will provide a suitable reward to both the Mayor of Caricomare and the Imperial Huntsmarshall after the summit.

==Battle opportunities==
Imperial prognosticators have identified several possible [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] at the coming summit. The [[Imperial Military Council|Military Council]] will [[muster]] on Friday night, and the [[general|generals]] will select two of them to be taken up by Imperial heroes. At the moment the full details of these opportunities are not clear; more information will be provided nearer to the event.

All battle opportunities are [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Combat Highly Likely]] environments.
<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;">'''Day'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Learn More'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''CS Briefing'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Therunin]]</td><td>Take advantage of circumstances surrounding the sacrifice of Isaella's Dance and the Iron Helms</td><td>Druj</td><td>Option</td><td>[[Under_eastern_skies#Black_Miracles_(Battle_Opportunity)|Black miracles]]</td><td>PDF Link</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mournwold]]</td><td>Deal with Jarl Haakon without a lengthy siege</td><td>Jotun</td><td>Option</td><td>[[Over_western_hills#Not_One_More_Inch_(Battle_Opportunity)|Not one more inch]]</td><td>PDF Link</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Redoubt]]</td><td>Prevent a raid on the spires of Visten</td><td>Children of Wrecks</td><td>Option</td><td>[[On_southern_sands#Salt_Burned_(Battle_Opportunity)|Salt Burned]]</td><td>PDF Link</td></tr>
</table>

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:300px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Force Weight
|-
| Brass Coast || TBC
|-
| Dawn || TBC
|-
| Highguard || TBC
|-
| Imperial Orcs|| TBC
|-
| League || TBC
|-
| Marches || TBC
|-
| Navarr || TBC
|-
| Urizen || TBC
|-
| Varushka || TBC
|-
| Wintermark || TBC
|}
The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on Friday night. Each of the two battles must have at least '''TBC''' and at most '''TBC''' force weight sent on it.

===Battle participation===
TBC


==Conjunctions==
{{stub}}
The [[Sentinel Gate]] also allows smaller groups of Imperial citizens to reach locations all over the Empire where their intervention might change the course of events. Many of these ''[[Sentinel Gate#Conjunction|conjunctions]]'' involve combat, but there are also a variety of other opportunities presented by the magic of the Gate.

For most conjunctions, the Civil Service has identified the Imperial titles that are the most appropriate to take overall responsibility for ensuring that a response is organised. Whilst the individual has been named by the Civil Service, there is no legal requirement for them to coordinate a response or travel on the conjunction. They may delegate oversight to another individual of their choosing. As always, Imperial war scouts will be on hand at the Sentinel Gate to provide further information to any citizens wanting to learn more. They can provide updates on the barbarians' goals, guidance on how to engage the enemy troops or advice on how to avoid casualties and return back to Anvil in safety.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to make small adjustments to the timing or size of encounters at the time of this publication and when an encounter runs at an event. Details for the conjunctions on Friday will be finalised on Friday afternoon of the event before time-in (18:00) whilst details for the conjunctions on Saturday will be finalised on Saturday before time-in (10:00). Please check the details of any conjunction you are interested in as soon as possible to ensure that you have the full and up-to-date information; it might also be sensible to check again shortly before the planned time of the encounter. You can check the details of a conjunction by casting [[Detect_magic#Discover_Conjunction|Detect Magic (Discover Conjunction)]] on the Sentinel Gate in the presence of a referee.

It's very important to pay attention to the [[accessibility]] note for each conjunction, which covers the likelihood of combat. Further details about the accessibility of a conjunction are [[Accessibility#Who_and_how_to_ask.3F|available both before and during the event]]. You can learn more about this on the [[accessibility]] page.

===Friday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 18:00 on Friday</div>
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 18:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sarvos, Bocche, Grove of Charoko || [[Mayor of Caricomare]] || [[#Festival_of_Birds_(Sarvos)|Protect the inhabitants of Charoko]]
|-
| 18:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Bregasland, North Fens, Swollen Fens || [[Roost's Reeve]] || [[LINK|Deal with the threat]]
|-
| 18:50 || TBC || 30 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely or Contained]] || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Last Battle Wayhouse|| [[Hand of the Healers]] || [[LINK|Give succour to the survivors of Therunin]]
|-
| 19:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Feroz, Oranseri, Rahab's Orchard || [[Strategos|Strategos of the Brass Coast]] || [[Send_for_me#Butcher's_Yard_(Feroz)|Protect the Celesti Lighthouse]]
|-
| 19:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Forlorn Bogs || '''Kjellen Saltmire''' || [[LINK|Deal with the threat]]
|-
| 19:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Redoubt, Ventosi, Oathspawned Copse || '''Halkyon of the Myriad Stream''' || [[On_southern_sands#An_Oath_(Redoubt)|Kill the wreckers and recover their loot]]
|-
| No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Possible|Possible]] || Volodmartz, Brez, Woods of the Quiet Road|| [[Gift of the Dwindling Star|Custodian of the Gift of the Dwindling Star]] || [[LINK|Find and help the ''Chosen of Samkǒma'']]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mournwold, Alderly, The Walters' Clearing || '''Bryce the Hare''' || [[Over_western_hills#Plow_Breaks_the_Earth_(Mournwold)|Rescue the herbalist and stop the Yegarra]]
|-
| 21:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Sermersuaq, Silver Peaks, Crow's Path || [[Mediator of Wreck]] || [[LINK|Soothe the Thule of Volham]]
|-
| 21:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mournwold, Greensward, Big Boar's Sty || '''Determination of Ice Kaisa''' || [[Over_western_hills#Crown_of_Swords_(Mournwold)|Answer the challenge of ''Halbera Strongarm'']]
|-
| 21:50 || TBC || TBC mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely or Contained]] || Arbonne, Ruenda, ''The Singing Riqueza'' || [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]] || [[LINK|Resolve the ship's issues]]
|}

===Saturday===
<div class="alert">'''These times and numbers are subject to change until 10:00 on Saturday</div>

{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Time !! People !! Duration !! [[Accessibility#Combat|Combat]] !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview/Link
|-
| 14:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Brocéliande, Dark Ranging, Broken Stand || [[Knight of the Greenwood]] || [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#Into_the_Woods_(Brocéliande)|Recover the chests]]
|-
| 15:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Hercynia, Deer's Folly, Shattered Pines || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#Insects_(Hercynia)|Stop the horde]]
|-
| 16:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Crimson Boscage|| [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Under_eastern_skies#Unseen_Eyes_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Kill the Druj]]
|-
| 16:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Cinion, Valley of Loss || [[Spiral|Senator for Spiral]] || [[LINK|Protect the Block]]
|-
| 17:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Salt Flats of Sanath, Beladrarsh, The Drained Woods || '''Lady Laudine du Lac''' || [[Under_eastern_skies#Pitfalls_and_Tripwires_(Salt_Flats_of_Sanath)|Kill the Druj and claim their goods]]
|-
| 17:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Spiral, Screed, Marco's Pass || [[Oblivion Sentinel ]]|| [[LINK|Stop the Spire of Black Glass]]
|-
| 17:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Therunin, East Ashes, Splintering Jetty || '''Neala Blackhawk''' || [[Under_eastern_skies#Promises_to_Keep_(Therunin)|Rescue the treetender and kill the Druj]]
|-
| 20:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Mareave, Icarion, Plains of the Courath || [[Minister of Historical Research]] || [[LINK|Kill the Grendel and claim their loot]]
|-
| 20:15 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || The Barrens, The Bleaks, Golden Thicket || [[Golden Sun|General of the Golden Sun]] || [[LINK|<span style="color:#000000; background:#000000">XXX</span> the vassals of the Earl of the Groves]]
|-
| 20:30 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Ayereed, The Petrified Forest, Saoirse's Fields || [[Imperial Spymaster]] || [[On_southern_sands#Hill_of_the_Golden_Dawn_(Ayereed)|Kill Maistir Varden]]
|-
| No bows or crossbows after this time
|-
| 20:45 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Kallavesa, Skymark, Redshal Grove || [[Keeper of the Iron Grove]] || [[LINK|Uncover what's wrong with the farmers of Redshal]]
|-
| 21:00 || TBC || 20 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|Highly Likely]] || Madruga, <span style="color:#000000; background:#000000">Redacted</span>, Larroc Corral || '''Sakari Nightscale''' || [[LINK|Kill the mage-killers]]
|-
| 23:00 || TBC || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely]] || Mareave, Sinfoyard, ''The Salt Shaker'' || [[Mareave|Senator for Mareave]] || [[LINK|Ensure the safety of the crew]]
|-
| 23:30 || TBC || 45 mins || [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained|Unlikely or Contained]] || Reikos, Chalcis Mount, High Arboretum || '''Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth''', the [[High Exorcist]] || [[Figures_from_the_past_stand_tall#A_Dark_Door|Deal with the ghosts]]
|}

==Military Considerations==
Several [[territory]] pages now contain details of strategic obstacles presented or advantages provided by movement through or fighting in those lands. There are also several [[fortification|fortifications]] that follow different rules. Several armies or nations have special rules or opportunities related to the orders they can issue, which should be borne in mind when discussing military strategies during the Autumn Equinox.
* '''Billeting:''' Any Imperial army can take the '''''[[Army_orders#Billet|Billet]]''''' order in [[Bregasland]], [[Upwold]], or [[Mitwold]]. [[Army_orders#Billet|Link]]
* '''Dawn:'''
** Dawnish armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Cautious Advance|Cautious Advance]]''''' order or the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[Put_on_your_war_paint#Glorious_in_Victory.2C_Proud_in_Defeat|Link]]
** The borders of [[the Barrens]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_23|mandate]] enacted by Ser Tunic. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in the Barrens.
* '''Imperial Orcs'''
** An Imperial Orc army can take the '''''Forge Hammers''''' order whilst in [[Skarsind]]. [[Imperial_Orcs_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
* '''The Marches:'''
** Marcher armies cannot take the '''''[[Army_orders#Give_Ground|Give Ground]]''''' order. [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]]
** The [[Strong Reeds]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Bregasland]]. [[New_port,_old_wine#New_Oaths,_Old_Boots|Link]]
** The [[Tusks]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mournwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Drakes]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Mitwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
** The [[Bounders]] receive an additional 1000 strength when fighting in [[Upwold]]. [[I_already_know_you#Reeds,_Drakes,_Tusks,_Bounders|Link]]
* '''Urizen:'''
** The borders of [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_14|mandate]] enacted by Herminius of the House of the Wanderer. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Morrow and Zenith.
* '''Varushka:'''
** The borders of [[Ossium]] are patrolled by citizens of the territory as a result of the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_157|mandate]] enacted by Velko Perunovich Razorasza. The Druj require 25 victory points to claim a beachhead in Ossium.
** Varushkan armies can take the '''''Hospitality of the Boyars''''' order whilst in Ossium. [[Varushka_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Link]].
* '''Wintermark:'''
** Wintermark armies can take the '''''Fight with Honour''''' order. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]].
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun will gain 10% more victory points but inflict 20% less casualties. [[Fight_with_monsters#A_Hero.27s_Tale|Link]]
** Wintermark armies fighting against the Jotun have their casualties taken reduced by 10%. This effect continues as long as the Winterfolk continue to fight honourably. [[A_tale_told#Game_Information|Link]]

Click ''Expand'' to see military considerations that are less relevant at the current time but are still active.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
*'''Zenith:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army attacking into Zenith from Morrow gains a 20% bonus to any territory captured and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]
*'''Morrow:''' Any Highborn or Urizen army that defends in Morrow against an army attacking from Zenith gains a 20% bonus to defend territory and suffers a 10% reduction in casualties inflicted. [[Three_soldiers#The_High_Pass|Link]]</div>

It never happened

2025-04-18T23:17:52Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Axos]]
<ic>"Well, I think it's bloody stupid!" Artimpasa put her book down with a flourish. The young ilarch-to-be had been trying to ignore the conversation between her friends in the dimly lit common room, but she'd clearly had quite enough. "Honestly, Solokha! Yes, it's all a shame, how sad, we all know the Empire, the Urizen did for it - sorry, Izzy, I know it wasn't your lot - back in the day, it's all very sad, but really, it's ancient history. My mother says it's all a sop for this pretender from Ipotavo to get the Throne. She can't win her own ile's seat, it's going to some upstart general, so instead she's turning the citadels upside down all to support her bloody crusade."

Artimpasa said all of this in a flurry, her horns vibrating slightly as she expressed herself vociferously. She was clearly quite pleased with the opinions she'd stolen from her mother's dinner table back in Kantor. The other three - Isenbrad Valasdottir, the foreign exchange student; Tomyris, the rather single-minded merrow from Ipotavo; and Menandra, the scholarship kid from Issyk - looked at each other nervously. They'd just been discussing the matter of the proposed reclamation quite calmly when suddenly the unofficial leader of the little clique had weighed in.

"I think it will be nice, 'pasa." Isenbrad spoke in the conciliatory tone one might use for a mountain goat staring angrily at the wary traveller. "It will give us all a chance to draw a line under the past. Don't you want that? You were telling me just the other day how - you know - it would be good if my Empire didn't meddle so much. Well, take it from me: when the Synod is finished here they'll have had enough meddling for this lifetime!"

Quietly, Isenbrad Valasdottir, icewalker and spy of the Shuttered Lantern, thought to herself that she'd be gone, too, anyway, and would no longer have to put up with this entitled Axou brat - but for now, she played the part.

"I don't think it can ever be enough." Menandra, the intelligent yet scatty child from the deep, dark docks of Issyk, spoke now. There was a thoughtful dreaminess to her tone. "Think of all that was extinguished. I don't care if they come here or not, really. Can they ever be forgiven?"

"Yes." The merrow child said this as if it were simply a fact. "The Empire has done more than enough, I've told you that before. I remember during the siege..." The others rolled their eyes. They'd all heard this story before, but given that Tomyris had been four years old when Ipotavo had been liberated, they didn't give it quite the credence she did, nor believe her when she said that Imperials were surprisingly tall.

"Tomyris, stop being a bore." Artimpasa's tone was annoyed. "Can you get my essay done, please? I need to hand it in tonight, and I simply do not care to learn about the finer points of strategic warfare. When are the citadels ever going to war? Grand Ilarch Katya says that we make far more money at peace, you know."

"With the Druj?" Menandra spoke again, dreamily. Artimpasa turned to her, annoyed at her broken flow. "What?"

"You said, the citadels go to war. With the Druj? With the Skourans, like some Kabanite fantasy? Or..." She came dangerously close to saying the thing none of them would say. The citadels had never, never been at war with each other. But then, they had never been so divided. At the thought, the three Axou were speechless.

Watching the scions of the highblood of the citadels bicker, Isenbrad quietly smiled to herself. The rest of Cabal Vervain would be very interested to hear of this when she made her next dead letter drop...
</ic>

<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
{{PDFLink|align=right|link=File:It never happened.pdf|caption=Click for pdf version}}
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] remain rocky. The animosity the Axou hold for the Empire has not gone away, the incident with the [[Roll and fall|raid on Tsark]] and the subsequent Imperial diplomatic response apparently confirmed their worst stereotypes about their western neighbours. Yet they are also allies (in theory at least) of the [[Liberty Pact]] and while they may dislike elements of the Empire it's clear that at least some of them value the opportunities presented by trade with their overwhelming neighbour to the west. On the other hand, the little nation is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] at the moment thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther'', recently ascended to the Throne of [[Axos#Tunnels_of_Kaban|Kaban]].

The Axou Ambassador to the Empire is ''Ilarch Maxatios'' of the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]. They are a close relation of Grand Ilarch Katya, the nominal ruler of the citadel of Kantor, and are the primary point of contact for Imperial citizens wishing to communicate with the smaller nation. They often seem exasperated with their Imperial counterparts, frustrated by their apparent inability to get the Empire to recognise that Axos is a nation worthy of respect.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=Fintan Nighthaven of [[Navarr]]|status=Foreigner}}
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderShutteredLantern.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Lantern Light==
* '''Members of the Shuttered Lantern have undertaken an espionage mission in Axos'''
* '''The Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern will receive a full report of their findings at the Winter Solstice'''
During the Autumn Equinox an [[opportunity]] was presented for the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]] toward [[Victory_and_unity#Magicians_Know_Magicians|undertaking espionage]] in [[Axos]]. The order exists to “Utilise magic in the detection and monitoring of threats, whether subtle or obvious, internal or external,” and consequently many members of the order responded to the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Guide_Shuttered_Lantern|call]] of '''Tyburn Weaver'''.

Imperial visitors are common enough in the Citadels that their presence broadly goes unremarked. The visiting Shuttered Lantern magicians still need to employ the subtlety and cunning that is the hallmark of their [[Conclave order|order]] as they investigate the political situation in Axos. Some arrive in the guise of merchants travelling with Imperial [[fleet|captains]] visiting the citadels. A few pretend to be tourists interested in seeing the citadels. A number arrive as interested students and scholars - the "[[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|exchange program]]" initiated by ''Mistress Isephenia'' three years ago provides excellent cover for poking around Axos.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption=Tyburn of House De Rondell (right), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern|align=left|width=300}}</div>
The investigation particularly focuses on the growing influence of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban'' and ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'', but there is also time to assess the citadels and their leaders and gain some insight into the internal politics of Axos. The reports of the clever magicians are collected and collated by other members of the order, and a full report is to be delivered to the grandmaster at the Winter Solstice. With so many magicians involved, however, its inevitable that some of what they discover will filter through to become general knowledge after the Solstice ('''OOC Note:''' We plan to update the Axos page on the wiki in light of this information, but parts of it are likely to remain secret for the time being).
===Participation===
Any member of the Shuttered Lantern is encouraged to roleplay that they took part in this espionage effort in Axos. Reading the [[Axos]] page, and the more detailed [[Terunael in Axos]] [[historical research]] report should provide plenty of inspiration for creating stories of visiting the nation.

The effort is divided into five "cabals" - loosely cooperating bands of magicians each focusing on exploring the politics of one of the active citadels. Any member of the order who emails [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] before '''18.00 on Friday the 18<sup>th</sup> of April''' may indicate that they supported one of the cabals and at the event gain a copy of the report for that citadel in their pack. This option is ''only'' available to magicians who are voting members of the Shuttered Lantern - that is, they bear the [[Arcane Mark]] of the order. Other characters can roleplay they were involved but will not receive a copy of any part of the report. Also please bear in mind that while you might roleplay you were involved in several citadels you can only request ''one'' report.

The five cabals and the citadel they were assigned to explore are: ''Cabal Bladeroot'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Tunnels_of_Kaban|Tunnels of Kaban]]); ''Cabal Marrowort'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]); ''Cabal Mazzarine'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Gates of Ipotavo|Gates of Ipotavo]]); ''Cabal Roseweald'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]); and ''Cabal Vervain'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Halls of Maykop]]).

==Understanding==
* '''Ilarch Maxatios distances himself and the citadel of Kantor from recent events surrounding Peace auras'''
Ilarch Maxatios is cautious about words of appreciation and encouragement from the Ambassador with regard to the visit of a priest from ''Theodosia's'' faction. This was, after all, something that the Empire requested rather than something Maxatios' office offered. While the people of Axos share a belief about the malignancy of the Creator, the true purpose of the Labyrinth, and the role of the Empire's priests as servants of evil, there is nothing to mirror the Imperial Synod in the citadels. Individual sects draw on spiritual forces, but they are as likely to be rivals as allies and there is no single body that represents the "priests". Sects tend to the spiritual needs of those who choose to listen to their particular philosophy, but many Axou see no need for priests to serve as intermediaries between themselves and their understanding of the world and the horrors that wait beyond death.

While Theodosia and her faction seem to want to unify the sects of Axos, reading between the lines Maxatious believes it is a fools errand. There is no sign that the Grand Ilarchs as a whole support such moves, although nobody is openly opposing it until they get a better handle on what the new Grand Ilarch of Kaban - ''Kyther Deianeira'' - intends. But Maxatios is at pains to emphasise that whatever has happened in the Empire, it is a matter for priests and sects, and no business of the Grand Ilarchs.

Grand Ilarch Katya of Kantor, in particular, considers the whole business distasteful and an unsubtle, risky attempt to attack the Imperial Synod by a fanatic priest. How many of the other Grand Ilarchs share this view, and how much it is based around Kantor's concerns for their own political power, is not clear.

You can learn more about the consequences surrounding the peace auras in the '''[[A little understanding]]''' wind of fortune.

==The Final Enemy is Death==
* '''Successes of Imperial physicks treating desperate patients have attracted some interest in Axos'''
* '''The death of Phoeb of Ipotavo during their visit to the Empire has had tragic consequences'''
* '''General Dancia Terricos of Ipotavo is interested in hearing from League generals'''
During the Autumn Equinox, a wealthy Axou merchant named ''Demetrius Aristion'' [[All_the_way_to_Anvil#The_Bones_of_Medicine|came to Anvil]] to gain access to what they described as the superior medical knowledge of Imperial [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]]. They brought three patients with them, each with medical complaints that Axou sorcery and medicine were unable or unwilling to treat. Two of the patients were successfully treated but the third, young ''Phoeb of Ipotavo'', tragically passed away despite treatment by '''Doctor Tiberius''', who Fintan describes as "''potentially the Empire’s greatest physic''" in a letter to his counterpart about the incident. The Imperial Ambassador offered reassurance that Phoeb did not suffer, and that in the end they received the benefits of ''Unwound Coil'' - a powerful analgesic used by Axou physicians.

{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives pertinent to her request can be sent to ''General Dancia Terricos, House of the Terricos, Ipotavo'' during the Winter Solstice.}}
Ilarch Maxatious is grateful for the report, and has passed on the details to Phoeb's family. Unfortunately, this tragic tale has not finished unfolding. On hearing of the death of their heir, Grand Ilarch Adonai of Ipotavo suffered a nervous collapse from which they did not recover. It is anticipated that one ''General Dancia Terricos'' will ultimately succeed Adonai as leader of the powerful citadel of Ipotavo. Some Imperial mercenary captains may remember her as one of the leaders of the defence of Ipotavo from the Druj, and ultimately the campaign that freed Kaban from the orcs of the Mallum; she is believed to be particularly pro-Empire in her attitudes.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
In particular, she is interested in the story of [[Holberg]] - the Greatest City in the Empire. Like Ipotavo, Holberg weathered the attacks of the Druj and resisted all their malice. As a survivor of a vicious Druj siege, General Dancia apparently feels a certain fellow-feeling with the people of Holberg. Having been apprised by '''Bernhard Kleist von Ennerlund''' of the upcoming celebrations for the 250 year anniversary of the city joining the League, she had initially intended to attend in person. Unfortunately, her plans have fallen through - now is not the time for one who would take the reins of power in Ipotavo to leave the citadel, or to deprive themselves of trusted lieutenants. She is, however, keen to hear from any of [[the League]] generals, but especially the general of the [[Towerjacks]]. As such, she has asked Ilarch Maxatious to assure the League generals (or former generals for that matter) that if they are prepared to send her a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] about their plans with regard to [[the Mallum]], she will give serious consideration to the part that Axos - or Ipotavo, at least - can play in those plans. She will not share the plans with anyone, even her closest counsellors - she hopes that the generals will accept her assurance, which she swears by the Throne of Ipotavo and by the memory of General '''Tanwyn Ankarien''' and all others who, since the Ipotavo campaign, have passed into the clutch of death. She does, however, want to manage expectations. She expects to be very busy very soon, and so cannot commit to reply to any missive that reaches her after the Spring Equinox. It's worth noting, however, that even if she fails to take the seat of Grand Ilarch, as one of their few generals she is an influential voice in Axou politics.

==Docks and Delves==
* '''Sarcophan investment looks likely to reopen the Issyk docks in the near future'''
* '''Issyk traditionally dislike the Empire but access to the docks may be achievable'''
The [[Victory_and_unity#Outside_Interests|refurbishment of the docks]] at the [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]] are expected to complete shortly, thanks to the generous aid of outside investors. The [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever|House of the Lijkkever]] have apparently sunk not insignificant amounts of money and materials into rebuilding the docks, cranes, and warehouses there. Thanks to the influence of the Sarcophan, it seems that the docks are shifting from general goods towards focusing their exports in the direction of "luxury boutique goods" - fine crafted items and artworks, food and drink not found elsewhere, and likely Axou proprietary consumables. ''Grand Ilarch Andronicus'' is apparently comparatively neutral in their attitudes to the Empire, considering the attempted alliance with the [[Grendel]] to be a mistake. It is not impossible that Imperial traders might be welcome at Issyk when the docks do reopen fully. Ambassador Fintan may wish to investigate the opportunity here further; while Ilarch Maxatious is cynical about Issyk's status as a trade port they are bound by their duties to serve as an even-handed go-between for the other citadels.

{{SOP|statement=We accept the invitation of Ilarch Maxatious to participate in the exorcism of the Spires of Solokha. Let us send our exorcists to work together to remove this spiritual taint from their halls in Axos.|by=Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth, General Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 2380-30|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE}}
{{SOP|statement=Solokha was once a great city and now lies in ruins, none alive know how the calamity occurred - all we know is that the ruin is haunted by many souls now unable to pass through to the Labyrinth. These souls trapped within the mortal world are an anathema to the Way and should be free to traverse the labyrinth and be reborn. We accept the invitation from Ilarch Maxatious to help free the souls trapped within the ruins of Solokha.|by=Maria i Espiri i Guerra, Assembly of the Way|vote=Greater Majority 259-0|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE|size=small}}
==Solokha==
Last season the [[Imperial Synod]] discussed a [[Victory_and_unity#The_Solokha_Project|grass roots proposal]] from Axos to reclaim the ruins of the haunted [[Axos#Spires_of_Solokha|Spires of Solokha]]. The Axou have always claimed that the fall of the citadel during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]] was a result of an Imperial attack - indeed Axos even tried to [[Mareave_and_Urizen#Imperial_Records|invade Spiral]] in retaliation. This time, though, there is an offer for Imperial priests to come to Axos and aid with the laborious undertaking of trying to lay to rest the crazed ghosts haunting the city, and remove the taint of madness that hangs over the place.

The Imperial Synod discussed the matter, and two [[statement of principle|statements]] were upheld with a [[greater majority]] supporting a joint endeavour - one in the Assembly of the Way and the other in the General Assembly. With both assemblies supporting the project, it seems likely that it will be a simple matter to raise the large amount of liao needed.

Axos is a nation that regularly confronts problems caused by restless spirits, and so many Axou priests and even a few secular professionals are versed in the art of exorcism. The idea of reclaiming Solokha has remained a vain ambition until very recently when it appears someone in Axos has gained access to a significant amount of liao. The leaders of the Solokha reclamation movement are keen to welcome Imperial priests partly because they know they will bring significant amounts of liao with them, a substance that is cheaper and less dangerous to use than the bone dust the Axou rely on. There is also an element of Imperial priests "making amends" by helping to undo what many Axou believe they did in the first place.

Reports from visitors to Axos suggest that ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'' is a major supporter of the project, but that it is not proving universally popular. The Halls of Maykop in particular are refusing to participate and have strongly encouraged none of their citizens to get involved. Grand Ilarch Keloparia has made a rare public intervention there publicly denouncing Theodosia and her movement. There is also little support in Kantor, although that is balanced out by a large amount of enthusiasm from Ipotavo. Imperial priests may be in a position to "take up the slack" and contribute significantly to the success of the project.
===Cleansing the Ruins===
* '''The general assembly can pass a mandate to reassure Imperial priests who wish to support Solokha'''
* '''If the mandate is passed every congregation will have a new preaching option after the Winter solstice'''
* '''If 40 congregations support the project, Solokha will be cleansed of the worst ghosts and hauntings'''
* '''Any congregation that chooses this option will gain no liao'''
The general assembly can pass the following mandate:
{{Mandate|mandate=These souls trapped in Solokha are an anathema to the Way and should be free to traverse the labyrinth and be reborn. We send (named priest) with 25 doses of liao encourage Imperial priest to support the exorcists of Axos in cleansing the haunted ruin of its taint. The need to help those trapped souls to reach the Labyrinth outweighs the risks of cooperating with the blasphemous and heretical priests of Axos.|assembly=General Assembly}}
<div style="display:inline-block; float: right; width: 200px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
If the mandate is passed, it will provide an opportunity for Imperial priests to play a part in the cleansing of the fallen ruins of Solokha. Following the Winter Solstice, anyone with a congregation will be able to select from an additional [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching option]] - ''Support Solokha''. This will ''not'' change the virtue assembly the priest is part of - they will remain in the assembly they are already members of as determined by their last preaching action (or their dedication).

While [[exorcism|exorcists]] are very much in demand in Solokha, anyone who has ability with [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]] has something to contribute. Even purely political priests can aid the project by organising and supporting their peers. Preaching in support of the project may mean travelling to Axos, but it is also possible to roleplay other ways of supporting the project. It may mean that some of the more devout members a congregation make the journey, that they raise money to arrange passage for priests by selling liao, or that they provide liao for other priests to use.

Significant amounts of liao are needed to remove the ghostly taint and lingering hauntings in the city - there are more angry spirits in one place than anyone has ever encountered. Consequently, those priests who ''Support Solokha'' will receive no [[liao]] from their congregation at the Spring Equinox - it will be assumed to have been used up creating auras, contributing to ceremonies, donated to the cause, or supporting congregation members who journey to Axos. The number of votes in the Synod will not be affected, neither will additional votes or liao provided by [[great work|great works]], [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], or [[enchantment|enchantments]].

If at least 40 Imperial congregations preach in support of Solokha, the project will be a success. The worst of the ghosts and hauntings will be removed. The people of Axos, regardless of what they think of the Imperial Synod, will see the Empire "making amends", and offering aid to their neighbours in the east. This will go some way toward improving relations with the nation as a whole (assuming nothing else happens to anger the Axou again), laying to rest the spectre of the attack on Tsark and other more recent insults.

If fewer congregations choose to support the project, Solokha will still eventually be cleansed but it will take longer and the bulk of the effort will come from the Axou sects. Whatever contribution the Empire makes will be noted, and welcome, but it will not significant enough to do much to improve diplomatic relations.

There are, however, ''other'' implications for this mandate.

===A Nest of Vipers===
* '''Any priest who preaches in support of Solokha will have the option to become dedicated to one of three malign spiritual presences'''
* '''Taking advantage of this opportunity is likely to constitute a criminal act if uncovered'''
As Ilarch Maxatious has already pointed out, there is no equivalent of an Imperial Synod in Axos. Rather there are sects, each of whom typically embraces two or three "spiritual forces" - a combination of virtues and [[Malign spiritual presences]]. Some of those priests will resent the presence of Imperial priests, others will see an opportunity to preach their own creed of the malign creator and the tyranny of death. There is no taboo in Axos against using religious ceremonies to share spiritual power with others - and the priests at Solokha are even more likely than the norm to want to spread Understanding.

There are three sects particularly interested in Imperial priests. The ''Unbound Disciples of Kaban'', who preach self-determination as a path to personal power combining elements of [[Ambition]] and [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|Freedom]]. The ''Blessed of True Judgement'' who preach the importance of remembering the past and applying its lessons to the future who weave auras of [[Wisdom|Insight]], [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|Judgement]], and [[Courage|Certainty]]. And, of course, Theodosia of Ipotavo's own followers, now calling themselves the ''Scholars of the Searching Soul'', who preach a combination of [[Vigilance]], [[Wisdom]], and [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Understanding]]. These sects are likely to seek out Imperial priests to proselytise, seek greater understanding, discuss the fall of Solokha... and perhaps enlist them as willing allies.

Any priest who preaches in support of Solokha can email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] '''before the end of downtime''' and pick one of the three sects with which their character has found some sort of common ground. They will then become [[dedication|dedicated]] to Anarchy, Vengeance, or Peace depending which sect they choose. They will also receive a summary of the sect's beliefs with special focus on the non-Imperial spiritual power outlining the auras they can now create and touching on what the Axou sect believes to be the tenets of that spiritual force. This option is ''only'' available to characters with congregations that make the appropriate preaching choice - but there is no requirement to have any religious skills to become dedicated.

Anyone who chooses this is likely to receive a strong dedication - the Axou sects typically take this kind of decision very seriously and use [[magic items]] and [[potion|potions]] to strengthen the "soul marks" they create in this way. Obviously, dedication could be hidden by powers such as those offered by [[Tisanes of the Labyrinth#Shadowcrow Infusion|Shadowcrow Infusion]] or the [[Shackle of the Unvirtuous]] (use of the latter [[Interdiction|being a crime]] all by itself), and membership of a Virtue Assembly is not dependant on dedication.

While a priest could contribute an [[Mandate#Alternative_Mandates|alternative mandate]] to try and minimize the chance of anyone taking up the offer of the heretical and blasphemous sects, it isn't possible for them to remove that option from those going to Solokha. There is one obvious alternative but it is not without its own complications.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>

===Seek Out Falsehood===
* '''The Vigilance assembly could enact a mandate to encourage priests to find out more about the Axos sects'''
* '''These priests would contribute nothing to the efforts to purge the ruins'''
* '''Any priest taking this action will be in the Vigilance Assembly next season'''
* '''If 15 priests take this action, then they will gain information on the sects and their beliefs'''
* '''If 30 priests take this action, then they will discover the truth of what happened to Solokha'''
* '''Characters choosing this option will gain no liao from their preaching'''

The Vigilance assembly has several times demonstrated their role as guardians of the faithful - most recently in their [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemnation]] of those [[A little understanding|accepting auras of Peace]]. The have also proved willing to use tools such as the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] or the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|War of Whispers]] to keep an eye on potential threats. Many dedicates of Vigilance are full of energy and enthusiasm at the moment, not least due to the recent [[Consecration#True Liao|true consecrations]] of shrines dedicated to Major Benson and [[Berechiah]]. By invoking the tenets of Vigilance, the Assembly could mitigate some of the challenges of visiting Solokha, or take this opportunity to learn more about enemy sects. There are two mandates available, and they are ''not'' [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|in competition]].

{{Mandate|mandate=Major Benson knew that the reward for a good job is more work, and his inspiration teaches us to be alert to danger before it strikes. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge people to learn more about the sects of Axos and the ruins of Solokha.|assembly=Vigilance Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted it creates an additional preaching action after the Winter solstice - ''Preach Vigilance by Studying Solokha''. Anyone who chooses this preaching action is preaching vigilance with a specific focus on encouraging people to travel to Solokha to study Axos and the ruins. This involves means that they will be part of the Vigilance assembly at the Spring Equinox (and will remain so until they take a different downtime preaching action next season). Any Imperial citizen who holds a title that requires them to be a member of a different Virtue assembly would automatically lose their position.
<div style="float:right; margin-left:10px; max-width: 40%; width: 500px;"><box>'''<big>Preaching and Assembly</big>'''<br>Preaching actions are used to define which Virtue assembly a Synod member is part of. Most are tied to a specific virtue - the ''Support Solokha'' action is an uncommon exception because any Imperial virtue might inspire preaching relating to freeing souls. The ''Study Solokha'' and ''Watch Solokha'' options change your assembly to Vigilance, however. It is very important to be aware of this effect if you have a title that requires you to be a member of a specific assembly! Characters are automatically removed from titles that they no longer qualify for - so a Cardinal or Gatekeeper who uses a preach action that changes their assembly will lose their position. It's also important to be aware that changing to a different assembly means taking a different preaching action in the downtime following the next event - if you choose a Vigilance preaching option you will be part of the Vigilance Assembly for the next event you attend.</box></div>
Those who choose this option may be travelling to Solokha personally, or offer support in other ways. If at least 15 congregations take this action, then it will provide insight into the nature of the three main sects operating there. If at least 30 congregations take this action then they will be able to uncover the truth behind what happened at Solokha.

If enough characters support the action then all the characters who chose this option will receive a report at the Spring Equinox detailing the nature and beliefs of the three main sects, and additional information about the history of Solokha and how it came to be ruined. They will, however, receive no liao from their congregation in the same way as those who chose to ''Support Solokha'' - liao that is used for ceremonies such as insight to evaluate spirits, or anointing and consecration to resist the dark spirits of the ruined city.

The congregations that choose this option will ''not'' count toward the minimum needed to help with the cleansing Solokha.

===You Watch Over===
* '''The Vigilance assembly could enact a mandate to encourage priests to watch over the other priests who travel to Solokha'''
* '''These priests would contribute nothing to the efforts to purge the ruins'''
* '''Any priest taking this action will be in the Vigilance Assembly next season'''
* '''If 20 priests take this action, then they will gain a list of all citizens who encourage their congregation to engage with Solokha'''
* '''Characters choosing this option will gain no liao from their preaching'''

The Vigilance Assembly could also choose to keep an eye on their fellow priests, using the following mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=Berechiah saw the wickedness that lurked like a canker in beating hearts. His inspiration teaches us that the façade of righteousness is often cracked. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to watch those travelling to Solokha and make a full accounting of them so that we might uncover those who embrace wickedness.|assembly=Vigilance Assembly}}

The cynical exemplar Berechiah was a proponent of allowing people "enough chain to manacle their own wrists". Reflecting this attitude, the Vigilance assembly might simply watch who goes to Solokha. This would create a different preaching option ''Preach Vigilance - Watch Solokha''. Any congregation where this was preached would become engaged in Solokha but keep their eyes on their fellow Imperials rather than worrying about ghosts or Axou sects. They would also become part of the Vigilance assembly - preaching the importance of guarding Imperial citizens requires an emphasis on the Virtue of Vigilance.

These congregations would gain no liao, but if at least 20 congregations took part they would compile a list of every congregation that supported action in Solokha. They could then investigate the priests involved at their leisure, to discover who amongst them, if any, had received a false aura. The innocent would have nothing to fear - [[insight]] could quickly exonerate them after all. The guilty could then be uncovered, prosecuted, and an important message sent to those who would seek out malign spiritual forces. The report on priests visiting Solokha would be provided to the priests who preached in support of this action. If fewer priests took the action, no effective list would be created. The list would not differentiate the precise preaching action involved - those who chose ''Support Solokha'', ''Study Solokha'', or ''Watch Solokha'' would all show up the same.

As with the other Vigilance mandate, congregations watching Solokha will not count towards the minimum number needed to complete the project.

===Mandate Conflicts===
* '''The two mandates of the Vigilance Assembly are not in opposition - the Assembly could pass them both'''
* '''If the Vigilance Assembly enact one or more of their mandates, but the General Assembly do not urge priests to go to Solokha, then no liao will be used'''
* '''None of these mandates will affect Urizen or Varushka congregations unless the mandate receives a greater majority'''

In the event that the General Assembly does not enact a mandate to encourage action in Solokha, but the Vigilance assembly does, then the priests chosen to enact any Vigilance mandates will not expend any liao.

''None'' of these mandates will allow congregations in [[Urizen]] or [[Varushka]] to take part in the Solokha project unless they achieve a greater majority. This is due to the ongoing effects in those two nations [[Hard_and_suspecting#The_Urizen_Assembly|Urizen Link]], [[Hard_and_suspecting#The_Varushkan_Assembly|Varushka Link]]).

==Further Reading==
* [[Axos]]
* [[Axos religion]]
* [[Victory and unity]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the political upheaval in Axos
* [[In the hills, the cities]] – 386YE Summer wind of fortune about Axou diplomacy

====Axou-related Titles====
* [[Ambassador to Axos]]
* [[Quaymaster of the Black Sails]] 
* [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] 
* [[Quaymaster of the Elosian Docks]] 
* [[Eastern Broker]]

It never happened

2025-04-18T23:16:59Z

Wrenna:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Axos]]
<ic>"Well, I think it's bloody stupid!" Artimpasa put her book down with a flourish. The young ilarch-to-be had been trying to ignore the conversation between her friends in the dimly lit common room, but she'd clearly had quite enough. "Honestly, Solokha! Yes, it's all a shame, how sad, we all know the Empire, the Urizen did for it - sorry, Izzy, I know it wasn't your lot - back in the day, it's all very sad, but really, it's ancient history. My mother says it's all a sop for this pretender from Ipotavo to get the Throne. She can't win her own ile's seat, it's going to some upstart general, so instead she's turning the citadels upside down all to support her bloody crusade."

Artimpasa said all of this in a flurry, her horns vibrating slightly as she expressed herself vociferously. She was clearly quite pleased with the opinions she'd stolen from her mother's dinner table back in Kantor. The other three - Isenbrad Valasdottir, the foreign exchange student; Tomyris, the rather single-minded merrow from Ipotavo; and Menandra, the scholarship kid from Issyk - looked at each other nervously. They'd just been discussing the matter of the proposed reclamation quite calmly when suddenly the unofficial leader of the little clique had weighed in.

"I think it will be nice, 'pasa." Isenbrad spoke in the conciliatory tone one might use for a mountain goat staring angrily at the wary traveller. "It will give us all a chance to draw a line under the past. Don't you want that? You were telling me just the other day how - you know - it would be good if my Empire didn't meddle so much. Well, take it from me: when the Synod is finished here they'll have had enough meddling for this lifetime!"

Quietly, Isenbrad Valasdottir, icewalker and spy of the Shuttered Lantern, thought to herself that she'd be gone, too, anyway, and would no longer have to put up with this entitled Axou brat - but for now, she played the part.

"I don't think it can ever be enough." Menandra, the intelligent yet scatty child from the deep, dark docks of Issyk, spoke now. There was a thoughtful dreaminess to her tone. "Think of all that was extinguished. I don't care if they come here or not, really. Can they ever be forgiven?"

"Yes." The merrow child said this as if it were simply a fact. "The Empire has done more than enough, I've told you that before. I remember during the siege..." The others rolled their eyes. They'd all heard this story before, but given that Tomyris had been four years old when Ipotavo had been liberated, they didn't give it quite the credence she did, nor believe her when she said that Imperials were surprisingly tall.

"Tomyris, stop being a bore. Can you get my essay done, please? I need to hand it in tonight, and I simply do not care to learn about the finer points of strategic warfare. When are the citadels ever going to war? Grand Ilarch Katya says that we make far more money at peace, you know."

"With the Druj?" Menandra spoke again, dreamily. Artimpasa turned to her, annoyed at her broken flow. "What?"

"You said, the citadels go to war. With the Druj? With the Skourans, like some Kabanite fantasy? Or..." She came dangerously close to saying the thing none of them would say. The citadels had never, never been at war with each other. But then, they had never been so divided. At the thought, the three Axou were speechless.

Watching the scions of the highblood of the citadels bicker, Isenbrad quietly smiled to herself. The rest of Cabal Vervain would be very interested to hear of this when she made her next dead letter drop...
</ic>

<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Alikos Helio.jpg|caption=The ''Axou helios'' is an ancient symbol of the Axou people, adopted by the ''Nikitis Axou'' movement.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
{{PDFLink|align=right|link=File:It never happened.pdf|caption=Click for pdf version}}
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] remain rocky. The animosity the Axou hold for the Empire has not gone away, the incident with the [[Roll and fall|raid on Tsark]] and the subsequent Imperial diplomatic response apparently confirmed their worst stereotypes about their western neighbours. Yet they are also allies (in theory at least) of the [[Liberty Pact]] and while they may dislike elements of the Empire it's clear that at least some of them value the opportunities presented by trade with their overwhelming neighbour to the west. On the other hand, the little nation is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] at the moment thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther'', recently ascended to the Throne of [[Axos#Tunnels_of_Kaban|Kaban]].

The Axou Ambassador to the Empire is ''Ilarch Maxatios'' of the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]. They are a close relation of Grand Ilarch Katya, the nominal ruler of the citadel of Kantor, and are the primary point of contact for Imperial citizens wishing to communicate with the smaller nation. They often seem exasperated with their Imperial counterparts, frustrated by their apparent inability to get the Empire to recognise that Axos is a nation worthy of respect.
{{Nation|nation=[[Axos]]|port=[[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Kantor]] and [[Axos_ports#Chambers_of_Issyk|Issyk]]|ambassador=Fintan Nighthaven of [[Navarr]]|status=Foreigner}}
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderShutteredLantern.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
==Lantern Light==
* '''Members of the Shuttered Lantern have undertaken an espionage mission in Axos'''
* '''The Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern will receive a full report of their findings at the Winter Solstice'''
During the Autumn Equinox an [[opportunity]] was presented for the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guide their order]] toward [[Victory_and_unity#Magicians_Know_Magicians|undertaking espionage]] in [[Axos]]. The order exists to “Utilise magic in the detection and monitoring of threats, whether subtle or obvious, internal or external,” and consequently many members of the order responded to the [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Guide_Shuttered_Lantern|call]] of '''Tyburn Weaver'''.

Imperial visitors are common enough in the Citadels that their presence broadly goes unremarked. The visiting Shuttered Lantern magicians still need to employ the subtlety and cunning that is the hallmark of their [[Conclave order|order]] as they investigate the political situation in Axos. Some arrive in the guise of merchants travelling with Imperial [[fleet|captains]] visiting the citadels. A few pretend to be tourists interested in seeing the citadels. A number arrive as interested students and scholars - the "[[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|exchange program]]" initiated by ''Mistress Isephenia'' three years ago provides excellent cover for poking around Axos.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GMShutteredLantern.jpg|caption=Tyburn of House De Rondell (right), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern|align=left|width=300}}</div>
The investigation particularly focuses on the growing influence of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban'' and ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'', but there is also time to assess the citadels and their leaders and gain some insight into the internal politics of Axos. The reports of the clever magicians are collected and collated by other members of the order, and a full report is to be delivered to the grandmaster at the Winter Solstice. With so many magicians involved, however, its inevitable that some of what they discover will filter through to become general knowledge after the Solstice ('''OOC Note:''' We plan to update the Axos page on the wiki in light of this information, but parts of it are likely to remain secret for the time being).
===Participation===
Any member of the Shuttered Lantern is encouraged to roleplay that they took part in this espionage effort in Axos. Reading the [[Axos]] page, and the more detailed [[Terunael in Axos]] [[historical research]] report should provide plenty of inspiration for creating stories of visiting the nation.

The effort is divided into five "cabals" - loosely cooperating bands of magicians each focusing on exploring the politics of one of the active citadels. Any member of the order who emails [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] before '''18.00 on Friday the 18<sup>th</sup> of April''' may indicate that they supported one of the cabals and at the event gain a copy of the report for that citadel in their pack. This option is ''only'' available to magicians who are voting members of the Shuttered Lantern - that is, they bear the [[Arcane Mark]] of the order. Other characters can roleplay they were involved but will not receive a copy of any part of the report. Also please bear in mind that while you might roleplay you were involved in several citadels you can only request ''one'' report.

The five cabals and the citadel they were assigned to explore are: ''Cabal Bladeroot'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Tunnels_of_Kaban|Tunnels of Kaban]]); ''Cabal Marrowort'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]]); ''Cabal Mazzarine'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Gates of Ipotavo|Gates of Ipotavo]]); ''Cabal Roseweald'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Towers of Kantor|Towers of Kantor]]); and ''Cabal Vervain'' (assigned to the [[Axos#Halls of Maykop|Halls of Maykop]]).

==Understanding==
* '''Ilarch Maxatios distances himself and the citadel of Kantor from recent events surrounding Peace auras'''
Ilarch Maxatios is cautious about words of appreciation and encouragement from the Ambassador with regard to the visit of a priest from ''Theodosia's'' faction. This was, after all, something that the Empire requested rather than something Maxatios' office offered. While the people of Axos share a belief about the malignancy of the Creator, the true purpose of the Labyrinth, and the role of the Empire's priests as servants of evil, there is nothing to mirror the Imperial Synod in the citadels. Individual sects draw on spiritual forces, but they are as likely to be rivals as allies and there is no single body that represents the "priests". Sects tend to the spiritual needs of those who choose to listen to their particular philosophy, but many Axou see no need for priests to serve as intermediaries between themselves and their understanding of the world and the horrors that wait beyond death.

While Theodosia and her faction seem to want to unify the sects of Axos, reading between the lines Maxatious believes it is a fools errand. There is no sign that the Grand Ilarchs as a whole support such moves, although nobody is openly opposing it until they get a better handle on what the new Grand Ilarch of Kaban - ''Kyther Deianeira'' - intends. But Maxatios is at pains to emphasise that whatever has happened in the Empire, it is a matter for priests and sects, and no business of the Grand Ilarchs.

Grand Ilarch Katya of Kantor, in particular, considers the whole business distasteful and an unsubtle, risky attempt to attack the Imperial Synod by a fanatic priest. How many of the other Grand Ilarchs share this view, and how much it is based around Kantor's concerns for their own political power, is not clear.

You can learn more about the consequences surrounding the peace auras in the '''[[A little understanding]]''' wind of fortune.

==The Final Enemy is Death==
* '''Successes of Imperial physicks treating desperate patients have attracted some interest in Axos'''
* '''The death of Phoeb of Ipotavo during their visit to the Empire has had tragic consequences'''
* '''General Dancia Terricos of Ipotavo is interested in hearing from League generals'''
During the Autumn Equinox, a wealthy Axou merchant named ''Demetrius Aristion'' [[All_the_way_to_Anvil#The_Bones_of_Medicine|came to Anvil]] to gain access to what they described as the superior medical knowledge of Imperial [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]]. They brought three patients with them, each with medical complaints that Axou sorcery and medicine were unable or unwilling to treat. Two of the patients were successfully treated but the third, young ''Phoeb of Ipotavo'', tragically passed away despite treatment by '''Doctor Tiberius''', who Fintan describes as "''potentially the Empire’s greatest physic''" in a letter to his counterpart about the incident. The Imperial Ambassador offered reassurance that Phoeb did not suffer, and that in the end they received the benefits of ''Unwound Coil'' - a powerful analgesic used by Axou physicians.

{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives pertinent to her request can be sent to ''General Dancia Terricos, House of the Terricos, Ipotavo'' during the Winter Solstice.}}
Ilarch Maxatious is grateful for the report, and has passed on the details to Phoeb's family. Unfortunately, this tragic tale has not finished unfolding. On hearing of the death of their heir, Grand Ilarch Adonai of Ipotavo suffered a nervous collapse from which they did not recover. It is anticipated that one ''General Dancia Terricos'' will ultimately succeed Adonai as leader of the powerful citadel of Ipotavo. Some Imperial mercenary captains may remember her as one of the leaders of the defence of Ipotavo from the Druj, and ultimately the campaign that freed Kaban from the orcs of the Mallum; she is believed to be particularly pro-Empire in her attitudes.
<div style="float:left; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=left|width=150}}</div>
In particular, she is interested in the story of [[Holberg]] - the Greatest City in the Empire. Like Ipotavo, Holberg weathered the attacks of the Druj and resisted all their malice. As a survivor of a vicious Druj siege, General Dancia apparently feels a certain fellow-feeling with the people of Holberg. Having been apprised by '''Bernhard Kleist von Ennerlund''' of the upcoming celebrations for the 250 year anniversary of the city joining the League, she had initially intended to attend in person. Unfortunately, her plans have fallen through - now is not the time for one who would take the reins of power in Ipotavo to leave the citadel, or to deprive themselves of trusted lieutenants. She is, however, keen to hear from any of [[the League]] generals, but especially the general of the [[Towerjacks]]. As such, she has asked Ilarch Maxatious to assure the League generals (or former generals for that matter) that if they are prepared to send her a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] about their plans with regard to [[the Mallum]], she will give serious consideration to the part that Axos - or Ipotavo, at least - can play in those plans. She will not share the plans with anyone, even her closest counsellors - she hopes that the generals will accept her assurance, which she swears by the Throne of Ipotavo and by the memory of General '''Tanwyn Ankarien''' and all others who, since the Ipotavo campaign, have passed into the clutch of death. She does, however, want to manage expectations. She expects to be very busy very soon, and so cannot commit to reply to any missive that reaches her after the Spring Equinox. It's worth noting, however, that even if she fails to take the seat of Grand Ilarch, as one of their few generals she is an influential voice in Axou politics.

==Docks and Delves==
* '''Sarcophan investment looks likely to reopen the Issyk docks in the near future'''
* '''Issyk traditionally dislike the Empire but access to the docks may be achievable'''
The [[Victory_and_unity#Outside_Interests|refurbishment of the docks]] at the [[Axos#Chambers of Issyk|Chambers of Issyk]] are expected to complete shortly, thanks to the generous aid of outside investors. The [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever|House of the Lijkkever]] have apparently sunk not insignificant amounts of money and materials into rebuilding the docks, cranes, and warehouses there. Thanks to the influence of the Sarcophan, it seems that the docks are shifting from general goods towards focusing their exports in the direction of "luxury boutique goods" - fine crafted items and artworks, food and drink not found elsewhere, and likely Axou proprietary consumables. ''Grand Ilarch Andronicus'' is apparently comparatively neutral in their attitudes to the Empire, considering the attempted alliance with the [[Grendel]] to be a mistake. It is not impossible that Imperial traders might be welcome at Issyk when the docks do reopen fully. Ambassador Fintan may wish to investigate the opportunity here further; while Ilarch Maxatious is cynical about Issyk's status as a trade port they are bound by their duties to serve as an even-handed go-between for the other citadels.

{{SOP|statement=We accept the invitation of Ilarch Maxatious to participate in the exorcism of the Spires of Solokha. Let us send our exorcists to work together to remove this spiritual taint from their halls in Axos.|by=Alessi of the Basilisks of the Labyrinth, General Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 2380-30|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE}}
{{SOP|statement=Solokha was once a great city and now lies in ruins, none alive know how the calamity occurred - all we know is that the ruin is haunted by many souls now unable to pass through to the Labyrinth. These souls trapped within the mortal world are an anathema to the Way and should be free to traverse the labyrinth and be reborn. We accept the invitation from Ilarch Maxatious to help free the souls trapped within the ruins of Solokha.|by=Maria i Espiri i Guerra, Assembly of the Way|vote=Greater Majority 259-0|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE|size=small}}
==Solokha==
Last season the [[Imperial Synod]] discussed a [[Victory_and_unity#The_Solokha_Project|grass roots proposal]] from Axos to reclaim the ruins of the haunted [[Axos#Spires_of_Solokha|Spires of Solokha]]. The Axou have always claimed that the fall of the citadel during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]] was a result of an Imperial attack - indeed Axos even tried to [[Mareave_and_Urizen#Imperial_Records|invade Spiral]] in retaliation. This time, though, there is an offer for Imperial priests to come to Axos and aid with the laborious undertaking of trying to lay to rest the crazed ghosts haunting the city, and remove the taint of madness that hangs over the place.

The Imperial Synod discussed the matter, and two [[statement of principle|statements]] were upheld with a [[greater majority]] supporting a joint endeavour - one in the Assembly of the Way and the other in the General Assembly. With both assemblies supporting the project, it seems likely that it will be a simple matter to raise the large amount of liao needed.

Axos is a nation that regularly confronts problems caused by restless spirits, and so many Axou priests and even a few secular professionals are versed in the art of exorcism. The idea of reclaiming Solokha has remained a vain ambition until very recently when it appears someone in Axos has gained access to a significant amount of liao. The leaders of the Solokha reclamation movement are keen to welcome Imperial priests partly because they know they will bring significant amounts of liao with them, a substance that is cheaper and less dangerous to use than the bone dust the Axou rely on. There is also an element of Imperial priests "making amends" by helping to undo what many Axou believe they did in the first place.

Reports from visitors to Axos suggest that ''Theodosia of Ipotavo'' is a major supporter of the project, but that it is not proving universally popular. The Halls of Maykop in particular are refusing to participate and have strongly encouraged none of their citizens to get involved. Grand Ilarch Keloparia has made a rare public intervention there publicly denouncing Theodosia and her movement. There is also little support in Kantor, although that is balanced out by a large amount of enthusiasm from Ipotavo. Imperial priests may be in a position to "take up the slack" and contribute significantly to the success of the project.
===Cleansing the Ruins===
* '''The general assembly can pass a mandate to reassure Imperial priests who wish to support Solokha'''
* '''If the mandate is passed every congregation will have a new preaching option after the Winter solstice'''
* '''If 40 congregations support the project, Solokha will be cleansed of the worst ghosts and hauntings'''
* '''Any congregation that chooses this option will gain no liao'''
The general assembly can pass the following mandate:
{{Mandate|mandate=These souls trapped in Solokha are an anathema to the Way and should be free to traverse the labyrinth and be reborn. We send (named priest) with 25 doses of liao encourage Imperial priest to support the exorcists of Axos in cleansing the haunted ruin of its taint. The need to help those trapped souls to reach the Labyrinth outweighs the risks of cooperating with the blasphemous and heretical priests of Axos.|assembly=General Assembly}}
<div style="display:inline-block; float: right; width: 200px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|align=right|width=200}}</div>
If the mandate is passed, it will provide an opportunity for Imperial priests to play a part in the cleansing of the fallen ruins of Solokha. Following the Winter Solstice, anyone with a congregation will be able to select from an additional [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching option]] - ''Support Solokha''. This will ''not'' change the virtue assembly the priest is part of - they will remain in the assembly they are already members of as determined by their last preaching action (or their dedication).

While [[exorcism|exorcists]] are very much in demand in Solokha, anyone who has ability with [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]] has something to contribute. Even purely political priests can aid the project by organising and supporting their peers. Preaching in support of the project may mean travelling to Axos, but it is also possible to roleplay other ways of supporting the project. It may mean that some of the more devout members a congregation make the journey, that they raise money to arrange passage for priests by selling liao, or that they provide liao for other priests to use.

Significant amounts of liao are needed to remove the ghostly taint and lingering hauntings in the city - there are more angry spirits in one place than anyone has ever encountered. Consequently, those priests who ''Support Solokha'' will receive no [[liao]] from their congregation at the Spring Equinox - it will be assumed to have been used up creating auras, contributing to ceremonies, donated to the cause, or supporting congregation members who journey to Axos. The number of votes in the Synod will not be affected, neither will additional votes or liao provided by [[great work|great works]], [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], or [[enchantment|enchantments]].

If at least 40 Imperial congregations preach in support of Solokha, the project will be a success. The worst of the ghosts and hauntings will be removed. The people of Axos, regardless of what they think of the Imperial Synod, will see the Empire "making amends", and offering aid to their neighbours in the east. This will go some way toward improving relations with the nation as a whole (assuming nothing else happens to anger the Axou again), laying to rest the spectre of the attack on Tsark and other more recent insults.

If fewer congregations choose to support the project, Solokha will still eventually be cleansed but it will take longer and the bulk of the effort will come from the Axou sects. Whatever contribution the Empire makes will be noted, and welcome, but it will not significant enough to do much to improve diplomatic relations.

There are, however, ''other'' implications for this mandate.

===A Nest of Vipers===
* '''Any priest who preaches in support of Solokha will have the option to become dedicated to one of three malign spiritual presences'''
* '''Taking advantage of this opportunity is likely to constitute a criminal act if uncovered'''
As Ilarch Maxatious has already pointed out, there is no equivalent of an Imperial Synod in Axos. Rather there are sects, each of whom typically embraces two or three "spiritual forces" - a combination of virtues and [[Malign spiritual presences]]. Some of those priests will resent the presence of Imperial priests, others will see an opportunity to preach their own creed of the malign creator and the tyranny of death. There is no taboo in Axos against using religious ceremonies to share spiritual power with others - and the priests at Solokha are even more likely than the norm to want to spread Understanding.

There are three sects particularly interested in Imperial priests. The ''Unbound Disciples of Kaban'', who preach self-determination as a path to personal power combining elements of [[Ambition]] and [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|Freedom]]. The ''Blessed of True Judgement'' who preach the importance of remembering the past and applying its lessons to the future who weave auras of [[Wisdom|Insight]], [[Malign spiritual presences#Vengeance|Judgement]], and [[Courage|Certainty]]. And, of course, Theodosia of Ipotavo's own followers, now calling themselves the ''Scholars of the Searching Soul'', who preach a combination of [[Vigilance]], [[Wisdom]], and [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Understanding]]. These sects are likely to seek out Imperial priests to proselytise, seek greater understanding, discuss the fall of Solokha... and perhaps enlist them as willing allies.

Any priest who preaches in support of Solokha can email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] '''before the end of downtime''' and pick one of the three sects with which their character has found some sort of common ground. They will then become [[dedication|dedicated]] to Anarchy, Vengeance, or Peace depending which sect they choose. They will also receive a summary of the sect's beliefs with special focus on the non-Imperial spiritual power outlining the auras they can now create and touching on what the Axou sect believes to be the tenets of that spiritual force. This option is ''only'' available to characters with congregations that make the appropriate preaching choice - but there is no requirement to have any religious skills to become dedicated.

Anyone who chooses this is likely to receive a strong dedication - the Axou sects typically take this kind of decision very seriously and use [[magic items]] and [[potion|potions]] to strengthen the "soul marks" they create in this way. Obviously, dedication could be hidden by powers such as those offered by [[Tisanes of the Labyrinth#Shadowcrow Infusion|Shadowcrow Infusion]] or the [[Shackle of the Unvirtuous]] (use of the latter [[Interdiction|being a crime]] all by itself), and membership of a Virtue Assembly is not dependant on dedication.

While a priest could contribute an [[Mandate#Alternative_Mandates|alternative mandate]] to try and minimize the chance of anyone taking up the offer of the heretical and blasphemous sects, it isn't possible for them to remove that option from those going to Solokha. There is one obvious alternative but it is not without its own complications.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Vigilance.png|align=right|width=200}}</div>

===Seek Out Falsehood===
* '''The Vigilance assembly could enact a mandate to encourage priests to find out more about the Axos sects'''
* '''These priests would contribute nothing to the efforts to purge the ruins'''
* '''Any priest taking this action will be in the Vigilance Assembly next season'''
* '''If 15 priests take this action, then they will gain information on the sects and their beliefs'''
* '''If 30 priests take this action, then they will discover the truth of what happened to Solokha'''
* '''Characters choosing this option will gain no liao from their preaching'''

The Vigilance assembly has several times demonstrated their role as guardians of the faithful - most recently in their [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemnation]] of those [[A little understanding|accepting auras of Peace]]. The have also proved willing to use tools such as the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] or the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|War of Whispers]] to keep an eye on potential threats. Many dedicates of Vigilance are full of energy and enthusiasm at the moment, not least due to the recent [[Consecration#True Liao|true consecrations]] of shrines dedicated to Major Benson and [[Berechiah]]. By invoking the tenets of Vigilance, the Assembly could mitigate some of the challenges of visiting Solokha, or take this opportunity to learn more about enemy sects. There are two mandates available, and they are ''not'' [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates|in competition]].

{{Mandate|mandate=Major Benson knew that the reward for a good job is more work, and his inspiration teaches us to be alert to danger before it strikes. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to urge people to learn more about the sects of Axos and the ruins of Solokha.|assembly=Vigilance Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted it creates an additional preaching action after the Winter solstice - ''Preach Vigilance by Studying Solokha''. Anyone who chooses this preaching action is preaching vigilance with a specific focus on encouraging people to travel to Solokha to study Axos and the ruins. This involves means that they will be part of the Vigilance assembly at the Spring Equinox (and will remain so until they take a different downtime preaching action next season). Any Imperial citizen who holds a title that requires them to be a member of a different Virtue assembly would automatically lose their position.
<div style="float:right; margin-left:10px; max-width: 40%; width: 500px;"><box>'''<big>Preaching and Assembly</big>'''<br>Preaching actions are used to define which Virtue assembly a Synod member is part of. Most are tied to a specific virtue - the ''Support Solokha'' action is an uncommon exception because any Imperial virtue might inspire preaching relating to freeing souls. The ''Study Solokha'' and ''Watch Solokha'' options change your assembly to Vigilance, however. It is very important to be aware of this effect if you have a title that requires you to be a member of a specific assembly! Characters are automatically removed from titles that they no longer qualify for - so a Cardinal or Gatekeeper who uses a preach action that changes their assembly will lose their position. It's also important to be aware that changing to a different assembly means taking a different preaching action in the downtime following the next event - if you choose a Vigilance preaching option you will be part of the Vigilance Assembly for the next event you attend.</box></div>
Those who choose this option may be travelling to Solokha personally, or offer support in other ways. If at least 15 congregations take this action, then it will provide insight into the nature of the three main sects operating there. If at least 30 congregations take this action then they will be able to uncover the truth behind what happened at Solokha.

If enough characters support the action then all the characters who chose this option will receive a report at the Spring Equinox detailing the nature and beliefs of the three main sects, and additional information about the history of Solokha and how it came to be ruined. They will, however, receive no liao from their congregation in the same way as those who chose to ''Support Solokha'' - liao that is used for ceremonies such as insight to evaluate spirits, or anointing and consecration to resist the dark spirits of the ruined city.

The congregations that choose this option will ''not'' count toward the minimum needed to help with the cleansing Solokha.

===You Watch Over===
* '''The Vigilance assembly could enact a mandate to encourage priests to watch over the other priests who travel to Solokha'''
* '''These priests would contribute nothing to the efforts to purge the ruins'''
* '''Any priest taking this action will be in the Vigilance Assembly next season'''
* '''If 20 priests take this action, then they will gain a list of all citizens who encourage their congregation to engage with Solokha'''
* '''Characters choosing this option will gain no liao from their preaching'''

The Vigilance Assembly could also choose to keep an eye on their fellow priests, using the following mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=Berechiah saw the wickedness that lurked like a canker in beating hearts. His inspiration teaches us that the façade of righteousness is often cracked. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to watch those travelling to Solokha and make a full accounting of them so that we might uncover those who embrace wickedness.|assembly=Vigilance Assembly}}

The cynical exemplar Berechiah was a proponent of allowing people "enough chain to manacle their own wrists". Reflecting this attitude, the Vigilance assembly might simply watch who goes to Solokha. This would create a different preaching option ''Preach Vigilance - Watch Solokha''. Any congregation where this was preached would become engaged in Solokha but keep their eyes on their fellow Imperials rather than worrying about ghosts or Axou sects. They would also become part of the Vigilance assembly - preaching the importance of guarding Imperial citizens requires an emphasis on the Virtue of Vigilance.

These congregations would gain no liao, but if at least 20 congregations took part they would compile a list of every congregation that supported action in Solokha. They could then investigate the priests involved at their leisure, to discover who amongst them, if any, had received a false aura. The innocent would have nothing to fear - [[insight]] could quickly exonerate them after all. The guilty could then be uncovered, prosecuted, and an important message sent to those who would seek out malign spiritual forces. The report on priests visiting Solokha would be provided to the priests who preached in support of this action. If fewer priests took the action, no effective list would be created. The list would not differentiate the precise preaching action involved - those who chose ''Support Solokha'', ''Study Solokha'', or ''Watch Solokha'' would all show up the same.

As with the other Vigilance mandate, congregations watching Solokha will not count towards the minimum number needed to complete the project.

===Mandate Conflicts===
* '''The two mandates of the Vigilance Assembly are not in opposition - the Assembly could pass them both'''
* '''If the Vigilance Assembly enact one or more of their mandates, but the General Assembly do not urge priests to go to Solokha, then no liao will be used'''
* '''None of these mandates will affect Urizen or Varushka congregations unless the mandate receives a greater majority'''

In the event that the General Assembly does not enact a mandate to encourage action in Solokha, but the Vigilance assembly does, then the priests chosen to enact any Vigilance mandates will not expend any liao.

''None'' of these mandates will allow congregations in [[Urizen]] or [[Varushka]] to take part in the Solokha project unless they achieve a greater majority. This is due to the ongoing effects in those two nations [[Hard_and_suspecting#The_Urizen_Assembly|Urizen Link]], [[Hard_and_suspecting#The_Varushkan_Assembly|Varushka Link]]).

==Further Reading==
* [[Axos]]
* [[Axos religion]]
* [[Victory and unity]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the political upheaval in Axos
* [[In the hills, the cities]] – 386YE Summer wind of fortune about Axou diplomacy

====Axou-related Titles====
* [[Ambassador to Axos]]
* [[Quaymaster of the Black Sails]] 
* [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] 
* [[Quaymaster of the Elosian Docks]] 
* [[Eastern Broker]]